bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
This is social science: A ‘patterned activity’ oriented to attaining objective knowledge of human society
Authors: Malczewski Eric
Published: August 2013

The aim of this article is to demonstrate that approaching social science as a ‘patterned activity’ draws attention both to the distinctive nature of social science and to its central subject matter – meaningful (symbolically oriented) behavior and theoretical entities based on it – enabling therefore a constructive perspective on the major debate regarding social science’s organizing principles. A patterned activity is defined as a cluster of behavior oriented to a basic (that is, characteristic or defining) goal or aim accorded value; the goal or aim, by which the norms of the patterned activity are bounded, is the satisfaction of a certain appetite, desire, or need. The concept of a patterned activity is rooted in and developed from elements of Max Weber’s methodological writings. This concept is evaluated against Clifford Geertz’s ‘cultural systems’ approach and Robert K. Merton’s view of the norms of science, and the article then addresses the legacy of Talcott Parsons more generally. Lastly, Émile Durkheim’s and Weber’s respective approaches to social science are assessed so as to illuminate their views regarding its central subject matter and to demonstrate a convergence of their views.
Thermal performance of lightweight steel framed wall: The importance of flanking thermal losses
Authors: Santos Paulo , Martins Cláudio , da Silva Luís Simões , Bragança Luís
Published: August 2013

The thermal performance of a modular lightweight steel framed wall was measured and calculated with three-dimensional finite element method model. The focus of this article is on the effect of flanking thermal losses. The calculated heat flux values varied from −22% (external surface) to +50% (internal surface) when flanking loss was set to 0 as a reference case, thermal transmittance equal to 0.30 W/(m2·K). Other critical parameters were the existence of fixing ‘L’-shaped steel elements and the perimeter thermal insulation (10 cm XPS).
Clinical development of S-1 for non-small cell lung cancer: a Japanese perspective
Authors: Takeda Koji
Published: August 2013

For more than a decade, S-1 has been investigated aggressively against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan. Recently, two randomized phase III trials of S-1 combined with cisplatin (CDDP) or carboplatin (CBDCA) compared with the standard platinum doublet chemotherapy were reported. S-1 and CDDP was noninferior to CDDP and DTX in terms of overall survival (OS) (median survival time [MST] 16.1 versus 17.1 months, respectively; hazard ratio [HR] 1.013; 96.4% confidence interval [CI] 0.837–1.227). Noninferiority of S-1 and CBDCA compared with CBDCA and paclitaxel was also confirmed for OS (MST 15.2 versus 13.3 months, respectively; HR 0.928; 99.2% CI 0.671–1.283). The noninferiority design employed an upper CI limit of HR<1.322 in the former trial and HR<1.33 in the latter. S-1 combined with CDDP or CBDCA was thought to be one of the standard platinum doublet regimens in the first-line setting for patients with advanced NSCLC in Japan. Some additional interesting phase I and II studies have been published in Japan. They include studies of S-1 as first-line chemotherapy when combined with nonplatinum agents; as second-line chemotherapy; within chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced disease; and in the postoperative adjuvant setting. This review will also describe the use of S-1 for the treatment of NSCLC in these settings.
The use of targeted therapies in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: patient assessment, treatment administration, and management of adverse events
Authors: Cummins Meredith , Pavlakis Nick
Published: August 2013

Together with the use of novel oral targeted therapies, a multidisciplinary approach can be used to effectively treat patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs). Here we review the integration of the oncology nurse to the newly developed oral treatment setting for patients with pNETs. From the outset, the nurse must be involved in various processes, including performance of baseline assessments (e.g. blood pathology, cardiac and lung function testing, patient history) and general medical observations, treatment administration, dietary guidance, evaluation of comorbidities, and review of concomitant medications. Patient education and establishment of a strong partnership in care before the start of pNET therapy ultimately increase treatment adherence and reduce potential toxicities. Regular review of general patient status and disease progression and continuous monitoring of adverse events also help enhance treatment outcomes and subsequently improve quality of life. Nurses’ knowledge of agent-specific toxicities and prompt, proactive management is a critical aspect of care. In essence, as the pNET treatment landscape evolves, the role of the healthcare professional in overall patient care must shift accordingly.
Pattern of Stunting Among Under-Five Children in Selected Urban and Rural Communities in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Samuel Folake Olukemi
Published: August 2013

This study investigated levels and patterns of stunting among 366 under-five children in 3 selected urban communities (high, medium, and low density) and one rural community in Oyo State. Stunting was defined as height height-for-age z-scores less than −2 standard deviations from the median of the reference population using World Health Organization growth standards. Mean height of children varied significantly in the different communities when compared between the same age-groups. This variation began to manifest after the age of 24 months and remained so for the older age-groups. Prevalence of stunting was 50%, 17.3%, and 23.9%, respectively, for the high-, medium-, and low-density urban communities and 33% for the rural community. Overall, the stunting level increased steadily from birth up to the 24- to 35-month age-group where it peaked. Thereafter the rates, though still high, tapered off as the children grew older but there were significant differences among the communities with regard to this age-specific pattern of stunting. Simple dichotomous urban–rural assessment of children’s nutritional status may mask a lot of important details; therefore, comparisons of nutritional status of urban and rural children should always consider the existence of such hidden inequalities within the areas.
Conditional and constitutive expression of a Tbx1-GFP fusion protein in mice
Authors: Freyer Laina , Nowotschin Sonja , Pirity Melinda K , Baldini Antonio , Morrow Bernice E
Published: August 2013

Background

Velo-cardio-facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome (VCFS/DGS) is caused by a 1.5-3 Mb microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2, frequently referred to as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). This region includes TBX1, a T-box transcription factor gene that contributes to the etiology of 22q11DS. The requirement for TBX1 in mammalian development is dosage-sensitive, such that loss-of-function (LOF) and gain-of-function (GOF) of TBX1 in both mice and humans results in disease relevant congenital malformations.

Results

To further gain insight into the role of Tbx1 in development, we have targeted the Rosa26 locus to generate a new GOF mouse model in which a Tbx1-GFP fusion protein is expressed conditionally using the Cre/LoxP system. Tbx1-GFP expression is driven by the endogenous Rosa26 promoter resulting in ectopic and persistent expression. Tbx1 is pivotal for proper ear and heart development; ectopic activation of Tbx1-GFP in the otic vesicle by Pax2-Cre and Foxg1-Cre represses neurogenesis and produces morphological defects of the inner ear. Overexpression of a single copy of Tbx1-GFP using Tbx1

Cre/+
was viable, while overexpression of both copies resulted in neonatal lethality with cardiac outflow tract defects. We have partially rescued inner ear and heart anomalies in Tbx1

Cre/-
null embryos by expression of Tbx1-GFP.

Conclusions

We have generated a new mouse model to conditionally overexpress a GFP-tagged Tbx1 protein in vivo. This provides a useful tool to investigate in vivo direct downstream targets and protein binding partners of Tbx1.
Safety of intracorporeal circular stapling esophagojejunostomy using trans-orally inserted anvil (OrVil™) following laparoscopic total or proximal gastrectomy - comparison with extracorporeal anastomosis
Authors: Jung Yoon Ju , Kim Dong Jin , Lee Jun Hyun , Kim Wook
Published: August 2013

Background

There have been several attempts to develop a unique and easier way to perform esophagojejunostomy during laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy or laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy. The OrVil™ system (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) is one of those methods, but its technical and oncologic feasibility have not been proven and need to be observed.

Methods

Among 87 patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG; 79 cases) and laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy with double tract anastomosis (LAPG_DT; 8 cases) from April 2004, 47 patients underwent the conventional extracorporeal method (Group I; 2004–2008) were compared with 40 patients treated with the intracorporeal OrVil™ system (Group II; 2009–2012).

Results

There was no significant difference in clinicopathologic characteristics between the two groups except tumor location; more cardia lesions were involved in group II (p = 0.012). The mean time for esophagojejunostomy (E-J), defined as the time from anvil insertion to closure of the jejunal entry site has no significant difference (Group I vs II: 22.2 ± 3.2 min vs 18.6 ± 3.5 min, p = 0.623). In terms of anastomotic complication, there was no significant difference in E-J leakage and stricture. E-J leakage occurred in 2 out of 47 (4.3%) cases in group I and 2 out of 40 (5%) in group II (p = 0.628); half of them were treated conservatively in each group and the others underwent reoperation. E-J stricture occurred in 2 (4.3%) cases in group I and 1 (2.5%) in group II (p = 0.561), which required postoperative gastrofiberscopic balloon dilatation.

Conclusions

Esophagojejunostomy using the OrVil™ system was a feasible and safe technique compared with the conventional extracorporeal method through mini-laparotomy in terms of anastomotic complications. Moreover, it can help to reduce surgeon’s stress regarding esophagojejunostomy because it needs no purse-string procedure and serves a secure operation view laparoscopically.
Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: a rare and aggressive disease
Authors: Morita Flávio Hiroshi Ananias , Ribeiro Ulysses , Sallum Rubens Antonio Aissar , Tacconi Marcos Roberto , Takeda Flávio Roberto , Rocha Julio Rafael Mariano da , Ligabó Giovanna de Sanctis Callegari , de Melo Evandro Sobrosa , Pollara Wilson Modesto , Cecconello Ivan
Published: August 2013

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is an uncommon tumor, with approximately 300 cases having been reported thus far. The purpose of this study was to describe a case of a 60 year-old man with a 10 month history of progressive dysphagia and thoracic pain, the investigations of which led to a diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus. The patient underwent a transhiatal esophagectomy with subcarinal lymphadenectomy, and isoperistaltic gastric tube replacement of the esophagus. Nine months after surgery, he developed ischemic colitis, and metastasis in the mesentery was diagnosed. His disease progressed and he died one year after the esophagectomy. A review of the literature was performed.
Developing and testing a street audit tool using Google Street View to measure environmental supportiveness for physical activity
Authors: Griew Pippa , Hillsdon Melvyn , Foster Charlie , Coombes Emma , Jones Andy , Wilkinson Paul
Published: August 2013

Background

Walking for physical activity is associated with substantial health benefits for adults. Increasingly research has focused on associations between walking behaviours and neighbourhood environments including street characteristics such as pavement availability and aesthetics. Nevertheless, objective assessment of street-level data is challenging. This research investigates the reliability of a new street characteristic audit tool designed for use with Google Street View, and assesses levels of agreement between computer-based and on-site auditing.

Methods

The Forty Area STudy street VIEW (FASTVIEW) tool, a Google Street View based audit tool, was developed incorporating nine categories of street characteristics. Using the tool, desk-based audits were conducted by trained researchers across one large UK town during 2011. Both inter and intra-rater reliability were assessed. On-site street audits were also completed to test the criterion validity of the method. All reliability scores were assessed by percentage agreement and the kappa statistic.

Results

Within-rater agreement was high for each category of street characteristic (range: 66.7%-90.0%) and good to high between raters (range: 51.3%-89.1%). A high level of agreement was found between the Google Street View audits and those conducted in-person across the nine categories examined (range: 75.0%-96.7%).

Conclusion

The audit tool was found to provide a reliable and valid measure of street characteristics. The use of Google Street View to capture street characteristic data is recommended as an efficient method that could substantially increase potential for large-scale objective data collection.
Surface modification of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly(carbonate-urea) urethane (POSS-PCU) nanocomposite polymer as a stent coating for enhanced capture of endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Tan Aaron , Farhatnia Yasmin , Goh Debbie , G Natasha , de Mel Achala , Lim Jing , Teoh Swee-Hin , Malkovskiy Andrey V , Chawla Reema , Rajadas Jayakumar , Cousins Brian G , Hamblin Michael R , Alavijeh Mohammad S , Seifalian Alexander M
Published: August 2013

An unmet need exists for the development of next-generation multifunctional nanocomposite materials for biomedical applications, particularly in the field of cardiovascular regenerative biology. Herein, we describe the preparation and characterization of a novel polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly(carbonate-urea) urethane (POSS-PCU) nanocomposite polymer with covalently attached anti-CD34 antibodies to enhance capture of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). This material may be used as a new coating for bare metal stents used after balloon angioplasty to improve re-endothelialization. Biophysical characterization techniques were used to assess POSS-PCU and its subsequent functionalization with anti-CD34 antibodies. Results indicated successful covalent attachment of anti-CD34 antibodies on the surface of POSS-PCU leading to an increased propensity for EPC capture, whilst maintaining in vitro biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. POSS-PCU has already been used in 3 first-in-man studies, as a bypass graft, lacrimal duct and a bioartificial trachea. We therefore postulate that its superior biocompatibility and unique biophysical properties would render it an ideal candidate for coating medical devices, with stents as a prime example. Taken together, anti-CD34 functionalized POSS-PCU could form the basis of a nano-inspired polymer platform for the next generation stent coatings.
Existence of positive solutions of nonlinear fractional q-difference equation with parameter
Authors: Li Xinhui , Han Zhenlai , Sun Shurong
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we study the boundary value problem of a class of nonlinear fractional q-difference equations with parameter involving the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative. By means of a fixed point theorem in cones, some positive solutions are obtained. As applications, some examples are presented to illustrate our main results.

MSC:39A13, 34B18, 34A08.
Epigenetic regulation of polyomavirus JC
Authors: Wollebo Hassen S , Woldemichaele Baheru , Khalili Kamel , Safak Mahmut , White Martyn K
Published: August 2013

Background

Polyomavirus JC (JCV) causes the CNS demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which occurs almost exclusively in people with immune deficiencies, such as HIV-1/AIDS patients. JCV infection is very common and usually occurs early in life. After primary infection, virus is controlled by the immune system but, rarely when immune function is impaired, it can re-emerge and multiply in the astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the brain and cause PML. Thus a central question in PML pathogenesis is the nature of the molecular mechanisms maintaining JCV in a latent state and then allowing reactivation.

Methods

Since transcription can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone acetylation, we investigated their role in JCV regulation by employing inhibitors of epigenetic events.

Results

The histone deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A (TSA) and sodium butyrate powerfully stimulated JCV early and late transcription while the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine had no effect. Analysis of JCV mutants showed that this effect was mediated by the KB element of the JCV control region, which binds transcription factors NF-κB p65, NFAT4 and C/EBPβ and mediates stimulation by TNF-α. Stimulation of transcription by p65 was additive with TSA as was cotransfection with transcriptional coactivators/acetyltransferase p300 whereas depletion of endogenous p65 by RNA interference inhibited the effect of TSA. EMSA with a KB oligonucleotide showed p65 expression, TNF-α stimulation or TSA treatment each caused a gel shift that was further shifted by antibody to p65.

Conclusions

We conclude that JCV is regulated epigenetically by protein acetylation events and that these involve the NF-κB p65 binding site in the JCV control region.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: New proposal for the serum ascites albumin gradient cut-off value in Chinese ascitic patients
Authors: Jiang Cai-feng , Shi Bin , Shi Jian , Yuan Zong-li , Xie Wei-fen
Published: August 2013

Background

Serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) has been recognized as a reliable marker in the differential diagnosis of ascites. The etiological background of cirrhosis is rather different between western countries and eastern countries. The threshold of SAAG in Chinese ascitic patients has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to define a new reasonable threshold of SAAG in Chinese ascitic patients.

Methods

Adult patients with ascites admitted to the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from Jan 2004 to Jun 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic criteria for cirrhotic ascites are clinical manifestations, radiological features and esophageal-gastric varicosis, or histopathology. Serum was detected by chemical method using a commercial kit. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to achieve maximal sensitivity and specificity of SAAG.

Results

The mean value of SAAG in portal-hypertension-related ascites was significantly higher than that in the non-portal-hypertension-related ascites (21.15 ± 4.38 g/L vs 7.48 ± 3.64 g/L, P = 0.002). The SAAG cut-off value under 12.50 g/L predicted portal hypertension ascites with the sensitivity of 99.20%, specificity of 95.10% and accuracy of 97.65%.

Conclusions

SAAG is useful to distinguish portal-hypertension-related ascites and non-portal-hypertension-related ascites, and 12.50 g/L might present as a more reasonable threshold in Chinese ascitic patients.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1602582638991860
Barriers and facilitators to implement shared decision making in multidisciplinary sciatica care: a qualitative study
Authors: Hofstede Stefanie N , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J , Wentink Manon M , Stiggelbout Anne M , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen LA , Vliet Vlieland Thea PM , van Bodegom-Vos Leti ,   for the DISC study group
Published: August 2013

Background

The Dutch multidisciplinary sciatica guideline recommends that the team of professionals involved in sciatica care and the patient together decide on surgical or prolonged conservative treatment (shared decision making [SDM]). Despite this recommendation, SDM is not yet integrated in sciatica care. Existing literature concerning barriers and facilitators to SDM implementation mainly focuses on one discipline only, whereas multidisciplinary care may involve other barriers and facilitators, or make these more complex for both professionals and patients. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to identify barriers and facilitators perceived by patients and professionals for SDM implementation in multidisciplinary sciatica care.

Methods

We conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in sciatica care (general practitioners, physical therapists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic surgeons) and three focus groups among patients (six to eight per group). The interviews and focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed in full. Reported barriers and facilitators were classified according to the framework of Grol and Wensing. The software package Atlas.ti 7.0 was used for analysis.

Results

Professionals reported 53 barriers and 5 facilitators, and patients 35 barriers and 18 facilitators for SDM in sciatica care. Professionals perceived most barriers at the level of the organizational context, and facilitators at the level of the individual professional. Patients reported most barriers and facilitators at the level of the individual professional. Several barriers and facilitators correspond with barriers and facilitators found in the literature (e.g., lack of time, motivation) but also new barriers and facilitators were identified. Many of these new barriers mentioned by both professionals and patients were related to the multidisciplinary setting, such as lack of visibility, lack of trust in expertise of other disciplines, and lack of communication between disciplines.

Conclusions

This study identified barriers and facilitators for SDM in the multidisciplinary sciatica setting, by both professionals and patients. It is clear that more barriers than facilitators are perceived for implementation of SDM in sciatica care. Newly identified barriers and facilitators are related to the multidisciplinary care setting. Therefore, an effective implementation strategy of SDM in a multidisciplinary setting such as in sciatica care should focus on these barriers and facilitators.
Chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis 1: a 10-year institutional review
Authors: Zehou Ouidad , Fabre Elizabeth , Zelek Laurent , Sbidian Emilie , Ortonne Nicolas , Banu Eugeniu , Wolkenstein Pierre , Valeyrie-Allanore Laurence
Published: August 2013

Background

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is the most common autosomal dominant disorder, with an incidence of 1 in 2,500-3,300 live births. NF1 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality because of complications, especially malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which mainly develop during adulthood. We evaluated our experience with management of NF1 with MPNSTs by standard chemotherapy with anthracycline and/or ifosfamide in terms of time to treatment failure and overall survival.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients with NF1 and a diagnosis of MPNSTs between 1993 and 2003 in our referral center for NF1. Prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate analysis.

Results

We evaluated data for 21 patients with grade 1 (n=1), grade 2 (n=8) and grade 3 (n=12) MPNST; 16 presented localized disease and underwent surgery: margins for 6 were tumor-free (including 3 patients with amputation), 2 showed microscopic residual disease and 8 showed macroscopic residual disease. All patients received chemotherapy and 9 radiotherapy. Median time to treatment failure and overall survival were 7.8 and 17 months, respectively. Two patients were still alive at 138 and 167 months. We found no significant relationship between type of chemotherapy and time to treatment failure or overall survival.

Conclusions

MPNSTs are highly aggressive in NF1. Conventional chemotherapy does not seem to reduce mortality, and its role must be questioned. Recent advances in the molecular biology of MPNSTs may provide new prognostic factors and targeted therapies.
Recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis in a 16-year-old boy in the course of primary antiphospholipid syndrome despite treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin: a case report
Authors: Biernacka-Zielinska Malgorzata , Lipinska Joanna , Szymanska-Kaluza Joanna , Stanczyk Jerzy , Smolewska Elzbieta
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis and persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. It can be a primary disease or secondary when associated with other autoimmune diseases.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 16-year-old Caucasian boy with a massive arterial and venous thrombosis in his lower limbs as well as in his central nervous system with clinical symptoms such as headaches and chorea. He did not present any clinical or laboratory signs of a systemic inflammatory connective tissue disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus. Based on the clinical picture and results of the diagnostic tests (positive antibodies against β2-glycoprotein and a high titre of anticardiolipin antibodies) we finally diagnosed primary antiphospholipid syndrome. During a 9-month follow up after the acute phase of the disease, he was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Neurological symptoms were relieved. Features of recanalization in the vessels of his lower limbs were observed. After a subsequent 6 months, because of the failure of preventive treatment – an incident of thrombosis of the vessels of his testis – treatment was modified and heparin was replaced with warfarin.

Conclusion

Although the preventive treatment with warfarin in our patient has continued for 1 year of follow up without new symptoms, further observation is needed.
Efficacy of an imidacloprid/flumethrin collar against fleas, ticks and tick-borne pathogens in dogs
Authors: Dantas-Torres Filipe , Capelli Gioia , Giannelli Alessio , Ramos Rafael Antonio Nascimento , Lia Riccardo Paolo , Cantacessi Cinzia , de Caprariis Donato , De Tommasi Anna Sara , Latrofa Maria Stefania , Lacasella Vita , Tarallo Viviana Domenica , Di Paola Giancarlo , Qurollo Barbara , Breitschwerdt Edward , Stanneck Dorothee , Otranto Domenico
Published: August 2013

Background

Tick-borne diseases comprise a group of maladies that are of substantial medical and veterinary significance. A range of tick-borne pathogens, including diverse species of bacteria and protozoa, can infect both dogs and humans. Hence, the control of tick infestations is pivotal to decrease or prevent tick-borne pathogen transmission. Therefore, different commercial products with insecticidal, repellent or both properties have been developed for use on dogs. Recently, a collar containing a combination of imidacloprid 10% and flumethrin 4.5% has proven effective to prevent tick and flea infestations in dogs under field conditions and the infection by some vector-borne pathogens they transmit under laboratory-controlled conditions.

Methods

From March 2011 to April 2012, a field study was conducted in a private shelter in southern Italy to assess the efficacy of the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar against tick and flea infestations and to determine if this strategy would decrease tick-borne pathogen transmission in young dogs. A total of 122 animals were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to group A (n = 64; collared) or group B (n = 58; untreated controls). Dogs were examined monthly for ticks and fleas and systematically tested for selected tick-borne pathogens.

Results

Compared to controls, the collar provided overall efficacies of 99.7% and 100% against tick and flea infestation, respectively. The overall efficacy for the prevention of tick-borne pathogens (i.e.,Anaplasma platysandBabesia vogeli) was 91.6%.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar is efficacious against flea and tick infestation as well as tick-borne pathogen transmission to dogs under field conditions.
Role of 5-aminolevulinic acid in the salinity stress response of the seeds and seedlings of the medicinal plant Cassia obtusifolia L.
Authors: Zhang Chun-Ping , Li Yi-Cun , Yuan Feng-Gang , Hu Shi-Jun , Liu Hai-Ying , He Ping
Published: August 2013

Background

Soil salinity, one of the major abiotic stresses affecting germination, crop growth, and productivity, is a common adverse environmental factor. The possibility of enhancing the salinity stress tolerance of Cassia obtusifolia L. seeds and seedlings by the exogenous application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was investigated.

Result

To improve the salinity tolerance of seeds, ALA was applied in various concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/L). To improve the salinity tolerance of seedlings, ALA was applied in various concentrations (10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L). After 10 mg/L ALA treatment, physiological indices of seed germination (i.e., germination vigor, germination rate, germination index, and vigor index) significantly improved. At 25 mg/L ALA, there was a significant protection against salinity stress compared with non-ALA-treated seedlings. Chlorophyll content, total soluble sugars, free proline, and soluble protein contents were significantly enhanced. Increased thiobarbituric acid reactive species and membrane permeability levels were also inhibited with the ALA treatment. With the treatments of ALA, the levels of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, i.e., the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F
v
/F
m), photochemical efficiency (F
v'/F
m'), PSII actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII), and photochemical quench coefficient (qP), all significantly increased. In contrast, the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) decreased. ALA treatment also enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase in seedling leaves. The highest salinity tolerance was obtained at 25 mg/L ALA treatment.

Conclusion

The plant growth regulator ALA could be effectively used to protect C. obtusifolia seeds and seedlings from the damaging effects of salinity stress without adversely affecting plant growth.
Post-stroke depression and the aging brain
Authors: Cojocaru Gabriel R , Popa-Wagner Aurel , Stanciulescu Elena C , Babadan Loredana , Buga Ana-Maria
Published: August 2013

Ageing is associated with changes in the function of various organ systems. Changes in the cardiovascular system affect both directly and indirectly the function in a variety of organs, including the brain, with consequent neurological (motor and sensory performance) and cognitive impairments, as well as leading to the development of various psychiatric diseases. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is among the most frequent neuropsychiatric consequences of cerebral ischemia. This review discusses several animal models used for the study of PSD and summarizes recent findings in the genomic profile of the ageing brain, which are associated with age-related disorders in the elderly. Since stroke and depression are diseases with increased incidence in the elderly, great clinical benefit may especially accrue from deciphering and targeting basic mechanisms underlying PSD. Finally, we discuss the relationship between ageing, circadian rhythmicity and PSD.
Daily physical activity in ankylosing spondylitis: validity and reliability of the IPAQ and SQUASH and the relation with clinical assessments
Authors: Arends Suzanne , Hofman Marianne , Kamsma Yvo PT , der Veer Eveline van , Houtman Pieternella M , Kallenberg Cees GM , Spoorenberg Anneke , Brouwer Elisabeth
Published: August 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ; long form) and the Short QUestionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH) and to investigate the relation between daily physical activity and clinical assessments in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

For validity, the self-report questionnaires IPAQ and SQUASH were compared with daily physical activity assessed with the ActiGraph accelerometer during 7 consecutive days in 63 AS outpatients. For reliability, the IPAQ and SQUASH were administered twice approximately 1 week apart in 52 AS outpatients. In all 115 patients, clinical assessments were performed at the outpatient clinic.

Results

IPAQ and SQUASH total scores correlated significantly with accelerometer outcome: ρ = 0.38 and r = 0.35, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients between first and second assessments of the IPAQ and SQUASH were 0.83 and 0.89, respectively. Bland-Altman analyses showed no systemic bias, but in particular for the IPAQ the 95% limits of agreement were wide. Daily physical activity assessed by accelerometer, IPAQ, and SQUASH correlated significantly with disease activity, physical activity, and quality of life. A relation with spinal mobility was found only for the accelerometer and SQUASH. The direction of these correlations indicates that higher daily physical activity is related to lower disease activity and better physical function, spinal mobility and quality of life.

Conclusions

Both physical activity questionnaires showed modest construct validity. The SQUASH showed good test-retest reliability, superior to the IPAQ. These results indicate that the SQUASH is more suitable than the IPAQ to assess daily physical activity in AS population studies. However, it is desirable to add questions on AS-specific physical activity. Further studies are needed to investigate the causality of the relation between daily physical activity and clinical assessments.
Sustained-input switches for transcription factors and microRNAs are central building blocks of eukaryotic gene circuits
Authors: Megraw Molly , Mukherjee Sayan , Ohler Uwe
Published: August 2013

WaRSwap is a randomization algorithm that for the first time provides a practical network motif discovery method for large multi-layer networks, for example those that include transcription factors, microRNAs, and non-regulatory protein coding genes. The algorithm is applicable to systems with tens of thousands of genes, while accounting for critical aspects of biological networks, including self-loops, large hubs, and target rearrangements. We validate WaRSwap on a newly inferred regulatory network from Arabidopsis thaliana, and compare outcomes on published Drosophila and human networks. Specifically, sustained input switches are among the few over-represented circuits across this diverse set of eukaryotes.
BreakTrans: uncovering the genomic architecture of gene fusions
Authors: Chen Ken , Navin Nicholas E , Wang Yong , Schmidt Heather K , Wallis John W , Niu Beifang , Fan Xian , Zhao Hao , McLellan Michael D , Hoadley Katherine A , Mardis Elaine R , Ley Timothy J , Perou Charles M , Wilson Richard K , Ding Li
Published: August 2013

Producing gene fusions through genomic structural rearrangements is a major mechanism for tumor evolution. Therefore, accurately detecting gene fusions and the originating rearrangements is of great importance for personalized cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy. We present a tool, BreakTrans, that systematically maps predicted gene fusions to structural rearrangements. Thus, BreakTrans not only validates both types of predictions, but also provides mechanistic interpretations. BreakTrans effectively validates known fusions and discovers novel events in a breast cancer cell line. Applying BreakTrans to 43 breast cancer samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas identifies 90 genomically validated gene fusions. BreakTrans is available at http://bioinformatics.mdanderson.org/main/BreakTrans
Pattern recognition analysis of anterior cingulate cortex blood flow to classify depression polarity
Authors: Almeida J. R. C. , Mourao-Miranda J. , Aizenstein H. J. , Versace A. , Kozel F. A. , Lu H. , Marquand A. , LaBarbara E. J. , Brammer M. , Trivedi M. , Kupfer D. J. , Phillips M. L.
Published: August 2013

Differentiating bipolar from recurrent unipolar depression is a major clinical challenge. In 18 healthy females and 36 females in a depressive episode – 18 with bipolar disorder type I, 18 with recurrent unipolar depression – we applied pattern recognition analysis using subdivisions of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) blood flow at rest, measured with arterial spin labelling. Subgenual ACC blood flow classified unipolarv. bipolar depression with 81% accuracy (83% sensitivity, 78% specificity).
Pre-school hyperactivity/attention problems and educational outcomes in adolescence: prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Washbrook Elizabeth , Propper Carol , Sayal Kapil
Published: August 2013

Background

High levels of attentional and hyperactivity problems in school-aged children, even if subthreshold for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are associated with academic under-achievement. Few large-scale, community-based studies have investigated the relationship between pre-school and adolescence.

Aims

To investigate whether pre-school hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems are independently associated with academic outcomes at age 16.

Method

Data from the prospective, population-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were used. After adjusting for a broad range of confounder variables, the associations between parent-rated hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems measured at age 3 and academic outcomes at age 16 (national General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination results) were investigated (n = 11640).

Results

Both early hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems had negative effects on academic outcomes. In adjusted analyses, abnormal hyperactivity/inattention scores were associated with reductions of ten GCSE points in boys. Borderline and abnormal conduct problem scores were associated with reductions of 9–10 and 12–15 points respectively.

Conclusions

Pre-school hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems carry risk of worse academic outcomes at 16.
Shaking Table Tests of a Typical Mexican Colonial Temple: Evaluation of Two Retrofitting Techniques
Authors: Chávez Marcos , Meli Roberto
Published: August 2013

This paper reports the results of the second phase of a research program that carried out shaking table tests on a scale model of a typical stone masonry temple. This second phase evaluates the efficacy of two different retrofitting techniques by comparing the response of the retrofitted models with that of the original unreinforced model. It was found that both retrofitting schemes substantially enhanced the performance of the model temple. The maximum intensity of the base motion for which damage was considered to be still repairable increased by 80% and 120% for the first and the second levels of retrofitting, respectively. In terms of displacement capacity, the response of the model with the second level of retrofit reached a maximum drift of 0.4%. The initial damping ratios were found to be in the range of 7% to 9%, both in the original and the retrofitted models. These ratios constitute a significant source of energy dissipation for this kind of structure.
Direct Displacement-Based Seismic Design of Propped Rocking Walls
Authors: Nicknam Afsoon , Filiatrault Andre
Published: August 2013

A direct displacement-based design (DDBD) methodology is described for propped rocking walls (PRWs). PRWs represent a novel seismic force-resisting system that combines passive supplemental damping devices with unbonded post-tensioned concrete rocking walls. The key aspect of the proposed design procedure is the closed-form derivation of the stabilized hysteretic response of PRWs under reverse cyclic loading. This allows the direct application of the DDBD procedure to satisfy desired displacement performance objectives under prescribed levels of seismic intensity. Nonlinear response analyses are conducted on a prototype PRW structure, designed according to the proposed DDBD procedure to evaluate its performance under strong ground shaking.
Seismic Response of High-Voltage Transformer-Bushing Systems Incorporating Flexural Stiffeners II: Experimental Study
Authors: Koliou Maria , Filiatrault Andre , Reinhorn Andrei M.
Published: August 2013

A numerical study conducted on four transformer-bushing models presented in a first companion paper indicated that high-voltage bushings mounted on the cover plates of transformers are more vulnerable to seismic loading than bushings mounted on a rigid base. This would explain why the good performance of bushings mounted on a rigid base observed during shake table testing does not correlate well with their performance in the field. In this second companion paper, the addition of flexural stiffeners on the transformer cover plates as a means to stiffen the base of bushings and mitigate their seismic vulnerability is investigated experimentally. Shake table testing was conducted on a 230 kV porcelain bushing mounted on a support structure incorporating a flexible cover plate and two stiffener configurations. Test results confirmed that stiffening the cover plates is beneficial to the seismic response of high-voltage bushings. Test results are compared to the predictions of finite element analyses.
An Emulative Precast Segmental Concrete Bridge Column for Seismic Regions
Authors: Ou Yu-Chen , Oktavianus Yusak , Tsai Mu-Sen
Published: August 2013

This work proposes a new precast segmental concrete bridge column. The lower region of the column is built using cast-in-place (CIP) construction. The height of the CIP region and level of post-tensioning force in the precast region are selected such that the ultimate condition of the column under seismic loading is governed by a conventional plastic hinge mechanism in the CIP region. A tall column was constructed and subjected to cyclic loading. Test results indicate that the column has excellent ductility and energy dissipation. A pushover analytical method was proposed and applied to the proposed column. This method captured joint opening through the joint rotation length and the amount of curvature exceeding the cracking curvature. Analytical results agree well with test results in predicting the envelope of hysteretic behavior, the increase in axial force in the precast region, and the contribution of precast and CIP regions to column displacement.
Avoiding and Nonexpressing: Coping Styles of Patients With Paragangliomas
Authors: van Hulsteijn L. T. , Kaptein A. A. , Louisse A. , Smit J. W. A. , Corssmit E. P. M.
Published: August 2013

Context:

Paraganglioma (PGL) patients and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) gene mutation carriers at risk for PGLs have a decreased quality of life (QoL). QoL may be affected by the strategy an individual uses when dealing with a stressful situation, ie, specific coping styles. Understanding the various approaches to coping may allow the development of targeted interventions to improve patient QoL.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess coping styles in PGL patients and SDH mutation carriers.

Design:

This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting:

The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.

Patients and Methods:

Coping styles were assessed using the Utrecht Coping List. The results from the study cohort were compared with a control group and data derived from the literature. Potential differences in coping styles between the various SDH mutation carriers and PGL patients without an SDH mutation were explored.

Results:

Of the 174 patients who responded, 122 were SDHD, 25 SDHB, and 2 SDHC mutation carriers. An additional 25 patients lacked an SDH mutation. They recruited 100 peers as controls. Compared with the general population, the study cohort was more avoidant of problems (P < .001) and reported less expression of emotion (P < .01). Compared with patients with other conditions, they sought more social support (P < .001). There were no significant differences in coping styles between the various categories of mutation carriers or PGL patients lacking a mutation.

Conclusions:

Coping styles of PGL patients and SDH mutation carriers differ from those of control and reference groups and include an avoidant coping style and a lack of emotional expression.
“In the Choir with the Clerics”: Secularism in the Age of Inquisition
Authors: Kimmel Seth
Published: August 2013

This essay argues that the effort to define and police the shifting boundaries of Christianity in early modern Spain produced a counter-intuitive peninsular logic of secularization. Hoping to stem the extension of ecclesiastical power over everyday cultural life, New Christians and religious reformers defended the authority of civic tribunals to regulate the social conditions of faith. This attempt to secularize the crime of heresy was not simply a call for the Crown to execute a coercive religious agenda. On the contrary, by turning late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century inquisitorial regimes of discipline and dissimulation to critical pastoral and political ends, New Christians such as the negotiator Francisco Núñez Muley and reformers such as the court historian Pedro de Valencia sought to transform both Christian orthodoxy and civic identity. This social and intellectual history troubles conventional scholarship on secularization, which tends to focus on the legacy of the Protestant Reformation and Northern European Enlightenment while either lamenting an apparent theological backwardness south of the Pyrenees or ignoring the peninsula altogether. It is not my goal to trace an alternative genealogy of late modern secularism to the various coercive discourses and practices associated with early modern inquisition. I argue rather that the candidness with which Spanish intellectuals justified the pastoral and disciplinary features of civic law can serve as a guide for untangling the complex relationship between secularism and religion in other times and places.
Orientalism, Secularism, and the Crisis of Hebrew Modernism: Reading Leah Goldberg'sAvedot
Authors: Schachter Allison
Published: August 2013

This article examines how Leah Goldberg's modernist novel Avedot, written between 1936 and 1939, but unpublished in her lifetime, theorizes the intersections of gender, Hebrew secularism, and Orientalism. Goldberg's novel dramatizes the crisis of secular European Hebrew through the perspective of a modern Hebrew poet and Orientalist scholar, Elhanan Yehuda Kron, who travels from Palestine to Berlin to pursue his research on the Islamic origins of Jewish mysticism. Through Kron1s experiences in Berlin in the 1930s, the novel calls attention to how the origin of modern secular Hebrew shares roots with an Orientalist Christian world view that is allied with Nazism. Goldberg's protagonist attempts to resolve this crisis by addressing a community of women readers whose exclusion from the world of traditional Jewish texts might enable them to envision and create a secular Hebrew culture.
Senescence at a glance
Authors: Pawlikowski Jeff S. , Adams Peter D. , Nelson David M.
Published: August 2013

Cellular senescence is a stable proliferation arrest that is associated with extensive cellular remodelling and an altered secretory pathway. Through its numerous inducers that lead to altered gene expression, senescence is able to influence many contrasting functions and pathologies, namely tumour suppression, tumour promotion, wound healing and ageing. As senescence is able to control such important tissue functions, it is now being pinpointed as a possible route for novel therapies. This article and accompanying poster aim to provide a summary of the initiators, pathways and roles of senescence, as well as present examples of senescence and a possible use for senescence in therapy.