bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phaeochromocytoma Crisis: Two Cases of Undiagnosed Phaeochromocytoma Presenting after Elective Nonrelated Surgical Procedures
Authors: Johnston P. C. , Silversides J. A. , Wallace H. , Farling P. A. , Hutchinson A. , Hunter S. J. , Eatock F. , Mullan K. R.
Published: October 2013

Phaeochromocytoma is a catecholamine producing tumour and an uncommon cause of hypertension. We present two cases of relatively asymptomatic individuals, in which previously undiagnosed phaeochromocytoma was unmasked by elective nonadrenal surgical procedures, manifesting as postoperative hypertensive crisis and subsequent cardiogenic shock. The initial management in intensive care is discussed, in addition to the clinical and biochemical diagnostic challenges present. Successful adrenalectomy was performed in each case.
New Wavelets Collocation Method for Solving Second-Order Multipoint Boundary Value Problems Using Chebyshev Polynomials of Third and Fourth Kinds
Authors: Abd-Elhameed W. M. , Doha E. H. , Youssri Y. H.
Published: October 2013

This paper is concerned with introducing two wavelets collocation algorithms for solving linear and nonlinear multipoint boundary value problems. The principal idea for obtaining spectral numerical solutions for such equations is employing third- and fourth-kind Chebyshev wavelets along with the spectral collocation method to transform the differential equation with its boundary conditions to a system of linear or nonlinear algebraic equations in the unknown expansion coefficients which can be efficiently solved. Convergence analysis and some specific numerical examples are discussed to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the proposed algorithms. The obtained numerical results are comparing favorably with the analytical known solutions.
Efficacy of Low‐Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Tinnitus due to Noise‐Induced Hearing Loss: A Double‐Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mollasadeghi Abolfazl , Mirmohammadi Seyyed Jalil , Mehrparvar Amir Houshang , Davari Mohammad Hossein , Shokouh Pedram , Mostaghaci Mehrdad , Baradaranfar Mohammad Hossein , Bahaloo Maryam
Published: October 2013

Background. Several remedial modalities for the treatment of tinnitus have been proposed, but an effective standard treatment is still to be confirmed. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of low‐level laser therapy on tinnitus accompanied by noise‐induced hearing loss. Methods. This was a double‐blind randomized clinical trial on subjects suffering from tinnitus accompanied by noise‐induced hearing loss. The study intervention was 20 sessions of low‐level laser therapy every other day, 20 minutes each session. Tinnitus was assessed by three methods (visual analog scale, tinnitus handicap inventory, and tinnitus loudness) at baseline, immediately and 3 months after the intervention. Results. All subjects were male workers with age range of 30–51 years. The mean tinnitus duration was 1.85 ± 0.78 years. All three measurement methods have shown improved values after laser therapy compared with the placebo both immediately and 3 months after treatment. Laser therapy revealed a U‐shaped efficacy throughout the course of follow‐up. Nonresponse rate of the intervention was 57% and 70% in the two assessment time points, respectively. Conclusion. This study found low‐level laser therapy to be effective in alleviating tinnitus in patients with noise‐induced hearing loss, although this effect has faded after 3 months of follow‐up. This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand clinical trials registry with identifier ACTRN12612000455864).
Connectivity Analysis for Free-Flow Traffic in VANETs: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Chen Chen , Du Xiaobo , Pei Qingqi , Jin Yanan
Published: October 2013

Intervehicle communication gives vehicles opportunities to exchange packets within the limited radio range and self-organized in Ad Hoc manner into VANETs (Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks). However, due to issues such as the high mobility, insufficient market penetration ratio, and lacking of roadside units, connectivity is actually a big problem in VANETs. In addition, relying only on the direct connectivity in most of the previous works, say broadcasting which provides one-hop connections between nodes is far from the continuously growing application demands in VANETs, such as inter-vehicle entertainments, cooperative collision avoidances, and inter-vehicle emergency notifications. Therefore, the indirect connectivity from multihop forwarding is also a necessary complement especially for the case where direct connection is hardly achieved. In this paper, we define a new metric, that is, available connectivity, to consider both direct and indirect connectivity. After analyzing the statistical properties of direct and indirect connectivity in vehicular environment, the available connectivity is proposed and quantified for practical usage. Numerical results show that our available connectivity could provide correct and useful references for protocols design and performance improvements of different applications.
A Unified Iterative Treatment for Solutions of Problems of Split Feasibility and Equilibrium in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Huang Young-Ye , Hong Chung-Chien
Published: October 2013

We at first raise the so called split feasibility fixed point problem which covers the problems of split feasibility, convex feasibility, and equilibrium as special cases and then give two types of algorithms for finding solutions of this problem and establish the corresponding strong convergence theorems for the sequences generated by our algorithms. As a consequence, we apply them to study the split feasibility problem, the zero point problem of maximal monotone operators, and the equilibrium problem and to show that the unique minimum norm solutions of these problems can be obtained through our algorithms. Since the variational inequalities, convex differentiable optimization, and Nash equilibria in noncooperative games can be formulated as equilibrium problems, each type of our algorithms can be considered as a generalized methodology for solving the aforementioned problems.
Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Different Extracts of Artemisia turanica Krasch. on K562 and HL‐60 Cell Lines
Authors: Tayarani-Najaran Zahra , Sareban Mahla , Gholami Atefeh , Emami Seyed Ahmad , Mojarrab Mahdi
Published: October 2013

Artemisia is an important genus of Iranian flora. Cytotoxic activities for some species of the genus have already been reported. In this study, we have investigated the cytotoxic effects of n‐hexane, CH2Cl2, EtOAc, EtOH, and EtOH/H2O (1 : 1) extracts of A. turanica Krasch. on two human leukemic cancer cell lines (K562 and HL‐60) and J774 as normal cells using alamarBlue (resazurin) assay. PI staining of the fragmented DNA and western blot analysis were used to evaluate the possible apoptotic effect of the extract. The CH2Cl2 extract of A. turanica showed the most antiproliferative effect on cancer cells among all tested extracts with IC50 values of 69 and 104 μg/mL on K562 and HL‐60 cells, respectively, whereas the normal cells were not affected significantly by this extract. Sub‐G1 peak in the flow cytometry histogram of the cells treated with CH2Cl2 extract of A. turanica and cleavage of PARP protein confirmed the induction of apoptosis with CH2Cl2 extract. Taken together, the findings of the present work suggest the anticancer potential of CH2Cl2 extract of A. turanica on human leukemic cancer cell lines.
Fluoroalkylsilane versus Alkylsilane as Hydrophobic Agents for Silica and Silicates
Authors: Ambrożewicz Damian , Ciesielczyk Filip , Nowacka Magdalena , Karasiewicz Joanna , Piasecki Adam , Maciejewski Hieronim , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: October 2013

Hydrophobic powders were obtained via surface modification of silica or magnesium silicate with selected silanes. A modified precipitation method, carried out in an emulsion system, was used for monodisperse silica synthesis, while magnesium silicate was precipitated in a traditional water system. Functionalization of the obtained inorganic supports was performed with selected alkylsilanes: one newly synthesized, 3‐(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5‐octafluoropentyloxy)propyltriethoxysilane (OPF), and two commercial, octadecylsilane (ODS) and octyltriethoxysilane C14H32O3Si (OCS), in amounts of 3, 5, or 10 weight parts by mass of SiO2. It was determined how the chemical modification of the silica or magnesium silicate surface affected its physicochemical properties. The dispersive characteristics of both unmodified and functionalized silica‐based systems were evaluated. The morphology and microstructure of the samples obtained were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The parameters of porous structure of the prepared systems were evaluated on the basis of BET equation as well as nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Wettability tests as well as elemental analysis of the obtained inorganic oxide hybrids were also performed. In order to verify the effectiveness of silica and magnesium silicate surface functionalization with selected silanes, FTIR spectra were investigated. The resulting experimental data allowed calculation of the degree of coverage of the silica‐based systems with modifying agents.
Virtual Screening and Biological Evaluation of Piperazine Derivatives as Human Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Varadaraju Kavitha Raj , Kumar Jajur Ramanna , Mallesha Lingappa , Muruli Archana , Mohana Kikkeri Narasimha Shetty , Mukunda Chethan Kumar , Sharanaiah Umesha
Published: October 2013

The piperazine derivatives have been shown to inhibit human acetylcholinesterase. Virtual screening by molecular docking of piperazine derivatives 1-(1,4-benzodioxane-2-carbonyl) piperazine (K), 4-(4-methyl)-benzenesulfonyl-1-(1,4-benzodioxane-2-carbonyl) piperazine (S1), and 4-(4-chloro)-benzenesulfonyl-1-(1,4-benzodioxane-2-carbonyl) piperazine (S3) has been shown to bind at peripheral anionic site and catalytic sites, whereas 4-benzenesulfonyl-1-(1,4-benzodioxane-2-carbonyl) piperazine (S4) and 4-(2,5-dichloro)-benzenesulfonyl-1-(1,4-benzodioxane-2-carbonyl) piperazine (S7) do not bind either to peripheral anionic site or catalytic site with hydrogen bond. All the derivatives have differed in number of H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The peripheral anionic site interacting molecules have proven to be potential therapeutics in inhibiting amyloid peptides aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease. All the piperazine derivatives follow Lipinski’s rule of five. Among all the derivatives 1-(1,4-benzodioxane-2-carbonyl) piperazine (K) was found to have the lowest TPSA value.
An Iterated Local Search Algorithm for a Place Scheduling Problem
Authors: Hu Shicheng , Zhang Zhaoze , He Qingsong , Sun Xuedong
Published: October 2013

We study the place scheduling problem which has many application backgrounds in realities. For the block manufacturing project with special manufacturing platform requirements, we propose a place resource schedule problem. First, the mathematical model for the place resource schedule problem is given. On the basis of resource-constrained project scheduling problem and packing problem, we develop a hybrid heuristic method which combines priority rules and three-dimensional best fit algorithm, in which the priority rules determine the scheduling order and the three-dimensional best fit algorithm solves the placement. After this method is used to get an initial solution, the iterated local search is employed to get an improvement. Finally, we use a set of simulation data to demonstrate the steps of the proposed method and verify its feasibility.
Emergency Department Staffing: A Separated Continuous Linear Programming Approach
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing
Published: October 2013

The emergency department (ED) overcrowding is becoming serious in recent years. The shortage of ED staff is considered to be a common factor to contribute to the ED overcrowding. In this paper, we present a new model to address the ED staffing from a macroscopic perspective. The model is a kind of optimization model called separated continuous linear programming (SCLP). By using the efficient algorithm for SCLP, we can get the ED staffing level which minimizes the total cost of the patients and the ED.
CD8 Knockout Mice Are Protected from Challenge by Vaccination with WR201, a Live Attenuated Mutant ofBrucella melitensis
Authors: Yingst Samuel L. , Izadjoo Mina , Hoover David L.
Published: October 2013

CD8+ T cells have been reported to play an important role in defense againstB. abortusinfection in mouse models. In the present report, we use CD8 knockout mice to further elucidate the role of these cells in protection fromB. melitensisinfection. Mice were immunized orally by administration ofB. melitensisWR201, a purine auxotrophic attenuated vaccine strain, then challenged intranasally withB. melitensis16M. In some experiments, persistence of WR201 in the spleens of CD8 knockout mice was slightly longer than that in the spleens of normal mice. However, development of anti-LPS serum antibody, antigen-induced production ofγ-interferon (IFN-γ) by immune splenic lymphocytes, protection against intranasal challenge, and recovery of nonimmunized animals from intranasal challenge were similar between normal and knockout animals. Further, primaryBrucellainfection was not exacerbated in perforin knockout and Fas-deficient mice and these animals’ anti-Brucellaimmune responses were indistinguishable from those of normal mice. These results indicate that CD8+ T cells do not play an essential role as either cytotoxic cells or IFN-γproducers, yet they do participate in a specific immune response to immunization and challenge in this murine model ofB. melitensisinfection.
On Approximatelyp-Wright Affine Functions in Ultrametric Spaces
Authors: Bahyrycz Anna , Brzdęk Janusz , Piszczek Magdalena
Published: October 2013

We prove some results for mappings taking values in ultrametric spaces and satisfying approximately a generalization of the equation ofp-Wright affine functions. They are motivated by the notion of stability for functional equations.
Air-Aided Shear on a Thin Film Subjected to a Transverse Magnetic Field of Constant Strength: Stability and Dynamics
Authors: Iqbal Mohammed Rizwan Sadiq
Published: October 2013

The effect of air shear on the hydromagnetic instability is studied through (i) linear stability, (ii) weakly nonlinear theory, (iii) sideband stability of the filtered wave, and (iv) numerical integration of the nonlinear equation. Additionally, a discussion on the equilibria of a truncated bimodal dynamical system is performed. While the linear and weakly nonlinear analyses demonstrate the stabilizing (destabilizing) tendency of the uphill (downhill) shear, the numerics confirm the stability predictions. They show that (a) the downhill shear destabilizes the flow, (b) the time taken for the amplitudes corresponding to the uphill shear to be dominated by the one corresponding to the zero shear increases with magnetic fields strength, and (c) among the uphill shear-induced flows, it takes a long time for the wave amplitude corresponding to small shear values to become smaller than the one corresponding to large shear values when the magnetic field intensity increases. Simulations show that the streamwise and transverse velocities increase when the downhill shear acts in favor of inertial force to destabilize the flow mechanism. However, the uphill shear acts oppositely. It supports the hydrostatic pressure and magnetic field in enhancing films stability. Consequently, reduced constant flow rates and uniform velocities are observed.
Analysis of Elastic-Plastic Responses of a New Single-Story Frame-Bent Structure during an Earthquake Based on the Transfer Matrix Method of Multibody System
Authors: Ding Jianguo , Dai Yuwei , Qiao Zhi
Published: October 2013

Finite element methods, such as the ANSYS, are widely used as traditional structural dynamic analysis methods. Due to the low calculation efficiency of the ANSYS, there is a hindrance factor in using the finite element method to compute the elastic-plastic responses of special engineering structures. In this paper, we detail a pioneer study in which the transfer matrix method of multibody system (MS-TMM) was introduced to analyze the dynamic responses of civil engineering structures. Although the responses obtained by the MS-TMM are similar to the responses obtained by the ANSYS, the ANSYS requires a greater amount of computation time. The results indicate that the MS-TMM can satisfy the requirements of calculation efficiency and calculation accuracy.
Static and Dynamic Electronic (Hyper)polarizabilities of Dimethylnaphthalene Isomers: Characterization of Spatial Contributions by Density Analysis
Authors: Alparone Andrea
Published: October 2013

Static and frequency‐dependent electronic (hyper)polarizabilities of the dimethylnaphthalene (DMN) isomers were computed in vacuum using the Coulomb‐attenuating Density Functional Theory method. The nonlinear optical Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) and Electro‐Optical Pockels Effect (EOPE) were investigated at the characteristic Nd:YAG laser wavelength of 1064 nm. The response electric properties especially the longitudinal polarizability, polarizability anisotropy, and first‐order hyperpolarizability are significantly affected by the position of the methyl groups.
The SHG and EOPE techniques can be potentially useful to discriminate the α,α‐DMN isomers (2,6‐DMN < 2,7‐DMN < 2,3‐DMN) as well as the β,β‐DMN isomers (1,5‐DMN < 1,4‐DMN < 1,8‐DMN). The (hyper)polarizability differences among the investigated DMNs were elucidated through density analysis calculations. The predicted polarizabilities exhibit good linear relationships with the experimental first‐order biomass‐normalized rate coefficient, a physicochemical property connected to the rates of biodegradation processes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
The Effect of Fibre Composition and Washing Conditions upon Hand Properties of Knitted Materials
Authors: Busilienė Gita , Strazdienė Eugenija , Urbelis Virginijus
Published: October 2013

The behaviour of knitted plated jersey materials made from natural and man-made fibres was tested after certain washing conditions. Surface density and thickness of investigated materials differed insignificantly, from 206 g/m2 up to 222 g/m2 and from 0.56 mm up to 0.79 mm, respectively. Special device for textile materials hand evaluation based on the principle of pulling of a disc-shaped specimen through a rounded hole was used. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of materials’ fibre composition and washing conditions upon the changes of hand properties of knitted materials. Analysis of obtained results showed that, during washing, textile materials shrink and become more dense and rough, and their rigidity increases as well. Thus, the most significant effect of 5-cycle washing was obtained for knitted material with bamboo fibres.
Foot Skin Ischemic Necrosis following Heel Prick in a Newborn
Authors: Koklu Esad , Ariguloglu Erdal Avni , Koklu Selmin
Published: October 2013

There are only a few reports on side effects after heel prick in neonates although heel prick has been performed all over the world for many years. The medicine staff had obtained only a drop of blood by pricking the baby’s heel using a lancet without compressing the heel or foot to measure his blood glucose level 3 hours after birth. However he developed a severe and hemorrhagic skin reaction on his entire left foot, beginning 30 minutes after obtaining the drop of blood by pricking the baby’s heel using a lancet. The lesion, which was treated with topical mupirocin and povidone-iodine solution daily, slowly decreased in size and had almost fully resolved within 3 weeks. He was healthy and 9 months old at the time of writing this paper. We herein report a case of foot skin ischemic necrosis following heel prick in a newborn. To our knowledge this patient is the first case of foot skin ischemic necrosis due to heel prick in newborns.
Second Law Analysis of Al2O3-Water Nanofluid Turbulent Forced Convection in a Circular Cross Section Tube with Constant Wall Temperature
Authors: Bianco Vincenzo , Manca Oronzio , Nardini Sergio
Published: October 2013

The present paper proposes an analysis based on the second principle of thermodynamics applied to a water-Al2O3 nanofluid. The nanofluid flows inside a circular section tube subjected to constant wall temperature. The aim of the investigation is to understand, by means of an analytical model, how entropy generation within the tube varies if inlet conditions, particles concentration, and dimensions are changed. To gather these information is of fundamental importance, in order to optimize the nanofluid flow. The results show that according to the inlet condition, there is a substantial variation of the entropy generation, particularly when Reynolds number is kept constant there is an increase of entropy generation, whereas when mass flow rate or velocity are taken constant, entropy generation decreases.
Effect of Early Foliar Disease Control on Wheat Scab Severity (Fusarium graminearum) in Argentina
Authors: Mantecón Jorge David
Published: October 2013

Wheat scab is common in Argentina mainly durum wheat and some bread varieties. The epidemics occur every 5 to 7 years. During the 2007, 2008, and 2009 growing seasons, three trials were conducted at the INTA Balcarce Experimental Station. Each plot had six rows of 5 m long, spaced 0.15 m apart and was set up in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Trifloxystrobin plus cyproconazole was sprayed at Z3.1 stage. Treatments were sprayed at Z6.1 stage with tebuconazole, prochloraz, and metconazole to improve scab control. Artificial inoculations were made in Z6.1. Severity ofSeptorialeaf bloth and leaf rust was assessed in boot stage (Z3.9). Scab severity was rated at early dough stage (Z8.3). Yields were recorded each year. Fungicide only applied at Z3.1 stage did not reduce field scab severity but reduced the seeds infection and increased the yields. Early fungicide spray produced yield increase at about 22% and a decrease in seed infection of up to 40%. Yields increased in a 55.3% and in a 19.6% when compared with the inoculated and not inoculated check, respectively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar disease control on scab, crop yield, and seed health.
A Rare Case Presentation of a Perforated Giant Sigmoid Diverticulum
Authors: Kam Jennifer C. , Doraiswamy Vikram , Spira Robert S.
Published: October 2013

Giant sigmoid diverticulum (GSD) is a rare complication of diverticulosis. These lesions arise from herniations of the mucosa through the muscle wall which progressively enlarge with colonic gas to become large air-filled cysts evident on plain X-ray and CT scans. We present a rare case of a 72-year-old female presenting with abdominal distention, abdominal tenderness, and fever who developed a type 1 giant sigmoid diverticulum (pseudodiverticulum) that subsequently formed an intra-abdominal abscess and an accompanying type 2 diverticulum as well. The patient was treated with surgical resection of the diverticulum with a primary anastomosis and abscess drainage. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. This case helps to support the need for the consideration of GSD in patients aged 60 and older with a history of diverticulosis and presenting with abdominal discomfort and distension.
Energy Consumption, Body Composition and Physical Activity Levels in 11- to 13-Year-Old Spanish Children
Authors: Cordova Alfredo , Villa Gerardo , Sureda Antoni , Rodriguez-Marroyo José A. , Martínez-Castañeda Raúl , Sánchez-Collado María P.
Published: October 2013

Background/Aims: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood is increasing markedly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity, energy consumption and weight status in a cohort of Spanish children. Methods: A total of 137 children (11-13 years old) participated in the study voluntarily (with paternal consent). Children were classified into 3 groups according to their physical activity, i.e. sedentary, active and sporty groups. Body composition measures, physical fitness and total caloric and macronutrient intake were determined. Results: Weight, body mass index, waist circumference, skinfold thickness measures and body fat percentage of children were lower in the active children, whereas body water content increased with activity. Nutritional habits were similar in the 3 studied groups. No significant differences in total energy intake or percentage of carbohydrates, fat and proteins were found. All parameters related to caloric expenditure were higher in children carrying out more physical activity. Conclusions: Children with higher levels of physical activity presented more favorable anthropometric profiles, but there were no differences in respect to their dietary habits. An increase in weekly energy expenditure through physical activity outside school seems essential to prevent overweight and the risk of childhood obesity.
Corpus Callosum Atrophy and Cognitive Decline in Early Alzheimer's Disease: Longitudinal MRI Study
Authors: Zhu Minwei , Wang Xudong , Gao Wenpeng , Shi Chen , Ge Haitao , Shen Hong , Lin Zhiguo
Published: October 2013

Background: We investigated the rate of corpus callosum (CC) atrophy and its association with cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: We used publicly available longitudinal MRI data corresponding to 2 or more visits from 137 subjects characterized using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score. We classified these subjects into 3 groups according to the progression of their cognitive status: a healthy control group (CDR 0→0, n = 72), a decliner group (CDR 0→0.5, n = 14) and an AD group (CDR 0.5→0.5/1, n = 51). We measured the CC area on the midsagittal plane and calculated the atrophy rate between 2 or more visits. The correlation between the CC atrophy rate and annualized Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) change was also analyzed. Results: The results indicated that the baseline CC area was larger in the healthy control group compared to the AD group, whereas the CC atrophy rate was higher in the AD group relative to the control and decliner groups. The CC atrophy rate was also correlated with the annualized MMSE change in AD patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Callosal atrophy is present even in early AD and subsequently accelerates, such that the rate of CC atrophy is associated with cognitive decline in AD patients.
Improvement of Contraction Force in Injured Skeletal Muscle after Autologous Mesenchymal Stroma Cell Transplantation Is Accompanied by Slow to Fast Fiber Type Shift
Authors: von Roth Philipp , Winkler Tobias , Rechenbach Kristina , Radojewski Piotr , Perka Carsten , Duda Georg N.
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackground: Skeletal muscle trauma leads to severe functional deficits, which cannot be addressed by current treatment options. Previous investigation could show the efficacy of a local transplantation (TX) of mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs) for the therapy of muscle injury. Underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present work was to characterize the fiber composition changes following MSC-TX after open crush injury. Methods: 20 male SD rats received an open crush trauma of the left soleus muscle. 2.5 × 106 autologous MSCs were transplanted into the crushed soleus muscle of 10 animals 7 days after trauma (group 1, n = 10). Control animals received an injection of saline solution (group 2, n = 10). Histologic analysis of fibrosis, fiber type composition, and muscle force measurements were performed 28 days after trauma. Results: MSC-TX improved muscle force significantly (fast-twitch, treated: 0.76 (0.51-1.15), untreated: 0.45 (0.32-0.73); p = 0.01). Tetanic stimulation resulted in a significant increase of force development (treated: 0.63 (0.4-1.21), untreated: 0.34 (0.16-0.48); p = 0.04). Histological analyses showed no differences in the amount of fibrotic tissue (treated vs. untreated, p = 0.42). A shift towards fastMHC-positive fibers was observed following MSC-TX (treated vs. untreated; p = 0.01 (mm2) or 0.007 (%)). Conclusion: This study demonstrated an effect of locally administered MSCs in the treatment of skeletal muscle injuries on a structural level. For the first time a fiber type shift towards fastMHC following MSC-TX after crush injury could be demonstrated and related to MSC-TX. These results might open the discussion of an alternative mode of action of MSCs in tissue regeneration.
Alternative Fixation of an Active Middle Ear Implant at the Short Incus Process
Authors: Schraven Sebastian P. , Dalhoff Ernst , Wildenstein Daniela , Hagen Rudolf , Gummer Anthony W. , Mlynski Robert
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Since 1996, the preferred approach for positioning the active middle-ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge© is a mastoidectomy and a posterior tympanotomy. With this device, placement of the floating mass transducer (FMT) on the long incus process is the standard method for treatment of mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss in the case of normal middle-ear anatomy. The aim of this study was to determine the vibrational effectiveness of FMT placement at the short incus process. Materials and Methods: An extended antrotomy and a posterior tympanotomy were performed in 5 fresh human temporal bones. As a control for normal middle-ear function, the tympanic membrane was stimulated acoustically and the vibration of the stapes footplate and the round-window (RW) membrane were (sequentially) measured by laser Doppler vibrometry. Vibration responses for coupling of an FMT to the long incus process (standard coupling) were compared to those for coupling to the short incus process. Results: Apart from narrow frequency bands near 3 and 9 kHz for the stapes footplate and RW membrane, respectively, the velocity responses presented no significant differences between standard coupling of the FMT and coupling to the short incus process. Conclusion: Coupling the FMT to the short incus process may be a viable alternative in cases where the surgical approach is limited to an extended antrotomy. A reliable technique for attachment to the short incus process has yet to be developed.
The Effect of High Salt Intake on Endothelial Function: Reduced Vascular Nitric Oxide in the Absence of Hypertension
Authors: Boegehold Matthew A.
Published: October 2013

Within the last 25 years, it has become increasingly clear that high dietary salt intake represents a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease that is independent of its well-known ability to increase arterial pressure in some individuals. Studies in normotensive experimental animals and human subjects have revealed that a key feature of this pressure-independent effect of dietary salt is a profound reduction in vascular nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability that limits endothelium-dependent dilation. This reduction in NO is strongly associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by NAD(P)H oxidase, xanthine oxidase or uncoupled endothelial NO synthase within the vascular wall, leading not only to scavenging of NO but also to disruption of some signaling pathways that mediate its production. The mechanistic link between high salt intake and elevated levels of enzymatically generated ROS in the peripheral vasculature is not clear, but a reduction in circulating angiotensin II may play a key role in this regard. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms, both at the systemic level and within the vascular wall, that trigger these salt-induced deficits in endothelial function, and to further clarify how the attendant loss of NO may disrupt tissue blood flow regulation and ultimately lead to adverse cardiovascular events.
Validation of Correction Factors for Serum Markers for First-Trimester Down Syndrome Screening in Singleton Pregnancies Conceived with Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Engels Melanie A.J. , Pajkrt Eva , Groot Dominique T. , Schats Roel , Twisk Jos W.R. , van Vugt John M.G.
Published: October 2013

Objective: To validate previously computed correction factors for free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (fβ-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancies with hormone treatment and to determine the effect on false-positive rate (FPR). Methods: Retrospective study on 249 IVF and 250 ICSI cases and 20,190 controls. Correction factors 1.42 (PAPP-A), 1.17 (fβ-hCG) in IVF; 1.56 (PAPP-A) in ICSI were applied on the absolute serum concentrations. Analysis was done on log10-transformed multiples of medians (MoMs). Results: In the controls, mean PAPP-A and fβ-hCG MoM were 1.004 and 1.062. Before correction, mean PAPP-A MoM was significantly lower in IVF (0.757; p < 0.001) and in ICSI (0.671; p < 0.001) and after correction comparable (1.071; p = 0.053 in IVF; 1.048; p = 0.178 in ICSI). Before correction, mean fβ-hCG MoM was comparable (1.054; p = 0.59 in IVF and 1.051; p = 0.56 in ICSI) and after correction significantly higher in IVF (1.241; p < 0.001). After correction the likelihood for receiving a false-positive result was 1.03 in IVF pregnancies (95% CI 0.98-1.09; p = 0.248) and 1.02 in ICSI pregnancies (95% CI 0.97-1.07; p = 0.448). Conclusions: After correction the FPR in IVF and ICSI pregnancies with hormone treatment reduces to the observed FPR in the controls.
Renal Transplantation in the Setting of Early Steroid Withdrawal: A Comparison of Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin Induction Dosing in Two Eras
Authors: Rogers Christin C. , Asipenko Natalya , Horwedel Timothy , Gautam Shiva , Goldfarb-Rumyantzev Alexander S. , Pavlakis Martha , Johnson Scott R. , Karp Seth J. , Evenson Amy , Khwaja Khalid , Hanto Douglas W. , Mandelbrot Didier A.
Published: October 2013

Background: Modern immunosuppression and rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) have facilitated the success of early steroid withdrawal (ESW) protocols. Little data exist on optimal rATG dosing in ESW protocols. Methods: Rejection at 12 months in era 1 (four doses of rATG, 1.25 mg/kg) vs. era 2 (three doses of rATG, 1.25 mg/kg) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included patient and graft survival, renal function and infectious complications. Factors associated with rejection at 1 year were identified. Results: 199 patients received rATG induction and ESW: 102 in era 1 and 97 in era 2. Compared to era 1, era 2 was not associated with worse outcomes, including rejection, renal function, infection or graft survival. Rejection at 1 year and uncensored graft survival differed between the dosing groups. Rejection rates were significantly higher in the <4 mg/kg group compared to the 4-5.9-mg/kg and the ≥6-mg/kg groups, whereas uncensored graft survival was the lowest in the ≥6-mg/kg group. Factors associated with rejection at 12 months included: rATG dose received of 4-5.9 versus <4 mg/kg (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.036-0.85, p = 0.026); recipient age (per year, OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-1.0, p = 0.038); panel reactive antibody 10-79.9 versus <10% (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.2-25, p = 0.030) and rATG dose held (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.0-15, p = 0.049). Conclusions: A comparison of rATG dosing based on era did not result in a significant difference in rejection, renal function, infection or graft survival. However, when evaluating the study population based on actual dose received there were notable differences in both rejection rates and uncensored graft survival.
The Effect of Psychosocial Support Intervention on Depression in Patients with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers: An Assessor-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bruvik Froydis Kristine , Allore Heather G. , Ranhoff Anette Hylen , Engedal Knut
Published: October 2013

Background/Aim: A three-component tailored psychosocial 12-month assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial to reduce depression in people with dementia (PWD) and carers was conducted. Methods: A total of 230 home-dwelling dyads of PWD and their carers were randomized to usual care or intervention consisting of three components over 12 months. Primary outcomes were the difference between the baseline and 12-month score on the Cornell Scale of Depression in Dementia (CSDD) in the PWD and on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in the carers. Results: The intent-to-treat difference between the baseline and 12- month change score was not significant between the intervention and control groups for the CSDD (p = 0.95) or GDS (p = 0.82). Conclusions: The trial did not show a significant difference between usual care and the intervention on depressive symptoms in PWD or their family caregivers.
Traumatic Partial Aniridia and Cataract after Iris-Fixated Foldable Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Hyun Joo , Chung Jin Kwon , Lee Sung Jin
Published: October 2013

We present the first case of partial aniridia, traumatic cataract, and peripapillary subretinal hemorrhage after blunt trauma to an eye containing a foldable iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). Although the patient experienced visual loss because of considerable corneal astigmatism and a traumatic cataract, vision was recovered by a 2-stage primary corneal repair and cataract surgery with a toric intraocular lens. This case exhibits clinical manifestations that differ from previously reported trauma of a non-foldable iris-fixated pIOL. A relatively small corneal incision and a large optic diameter of Artiflex pIOLs may prevent posttraumatic total expulsion of intraocular tissues and present different clinical features from the case of non-foldable pIOLs (Artisan). Although the extent of the damage is different, the possibility of aniridia and traumatic cataract exists in eyes with both foldable and non-foldable iris-fixated pIOLs.
Fueling the Fire: Pathways from Oil to War
Authors: Colgan Jeff D.
Published: October 2013

What role does oil play in international security? While the threat of “resource wars” over possession of oil reserves is often exaggerated, the sum total of the political effects generated by the oil industry makes it a leading cause of war. Between one-quarter and one-half of interstate wars since 1973 have been connected to one or more oil-related causal mechanisms. Eight distinct mechanisms exist: resource wars, in which states try to acquire oil reserves by force; petro-aggression, whereby oil facilitates domestic political control of aggressive leaders such as Saddam Hussein or Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini; externalization of civil wars in petrostates; financing for insurgencies, such as Iranian oil money to Hezbollah; conflicts over potential oil-market domination, such as the United States' conflict with Iraq over Kuwait in 1991; control over transit routes, such as shipping lanes and pipelines; oil-related grievances, whereby the presence of foreign workers in petrostates helps extremist groups such as al-Qaida recruit locals; and as an obstacle to multilateral cooperation, such as when an importer curries favor with a petrostate to prevent multilateral cooperation on security issues. Understanding these mechanisms can help policymakers design grand strategy and allocate military resources.
The Meaning of the Cyber Revolution: Perils to Theory and Statecraft
Authors: Kello Lucas
Published: October 2013

While decisionmakers warn about the cyber threat constantly, there is little systematic analysis of the issue from an international security studies perspective. Some scholars presume that the related technology's scientific complexity and methodological issues prohibit orderly investigation; only a minimum degree of technical acuity is needed, however, revealing the scope of maneuver in the cyber domain. Other skeptics argue that the cyber peril is overblown, contending that cyber weapons have no intrinsic capacity for violence and do not alter the nature or means of war. This view misses the essence of the danger and conceals its true significance: the new capability is expanding the range of possible harm and outcomes between the concepts of war and peace—with important implications for national and international security. The cyber domain, moreover, features enormous defense complications and dangers to strategic stability: offense dominance, attribution difficulties, technological volatility, poor strategic depth, escalatory ambiguity, and proliferation to nontraditional and subversive actors. But even if the cyber danger is overstated, the issue merits serious scholarly attention. Whatever the current cyber revolution signifies, it is detrimental to the intellectual progress and policy relevance of the field to continue to avoid its central questions.
New species of the spider genera Aysenia and Aysenoides from Chile and Argentina: description and phylogenetic relationships (Araneae: Anyphaenidae, Amaurobioidinae)
Authors: LABORDA ÁLVARO , RAMÍREZ MARTÍN J. , PIZARRO-ARAYA JAIME
Published: October 2013

New spider species of the genera Aysenia Tullgren and Aysenoides Ramírez are described and their phylogenetic relationships discussed. The new species Aysenia paposo, from the coastal desert in northern Chile is sister to Aysenia araucana Ramírez. The diagnosis of Aysenia araucana is updated and new somatic variability is reported for the species. We present new records for other species of Aysenia and Aysenoides. The new species Aysenoides simoi, from temperate forests in Chile and adjacent Argentina is sister to Aysenoides nahuel. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of both genera. The support values of the genera are relatively high, but some internal branches show low support values. The genus Aysenia is supported by three synapomorphies, two of these from leg spination and one from the male genitalia. Aysenoides is supported by three synapomorphies from male and female genitalia.
Molecular evidence for taxonomic status of the gudgeon genus Huigobio Fang, 1938 (Teleostei: Cypriniformes), with a description of a new species from Guangdong Province, South China
Authors: JIANG ZHONG-GUAN , ZHANG E.
Published: October 2013

The gudgeon cyprinid genus Huigobio Fang, 1938 is re-diagnosed. It can be distinguished from all other genera of Armatogobionina Kryzhanovsky, 1947 and the Gobioninae by its uniquely modified lower lip. The lower lip has a small, heart-shaped, longitudinally non-bisected central pad and two lateral lobes expanded as a wing-shaped flap completely covered with papillae. The lobes contact each other posteromedially, but are not completely confluent. Huigobio exilicauda, new species, is described from the Zhu-Jiang drainage of Guangdong Province, South China. It differs from H. chenhsienensis in caudal-peduncle thickness and interorbital width.
The Influence of Tropical Pacific SST Anomaly on Surface Air Temperature in China
Authors: Jia XiaoJing , Lin Hai , Yao Xia
Published: October 2013

The influence of the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) on the wintertime surface air temperature (SAT) in China is investigated using both the observational data and the output of coupled ocean–atmosphere numerical models during the period from 1960 to 2006. A singular value decomposition analysis (SVD) is applied between 500-hPa geopotential height (Z500) in the Northern Hemisphere and SST in the tropical Pacific Ocean to get the tropical Pacific SST-forced atmospheric patterns. The association of the SAT over China and the tropical Pacific SST is measured by calculating the temporal correlation coefficient (TCC) between the SAT and the expansion coefficient of the atmospheric component of the leading two SVD modes. Results show that the SAT over China is significantly correlated to the second SVD mode (SVD2). The SST component of SVD2 is characterized by negative tropical Pacific SST anomalies centered over the midequatorial Pacific Ocean. The atmospheric component of SVD2 (ASVD2) shares many similarities in spatial structures to the Arctic Oscillation (AO). The time variation of ASVD2, however, is found more closely correlated to the variation of SAT over China than the AO. When SVD2 is in its positive phase, the SAT over China tends to be warmer than normal. Further analysis indicates that the TCC between the SAT in China and ASVD2 is largely decreased after the long-term climate trend is removed. The time variability of the tropical Pacific SST-forced large-scale atmospheric patterns and its relationship to SAT are reasonably captured by the multimodel ensemble (MME) seasonal forecasts. An examination of the MME forecast skill indicates that ASVD2 contributes significantly to the TCC skill of MME forecasts.
The Ascension and the Eucharist
Authors: Kelly Anthony J.
Published: October 2013

The ascension of Christ and the Eucharistic real presence at first glance seem almost contradictory: Jesus is present in the Eucharist, but absent because of the ascension. Despite this conundrum, this article hopes to show that the Eucharist is not a substitute for the absence of the ascended Jesus, but more the sacramental disclosure of what the ascension means: Christ fills all things and the risen and ascended One draws all creation to its fullness in him; this is the context in which ‘transubstantiation’ is to be understood. Horizontal (centripetal/centrifugal) approaches to the real presence need another dimension as supplied by the mystery of the ascension, namely, the vertical.
George Grant on Justice, Rights, and Abortion
Authors: Allsopp Michael E.
Published: October 2013

George Grant is regarded as the most important Canadian conservative thinker of the 20th century.  An outspoken college professor, public intellectual, and anti-war leader, Grant’s published works include Lament for a Nation (1965), Technology and Empire (1969), English-Speaking Justice (1978), and Technology and Justice (1986). This article examines Grant’s mature thought on a subject central to his moral concerns: abortion. It provides a close reading, followed by a detailed critique, of Grant’s essay ‘Abortion & Rights,’ read in the context of Grant’s analyses of modern culture, John Rawls’s Theory of Justice, and the US Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v.  Wade.
Is India Hedged Against Systemic Risk? An Attempt at an Answer
Authors: Singh Gurbachan
Published: October 2013

India has large twin deficits, high prices of some real assets, and (less familiar) fragile financial interdependence between banks and the government. So there is a systemic risk. However, India has a reasonably good record so far with regard to avoiding financial crises. This is due to five mitigating factors: ( a) financial repression in banks; ( b) unanticipated jumps in inflation rate; ( c) somewhat regular bailouts; ( d) misplaced confidence; and ( e) good growth. The first three factors have ‘persistent’ costs. There are reasons to believe that these costs are high. The fourth factor is not a reliable ‘hedge’ against systemic risk. Finally, growth is a camouflage rather than a solution. The bottom line is that there is a serious problem at hand even if there has been no ‘financial crisis’ for long. We make long-term policy suggestions in this extensive but simple analytical article on the economic aspects of macro-financial stability.
Trade union power during labour adjustments – comparison of company-level cases
Authors: Svalund Jørgen , Kervinen Heidi
Published: October 2013

This article discusses local trade union power in labour adjustment processes within the Nordic systems of industrial relations by comparing labour adjustment processes in construction and manufacturing in Finland and Norway. The quality of cooperative relations and the conditions for exchange – through co-decision mechanisms and procedures, as well as rules for temporary lay-offs and dismissal selections – are essential for union influence. Together with production technologies, the organization of work and employee competence, such institutions and regulations interact in influencing union power, providing more influence to the unions in the Norwegian cases than the Finnish ones, while the unions in the manufacturing cases were more influential than those in construction.