bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sitting Tai Chi Improves the Balance Control and Muscle Strength of Community-Dwelling Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tsang William W. N. , Gao Kelly L. , Chan K. M. , Purves Sheila , Macfarlane Duncan J. , Fong Shirley S. M.
Published: January 2015

Objective. To investigate the effects of sitting Tai Chi on muscle strength, balance control, and quality of life (QOL) among survivors with spinal cord injuries (SCI).Methods. Eleven SCI survivors participated in the sitting Tai Chi training (90 minutes/session, 2 times/week for 12 weeks) and eight SCI survivors acted as controls. Dynamic sitting balance was evaluated using limits of stability test and a sequential weight shifting test in sitting. Handgrip strength was also tested using a hand-held dynamometer. QOL was measured using the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Scale.Results. Tai Chi practitioners achieved significant improvements in their reaction time (P=0.042); maximum excursion (P=0.016); and directional control (P=0.025) in the limits of stability test after training. In the sequential weight shifting test, they significantly improved their total time to sequentially hit the 12 targets (P=0.035). Significant improvement in handgrip strength was also found among the Tai Chi practitioners (P=0.049). However, no significant within and between-group differences were found in the QOL outcomes (P>0.05).Conclusions. Twelve weeks of sitting Tai Chi training could improve the dynamic sitting balance and handgrip strength, but not QOL, of the SCI survivors.
Rupture of Renal Transplant
Authors: Baker Shona , Popescu Maria , Akoh Jacob A.
Published: January 2015

Background. Rupture of renal allograft is a rare and serious complication of transplantation that is usually attributed to acute rejection, acute tubular necrosis, or renal vein thrombosis.Case Presentation. LD, a 26-year-old male with established renal failure, underwent deceased donor transplantation using kidney from a 50-year-old donor with acute kidney injury (Cr 430 mmol/L). LD had a stormy posttransplant recovery and required exploration immediately for significant bleeding. On day three after transplant, he developed pain/graft swelling and another significant haemorrhage with cardiovascular compromise which did not respond to aggressive resuscitation. At reexploration, the renal allograft was found to have a longitudinal rupture and was removed. Histology showed features of type IIa Banff 97 acute vascular rejection, moderate arteriosclerosis, and acute tubular necrosis.Conclusion. Possible ways of avoiding allograft rupture include use of well-matched, good quality kidneys; reducing or managing risk factors that would predispose to delayed graft function; ensuring a technically satisfactory transplant procedure with short cold and warm ischemia times; and avoiding large donor-recipient age gradients.
Scalar Form Factor of the Pion in the Kroll-Lee-Zumino Field Theory
Authors: Dominguez C. A. , Loewe M. , Lushozi M.
Published: January 2015

The renormalizable Kroll-Lee-Zumino field theory of pions and a neutral rho-meson is used to determine the scalar form factor of the pion in the space-like region at next-to-leading order. Perturbative calculations in this framework are parameter-free, as the masses and the rho-pion-pion coupling are known from experiment. Results compare favorably with lattice QCD calculations.
Collective Modes of an Ultracold6Li-40K Mixture in an Optical Lattice
Authors: Koinov Z. G.
Published: January 2015

A low-energy theory of the Nambu-Goldstone excitation spectrum and the corresponding speed of sound of an interacting Fermi mixture of Lithium-6 and Potassium-40 atoms in a two-dimensional optical lattice at finite temperatures with the Fulde-Ferrell order parameter has been formulated. It is assumed that the two-species interacting Fermi gas is described by the one-band Hubbard Hamiltonian with an attractive on-site interaction. The discussion is restricted to the BCS side of the Feshbach resonance where the Fermi atoms exhibit superfluidity. The quartic on-site interaction is decoupled via a Hubbard-Stratonovich transformation by introducing a four-component boson field which mediates the Hubbard interaction. A functional integral technique and a Legendre transform are used to give a systematic derivation of the Schwinger-Dyson equations for the generalized single-particle Green’s function and the Bethe-Salpeter equation for the two-particle Green’s function and the associated collective modes. The numerical solution of the Bethe-Salpeter equation in the generalized random phase approximation shows that there exist two distinct sound velocities in the long-wavelength limit. In addition to low-energy (Goldstone) mode, the two-species Fermi gas has a superfluid phase revealed by two roton-like minima in the asymmetric collective-mode energy.
Pathogenic Potential of Two Sibling Species,Anisakis simplex(s.s.) andAnisakis pegreffii(Nematoda: Anisakidae):In VitroandIn VivoStudies
Authors: Jeon Chan-Hyeok , Kim Jeong-Ho
Published: January 2015

The pathogenic potentials of two sibling nematodesAnisakis simplexsensu stricto (s.s.) andA. pegreffiiwere compared byin vitroandin vivostudies. Live third-stage larvae of each species were subjected to agar blocks made using PBS or RPMI-1640, overlaid with different supernatants (artificial gastric juice, PBS, and RPMI-1640), and their penetration ability was compared. Their tolerance of artificial gastric juice was also tested. Further, they were introduced into rats by gastric intubation, and thein vivolocations of them were investigated.A. pegreffiishowed higher penetration ability thanA. simplex(s.s.) in most of the experimental conditions, except for the RPMI-1640 agar block overlaid with artificial gastric juice. In an acid tolerance test, the mean survival times were 6.1 days forA. simplex(s.s.) and 4.2 days forA. pegreffii. In an animal experiment,A. simplex(s.s.) stayed for a shorter time in the stomachs of rats thanA. pegreffii. SomeA. pegreffiiandA. simplex(s.s.) were embedded in the gastric mucosa or freely existed in the abdominal cavity. All of these results suggest thatA. pegreffiihas the pathogenic potential to cause anisakidosis in humans when ingested, as doesA. simplex(s.s.).
Dietary Heterocyclic Amine Intake, NAT2 Genetic Polymorphism, and Colorectal Adenoma Risk: The Colorectal Adenoma Study in Tokyo
Authors: Budhathoki Sanjeev , Iwasaki Motoki , Yamaji Taiki , Sasazuki Shizuka , Takachi Ribeka , Sakamoto Hiromi , Yoshida Teruhiko , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: January 2015

Background: While several studies have provided support for a positive association between meat intake and colorectal neoplasia, the role of heterocyclic amines (HCA), which is hypothesized to underline this relation, has been less consistent. We evaluated the association of HCA intake with colorectal adenoma risk in a case–control study in a middle-aged Japanese population.

Methods: Study subjects were 738 patients with adenoma and 697 controls who underwent total colonoscopy between 2004 and 2005 and responded to self-administered lifestyle and dietary questionnaires. HCA exposure concentration was estimated from meat and fish intake based on an HCA database that was validated against 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) values measured in human hair. Logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between HCA and colorectal adenoma risk after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: High intake of 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (MeIQ) and total HCA was associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenoma in women but not in men. The multivariate-adjusted OR for the highest versus lowest quartile in women was 2.10 (95% CI, 1.20–3.67; Ptrend = 0.01) for MeIQ and 1.73 (95% CI, 0.99–3.01; Ptrend = 0.03) for total HCA. No clear association with PhIP or 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) estimates and no effect modification by NAT2 acetylation genotype was observed.

Conclusions: This study suggests that high MeIQ and total HCA estimates are positively associated with colorectal adenoma risk.

Impact: The findings add to evidence that HCA may play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis in humans. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(3); 613–20. ©2015 AACR.
Postprandial Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia Secondary to a Congenital Portosystemic Shunt
Authors: Senniappan Senthil , Pitt Katherine , Shah Pratik , Arya Ved , Jaiswal Sanjay , Haddad Munther , Hind Jonathan , Dhawan Anil , Davenport Mark , Hussain Khalid
Published: January 2015

Background: Portosystemic shunts (PSS) are abnormal vascular connections between the portal vein or its tributaries and the systemic vein that allow mesenteric blood to reach the systemic circulation without first passing through the liver. PSS can be associated with various syndromes and can lead to serious complications. We report a rare case of a child with PSS and recurrent hypoglycaemia. Case: A 20-month-old girl with Down's syndrome presented with recurrent hypoglycaemic episodes. She had multiple anomalies including a ventricular septal defect, oesophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. The initial investigations suggested hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH). She did not respond to diazoxide. An oral glucose tolerance test suggested postprandial HH. Further vascular imaging showed a side-to-side portocaval shunt (Abernethy malformation) with relative hypoperfusion of the liver. Hypoglycaemia resolved following surgical closure of the portocaval shunt. Conclusion: PSS can rarely be associated with HH, possibly due to lack of insulin degradation in the liver. Surgical closure of the shunt resolves the hypoglycaemia.
Lipoxin A4 Mediates Aortic Contraction via RHOA/RHO Kinase, Endothelial Dysfunction and Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Wenceslau Camilla F. , McCarthy Cameron Grant , Szasz Theodora , Webb R. Clinton
Published: January 2015

Background: Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a biologically active product generated from arachidonic acid by lipoxygenase action. The production of lipoxins is enhanced by aspirin through acetylation of cyclooxygenase-2, via a mechanism known as ‘aspirin-triggered lipoxin'. LXA4 has both anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory actions, the latter being related with reocclusion and restenosis after coronary angioplasty in patients treated with aspirin. However, little is known of the actions of LXA4 on the vasculature. We hypothesized that LXA4 promotes contractile responses and contributes to endothelial dysfunction. Methods: We used aorta from Wistar rats to assess vascular function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and contractile and regulatory proteins were investigated. Results: LXA4 induced concentration-dependent contractions via formyl peptide receptor-2 activation and both RhoA/Rho kinase inhibitor and ROS scavenger decreased this contraction. Also, endothelium removal, and COX-2 and NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors attenuate the LXA4-induced contraction. LXA4 potentiated phenylephrine-induced contraction and inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In the presence of LXA4, ROS production was increased and protein expression of RhoA, phospho-myosin light chain, COX-2 and p67phox was higher. Conclusion: LXA4 has a functional role in the vasculature and may contribute to further vascular damage in conditions where its production is exacerbated, such as in angioplasty-associated complications treated with aspirin.
Evaluation of a Telephone Advice System for Remote Intravenous Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Dutta Dipankar , Kendall Jason , Holmes Clare , Murphy Peter , Black Toby , Whiting Robert , Aujla Kash , Caine Sarah , Hellier Kate , Walters David
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose—

There is limited evidence for remote stroke thrombolysis using telephone consultation and teleradiology. Results from a UK network using this treatment model are presented.

Methods—

Retrospective study of consecutive patients thrombolysed in 5 hospitals, with well organized stroke services, between 2012 and 2013. Remote thrombolysis was compared with thrombolysis delivered in person for symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, death within 7 days, and 90-day modified Rankin scores.

Results—

Of 586 patients, 220 (37.5%) were thrombolysed remotely. The 2 groups were well matched (median age 77 years, NIHSS 12). Remote thrombolysis increased treatment time by 22 minutes. Outcomes were no different in the 2 groups (remote versus standard): symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (3.6% versus 4.6%), death within 7 days (6.4% versus 7.1%), modified Rankin score <2 (46.0% versus 46.1%), and modified Rankin score 6 (15% versus 17.5%) at 90 days.

Conclusion—

Telephone advice and teleradiology, within an organized system of care, can be an effective method of delivery of intravenous thrombolysis.
Heavenly Networks
Authors: Gessner Samuel
Published: January 2015

The aim of this paper is to examine the iconography on a set of star charts by Albrecht Dürer (1515), and celestial globes by Caspar Vopel (1536) and Christoph Schissler (1575). The iconography on these instruments is conditioned by strong traditions which include not only the imagery on globes and planispheres (star charts), but also ancient literature about the constellations. Where this iconography departs from those traditions, the change had to do with humanism in the sixteenth century. This “humanistic” dimension is interwoven with other concerns that involve both “social” and “technical” motivations. The interplay of these three dimensions illustrates how the iconography on celestial charts and globes expresses some features of the shared knowledge and shared culture between artisans, mathematicians, and nobles in Renaissance Europe.
Metrics of Justice
Authors: Behrmann Carolin
Published: January 2015

This paper examines a polyhedral dial from the British Museum made by the instrument maker Ulrich Schniep, and discusses the status of multifunctional scientific instruments. It discerns a multifaceted iconic meaning considering different dimensions such as scientific functionality (astronomy), the complex allegorical figure of Justice (iconography), and the representation of the sovereign (politics), the court and the Kunstkammer of Albrecht V of Bavaria. As a numen mixtum the figure of “Justicia” touches different fields that go far beyond pure astronomical measurement and represents the power of the ruler as well as the rules of economic justice.
Petrocodon hunanensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species identified by both morphological and molecular evidence from limestone area in Hunan, China
Authors: Yu Xun-Lin , Li Ming , Zhou Jian-Jun , LI PENG-WEI
Published: January 2015

Petrocodon hunanensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae from limestone area in Hunan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to Petrocodon coriaceifolius, but readily differs from the latter one in the growth form with terrestrial stems and distinct internodes, both surfaces of leaf densely with white pubescence, petiole densely with reddish-purple or white pubescence, zygomorphic corolla white or pale purple and 2–3 cm long, pedicels 0.3–2 (2.8) cm long, 4 stamens and 1 staminodes, ovary and capsule stipitate. Molecular evidences indicate that it is systematically similar to P. hispidus, but the morphologies of two relatives are obviously different.
Swedish Plectida (Nematoda). Part 8. The genus Onchium Cobb, 1920
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr
Published: January 2015

Four known and one new species of Onchium are described from bottom sediments collected in Skagerrak off the west coast of Sweden. The following known species are redescribed: Onchium ocellatum Cobb, 1920, O. metocellatum Wieser, 1956, O. parocellatum (Allgén, 1940) and O. robustum Gerlach, 1965. Onchium longispiculum sp. n. is characterised by the 1.34–1.77 mm long body, anterior body end without cephalic capsule, anteriormost somatic sensilla located posterior to onchiostyle base, ocelli absent, excretory pore located at basis of lips, onchiostyle uniformly cylindrical, alveolar supplements indistinct, tubular supplements absent, spicules arcuate and 44–65 µm long. The new species has a unique set of characters (absence of developed ocelli and very long somewhat asymmetrical spicules) separating it from all other known species of the genus Onchium. The following nomenclatorial changes are proposed: O. conicaudatum (Allgén, 1935) is considered a junior synonym of O. metocellatum; O. conicaudatum apud Wieser, 1951 is considered a synonym of O. minutum Kito, 1981. The diagnosis of the genus Onchium is emended and a tabular compendium and dichotomous identification key to species of the genus Onchium are provided.
Civil–Military Relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Dudley Danijela
Published: January 2015

Nearly two decades after the civil war, Bosnia and Herzegovina has yet to establish democratic control over its armed forces. While there is a widespread consensus that democratic consolidation is desirable, the process has been impeded by continuing challenges to state legitimacy. With three ethnic groups challenging state legitimacy, the reform efforts have been overshadowed by each group’s fears of others’ future intentions, leading thus to the maintenance of three armies for a decade after the war and nondemocratic defense relations to this day. The levels of challenges to state legitimacy, however, have varied. Due to the changing political environment, the early 2000s were characterized by a relative absence of nationalist rhetoric, allowing thus significant reforms of the defense sector. However, with reemergence of challenges to state legitimacy in 2006, the reform efforts came to a stalemate, leaving the newly established defense institutions without the capacity necessary for their functioning.
How Much Does the Type of Tympanostomy Tube Matter? A Utility‐Based Markov Decision Analysis
Authors: Baik Grace , Brietzke Scott
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To use a utility‐based Markov decision analysis model to compare outcomes of short‐term grommet tympanostomy tubes (TTs), intermediate‐type tubes, and permanent T‐Tubes and to use a detailed sensitivity analysis to determine the most important factors influencing outcomes with one type of TT versus another.

Study Design

Markov decision analysis.

Setting

Hypothetical cohort.

Subjects and Methods

A Markov cohort decision analysis model was created using computer software (TreeAge Software, Inc, Williamstown, Massachusetts) comparing the 3 types of TT. Published data were used to determine key baseline model parameters. The model featured potential complications including eardrum perforation, early TT extrusion/blockage, and the need for possible repeat TT placement after extrusion. Outcomes were quantified using a 0.95 (1 procedure, full recovery) to 0.6 (failed myringoplasty) utility scale. Utility values were discounted over time to incorporate real‐life inconvenience.

Results

The intermediate TT accumulated superior total utility in 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐year models (2.48, 3.96, and 5.27 total utility) compared with grommets (2.32, 3.82, 5.18) and T‐Tubes (2.42, 3.86, 5.18). Examining a hypothetically otherwise healthy 3000‐child cohort, T‐Tubes resulted in an increased overall persistent perforation rate (7.9% vs 0.2%, P <. 001, χ2). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the rate of repeat TT placement, the utility assigned to having a functional tube in place, and the inconvenience utility discount factor over time were the driving factors of the model.

Conclusion

The intermediate TT may produce optimal outcomes as it combines a balance of a lower perforation rate than T‐Tubes and a longer period of ventilation than grommet tubes.
Comparison of Local and Intravenous Dexamethasone for Postoperative Pain and Recovery after Tonsillectomy
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Qin Rui , Jiang Lei , Geng Jie Ying
Published: January 2015

Objective

To compare local infiltration of dexamethasone to intravenous injection for postoperative pain and recovery after tonsillectomy.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized study.

Setting

Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University.

Subjects and Methods

Children (n = 240, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classes I‐II, aged 5‐10 y) scheduled for tonsillectomy were randomly and equally assigned to 3 groups: DEX‐IV, for intravenous injection of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, maximum dose 24 mg); DEX‐INF, given the same amount of dexamethasone by local infiltration to the upper middle and lower poles of the tonsils; and a control group not given dexamethasone. Postoperative pain was scored at intervals from 30 minutes to 24 hours. The time to first administration of analgesic and average consumption of analgesic, times to first oral water and solid food intake, and incidence rates of nausea and vomiting were evaluated.

Results

From postoperative 1 to 16 hours, the DEX‐INF group had significantly lower pain scores than did the DEX‐IV group, and the time to first analgesic and average consumption of analgesic were also significantly lower. The times to first oral water and food intake in the DEX‐INF group were significantly shorter than in the DEX‐IV group. The incidence of nausea and vomiting in the DEX‐INF group was higher than that of the DEX‐IV group.

Conclusion

Local infiltration of dexamethasone was more effective than systemic administration to decrease pain and time to food intake, but the antiemetic effect was less.

Clinical trials registration number: ChiCTR‐TRC‐13003535.
Arbitration between Action Strategies in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Gruner Patricia , Anticevic Alan , Lee Daeyeol , Pittenger Christopher
Published: January 2015

Decision making in a complex world, characterized both by predictable regularities and by frequent departures from the norm, requires dynamic switching between rapid habit-like, automatic processes and slower, more flexible evaluative processes. These strategies, formalized as “model-free” and “model-based” reinforcement learning algorithms, respectively, can lead to divergent behavioral outcomes, requiring a mechanism to arbitrate between them in a context-appropriate manner. Recent data suggest that individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rely excessively on inflexible habit-like decision making during reinforcement-driven learning. We propose that inflexible reliance on habit in OCD may reflect a functional weakness in the mechanism for context-appropriate dynamic arbitration between model-free and model-based decision making. Support for this hypothesis derives from emerging functional imaging findings. A deficit in arbitration in OCD may help reconcile evidence for excessive reliance on habit in rewarded learning tasks with an older literature suggesting inappropriate recruitment of circuitry associated with model-based decision making in unreinforced procedural learning. The hypothesized deficit and corresponding circuitry may be a particularly fruitful target for interventions, including cognitive remediation.
Seed/catalyst-free growth of zinc oxide on graphene by thermal evaporation: effects of substrate inclination angles and graphene thicknesses
Authors: Ahmad Nurul Fariha , Yasui Kanji , Hashim Abdul Manaf
Published: January 2015

A seed/catalyst-free growth of ZnO on graphene by thermal evaporation of Zn in the presence of O2gas was further studied. The effects of substrate positions and graphene thicknesses on the morphological, structural, and optical properties were found to be very pronounced. By setting the substrate to be inclined at 90°, the growth of ZnO nanostructures, namely, nanoclusters and nanorods, on single-layer (SL) graphene was successfully realized at temperatures of 600°C and 800°C, respectively. For the growth on multilayer (ML) graphene at 600°C with an inclination angle of 90°, the grown structures show extremely thick and continuous cluster structures as compared to the growth with substrate’s inclination angle of 45°. Moreover, the base of nanorod structures grown at 800°C with an inclination angle of 90° also become thicker as compared to 45°, even though their densities and aspect ratios were almost unchanged. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the grown ZnO structures were composed of the UV emission (378–386 nm) and the visible emission (517–550 nm), and the intensity ratio of the former emission (IUV) to the latter emission (IVIS) changed, depending on the temperature. The structures grown at a low temperature of 600°C show the highest value ofIUV/IVISof 16.2, which is almost two times higher than the structures grown on SL graphene, indicating fewer structural defects. The possible growth mechanism was proposed and described which considered both the nucleation and oxidation processes. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that temperature below 800°C, substrate position inclined at 90° towards the gas flow, and ML graphene seems to be preferable parameters for the growth of ZnO structures by thermal evaporation because these factors can be used to overcome the problem of graphene’s oxidation that takes place during the growth.
Highly-ordered silicon inverted nanocone arrays with broadband light antireflectance
Authors: Zhang Dong , Ren Weina , Zhu Zhichao , Zhang Haifeng , Liu Bo , Shi Wangzhou , Qin Xiaomei , Cheng Chuanwei
Published: January 2015

In this work, highly-ordered silicon inverted nanocone arrays are fabricated by integration of nanosphere lithography with reactive ion etching (RIE) method. The optical characteristics of as-prepared Si inverted nanocone arrays are investigated both by experiments and simulations. It is found that the Si nanocone arrays present excellent broadband light antireflectance properties, which are attributed to the gradient in the effective refractive index of nanocones and enhanced light trapping owing to optical diffraction. The inverted Si nanocone arrays might find a variety of applications in solar cells and photodetectors.
γδ T Cells and dendritic cells in refractory Lyme arthritis
Authors: Divan Ali , Budd Ralph C , Tobin Richard P , Newell-Rogers M Karen
Published: January 2015

Lyme disease is a multisystem infection transmitted by tick vectors with an incidence of up to 300,000 individuals/yr in the United States. The primary treatments are oral or i.v. antibiotics. Despite treatment, some individuals do not recover and have prolonged symptoms affecting multiple organs, including the nervous system and connective tissues. Inflammatory arthritis is a common symptom associated with Lyme pathology. In the past decades, γδ T cells have emerged as candidates that contribute to the transition from innate to adaptive responses. These cells are also differentially regulated within the synovia of patients affected by RLA. Here, we review and discuss potential cellular mechanisms involving γδ T cells and DCs in RLA. TLR signaling and antigen processing and presentation will be the key concepts that we review in aid of understanding the impact of γδ T cells in RLA.
Utility of Early Screening Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Extensive Hip Osteonecrosis in Pediatric Patients Treated With Glucocorticoids
Authors: Kaste Sue C. , Pei Deqing , Cheng Cheng , Neel Michael D. , Bowman W. Paul , Ribeiro Raul C. , Metzger Monika L. , Bhojwani Deepa , Inaba Hiroto , Campbell Patrick , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Jeha Sima , Sandlund John T. , Downing James R. , Relling Mary V. , Pui Ching-Hon , Howard Scott C.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Hip osteonecrosis frequently complicates treatment with glucocorticoids. When extensive (affecting ≥ 30% of the epiphyseal surface), 80% of joints collapse within 2 years, so interventions are needed to prevent this outcome.

Patients and Methods

This prospective cohort magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening study included all consecutive children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia on a single protocol. Hip MRI was performed at 6.5 and 9 months from diagnosis (early screening) and at completion of chemotherapy (final evaluation) to determine whether screening could identify extensive hip osteonecrosis before symptom development.

Results

Of 498 patients, 462 underwent screening MRI. Extensive asymptomatic osteonecrosis was identified by early screening in 26 patients (41 hips); another four patients (seven hips) were detected after the screening period, such that screening sensitivity was 84.1% and specificity was 99.4%. The number of joints screened to detect one lesion was 20.1 joints for all patients, 4.4 joints for patients older than 10 years, and 198 joints for patients ≤ 10 years old (P < .001). Of the 40 extensive lesions in patients older than 10 years, 19 required total hip arthroplasty and none improved. Of eight extensive lesions in younger patients, none required arthroplasty and four improved.

Conclusion

In patients age 10 years old or younger who require prolonged glucocorticoid therapy, screening for extensive hip osteonecrosis is unnecessary because their risk is low and lesions tend to heal. In children older than 10 years, early screening successfully identifies extensive asymptomatic lesions in patients who would be eligible for studies of interventions to prevent or delay joint collapse.
Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 by H2O over Ag-Loaded SrO-Modified Ta2O5
Authors: Teramura Kentaro , Tatsumi Hiroyuki , Wang Zheng , Hosokawa Saburo , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: January 2015

We found that incorporation of alkaline earth metal oxides into Ag-loaded Ta2O5 (Ag/Ta2O5) suppresses the H2 production from overall water splitting for the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 by using H2O as an electron donor. Four different combinations of the photocatalysts (Ag/MO/Ta2O5 (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba)) were utilized; of these, the highest amount of CO was generated over Ag-loaded SrO-modified Ta2O5 (Ag/SrO/Ta2O5) with the evolution of a stoichiometric amount of O2. It was demonstrated that the presence of low quantities of SrO considerably enhanced the selectivity toward CO evolution. We also confirmed that a Ag cocatalyst increased the selectivity toward CO evolution and relatively small Ag nanoparticles maximized the selectivity toward CO evolution. It was therefore concluded that the particle size of the Ag cocatalysts should be controlled, and alkaline earth metal oxides should be introduced into Ag/Ta2O5 in order to achieve high conversion of CO2 and good selectivity toward O2 evolution.
Arginine methylation and citrullination of splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ/PSF) regulates its association with mRNA
Authors: Snijders Ambrosius P. , Hautbergue Guillaume M. , Bloom Alex , Williamson James C. , Minshull Thomas C. , Phillips Helen L. , Mihaylov Simeon R. , Gjerde Douglas T. , Hornby David P. , Wilson Stuart A. , Hurd Paul J. , Dickman Mark J.
Published: January 2015

Splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) also commonly known as polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated-splicing factor (PSF) and its binding partner non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein (NONO/p54nrb), are highly abundant, multifunctional nuclear proteins. However, the exact role of this complex is yet to be determined. Following purification of the endogeneous SFPQ/NONO complex, mass spectrometry analysis identified a wide range of interacting proteins, including those involved in RNA processing, RNA splicing, and transcriptional regulation, consistent with a multifunctional role for SFPQ/NONO. In addition, we have identified several sites of arginine methylation in SFPQ/PSF using mass spectrometry and found that several arginines in the N-terminal domain of SFPQ/PSF are asymmetrically dimethylated. Furthermore, we find that the protein arginine N-methyltransferase, PRMT1, catalyzes this methylation in vitro and that this is antagonized by citrullination of SFPQ. Arginine methylation and citrullination of SFPQ/PSF does not affect complex formation with NONO. However, arginine methylation was shown to increase the association with mRNA in mRNP complexes in mammalian cells. Finally we show that the biochemical properties of the endogenous complex from cell lysates are significantly influenced by the ionic strength during purification. At low ionic strength, the SFPQ/NONO complex forms large heterogeneous protein assemblies or aggregates, preventing the purification of the SFPQ/NONO complex. The ability of the SFPQ/NONO complex to form varying protein assemblies, in conjunction with the effect of post-translational modifications of SFPQ modulating mRNA binding, suggests key roles affecting mRNP dynamics within the cell.
Prp40 pre-mRNA processing factor 40 homolog B (PRPF40B) associates with SF1 and U2AF65and modulates alternative pre-mRNA splicing in vivo
Authors: Becerra Soraya , Montes Marta , Hernández-Munain Cristina , Suñé Carlos
Published: January 2015

The first stable complex formed during the assembly of spliceosomes onto pre-mRNA substrates in mammals includes U1 snRNP, which recognizes the 5′ splice site, and the splicing factors SF1 and U2AF, which bind the branch point sequence, polypyrimidine tract, and 3′ splice site. The 5′ and 3′ splice site complexes are thought to be joined together by protein–protein interactions mediated by factors that ensure the fidelity of the initial splice site recognition. In this study, we identified and characterized PRPF40B, a putative mammalian ortholog of the U1 snRNP-associated yeast splicing factor Prp40. PRPF40B is highly enriched in speckles with a behavior similar to splicing factors. We demonstrated that PRPF40B interacts directly with SF1 and associates with U2AF65. Accordingly, PRPF40B colocalizes with these splicing factors in the cell nucleus. Splicing assays with reporter minigenes revealed that PRPF40B modulates alternative splice site selection. In the case of Fas regulation of alternative splicing, weak 5′ and 3′ splice sites and exonic sequences are required for PRPF40B function. Placing our data in a functional context, we also show that PRPF40B depletion increased Fas/CD95 receptor number and cell apoptosis, which suggests the ability of PRPF40B to alter the alternative splicing of key apoptotic genes to regulate cell survival.
Evolutionary conservation of a molecular machinery for export and expression of mRNAs with retained introns
Authors: Wang Baomin , Rekosh David , Hammarskjold Marie-Louise
Published: January 2015

Intron retention is one of the least studied forms of alternative splicing. Through the use of retrovirus and other model systems, it was established many years ago that mRNAs with retained introns are subject to restriction both at the level of nucleocytoplasmic export and cytoplasmic expression. It was also demonstrated that specific cis-acting elements in the mRNA could serve to bypass these restrictions. Here we show that one of these elements, the constitutive transport element (CTE), first identified in the retrovirus MPMV and subsequently in the human NXF1 gene, is a highly conserved element. Using GERP analysis, CTEs with strong primary sequence homology, predicted to display identical secondary structure, were identified in NXF genes from >30 mammalian species. CTEs were also identified in the predicted NXF1 genes of zebrafish and coelacanths. The CTE from the zebrafish NXF1 was shown to function efficiently to achieve expression of mRNA with a retained intron in human cells in conjunction with zebrafish Nxf1 and cofactor Nxt proteins. This demonstrates that all essential functional components for expression of mRNA with retained introns have been conserved from fish to man.
Impacto de las tecnologías digitales en la descentralización del sistema escolar
Authors: San Martín Alonso Ángel , Peirats Chacón José
Published: January 2015

Nuestro objetivo es indagar en la compleja relación entre las tecnologías digitales en los centros escolares y las políticas de descentralización, así como en las implicaciones del modelo pedagógico resultante. Los referentes teóricos se inscriben en el campo de la «nueva gestión pública» que pone el énfasis en la aplicación de indicadores, evaluaciones, regulaciones y aprendizajes autodirigidos como instrumentos del «management» de las organizaciones. ¿En qué medida estas políticas influyen en la reestructuración del modelo de enseñanza? Los datos y materiales de un proyecto de investigación, en cuyo trabajo de campo empleamos la encuesta, observación en centros, entrevistas, análisis documental y grupos de discusión, nos permiten fundamentar empíricamente la discusión sobre las tres cuestiones en las que desglosamos el objetivo principal. Concluimos que se descentralizan las decisiones sobre el equipamiento, se incrementan las tareas de gestión en detrimento de las didácticas y se recentraliza la gestión mediante la imposición de estándares.
Autoevaluación institucional y dirección de centros inclusivos
Authors: Iranzo García Pilar , Tierno García Juana María , Barrios Arós Rosario
Published: January 2015

La inclusión educativa se considera inherente a la eficacia escolar y ésta directamente asociada a la calidad de los docentes y de la función directiva. La autoevaluación institucional aparece como un proceso central de la dirección escolar para la inclusión socioeducativa en contextos de desventaja. Presentamos un proceso de autoevaluación colegiada desarrollado entre la universidad y los equipos directivos de escuelas públicas de una zona escolar con necesidades educativas preferentes para caracterizar y mejorar la función directiva en tales contextos. La metodología (investigación-acción) permite acceder a las condiciones del desempeño de la dirección desde aproximaciones participativas y autogestionadoras. La autoevaluación colegiada, función débilmente controlada por los equipos directivos, les permite centrarse, además, en otras funciones complejas de la dirección escolar como la coordinación interna de sus centros, la relación familia-escuela y las redes de colaboración intercentros y con la comunidad, profundizando así en los liderazgos pedagógico, distribuido y contextualizado.
Comics in der Stadtbibliothek Köln
Authors: Döring Constanze
Published: January 2015

Comics gehören seit langer Zeit zum Bestand öffentlicher Bibliotheken und zu den ausleihstarken Bestandsgruppen. Trotzdem ist ihr Ruf nicht der allerbeste. Dabei können die richtige Auswahl und geschickte Präsentation aus dem Comicbestand einer Bibliothek ein attraktives Angebot machen. Dieser Artikel beschreibt den Umgang mit Comics in der Stadtbibliothek Köln.
Sind Fahrbüchereien sinnvolle und notwendige Einrichtungen oder lediglich ein unnötiger Kostenfaktor?
Authors: Düren Petra , Herzig Petra
Published: January 2015

Um die Relevanz von Fahrbüchereien in der Zukunft aufzuzeigen, werden zwei Befragungen ausgewertet. Zum einen die von Studierenden der Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (HAW) Hamburg durchgeführte Nutzerbefragung in den Fahrbüchereien in Schleswig-Holstein in 2013 und zum anderen die bundesweit durchgeführte „Fahrbibliotheksumfrage 2012“. Beide Studien zeigen die Relevanz von Fahrbüchereien in Deutschland, jedoch bedeutet dies nicht automatisch einen Erhalt aller Fahrbüchereien. Ein Beispiel, wie dies trotzdem gelingen kann, wird anhand der Fahrbücherei der Stadtbibliothek Flensburg aufgezeigt.
To Invite or Not to Invite a Lobby, That Is the Question
Authors: Gregor Martin
Published: January 2015

We study a game in which a lobby with verifiable private evidence discloses her evidence to a policy-maker if and only if she agrees to a transfer that is proposed by the policy-maker. This setting is motivated by the literature of pay-and-lobby politics, which finds that politicians schedule informative meetings with lobbyists on the basis of their campaign contributions. We admit both positive transfers (fees) and negative transfers (compensations), which implies not only that the policy-maker can commit to not listen but also that the lobby can commit to not talk. In a binary action space, we solve the game for all timings, prior beliefs, information structures, and valuation parameters. We identify the settings in which the policy-maker strategically discourages the lobby’s participation by announcing an unacceptable transfer. Whether ‘burying one’s head in the sand’ increases or decreases welfare depends on the degree of the policy-maker’s benevolence.
Expropriation and the Settlement of Investment Disputes: An Account of the Controversy between Repsol and Argentina
Authors: Laborías Alexis Rodrigo
Published: January 2015

The article analyzes the controversy between Argentina and the Spanish corporation Repsol, arisen from the expropriation in 2012 of the latter’s shares in the local oil company YPF. From the standpoint of the international law on foreign investment, two issues are considered. Firstly, whether this taking fulfilled the requirements acknowledged as international standard for a valid expropriation, as well as the conditions laid out in the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Argentina and Spain. Secondly, the shifting process of dispute settlement, represented as an interaction between negotiation and arbitration, which finally led to a mutually accepted agreement.
A microporous potassium vanadyl phosphate analogue of mahnertite: hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure
Authors: Yakubovich Olga V. , Steele Ian M. , Kiriukhina Galina V. , Dimitrova Olga V.
Published: January 2015

The novel phase K2.5Cu5Cl(PO4)4(OH)0.5(VO2)•H2O was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis at 553 K. Its crystal structure was determined using low-temperature (100 K) single-crystal synchrotron diffraction data and refined against F
2 to R = 0.035. The compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm, with unit-cell parameters a =9.8120(8), c = 19.954(1) Å, V = 1921.1(2) Å3, and Z = 4. Both symmetrically independent Cu2+ sites show elongated square-pyramidal coordination. The V5+ ions reside in strongly distorted five-vertex VO5 polyhedra with 50% occupancy. The structure is based on a 3D anionic framework built from Cu- and V-centered five-vertex polyhedra and PO4 tetrahedra. Channels in the [100] and [010] directions accommodate large K atoms and H2O molecules. The compound is a new structural representative of the topology shown by the lavendulan group of copper arsenate and phosphate minerals. Their tetragonal or pseudotetragonal crystal structures are characterized by two types of 2D slabs alternating along one axis of their unit cells. One slab, described by the formula [Cu4
X(TO4)4]∞ (where X = Cl, O and T = As, P), is common to all phases, whereas the slab content of the other set differs among the group members. We suggest interpreting this family of compounds in terms of the modular concept and also consider the synthetic phase Ba(VO)Cu4(PO4)4 as a simplest member of this polysomatic series.
Synthesis, supramolecular structure and thermal study of a new dinuclear zinc(II) complex derived from benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid
Authors: Karmakar Anirban , Hazra Susanta
Published: January 2015

Reaction of benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid (H4L) with Zn(II) salt in DMF/MeOH leads to the formation of the new (μ2-benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylato-O,O′)-hexaaqua-dizinc(II)-dihydrate complex [Zn2L(H2O)6]·2H2O (1) (L = benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate). Crystal structure analysis reveals that each tetracoordinated zinc(II) center adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry occupied by one Ocarboxylate and three Owater atoms. A 3D supramolecular associate in the crystal lattice of 1 has been stabilized by a number of non-covalent interactions (O–H···O). Topology of the H-bonded 3D network has been also analyzed.
Influence of Compaction Energies on the Strength Characteristics of Lime-Treated Oil-Contaminated Lateritic Soil
Authors: Ijimdiya Thomas Stephen
Published: January 2015

Used lubricating oil–contaminated soil was treated with up to 6 % lime content by dry weight of soil. Specimens of artificially contaminated and treated lateritic soil were compacted using two compaction energies, namely, standard proctor (SP) and West African standard (WAS) or “intermediate.” Samples were subjected to compaction and strength [unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR)] tests. The results of laboratory tests show that the strength characteristics of treated soil improved with higher compaction energy. The UCS values increased with increased compaction energy; for instance, for samples containing 2 %, 4 %, and 6 % oil content and treated with 2 % lime content, compacted with SP compaction energy, the UCS values obtained were: 446, 563, and 581 kN/m2. Whereas for samples containing the same mix compacted with WAS compaction energy, the UCS values obtained were: 607, 616, and 625 kN/m2. On the other hand, the peak unsoaked CBR values recorded for the same soil–oil–lime mixtures are 35 %, 27 %, and 19 % for samples compacted with SP energy and 40 %, 30 %, and 30 % for samples compacted with WAS compaction energy.
Accelerated Concrete-Cylinder Test for Alkali–Silica Reaction
Authors: Liu Kai-Wei , Mukhopadhyay Anol K.
Published: January 2015

The concrete-prism test (CPT, e.g., ASTM C1293-08b [ASTM C1293-08b: Standard Test Method for Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013]) has been considered as the best index for alkali–silica reaction (ASR) field performance, but alkali leaching and test duration are still of concern. Reduction of test duration by increasing testing temperature (e.g., 60°C) was proposed by several researchers to develop an accelerated version of the concrete-prism test (ACPT). However, it has been found that there is a significant reduction in expansion associated with more alkali leaching in the ACPT compared to the concrete-prism test (CPT). An accelerated concrete-cylinder test (ACCT) has been proposed in this study with no involvement of errors because of operation and temperature change along with arresting alkali leaching. The linear expansion of the ACCT measured at a temperature of 60°C over a period of 1 month have been correlated with the 1-yr ASTM C1293 test to evaluate the ASR reactivity of aggregates. Cylinders made with highly reactive borosilicate glass balls were tested first to validate the proposed approach before any concrete-cylinder testing. The results indicate that (1) an expansion limit of 0.04 % using 0.82 % Na2O equivalent (Na2Oe) cement without alkali boosting after a testing period of 28 days is proposed for the ACCT to diagnose ASR aggregate reactivity, and (2) the proposed method can serve as an alternative to validate the ASR-resistant mix design (e.g., fly-ash contents).