bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elimination of cetirizine following administration of multiple doses to exercised thoroughbred horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Stanley S. D. , Arthur R. M. , McKemie D. S.
Published: April 2016

Cetirizine is an antihistamine used in performance horses for the treatment of hypersensitivity reactions and as such a withdrawal time is necessary prior to competition. The objective of the current study was to describe the disposition and elimination of cetirizine following oral administration in order to provide additional serum concentration data upon which appropriate regulatory recommendations can be established. Nine exercised thoroughbred horses were administered 0.4 mg/kg of cetirizine orally BID for a total of five doses. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to drug administration and at various times postadministration. Serum cetirizine concentrations were determined and selected pharmacokinetic parameters determined. The serum elimination half‐life was 5.83 ± 0.841 h. Average serum cetirizine concentrations were still above the LOQ of the assay (0.05 ng/mL) at 48 h (final sample collected) postadministration of the final dose.
Individualized Dosing of Oral Oxybutynin for the Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis in Children and Teenagers
Authors: del Boz Javier , Millán‐Cayetano José Francisco , Blázquez‐Sánchez Nuria , de Troya Magdalena
Published: April 2016

Background/Objectives

Oral anticholinergic drugs, such as oxybutynin, are often used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, but few studies have focused on dosing strategies for children. The objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety of individualized dosing regimens of oral oxybutynin for treating primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) in children and teenagers.

Methods

A prospective study was performed including patients who initiated treatment for hyperhidrosis between November 2011 and November 2014. Response to treatment and adverse effects were evaluated using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale at baseline and at 3 and 12 months.

Results

Of 16 patients included in the study, 15 (93.8%) had responded to treatment at the 3‐month follow‐up (62.5% with excellent response). At the 12‐month follow‐up, the 11 patients who continued the treatment were still responding (63.6% with excellent response). Adverse effects were reported for 68.8% of the patients at 3 months and 54.5% at 12 months, with a predominance of oropharyngeal xerosis. No serious adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion

Dose individualization of oral oxybutynin according to clinical response and tolerance observed in each patient is a useful management strategy in children and teenagers.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Giant Sea Perch Iridovirus in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Authors: Wen Chiu-Ming , Hong Jiann-Ruey
Published: April 2016

We report here the complete genome sequence of a megalocytivirus strain, GSIV-K1, isolated from a farmed giant sea perch (
Lates calcarifer
) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. GSIV-K1 causes mortality in farmed marine fish, including giant sea perch and groupers. The genome sequence is nearly identical to the genome of the orange-spotted grouper iridovirus.
Longitudinal bioimpedance assessments to evaluate hydration in POEMS syndrome
Authors: Nwosu Amara Callistus , Morris Lauren , Mayland Catriona , Mason Stephen , Pettitt Andrew , Ellershaw John
Published: April 2016

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic disorder associated with an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia and multiorgan failure. POEMS syndrome is potentially fatal and adversely affects quality of life. Oedema is common with many patients affected by pleural effusions, ascites and lower limb oedema. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a non-invasive assessment tool, which enables rapid bedside assessments of nutrition and hydration. This paper describes the use of sequential BIVA assessments to evaluate the response to diuretic therapy in a woman aged 52 years with POEMS syndrome. This case illustrates the potential to use BIVA to conduct longitudinal assessments of hydration status. This provides opportunities for further research using BIVA to monitor hydration and response to interventions. This may be useful in specific situations, for example at the end of life.
Successful management of otitis externa
Authors: Nuttall Tim
Published: April 2016

Otitis is one the most common problems seen in dogs. Most acute cases can be managed with topical polyvalent ear preparations. However, these cases frequently evolve into chronic or recurrent otitis that is much harder to resolve. Ongoing cycles of infection and inflammation will lead to chronic pathological changes and select for antimicrobial resistance that make management much more challenging. Diagnosis and management of the underlying triggers for the otitis is crucial, but clinicians must also understand how best to treat the ongoing infection and inflammation. Knowing how to recognise and understanding the significance of biofilms is important, as these are under diagnosed and have a major impact on antimicrobial efficacy. Cytology should be performed in all cases to determine the type of infection and the likely nature of the micro‐organisms. Bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility, in contrast, are less useful. The tests are based on systemic treatment, and vets need to know how to interpret the results when using topical treatment. Topical therapy is generally much more effective, and there are a very wide range of anti‐microbial and anti‐inflammatory options available (although not all are licensed for use in animals). Long‐term remission of recurrent otitis relies on managing the inflammation in the ear canals to prevent flares. Getting clients to understand this is critical. Choosing appropriate products and demonstrating how to apply them are also important in ensuring good compliance and a good long term outcome.
Discovering the causes of otitis externa
Authors: Paterson Sue
Published: April 2016

Otitis externa is one of the most common reasons why dogs present to veterinary surgeons in primary care practice. It is a much less common problem in the cat. This article outlines a logical approach principally to canine otitis externa. It describes the need to identify and manage primary causes of otitis, especially allergy which is the most common of these. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the more chronic the otitis, the greater the need to investigate its underlying cause rather than treat symptomatically. Secondary infections are discussed, particularly the need to perform cytology and where appropriate culture and sensitivity, in order to select specific antimicrobial therapy. The need to identify and manage both predisposing factors, such as conformation, and perpetuating factors, such as chronic change and otitis media are outlined. However, it is emphasised that these factors contribute to disease and should never be treated without addressing both secondary infection and primary causes.
Treatment of snakebite envenomation in sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis)
Authors: Field Cara Lisa , MacLean Robert A , Grillo James F
Published: April 2016

Envenomation of people and animals by snakes in the Viperidae family occurs commonly throughout the USA; however, envenomation of birds is rarely reported. Between 2009 and 2011, four sandhill cranes in a Louisiana breeding colony were bitten by venomous snakes. All suffered varying degrees of soft tissue trauma, oedema and tissue necrosis associated with the injury. All four were treated with supportive care and crotalid antivenom. None developed neurological symptoms during or subsequent to treatment, and each crane made a full recovery over the following weeks. As with other species, supportive care is essential in treatment of venomous snakebites and antivenom appears to be a safe and likely beneficial treatment in sandhill cranes.
Effects of feeding beef fat enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation products to pigs
Authors: Vahmani Payam , Jon Meadus W. , Uttaro Bethany , López-Campos Óscar , Mapiye Cletos , Rolland David C. , Caine William R. , Aalhus Jennifer L. , Dugan Michael E.R.
Published: April 2016

A total of sixteen barrows were randomly assigned to diets containing 5% biohydrogenation product (BHP)-enriched or control beef fat for 7 weeks. On completion of 7 weeks, we found that feeding enriched fat led to deposition of BHP and isomer-specific metabolism of trans-18:1 in adipose tissue. It was also noticed that total and HDL-cholesterol were decreased; however, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were not affected.
Eocene paleontology and geology of western North America
Authors: Greenwood David R. , Pigg Kathleen B. , DeVore Melanie L.
Published: April 2016

Western North America preserves a rich record of Eocene life and environments under globally warm climates, and represents an interval where significant coal and other minerals were deposited. The Eocene is of interest to biologists and paleontologists for its record of the appearance and rise to dominance of many plant, insect, and mammal groups now typical of the temperate forests of North America, admixed with groups now well represented in tropical areas or restricted to eastern Asia. This record is also of interest for its potential contribution to our understanding of interactions between climate, the biota, and the ecosystems they occupied, under atmospheric carbon dioxide levels much higher than today. Documentation of the Eocene in western North America offers insights into the effects of future greenhouse climates. A special symposium held at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America in Vancouver, British Columbia, brought together geologists, paleontologists, and biologists with an interest in these questions. This paper introduces the special issue that includes a selection of papers drawn from that symposium as well as on related topics, spanning the Early to Late Eocene, and geographically from British Columbia to Colorado.
Dynamical stability of extended teleparallel gravity
Authors: Tretyakov Petr V.
Published: April 2016

We discuss modified teleparallel gravity with function [Formula: see text] in the action, where the function depends on two arguments: torsion scalar [Formula: see text] and analogue of Gauss–Bonnet invariant [Formula: see text]. In contradistinction to usual teleparallel gravity [Formula: see text], this theory contains higher derivative terms, which may produce different instabilities. We discuss Minkowski stability problem in such kind of theories and explicitly demonstrate that for stability it must be [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. We apply these restrictions for the few types of functions discussed by the early authors.
Vibration Analysis of Shallow Spherical Domes with Non-Uniform Thickness
Authors: Kang Jae-Hoon
Published: April 2016

A three-dimensional (3D) method of analysis is presented for determining the natural frequencies of shallow spherical domes with non-uniform thickness. Unlike conventional shell theories, which are mathematically two dimensional (2D), the present method is based upon the 3D dynamic equations of elasticity. Displacement components [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in the meridional, circumferential, and normal directions, respectively, are taken to be periodic in [Formula: see text] and in time, and algebraic polynomials in the [Formula: see text] and z directions. Potential (strain) and kinetic energies of the shallow spherical domes with non-uniform thickness are formulated, and the Ritz method is used to solve the eigenvalue problem, thus yielding upper bound values of the frequencies by minimizing the frequencies. As the degree of the polynomials is increased, frequencies converge to the exact values. Convergence to four-digit exactitude is demonstrated for the first five frequencies. Natural frequencies are presented for different boundary conditions. The frequencies from the present 3D method are compared with those from a 2D exact method, a 2D thick shell theory, and a 3D finite element method by previous researchers.
Suppression of Train Wheel Squeal Noise by Shunted Piezoelectric Elements
Authors: Marjani Seyed Rahim , Younesian Davood
Published: April 2016

Application of the piezoelectric patch to mitigate the train wheel squeal is presented in this paper. A complete model for the wheel, rail and foundation is employed in the frequency domain. The wheel squeal model with the shunted piezoelectric element is presented and the consequent added damping is calculated for the critical frequencies. Two different shunt circuits including the resistor ([Formula: see text] and resistor–inductor (RL) are applied and the consequent performances in the noise mitigation are evaluated for different frequencies. The effect of contact point lateral displacement on occurrence of the wheel squeal is investigated. In the parametric study, the effects of shunting circuit and its parameters, size, position and number of piezoelectric elements on the control performance are evaluated. It is found that the resistance shunt circuit has optimal performance when the added damping over a broadband frequency range is implemented. In addition, both the added damping and added damping per piezoelectric volume become saturated by increasing the number of piezoelectric patches further over a specific limiting value.
Microcirculatory dysfunction in sepsis: pathophysiology, clinical monitoring, and potential therapies
Authors: Miranda Marcos , Balarini Michelle , Caixeta Daniella , Bouskela Eliete
Published: April 2016

Abnormal microvascular perfusion, including decreased functional capillary density and increased blood flow heterogeneity, is observed in early stages of the systemic inflammatory response to infection and appears to have prognostic significance in human sepsis. It is known that improvements in systemic hemodynamics are weakly correlated with the correction of microcirculatory parameters, despite an appropriate treatment of macrohemodynamic abnormalities. Furthermore, conventional hemodynamic monitoring systems available in clinical practice fail to detect microcirculatory parameter changes and responses to treatments, as they do not evaluate intrinsic events that occur in the microcirculation. Fortunately, some bedside diagnostic methods and therapeutic options are specifically directed to the assessment and treatment of microcirculatory changes. In the present review we discuss fundamental aspects of septic microcirculatory abnormalities, including pathophysiology, clinical monitoring, and potential therapies.
Fatty acid-induced astrocyte ketone production and the control of food intake
Authors: Le Foll Christelle , Levin Barry E.
Published: April 2016

Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are major worldwide public health issues today. A relationship between total fat intake and obesity has been found. In addition, the mechanisms of long-term and excessive high-fat diet (HFD) intake in the development of obesity still need to be elucidated. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is a major site involved in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis where “metabolic sensing neurons” integrate metabolic signals from the periphery. Among these signals, fatty acids (FA) modulate the activity of VMH neurons using the FA translocator/CD36, which plays a critical role in the regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis. During low-fat diet (LFD) intake, FA are oxidized by VMH astrocytes to fuel their ongoing metabolic needs. However, HFD intake causes VMH astrocytes to use FA to generate ketone bodies. We postulate that these astrocyte-derived ketone bodies are exported to neurons where they produce excess ATP and reactive oxygen species, which override CD36-mediated FA sensing and act as a signal to decrease short-term food intake. On a HFD, VMH astrocyte-produced ketones reduce elevated caloric intake to LFD levels after 3 days in rats genetically predisposed to resist (DR) diet-induced obesity (DIO), but not leptin-resistant DIO rats. This suggests that, while VMH ketone production on a HFD can contribute to protection from obesity, the inherent leptin resistance overrides this inhibitory action of ketone bodies on food intake. Thus, astrocytes and neurons form a tight metabolic unit that is able to monitor circulating nutrients to alter food intake and energy homeostasis.
β1-Blockade increases maximal apnea duration in elite breath-hold divers
Authors: Hoiland Ryan L. , Ainslie Philip N. , Bain Anthony R. , MacLeod David B. , Stembridge Mike , Drvis Ivan , Madden Dennis , Barak Otto , MacLeod Douglas M. , Dujic Zeljko
Published: April 2016

We hypothesized that the cardioselective β1-adrenoreceptor antagonist esmolol would improve maximal apnea duration in elite breath-hold divers. In elite national-level divers ( n = 9), maximal apneas were performed in a randomized and counterbalanced order while receiving either iv esmolol (150 μg·kg−1·min−1) or volume-matched saline (placebo). During apnea, heart rate (ECG), beat-by-beat blood pressure, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured (finger photoplethysmography). Myocardial oxygen consumption (MV̇o2) was estimated from rate pressure product. Cerebral blood flow through the internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral arteries (VA) was assessed using Duplex ultrasound. Apnea duration improved in the esmolol trial when compared with placebo (356 ± 57 vs. 323 ± 61 s, P < 0.01) despite similar end-apnea peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation (71.8 ± 10.3 vs. 74.9 ± 9.5%, P = 0.10). The HR response to apnea was reduced by esmolol at 10–30% of apnea duration, whereas MAP was unaffected. Esmolol reduced SV (main effect, P < 0.05) and CO (main effect; P < 0.05) and increased TPR (main effect, P < 0.05) throughout apnea. Esmolol also reduced MV̇o2 throughout apnea (main effect, P < 0.05). Cerebral blood flow through the ICA and VA was unchanged by esmolol at baseline and the last 30 s of apnea; however, global cerebral blood flow was reduced in the esmolol trial at end-apnea ( P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that, in elite breath-hold divers, apnea breakpoint is improved by β1-blockade, likely owing to an improved total body oxygen sparring through increased centralization of blood volume (↑TPR) and reduced MV̇o2.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The governing bodies for international apnea competition, the Association Internationale pour le Développment de l’Apnée and La Confédération Mondaile des Activités Subaquatiques, have banned the use of β-blockers based on anecdotal reports that they improve apnea duration. Using a randomized placebo-controlled trial, we are the first to empirically confirm that β-blockade improves apnea duration. This improvement in apnea duration coincided with a reduced myocardial oxygen consumption.
Computational modeling indicates that surface pressure can be reliably conveyed to tactile receptors even amidst changes in skin mechanics
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Baba Yoshichika , Lumpkin Ellen A. , Gerling Gregory J.
Published: April 2016

Distinct patterns in neuronal firing are observed between classes of cutaneous afferents. Such differences may be attributed to end-organ morphology, distinct ion-channel complements, and skin microstructure, among other factors. Even for just the slowly adapting type I afferent, the skin's mechanics for a particular specimen might impact the afferent's firing properties, especially given the thickness and elasticity of skin can change dramatically over just days. Here, we show computationally that the skin can reliably convey indentation magnitude, rate, and spatial geometry to the locations of tactile receptors even amid changes in skin's structure. Using finite element analysis and neural dynamics models, we considered the skin properties of six mice that span a representative cohort. Modeling the propagation of the surface stimulus to the interior of the skin demonstrated that there can be large variance in stresses and strains near the locations of tactile receptors, which can lead to large variance in static firing rate. However, variance is significantly reduced when the stimulus tip is controlled by surface pressure and compressive stress is measured near the end organs. This particular transformation affords the least variability in predicted firing rates compared with others derived from displacement, force, strain energy density, or compressive strain. Amid changing skin mechanics, stimulus control by surface pressure may be more naturalistic and optimal and underlie how animals actively explore the tactile environment.
A Comparative Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Two Calcium Phosphate/Collagen Composite Materials and Their Osteogenic Effects on Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Tong , Zhang Gui-feng , Yu Xin , Zhang Jing , Zhou Gang , Tang Zhi-hui
Published: April 2016

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are ideal seed cells for use in bone tissue engineering and they have many advantages over other stem cells. In this study, two kinds of calcium phosphate/collagen composite scaffolds were prepared and their effects on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs were investigated. The hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/β‐TCP) composite scaffolds (HTPSs), which have an additional β‐tricalcium phosphate, resulted in better proliferation of ADSCs and showed osteogenesis‐promoting effects. Therefore, such composite scaffolds, in combination with ADSCs or on their own, would be promising for use in bone regeneration and potential clinical therapy for bone defects.
Hepatic Stellate Cell‐Derived Microvesicles Prevent Hepatocytes from Injury Induced by APAP/H2O2
Authors: Huang Renwei , Pan Qunwen , Ma Xiaotang , Wang Yan , Liang Yaolong , Dai Bingyan , Liao Xiaorong , Li Mingyi , Miao Huilai
Published: April 2016

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), previously described for liver‐specific mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), appear to contribute to liver regeneration. Microvesicles (MVs) are nanoscale membrane fragments, which can regulate target cell function by transferring contents from their parent cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HSC‐derived MVs on xenobiotic‐induced liver injury. Rat and human hepatocytes, BRL‐3A and HL‐7702, were used to build hepatocytes injury models by n‐acetyl‐p‐aminophenol n‐(APAP) or H2O2 treatment. MVs were prepared from human and rat HSCs, LX‐2, and HST‐T6 and, respectively, added to injured BRL‐3A and HL‐7702 hepatocytes. MTT assay was utilized to determine cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and hoechst33258 staining. Western blot was used for analyzing the expression of activated caspase‐3. Liver injury indicators, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in culture medium were also assessed. Results showed that (1) HSC‐MVs derived from LX‐2 and HST‐T6 were positive to CD90 and annexin V surface markers; (2) HSC‐MVs dose‐dependently improved the viability of hepatocytes in both injury models; (3) HSC‐MVs dose‐dependently inhibited the APAP/H2O2 induced hepatocytes apoptosis and activated caspase‐3 expression and leakage of LDH, ALT, and AST. Our results demonstrate that HSC‐derived MVs protect hepatocytes from toxicant‐induced injury.
Resource Allocation in a Generalized Framework for Virtualized Heterogeneous Wireless Network
Authors: Fan Bo , Tian Hui , Zhang Yuan , Yan Xiao
Published: April 2016

As a prevailing concept in 5G, virtualization provides efficient coordination among multiple radio access technologies (RATs) and enables multiple service providers (SPs) to share different RATs’ infrastructure. This paper proposes a generic framework for virtualizing heterogeneous wireless network with different RATs. A novel “VMAC” (virtualized medium access control) concept is introduced to converge different RAT protocols and perform inter-RAT resource allocation. To suit the proposed framework, a virtualization based resource allocation scheme is devised. We formulate the problem as a mixed combinatorial optimization, which jointly considers network access and rate allocation. First, to solve the network access problem, “adaptability ratio” is developed to model the fact that different RATs possess different adaptability to different services. And a Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) method is adopted to calculate the adaptability ratio. Second, services are modeled as players, bargaining for RAT resources in a Nash bargaining game. And a closed-form Nash bargaining solution (NBS) is derived. Combining adaptability ratio with NBS, a novel resource allocation algorithm is devised. Through simulation, the superiority and feasibility of the proposed algorithm are validated.
Auditory Nerve Recovery Function in Cochlear Implant Surgery with Local Anesthesia and Sedation versus General Anesthesia
Authors: Wiemes Gislaine Richter Minhoto , Hamerschmidt Rogério , Moreira Ana Tereza Ramos , de Fraga Rogério , Tenório Sérgio Bernardo , Carvalho Bettina
Published: April 2016

Objective: To analyze auditory nerve recovery function (REC), comparing the results after local anesthesia and sedation with those after general anesthesia. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study in a tertiary referral center hospital. We included all patients (37 ears) who underwent surgery for cochlear implant under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation during 3 years. REC was measured according to the function of 3 components, ‘T0', ‘A' and ‘tau', and was taken for 3 cochlear electrodes (apical, medial and basal). Results: There were no significant differences in ‘tau' and in the current level used, but there were significant differences in the parameters ‘T0' apical and ‘A' basal. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in REC between the 2 types of anesthesia, except for the parameters ‘T0' apical and ‘A' basal.
Perinatal Endotoxemia Induces Sustained Hepatic COX-2 Expression through an NFκB-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: McKenna Sarah , Eckman Molly , Parker Andrew , Bok Rachael , Hurt K. Joseph , Wright Clyde J.
Published: April 2016

Background: Exposure to perinatal infection is associated with the multiple morbidities complicating preterm birth. How a relatively immature innate immune response contributes to this is unknown. Objective: We sought to determine if the perinatal innate immune response to endotoxemia induces a unique pattern of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression via an NFκB-dependent mechanism. Methods: Hepatic and pulmonary COX-2 mRNA expression was assessed following perinatal (at embryonic days 15 and 19 and after birth) or adult endotoxemia. Hepatic NFκB activity was assessed by cytosolic inhibitory protein degradation and subunit nuclear translocation. Immunohistochemistry and isolated cell preparations determined hepatic macrophage COX-2 expression, and the effect of pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of NFκB activity was tested. Results: Perinatal endotoxemia induced sustained hepatic macrophage COX-2 expression and NFκB activity compared to in exposed adults. Isolated hepatic macrophages and immunohistochemistry demonstrated enriched LPS-induced COX-2 expression that was sensitive to pharmacologic and genetic approaches to attenuate NFκB activity. Finally, pharmacologic inhibition of endotoxemia-induced NFκB activity in neonatal mice prevented hepatic NFκB activity and attenuated COX-2 expression. Conclusion: Our findings of sustained neonatal hepatic NFκB activity and COX-2 expression in response to endotoxemia support a robust perinatal innate immune response. This may represent a link between the innate immune response and the pathogenesis of diseases associated with preterm birth.
Trichoscopy of Focal Alopecia in Children - New Trichoscopic Findings: Hair Bulbs Arranged Radially along Hair-Bearing Margins in Aplasia Cutis Congenita
Authors: Rakowska Adriana , Maj Małgorzata , Zadurska Małgorzata , Czuwara Joanna , Warszawik-Henzel Olga , Olszewska Małgorzata , Rudnicka Lidia
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To establish whether trichoscopy can be useful in the differential diagnosis of patchy alopecia in children. Procedures: The study was a retrospective analysis (2012-2015) and included 68 patients under 6 years of age. The inclusion criteria were age and the presence of 1-3 alopecia patches. A total of 124 alopecia patches were examined with the use of a videodermoscope: 102 alopecia areata, 8 tinea capitis, 6 trichotillomania, 3 temporal triangular alopecia and 5 aplasia cutis congenita. Results: In all aplasia cutis congenita lesions, trichoscopy revealed elongated hair bulbs visible through the semitranslucent epidermis, seen at the hair-bearing margin and radially arranged. Hair regrowth [upright regrowing hairs (44%), circular hairs (23%) and vellus hairs (20%)] was observed in the majority of alopecia areata patches. For triangular alopecia, upright regrowing hairs (100%; 3/3), vellus hairs (100%; 3/3) and circle hairs (33%; 1/3) were seen inside the alopecia patch. Conclusion: Trichoscopy is a useful technique for the differential diagnosis of patchy alopecia in children. A novel finding in this study indicates that radially arranged hair bulbs visible through the translucent epidermis are characteristic of nonbullous type aplasia cutis congenita.
New and Evolving Immunotherapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Raad Mohamad A. , Chams Nour H. , Sharara Ala I.
Published: April 2016

Background: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory disorders associated with a dysregulated adaptive and innate immune response to gut commensals in genetically susceptible individuals. The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease is complex, and the disease is characterized by significant phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity. Summary: The introduction of anti-TNF biologics has resulted in improved clinical outcomes in patients with severe and moderately severe disease, but the current treatment paradigm continues to depend on systemic immunosuppression (steroids and immunomodulators) and surgical intervention in a significant number of patients, underscoring a significant unmet need. More recently, a number of genetic and immunologic abnormalities have been unraveled including aberrant intestinal mucosal defense function, abnormal intestinal permeability, dysregulated bacterial antigen processing by macrophages and presentation to T cells, cellular immune regulation and signaling, cytokine production, and leukocyte trafficking. Key Messages: Understanding these molecular mechanisms and effector pathways presents an opportunity for the development of new and improved targeted therapies.
Cellular Immune Responses and Immune Escape Mechanisms in Breast Cancer: Determinants of Immunotherapy
Authors: Domschke Christoph , Schneeweiss Andreas , Stefanovic Stefan , Wallwiener Markus , Heil Joerg , Rom Joachim , Sohn Christof , Beckhove Philipp , Schuetz Florian
Published: April 2016

More recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a novel potentially effective therapeutic option also for solid malignancies such as breast cancer (BC). Relevant approaches, however, are determined by the 2 main elements of cancer immunoediting - the elimination of nascent transformed cells by immunosurveillance on the one hand and tumor immune escape on the other hand. Correspondingly, we here review the role of the various cellular immune players within the host-protective system and dissect the mechanisms of immune evasion leading to tumor progression. If the immune balance of disseminated BC cell dormancy (equilibrium phase) is lost, distant metastatic relapse may occur. The relevant cellular antitumor responses and translational immunotherapeutic options will also be discussed in terms of clinical benefit and future directions in BC management.
Iniciativas de Jornalismo Independente no Brasil e Argentina
Authors: Ramos Daniela Osvald
Published: April 2016

A rapidez das transformações tecnológicas altera os processos de se produzir e consumir jornalismo em diversos fluxos midiáticos digitais. Estas mudanças estão gerando uma situação de crise em muitas empresas de comunicação, resultando em demissões em massa.  Para reinventar novas frentes de trabalho fora das corporações midiáticas, jornalistas estão criando estratégias de negócio auto sustentáveis que reforcem os princípios investigativos da profissão ao informar sobre questões ligadas aos direitos dos cidadãos e tentar fortalecer a democracia na sociedade. Este artigo discorre sobre alguns  projetos empreendedores que exemplificam estes modelos no jornalismo tanto no Brasil, representados pela Agência Pública e Ponte,  como na Argentina, pelas iniciativas do El Puercoespín e Chequeado.
Identidade Negra entre exclusão e liberdade
Authors: Fernandes Viviane Barboza , Souza Maria Cecilia Cortez Christiano de
Published: April 2016

No presente trabalho apresenta­mos algumas reflexões sobre a influência de marcadores sociais na representação social do negro. Discutimos as consequências desses constructos sociais em torno do “corpo negro”, assim como suas implicações na construção da identidade negra no Brasil. Além disso, apon­tamos brevemente a importância das ações do movimento negro no campo educacional na luta e conquista de políticas públicas, como a lei n. 10.639/2003. Sob essa perspectiva, falamos da contribuição da educação na desconstrução de estereótipos, assim como da importância das africanidades na criação de possibilidades de intervenção no processo de formação identi­tária, para que as narrativas dominantes sobre o “ser negro” sejam desafiadas e se construa um espaço educativo de ressonância a histórias e identidades marginalizadas
A Practical Pentecostal Theodicy?
Authors: Fettke Steven M. , Dusing Michael L.
Published: April 2016

A common critique of Pentecostalism from other Christian traditions is that Pentecostals lack an adequate response to evil and chronic and unrelieved suffering. I will propose a response to evil and suffering that is not expressed solely in repeated calls to faith or in stark black and white terms of faith versus doubt. This essay will address the role of the pentecostal faith community in its social dimension in response to suffering. I will also suggest a “practical” pentecostal theodicy, one grounded in the stories of the outpouring of the Spirit in the book of Acts and in deep pastoral concern. Finally, I will address the inscrutable activity of God, who often works ad hoc, mysteriously, variously through miracle, pentecostal pastoral concern, or deep existential encounter.
Provoked to Saving Jealousy
Authors: Green Chris E.W.
Published: April 2016

The history of interpretation indicates that Christian interpretations take Romans 9–11 as a single, coherently designed statement of doctrine. There are, of course, disagreements within the consensus, but most readers seem to share two basic assumptions: (1) the apostle had a particular point to make, which he crafted with perfect success, and (2) a good reading of the passage discovers that point and makes it understandable so it can be used to build or support a particular Christian teaching. At an angle to that tradition, I want to suggest that Romans 9–11 can perhaps also (if not more) fruitfully be read not as a tidy doctrinal treatise but as a torrid theological performance, a transfiguring work of art staged as a series of rhetorical moves and countermoves that in the end leaves us not with nothing but with more than we dared to imagine possible.
What was “Geschichtsphilosophie”?
Authors: Vogt Peter
Published: April 2016

This paper looks at modern philosophy of history in the sense of the German concept of “Geschichtsphilosophie”. “Geschichtsphilosophie”, as it was formulated since the heydays of German Idealism, always implied the belief that it is possible to make true statements about the future. I will take a closer look at such a version of philosophy of history by reconstructing Odo Marquard’s arguments against “Geschichtsphilosophie” and Heinz Dieter Kittsteiner’s defense of it. These two authors were asking precisely the same question about the essence of “Geschichtsphilosophie”, but came to totally different conclusions. I will defend Marquard’s position and thus will come to the position that history cannot be made or at least cannot be made in the way agents want it to be made. However, my insistence on the inevitable limits of any project to make history as it has been constitutive for modern philosophy of history, in no way precludes the possibility of making politics. Thus, at the very end of my paper, I argue for the fundamental difference between the making of history and the making of politics.
Remote Sensing of the Surface Wind Field over the Coastal Ocean via Direct Calibration of HF Radar Backscatter Power
Authors: Kirincich Anthony
Published: April 2016

The calibration and validation of a novel approach to remotely sense surface winds using land-based high-frequency (HF) radar systems are described. Potentially available on time scales of tens of minutes and spatial scales of 2–3 km for wide swaths of the coastal ocean, HF radar–based surface wind observations would greatly aid coastal ocean planners, researchers, and operational stakeholders by providing detailed real-time estimates and climatologies of coastal winds, as well as enabling higher-quality short-term forecasts of the spatially dependent wind field. Such observations are particularly critical for the developing offshore wind energy community. An autonomous surface vehicle was deployed within the Massachusetts Wind Energy Area, located south of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, for one month, collecting wind observations that were used to test models of wind-wave spreading and HF radar energy loss, thereby empirically relating radar-measured power to surface winds. HF radar–based extractions of the remote wind speed had accuracies of 1.4 m s−1 for winds less than 7 m s−1, within the optimal range of the radar frequency used. Accuracies degraded at higher winds due to low signal-to-noise ratios in the returned power and poor resolution of the model. Pairing radar systems with a range of transmit frequencies with adjustments of the extraction model for additional power and environmental factors would resolve many of the errors observed.
Evaluating and Improving the Impact of the Atmospheric Stability and Orography on Surface Winds in the WRF Model
Authors: Lorente-Plazas Raquel , Jiménez Pedro A. , Dudhia Jimy , Montávez Juan P.
Published: April 2016

This study assesses the impact of the atmospheric stability on the turbulent orographic form drag (TOFD) generated by unresolved small-scale orography (SSO) focusing on surface winds. With this aim, several experiments are conducted with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and they are evaluated over a large number of stations (318 at 2-m height) in the Iberian Peninsula with a year of data. In WRF, Jiménez and Dudhia resolved the SSO by including a factor in the momentum equation, which is a function of the orographic variability inside a grid cell. It is found that this scheme can improve the simulated surface winds, especially at night, but it can underestimate the winds during daytime. This suggests that TOFD can be dependent on the PBL’s stability. To inspect and overcome this limitation, the stability conditions are included in the SSO parameterization to maintain the intensity of the drag during stable conditions while attenuating it during unstable conditions. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the inclusion of stability effects on the SSO drag parameterization improves the simulated surface winds at diurnal, monthly, and annual scales by reducing the systematic daytime underestimation of the original scheme. The correction is especially beneficial when both the convective velocity and the boundary layer height are used to characterize the unstable conditions.
Analysis of Index Insurance Potential for Adaptation to Hydroclimatic Risks in the West African Sahel
Authors: Siebert Asher
Published: April 2016

Index insurance has been viewed as a financial adaptation to climate risks with the potential for widespread application, especially in a developing world context. The potential for index insurance is explored in the context of hypothetical drought and flood contracts at the national level for farmers in the West African Sahel nations of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The region’s climatology and dynamics are discussed and multiple datasets are considered as potential indices.

Agricultural, precipitation, streamflow, remotely sensed vegetation, and Niño sea surface temperature indices were explored as potential bases for index insurance contract. Correlation analyses between the potential geophysical and agricultural indices are examined and two of the rainfall datasets are found to have robust positive correlations with millet production in all three nations, while a particular streamflow index is found to have a robust negative correlation with rice production in Niger. A methodological innovation of this research is the use of Gerrity skill score (GSS) analysis to analyze the indices of high correlation. The correlation and GSS analyses presented here indicate the potential for index insurance using two of the rainfall datasets for the millet crop (drought risk) of all three nations and the Niamey flood month streamflow dataset for the rice crop of Niger (flood risk).
Influence from polydispersity on the morphology of Voronoi and equilibrium foams
Authors: Köll J , Hallström S
Published: April 2016

Stochastic foam models are generated from Voronoi spatial partitioning, using the centers of equi-sized hard spheres in random periodic distributions as seed points. Models with different levels of polydispersity are generated by varying the packing of the spheres. Subsequent relaxation is then performed with the Surface Evolver software which minimizes the surface area for better resemblance with real foam structures. The polydispersity of the Voronoi precursors is conserved when the models are converted into equilibrium models. The relation between the sphere packing fraction and the resulting degree of volumetric polydispersity is examined and the relations between the polydispersity and a number of associated morphology parameters are then investigated for both the Voronoi and the equilibrium models. Comparisons with data from real foams in the literature indicate that the used method is somewhat limited in terms of spread in cell volume but it provides a very controlled way of varying the foam morphology while keeping it periodic and truly stochastic. The study shows several strikingly consistent relations between the spread in cell volume and other geometric parameters, considering the stochastic nature of the models.
Prevention and Treatment of Pain in Children
Authors: Friedrichsdorf Stefan J. , Sidman James , Krane Elliot J.
Published: April 2016

Rosenfeld et al in their recent article “Office Insertion of Tympanostomy Tubes without Anesthesia in Young Children” describe using a “papoose board for restraint” while performing a procedure resulting in severe pain for a significant number of children: a myringotomy and tube insertion. In 2016, it is inappropriate to perform elective painful procedures in children without treatment to avoid or minimize pain. We strongly disagree with the authors’ conclusion “that office insertion of tubes in young children is a feasible alternative to general anesthesia for caregivers and clinicians who are comfortable with this choice.”
Probing the relative importance of different attributes in L2 reading and listening comprehension items: An application of cognitive diagnostic models
Authors: Yi Yeon-Sook
Published: April 2016

The present study examines the relative importance of attributes within and across items by applying four cognitive diagnostic assessment models. The current study utilizes the function of the models that can indicate inter-attribute relationships that reflect the response behaviors of examinees to analyze scored test-taker responses to four forms of TOEFL reading and listening comprehension sections. The results are interpreted to determine whether the subskills defined in each subtest contribute equally within an item and across items. The study also discusses whether the empirical results support the claims for compensatory processing of L2 comprehension skills and presents practical implications of the findings. The article concludes with the limitations of the study and suggestions for future research.
Planning for Aging in Place
Authors: Warner Mildred E. , Homsy George C. , Morken Lydia J.
Published: April 2016

Using a national survey of US local governments, we explore the drivers of planning and service delivery for older adults. Our regression models find that planning for aging and elder engagement are the most influential factors explaining the level of community services for elders. Services are lower in less dense suburban and rural communities, and market-based services are lower in communities with more senior poverty. This creates two challenges for planners: to help generate a market response for aging services, and to articulate the link between the built environment and services so communities that lack supportive physical environments can become better places to age.
An Empirical Study of Malaysian Consumers’ Channel-switching Intention: Using theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Madahi Abdolrazagh , Sukati Inda
Published: April 2016

The purpose of the current study is to examine the effect of behavioural attitude, subjective norm (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) on channel-switching intention in regards to Internet and brick-and-mortar stores channels in Malaysia. Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was used in this study. Partial least squares (PLS) based on the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used to analyze the data. The study was based on the simple random sampling, with the survey instrument administered to the Malaysian consumers from the regions of Klang Valley and Penang. A total of 497 completed surveys were obtained. The respondents had to meet the criteria of shopping online and/or brick-and-mortar store prior to participating in the survey. Findings have shown that the TPB was successful in predicting consumer channel-switching intention. In addition, based on the results, the main constructs including attitude and SN significantly and positively predicted consumers’ channel-switching intention in both channels. Perceived behavioural control was the only construct that did not predict intention.
Embeddedness and the International Workforce: Stylized Facts and Future Research Directions
Authors: Linder Christian
Published: April 2016

Job embeddedness (JE) theory is concerned with forces that keep an employee from leaving his or her job, while binding him or her to the organization, the location, people and issues at work. Presently, scholars increasingly pay attention to the JE of expatriates in order to explain retention in the host organization. Until today, this vein of research has brought various insights that are difficult to overview. Especially, what the relatively stable general patterns in this research field are cannot easily be understood. For this reason, I applied the stylized facts (SFs) method, a tool to structure an academic body of knowledge, in order to identify the stable and reproducible results of preliminary studies. I aggregated these findings and built five SFs. These are (i) ‘JE increases expatriates’ retention in the host organization’, (ii) ‘Home country pulls decrease expatriates’ retention’, (iii) ‘Expatriates trust and relationship building with co-workers increase JE’, (iv) ‘JE increases the career expectations of expatriates’ and (v) ‘JE increases the incorporation of an international self-concept’. With this work, I structure the current state of research and provide a ground for further academic discourse.