bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PARALLEL SIMULATION OF LARGE-SCALE ARTIFICIAL SOCIETY WITH GPU AS COPROCESSOR
Authors: GUO GANG , CHEN BIN , QIU XIAOGANG
Published: January 2013

Large-scale artificial societies with millions or billions of agents call for high-performance parallel simulation. Prevailing supercomputers with thousands of CPUs and GPUs make it possible to carry out such simulation. The key is to distribute large-scale agents to massive cores of CPUs and GPUs properly for parallel computing with efficient communication and synchronization. For simplicity and efficiency, a modified discrete event system specification (DEVS) is proposed for large-scale artificial society modeling and parallelism is exploited in agent models because similar agents usually share similar behaviors. Through phased synchronization, a two-tier parallel simulation engine is designed with support of MPI and OpenCL where GPU is used as coprocessor. One-sided communication is used for reflection of remote simulation objects and message passing between processes. A general kernel function prototype is elaborately designed and conditionally compiled for execution on both CPU and GPU. An artificial society for epidemic study is used to test the performance on a supercomputer with 1024 CPU cores and 1792 GPU cores. The speedup reaches 3512 for even 2 billion agents with GPU acceleration which is far over 701 when only CPUs are used. It turns out feasible for parallel simulation of large-scale artificial society with GPU as coprocessor.
ESTIMATING PROSPECT THEORY'S DECISION WEIGHTS WITH STOCHASTIC DOMINANCE: THE SMALL PROBABILITY CASE
Authors: LEVY HAIM , ORKAN MICHAL
Published: January 2013

When one prospect is certain and the other uncertain, Cumulative Prospect Theory employs the certainty equivalent methodology to estimate Decision Weights (DW). However, DW may be different with two uncertain prospects. In this study, we neutralize the "certainty effect" and propose Stochastic Dominance (SD) to estimate DW for the first time with small probabilities, which is the raison d'être of the employment of DW. Using SD we provide ranges, rather than point estimates, of DW parameters that are consistent with all possible S-shape value functions. Comparing CE and SD implied DW, we find that DW are situation dependent: DW derived with one certain prospect are much different than those derived with two uncertain prospects.
THE THIRD FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM OF ASSET PRICING
Authors: JARROW ROBERT
Published: January 2013

The importance of market efficiency to derivative pricing is not well understood. The purpose of this paper is to explain this connection using the third fundamental theorem of asset pricing. The third fundamental theorem of asset pricing characterizes the conditions under which an equivalent martingale probability measure exists in an economy. Noting that the existence of an equivalent martingale probability measure is both necessary and sufficient for the market being informationally efficient, we prove that in a complete market, the market being efficient is both necessary and sufficient for the validity of the risk neutral valuation methodology.
THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR AND THE REAL SECTOR: A STOCHASTIC MODEL
Authors: ALGHALITH MOAWIA , POLIUS TRACY
Published: January 2013

Using a stochastic factor model, we devise a method to estimate the marginal impact of real GDP on the stock market. We apply our approach to the Jamaican financial market.
MODELLING LONG MEMORY VOLATILITY IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY FUTURES RETURNS
Authors: CHANG CHIA-LIN , McALEER MICHAEL , TANSUCHAT ROENGCHAI
Published: January 2013

This paper estimates a long memory volatility model for 16 agricultural commodity futures returns from different futures markets, namely corn, oats, soybeans, soybean meal, soybean oil, wheat, live cattle, cattle feeder, pork, cocoa, coffee, cotton, orange juice, Kansas City wheat, rubber, and palm oil. The class of fractional GARCH models, namely the FIGARCH model of Baillie et al. (1996), FIEGARCH model of Bollerslev and Mikkelsen (1996), and FIAPARCH model of and FIAPARCH model of Tse (1998), are modelled and compared with the GARCH model of Bollerslev (1986), EGARCH model of Nelson (1991), and APARCH model of Ding et al. (1993). The estimated d parameters, indicating long-term dependence, suggest that fractional integration is found in most of agricultural commodity futures returns series. In addition, the FIGARCH (1, d, 1) and FIEGARCH (1, d, 1) models are found to outperform their GARCH (1, 1) and EGARCH (1, 1) counterparts.
EBNA-2-Deleted Epstein-Barr Virus from P3HR-1 Can Infect Rabbits with Lower Efficiency than Prototype Epstein-Barr Virus from B95-8
Authors: Sano Hitoshi , Nagata Keiko , Kato Kaoru , Kanai Kyousuke , Yamamoto Kiyoshige , Okuno Keisuke , Kuwamoto Satoshi , Higaki-Mori Hiromi , Sugihara Hirotsugu , Kato Masako , Murakami Ichiro , Kanzaki Susumu , Hayashi Kazuhiko
Published: January 2013

Objectives: To clarify characteristics on rabbit in vivo infection with type 2 EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA-2)-deleted Epstein-Barr virus (P3HR-1-EBV) and compare infectious efficacy of P3HR-1-EBV with previously reported prototype type 1 EBV from B95-8. Methods: Twelve Japanese White rabbits were inoculated with P3HR-1-EBV via intranasal or intravenous routes and autopsied on day 70–84. Results: In only 2 of 12 P3HR-1-EBV-inoculated rabbits, EBV-DNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). BamHI M rightward reading frame (BMRF)-1, EBNA-1 and BamHI Z leftward reading frame (BZLF)-1-mRNA were intermittently expressed in PBMCs. In 1 infected rabbit with continuous detection of EBV-DNA in PBMCs, many EBER-1-positive lymphocytes were observed in germinal centers and/or marginal zones in some follicles of the appendix, and for the first time a lymphocyte with EBER-1 expression infiltrating in the squamous cell layer of the tonsils was found. The other rabbit with a transient detection of EBV-DNA in PBMCs had no EBER-1-positive lymphocytes in the tissues examined. Few EBER-1-positive lymphocytes were detected in some rabbits without detection of EBV-DNA in PBMCs. Conclusions: P3HR-1-EBV showed less efficient infection in rabbits than EBV from the B95-8 cell line. However, a P3HR-1-EBV-inoculated animal model is meaningful because this is the first study of EBNA-2 function on in vivo EBV infection and it demonstrated the in vivo infectivity with lytic-type infection by EBNA-2-deleted EBV.
Depletion of B Lymphocytes in Idiopathic Membranous Glomerulopathy: Results from Patients with Extended Follow-Up
Authors: Lionaki Sophia , Marinaki Smaragdi , Nakopoulou Lydia , Skalioti Chrysanthi , Iniotaki Aliki , Sfikakis Petros P. , Siamopoulos Costas , Boletis John
Published: January 2013

Aims: To assess the long-term therapeutic benefit of temporary depletion of B lymphocytes in patients with idiopathic membranous glomerulopathy (MGN) and search for potential predictors of response. Patients and Methods: The patients included had been diagnosed with biopsy-proven MGN in the absence of secondary causes. Estimated glomerular filtration rate should be above 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 24-hour proteinuria 3 g/day or more. Patients who had been treated with cyclosporine or cytotoxic agents the year prior to study entry were excluded. Depletion of B cells was achieved with rituximab, which was administered intravenously for 4 consecutive weeks. Partial remission was defined as a >50% decrease in proteinuria with absolute proteinuria <3 g/day, while complete remission was defined as a >50% decrease in proteinuria and an absolute protein excretion <0.3 g/day. Results: Twelve patients were studied (4 females/8 males) with a mean age of 51.3 years. No major adverse effects were observed. During a median follow-up time of 48 months, 11/12 (91.6%) patients achieved remission [7/12 (58.3%) complete remission and 4/12 (33.3%) partial remission], while 1 patient did not respond to therapy. Twelve months after therapy, 68.8% (p = 0.003) of cases had achieved partial and 28.4% complete remission. Measurements of lymphocyte subpopulations did not reveal any changes except for the B cell depletion. B cell infiltrates captured per mm3 of renal tissue in the diagnostic biopsy did not correlate with subsequent response. Conclusion: Depletion of B cells in idiopathic MGN was well tolerated and resulted in significant and long-lasting response rates in a series of 12 patients.
Prediction of the Risk of Harboring Prostate Cancer by a Prebiopsy Nomogram Based on Extended Biopsy Protocol
Authors: Nicolaiew Nathalie , Ploussard Guillaume , Chun Felix K.-H. , Xylinas Evanguelos , Allory Yves , Salomon Laurent , de la Taille Alexandre
Published: January 2013

Objective: We aimed to build a nomogram allowing to predict the probability of prostate cancer (PC) after an initial 21-core biopsy and with readily available clinical data. Methods: 1,490 screened men who underwent an initial 21-core biopsy protocol were included. A multivariate logistic regression was realized including age, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, digital rectal examination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Receiver-operating characteristic estimates were used to quantify accuracy of each model. Results: PC was detected in 41.3% of the patients. Median PSA, age and prostate volume were 6.2 ng/ml (range 0.2-50), 64.6 years (range 33-87) and 40 ml (range 10-270), respectively. Abnormal TRUS findings were detected in 14.7% of patients. Age, PSA level, prostate volume, DRE and TRUS were significantly associated with PC (all p ≤ 0.004) in univariable logistic regression analysis. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant associations were found for age, PSA level, prostate volume and DRE. Predictive accuracy estimate of this model was equal to 0.70. TRUS was not an independent predictor of PC. Conclusions: We constructed the first prebiopsy predictive nomogram based on an extended 21-core biopsy procedure with age, PSA level, DRE and prostate volume which are readily available clinical data to urologists.
Fever and Psychosis as an Early Presentation of Brucella-Associated Meningoencephalitis: A Case Report
Authors: Montazeri Mahnaz , Sadeghi Kourosh , Khalili Hosein , Davoudi Setareh
Published: January 2013

Objective: To describe a case with Brucella-associated meningoencephalitis. In addition, we report drug-induced hepatotoxicity due to acyclovir. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A young woman was admitted with fever and psychosis and neuroimaging findings indicative of meningoencephalitis. Serology was positive for Brucella. She was treated with doxycycline, rifampin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: This case reminds physicians in endemic regions to consider neurobrucellosis as a differential diagnosis in patients with any unexplained neurologic symptoms or atypical psychosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of neurobrucellosis will be helpful in decreasing the sequelae of this complication.
Is the Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Procedure Complicated in Patients with Anterior Caliceal Stones?
Authors: Tepeler Abdulkadir , Bozkurt Omer Faruk , Resorlu Berkan , Silay Mesrur Selcuk , Ozyuvali Ekrem , Ersoz Cevper , Akcay Muzaffer , Akman Tolga , Armagan Abdullah , Unsal Ali
Published: January 2013

Objectives: It was the aim of this study to evaluate and compare the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for the treatment of posterior and anterior caliceal stones. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 86 patients with isolated caliceal stones who underwent PNL between 2011 and 2012. The patients were classified into two groups according to the localization of the stone, either in the anterior (group 1, n = 41) or posterior (group 2, n = 45) calyx, on axial plane computed tomography. Results: The mean age, male/female ratio and stone size and location were similar in both groups. Fluoroscopy, operation time and duration of hospitalization were also similar between groups. Patients in group 1 had a greater postoperative hemoglobin drop than patients in group 2. Blood transfusion was required for 5 patients in group 1 and for 4 patients in group 2. In addition, open conversion was required for 2 patients in group 1 during the early postoperative period because of extensive bleeding. Hemodynamics were stabilized with angioembolization in 2 patients with prolonged hematuria in group 1. The overall success and complication rates were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Although the postoperative hemoglobin drop did not significantly differ between groups, hemorrhaging was more severe in patients with anterior caliceal stones than in those with posterior caliceal stones.
Experimental Hyperactivity of the Endolymphatic Sac
Authors: Friis Morten , Thomsen Allan Randrup , Poulsen Steen Seier , Qvortrup Klaus
Published: January 2013

Injury to the endolymphatic sac may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Ménière’s disease, an inner ear disorder characterized by hearing loss, tinnitus and attacks of vertigo. Isoimmunization of 16 inbred Lewis rats with a crude endolymphatic sac extract and complete Freund’s adjuvant induced hyperactivity of the endolymphatic sac. One group of rats was immunized by a single dose whereas a second group was immunized twice. Control animals were injected with Freund’s adjuvant in saline only. Serum was collected from all rats by the end of the study and harvested autoantibodies were tested by immunohistochemistry. The endolymphatic sacs were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Endolymphatic sac stimulation was observed in all immunized rats. Based on detailed ultrastructural observations, the degree of reactivity seemed proportional to the number of injections and the extent of immunization. Moreover, the ribosome-rich cells seemed hyperactive with an extravagant content of intracellular components: numerous rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes, morphological signs of extensive endo- and exocytosis, vesicles of material with a density similar to the homogeneous substance of which many were observed to fuse with primary lysozymes. Basolateral foldings were numerous and in the subepithelial capillaries formation of multiple and apposing fenestrations were observed. No endolymphatic sac stimulation was observed in the control animals. Specific ribosome-rich cell alterations identical to those present in the endolymphatic sac of Ménière’s disease were observed 21 days after the first immunization. The observations suggest that either an autoantigen or a trophic factor, capable of inducing a hyperactivity of the ribosome-rich cells and an imbalance of the homogeneous substance metabolism, exists in the endolymphatic sac of the rat.
Adjuvant Therapy after Curative Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Hepatitis Virus
Authors: Kubo Shoji , Takemura Shigekazu , Sakata Chikaharu , Urata Yorihisa , Uenishi Takahiro
Published: January 2013

The outcome after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unsatisfactory because of the high rate of recurrence of HCC, including intrahepatic metastasis originating from the primary carcinoma and multicentric carcinogenesis after surgery. The rate of recurrence, particularly of multicentric carcinogenesis after surgery, is affected by persistent active hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis caused by chronic hepatitis B or C. In patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC, a high viral load is a strong risk factor for HCC recurrence. Nucleos(t)ide analogues improve the outcome after curative resection for HBV-related HCC. Interferon therapy improves the outcome after curative resection for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC by decreasing recurrence and preserving or improving liver function when treatment is successful. Low-dose intermittent interferon therapy has also been reported to be effective in suppressing HCC recurrence. New antiviral agents including protease or polymerase inhibitors are expected to be effective because these agents can eradicate HCV in most patients who receive such treatment.
Surgical Strategy for Liver Cancers in the Era of Effective Chemotherapy
Authors: Shindoh Junichi , Kaseb Ahmed , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas
Published: January 2013

Systemic chemotherapy is the only option for advanced and/or disseminated disease in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For decades, various systemic therapies have been explored for the treatment of advanced HCC. Nevertheless, no satisfactory results have been obtained in cytotoxic chemotherapy so far. However, with the recent introduction of effective chemotherapy agents including sorafenib, the role of systemic therapy for the treatment of HCC is changing. The goals of systemic therapy include prolongation of survival with stabilization of disease progression and, in selected patients, downsizing of primarily unresectable tumors. In the era of effective chemotherapy, patients with advanced HCC should be managed with individualized approaches to optimize outcome.
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Daily Practice to Future Trends
Authors: Donadon Matteo , Torzilli Guido
Published: January 2013

Starting from the end of the 1970s, intraoperative ultrasound was introduced and developed to stage liver disease and guide the surgical interventions in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Without intraoperative ultrasound, it would probably be impossible to correctly define the hepatic segments as well as the limits of a tumor, also because of the existing wide variations in the anatomy. More importantly, intraoperative ultrasound allows for three-dimensional reconstruction of the relationships between the tumor, hepatic veins, and Glissonian pedicles. Such reconstruction is essential for planning the surgical strategy, which should be individualized in each patient with the aim to spare functional liver parenchyma. This work focuses on the role of intraoperative ultrasound to stage liver disease and to plan surgical resection, describing the most recent technical achievements.
The true identity of Neoneura bilinearis Selys, 1860, with the synonymy of N. gaida Rácenis, 1953, and the description of N. confundens sp. nov. (Odonata: Protoneuridae)
Authors: WASSCHER MARCEL T. , VAN ’T BOSCH JOHAN G.
Published: January 2013

Study of rough notes and sketches made by D.C. Geijskes in 1972 and the recently found original drawings by E. de Selys Longchamps done in 1884 from the male syntype of Neoneura bilinearis Selys, 1860, shows the syntype male and female (now lost for several decades) of N. bilinearis refer to the same species later described as Neoneura gaida Rácenis, 1953. Therefore N. gaida is considered a junior synonym of N. bilinearis Selys, 1860. A neotype is chosen for the true N. bilinearis (neotype ♂, Suriname, Kabalebo, 15 viii 1965, in RMNH). N. bilinearis sensu Williamson (1917) is redescribed as Neoneura confundens sp. nov. (holotype ♂, Suriname, Jodensavanna, Koela-kreek, 13 ii 1946, in RMNH). N. confundens has a wide distribution in South America north of the Tropic of Capricorn, but it is lacking from the central and lower Amazon. It occurs in several color morphs and also varies in male appendage, genital ligula, and female pronotum morphology.
Revision of the genus Eusyllis Malmgren, 1867 (Annelida: Phyllodocida: Syllidae: Eusyllinae), with the description of a new species from the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: BRUSA VIVIAN S. , AGUADO Maite TERESA , SAN MARTÍN GUILLERMO , ROUSE GREG
Published: January 2013

Eusyllis Malmgren, 1867 (Annelida, Syllidae) is revised, with 7 species considered as valid (Eusyllis assimilis Marenzeller, 1875; Eusyllis blomstrandi Malmgren, 1867; Eusyllis kupfferi Langerhans, 1879; Eusyllis lamelligera Marion & Bobretzky, 1875; Eusyllis longicirrata Imajima, 1966; Eusyllis maxima (Monro, 1930); and Eusyllis nuchalata Hartmann-Schröder, 1965) plus a newly described species (Eusyllis grandmarie n. sp.) the only species of the genus recorded from a whale carcass, lying at more than 600 m deep in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the California coast. The new species is characterized by elongated compound chaetae, with blades almost unidentate, and a thin, spine-like proximal tooth. It differs from Eusyllis longicirrata Imajima, 1966, from Japan, in having shorter dorsal cirri and blades of compound chaetae. Additionally, Eusyllis nuchalata Hartmann-Schröder, 1965 is re-described. A key to the species of the genus is included.
A new species of the genus Rhopalaea (Class: Ascidiacea) from the Red Sea
Authors: SHENKAR NOA
Published: January 2013

During regular surveys and collection of ascidians along the Red Sea coast of Israel, several specimens of an undescribed species of Rhopalaea were collected. Samples were collected by SCUBA from the natural coral reef and man-made structures at depths between 10 to 40m. This is the first species of the genus Rhopalaea described from the Red Sea, which is characterized by a transparent, uncolored gelatinous tunic with elongated attachment extensions, and is distinguished by its eight atrial lobes, thoracic muscle arrangement, and branchial sac structure.
New taxa of Tanyderidae (Diptera) from Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: KRZEMINSKI WIESŁAW , KRZEMINSKA EWA , KANIA IWONA , ROSS ANDREW J.
Published: January 2013

Macrochile hornei sp. nov. from Baltic amber (Upper Eocene) is described and illustrated. Podemacrochile gen. nov. is described with Podemacrochile baltica (Podenas, 1997) as type species. A key to the genera and species of Tanyderidae known from Baltic amber is presented.
Checklist of the ancyrocephalids (Monogenea) parasitizing Tilapia species in Cameroon, with the description of three new species
Authors: PARISELLE ANTOINE , BITJA NYOM ARNOLD R. , BILONG CHARLES F.
Published: January 2013

A checklist of the 23 species of Ancyrocephalidae (Monogenea) parasitizing Tilapia species sampled from both sides of the Cameroon Volcanic Line is provided. As already reported elsewhere, Cichlidogyrus aegypticus in Cameroon shows two different shape of its vagina, and C. tilapiae, C. arthracanthus and C. tiberianus were found on a wide range of host species. Among the 23 studied species of Monogenea, three are considered new species and are described herein: Cichlidogyrus berminensis n. sp. from Tilapia bemini, characterized by a short penis with marked narrow heel, a simple and straight accessory piece ending in a large hook, and a medium sized pair of uncinuli I; Cichlidogyrus gillesi n. sp. from Tilapia guineensis, characterized by a large and trapezoid heel of the penis and a S-shaped and wrinkle walled vagina; and Scutogyrus vanhovei n. sp. from Tilapia mariae, characterized by the presence of a distinct swollen portion of the penis. From a parasite’s point of view, the CVL has no influence on species dispersion/distribution.
Bambuina bambui: a new genus and species of cave cricket from Brazil (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae: Luzarinae)
Authors: DE MELLO FRANCISCO DE A. G. , HORTA LÍLIA S. , BOLFARINI MARCIO P.
Published: January 2013

Bambuina bambui, um novo gênero e espécie de grilo falangopsídeo é descrito a partir de espécimes obtidos na Gruta do Centenário, uma caverna de quartzo localizada na Serra do Inficionado, um subconjunto de montanhas pertencentes ao complexo da Serra do Caraça no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.
The six-eyed sand spiders of the genus Sicarius (Araneae: Haplogynae: Sicariidae) from the Brazilian Caatinga
Authors: MAGALHÃES IVAN L. F. , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO D. , SANTOS ADALBERTO J.
Published: January 2013

In this paper we revise the species of Sicarius (Araneae: Sicariidae) from the Brazilian Caatinga, the largest tropical dry forest nucleus in the world. We redescribe, designate a neotype and provide new records for Sicarius tropicus (Mello- Leitão, 1936), the only species previously known from the region, and describe three new species: S. cariri n. sp., S. diadorim n. sp. and S. ornatus n. sp. We report high intraspecific variation in the genitalic morphology of these species, especially in females. We also provide anecdotal observations on natural history and behavior of these species, including diet, mating behavior and clutch size. We include an identification key for Brazilian Caatinga species of Sicarius.
A new genus and some new species of the genus Lauriea Baba, 1971 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Galatheidae) from the Pacific and Indian Oceans, using molecular and morphological characters
Authors: MACPHERSON ENRIQUE , ROBAINAS-BARCIA AYMEE
Published: January 2013

The genus Lauriea belongs to the family Galatheidae and is easily differentiated from other genera of the family by the endopod of the uropod being much wider than long and the dactyli of the walking legs being curved and strongly biunguiculate. Examination of many specimens collected during recent expeditions from Madagascar to French Polynesia and using morphological and molecular data revealed the existence of six species, five of them new, that are genetically distinct yet morphologically very similar. Furthermore, another new species, having a triunguiculate P2–4 dactyli, represents a new genus, Triodonthea.
Reclassification of the Indo-Pacific Hawkfish Cirrhitus pinnulatus (Forster)
Authors: GAITHER MICHELLE R. , RANDALL JOHN E.
Published: January 2013

The hawkfish Cirrhitus pinnulatus Forster (in Bloch & Schneider 1801) was regarded as one wide-ranging Indo-Pacific species, from the Red Sea and east coast of Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and the islands of French Polynesia. Schultz (1950) resurrected the name C. alternatus Gill for the population in the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll, and described the Red Sea population as a new species, C. spilotoceps, based on morphological data. Randall (1963) confirmed the differences that Schultz used to separate Cirrhitus pinnulatus into three species, but preferred to regard them as subspecies. We examined more specimens, colour photographs, and used genetic comparisons to determine the validity of the three species recognized by Schultz (1950). Combining mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b sequence data from specimens of C. pinnulatus pinnulatus from the Indo-Pacific, C. spilotoceps from the Red Sea, and C. pinnulatus maculosus from Hawai‘i, we detected levels of sequence divergence (5–12%) that support the species-level designation of C. spilotoceps. We detected no genetic differentiation but maintain the subspecies designation of the Hawaiian form based on morphological and colour differences. We found a third genetic lineage in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific that is 5% divergent from C. spilotoceps. We refrain from designating this group as a separate subspecies until further morphological and genetic study can be completed.
A new species of Isometopus Fieber, the first record of Isometopinae (Heteroptera: Miridae) from Thailand
Authors: YASUNAGA TOMOHIDE , YAMADA KAZUTAKA , ARTCHAWAKOM TAKSIN
Published: January 2013

The isometopine plant bug genus Isometopus Fieber currently comprises 69 nominal species (Schuh, 1995). The majority of the members are known to occur in the Old World tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zone; 26 species have been reported from the Afrotropical Region, and Asian faunas documented mainly by Lin (2004) [Taiwan], Ren (1991) and Ren & Yang (1988) [China], Yasunaga (2001, 2005) [Japan], and Yasunaga & Duwal (2006) [Nepal]. However, there is no reliable account of the Isometopinae from Thailand, or Indochina.
‘A modern-day Icelandic saga’: Political places and negotiating spaces at the northern frontier of ‘EUrope’
Authors: Jones Alun , Clark Julian
Published: January 2013

In this paper we explore the current politico-economic tensions surrounding Iceland’s application for EU membership provoked by the state’s financial trauma of 2008. Through access to high level diplomats, politicians and EU Commission staff involved in preparing and negotiating Icelandic accession to the EU, we examine the difficulties for both sides of overcoming the country’s long-standing antipathy towards European political integration and appeasing the vociferous sectoral interests, especially in farming and fisheries, ranged against membership. The significance of this application far outstrips the size of this small island state since Iceland’s relationship with ‘EUrope’ is long-standing and complex. This national drama is given greater political salience as it is projected against the backdrop of ‘EUrope’s own existential struggles over the post-1945 political project of integration currently underway. Ultimately the saga of Iceland’s membership of the EU may be a relatively short one if Iceland refuses ‘EUrope’, which would effectively mark the final frontier of ‘EUropean’ expansion northwards. This would also mark a distinct stage in the history of ‘European ‘external relations; a candid assessment by a small island state of the value of adopting the structures and policies of an alleged ‘New ‘EUrope’.
Intersecting arcs of mobilisation: The transnational trajectories of Egyptian dockers’ unions
Authors: Anderson Jeremy
Published: January 2013

This commentary explores the development of Egypt’s dockers’ unions since February 2011 in terms of two interlinked trajectories. On the one hand, the Egyptian revolution has provided the primary impetus for dockers’ industrial activism, as, like many other workers throughout Egypt, they have taken advantage of the political space suddenly opened up. However, although the Egyptian revolution may seem the most obvious driving force behind the growth of unions on the country’s docks, these advances also conform to a regional pattern. Since 2007 a campaign by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has seen new unions formed and collective bargaining rights won in many ports across the region, including in Bahrain, Jordan and Morocco. It is argued that the technical and industrial resources made available through the ITF’s activities and networks have, therefore, played an important role. The uncertain political environment in Egypt, however, threatens to stunt both the growth of independent unions, and curtail the support they receive from the international labour movement.
The politics of non-iconic space: Sushi, shisha, and a civic promise in the 2011 summer protests in Israel
Authors: Wallach Yair
Published: January 2013

City streets and squares have become centre stage for political change, in the wave of protests in Europe and the Middle East. Most protest locations are iconic sites of national resonance. Yet this was not the case in the summer 2011 wave of social protests in Israel. Rothschild Boulevard, which was the heart of the protest movement, is a non-iconic street usually associated with the good life of sushi and espresso bars and constant cycle traffic. This unusual choice contrasted sharply with Egypt’s Tahrir Square, Madrid’s Puerta del Sol and protest sites in Jerusalem – all associated with the politics of the nation. Yet it is exactly the lack of symbolic national resonance, and its down-to-earth association with urban joie de vivre, that enabled the Boulevard to assemble a broad and diverse coalition of protestors, and to transcend the exclusive language of politics in Israel. In a country where the national is identified with the ethnic (Jewish), the pedestrian symbolism of Rothschild allowed protestors to forge a civic language that appealed to Israel’s citizenry and residents, Jews and Arabs, local and migrants.
Convergent (il)liberalism in the Mediterranean? Some notes on Egyptian (post-)authoritarianism and Italian (post-)democracy
Authors: Teti Andrea , Mura Andrea
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the hypothesis of a convergence between ‘backsliding’ European liberal democracies and the ‘pseudo-liberalization’ of Middle Eastern authoritarian systems (Cavatorta, 2010) by considering the similarities, beyond the well-known differences, between Italy and Egypt. We suggest that standard indicators of regime type (e.g. Polity IV Authority Index) fail to capture important trends both in the evolution of both the forms of political power and the forms of resistance. Reflecting on such trends may help re-think the current limitations of Democratization theory (Teti, 2012).
Re-scaling ‘EU’rope: EU macro-regional fantasies in the Mediterranean
Authors: Bialasiewicz Luiza , Giaccaria Paolo , Jones Alun , Minca Claudio
Published: January 2013

This article engages with the most recent spatial fantasy for the making of ‘EU’ropean space: the idea of trans-European macro-regions, currently in vogue in the policy literature. In particular, we focus on the imaginings of a Mediterranean macro-region as the latest incarnation of the macro-regional fad, but also as a useful prism for reflecting on some of the underlying conceptual as well as political and geopolitical challenges of the on-going remaking and rescaling of ‘EU’ropean space. We argue that, although there exists by now a vast literature by geographers and other scholars that engages with the production of ‘EU’ropean spaces through regionalization, the policy literature generated by EU ‘macro-regional experts’ appears to entirely ignore these debates, professing an understanding of regions that is a conceptual pastiche at best, and that entirely occludes the political and geopolitical implications of region-making within, at, and beyond ‘EU’rope’s borders
Glucagon’s Golden Jubilee at the University of Liège
Authors: Lefèbvre Pierre J.
Published: January 2013

Long in the shade, glucagon is now back on the front scene. We review here our 50 year personal journey in the glucagon field. Glucagon is not the miracle anti-inflammatory agent it had been suggested. Glucagon does not act in concert with insulin in promoting peripheral tissue glucose uptake. Glucagon was the first polypeptidic hormone to be determined in the plasma by radio-immunoassay. Some glucagon is produced outside the pancreas. The secretion of glucagon is pulsatile and this optimizes the effect of glucagon on the liver. Hyperglucagonaemia is present in all forms of diabetes. As proposed by Unger and Orci, diabetes should be seen as a paracrinopathy of the islets of Langerhans in which intra-islet insulin deficiency results in increased glucagon release from the islet α-cells. Being involved in glucagon research for over half-a-century has been a joy and a privilege.
Diabetes nursing: a personal reflection of the last 60 years
Authors: Mackinnon Mary
Published: January 2013

This reflection follows a personal perspective of diabetes nursing over the previous 60 years published in this journal coinciding with the Queen’s 60th Jubilee in 2012. Diabetes nursing continues to progress with specialist nurses providing high quality evidence based practice. Over the last ten years, the diabetes ‘scene’ has become even more complex with the advent of new technologies, complex therapies, structured diabetes education programmes, a changing NHS and an even greater need to reduce costs. Training and continuing education for those providing care and support is essential if people with diabetes and those close to them, are to become ‘experts’ at managing their diabetes.

This article is an updated version of ‘Diabetes nursing: a personal perspective of the last 50 years’ by Mary MacKinnon, published in, Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2002;2: 464-467, © 2002. DOI: 10.1177/14746514020020060901. http://www.bjdvd.com/content/2/6.toc
Diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic pregnancy: hard won victories
Authors: Tattersall Robert
Published: January 2013

Histories of diabetes often claim that the introduction of insulin in 1922 immediately revolutionised the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic pregnancy. How far from the mark this grand narrative of progress is can be seen from the fact that 30 years later, at the time of Queen Elizabeth’s accession, a woman with diabetes had slightly better than a 50:50 chance of having a live baby and the mortality of ketoacidosis in many hospitals was 30-50%. Improvement of the prognosis in both conditions was as much due to good organisation as to new scientific principles.

Ten years ago in this journal I wrote that ‘many of the conundrums which perplexed diabetes specialists in the early 1950s have now been resolved.’ (Tattersall R. The dark ages of diabetes)1 Those who take a Whiggish view of history may imagine that once a pioneer shows the ‘right’ way to treat a condition, everyone would immediately follow suit, even without the benefit of NICE guidance. The story of how we reached the modern treatment of diabetes in pregnancy and that of ketoacidosis shows just how wrong this is.

See Golden Jubilee article: ‘The dark ages of diabetes’ by Robert Tattersall, published in Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2002;2: 423-426, © 2002. doi:10.1177/ 14746514020020060201. http://www.bjdvd.com/content/2/6.toc
Diabetes – gold to diamond
Authors: Keen Harry
Published: January 2013

In 2002 I provided a brief personal synopsis of diabetes during the first 50 years of the reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The occasion of her diamond jubilee has prompted a short reflection on changes in the field of diabetes care over the intervening decade.

See Golden Jubilee article: ‘A diabetes overview — occasion for Jubilee?’ by Harry Keen, published in, Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2002;2:419-422, © 2002. doi: 10.1177/ 14746514020020060101. http://www.bjdvd.com/content/2/6.toc
Type 2 diabetes: the evolution of a disease
Authors: Lebovitz Harold E
Published: January 2013

The heterogeneous nature of type 2 diabetes has become increasingly evident over the last 60 years, and particularly so in the last decade with the increased use of genetic fingerprinting techniques and understanding of environmental influences on the genome. The last decade has seen the expansion of the pharmacological options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and the burgeoning of large randomized controlled trials. Whilst these trials have been designed to address important issues, many have generated more conundrums, highlighting the need for a diversity of approaches to investigate the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and its treatment.

See Golden Jubilee article: ‘‘Type 2 diabetes: how far have we come’ by Harold E Lebovitz, published in Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2002;2:446-449, © 2002. doi:10.1177/14746514020020060601. http://www.bjdvd.com/content/2/6.toc
Sixty years of diabetes management in primary care
Authors: Kirby Mike G
Published: January 2013

The incidence of diabetes has increased exponentially over the last 60 years, meaning that the management of diabetes solely by specialist healthcare professionals is no longer feasible. Since the 1970s, primary and community healthcare professionals have increasingly treated patients with diabetes. Advances in diabetes equipment and new treatments have further enabled patients to be treated more conveniently in the community and this has enhanced their quality of life. There has also been an evolution in health service strategies for diabetes – notably growing acknowledgement of the benefits of intensive glycaemic treatment for patients with type 2, as well as type 1 diabetes, and the now well-recognised importance of effective shared care programmes between primary and secondary healthcare professionals. Thus, the organisation and delivery of care for patients with diabetes has improved dramatically since 1952.

This article is a modified and updated version of ‘Review: Fifty years of diabetes management in primary care’ by Mike Kirby, published in, Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2002;2: 457-461. DOI:10.1177/14746514020020060801. http://www.bjdvd.com/content/2/6.toc
Molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Panton-valentine leukocidin positive staphylococcus aureus clones disseminating in Tunisian hospitals and in the community
Authors: Mariem Ben Jomàa-Jemili , Ito Teruyo , Zhang Meng , Jin Jingxun , Li Shanshuang , Ilhem Boutiba-Ben Boubaker , Adnan Hammami , Han Xiao , Hiramatsu Keiichi
Published: January 2013

Background

The spread of MRSA strains at hospitals as well as in the community are of great concern worldwide. We characterized the MRSA clones isolated at Tunisian hospitals and in the community by comparing them to those isolated in other countries.

Results

We characterized 69 MRSA strains isolated from two Tunisian university hospitals between the years 2004-2008. Twenty-two of 28 (79%) community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains and 21 of 41 (51%) healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) strains were PVL-positive. The PVL-positive strains belonged to predicted founder group (FG) 80 in MLST and carried either type IVc SCCmec or nontypeable SCCmec that harbours the class B mec gene complex. In contrast, very diverse clones were identified in PVL-negative strains: three FGs (5, 15, and 22) for HA-MRSA strains and four FGs (5, 15, 45, and 80) for CA-MRSA strains; and these strains carried the SCCmec element of either type I, III, IVc or was nontypeable. The nucleotide sequencing of phi7401PVL lysogenized in a CA-MRSA strain JCSC7401, revealed that the phage was highly homologous to phiSA2mw, with nucleotide identities of more than 95%. Furthermore, all PVL positive strains were found to carry the same PVL phage, since these strains were positive in two PCR studies, identifying gene linkage between lukS and mtp (major tail protein) and the lysogeny region, both of which are in common with phi7401PVL and phiSa2mw.

Conclusions

Our experiments suggest that FG80 S. aureus strains have changed to be more virulent by acquiring phi7401PVL, and to be resistant to β-lactams by acquiring SCCmec elements. These novel clones might have disseminated in the Tunisian community as well as at the Tunisian hospitals by taking over existing MRSA clones.
Mycobacterium abscessus multispacer sequence typing
Authors: Sassi Mohamed , Ben Kahla Imen , Drancourt Michel
Published: January 2013

Background

Mycobacterium abscessus group includes antibiotic-resistant, opportunistic mycobacteria that are responsible for sporadic cases and outbreaks of cutaneous, pulmonary and disseminated infections. However, because of their close genetic relationships, accurate discrimination between the various strains of these mycobacteria remains difficult. In this report, we describe the development of a multispacer sequence typing (MST) analysis for the simultaneous identification and typing of M. abscessus mycobacteria. We also compared MST with the reference multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) typing method.

Results

Based on the M. abscessus CIP104536T genome, eight intergenic spacers were selected, PCR amplified and sequenced in 21 M. abscessus isolates and analysed in 48 available M. abscessus genomes. MST and MLSA grouped 37 M. abscessus organisms into 12 and nine types, respectively; four formerly “M. bolletii” organisms and M. abscessus M139 into three and four types, respectively; and 27 formerly “M. massiliense” organisms grouped into nine and five types, respectively. The Hunter-Gaston index was off 0.912 for MST and of 0.903 for MLSA. The MST-derived tree was similar to that based on MLSA and rpoB gene sequencing and yielded three main clusters comprising each the type strain of the respective M. abscessus sub-species. Two isolates exhibited discordant MLSA- and rpoB gene sequence-derived position, one isolate exhibited discordant MST- and rpoB gene sequence-derived position and one isolate exhibited discordant MST- and MLSA-derived position. MST spacer n°2 sequencing alone allowed for the accurate identification of the different isolates at the sub-species level.

Conclusions

MST is a new sequencing-based approach for both identifying and genotyping M. abscessus mycobacteria that clearly differentiates formerly “M. massiliense” organisms from other M. abscessus subsp. bolletii organisms.
Over-expression of microRNA171 affects phase transitions and floral meristem determinancy in barley
Authors: Curaba Julien , Talbot Mark , Li Zhongyi , Helliwell Chris
Published: January 2013

Background

The transitions from juvenile to adult and adult to reproductive phases of growth are important stages in the life cycle of plants. The regulators of these transitions include miRNAs, in particular miR156 and miR172 which are part of a regulatory module conserved across the angiosperms. In Arabidopsis miR171 represses differentiation of axillary meristems by repressing expression of SCARECROW-LIKE(SCL) transcription factors, however the role of miR171 has not been examined in other plants.

Results

To investigate the roles of mir171 and its target genes in a monocot, the Hvu pri-miR171a was over-expressed in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Golden promise) leading to reduced expression of at least one HvSCL gene. The resulting transgenic plants displayed a pleiotropic phenotype which included branching defects, an increased number of short vegetative phytomers and late flowering. These phenotypes appear to be the consequence of changes in the organisation of the shoot meristem. In addition, the data show that miR171 over-expression alters the vegetative to reproductive phase transition by activating the miR156 pathway and repressing the expression of the TRD (THIRD OUTER GLUME) and HvPLA1 (Plastochron1) genes.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that some of the roles of miR171 and its target genes that have been determined in Arabidopsis are conserved in barley and that they have additional functions in barley including activation of the miR156 pathway.
Low levels of IgM antibodies to oxidized cardiolipin increase and high levels decrease risk of cardiovascular disease among 60-year olds: a prospective study
Authors: Su Jun , Hua Xiang , Vikström Max , Leander Karin , Gigante Bruna , Hellenius Mai-Lis , de Faire Ulf , Frostegård Johan
Published: January 2013

Background

Antibodies against cardiolipin (aCL) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We here determine the role of antibodies against oxidized CL (aOxCL).

Methods

One third of sixty-year olds from the Stockholm County were screened (2039 men, 2193 women), where 211 incident CVD-cases and 633 age- and sex-matched controls were identified (5–7 year follow-up). Antibodies were determined by ELISA and uptake of oxLDL in macrophages by FACScan.

Results

IgM aOxCL was lower among CVD cases than controls (p=0.024). aOxCL-levels were divided in quartiles with the highest quartile set as the reference group. After adjustment for smoking, BMI, type II diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension, an increased risk was determined in the lowest quartile of IgM aOxCL (OR: 1.80, CI: 1.12–2.91, p=0.0159); OR for men in the lowest quartile was 2.46 (CI 1.34–4.53, p=0.0037) for CVD and for stroke: 12.28 (CI: 1.48-101.77, p=0.02). IgG aOxCL levels did not differ between quartiles in CVD-risk. High levels of IgM aOxCL (reaching significance above 86th) and IgG aOxCL (above 95th percentile) were associated with decreased risk of CVD (OR: 0.485, CI: 0.283-0.829; p=0.0082 and OR: 0.23, CI: 0.07-0.69; p=0.0091). aCL were not associated with CVD. oxCL but not CL competed out uptake of OxLDL in macrophages, and aOxLDL recognized oxCL but not CL. In contrast to aCL, aOxCL was not dependent on co-factor Beta2-glycoprotein-I.

Conclusions

aOxCL is a novel risk/protection marker for CVD, with therapeutic implications. OxCL competes with oxLDL for uptake in macrophages and the possibility that aOxCL inhibits such uptake by interfering with same or similar epitopes in oxCL and oxLDL should be further studied.