bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Genetic Diversity and Quantitation of Methanogen in Ruminal Fluid of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Fed Ration (Wheat Straw and Concentrate Mixture Diet)
Authors: Singh K. M. , Tripathi A. K. , Pandya P. R. , Parnerkar S. , Kothari R. K. , Joshi C. G.
Published: June 2013

High roughage diet causes more methane emissions; however, the total methanogen abundance is not influenced by roughage proportion. Technologies to reduce methane emissions are lacking, and development of inhibitors and vaccines that mitigate rumen-derived methane by targeting methanogens relies on present knowledge of the methanogens. In this work, we have investigated molecular diversity of rumen methanogens of Surti buffalo. DNA from rumen fluid was extracted, and 16S rRNA encoding genes were amplified using methanogen specific primer to generate 16S rDNA clone libraries. Seventy-six clones were randomly selected and analysed by RFLP resulting in 21 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). BLAST analysis with available sequences in database revealed sequences of 13 OTUs (55 clones) showing similarity with Methanomicrobium sp, 3 OTUs (15 clones) with Methanobrevibacter sp. The remaining 5 OTUs (6 clones) belonged to uncultured archaea. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that methanogenic communities found in the library were clustered in the order of Methanomicrobiales (18 OTUs) and Methanobacteriales (3 OTUs). The population of Methanomicrobiales, Methanobacteriales, and Methanococcales were also observed, accounting for 1.94%, 0.72%, and 0.47% of total archaea, respectively.
A Renewable Tissue Resource of Phenotypically Stable, Biologically and Ethnically Diverse, Patient-Derived Human Breast Cancer Xenograft Models
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Claerhout Sofie , Prat Aleix , Dobrolecki Lacey E. , Petrovic Ivana , Lai Qing , Landis Melissa D. , Wiechmann Lisa , Schiff Rachel , Giuliano Mario , Wong Helen , Fuqua Suzanne W. , Contreras Alejandro , Gutierrez Carolina , Huang Jian , Mao Sufeng , Pavlick Anne C. , Froehlich Amber M. , Wu Meng-Fen , Tsimelzon Anna , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Chen Edward S. , Zuloaga Pavel , Shaw Chad A. , Rimawi Mothaffar F. , Perou Charles M. , Mills Gordon B. , Chang Jenny C. , Lewis Michael T.
Published: June 2013

Breast cancer research is hampered by difficulties in obtaining and studying primary human breast tissue, and by the lack of in vivo preclinical models that reflect patient tumor biology accurately. To overcome these limitations, we propagated a cohort of human breast tumors grown in the epithelium-free mammary fat pad of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID)/Beige and nonobese diabetic (NOD)/SCID/IL-2γ-receptor null (NSG) mice under a series of transplant conditions. Both models yielded stably transplantable xenografts at comparably high rates (∼21% and ∼19%, respectively). Of the conditions tested, xenograft take rate was highest in the presence of a low-dose estradiol pellet. Overall, 32 stably transplantable xenograft lines were established, representing 25 unique patients. Most tumors yielding xenografts were “triple-negative” [estrogen receptor (ER)−progesterone receptor (PR)−HER2+; n = 19]. However, we established lines from 3 ER−PR−HER2+ tumors, one ER+PR−HER2−, one ER+PR+HER2−, and one “triple-positive” (ER+PR+HER2+) tumor. Serially passaged xenografts show biologic consistency with the tumor of origin, are phenotypically stable across multiple transplant generations at the histologic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and genomic levels, and show comparable treatment responses as those observed clinically. Xenografts representing 12 patients, including 2 ER+ lines, showed metastasis to the mouse lung. These models thus serve as a renewable, quality-controlled tissue resource for preclinical studies investigating treatment response and metastasis. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4885–97. ©2013 AACR.
Renal Involvement in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Authors: Hussain S. , Qureshi A. , Kazi J.
Published: June 2013

Renal involvement in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is not usually apparent but in cases with clinical involvement varies from reversible acute dysfunction to chronic irreversible damage. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent disease progression and irreversible chronic kidney disease (CKD). The ultimate outcome of CKD in many patients is the need for renal replacement therapy, which necessitates ever-growing dialysis and transplantation programs, thereby imposing a significant economic burden on the healthcare system. In a third-world country like Pakistan, increased burden due to CKD can be very hard on families. Doctor visits, hospitalization, and dialysis are all out-of-pocket expenses, therefore prevention, early detection, and timely intervention are the only cost-effective strategies. We report a case of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to PNH. This case shows AKI as one of the complications of PNH which may have a clinical course like acute tubular necrosis (ATN). This could be due to ATN or AKI superimposed on CKD due to hemosiderin deposits in the renal tubular epithelial cells. Our patient was dialyzed initially and discharged with a permanent catheter in place with advice to continue dialysis three times a week. He required dialysis for 1 week then started producing urine. His subsequent outpatient visits showed improved renal function. The permanent catheter was removed and maintenance dialysis was stopped. Here, we briefly review the literature on renal involvement in PNH, treatment options for PNH and pigment-induced nephropathy followed by a question-and-answer session at the clinicopathological conference held on March 4, 2011, at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation in Karachi, Pakistan.
Lateral and Dorsal Column Hyperintensity on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Patient with Myelopathy Associated with Intrathecal Chemotherapy
Authors: Saito Fumine , Hatano Taku , Hori Masaaki , Kawamura Miwako , Sasaki Makoto , Aoki Shigeki , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: June 2013

Chemotherapy-related myelopathy mimicking subacute combined degeneration (SCD) has rarely been reported. We encountered a 35-year-old female with sensory ataxia after intrathecal chemotherapy. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed localized abnormal signal areas in the lateral and dorsal white matter, mimicking SCD. Diffusion imaging showed restricted water diffusion and increased microstructural complexity, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed increased levels of myelin basic proteins, indicating demyelinating myelopathy. Advanced diffusion imaging can provide more information on the microstructure of chemotherapy-related myelopathy.
Chromonychia Secondary to Chemotherapy
Authors: Lopes Marien , Jordão Clarice , Grynszpan Rachel , Sodré Celso , Ramos-e-Silva Marcia
Published: June 2013

Chemotherapy drugs can affect the skin and its appendages. Several clinical presentations can be observed, depending on the affected structure. The most common dermatological side effect is chromonychia. The main causative agents are: (1) cyclophosphamide, which can provoke a diffuse, black pigmentation, longitudinal striae and dark grey pigmentation located proximally on the nails; (2) doxorubicin, which promotes dark brown bands alternating with white striae and dark brown pigmentation in transverse bands, and (3) hydroxyurea, which produces a distal, diffuse, dark brown pigmentation. In the majority of cases, the effects are reversible after the suspension of the causative agent for a few months. We report a patient who developed chromonychia while undergoing treatment with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, methotrexate and cytarabine for acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Impact of Coronary Microvascular Function on Long-term Cardiac Mortality in Patients With Acute ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: van de Hoef Tim P. , Bax Matthijs , Meuwissen Martijn , Damman Peter , Delewi Ronak , de Winter Robbert J. , Koch Karel T. , Schotborgh Carl , Henriques José P.S. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Piek Jan J.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Microvascular function is increasingly being recognized as an important marker of risk in coronary artery disease, and may be accurately assessed by intracoronary Doppler flow velocity measurements. In the setting of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction there are limited data regarding the prognostic value of microvascular function in both infarct-related and reference coronary arteries for long-term clinical outcome. We sought to determine the prognostic value of microvascular function, as assessed by Doppler flow velocity measurements, for cardiac mortality after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Between April 1997 and August 2000, we included 100 consecutive patients with a first anterior wall ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. Immediately after primary percutaneous coronary intervention, intracoronary Doppler flow velocity was measured in the infarct-related artery, to determine coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), diastolic deceleration time, and the presence of systolic retrograde flow, as well as in a reference vessel to determine reference vessel CFVR. The primary end point was cardiac mortality at 10-year follow-up. Complete follow-up was obtained in 94 patients (94%). At 10-year follow-up, cardiac mortality amounted to 14%. Cardiac mortality amounted to 5% when reference vessel CFVR was normal (≥2.1), in contrast to 31% when abnormal (<2.1;
P
=0.001). Reference vessel CFVR <2.1 was associated with a 4.09 increase in long-term cardiac mortality hazard after multivariate adjustment for identified predictors for cardiac mortality (hazard ratio, 4.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–14.17;
P
=0.03)

Conclusions—

Microvascular dysfunction, measured by reference vessel CFVR determined after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute anterior wall ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction is associated with a significantly increased long-term cardiac mortality.
High‐Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Compared With Standard Troponin T Testing on Emergency Department Admission: How Much Does It Add in Everyday Clinical Practice?
Authors: Hammerer‐Lercher Angelika , Ploner Thomas , Neururer Sabrina , Schratzberger Peter , Griesmacher Andrea , Pachinger Otmar , Mair Johannes
Published: June 2013

Background

We compared high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin
T
(hs‐cTnT) and standard cTnT for acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) diagnosis in everyday clinical practice of an emergency department (
ED
).

Methods and Results

cTnT was measured in 2384 consecutive patients (60±21 years, 52% female) on
ED
admission. Readmissions to the
ED
(n=720) and mortality (n=101) were followed for an average period of 239±49 days. There were 53
AMI
s (delay, 1 to 96 hours; median, 3 hours), 440 chest pain patients, 286 dyspnea patients, 785 acute or chronic cardiac diseases, and 540 neurological diseases, with the remaining having various internal diseases. The diagnostic performances of hs‐ and standard cTnT were comparable for AMI diagnosis (area under receiver operating characteristics curves [
ROC AUC
], 0.91±0.02 versus 0.90±0.03;
P
=0.31). Using the 99th‐percentile cutoff, the sensitivities and specificities for AMI in the whole population were 91% and 74% for hs‐cTnT and 89% and 80% for standard cTnT. hs‐cTnT detected significantly more patients with cardiac diseases (
ROC AUC
, 0.77±0.01 versus 0.67±0.01;
P
<0.001). hs‐cTnT and standard cTnT were significant predictors of
ED
readmissions but not of mortality, but both were not independent predictors of
ED
readmissions or the combined end point of readmission or mortality in binary logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

In unselected
ED
patients the diagnostic performances of hs‐cTnT and standard cTnT for
AMI
diagnosis did not differ significantly. hs‐cTnT detected significantly more cardiac diseases. hs‐cTnT and standard cTnT were not independent predictors of
ED
readmissions and mortality from all causes.
Circular Justification and Explanation in Aristotle
Authors: Goldin Owen
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Aristotle’s account of epistēmē is foundationalist. In contrast, the web of dialectical argumentation that constitutes justification for scientific principles is coherentist. Aristotle’s account of explanation is structurally parallel to the argument for a foundationalist account of justification. He accepts the first argument but his coherentist accounts of justification indicate that he would not accept the second. Where is the disanalogy? For Aristotle, the intelligibility of a demonstrative premise is the cause of the intelligibility of a demonstrated conclusion and causation is asymmetric. Within the Posterior Analytics itself, Aristotle does not account for this, but elsewhere he develops the resources for doing so: the cause is what acts on a substrate to actualize a potential in that substrate, resulting in the effect. On the other hand, it may well happen that two propositions entail each other, in which case one may as well justify the one on the basis of the other as vice versa.
Aristotle on Circular Proof
Authors: Malink Marko
Published: June 2013

Abstract

In Posterior Analytics 1.3, Aristotle advances three arguments against circular proof. The third argument relies on his discussion of circular proof in Prior Analytics 2.5. This is problematic because the two chapters seem to deal with two rather disparate conceptions of circular proof. In Posterior Analytics 1.3, Aristotle gives a purely propositional account of circular proof, whereas in Prior Analytics 2.5 he gives a more complex, syllogistic account. My aim is to show that these problems can be solved, and that Aristotle’s third argument in 1.3 is successful. I argue that both chapters are concerned with the same conception of circular proof, namely the propositional one. Contrary to what is often thought, the syllogistic conception provides an adequate analysis of the internal deductive structure of the propositional one. Aristotle achieves this by employing a kind of multiple-conclusion logic.
There is No Searching for the Self: Self-Knowledge in Book Ten of Augustine’s De Trinitate
Authors: Stróżyński Mateusz
Published: June 2013

Abstract

This article explores the conception of self-knowledge in book 10 of Augustine’s De Trinitate. Augustine starts from the worry in Plato’s Meno that one cannot search for something entirely unknown and engages with Plotinus, Ennead 5.3 in developing his own understanding of the mind’s self-knowledge. He concludes that this knowledge is paradoxical in nature: it is necessary and, at the same time, futile; and it is separated from the knowledge of God. Augustine reaches this point by rejecting the Aristotelian identity of the knower with the known, as well as by grounding self-knowledge in the fact of the mind’s intimate presence to itself. Ultimately, self-knowledge appears to be an ‘objectless’ knowledge, a knowledge that the mind exists rather than knowledge of what the mind is.
Is the Right of the Child to Liberty Safeguarded in the Common European Asylum System?
Authors: Smyth Ciara
Published: June 2013

Abstract

It is well-known and the subject of much criticism that children seeking asylum in many EU Member States are detained, a situation that is facilitated by the detention provisions of key instruments of the Common European Asylum System. Sometimes the detention is said to be justified on the grounds that it is protective detention. But generally, detention of children is regarded as being inimical to the protection and care of children. For this reason, the Convention on the Rights of the Child has developed stringent standards for the detention of minors to ensure that they are protected from detention and, if detained, that they are protected in detention. As negotiations close on the instruments that will make up Phase Two of the Common European Asylum System, this article explores whether the existing and future instruments safeguard the right of the child to liberty.
Taxonomic adjustments in the systematics of the southern African lacertid lizards (Sauria: Lacertidae)
Authors: EDWARDS SHELLEY , BRANCH WILLIAM R. , VANHOOYDONCK BIEKE , HERREL ANTHONY , MEASEY G. JOHN , TOLLEY KRYSTAL A.
Published: June 2013

Molecular phylogenetic analyses of southern African lacertid lizards (Eremiadini) using mitochondrial and nuclear markers revealed two examples of generic assignments incompatible with monophyletic clades. Australolacerta Arnold 1989, a genus endemic to South Africa and to which two isolated species have been referred, is paraphyletic at the generic level. In addition, the species Ichnotropis squamulosa Peters 1854 was found to be embedded within the genus Meroles. To resolve the paraphyly in Australolacerta we erect a new genus, Vhembelacerta Edwards, Branch, Herrel, Vanhooydonck, Measey, & Tolley, gen. nov., to accommodate Lacerta rupicola FitzSimons 1933. To maintain a monophyletic Ichnotropis Peters 1854, Ichnotropis squamulosa Peters 1854 is transferred to Meroles Gray 1838, now named Meroles squamulosus comb. nov. Where necessary the genera affected by these actions are re-characterized.
The advertisement call of Dendropsophus tritaeniatus (Bokermann, 1965) (Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: TEIXEIRA BERNARDO FRANCO DA VEIGA , GIARETTA ARIOVALDO ANTONIO , PANSONATO ANDRÉ
Published: June 2013

The Dendropsophus rubicundulus (Reinhardt & Lütken) clade (sensu Faivovich et al. 2005) currently comprises nine species (Martins & Jim 2004). Given that internal relationships of the clade are unknown, we follow the arrangement of Napoli and Caramaschi (1998, 1999a, 1999b), where five species are assigned to a D. tritaeniatus species complex: D. tritaeniatus (Bokermann), D. araguaya (Napoli & Caramaschi), D. cerradensis (Napoli & Caramaschi), D. jimi (Napoli & Caramaschi), and D. rhea (Napoli & Caramaschi). This species complex is always associated to permanent springs and streams in Brazilian Cerrado formations, sharing a small body size, and a dorsal pattern of two anterior brown stripes from the posterior corner of eyes to nearly the middle of body, followed by a single sacral stripe (Napoli & Caramaschi 1999a).
The advertisement call of Phyllodytes gyrinaethes Peixoto, Caramaschi & Freire, 2003 (Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: ROBERTO IGOR J. , ÁVILA ROBSON W.
Published: June 2013

Phyllodytes gyrinaethes Peixoto, Caramaschi & Freire, 2003 is an endemic species from the Atlantic Forest of Northeast Brazil, occurring in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco (Freire & Peixoto 2004). The red color pattern on the inguinal region and concealed surfaces of the hind limbs together with a highly modified tadpole makes P. gyrinaethes the most different species of the genus (Peixoto et al. 2003), being unique and in its own species group according to Caramaschi et al. (2004).
Six new species of Cernotina Ross, 1938 (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae) from Brazil
Authors: SILVA PATRIK BARCELOS E , DE CAMARGOS LUCAS MARQUES , PES ANA MARIA , SALLES FREDERICO FALCÃO
Published: June 2013

Six new species of Cernotina Ross are described from two Brazilian states: Cernotina anhanguera sp. nov., Cernotina bispicata sp. nov., and Cernotina falcata sp. nov. from Goiás State (Cerrado biome) and Cernotina lanceolata sp. nov., Cernotina longispina sp. nov., and Cernotina sinuosa sp. nov. from Espírito Santo State (Atlantic Forest biome). In ad-dition, we report the first record of Cernotina spinigera Flint 1971 from Goiás State.
A review of the genus Compterosmittia Sæther, 1981 (Diptera: Chironomidae) from China
Authors: LIN XIAOLONG , YAO YUANYUAN , LIU WENBIN , WANG XINHUA
Published: June 2013

The genus Compterosmittia Sæther, 1981 from China is reviewed. Three new species, C. duodecima sp. n., C. lii sp. n. and C. procera sp. n. are described as adult males. C. nerius (Curran, 1930), C. oyabelurida (Sasa, Kawai et Ueno, 1988) and C. togalimea (Sasa et Okazawa, 1992) are recorded from China for the first time and annotated; as a result the diag-nosis for the genus is emended. A key to adult males of all known Compterosmittia is also presented.
Thraulodes bonito sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil
Authors: GONÇALVES INÊS CORRÊA , DA-SILVA ELIDIOMAR RIBEIRO , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: June 2013

A new species of Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 is described from Rio de Janeiro. The species resembles the recently published Thraulodes pelicanus Mariano and Froehlich, 2011 (in Mariano et al. 2011) due to the length and width of the penes. How-ever, Thraulodes bonito sp. nov. differs from this and all other species of the genus by the wide penes, the triangular shape of the styliger plate with median projection short and apex rounded, the abdominal color pattern and the presence of 1–3 weakly marked cross veins basal to bullae. The new species is described based on male imagos, female subimagos and nymphs.
Guerothrips moundi, gen. et sp.n. (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) from Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: GOLDARAZENA ARTURO , INFANTE FRANCISCO
Published: June 2013

Guerothrips moundi gen. et sp. n., (Thripidae, Thripinae) is described from flowers of the herbaceus plant Waltheria in-dica (Sterculiaceae) found in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. G. moundi is a member of the Frankliniella genus-group, but is distinguished by the presence of sternal discal setae on the abdomen. The available specimens are all brachypterous.
Clinical correlates of nucleus accumbens volume in drug-naïve, adult patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Narayanaswamy Janardhanan C , Jose Dania , Kalmady Sunil , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , Reddy YC Janardhan
Published: June 2013

Background:

Reward-processing deficits have been demonstrated in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and this has been linked to ventral striatal abnormalities. However, volumetric abnormalities of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a key structure in the reward pathway, have not been examined in OCD. We report on the volumetric abnormalities of NAcc and its correlation with illness severity in drug-naïve, adult patients with OCD.

Method:

In this cross-sectional study of case–control design, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1.5-T (1-mm) volume of NAcc was measured using 3D Slicer software in drug-naïve OCD patients ( n = 44) and age, sex and handedness-matched healthy controls (HCs) ( n = 36) using a valid and reliable method. OCD symptoms were assessed using the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) Symptom checklist and severity and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale.

Results:

There was no significant difference in NAcc volumes on either side between OCD patients and HCs ( F = 3.45, p = 0.07). However, there was significant negative correlation between the right NAcc volume and Y-BOCS compulsion score ( r = −0.48, p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Study observations suggest involvement of the NAcc in the pathogenesis of OCD, indicating potential reward-processing deficits. Correlation between the right NAcc volume deficit and severity of compulsions offers further support for this region as a candidate for deep brain stimulation treatment in OCD.
A review of social inclusion measures
Authors: Coombs Tim , Nicholas Angela , Pirkis Jane
Published: June 2013

Background:

Social inclusion is crucial to mental health and well-being and is emphasised in Australia’s Fourth National Mental Health Plan. There is a recognition that a measure of social inclusion would complement the suite of outcome measures that is currently used in public sector mental health services. This paper is an initial scope of candidate measures of social inclusion and considers their suitability for this purpose.

Methods:

We identified potential measures through searches of PsycINFO and Medline and a more general Internet search. We extracted descriptive and evaluative information on each measure identified and compared this information with a set of eight criteria. The criteria related to the measure’s inclusion of four domains of social inclusion outlined in Australia’s Fourth National Mental Health Plan, its usability within the public mental health sector and its psychometric properties.

Results:

We identified 10 candidate measures of social inclusion: the Activity and Participation Questionnaire (APQ-6); the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire (ACPQ); the Composite Measure of Social Inclusion (CMSI); the EMILIA Project Questionnaire (EPQ); the Evaluating Social Inclusion Questionnaire (ESIQ); the Inclusion Web (IW); the Social and Community Opportunities Profile (SCOPE); the Social Inclusion Measure (SIM); the Social Inclusion Questionnaire (SIQ); and the Staff Survey of Social Inclusion (SSSI). After comparison with the eight review criteria, we determined that the APQ-6 and the SCOPE–short form show the most potential for further testing.

Conclusions:

Social inclusion is too important not to measure. This discussion of individual-level measures of social inclusion provides a springboard for selecting an appropriate measure for use in public sector mental health services. It suggests that there are two primary candidates, but neither of these is quite fit-for-purpose in their current form. Further exploration will reveal whether one of these is suitable, whether another measure might be adapted for the current purpose or whether a new, specifically designed measure needs to be developed.
Effect of different types of vulcanization systems on the mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanizates in the presence of oil palm leaves-based antioxidant
Authors: Shuhaimi Nor Hasmaniza Husna , Ishak Nur Syuleha , Othman Nadras , Ismail Hanafi , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: June 2013

Different types of vulcanization systems play an important role towards thermal degradation of natural rubber (NR) compound. In this study, NR compounds were cured with efficient vulcanization (EV), semi-efficient vulcanization (SEV) and conventional vulcanization (CV) system in the presence of natural antioxidant (NA) obtained from oil palm leaves to compare the effectiveness of NA on the properties of NR vulcanizate, the same compound was prepared in the presence of commercial antioxidant, trimethylquinoline (TMQ). The samples were then subjected to tensile and tear test before and after ageing process. Both SEV/NA and EV/NA NR vulcanizates showed comparable results on mechanical properties before and after ageing process as compared to TMQ. Meanwhile, for CV systems, the result showed reduction in mechanical properties after a longer time of ageing due to the breakage of polysulphidic cross-link.
Guidelines in cardiac clinical practice: evaluation of their methodological quality using the AGREE II instrument
Authors: Sabharwal Sanjeeve , Patel Vanash , Nijjer Sukhjinder S , Kirresh Ali , Darzi Ara , Chambers John C , Malik Iqbal , Kooner Jaspal S , Athanasiou Thanos
Published: June 2013

Although clinical guidelines have an influential role in healthcare practice, their development process and the evidence they cite has been subject to criticism. This study evaluates the quality of guidelines in cardiac clinical practice by examining how they adhere to validated methodological standards in guideline development. A structured review of cardiac clinical practice guidelines published in seven cardiovascular journals between January 2001 and May 2011 was performed. The AGREE II assessment tool was used by two researchers to evaluate guideline quality. A total of 101 guidelines were identified. Assessment of guidelines using AGREE II found methodological quality to be highly variable (median score, 58.70%; range, 45.34–76.40%). ‘Scope and purpose’ (median score, 86.1%) and ‘clarity of development’ (median score, 83.3 %) were the two domains within AGREE II that received the highest scores. Applicability (median score, 20.80%; range, 4.20–54.20%) and editorial independence (median score, 33.30%; range, 0–62.50%) had the lowest scores. There is considerable variability in the quality of cardiac clinical practice guidelines and this has not improved over the last 10 years. Incorporating validated guideline assessment tools, such as AGREE II, may improve the quality of guidelines.
Correction of Rater Effects in Longitudinal Research With a Cross-Classified Random Effects Model
Authors: Guo Shenyang
Published: June 2013

This study examines adverse consequences of using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) that ignores rater effects to analyze ratings collected by multiple raters in longitudinal research. The most severe consequence of using HLM ignoring rater effects is the biased estimation of Levels 1 and 2 fixed effects and potentially incorrect significance tests about them. A cross-classified random effects model (CCREM) is proposed as an alternative to HLM. A Monte Carlo study and an empirical evaluation confirm that CCREM performs better than does HLM in dealing with rater effects. Strengths, limitations, and implications of the study are discussed.
Do Specialty Courts Achieve Better Outcomes for Children in Foster Care Than General Courts?
Authors: Sloan Frank A. , Gifford Elizabeth J. , Eldred Lindsey M. , Acquah Kofi F. , Blevins Claire E.
Published: June 2013

Objective:

This study assessed the effects of unified family and drug treatment courts (DTCs) on the resolution of cases involving foster care children and the resulting effects on school performance.

Method:

The first analytic step was to assess the impacts of presence of unified and DTCs in North Carolina counties on time children spent in foster care and the type of placement at exit from foster care. In the second step, the same data on foster care placements were merged with school records for youth in Grades 3–8 in public schools. The effect of children’s time in foster care and placement outcomes on school performance as measured by math and reading tests, grade retention, and attendance was assessed using child fixed-effects regression.

Results:

Children in counties with unified family courts experienced shorter foster care spells and higher rates of reunification with parents or primary caregivers. Shorter foster care spells translated into improved school performance measured by end-of-grade reading and math test scores. Adult DTCs were associated with lower probability of reunification with parents/primary caregivers.

Conclusion:

The shortened time in foster care implies an efficiency gain attributable to unified family courts, which translate into savings for the court system through the use of fewer resources. Children also benefit through shortened stays in temporary placements, which are related to some improved educational outcomes.
Gerontology Found Me
Authors: Campbell-Detrixhe Dia D. , Grassley Jane S. , Zeigler Vicki L.
Published: June 2013

Examining the meanings of the experiences of advanced practice nurses (APNs) who chose to work with older adults and why they continue to work with this population was the focus of this hermeneutic qualitative research study. Twelve geriatric APNs currently practicing in two South Central states were interviewed using an open-ended interview guide. Using Gadamerian hermeneutics, the researchers identified Gerontology Found Me as the significant expression that reflected the fundamental meaning of the experience as a whole. Four themes emerged that further described the meanings of the participants’ personal, educational, and professional experiences: Becoming a Gerontology Nurse, Being a Gerontology Nurse, Belonging to Gerontology, and Bringing Others to Gerontology. This study concluded that APNs’ personal and professional experiences were more influential than educational experiences to become geriatric nurses, and having these personal and professional experiences of being in relationship with older individuals further contributed to their choice of gerontology.
Integrating meaning and structure in L1–L2 and L2–L1 translations
Authors: Lim Jung Hyun , Christianson Kiel
Published: June 2013

This article examined the integration of semantic and morphosyntactic information by Korean learners of English as a second language (L2). In Experiment 1, L2 learners listened to English active or passive sentences that were either plausible or implausible and translated them into Korean. A significant number of Korean translations maintained the original passive/active structure, but switched the thematic roles of the actors in the sentences. In Experiment 2, the direction of translation was reversed and participants made very few translation errors, showing that the errors in Experiment 1 were not due to participants’ lack of control over the English passive morphosyntax. The results are strikingly similar to previous results in the first language (L1) psycholinguistics literature, and support a view of L2 processing (like L1 processing) that is ‘good enough’ in nature: misinterpretations arise from only a ‘good enough’ integration of semantic and morphosyntactic information in the input.
Incidence and distribution of extravascular compression of extracranial venous pathway in patients with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Djordje Radak , Nenad Ilijevski , Jovo Kolar , Dragan Sagić , Želimir Antonić , Slobodan Tanasković , Nikola Aleksić , Srdjan Babić , Petar Otašević
Published: June 2013

Objective

To examine the incidence and distribution of extravascular compression of the extracranial venous pathway (the jugular and/or azygous veins) in multiple sclerosis patients with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency evaluated by mulitislice computer tomographic angiography.

Methods and results

Study group consisted of 51 consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis in whom chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency was diagnosed by color Doppler sonography (CDS). Mulitislice computer tomographic angiography was performed in all patients, and it revealed significant extravascular compression (>70%) of extracranial venous pathway in 26 patients (51%), while in 25 patients (49%) no significant extravascular compression was seen. Extracranial compression due to transverse processus of cervical vertebrae was seen in 23 patients, carotid bulb compression was seen in two patients, and in one case, compression presented as a thoracic outlet syndrome.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that extravascular compression of the extracranial venous pathway is frequent in multiple sclerosis patients with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, and that it is mainly due to compression caused by transverse processus of cervical vertebrae. Further studies are needed to evaluate potential clinical implications of this phenomenon.
Unfair Tournaments
Authors: Castagnetti Carolina , Rosti Luisa
Published: June 2013

This paper addresses the gender pay gap among Italian university graduates on entry to the labor market, and stresses the potential for gender stereotypes to impact subjective assessment of individual productivity. We build upon previous research about gender and wage inequality, introducing tournament theory as a framework for the gender pay gap analysis. We hypothesize that the effects of gender make occupational tournaments less fair in some arenas compared with others. As a consequence, men workers have higher probabilities of winning the wage competition, but this process is uneven. Our data show that in contexts where stereotypes are most likely to occur, tournaments appear to be less fair and the unexplained component of the gender pay gap is higher.
The Impact of Mobility on Quality of Life Among Older Persons
Authors: La Grow Steve , Yeung Polly , Towers Andy , Alpass Fiona , Stephens Christine
Published: June 2013

Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the extent and manner in which mobility is related to quality of life (QOL) in a representative sample of older adults. Method: Two models were assessed using structured equation modeling. The first hypothesized that mobility would have a direct effect on QOL along with other variables, including; number of health conditions and satisfaction with functional capacity, life essentials (e.g., transport, access to health services, and conditions of living space) and personal relationships. The second hypothesized that mobility would have its greatest influence on QOL through satisfaction with functional capacity. Results: While both models found that mobility and all three measures of life satisfaction were significantly associated with QOL, goodness of fit indices were higher for the second model. Discussion: The findings from this study suggest that mobility interventions designed to enhance QOL should address satisfaction with functional capacity as well.
Evaluation of phytochemical-incorporated porous polymeric sponges for bone tissue engineering: A novel perspective
Authors: Raghavan Ravi N , Somanathan N , Sastry Thottapalli P
Published: June 2013

Porous polymeric scaffolds are extensively studied for delivery of bone growth factors. Since phytochemicals are known to produce changes in cell signalling and other metabolic pathways, osteogenic phytochemicals, that is, extracts of Cissus quadrangularis and Butea monosperma, are incorporated into sulphonated poly(aryl ether ketone) sponges. The results have shown that the scaffolds with phytochemicals enhanced the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells compared to cells treated on scaffolds without phytochemicals. Hence, these phytochemicals can be evaluated to augment, if not substitute the use of bone morphogenetic proteins in scaffolds.
The Role of Working Memory in the Subsymbolic–Symbolic Transition
Authors: Halford Graeme S. , Andrews Glenda , Phillips Steven , Wilson William H.
Published: June 2013

In this article, a proposal is made for a new account of the subsymbolic-to-symbolic transition based on a contemporary conception of working memory. Symbolic cognition is a constituent of reasoning and language and requires an operating system that is flexible and can produce novel, yet coherent, representations of relations that are useful in adapting to the environment. Acquisition of such an operating system depends on dynamic binding to a coordinate system in working memory. Recent studies with infants have indicated that this ability develops late in the 1st year of life, which corresponds to the time when symbols emerge in infant cognition. It also corresponds to the time when infants cease to make the A-not-B error, which depends on dynamic creation of a link in memory between an object and its location in space. We propose that such dynamic binding is a previously unrecognized marker of the symbolic transition. Emergence of symbolic processes (e.g., language, theory of mind) should be predicted longitudinally by dynamic binding to a coordinate system.
Developmental Origins of the Other-Race Effect
Authors: Anzures Gizelle , Quinn Paul C. , Pascalis Olivier , Slater Alan M. , Tanaka James W. , Lee Kang
Published: June 2013

The other-race effect (ORE) in face recognition refers to better recognition memory for faces of one’s own race than faces of another race—a common phenomenon among individuals living in primarily mono-racial societies. In this article, we review findings suggesting that early visual and sociocultural experiences shape one’s processing of familiar and unfamiliar race classes and give rise to the ORE within the 1st year of life. However, despite its early development, the ORE can be prevented, attenuated, and even reversed given experience with a novel race class. Social implications of the ORE are discussed in relation to development of race-based preferences for social partners and racial prejudices.
Parsing Anhedonia
Authors: Treadway Michael T. , Zald David H.
Published: June 2013

The term anhedonia has long been used in the psychiatric literature to describe reward-processing dysfunction in psychopathology, especially depression and schizophrenia. Although anhedonia literally describes a lack of pleasurable experiences in everyday life, recent advances in both the basic science and clinical literatures indicate that reward deficits in these disorders are much broader than hedonic responses. In this article, we summarize some of the recent theoretical and empirical advances in understanding deficits in reward processing and their neurobehavioral mechanisms, with a particular focus on the neural underpinnings of motivation and effort-based decision making. We also highlight the potential of translational neuroscience to enhance diagnostic clarity by defining clinical symptoms in terms of underlying pathophysiology.
Descriptive Study of Electromagnetic Wave Distribution for Various Seating Positions
Authors: Seomun GyeongAe , Kim YoungHwan , Lee Jung-Ah , Jeong KwangHoon , Park Seon-A , Kim Miran , Noh Wonjung
Published: June 2013

To better understand environmental electromagnetic wave exposure during the use of digital textbooks by elementary school students, we measured numeric values of the electromagnetic fields produced by tablet personal computers (TPCs). Specifically, we examined the distribution of the electromagnetic waves for various students’ seating positions in an elementary school that uses digital textbooks. Electric and magnetic fields from TPCs were measured using the HI-3603 Visual Display Terminal/ Very Low Frequency (VDT/VLF) radiation measurement system. Electromagnetic field values from TPCs measured at a student’s seat and at a teacher’s computer were deemed not harmful to health. However, electromagnetic field values varied based on the distance between students, other electronic devices such as a desktop computers, and student posture while using a TPC. Based on these results, it is necessary to guide students to observe proper posture and to arrange seats at an appropriate distance in the classroom.
Post-failure recovery of MPI communication capability
Authors: Bland Wesley , Bouteiller Aurelien , Herault Thomas , Bosilca George , Dongarra Jack
Published: June 2013

As supercomputers are entering an era of massive parallelism where the frequency of faults is increasing, the MPI Standard remains distressingly vague on the consequence of failures on MPI communications. Advanced fault-tolerance techniques have the potential to prevent full-scale application restart and therefore lower the cost incurred for each failure, but they demand from MPI the capability to detect failures and resume communications afterward. In this paper, we present a set of extensions to MPI that allow communication capabilities to be restored, while maintaining the extreme level of performance to which MPI users have become accustomed. The motivation behind the design choices are weighted against alternatives, a task that requires simultaneously considering MPI from the viewpoint of both the user and the implementor. The usability of the interfaces for expressing advanced recovery techniques is then discussed, including the difficult issue of enabling separate software layers to coordinate their recovery.
Penicillium species-induced granuloma in a cat resulting in chronic lower urinary tract disease
Authors: Soonthornsit Jeerawat , Banlunara Wijit , Niyomthum Waree , Pusoonthornthum Rosama
Published: June 2013

A 5-year-old, female neutered Persian cat was admitted to the Small Animal Hospital (Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand) with clinical signs of dysuria, haematuria and partial urethral obstruction that had manifested over several months. The animal also had hyperkalaemia and severe azotaemia at the time of presentation. Urinalysis showed haematuria, pyuria and the presence of several transitional cells. In addition, ultrasonography demonstrated an extraluminal mass between the neck of urinary bladder and the colon. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass revealed a fungal form with branching and septate hyphae. Consequently, itraconazole treatment was prescribed and clinical signs of improvement were seen after 7 days. However, 1 month later, the cat died of acute anaemia. Necropsy revealed the presence of extraluminal multifocal fungal granuloma at the neck of the urinary bladder, and contracted kidneys. Histopathological analysis of the fungal granuloma was found to be composed of branching, septate hyphal fungi together with inflammatory cells. Subsequent fungal culture and identification revealed this to be a species of Penicillium.
CRYAB modulates the activation of CD4+ T cells from relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Quach Que Lan , Metz Luanne M , Thomas Jenna C , Rothbard Jonathan B , Steinman Lawrence , Ousman Shalina S
Published: June 2013

Background:

Suppression of activation of pathogenic CD4+ T cells is a potential therapeutic intervention in multiple sclerosis (MS). We previously showed that a small heat shock protein, CRYAB, reduced T cell proliferation, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and clinical signs of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a model of MS.

Objective:

We assessed whether the ability of CRYAB to reduce the activation of T cells translated to the human disease.

Methods:

CD4+ T cells from healthy controls and volunteers with MS were activated in vitro in the presence or absence of a CRYAB peptide (residues 73–92). Parameters of activation (proliferation rate, cytokine secretion) and tolerance (anergy, activation-induced cell death, microRNAs) were evaluated.

Results:

The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by CD4+ T cells was decreased in the presence of CRYAB in a subset of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) participants with mild disease severity while no changes were observed in healthy controls. Further, there was a correlation for higher levels of miR181a microRNA, a marker upregulated in tolerant CD8+ T cells, in CD4+ T cells of MS patients that displayed suppressed cytokine production (responders).

Conclusion:

CRYAB may be capable of suppressing the activation of CD4+ T cells from a subset of RRMS patients who appear to have less disability but similar age and disease duration.
Measuring mental health in Indigenous young people: A review of the literature from 1998–2008
Authors: Williamson Anna , Andersen Melanie , Redman Sally , Dadds Mark , D’Este Catherine , Daniels John , Eades Sandra , Raphael Beverley
Published: June 2013

Background:

Indigenous young people are disproportionately exposed to risk factors for poor mental health. Methodologically rigorous research will be critical in the development and evaluation of prevention and treatment programs. Research examining the mental health of Indigenous young people may have been undermined by poor measurement. The extent to which research has used measures with adequate psychometrics is unknown.

Methods:

MEDLINE, PsychINFO and PUBMED databases, were systematically searched to identify papers published between 1998–2008 measuring the mental health of Indigenous young people from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the US. Data extracted included type of mental health instrument, psychometric analyses reported and results.

Results:

Fifty-four relevant studies were identified. Seventy-nine mental health instruments were used, and 18% were bespoke. Only 14% of instruments had been validated for the relevant Indigenous population. Few studies reported assessment of the reliability or validity of instruments. Data about both the reliability and validity of 10 measures were reported. None of the measures met the standards set by the review. Evidence of at least one type of reliability and validity was demonstrated for six measures.

Conclusions:

From 1998–2008 few studies of mental health in Indigenous young people used measurement instruments with previously determined reliability and validity.