bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Sunscreen Benzophenone-4 in Hair Shampoos by Hydrophilic Interactions Thin-Layer Chromatography/Densitometry or Derivative UV Spectrophotometry
Authors: Sobańska Anna W. , Kałębasiak Katarzyna , Pyzowski Jarosław , Brzezińska Elżbieta
Published: February 2015

Benzophenone-4 (BZ4) was separated from surfactants, dyes, preservatives, and other components of hair shampoos by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel 60 stationary phase, with ethyl acetate-ethanol-water-pH 6 phosphate buffer (15 : 7 : 5 : 1 v/v/v/v) as mobile phase. Densitometry scanning of chromatograms was performed at 285 nm. The densitometric calibration curve for BZ4 was nonlinear (second-degree polynomial), withR>0.999. The limits of detection and quantification wereca.0.03 andca.0.1 μg spot−1, respectively. The results obtained by HPTLC-densitometry were compared to those obtained by zero and 2nd derivative UV spectrophotometry. In the case of spectrophotometric methods, calibration curves were linear withR>0.9998. The chromatographic method was fully validated.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Triamcinolone for Treatment of Cystoid Macular Oedema Associated with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and Imatinib Therapy
Authors: Newcott Eric K. , Ellabban Abdallah A. , Tavassoli Shokufeh , Sallam Ahmed
Published: February 2015

Purpose.To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone in the treatment of cystoid macular oedema in a case with chronic myeloid leukaemia on imatinib treatment.Methods.We treated a 78-year-old man with bilateral cystoid macular oedema with intravitreal triamcinolone and subsequent bevacizumab in one eye and intravitreal bevacizumab, alone, in the fellow eye.Results.Serial intravitreal bevacizumab with and without triamcinolone treated cystoid macular oedema in both eyes and improved the vision.Conclusion.Intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone could be viable options to treat cystoid macular oedema due to chronic myeloid leukaemia and imatinib therapy.
Comparative Study of Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Tofoli Fernando Lessa , de Castro Pereira Dênis , de Paula Wesley Josias
Published: February 2015

The generation of electricity from photovoltaic (PV) arrays has been increasingly considered as a prominent alternative to fossil fuels. However, the conversion efficiency is typically low and the initial cost is still appreciable. A required feature of a PV system is the ability to track the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV array. Besides, MPP tracking (MPPT) is desirable in both grid-connected and stand-alone photovoltaic systems because the solar irradiance and temperature change throughout the day, as well as along seasons and geographical conditions, also leading to the modification of theI×V(current versus voltage) andP×V(power versus voltage) curves of the PV module. MPPT is also justified by the relatively high cost of the energy generated by PV systems if compared with other sources. Since there are various MPPT approaches available in the literature, this work presents a comparative study among four popular techniques, which are the fixed duty cycle method, constant voltage (CV), perturb and observe (P&O), and incremental conductance (IC). It considers different operational climatic conditions (i.e., irradiance and temperature), since the MPP is nonlinear with the environment status. PSIM software is used to validate the assumptions, while relevant results are discussed in detail.
Subclassification of Follicular Neoplasms Recommended by the Japan Thyroid Association Reporting System of Thyroid Cytology
Authors: Kakudo Kennichi , Kameyama Kaori , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Katoh Ryohei , Nakamura Hirotoshi
Published: February 2015

Background. The Japan Thyroid Association recently published guidelines for clinical practice for the management of thyroid nodules, which include a diagnostic system for reporting thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology. It is characterized by the subclassification of follicular neoplasms, which is different from other internationally accepted reporting systems.Materials and Methods. This study examined observer variability in the subclassification of follicular neoplasms among 4 reviewers using Papanicolaou-stained smear samples from 20 surgically treated patients with indeterminate cytology.Results. The favor malignant subcategory had high predictive value of malignancy (risk of malignancy: 60–75%) and good agreement among the 4 reviewers(κ=0.7714).Conclusion. These results clearly confirmed that the risk stratification of follicular neoplasms, which was adapted from cytology practice of high-volume thyroid centers in Japan, can provide clinically helpful information to estimate the risk of malignancy and to triage patients for surgery.
Hypoxia: An Unusual Cause with Specific Treatment
Authors: Berger John P. , Raveendran Ganesh , Ingbar David H. , Bhargava Maneesh
Published: February 2015

Hypoxia is a well-recognized consequence of venous admixture resulting from right to left intracardiac shunting. Right to left shunting is usually associated with high pulmonary artery pressure or alteration in the direction of blood flow due to an anatomical abnormality of the thorax. Surgical or percutaneous closure remains controversial; however it is performed frequently for patients presenting with clinical sequela presumed to be resulting from paradoxical embolization secondary to right to left shunting. We report two patients with hypoxia and dyspnea due to right to left shunting through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and venous admixture in the absence of elevated pulmonary artery pressures or other predisposing conditions like pneumonectomy or diaphragmatic weakness. Percutaneous closures of the PFOs with the self-centering Amplatzer device resulted in resolution of hypoxia and symptoms related to it.
Prometastatic NOTCH Signaling in Colon Cancer
Authors: Kranenburg Onno
Published: February 2015

Summary: Dysregulation of NOTCH signaling contributes to the development of colorectal cancer, but how this pathway regulates metastasis has so far remained unclear. Sonoshita and colleagues identified a novel NOTCH-driven metastasis pathway that is amenable to therapeutic intervention and generated a companion diagnostic tool that allows analysis of pathway activity in human tumor tissue sections. Cancer Discov; 5(2); 115–7. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Sonoshita et al., p. 198
Blockade of Specific NOTCH Ligands: A New Promising Approach in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Briot Anaïs , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa
Published: February 2015

Summary: The signaling specificity conveyed by distinct combination of NOTCH receptors/ligands has remained elusive. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, through the development of ligand-specific NOTCH inhibitors, Kangsamaksin and colleagues uncovered unique signaling outcomes downstream of DLL- and JAG-receptor activation and demonstrated their effects in the suppression of tumor angiogenesis. Cancer Discov; 5(2); 112–4. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Kangsamaksin et al., p. 182
Sweets for a Bitter End: Lung Cancer Cell–Surface Protein Glycosylation Mediates Metastatic Colonization
Authors: Arnal-Estapé Anna , Nguyen Don X.
Published: February 2015

Summary: Glycosylation is one of the most predominant forms of cell-surface protein modifications, yet its deregulation in cancer and contribution to tumor microenvironment interactions remain poorly understood. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Reticker-Flynn and Bhatia characterize an enzymatic switch in lung cancer cells that triggers aberrant surface protein glycosylation patterns, adhesion to lectins on the surface of inflammatory cells, and subsequent metastatic colonization of the liver. Cancer Discov; 5(2); 109–11. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Reticker-Flynn and Bhatia, p. 168
SOCS3 Deficiency in Myeloid Cells Promotes Tumor Development: Involvement of STAT3 Activation and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Yu Hao , Liu Yudong , McFarland Braden C. , Deshane Jessy S. , Hurst Douglas R. , Ponnazhagan Selvarangan , Benveniste Etty N. , Qin Hongwei
Published: February 2015

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative regulators of the JAK/STAT pathway and generally function as tumor suppressors. The absence of SOCS3 in particular leads to heightened activation of the STAT3 transcription factor, which has a striking ability to promote tumor survival while suppressing antitumor immunity. We report for the first time that genetic deletion of SOCS3, specifically in myeloid cells, significantly enhances tumor growth, which correlates with elevated levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the tumor microenvironment, and diminishes CD8+ T-cell infiltration in tumors. The importance of MDSCs in promoting tumor growth is documented by reduced tumor growth upon depletion of MDSCs. Furthermore, SOCS3-deficient bone-marrow–derived cells exhibit heightened STAT3 activation and preferentially differentiate into the Gr-1+CD11b+Ly6G+ MDSC phenotype. Importantly, we identify G-CSF as a critical factor secreted by the tumor microenvironment that promotes development of MDSCs via a STAT3-dependent pathway. Abrogation of tumor-derived G-CSF reduces the proliferation and accumulation of Gr-1+CD11b+ MDSCs and inhibits tumor growth. These findings highlight the critical function of SOCS3 as a negative regulator of MDSC development and function via inhibition of STAT3 activation. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(7); 727–40. ©2015 AACR.
Postpartum Uterine Bleeding from the Inferior Mesenteric Artery: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Shin Sun Mi , Yi Kyong Wook , Chung Hwan Hoon
Published: February 2015

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The common causes of primary PPH include uterine atony, abnormal placentation, retained placenta, and birth canal injury. The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) arises from the aorta and is the main artery to supply the descending and sigmoid colon, as well as the rectum. We present a case of immediate, severe uterine bleeding after a normal vaginal delivery; angiography determined that hemorrhage originated from the IMA, and there were no anastomoses between the IMA and other pelvic arteries. The patient was successfully managed by selective embolization of a distal branch of the IMA. Our case report presents a new and interesting variation of pelvic vascular anatomy; moreover, it is the first report to present a case of postpartum uterine bleeding originating from the IMA.
Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery for Benign Ovarian Cystectomies
Authors: Bedaiwy Mohamed A. , Sheyn David , Eghdami Lily , Abdelhafez Faten F. , Volsky Jessica G. , Nickles-Fader Amanada , Escobar Pedro F.
Published: February 2015

Background: Single-port laparoscopy (LESS) utilizes a single, multichannel port in an attempt to decrease postoperative pain, while enhancing cosmesis and minimizing the potential risks and morbidities associated with the multiple ports used in conventional laparoscopy. Methods: We performed a retrospective study examining three tertiary care referral centers. From September 2009 until March 2013, 31 patients with ovarian cystic lesions were treated using the LESS technique. A control group of 57 patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy was included for comparison. Results: All patients underwent a technically successful cystectomy. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean operative time or estimated blood loss between the two groups. Narcotic use during the recovery period was reported in less patients in the LESS group than in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.05). Conclusions: The LESS technique can be used to safely perform cystectomies on women with benign ovarian cysts. Additional investigation is needed to evaluate the safety, cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes of this new approach.
The Effect of Smoking on Quality of Life following Sinus Surgery: 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: White Lauren C. , Kazi Aasif A. , Jang David W. , Gurrola Jose , Kountakis Stilianos E.
Published: February 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the 10-year postoperative quality of life outcomes in smokers and nonsmokers with chronic rhinosinusitis. Study Design: This is a single-institution prospective cohort study. Methods: 235 patients who have previously been enrolled in a 4-year follow-up study were identified and contacted for a telephone interview. Rates of revision surgery, smoking status and 20-item sinonasal outcomes test (SNOT-20) scores were obtained. Preoperative SNOT-20 scores were compared with those obtained at the 10-year follow-up. Results: Of the patients enrolled in the initial 4-year study, 22.5% were available for a telephone interview, including 43 out of 185 nonsmokers (23.2%) and 9 out of 50 smokers (18%). Demographic data including age, sex and race were analyzed and found to be similar between the two groups. Preoperative SNOT-20 scores were similar between nonsmokers and smokers (28.9 vs. 25.8, p = 0.89). There was no significant difference in long-term SNOT-20 scores (10 years postoperatively) between nonsmokers and smokers (31.5 vs. 28.2, p = 0.629). Conclusions: While cigarette smoke may have long-term adverse effects on the sinonasal mucosa, we found no difference in quality of life outcomes between smokers and nonsmokers 10 years after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Accuracy of Predicting Fetal Loss in Twin Pregnancies Using Gestational Age-Dependent Weight Discordance Cut-Offs: Analysis of the STORK Multiple Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: D'Antonio Francesco , Khalil Asma , Morlando Maddalena , Thilaganathan Basky ,   on behalf of the Southwest Thames Obstetric Research Collaborative (STORK)
Published: February 2015

Objectives: A third-trimester fetal weight discordance of 25% has been proposed as an independent predictor of fetal loss in twin pregnancies. As fetal weight gain at this stage of pregnancy increases exponentially, it is not entirely certain whether a single cut-off for inter-twin weight discordance is appropriate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single weight discordance cut-off can be used or whether different cut-offs should be adopted according to the gestational age at assessment. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all twin pregnancies of known chorionicity from a large regional cohort over a 10-year period. Receiver operating characteristic curve and logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relation between estimated fetal weight (EFW) discordance detected within 4 weeks from the occurrence of the outcome and single fetal loss at different gestational age windows. Results: 957 twin pregnancies (173 monochorionic and 784 dichorionic) were included in the analysis. EFW discordance was independently associated with the occurrence of single fetal loss in twin pregnancies in each gestational age window. Ultrasound EFW discordance had an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67-0.87) for the prediction of single fetal loss in the third trimester of pregnancy, with an optimal cut-off of around 25% (23.2%). The optimal cut-offs of EFW discordance for the prediction of single fetal loss were different in each gestational age window. Conclusion: The accuracy of EFW discordance in predicting single fetal loss in twin pregnancies varies during the third trimester of pregnancy. The degree of fetal weight discordance associated with fetal loss decreases during the third trimester, suggesting that the weight discordance threshold for intervention should vary according to gestational age.
Retrospective Review of Platelet Transfusion Practices during 2013 Dengue Epidemic of Delhi, India
Authors: Chaurasia Rahul , Zaman Shamsuz , Chatterjee Kabita , Das Bankim
Published: February 2015

Background: Dengue infection is a major public health problem. During explosive outbreaks, there is sudden surge in demands of platelet products. The present study was carried out in order to review platelet transfusion practices during the epidemic of dengue. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical details including the platelet counts and haemorrhagic tendencies of dengue patients as well as the transfusion requirements of diagnosed dengue cases admitted at our centre. Results: A total of 1,750 random donor platelet and 114 single donor platelet units were transfused to 531 patients. 23.2% platelet transfusions were found to be inappropriate Mean dosage of platelets transfused was 2 × 1011 platelets per patient. A total of 347 (65.3%) patients had bleeding diathesis at the time of presentation. Skin and the oropharynx were the most common bleeding sites. Major bleeding was seen in 119 (34.3%) patients, whereas 228 (65.7%) patients had minor bleeding episodes. Conclusion: The study emphasises the need for minimising unnecessary transfusions and for using this scarce resource judiciously, which can be achieved by strict adherence to evidence-based transfusion guidelines and regular review of the on-going transfusion practices.
Addition of Aprepitant (Emend®) to Standard Antiemetic Regimen Continued for 7 Days after Chemotherapy for Stem Cell Transplantation Provides Significant Reduction of Vomiting
Authors: Svanberg Anncarin , Birgegård Gunnar
Published: February 2015

Chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (CINV) is a major problem for patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) conditioning before stem cell transplantation (SCT), both during chemotherapy and afterwards (delayed nausea/vomiting). The standard of care (5-HT3 antagonist and dexamethasone) appears to be ineffective against delayed nausea and vomiting. The objective of this study was to compare standard antiemetic treatment with standard treatment plus prolonged treatment with aprepitant (Emend®) until 7 days after the end of chemotherapy in patients treated with HDCT before autologous SCT. Ninety-six patients were randomized to the experiment (EXP) group receiving Emend in addition to standard antiemetics or to the control (CTR) group receiving placebo. Emend or placebo treatment started 1 h before the first HDCT dose for SCT and ended 7 days after HDCT. Thirty-eight patients in the EXP group experienced complete response (no vomiting) compared to 16 patients in the CTR group. There was a significant difference between the EXP (0.63 ± 2.71) and the CTR (3.72 ± 4.91) group during 10 days after the end of HDCT (p = 0.001) with regard to the number of vomiting episodes. No difference with regard to days of nausea or in the use of antiemetic rescue was noted between the groups. We conclude that standard antiemetic treatment can be improved by addition of aprepitant continued for 7 days after the end of chemotherapy.
Donor Hemovigilance with Blood Donation
Authors: Diekamp Ulrich , Gneißl Johannes , Rabe Angela , Kießig Stephan T.
Published: February 2015

Background: Reports on unexpected events (UEs) during blood donation (BD) inadequately consider the role of technical UEs. Methods: Defined local and systemic UEs were graded by severity; technical UEs were not graded. On January 1, 2008, E.B.P.S.-Logistics (EBPS) installed the UE module for plasma management software (PMS). Donor room physicians entered UEs daily into PMS. Medical directors reviewed entries quarterly. EBPS compiled data on donors, donations, and UEs from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011. Results: 6,605 UEs were observed during 166,650 BDs from 57,622 donors for a corrected incidence of 4.30% (0.66% local, 1.59% systemic, 2.04% technical UEs). 2.96% of BDs were accompanied by one UE and 0.45% by >1 UE (2-4). 6.3% of donors donating blood for their first time, 3.5% of those giving blood for their second time, and 1.9% of donors giving their third or more BD experienced UEs. Most common UEs were: discontinued collections due to venous access problems, repeated venipuncture, and small hematomas. Severe circulatory UEs occurred at a rate of 16 per 100,000 BDs. Conclusions: Technical UEs were common during BD. UEs accompanied first and second donations significantly more often than subsequent donations.
Pituitary Cell Turnover: From Adult Stem Cell Recruitment through Differentiation to Death
Authors: Garcia-Lavandeira Montserrat , Diaz-Rodriguez Esther , Bahar Dilek , Garcia-Rendueles Angela R. , Rodrigues Joana S. , Dieguez Carlos , Alvarez Clara V.
Published: February 2015

The recent demonstration using genetic tracing that in the adult pituitary stem cells are normally recruited from the niche in the marginal zone and differentiate into secretory cells in the adenopituitary has elegantly confirmed the proposal made when the pituitary stem cell niche was first discovered 5 years ago. Some of the early controversies have also been resolved. However, many questions remain, such as which are the markers that make a pituitary stem cell truly unique and the exact mechanisms that trigger recruitment from the niche. Little is known about the processes of commitment and differentiation once a stem cell has left the niche. Moreover, the acceptance that pituitary cells are renewed by stem cells implies the existence of regulated mechanisms of cell death in differentiated cells which must themselves be explained. The demonstration of an apoptotic pathway mediated by RET/caspase 3/Pit-1/Arf/p53 in normal somatotrophs is therefore an important step towards understanding how pituitary cell number is regulated. Further work will elucidate how the rates of the three processes of cell renewal, differentiation and apoptosis are balanced in tissue homeostasis after birth, but altered in pituitary hyperplasia in response to physiological stimuli such as puberty and lactation. Thus, we can aim to understand the mechanisms underlying human disease due to insufficient (hypopituitarism) or excess (pituitary tumor) cell numbers.
Antithrombotic treatment in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)
Authors: Nijenhuis Vincent J. , Bennaghmouch Naoual , Kuijk Jan-Peter van , Capodanno Davide , ten Berg Jurriën M.
Published: February 2015

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment option for symptomatic patients with severe aortic valvular disease who are not suitable for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement. Despite improving experience and techniques, ischaemic and bleeding complications after TAVI remain prevalent and impair survival in this generally old and comorbid-rich population. Due to changing aetiology of complications over time, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy after TAVI should be carefully balanced. Empirically, a dual antiplatelet strategy is generally used after TAVI for patients without an indication for oral anticoagulation (OAC; e. g. atrial fibrillation, mechanical mitral valve prosthesis), including aspirin and a thienopyridine. For patients on OAC, a combination of OAC and aspirin or thienopyridine is generally used. This review shows that current registries are unfit to directly compare antithrombotic regimens. Small exploring studies suggest that additional clopidogrel after TAVI only affects bleeding and not ischemic complications. However, these studies are lack in quality in terms of Cochrane criteria. Currently, three randomised controlled trials are recruiting to gather more knowledge about the effects of clopidogrel after TAVI.
The Mechanism of Flecainide Action in CPVT Does Not Involve a Direct Effect on RyR2
Authors: Bannister Mark L. , Thomas N. Lowri , Sikkel Markus B. , Mukherjee Saptarshi , Maxwell Chloe , MacLeod Kenneth T. , George Christopher H. , Williams Alan J.
Published: February 2015

Rationale:

Flecainide, a class 1c antiarrhythmic, has emerged as an effective therapy in preventing arrhythmias in patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) refractory to β-adrenergic receptor blockade. It has been proposed that the clinical efficacy of flecainide in CPVT is because of the combined actions of direct blockade of ryanodine receptors (RyR2) and Na
+
channel inhibition. However, there is presently no direct evidence to support the notion that flecainide blocks RyR2 Ca
2+
flux in the physiologically relevant (luminal-to-cytoplasmic) direction. The mechanism of flecainide action remains controversial.

Objective:

To examine, in detail, the effect of flecainide on the human RyR2 channel and to establish whether the direct blockade of physiologically relevant RyR2 ion flow by the drug contributes to its therapeutic efficacy in the clinical management of CPVT.

Methods and Results:

Using single-channel analysis, we show that, even at supraphysiological concentrations, flecainide did not inhibit the physiologically relevant, luminal-to-cytosolic flux of cations through the channel. Moreover, flecainide did not alter RyR2 channel gating and had negligible effect on the mechanisms responsible for the sarcoplasmic reticulum charge-compensating counter current. Using permeabilized cardiac myocytes to eliminate any contribution of plasmalemmal Na
+
channels to the observed actions of the drug at the cellular level, flecainide did not inhibit RyR2-dependent sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
release.

Conclusions:

The principal action of flecainide in CPVT is not via a direct interaction with RyR2. Our data support a model of flecainide action in which Na
+
-dependent modulation of intracellular Ca
2+
handling attenuates RyR2 dysfunction in CPVT.
Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events Score Predicts Clinical Outcome and Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Chinese Patients After Thrombolysis
Authors: Chen Weiqi , Pan Yuesong , Zhao Xingquan , Liao Xiaoling , Liu Liping , Wang Chunjuan , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun
Published: February 2015

Background and Purpose—

The performance of the Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score in predicting clinical outcomes in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke post intravenous thrombolysis is unknown.

Methods—

Data from the Thrombolysis Implementation and Monitor of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China (TIMS-China) study was used to compare the THRIVE score with other scores used to predict clinical outcomes and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis.

Results—

Among the 1128 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were included in this study, areas under the curve of the THRIVE score for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 3-month poor functional outcomes, and death rate were 0.69, 0.71, and 0.78, respectively. The increased THRIVE score was related to the higher risk of developing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, poor functional outcomes, or death in patients with acute ischemic stroke at 3 months after thrombolysis.

Conclusions—

The THRIVE score predicted reliably the risks of developing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, poor functional outcome, or death after intravenous thrombolysis therapy in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Testing the Limits of Climate History: The Quest for a Northeast Passage during the Little Ice Age, 1594–1597
Authors: Degroot Dagomar
Published: February 2015

Although interdisciplinary scholars have firmly established the existence of an early modern Little Ice Age, methodologies that link climate, weather, and human history remain in their infancy. Journals kept during three Dutch expeditions to find a northeast passage through the Arctic between 1594 and 1597 demonstrate the complexity of establishing relationships between climate and human affairs. They confirm scientific reconstructions of the Little Ice Age in the Arctic, but they also record counterintuitive relationships between regional climate and local environments. These local manifestations of climate change shaped the course of the Dutch quest for a northeast passage in the 1590s, with important ramifications for Dutch economic and intellectual history. The journals reveal that historians must carefully establish distinct relationships between shifting environmental conditions and human activities across different scales before attempting to tie climate change to human history.
Two Components of Long-Distance Extraction: Successive Cyclicity in Dinka
Authors: van Urk Coppe , Richards Norvin
Published: February 2015

This article presents novel data from the Nilotic language Dinka, in which the syntax of successive-cyclic movement is remarkably transparent. We show that Dinka provides strong support for the view that long-distance extraction proceeds through the edge of every verb phrase and every clause on the path of movement ( Chomsky 1986 , 2000 , 2001 , 2008 ). In addition, long-distance dependencies in Dinka offer evidence that extraction from a CP requires agreement between v and the CP that is extracted from ( Rackowski and Richards 2005 , Den Dikken 2009b , 2012a , b ). The claim that both of these components constrain long-distance movement is important, as much contemporary work on extraction incorporates only one of them. To accommodate this conclusion, we propose a modification of Rackowski and Richards 2005 , in which both intermediate movement and Agree relations between phase heads are necessary steps in establishing a long-distance dependency.
Contemporary Challenges in Relation to the Prosecution of Senior State Officials before the International Criminal Court
Authors: Hobbs Patricia
Published: February 2015

The International Criminal Court (icc) proceedings against Mr Ruto and Mr Kenyatta have been hindered by a series of arguments and counterarguments aiming either to avoid prosecution altogether or, at best, to cause significant delays. Moreover, the African Union (au) has repeatedly provided additional support to Kenya’s standpoint, furthering the interests of the region over international criminal justice. Following Kenya’s legitimate efforts to retain the jurisdiction over the crimes that took place in 2007–2008, the status of the defendants became an obstacle to effective prosecutions, giving rise to further areas of dispute, namely immunity, trial attendance and a general uncooperative attitude towards Prosecution requests, leaving the icc virtually unable to proceed. This article highlights the current problems encountered by the icc in relation to the Kenya situation, and argues that a stronger collaboration with the African Union (au) is vital for the icc effectiveness in that region.
Physical and Legal Inability under Article 17(3) of the Rome Statute
Authors: Hassanein Ahmed Samir
Published: February 2015

While the complementary regime of the International Criminal Court (icc) has been the subject of extensive examination in the literature, this article offers a new reading of the inability scenario that establishes a clear distinction between two different forms of inability under Article 17(3) of the Rome Statute. An in-depth analysis of this article as this review suggests, would show that the reason behind the inability of a national judicial system is attributed to one of two factors or even the two together; first, physical factors, in the case of ‘total or substantial collapse’, and second, legal factors, in the case of ‘unavailability of national judicial system’. Significantly, the aforementioned distinction is not limited to theoretical debate, but it has pivotal legal ramifications as the emerging practice of the icc shows, or rather does not show, as it seems that the icc confuses the two forms of inability.
How Do International Judges Approach Competing Precedent? An Analysis of the Practice of International Criminal Courts and Tribunals in Relation to Substantive Law
Authors: Borda Aldo Zammit
Published: February 2015

When faced with judicial decisions from other courts and tribunals which may appear to contradict their findings, international judges could, inter alia, potentially simply omit to take cognizance of such decisions or they could seek to distinguish or depart from them. In the context of international criminal courts and tribunals, this article examines cases in which judges have sought to distinguish or depart from external judicial decisions. It considers the assessment of relevance and suggests that the formulation of any a priori rules of relevance may not be feasible. The research came across relatively few instances of explicit departures from external judicial decisions. From a brief review of the literature, some potential explanations for which a conciliatory, rather than a competitive, approach may be preferred could include: (a) respect for the principle of comity and (b) a concern with the coherence of international law.
Coherence in International Criminal Justice: A Victimological Perspective
Authors: Pemberton A. , Letschert R.M. , de Brouwer A.-M. , Haveman R.H.
Published: February 2015

This article develops a victimological perspective on international criminal justice, based on a review of the main victimological characteristics of international crimes: the complicity of government agencies, the large numbers of victims involved and the peculiar position of victims of international crimes, who at the time of the commission of the crimes are viewed as perpetrators and/or beyond the moral sphere, rather than as victims. Key elements of the framework concern the external coherence of the criminal justice reaction – the interlinking of criminal justice with other reparative efforts – as well as its internal coherence – the extent to which the procedures of international criminal justice are aligned with what it realistically can and should achieve. This latter aspect of coherence is used in an examination of victims’ rights in international criminal justice procedures.
Redescription of Ecdyonurus (Ecdyonurus) russevi Braasch & Soldán, 1985 (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae)
Authors: GODUNKO ROMAN J. , VIDINOVA YANKA , SOLDÁN TOMÁŠ
Published: February 2015

This study is focussed on the redescription of Ecdyonurus (Ecdyonurus) russevi Braasch & Soldán on the basis of the type material (holotype and paratypes) and topotypes collected in the Strandzha Mts. (Bulgaria). Female imago and subimago, larva and egg of the species are described for the first time and the male imago is redescribed in detail. The features distinguishing the species from other representatives of the genus Ecdyonurus are presented. Ecdyonurus russevi differs by the combination of several characters in the colour pattern of abdominal terga and wings, colour of lateral portion of male eyes and male genitalia structure in adults; some overlap has been observed in the number of groups of setae, bristles and hair-like setae on maxillae and labial palps, shape of pronotal projection and colour of tarsi in larvae; and insignificant number of knob-terminated coiled threads on exochorion, with only a few such attachment elements on one pole in eggs. Biology and present distribution of the species are discussed.
Morphological variation in males of Dendrocephalus orientalis (Anostraca: Thamnocephalidae): Implications for species identification
Authors: HIROSE GUSTAVO LUIS , BARROS-ALVES SAMARA DE PAIVA , ALVES DOUGLAS FERNANDES RODRIGUES , SILVA IZABEL REGINA SOARES DA , BEZERRA MARIA ANGÉLICA DE OLIVEIRA
Published: February 2015

The genus Dendrocephalus Daday, 1908 consists of 17 described species. The morphology of the frontal appendage and the first pairs of thoracopods of males are the main characteristics used for species identification. The objectives of this study were to increase knowledge of the morphology of Dendrocephalus orientalis and to propose a new identification key for the species occurring in Brazil. Specimens were collected in temporary ponds within the conservation unit Monument Natural Grota do Angico (MNGA), which straddles the borders of the municipalities of Poço Redondo and Canindé de São Francisco, State of Sergipe, Brazil. During the study period, 560 male individuals of D. orientalis were sampled. The specimens showed variations in the number of spines on the eyes and the proximal surface of the male frontal appendage. On the eye, the number of spines ranged from 0 to 2; morphotypes with 1 and 2 spines predominated in the samples, with 50.5% and 46.2%, respectively. The number of spines on each eye was the same within each individual. On the proximal surface of the males frontal appendage the following numbers of spines on each arm were recorded: 1 and 1 (57.86%); 2 and 1 (30.89%); 2 and 2 (9.46%); 1 and 0 (1.25%); 3 and 2 (0.36%); 2 and 0 (0.18%). Based on these variations, we conclude that the number of spines on the eyes and the frontal appendage arms cannot be used as a diagnostic character for species identification. On the other hand, the first pairs of thoracopods and sub-branches 1V and 2A of the frontal appendage should be included in keys, since these structures did not show significant intraspecific morphological variation.
Oligosarcus amome (Ostariophysi: Characidae), a new species from the río Uruguay basin, Misiones, Argentina
Authors: ALMIRÓN ADRIANA , CASCIOTTA JORGE , PIÁLEK LUBOMÍR , DOUBNEROVÁ KLÁRA , ŘÍČAN OLDŘICH
Published: February 2015

Oligosarcus amome is described from tributaries of the arroyo Yabotí-Guazú, río Uruguay basin, Misiones Province, Argentina. This new species can be distinguished from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of two conspicuous series of teeth on premaxilla bearing pentacuspidate teeth in the outer series. Oligosarcus amome is the sister taxon of all remaining analyzed species of the genus excepting O. itau.
Laimaphelenchus hyrcanus n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), a new species from northern Iran
Authors: MIRAEIZ ESMAEIL , HEYDARI RAMIN , MAAFI ZAHRA TANHA , BERT WIM
Published: February 2015

Laimaphalenchus hyrcanus n. sp., from bark samples of cypress (Cupressus sp.) and jujube (Ziziphus jujube Miller) from Gorgan, Golestan province in northern Iran, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular characters. The new species is characterized by females with 670–870 μm body length, slender stylet of 11–12 µm, six-lobed cephalic region not divided by ribs, three incisures in the lateral field with slightly areolated outer lines in the posterior region, cuticular vulval flap, males with two pairs of caudal papillae, and subcylindrical tail in both sexes ending in a single stalk-like terminus with four pedunculate tubercles bearing 9–10 finger-like projections. The new species most closely resembles L. persicus and L. penardi but it can be differentiated by its having three incisures in the lateral field and two pairs of caudal papillae in males. Molecular analysis of the D2/D3 region of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene indicates a sister-taxon relationship with L. penardi (Steiner, 1914) Filipjev & Schuurmans Stekhoven, 1941 and L. deconincki Elmiligy & Geraert, 1972.
Postprocedural Skin Perfusion Pressure Correlates With Clinical Outcomes 1 Year After Endovascular Therapy for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Okamoto Shin , Iida Osamu , Nakamura Masato , Yamauchi Yasutaka , Fukunaga Masashi , Yokoi Yoshiaki , Soga Yoshimitsu , Zen Kan , Hirano Keisuke , Suematsu Nobuhiro , Suzuki Kenji , Shintani Yoshiaki , Miyashita Yusuke , Urasawa Kazushi , Kitano Ikuro , Yamaoka Terutoshi , Ohura Norihiko , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Uematsu Masaaki , Nanto Shinsuke
Published: February 2015

Background:

Although skin perfusion pressure (SPP) is widely used clinically to predict probability of wound healing, correlation between clinical outcomes and SPP has not been systematically studied.

Methods:

This subanalysis of the prospective multicenter OLIVE registry of patients who received infrainguinal endovascular therapy (EVT) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) assessed the association between clinical outcomes and postoperative SPP in 211 consecutive patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with amputation-free survival (AFS), modified major adverse limb events (MALEs), and complete wound healing as dependent variables and postprocedural SPP as independent variable.

Result:

Pre- and postprocedural SPP was 28 ± 11 and 46 ± 18 mm Hg, respectively. In logistic regression analysis, postprocedural SPP correlated with 1-year AFS ( P = .018), modified MALEs ( P < .001), and wound healing ( P = .022).

Conclusion:

Postprocedural SPP correlates with clinical outcomes after EVT for patients with CLI.
“YOU Were Adopted?!”
Authors: Garber Karin J. , Grotevant Harold D.
Published: February 2015

This study delineated a microaggressions typology and corresponding intensity levels that occur to adopted adolescents. The microaggressions framework by Sue et al. was adapted to identify this adoptive microaggression typology. Interviews with 153 (males = 79, females = 74) non-Latino/a White adolescent adopted individuals in same-race families were analyzed. Thematic analysis was used to discover 16 themes: (a) Silence, (b) Overly Intrusive Questions, (c) Assumption of Bionormativity, (d) Recurring Confusion/Ignorance, (e) In-House Divisions, (f) Public “Outing,” (g) Using Adoption, (h) Questioning Authenticity, (i) Unacknowledged Identity Status, (j) Spokesperson for Adoption, (k) Adoptees as Nonnormative, (l) Sensitivity, (m) Negative Stereotypes about Birth parents, (n) Adoptees as Orphans, (o) Negative Societal Portrayal of Adoption, and (p) Other. Implications for theory and practice are provided.
Gendering Friendship: Couple Culture, Heteronormativity and the Production of Gender
Authors: Cronin Anne M
Published: February 2015

This article draws on interview material to analyse the ways in which heterosexual ‘couple practices’ interface with friendship practices (outside the couple). Focusing on the qualitative detail of participants’ experiences of friendship and of coupledom, I analyse the relationalities of gender, heterosexualities and friendship. Rather than focusing on gender as a variable in friendship variance, I examine the ways in which friendships ‘do’ gender and heterosexualities. In this dynamic, intimacy is practised by participants as a zero sum game and its distribution is strongly bounded. I argue that this distribution acts to create and reinforce boundaries of ‘friendship’ and ‘sexual couple’ bonds, and I examine the implications of these findings for analysing the relational qualities of the friendship tie.
Older Men as Learners
Authors: Carragher Lucia , Golding Barry
Published: February 2015

To date, little attention has been placed on older men (aged 50+ years) as learners, with much of the literature on adult learning concerned with younger age-groups and issues around gender equity directed mainly at women. This article examines the impact of community-based men’s sheds on informal and nonformal learning by older men in Ireland. It considers older men’s attitudes to learning, learning behavior, and the noncognitive attributes—motivation, perseverance, and beliefs about capabilities—that underpin learning behavior. This descriptive study used a mixed-methods approach, involving questionnaires and focus groups, with all sheds registered with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association invited to participate. It is concluded that men’s sheds provide space for hands-on learning activities that add value to the lives and experiences of men beyond work, fostering a yearning to carry on learning. Crucially, shed-based conversations have an important role in helping older men with difficult life transitions and are an important site for future studies of masculinity in later life.
Influence of stem type on material loss at the metal-on-metal pinnacle taper junction
Authors: Hothi Harry S , Whittaker Robert K , Meswania Jay M , Blunn Gordon W , Skinner John A , Hart Alister J
Published: February 2015

The clinical importance of material loss at the head–stem junction is unknown. Comparison of retrievals with different stem types can provide the opportunity to understand the importance of the taper junction. This was a case–control study involving 20 retrieved 36 mm metal-on-metal Pinnacle (DePuy) hips that were paired with either a Corail (n = 10) or S-ROM (n = 10) stem. The median head taper material loss rate for the Corail group was 0.238 (0.0002–2.178) mm3/year and was significantly greater than the S-ROM group (p = 0.042), which had a median material loss rate of 0.132 (0.015–0.518) mm3/year. The only significant difference between the groups was the stem taper roughness and length: this was rougher and shorter for the Corails. Long and smooth stem taper designs are preferred when used in conjunction with metal heads.
De l’espace transculturel : Le transculturalisme revisité à travers la littérature migrante du Québec
Authors: Shin Junga , Choi Yong Ho
Published: February 2015

Résumé

Cet article vise à interroger les enjeux du transculturalisme à partir de l’idée d’un espace transculturel pour relancer le débat sur la culturologie. En nous appuyant sur la sémiotique de la culture de Lotman, nous nous emploierons à modéliser cet espace de l’entre-deux. C’est la littérature migrante du Québec qui nous servira de fil conducteur pour cette modélisation. Tout particulièrement, nous prendrons comme corpus un ouvrage d’Ook Chung, intitulé Kimchi. À travers l’analyse de cet ouvrage, nous allons procéder à la triple caractérisation de l’espace transculturel, sans prétendre à l’exhaustivité : (i) espace frontalier ; (ii) espace indéterminé ; et (iii) espace potentiel. Cette idée d’espace transculturel nous invite à repenser la problématique de l’identité culturelle dans le cadre esthético-politique de la possibilité potentielle d’une autre forme de culture. Notre but consiste à fournir un nouveau cadre théorique dans lequel élaborer le transculturalisme.
Youth Perspectives on Sexual Health Workshops
Authors: Ashdown Heather , Jalloh Chelsea , Wylie John L.
Published: February 2015

Newcomer and street-involved youth provided their perspective on the design and content of a sexual education workshop. Following the workshop, focus group discussions were held with 80 youth from four youth-serving agencies. Youth expressed increased levels of confidence and empowerment, consistent with recent criticism that a focus on specific behaviors as intervention outcome measures may miss important psychosocial changes in participants. Some youth views on cultural adaptation of workshops were not consistent with current views expressed by some adult educators, highlighting the need to ensure a youth perspective is captured during intervention development. Finally, the dichotomous views that youth expressed regarding workshop activities emphasizes a research gap related to how best to adapt interventions to different cognitive capacities, literacy levels, and learning styles. Information of this kind is relevant in terms of knowledge translation from youth to program planners and educators.
The Characteristics and Course After Discharge of Mentally Disordered Homicide and Non-Homicide Offenders
Authors: Clarke Martin , McCarthy Lucy , Huband Nick , Davies Steffan , Hollin Clive , Duggan Conor
Published: February 2015

The aim of this article was to compare the characteristics and outcome of homicide and non-homicide mentally disordered patients all of whom had been hospitalised. Seventy-four patients with a homicide conviction were compared with 521 convicted of a non-homicide offense. The former group were older, were more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia but less likely to have suffered from childhood adversity, and had less criminality. They also had fewer convictions during the follow-up. Little distinguished these two groups with both suffering from multiple disadvantages suggesting the need for ongoing care and support.