bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conspiracies of immanence: Paul Tillich, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and C.G. Jung
Authors: Dourley John
Published: January 2015

Jung's psychology proffers a sustained reflection on the traditional religious question of the relation of divine transcendence to immanence. On this issue his psychology affirms a position of radical immanence in its contention that the experience of divinity is initially wholly from within. Though this position remains on the periphery of religious and theological orthodoxy Jung is not alone in holding it among moderns. Paul Tillich adopts a similar stance with his controlling symbols of the divine as ‘Ground of Being’ and ‘Depth of Reason’. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin understands divinity as the experiential energy of evolution itself working within nature and humanity toward greater configurations of universal communion as the basis of community. All of Jung's master symbols of individuation assume such an understanding of immanence uniting individual and totality. His psychology strongly suggests and contributes to the current emergence of a new religious sensitivity based on the awareness of the intra‐psychic origin of all religions. In his later writings he held out such a position as a significant alternative to genocide.
Another serious misunderstanding: Jung, Giegerich and a premature requiem
Authors: Saban Mark
Published: January 2015

Barreto's paper, ‘Requiem for analytical psychology’ utilized Jung's dreams and visions to argue for the obsolescence of Jungian psychology. Its thesis rested upon the theoretical assumptions of Giegerich's psychology as a Discipline of Interiority, which he and Giegerich claim are themselves based in Jung's psychology. Here I argue that that claim is misplaced because it depends upon a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of Jung's psychological project. I shall further argue that Giegerich's arguments for a Jungian basis to his psychology rely upon misreadings and decontextualisations of Jung's original texts. Finally, I shall attempt to draw attention to the weaknesses and contradictions involved in Barreto's interpretations of Jung's dreams and visions.
Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised Scores in Adult Children Exposed to Alienating Behaviors: An Italian Sample
Authors: Bernet William , Baker Amy J. L. , Verrocchio Maria C.
Published: January 2015

This study addresses a particular form of child psychological maltreatment, exposing a child to alienating behaviors in the context of a high degree of conflict between the parents. The objective of this research was to identify retrospectively the alienating behaviors that occurred in an Italian sample of children and the reported associated psychosocial symptoms. Seven hundred and thirty‐nine adults in Chieti, Italy, completed an anonymous and confidential survey regarding their childhood exposure to parental alienating behaviors and measures of current symptomatology. About 75% of the sample reported some exposure to parental alienating behaviors; 15% of the sample endorsed the item, “tried to turn me against the other parent.” The results revealed strong and statistically significant associations between reported exposure to parental alienating behaviors and reports of current symptomatology.
Quantitative Analysis of the Morphological Changes of the Pubic Symphyseal Face and the Auricular Surface and Implications for Age at Death Estimation
Authors: Villa Chiara , Buckberry Jo , Cattaneo Cristina , Frohlich Bruno , Lynnerup Niels
Published: January 2015

Age estimation methods are often based on the age‐related morphological changes of the auricular surface and the pubic bone. In this study, a mathematical approach to quantify these changes has been tested analyzing the curvature variation on 3D models from CT and laser scans. The sample consisted of the 24 Suchey–Brooks (SB) pubic bone casts, 19 auricular surfaces from the Buckberry and Chamberlain (BC) “recording kit” and 98 pelvic bones from the Terry Collection (Smithsonian Institution). Strong and moderate correlations between phases and curvature were found in SB casts (ρ 0.60–0.93) and BC “recording kit” (ρ 0.47–0.75), moderate and weak correlations in the Terry Collection bones (pubic bones: ρ 0.29–0.51, auricular surfaces: ρ 0.33–0.50) but associated with large individual variability and overlap of curvature values between adjacent decades. The new procedure, requiring no expert judgment from the operator, achieved similar correlations that can be found in the classic methods.
Next generation sequencing of Apis mellifera syriaca identifies genes for Varroa resistance and beneficial bee keeping traits
Authors: Haddad Nizar , Mahmud Batainh Ahmed , Suleiman Migdadi Osama , Saini Deepti , Krishnamurthy Venkatesh , Parameswaran Sriram , Alhamuri Zaid
Published: January 2015

Apis mellifera syriaca exhibits a high degree of tolerance to pests and pathogens including varroa mites. This native honey bee subspecies of Jordan expresses behavioral adaptations to high temperature and dry seasons typical of the region. However, persistent honey bee imports of commercial breeder lines are endangering local honey bee population. This study reports the use of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology to study the A. m. syriaca genome and to identify genetic factors possibly contributing toward mite resistance and other favorable traits. We obtained a total of 46.2 million raw reads by applying the NGS to sequence A. m. syriaca and used extensive bioinformatics approach to identify several candidate genes for Varroa mite resistance, behavioral and immune responses characteristic for these bees. As a part of characterizing the functional regulation of molecular genetic pathway, we have mapped the pathway genes potentially involved using information from Drosophila melanogaster and present possible functional changes implicated in responses to Varroa destructor mite infestation toward this. We performed in‐depth functional annotation methods to identify ∼600 candidates that are relevant, genes involved in pathways such as microbial recognition and phagocytosis, peptidoglycan recognition protein family, Gram negative binding protein family, phagocytosis receptors, serpins, Toll signaling pathway, Imd pathway, Tnf, JAK‐STAT and MAPK pathway, heamatopioesis and cellular response pathways, antiviral, RNAi pathway, stress factors, etc. were selected. Finally, we have cataloged function‐specific polymorphisms between A. mellifera and A. m. syriaca that could give better understanding of varroa mite resistance mechanisms and assist in breeding. We have identified immune related embryonic development (Cactus, Relish, dorsal, Ank2, baz), Varroa hygiene (NorpA2, Zasp, LanA, gasp, impl3) and Varroa resistance (Pug, pcmt, elk, elf3‐s10, Dscam2, Dhc64C, gro, futsch) functional variations genes between A. mellifera and A. m. syriaca that could be used to develop an effective molecular tool for bee conservation and breeding programs to improve locally adapted strains such as syriaca and utilize their advantageous traits for the benefit of apiculture industry.
Immunomagnetic detection of micrometastatic cells in bone marrow of uveal melanoma patients: a paradox
Authors: Eide Nils , Faye Ragnar S. , Høifødt Hanne K. , Sandstad Berit , Qvale Geir , Faber Rowan , Jebsen Peter , Kvalheim Gunnar , Fodstad Øystein
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Our objective was to study survival rates with the bone marrow (BM) results in a cohort of uveal melanoma patients with long follow‐up.

Methods

Mononuclear cell fractions isolated from BM were examined for tumour cells using our immunomagnetic separation (IMS) method. The patients were classified as BM positive or BM negative. Clinical follow‐up, histopathological findings, vital status and cause of death were registered.

Results

The study included 328 consecutive patients with uveal melanoma from 1997 to 2006. Tumour cells were found in BM samples in 29% (95% CI, 25–34) at enrolment (96 cases). After a minimum follow‐up time of 6 years, 156 (48%) (95% CI, 42–53) melanoma patients had died. The causes were as follows: melanoma metastases 92 (59%), another cancer 20 (13%) and non‐cancer 44 (28%). Nine patients were still living with melanoma metastases. Until the latest work‐up, 101(31%) (95% CI, 26–36) patients had developed melanoma metastases. Cyto‐ or histopathological verification of the metastatic lesions was obtained in 85 cases (84%). In the group with melanoma metastases, 28 tested BM positive at study entry (28%) (95% CI, 19–38). In total, 39 of 101 with metastases tested positive at least once after a maximum of three tests (39%) (95% CI, 29–49). The overall median survival from the first BM test was shorter for the BM negative patients (9.5 years) compared with the BM positive (14.4 years), p = 0.02, log rank test.

Conclusion

Ocular melanoma cells detected in BM seem to have a positive prognostic impact on survival in contrast to our original hypothesis.
Crossing over into neighbourhoods of the body: urban territories, borders and lesbian‐queer bodies in New York City
Authors: Gieseking Jen Jack
Published: January 2015

The geopolitical focus on territory as a fixed and cohesive nation‐state simultaneously conceals the ways territories form and are operationalised at other scales. At the same time, the fleeting ability of minority bodies to make and retain cohesive, property‐owned territories overlooks the limited agency that marginalised groups possess while they continually reproduce social territories as they navigate their everyday lives. Lesbians, gay, bisexuals, trans and queer people began to develop urban territories – often dubbed neighbourhoods or gay districts – in which to find, build and share a sense of safety and refuge. Yet all urban territories are not neighbourhoods or districts because not all groups possess the power and capital to secure their boundaries through property ownership. In this paper, I draw specifically upon the experiences of urban lesbians’ and queer women's often overlapping public displays of affection and harassment in New York City to demonstrate the shifting dimensions of territory in these women's lives beyond the neighbourhood/district model. I make use of two cases: the popular ‘gaybourhood’ of Greenwich Village in Manhattan and the border zone of Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. Using a queer‐feminist theoretical approach and drawing on Elden's geopolitical theorisation of territorial ‘volume’, I argue that a broader meaning of territory is possible. When lesbian and queer women produce and then return to them or their former sites, they experience what feminist theorist Gloria Anzaldúa describes as ‘crossing over’. This approach highlights the role of the body for rethinking social and cultural territories and borders across scales. I suggest that territory plays a significant role at the urban scale as operationalised through the everyday movements of bodies.
Where's the Geography department? The changing administrative place of Geography in UK higher education
Authors: Hall Tim , Toms Phil , McGuinness Mark , Parker Charlotte , Roberts Neil
Published: January 2015

This paper considers recent patterns of departmental change in the management of Geography in UK universities. It notes the increasingly multidisciplinary management of Geography since the mid‐1990s. Various measures of this trend are explored and discussed. The paper also considers the problematic accommodation of Geography within the faculty structures of institutions. These findings speak of a problematic identity for the discipline within this institutional context. The paper goes on to consider some of the impacts of these trends for the practice of Geography in UK higher education.
A pharmacokinetic comparison of anrukinzumab, an anti‐ IL‐13 monoclonal antibody, among healthy volunteers, asthma and ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Hua Fei , Ribbing Jakob , Reinisch Walter , Cataldi Fabio , Martin Steven
Published: January 2015

Aims

Anrukinzumab is an anti‐IL13 monoclonal antibody. The goals of this study are to characterize the pharmacokinetics of anrukinzumab in healthy volunteers and different disease states and to identify covariates.

Methods

A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed in NONMEM, using data from five clinical studies including healthy volunteers, asthma and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Different dosing regimens including different routes of administration were also included in the data.

Results

The PK of anrukinzumab were described by a two compartment model with first order absorption and elimination. The population estimates (relative standard error) of the volumes of distribution in the central (Vc) and peripheral (Vp) compartments were 3.8 (4.6%) and 2.2 l (8.7%), respectively. In non‐UC patients, the population estimate of the systemic clearance (CL) and inter‐compartmental CL was 0.00732 l h–1 (4.9%) and 0.0224 l h–1 (15.4%). For subcutaneous administration, the absorption rate constant was 0.012 h–1 (6.6%) and bioavailability was nearly 100% in healthy and mild to moderate asthma patients. Both V and CL increased with body weight. CL (but not V) decreased with increasing baseline albumin concentrations. UC patients had an increased CL of 72.3% (10.5%), after correction for differences in body weight and albumin. Moderate to severe asthma patients had decreased bioavailability compared with other populations.

Conclusions

Anrukinzumab's PK behave like a typical antibody. UC patients were identified to have a faster CL of anrukinzumab than healthy volunteers and asthma patients. This finding suggests a higher dose level may be required for this population.
TM‐233, a novel analog of 1′‐acetoxychavicol acetate, induces cell death in myeloma cells by inhibiting both JAK/STAT and proteasome activities
Authors: Sagawa Morihiko , Tabayashi Takayuki , Kimura Yuta , Tomikawa Tatsuki , Nemoto‐Anan Tomoe , Watanabe Reiko , Tokuhira Michihide , Ri Masaki , Hashimoto Yuichi , Iida Shinsuke , Kizaki Masahiro
Published: January 2015

Although the introduction of bortezomib and immunomodulatory drugs has led to improved outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma, the disease remains incurable. In an effort to identify more potent and well‐tolerated agents for myeloma, we have previously reported that 1′‐acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), a natural condiment from South‐East Asia, induces apoptotic cell death of myeloma cells in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of NF‐κB‐related functions. Searching for more potent NF‐κB inhibitors, we developed several ACA analogs based on quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis. TM‐233, one of these ACA analogs, inhibited cellular proliferation and induced cell death in various myeloma cell lines with a lower IC50 than ACA. Treatment with TM‐233 inhibited constitutive activation of JAK2 and STAT3, and then downregulated the expression of anti‐apoptotic Mcl‐1 protein, but not Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL proteins. In addition, TM‐233 rapidly decreased the nuclear expression of NF‐κB and also decreased the accumulation of cytosolic NF‐κB. We also examined the effects of TM‐233 on bortezomib‐resistant myeloma cells that we recently established, KMS‐11/BTZ and OPM‐2/BTZ. TM‐233, but not bortezomib, inhibited cellular proliferation and induced cell death in KMS‐11/BTZ and OPM‐2/BTZ cells. Interestingly, the combination of TM‐233 and bortezomib significantly induced cell death in these bortezomib‐resistant myeloma cells through inhibition of NF‐κB activity. These results indicate that TM‐233 could overcome bortezomib resistance in myeloma cells mediated through different mechanisms, possibly inhibiting the JAK/STAT pathway. In conclusion, TM‐233 might be a more potent NF‐κB inhibitor than ACA, and could overcome bortezomib resistance in myeloma cells.
Recent advances in the treatment of adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphomas
Authors: Utsunomiya Atae , Choi Ilseung , Chihara Dai , Seto Masao
Published: January 2015

Recent advances in treatment for adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma (ATL) are reviewed herein. It is currently possible to select a therapeutic strategy for ATL and predict prognosis by classification of patients by clinical subtypes and clinicopathological factors. Although the overall survival (OS) of patients with ATL has increased marginally because of advances in chemotherapy, further prolongation of survival might be difficult with conventional chemotherapy alone. Promising results have been reported for antiviral therapy using zidovudine and interferon‐α, and, indeed, antiviral therapy is currently the standard treatment for patients with ATL in western countries. Remarkably, the 5‐year OS rates are 100% for both the smoldering‐type and chronic‐type ATL. Recently, treatments for ATL have included allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and molecular targeted therapies. Furthermore, the anti‐CCR4 monoclonal antibody mogamulizumab has been shown to have marked cytotoxic effects on ATL cells, especially in the leukemic type of ATL. In the lymphoma type of ATL, the response rate may be improved by combining mogamulizumab with chemotherapy. It should be recognized that prevention of infection from carriers of human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐I and transfer of the virus from mother to infant are crucial issues for the eradication of ATL.
Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 Tax oncoprotein represses the expression of the BCL11B tumor suppressor in T‐cells
Authors: Takachi Takayuki , Takahashi Masahiko , Takahashi‐Yoshita Manami , Higuchi Masaya , Obata Miki , Mishima Yukio , Okuda Shujiro , Tanaka Yuetsu , Matsuoka Masao , Saitoh Akihiko , Green Patrick L. , Fujii Masahiro
Published: January 2015

Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is the etiological agent of adult T cell leukemia (ATL), which is an aggressive form of T‐cell malignancy. HTLV‐1 oncoproteins, Tax and HBZ, play crucial roles in the immortalization of T‐cells and/or leukemogenesis by dysregulating the cellular functions in the host. Recent studies show that HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cells have reduced expression of the BCL11B tumor suppressor protein. In the present study, we explored whether Tax and/or HBZ play a role in downregulating BCL11B in HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cells. Lentiviral transduction of Tax in a human T‐cell line repressed the expression of BCL11B at both the protein and mRNA levels, whereas the transduction of HBZ had little effect on the expression. Tax mutants with a decreased activity for the NF‐κB, CREB or PDZ protein pathways still showed a reduced expression of the BCL11B protein, thereby implicating a different function of Tax in BCL11B downregulation. In addition, the HTLV‐2 Tax2 protein reduced the BCL11B protein expression in T‐cells. Seven HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cell lines, including three ATL‐derived cell lines, showed reduced BCL11B mRNA and protein expression relative to an uninfected T‐cell line, and the greatest reductions were in the cells expressing Tax. Collectively, these results indicate that Tax is responsible for suppressing BCL11B protein expression in HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cells; Tax‐mediated repression of BCL11B is another mechanism that Tax uses to promote oncogenesis of HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cells.
Haste Makes Waste: Policy Options Facing China after Reaching the Lewis Turning Point
Authors: Cai Fang
Published: January 2015

This paper provides a framework for assessing the health of China's macro economy and the sustainability of economic growth by combining supply‐side and demand‐side factors and by considering their relationship at different stages of development. As the Chinese economy passed through its Lewis turning point, weakened supply‐side factors caused its growth to slow. The increasing concern regarding the economic slowdown has induced both the central and local governments to implement various stimulus plans through instruments of macroeconomic, industrial and regional policies. By examining where the imbalances of the Chinese economy really lie and investigating the determinants of the current slowdown and of the enhancement of the potential growth rate, the present paper suggests that the best path of action for the Chinese Government is not to stimulate growth through demand‐side factors but to increase the potential growth rate through reforms in certain key areas.
Risk of lens cloudiness during colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection and ability of a novel lens cleaner to maintain and restore endoscopic view
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Naito Yuji , Hirose Ryohei , Ogiso Kiyoshi , Siah Kewin Tien Ho , Inada Yutaka , Dohi Osamu , Kamada Kazuhiro , Katada Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Handa Osamu , Takagi Tomohisa , Konishi Hideyuki , Yagi Nobuaki , Itoh Yoshito
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

Generally, colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) cannot be carried out with severe lens cloudiness. We examined the occurrence of lens cloudiness during ESD as well as the efficacy of a novel cleaner for it.

Methods

This study was a prospective study compared to historical control. First, we analyzed 103 ESD cases using standard cleaner at the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in 2012. Relationship between lens cloudiness and clinical characteristics of lesions was analyzed. Lens cloudiness was recorded as grade 0 (clear) to grade 2 (very unclear). Then, we recruited 92 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal ESD using the novel cleaner from August 2013 to July 2014. The cleaner was applied on top of the lens before procedure and ability to prevent lens cloudiness was tested. Additionally, the novel cleaner was injected from endoscopic channel into a space created by endoscopic hood and colonic wall in seven cases with grade 1 or 2 of lens cloudiness and the ability to clean lens cloudiness inside the colon was tested.

Results

Rate of severe lens cloudiness was 8.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that severe lens cloudiness was related with severe submucosal fatty tissue (P < 0.001). The novel cleaner had significantly less cloudiness cases compared to the standard cleaner (14.1% vs 33.0%, P = 0.002). Additionally, the novel cleaner enabled us to clean lens cloudiness in all seven cases.

Conclusion

Lens cloudiness during ESD was associated with submucosal fatty tissue. Effective lens cleaner should be used to prevent and clean lens cloudiness.
Migraine in young children
Authors: Gelfand Amy A
Published: January 2015

This commentary is on the original article Raieli et al. on pages 585–588 in this issue.
Surgically implanted and non‐invasive vagus nerve stimulation: a review of efficacy, safety and tolerability
Authors: Ben‐Menachem E. , Revesz D. , Simon B. J. , Silberstein S.
Published: January 2015

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is effective in refractory epilepsy and depression and is being investigated in heart failure, headache, gastric motility disorders and asthma. The first VNS device required surgical implantation of electrodes and a stimulator. Adverse events (AEs) are generally associated with implantation or continuous on−off stimulation. Infection is the most serious implantation‐associated AE. Bradycardia and asystole have also been described during implantation, as has vocal cord paresis, which can last up to 6 months and depends on surgical skill and experience. The most frequent stimulation‐associated AEs include voice alteration, paresthesia, cough, headache, dyspnea, pharyngitis and pain, which may require a decrease in stimulation strength or intermittent or permanent device deactivation. Newer non‐invasive VNS delivery systems do not require surgery and permit patient‐administered stimulation on demand. These non‐invasive VNS systems improve the safety and tolerability of VNS, making it more accessible and facilitating further investigations across a wider range of uses.
Ecosystem processes are rarely included in tactical fisheries management
Authors: Skern‐Mauritzen Mette , Ottersen Geir , Handegard Nils Olav , Huse Geir , Dingsør Gjert E , Stenseth Nils C , Kjesbu Olav S
Published: January 2015

Fish stock productivity, and thereby sensitivity to harvesting, depends on physical (e.g. ocean climate) and biological (e.g. prey availability, competition and predation) processes in the ecosystem. The combined impacts of such ecosystem processes and fisheries have lead to stock collapses across the world. While traditional fisheries management focuses on harvest rates and stock biomass, incorporating the impacts of such ecosystem processes are one of the main pillars of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). AlthoughEAFMhas been formally adopted widely since the 1990s, little is currently known to what extent ecosystem drivers of fish stock productivity are actually implemented in fisheries management. Based on worldwide review of more than 1200 marine fish stocks, we found that such ecosystem drivers were implemented in the tactical management of only 24 stocks. Most of these cases were in the North Atlantic and north‐east Pacific, where the scientific support is strong. However, the diversity of ecosystem drivers implemented, and in the approaches taken, suggests that implementation is largely a bottom‐up process driven by a few dedicated experts. Our results demonstrate that tactical fisheries management is still predominantly single‐species oriented taking little account of ecosystem processes, implicitly ignoring that fish stock production is dependent on the physical and biological conditions of the ecosystem. Thus, while the ecosystem approach is highlighted in policy, key aspects of it tend yet not to be implemented in actual fisheries management.
Assessing a conceptual model of over‐the‐counter medication misuse, adverse drug events and health‐related quality of life in an elderly population
Authors: Mhatre Shivani K , Sansgiry Sujit S
Published: January 2015

Aim

The objectives of the present study were to test Spilker's quality of life model in the elderly population consuming over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications. It was hypothesized that OTC medication misuse increases adverse drug events (ADEs), ADEs as a result of OTC medication misuse decrease health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and the impact of OTC medication misuse on patients' HRQoL is fully medicated by ADEs associated with OTC medications.

Methods

Data were used from a previously carried out cross‐sectional study using survey instruments with elderly patients consuming OTC medications in Houston, Texas, USA. The presence/absence of OTC misuse was assessed by an expert panel based on patient reported information on drug use characteristics; ADE was self‐reported and HRQoL was measured using the Short Form‐12v2, which contains a physical component summary score (PCS) and a mental component summary score (MCS).

Results

Of the 154 respondents, 18.2% misused OTC medications and 22.1% reported ADE as a result of OTC medications. The mean ± SD score of PCS and MCS was 40.6 ± 6.8 and 46.4 ± 7, respectively. The hypothesized framework provided a well‐fitted solution to the data (χ2 = 1.387, d.f. = 2, P = 0.49; weighted root mean square residual = 0.317). Misuse of OTC medications significantly increased ADEs associated with OTC medications (β = 0.298) and increased ADEs significantly decreased patient reported PCS (β = −0.312), but not MCS (β = −0.213). OTC medication misuse indirectly decreased PCS and MCS by mediating the effect of an increase in ADE; however, the association was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Misuse of OTC medications is highly associated with ADEs. ADEs are capable of decreasing the physical health of elderly patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 103–110.
Effects of the behavior of elderly type 2 diabetic patients and their relatives as caregivers on diabetes follow‐up parameters in Bolu, Turkey
Authors: Gucuk Sebahat
Published: January 2015

Aim

In the present study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relatives as caregivers during the treatment period, and the effects on treatment success were evaluated.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged 65 years and older and their relatives as caregivers was carried out. The questionnaire given to the participants consisted of three sections: the first section included questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics; the second section included questions on patient treatment, habits of drug use, lifestyle changes such as dietary habits; and the third section included anthropometric measurements and laboratory evaluations. The questionnaire given to the patients' relatives as caregivers consisted of questions regarding their sociodemographic characteristics and information regarding the patient.

Results

The present study consisted of 115 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relatives as caregivers. The average duration of diabetes was 12.14 ± 6.74 years. Body mass index was 30.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2, average hemoglobin A1c level was 7.09 ± 0.64%, and 40.1% of the patients lived with their partners only. As the frequency of physical exercise increased, hemoglobin A1c levels decreased to <7.5% (P < 0.05).The patients whose caregivers were college‐educated or equivalent had a significantly low body mass index (P < 0.05). Patients who lived with their partners showed a significant correlation with lower hemoglobin A1c levels (<7.5%; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

In order to improve diabetic conditions in the elderly and to overcome obstacles to disease management, maximizing the cooperative efforts between the patients and their caregivers is necessary. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 182–190.
English Jurassic Limestone Country: Stroud, Central Cotswolds
Authors: Paul Jonathan
Published: January 2015

The area around Stroud, a small English market town perched on the steep west‐facing Cotswold escarpment, offers some of the most dramatic outcrops of Jurassic limestone in the UK. From sweeping vistas of the Severn Vale, to the deeply wooded river valleys that indent the escarpment, its landscape is undeniably one of the area's greatest assets. Recently, the geology and physiography of the landscape has been drawn into close focus by several notable UK media stories: protests against hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the underlying Lias clays; landslides causing weeks of repeated disruption across the Cotswold road and railway networks; and the recent death of a local engineer in a pit collapse of Fuller's Earth. In order to understand these stories in greater depth, it is useful to consider the story of Stroud's unique physical setting.
Revisiting major earthquakes in Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Irfan , Kidwai Aqeel Ahmed , Qureshi Shahid Nadeem , Iqbal Muhammad Farooq , Atique Luqman
Published: January 2015

Pakistan is prone to earthquakes. Seismically, Pakistan is one of the most active areas of Asia. It has high density of active faults and is located at the intersection of three plate boundaries, namely Indian, Eurasian and Arabian. Numerous high‐magnitude earthquakes in the past in Pakistan have resulted in loss of life, property and infrastructure. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake and 1935 Quetta earthquake were the most destructive, due to which thousands of people lost their lives. After a description of the regional tectonic structure for context, this article discusses the most major and most destructive historical earthquakes in Pakistan. It describes the associated tectonics, and provides an assessment of seismic hazards in Pakistan.
A systematic review on the patient perception of periodontal treatment using air polishing devices
Authors: Bühler J , Amato M , Weiger R , Walter C
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Air polishing devices are used as an alternative to traditional instrumentation of the root surface. The objective of the systematic review was to analyse patient perception, that is pain and discomfort during treatment with air polishing devices in periodontal therapy.

Methods

The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were screened for studies published through 18th November 2013. Patient perception served as primary outcome.

Results

Of the 1266 abstracts screened, nine studies reporting data on patient perception using a visual analogue scale or a patient interview were included in the analysis. Different air polishing powders consisting of sodium bicarbonate, glycine or erythritol were used. Reported discomfort of non‐surgical periodontal therapy was consistently equal or lower when air polishing powders consisting of glycine or erythritol were applied compared with root surface instrumentation using hand instruments or ultrasonic devices.

Conclusion

Air polishing with powders consisting of glycine seems to be associated with less discomfort during non‐surgical periodontal therapy, that is supra‐ and subgingival air polishing.
COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS AND ASSET PRICES
Authors: Brumm Johannes , Grill Michael , Kubler Felix , Schmedders Karl
Published: January 2015

Many assets derive their value not only from future cash flows but also from their ability to serve as collateral. In this article, we investigate this collateral premium and its impact on asset returns in an infinite‐horizon general equilibrium model with heterogeneous agents. We document that borrowing against collateral substantially increases the return volatility of long‐lived assets. Moreover, otherwise identical assets with different degrees of collateralizability exhibit substantially different return dynamics because their prices contain a sizable collateral premium that varies over time. This premium can be positive even for assets that never pay dividends.
STRUCTURAL HOMOPHILY
Authors: Boucher Vincent
Published: January 2015

Homophily, or the fact that similar individuals tend to interact with each other, is a prominent feature of economic and social networks. I show that the equilibrium structure of homophily has empirical power. I build a strategic model of network formation, which produces a unique equilibrium network. Individuals have homophilic preferences and face capacity constraints on the number of links. I develop a novel empirical method, based on the shape of the equilibrium network, which allows for the identification and estimation of the underlying homophilic preferences. I apply this new methodology to the formation of friendship networks.
Inward Migration of Glass‐Modifier Cations During Heat Treatment Under an N2 Atmosphere
Authors: Sekine Tomomi , Suzuki Toshio , Yamamoto Kiyoshi
Published: January 2015

An Na+/Ca2+‐deficient layer is observed to form on the glass surface region up to a depth of hundreds of nanometers when a soda‐lime‐silicate glass is heat treated under an N2 atmosphere near its glass‐transition temperature. The measurements were performed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy with C60‐ion sputtering (C60‐XPS) and dynamic secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (D‐SIMS) with consideration of the mass and charge balances. The increase in the amount of hydrogen is substantially less than the decrease in the total charge due to the loss of modifier cations in the Na+/Ca2+‐deficient layer; furthermore, the oxygen concentration in this layer is lower than the bulk value, suggesting that the silanol groups in the surface layer of the glass are dehydrated. A high‐concentration layer of Ca2+ is also confirmed in the dehydration layer of the glass heat treated under an N2 atmosphere, suggesting that Na+ and Ca2+ ions migrate inward into the glass via an ion‐exchange reaction with protons, which migrate toward the surface from the bulk. We also confirmed that a thicker Na+/Ca2+‐deficient layer is formed on glass surfaces with higher water content. Our results suggest that the dehydration of the silanol groups is the driving force of the inward migration of Na+ and Ca2+ ions.
Impact of population aging on trends in diabetes prevalence: A meta‐regression analysis of 160,000 Japanese adults
Authors: Charvat Hadrien , Goto Atsushi , Goto Maki , Inoue Machiko , Heianza Yoriko , Arase Yasuji , Sone Hirohito , Nakagami Tomoko , Song Xin , Qiao Qing , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Tsugane Shoichiro , Noda Mitsuhiko , Inoue Manami
Published: January 2015

Aims/Introduction

To provide age‐ and sex‐specific trends, age‐standardized trends, and projections of diabetes prevalence through the year 2030 in the Japanese adult population.

Materials and Methods

In the present meta‐regression analysis, we included 161,087 adults from six studies and nine national health surveys carried out between 1988 and 2011 in Japan. We assessed the prevalence of diabetes using a recorded history of diabetes or, for the population of individuals without known diabetes, either a glycated hemoglobin level of ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or the 1999 World Health Organization criteria (i.e., a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL and/or 2‐h glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL in the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test).

Results

For both sexes, prevalence appeared to remain unchanged over the years in all age categories except for men aged 70 years or older, in whom a significant increase in prevalence with time was observed. Age‐standardized diabetes prevalence estimates based on the Japanese population of the corresponding year showed marked increasing trends: diabetes prevalence was 6.1% among women (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5–6.7), 9.9% (95% CI 9.2–10.6) among men, and 7.9% (95% CI 7.5–8.4) among the total population in 2010, and was expected to rise by 2030 to 6.7% (95% CI 5.2–9.2), 13.1% (95% CI 10.9–16.7) and 9.8% (95% CI 8.5–12.0), respectively. In contrast, the age‐standardized diabetes prevalence using a fixed population appeared to remain unchanged.

Conclusions

This large‐scale meta‐regression analysis shows that a substantial increase in diabetes prevalence is expected in Japan during the next few decades, mainly as a result of the aging of the adult population.
Emerging Market Business Cycles: The Role of Labor Market Frictions
Authors: BOZ EMINE , DURDU C. BORA , LI NAN
Published: January 2015

Emerging economies are characterized by higher variability of consumption and real wages relative to output and a strongly countercyclical current account. A small open economy model with search‐matching frictions and countercyclical interest rate shocks can account for these regularities. Search‐matching frictions affect permanent income, and increase future employment uncertainty, heightening workers' incentives to save and generating a greater response of consumption and the current account. The greater consumption response feeds into larger fluctuations in workers' willingness to work, while interest rate shocks lead to variations in firms' willingness to hire; both of these outcomes contribute to highly variable wages.
The Meta Taylor Rule
Authors: LEE KEVIN , MORLEY JAMES , SHIELDS KALVINDER
Published: January 2015

We characterize U.S. monetary policy within a generalized Taylor rule framework that accommodates uncertainties about the duration of policy regimes and the specification of the rule, in addition to the standard parameter and stochastic uncertainties inherent in traditional Taylor rule analysis. Our approach involves estimation and inference based on Taylor rules obtained through standard linear regression methods, but combined using Bayesian model averaging techniques. Employing data that were available in real time, the estimated version of the “meta” Taylor rule provides a flexible but compelling characterization of monetary policy in the United States over the last 40 years.
Dynamics and Heterogeneity of Inter‐ and Intranational Risk Sharing
Authors: HO CHUN‐YU , ALEX HO WAI‐YIP
Published: January 2015

This study extends the empirical model of incomplete risk sharing developed by Crucini () by allowing unequal income pooling and explores the implications of using an alternative measure for aggregate risk. Based on samples from Canadian provinces, G‐7, and OECD countries spanning the years 1961–2008, we show that the empirical procedure used by Crucini tends to overstate the average degree of risk sharing and understate the dispersion of risk sharing, when compared to our unequal income pooling model. The empirical results from our unequal pooling model show that (i) the degree and dispersion of risk sharing across Canadian provinces, G‐7 countries, and OECD countries remain stable over time; (ii) the degree of risk sharing across Canadian provinces is higher than that across the G‐7 and OECD countries; and (iii) the degree of risk sharing seems positively related to equity and trade diversification.
Survey Measures of Expected Inflation and the Inflation Process
Authors: TREHAN BHARAT
Published: January 2015

The accuracy of inflation forecasts obtained from household and professional surveys has deteriorated noticeably of late, to the extent that a simple autoregressive specification outperforms survey forecasts. The decline in (absolute and relative) accuracy has taken place at about the same time as an apparent change in the inflation process. Projections of household forecasts on realized inflation suggests that households have not recognized this change. For the professionals, projections of expected inflation on headline inflation have changed, but on core inflation have not. By contrast, projections of realized headline inflation on core have changed sharply.
Does a Higher Incidence of Break Times in Primary Schools Result in Children Being More Physically Active?
Authors: Kobel Susanne , Kettner Sarah , Erkelenz Nanette , Kesztyüs Dorothea , Steinacker Jürgen M.
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Regular physical activity (PA) has multiple benefits to health; however, the majority of schoolchildren do not reach PA guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) daily. During the school day, break times are often the only opportunity for children to be physically active. This study investigated PA levels during school breaks in German primary school children.

METHODS

PA of 294 children (7.1 ± 0.7 years; 48% boys) was assessed. On the basis of timetables, individual activity times and intensities for daily breaks were determined. Children's weight status was determined on site.

RESULTS

Breaks lasted 30.7 (± 13.8) minutes; length varied significantly between 1 and 2 breaks (21.7 ± 4.1 versus 36.2 ± 14.8 minutes; p ≤ .01). Children spent 25.3% of their breaks in MVPA, boys being significantly more active (30.8% versus 20.4%; p ≤ .01). Time spent in MVPA differed significantly between normal weight and overweight/obese children (26.1% versus 18.4%; p ≤ .05). Children having 2 breaks engaged in significantly more MVPA than those with only 1 (7.4 ± 6.1 versus 5.6 ± 4.7 minutes; p ≤ .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Children spent 25% of their break in MVPA; having 2 breaks increased time in MVPA significantly, although this is also influenced by weight status. Consequently, more activity breaks should be scheduled during school hours.
Physical Activity in Physical Education: Are Longer Lessons Better?
Authors: Smith Nicole J. , Monnat Shannon M. , Lounsbery Monica A.F.
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity (PA) outcomes in a sample of high school (HS) physical education (PE) lessons from schools that adopted traditional versus modified block schedule formats.

METHODS

We used the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) to conduct observations of 168 HS PE lessons delivered by 22 PE teachers in 4 schools. T‐tests and multilevel models were used to explore variability in moderate PA and vigorous PA.

RESULTS

PA outcomes were significantly different between modified block and traditional schools. Students who attended traditional schools engaged in more vigorous PA in PE lessons. Modified block lessons lost more scheduled lesson time due to poor transition to and from the locker room. PA outcomes were positively associated with fitness and teacher promotion of PA and negatively associated with lost time, class size, management, and knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PE proponents widely advocate for more PE minutes, this study showed that greater time scheduled in PE does not necessarily result in more student accrual of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes.
Preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of spray-dried ternary solid dispersion of biopharmaceutics classification system class II model drug
Authors: Paidi Sharan K , Jena Sunil K , Ahuja Bhupesh K , Devasari Naresh , Suresh Sarasija
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel spray-dried ternary solid dispersion (TSD) on the dissolution rate and bioavailability of a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class II model drug, atorvastatin calcium trihydrate (ATC), and evaluate its in-vitro and in-vivo performance.

Methods

TSD of ATC was prepared by spray-drying method employing ethanol/water solvent systems. The TSD formulations, composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E5) and nicotinamide, were optimized by rotatable central composite design. Physicochemical characterization along with dissolution, stability and pharmacokinetic study of optimized TSD was evaluated.

Key findings

The optimized TSD was found to be amorphous with spherical shape morphology. It exhibited a fourfold increase in dissolution rate in comparison to ATC, with a considerable enhancement in oral bioavailability (relative bioavailability of 134.11%). Physicochemical characterization and dissolution study of optimized TSD at the end of stability studies clearly indicated that the stability of optimized TSD was due to hydrogen bonding between drug and HPMC E5 and nicotinamide. This bonding remained unaffected even under stressful conditions of high temperature and humidity.

Conclusion

The TSD exhibits a significant increase in dissolution rate, and for this reason should be useful as an efficacious tool to enhance the bioavailability of BCS class II drug molecule, ATC.
Pterostilbene mediates neuroprotection against oxidative toxicity via oestrogen receptor α signalling pathways
Authors: Song Zhen , Han Shuai , Pan Xiaohua , Gong Yaoqin , Wang Molin
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Accumulating evidence indicated protective role of phytoestrogens against neuronal damage induced by various insults, such as amyloid beta, oxygen deprivation and mitochondrial toxins. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) influences the mitochondrial membrane potential, which eventually results in cell apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of a phytoestrogen, pterostilbene (PTER), in cell apoptosis induced by H2O2 in human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. We also analysed the involvement of oestrogen receptors, oestrogen receptor-α and -β (ER-α and ER-β) in the protective role of PTER.

Methods

The effects of PTER on H2O2-stimulated cell were examined using MTT and FACS analysis. The signal pathways and estrogen receptors involved in PTER's effects were investigated using MTT and Western blot analysis.

Key findings

The results showed that H2O2 treatment significantly reduced cell viability in SY5Y cells, which was protected by PTER treatment. We also found that H2O2 inhibited the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signalling pathways, whereas PTER treatment restored these signalling pathways. We also found that the PTER effect could be largely blocked by an ER-α antagonist, 3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy)phenol]-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP), but not by an ER-β antagonist, 4-[2-Phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol (PHTPP), suggesting that ER-α is a major player in the neuroprotective activity of PTER.

Conclusion

Our study thus demonstrates that PTER is an effective neuroprotective agent presumably through ER-α-mediated signalling pathways.