bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse drug reactions in patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia in France: a national multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Laroche Marie‐Laure , Perault‐Pochat Marie‐Christine , Ingrand Isabelle , Merle Louis , Kreft‐Jais Carmen , Castot‐Villepelet Anne , Durrieu Geneviève , Gras Valérie , Guy Claire , Jean‐Pastor Marie‐Josèphe , Jonville‐Béra Annie‐Pierre , Merlet‐Chicoine Isabelle , Miremont‐Salamé Ghada , Nourhashemi Fati , Charmes Jean‐Pierre ,   the French Centres of Pharmacovigilance Network
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To assess the prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurring in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or other dementia in France.

Methods

A cross‐sectional multicentre study was conducted by the French network of the 31 regional pharmacovigilance centres on a given day. The subjects were selected by random draw to be a representative sample of French patients with dementia: consultations of dementia clinics, nursing‐homes, acute and long care geriatric units, rehabilitation care geriatric units. The staff of each medical structure together with that of the pharmacovigilance centre defined a day for including the patients. Socio‐demographic data, history, ADR and drugs given were registered.

Results

There were 1332 subjects included, 51.1% living at home, 48.8% in institutions, aged 82.0 ± 8.0 years (46–108); 61.3% suffered from AD. Mean number of drugs was 6.3 ± 3.1. Anti‐dementia drugs were given to 66.4% subjects. ADR prevalence was 5.0% (95% CI: 3.9–6.2) without a significant difference between at home and institutionalized patients. ADR consisted of gastro‐intestinal (23.2%), central nervous system (17.4%) and psychiatric disorders (8.7%). Of the ADR, 31.9% were serious, and 47.8% preventable. The drugs most often involved were anti‐dementia (28.9%), cardio‐vascular (28.9%) and psychotropic drugs (26.4%, anxiolytics, hypnotics, antidepressants, neuroleptics).

Conclusion

This national scale study showed that iatrogenesis in patients with AD and related dementia can at times be serious and preventable. Therefore, special attention is required when prescribing psychotropic and anti‐dementia drugs, as they are frequently used and induce half of the ADR in this population. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of additives on the properties of casting nafion membranes and SO‐based ionic polymer–Metal composite actuators
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Chen Hualing , Wang Yongquan , Luo Bin , Chang Longfei , Zhu Zicai , Li Bo
Published: June 2013

As a typical smart material, ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) has a sandwich structure, which consists of a base membrane and two thin metallic electrodes on both sides of the base membrane. The properties of the base membrane, Nafion as the most used base material, strongly affect the performance of IPMC actuator. This paper reports the effects of different additives, such as ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N, N′‐dimethyl formamide (DMF), and N‐methyl formamide (NMF), on the performances of the casting membranes and SO‐based IPMC actuators. Studies have shown that the microstructures of the casting membranes with EG and DMSO as additives are more loose and amorphous, leading to higher water contents and thus higher conductivity than those with DMF, NMF, and Nafion 117. Among the casting membrane‐based IPMC actuators, EG‐based IPMC actuator has larger deformation and blocking force, higher strain energy density and conversion efficiency at 2 V DC voltage, whose electromechanical properties are most close to that based on Nafion 117. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:818–830, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
MODELING THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN RIVER MORPHODYNAMICS AND RIPARIAN VEGETATION
Authors: Camporeale C. , Perucca E. , Ridolfi L. , Gurnell A. M.
Published: June 2013

The study of river‐riparian vegetation interactions is an important and intriguing research field in geophysics. Vegetation is an active element of the ecological dynamics of a floodplain which interacts with the fluvial processes and affects the flow field, sediment transport, and the morphology of the river. In turn, the river provides water, sediments, nutrients, and seeds to the nearby riparian vegetation, depending on the hydrological, hydraulic, and geomorphological characteristic of the stream. In the past, the study of this complex theme was approached in two different ways. On the one hand, the subject was faced from a mainly qualitative point of view by ecologists and biogeographers. Riparian vegetation dynamics and its spatial patterns have been described and demonstrated in detail, and the key role of several fluvial processes has been shown, but no mathematical models have been proposed. On the other hand, the quantitative approach to fluvial processes, which is typical of engineers, has led to the development of several morphodynamic models. However, the biological aspect has usually been neglected, and vegetation has only been considered as a static element. In recent years, different scientific communities (ranging from ecologists to biogeographers and from geomorphologists to hydrologists and fluvial engineers) have begun to collaborate and have proposed both semiquantitative and quantitative models of river‐vegetation interconnections. These models demonstrate the importance of linking fluvial morphodynamics and riparian vegetation dynamics to understand the key processes that regulate a riparian environment in order to foresee the impact of anthropogenic actions and to carefully manage and rehabilitate riparian areas. In the first part of this work, we review the main interactions between rivers and riparian vegetation, and their possible modeling. In the second part, we discuss the semiquantitative and quantitative models which have been proposed to date, considering both multi‐ and single‐thread rivers.
Randomized controlled trial of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy for depressive symptoms: effectiveness and costs of a workplace intervention
Authors: Phillips R. , Schneider J. , Molosankwe I. , Leese M. , Foroushani P. Sarrami , Grime P. , McCrone P. , Morriss R. , Thornicroft G.
Published: June 2013

Background

Depression and anxiety are major causes of absence from work and underperformance in the workplace. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in treating such problems and online versions offer many practical advantages. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a computerized CBT intervention (MoodGYM) in a workplace context.

Method

The study was a phase III two-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial whose main outcome was total score on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Depression, anxiety, psychological functioning, costs and acceptability of the online process were also measured. Most data were collected online for 637 participants at baseline, 359 at 6 weeks marking the end of the intervention and 251 participants at 12 weeks post-baseline.

Results

In both experimental and control groups depression scores improved over 6 weeks but attrition was high. There was no evidence for a difference in the average treatment effect of MoodGYM on the WSAS, nor for a difference in any of the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

This study found no evidence that MoodGYM was superior to informational websites in terms of psychological outcomes or service use, although improvement to subthreshold levels of depression was seen in nearly half the patients in both groups.
Prediction in processing is a by-product of language learning
Authors: Chang Franklin , Kidd Evan , Rowland Caroline F.
Published: June 2013

Both children and adults predict the content of upcoming language, suggesting that prediction is useful for learning as well as processing. We present an alternative model which can explain prediction behaviour as a by-product of language learning. We suggest that a consideration of language acquisition places important constraints on Pickering & Garrod's (P&G's) theory.
Cellular Uptake Mechanisms of an Antitumor Ruthenium Compound: The Endosomal/Lysosomal System as a Target for Anticancer Metal-Based Drugs
Authors: Côrte-Real Leonor , Matos António P. , Alho Irina , Morais Tânia S. , Tomaz Ana Isabel , Garcia Maria Helena , Santos Isabel , Bicho Manuel P. , Marques Fernanda
Published: June 2013

Previous studies have described promising antitumor activity of an organometallic Ru(II) complex, η5-Cyclopentadienyl(2,2′-bipyridyl)(triphenylphosphane) Ruthenium(II) triflate ([(η5-C5H5)Ru(2,2′-bipyridyl)(PPh3)][CF3SO3]) herein designated as TM34. Its broad spectrum of activity against a panel of human tumor cell lines and high antiproliferative efficiency prompted us to focus on its mode of action. We present herein results obtained with two human tumor cell lines A2780 and MDAMB231 on the compound distribution within the cell, the mechanism of its activity, and its cellular targets. The prospective metallodrug TM34 revealed: (a) fast antiproliferative effects even at short incubation times for both cell lines; (b) preferential localization at the cell membrane and cytosol; (c) cellular activity by a temperature-dependent process, probably macropinocytosis; (d) inhibition of a lysosomal enzyme, acid phosphatase, in a dose-dependent mode; and (e) disruption and vesiculation of the Golgi apparatus, which suggest the involvement of the endosomal/lysosomal system in its mode of action. These results are essential to elucidate the basis for the cytotoxic activity and mechanism of action of this RuII(η5-cyclopentadienyl) complex.
Sliding‐mode control of a wind turbine‐driven double‐fed induction generator under non‐ideal grid voltages
Authors: Martinez Miren Itsaso , Susperregui Ana , Tapia Gerardo , Xu Lie
Published: June 2013

Control algorithms for the rotor‐ and grid‐side power converters of a double‐fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind turbine under non‐ideal grid voltage conditions are proposed, and guidelines for tuning the controller parameters are presented. The control schemes are based on sliding‐mode control (SMC) theory. Apart from directly controlling the DFIG's average active and reactive powers, the proposed methods also fulfil two additional control targets during voltage unbalance and harmonic distortion, that is, the rotor‐side converter (RSC) eliminating electromagnetic torque fluctuations and the grid‐side converter (GSC) compensating for the stator current harmonics to ensure a sinusoidal total current from the overall generating unit. The described control strategies are proved to be robust against parameter deviations and of fast dynamic response. In spite of the discontinuous nature of the standard SMC, constant converter switching frequency is achieved. Besides, the RSC control algorithm does not require a phase‐locked loop and, furthermore, there is no need for decomposing the grid voltage and different currents into symmetrical sequences or harmonic components in any of the converters’ control systems. Finally, the excellent performance of the system, as well as its robustness, is verified by means of simulation results under different grid voltage conditions.
Supervisory control and data acquisition data‐based non‐linear state estimation technique for wind turbine gearbox condition monitoring
Authors: Wang Yue , Infield David
Published: June 2013

Offshore wind energy is catching increasing worldwide interest. However, access and maintenance offshore can be difficult and will be more costly than onshore, and hence, availability is correspondingly lower. As a result, there is a growing interest in wind turbine condition monitoring with condition‐based rather than responsive and scheduled maintenance. A non‐linear state estimation technique (NSET) model is presented here to model a healthy wind turbine gearbox using stored historical data. These data capture the inter‐relationship between the model input and output parameters. The state vectors comprising the data should cover as much as turbine operational range, including the extreme conditions in order to obtain an accurate model performance. A model so constructed can be applied to assess the operational data. Welch's t‐test is employed in the fault detection algorithm, together with suitable time series filtering, to identify incipient anomalies in the turbine gearbox before they develop into catastrophic faults. Two case studies based on 10‐minute supervisory control and data acquisition data from a commercial wind farm are presented to demonstrate the model's effectiveness. Comparison is made with neural network modelling, and the NSET approach is demonstrated to be superior.
Reducing rotor speed variations of floating wind turbines by compensation of non‐minimum phase zeros
Authors: Fischer Boris
Published: June 2013

Applying a land‐based designed pitch controller on a floating wind turbine may cause severe instability. A common strategy to overcome this problem is to reduce the closed‐loop bandwidth of the pitch control system. In doing so, the generator speed variation increases possibly leading to shutdowns because of overspeed. This study uses a parallel path modification to avoid instability without increasing the generator speed variation. The results of comprehensive simulations and load calculations carried out on a benchmark wind turbine are presented. These demonstrate that by using the proposed method it is possible to apply the land‐based designed pitch controller on its floater‐based equivalent.
Damping estimation of an offshore wind turbine on a monopile foundation
Authors: Devriendt Christof , Jordaens Pieter Jan , De Sitter Gert , Guillaume Patrick
Published: June 2013

The work presented in this study describes a comparative study between different techniques aimed at identifying the damping values of an offshore wind turbine on a monopile foundation. It will be shown that damping ratios can directly be obtained from vibrations of the tower under ambient excitation from wave and wind loading. The results will be compared with the damping values obtained from a commonly used overspeed stop. Ambient vibration tests have the strong advantage of being more practical and less demanding for the wind turbine in comparison with the overspeed stop. Several identification algorithms, the standard exponential decay method, alternative procedures in the time domain as well as more advanced operational modal analysis techniques in the frequency domain will be applied to the experimental data. These data have been obtained during a short measurement campaign on an offshore wind turbine in the Belgian North Sea. The results of the used methods for estimating the modal damping of a wind turbine excited by ambient excitation will be discussed and compared. This study also presents some aspects related to the practical implementation of the measurements.
Numerical verification of Orbit and Nemato codes for magnetic topology diagnosis
Authors: Ciaccio G. , Veranda M. , Bonfiglio D. , Cappello S. , Spizzo G. , Chacón L. , White R. B.
Published: June 2013

We present the results of a benchmark study involving the Orbit and Nemato codes. The two codes have been used to compare magnetic structure in a reversed-field pinch (RFP), where conserved magnetic structures/islands appear both in the core (dominated by m = 1 modes) and in the edge (dominated by m = 0 modes). As input, a snapshot of a 3D nonlinear MHD visco-resistive simulation (produced by the SpeCyl code) has been used. The first test is given by the reconstruction via Poincaré surface of section plot of an island generated by a single mode. In this case, the magnetic field topology corresponds to a time-independent Hamiltonian and shows conserved flux-surfaces used as a reference. Both codes successfully yield field lines which follow the same flux surfaces, in both the m = 1 and m = 0 cases. The benchmark between the codes has then been extended to a more complex configuration with chaotic magnetic field, using as input a fully 3D multiple mode RFP condition, characterized by the typical chain of edge magnetic islands providing a transport barrier. Finally, a quantitative benchmark has been performed, using the same 3D input, by estimating the correlation length of the magnetic field line in a bounded stochastic domain. The conclusion is that both codes yield consistent Poincaré plot structure on one hand, and very good quantitative agreement in correlation length estimate. This gives confidence to the application of both codes to magnetic topology in the RFX-mod device, for which they are used routinely, as well as for a generic fusion device.
Reduced mammalian target of rapamycin activity facilitates mitochondrial retrograde signaling and increases life span in normal human fibroblasts
Authors: Lerner Chad , Bitto Alessandro , Pulliam Daniel , Nacarelli Timothy , Konigsberg Mina , Van Remmen Holly , Torres Claudio , Sell Christian
Published: June 2013

Coordinated expression of mitochondrial and nuclear genes is required to maintain proper mitochondrial function. However, the precise mechanisms that ensure this coordination are not well defined. We find that signaling from mitochondria to the nucleus is influenced by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity via changes in autophagy and p62/SQSTM1 turnover. Reducing mTOR activity increases autophagic flux, enhances mitochondrial membrane potential, reduces reactive oxygen species within the cell, and increases replicative life span. These effects appear to be mediated in part by an interaction between p62/SQSTM1 and Keap1. This interaction allows nuclear accumulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐like 2 (NFE2L2, also known as nuclear factor related factor 2 or NRF2), increased expression of the nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and increased expression of nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial genes, such as the mitochondrial transcription factor A, and mitochondrial‐encoded genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. These findings reveal a portion of the intracellular signaling network that couples mitochondrial turnover with mitochondrial renewal to maintain homeostasis within the cell and suggest mechanisms whereby a reduction in mTOR activity may enhance longevity.
Interactions between vitamin D and IGF‐I: from physiology to clinical practice
Authors: Ameri Pietro , Giusti Andrea , Boschetti Mara , Murialdo Giovanni , Minuto Francesco , Ferone Diego
Published: June 2013

The interplay between vitamin D and IGF‐I is complex and occurs at both endocrine and paracrine/autocrine levels. Vitamin D has been shown to increase circulating IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3, with the consistent finding of a positive correlation between vitamin D and IGF‐I serum values in population‐based cohorts of healthy subjects. The modulation of IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 concentrations by vitamin D may impact recombinant human (rh) GH dosing for the treatment of GHD. It might also underlie some of the extra‐skeletal beneficial effects ascribed to vitamin D. On the other hand, IGF‐I stimulates renal production of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, which increases calcium and phosphate availability in the body and suppresses PTH secretion. This effect is responsible for an altered calcium–phosphate balance in uncontrolled acromegaly and might also account for the improvement in bone metabolism associated with rhGH treatment in patients with GHD. Data on the paracrine/autocrine vitamin D−IGF‐I interactions are abundant, but mostly not linked to one another. As a result, it is not possible to draw a comprehensive picture of the physiological and/or pathological interrelations between vitamin D, IGF‐I and IGF‐binding proteins (IGFBP) in different tissues. A potential role of vitamin D action is related to its association with carcinogenesis, a paradigm being breast cancer. Current evidence indicates that, in breast tumours, vitamin D modulates the IGF‐I/IGFBP ratio to decrease proliferation and increase apoptosis.
ECONOMIC FREEDOM, SPORT POLICY, AND INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON
Authors: RUSESKI JANE E. , MARESOVA KATERINA
Published: June 2013

Many countries promote participation in physical activity among its citizens. We undertake an international comparative analysis of participation using data from 34 countries in the 2007 International Social Survey Programme Leisure Time and Sports module, augmented with country‐specific characteristics capturing economic freedom and national sport policy. Gross domestic product per capita and economic freedom are associated with higher physical activity participation; past success of the national team in the Olympics is associated with lower participation, but hosting sports mega‐events is associated with higher participation. Our findings indicate that participation in sport and physical activity falls with age and rises with education and income. (JEL H59, I12, I18, J22, L83)
Challenges of stem cell‐based pulp and dentin regeneration: a clinical perspective
Authors: Huang George T.‐J. , Al‐Habib Mey , Gauthier Philippe
Published: June 2013

There are two types of approaches to regenerate tissues: cell‐based and cell‐free. The former approach is to introduce exogenous cells into the host to regenerate tissues, and the latter is to use materials other than cells in an attempt to regenerate tissues. There has been a significant advancement in stem cell‐based pulp and dentin regeneration research in the past few years. Studies in small and large animals have demonstrated that pulp/dentin‐like tissues can be regenerated partially or completely in the root canal space with apical openings of 0.7–3.0 mm using dental pulp stem cells, including stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) and subpopulations of pulp stem cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and adipose tissue‐derived MSCs (AdMSCs) have also been shown to regenerate pulp‐like tissue. In contrast, the cell‐free approach has not produced convincing evidence on pulp regeneration. However, one crucial concept has not been considered nor defined in the field of pulp/dentin regeneration and that is the critical size defect of dentin and pulp. Without such consideration and definition, it is difficult to predict or anticipate the extent of cell‐free pulp regeneration that would occur. By reasoning, cell‐free therapy is unlikely to regenerate an organ/tissue after total loss. Similarly, after a total loss of pulp, it is unlikely to regenerate without using exogenously introduced cells. A cell homing approach may provide a limited amount of tissue regeneration. Although stem cell‐based pulp/dentin regeneration has shown great promise, clinical trials are difficult to launch at present. This article will address several issues that challenge and hinder the clinical applications of pulp/dentin regeneration which need to be overcome before stem cell‐based pulp/dentin regeneration can occur in the clinic.
Pulp regeneration in previously infected root canal space
Authors: Fouad Ashraf F. , Nosrat Ali
Published: June 2013

Contemporary pulp revascularization procedures have been successful in achieving endodontic infection control and promoting the root mineralization process. However, there is still no agreement on the methods to produce predictable clinical outcomes or optimal disinfection protocols. Furthermore, there is no evidence for actual pulp regeneration in humans or in in situ animal models. This review will outline the various factors involved in undertaking this procedure, with a special emphasis on the antimicrobial strategies employed and the available information on their efficacy. Areas in which information is lacking and research is needed will also be presented.
Temperature and nutrient availability interact to mediate growth and body stoichiometry in a detritivorous stream insect
Authors: Kendrick Michael R. , Benstead Jonathan P.
Published: June 2013

Regimes of temperature and nutrient availability are undergoing rapid modification at global scales. Both temperature and nutrients can influence consumer physiology and growth via several mechanisms. We examined how temperature and the nutrient content of food interact to affect consumption, growth and body stoichiometry of a detritivorous consumer (the caddisfly Pycnopsyche gentilis).

In a 7‐week growth study, P. gentilis larvae were reared at two different temperatures (5 and 10 °C) while fed conditioned red maple (Acer rubrum) litter at one of two stoichiometric qualities (manipulated by raising phosphorus supply in one litter conditioning treatment; Amb: mean litter P = 0.03%, mean litter N = 0.79%; Hi‐P: mean litter P = 0.14%, mean litter N = 1.2%).

Temperature and litter quality had differential effects on bulk consumption, element‐specific (N and P) consumption, growth and elemental body content of P. gentilis larvae. Temperature was the only factor affecting bulk feeding rates. Larvae in the Warm/Hi‐P treatment had by far the highest growth rates; the negligible growth in the Cold/Amb treatment was increased by either higher temperature (Warm/Amb) or higher food quality (Cold/Hi‐P).

Higher temperature had no effect on body P content in Hi‐P treatments, but decreased body P content in the Amb treatments. Shifts in temperature and resource quality are both important components of global change and our results show that these factors can have interactive effects on detrital food webs, through which most primary production flows.
Adjuvant rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris: a phase II clinical trial
Authors: Kamran Balighi , Maryam Daneshpazhooh , Somayeh Khezri , Mostafa Mahdavi‐nia , Mahsa Hajiseyed‐javadi , Cheyda Chams‐Davatchi
Published: June 2013

Rituximab has been tried increasingly for the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). However, there is still no consensus about its dosing regimens, efficacy, and side effects due to insufficient clinical trials. The goal of this study was to evaluate its efficacy in the treatment of PV. This is a case series of patients with PV who received rituximab, four doses of 375 mg/m2 intravenously weekly, plus concomitant oral prednisolone. The primary outcomes were the rate of initial clinical improvement and marked clinical improvement; secondary outcomes included prednisolone doses (mg/d) at baseline, three months, six months and the last visit, as well as the side effects. Forty out of 45 patients completed the study. The mean follow‐up time was 12 ± 10.69 months (range of 3–46 months). Following treatment with rituximab, all the analyzed patients with PV had initial clinical improvement after a mean period of 6.35 weeks and a marked clinical improvement after a mean of 10.13 months. The mean prednisolone dose (mg/d) decreased significantly from a baseline level of 48.75 ± 25.86 to 26.50 ± 12.95 at three months, 20.70 ± 17.51 at six months, and 15.26 ± 9.98 at the last visit (P = 0.0001). The encountered side effects following rituximab were lung abscess, sepsis, pneumonia, cavernous sinus thrombosis, skin abscess, deep vein thrombosis, generalized arthralgia, and Stevens–Johnson syndrome. According to our study, rituximab may be an effective adjuvant to prednisolone for the treatment of PV; however, its safety profile remains concerning. (IRCT registration number: IRCT201111022704N2.).
Use of Lasers for Closure of Cutaneous Wounds: Experience with Nd:YAG, Argon and CO2 Lasers
Authors: ABERGEL R. PATRICK , LYONS RICHARD , DWYER RICHARD , WHITE RODNEY R. , UITTO JOUNI
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The concept of tissue fusion by laser has been recently established. In this study, we have examined the skin welding by laser and tested the efficacy of four different lasers for this application. The results attest to the feasibility of the procedure and suggest that laser welding may represent an alternative for closure of cutaneous wounds.
Penile Tumors: Their Management by Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Authors: BROWN MARC D. , ZACHARY CHRISTOPHER B. , GREKIN ROY C. , SWANSON NEIL A.
Published: June 2013

Penile tumors represent a difficult group of neoplasms requiring effective and curative treatment while minimizing tissue loss to prevent cosmetic and functional deformity. Over the past 6 years, we have treated 20 patients with penile cancer utilizing the fresh tissue technique of Mohs micrographic surgery. Tumors were excised with an average of 2.25 stages. Most defects (80%) were allowed to heal by second intention. Since surgery, four patients have developed metastatic disease in their regional lymphatic system, and one patient has died from metastatic spread. One patient has developed local recurrence. Micrographic surgery is a very useful treatment modality for patients with penile tumors. Patients with SCC of the penis should be considered for elective regional lymph node biopsy and/or dissection in conjunction with micrographically controlled excision of the primary tumor.
Electrosurgery: High‐Frequency Modalities
Authors: SEBBEN JACK E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The most popular form of electrosurgery used in cutaneous surgery involves the application of high voltage electromagnetic energy in the form of a damped sine wave. This form of current may be applied by electrofulguration, electrodesiccation, or electrocoagulation. The principles involved in the application of these three forms of electrosurgery are discussed.
Pseudolymphoma of the Earlobes Due to Ear Piercing
Authors: ZILINSKY ISAAC , TSUR HAGGAI , TRAU HENRY , ORENSTEIN ARIE
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Keloids are commonly seen as a complication of earlobe piercing. As biopsies are usually not performed routinely in many instances, some of the lesions might, in fact, represent other entities, such as cutaneous pseudolymphoma. Contrary to keloids, for which surgery alone is not recommended, a simple excision or superficial x‐ray is sufficient in such cases.
The Maghreb‐Mashreq language ideology and the politics of identity  in a globalized Arab world1
Authors: Hachimi Atiqa
Published: June 2013

To date, most scholarship on Arabic language ideologies has focused on the contentious relationship between Standard Arabic and the spoken vernaculars. This paper, in contrast, draws attention to the hierarchies among theregionalvarieties of vernacular Arabic. Specifically, it makes visible the workings of what it calls the ‘Maghreb‐Mashreq language ideology’: the hierarchical relationship between Mashreqi (Middle Eastern) and Maghrebi (North African) vernacular Arabic varieties. The paper explores, in particular, the de/authentication of linguistic Arabness through a detailed analysis of a transnational pan‐Arab reality/talentTVshow. Drawing on clips of situated interactions from this series, which have been uploaded to YouTube and commented upon by viewers, the paper argues that the new media is a critical site for reworking longstanding language ideologies and the politics of identity in the Arabic‐speaking world.[Arabic]
Investigation of the pathophysiological mechanism for altered calcium homeostasis in hyperthyroid cats
Authors: Williams T. L. , Elliott J. , Berry J. , Syme H. M.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To investigate possible pathophysiological mechanisms (reduced plasma calcitriol concentrations and/or presence of concurrent or masked chronic kidney disease) for hypocalcaemiain hyperthyroid cats.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Routine plasma biochemical parameters, plasma parathyroid hormone and calcitriol concentrations, ionized calcium concentrations, and venouspH, were measured at diagnosis and following treatment of hyperthyroidism. Linear regression analysis was used to determine predictors of ionized calcium concentration.

Results

Hyperthyroid cats (n=45) had lower ionized calcium concentrations than healthy geriatric cats (n=52), however, ionized calcium concentrations were higher in hyperthyroid cats with concurrent or masked chronic kidney disease than non‐azotaemic hyperthyroid cats. Plasma calcitriol concentrations were higher in hyperthyroid cats than control cats. Plasma total thyroxine concentration and venouspHwere independent predictors of ionized calcium concentration. Plasma total thyroxine concentration was also a predictor of ionized calcium concentration after adjustment for plasma parathyroid hormone and calcitriol concentrations.

Clinical Significance

Hypocalcaemia in hyperthyroid cats is not associated with the presence of concurrent or masked chronic kidney disease or reduced plasma calcitriol concentrations. Increased thyroid hormone concentrations might influence ionized calcium concentrations through a mechanism, yet to be determined, that is independent of control by parathyroid hormone and calcitriol.
MutMap‐Gap: whole‐genome resequencing of mutant F2 progeny bulk combined with de novo assembly of gap regions identifies the rice blast resistance gene Pii
Authors: Takagi Hiroki , Uemura Aiko , Yaegashi Hiroki , Tamiru Muluneh , Abe Akira , Mitsuoka Chikako , Utsushi Hiroe , Natsume Satoshi , Kanzaki Hiroyuki , Matsumura Hideo , Saitoh Hiromasa , Yoshida Kentaro , Cano Liliana M. , Kamoun Sophien , Terauchi Ryohei
Published: June 2013

Next‐generation sequencing allows the identification of mutations responsible for mutant phenotypes by whole‐genome resequencing and alignment to a reference genome. However, when the resequenced cultivar/line displays significant structural variation from the reference genome, mutations in the genome regions missing from the reference (gaps) cannot be identified by simple alignment.

Here we report on a method called ‘MutMap‐Gap’, which involves delineating a candidate region harboring a mutation of interest using the recently reported MutMap method, followed by de novo assembly, alignment, and identification of the mutation within genome gaps.

We applied MutMap‐Gap to isolate the blast resistant gene Pii from the rice cv Hitomebore using mutant lines that have lost Pii function.

MutMap‐Gap should prove useful for cloning genes that exhibit significant structural variations such as disease resistance genes of the nucleotide‐binding site‐leucine rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) class.
Clinical significance of serum hyaluronan in chronic fibrotic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Inokoshi Yayoi , Tanino Yoshinori , Wang Xintao , Sato Suguru , Fukuhara Naoko , Nikaido Takefumi , Fukuhara Atsuro , Saito Junpei , Frevert Charles W. , Munakata Mitsuru
Published: June 2013

Background and objective

Hyaluronan is an important constituent of the extracellular matrix in lungs, and growing evidence demonstrates its important biological properties in the lung. However, its role in interstitial pneumonia remains to be fully clarified. The goal of this study was to clarify the role of hyaluronan in interstitial pneumonia.

Methods

Hyaluronan in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of chronic interstitial pneumonia (CIP) patients was measured, and the correlation with clinical parameters was determined. In addition, the correlation between hyaluronan in serum and clinical parameters was analysed in patients with acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia (IP‐AE).

Results

When compared with healthy controls, serum hyaluronan was significantly greater in patients with CIP and was positively correlated with serum biomarkers of inflammation and fibrosis, such as C‐reactive protein and surfactant protein‐D. In BAL fluid, the amount of hyaluronan was positively correlated with the percentage of inflammatory cells and the amount of CXCL8. When compared with CIP patients, patients with IP‐AE had significantly greater amounts of serum hyaluronan, and patients with the highest serum hyaluronan had the worst 60‐day outcomes.

Conclusions

This work suggests that serum hyaluronan may be a clinically useful biomarker of interstitial pneumonia and suggests the possibility that hyaluronan is involved in the pathogenesis of interstitial pneumonia by recruiting inflammatory cells into the lungs.
The Role of Sexually Transmitted Infections in HIV-1 Progression: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Chun Helen M. , Carpenter Robert J. , Macalino Grace E. , Crum-Cianflone Nancy F.
Published: June 2013

Due to shared routes of infection, HIV-infected persons are frequently coinfected with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Studies have demonstrated the bidirectional relationships between HIV and several STIs, including herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), hepatitis B and C viruses, human papilloma virus, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas. HIV-1 may affect the clinical presentation, treatment outcome, and progression of STIs, such as syphilis, HSV-2, and hepatitis B and C viruses. Likewise, the presence of an STI may increase both genital and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, enhancing the transmissibility of HIV-1, with important public health implications. Regarding the effect of STIs on HIV-1 progression, the most studied interrelationship has been with HIV-1/HSV-2 coinfection, with recent studies showing that antiherpetic medications slow the time to CD4 <200 cells/µL and antiretroviral therapy among coinfected patients. The impact of other chronic STIs (hepatitis B and C) on HIV-1 progression requires further study, but some studies have shown increased mortality rates. Treatable, nonchronic STIs (i.e., syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas) typically have no or transient impacts on plasma HIV RNA levels that resolve with antimicrobial therapy; no long-term effects on outcomes have been shown. Future studies are advocated to continue investigating the complex interplay between HIV-1 and other STIs.
Evaluation of the Genotoxic Potential againstH2O2-Radical-Mediated DNA Damage and Acute Oral Toxicity of Standardized Extract ofPolyalthia longifoliaLeaf
Authors: Jothy Subramanion L. , Chen Yeng , Kanwar Jagat R. , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: June 2013

Medicinal plants have been used in medicoculturally diverse countries around the world, where it is a part of a time-honoured tradition that is respected even today.Polyalthia longifolialeaf extract has been previously reported as an efficient antioxidantin vitro. Hence, the genotoxic effects ofP. longifolialeaf were investigated by using plasmid relation, comet, andAllium cepaassay. In the presence of  ∙OH radicals, the DNA in supercoil was start nicked into open circular form, which is the product of the single-stranded cleavage of supercoil DNA and quantified as fragmented separate bands on agarose gel in plasmid relation assay. In the plasmid relation and comet assay, theP. longifolialeaf extract exhibited strong inhibitory effects against H2O2-mediated DNA damage. A dose-dependent increase of chromosome aberrations was also observed in theAllium cepaassay. The abnormalities scored were stickiness, c-mitosis, bridges, and vagrant chromosomes. Micronucleated cells were also observed at the interphase. The results ofAllium cepaassay confirmed that the methanol extracts ofP. longifoliaexerted no significant genotoxic or mitodepressive effects at 100 μg/mL. Thus, this study demonstrated thatP. longifolialeaf extract has a beneficial effect against oxidative DNA damage. This experiment is the first report for the protective effect ofP. longifoliaon DNA damage-induced by hydroxyl radicals. Additionally in acute oral toxicity study, female rats were treated at 5000 mg/kg body weight ofP. longifolialeaf extract and observed for signs of toxicity for 14 days.P. longifolialeaf extract did not produce any treatment-related toxic effects in rats.
Prophylactic Supraclavicular Radiotherapy after Surgery in High-Risk N1 Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu Jeong Il , Park Won , Shin Kyung Hwan , Lee Nam Kwon , Choi Doo Ho , Huh Seung Jae
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To evaluate the role of prophylactic supraclavicular radiotherapy (RT) by comparing the clinical outcomes of locoregional recurrence (LRR) in high-risk N1 breast cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective comparison study of 250 high-risk N1 breast cancer patients treated at two institutions. Patients were considered to be high-risk when they had more than two of the following risk factors: lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular extension, metastasis to more than two axillary lymph nodes (ALNs), or level II or higher ALN metastasis. We compared two groups treated with different adjuvant RT fields for the purpose of prophylactic supraclavicular RT (SCRT). Results: Among the 250 patients, 97 patients received SCRT while 153 did not. During follow-up, 32 patients (7 in the SCRT and 25 in the no-SCRT group) had recurrence, and LRR developed in 19 patients, 18 of whom had not received SCRT. In multivariate analysis, SCRT [hazard ratio (HR) 0.072; p = 0.011] and chemotherapy regimen (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, and taxane; TAC) were the significant prognostic factors in LRR-free survival (HR 0.385; p = 0.046), and chemotherapy regimen also showed significance for distant metastasis-free survival (HR 0.399; p = 0.037). Conclusions: Use of prophylactic SCRT may reduce the risk of LRR in patients with high-risk N1 breast cancer.
Fixed-Antenna Pointing-Angle Calibration of Airborne Doppler Cloud Radar
Authors: Haimov Samuel , Rodi Alfred
Published: June 2013

Doppler velocity measurements from airborne meteorological Doppler radars require removal of the aircraft motion contribution in order to provide radial velocity of hydrometeor targets. This is a critical step for hydrometeor motion and wind retrievals. The aircraft motion contribution is defined as the scalar product between the radar antenna beam-pointing vector and the aircraft velocity vector at the antenna phase center. The accuracy in the removal of the aircraft velocity contribution is determined by the accuracy of the beam-pointing vector, the rigidity of the antenna mount, and the accuracy of the aircraft attitude and velocity measurements. In this paper an optimization technique is proposed to determine the antenna beam-pointing vector and to analyze its uncertainties using aircraft attitude and velocity data from a GPS-aided inertial measurement unit and radar observations of the earth surface. The technique is applied to Wyoming Cloud Radar (WCR) on the University of Wyoming King Air (UWKA) aircraft. The beam-pointing vectors of the two fixed downward-pointing WCR antennas are calibrated using data selected from several calibration flights. The maximum root-mean-square error in the calibrated beam-pointing angles is smaller than 0.03°, resulting in less than 0.1 m s−1 aircraft motion residual error in the Doppler velocities after removing the aircraft motion contribution. Some applicability and limitations to other airborne Doppler radars with fixed antennas are discussed.
The Historicity of David’s Imperial Conquests
Authors: Roberts J.J.M.
Published: June 2013

This article presents an argument for the general reliability of the historical claims made in 2 Samuel–1 Kings for the expansion of the United Monarchy and its great wealth during the reigns of David and Solomon. It concludes with a brief discussion of why this historicity matters theologically.
Practicing the Redemptive Love of Jesus: The Enduring Witness of Kagawa Toyohiko (1888–1960)1
Authors: Hastings Thomas John
Published: June 2013

On Christmas Eve in 1909, 21-year-old Kagawa Toyohiko (1888–1960) rented a room in Kobe’s worst slum and, aside from two years of study in the United States, remained there with his wife and co-worker Haru more than ten years. In the slum, they engaged in pastoral work, evangelism, social reform movements, and literary activities. After publishing a best-selling novel in 1920 and donating all of the royalties to their many projects, Toyohiko began to draw the attention of people from around Japan and the world. He was often compared with his contemporaries Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Schweitzer. Arguing that spiritual reform must accompany genuine social reform, he proposed the “third way” of cooperative economics as an alternative to the materialism he perceived in capitalism and Marxism. The Kagawas founded Kobe Co-op in 1920, which today has 1.2 million members. To support the spiritual life and social commitment of young Christians, they started the “Friends of Jesus” in 1921, a lay Protestant order linking Franciscan and Jesuit traditions. They helped lead relief efforts in Tokyo after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and Toyohiko led the Kingdom of God Movement from 1926–34, a massive ecumenical effort that fused evangelism with social activism. Toyohiko was a lifelong reader of natural science and saw no conflict between science and faith. His lifelong passivism was sorely tested as Japan headed into world war. By 1940, he had responsibility for 4 settlement houses, 6 cooperatives, 6 slum kitchens, 3 hospitals, 17 kindergartens, 3 tuberculosis sanitaria, 3 gospel schools, 1 domestic science school, 2 magazines, a farm, and 19 churches. Publishing over 300 books in his lifetime, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature twice, and the Nobel Peace Prize three times. This piece considers why Kagawa and his enduring legacy have been forgotten.
Reconstruction of pulmonary venous conduit with CorMatrix in lung transplant
Authors: Yeen Wing C , Faber Cristiano , Caldeira Christiano , Nallamshetty Leelakrishna , Haddad Tarik , Rolfe Mark
Published: June 2013

Anomalous pulmonary vein anatomy is infrequently encountered during reconstructive lung surgery, especially lung transplantation. Complications of pulmonary venous anastomosis carry high morbidity and mortality. We report a case of anomalous pulmonary vein reconstruction with a decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa-derived extracellular matrix during bilateral lung transplantation in an 18-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis.
Right ventricular free wall intramyocardial hematoma after coronary bypass
Authors: Panduranga Prashanth , Valliattu John , Al-Mukhaini Mohammed
Published: June 2013

Intramyocardial dissecting hematoma is a rare form of incomplete cardiac rupture usually reported with reference to the left ventricle or interventricular septum. Here we report the case of a 64-year-old man with an isolated right ventricular dissecting intramyocardial hematoma following coronary artery bypass surgery.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of trachea: a rare case of primary tracheal tumor
Authors: Rasihashemi Seyed Ziaeddin , Rostambeigi Nassir , Fakhrjou Ashraf
Published: June 2013

A primary tracheal tumor is not common, but adenocarcinoma is particularly rare. We describe a case of primary tracheal mucinous adenocarcinoma misdiagnosed as asthma in a 17-year-old girl. Computed tomography revealed an intraluminal partially obstructing mass in the mid portion of the trachea. A sleeve resection of the involved trachea with primary anastomosis was performed, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. After 23 months of follow-up, there has been no recurrence.
Interpreting the Call of Abram: Between Scylla and Carybdis
Authors: Tatu Silviu
Published: June 2013

Far from being straightforward, as Jewish and Christian tradition might suggest, Abram’s call raises questions about the exact time it took place and was followed up. After surveying the solutions suggested so far, the current article looks into various evidence offered in the text to deliberate on this matter: Abram’s birth in relation to Terah’s genealogy, Abram’s family in relation to Terah’s death, the form of the ‘calling’ verb, the country Abram departed from, and the narrative art of the literary piece. We reached the conclusion that God called Abram to leave Ur in order to travel to Canaan, and he did that before Terah’s death, although he stopped on the way in Haran for a while. Abram’s example provides a model to obey God’s highest call over any other human duty and responsibility.
La résistance à une innovation sociale, cadre d’analyse des problèmes de diffusion du commerce équitable
Authors: Gurviez Patricia , Sirieix Lucie
Published: June 2013

Résumé

Conceptualiser le commerce équitable (CE) comme une innovation sociale permet d’éclairer ses problèmes de diffusion en étudiant la résistance à l’innovation. Une étude terrain en deux volets (quasi-expérimentation et entretiens qualitatifs) montre que lever les freins individuels ne suffit pas à vaincre la résistance aux produits issus du CE. Les failles dans le processus d’innovation sociale (appropriation, identification) sont mises au jour et discutées, ce qui débouche sur des recommandations pour faciliter la diffusion du CE et des innovations sociales.