bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misregulation of Pre-mRNA Alternative Splicing in Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jian , Manley James L.
Published: October 2013

Alternative splicing of mRNA precursors enables one gene to produce multiple protein isoforms with differing functions. Under normal conditions, this mechanism is tightly regulated in order for the human genome to generate proteomic diversity sufficient for the functional requirements of complex tissues. When deregulated, however, cancer cells take advantage of this mechanism to produce aberrant proteins with added, deleted, or altered functional domains that contribute to tumorigenesis. Here, we discuss aspects of alternative splicing misregulation in cancer, focusing on splicing events affected by deregulation of regulatory splicing factors and also recent studies identifying mutated components of the splicing machinery.

Significance: An increasing body of evidence indicates that aberrant splicing of mRNA precursors leads to production of aberrant proteins that contribute to tumorigenesis. Recent studies show that alterations in cellular concentrations of regulatory splicing factors and mutations in components of the core splicing machinery provide major mechanisms of misregulation of mRNA splicing in cancer. A better understanding of this misregulation will potentially reveal a group of novel drug targets for therapeutic intervention. Cancer Discov; 3(11); 1228–37. ©2013 AACR.
iNKT Cell Cytotoxic Responses Control T-Lymphoma GrowthIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Bassiri Hamid , Das Rupali , Guan Peng , Barrett David M. , Brennan Patrick J. , Banerjee Pinaki P. , Wiener Susan J. , Orange Jordan S. , Brenner Michael B. , Grupp Stephan A. , Nichols Kim E.
Published: October 2013

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells comprise a lineage of CD1d-restricted glycolipid-reactive T lymphocytes with important roles in host immunity to cancer. iNKT cells indirectly participate in antitumor responses by inducing dendritic cell maturation and producing cytokines that promote tumor clearance by CD8+ T and NK cells. Although iNKT cells thereby act as potent cellular adjuvants, it is less clear whether they directly control the growth of tumors. To gain insights into the direct contribution of iNKT cells to tumor immune surveillance, we developed in vitro and in vivo systems to selectively examine the antitumor activity of iNKT cells in the absence of other cytolytic effectors. Using the EL4 T-lymphoma cell line as a model, we found that iNKT cells exert robust and specific lysis of tumor cells in vitro in a manner that is differentially induced by iNKT cell agonists of varying T-cell receptor (TCR) affinities, such as OCH, α-galactosyl ceramide, and PBS44. In vitro blockade of CD1d-mediated lipid antigen presentation, disruption of TCR signaling, or loss of perforin expression significantly reduce iNKT cell killing. Consistent with these findings, iNKT cell reconstitution of T, B, and NK cell–deficient mice slows EL4 growth in vivo via TCR-CD1d and perforin-dependent mechanisms. Together, these observations establish that iNKT cells are sufficient to control the growth of T lymphoma in vitro and in vivo. They also suggest that the induction of iNKT cell cytotoxic responses in situ might serve as a more effective strategy to prevent and/or treat CD1d+ cancers, such as T lymphoma. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(1); 59–69. ©2013 AACR.
Association between Oral Health and the Risk of Lacunar Infarction in Japanese Adults
Authors: Taguchi Akira , Miki Manabu , Muto Akinori , Kubokawa Keita , Migita Keisuke , Higashi Yukihito , Yoshinari Nobuo
Published: October 2013

Background: Poor oral health is associated with an increased risk of dementia in the elderly. One possible pathway linking these two phenomena is lacunar infarction, a potential cause of dementia. An association between poor oral health and an increased risk of ischaemic stroke has been recognised through the oral infection-inflammation pathway. However, little is known about whether poor oral health is associated with the progression of lacunar infarction. Objective: We examined the association between variables related to oral health and lacunar infarction, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A total of 110 subjects (52 men, 58 women), aged 27-76 years, who visited our periodontology clinic participated in this study. The subjects underwent dental radiography, periodontal examinations and brain MRI. One experienced specialist in cardiovascular disease and one experienced neurosurgeon determined the number of lacunar infarctions on brain MRI. Periodontologists performed clinical periodontal examinations. Variables related to oral health were determined from the radiographs by an oral radiologist. Information on the subjects' lifestyles and disease histories were obtained using a structured questionnaire and confirmed by clinical records. Adjacent categories logit regression analysis with backward elimination was used to determine variables associated with three groups based on the number of lacunar infarctions. Results: Of the 110 subjects, 61 had lacunar infarctions. Nineteen had multiple (≥7) lesions. Aging (p = 0.0004), increased time spent in physical activity per day (p = 0.042), the presence of hypertension (p = 0.006), the absence of hyperlipidaemia (p = 0.045), the presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.025) and low alveolar bone height (p = 0.026) were significantly associated with an increased number of lacunar infarctions in the final regression model. The significance of hyperlipidaemia and alveolar bone height disappeared in an unadjusted model. An increased pocket depth, which indicates current periodontal disease progression, tended to be associated with an increased number of lacunar infarctions (p = 0.058). This tendency did not disappear in an unadjusted model. Conclusion: Our results suggest that lacunar infarction may be associated with current periodontal disease in Japanese adults.
Validation of Serological Testing for Anti-Treponema pallidum from Postmortem Blood on the Siemens-BEP®-III Automatic System
Authors: Kalus Ulrich , Wilkemeyer Ina , Pruss Axel , Caspari Gregor
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackground: Infectious disease marker testing is obligatory for the release of human tissue for transplantation. Most CE-marked tests are not validated for postmortem blood. In a previous study we have validated the testing for anti-HIV-1/2, anti-HCV, HBsAg, and anti-HBc. Here, we present the validation of testing for antibodies against T. pallidum, which is the last marker obligatory for tissue release for transplantation. Methods: 17 samples of postmortem sera and 10 samples of both pre- und postmortem sera were obtained from cornea donors and tested for anti-T. pallidum on the Siemens-BEP-III-System. These sera were spiked with anti-T. pallidum-positive standard sera in concentrations which give low- and high-positive results at the respective dilution. Results: Two of the unspiked postmortem sera were false-positive most likely due to intense hemolysis (free hemoglobin > 50 mg/dl). Of the 25 negative postmortem sera, none of the spiked samples was false-negative after 0, 24 and 60 h. Conclusion: There is no indication that postmortem samples give false-negative or false-positive results with the test system and test kits used in cases of low hemolysis. The procedure described might serve as a model for validating other test kits on postmortem samples.
Comparative Study of the Effects of Room Air and Sulfur Hexafluoride Gas Tamponade on Functional and Morphological Recovery after Macular Hole Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Usui Hideaki , Yasukawa Tsutomu , Hirano Yoshio , Morita Hiroshi , Yoshida Munenori , Ogura Yuichiro
Published: October 2013

Background: To compare the effects of room air and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade on functional and morphological macular recovery after vitrectomy for the treatment of idiopathic macular hole (MH). Methods: A total of 22 eyes of 22 patients with preoperative diameter of MH smaller than 500 µm were retrospectively studied. Pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling was performed, followed by fluid-air exchange with room air or 20% SF6. Surgical outcomes were analyzed, regarding best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography images. Results: The primary closure rate was 100% in both groups, while there was a statistically significant difference in the prone posturing period between the SF6 group (7.0 ± 1.6 days) and the air group (3.7 ± 0.6 days; p < 0.0001, unpaired t test). Mean BCVA at baseline, month 1 and month 3 was 0.25, 0.63 and 0.77 in decimal units in the SF6 group and 0.32, 0.60 and 0.73 in the air group, respectively. Conclusions: This study suggests that room air tamponade may provide equally prompt functional and morphological recovery as well as a comparable rate of MH closure with even a shorter prone posturing period compared with SF6 gas tamponade, at least for MH with relatively small diameters.
Efficacy of CytoLyt® Hemolytic Action on ThinPrep® LBC Using Cultured Osteosarcoma Cell Line LM8
Authors: Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Ohsaki Hiroyuki , Masuno Hiroshi , Kagawa Akihiro , Teramoto Norihiro , Kobayashi Tadao K.
Published: October 2013

Objective: The removal of blood components is necessary to improve the quality of the liquid-based cytology (LBC) preparations. In ThinPrep® (TP) samples a cell suspension in a methanol-based fixative undergoes a vacuum filtration method, whereas in SurePath™ (SP) samples a cell suspension in an ethanol-based fixative is processed through a density gradient centrifugation system prior to gravity deposition of the specimen onto a glass slide. We compared the cyto-architectural features for the cytologic diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma using parallel TP and SP preparations in a previous publication. Study Design: We performed our study on LM8 cells (a cultured osteosarcoma cell line). LM8 cells at a concentration of 1.25 × 103 cell/cm2 were seeded on a 35-mm plate in culture medium, which contained 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 100 units/ml penicillin, and 100 μ/ml streptomycin in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), and aliquots of the cell suspension obtained in this way were compared after the addition of a hemolytic agent, i.e. Cytolyt® (CyL). LBC preparations were then obtained on cell suspensions treated with CyL after different time intervals of hemolysis. Results: Treatment with CyL did not alter the cellularity of the preparation, but reduction of the nuclear area and a tendency towards nuclear chromatin condensation with a subsequent higher brightness were found. Because CyL is a 25% methanol-buffered solution, its alcoholic concentration is low; it was our impression that, while its fixative effect was weak, its hemolytic effect was high. Water influx or efflux through the cell membrane is controlled by osmotic pressure changes induced by the buffer solution in the CyL solution. While CyL was not shown to alter the cell shape, nuclear shrinkage was thought to be probably due to the increasing cell dehydration caused by longer exposure intervals to methanol. Conclusion: This study has allowed us to make significant observations on the hemolytic properties of CyL, and on its combined effects with PreservCyt on the cytomorphology of cells suspensions.
Clinical Significance of Lymph Node Ratio in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Demircioglu Fatih , Demirci Umut , Kilic Diclehan , Ozkan Secil , Karahacioglu Eray
Published: October 2013

Background: The ratio of metastatic to dissected lymph nodes (lymph node ratio; LNR) is a sensitive and superior prognostic factor for lymph node evaluation, but its relationship to cancer subtypes is unclear. Patients and Methods: Data from 469 patients with axillary lymph node metastasis out of 640 early breast cancer cases were retrospectively analyzed. They were classified into 4 molecular subtypes; luminal A, luminal B HER2(+), HER2 overexpression, basal-like. LNRs were compared between groups and with other prognostic factors. Results: The distribution of LNRs was 35.2% in luminal A, 43.2% in luminal B HER2(+), 46.9% in HER2 over-expression, and 39.1% in basal-like. A significant difference was found between luminal A and HER2 over-expression subtypes (p = 0.023). LNR was significantly correlated with tumor size and lymphovascular invasion, but not with other prognostic factors including menopausal status, laterality, grade, and perineural invasion. An LNR of 29.8% was defined as the cut-off value, and significant differences in survival rates were identified accordingly between basal-like and both luminal A (p = 0.003) and luminal B HER2(+) (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The LNR differs between some molecular subtypes of breast cancer, and it correlates with certain prognostic factors and survival. These data support using the LNR to assess breast cancer patients.
Ökonomie und Gerinnungsmanagement
Authors: Ehrlich Thomas
Published: October 2013

Hintergrund: Bei erworbenen oder chronisch bestehenden Störungen der Gerinnung ist in der perioperativen Phase eine gezielte Therapie von herausragender Bedeutung. Der kostenintensive Einsatz von Blut- und Gerinnungspräparaten und die Beeinflussung des Patientenoutcomes werden hinsichtlich des G-DRG(German Diagnosis Related Groups)-Systems und der Anwendung von Point-of-Care-Geräten bewertet. Methode: Anhand einer Literaturübersicht und eigener Daten wird der aktuelle Sachstand analysiert und diskutiert. Ergebnisse: Die perioperative Behandlung von Störungen der Gerinnung ist komplex. Neben der klassischen Labordiagnostik unterstützen und beschleunigen Point-of-Care-Geräte die Therapieentscheidungen. Die Anwendung eines Algorithmus-basierten Applikationsregimes von Blut- und Gerinnungspräparaten optimiert die Verbrauchsmengen und verbessert das Patientenoutcome. Demgegenüber können durch das G-DRG-System bedingte finanzielle Effekte aufgrund von kosten- und erlösseitigen Änderungen für das Krankenhaus negativ ausfallen. Fallpauschalen und Zusatzentgelte decken vor allem bei komplexen Behandlungsfällen wie der Lebertransplantation nicht die tatsächlichen Aufwendungen. Systemisch finanzielle Anreize zur Therapieentscheidung, die unabhängig von einer medizinischen Indikation sein können, sind vorherrschend. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Therapie von Gerinnungsstörungen stellt Ärzte, die Krankenhausverwaltungen und das G-DRG-System vor besondere Herausforderungen. Nicht selten besteht eine paradoxe Situation zwischen dem Streben nach einer bestmöglichen Patientenversorgung und einer adäquaten Leistungsvergütung des Krankenhauses. Finanzielle Anreize durch Pauschalen und Zusatzentgelte mit Mengenschwellen, die Therapieentscheidungen beeinflussen können, sind zukünftig zu eliminieren.
Postoperatives Management der Gerinnung
Authors: Sassenscheidt Julian , Zöllner Christian
Published: October 2013

Hintergrund: Das Gerinnungsmanagement in der postoperativen Phase stellt eine komplexe Herausforderung dar. Einerseits führt eine bereits präoperativ vorbestehende oder intraoperativ erworbene Beeinträchtigung der Blutgerinnung zu einem erhöhten Risiko für Nachblutungen. Andererseits sind Patienten in der postoperativen Phase einem erhöhten Risiko für thromboembolische Komplikationen ausgesetzt. Zudem drängen vermehrt neue orale Antikoagulanzien und Thrombozytenaggregationshemmer auf den Markt, für deren perioperativen Einsatz noch wenig Erfahrung besteht. Methode: Literaturübersicht. Ergebnisse: Das postoperative Gerinnungsmanagement sollte individualisiert nach einer Diagnostik mit klassischen Gerinnungstests und Point-of-Care(POC)-Diagnoseverfahren erfolgen. Verglichen mit dem intraoperativen Gerinnungsmanagement bestehen Unterschiede. Schlussfolgerungen: Das Ziel des postoperativen Gerinnungsmanagements ist eine Gerinnungsaktivität, die eine suffiziente Wundheilung zulässt, ohne thromboembolische Ereignisse zu begünstigen. Im Falle einer postoperativen Blutung sollte zur Diagnostik neben den klassischen Gerinnungstests auf viskoelastische POC-Verfahren zurückgegriffen werden. Neben der bedarfsadaptierten Substitution von Gerinnungsfaktoren ist die Aufrechterhaltung der Rahmenbedingungen der Gerinnung von entscheidender Bedeutung (Normothermie, physiologischer pH-Wert, Normokalziämie). Die Fortführung einer bestehenden Antikoagulation mit neuen oralen Antikoagulanzien ist eine Einzelfallentscheidung. Für ihren perioperativen Einsatz gib es noch keine Leitlinien.
The Cavity Structure Effect in Medicine: The Physical Aspect
Authors: Boldyreva Liudmila B.
Published: October 2013

Background: In 1893 the German scientist Oskar Korschelt was granted a patent for using cavity structures (CS) for therapeutic purposes. In the end of the 20th century in Russia Victor Grebennikov also studied possibilities of using CS in curing various diseases. Korschelt used artificial CSs made of copper chains or plates. Grebennikov used mainly natural CS, e.g., empty bee combs. The main features of the CS effect are: the therapeutic efficacy of a CS depends on its orientation with respect to the biological object and on the material the CS is made of. It does not depend on the presence of acoustic or electromagnetic screens. The CS influence on the target biological object may not cease after removal of the CS, i.e. there is an after-effect. Methods: It is shown in the paper that it is possible to explain the effects of CSs on biological objects under the assumption that the physical vacuum has the properties of superfluid 3He-B. Results: The effects may be due to spin supercurrents being present in CSs. Conclusion: CSs differ from bodies of other form in that the cavity is ‘filled' with spin supercurrents. The properties of the supercurrents are like those of the spin supercurrents between spin structures in superfluid 3He-B.
Peri- und intraoperative Gerinnungsstörungen und ihre Therapieempfehlungen
Authors: Korte Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

Hintergrund: Aufgrund neuer diagnostischer Technologien und der zunehmenden Verfügbarkeit von Gerinnungsfaktorkonzentraten hat die perioperative Hämostase in den letzten Jahren zunehmende Aufmerksamkeit erhalten. Methode: Die Literatur wurde im Hinblick auf die Diagnostik, Pathophysiologie und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten von peri- und intraoperativen Gerinnungsstörungen sowie bezüglich eigener Erfahrungen in den verschiedenen erwähnten Bereichen durchsucht. Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerungen: Peri- und intraoperative Hämostasestörungen sind nicht selten. Sie sind in der Regel mit einem strukturierten diagnostischen Vorgehen klinisch einfach zu erfassen. Mittlerweile können innerhalb der unterschiedlichen klinischen Entitäten verschiedene zugrunde liegende Pathophysiologien identifiziert werden; damit können auch die entsprechenden, zum Teil unterschiedlichen Behandlungsmethoden zum Einsatz gebracht werden. Die kontinuierliche Beobachtung der klinischen Situation zusammen mit unter Umständen wiederholten Laboruntersuchungen erlaubt die frühzeitige Erfassung und Behandlung.
Sex Difference in Risk of Second but Not of First Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Roach Rachel E.J. , Lijfering Willem M. , Rosendaal Frits R. , Cannegieter Suzanne C. , le Cessie Saskia
Published: October 2013

Background—

The risk of recurrent venous thrombosis is 2-fold higher in men than in women. In contrast, no such sex difference in the risk of first venous thrombosis has been reported. We hypothesized that, for a first event, a risk difference between the sexes is masked by female exposure to reproductive factors (oral contraception, pregnancy/puerperium, and postmenopausal hormone therapy).

Methods and Results—

From the Multiple Environmental and Genetic Assessment of Risk Factors for Venous Thrombosis (MEGA) study, a population-based case-control study on risk factors for venous thrombosis, 2915 patients with a first venous thrombosis and their partners as control subjects were included. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for first venous thrombosis were assessed in men compared with women without reproductive risk factors by use of conditional logistic regression. Analyses were stratified in 10-year age categories to account for the variation in exposure to reproductive risk factors over different age groups and adjusted for body mass index and smoking. Overall, men had a 2.1-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.9–2.4) increased risk of first venous thrombosis compared with women without reproductive risk factors. Similar results were found when 10-year age categories were viewed separately. Adjustment for body mass index and smoking and exclusion of cancer patients did not materially affect the results.

Conclusions—

When female reproductive risk factors are taken into account, the risk of a first venous thrombosis is twice as high in men as in women. These findings are in line with previous studies on recurrent venous thrombosis and may have implications for future treatment and prevention strategies.
Activation of Histone Deacetylase-6 Induces Contractile Dysfunction Through Derailment of α-Tubulin Proteostasis in Experimental and Human Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhang Deli , Wu Chia-Tung , Qi XiaoYan , Meijering Roelien A.M. , Hoogstra-Berends Femke , Tadevosyan Artavazd , Cubukcuoglu Deniz Gunseli , Durdu Serkan , Akar Ahmet Ruchan , Sibon Ody C.M. , Nattel Stanley , Henning Robert H. , Brundel Bianca J.J.M.
Published: October 2013

Background—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by structural remodeling, contractile dysfunction, and AF progression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) influence acetylation of both histones and cytosolic proteins, thereby mediating epigenetic regulation and influencing cell proteostasis. Because the exact function of HDACs in AF is unknown, we investigated their role in experimental and clinical AF models.

Methods and Results—

Tachypacing of HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes and
Drosophila
pupae hearts significantly impaired contractile function (amplitude of Ca
2+
transients and heart wall contractions). This dysfunction was prevented by inhibition of HDAC6 (tubacin) and sirtuins (nicotinamide). Tachypacing induced specific activation of HDAC6, resulting in α-tubulin deacetylation, depolymerization, and degradation by calpain. Tachypacing-induced contractile dysfunction was completely rescued by dominant-negative HDAC6 mutants with loss of deacetylase activity in the second catalytic domain, which bears α-tubulin deacetylase activity. Furthermore, in vivo treatment with the HDAC6 inhibitor tubastatin A protected atrial tachypaced dogs from electric remodeling (action potential duration shortening, L-type Ca
2+
current reduction, AF promotion) and cellular Ca
2+
-handling/contractile dysfunction (loss of Ca
2+
transient amplitude, sarcomere contractility). Finally, atrial tissue from patients with AF also showed a significant increase in HDAC6 activity and reduction in the expression of both acetylated and total α-tubulin.

Conclusions—

AF induces remodeling and loss of contractile function, at least in part through HDAC6 activation and subsequent derailment of α-tubulin proteostasis and disruption of the cardiomyocyte microtubule structure. In vivo inhibition of HDAC6 protects against AF-related atrial remodeling, disclosing the potential of HDAC6 as a therapeutic target in clinical AF.
Reduced Heart Rate Variability Is Associated With Worse Cognitive Performance in Elderly Mexican Americans
Authors: Zeki Al Hazzouri Adina , Haan Mary N. , Deng Yingzi , Neuhaus John , Yaffe Kristine
Published: October 2013

Reduced heart rate variability is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular events, and mortality and thus may be associated with cognitive neurodegeneration. Yet, this has been relatively unexplored, particularly in minority populations with high cardiovascular burden. We used data from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging to examine the cross-sectional association of reduced heart rate variability with cognitive function among elderly Mexican Americans. A total of 869 participants (mean age, 75 years; 59% women) had their 6-minute heart rate variability measured using an ECG monitor and respiration pacer in response to deep breathing. We used the mean circular resultant, known as R bar, as a measure of heart rate variability and categorized it into quartiles (Q1 to Q4 of R bar: reduced to high heart rate variability). Cognitive function was assessed using the modified Mini-Mental State Examination, a 100-point test of global cognitive function, and the Spanish and English verbal learning test, a 15-point test of verbal memory recall. In fully adjusted linear regression models, participants in quartile 1 had a 4-point lower modified Mini-Mental State Examination score (
P
<0.01), those in quartile 2 had a 2-point lower score (
P
=0.04), and those in quartile 3 had a 1-point lower score (
P
=0.35) compared with those in the highest quartile of R bar. Reduced R bar was not associated with verbal memory. Our results suggest that reduced heart rate variability is associated with worse performance on the test of global cognitive function, above and beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
A new species of Lonchophylla (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, with comments on L. bokermanni
Authors: DIAS DANIELA , ESBÉRARD CARLOS EDUARDO L. , MORATELLI RICARDO
Published: October 2013

We examined Brazilian species of the nectar-feeding bats genus Lonchophylla (Phyllostomidae, Lonchophyllinae) to clarify the identity of Lonchophylla bokermanni and to determine the distribution of this and other species of Lonchophylla in eastern Brazil. As a result, we have found sufficient differences between Cerrado populations (including the type locality of L. bokermanni) and populations inhabiting the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil,which warrant the treatment of the Atlantic Forest populations as a separate and new species. We describe this new species here as Lonchophylla peracchii, sp. nov. The new species appears to be restricted to the Atlantic Forest, whereas L. bokermanni is found only in Cerrado habitats.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Improves Sinus-Related Symptoms and Quality of Life in Children With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Vlastarakos Petros V. , Fetta Melpomeni , Segas John V. , Maragoudakis Pavlos , Nikolopoulos Thomas P.
Published: October 2013

Aim. To assess the current knowledge and evaluate the quality of evidence in the use of FESS for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in children, regarding the respective changes in the quality-of-their-life (QoL) and the outcome that follows the operation. Materials/Methods. Systematic literature review in Medline and other database sources and meta-analysis of pooled data. Results. 15 studies were systematically analyzed. Four represented Level II, five Level III, and six Level IV evidence. The total number of treated patients was 1301. Thirteen research groups reported that pediatric FESS is an effective treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis; the respective positive outcome ranged between 71 and 100% of operated children. Five studies concluded that this treatment modality is associated with significant improvement in the children’s postoperative QoL. Systemic diseases and environmental factors may have unfavourable prognostic effects; cystic fibrosis is associated with at least 50% recurrence rate. The rate of major complications following pediatric FESS is 0.6%, and the respective rate of minor complications 2%. Conclusion. The surgical management in children with chronic rhinosinusitis, despite the reservations expressed by many clinicians, is effective when optimal medical treatment proves unsuccessful (grade B strength of recommendation), and is associated with improvement in the children’s QoL (grade B strength of recommendation). FESS also improves the sinusitis-associated symptoms and QoL in children with cystic fibrosis (grade C strength of recommendation. Most complications of pediatric FESS reported in the literature are minor, and associated with difficulties in the postoperative assessment and care of pediatric patients.
Ethics and Standards in Medicine – much more than abortion and euthanasia
Authors: Vernon Bryan
Published: October 2013

Professional and legal standards are the minimum standards for practising doctors. These standards determine what doctors must not do but not what doctors must do. Ethical analysis has informed the development of professional and legal standards. The Hippocratic Oath is unthinkingly cited as central to medical practice, but an analysis of the standards it sets reveals that this is not the case. Guidance given by the formulation of standards is often general, in part because ethical analysis, even with a shared common language, may lead to different conclusions. Examples are seen in analysis of resource allocation, end of life decisions and approaches to circumcision.
The Apocalypse Unveiled: Reflections on the Reception History of Revelation
Authors: Boxall Ian
Published: October 2013

The Book of Revelation has been subject to diverse and sometimes conflicting interpretations across the centuries. The tendency of historical-critical scholars has been to dismiss many of these as eisegesis rather than exegesis. This article surveys the main stages in the reception history of John’s visionary book, and attempts to categorise these diverse readings and highlight similarities between them. It considers how the Apocalypse has been adaptable enough to speak to Christians facing persecution from imperial Rome of the second and third centuries or papal Rome of the sixteenth, monastics in the settled period of Byzantium and the medieval West, those seeking insight into the future course of history, and marginalised readers challenging the political status quo. It is argued that this rich impact – in art and music as well as formal commentary – is to be expected of a book which is highly allusive, and which combines a variety of different genres. Like the four living creatures John sees around the throne, Revelation is an unstable book which cannot easily be tamed.
Recognizing Academic Potential in Students of Color
Authors: Harradine Christine C. , Coleman Mary Ruth B. , Winn Donna-Marie C.
Published: October 2013

Students of color are often underrepresented in academic programs for gifted and talented students. This study explored the impact of The Teacher’s Observation of Potential in Students (TOPS) tool on teachers’ ability to systematically observe and document the academic strengths of 5- to 9-year-old students across nine domains. Teachers indicated that without the TOPS, they would have overlooked the academic potential of 22% (1,741) of their children of color and 53% of African American boys, in particular. After using the TOPS, a majority of the teachers (74%) felt they could more readily recognize high-potential students from culturally or linguistically different and economically disadvantaged families. Barriers that might have kept teachers from seeing students’ strengths were also examined. Results indicate two statistically significant relationships between teacher race and perceptions of student behavior. This study has implications for supporting teachers’ more effective identification of strengths in all children.
Parents’ attitudes about adolescents’ premarital sexual activity: The role of inter-parent consistency/inconsistency in sexual outcomes
Authors: Somers Cheryl L , Anagurthi Claudia
Published: October 2013

Objective:

Parents’ values about sexuality and about premarital sex play unique roles in the development of adolescents’ sexual attitudes and behaviours. However, research is scarce on the role of consistent versus inconsistent values transmission. The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between parental consistency/inconsistency of values toward adolescents’ premarital sexual activity and adolescents’ own premarital sex attitudes and behaviours.

Method:

The full sample included 293 adolescents in the 9th through 12th grades (aged 13–19 years), primarily African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian, from three high schools in suburban and urban school districts in the Midwest of the USA.

Results:

First, analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were run to see where differences between groups may lie. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was then run with parental values as independent factor, and the six sexuality variables (sexual attitude, frequency of oral sex, frequency of sexual intercourse, age of first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners and personal sexual values) as dependents, while controlling for gender, grade and race differences. Univariate analyses were run to determine direction of effects. Results indicated that adolescent sexuality outcomes varied by consistency of parents’ values. ANCOVA results revealed that adolescents’ sexual attitudes, frequency of oral sex, frequency of sexual intercourse, and number of sexual partners all varied by parents’ values status.

Conclusion:

Parental sexual attitudes and consistency in parental communication contribute significantly to successful development in young people.
The Relationship Between the Management of Book Income and Taxable Income Under a Moderate Level of Book-Tax Conformity
Authors: Chen Ester , Gavious Ilanit , Yosef Rami
Published: October 2013

We find evidence suggesting that taxable income management is not related to book income management in firms operating under a moderate level of book-tax conformity. For a sample of Israeli firms that the tax authorities determined had understated their earnings to avoid taxes, we do not find evidence of an overstatement of book earnings. Notably, public firms do not differ from private firms in this regard. Using a control sample of firms that were not subject to tax audits, we validate that self-selection does not affect our inferences. Given Israel’s unique “intermediate” level of book-tax conformity, an important practical contribution of the findings is in shedding more light on the question of the need for a substantial transition from nonconformity to full alignment in countries with large book-tax gaps (such as the United States). Our results showing that tax-avoiding firms in Israel, public and private alike, avoid book income management even if areas of book-tax nonconformity allow them to do so imply that a reduction in the divergence between the tax and the accounting rules may suffice to reduce managers’ opportunistic (reporting) behavior.
Ultrasound Indicators of Persistent Obstruction after Submandibular Sialolithotomy
Authors: Joshi Arjun S. , Lohia Shivangi
Published: October 2013

Objective

To identify and describe the ultrasound indicators of persistent obstruction following transoral submandibular sialolithotomy and discuss the utility of ultrasound in the immediate postoperative period.

Study Design

We performed a prospective case series with planned data collection of patients who underwent treatment for symptomatic submandibular swelling.

Setting

A tertiary care center.

Subjects

Thirty‐three patients of either sex with known submandibular gland sialoliths who failed endoscopic retrieval of calculi.

Methods

We performed in‐office or operating room–based transoral submandibular gland sialolithotomy followed by immediate postprocedure ultrasound examination for the assessment of residual calculi. All patients underwent mandatory reexploration for suspicious findings.

Results

Only the appearance of hyperechogenic foci with posterior shadowing reliably predicted the presence of residual stones following transoral sialolithotomy (P <. 0001). The presence of hyperechogenic foci without posterior shadowing (P = 1.00), ductal dilatation (P =. 23), and intraglandular dilatation (P = 1.00) was not indicative of retained calculi.

Conclusion

The presence of hyperechogenic foci with posterior shadowing on immediate postprocedure ultrasound is an accurate indicator of residual stones following transoral submandibular sialolithotomy. Ultrasound examination can be reliably used to identify patients at risk of symptomatic recurrence of sialoliths.
Perceptions of the use of Mobile Enabled Social Hub by rural communities in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Ganesan Muthiah , Anandan Vasumathi , Vincy Pushpa Mary , Prashant Suma
Published: October 2013

This paper describes the perception of rural communities in the use of Mobile Enabled Social Hub (MESH) that was field tested in several villages across Sivaganga district in the southern part of rural Tamil Nadu, India, during May 2010 to December 2010. The present study was conducted through well structured pre-tested questionnaire with 90 users who took active participation throughout the project. The survey results showed that the rural communities perceived the MESH platform favourably, in terms of its usefulness and ease of use in exchanging information within their communities. Mann-Whitney U tests confirm that gender played a significant role in the perception of MESH as a means for effective communication. The Kruskal-Wallis test analysis also substantiated that people have perceived the MESH platform in an equal way, regardless of age group, education level and type of occupation.
A comprehensive taxonomy for multi-robot task allocation
Authors: Korsah G. Ayorkor , Stentz Anthony , Dias M. Bernardine
Published: October 2013

Task allocation is an important aspect of many multi-robot systems. The features and complexity of multi-robot task allocation (MRTA) problems are dictated by the requirements of the particular domain under consideration. These problems can range from those involving instantaneous distribution of simple, independent tasks among members of a homogenous team, to those requiring the time-extended scheduling of complex interrelated multi-step tasks for members of a heterogenous team related by several constraints. The existing widely used taxonomy for task allocation in multi-robot systems was designed for problems with independent tasks and does not deal with problems with interrelated utilities and constraints. While that taxonomy was a ground-breaking contribution to the MRTA literature, a survey of recent work in MRTA reveals that it is no longer a sufficient taxonomy, due to the increasing importance of interrelated utilities and constraints in realistic MRTA problems under consideration. Thus, in this paper, we present a new, comprehensive taxonomy, iTax, that explicitly takes into consideration the issues of interrelated utilities and constraints. Our taxonomy maps categories of MRTA problems to existing mathematical models from combinatorial optimization and operations research, and hence draws important parallels between robotics and these fields.
Foot–terrain interaction mechanics for legged robots: Modeling and experimental validation
Authors: Ding Liang , Gao Haibo , Deng Zongquan , Song Jianhu , Liu Yiqun , Liu Guangjun , Iagnemma Karl
Published: October 2013

Contact mechanics plays an important role in the design, performance analysis, simulation, and control of legged robots. The Hunt–Crossley model and the Coulomb friction model are often used as black-box models with limited consideration of the properties of the terrain and the feet. This paper analyzes the foot–terrain interaction based on the knowledge of terramechanics and reveals the relationship between the parameters of the conventional models and the terramechanics models. The proposed models are derived in three categories: deformable foot on hard terrain, hard foot on deformable terrain, and deformable foot on deformable terrain. A novel model of tangential forces as the function of displacement is proposed on the basis of an in-depth understanding of the terrain properties. Methods for identifying the model parameters are also developed. Extensive foot–soil interaction experiments have been carried out, and the experimental results validate the high fidelity of the derived models.
Lifelong localization in changing environments
Authors: Tipaldi Gian Diego , Meyer-Delius Daniel , Burgard Wolfram
Published: October 2013

Robot localization systems typically assume that the environment is static, ignoring the dynamics inherent in most real-world settings. Corresponding scenarios include households, offices, warehouses and parking lots, where the location of certain objects such as goods, furniture or cars can change over time. These changes typically lead to inconsistent observations with respect to previously learned maps and thus decrease the localization accuracy or even prevent the robot from globally localizing itself. In this paper we present a sound probabilistic approach to lifelong localization in changing environments using a combination of a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter with a hidden Markov model. By exploiting several properties of this model, we obtain a highly efficient map management approach for dynamic environments, which makes it feasible to run our algorithm online. Extensive experiments with a real robot in a dynamically changing environment demonstrate that our algorithm reliably adapts to changes in the environment and also outperforms the popular Monte-Carlo localization approach.
Appraising the Risk Matrix 2000 Static Sex Offender Risk Assessment Tool
Authors: Tully Ruth J. , Browne Kevin D.
Published: October 2013

This critical appraisal explores the reliability and validity of the Risk Matrix 2000 static sex offender risk assessment tool that is widely used in the United Kingdom. The Risk Matrix 2000 has to some extent been empirically validated for use with adult male sex offenders; however, this review highlights that further research into the validity of this static tool with sex offender subgroups or types is necessary in order to improve practical utility. The Risk Matrix 2000 relies on static risk predictors, thus it is limited in scope. This article argues that the addition of dynamic items that have been shown to be predictive of sexual recidivism would further enhance the tool. The paper argues that adding dynamic risk items would fit better with a rehabilitative approach to sex offender risk management and assessment. This would also provide a means by which to effectively plan sex offender treatment and evaluate individual offenders’ progress in treatment; however, difficulties remain in identifying and assessing dynamic risk factors of sexual offending and so further research is required.
Common Cognitive Deficits in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism
Authors: Englund Julia A. , Decker Scott L. , Allen Ryan A. , Roberts Alycia M.
Published: October 2013

Cognitive deficits in working memory (WM) are characteristic features of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism. However, few studies have investigated cognitive deficits using a wide range of cognitive measures. We compared children with ADHD ( n = 49) and autism ( n = 33) with a demographically matched control group ( n = 79) on a multidimensional battery of cognitive ability. Results confirmed previous research that both groups were characterized by deficits in WM. However, results also suggest verbal WM measures were better predictors than nonverbal WM measures. In addition, measures of visual-motor integration are equally discriminating of children with ADHD and autism from a matched control group. In all, 81% discrimination accuracy was obtained using only WM and visual-motor integration measures. Demonstrated shared deficits in WM and visual-motor integration are explained based on proposed neurological mechanisms common across the two disorders. Clinical implications are discussed.
Strain in Caring for Youths Meeting Diagnosis for Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Authors: Tsai Katherine H. , Yeh May , Slymen Donald
Published: October 2013

The present study investigated hypotheses focusing on the relationship between youths with disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) and caregiver strain. Furthermore, analyses explored whether the relationship between youths with DBDs and caregiver strain depended on the amount of service use in three separate settings (outpatient, school-based, and inpatient). Participants were high-risk youths from the Patterns of Care study who were randomly sampled from one of five public sectors of care. Findings supported hypotheses linking caregiver strain to individuals caring for youths meeting diagnosis for DBDs. Furthermore, the relationship between youths with DBDs and caregiver strain varied depending on the amount of inpatient service use, but the relationship did not differ across levels of outpatient and school-based counseling service use. These findings suggest the importance of addressing caregiver strain when developing treatment plans for youths with DBDs.
Robust fault-tolerant full-order and reduced-order observer synchronization for differential inclusion chaotic systems with unknown disturbances and parameters
Authors: Sun Junwei , Yin Quan
Published: October 2013

Within the drive-response configuration, this paper deals with the problem of fault-tolerant full-order and reduced-order observer synchronization for differential inclusion chaotic systems with unknown disturbances and parameters. Even if there are unknown disturbances and parameters in the drive system, a robust fault-tolerant adaptive full-order observer can be used to realize chaos synchronization with the response system for some assumptions whether or not fault occurs. What’s more, a reduced-order observer differential inclusion response system which can synchronize part states of the drive system is developed for the same assumptions. Finally, some numerical simulations for Lorenz chaotic systems with differential inclusion are designed and the simulation results are analyzed in detail.
A nonlinear stochastic optimal bounded control using stochastic maximum principle
Authors: Hu Rong-Chun , Ying Zu-Guang , Zhu Wei-Qiu
Published: October 2013

A nonlinear stochastic optimal bounded control strategy for quasi-Hamiltonian systems with actuator saturation is proposed based on the stochastic averaging method and stochastic maximum principle. First, the averaged Itô stochastic differential equations are derived by using the stochastic averaging method for quasi-Hamiltonian systems. Then, the stochastic Hamiltonian system for optimal control with a given performance index is established based on the stochastic maximum principle. The bounded optimal control consisting of unbounded optimal control and bounded bang–bang control is determined by solving the forward-backward stochastic differential equations with control constraint. Finally, three examples of quasi-Hamiltonian systems with controls are given to illustrate the application of the proposed strategy. Numerical results show that the proposed control strategy significantly improves the control efficiency and chattering attenuation of the corresponding bang–bang control.
Participatory Innovation
Authors: Literat Ioana
Published: October 2013

By analyzing the contests that appeared in Popular Science Monthly from 1918 to 1938, this article discusses the rhetoric of public engagement with technological innovation, and the magazine’s construction of a readership community. A close analysis of these contests reveals a burgeoning participatory culture within the context of the popularization of science and technology in the mass-circulation press of early twentieth-century America. Significantly, the contests frame their public as an active participant in the development of science and technology, in sharp contrast to the passive, diffusionist model of science popularization that dominated the interwar period in the United States.