bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Her House, His Pension? The Division of Assets Among (Ex-) Couples and the Role of Policy
Authors: Joseph Ricky , Rowlingson Karen
Published: December 2011

Despite increasing interest in household assets and debts, little is known about the way these are distributed and controlled within couples. Our understanding of these issues is important in social policy not least because some areas of policy (e.g. social security means-tests) assume that all couples, whether married/civil partnered or not, share assets equally, whereas other areas of policy, such as the law around intestacy or separation/divorce, make very different assumptions about married/civil partnered couples compared with cohabiting couples. But is there a difference between these couples or not? And are the assumptions made about each type of couple accurate? Our research suggests that the division of assets within couples is complex with formal, legal ownership of assets (housing, pensions, savings) and debts not always matching participants’ ‘perceptions’ of who owns them. And while there does seem to be a difference between cohabiting and married couples, there is also variation within these couples as other factors also influence the division of assets.
The case of the 1981 eruption of Mount Etna: An example of very fast moving lava flows
Authors: Coltelli Mauro , Marsella Maria , Proietti Cristina , Scifoni Silvia
Published: December 2011

Mount Etna despite being an extremely active volcano which, during the last 400 years, has produced many lava flow flank eruptions has rarely threatened or damaged populated areas. The reconstruction of the temporal evolution of potentially hazardous flank eruptions represents a useful contribution to reducing the impact of future eruptions by and analyzing actions to be taken for protecting sensitive areas. In this work, we quantitatively reconstructed the evolution of the 1981 lava flow field of Mt Etna, which threatened the town of Randazzo. This reconstruction was used to evaluate the cumulated volume, the time averaged discharge rate trend and to estimate its maximum value. The analysis was conducted by comparing pre‐ and post‐eruption topographic surfaces, extracted by processing historical photogrammetric data sets and by utilizing the eruption chronology to establish the lava flow front positions at different times. An unusually high discharge rate (for Etna) of 640 m3/s was obtained, which corresponds well with the very fast advance rate observed for the main lava flow. A comparison with other volcanoes, presenting high discharge rate, was proposed for finding a clue to unveil the 1981 Etna eruptive mechanism. A model was presented to explain the high discharge rate, which includes an additional contribution to the lava discharge caused by the interception of a shallow magma reservoir by a dike rising from depth and the subsequent emptying of the reservoir.
Structure and Function of Photosynthetic Reaction Centres
Authors: Kargul Joanna , Barber James
Published: December 2011

Extensive biochemical, biophysical, molecular biological and structural studies on a wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms has revealed common features of their reaction centres where light induced charge separation and stabilization occurs. There is little doubt that all reaction centres have evolved from a common ancestor and have been optimized to maximum efficiency. As such they provide principles that can be used as a blueprint for developing artificial photo-electrochemical catalytic systems to generate solar fuels. This chapter summarises the common features of the organization of cofactors, electron transfer pathways and protein environments of reaction centres of anoxygenic and oxygenic phototrophs. In particular, the latest molecular details derived from X-ray crystallography are discussed in context of the specific catalytic functions of the Type I and Type II reaction centres.
Note: Intensity control of a phase-shift based laser scanner for reducing distance errors caused by varying surface reflectivity
Authors: Jang Junhwan , Hwang Sungui , Park Kyihwan
Published: December 2011

In the phase-shift measurement method, the distance traveled by light can be obtained on the basis of the phase difference between the reference signal and the measured signal. When a different colored object is measured, the intensity of the measured signal varies greatly, even at the same distance, which causes a different phase delay owing to the wide dynamic range input into the signal processing circuit. In this study, an intensity control method is proposed to solve this phase delay problem.
Silver(I) and Lead(II) Halide Compounds with 4-Methyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol
Authors: Wang Yu-Ling , Jiang Yun-Liang , Liu Qing-Yan , Wei Jia-Jia , Li Li-Qin
Published: December 2011

Four novel silver(i) and lead(ii) halide compounds with the 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (Hmptrz) ligand, namely [Ag2(mptrz)(μ3-X)]n (X = I (1) and Br (2)) and [Pb4(μ4-O)(mptrz)4(μ2-X)2] (X = I (3) and Cl (4)), have been synthesized and characterized. The structures exhibit different dimensionality depending on the nature of the metal ions. Compounds 1 and 2 are isomorphous and have 2D layered structures based on inorganic [Ag2X2]n infinite chains (X = I and Br), in which the mptrz– ligand displays a novel pentadentate bridging coordination mode. Compounds 3 and 4 have similar structures and are composed of a discrete tetranuclear lead(ii) cluster featuring an oxygen-centred Pb4(µ4-O) tetrahedron. Compounds 1 and 2 display solid-state photoluminescent emission with the maximum at 589 and 420 nm respectively. Compounds 3 and 4 show solid-state photoluminescent emission with the maximum at 710 and 540 nm respectively. Additionally, compounds 1–4 were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis.
Molecular genetic marker-based analysis of species-differentiated phenotypic characters in an interspecific ryegrass mapping population
Authors: Wang J. , Baillie R. C. , Cogan N. O. I. , McFarlane N. M. , Dupal M. P. , Smith K. F. , Forster J. W.
Published: December 2011

The genus Lolium (ryegrasses) exhibits substantial variation between species for annual-perennial growth habit. The genetic bases of this trait, and other characters that are differentiated between taxa, have been investigated through molecular genetic marker-based mapping of an interspecific mapping population derived from pair-wise crossing of single genotypes from Lincoln, a long-lived cultivar of perennial ryegrass, and Andrea, a cultivar of annual-type Italian ryegrass. The Andrea1246 and Lincoln1133 parental maps contained 122 loci on eight linkage groups (LGs), and 169 loci on seven LGs, respectively. A total of 10 phenotypic traits were measured, including annuality-perenniality index, date of head emergence, number of spikes per plant, number of spikelets per spike, number of floret per spike, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, spike length, stem length, and extent of regrowth. A total of 31 putative quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected. Regions of significance were identified on Andrea1246 LGs 1, 2, 3 and 6. An annuality-perenniality index QTL on LG2 accounted for ~30% of trait-specific phenotypic variance (Vp). In addition, LG2 contained coincident QTLs for the number of spikes per plant and head emergence date traits. The Lincoln1133 genetic map displayed QTL-containing regions of significance on LGs 1, 4, 5 and 7, accounting individually for 10–22% of Vp. QTLs identified in this study provide potential targets for ryegrass breeding in order to improve vegetative yield, persistence and seed yield.
Response of Aegilops species to drought stress during reproductive stages of development
Authors: Pradhan Gautam P. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Fritz Allan K. , Kirkham Mary B. , Gill Bikram S.
Published: December 2011

Drought stress is an important abiotic factor limiting wheat yield. Thirty-one accessions of Aegilops species belonging to five species were screened to identify species/accessions tolerant to drought stress and to measure traits associated with the tolerance. Plants were grown at full irrigation, 25/19°C day/night temperature and an 18 h photoperiod. At anthesis (Feekes 10.5.1), drought stress was imposed by withholding water for 16 days. Controls were continuously irrigated. Drought stress decreased chlorophyll content, grain number, individual grain weight and grain yield by 31, 25, 68 and 76% compared with the control. Aegilops geniculata Roth had greater tolerance to drought stress for yield (48% decline from control) compared with other species (>73% decline from control). The tolerance was associated with higher grain number spike–1 and heavier grains. A. geniculata, GenBank accession number TA 10437, was highly tolerant to drought stress with <20% yield decline and a drought stress susceptibility index (DSI) <0.5, whereas TA 1802, TA 2061, TA 1814, TA 1819 were identified as moderately tolerant to drought stress (20–40% yield decline and DSI < 1.0). Our results suggest a presence of genetic variability among Aegilops species that can be utilised in breeding wheat for tolerance to drought stress at reproductive stages.
The inhibitory effect of progesterone on lactogenesis during pregnancy is already evident by mid- to late gestation in rodents
Authors: López-Fontana Constanza M. , Maselli María E. , Salicioni Ana M. , Carón Rubén W.
Published: December 2011

Lactogenesis is a very complex process highly dependent on hormonal regulation. In the present study the time-course of the inhibitory actions of progesterone on prolactin secretion, mammary gland morphology and lactogenesis from mid- to late gestation in rodents was investigated. Groups of pregnant rats were luteectomised or administered with mifepristone on Day 10, 13, 15 or 17 of gestation and decapitated 28 or 48 h later. Whole-blood samples and the inguinal mammary glands were taken for determinations of hormone levels and for measurement of mammary content of casein and lactose and for tissue morphology analyses, respectively. Luteectomy or mifepristone evoked prolactin increases only after Day 17 of gestation. Mammary content of casein was increased by both treatments regardless of timing or duration. Mifepristone was less effective than luteectomy in inducing lactose production and the effect was only observed after Day 15 of gestation. Analysis of mammary gland morphology confirmed the observed effect of progesterone on lactogenesis. Both treatments triggered remarkable secretory activity in the mammary gland, even without a parallel epithelial proliferation, demonstrating that the mammary epithelium is able to synthesise milk compounds long before its full lobulo–alveolar development is achieved, provided that progesterone action is abolished. Thus, the present study demonstrates that progesterone is a potent hormonal switch for the prolactin and prolactin-like effects on mammary gland development and its milk-synthesising capacity during pregnancy, and that its inhibitory action is already evident by mid-pregnancy in rodents.
Structural basis for
Tetrahymena
telomerase processivity factor Teb1 binding to single-stranded telomeric-repeat DNA
Authors: Zeng Zhixiong , Min Bosun , Huang Jing , Hong Kyungah , Yang Yuting , Collins Kathleen , Lei Ming
Published: December 2011

Telomerase copies its internal RNA template to synthesize telomeric DNA repeats. Unlike other polymerases, telomerase can retain its single-stranded product through multiple rounds of template dissociation and repositioning to accomplish repeat addition processivity (RAP).
Tetrahymena
telomerase holoenzyme RAP depends on a subunit, Teb1, with autonomous DNA-binding activity. Sequence homology and domain modeling suggest that Teb1 is a paralog of RPA70C, the largest subunit of the single-stranded DNA-binding factor replication protein (RPA), but unlike RPA, Teb1 binds DNA with high specificity for telomeric repeats. To understand the structural basis and significance of telomeric-repeat DNA recognition by Teb1, we solved crystal structures of three proposed Teb1 DNA-binding domains and defined amino acids of each domain that contribute to DNA interaction. Our studies indicate that two central Teb1 DNA-binding oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding-fold domains, Teb1A and Teb1B, achieve high affinity and selectivity of telomeric-repeat recognition by principles similar to the telomere end-capping protein POT1 (protection of telomeres 1). An additional C-terminal Teb1 oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding-fold domain, Teb1C, has features shared with the RPA70 C-terminal domain including a putative direct DNA-binding surface that is critical for high-RAP activity of reconstituted holoenzyme. The Teb1C zinc ribbon motif does not contribute to DNA binding but is nonetheless required for high-RAP activity, perhaps contributing to Teb1 physical association with the remainder of the holoenzyme. Our results suggest the biological model that high-affinity DNA binding by Teb1AB recruits holoenzyme to telomeres and subsequent Teb1C–DNA association traps product in a sliding-clamp-like manner that does not require high-affinity DNA binding for high stability of enzyme-product association.
Immature B cells preferentially switch to IgE with increased direct Sμ to Sε recombination
Authors: Wesemann Duane R. , Magee Jennifer M. , Boboila Cristian , Calado Dinis Pedro , Gallagher Michael P. , Portuguese Andrew J. , Manis John P. , Zhou Xiaolong , Recher Mike , Rajewsky Klaus , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Alt Frederick W.
Published: December 2011

Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) class-switch recombination (CSR) replaces initially expressed Cμ (IgM) constant regions (CH) exons with downstream CH exons. Stimulation of B cells with anti-CD40 plus interleukin-4 induces CSR from Cμ to Cγ1 (IgG1) and Cε (IgE), the latter of which contributes to the pathogenesis of atopic diseases. Although Cε CSR can occur directly from Cμ, most mature peripheral B cells undergo CSR to Cε indirectly, namely from Cμ to Cγ1, and subsequently to Cε. Physiological mechanisms that influence CSR to Cγ1 versus Cε are incompletely understood. In this study, we report a role for B cell developmental maturity in IgE CSR. Based in part on a novel flow cytometric IgE CSR assay, we show that immature B cells preferentially switch to IgE versus IgG1 through a mechanism involving increased direct CSR from Cμ to Cε. Our findings suggest that IgE dysregulation in certain immunodeficiencies may be related to impaired B cell maturation.
Global temperature evolution 1979–2010
Authors: Foster Grant , Rahmstorf Stefan
Published: December 2011

We analyze five prominent time series of global temperature (over land and ocean) for their common time interval since 1979: three surface temperature records (from NASA/GISS, NOAA/NCDC and HadCRU) and two lower-troposphere (LT) temperature records based on satellite microwave sensors (from RSS and UAH). All five series show consistent global warming trends ranging from 0.014 to 0.018 K yr−1. When the data are adjusted to remove the estimated impact of known factors on short-term temperature variations (El Niño/southern oscillation, volcanic aerosols and solar variability), the global warming signal becomes even more evident as noise is reduced. Lower-troposphere temperature responds more strongly to El Niño/southern oscillation and to volcanic forcing than surface temperature data. The adjusted data show warming at very similar rates to the unadjusted data, with smaller probable errors, and the warming rate is steady over the whole time interval. In all adjusted series, the two hottest years are 2009 and 2010.
World Food Demand
Authors: Gao Grace
Published: December 2011

Long‐term projections of global food demand are heavily dependent on which functional form of the food demand equation is used. Given that real incomes can change substantially over the long‐term, key elements are the dependence of the income elasticity on income, which ensures that the food budget share always lies within the [0, 1] range, and the role of income inequality. This article analyzes these issues, proposes a new functional form that deals with them, and presents estimates of income and price elasticities for food in 138 countries.
Integrated annotation and analysis of genetic variants from next-generation sequencing studies with variant tools
Authors: San Lucas F. Anthony , Wang Gao , Scheet Paul , Peng Bo
Published: December 2011

Motivation: Storing, annotating and analyzing variants from next-generation sequencing projects can be difficult due to the availability of a wide array of data formats, tools and annotation sources, as well as the sheer size of the data files. Useful tools, including the GATK, ANNOVAR and BEDTools can be integrated into custom pipelines for annotating and analyzing sequence variants. However, building flexible pipelines that support the tracking of variants alongside their samples, while enabling updated annotation and reanalyses, is not a simple task.

Results: We have developed variant tools, a flexible annotation and analysis toolset that greatly simplifies the storage, annotation and filtering of variants and the analysis of the underlying samples. variant tools can be used to manage and analyze genetic variants obtained from sequence alignments, and the command-line driven toolset could be used as a foundation for building more sophisticated analytical methods.

Availability and implementation:  variant tools consists of two command-line driven programs vtools and vtools_report. It is freely available at http://varianttools.sourceforge.net, distributed under a GPL license.

Contact:  bpeng@mdanderson.org
A generalized approach for simulating growth and development in diverse marine copepod species
Authors: Maps Frédéric , Pershing Andrew J. , Record Nicholas R.
Published: December 2011

Maps, F., Pershing, A. J., and Record, N. R. 2012. A generalized approach for simulating growth and development in diverse marine copepod species. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 370–379. Predicting ecological changes under climate change requires mechanistic descriptions of the impact of environmental conditions on the physiology, life history, and population dynamics of target species. A generic framework has been developed to simulate the growth and development of copepods, a critical link in pelagic ecosystems that connects environmental variability and changes in primary production with higher trophic levels. The modelled copepods, referred to as “compupods”, are described by their body mass and developmental stage. The dynamics of the compupods are determined by three core equations: universal temperature-dependence, Holling's type II ingestion, and allometric scaling. This general framework was applied to four copepod taxa: Pseudocalanus newmani, Calanus finmarchicus, C. glacialis, and C. hyperboreus, spanning a wide range of body sizes. A genetic algorithm procedure was used to estimate the unknown parameters required to produce a good fit to observed species-specific growth and development data. The performance of the model was evaluated by comparing the influence of food and temperature on ingestion, gut clearance, and egg production rates with published relationships. Simulations of the four species suggest that small changes in the trade-off between growth and development are responsible for the interspecific diversity observed.
Bayesian spatial multispecies modelling to assess pelagic fish stocks from acoustic- and trawl-survey data
Authors: Juntunen Teppo , Vanhatalo Jarno , Peltonen Heikki , Mäntyniemi Samu
Published: December 2011

Juntunen, T., Vanhatalo, J., Peltonen, H., and Mäntyniemi, S. 2012. Bayesian spatial multispecies modelling to assess pelagic fish stocks from acoustic- and trawl-survey data. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 95–104. A Bayesian spatial model was constructed to estimate the abundance of multiple fish species in a pelagic environment. Acoustic- and trawl-survey data were combined with environmental data to predict the spatial distribution of (i) the acoustic backscattering of fish, (ii) the relative proportion of each species, and (iii) their mean length in the Gulf of Finland in the northeastern Baltic Sea. By combining the three spatial model layers, the spatial distribution of the biomass of each species was estimated. The model consists of a linear predictor on environmental variables and a spatial random effect given by a Gaussian process. A Bayesian approach is a natural choice for the task because it provides a theoretically justified means of summarizing the uncertainties from various model layers. In the study area, three species dominate pelagic waters: sprat (Sprattus sprattus), herring (Clupea harengus), and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Results are presented for each model layer and for estimated total biomass for each species in 2 × 2 km lattices. The posterior mean and central 95% credible intervals of total biomass were sprat 45.7 kt (27.7–71.6), herring 24.6 kt (9.7–41.3), and three-spined stickleback 1.9 kt (0.9–3.2).
Phylogenetic relatedness as a tool in restoration ecology: a meta-analysis
Authors: Verdú Miguel , Gómez-Aparicio Lorena , Valiente-Banuet Alfonso
Published: December 2011

Biotic interactions assembling plant communities can be positive (facilitation) or negative (competition) and operate simultaneously. Facilitative interactions and posterior competition are among the mechanisms triggering succession, thus representing a good scenario for ecological restoration. As distantly related species tend to have different phenotypes, and therefore different ecological requirements, they can coexist, maximizing facilitation and minimizing competition. We suggest including phylogenetic relatedness together with phenotypic information as a predictor for the net effects of the balance between facilitation and competition in nurse-based restoration experiments. We quantify, by means of a Bayesian meta-analysis of nurse-based restoration experiments performed worldwide, the importance of phylogenetic relatedness and life-form disparity in the survival, growth and density of facilitated plants. We find that the more similar the life forms of neighbouring plants are the greater the positive effect of phylogenetic distance is on survival and density. This result suggests that other characteristics beyond life form are also contained in the phylogeny, and the larger the phylogenetic distance, the less is the niche overlap, and therefore the less is the competition. As a general rule, we can maximize the success of the nurse-based practices by increasing life-form disparity and phylogenetic distances between the neighbour and the facilitated plant.
Biochemistry of the Phagosome: The Challenge to Study a Transient Organelle
Authors: Nüsse Oliver
Published: December 2011

Phagocytes are specialized cells of the immune system, designed to engulf and destroy harmful microorganisms inside the newly formed phagosome. The latter is an intracellular organelle that is transformed into a toxic environment within minutes and disappears once the pathogen is destroyed. Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are produced inside the phagosome. Intracellular granules or lysosomes of the phagocyte fuse with the phagosome and liberate their destructive enzymes. This process of phagocytosis efficiently protects against most infections; however, some microorganisms avoid their destruction and cause severe damage. To understand such failure of phagosomal killing, we need to learn more about the actual destruction process in the phagosome. This paper summarizes methods to investigate the biochemistry of the phagosome and discusses some of their limitations. In accordance with the nature of the phagosome, the issue of localization and temporal dynamics is emphasized, and recent developments are highlighted.
A Monitoring Network on Acidification in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: den Bril Bo Van , Meremans Dominique , Roekens Edward
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the monitoring of acid deposition in Flanders (Belgium) and the change of the measurement objectives, recently towards measurement of ammonia. The monitoring network on acidification has provided results for 10 years. Analysis of acidifying pollutants between 2005 and 2010 shows decreasing concentrations throughout the whole period. NO2has no significant trend, although the average total deposition in 2010 (2027 Eq/ha.y) is still higher than the objectives of the Flemish environmental policy plan for 2015 (1800 Eq/ha.y). Given the contribution of ammonia, the Flemish Environmental Agency has the aim to develop a policy-oriented monitoring network on ammonia. Studies on this subject have already been extensively conducted.
Cell death pathways and autophagy in the central nervous system and its involvement in neurodegeneration, immunity and central nervous system infection: to die or not to die – that is the question
Authors: Rosello A , Warnes G , Meier U-C
Published: December 2011

Death rules our lives. In this short paper, we summarize new insights into molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Here we review the most important processes of cell death: apoptosis and oncosis. We focus on autophagy, which is pivotal for neuronal homeostasis, in the context of neurodegeneration, infection and immunity. Its dysfunction has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases. Our understanding is still incomplete, but may highlight attractive new avenues for the development of treatment strategies to combat neurodegenerative diseases.
Degradation of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)proline using thermal treatment
Authors: Zhang Ping‐Jun , Zhao Zhen‐Gang , Yu Shu‐Juan , He Shu‐Zhen
Published: December 2011

The formation and degradation of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)proline, derived from the secondary amine Maillard reaction in xylose‐amino acid model solutions, were detailed in this study. The identification and quantitative analysis of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)proline were carried out using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The formation of intermediate and advanced products derived from N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)proline was also tested using an UV‐Vis spectrophotometer to gain a better comparing of the degradation process of the two important Maillard reaction products using thermal treatment. Results showed that the degradation of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine was more significant than N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)proline. Moreover, xylose was tested in the degradation products of both N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)proline, which indicated that the degradation of N‐substituted 1‐amino‐1‐deoxyketoses was a reversible reaction to form reducing sugar.
Prevalence of the JAK2V617F mutation in Chinese patients with Budd‐Chiari syndrome and portal vein thrombosis: A prospective study
Authors: Qi Xingshun , Zhang Cheng , Han Guohong , Zhang Wei , He Chuangye , Yin Zhanxin , Liu Zhiwei , Bai Wei , Li Ruijun , Bai Ming , Yang Zhiping , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  Whether routine screening for the JAK2V617F mutation should be performed in Chinese patients with Budd‐Chiari syndrome (BCS) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the JAK2V617F mutation in such patients and to explore the risk factors associated with the mutation.

Methods:  All consecutive patients with BCS and PVT diagnosed between September 2009 and May 2011 were prospectively enrolled in the observational study and underwent the JAK2V617F mutation detection.

Results:  Prevalence of the JAK2V617F mutation was 4.3% (4/92) in patients with primary BCS, 26.6% (17/64) in non‐malignant and non‐cirrhotic patients with PVT, and 1.4% (1/71) in cirrhotic patients with PVT. All BCS patients with the JAK2V617F mutation had both platelet count (PLT) of above 100 × 109/L (range, 107–188 × 109/L) and splenomegaly. In non‐malignant and non‐cirrhotic patients with PVT, higher PLT and older ages were the independent predictors of the JAK2V617F mutation. Further, the difference in PLT between the patients with and without the mutation displayed greater significance in the subgroup of patients with splenomegaly (P < 0.0001), but the statistical significance disappeared in the subgroup of patients with splenectomy (P = 0.1312).

Conclusions:  The low prevalence of the JAK2V617F mutation in patients with BCS suggests that myeloproliferative neoplasm should be an uncommon etiological factor of BCS in China. Routine screening for the JAK2V617F mutation might be recommended in non‐malignant and non‐cirrhotic patients with PVT, but not in cirrhotic patients with PVT. The coexistence of higher PLT and splenomegaly might be closely associated with the JAK2V617F mutation.
Preservation of nutritional‐status in patients with refractory ascites due to hepatic cirrhosis who are undergoing repeated paracentesis
Authors: Sorrentino Paolo , Castaldo Giuseppe , Tarantino Luciano , Bracigliano Alessandra , Perrella Alessandro , Perrella Oreste , Fiorentino Francesco , Vecchione Raffaela , D' Angelo Salvatore
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  Refractory ascites in liver‐cirrhosis is associated with a poor prognosis. We performed a prospective study to investigate whether aggressive nutritional‐support could improve outcomes in cirrhotic patients.

Methods:  Cirrhotic patients undergoing serial large‐volume paracentesis for refractory‐ascites were enrolled and randomized into three groups. Group A received post‐paracentesis intravenous nutritional‐support in addition to a balanced oral diet and a late‐evening protein snack, group B received the same oral nutritional‐protocol as the first group but without parenteral support, and group C (the control group) received a low‐sodium or sodium‐free diet. Clinical, anthropometric and laboratory nutritional parameters and biochemical tests of liver and renal function were reported for 12 months of follow‐up.

Results:  We enrolled 120 patients, who were randomized into three groups of equal size. Patients on the nutritional‐protocol showed better preservation of clinical, anthropometric and laboratory nutritional parameters that were associated with decreased deterioration of liver function compared with patients on the low‐sodium or sodium‐free diet (group C). Groups A and B had lower morbidity and mortality rates than the control group (C). Mortality rates were significantly better in patients who were treated with parenteral‐nutritional‐support than for the other two groups. In patients who were on the nutritional‐protocol, there was a reduction in the requirement of taps for the treatment of refractory ascites.

Conclusions:  Post‐paracentesis parenteral‐nutritional‐support with a balanced oral diet and an evening protein snack appears to be the best care protocol for patients with liver‐cirrhosis that has been complicated by refractory‐ascites.
Prevalence of genital mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas in men younger than 40 years‐of‐age with acute epididymitis
Authors: Ito Shin , Tsuchiya Tomohiro , Yasuda Mitsuru , Yokoi Shigeaki , Nakano Masahiro , Deguchi Takashi
Published: December 2011

Objectives:  Acute epididymitis is often associated with urethritis. Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum have been considered as pathogens of urethritis. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of these microorganisms in men with acute epididymitis.

Method:  A total of 56 men younger than 40 years‐of‐age with acute epididymitis were enrolled in the present study between January 2006 and June 2010. First‐void urine specimens were subjected to culture of aerobic bacterial species, and examined for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, M. genitalium, M. hominis, U. parvum and U. urealyticum by polymerase chain reaction‐based assays. Urethral swabs were cultured for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Results:  The number and percentage of patients positive for each microorganism were as follows: Gram‐negative bacilli, 2% and 3.6%; Gram‐positive cocci, 23% and 41.1%; N. gonorrhoeae, 3% and 5.4%; C. trachomatis, 28% and 50.0%; M. genitalium, 5% and 8.9%; M. hominis, 6% and 10.7%; U. parvum, 6% and 10.7%; and U. urealyticum, 5% and 8.9%. Among 25 men with non‐chlamydial non‐gonococcal epididymitis, who were negative for Gram‐negative bacilli, M. genitalium or U. urealyticum was detected in one man each (4.0%), and M. hominis and/or U. parvum was detected in five (20.0%).

Conclusion:  In men younger than 40 years‐of‐age with acute epididymitis, C. trachomatis is a major pathogen. The prevalence of genital mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas are lower, and the role of genital mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas in the development of acute epididymitis remains to be determined.
Role of apathy in the effectiveness of weight management programmes
Authors: Desouza C. V. , Padala P. R. , Haynatzki G. , Anzures P. , Demasi C. , Shivaswamy V.
Published: December 2011

Aims: Obesity, which is at epidemic proportions in the USA, is associated with a higher risk of several co‐morbid diseases including, cardiovascular disease, cancer and sleep apnea. Weight loss and weight maintenance programmmes are difficult to sustain for long term. Mental health problems such as apathy may be a major factor in patients unsuccessful in adhering to weight loss programmes. We propose that treating apathy will result in better weight loss in obese patients.

Methods: This was a randomized prospective pilot study. Obese patients (n = 101) were randomized in a 1:2:2 ratio to either (i) standard nutrition counselling; or (ii) the Department of Veterans Affairs weight loss programme called ‘motivate obese veterans everywhere ’ (MOVE); or (iii) methylphenidate treatment plus the MOVE programme together. The intervention was for 6 months (26 weeks).

Results: For the within groups analysis, the absolute changes in weight (kg) are as follows, for MOVE (mean: −1.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): −4.56 to 0.87; p = 0.25), Methylphenidate (mean: −4.61; 95% CI: −7.90 to −1.33; p = 0.04), standard nutrition counselling (mean: −0.60; 95% CI: −2.59 to 1.39; p = 0.21), which indicates that although all three groups lost weight, only the methylphenidate group achieved statistical significance. The between group differences of the relative change in weight were not statistically different. The apathy evaluation score and the patient activation measure improved in all groups.

Conclusion: Together these data suggest that treating apathy might be an important factor in the success of weight management programmes.
External Financing of Social Protection: Opportunities and Risks
Authors: Holmqvist Göran
Published: December 2011

Social transfers have reached the policy agenda of low‐income countries in Africa, where affordability is a key concern and aid dependence is high. In terms of magnitude, aid could make a substantial difference in relaxing the affordability constraint. This article addresses issues that arise as external financing is contemplated. Cash on delivery (COD) aid is discussed as an alternative aid contract when the political ownership is strong. The potential for external financing where political ownership is weak is also discussed, and the limitations of aid under such circumstances are recognised.
The Eventfulness of Social Reproduction
Authors: Moore Adam
Published: December 2011

The work of William Sewell and Marshall Sahlins has led to a growing interest in recent years in events as a category of analysis and their role in the transformation of social structures. I argue that tying events solely to instances of significant structural transformation entails problematic theoretical assumptions about stability and change and produces a circumscribed field of events, undercutting the goal of developing an “eventful” account of social life. Social continuity is a state that is achieved just as much as are structural transformations, and events may be constitutive of processes of reproduction as well as change.
Examination of neurological subtle signs in ADHD as a clinical tool for the diagnosis and their relationship to spatial working memory
Authors: Ferrin Maite , Vance Alasdair
Published: December 2011

Background: Neurological subtle signs (NSS) are minor neurological abnormalities that have been shown to be increased in a number of neurodevelopmental conditions. For attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it remains unclear whether NSS may aid the clinical diagnostic process.

Methods: This study explored the association of total and specific domains of NSS in 1,055 children and adolescents with ADHD compared to 130 age‐matched typically developing participants; the relationship between NSS and Spatial Working Memory (SWM) as a cognitive process integrally involved in ADHD was also assessed. To determine the diagnostic and predictive efficiency of NSS, a receiver operating curve analysis was performed and the area under the curve (AUC) quantified. The best discriminant points for differentiating between ADHD and typically developing participants and the predictive power of NSS for SWM impairment in ADHD young people were also calculated.

Results: Area under the curves for total NSS, smoothness/accuracy, cerebellar signs and choreo‐athetoid movements scores were considered good (.84, .79, .74 and .73 respectively), and the results remained after controlling for gender and IQ. A total score of 13 or over on the Scored Developmental Neurological Examination proved to be a good threshold point for differentiating between the ADHD and typically developing participants. For ADHD children, the AUC of total NSS to distinguish between those below 25th and above 75th percentile were .77 and .73 for Spatial Span and for Between Search Errors respectively (the two SWM‐dependent measures examined).

Conclusions: This study provides evidence suggesting that NSS may aid the clinical evaluation of a child or adolescent with ADHD. In children and adolescents with ADHD, NSS are associated with difficulties in SWM, specifically the Spatial Span and Between Search Error components.
Cipriano de' Mari's Lucianic speech for René of Anjou (St‐Dié, MS 37): humanism and diplomacy in Genoa and beyond
Authors: MARGOLIS OREN J.
Published: December 2011

At the Castel Nuovo of Naples in February 1441, Cipriano de' Mari of Genoa featured as Scipio Africanus in a play based on one of Lucian's Dialogues of the Dead, which was performed for King René of Anjou. When the play was over, Cipriano gave a humanist speech in which he likened René to Scipio, and René's enemy, King Alfonso V of Aragon, to Hannibal. This speech, published for the first time here, contributes to our understanding of the cultural–political programme pursued by René and his Italian allies. It also helps paint a remarkable picture of a poorly documented figure whose career nevertheless spanned the western Mediterranean. In this article, Cipriano de' Mari appears as a victorious naval captain who captured the infante of Aragon in battle; an ambassador and diplomatic intriguer whose contacts included members of the political and intellectual elite in Liguria, Provence, France and perhaps Castile; and a man of letters, versed in the works of Livy, Seneca and Valerius Maximus. In tracing the route taken by this Genoese jack‐of‐all‐trades, and exploring the connections he made along the way, a Mediterranean political, social and cultural world is brought to light.
Evaluating Prognostic Accuracy of Biomarkers under Competing Risk
Authors: Zheng Yingye , Cai Tianxi , Jin Yuying , Feng Ziding
Published: December 2011

Summary To develop more targeted intervention strategies, an important research goal is to identify markers predictive of clinical events. A crucial step toward this goal is to characterize the clinical performance of a marker for predicting different types of events. In this article, we present statistical methods for evaluating the performance of a prognostic marker in predicting multiple competing events. To capture the potential time‐varying predictive performance of the marker and incorporate competing risks, we define time‐ and cause‐specific accuracy summaries by stratifying cases based on causes of failure. Such definition would allow one to evaluate the predictive accuracy of a marker for each type of event and compare its predictiveness across event types. Extending the nonparametric crude cause‐specific receiver operating characteristics curve estimators by Saha and Heagerty (2010), we develop inference procedures for a range of cause‐specific accuracy summaries. To estimate the accuracy measures and assess how covariates may affect the accuracy of a marker under the competing risk setting, we consider two forms of semiparametric models through the cause‐specific hazard framework. These approaches enable a flexible modeling of the relationships between the marker and failure times for each cause, while efficiently accommodating additional covariates. We investigate the asymptotic property of the proposed accuracy estimators and demonstrate the finite sample performance of these estimators through simulation studies. The proposed procedures are illustrated with data from a prostate cancer prognostic study.
The Global Online Sexuality Survey (GOSS): Female Sexual Dysfunction Among Internet Users in the Reproductive Age Group in the Middle East
Authors: Shaeer Osama , Shaeer Kamal , Shaeer Eman
Published: December 2011

Introduction

The exact prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in the Middle East is exceptionally difficult to measure in light of its sensitive nature and the conservative tinge of the population.

Aim

The Global Online Sexuality Survey-Arabic-Females (GOSS-AR-F) is a community-based study of female sexuality in the Middle East through an online survey.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence of risk for female sexual dysfunction (rFSD) in the reproductive age group and its vulnerability to various risk factors.

Methods

GOSS-AR-F was offered via online advertising. The survey is comprised of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire among other questions.

Results

Out of 2,920 participants, 344 participants completed all survey questions. Average total FSFI score was 23 ± 6.5, with 59.1% of participants suffering rFSD. Age adjusted prevalence of rFSD was 59.5%, standardized to World Health Organization World Standard Population. There was a statistically significant higher prevalence of rFSD among cases with subjectively reported depression and male partner-related shortcomings such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation as reported by the female participant, in addition to dissatisfaction with partner’s penile size, insufficient foreplay, and practice of masturbation. This was not the case with advancing age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, ongoing pregnancy, mode of previous child delivery, infertility, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, interpersonal distress, subjectively reported hirsutism, and female genital cutting. Participants were found to require longer duration of coitus and better ejaculatory control but not necessarily a higher coital frequency.

Conclusion

Female sexual function in the reproductive age appears to be adversely affected by psychological factors and shortcomings in male sexual function more than anything. These findings point to the possibility that many cases of FSD can be managed with the focus on male partner’s ailments and attitudes that are relatively easier to manage.
Influence of Baseline Serum Testosterone on Changes in Body Composition in Response to Testosterone Therapy
Authors: Di Sante Stefania , Conners William P. , Morgentaler Abraham
Published: December 2011

Introduction

The prognostic value of serum total testosterone (TT) prior to treatment has not been investigated.

Aim

This study was performed to determine how baseline TT influences changes in body composition in men undergoing testosterone therapy (TTh).

Main Outcome Measures

Response to TTh in a clinical population of men with symptomatic testosterone deficiency (TD).

Methods

Retrospective case series of 58 men with TD were treated with TTh. All were naïve to previous TTh. Men were stratified into two groups: group 1 (N = 38) consisted of men with baseline TT > 300 ng/dL (10.4 nmol/L) and group 2 (N = 20) consisted of men with total TT < 300 ng/dL. Men in group 1 were diagnosed with TD on the basis of low values of free testosterone (FT) < 1.5 ng/dL (19.3 pmol/L). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed at baseline and follow-up (6.9 ± 4 months) to assess regional and whole body.

Results

At baseline, both groups had similar lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM), but percentage of trunk FM and percentage of total FM were significantly higher in group 2. Both groups demonstrated similar increases in LM for arms, legs, and total body. Percentage of total FM significantly decreased in both groups.

Conclusions

Baseline severity of symptomatic TD influences body composition. Similar changes in LM and FM were seen with TTh regardless of baseline severity in TD. Men with TT > 300 ng/dL demonstrated significant positive changes in body composition. The similarity in objective response to TTh in these two groups provides support for the value of FT in the assessment of men with symptoms suggestive of TD.
Complications of Penile Augmentation by Use of Nonmedical Industrial Silicone
Authors: Shamsodini Ahmad , Al-Ansari Abdulla A. , Talib Raidh A. , Alkhafaji Haidar M. , Shokeir Ahmed A. , Toth Csaba
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Penile augmentation has been reported in the literature by injecting various materials by nonmedical persons.

Aim

This study aims to present our experience in management of penile augmentation complications associated with injection or implantation of industrial silicone by lay persons.

Main Outcome Measures

Early surgical intervention can lead to faster recovery and better cosmetic and functional outcome.

Methods

Two patients had injection of industrial silicone paste, and the other two had industrial silicone ring implantation. All the patients except one were presented after 13 months of the procedure. Patients with industrial silicone ring presented with multiple sinuses of penile skin in one, and abscess discharge pus from the site of implanted ring in the other. Both patients with injected silicone paste presented with swelling and deformity of the penis that interfered with their intercourse. Silicone ring patients underwent skin incision and drainage of the infected materials and extraction of the implants with delayed skin closure. The two patients with silicone paste injection underwent two-stage penile reconstructions using scrotal flap.

Results

Patients with extracted rings had smooth recovery with acceptable cosmetic outcome. One of them was not initially satisfied with the length of his penis that was overcome by short-term use of vacuum device. One of the patients with silicone paste injection had wound infection that was successfully treated with local wound care. Both had satisfactory penile length and acceptable cosmetic outcome. All patients had normal erectile function postoperatively.

Conclusion

Complications of using industrial silicone injection can be drastic, and awareness of the public can avoid using of this material for penile augmentation.