bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Promotes Atherosclerosis and Monocyte Recruitment by Upregulating MicroRNA-19a
Authors: Akhtar Shamima , Hartmann Petra , Karshovska Ela , Rinderknecht Fatuma-Ayaan , Subramanian Pallavi , Gremse Felix , Grommes Jochen , Jacobs Michael , Kiessling Fabian , Weber Christian , Steffens Sabine , Schober Andreas
Published: October 2015

Chemokines mediate monocyte adhesion to dysfunctional endothelial cells (ECs) and promote arterial inflammation during atherosclerosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is expressed in various cell types of atherosclerotic lesions and is associated with lesional inflammation. However, the impact of endothelial HIF-1α in atherosclerosis is unclear. HIF-1α was detectable in the nucleus of ECs covering murine and human atherosclerotic lesions. To study the role of endothelial HIF-1α in atherosclerosis, deletion of the
Hif1
a gene was induced in ECs from apolipoprotein E knockout mice (EC-
Hif1a

−/−

) by Tamoxifen injection. The formation of atherosclerotic lesions, the lesional macrophage accumulation, and the expression of CXCL1 in ECs were reduced after partial carotid ligation in EC-
Hif1a

−/−

compared with control mice. Moreover, the lesion area and the lesional macrophage accumulation were decreased in the aortas of EC-
Hif1a

−/−

mice compared with control mice during diet-induced atherosclerosis. In vitro, mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein or lysophosphatidic acid 20:4 increased endothelial CXCL1 expression and monocyte adhesion by inducing HIF-1α expression. Moreover, endothelial
Hif1a
deficiency resulted in downregulation of miR-19a in atherosclerotic arteries determined by microRNA profiling. In vitro, HIF-1α–induced miR-19a expression mediated the upregulation of CXCL1 in mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein–stimulated ECs. These results indicate that hyperlipidemia upregulates HIF-1α expression in ECs by mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein–derived unsaturated lysophosphatidic acid. Endothelial HIF-1α promoted atherosclerosis by triggering miR-19a–mediated CXCL1 expression and monocyte adhesion, indicating that inhibition of the endothelial HIF-1α/miR-19a pathway may be a therapeutic option against atherosclerosis.
Smad3 Couples Pak1 With the Antihypertrophic Pathway Through the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase, Fbxo32
Authors: Tsui Hoyee , Zi Min , Wang Shunyao , Chowdhury Sanjoy K. , Prehar Sukhpal , Liang Qiangrong , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Lei Ming , Liu Wei , Wang Xin
Published: October 2015

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is regarded as a critical intermediate step toward the development of heart failure. Many signal transduction cascades are demonstrated to dictate the induction and progression of pathological hypertrophy; however, our understanding in regulatory mechanisms responsible for the suppression of hypertrophy remains limited. In this study, we showed that exacerbated hypertrophy induced by pressure overload in cardiac-deleted Pak1 mice was attributable to a failure to upregulate the antihypertrophic E3 ligase, Fbxo32, responsible for targeting proteins for the ubiquitin-degradation pathway. Under pressure overload, cardiac overexpression of constitutively active Pak1 mice manifested strong resilience against pathological hypertrophic remodeling. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that subsequent to Pak1 activation, the binding of Smad3 on a critical singular AGAC
-286
-binding site on the
FBXO32
promoter was crucial for its transcriptional regulation. Pharmacological upregulation of Fbxo32 by Berberine ameliorated hypertrophic remodeling and improved cardiac performance in cardiac-deficient Pak1 mice under pressure overload. Our findings discover Smad3 and Fbxo32 as novel downstream components of the Pak1-dependent signaling pathway for the suppression of hypertrophy. This discovery opens a new venue for opportunities to identify novel targets for the management of cardiac hypertrophy.
Taxonomic notes on Phaeoceros himalayensis, with lectotypification of Anthoceros himalayensis
Authors: CHANTANAORRAPINT SAHUT , PENJOR PHUNTSHO , VILLARREAL JUAN CARLOS
Published: October 2015

The hornworts are the smallest group of bryophytes, comprising 10 to 12 genera (Li et al. 2011; Villarreal & Renner 2012; Chantanaorrapint 2014) with approximately 220 species worldwide (Villarreal et al. 2010; Söderström et al. 2015). The status of some species is still unclear and several taxa are yet to be typified (Villarreal et al. 2015). Anthoceros himalayensis Kashyap (1915: 8) was first described by Kashyap from India without designating any type specimen, but was probably based on material collected by himself during a field trip in Mussoorie, Western Himalayas. Furthermore, the figure that accompanies the protologue appears, judging by the shapes of the thalli and the position of the tubers, to include line drawings of two species, namely A. himalayensis and perhaps a Phymatoceros sp. Anthoceros himalayensis was later transferred to the genus Phaeoceros Proskauer (1951: 346) by Proskauer (Bapna & Vyas 1962), however, he had not examined Kashyap’s collection. Attempts to locate Kashyap’s specimens have been problematic. Asthana and Srivastava (1991) also failed to locate the specimen during the study of Indian hornworts. It became necessary to designate a lectotype. Therefore, we here designate Kashyap’s illustration, the Figure 4.4, in the original publication (Kashyap 1915: 8) as the lectotype of Phaeoceros himalayensis (Kashyap) Proskauer (1967: 61) ex Bapna & Vyas (1962: 88) (≡ Anthoceros himalayensis Kashyap). A detailed description, line drawings, and SEM photographs are provided, based on Chopra’s collection from type locality and the recent collections from Thailand.
First record of the Nephropid genus Acanthacaris Bate, 1888 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Nephropidae) from Taiwan
Authors: CHANG SU-CHING , WANG TENG-WEI , CHAN TIN-YAM
Published: October 2015

The giant deep-sea lobster genus Acanthacaris Bate, 1888 is reported for the first time from Taiwan. The single specimen with a total length of 36 cm was collected near a cold seep off southwestern Taiwan at about 1300 m deep and identified as A. tenuimana Bate, 1888.
Review of North European species of the genus Lathrolestes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) with description of one new species from Öland (Sweden)
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY
Published: October 2015

The genus Lathrolestes Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Northern Europe is reviewed. A new species, L. oelandinus sp. n. from Öland (Southern Sweden) is described. Illustrated diagnoses for 23 Northern European species are provided. Lathrolestes soperi Reshchikov, 2010 is recorded for the first time in the Palaearctic region (from the UK) and L. bipunctatus (Bridgman, 1886), L. citreus (Brischke, 1878), L. clypeatus (Zetterstedt, 1838) are new records for Denmark, and L. moravicus Habermehl, 1923 is a new record for Finland, France and Russia. Additionally L. ensator recorded newly from Belorus, L. erythrocephalus from Azerbaijan, L. macropygus and L. pictilis from Austria. Trophic interactions of the genus are discussed.
Ten species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) newly recorded from Thailand
Authors: THEPPARAT ARUNRAT , BELLIS GLENN , KETAVAN CHITAPA , RUANGSITTICHAI JIRAPORN , SUMRUAYPHOL SUCHADA , APIWATHNASORN CHAMNARN
Published: October 2015

A survey of biting midges in animal sheds, mangroves and beaches along the Andaman coastal region in southern Thailand between April 2012 and May 2013 collected 10 species of Culicoides which were not previously known from Thailand. These new records are C. arenicola, C. flavipunctatus, C. hui, C. kinari, C. kusaiensis, C. parabubalus, C. quatei, C. spiculae, C. pseudocordiger and C. tamada. An updated checklist of species of Culicoides reported from Thailand is provided.
New species of Scalibregmatidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) from the East Antarctic Peninsula including a description of the ecology and post-larval development of species of Scalibregma and Oligobregma
Authors: BLAKE JAMES A.
Published: October 2015

A large collection of scalibregmatid polychaetes from the east Antarctic Peninsula in May 2000 has yielded specimens of three new species of Scalibregma, Pseudoscalibregma, and Oligobregma. The new species of Scalibregma is represented by more than 400 specimens that include post-larval and juvenile forms which, for the first time, provide data on the sequence of development of key characters of a scalibregmatid. These data demonstrate that taxonomic characters including the form of the prostomium and presence of branchiae develop late in ontogeny and that small specimens cannot be reliably referred to a species or genus without a growth sequence. Juvenile morphology is also presented for the new species of Oligobregma. The new species of Scalibregma is compared with five northern hemisphere species and differs in details of the peristomium, upper and lower lips of the mouth, dorsal and ventral cirri, and nature of the short spinous setae of setiger 1. The new species of Pseudoscalibregma is unique in the nature of asymmetrical ventral cirri of posterior setigers. The new species of Oligobregma has large acicular spines in both noto- and neuropodia and these are present in juveniles. However, the final adult configuration of the prostomium is not evident until late in development. The taxonomic significance of the timing of development of post-larval and juvenile morphology elucidated in this study is discussed in relation to the validity of certain taxa and the current system of genera used in the family.
A new species of Niganda Moore, 1879 from Thailand, with descriptions of variation in male genitalia and female facies of N. radialis Moore (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae, Ceirinae)
Authors: PELLINEN MARKKU J. , WAHLBERG NIKLAS
Published: October 2015

Niganda phichai Pellinen, sp. n., is described from northern Thailand. The new species is diagnosed and illustrated, including details of the genitalia and DNA sequencing. Variability in the male genitalia of Niganda radialis Gaede is reviewed, and notes are presented on the facies of female N. radialis.
A new species of the genus Euricania Melichar, 1898 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae) from China, with a world checklist and a key to all species recorded for the country
Authors: REN LAN-LAN , STROIŃSKI ADAM , QIN DAO-ZHENG
Published: October 2015

One new species of the planthopper genus Euricania Melichar, 1898 – E. paraclara sp. nov. is described from Guizhou (southwest China). A checklist of all Euricania species and an identification key to the species of the Chinese fauna are provided. Photographs of the adult and illustrations of male and female genitalia of the new species are also given.
Improving Satellite Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Using GOES-Retrieved Cloud Optical Depth
Authors: Stenz Ronald , Dong Xiquan , Xi Baike , Feng Zhe , Kuligowski Robert J.
Published: October 2015

To address gaps in ground-based radar coverage and rain gauge networks in the United States, geostationary satellite quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) such as the Self-Calibrating Multivariate Precipitation Retrieval (SCaMPR) can be used to fill in both spatial and temporal gaps of ground-based measurements. Additionally, with the launch of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R series (GOES-R), the temporal resolution of satellite QPEs may be comparable to Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) volume scans as GOES images will be available every 5 min. However, while satellite QPEs have strengths in spatial coverage and temporal resolution, they face limitations, particularly during convective events. Deep convective systems (DCSs) have large cloud shields with similar brightness temperatures (BTs) over nearly the entire system, but widely varying precipitation rates beneath these clouds. Geostationary satellite QPEs relying on the indirect relationship between BTs and precipitation rates often suffer from large errors because anvil regions (little or no precipitation) cannot be distinguished from rain cores (heavy precipitation) using only BTs. However, a combination of BTs and optical depth τ has been found to reduce overestimates of precipitation in anvil regions. A new rain mask algorithm incorporating both τ and BTs has been developed, and its application to the existing SCaMPR algorithm was evaluated. The performance of the modified SCaMPR was evaluated using traditional skill scores and a more detailed analysis of performance in individual DCS components by utilizing the Feng et al. classification algorithm. SCaMPR estimates with the new rain mask benefited from significantly reduced overestimates of precipitation in anvil regions and overall improvements in skill scores.
Hijacked humanity: A postcolonial reading of Luke 8:26–39
Authors: Arnold Elizabeth , McConnell James
Published: October 2015

In this article, we argue that Luke’s portrayal of Jesus’ temptation by Satan (Luke 4:5–7) presents Satan as the figurehead for imperial oppression on the culture of all humanity, not merely the Jewish culture that was dominated by the Greco-Roman forces. We therefore exegete the story of the Gerasene Demoniac in Luke 8:26–39 as the model of a postcolonial story. First, we connect the man’s poverty and possession by demons named after an army battalion to Leo Perdue’s definition of colonial occupation. Second, we link the man’s inability to speak for himself and the demonic ventriloquism to the imperialistic repression of language. Third, we discuss the inhumane living conditions of the man as the proof of dehumanization. Each one of these situations is reversed by Jesus in this pericope with ample textual and linguistic evidence. In addition, the people who witness this miraculous transformation and fearfully oust Jesus can be described as “native collaborators” with the colonial masters (demons). Finally, just as Jesus’ ministry begins with Satan’s imperialistic statement of ownership, it ends with a linguistic and theological connection to the intended human culture of Eden. On the cross, Jesus states that upon death he will be in παραδείσῳ (Luke 23:43). Luke 4:5–7 and 23:43 provide the contextual bookends for the story of the demoniac’s exorcism. Jesus begins with an understanding of the colonial occupation and moves toward a renaissance of the native culture.
The call stories in Luke: The use of type-scene for Lucan meaning
Authors: Hartsock Chad
Published: October 2015

Throughout much of the Old Testament there is a type-scene for a call story. Numerous call stories follow this formulaic and conventional model for telling the narrative, and Luke adopts and appropriates the model to his own call stories. Luke has five clear calls stories: Zechariah, Mary, the shepherds, the disciples while fishing, and the post-resurrection appearance to the disciples in the upper room. Although many authors have noticed the form of the call story, little attention is paid to how Luke uses the convention differently in each individual episode. This article argues that Luke skillfully alters the type-scene by omitting pieces or emphasizing pieces in order to create meaning. It is the argument of this article that noticing the presence of a call story type-scene is only the first step; the payoff comes when we notice how the pattern varies from scene to scene. It is in the variations that Luke creates compelling narratives.
Reading the potentials of Jesus’ “Triumphal Entry” (Luke 19:28–40)
Authors: Dinkler Michal Beth
Published: October 2015

Most scholars recognize the nearly ubiquitous imperial presence throughout the Lukan narrative. Though the traditional scholarly position has been that Luke’s Gospel is an apologetic defense of Christianity for Romans and/or for Christians concerned about the Romans, Luke’s depiction of the so-called “Triumphal Entry” (19:28–40) seriously complicates this view. This article begins by briefly outlining two common but diametrically opposed scholarly interpretations of Luke 19:28–40. Then, taking cues especially from reader-response critics and postcolonial theorists, I complicate the problematic premises shared by both readings. I propose that attending to the critical potentialities that emerge within the contexts of both imperialism and the reader–text relationship presents a more promising path between the two interpretive poles. The final section imagines a plurality of proposals regarding potential ancient readings of Luke’s Triumphal Entry pericope.
An iterative observer approach to harmonic estimation for multiple measurements in power distribution systems
Authors: Ujile Awajiokiche , Ding Zhengtao , Li Haiyu
Published: October 2015

In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the use of power electronic components in the design of household and industrial equipment. The use of power electronic based renewable energy resources, electric vehicles and other residential nonlinear loads may result in significant increases in injection levels of harmonics across a power system. Hence, it is important for utility companies to ascertain the exact harmonic levels present in terms of the amplitude and phase of each harmonic order. This paper provides a mathematical basis for distribution system state-space equations to formulate an iterative observer, which can simultaneously estimate harmonics present in a number of measurements taken from the power system. The method not only improves the computation time and provides real-time data for harmonic monitoring, but also performs wide area harmonic estimation for harmonic observability. Simulations and comparisons are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed method against that obtained using a Kalman filter and fast Fourier transform (FFT). A number of scenarios such as measurement noise and change in amplitude of harmonic injections are simulated to verify the accuracy of the proposed approach and the results are included.
Religification of Metrostanis in the Post-9/11 Era
Authors: Yaqoob Munazza , Sayyid Amal
Published: October 2015

This article analyses how the post-9/11 fictional narratives of two Pakistani writers critique the racialisation of Islam in discourses of American homeland security, patriotism and national belonging after 9/11, which construct Muslims as terrorists and outsiders and disqualify them from US citizenship and belonging. More specifically, in light of many studies showing how Muslim youths increasingly adopt nationalist and religious identities after experiences of harassment following 9/11 and Islamophobia, the article assesses the identity crisis of Pakistani Muslim immigrant youth as depicted in The Reluctant Fundamentalist (Hamid, 2007) and Homeboy (Naqvi, 2010). We explore how these two authors show that these reactive identities are ideological constructs arising from highly diversified negotiations of the complex configuration of sociocultural and political factors in the post-9/11 world.
Adapting to Climate Change in Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiyan Shahjahan
Published: October 2015

Climate change poses a serious threat to humanity in developed and developing countries and is already affecting South Asia. This study examines the role that good governance plays for adapting to climate change in Bangladesh, arguing that lack of good governance in Bangladesh risks reducing adaptation preparedness to climate change in the country. There is evidence, mainly because of geophysical risk factors, to support arguments that good governance has anyway limited capacity in relation to adaptation measures to climate change in countries like Bangladesh. The article argues that the current politico-economic situation makes it doubtful whether Bangladesh will achieve the fullest possible ability to ensure good governance for better adaptation to climate change in the near future.
Perianchor Cyst Formation Around Biocomposite Biodegradable Suture Anchors After Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Kim Sae Hoon , Kim Do Yeon , Kwon Ji Eun , Park Ji Soon , Oh Joo Han
Published: October 2015

Background:

Biodegradable anchors may lead to perianchor cyst formation or osteolysis. A new generation of anchors containing osteoconductive material was recently presented, but there is currently no solid evidence that this concept decreases cyst formation around anchors.

Hypothesis:

The null hypothesis was that the prevalence and severity of cyst formation around anchors would be similar for all 3 anchor types.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

To evaluate differences between anchor behaviors postoperatively, this study included 2 groups of patients who underwent rotator cuff repair. In group 1 (n = 38), transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair was performed in all patients. At the time of repair, 2 different anchors (anchor A: 23% microstructured β-tricalcium phosphate plus 77% polylactic acid enantiomers [PLLA]; and anchor B: 30% hydroxyapatite plus 70% PLLA) were used for medial-row repair. Insertion locations (anterior or posterior) were randomly assigned. In group 2 (n = 38), the same procedure was performed; however, 1 of the anchors used in group 1 was changed (anchor A: as above; and anchor C: 30% β-tricalcium phosphate plus 70% faster absorbing polylactic-co-glycolic acid copolymer [85% PLLA plus 15% polyglycolic acid]). The presence and severity of fluid collection around the anchors was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging at approximately 1 year after rotator cuff repair (12.7 ± 0.9 months for group 1 and 12.6 ± 1.8 months for group 2).

Results:

In group 1, a fluid signal was observed in 14 patients (36.8%) for anchor A and in 12 patients (31.6%) for anchor B ( P > .05). The severity of perianchor cyst formation was no different for the 2 anchors (respective fluid signal grades [0-4]: 24, 3, 9, 1, and 1 for anchor A; and 26, 4, 7, 1, and 0 for anchor B; P > .05). However, in group 2, cysts were observed in 19 patients (50%) for anchor A and in 3 patients (7.9%) for anchor C ( P < .001). For anchor C, only 2 cases of grade 1 and 1 case of grade 2 fluid collection were observed. Intergroup analysis of anchor A revealed no significant differences in the prevalence or severity of perianchor cyst formation ( P > .05). Healing failure was observed in 12 patients (31.6%) in group 1 and 10 patients (26.3%) in group 2 ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

New-generation biodegradable suture anchors seem to decrease the severity of perianchor cyst formation. Future research is required to optimize the compositions and proportions of osteoconductive materials and polymers to improve adverse reactions. Nevertheless, controlling the properties of polymers and adding osteoconductive material both appear to enhance biocompatibility.
Prendre le virage des partenariats
Authors: Sebestyen Norma , Sulatycky Ron , Rondos Spyro , Davis Sheila
Published: October 2015

Deux projets démontrent que la mise en œuvre de données colligées sur le terrain peut contribuer à régler des problèmes dans le milieu de la santé pour favoriser de meilleurs résultats et de plus grandes efficiences. Dans le premier exemple, une vaste coalition de partenaires publics et privés de l’Alberta recourt aux techniques de mesures améliorées et à la méthodologie du Triple objectif pour améliorer les résultats cliniques de populations de cas complexes et lourds du quartier Eastwood d’Edmonton. On espère que les conclusions novatrices qui en sont tirées seront adaptées à d’autres régions de la province. Dans le deuxième exemple, la Childhood Obesity Foundation s’associe à Merck au Canada et à Ayogo (une société de thérapies numériques située à Vancouver) et utilise le concept novateur de la « ludification » pour mobiliser les jeunes de plus en plus sédentaires du Canada et modifier leurs comportements.
Craft as a Place of Knowing in Natural Law
Authors: McCarthy David M. , Pinches Charles R.
Published: October 2015

The article offers a proposal about natural law inquiry in terms of knowledge attendant in the practices of a craft. We begin by discussing Aristotle’s analogical use of crafts in considering knowledge of ethics and politics in the Nicomachean Ethics. We inquire further into craft as a way of knowing by consulting the works of psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and sociologist Richard Sennett. The framework of a craft is connected to moral realism through an analysis of works by Iris Murdoch and Simone Weil. Finally we provide a proposal for natural law inquiry in relation to the embodied and embedded nature of craft.
Phenylethynyl-terminated imide oligomers derived from thioetherdiphthalic anhydride isomers with decreased melt viscosities
Authors: Sun Lu , Wang Wei , Xu Lubo , Chen Guofei , Fang Xingzhong
Published: October 2015

A series of oligomers based on the mixture of thioetherdiphthalic anhydride isomers and 4,4′-oxydianiline with 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride as reactive endcapping reagent were prepared. The calculated molecular weights were in the range of 1150–5070 g mol−1 with different degrees of polymerization ( n = 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9). The effect of molecular weight of the aromatic oligomers on their processability and solubility as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of the thermal-cured polyimides (PIs) was systematically investigated. The typical oligomer (Oligo-1) could be melted at temperatures of 289–334°C to yield stable molten fluid with melt viscosity below 1.0 Pa s. The melt viscosity of the oligomers increased with the increasing molecular weight. After thermally curing at 370°C, the thermoset PIs exhibited good thermal properties. The glass transition temperatures of oligomers measured by differential scanning calorimetry were in the range of 286–326°C, and the temperature of 5% weight loss was higher than 524°C. The cured films also showed good mechanical properties with tensile strength above 72 MPa and modulus more than 2.5 GPa.
An extraordinary case in human history: Prehistoric hunter-gatherer adaptation to the islands of the Central Ryukyus (Amami and Okinawa archipelagos), Japan
Authors: Takamiya Hiroto , Hudson Mark J. , Yonenobu Hitoshi , Kurozumi Taiji , Toizumi Takeji
Published: October 2015

The islands of the Central Ryukyus (Amami and Okinawa archipelagos), Japan, were continuously occupied by hunter-gatherers for several thousand years during the Holocene. This occupation would seem to represent a unique example of island settlement by hunter-gatherers. Homo sapiens had expanded into all continents except Antarctica by 10,000 BP, demonstrating high adaptability to various environments, but few islands had been settled by that time. Most islands appear to have been too small to support hunter-gatherer subsistence. Many islands were indeed first colonized by agriculturalists. Some islands located close to large landmasses, having a large surface area, or with reliable sea mammal populations or translocated plants and animals were successfully colonized by hunter-gatherers, but none of these features characterize the prehistoric Central Ryukyu Islands, which were successfully colonized by hunter-gatherers by at least the early–middle Holocene. Furthermore, this colonization was likely accomplished with smaller populations and foraging territories than previously documented for hunter-gatherers. Coral reef resources with nuts (and possibly yams) appear to have played a crucial role in this island colonization. The only similar case to prehistoric Okinawa comes from the Andaman Islands, where hunter-gatherers have occupied small tropical islands for thousands of years. The final part of this paper provides a brief comparison of the Andaman data in light of the results from the Central Ryukyus described here.
Comparison of serum and urine lead levels in opium addicts with healthy control group
Authors: Khatibi-Moghadam H , Khadem-Rezaiyan M , Afshari R
Published: October 2015

Context:

Lead-contaminated opium is one of the new sources of lead exposure in our region. As far as the literature review is concerned, there are limited comparative studies about comparison of blood lead level (BLL) in addict patients with healthy controls.

Objective:

We aimed to compare BLL and urine lead level (ULL) between opium addicts with the healthy control group.

Materials and Methods:

Forty opium addict subjects (mean age: 43 ± 10 years) as the patient group and 40 healthy subjects (mean age: 41 ± 9 years) as the control group participated. Three milliliter of whole blood and urine was obtained from both groups and lead level was assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results:

The mean value of BLL in patient group was 7.14 ± 1.41 mcg/dL and that in the healthy control group was 5.42 ± 1.46 mcg/dL. The mean value of ULL was 2.62 ± 0.83 mcg/dL in the patient group and 2.50 ± 0.76 mcg/dL in the healthy control group. BLL was different in the two groups ( p < 0.001), but ULL was not ( p = 0.5). There was a significant correlation between BLL with duration of opium addiction in the patient group ( r = −0.403, p = 0.01). BLL and ULL were significantly correlated in controls ( r = 0.436, p = 0.005) and not in patients.

Discussion and conclusion:

It was observed that the BLL in opium addicts was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group. This can be due to use of adulterated opium with lead. Therefore, screening of blood lead concentration is helpful for opium-addict patients especially with nonspecific symptoms.
“It’s Back! My Remission Is Over”
Authors: Keim-Malpass Jessica , Stegenga Kristin , Loudin Beth , Kennedy Christine , Kools Susan
Published: October 2015

Cancer in adolescence presents unique challenges to patients and families due to the dramatic physical and psychological vulnerabilities that occur during a time of identity development. Additionally, adolescents who experience progression of their cancer, or failure of first-line therapies, represent an understudied group within pediatric oncology. Illness blogs offer a unique opportunity to understand the experience of a chronic or serious illness through a naturalistic and longitudinal perspective that is inherently patient centered. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to describe the experiences of adolescents with cancer who experienced disease progression through analysis of their online illness blogs. Seven illness blogs written by adolescents with cancer diagnosed between the ages of 13 and 18 years were analyzed using thematic analysis. Several key themes were described among the adolescents, including normalizing the news, facing treatment failure, and reconciling chronos—the finite concept of time. These findings provide vital descriptive evidence for the experience of disease progression as described by adolescents, as well as identifying key points of further study and intervention development for nurse researchers and nurses who care for this vulnerable patient population.
Factors Related to Healthy Siblings’ Psychosocial Adjustment to Children With Cancer
Authors: Zegaczewski Tara , Chang Karen , Coddington Jennifer , Berg Abby
Published: October 2015

Purpose: To identify factors related to the psychosocial adjustment of healthy siblings of children with cancer (HSCC). Design and Method: An integrative review was conducted. Controlled vocabularies relevant to siblings, pediatrics, children, neoplasms, and psychosocial adaptation were used to search Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature and PubMed. Articles that met inclusion criteria (eg, quantitative studies related to HSCC’s psychosocial adjustment; had sample sizes of at least 30; and HSCC age between 1 and 19 years) were reviewed. Key findings of selected articles were analyzed according to sibling characteristics, social support, and contextual factors. Results: Seven nonexperimental and 5 quasi-experimental studies were reviewed. HSCC’s characteristics (eg, age, gender), perceived social support from family and summer camp, and perceived contextual factors (eg, role overload, family adaptability) were significant factors that correlated with HSCC’s psychosocial adjustment. Conclusion: When caring for a child diagnosed with cancer, nurses need to include HSCC in the assessment of a family unit’s adaptation to cancer distress and provide appropriate interventions to promote HSCC’s psychosocial well-being.
Orchestrated Testing
Authors: Pallotto Eugenia K. , Chuo John , Piazza Anthony J. , Provost Lloyd , Grover Theresa R. , Smith Joan R. , Mingrone Teresa , Moran Susan , Morelli Lorna , Zaniletti Isabella , Brozanski Beverly
Published: October 2015

Health care quality improvement collaboratives implement care bundles to target critical parts of a complex system to improve a specific health outcome. The quantitative impact of each component of the care bundle is often unknown. Orchestrated testing (OT) is an application of planned experimentation that allows simultaneous examination of multiple practices (bundle elements) to determine which intervention or combination of interventions affects the outcome. The purpose of this article is to describe the process needed to design and implement OT methodology for improvement collaboratives. Examples from a multicenter collaborative to reduce central line–associated bloodstream infections highlight the practical application of this approach. The key components for implementation of OT are the following: (1) define current practice and evidence, (2) develop a factorial matrix and calculate power, (3) formulate structure for engagement, (4) analyze results, and (5) replicate findings.
Efficacy of antiviral chemotherapy for retrovirus-infected cats
Authors: Hartmann Katrin
Published: October 2015

Global importance:

The two feline retroviruses, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), are global and widespread, but differ in their potential to cause disease.

Viral infection – FIV:

FIV, a lentivirus that shares many properties with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can cause an acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which predisposes cats to other infections, stomatitis, neurological disorders and tumours. Although secondary infections are common, specific opportunistic infections or acquired immunodeficiency virus-defining infections, such as those that occur with HIV, are not commonly reported in FIV-infected cats. In most naturally infected cats, FIV does not cause a severe clinical syndrome; with appropriate care, FIV-infected cats can live many years before succumbing to conditions unrelated to their FIV infection. Thus, overall survival time is not necessarily shorter than in uninfected cats, and quality of life is usually high over many years or lifelong.

Viral infection – FeLV:

FeLV, an oncornavirus, is more pathogenic than FIV. Historically, it was considered to account for more disease-related deaths and clinical syndromes in cats than any other infectious agent. Recently, the prevalence and importance of FeLV have been decreasing, mainly because of testing and eradication programmes and the use of FeLV vaccines. Progressive FeLV infection can cause tumours, bone marrow suppression and immunosuppression, as well as neurological and other disorders, and leads to a decrease in life expectancy. However, with appropriate care, many FeLV-infected cats can also live several years with a good quality of life.

Practical relevance:

A decision regarding treatment or euthanasia should never be based solely on the presence or absence of a retrovirus infection. Antiviral chemotherapy is of increasing interest in veterinary medicine, but is still not used commonly.

Evidence base:

This article reviews the current literature on antiviral chemotherapy in retrovirus-infected cats, focusing on drugs that are currently available on the market and, thus, could potentially be used in cats.
Cytauxzoonosis
Authors: Sherrill Meredith K , Cohn Leah A
Published: October 2015

Practical relevance:

Cytauxzoonosis is a life-threatening hematoprotozoal disease with a rapidly progressive clinical course. Once considered a rare disease only relevant to a small geographic area, it is now recognized in more than about a third of the United States. The geographic range seems likely to increase with expansion of the range of the vector tick.

Clinical challenges:

Both disease diagnosis and treatment offer challenges. The acute illness is often recognized by characteristic parasitic cellular inclusions, but illness may occur before parasites can be identified, and parasitic inclusions may persist long after illness has resolved. Also, while infection was once considered nearly uniformly fatal, subclinical infections are now recognized. Disease prognosis has improved for many cats through implementation of new therapies, but some pathogens are resistant to these therapies and death from disease is still common. Currently, prevention strategies are limited to ectoparasite control.

Global importance:

Cytauxzoonosis caused by Cytauxzoon felis is limited to the Americas, and is especially problematic in southeastern and south central USA. However, other Cytauxzoon species have been recognized in Europe and Asia.

Audience:

This review is aimed at veterinary practitioners and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cytauxzoonosis. Disease management is of crucial importance in endemic regions. Furthermore, the expanding geographic range of infection, and the possibility of parasite identification in chronically infected cats with a travel history, make understanding cytauxzoonosis relevant in non-endemic regions as well.

Evidence base:

The authors draw on evidence from prospective clinical trials, experimental infections, retrospective clinical studies and case reports, as well as their own personal experience with the diagnosis and treatment of cytauxzoonosis.
Spinal cord involvement in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Lee Hyung Seok , Kim Do Young , Shin Ha Young , Choi Young-Chul , Kim Seung Min
Published: October 2015

Background:

Spinal cord involvement in Behçet’s disease is not well studied.

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical, laboratory and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of spinal cord involvement in Behçet’s disease.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 10 spinal cord involvements in seven patients with Behçet’s disease.

Results:

The median age of onset for spinal cord involvement was 32 (23–45 years). Two patients showed a secondary progressive course. Cerebrospinal fluid findings revealed mild to moderate pleocytosis and/or elevated protein levels. In eight spinal cord involvements, the lesion was longer than three vertebrae. Serum anti-aquaporin-4 antibody was negative in all four patients tested.

Conclusions:

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis is a characteristic manifestation of spinal cord involvement in Behçet’s disease.
Ambition as a micro-foundation of party loyalty
Authors: Kernecker Theresa
Published: October 2015

The micro-foundations of party unity are still an understudied topic in comparative politics. This article explores the effects of political ambition on party loyalty in Members of the Chamber of Deputies’ (MCDs) claimed votes based on attitudinal data. Ambition theory posits that ambitious politicians should act according to the (s)electorate they are aiming to win for the next election, therefore acting prospectively in their legislative votes. Findings suggest that MCDs seeking office in the national executive branch are more likely to follow the party line and less likely to side with their district or vote inconsistently. While inclusiveness of candidate selection procedures alone does not have an effect, its interaction with differing ambitions does. The results provide us with a first systematic analysis of ambition and its effect on party loyalty in 14 countries by examining the individual MCD more closely.
Why do we tag photographs on Facebook? Proposing a new gratifications scale
Authors: Dhir Amandeep , Chen Gina M , Chen Sufen
Published: October 2015

Using a multi-stage investigation, this study developed and validated a 35-item instrument for measuring gratifications of photo-tagging on Facebook. The questions were developed based on open-ended responses of 141 people who use photo-tags on Facebook. From their answers, 58 items were extracted and then tested on 780 people. This resulted in a 35-item scale that was re-examined with 313 adolescents and 186 adult photo-taggers. The 35-item instrument offers nine gratifications: likes and comments, social influence, peer pressure, gains popularity, entertainment, feels good, social sharing, affection, and convenience. The factorial structure and instrument validity and reliability were high and fairly stable over time. The findings are discussed in relation to the uses and gratifications theory, and the practical implications of this new instrument are explored.
The news is in the frame: A journalist-centered approach to the frame-building process of the Belgian Syria fighters
Authors: Boesman Jan , Berbers Anna , d’Haenens Leen , Van Gorp Baldwin
Published: October 2015

This article seeks to understand the genesis of frame-building based on the early coverage of the Belgian Syria fighters in the four leading newspapers in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. For a period of 6 weeks, a frame analysis of news stories was linked to reconstruction interviews with reporters and supplemented by newsroom observations and in-depth interviews with superiors. The findings show that the framing of ‘new’ events on the public agenda stems from familiar frames about related events. More than being only a selection criterion, news values are equally added to the news story in retrospect, in line with the applied frame, which implies that the newsworthiness of the story may be increased by the way it is told. When journalists report an exclusive story, they remained closer to the frame as it is presented to them by their main sources.
No cultural revolution? Continuity and change in consumption patterns in contemporary China
Authors: Zhang Weiwei
Published: October 2015

One globalization paradigm argues that developing countries will increasingly resemble Western societies. Although influenced by Western trends, I argue that global consumerism will not make most Chinese abandon traditional values and adopt a different and totally Western consumer culture. This article, which is based on empirical evidence, stresses the role of culture and how it affects people’s strategies toward economic decision-making. I explore the changing values before and after the opening up policy, and how they influenced consumption patterns in different eras. The Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) in China was a campaign designed to pursue a purer form of communism and led to a distinctive set of cultural values and ideologies, resulting in unique consumption patterns. “Status goods” during this period were based on a person’s “revolutionary background” and loyalty to Chairman Mao, rather than on individual consumption preferences. After the opening up policy, consumer behavior moved closer to the patterns found in Western capitalist societies, but the mechanisms that drive this consumption are quite different. Chinese traditional values were challenged but did not disappear, and the impact of the Cultural Revolution also had a profound influence on those who lived through it. Contemporary Chinese consumers selectively choose certain cultural values from a range of options in order to legitimize their spending decisions.
Design and testing of an innovative cleaning tool for underwater applications
Authors: Gundogdu Hilal Tolasa , Dede Mehmet İsmet Can , Taner Bariş , Ridolfi Alessandro , Costanzi Riccardo , Allotta Benedetto
Published: October 2015

The aim of this work is to describe the development of an innovative cleaning tool for underwater applications, to be used in particular in the field of underwater archaeology. This work takes place in the framework of the EU FP7–funded ARROWS project. ARROWS adapts and develops low-cost autonomous underwater vehicle technologies to significantly reduce the costs of underwater archaeological operations, covering the full extent of archaeological campaigns. The project deals with underwater mapping, diagnosis and cleaning tasks. During the first half of the project, a cleaning tool prototype, able to be mounted on underwater vehicles, has been worked out: this cleaning tool will be exploited not only during research missions but also for the periodic monitoring, controlling and maintenance activities of well-known underwater archaeological sites (e.g. periodic cleaning operations).
The relationship between measurement error and photometer cosine response performance index
Authors: Young R , Senft M , Tribes D , Peters F
Published: October 2015

Performance indices [Formula: see text] through to f12 are used in selecting and comparing photometers. These indices are expressed in percent with the ideal being 0%. Uncertainties may be expressed in the same way and performance indices are often mistaken for uncertainties. There is no functional relationship between performance indices and uncertainties but a limiting relationship has been previously established for [Formula: see text]. Here, an analogous limiting relationship is shown for the cosine response index, f2, by simulating a range of realistic photometer responses and measurements of a sample of fourteen lighting scenarios. For most lighting scenarios the limiting error is the f2 value plus 1%. However, some (mainly outdoor) scenarios give much larger errors so care is required in estimating errors in such lighting measurements.
The Impact of Political Transition (1976–1982) on Spanish Television for Children and Young People
Authors: Paz María Antonia , Mateos-Pérez Javier
Published: October 2015

This article analyzes the role of Spanish television in preparing children and young people for life in a society moving toward democracy after decades of authoritarian rule. The Spanish government, which had exceptional power over TVE, the country’s sole television network, hoped to use this medium to instill democratic values and convey a sense of normality. However, findings show that TVE’s new agenda was hampered by its programming requirements, responsibility as a monopoly to cater to the entire population, failure to understand the preferences and needs of young audiences, and emphasis on U.S. family-oriented series. Children’s and young people’s programming during the transition was a mix of innovative content and reactionary programs typical of the Franco era.
Relational Mentoring Episodes as a Catalyst for Empowering Protégés
Authors: Fullick-Jagiela Julia M. , Verbos Amy Klemm , Wiese Christopher William
Published: October 2015

We take empowerment from tasks to relationships by introducing the construct of psychological empowerment in the context of mentoring episodes. We introduce a new perspective for examining psychological empowerment, derived from a protégé’s perceptions of relational impact, developmental meaning, interpersonal competence, and relational self-determination arising out of relational mentoring episodes. Empowered protégés are expected to be more proactive in their careers. By applying an empowerment perspective to relational mentoring, we propose a conceptual model to investigate critical interpersonal processes and to discover more about how developmental relationships work. Finally, our aim is also to further our theoretical understanding of relational mentoring episodes. This new direction holds exciting implications for career scholarship, human resource development (HRD) practitioners, and employees.