bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of size on absorption characteristics of a metamaterial absorber with a grating structure in the visible and infrared regimes
Authors: Liao Yan-Lin , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2013

The influence of size on absorption characteristics of a metamaterial absorber with a metallic grating as the top layer is investigated with computer simulation. The resonance absorption peak will redshift by increasing the width of the grating strip, and by adding either the dielectric layer thickness or the grating strip height, the resonance absorption will shift toward shorter wavelengths. The coupling effect between grating strips leads to a blue shift as the gap increases. Such characteristics may be useful to design a reflective wide-angle wavelength-selected device.
Protective functions of peroxiredoxin-1 against cytokine-induced MIN6 pancreatic β-cell line death
Authors: Lee Yun-Jung , Song Dong Sup , Yoo Jong-Sun , Hyung Kyeong Eun , Lee Mi Ji , Moon Young-hye , Lee Ik Hee , Go Byung Sung , Park So-Young , Hwang Kwang Woo
Published: July 2013

Pancreatic β-cells play a crucial role in glucose homeostasis, and the failure of these cells to function results in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The MIN6 cell line, which closely resembles pancreatic β-cells, was used to unravel the relationship between pancreatic β-cell function and the antioxidant enzyme PRX-1. PRX-1 was knocked down in MIN6 cells using a shPRX-1 lentiviral construct, and a mixture of inflammatory cytokines was administered to challenge the MIN6 cells. Nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression were elevated in shPRX-1 compared with the control. Also, shPRX-1 transduced cells showed higher levels of NF-κB nuclear translocation, suggesting that PRX-1 has a regulatory role in NF-κB nuclear translocation and iNOS expression. In correlation with NO levels, decreased anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-xl level and elevated pro-apoptotic gene Bim levels were observed in shPRX-1 cells compared with scramble, and cell viability decreased accordingly. A rescue experiment was performed subsequently using an iNOS inhibitor to confirm NO as the cause of cell death. Overall, the results of this study suggest possible protective roles of the antioxidant enzyme PRX-1 in the insulinoma cell line MIN6 and possibly in pancreatic β-cells under T1D conditions.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY INTO THE ACCURACY OF IT ESTIMATIONS AND ITS INFLUENCING FACTORS
Authors: ZAPATA A. H. , CHAUDRON M. R. V.
Published: July 2013

This paper is the result of two related studies done on the estimation of IT projects at a large Dutch multinational company. The first one is a study about the accuracy of different dimensions of IT project estimating: schedule, budget and effort. [Note: This paper is an extension of the paper published by the authors as "An analysis of accuracy and learning in software project estimating" [28].] This study is based on a dataset of 171 projects collected at the IT department of the company. We analyzed the estimation error of budget, effort and schedule. Also, we analyzed whether there is any learning (improvement) effect over time. With the results of the first study we proceeded to research what is causing the current estimation error (inaccuracy). The results of our first study show that there is no relation between accuracy of budget, schedule and effort in the company analyzed. Besides, they show that over time there is no change in the inaccuracy (effectiveness and efficiency of the estimates). In our second study we discovered that the sources of this inaccuracy are: (IT estimation) process complexity, misuse of estimates, technical complexity, requirements redefinition and business domain instability. This paper reflects and provides recommendations on how to improve the learning from historical estimates and how to manage the diverse sources of inaccuracy inside this particular company and also in other organizations.
DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC SOFTWARE: A SYSTEMATIC MAPPING, A BIBLIOMETRICS STUDY, AND A PAPER REPOSITORY
Authors: FARHOODI ROSHANAK , GAROUSI VAHID , PFAHL DIETMAR , SILLITO JONATHAN
Published: July 2013

Scientific and engineering research is heavily dependent on effective development and use of software artifacts. Many of these artifacts are produced by the scientists themselves, rather than by trained software engineers. To address the challenges in this area, a research community often referred to as "Development of Scientific Software" has emerged in the last few decades. As this research area has matured, there has been a sharp increase in the number of papers and results made available, and it has thus become important to summarize and provide an overview about those studies. Through a systematic mapping and bibliometrics study, we have reviewed 130 papers in this area. We present the results of our study in this paper. Also we have made the mapping data available on an online repository which is planned to be updated on a regular basis. The results of our study seem to suggest that many software engineering techniques and activities are being used in the development of scientific software. However, there is still a need for further exploration of the usefulness of specific software engineering techniques (e.g., regarding software maintenance, evolution, refactoring, re(v)-engineering, process and project management) in the scientific context. It is hoped that this article will help (new) researchers get an overview of the research space and help them to understand the trends in the area.
Cysteine 96 of Ntcp is responsible for NO-mediated inhibition of taurocholate uptake
Authors: Ramasamy Umadevi , Anwer M. Sawkat , Schonhoff Christopher M.
Published: July 2013

The Na+taurocholate (TC) cotransporting polypeptide Ntcp/NTCP mediates TC uptake across the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes. Previously, we demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) inhibits TC uptake through S-nitrosylation of a cysteine residue. Our current aim was to determine which of the eight cysteine residues of Ntcp is responsible for NO-mediated S-nitrosylation and inhibition of TC uptake. Thus, we tested the effect of NO on TC uptake in HuH-7 cells transiently transfected with cysteine-to-alanine mutant Ntcp constructs. Of the eight mutants tested, only C44A Ntcp displayed decreased total and plasma membrane (PM) levels that were also reflected in decreased TC uptake. C266A Ntcp showed a decrease in TC uptake that was not explained by a decrease in total expression or PM localization, indicating that C266 is required for optimal uptake. We speculated that NO would target C266 since a previous report had shown the thiol reactive compound [2-(trimethylammonium) ethyl] methanethiosulfonate bromide (MTSET) inhibits TC uptake by wild-type NTCP but not by C266A NTCP. We confirmed that MTSET targets C266 of Ntcp, but, surprisingly, we found that C266 was not responsible for NO-mediated inhibition of TC uptake. Instead, we found that C96 was targeted by NO since C96A Ntcp was insensitive to NO-mediated inhibition of TC uptake. We also found that wild-type but not C96A Ntcp is S-nitrosylated by NO, suggesting that C96 is important in regulating Ntcp function in response to elevated levels of NO.
Epimorphin deletion inhibits polyposis in theApcmin/+mouse model of colon carcinogenesis via decreased myofibroblast HGF secretion
Authors: Swietlicki Elzbieta A. , Bala Shashi , Lu Jianyun , Shaker Anisa , Kularatna Gowri , Levin Marc S. , Rubin Deborah C.
Published: July 2013

Interactions between the epithelium and surrounding mesenchyme/stroma play an important role in normal gut morphogenesis, the epithelial response to injury, and epithelial carcinogenesis. The tumor microenvironment, composed of stromal cells including myofibroblasts and immune cells, regulates tumor growth and the cancer stem cell niche. Deletion of epimorphin (Epim), a syntaxin family member expressed in myofibroblasts and macrophages, results in partial protection from colitis and from inflammation-induced colon cancer in mice. We sought to determine whether epimorphin deletion protects from polyposis in the Apcmin/+mouse model of intestinal carcinogenesis. Epim− /−mice were crossed to Apcmin/+mice; Apcmin/+and Apcmin/+/Epim− /−mice were killed at 3 mo of age. Polyp numbers and sizes were quantified in small intestine and colon, and gene expression analyses for pathways relevant to epithelial carcinogenesis were performed. Primary myofibroblast cultures were isolated, and expression and secretion of selected growth factors from Apcmin/+and Apcmin/+/Epim− /−myofibroblasts were examined by ELISA. Small bowel polyposis was significantly inhibited in Apcmin/+/Epim− /−compared with Apcmin/+mice. Apcmin/+/Epim− /−compared with Apcmin/+polyps and adjacent uninvolved intestinal mucosa had increased transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression and signaling with increased P-Smad2/3 expression. Myofibroblasts isolated from Apcmin/+/Epim− /−vs. Apcmin/+mice had markedly decreased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression and secretion. We concluded that Epim deletion inhibits polyposis in Apcmin/+mice, associated with increased mucosal TGF-β signaling and decreased myofibroblast HGF expression and secretion. Our data suggest that Epim deletion reduces tumorigenicity of the stromal microenvironment.
Trop2 regulates motility and lamellipodia formation in cultured fetal lung fibroblasts
Authors: McDougall Annie R. A. , Hooper Stuart B. , Zahra Valerie A. , Cole Timothy J. , Lo Camden Y. , Doran Timothy , Wallace Megan J.
Published: July 2013

Proliferation and migration of fibroblasts are vital for fetal lung development. However, the regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. We have previously shown that TROP2 gene expression is closely associated with fetal lung cell proliferation in vivo and that TROP2 knockdown decreases proliferation of fetal lung fibroblasts in culture. We hypothesized that the Trop2 protein also regulates the morphology and motility of fetal lung fibroblasts. Fibroblasts isolated from fetal rat lungs (gestational age embryonic day 19) adopted a myofibroblast-like morphology in culture. Trop2 protein was localized to lamellipodia. TROP2 siRNA significantly decreased: TROP2 mRNA levels by 77%, the proportion of cells containing Trop2 protein by 70%, and cell proliferation by 50%. TROP2 siRNA also decreased the degree of motility as determined by the number of gridlines that cells moved across (2.2 ± 0.2 vs. 3.2 ± 0.2; P < 0.001). TROP2 knockdown altered cell morphology, causing a notable absence of lamellipodia and abnormal localization of components of the cell migration apparatus, and it reduced phosphorylated ERK1 and ERK2 levels. In contrast, TROP2 overexpression significantly increased: TROP2 mRNA levels by 40-fold, cell proliferation by 40%, the proportion of cells that were motile by 20%, and the number of gridlines that cells moved across (2.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.6 ± 0.1; P < 0.001). Our data suggest that Trop2 regulates cell proliferation and motility and that it does so by regulating the ERK pathway and several critical components of the cell migration apparatus.
A Road Map to Comprehensive Androgen Receptor Axis Targeting for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mitsiades Nicholas
Published: July 2013

Gonadal androgen suppression (castration via orchiectomy or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues) suppresses circulating testosterone levels but does not achieve adequate androgen ablation within the prostate cancer microenvironment because it does not address adrenal and intratumoral steroid contributions. These residual extragonadal sources of androgens allow prostate cancer cells to survive, adapt, and evolve into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The persistent significance of the androgen receptor (AR) axis in CRPC was recently validated by the clinical efficacy of androgen synthesis inhibitors (abiraterone) and novel, second-generation AR antagonists (enzalutamide). The appreciation that conventional therapeutic approaches achieve a suboptimal ablation of intratumoral androgens and AR axis signaling output opens transformative therapeutic opportunities. A treatment paradigm of comprehensive AR axis targeting at multiple levels (androgen synthesis, metabolism, and action) and at all relevant sites (gonadal, adrenal, intratumoral) simultaneously at the time of initiation of endocrine therapy (instead of the current approach of sequentially adding one agent at a time and only after disease progression) deserves examination in clinical trials to explore whether maximal first-line AR axis suppression via combination therapy can achieve maximal induction of cancer cell apoptosis (before they have the chance to adapt and evolve into CRPC) and thus, improve patient outcomes. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4599–605. ©2013 AACR.
PDK1 Signaling Toward PLK1–MYC Activation Confers Oncogenic Transformation, Tumor-Initiating Cell Activation, and Resistance to mTOR-Targeted Therapy
Authors: Tan Jing , Li Zhimei , Lee Puay Leng , Guan Peiyong , Aau Mei Yee , Lee Shuet Theng , Feng Min , Lim Cheryl Zihui , Lee Eric Yong Jing , Wee Zhen Ning , Lim Yaw Chyn , Karuturi R.K. Murthy , Yu Qiang
Published: July 2013

Although 3-phosphoinositide–dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) has been predominately linked to the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT pathway, it may also evoke additional signaling outputs to promote tumorigenesis. Here, we report that PDK1 directly induces phosphorylation of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), which in turn induces MYC phosphorylation and protein accumulation. We show that PDK1–PLK1–MYC signaling is critical for cancer cell growth and survival, and small-molecule inhibition of PDK1/PLK1 provides an effective approach for therapeutic targeting of MYC dependency. Intriguingly, PDK1–PLK1–MYC signaling induces an embryonic stem cell–like gene signature associated with aggressive tumor behaviors and is a robust signaling axis driving cancer stem cell (CSC) self-renewal. Finally, we show that a PLK1 inhibitor synergizes with an mTOR inhibitor to induce synergistic antitumor effects in colorectal cancer by antagonizing compensatory MYC induction. These findings identify a novel pathway in human cancer and CSC activation and provide a therapeutic strategy for targeting MYC-associated tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance.

Significance: This work identifies PDK1–PLK1–MYC signaling as a new oncogenic pathway driving oncogenic transformation and CSC self-renewal. Targeted inhibition of PDK1/PLK1 is robust in targeting MYC dependency in cancer cells. Thus, our findings provide important insights into cancer and CSC biology and have significant therapeutic implications. Cancer Discov; 3(10); 1156–71. ©2013 AACR.

See related commentary by Cunningham and Ruggero, p. 1099

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1083
Does Smoking Influence the Surgical Outcome of a Myringoplasty?
Authors: Migirov Lela , Lipschitz Noga , Wolf Michael
Published: July 2013

Aim: To investigate the relationship between a patient's smoking habits and surgical outcome of his/her myringoplasty. Method: The medical records of patients who had undergone myringoplasty were retrospectively reviewed for age, gender, smoking habits, perforation size, perforation location, surgical technique, graft material, and surgical outcome. Surgical success was defined as the perforation having remained closed 12 months postoperatively. Results: The study group included 65 patients (41 females and 24 males, age range 18-79, average 35.9 years). Eight females were smokers (19.5%) compared to 10 male smokers (41.7%, p = 0.054). The overall surgical success rate was 63/65 (96.9%) with the 2 failures occurring in nonsmoker females. The graft taken was temporalis fascia in 20/21 (95.2%) and tragal perichondrium in 43/44 (97.7%) cases (p = 0.587). There was no significant gender-based (39/41 vs. 24/24, p = 0.272) or smoker status-based (45/47 for nonsmokers vs. 18/18 for smokers, p = 0.374) success rate. There was no significant difference in fascia versus perichondrium grafting success for smokers (p = 0.421) versus nonsmokers (p = 0.583). Conclusion: Primary myringoplasty performed by an experienced otologist had a surgical success rate of 96.9% for closure of tympanic membrane defects, regardless of the choice of graft material, perforation size or location, and patient's age, gender and smoking habits.
Long-Term Follow-Up and Molecular Characterization of a Patient with a RECQL4 Mutation Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Fradin M. , Merklen-Djafri C. , Perrigouard C. , Aral B. , Muller J. , Stoetzel C. , Frouin E. , Flori E. , Doray B. , Dollfus H. , Lipsker D.
Published: July 2013

The follow-up of a man from birth to adulthood, presenting with features both of RAPADILINO and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), is described. Molecular studies confirmed the presence of two different mutations, c.2767_2768delTT and c.3061C>T, in the RECQL4 gene. This gene is known to be causative of a spectrum including Baller-Gerold syndrome, RAPADILINO syndrome and RTS. New and rare features such as oral leukoplakia and very prominent hyperkeratotic verrucous papules on both soles are shown. This patient has to date no cancer history despite bearing a truncating mutation at the age of 21 years, which is also unusual.
Iron Absorption following a Single Oral Dose of Ferrous Sulfate or Ferric Gluconate in Patients with Gastrectomy
Authors: Santarpia L. , Pagano M.C. , Cuomo R. , Alfonsi L. , Contaldo F. , Pasanisi F.
Published: July 2013

Background: Iron deficiency anemia frequently occurs in gastrectomized patients. Methods: Serum iron levels following the ingestion of a single oral dose of 105 mg elemental iron, taken as ferrous sulfate (FeS) or ferric gluconate (FeG), have been evaluated in 20 gastrectomized patients (and 20 controls). All subjects participated on 2 different test days, 1 month apart: they took a single dose of 105 mg elemental iron as FeS or FeG after a night of fasting. Serum iron concentrations at baseline, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after the oral dose administration were measured. Results: In patients and controls receiving FeG, serum iron levels did not significantly change. After oral ingestion of FeS, patients' serum iron levels gradually increased. The increase in serum iron levels was 148 and 168% at 120 and 180 min in patients (p < 0.0001 for both evaluations), whilst in controls, it was 216% at 120 min and 234% at 180 min, i.e. significantly higher than in gastrectomized patients (p < 0.001 for both evaluations). Conclusions: In gastrectomized patients, a single oral dose of FeS shows a significant increase in iron serum concentration, albeit lower than in controls. Further studies on a larger sample of patients will be necessary to confirm these results.
Periodic Drop Thumb, Hypokalemia and Adrenal Adenoma
Authors: Chui Chi , Chen Wei-Hsi , Yin Hsin-Ling
Published: July 2013

Objective: To report an unusual involvement of focal distal muscles but not proximal muscles in a patient with hypokalemic periodic paralysis (hypoPP). Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A middle-aged woman presented with episodic weakness of the bilateral thumbs lasting for 2 years. Hypokalemia and a left adrenal mass were subsequently found. Her weakness subsided after surgical removal of the adrenal mass, which was pathologically proven to be an adrenal adenoma. Conclusion: The findings for this patient should alert physicians to consider focal distal motor paresis due to hypoPP. A preexisting occult trauma may predispose to paralysis at an atypical location in secondary hypoPP.
Modelling Skin Penetration Using the Laplace Transform Technique
Authors: Anissimov Y.G. , Watkinson A.
Published: July 2013

The Laplace transform is a convenient mathematical tool for solving ordinary and partial differential equations. The application of this technique to problems arising in drug penetration through the skin is reviewed in this paper.
Analysing the Skin Barrier from Down Under
Authors: Grice J. , Benson H.A.E.
Published: July 2013

Over the past 40 years the Australian contribution to the field of skin science has been led by Michael Roberts. One of his earliest papers on membrane permeation was published in Nature, setting the scene for his huge contribution to both the fundamental understanding of skin permeability and the application of that knowledge to improved clinical outcomes, new delivery technologies and minimizing toxicological risk. His work has been characterized by a mechanistic, mathematical approach to defining skin permeation. He defined the parameters important to skin permeation, established structure-penetration relationships and demonstrated the importance of maximum flux from a clinical and toxicological viewpoint. Through his systematic approach, Mike showed a parabolic relationship between maximum flux and lipophilicity, and established that this is driven mainly by variations in solubility of the solute in the stratum corneum. One of the significant strengths of Mike's work is the ability to express biological concepts in mathematical terms. He has developed mathematical models that enhance our understanding of epidermal, dermal, deep tissue permeation and follicular transport. Throughout his career Mike has been involved in pioneering new technologies both for analysing the skin barrier and influencing permeation across it. His fundamental work in the area of iontophoresis provided models that defined the parameters influencing its permeation enhancement. Mike's research has been translated into improved clinical outcomes, reduced toxicological risk and changes to the regulation of skin products. This article provides an insight into Mike Roberts and the Australian contribution to skin science.
From the Structure of the Skin Barrier and Dermal Formulations to in vitro Transport Models for Skin Absorption: Skin Research in the Netherlands and in Germany
Authors: Windbergs M. , Hansen S. , Schroeter A. , Schaefer U.F. , Lehr C.-M. , Bouwstra J.
Published: July 2013

This review presents an overview of German and Dutch research institutions and their studies in the field of skin drug delivery and adjacent topics. In the Netherlands, the involved research groups are mainly localized in Leiden, whereas in Germany the skin research institutions are spread over the whole country. The scientific studies in the Netherlands focus on the in-depth analysis of human skin composition and its individual components as well as on the development and characterization of dermal drug delivery systems ranging from liquid crystalline systems and vesicles up to microneedles with an emphasis on examining the interactions of these drug delivery systems with the human skin in vitro and in vivo. In Germany, the individual areas of research span from in-depth investigations on various drug delivery systems intended for skin application and the development of novel in vitro models for skin absorption testing up to in vivo studies focusing on the biological performance of topically applied actives. Furthermore, sophisticated analytical techniques are applied for the elucidation of skin assembly and transport processes. In addition, experimentally derived data are correlated with advanced computational modelling. Even though the individual research topics in the Netherlands and Germany are quite diverse, the exchange of knowledge and interdisciplinary collaborations between the two neighbouring countries were and are still frequently made. In this context, the review aims at highlighting crosslinks between the different institutions and individual persons to complete the picture. For each institution, the principal investigators and their studies are presented and the upcoming young scientists are introduced as an outlook for the field. This review does not claim completeness, but is rather intended to give a general overview of Dutch and German research in the field of skin drug delivery and adjacent topics.
A Personal View of Skin Permeation (1960-2013)
Authors: Scheuplein R.J.
Published: July 2013

I want to thank Mike Roberts for arranging this issue of the journal and Annette Bunge and Richard Guy for reviewing this paper. This is, first, a history of my introduction to the field of skin permeability, and then an attempt to recall (with the inaccuracies that implies) the highlights of my research (1960-1975) on skin permeation, and finally a reflection by an old-timer on more recent concepts.
Lipid Solubility and Molecular Weight: Whose Idea Was That
Authors: Kasting G.B.
Published: July 2013

Gene Cooper was a bright theoretician, a skilled product developer, and a motivational leader who applied his talents to the skin science area early in his career. His work led to the development of finite dose skin absorption models, chemical penetration enhancer technologies and quantitative structure-penetration relationships for chemicals contacting human skin. His ideas regarding the impact of molecular weight and lipid solubility on skin transport catalyzed the later development by Potts and Guy of the first successful skin permeability model. But Gene's most important contribution to the field was as a scientific role model and an inspirational leader who launched the careers of several young scientists, including the author of this article.
The Contributions of the Celtic Masters and Their Associates
Authors: Moss G.P.
Published: July 2013

This article summarizes the work of 4 researchers in the field of percutaneous absorption - Keith Brain, Mark Cronin, Dermot McCafferty and John Pugh. It summarizes their main achievements in this field and reviews their major contributions to the broader subject area.
Early versus Traditional Postoperative Oral Feeding in Patients Undergoing Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Zhuang Cheng-Le , Ye Xing-Zhao , Zhang Chang-Jing , Dong Qian-Tong , Chen Bi-Cheng , Yu Zhen
Published: July 2013

Background: The safety and effectiveness of early oral feeding after colorectal surgery has not been determined. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate surgical outcomes following early oral feeding compared with traditional oral feeding in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify randomized clinical trials comparing the outcomes following early oral feeding versus traditional oral feeding in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The trials must have reported at least one of the following end points: anastomotic dehiscence, pneumonia, wound infection, nasogastric tube reinsertion, vomiting, mortality, length of hospital stay, hospital costs, and quality of life. Results: Seven trials, which included a total of 587 patients, met our inclusion criteria. Compared with traditional oral feeding, early oral feeding reduced the length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference -1.58 days; 95% CI -2.77 to -0.39; p = 0.009) and the total postoperative complications (relative risk 0.70; 95% CI 0.50-0.98; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in the risk of anastomotic dehiscence, pneumonia, wound infection, rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion, vomiting, or mortality. Conclusions: Early oral feeding is safe and effective in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.
Superior Mediastinal Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Approaches and Outcomes
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Xiaolei , Liu Shaoyan , Liu Xiangyang , Tang Pingzhang , Xu Zhengang
Published: July 2013

Background: Superior mediastinal surgery for thyroid carcinoma is not a standardized procedure like the neck dissection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of superior mediastinal dissection for mediastinal metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 119 patients who underwent superior mediastinal dissection for the treatment of PTC. The postoperative characteristics and follow-up data were analyzed. Cox regression was performed to identify the factors related to the mediastinal control. Results: No severe complications occurred in this series. The five-year local (mediastinum) disease-free survival rates of comprehensive (n = 29) and partial (n = 90) superior mediastinal dissection were 86.3 and 84.0%, respectively (log-rank = 0.562; p = 0.452). Different patterns of superior mediastinal dissection did not turn out to be related to mediastinal recurrence in the cox regression. Bilateral paratracheal metastasis was identified as an individual risk factor of mediastinal recurrence with a relative risk value of 4.635 (95% CI: 1.399-15.355; p = 0.012). Conclusions: Both partial and comprehensive superior mediastinal dissections are effective and safe for the treatment of mediastinal metastasis of PTC if appropriately designed.
Howard I. Maibach: Extraordinary Leadership in Integrating Key Concepts Underpinning Our Understanding of Percutaneous Absorption and Occupational Dermatology
Authors: Surber C. , Elsner P. , Singh J.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of the present article is to briefly highlight some contributions of Prof. Howard I. Maibach to the field of dermatology. After a few introducing remarks regarding Howard's personal career, the article specifically reviews contributions to the understanding of percutaneous absorption and to occupational dermatology. He and his companions/coworkers established and introduced experimental prerequisites to better study and understand percutaneous absorption - both in vitro and in vivo. Not less influential was his contribution to occupational dermatology acting as a founding member of the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group and coinaugurating the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. These groups have been very active ever since. As an academic teacher, he inspired young colleagues to perform original research work and to establish their own working groups. He has done this most successfully with many fellows who worked with him over the years, and who are now leading departments or companies dedicated to dermatological research all over the world. Probably this is his most important and lasting achievement.
Endothelin-1 Overexpression Exacerbates Atherosclerosis and Induces Aortic Aneurysms in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice
Authors: Li Melissa W. , Mian Muhammad Oneeb Rehman , Barhoumi Tlili , Rehman Asia , Mann Koren , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: July 2013

Objective—

Endothelin (ET)-1 plays a role in vascular reactive oxygen species production and inflammation. ET-1 has been implicated in human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. ET-1 overexpression exacerbates high-fat diet–induced atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E
−/−
(
Apoe
−/−
) mice. ET-1–induced reactive oxygen species and inflammation may contribute to atherosclerosis progression and AAA development.

Approach and Results—

Eight-week-old male wild-type mice, transgenic mice overexpressing ET-1 selectively in endothelium (eET-1),
Apoe
−/−
mice, and eET-1/
Apoe
−/−
mice were fed high-fat diet for 8 weeks. eET-1/
Apoe
−/−
had a 45% reduction in plasma high-density lipoprotein (
P
<0.05) and presented ≥2-fold more aortic atherosclerotic lesions compared with
Apoe
−/−
(
P
<0.01). AAAs were detected only in eET-1/
Apoe
−/−
(8/21;
P
<0.05). Reactive oxygen species production was increased ≥2-fold in perivascular fat, media, or atherosclerotic lesions in the ascending aorta and AAAs of eET-1/
Apoe
−/−
compared with
Apoe
−/−
(
P
<0.05). Monocyte/macrophage infiltration was enhanced ≥2.5-fold in perivascular fat of ascending aorta and AAAs in eET-1/
Apoe
−/−
compared with
Apoe
−/−
(
P
<0.05). CD4
+
T cells were detected almost exclusively in perivascular fat (3/6) and atherosclerotic lesions (5/6) in ascending aorta of eET-1/
Apoe
−/−
(
P
<0.05). The percentage of spleen proinflammatory Ly-6C
hi
monocytes was enhanced 26% by ET-1 overexpression in
Apoe
−/−
(
P
<0.05), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 was increased 2-fold in plaques of eET-1/
Apoe
−/−
(
P
<0.05) compared with
Apoe
−/−
.

Conclusions—

ET-1 plays a role in progression of atherosclerosis and AAA formation by decreasing high-density lipoprotein, and increasing oxidative stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in perivascular fat, vascular wall, and atherosclerotic lesions.
Unequal Access to Treatment With Intravenous Alteplase for Women With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: de Ridder Inger , Dirks Maaike , Niessen Louis , Dippel Diederik
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

A recent meta-analysis showed that women with acute ischemic stroke are less likely to receive treatment with intravenous alteplase than men. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in treatment with intravenous alteplase and to explore the reasons for these differences.

Methods—

We analyzed data from the Promoting Acute Thrombolysis for Ischaemic Stroke (PRACTISE) study. We applied a multiple logistic regression model and expressed the association between sex and treatment with an age-adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval.

Results—

In total, 5515 patients were included in PRACTISE. Women were an average of 4 years older than men. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 6 in women and 5 in men. Fewer women were treated with intravenous alteplase (11% versus 14%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.7–1.0). However, fewer women arrived within 4 hours after onset (27% versus 33%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.7–0.9).

Conclusions—

Fewer women present themselves within 4 hours from stroke onset than men and consequently less often receive thrombolytic treatment. This difference may be caused by the older age of women on average and consequently women more often living alone.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN20405426.
Roots and the Derivation
Authors: Haugen Jason D. , Siddiqi Daniel
Published: July 2013

Contrary to recent work in Distributed Morphology adopting Early Root Insertion (the notion that Roots are present from the outset of the syntactic derivation), we argue that Late Insertion applies to Roots just like other morphemes. We support this conclusion with empirical evidence (Root suppletion and hyponymous direct objects in noun incorporation and related constructions) and conceptual considerations (including the beneficial obviation of readjustment operations and the possibility that narrow syntax is universal). Additional data (Latin semideponent verbs) allow us to recast Embick’s (2000) licensing analysis of Latin deponent verbs as a further argument for Late Root Insertion.
Fighting for a Democratic Police: Politics, Experts and Bureaucrats in the Transformation of the Police in Post-Authoritarian Chile and Argentina
Authors: Hathazy Paul
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Through a comparative field analysis, I explain why, after being subjected to the same reform projects and rationalities in the democratic period, police bureaucracies changed in Chile but remained unchanged in Argentina. In doing so I advance a field theory account of police bureaucratic change that (a) overcomes the limitations of Late-modern, Post-modern and Governmentality theories of police change, and (b) emphasizes positionality, agency and a plurality of interests in processes of administrative change. I demonstrate that the proliferation of new experts and their reconversion strategies within the field led to the emergence of specific demands for reform while the historical structures and location of the policing field and the outcomes of struggles within them determined the differential evolution of police organizations in democratic times.
Democratisation, State and Society in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: García-Rivero Carlos
Published: July 2013

Abstract

The so-called “Arab spring” has swept throughout Middle East and North Africa against authoritarian forms of government, overthrowing regimes from West to East. After several aborted and repressed attempts, by Islamic parties, to access the institutions through the elections, mainly in the early 2000, the society rose in arms against the Arab State. In the forms of revolt, anger against the State repression has shaken the whole region. This article analyses the bases of confidence in the State institutions in five Arab countries in an attempt to evaluate if the current events are taking the region in the correct direction for democratic stability, according to citizens expectations about state reforms.

The study is a quantitative analysis making extensive use of survey data gathered from the region. Conclusions reached indicate that, more than Islamisation of societies, citizens demand more respect for human rights and a higher participation and development of civil society.
Human Freedom and the Freedom of Natural Processes: On Omnicausality, A-Causality and God’s Omnipotence
Authors: du Toit Cornel W.
Published: July 2013

Abstract

The article traces the development of causality in physical science and examines its functioning in theology, as well as its demand for a different approach to power, especially the omnipotence and omnicausality of God. The three main phases in the development of causality is briefly mentioned with special reference to some applicable notions of Hume, Newton and Kant. Some examples are given of developments that contributed to the erosion of the causality concept in the sciences during the nineteenth century. The possibility of thinking of God in a-causal terms is proposed. The idea of an omni-causal God is build upon a pre-modern monarchical view. The question whether the importance of God as an omni-causal agent forms part of our regulative thinking, is dealt with. Special attention is given to the way Karl Barth interprets our knowledge of God as well as God’s power. We take the stance that the idea of God’s omnipotence does not imply his omnicausality. This implies that he respect the freedom (autopoeticism) of nature as he respect the freedom of humans. This stance obviates the need to prove God as the magical force in or behind natural and physical events. The action of God is seen on the consequential side of events and not on its causal side.
Who’s the Fool, and Why? Paul on Wisdom from a South African Perspective
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: July 2013

Abstract

South Africa is a young democracy but with colonial and Apartheid legacies fresh in the minds of many, the lasting impact and consequences of hegemony still tangible and measurable in a new, democratic dispensation with its own problems and concerns. This is the context within which Paul’s appeal for a different understanding of wisdom and appearance to insist on breaking through the conventions of the day (1 Cor 1:18–31) is considered. Since Empire largely defined wisdom in the first century, Paul’s rhetoric of foolishness can be interpreted as a critique of the imperial discourse of wisdom and power. But Paul simultaneously invoked a new discourse of power through his rhetoric which inter alia depended on scriptural appeal for endorsement or authority. A postcolonial optic enables one to see Paul’s discourse as mimicry, negotiating power as much with discursive Roman colonialism as with the recipients of his letters, and also with the Scriptures of Israel. Such use of discursive power and ambiguity resonates in interesting ways in the South African context.
Religious Pluralism in the Thinking of Three Qurʾānic Scholars of the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Dadoo Yousuf
Published: July 2013

Abstract

This article explores the attitude of three scholars of the Indian subcontinent to this phenomenon, namely, Muḥammad ʿAlī, ʿAbdullāh Yūsuf ʿAlī and Abu l-Kalām Āzād. Their outlooks on this subject differed, sometimes quite substantively, from those of institutionalized religious leaders. Yet their standpoints on religious pluralism were multifarious. Initially, the concept of religious pluralism is interrogated; followed by an overview of the cultural milieu during which they lived in order to contextualize our appraisal. The views of each scholar is then separately analysed before concluding remarks about the similarities and differences in their standpoints.
A Judaeo-Syriac Medical Fragment from the Cairo Genizah
Authors: Bhayro Siam
Published: July 2013

This article presents an edition and analysis of a hitherto unpublished leaf from the Cairo Genizah (Cambridge University Library, T-S K 14.22) that contains part of a list of simples and their uses. The text is remarkable because, although it is written in Jewish Aramaic script, the language is clearly Syriac. Other features of the text, such as the use of Palestinian vocalisation and medical abbreviations, are discussed, as well as the wider significance of this fragment for our understanding of the Syriac medical tradition.
An Early Syriac Question Mark
Authors: Coakley J.F.
Published: July 2013

Sentence-punctuation in manuscripts of the Syriac Peshitta Bible is not well understood. One punctuation mark, however, a vertical pair of points above a letter, known as zawgā ʿelāyā, can be made out with some confidence: it marks yes-or-no questions. This conclusion is demonstrated from a sampling of early New Testament manuscripts in the British Library. The evidence of these manuscripts is all the more valuable because native Syriac grammarians generally lost the key to the meaning of this and other punctuation marks. It is conjectured that Syriac was the first language to use a reading sign as a question mark.
Phonetic Spellings of the Subordinating Particle d(y) in the Jewish Babylonian Aramaic Magic Bowls
Authors: Ford J.N.
Published: July 2013

The Jewish Babylonian Aramaic magic bowls date to the late Sasanian and very early Islamic periods. They are for the most part written in an archaic literary dialect (or dialects) that appears to have significantly differed from the spoken language of Babylonian Jews at that time. Occasional non-standard phonetic spellings, however, cast light on the spoken language of the practitioners who wrote the bowls. This article deals with phonetic spellings of the subordinating (or relative) particle (י)ד as either ת or ט. It is difficult to discern a uniform phonetic condition for all occurrences of ת, but the examples suffice to prove that it is a genuine form. In the presently available documentation the form ט occurs solely before words beginning with ʾaleph (< historical ʾ or ʿ). The latter form also occurs in Classical Mandaic as ṭ. These spellings suggest that the realizations of the subordinating particle as t and ṱ later attested in many Neo-Aramaic dialects go back at least as far as late Sasanian times.
Mechanisms that contribute to the establishment and persistence of bed bug infestations
Authors: Benoit Joshua B. , Attardo Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2013

Bed bugs have reestablished as pests over the last two decades after a period of near eradication throughout large portions of the world. The increasing frequency of bed bug infestations has prompted research into every facet of bed bug biology. Of particular interest is identification of the specific factors that allow bed bugs to be transported, to thrive within human dwellings and to survive pest control strategies. This review provides a synopsis of the biochemical, physiological and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the resurgence of bed bugs, with a focus upon the aspects that allow bed bugs to overcome the roadblocks preventing establishment and persistence in close proximity to humans. Topics discussed include dispersal, host avoidance, mating, chemical signaling, symbiosis, blood feeding, thermal tolerance, starvation resistance, dehydration resistance and pesticide resistance. These aspects of Cimex biology are explored within the context of the effect that these traits have upon transportation, establishment and eradication of bed bugs with an emphasis on the issues of pesticide resistance and population resurgence. In general, bed bugs are exceptional in their ability to proliferate in close-proximity to humans. The emergence of recent adaptations such as pesticide resistance has exacerbated the already difficult task of eliminating bed bug infestations.
High-Resolution Topography-Following Chemical Mapping of Ocean Hypoxia by Use of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle: The Santa Monica Basin Example
Authors: Hofmann Andreas F. , Walz Peter M. , Thomas Hans , Peltzer Edward T. , Brewer Peter G.
Published: July 2013

This paper reports on the execution of a combined chemical sensing/high-resolution terrain-following autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) survey to explore the fine structure and functional boundaries of the Santa Monica Basin suboxic zone and its relationship to topography. An AUV mapping vehicle is used in a novel configuration—combining the mapping vehicle tail section, with precision inertial navigation and acoustic communications systems, with CTD/O2, NO3 sensing, and Gulper water sampling systems. The challenge was to perform a long-distance near-bottom physical/chemical survey in deep water without any intermediate surfacing to disrupt the survey or require the vehicle to surface in areas of heavy ship traffic. Some 210 km of AUV cruise track at ≈10 m above bottom were accomplished during a 3-day survey. The dissolved oxygen concentration [O2] data are combined with temperature T, salinity S, and hydrostatic pressure P to produce maps of oxygen partial pressure pO2 that help define the limits at which the oceanic supply of O2 can match the O2 demands required to sustain various forms of marine life. The chemical NO3 sensing was included to define the critical pO2 boundary at which NO3 reduction occurs. The combination of a high-resolution terrain-following AUV with chemical sensors is important for a diverse array of investigations, including the study of vent sites, and for locating the source of chemical signals originating from the seafloor. The hypoxic basin example here permits better discrimination between general climate/circulation controls on hypoxia and more specific point-source-driven processes.
Improving Social Connection Through a Communities-of-Practice-Inspired Cognitive Work Analysis Approach
Authors: Euerby Adam , Burns Catherine M.
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Increasingly, people work in socially networked environments. With growing adoption of enterprise social network technologies, supporting effective social community is becoming an important factor in organizational success.

Background:

Relatively few human factors methods have been applied to social connection in communities. Although team methods provide a contribution, they do not suit design for communities.  Wenger’s community of practice concept, combined with cognitive work analysis, provided one way of designing for community.

Method:

We used a cognitive work analysis approach modified with principles for supporting communities of practice to generate a new website design. Over several months, the community using the site was studied to examine their degree of social connectedness and communication levels.

Results:

Social network analysis and communications analysis, conducted at three different intervals, showed increases in connections between people and between people and organizations, as well as increased communication following the launch of the new design.

Conclusion:

In this work, we suggest that human factors approaches can be effective in social environments, when applied considering social community principles.

Application:

This work has implications for the development of new human factors methods as well as the design of interfaces for sociotechnical systems that have community building requirements.