bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of gross urine color with diagnostic findings in male cats with naturally occurring urethral obstruction
Authors: Brabson Tamera L , Bloch Christopher P , Johnson Justine A
Published: August 2014

Seventy-five male cats with urethral obstruction were prospectively enrolled to evaluate gross urine color at urinary catheter placement for correlation with diagnostic findings. Cats with darker red urine were more likely to be azotemic (serum creatinine concentration >2.0 mg/dl [177 µmol/l]), and urine color correlated well with serum creatinine and serum potassium concentrations. Darker urine color was negatively correlated with urine specific gravity. Urine color was not associated with the presence or absence of lower urinary tract stones on radiographs or ultrasound. Cats with darker red urine at the time of urinary catheter placement are likely to have more significant metabolic derangements and may require more aggressive supportive care.
The Women’s Court: A feminist approach to in/justice
Authors: Duhacek Dasa Gordana
Published: August 2014

The Women’s Court is an umbrella term, a common denominator, for a series of initiatives which differ from the mainstream judicial procedures and have been taking place since the early 1990s. These initiatives are not an alternative to the official judiciary systems but aim to supplement, and are therefore complementary to these official systems, especially with a view to transitional justice mechanisms. This text, while focusing on one of those initiatives – established following the violent break-up of Yugoslavia – will contextualize the Women’s Court not only within the recent, short, albeit very significant, history of alternative (transitional) justice systems, but – importantly for the argument of this text – will also situate this initiative within relevant theoretical concepts of justice. A description of the Women’s Court and its history is followed by locating it within the mainstream concept of justice as well as within feminist and the transitional justice concepts. Finally, returning to this initiative, some key issues are highlighted and assessed, despite the fact that this initiative is still an ongoing process and is therefore understandably difficult to evaluate.
User engagement with online news: Conceptualizing interactivity and exploring the relationship between online news videos and user comments
Authors: Ksiazek Thomas B , Peer Limor , Lessard Kevin
Published: August 2014

With the emergence and rapid acceptance of online news come new and varied opportunities for user engagement with content, along with alternative metrics for capturing those behaviors. This study focuses on interactive engagement with online news videos. We propose a theoretical framework for conceptualizing user engagement on a continuum from exposure to interactivity. Furthermore, we make a distinction between user–content (e.g. commenting) and user–user (e.g. replying to another user’s comment) modes of interaction. We then explore publicly available measures of these concepts and test a series of hypotheses to explore commenting and conversational behaviors in response to YouTube news videos. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications for advancing our understanding of user engagement with online news.
Evaluation of a Pet-Assisted Living Intervention for Improving Functional Status in Assisted Living Residents With Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Friedmann Erika , Galik Elizabeth , Thomas Sue A. , Hall P. Sue , Chung Seon Yoon , McCune Sandra
Published: August 2014

Background:

In older adults with cognitive impairment (CI), decreased functional status and increased behavioral symptoms require relocation from assisted living (AL) to nursing homes. Studies support positive effects of pets on health/function.

Purpose:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pet AL (PAL) intervention to support physical, behavioral, and emotional function in AL residents with CI.

Methods:

Cognitively impaired AL residents randomized to 60-90 minute sessions [PAL (n = 22) or reminiscing (n = 18)] twice/week for 12 weeks. PAL interventionist encourages residents to perform skills with the visiting dog; reminiscing interventionist encourages residents to reminisce. Monthly assessment of physical (energy expenditure, activities of daily living), emotional (depression, apathy), and behavioral (agitation) function.

Results:

In linear mixed models, physical activity depressive symptoms improved more with PAL.

Conclusion:

Evidence supports that the PAL program helps preserve/enhance function of AL residents with CI. Additional study is required to evaluate the duration and predictors of effectiveness of the PAL intervention.
New Town in the Bush
Authors: MacLachlan Ian , Horsley Julia
Published: August 2014

The City of Kwinana is a satellite community outside of Perth, Western Australia, that was planned in support of an oil refinery and industrial area in 1952. Kwinana is significant as one of the first planned new towns in Australia and a symbol of the urban industrial maturation of the state of Western Australia. This article summarizes the key events leading up to the selection of the site, the most salient features of the development agreement, and the planning and construction of the new town. Two ways of understanding planning knowledge transfer are discussed in a postcolonial context and applied to understand the overseas origins and vernacular features of this unique example of Australian planning.
Relationship Between Visuospatial Neglect and Kinesthetic Deficits After Stroke
Authors: Semrau Jennifer A. , Wang Jeffery C. , Herter Troy M. , Scott Stephen H. , Dukelow Sean P.
Published: August 2014

Background. After stroke, visuospatial and kinesthetic (sense of limb motion) deficits are common, occurring in approximately 30% and 60% of individuals, respectively. Although both types of deficits affect aspects of spatial processing necessary for daily function, few studies have investigated the relationship between these 2 deficits after stroke. Objective. We aimed to characterize the relationship between visuospatial and kinesthetic deficits after stroke using the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT) and a robotic measure of kinesthetic function. Methods. Visuospatial attention (using the BIT) and kinesthesia (using robotics) were measured in 158 individuals an average of 18 days after stroke. In the kinesthetic matching task, the robot moved the participant’s stroke-affected arm at a preset direction, speed, and magnitude. Participants mirror-matched the robotic movement with the less/unaffected arm as soon as they felt movement in their stroke affected arm. Results. We found that participants with visuospatial inattention (neglect) had impaired kinesthesia 100% of the time, whereas only 59% of participants without neglect were impaired. For those without neglect, we observed that a higher percentage of participants with lower but passing BIT scores displayed impaired kinesthetic behavior (78%) compared with those participants who scored perfect or nearly perfect on the BIT (49%). Conclusions. The presence of visuospatial neglect after stroke is highly predictive of the presence of kinesthetic deficits. However, the presence of kinesthetic deficits does not necessarily always indicate the presence of visuospatial neglect. Our findings highlight the importance of assessment and treatment of kinesthetic deficits after stroke, especially in patients with visuospatial neglect.
Endoscopy-Assisted Total Mastectomy Followed by Immediate Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous (TRAM) Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Lai Hung-Wen , Wu Hurng-Sheng , Chuang Kun-Lin , Chen Dar-Ren , Chang Tsai-Wang , Kuo Shou-Jen , Chen Shou-Tung , Kuo Yao-Lung
Published: August 2014

Background. Endoscopy-assisted breast surgery performed through minimal axillary and/or periareolar incisions is a viable option for patients with breast cancer. In this study, we report the preliminary results of patients with breast cancer who underwent endoscopy-assisted total mastectomy (EATM) followed immediately by pedicled transverse abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction. Methods. Patients in this study comprised women with breast cancer who received EATM and pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. Clinicopathologic characteristics, type of surgery, complications, and rate of recurrence were recorded. The cosmetic outcomes were evaluated objectively by the surgeons and subjectively by the patients at 3-month postoperative follow-up. Results. A total of 48 patients underwent 49 EATM procedures followed by pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. Of them, 79.6% underwent endoscopic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy and 20.4% received endoscopic-assisted skin-sparing mastectomy. The types of cancer among these patients included ductal carcinoma in situ in 34.7%, stage I cancer in 36.7%, stage II cancer in 24.5%, and stage IIIa cancer in 4.1% patients. Mean tumor size was 2.1 ± 1.4 cm. There were no cases of flap failure. Partial nipple areolar complex ischemia/necrosis occurred in 4 (10.3%) patients; however, all cases resolved after conservative treatment. In the aesthetic outcome evaluation, EATM + TRAM were associated with 89.8% good, 8.2% fair, and 2% unsatisfactory result. No local recurrence was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion. EATM followed immediately by pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction is a safe procedure and results in good cosmetic outcome in women with early-stage breast cancer.
Experimental study of the cooling performance of a ventilated wall
Authors: Dimoudi Argiro C , Androutsopoulos Andreas V , Lykoudis Spyros P
Published: August 2014

Ventilated wall structures can contribute to energy saving in the building sector. This article presents a study of the cooling performance of a ventilated wall component. The ventilated wall component was constructed in actual scale and tested under real weather conditions (summer) in an outdoor test cell. The testing configuration comprised the recording of the thermal behaviour of the ventilated wall with a fixed air gap width and with the addition of a radiant barrier. Several variations in the basic configuration were also tested, namely, different air inlet and outlet areas, the use of natural and mechanical ventilation on the air gap and the use of floating and controlled room air temperature regimes. The results demonstrated that the application of this technique reduces the cooling load of a building. Especially, a ventilated wall equipped with a radiant barrier and a mechanically ventilated air gap provided with the most beneficial results.
Medication-induced osteoporosis: screening and treatment strategies
Authors: Panday Keshav , Gona Amitha , Humphrey Mary Beth
Published: August 2014

Drug-induced osteoporosis is a significant health problem and many physicians are unaware that many commonly prescribed medications contribute to significant bone loss and fractures. In addition to glucocorticoids, proton pump inhibitors, selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, anticonvulsants, medroxyprogesterone acetate, aromatase inhibitors, androgen deprivation therapy, heparin, calcineurin inhibitors, and some chemotherapies have deleterious effects on bone health. Furthermore, many patients are treated with combinations of these medications, possibly compounding the harmful effects of these drugs. Increasing physician awareness of these side effects will allow for monitoring of bone health and therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat drug-induced osteoporosis.
Are Advertisers Potential (and Effective) Influencers on News Content?
Authors: Colistra Rita
Published: August 2014

This study examines reporter perceptions of extramedia-level influences on news content, based on original data from a national web-based survey of television reporters. Using three extramedia measures (advertiser, public relations, and political influences) and three theoretical approaches, this research considers how, how often, and under what conditions extramedia forces attempt to influence television media and their coverage, and to what effect they are successful at doing so, based on reporter perceptions. The study also attempts to advance theory by further developing and testing the little-studied area of agenda cutting and by using two other theoretical approaches, agenda building and frame building.
Cardiovascular impact of drugs used in the treatment of diabetes
Authors: Triggle Chris R. , Ding Hong
Published: August 2014

The International Diabetes Federation predicts that by 2035 10% of the population of the world will have been diagnosed with diabetes, raising serious concerns over the resulting elevated morbidity and mortality as well as the impact on health care budgets. It is also well recognized that cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of the high morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes, raising the concern that appropriate drug therapy should not only correct metabolic dysfunction, but also protect the cardiovascular system from the effects of, in particular, the epigenetic changes that result from hyperglycaemia. A number of new classes of drugs for the treatment of diabetes have been introduced in the past decade, providing the opportunity to optimize treatment; however, comparative information of the cardiovascular benefits, or risks, of the newer drugs versus older therapies such as metformin is variable. This review, in addition to summarizing the cellular basis for the therapeutic action of these drugs, addresses the evidence for their cardiovascular benefits and risks. A particular focus is provided on metformin as it is the first choice drug for most patients with type 2 diabetes.
Terrorism: Social capital, social construction, and constructive society?
Authors: Heath Robert L , Waymer Damion
Published: August 2014

Whether an establishment elite or a group countering the ideology and power of such an elite, terrorists engage in public relations activities aimed to acquire and apply social capital in the battle to manage issues and influence the trajectory of change (or in some cases to resist change). Such groups work to influence the dynamics of control and uncertainty of cost/reward ratios as power moves. In the search for social capital, they are required to achieve visibility for themselves and their cause, to prove that as an organization of change they are viable, and to demonstrate that they are legitimate brokers of social capital. Because it entails discourse processes and socially constructed meanings, terrorism can play a role in shaping citizens’ views on important matters. If, by that logic, terrorism and public relations are companions, one might ask, What social capital is gained and lost through the enactment of or resistance to terrorism? How and in what way is society made more fully functioning, more resilient, and a better place to live in the social capital tug of war of crisis and risk that is inherent to terrorism? In raising those questions, this article acknowledges that such analysis is most viable when terrorism is understood for its discursive elements of identity, identification, power, and narrative advocacy as statements on theme and variation.
Surrealistic communication as symbolic terrorism: The example of Marcel Mariën’s theory of political campaigning
Authors: Schölzel Hagen
Published: August 2014

The article discusses communicative campaigning based on some ideas related to surrealism, arguably one of the most prominent and influential artistic avant-garde movements of the 20th century, and compares these ideas with relevant elements of Edward Bernays’ concept of propaganda, which is one of the main references of public relations research and public relations (PR) practice since the first half of the 20th century. Its main objective is to retrace the campaigning theory by Belgian surrealist Marcel Mariën, which moves between well-known campaigning concepts and cultural terrorist action. The article aims at analyzing the theory’s background in psychoanalytic theory and its vision of society in order to compare the different theories by Bernays and Mariën. Taking into account the well-known ‘revolutionary’ spirit of surrealism and its attribution as a kind of ‘cultural terrorism’, the question arises, whether Marcel Mariën’s surrealistic campaigning theory represents a kind of anti-propaganda terrorism? The article provides a detailed and balanced analysis of the relatedness of communicative practices and social organization.
Approaching terrorist public relations initiatives
Authors: Holbrook Donald
Published: August 2014

The objective of this article is to further our understanding of terrorist public relations initiatives through exploring communicative efforts that are inherent in terrorist activities and associated with terrorist actors and by scrutinising discourse emanating from terrorist movements and perpetrators. By analysing this content and output, the article identifies three core and interrelated components of terrorist public relations initiatives: (1) the communicative aspect of the terrorist act itself, (2) conveyance of ideological tenets and (3) counter-narrative work. The article concludes by considering some of the theoretical implications of the analysis and the relevance to different disciplines, highlighting the importance of understanding terrorist mobilisation efforts through public relations.
John Brown, public relations, terrorism, and social capital: ‘His Truth Goes Marching On’
Authors: Heath Robert L , Waymer Damion
Published: August 2014

The history of public relations uses historical methodology to examine non-establishment and even outlaw discourses, the strategies of challenging and seeking to change a dominant culture. As we explore contexts in which public relations occurs, especially that which is ‘non-’ or anti-establishment, we are able to use such cases to examine theories (which typically favor the establishment) and their constructions of public relations, including relevant best practices. Terrorism, when it is not sponsored by a state seeking to control through terror, is an especially valuable context for study because of its association with social movement activism and change management. The analysis in this paper examines the public relations role of terrorism (1) in the context of intuitively applied, traditional best practices and (2) as the rhetorical advocacy/discursive approach to issues advocacy contests leading to change management through contested principles of social capital. To that end, this case examines the abolitionist career of John Brown who publicized the cruelty of slavery and advocated its abolition with violence if necessary. Violence jarred a nation into action, but violence can only succeed if it achieves legitimacy through earned social capital, that being the public relations challenge facing terrorists and their supporters.
Results of intravesical botulinum toxin A in men with idiopathic overactive bladder symptoms
Authors: Hobbs Catherine P , Henderson John M , Foley Steve J
Published: August 2014

Objective:

The objective of this article is to determine treatment outcomes and risk factors for urinary retention in men with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms treated with intravesical botulinum toxin A (BTXA).

Patients and methods:

All men undergoing intravesical BTXA treatment from 2009 to 2013 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital were identified. Pre-treatment urodynamics and outcomes of treatment were determined.

Results:

A total of 35/43 men were deemed to have idiopathic OAB. Symptomatic improvement was seen in six of 13 (46%) dry OAB and 12/22 (55%) wet OAB irrespective of proven detrusor overactivity. Catheterisation rates were dose dependent with an overall rate of 16/35 (46%). Four of nine (44%) with bladder outflow obstruction required catheterisation, as did eight of 17 (47%) without. Twelve of 25 (48%) men with a Bladder Contractility Index (BCI) ⩽120 required catheterisation, as did four of 10 (40%) with a BCI >120.

Conclusion:

BTXA is a successful treatment in males with idiopathic wet and dry OAB, irrespective of detrusor overactivity. One hundred units is an appropriate dose at which to begin treatment. Surprisingly, presence of bladder outflow obstruction and weak bladder contractility did not demonstrate an increased risk for catheterisation although further study should be conducted with larger numbers of patients.
Relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties in Nb–V microalloyed TRIP steel
Authors: Krizan D. , Spiradek-Hahn K. , Pichler A.
Published: August 2014

Nb–V additions clearly affected the precipitation state, respective phase transformations and final microstructure, and in turn, resulting mechanical properties of an intercritically annealed transformation induced plasticity sheet steel. As the precipitation hardening played a limited role in the overall strengthening, the grain refinement was the prevailing strengthening mechanism associated with the addition of the Nb–V microalloying to a basic TRIP780 composition. In addition to this, the microstructural changes, resulting from the addition of microalloying, lowered the stability of retained austenite, which decreased the elongation of the steel. Nevertheless, using this microalloying concept, an exceptional product of RmxA80 exceeding 16 000 MPa could be achieved.
Multiscale 3D analysis of creep cavities in AISI type 316 stainless steel
Authors: Burnett T. L. , Geurts R. , Jazaeri H. , Northover S. M. , McDonald S. A. , Haigh S. J. , Bouchard P. J. , Withers P. J.
Published: August 2014

A sample of AISI type 316 stainless steel from a power station steam header, showing reheat cracking, was removed from service and has been examined by a combination of microscale X-ray computed tomography (CT), nanoscale serial section focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum imaging and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Multiscale three-dimensional analysis using correlative tomography allowed key regions to be found and analysed with high resolution techniques. The grain boundary analysed was decorated with micrometre sized, facetted cavities, M23C6 carbides, ferrite and G phase but no σ phase. Smaller intragranular M23C6 particles were also observed, close to the grain boundaries. This intimate coexistence suggests that the secondary phases will control the nucleation and growth of the cavities. Current models of cavitation, based on isolated idealised grain boundary cavities, are oversimplified.
Effects of ZnO and NaOH in Zn–Ni bath
Authors: Katırcı R.
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the influence of a Zn–Ni solution on the phase composition and surface morphology of Zn–Ni (zinc–nickel) alloy coatings, which were deposited in a non-cyanide alkaline bath that contained ethylenediamine (ED) and triethanolamine (TEA) as complexing agents. The structural investigations and surface morphology of the coatings were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. A full 22 factorial design methodology was used to study the effects of the ZnO and NaOH concentrations on the Ni % and Zn–Ni thickness of the deposited coatings. The results indicated that NaOH reduced the change in Ni % content in the deposited Zn–Ni alloys. The XRD and SEM results revealed that an increase in the NaOH concentration decreased the particle size and the smallest average grain size of the Zn–Ni coating was obtained when the NaOH and ZnO concentrations were 125 and 10 g L−1 respectively.
Genetic studies reveal an unexpected negative regulatory role for Jak2 in thrombopoiesis
Authors: Meyer Sara C. , Keller Matthew D. , Woods Brittany A. , LaFave Lindsay M. , Bastian Lennart , Kleppe Maria , Bhagwat Neha , Marubayashi Sachie , Levine Ross L.
Published: August 2014

Key Points

Jak2 deletion in PLTs and MKs leads to thrombocytosis due to dysregulated TPO turnover. Jak2 loss in PLTs/MKs induces non-autonomous expansion of stem/progenitors, and specifically of MK-primed hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
KIR B haplotype donors confer a reduced risk for relapse after haploidentical transplantation in children with ALL
Authors: Oevermann Lena , Michaelis Sebastian U. , Mezger Markus , Lang Peter , Toporski Jacek , Bertaina Alice , Zecca Marco , Moretta Lorenzo , Locatelli Franco , Handgretinger Rupert
Published: August 2014

Key Points

KIR haplotype B donors and high KIR B content score confer better protection against relapse after HLA-haploidentical transplantation in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haploidentical donor selection criteria for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia should include KIR haplotype and KIR B-content score.
A staging system for renal outcome and early markers of renal response to chemotherapy in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Palladini Giovanni , Hegenbart Ute , Milani Paolo , Kimmich Christoph , Foli Andrea , Ho Anthony D. , Rosin Marta Vidus , Albertini Riccardo , Moratti Remigio , Merlini Giampaolo , Schönland Stefan
Published: August 2014

Key Points

A staging system based on proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate discriminates patients at different risk of progression to dialysis. Changes in proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate allow early assessment of renal response to therapy.
The exosome complex establishes a barricade to erythroid maturation
Authors: McIver Skye C. , Kang Yoon-A , DeVilbiss Andrew W. , O’Driscoll Chelsea A. , Ouellette Jonathan N. , Pope Nathaniel J. , Camprecios Genis , Chang Chan-Jung , Yang David , Bouhassira Eric E. , Ghaffari Saghi , Bresnick Emery H.
Published: August 2014

Key Points

Exosome complex components are endogenous suppressors of erythroid cell maturation. GATA-1 and Foxo3 transcriptionally repress exosome complex components, thus abrogating the erythroid maturation blockade.
Advanced biliary tract carcinomas: a retrospective multicenter analysis of first and second-line chemotherapy
Authors: Fiteni Frédéric , Jary Marine , Monnien Franck , Nguyen Thierry , Beohou Eric , Demarchi Martin , Dobi Erion , Fein Francine , Cleau Denis , Fratté Serge , Nerich Virginie , Bonnetain Franck , Pivot Xavier , Borg Christophe , Kim Stefano
Published: August 2014

Background

Gemcitabine/Cisplatin (Gem/CDDP) combination has demonstrated a clear survival advantage over gemcitabine alone and has become a new standard in advanced Biliary Tract Carcinoma (aBTC). However, Gemcitabine/Oxaliplatin (GEMOX) combination and Gemcitabine/Carboplatin (Gem/Carb) combination regimens have shown efficacy in phase II trials and there is no comparative study between different platinum salts.

We assessed the efficacy and safety of different platinum-based chemotherapies at first line in aBTC patients. We also analysed the second-line chemotherapy.

Methods

Sixty-four consecutive patients with aBTC diagnosed between 1998 and 2010 were included for analysis. At first line chemotherapy, 44 patients received one day GEMOX regimen (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 Day 1, every 2 weeks), and 20 patients received Gem/Carb regimen (gemcitabine at 1000 mg/m2 Days 1 and 8 with carboplatin delivered according to an area-under-the-curve (AUC) 5 at day 1, every 3 weeks). At second line, a total of 16 patients received a fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy.

Results

With GEMOX regimen, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.7 months (95%CI, 2.4 to 5) and median overall survival (OS) was 10.5 months (95%CI, 6.4 to14.7). The main toxicity was peripheral neuropathy (20% grade 2 and 7% grade 3). Grade 3/4 haematological toxicities were rare.

With Gem/Carb regimen, PFS was 2.5 months (95%CI, 2.1 to 3.7) and OS was 4.8 months (95%CI, 3.7 to 5.8). The main grade 3/4 toxicities were haematological: anaemia (45%), thrombocytopenia (45%), and neutropenia (40%).

At second-line, fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy was feasible in only a fourth of the patients. The median OS was 5.3 months (95%CI, 4.1 to 6.6), and median PFS was 4.0 months (95%CI, 2.6 to 5.5).

Conclusions

One day GEMOX regimen has a favourable toxicity profile and could be an alternative to standard Gem/CDDP regimen, in particular in unfit patients for CDDP.

At second-line, selective patients may benefit from fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy.
The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity according to sasang constitution in Korea
Authors: Baek Younghwa , Park Kihyun , Lee Siwoo , Jang Eunsu
Published: August 2014

Background

Obesity is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and could affect mortality rates. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) have been used to classify obesity, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) has recently emerged as a discriminator of cardiovascular disease. Sasang constitution (SC) is a kind of well-known traditional Korean medicine: Tae-eumin (TE), Soeumin (SE), Taeyangin (TY) and Soyangin (SY) carrying a different level of susceptibility to chronic diseases. We aimed to examine the prevalence in general and abdominal obesity (AO) using BMI, WC and WHR according to SC in the Korean population.

Methods

A total of 3,348 subjects were recruited from 24 Korean medicine clinics. Obesity was divided into three categories: general obesity by BMI, abdominal obesity by waist circumference (WC AO) and abdominal obesity by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR AO). A Chi-square test was performed to compare prevalence, and logistic regression was conducted to generate odds ratios (ORs) according to SC (p < .05).

Results

The prevalence of general obesity was significantly higher in males than in females. The highest prevalence of general obesity, WC AO and WHR AO were all observed in the TE type, and the SY and SE types were followed in order, for both males and females respectively.

The TE type was highly associated with increased risk of general obesity (OR = 20.2, 95% CI: 12.4-32.9 in males and OR = 14.3, 95% CI: 10.1-20.2 in females), of WC AO (OR = 10.7, 95% CI: 7.2-15.9 in males and OR = 7.5, 95% CI: 5.8-9.6 in females), and of WHR AO (OR = 4.6, 95% CI: 3.3-6.4 in males and OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.9-4.9 in females) compared with the SE type. In addition, after controlling for age, social status and eating habits, the ORs were similar to the crude model according to gender and SC.

Conclusions

This study shows that the prevalence of obesity varies according to SC in the Korean population. In particular, the TE type was highly associated with increased ORs for general obesity, WC AO and WHR AO in both genders.
Temperature dependence of electronic behaviors in quantum dimension junctionless thin-film transistor
Authors: Cheng Ya-Chi , Chen Hung-Bin , Han Ming-Hung , Lu Nan-Heng , Su Jun-Ji , Shao Chi-Shen , Wu Yung-Chun
Published: August 2014

The high temperature dependence of junctionless (JL) gate-all-around (GAA) poly-Si thin-film transistors (TFTs) with 2-nm-thick nanosheet channel is compared with that of JL planar TFTs. The variation of SS with temperature for JL GAA TFTs is close to the theoretical value (0.2 mV/dec/K), owing to the oxidation process to form a 2-nm-thick channel. The bandgap of 1.35 eV in JL GAA TFTs by fitting experimental data exhibits the quantum confinement effect, indicating greater suppression of Ioff than that in JL planar TFTs. The measured

∂

V
th

∂
T

of −1.34 mV/°C in JL GAA nanosheet TFTs has smaller temperature dependence than that of −5.01 mV/°C in JL planar TFTs.
Determinants of modern family planning use among women of reproductive age in the Nkwanta district of Ghana: a case–control study
Authors: Eliason Sebastian , Awoonor-Williams John K , Eliason Cecilia , Novignon Jacob , Nonvignon Justice , Aikins Moses
Published: August 2014

Background

Average contraceptive prevalence rate in the Nkwanta district of Ghana was estimated to be 6.2% relative to the national average at the time, of 19%. While several efforts had been made to improve family planning in the country, the district still had very low use of modern family planning methods. This study sought to determine the factors that influenced modern family planning use in general and specifically, the factors that determined the consistently low use of modern family planning methods in the district.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted in the Nkwanta district of Ghana to determine socio-economic, socio-cultural and service delivery factors influencing family planning usage. One hundred and thirty cases and 260 controls made up of women aged 15–49 years were interviewed using structured questionnaires. A logistic regression was fitted.

Results

Awareness and knowledge of modern family planning methods were high among cases and controls (over 90%). Lack of formal education among women, socio-cultural beliefs and spousal communication were found to influence modern family planning use. Furthermore, favourable opening hours of the facilities and distance to health facilities influenced the use of modern contraceptives.

Conclusion

While modern family planning seemed to be common knowledge among these women, actual use of such contraceptives was limited. There is need to improve use of modern family planning methods in the district. In addition to providing health facilities and consolidating close-to-client service initiatives in the district, policies directed towards improving modern family planning method use need to consider the influence of formal education. Promoting basic education, especially among females, will be a crucial step as the district is faced with high levels of school dropout and illiteracy rates.
Increased Methylation of the MOR Gene Proximal Promoter in Primary Sensory Neurons Plays a Crucial Role in the Decreased Analgesic Effect of Opioids in Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Zhou Xue-Long , Yu Li-Na , Wang Yin , Tang Li-Hui , Peng Yu-Nan , Cao Jun-Li , Yan Min
Published: August 2014

Background:

The analgesic potency of opioids is reduced in neuropathic pain. However, the molecular mechanism is not well understood.

Results:

The present study demonstrated that increased methylation of the Mu opioid receptor (MOR) gene proximal promoter (PP) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) plays a crucial role in the decreased morphine analgesia. Subcutaneous (s.c.), intrathecal (i.t.) and intraplantar (i.pl.), not intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of morphine, the potency of morphine analgesia was significantly reduced in nerve-injured mice compared with control sham-operated mice. After peripheral nerve injury, we observed a decreased expression of MOR protein and mRNA, accompanied by an increased methylation status of MOR gene PP, in DRG. However, peripheral nerve injury could not induce a decreased expression of MOR mRNA in the spinal cord. Treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), inhibited the increased methylation of MOR gene PP and prevented the decreased expression of MOR in DRG, thereby improved systemic, spinal and periphery morphine analgesia.

Conclusions:

Altogether, our results demonstrate that increased methylation of the MOR gene PP in DRG is required for the decreased morphine analgesia in neuropathic pain.
Evidence on the environmental impacts of farm land abandonment in high altitude/mountain regions: a systematic map
Authors: Haddaway Neal R , Styles David , Pullin Andrew S
Published: August 2014

Background

Many ecosystems have developed in the presence of agriculture and cessation of management resulting from land abandonment can have significant ecological impacts. Around 56 percent of the utilised agricultural area of the European Union is classified as ‘less-favourable areas’ and much of this is mountainous. The small-scale and extensively managed farmlands that are common in mountain areas are particularly vulnerable to marginalisation and abandonment. We conducted the first systematic global mapping of evidence to inform stakeholders and policy makers of the potential impacts of farm land abandonment in mountain areas.

Methods

Evidence was collated from a range of academic literature databases and grey literature sources. Identified articles (8,489) were screened for relevance at title, abstract and full text using predefined inclusion criteria set out in a published protocol. Relevant studies (165 across 189 articles) were then mapped using predefined coding and critically appraised for internal validity (i.e. susceptibility to bias).

Results

Mapping identified a number of interesting themes in the evidence base: the majority of research was undertaken in arable and mixed farming systems; large evidence bases were found in China, Spain and Italy; studies were mostly observational with spatial/successional comparators; biodiversity, soil and vegetation were most frequently studied. Several knowledge gaps were identified: including outcomes (socioeconomics and environmental hazards), regions (key mountain ranges including the Himalaya), and specific outcome-region groups (e.g. vegetation and soil measures in the UK). Several deficiencies in methodology were identified across studies: a lack of replication; non-random sample selection; lack of methodological detail (including details of spatial scale, replication, and sample selection).

Discussion

Systematic mapping has produced a searchable database of studies relating to high altitude farmland abandonment. The map identifies a number of potential areas for fruitful future synthesis, for example research on biodiversity, soil and vegetation in the Loess Hilly Plateau in China, and soil research in Spain. Such synthesis would be rapid given the effort expended here in identifying and screening relevant articles. It also points to several areas that were under-represented in the literature, such as natural hazards (avalanche, fire and flood risk), that would potentially benefit from increased primary research.
STRUCTURE PLOT: a program for drawing elegant STRUCTURE bar plots in user friendly interface
Authors: Ramasamy Ramesh Krishnan , Ramasamy Sumathy , Bindroo Bharat Bushan , Naik V Girish
Published: August 2014

Background

Understanding structure of the population is one of the major objective of many genetic studies. The program STRUCTURE is commonly used to infer population structure using multi-locus genotype data. However, a tool with graphical-user interface is currently not available to visualize STRUCTURE bar plots.

Results

We introduce STRUCTURE PLOT, a program for drawing STRUCTURE bar plots. The program generates publication ready, aesthetic STRUCTURE bar plots by using individual Q matrix from STRUCTURE or CLUMPP output. The program is very simple to use and includes variety of options like sorting bar by original order or by K, and selection of colors from R colors or RColorBrewer palette. Individual or population labels can be printed below or above the plot in any angle. Size of the graph and label can be defined, and option is provided to save plot in variety of picture formats in user defined resolution.

Conclusion

The program is implemented as a web application for online users and also as a standalone shiny application. Web application is compatible to majority of leading web browsers and standalone version can be launched using a simple R command. The program can be freely accessed at http://btismysore.in/strplot.
Image-based phenotyping for non-destructive screening of different salinity tolerance traits in rice
Authors: Hairmansis Aris , Berger Bettina , Tester Mark , Roy Stuart John
Published: August 2014

Background

Soil salinity is an abiotic stress wide spread in rice producing areas, limiting both plant growth and yield. The development of salt-tolerant rice requires efficient and high-throughput screening techniques to identify promising lines for salt affected areas. Advances made in image-based phenotyping techniques provide an opportunity to use non-destructive imaging to screen for salinity tolerance traits in a wide range of germplasm in a reliable, quantitative and efficient way. However, the application of image-based phenotyping in the development of salt-tolerant rice remains limited.

Results

A non-destructive image-based phenotyping protocol to assess salinity tolerance traits of two rice cultivars (IR64 and Fatmawati) has been established in this study. The response of rice to different levels of salt stress was quantified over time based on total shoot area and senescent shoot area, calculated from visible red-green-blue (RGB) and fluorescence images. The response of rice to salt stress (50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl) could be clearly distinguished from the control as indicated by the reduced increase of shoot area. The salt concentrations used had only a small effect on the growth of rice during the initial phase of stress, the shoot Na+ accumulation independent phase termed the ‘osmotic stress’ phase. However, after 20 d of treatment, the shoot area of salt stressed plants was reduced compared with non-stressed plants. This was accompanied by a significant increase in the concentration of Na+ in the shoot. Variation in the senescent area of the cultivars IR64 and Fatmawati in response to a high concentration of Na+ in the shoot indicates variation in tissue tolerance mechanisms between the cultivars.

Conclusions

Image analysis has the potential to be used for high-throughput screening procedures in the development of salt-tolerant rice. The ability of image analysis to discriminate between the different aspects of salt stress (shoot ion-independent stress and shoot ion dependent stress) makes it a useful tool for genetic and physiological studies to elucidate processes that contribute to salinity tolerance in rice. The technique has the potential for identifying the genetic basis of these mechanisms and assisting in pyramiding different tolerance mechanisms into breeding lines.
Targeted temperature management after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: certainties and uncertainties
Authors: Wise Matt P , Horn Janneke , Åneman Anders , Nielsen Niklas
Published: August 2014

No abstract
Evaluation of functional genetic variants at 6q25.1 and risk of breast cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Yanru , He Yisha , Qin Zhenzhen , Jiang Yue , Jin Guangfu , Ma Hongxia , Dai Juncheng , Chen Jiaping , Hu Zhibin , Guan Xiaoxiang , Shen Hongbing
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 6q25.1 that are associated with breast cancer susceptibility have been identified in several genome-wide association studies (GWASs). However, the exact causal variants in this region have not been clarified.

Methods

In the present study, we genotyped six potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CCDC170 and ESR1 gene regions at 6q25.1 and accessed their associations with risk of breast cancer in a study of 1,064 cases and 1,073 cancer-free controls in Chinese women. The biological function of the risk variant was further evaluated by performing laboratory experiments.

Results

Breast cancer risk was significantly associated with three SNPs located at 6q25.1—rs9383935 in CCDC170 and rs2228480 and rs3798758 in ESR1—with variant allele attributed odds ratios (ORs) of 1.38 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20 to 1.57, P = 2.21 × 10-6), 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72 to 0.98, P = 0.025) and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.37, P = 0.013), respectively. The functional variant rs9383935 is in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) with GWAS-reported top-hit SNP (rs2046210), but only rs9383935 showed a strong independent effect in conditional regression analysis. The rs9383935 risk allele A showed decreased activity of reporter gene in both the MCF-7 and BT-474 breast cancer cell lines, which might be due to an altered binding capacity of miR-27a to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) sequence of CCDC170. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR confirmed the correlation between rs9383935 genotypes and CCDC170 expression levels.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the functional variant rs9383935, located at the 3' UTR of CCDC170, may be one candidate of the causal variants at 6q25.1 that modulate the risk of breast cancer.
Review on improved seismic imaging with closure phase
Authors: Schuster Gerard , Huang Yunsong , Hanafy Sherif M. , Zhou Min , Yu Jianhua , Alhagan Ola , Dai Wei
Published: August 2014

The timing and amplitudes of arrivals recorded in seismic traces are influenced by velocity variations all along the associated raypaths. Consequently, velocity errors far from the target can lead to blurred imaging of the target body. To partly remedy this problem, we comprehensively reviewed inverting differential traveltimes that satisfied the closure-phase condition. The result is that the source and receiver statics are completely eliminated in the data and velocities far from the target do not need to be known. We successfully used the phase closure equation for traveltime tomography, refraction statics, migration, refraction tomography, and earthquake location, all of which demonstrated the higher resolution achievable by processing data with differential traveltimes rather than absolute traveltimes. More generally, the stationary version of the closure-phase equation is equivalent to Fermat’s principle and can be derived from the equations of seismic interferometry. In summary, the general closure-phase equation is the mathematical foundation for approximately redatuming sources and/or receivers to the target of interest without the need to accurately know the statics or the velocity model away from the target.
Adipocyte Versus Pituitary Leptin in the Regulation of Pituitary Hormones: Somatotropes Develop Normally in the Absence of Circulating Leptin
Authors: Odle Angela K. , Haney Anessa , Allensworth-James Melody , Akhter Noor , Childs Gwen V.
Published: August 2014

Leptin is a cytokine produced by white fat cells, skeletal muscle, the placenta, and the pituitary gland among other tissues. Best known for its role in regulating appetite and energy expenditure, leptin is produced largely by and in proportion to white fat cells. Leptin is also important to the maintenance and function of the GH cells of the pituitary. This was shown when the deletion of leptin receptors on somatotropes caused decreased numbers of GH cells, decreased circulating GH, and adult-onset obesity. To determine the source of leptin most vital to GH cells and other pituitary cell types, we compared two different leptin knockout models with Cre-lox technology. The global Lep-null model is like the ob/ob mouse, whereby only the entire exon 3 is deleted. The selective adipocyte-Lep-null model lacks adipocyte leptin but retains pituitary leptin, allowing us to investigate the pituitary as a potential source of circulating leptin. Male and female mice lacking adipocyte leptin (Adipocyte-lep-null) did not produce any detectable circulating leptin and were infertile, suggesting that the pituitary does not contribute to serum levels. In the presence of only pituitary leptin, however, these same mutants were able to maintain somatotrope numbers and GH mRNA levels. Serum GH trended low, but values were not significant. However, hypothalamic GHRH mRNA was significantly reduced in these animals. Other serum hormone and pituitary mRNA differences were observed, some of which varied from previous results reported in ob/ob animals. Whereas pituitary leptin is capable of maintaining somatotrope numbers and GH mRNA production, the decreased hypothalamic GHRH mRNA and low (but not significant) serum GH levels indicate an important role for adipocyte leptin in the regulation of GH secretion in the mouse. Thus, normal GH secretion may require the coordinated actions of both adipocyte and pituitary leptin.