bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charity, not Justice, as Constitutive of the Church's Mission
Authors: Murphy Charles M.
Published: February 2014

The article argues that Pope Benedict XVI's inaugural encyclical, Deus caritas est, places the Church's competency in the area of charity, not justice. Achieving justice pertains to the role of the state in the political process. The Church's role regarding justice is indirect, through her social teaching and the activity of the lay faithful as citizens. The Church's charitable agencies must adhere to their Catholic identity, and the state has the duty to encourage and protect their activity.
The Question of Governance and Ministry for Women
Authors: Zagano Phyllis
Published: February 2014

The possibility of formal governance and ministry for women hinges on their admission to the clerical state, which is demonstrably possible by their readmission to the diaconate. Historical exegesis supports the Catholic Church's present ability to ordain women deacons, and recent official discussion suggests that the readmission of women to the ordained diaconate may be on the horizon. This article parses the terms “governance” and “ministry” and provides some conclusions about the ways the terms have been used recently.
Yves de Montcheuil: Action, Justice, and the Kingdom in Spiritual Resistance to Nazism
Authors: Grumett David
Published: February 2014

The few extant studies of Jesuit martyr and theologian Yves de Montcheuil focus on his life and theology. This article combines these considerations with philosophical and political ones by examining how Montcheuil's spiritual resistance to Nazism emerges from his study of action and justice in the thought of Nicolas Malebranche and Maurice Blondel. Montcheuil's oeuvre culminates in a lived theology of sacrifice, and shows how the French war experience contributed to doctrinal development in areas such as faith and action, liberation theology, church—state relations, and lay ecclesiology.
What Does Mumbai Have to Do with Rome? Postcolonial Perspectives on Globalization and Theology
Authors: Abraham Susan
Published: February 2014

Does postcolonial theory that cogently presents postcolonial perspectives on globalization have relevance for theology? The article argues that postcolonial theory's emphasis on eschewing identity-based strategies for liberation is an urgent necessity in a globalized and militarized world. Postcolonial theorists seek justice and care for the poorest women and children of the Global South, arguing that these concerns should be part of theological and religious agenda.
Where is the Church? Globalization and Catholicity
Authors: Miller Vincent J.
Published: February 2014

Theological considerations of the cultural effects of globalization have focused largely on homogenization: the erosion of local cultures by some dominant globalizing culture. This article considers three contrasting analyses. Globalization also fosters cultural fragmentation and purification, the abstraction of culture and social space from geographical space, and a reduction of culture to identity. These additional challenges are evaluated from the perspective of the mark of catholicity, which is proposed as a theological resource for an ecclesial response to the challenges of globalization.
Using Facebook to Engage Learners in a Large Introductory Course
Authors: Dougherty Kevin D. , Andercheck Brita
Published: February 2014

Classes of hundreds pose special challenges for teaching and learning. Notable among these challenges is the tendency for students to feel like anonymous spectators rather than active, collaborative participants. To combat this tendency, we used the popular social networking site Facebook to cultivate a sense of community among 200-plus students in an Introduction to Sociology course. The Facebook Group proved a powerful tool for community-building and learning. We describe our Facebook Group, present evidence of its benefits in the course, and discuss the pedagogical potential of social media.
We're Not There Yet
Authors: Eibling David
Published: February 2014

Patient injury due to medical error continues to plague health care delivery. Efforts to eliminate errors or mitigate their effects have largely been thwarted, despite enormous investments of human and financial resources. A survey published in this issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery on the status of medical error in otolaryngology finds that the specialty is not exempt. The authors report that relatively little has changed since the original report by the senior authors published a decade ago. Despite this lack of apparent progress, there is growing awareness that improvements in patient safety will be incremental rather than transformational. The author of this commentary identifies a number of fundamental cultural changes that will be required to achieve transformational change.
Autonomy as Aesthetic Practice
Authors: Lütticken Sven
Published: February 2014

This essay examines various conceptions of autonomy in relation to recent artistic practices. Starting from the apparent opposition between modernist notions of the autonomy of art and theorizations of political autonomy, the text problematizes the notion of the autonomy of art by using Jacques Rancière’s notion of the aesthetic regime. Focusing on the importance of the act and performance in the art of the last decades, it is argued that while political and artistic autonomy may never quite converge, aesthetic acts can under certain circumstances function in both the political and the artistic register, simultaneously or successively. The aesthetic act thus stages a passage from the artistic to the political, and vice versa.
Combining numerical and clinical methods to assess aortic valve hemodynamics during exercise
Authors: Bahraseman HG , Hassani K , Khosravi A , Navidbakhsh M , Espino DM , Fatouraee N , Kazemi-Saleh D
Published: February 2014

Computational simulations have the potential to aid understanding of cardiovascular hemodynamics under physiological conditions, including exercise. Therefore, blood hemodynamic parameters during different heart rates, rest and exercise have been investigated, using a numerical method. A model was developed for a healthy subject. Using geometrical data acquired by echo-Doppler, a two-dimensional model of the chamber of aortic sinus valsalva and aortic root was created. Systolic ventricular and aortic pressures were applied as boundary conditions computationally. These pressures were the initial physical conditions applied to the model to predict valve deformation and changes in hemodynamics. They were the clinically measured brachial pressures plus differences between brachial, central and left ventricular pressures. Echocardiographic imaging was also used to acquire different ejection times, necessary for pressure waveform equations of blood flow during exercise. A fluid-structure interaction simulation was performed, using an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian mesh. During exercise, peak vorticity increased by 14.8%, peak shear rate by 15.8%, peak cell Reynolds number by 20%, peak leaflet tip velocity increased by 47% and the blood velocity increased by 3% through the leaflets, whereas full opening time decreased by 11%. Our results show that numerical methods can be combined with clinical measurements to provide good estimates of patient-specific hemodynamics at different heart rates.
Non-invasive estimation of prostate cancer aggressiveness using diffusion-weighted MRI and 3D proton MR spectroscopy at 3.0 T
Authors: Thörmer Gregor , Otto Josephin , Horn Lars-Christian , Garnov Nikita , Do Minh , Franz Toni , Stolzenburg Jens-Uwe , Moche Michael , Kahn Thomas , Busse Harald
Published: February 2014

Background

Clinical management of prostate cancer increasingly aims to distinguish aggressive types that require immediate and radical treatment from indolent tumors that are candidates for watchful waiting. This requires reliable and reproducible parameters to effectively control potential cancer progression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide a non-invasive means for this purpose.

Purpose

To assess the value of diffusion-weighted imaging and proton MR spectroscopy for the prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness.

Material and Methods

In 39 of 64 consecutive patients who underwent endorectal 3-T MRI prior to radical prostatectomy, prostate specimens were analyzed as whole-mount step sections. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), normalized ADC (nADC: tumor/healthy tissue), choline/citrate (CC), and (choline + creatine)/citrate (CCC) ratios were correlated with Gleason scores (GS) from histopathological results. The power to discriminate low (GS ≤ 6) from higher-risk (GS ≥ 7) tumors was assessed with receiver operating characteristics (area under the curve [AUC]). Resulting threshold values were used by a blinded reader to distinguish between aggressive and indolent tumors.

Results

Ninety lesions (1 × GS = 5, 41 × GS = 6, 36 × GS = 7, 12 × GS = 8) were considered. nADC (AUC = 0.90) showed a higher discriminatory power than ADC (AUC = 0.79). AUC for CC and CCC were 0.73 and 0.82, respectively. Using either nADC < 0.46 or CCC > 1.3, as well as both criteria for aggressive PCa, the reader correctly identified aggressive and indolent tumors in 31 (79%), 28 (72%), and 33 of 39 patients (85%), respectively. Predictions of tumor aggressiveness from TRUS-guided biopsies were correct in 27 of 36 patients (75%).

Conclusion

The combination of a highly sensitive normalized ADC with a highly specific CCC was found to be well suited to prospectively estimate PCa aggressiveness with a similar diagnostic accuracy as biopsy results.
Energy potential of residue from wood transformation industry in the central metropolitan area of the Principality of Asturias (northwest Spain)
Authors: Paredes-Sánchez José Pablo , Gutiérrez-Trashorras Antonio José , Xiberta-Bernat Jorge
Published: February 2014

The development of modern cities favours the formation of metropolitan zones with urban and industrial areas. The central metropolitan area (CMA) of the Principality of Asturias (northwest Spain), takes up 9.6% of the territory and represents 78% of its population. The first and second wood transformation industries of the CMA generate rather large amounts of biomass residues suitable for both reclaim and energy valuation considering technical, economic, and environmental restrictions. The results obtained from the evaluation of the biomass and the bioenergy of these residues are 7.9 kt/year and 114.7 TJ/year, respectively. The location for the development of a densified solid biofuels plant to produce pellets from these available residues is proposed for the Siero municipality, which is in the CMA. The plant would have an annual potential production capacity for the conventional pelletization process equivalent to 10 MW of fuel output.
Enhancement of nano-hydroxyapatite bonding to dentin through a collagen/calcium dual-affinitive peptide for dentinal tubule occlusion
Authors: Wang Ronghan , Wang Qiong , Wang Xiumei , Tian Lili , Liu Huiying , Zhao Miaomiao , Peng Ce , Cai Qiang , Shi Yunming
Published: February 2014

Calcium phosphate crystals, as the main component of dentin and enamel, have been widely used for the occlusion of dentinal tubules. However, the low bond strength and poor sealing effect limit their clinical practicality. In this study, a collagen/calcium dual-affinitive peptide E8DS (EEEEEEEEDSpESpSpEEDR) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HAp) flocculi were developed to seal dentin tubules for reducing dentin hypersensitivity, whereas the E8DS peptides were pre-applied to improve the adhesion of occlusive hydroxyapatite coating on dentin collagen matrix for the long-lasting sealing effect and relief from hypersensitivity. Our study showed that E8DS peptides had a strong affinity with dentin collageneous matrix that almost 43.7% of initial E8DS peptides immobilized on exposed dentin samples remained detained after continuous washing by distilled water for four weeks at a rate of 1 mL/min. Nano-HAp flocculi were obtained by re-neutralization of HAp-HCl solution and then brushed onto the surfaces of pre-treated human dentin disks with E8DS peptides, which showed a perfect occlusion of exposed dentinal tubules, as compared with Nano-HAp only and a commercial desensitizer, Green Or. With only around 10-min E8DS peptide pre-treatment, the occlusive mineral layers remained intact against consecutively stirred washing in phosphate-buffered saline or coke for 15 min, and 6 min of tooth-brushing, which implied that our E8DS peptide could comparatively improve the durability of sealant-dentin interface bonds for long-lasting dentine desensitization.
Numerical validation of a near-field fugitive dust model for vehicles moving on unpaved surfaces
Authors: Tong Xiaoling , Luke Edward A. , Smith Robert
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a numerical model for evaluating fugitive dust emissions and transport in a near field induced by a moving vehicle. The dust emission model describes the quantity and location of emitted dust. The transport of the dust is recorded by the Lagrangian particle-tracking method, and the turbulence dispersion of particles is modeled stochastically. The presented model is validated numerically for the prediction of dust concentration in a region near the vehicles through a careful comparison with the available experimental data. The simulation results compare reasonably well with the experimental data. This model provides, for the first time, a validated dust emission and transport model suitable for the near field of moving vehicles.
Young Children Can Be Taught Basic Natural Selection Using a Picture-Storybook Intervention
Authors: Kelemen Deborah , Emmons Natalie A. , Seston Schillaci Rebecca , Ganea Patricia A.
Published: February 2014

Adaptation by natural selection is a core mechanism of evolution. It is also one of the most widely misunderstood scientific processes. Misconceptions are rooted in cognitive biases found in preschoolers, yet concerns about complexity mean that adaptation by natural selection is generally not comprehensively taught until adolescence. This is long after untutored theoretical misunderstandings are likely to have become entrenched. In a novel approach, we explored 5- to 8-year-olds’ capacities to learn a basic but theoretically coherent mechanistic explanation of adaptation through a custom storybook intervention. Experiment 1 showed that children understood the population-based logic of natural selection and also generalized it. Furthermore, learning endured 3 months later. Experiment 2 replicated these results and showed that children understood and applied an even more nuanced mechanistic causal explanation. The findings demonstrate that, contrary to conventional educational wisdom, basic natural selection is teachable in early childhood. Theory-driven interventions using picture storybooks with rich explanatory structure are beneficial.
Vitamin D and cutaneous lupus erythematosus: effect of vitamin D replacement on disease severity
Authors: Cutillas-Marco E , Marquina-Vila A , Grant WB , Vilata-Corell JJ , Morales-Suárez-Varela MM
Published: February 2014

Background

The main vitamin D source is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which aggravates cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

Objectives

The aims of this study were to identify variables associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in CLE patients and assess the effect of vitamin D restoration on disease severity.

Methods

Vitamin D status in 60 CLE patients and 117 apparently healthy subjects was compared. We recommended oral vitamin D3 to 27 CLE patients. After one year of treatment, changes in disease severity were assessed and compared to 25 untreated CLE patients. Disease severity was measured by the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI), number of exacerbations, duration of active lesions and patient assessment.

Results

Presence of CLE raised the odds of having vitamin D deficiency (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.79–6.69). Increasing age and disease duration were associated with higher odds of having vitamin D deficiency. After a one-year follow-up, disease activity improved in the treatment group (CLASI A 2.7 ± 2.9 vs. 0.9 ± 1.4) ( p = 0.003), as confirmed by the patient assessment ( p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Vitamin D inadequacy is more prevalent in CLE participants than in healthy controls. Treating vitamin D insufficiency is associated with improved disease severity according to physician and patient assessments.
Risk and Criminogenic Needs of Youth Who Sexually Offended in Singapore
Authors: Zeng Gerald , Chu Chi Meng , Koh Li Lian , Teoh Jennifer
Published: February 2014

An increasing amount of research has been carried out to understand the characteristics of subgroups of adult sex offenders, but there is limited research into the risk factors and criminogenic needs of subgroups of youth who sexually offended. The current study investigated if there were differences in the risk and criminogenic needs of 167 Singaporean youth who sexually offended based on two typologies - youth who offended both sexually and nonsexually versus youth who offended only sexually, and youth who offended against child victims versus youth who offended against nonchild victims. Results show that youth who offended both sexually and nonsexually were found to have higher risk and criminogenic needs as compared to youth who only sexually offended. In addition, youth who offended against child victims were found to have higher numbers of previous sexual assaults as compared to youth who offended against nonchild victims. These differences have implications for the management and intervention of youth who sexually offended.
Action and edgework
Authors: Lyng Stephen
Published: February 2014

Although the meaning and usefulness of Erving Goffman’s work are still being debated today, few would doubt the importance of his contributions to the sociological study of the self, emotions, deviance, and social interaction. Less well known to most contemporary sociologists is his effort to provide a sociological account of voluntary risk taking—participation in gambling, high-risk sports, dangerous occupations, certain forms of criminal behavior, and the like—activities he classified as ‘action’. While Goffman’s study of action anticipated the expansion of volitional risk taking in Western societies in recent decades, most contemporary research on this trend has been guided by a different concept—the notion of ‘edgework’. Contrasting the action and edgework approaches along three key parameters—fateful action versus corporeal edges, embodied semiotics versus embodied experience, and dramaturgical reflexivity versus hermeneutic reflexivity—reveals how the action and edgework concepts capture conflicting motivations for voluntary risk taking. Finally, this article considers how Goffman’s action framework can be reoriented to contemporary social conditions and integrated with the edgework perspective to yield a multidimensional theory of risk agency in late modern society.
Conceptualizing non-voluntary anti-consumption: A practice-based study on market resistance in poor circumstances
Authors: Leipämaa-Leskinen Hanna , Syrjälä Henna , Laaksonen Pirjo
Published: February 2014

This study presents a novel conceptual illustration of the non-voluntary anti-consumption practices that evolve in poor circumstances. The study brings a complementary and contrasting perspective to current discussions on anti-consumption by clarifying the understanding of non-voluntary anti-consumption practices and market resistance. Three conceptual elements—hidden, repressed and innovative—are identified to characterize non-voluntary anti-consumption practices; these elements are different from those of voluntary anti-consumption, which are collective, active and/or self-expressive. Applying the social constructivist practice-based approach, the analysis shows how the three types of non-voluntary anti-consumption practices—engaging in simple life, mastering consumerism and exploiting systems—are intertwined with other social practices and how they enable the poor to hold agency.
The Johannine Community Hypothesis (1968–Present): Past and Present Approaches and a New Way Forward
Authors: Cirafesi Wally V.
Published: February 2014

This article surveys and evaluates the most influential approaches to the Johannine community debate, beginning with Martyn’s 1968 study to the more recent work of Bauckham and Klink. The survey divides these approaches into three main categories: (1) studies in the historical-critical stream (mostly from the late 1960s–1970s), (2) sociological studies and (3) studies that have departed from the community hypothesis altogether. The observation is made that, to date, the majority of approaches have been more prescriptive and model-driven rather than descriptive and data-driven. In light of this overarching trend, this article suggests that a potential direction of exploration within the debate could be the development of methods that place primary emphasis on textual data and, at the same time, have a deep concern for a text’s social setting.
Dual-Hemisphere Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Rehabilitation of Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Abo El-Fetoh Noha , Ali Anwer M. , El-Hammady Dina H. , Khalifa Hosam , Atta Haisam , Karim Ahmed A.
Published: February 2014

Background. Recent neuroimaging studies on poststroke aphasia revealed maladaptive cortical changes in both hemispheres, yet their functional contribution in language recovery remains elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of dual-hemisphere repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on poststroke aphasia. Methods. Thirty patients with subacute poststroke nonfluent aphasia were randomly allocated to receive real or sham rTMS. Each patient received 1000 rTMS pulses (1 Hz at 110% of resting motor threshold [rMT] over the right unaffected Broca’s area and 1000 pulses (20 Hz at 80% rMT) over the left affected Broca’s area for 10 consecutive days followed by speech/language training. The language section of the Hemispheric Stroke Scale (HSS), the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire–Hospital Version (SADQ-H), and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were measured before, immediately after the 10 sessions, and 1 and 2 months after the last session. Results. At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in demographic and clinical rating scales. However, there was a significantly greater improvement in the HSS language score as well as in the SADQ-H after real rTMS compared with sham rTMS, which remained significant 2 months after the end of the treatment sessions. Conclusion. This is the first clinical study of dual-hemisphere rTMS in poststroke aphasia. Combining dual-hemisphere rTMS with language training might be a feasible treatment for nonfluent aphasia; further multicenter studies are needed to confirm this result.
Mid-term results of Copeland shoulder cementless surface replacement arthroplasty from an independent centre
Authors: Hwang Nicholas , Modi Chetan S , Drew Stephen J , Turner Stephen M
Published: February 2014

Background

The present study reports our experience of Copeland shoulder cementless surface replacement arthroplasty (CSRA) and whether glenoid microfracture influences the progression of glenoid erosion.

Methods

One-hundred-and-twelve CSRAs were performed in 101 patients between 2002 and 2007. Eighty-three patients were alive at the median follow-up time of 72 months (range 9 to 121 months; interquartile range 46 to 93 months). Assessment included an Oxford shoulder score (OSS), patient satisfaction score and plain radiographs.

Results

The mean (range) OSS was 27 (7 to 48) and 64 of 73 (87.7%) patients were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with their shoulder. Twenty-three (20.5%) shoulders had over 2 mm of glenoid erosion. Microfracture was performed in 43 of 112 shoulders (38.4%) and did not influence the progression of glenoid erosion. Further surgery was performed in 27 (24.1%) shoulders, including 15 revisions, eight arthrolyses and four subacromial decompressions. Revision to total shoulder arthroplasty was performed in 14 : 10 for glenoid erosion; one each for loosening, periprosthetic fracture, deep infection, and chronic pain. One was revised to reverse arthroplasty for chronic pain.

Conclusions

CSRA performed in an independent centre reproduces the functional outcomes reported by the designer. Glenoid erosion, however, was a common occurrence and the main cause of revision – microfracture did not influence its progression.
Emerging Applications of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine to Sports Injuries
Authors: Ajibade David A. , Vance Danica D. , Hare Joshua M. , Kaplan Lee D. , Lesniak Bryson P.
Published: February 2014

Background:

The treatment of sports-related musculoskeletal injuries with stem cells has become more publicized because of recent reports of high-profile athletes undergoing stem cell procedures. There has been increased interest in defining the parameters of safety and efficacy and the indications for potential use of stem cells in clinical practice.

Purpose:

To review the role of regenerative medicine in the treatment of sports-related injuries.

Study Design:

Review.

Method:

Relevant studies were identified through a PubMed search combining the terms stem cells and cartilage, ligament, tendon, muscle, and bone from January 2000 to August 2013. Studies and works cited in these studies were also reviewed.

Results:

Treatment of sports-related injuries with stem cells shows potential for clinical efficacy from the data available from basic science and animal studies.

Conclusion:

Cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine offer safe and potentially efficacious treatment for sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Basic science and preclinical studies that support the possibility of enhanced recovery from sports injuries using cell-based therapies are accumulating; however, more clinical evidence is necessary to define the indications and parameters for their use. Accordingly, exposing patients to cell-based therapies could confer an unacceptable risk profile with minimal or no benefit. Continued clinical testing with animal models and clinical trials is necessary to determine the relative risks and benefits as well as the indications and methodology of treatment.
Targeting components of the alternative NHEJ pathway sensitizes KRAS mutant leukemic cells to chemotherapy
Authors: Hähnel Patricia S. , Enders Birgit , Sasca Daniel , Roos Wynand P. , Kaina Bernd , Bullinger Lars , Theobald Matthias , Kindler Thomas
Published: February 2014

Activating KRAS mutations are detected in a substantial number of hematologic malignancies. In a murine T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) model, we previously showed that expression of oncogenic Kras induced a premalignant state accompanied with an arrest in T-cell differentiation and acquisition of somatic Notch1 mutations. These findings prompted us to investigate whether the expression of oncogenic KRAS directly affects DNA damage repair. Applying divergent, but complementary, genetic approaches, we demonstrate that the expression of KRAS mutants is associated with increased expression of DNA ligase 3α, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), and X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1), all essential components of the error-prone, alternative nonhomologous end-joining (alt-NHEJ) pathway. Functional studies revealed delayed repair kinetics, increased misrepair of DNA double-strand breaks, and the preferential use of microhomologous DNA sequences for end joining. Similar effects were observed in primary murine T-ALL blasts. We further show that KRAS-mutated cells, but not KRAS wild-type cells, rely on the alt-NHEJ repair pathway on genotoxic stress. RNA interference–mediated knockdown of DNA ligase 3α abolished resistance to apoptotic cell death in KRAS-mutated cells. Our data indicate that targeting components of the alt-NHEJ pathway sensitizes KRAS-mutated leukemic cells to standard chemotherapeutics and represents a promising approach for inducing synthetic lethal vulnerability in cells harboring otherwise nondruggable KRAS mutations.
Impact of renal insufficiency on mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Sabroe Jonas Emil , Thayssen Per , Antonsen Lisbeth , Hougaard Mikkel , Hansen Knud Nørregaard , Jensen Lisette Okkels
Published: February 2014

Background

Chronic kidney disease is associated with increased risk of mortality. We examined the impact of moderate and severe renal insufficiency (RI) on short- and long-term mortality among unselected patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

From January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2010 all patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI were identified. The hazard ratio (HR) for death was estimated using a Cox regression model, controlling for potential confounders. RI was defined as creatinine clearance (CrCl) < 60 mL/min (moderate RI: CrCl ≤30 < 60 mL/min and severe RI: CrCl < 30 mL/min).

Results

The study cohort consisted of 4,116 patients of whom 898 (21.8%) had RI and 3,218 (78.2%) had a CrCl ≥ 60 mL/min. Compared to patients without RI, patients with RI were older, more often female and more likely to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension and to present with a higher Killip class.

Among patients with a preserved kidney function and patients with RI, 30-day all-cause mortality was 3.5% vs. 20.9% (log-rank p < 0.001); 1-year all-cause mortality was 5.7% vs. 29.4% (log-rank p < 0.001); 5-year all-cause mortality was 13.4% vs. 47.4% (log-rank p < 0.001). Moderate and severe RI were associated with higher 1-year mortality compared to patients with a preserved renal function (CrCl ≤30 < 60 mL/min: adjusted HR 2.71 [95% CI 2.09-3.51], p < 0.001), and (CrCl < 30 mL/min: adjusted HR 7.09 [4.82-10.44], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In unselected STEMI patients treated with primary PCI, moderate and severe RI were associated with increased risk of mortality.
A simple method for gene phasing using mate pair sequencing
Authors: Cradic Kendall W , Murphy Stephen J , Drucker Travis M , Sikkink Robert A , Eberhardt Norman L , Neuhauser Claudia , Vasmatzis George , Grebe Stefan KG
Published: February 2014

Background

Recessive genes cause disease when both copies are affected by mutant loci. Resolving the cis/trans relationship of variations has been an important problem both for researchers, and increasingly, clinicians. Of particular concern are patients who have two heterozygous disease-causing mutations and could be diagnosed as affected (one mutation on each allele) or as phenotypically normal (both mutations on the same allele). Several methods are currently used to phase genes, however due to cost, complexity and/or low sensitivity they are not suitable for clinical purposes.

Methods

Long-range amplification was used to select and enrich the target gene (CYP21A2) followed by modified mate-pair sequencing. Fragments that mapped coincidently to two heterozygous sites were identified and used for statistical analysis.

Results

Probabilities for cis/trans relationships between heterozygous positions were calculated along with 99% confidence intervals over the entire length of our 10 kb amplicons. The quality of phasing was closely related to the depth of coverage and the number of erroneous reads. Most of the error was found to have been introduced by recombination in the PCR reaction.

Conclusions

We have developed a simple method utilizing massively parallel sequencing that is capable of resolving two alleles containing multiple heterozygous positions. This method stands out among other phasing tools because it provides quantitative results allowing confident haplotype calls.
Modeling the impact of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Chinese infants: an economic analysis of a compulsory vaccination
Authors: Che Datian , Zhou Hua , He Jinchun , Wu Bin
Published: February 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare, from a Chinese societal perspective, the projected health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of adding pneumococcal conjugate heptavalent vaccine (PCV-7) to the routine compulsory child immunization schedule.

Methods

A decision-tree model, with data and assumptions adapted for relevance to China, was developed to project the health outcomes of PCV-7 vaccination (compared with no vaccination) over a 5-year period as well as a lifetime. The vaccinated birth cohort included 16,000,000 children in China. A 2 + 1 dose schedule at US$136.51 per vaccine dose was used in the base-case analysis. One-way sensitivity analysis was used to test the robustness of the model. The impact of a net indirect effect (herd immunity) was evaluated. Outcomes are presented in terms of the saved disease burden, costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Results

In a Chinese birth cohort, a PCV-7 vaccination program would reduce the number of pneumococcus-related infections by at least 32% and would prevent 2,682 deaths in the first 5 years of life, saving $1,190 million in total costs and gaining an additional 9,895 QALYs (discounted by 3%). The incremental cost per QALY was estimated to be $530,354. When herd immunity was taken into account, the cost per QALY was estimated to be $95,319. The robustness of the model was influenced mainly by the PCV-7 cost per dose, effectiveness herd immunity and incidence of pneumococcal diseases. With and without herd immunity, the break-even costs in China were $29.05 and $25.87, respectively.

Conclusions

Compulsory routine infant vaccination with PCV-7 is projected to substantially reduce pneumococcal disease morbidity, mortality, and related costs in China. However, a universal vaccination program with PCV-7 is not cost-effective at the willingness-to-pay threshold that is currently recommended for China by the World Health Organization.
LBSapSal-vaccinated dogs exhibit increased circulating T-lymphocyte subsets (CD4+ and CD8+) as well as a reduction of parasitism after challenge with Leishmania infantum plus salivary gland of Lutzomyia longipalpis
Authors: Aguiar-Soares Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira , Roatt Bruno Mendes , Ker Henrique Gama , Moreira Nádia das Dores , Mathias Fernando Augusto Siqueira , Cardoso Jamille Mirelle de Oliveira , Gontijo Nelder Figueiredo , Bruna-Romero Oscar , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Corrêa-Oliveira Rodrigo , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , Reis Alexandre Barbosa
Published: February 2014

Background

The development of a protective vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is an alternative approach for interrupting the domestic cycle ofLeishmania infantum. Given the importance of sand fly salivary proteins as potent immunogens obligatorily co-deposited during transmission ofLeishmaniaparasites, their inclusion in an anti-Leishmaniavaccine has been investigated in the last few decades. In this context, we previously immunized dogs with a vaccine composed ofL. braziliensisantigens plus saponin as the adjuvant and sand fly salivary gland extract (LBSapSal vaccine). This vaccine elicited an increase in both anti-saliva and anti-LeishmaniaIgG isotypes, higher counts of specific circulating CD8+T cells, and high NO production.

Methods

We investigated the immunogenicity and protective effect of LBSapSal vaccination after intradermal challenge with 1 × 107late-log-phaseL. infantumpromastigotes in the presence of sand fly saliva ofLutzomyia longipalpis.The dogs were followed for up to 885 days after challenge.

Results

The LBSapSal vaccine presents extensive antigenic diversity with persistent humoral and cellular immune responses, indicating resistance against CVL is triggered by high levels of total IgG and its subtypes (IgG1 and IgG2); expansion of circulating CD5+, CD4+, and CD8+T lymphocytes and isLeishmania-specific; and reduction of splenic parasite load.

Conclusions

These results encourage further study of vaccine strategies addressingLeishmaniaantigens in combination with proteins present in the saliva of the vector.
Low-Oxygen Tension and IGF-I Promote Proliferation and Multipotency of Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells (PMSCs) from Different Gestations via Distinct Signaling Pathways
Authors: Youssef Amer , Iosef Cristiana , Han Victor K.M.
Published: February 2014

The microenvironment of placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) is dynamic throughout gestation and determines changes in cell fate. In vivo, PMSCs initially develop in low-oxygen tension and low IGF-I concentrations, and both increase gradually with gestation. The impact of varying concentrations of IGF-I and changing oxygen tension on PMSC signaling and multipotency was investigated in PMSCs from early (preterm) and late (term) gestation human placentae. Preterm PMSCs had greater proliferative response to IGF-I, which was further enhanced by low-oxygen tension. Low-oxygen tension alone was sufficient to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas IGF-I was required for AKT (protein kinase B) phosphorylation. Low-oxygen tension prolonged ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation with a slowed phosphorylation decay even in presence of IGF-I. Low-oxygen tension maintained higher levels of IGF-I receptor and insulin receptor substrate 1 that were otherwise decreased by exposure to IGF-I and induced a differential phosphorylation pattern on IGF-I receptorβ and insulin receptor substrate 1. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT was different between the preterm and term PMSCs, and phospho-AKT, and not phospho-ERK1/2, was the major determinant of PMSC proliferation and octamer-4 levels. These studies demonstrate that low-oxygen tension regulates the fate of PMSCs from early and late gestations in response to IGF-I, both independently and dependently, via specific signal transduction mechanisms.
Theoretical Study Demonstrating that Silylene Bridging Brings about LUMO Energy Lowering without Increasing the Reorganization Energy for Single Electron Transfer
Authors: Ohta Eisuke , Ogaki Takuya , Aoki Toru , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: February 2014

Density functional theory calculations were performed on silylene-bridged cyclic tri- and tetrathienylene 1b and 2b. The results show that in comparison to their respective unbridged counterparts 1a and 2a, 1b and 2b have lower LUMO energies but the same reorganization energies for single electron transfer between 1b and 2b and their respective radical anions 1b•− and 2b•−. The observations suggest that silylene bridging of π-conjugated systems can serve as a novel strategy for designing materials for n-type organic semiconductors.
Studies on Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization of Poly(3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine)
Authors: Shi Dongjian , Liu Rongjin , Ma Fengduo , Chen Daoyong , Chen Mingqing , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: February 2014

In this paper, hyperbranched PDOPA polyester with precise structure was synthesized by thermal polycondensation. PDOPA showed good solubility, degradability, and biocompatibility. Functional polymers based on PDOPA were prepared by reactions of amine groups in PDOPA with pyrenecarboxylic acid and polylactide, respectively. Wide applications of the PDOPA polyester are expected after modified with functional groups.
Prospect of Ultra-Deep Petroleum Onshore China
Authors: Zou Caineng , Hou Lianhua , Hu Suyun , Zhu Rukai , Liu Shaobo , Yang Zhi , Zhidong Gu , Yang Fan , Yang Chun
Published: February 2014

A series of breakthroughs have been achieved in the exploration of ultra-deep formations onshore China as geological understanding and technologies progress, such as Tarim Basin, Sichuan Basin, Bohai Bay Basin. Some new understandings are put forward suggesting that ultra-deep petroleum potential should be beyond expectation: hydrocarbons are controlled by rift valleys in the pre-Cambrian in China, conventional marine carbonate hydrocarbon source kitchens and scattered liquid hydrocarbons in source rocks are cracked to provide a large scale of gas, clastics in ultra-deep formations develop excellent source rocks, the low limit of gas generation is extended and the upper temperature limit for ultra-deep oil cracking without catalysis is beyond 230°C, the low pore radius limit is different for different types of reservoirs and hydrocarbon accumulating mechanisms. The preservation of three types of carbonate karst reservoirs and three types of clastic reservoirs as well as the physical properties of volcanics are slightly affected by burial depth, and it is predicted that favorable reservoirs are widely spread in ultra-deep formations. Carbonate karst, source rock and clastic reservoir interbeds are associated effectively in large ancient uplifts and slopes close to source rocks, faults control hydrocarbons and volcanics form accumulations nearby sources. This decides that ultra-deep carbonates, clastics and volcanics can all form large accumulations, but the abundance of reserve is relatively low. In Chinese ultra-deep formations, there are remaining petroleum resources of 162.9×108t, gas of 16.3×1012m3, nine practical exploratory areas, 14 relay exploratory areas, and a great potential of exploration. In future, ultra-deep carbonates are an important relay area for oil and gas, ultra-deep clastics are secondarily important, and ultra-deep volcanics are and important area for further study.
Geochemical Characteristics of the Condensates and Their Evaporative Fractionation in Kuqa Depression of Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Gong Deyu , Yu Cong , Yang Xi , Tao Xiaowan , Wu Wei , Liao Fengrong
Published: February 2014

After analyzing 21 samples in 12 oil and gas fields in Kuqa depression, two genetic types of condensates are identified. One type is the sapropelic condensate mainly derived from the Upper-Middle Triassic lacustrine source rocks which has a relatively higher content of C5–7 n-alkanes (>35%) and lower methylcyclohexane content (<48%), pristane/phytane ratio (0.95∼1.56) and carbon isotope values (−27.8‰ ∼ −32.3‰); the other type is the coal-derived condensate derived from the Middle-Lower Jurassic terringenous source rocks which has a lower C5−7 n-alkanes content (28% in average) and relatively higher content of methylcyclohexane (>50%), pristane/phytane ratio (1.70 ∼4.62) and carbon isotope values (−26.2‰ in average). Based on a comprehensive study on the n-alkanes, light hydrocarbons and carbon isotopes, it is found the condensates in Kuqa depression have widely experienced evaporative fractionation with a high aromaticity (>0.8) and their high molecules suffered loss. With the evaporative fractionation becoming more significant, the bulk carbon isotopic values of the condensates become heavier, indicating the multi-stages of the evaporative fractionation. The structural or lithologic traps in the Tertiary and the Jurassic tend to be favorable exploration targets for future oil exploration in Kuqa depression.
Characteristics of Light Hydrocarbons of Tight Gases and its Application in the Sulige Gas Field, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Yu Cong , Gong Deyu , Huang Shipeng , Liao Fengrong , Sun Qingwu
Published: February 2014

Tight gas plays an important role in the unconventional natural gas, and the researches of origin and migration of tight gas is of great importance to find the “sweet spots” for exploration and development. Combining the carbon isotopic analysis with light hydrocarbon analysis, it is concluded that the Upper Paleozoic tight gases in the Sulige gas field, Ordos basin are typical coal-derived gas with δ13C2 values ranging from −25.3‰ to −22.1‰ (average value = −23.7‰). In addition, methycyclohexane enrichment and a small amount of benzene and toluene are observed in light hydrocarbon composition. The C7 light hydrocarbons are predominated by methylcyclohexane accounting for 44% to 68% while the content of the naphthene and isoparaffin is relatively higher in C5–7 compounds. According to the Mango parameters K1 and K2, the Upper Paleozoic tight gases in the Sulige gas field are derived from the Carboniferous-Permian coal measures. Besides, the light hydrocarbon parameters such as the content of aromatics, benzene/n-hexane, toluene/n-heptane and other light hydrocarbon indicators show little differentiation which is inferred that the Upper Paleozoic tight gases of the Sulige gas field accumulated near the source rocks without long distance migration. Hence, it is reasonable to regard the district nearby the coal measures as the “sweet spots” in the Sulige gas field.
Pre-Cretaceous Palaeogeomorphologic Feature and its Significance to Oil and Gas in Hinterland Area of Junggar Basin
Authors: Wei Yanzhao , Yang Fan , Lu Shan , Liu Gang
Published: February 2014

The structural setting of Jurassic and lower Cretaceous in the hinterland area of Junggar basin is simple, underdeveloped in anticlinal traps, the petroleum accumulation has distal and secondary characteristics, complicated hydrocarbon distribution pattern makes the exploration there very difficult. Structural reservoirs predominated in the oil and gas fields discovered in early stages, and only 2 high yield nonstructural oil reservoirs – X21 and X31 were discovered on the southeastern slope of Jidong nose arch. No breakthrough has been made in either Jurassic or lower Cretaceous in the hinterland area over the past 10 years. Based on dissection on X31 reservoir, this paper ascertains once more the pay zone age, determines the reservoir type as stratigraphic one, and believes that the trap origin is related to the residual pre-Cretaceous palaeo-salient. This paper suggests paying attention to Jurassic and lower Cretaceous stratigraphic hydrocarbon reservoirs in the exploration of the hinterland area, especially focusing on fine depiction of pre-Cretaceous palaeogeomorphology and analysis on its controlling role in stratigraphic hydrocarbon reservoirs. Based on the “fill a gap” principle, the Qingshuihe Formation Member I thickness image is adopted to reflect the pre-Cretaceous palaeogeomorphology of the study area, whose basic features are as follows: 1 near NW – SE palaeo-trough is retained by 2 uplifted areas, different width of slope areas occur between the palaeo-trough and the palaeohighs, and 1 apparent topographic slope break zone developed in south central part. Comprehensive analysis suggests that stratigraphic traps are developed in the palaeo-salient of slope area and the slope break zone where the petroleum accumulation conditions are favorable, which are the favorable places for stratigraphic hydrocarbon reservoir exploration.
Sizing up the Effect of Portion Size on Consumption: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Zlatevska Natalina , Dubelaar Chris , Holden Stephen S.
Published: February 2014

Food marketing is facing increasing challenges in using portion size (e.g., “supersizing”) as a marketing tool. Marketers have used portion size to attract customers and encourage purchase, but social agencies are expressing concern that larger portion sizes encourage greater consumption, which can cause excessive consumption and obesity. This article addresses two questions that are central to this debate: (1) How much effect does portion size have on consumption? and (2) Are there limits to this effect? A meta-analytic review reveals that, for a doubling of portion size, consumption increases by 35% on average. However, the effect has limits. An extended analysis shows that the effect of portion size is curvilinear: as portions become increasingly larger, the effect diminishes. In addition, although the portion-size effect is widespread and robust across a range of individual and environmental factors, the analysis shows that it is weaker among children, women, and overweight individuals, as well as for nonsnack food items and in contexts in which more attention is given to the food being eaten.