bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GFR estimation based on standardized creatinine and cystatin C: a European multicenter analysis in older adults
Authors: Björk Jonas , Bäck Sten Erik , Ebert Natalie , Evans Marie , Grubb Anders , Hansson Magnus , Jones Ian , Lamb Edmund J. , Martus Peter , Schaeffner Elke , Sjöström Per , Nyman Ulf
Published: October 2017

Background:

Although recommended by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPICR) creatinine equation was not targeted to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among older adults. The Berlin Initiative Study (BIS1CR) equation was specifically developed in older adults, and the Lund-Malmö revised (LMRCR) and the Full Age Spectrum (FASCR) equations have shown promising results in older adults. Our aim was to validate these four creatinine equations, including addition of cystatin C in a large multicenter cohort of Europeans ≥70 years.

Methods:

A total of 3226 individuals (2638 with cystatin C) underwent GFR measurement (mGFR; median, 44 mL/min/1.73 m2) using plasma iohexol clearance. Bias, precision (interquartile range [IQR]), accuracy (percent of estimates ±30% of mGFR, P30), eGFR accuracy diagrams and probability diagrams to classify mGFR<45 mL/min/1.73 m2 were compared.

Results:

The overall results of BIS1CR/CKD-EPICR/FASCR/LMRCR were as follows: median bias, 1.7/3.6/0.6/−0.7 mL/min/1.73 m2; IQR, 11.6/12.3/11.1/10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2; and P30, 77.5%/76.4%/80.9%/83.5% (significantly higher for LMR, p<0.001). Substandard P30 (<75%) was noted for all equations at mGFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and at body mass index values <20 and ≥35 kg/m2. LMRCR had the most stable performance across mGFR subgroups. Only LMRCR and FASCR had a relatively constant small bias across eGFR levels. Probability diagrams exhibited wide eGFR intervals for all equations where mGFR<45 could not be confidently ruled in or out. Adding cystatin C improved P30 accuracy to 85.7/86.8/85.7/88.7 for BIS2CR+CYS/CKD-EPICR+CYS/FASCR+CYS/MEANLMR+CAPA.

Conclusions:

LMRCR and FASCR seem to be attractive alternatives to CKD-EPICR in estimating GFR by creatinine-based equations in older Europeans. Addition of cystatin C leads to important improvement in estimation performance.
Vox pops in the news: The journalists’ perspective
Authors: Beckers Kathleen
Published: October 2017

Vox pops are a frequent and growing practice in the news. However,
there seems to be a general tendency in journalistic practice to be quite
critical about these interviews with the ordinary (wo)man on the street. Yet,
hardly any research exists about journalists’ evaluation of vox pops or that
has gone further than speculating about why they are used. This study
tackles these research gaps using a survey involving 253 Belgian journalists.
We conclude that vox pops are used mostly by audiovisual journalists, and
that journalists seem to use them mostly because vox pops increase audience
involvement with a news item. Generally, the journalists are quite negative
about vox pops, but journalists who perceive them as involving and good
public opinion tools are more positive. Against our expectations, the experience
of journalists does not influence the evaluation nor the use of vox pops.
A Combinatory Index based Optimal Reallocation of Generators in the presence of SVC using Krill Herd Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Bali Sravana , Suryakalavathi Munugala , Kumar Gundavarapu Venkata Nagesh
Published: October 2017

In the new competitive electric world, it is compulsory for the electrical industry to make effective utilization of the available resources. Optimal tuning of generators and implementation of FACTS devices has been found to be very effective in this regard. In this paper, a combination strategy of optimal tuning of generators using Krill herd (KH) algorithm in the presence of Static VAR Compensator (SVC) has been proposed. A combinatory index (CI), which is a combination of Vi/Vo index and L-index, has been formulated and verified for obtaining the optimal location of SVC. A multi objective function has been formulated for tuning the generators. The results obtained after performing Optimal Power Flow on an IEEE 30 bus system for normal loading and for severe system conditions due to line outage in the presence of SVC using KH has been verified with that of GA, to prove the effectiveness of the chosen methodology.
Estimates of lattice points in the discriminant aspect over abelian extension fields
Authors: Takeda Wataru , Koyama Shin-ya
Published: October 2017

We estimate the number of relatively r-prime lattice points in

K
m

{K^{m}}

with their components having a norm less than x, where K is a number field.
The error terms are estimated in terms of x and the discriminant D of the field K,
as both x and D grow.
The proof uses the bounds of Dedekind zeta functions.
We obtain uniform upper bounds as K runs through number fields
of any degree under assuming the Lindelöf hypothesis.
We also show unconditional results for abelian extensions with a degree less than or equal to 6.
The effect of celery (Apium graveolens L.) on fertility: A systematic review
Authors: Kooti Wesam , Moradi Maryam , Peyro Khadijeh , Sharghi Maedeh , Alamiri Fatima , Azami Milad , Firoozbakht Mohammad , Ghafourian Mehri
Published: October 2017

Background

Fertility and infertility problems are among the complex issues in medicine. The use of herbal products in the treatment of fertility has been considered as an alternative to synthetic drugs. Celery containing known compounds can have an impact on the fertility rate. The aim of this study was to do a systematic review on conducted studies in conjunction with the celery and reproduction.

Methods

Required papers were searched from databases like Science direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Springer. Keywords used in this study were “Apium graveolens L.”, “fertility”, “reproductive system”, “sperm”, “testis”, “delivery”, “sexual hormone”, “LH”, “FSH”, “testosterone”, “semen”, “male”, and “female”. Out of 238 collected articles (published in the period 1995 to 2015), 222 were excluded due to non-relevance and lack of access to the original article.

Results

The notable points were the different results seen by different researchers during different treatment periods or at different doses. Of the 16 studies reviewed in this study, 13 studies have mentioned the positive effect of celery on fertility, while three studies reported the inhibitory effects of this plant.

Conclusions

Celery can have protective effects against substances such as sodium valproate, propylene glycol, and diethyl phthalate causing damages to the testicular structure and spermatogenesis. In this regard, the doses used and the treatment time while using the plant must be accurately investigated. Since there are compounds such as apigenin, the celery can induce inhibitory effects on fertility in case of chronic use or high concentration.
Sirolimus precipitating diabetes mellitus in a patient with congenital hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia due to autosomal dominant ABCC8 mutation
Authors: Dastamani Antonia , Güemes Maria , Walker Joanna , Shah Pratik , Hussain Khalid
Published: October 2017

Background:

Sirolimus (mTOR inhibitor) is proven to be effective in children with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Studies in animals suggest that sirolimus may have diabetogenic actions. However, its role in precipitating diabetes mellitus (DM) in children with CHI has not been reported.

Case presentation:

A 16-year-old female with CHI due to a dominant

Conclusions:

Patients with dominant
Trap type and positioning: how to trap Savi’s pine voles using the tunnel system
Authors: Dell’Agnello Filippo , Mazza Valeria , Martini Matilde , Bertolino Sandro , Capizzi Dario , Riga Francesco , Zaccaroni Marco
Published: October 2017

Savi’s pine vole,Microtus savii, is the most widespread Italian vole species, an important rodent pest in agriculture and yet one of the least studied species. One of the reasons for this gap in knowledge is that members of this species are quite difficult to capture with standard trapping procedures, being fossorial and rarely active aboveground. For this reason, we developed a protocol that maximizes trapping success. This method requires the identification of active tunnel holes and the placement of traps directly in front of the exits. We also compared capture and recapture rates of Savi’s pine voles in three different trap types: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Longworth and Ugglan. If properly equipped with food and nesting material, INRA, Longworth and Ugglan traps showed similar capture rates, but the recapture rate of Ugglan traps was the highest of the three kinds of traps. These results, in combination with the species’ fossorial and social habits, lead us to conclude that Ugglan traps are the best suited for studies on Savi’s pine voles. Our results may have implications for planning and implementing management strategies based on traps rather than rodenticides, as well as field studies on other fossorial small mammals.
On the fourth-order linear recurrence formula related to classical Gauss sums
Authors: Zhuoyu Chen , Wenpeng Zhang
Published: October 2017

Let p be an odd prime with p ≡ 1 mod 4, k be any positive integer, ψ be any fourth-order character mod p. In this paper, we use the analytic method and the properties of character sums mod p to study the computational problem of G(k, p) = τk(ψ)+τk(ψ), and give an interesting fourth-order linear recurrence formula for it, where τ(ψ) denotes the classical Gauss sums.
Motion-based material characterization in sensor-based sorting
Authors: Maier Georg , Pfaff Florian , Becker Florian , Pieper Christoph , Gruna Robin , Noack Benjamin , Kruggel-Emden Harald , Längle Thomas , Hanebeck Uwe D. , Wirtz Siegmar , Scherer Viktor , Beyerer Jürgen
Published: October 2017

Sensor-based sorting provides state-of-the-art solutions for sorting cohesive, granular materials. Typically, involved
sensors, illumination, implementation of data analysis and other components are designed and chosen according to the
sorting task at hand. A common property of conventional systems is the utilization of scanning sensors. However, the
usage of area-scan cameras has recently been proposed. When observing objects at multiple time points, the corresponding
paths can be reconstructed by using multiobject tracking. This in turn allows to accurately estimate the point in time
and position at which any object will reach the separation stage of the optical sorter and hence contributes to decreasing
the error in physical separation. In this paper, it is proposed to further exploit motion information for the purpose of
material characterization. By deriving suitable features from the motion information, we show that high classification
performance is obtained for an exemplary classification task. The approach therefore contributes towards decreasing the
detection error of sorting systems.
Einfluss thermischer und optischer Materialeigenschaften auf die Charakterisierung von Fehlstellen in Faserverbundwerkstoffen mit aktiven Thermografieverfahren
Authors: Maierhofer Christiane , Krankenhagen Rainer , Röllig Mathias , Unnikrishnakurup Sreedhar , Monte Christian , Adibekyan Albert , Gutschwager Berndt , Knazowicka Lenka , Blahut Ales , Gower Mike , Lodeiro Maria , Baker Graham , Aktas Alper
Published: October 2017

In diesem Beitrag werden zerstörungsfreie Untersuchungen mittels aktiver Thermografie an Probekörpern aus CFK und GFK mit
unterschiedlichen künstlichen Fehlstellen vorgestellt. Dabei wird die zeitliche und örtliche Temperaturverteilung nach der
Erwärmung mit Blitzlampen oder mit einem Infrarot-Strahler mit einer Infrarot-Kamera erfasst. Zur späteren Rekonstruktion
der Messdaten wurde ein numerisches Modell entwickelt. Dazu war die Bestimmung der thermophysikalischen und optischen
Materialeigenschaften erforderlich, was in diesem Beitrag ebenfalls beschrieben wird. Die Ergebnisse der numerischen
Modellierung werden mit den experimentellen Untersuchungen der aktiven Thermografie verglichen. Weiterhin werden die
experimentellen Untersuchungen hinsichtlich der beiden Materialsysteme CFK und GFK und
unter Berücksichtigung der Teiltransparenz des GFK-Materials sowie der unterschiedlichen Anregungsquellen bewertet.
Electrochemical Lignin Degradation in Ionic Liquids on Ternary Mixed Metal Electrodes
Authors: Rauber Daniel , Dier Tobias K.F. , Volmer Dietrich A. , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: October 2017

Lignin is the second most abundant natural polymer and a promissing feedstock for the generation of renewable aromatic chemicals. We present an fundamental approach for the electrocatalytic cleavage of lignin dissolved in a recoverable, inexpensive ionic liquid using mixed metal oxide electrodes of different compositions. The distribution of depolymerization products generated by electrochemical oxidation were analyzed by means of mass spectrometry. The distribution and yield of the cracked species was found to depended strongly on the implemented metal catalyst and therefore offers the potential to tailor the amount and composition of the low molecular weight cleavage products. This approach could help to provide a more sustainable valorization of lignin for the potential production of high value aromatic compounds due to synergistic effects.
Novel Design, Preparation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles during Oak Acorns Bark Retrograde
Authors: Mesgarzadeh Iraj , Reza Akbarzadeh Ali , Rahimi Rahmatollah , Maleki Ali
Published: October 2017

In search for a probable local solution for Qarasu River problems and based on our prescience about metal ion chelating/reducing ability of tannins which are found in large amount in oak acorns bark, Quercus brantii (Persian oak) acorns bark extract was exploited as reducing/capping agent in silver nanoparticles synthesis. Synthesis was carried out as a single-step method at room temperature, and without consuming any external energy by using these renewable barks. The crystallinity, size and shape of the nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The involvement of phenolic compounds in metal ion reduction was supported by UV-Visible and infrared spectroscopies and by acidity and conductivity measurements. The SEM-based particle size distribution analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility test of oak acorns bark-extract-mediated silver nanoparticles against bacterial effluent were pointed out to the critical proportion of silver salt to the capping/reducing agent. It seems that the bactericidal action depends on the extent to which accumulation of silver nanoparticle (Ag-Np) in bacterial cell surface alters the silver nanoparticle colloidal stability in broth medium.
Postinjury Induction of Activated ErbB2 Selectively Hyperactivates Denervated Schwann Cells and Promotes Robust Dorsal Root Axon Regeneration
Authors: Han Seung Baek , Kim Hyukmin , Lee Hyunkyoung , Grove Matthew , Smith George M. , Son Young-Jin
Published: October 2017

Following nerve injury, denervated Schwann cells (SCs) convert to repair SCs, which enable regeneration of peripheral axons. However, the repair capacity of SCs and the regenerative capacity of peripheral axons are limited. In the present studies we examined a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance the repair capacity of SCs, and tested its efficacy in enhancing regeneration of dorsal root (DR) axons, whose regenerative capacity is particularly weak. We used male and female mice of a doxycycline-inducible transgenic line to induce expression of constitutively active ErbB2 (caErbB2) selectively in SCs after DR crush or transection. Two weeks after injury, injured DRs of induced animals contained far more SCs and SC processes. These SCs had not redifferentiated and continued to proliferate. Injured DRs of induced animals also contained far more axons that regrew along SC processes past the transection or crush site. Remarkably, SCs and axons in uninjured DRs remained quiescent, indicating that caErbB2 enhanced regeneration of injured DRs, without aberrantly activating SCs and axons in intact nerves. We also found that intraspinally expressed glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), but not the removal of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, greatly enhanced the intraspinal migration of caErbB2-expressing SCs, enabling robust penetration of DR axons into the spinal cord. These findings indicate that SC-selective, post-injury activation of ErbB2 provides a novel strategy to powerfully enhance the repair capacity of SCs and axon regeneration, without substantial off-target damage. They also highlight that promoting directed migration of caErbB2-expressing SCs by GDNF might be useful to enable axon regrowth in a non-permissive environment.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRepair of injured peripheral nerves remains a critical clinical problem. We currently lack a therapy that potently enhances axon regeneration in patients with traumatic nerve injury. It is extremely challenging to substantially increase the regenerative capacity of damaged nerves without deleterious off-target effects. It was therefore of great interest to discover that caErbB2 markedly enhances regeneration of damaged dorsal roots, while evoking little change in intact roots. To our knowledge, these findings are the first demonstration that repair capacity of denervated SCs can be efficaciously enhanced without altering innervated SCs. Our study also demonstrates that oncogenic ErbB2 signaling can be activated in SCs but not impede transdifferentiation of denervated SCs to regeneration-promoting repair SCs.
Sitagliptin 100 mg vs glimepiride 1–3 mg as an add-on to insulin and metformin in type 2 diabetes (SWIM)
Authors: Kesavadev Jothydev , Pillai Pradeep Babu Sadasivan , Shankar Arun , Krishnan Gopika , Jothydev Sunitha
Published: October 2017

Objective

To compare the effect of sitagliptin (100 mg) vs glimepiride (1–3 mg) as add-on therapy in Indian type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients on treatment with insulin and metformin (SWIM study).

Research design and methods

This 24-week, controlled, open-label study randomized T2DM patients (n = 440) receiving a stable dose of metformin and insulin combination therapy to sitagliptin (100 mg) or glimepiride (1–3 mg) as add-on therapy. Baseline HbA1c was ≥7.3% and ≤8.5%. After a 6-week titration period for glimepiride (dose titrated every 2 weeks by 1 mg up to a maximum of 3 mg daily), patients were continued for 18 weeks on their respective tolerable doses of glimepiride (ranging from 1 mg to 3 mg) or sitagliptin (100 mg) along with metformin and insulin.

Results

Greater reductions in HbA1c and TDD of insulin were achieved with sitagliptin compared to glimepiride. HbA1c targets and reductions in TDD were achieved by more patients on sitagliptin than on glimepiride. Reductions in both body weight and BMI were also noted among patients on sitagliptin when compared to those on glimepiride, and more hypoglycemic events occurred with glimepiride treatment than with sitagliptin.

Conclusions

Sitagliptin (100 mg), when compared to glimepiride (1–3 mg), bestowed beneficial effects to T2DM patients in terms of achieving greater glycemic control and also brought significant reductions in total daily dose of insulin required, bodyweight, BMI and hypoglycemic events. Overall, the results suggest that sitagliptin (100 mg) is a superior agent over glimepiride (1–3 mg) as an add-on to insulin–metformin therapy among Asian Indians with T2DM.
Selective blood sampling for FGF-23 in tumor-induced osteomalacia
Authors: Schober Hans-Christof , Kneitz Christian , Fieber Franziska , Hesse Kathrin , Schroeder Henry
Published: October 2017

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is caused by the hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23). It is mainly produced in the tissue of mesenchymal tumors. Patients with TIO frequently suffer from a chronic decompensated pain syndrome and/or muscle weakness with postural deformity. Despite the severity of the disease, the diagnosis is frequently established late. In some cases, it takes several years to establish the condition. This case report concerning a 68-year old woman demonstrates the selective blood sampling for FGF-23 as path-breaking diagnostics to confirm the diagnosis of a neuroendocrine tumor.

Learning points:

Tumor-induced osteomalacia is a rare condition compared to other paraneoplastic syndromes.

It causes complex symptoms such as progressive reduction of physical capacity, exhaustion, fatigue, a decompensated pain syndrome of the musculoskeletal system and fractures of several bones.

Elevated serum levels of FGF-23 implicate massive phosphate elimination and resulting hypophosphatemia.

The diagnosis is often established over a period of several years because the localization of small FGF-23-producing tumors is complicated.

It is the combination of MRI and selective blood sampling for FGF-23 which permits reliable identification of tumors causing TIO and leads to accurate localization.

In a patient with generalized pain and reduced physical capacity, osteological parameters such as phosphate, 25-OH vitamin D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3, as well as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels in serum should be determined. Hypophosphatemia should always lead to further diagnostic investigations aiming at the detection of an FGF-23-producing tumor.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Flushing: current concepts
Authors: Huguet Isabel , Grossman Ashley
Published: October 2017

Objective

Flushing can be defined as a sensation of warmth accompanied by erythema that most commonly is seen on the face and which occurs in episodic attacks. Such a problem can be clinically problematic, since many conditions and drugs can be related to flushing, and while often there appears to be no underlying organic disease, it is important to exclude disorders since they may be life-threatening conditions.

Design and methods

We performed a search in MEDLINE using the terms ‘flushing’ in combination with ‘carcinoid syndrome’, ‘pheochromocytoma’, ‘mastocytosis’, ‘menopausal hot flush’ and ‘treatment’. European and American guidelines relating to neuroendocrine tumours, mastocytosis and menopause were reviewed.

Results

In this review, we discuss the main causes of flushing and propose an algorithm based on pathogenesis, which can be used to guide the clinical evaluation process. We also review recent significant developments in the assessment and treatment of the carcinoid syndrome and menopausal hot flushes, which should guide the clinical practice regarding this common but sometimes confusing condition.

Conclusions

When evaluating flushing, a precise systematic approach is needed to exclude potentially serious underlying causes, although despite this, the cause of the disorder is not always found. If symptoms are not progressive, the patient should be advised about its apparently benign nature in order to avoid unnecessary studies or initiating treatments of minimal benefit.
Somatic USP8 mutations are frequent events in corticotroph tumor progression causing Nelson’s tumor
Authors: Pérez-Rivas Luis G , Theodoropoulou Marily , Puar Troy H , Fazel Julia , Stieg Mareike R , Ferraù Francesco , Assié Guillaume , Gadelha Monica R , Deutschbein Timo , Fragoso Maria C , Kusters Benno , Saeger Wolfgang , Honegger Jürgen , Buchfelder Michael , Korbonits Márta , Bertherat Jérôme , Stalla Günter K , Hermus Ad R , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin
Published: October 2017

Objective

Somatic mutations in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene are frequent in corticotroph tumors causing Cushing’s disease (CD). Corticotroph tumor progression, the so-called Nelson’s syndrome (NS), is a potentially life-threatening complication of bilateral adrenalectomy in patients with refractory CD that is caused by the development of an ACTH-secreting tumor of the pituitary gland. Whether USP8 alterations are also present in progressive Nelson’s tumors has not been studied in detail so far.

Design and Methods

Retrospective, multicenter study involving tumors from 33 patients with progressive corticotroph tumors (29 females) and screening for somatic mutations on the mutational hotspot of the USP8 gene in the exon 14 with Sanger sequencing.

Results

Fifteen out of 33 tumors (45%) presented with a mutation in the exon 14 of USP8, with c.2159C>A (p.Pro720Gln) being the most frequent (9/33), followed by c.2155_2157delTCC (p.Ser718del, 4/33) and c.2152T>C (p.Ser718Pro, 2/33). This prevalence is similar to that previously reported for CD. Mutations were found exclusively in females. Other variables, such as age at diagnosis with NS, body mass index, hyperpigmentation, visual field defects, adenoma size or mortality, did not significantly differ between patients with wild-type and mutant tumors. Patients with USP8 mutant tumors exhibited higher levels of plasma ACTH after surgery (median: 640 vs 112 pg/mL, P = 0.03). No differences were observed in ACTH normalization (<50 pg/mL) and tumor control after surgery for Nelson’s tumor.

Conclusion

Somatic mutations in USP8 are common in Nelson’s tumors, indicating that they do not drive the corticotroph tumor progression that leads to NS, and may be associated with a less favorable biochemical outcome after surgery for Nelson’s tumor.
Cellular and molecular responses of adult testis to changes in nutrition: novel insights from the sheep model
Authors: Guan Yongjuan , Martin Graeme B
Published: October 2017

This review explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate spermatogenesis in the post-pubertal testis that is regressing in response to mild undernutrition, using the sexually mature male sheep as a model. Testis regression leads to reductions in daily sperm production and in the quality of ejaculated spermatozoa (poorer movement, DNA damage). There is also a reduction in spermatogenic efficiency that appears to be caused, at least partially, by increases in germ cell apoptosis. Sertoli cell number does not change with testis regression, although about 1% of Sertoli cells do appear to retain proliferative ability after puberty. On the other hand, Sertoli cell function is disrupted during testis regression, as evidenced by a disorganization of tight junctions and indications that cell differentiation and maturation are reversed. Disrupted Sertoli cell function can explain, at least partially, the increase in germ cell apoptosis and any decrease in the rate of spermatogenesis, the two major contributors to spermatogenic efficiency. These outcomes seem to be mediated by changes in two RNA-based processes: (i) the expression of small non-coding RNAs that are involved in the regulation of Sertoli cell function, spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis and (ii) alternative pre-mRNA splicing that affects the regulation of spermatogenesis but does not appear to affect germ cell apoptosis, at least during testis progression induced by undernutrition in the male sheep. These research outcomes can be extended to other animal models and are relevant to issues in human male fertility.
Paracrine and endocrine actions of interferon tau (IFNT)
Authors: Hansen Thomas R , Sinedino Leticia D P , Spencer Thomas E
Published: October 2017

This review focuses on the paracrine and endocrine actions of interferon tau (IFNT) during pregnancy recognition and establishment in ruminants. Pregnancy recognition involves the suppression of the endometrial luteolytic mechanism by the conceptus to maintain progesterone production by the corpus luteum (CL). The paracrine antiluteolytic effects of conceptus-derived IFNT inhibit upregulation of oxytocin receptors in the endometrial epithelia of the uterus, thereby preventing the production of luteolytic prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) pulses. In the endometrium, IFNT induces or upregulates a large number of classical IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) and regulates expression of many other genes in a cell-specific manner that are likely important for conceptus elongation, implantation and establishment of pregnancy. Further, IFNT has endocrine effects on extrauterine cells and tissues. In sheep, IFNT induces luteal resistance to PGF2α, thereby ensuring survival of the CL for maintenance of pregnancy. The ISGs induced in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells by IFNT may also be useful as an indicator of pregnancy status in cattle. An increased knowledge of IFNT and ISGs is important to improve the reproductive efficiency in ruminants.
Transcriptional control of IFNT expression
Authors: Ezashi Toshihiko , Imakawa Kazuhiko
Published: October 2017

Once interferon-tau (IFNT) had been identified as a type I IFN in sheep and cattle and its functions were characterized, numerous studies were conducted to elucidate the transcriptional regulation of this gene family. Transfection studies performed largely with human choriocarcinoma cell lines identified regulatory regions of theIFNTgene that appeared responsible for trophoblast-specific expression. The key finding was the recognition that the transcription factor ETS2 bound to a proximal region within the 5′UTR of a bovineIFNTand acted as a strong transactivator. Soon after other transcription factors were identified as cooperative partners. The ETS2-binding site and the nearby AP1 site enable response to intracellular signaling from maternal uterine factors. The AP1 site also serves as a GATA-binding site in one of the bovineIFNTgenes. The homeobox-containing transcription factor, DLX3, augmentsIFNTexpression combinatorially with ETS2. CDX2 has also been identified as transactivator that binds to a separate site upstream of the main ETS2 enhancer site. CDX2 participates inIFNTepigenetic regulation by modifying histone acetylation status of the gene. TheIFNTdownregulation at the time of the conceptus attachment to the uterine endometrium appears correlated with the increased EOMES expression and the loss of other transcription coactivators. Altogether, the studies of transcriptional control ofIFNThave provided mechanistic evidence of the regulatory framework of trophoblast-specific expression and critical expression pattern for maternal recognition of pregnancy.
All Politics Is Organizational: An Analysis of Candidate Recruitment and Political Influence in Pennsylvania School Board Elections
Authors: Shrader Nathan R.
Published: October 2017

This article seeks to enhance the limited research dedicated to local school board elections by investigating whether Pennsylvania school board members are recruited candidates or are self-starters. The article also investigates which kinds of organizations are the most active sources of candidate recruitment and engagement in Pennsylvania school board races and which organizations are the most and least influential in local school board politics. Using a unique dataset obtained through the statewide Pennsylvania School Board Survey and interviews with current state legislators who began their political careers as local school board members, this article finds that local political party organizations play a larger than expected role in influencing local school board elections and recruiting candidates. Board members themselves are also found to be highly engaged in political party activity within their communities before ever seeking office. Also explored are the implications of these findings for school board politics and the discipline’s view of local party organizations.
Focal Achalasia – Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Herzig Marcus Joachim , Tutuian Radu
Published: October 2017

Esophageal achalasia is a primary smooth muscle motility disorder specified by aperistalsis of the tubular esophagus in combination with a poorly relaxing and occasionally hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES). These changes occur secondary to the destruction of the neural network coordinating esophageal peristalsis and LES relaxation (plexus myentericus). There are limited data on segmental involvement of the esophagus in adults.We report on the case of a 54-year-old man who presented initially with complete aperistalsis limited to the distal esophagus. After a primary good response to BoTox-infiltration of the distal esophagus the patient relapsed two years later. The manometric recordings documented now a progression of the disease with a poorly relaxing hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter and complete aperistalsis of the tubular esophagus (type III achalasia according to the Chicago 3.0 classification system).This paper also reviews diagnostic findings (including high resolution manometry, CT scan, barium esophagram, upper endoscopy and upper endoscopic ultrasound data) in patients with achalasia and summarizes the therapeutic options (including pneumatic balloon dilatation, botulinum toxin injection, surgical or endoscopic myotomy).
Systematic review of the association between physical activity and burnout
Authors: Naczenski Lea M , de Vries Juriena D , van Hooff Madelon L M , Kompier Michiel A J
Published: October 2017

Objective

Burnout constitutes a health risk, and interventions are needed to reduce it. The aim of this study was to synthesize evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity and burnout by conducting a systematic review of longitudinal and intervention studies.

Methods

A literature search resulted in the identification of a final set of ten studies: four longitudinal and six intervention studies. In separate analyses for each category, evidence was synthesized by extracting the study characteristics and assessing the methodological quality of each study. The strength of evidence was calculated with the standardized index of convergence (SIC).

Results

In longitudinal studies, we found moderately strong evidence (SIC (4) = – 1) for a negative relationship between physical activity and the key component of burnout, i.e., exhaustion. We found strong evidence (SIC (6) = – 0.86) for the effect of physical activity on reducing exhaustion in intervention studies. As only one study could be classified as a high quality study, these results of previous studies need to be interpreted with some caution.

Conclusions

This systematic review suggests that physical activity constitutes an effective medium for the reduction of burnout. Although consistent evidence was found, there is a lack of high quality longitudinal and intervention studies considering the influence of physical activity on burnout. Therefore, future research should be conducted with the aim to produce high quality studies, to develop a full picture of physical activity as a strategy to reduce burnout.
Changes in Influenza Vaccination Rates After Withdrawal of Live Vaccine
Authors: Robison Steve G. , Dunn Aaron G. , Richards Deborah L. , Leman Richard F.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

Before the start of the 2016–2017 influenza season, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices withdrew its recommendation promoting the use of live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs). There was concern that this might lessen the likelihood that those with a previous LAIV would return for an injectable influenza vaccine (IIV) and that child influenza immunization rates would decrease overall.

METHODS:

Using Oregon's statewide immunization registry, the ALERT Immunization Information System, child influenza immunization rates were compared across the 2012–2013 through 2016–2017 seasons. Additionally, matched cohorts of children were selected based on receipt of either an LAIV or an IIV during the 2015–2016 season. Differences between the IIV and LAIV cohorts in returning for the IIV in the 2016–2017 season were assessed.

RESULTS:

Overall, influenza immunization rates for children aged 2 to 17 years were unchanged between the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 seasons. Children aged 3 to 10 with a previous IIV were 1.03 (95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.04) times more likely to return for an IIV in 2016-2017 than those with a previous LAIV, whereas children aged 11 to 17 years with a previous IIV were 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.05 to −1.09) times more likely to return.

CONCLUSIONS:

Withdrawal of the LAIV recommendation was not associated with an overall change in child influenza immunization rates across seasons. Children with a previous (2015–2016) IIV were slightly more likely to return during the 2016–2017 season for influenza immunization than those with a previous LAIV.
The Effect of Reduction Mammaplasty on Quality of Life in Adolescents With Macromastia
Authors: Nuzzi Laura C. , Firriolo Joseph M. , Pike Carolyn M. , Cerrato Felecia E. , Webb Michelle L. , Faulkner Heather R. , DiVasta Amy D. , Labow Brian I.
Published: October 2017

OBJECTIVES:

To measure changes in health-related quality of life and breast-related symptoms after reduction mammaplasty in adolescents.

METHODS:

In this longitudinal cohort study, we administered the Short-Form 36v2 (SF-36), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Breast-Related Symptoms Questionnaire (BRSQ), and Eating Attitudes Test-26 to 102 adolescents with macromastia and 84 female controls, aged 12 to 21 years. Patients with macromastia completed surveys preoperatively and after reduction mammaplasty at 6 months and 1, 3, and 5 years. Controls completed baseline and follow-up surveys at the same intervals.

RESULTS:

Patients with macromastia demonstrated significant score improvements postoperatively from baseline on the RSES, BRSQ, and in 7 out of 8 SF-36 domains: physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, mental health (P < .001, all). By the 6-month follow-up visit, postoperative subjects scored similarly to or more favorably than controls on the RSES, BRSQ, Eating Attitudes Test-26 , and SF-36; these benefits persisted for at least 5 years and were not significantly affected by BMI category or age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Reduction mammaplasty was significantly associated with improvements in health-related quality of life and breast-related symptoms of adolescent patients, with measureable improvements in physical and psychosocial well-being evident by 6 months postoperatively and still demonstrable after 5-years. These results largely do not vary by BMI category or age. Patients and providers should be aware of the potential positive impact that reduction mammaplasty can provide adolescents with symptomatic macromastia. Historic concerns regarding age and BMI category at the time of surgery should be reconsidered.
The Asheel-Terrapin Interviews
Authors: Rowe A. Allen
Published: October 2017

In the CALICO '96 Keynote Address Don Fischer cited two unpublished papers, "The Asheel-Terrapin Interviews:" "Interview #1: The Desert" and "Interview #2: LISLO and IPPBID." The following article offers these two fictive interviews for the first time in published form. The author first presented "Interview #1: The Desert" in November 1981 as a skit at a luncheon meeting in the Air Force Academy Officer's Club. The luncheon was part of the pre-conference session on computers and foreign language teaching held at the Air Force Academy during the 1981 Annual Meeting of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). He wrote "Interview #2: LISLO and IPPBID" about the same time but does not recall presenting it at the luncheon. "Interview #1" was a credo on the nature of language learning and teaching, which, collectively, the writer had been doing for about twenty years at the time he wrote the piece. "Interview #2" was a personal cognitive manifesto about language learning and technology. The only update needed after some sixteen years of technological change is to refer to multimedia rather than videodisc in the second interview. Admirers of Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid (Hofstadter 1979) should note that in French "Achilles" is pronounced more or less like Asheel.
Software Engineering Principles Applied to Computer Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Allen John Robin , Periyasamy Kasilingam
Published: October 2017

When the principles of software engineering are applied to the development of computer assisted language learning software, the resultant products are more reliable, easier to maintain, and easier to modify at a later date. This article shows how those principles were used in developing the Elementary Language Study Exerciser (ELSE), a program that drills students and corrects their written homework in French and other languages.
Computer Assisted Learning Teacher Training Methodology and Evaluation of a Seminar for Language Teachers
Authors: Kreutzer Martin , Neunzig Wilhelm
Published: October 2017

Commissioned by the Department of Education, Culture and Sport of the Autonomous Government of the Canary Islands, the co-authors of this article describe a methodology for teaching training seminars designed to reconsider and define the validity of the design of CALL exercises developed by teachers of the subject and aimed at solving specific problems presented by their own students. A three-stage system of evaluation was used to collect empirical data in support of the validity of the initial hypothesis.
Teaching First-Year Spanish On-Line
Authors: Cahill Danielle , Catanzaro Diane
Published: October 2017

This article provides a framework and outline for teaching a foreign language course entirely on-line to college undergraduates. The course uses a distance learning approach that incorporates an electronic messaging system, multimedia, World Wide Web, and Internet assignments. Course structure, pedagogical issues, and one university's experience with on-line courses are discussed as a basis for presenting a working model for teaching foreign languages using on-line technology. Finally, student learning outcomes in on-line and traditional first-year Spanish courses are compared.
The US’s Legal Responsibilities in Regards to Syrian Refugees
Authors: Delgado Andrea
Published: October 2017

Commentary on US responsibilities towards refugees
Book Review
Authors: Mauchamp Benoît
Published: October 2017

Cashwell, Peter. Along Those Lines. The Boundaries that Create Our World.
Oté Takuji, Baudelaire, and the Poetics of Symbolism
Authors: Hatakeyama Toru
Published: October 2017

In this article, we will try to present some particularities of Oté Takuji's translations.
Baudelaire et Junzaburo Nishiwaki
Authors: Tominari Makoto
Published: October 2017

Junzaburo Nishiwaki, poète japonais qui est le représentant par excellence de la modernité, a réussi à mettre en lumière un aspect important de l’esthétique baudelairienne par sa lecture intuitive du poète français. Dans cet article, j’examine l’originalité de la lecture de Baudelaire par Nishiwaki plutôt que d’en souligner les limites.
The Church’s Role in the Sanctuary Movement
Authors: Garcia Alexis
Published: October 2017

Position paper
Transportation behaviour of radioactive substances in soils
Authors: Inazumi Shinya , Hashida Hiroyuki , Ueyama Yoji
Published: October 2017

In 2011, a number of radioactive substances were released as a result of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Japan, which was caused by the Tohoku region Pacific coast earthquake. The radioactive substances that were released fell onto the surrounding ground and into the sea. Therefore, decontamination measures for the ground have been conducted at the field site. However, the safety and validity of modern decontamination measures were uncertain because no analytical verification had been performed that considered the various properties of the ground. Moreover, selection of the site where storage containers for radioactive materials could be constructed was a critical issue that required a solution. Therefore, it was necessary to evaluate quantitatively the behaviour of radioactive substances in soils to prepare new decontamination methods for the ground. In this study, the advection–dispersion equation was added to the radioactive half-life to evaluate the transportation of radioactive substances. As the results of this study show, this analytical method could recreate the on-site situation through comparison of the analysis results with the measurement results. Furthermore, modern decontamination techniques were effective for the section under analysis for ground with a silt or a clay layer. However, these techniques were not effective for sand layers.
Pore-gas dynamics in overburden and reclamation soil covers
Authors: Scale Kyle O , Fleming Ian R
Published: October 2017

Pore-gas dynamics in single-layered and multi-layered soil covers were characterised in a mine cover testing programme for the reclamation of lean oil sand overburden. Pore-gas concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the upper 1·5 m of soil covers and overburden did not reach the threshold that poses a risk for plant growth. Below 1·5 m in the overburden, however, oxygen dropped to 0% and carbon dioxide rose to >16%. While methane concentrations were typically <1·7%, there was a peak in methane at one sampling location to concentrations >35%. Novel subsurface flux chambers were designed and fabricated to measure directly oxygen ingress through soil covers and carbon dioxide efflux from overburden into soil covers. Oxygen fluxes peaked at 18·0 kg/(m2 a) and carbon dioxide fluxes peaked at 2·3 kg/(m2 a). Soil cover material and placement thickness affected gas flux rates. Diffusive fluxes were calculated from soil gas profiles by estimating diffusion coefficients from position-dependent soil moisture and temperature. Advective fluxes were calculated from pressure gradients and in situ air conductivity. Advection dominated over diffusion in soil covers except for one location that was either a localised zone of microbial activity (hydrocarbon degradation or methane oxidation) or the overburden was coarser textured and responded quickly to barometric pressure fluctuations.