bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Concepts of Causation: Implications for Poverty
Authors: Shaffer Paul
Published: December 2014

This article seeks to bring to the attention of a readership in development studies a distinction in the literature on causation, and to show how it matters for poverty. The distinction is between ‘difference‐making’ and ‘production’ as a depiction of the causal relationship. It is argued that the ‘difference‐making/production’ distinction lies at the root of applied debates about how to assess the impact of development programmes, how to understand the causation of poverty and how to conceive of duties to eliminate or reduce poverty. Understanding such foundational differences is important in order to expose error in applied debates, to clarify the reasons for actual methodological choice, to explain conflicting research results and to shed light on the reasons for differing policy prescriptions.
Interrogating the Limits of Welfare Reforms in Singapore
Authors: Teo Youyenn
Published: December 2014

As population demographics change and economic crises spread and deepen, welfare reform has become an urgent problem in many developed countries. As elsewhere in East Asia, the state in Singapore has in recent years stepped up its efforts to deal with issues of healthcare, education, support for care, retirement and even unemployment. Much of this has been in response to demographic shifts, economic trends and, importantly, political pressures. This article evaluates the possibilities and limits of recent reforms. It looks at some promising aspects of reform, such as increases in spending in certain areas, before examining the limitations of the reforms. These include the fact that most resources have been directed toward supporting businesses, while increases in direct spending on citizens have been limited and conditional rather than universal; furthermore, little or no attention has been paid to the issue of women's underemployment. These features suggest constraints within the logic and principles of welfare, which continue to define citizens as having limited rights and entitlements, and citizenship as entailing regular employment and heavy obligations toward the family. The analysis of reforms sheds light on how the appearance of expansion can mask continuing limitations. The case of Singapore illustrates the importance of looking not just at expenditure but also at the principles and logics in which welfare reforms are embedded, in a variety of national contexts.
Bringing Workers’ Rights Back In? Propositions towards a Labour–Trade Linkage for the Global South
Authors: Pahle Simon
Published: December 2014

The idea of forging a linkage between global trade and labour standards has a long history and has been the subject of fierce debate. In a global political economy that incites ‘competition for jobs’, the idea cannot escape controversy. Crucially, it has failed to win significant support from trade unionists in the global South. Drawing on viewpoints voiced by workers’ rights activists in South Africa and Brazil, this article presents four propositions on the features and functions that a labour–trade linkage would have to possess if it is to serve workers’ interests, and explores whether and how these may be accommodated by the ILO and WTO regimes. It is argued that a linkage requiring a new single WTO undertaking is out of the question; a linkage would only make sense if it superimposes ILO rule onto the WTO, not the opposite; a linkage should be premised on positive trade measures; and, finally, it should serve the interests of presently unprotected and unorganized workers. Overall, the main challenge of such a linkage would be to achieve the necessary reform within the ILO.
A predictive model for alternative admission to dental education
Authors: Christersson C. , Bengmark D. , Bengtsson H. , Lindh C. , Rohlin M.
Published: December 2014

Aim

To compare academic progress and performance of students admitted through two admission systems and to analyse the predictive power of different components in an alternative admission.

Sample and Methods

The subjects were students admitted to the dental programme at Malmö University, Sweden. The grade admission group was admitted on grades from secondary school (n = 126) and the alternative admission group via an alternative admission procedure (n = 157). The alternative admission procedure consisted of the following components: problem‐solving matrices, spatial capacity tested with folding and tin models, manual dexterity, capacity for empathy and interview. Comparisons were made for academic progress (dropouts from the programme and study rate) and academic performance (examinations failed and outcomes of a comprehensive clinical examination). Spearman correlation was calculated for each component of the alternative admission procedure and academic progress as well as academic performance. Multivariate analyses were also carried out.

Results

Compared to the grade admission group, the alternative admission group presented lower rate of dropsouts (3% vs. 20%, P < 0.001) and a larger proportion graduated within the expected time (88% vs. 60%, P < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups concerning academic performance. Capacity of empathy was correlated with study rate and outcomes of the clinical examination. The matrices predicted low proportion failed examinations and high students' self‐assessments in the clinical examination. Predictive power of folding was limited and so was that of the interview. Manual dexterity was not correlated with academic progress or performance.

Conclusions

Results support further development of admission selection criteria, particularly emphatic capacity that predicts important student academic achievements.
Preparation and Corrosion Behavior of Glass–Ceramics Tubes Made of Bayan Obo Tailings and Fly Ash
Authors: Li Baowei , Deng Leibo , Zhang Xuefeng , Ouyang Shunli , Du Yongsheng , Liu Xuebo , Jia Xiaolin
Published: December 2014

Glass–ceramic tubes were developed from Bayan Obo tailings and fly ash by the centrifugal method. This paper investigates the corrosion rate of the glass–ceramics exposed to hydrochloric acid solution. The leaching concentration of cations into the solution is analyzed byICP.XRDanalysis and Raman spectra were used for identifying the phase transformation of corrosion reactions. The changes in morphological and chemical composition were investigated usingSEMcombined withEDS. The results revealed that the formed corrosion layer was amorphous phase. It was also indicated that Fe2O3and CaF2exerted some negative effect on the corrosion resistance inHCl solution.
The Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Naegeli April N. , Flood Emuella , Tucker Jennifer , Devlen Jennifer , Edson‐Heredia Emily
Published: December 2014

Plaque psoriasis (PP) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are autoinflammatory chronic conditions associated with skin involvement. Pruritus, or itching, is a prevalent and bothersome symptom in patients with PP and is associated with reduced health‐related quality of life. The Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale (WI‐NRS) has been developed as a simple, single item with which to assess the patient‐reported severity of this symptom at its most intense during the previous 24‐hour period. Qualitative research was undertaken to assess the content validity of the WI‐NRS. Patients with moderate to severe PP and patients with PsA were recruited from clinical sites in the USA. The qualitative research entailed two‐part interviews, which began with concept elicitation to gain understanding of patients’ experiences of itching, followed by cognitive debriefing of the WI‐NRS to assess the instrument's understandability, clarity, and degree of appropriateness from the patient's perspective. Twelve patients with PP and 22 with PsA participated in the study. Patients reported that itching was an important and relevant symptom of their psoriatic disease. The WI‐NRS was reported to be complete and easy to understand; the recall period was considered appropriate, the response scale was familiar, and, overall, the instrument was found to be appropriate for assessing itching severity. Patient responses support the content validity of the WI‐NRS. The psychometric properties of the tool will be evaluated in future studies.
Using Public Participation Geographic Information Systems to Identify Places of Watershed Service Provisioning
Authors: Cox Cody , Morse Wayde , Anderson Christopher , Marzen Luke
Published: December 2014

In this study, we used public participation geographic information systems methods to collect spatial data identifying places that stakeholders in Mobile Bay, Alabama think are important providers of watershed services. These methods allowed us to spatially analyze participatory data from general public respondents and directly compare them with other scientific data in a geographic information systems database. This study identified which places in the region participants believe are important providers of specific watershed services, including fish nurseries, storm protection, flood protection, and water quality protection, which would likely have public support for conservation. Additionally, we assessed the accuracy of participant watershed service identification using land cover data to identify inconsistencies and participant knowledge gaps. This information can be used to target outreach education efforts. We found that the accuracy with which participants correctly identified places with the necessary land cover to provide each service varied considerably. We believe this to be a useful tool for managers to elicit stakeholder input and to identify knowledge gaps regarding the provisioning of watershed services.
Finger and toenail onycholysis
Authors: Zaias N. , Escovar S.X. , Zaiac M.N.
Published: December 2014

Onycholysis – the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed occurs in fingers and toenails. It is diagnosed by the whitish appearance of the separated nail plate from the nail bed. In fingers, the majority is caused by trauma, manicuring, occupational or self‐induced behavior. The most common disease producing fingernail onycholysis is psoriasis and pustular psoriasis. Phototoxic dermatitis, due to drugs can also produce finger onycholysis. Once the separation occurs, the environmental flora sets up temporary colonization in the available space. Finger onycholysis is most common in women. Candida albicans is often recovered from the onycholytic space. Many reports, want to associate the yeast as cause and effect, but the data are lacking and the treatment of the candida does not improve finger onycholysis. A reasonable explanation for the frequent isolation of Candida and Pseudomonas in fingernail onycholysis in women, is the close proximity the fingers have to the vaginal and gastrointestinal tract. Fifty per cent of humans harbour C. albicans in the GI tract and it is frequently carried to the vagina during hygienic practices. Finger onycholysis is best treated by drying the nail ‘lytic’ area with a hair blower, since all colonizing biota are moisture loving and perish in a dry environment. Toenail onycholysis has a very different etiology. It is mechanical, the result of pressure on the toes from the closed shoes, while walking, because of the ubiquitous uneven flat feet producing an asymmetric gait with more pressure on the foot with the flatter sole.
Inducible Mixotrophy in the Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum
Authors: Johnson Matthew D.
Published: December 2014

Prorocentrum minimum is a neritic dinoflagellate that forms seasonal blooms and red tides in estuarine ecosystems. While known to be mixotrophic, previous attempts to document feeding on algal prey have yielded low grazing rates. In this study, growth and ingestion rates of P. minimum were measured as a function of nitrogen (‐N) and phosphorous (‐P) starvation. A P. minimum isolate from Chesapeake Bay was found to ingest cryptophyte prey when in stationary phase and when starved of N or P. Prorocentrum minimum ingested two strains of Teleaulax amphioxeia at higher rates than six other cryptophyte species. In all cases ‐P treatments resulted in the highest grazing. Ingestion rates of ‐P cells on T. amphioxeia saturated at ~5 prey per predator per day, while ingestion by ‐N cells saturated at 1 prey per predator per day. In the presence of prey, ‐P treated cells reached a maximum mixotrophic growth rate (μmax) of 0.5 d−1, while ‐N cells had a μmax of 0.18 d−1. Calculations of ingested C, N, and P due to feeding on T. amphioxeia revealed that phagotrophy can be an important source of all three elements. While P. minimum is a proficient phototroph, inducible phagotrophy is an important nutritional source for this dinoflagellate.
Low birthrates and high levels of female reproductive inactivity may characterize the reproductive biology of wild Peruvian red uakaris (Cacajao calvus ucayalii)
Authors: Mayor Pedro , Bowler Mark
Published: December 2014

Background

Birthrates are key parameters for population models and hunting sustainability analyses frequently used in conservation, but for many rare species, these data do not exist. We examine the reproductive organs of endangered red uakari monkeys to calculate birthrates in the wild.

Methods

We collected reproductive organs from wild uakari monkeys hunted for subsistence by indigenous hunters and examined them for embryos or fetuses. We extrapolated birth dates to test for breeding seasonality and calculated birthrates.

Results

Breeding was seasonal, and birthrates were low relative to other neotropical primates. We recorded unexpectedly high numbers of reproductively inactive females compared to other neotropical monkeys.

Conclusions

Reproductive inactivity could be due to delayed reproduction or long periods of lactation. Resource availability may also play a role. Slow reproduction and low birthrates in uakaris, relative other primates, could explain why uakaris have a patchy distribution and appear vulnerable to disturbance.
Association study between CYP17 gene polymorphism and endometriosis risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Hong‐Yan , Pang Li‐Hong , Yang Dong‐Mei , Li Ming‐Qing , Shi Ling
Published: December 2014

The cytochrome P450 subfamily 17 (CYP17) gene T > C polymorphism is associated with endometriosis risk. However, studies on the association between the genotyping of MspA1 polymorphism in the 5′‐untranslated region of the CYP17 gene and endometriosis risk have reported controversial results. The aim of the present study was to obtain a more precise estimate of the relationship of CYP17 gene polymorphism with endometriosis risk. Relevant articles published up to April 2014 were obtained from Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Central electronic databases. Case–control studies about the association between CYP17 gene polymorphisms and endometriosis were selected. Eligible data were extracted by two independent reviewers. The strength of the association between CYP17 and endometriosis was assessed by pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Eligible case–control studies involving 1000 cases and 1167 controls were analyzed from 280 studies. The pooled results showed no association between the CYP17 gene T > C polymorphism and endometriosis risk in the overall population (CC vs TT: OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.52–1.61, P = 0.762; TC vs TT: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.72–1.42, P = 0.949; dominant model: OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.64–1.39, P = 0.763; recessive model: OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.64–1.35, P = 0.712). In the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, no significant association was found in Asians, Caucasians and mixed population under a recessive model (Asians: OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.53–1.07, P = 0.118; Caucasians: OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 0.45–13.66, P = 0.300; mixed population: OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 0.65–3.02, P = 0.712). In conclusion, the meta‐analysis suggested that the CYP17 gene polymorphism was not associated with endometriosis risk. Considering the limited sample size and ethnicity included in our meta‐analysis, an updated meta‐analysis needs to be conducted when larger and more well‐designed studies are published.
Case of pure ovarian squamous cell carcinoma resistant to combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin but responsive to monotherapy with weekly irinotecan
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhiko , Kamei Toshiaki , Shinagawa Masahiro , Sakamoto Yuka , Miwa Ichiro
Published: December 2014

Primary ovarian squamous cell carcinoma is uncommon, and the optimal treatment strategy for this disease has not yet been established. A 71‐year‐old woman diagnosed with FIGO stage IIb pure ovarian squamous cell carcinoma underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. After the second treatment course, a recurrent mass grew rapidly, and serum tumor maker levels increased. Monotherapy with weekly irinotecan was then instituted. This second‐line chemotherapy was remarkably effective, and the patient subsequently underwent complete interval debulking surgery with a pathological complete response after the third treatment course. Weekly irinotecan is an effective choice for primary ovarian squamous cell carcinoma resistant to combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin.
Visualization of placental hypocirculation with typical patterns using conventional magnetic resonance imaging: Two case reports
Authors: Himoto Yuki , Kido Aki , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Mogami Haruta , Konishi Ikuo , Togashi Kaori
Published: December 2014

We report two cases of clinically suspected placental hypocirculation, as per evidenced by specific half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo (HASTE) magnetic resonance findings of the whole placenta. Patient 1 was a case of fetal growth restriction caused by pregnancy‐induced hypertension, while patient 2 experienced a discordant dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with fetal growth restriction complication with a velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord in the smaller twin. In both cases, HASTE images showed noticeably decreased signal intensity with high‐intensity signal spots present in the central region of the placenta. In the twin pregnancy case, the low‐intensity signal area in the placenta of the smaller twin was much lower compared to that of the larger twin. Pathological findings failed to support or explain these observations. HASTE images might reflect compensatory alternation of the distribution of maternal blood and villus caused by hypocirculation. In conclusion, our results suggest that HASTE imaging might be a useful approach for the visualization of placental hypocirculation.
Prediction of perinatal outcomes based on primary symptoms in women with placental abruption
Authors: Kasai Michi , Aoki Shigeru , Ogawa Miyuki , Kurasawa Kentaro , Takahashi Tsuneo , Hirahara Fumiki
Published: December 2014

Aims

Placental abruption is an important cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Although there are many reports on the risk factors for placental abruption, there are few on its classification. Our aim is to evaluate the associations between primary symptoms and the outcomes of placental abruption.

Material and Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study of 12 474 births at the Perinatal Center for Maternity and Neonates of the Yokohama City University Medical Center between January 2000 and December 2012. There were 151 women with placental abruption, 136 of whom were included in this study. The subjects were classified into two groups according to their primary symptoms: those with bleeding (external bleeding group) and those with abdominal pain (abdominal pain group). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Both fetal and maternal outcomes were significantly poorer in the abdominal pain group than in the external bleeding group in terms of intrauterine fetal death (6.5% vs 33.3%, P < 0.001), perinatal mortality (8.1% vs 33.3%, P = 0.001), umbilical arterial pH < 7.1 (15.7% vs 57.1%, P < 0.001), bleeding volume, rate of blood transfusion, and disseminated intravascular coagulation incidence.

Conclusions

This classification based on primary symptoms was found to be useful for predicting both maternal and neonatal outcomes of placental abruption.
Candida glabrata sepsis associated with chorioamnionitis in an IVF twin pregnancy: Should we deliver?
Authors: Tan Shu Qi , Ng Oon Tek , Khong Chit Chong
Published: December 2014

We report a case of in vitro fertilization (IVF)‐acquired Candida glabrata chorioamnionitis successfully treated through systemic maternal antifungal treatment prior to delivery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind in the literature. C. glabrata chorioamnionitis in pregnancy is rare, but the current literature suggests a very high fetal fatality in such cases. It is known to have an association with cervical stitch, amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling, and assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF. Given the increasing global use of artificial reproductive techniques, it is important to raise awareness of this condition and highlight its potential complications. Early recognition of possible fetal infection could enable early initiation of systemic antifungal treatment. It would be prudent to consider early delivery once fetal maturity is achieved despite normal fetal monitoring.
Susceptibility‐Weighted Phase Imaging and Oxygen Extraction Fraction Measurement during Sedation and Sedation Recovery using 7T MRI
Authors: Goodwin Jonathan A. , Kudo Kohsuke , Shinohe Yutaka , Higuchi Satomi , Uwano Ikuko , Yamashita Fumio , Sasaki Makoto
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE

In this work, we demonstrate oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) measurement using 7T MRI with susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI), in sedated and nonsedated adults.

METHODS

Ten healthy subjects (30.3 ± 4.5 years, 9 men, 1 woman) formed control (n = 5) and sedation groups (n = 5). Midazolam and propofol injection was administered to the same sedation group subjects during 2 different scanning sessions. Two‐dimensional SPGR imaging was performed before, during, and twice after (propofol, +10, +30 minutes; midazolam, +10, +40 minutes) conscious sedation. The equivalent procedure was performed with the control group without sedation. After SWI analysis, change in OEF between scans was quantified, and parcelated ΔOEF maps were generated with 77 gray matter (GM)‐containing volumes‐of‐interest (VOIs).

RESULTS

Significant decreases in OEF were shown in 14 GM VOIs during sedation relative to the control group, most notably during midazolam sedation (P < .05). In contrast, no significant decrease was observed after 10 minutes and in only 4 VOIs after 40 minutes recovery.

CONCLUSION

Significant change in ΔOEF during conscious sedation using midazolam and propofol could be measured using SWI at 7T in vivo. This may be a potentially useful approach for the noninvasive assessment of OEF in the brain on a clinical basis.
Pediatric Cerebellar Tumors: Does ADC Analysis of Solid, Contrast‐Enhancing Tumor Components Correlate Better with Tumor Grade than ADC Analysis of the Entire Tumor?
Authors: Orman Gunes , Bosemani Thangamadhan , Higgins Luke , Carson Kathryn A. , Huisman Thierry A.G.M. , Poretti Andrea
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values assist differentiating malignancy grades in pediatric cerebellar tumors. Previous studies reported the significance of ADC measurements within the solid, contrast‐enhancing tumor component (SCT). These measurements take into account only a part of the tumor. In this study, we compared ADC measurements of the SCT versus entire tumor (ET).

METHODS

ADC values were measured in the SCT and ET. Absolute tumor ADC values and cerebellar and thalamic ratios were compared across tumor grades.

RESULTS

Thirty‐two children with 16 low‐grade and 16 high‐grade tumors were included. The median age at presurgical MRI was 7.66 years (range .08‐17.38 years). In the SCT, absolute ADC values, cerebellar ratio, and thalamic ratio were higher in low‐ versus high‐grade tumors (P < .001). In the ET, absolute ADC values, cerebellar ratio, and thalamic ratio were also higher in low‐ versus high‐grade tumors (P < .005). Cut‐off absolute ADC values of .9 × 10−3 mm/s2 (sensitivity 94%, specificity 100%) and 1.5 × 10−3 mm/s2 (sensitivity 88%, specificity 75%) were calculated for measurement in the SCT and ET, respectively, to differentiate between tumors grades.

CONCLUSION

A rigorous ADC measurement of the SCT has a higher sensitivity and specificity in predicting tumor grade compared to ADC measurement of the ET.
Dietary Levamisole as Immunostimulant for Striped Surubim, Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum
Authors: Zanon Ricardo Basso , da Silva Cerozi Brunno , Cyrino José Eurico Possebon , de Castro Silva Tarcila Souza
Published: December 2014

Immunostimulants are better suited for disease control than using drugs and chemicals as remedies in animal production. This study evaluates effects of dietary levamisole on growth and immunological parameters response of Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum. A trial was set up in a completely randomized design with six treatments – 0.0, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 500 mg levamisole per kg of feed (n = 3) – fed until apparent satiation, twice a day, for 60 d to striped surubim (77.68 ± 2.5 g) randomly stocked in 18 plastic tanks (300 L; 10 fish per tank). Dietary levamisole affected lysozyme activity and concentration, the best effects were recorded for fish fed 247 mg levamisole per kg of feed, that is, levamisole positively influenced innate immune system of striped surubim. However, dietary levamisole did not affect serum protein, albumin and globulins, as well as leukocyte respiratory burst activity and leukocyte proliferation. No differences in growth parameters were recorded. Dietary levamisole improved immunological responses of striped surubim.
Sequencing chromosome 5D of Aegilops tauschii and comparison with its allopolyploid descendant bread wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Akpinar Bala A. , Lucas Stuart J. , Vrána Jan , Doležel Jaroslav , Budak Hikmet
Published: December 2014

Flow cytometric sorting of individual chromosomes and chromosome‐based sequencing reduces the complexity of large, repetitive Triticeae genomes. We flow‐sorted chromosome 5D of Aegilops tauschii, the D genome donor of bread wheat and sequenced it by Roche 454 GS FLX platform to approximately 2.2x coverage. Repetitive sequences represent 81.09% of the survey sequences of this chromosome, and Class I retroelements are the prominent type, with a particular abundance of LTR/Gypsy superfamily. Nonrepetitive sequences were assembled to cover 17.76% of the total chromosome regions. Up to 6188 nonrepetitive gene loci were predicted to be encoded by the 5D chromosome. The numbers and chromosomal distribution patterns of tRNA genes suggest abundance in tRNALys and tRNAMet species, while the nonrepetitive assembly reveals tRNAAla species as the most abundant type. A comparative analysis of the genomic sequences of bread wheat and Aegilops chromosome 5D indicates conservation of gene content. Orthologous unique genes, matching Aegilops 5D sequences, numbered 3730 in barley, 5063 in Brachypodium, 4872 in sorghum and 4209 in rice. In this study, we provide a chromosome‐specific view into the structure and organization of the 5D chromosome of Ae. tauschii, the D genome ancestor of bread wheat. This study contributes to our understanding of the chromosome‐level evolution of the wheat genome and presents a valuable resource in wheat genomics due to the recent hybridization of Ae. tauschii genome with its tetraploid ancestor.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Diagnosed in a Child Based on Multiple Juvenile Xanthogranulomas and Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Authors: Jans Sune R. R. , Schomerus Eckhard , Bygum Anette
Published: December 2014

An association between juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) has been described in the literature but has only been documented in approximately 20 cases. We diagnosed a patient with NF1 at 25 months of age, before any cutaneous stigmata of this disease had appeared, because we decided to screen for the NF1 gene mutation because of his presentation with multiple JXGs and moderate macrocephaly (2.5 standard deviations) at 9 months of age and JMML diagnosed at 20 months of age. The child is well today after treatment with chemotherapy and allogenic bone marrow transplantation. With increased awareness, patients with JXG and NF1 who develop symptoms possibly related to JMML, such as paleness, skin bleeding, cough, unexplained fever, and hepatosplenomegaly, should be further evaluated. We also emphasize that multiple JXG lesions can be an early marker of NF1.
Linear Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus with Calcinosis Cutis and Milia
Authors: Ma Han , Liao Mengsi , Qiu Shu , Lu Rongbiao , Lu Chun
Published: December 2014

Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LCLE) is an unusual manifestation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus in which erythematous, atrophic, dyschromic lesions are located along the lines of Blaschko. Calcinosis cutis and secondary milia are very uncommon in lupus erythematosus. We present a rare case of LCLE with calcinosis cutis and milia.
Positive appraisal of in‐home family caregivers of dementia patients as an influence on the continuation of caregiving
Authors: Kajiwara Kohei , Nakatani Hisae , Ono Mitsu , Miyakoshi Yukiko
Published: December 2014

Background

We attempted to determine the factors that influence the continuation of in‐home caregiving for patients with dementia.

Methods

The participants were family caregivers of dementia patients who received home care services. Data were collected via a questionnaire completed by caregivers and then returned in the mail. Of the 705 caregivers who received the questionnaire, 405 completed and returned it (response rate: 57.4%).

Results

The average age of the caregivers was 63.9 ± 11.5 years, and they had been providing care for an average of 5.1 ± 4.1 years. The average age of the patients was 84.7 ± 7.4 years. We analyzed the path model. Caregivers’ current feelings about continuing caregiving were directly affected by a positive appraisal of caregiving (β = 0.20, P < 0.001) and by the burden they experienced (β = −0.39, P < 0.001). The continuation of caregiving of patients with worsening symptoms was directly affected by a positive appraisal of caregiving (β = 0.15, P < 0.01) and by the burden experienced by the caregivers (β = −0.46, P < 0.001). The continuation of caregiving was indirectly affected by the patients’ cognitive impairment and by the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia score.

Conclusions

The continuation of in‐home caregiving among caregivers of patients with dementia was affected by both positive appraisal and caregiver burden. In addition, the present study revealed that behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia score indirectly affects the continuation of caregiving by directly affecting caregiver burden.
Influence of spoil type on afforestation success and natural vegetative recolonization on a surface coal mine in Appalachia, United States
Authors: Sena Kenton , Barton Christopher , Hall Sarah , Angel Patrick , Agouridis Carmen , Warner Richard
Published: December 2014

Surface mining has altered a vast land area in the Appalachian Region, threatening highly biodiverse native forest, contributing to habitat fragmentation, and generating severely disturbed sites that are unsuitable for succession to native ecosystems. Although there are many factors that influence species colonization and establishment on these sites, selection of topsoil substitutes suitable for native species is of particular concern. A series of experimental plots was installed in 2005 on a reclaimed mine site in eastern Kentucky, United States, to examine the suitability of three spoil types (unweathered GRAY sandstone, weathered BROWN sandstone, and MIXED sandstone/shale) as topsoil substitutes. Bareroot 1:0 seedlings of four native hardwood species (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Quercus rubra, Q. alba, and Liriodendron tulipifera) were planted in the spoil. Seed required for ground cover was not applied so that natural colonization could be evaluated. Two years after installation, researchers concluded that tree growth was highest on BROWN; in addition, species richness and ground cover of volunteer vegetation were higher on BROWN. In 2013, tree volume was over 50 times higher in BROWN than GRAY. In addition to planted hardwoods, naturally colonizing vegetation provided nearly 100% cover on BROWN compared to 20% on MIXED and less than 10% on GRAY plots. Species richness of volunteer vegetation continued to be higher on BROWN (41) than GRAY (30) or MIXED (30), with native species comprising 65–70% of total species richness on all plots. Findings suggest that when topsoil substitutes are used, weathered spoils are more favorable to reforestation than unweathered spoil.
Optimum Sensor Placement for Impact Location Using Trilateration
Authors: De Stefano M. , Gherlone M. , Mattone M. , Di Sciuva M. , Worden K.
Published: December 2014

A key problem associated with structural health monitoring (SHM) is the placement of sensors upon a structure to detect the existence, location, and the extent of any damage. Because input data coming from the sensors are groups of measurements, it is arguable that the most widely used approach to SHM nowadays is to consider it as a statistical pattern recognition problem. Artificial neural networks have made a great impact on pattern recognition practice. A problem associated with this monitoring strategy is to find a good compromise between the quality of information achieved by the sensor network, increasing with the sensor density, and the need to keep the minimum weight and instrumentation cost. Thus, the number of sensors must be kept under control, and a search of the optimal location of such sensors needs to be performed.

All these aspects have been taken into account in the present work, dealing with the problem of optimum sensor placement for impact location on a multilayered composite structure.

Multilayered composite structures may suffer particularly relevant trauma when subject to low‐velocity impacts, as they may produce non‐visible or barely visible damage on the structure surface, while remarkable subsurface delaminations may be present. Such hidden damage, when remaining undetected, may grow to catastrophic failure. To overcome this issue, a neural network approach has been used here to predict the impact locations on a composite panel from time‐dependent data recorded on a set of surface‐mounted piezoelectric sensors during an experimental impact test. A genetic algorithm has been used to find the optimal sensor layout that minimised the error in predicting the impact location. A new approach, based on trilateration, is discussed and compared with the traditional one and is shown to provide the same degree of accuracy at reduced computational cost.
THE NORMAL INTERPHASE IN THE POLYURIA WHICH FOLLOWS SECTION OF THE SUPRAOPTICO‐HYPOPHYSIAL TRACTS IN THE DOG
Authors: O'Connor W. J.
Published: December 2014

1. Four facts have been established concerning the period from the 6th to 11th days following section of the supraoptico‐hypophysial tracts in the dog: (a) The daily urine volume is low (the “normal interphase” of Fisher, Ingram and Ranson [1938] between the temporary and permanent polyurias). (b) There is no diuretic response to administered water. Neither (a) nor (b) occurs following operative removal of the posterior lobe of the pituitary. (c) Sodium chloride administered by stomach tube in isotonic solution is excreted freely but in a small volume of urine of high chloride concentration. (d) Antidiuretic activity is present in the urine.

2. These facts indicate, and are adequately explained by, the conclusion that during the 6th‐llth days after section of the tracts active material escapes from the degenerating pars nervosa of the pituitary into the blood stream at rates up to 0·3 mU per min.
CORTICAL ISCHÆMIA OF THE KIDNEY WITH MAINTAINED BLOOD FLOW THROUGH THE MEDULLA
Authors: Daniel P. M. , Peabody C. N. , Prichard Marjorie M. L.
Published: December 2014

1. Further studies of the renal circulation have been carried out by means of rapid serial angiography. The kidney was exteriorized so that the intrarenal circulation could be demonstrated in greater detail.

2. The investigation has shown that an ischæmia of the cortex of the kidney with a maintained circulation through the medulla may occur in the cat, dog, sheep and monkey, as well as in the rabbit.

3. The view is stressed that in normal animals blood passing through either the cortex or the medulla all passes through glomeruli.

4. The condition of cortical necrosis of the kidney is adduced as evidence that cortical ischæmia with maintained medullary blood flow occurs in man.
THE EFFECT OF B1‐PYRIMIDINE ON GASTRIC SECRETION
Authors: Sircus W.
Published: December 2014

1. In dogs with gastric pouches and in decerebrate or anæsthetised cats, gastric secretion was stimulated by a variety of methods. These included injection of insulin, carbachol, ethanol, histamine, feeding, and vagal stimulation.

2. An intravenous dose of 50 mg. per kilo of 2‐methyl‐5‐amino‐methyl‐6‐amino‐pyrimidine (B1‐pyrimidine) produced a transient but considerable increase in the volume‐rate of the gastric secretion so formed, but was usually without significant effect on the acidity of the juice.

3. The drug did not itself stimulate gastric secretion at this dose.

4. The results are considered to support the theory that histamine is involved in the response of the parietal cell to all types of stimuli.
A QUANTITATIVE METHOD FOR MEASURING RED CELL CONTENT OF TISSUES IN VIVO
Authors: Delorme E. J.
Published: December 2014

1. Average in vivo values for red cell allocation in liver, spleen, kidney, gut and muscle in dogs have been obtained by an appropriate red cell labelling technique and expressed in numbers of red blood corpuscles per cubic millimetre of tissue.

2. The changes in red cell content observed in these tissues when the animal is bled are discussed and the importance of gradual red cell accumulation in muscle is pointed out. When blood is re‐infused after a prolonged period of oligæmia, general engorgement is noted in all tissues studied, with the exception of the spleen which remains relatively ischæmic.

3. When specific areas of contralateral frontal cortex are stimulated in the monkey, rapid but transitory increases in red cell content of muscle occur.
THE PITUITARY GLAND AND THE VASCULAR TONE OF THE KIDNEY
Authors: Brull L. , Louis-Bar D.
Published: December 2014

In 7 out of 8 experiments in which the pituitary body had been removed for two or more hours, the renal blood flow increased in parallel with large increases of blood pressure.

This and previous work suggests that after hypophysectomy there is an alteration of the response of kidneys to pressure in dogs, and that the pituitary body contributes a vasoconstrictor principle to the blood.
THE EFFECTS OF l‐ADRENALINE AND dl‐NORADRENALINE ON THE MEAN RIGHT ATRIAL PRESSURE OF SHEEP WITH INTACT CIRCULATIONS, AND ON THE MEAN INFERIOR VENA CAVAL PRESSURE OF ARTIFICIALLY PERFUSED SHEEP
Authors: Tyrer J. H.
Published: December 2014

1. The effects of l‐adrenaline and dl‐noradrenaline upon systemic venous pressure were examined in sheep with intact circulations and in sheep whose pulmonary and systemic circulations were artificially perfused at constant rates.

2. Both substances caused a rise of systemic venous pressure in intact and perfused sheep. The latter preparation excluded cardiac factors, which have been considered by some authors to be the main cause of the pressure rise in intact animals after adrenaline, and permitted some analysis of the possible mechanisms.

3. In the majority of experiments, both in intact and perfused sheep, l‐adrenaline and dl‐noradrenaline caused an initial transitory fall of systemic venous pressure before the rise. This fall has been described only once previously and attributed to an initial transitory cardiac stimulation. The present studies permit analysis of the fall, which is readily obtained in perfused sheep, where cardiac effects can be excluded.
THE EFFECT OF REMOVAL OF THE ADRENAL MEDULLA ON THE CHANGES IN OXYGEN CONSUMPTION AND RADIO‐IODINE (I131) UPTAKE FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO COLD IN ALBINO RATS
Authors: Beattie J. , Chambers R. D.
Published: December 2014

1. The rises in oxygen consumption of rats and in the radio‐iodine uptake by their thyroid glands which occur when the environmental temperature is lowered are in no way diminished after the adrenal medulla is extirpated.

2. Extirpation of the adrenal medulla is not followed by a fall in body temperature either under an environmental temperature of 29·5o° C. or after exposure to an environmental temperature of 18o° C.

3. The rise in radio‐iodine uptake on exposure to cold appears to be due to some mechanism independent of the balance between thyroxine and thyrotrophic hormone concentrations in the blood.
CHANGES IN OXYGEN CONSUMPTION, RADIO‐IODINE UPTAKE AND BODY TEMPERATURE FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO COLD IN ALBINO RATS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS
Authors: Beattie J. , Chambers R. D.
Published: December 2014

Quart. J. exp. Physiol. 38, No. 3.

J. BEATTIE AND R. D. CHAMBERS.

Pp. 193‐200.

For

“The temperature range of the cold environment was between 17° and 22° C., with a mean temperature of 20·5° C.,”

read

“The temperature range of the cold environment was between 13° and 18° C., with a mean value of 16·5° C.”
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN ISCHÆMIC SHOCK
Authors: Threlfall C. J. , Stoner H. B.
Published: December 2014

1. The “total carbohydrate” (glucose, glycogen, glucose‐l‐phosphate, fructose‐6‐phosphate and hexose diphosphate) content of normal fasting rats falls during the course of the day and the rate of this fall is increased in ischæmic shock. The effect of limb ischæmia is more marked at an environmental temperature of 30° C. than at one of 22° C.

2. Rats with a high “total carbohydrate” level at the time of injury survive longer than those with a low initial level.

3. In rats dying after hind limb ischæmia, the glucose‐6‐phosphate content of the uninjured muscle is raised whilst the concentration of hexose diphosphate is unaltered.

4. These results are discussed from the point of view that injury increases the demand on the carbohydrate stores.
BIOLOGICAL ASSAY OF PITUITARY, SERUM AND CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHINS AND OF ADRENALINE USING MALE XENOPUS LÆVIS
Authors: Hobson B. M. , Landgrebe F. W.
Published: December 2014

Male Xenopus lœvis are suggested as test animals for the assay of extracts of pituitary, pregnant mares serum, chorionic and menopausal gonadotrophins.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE PERFUSED LIVING ANIMAL (DOG) USING HOMOLOGOUS AND HETEROLOGOUS BLOOD
Authors: de Burgh Daly I. , Eggleton P. , Hebb Catherine , Linzell J. L. , Trowell O. A.
Published: December 2014

1. An examination of the condition of the perfused living animal preparation has included measurements of vascular resistance, pulmonary ventilation, responsiveness of the heart auricles, blood vessels, bronchi and respiratory muscles to direct and reflex stimulation, and persistence of respiratory centre activity.

2. These measurements and measurements of blood levels of sugar, lactate and pH, supplemented by post‐mortem histological examination, showed that the condition of the animal during perfusion is in all its main signs that of peripheral circulatory shock, and that the condition becomes progressively worse in the later stages of perfusion.

3. There was nevertheless often an initial period of relative stability which might continue for as long as 5 or even 7 hours, during which the circulating blood volume remained constant, vascular and respiratory reflexes were present, respiratory centre discharge was regular, and when pulmonary vasomotor nerve responses were constant and reproducible.

4. Acidæmia, due to a high lactic acid production, was present in all the experiments; over the range of blood values found only pulmonary vasoconstrictor responses were observed. Biochemical changes in the blood, the physiological responses to stimulation and the degree of shock and/or tissue damage were not significantly different if horse instead of dog blood were mixed with the recipient's blood for the purpose of perfusion.

5. The effects, which may be primarily due to traumatic shock and anæsthesia, were undoubtedly potentiated—if not initiated—by the vasoconstriction due to vasotonins in the circulating blood. The elimination of vasotonins is thought to be the most important technical problem in the improvement of the preparation.
THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE OF THE FROG SCIATIC NERVE
Authors: Krnjević K.
Published: December 2014

1. The endoneurium in a frog nerve is less abundant than in a mammalian nerve, but as in the latter it consists of an inner and an outer endoneurium. There is no evidence that either of these forms a complete envelope around single nerve fibres.

2. The frog nerve perineurium consists of a deep, continuous layer of squamous epithelium, and a superficial, collagenous layer. It is not a lamellated structure. In addition, one or two apparently incomplete cellular layers of a different character can often be distinguished within the perineurium over the trunk and the branches of the sciatic nerve, but not over the roots.

3. The frog nerve epineurium is composed of loose connective tissue of a rather indistinct nature. A layer of endothelial cells found on the surface of the nerve in the region of the roots is probably derived from the abdominal peritoneum.

4. The perineurium prevents the quick penetration of silver nitrate into the nerve bundle, and behaves as an inextensible, semi‐permeable membrane when the nerve is placed into a hypotonic solution.

5. A solution of methylene blue injected into the nerve bundle does not escape to the surface rapidly unless a very high pressure is applied.

6. Effective desheathing involves removal of all the components of the perineurium. Cleaning of the nerve surface which removes all traces of epineural tissue does not affect the rate of penetration of electrolytes into the nerve. If the perineural epithelium is removed as well, there is a great increase in the apparent permeability of the nerve surface.

7. These facts confirm the hypothesis that the perineurium is a diffusion barrier which insulates and protects the nervous elements from the surrounding mesodermal tissues: this is in accordance with embryological evidence that the perineurium is ectodermal in origin.
REMOVAL OF THE CLIP ON THE RENAL ARTERY IN RABBITS WITH EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC HYPERTENSION
Authors: Daniel P. M. , Prichard Marjorie M. L. , Ward‐McQuaid J. N.
Published: December 2014

1. Twelve rabbits were made hypertensive by the application of a clip to the renal artery of a sole remaining kidney. From 119 to 222 days after its application the clip was removed. The effect of this procedure on the blood pressure and on the circulation through the kidney was studied for varying periods up to 240 days after removal of the clip.

2. Eight of the 12 rabbits maintained their hypertension.

3. Rapid serial angiograms showed no obvious change in the intrarenal circulation of any of the animals. The only abnormality seen was a deformity of the renal artery at the site where the clip had been.

4. Histologically, the renal artery at the site of the clip showed fibrosis and a great loss of elastic tissue, but no arterial changes were found in the kidney itself or in other organs. Neoprene casts of the renal blood vessels showed no significant degeneration of the juxtamedullary glomeruli, a finding in keeping with the normal picture of the renal circulation seen in the angiograms.

5. The factor, renal or extrarenal, which was responsible for the maintenance of the hypertension is not known.