bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy and compliance of sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides farinae drops in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Qin Yu‐E , Mao Jing‐Ran , Sang Yue‐chan , Li Wen‐Xiu
Published: August 2013

Background

The oral route for administration of allergen immunotherapy has been explored since the 1900s. We attempted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with Dermatophagoides farinae drops in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and investigate related factors influencing the patients' compliance.

Methods

A total of 107 patients with AD were randomized to receive either D. farinae drops plus pharmacotherapy (treatment group, n = 58) or only pharmacotherapy (control group, n = 49). Patients' compliance, the total effective rate, daily drug scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and IgG4 level were compared respectively between two groups at different time points.

Results

Twenty‐three cases have withdrawn from the study. The total effective rate in the treatment group (77.78%) was significantly higher than the control group (53.85%) (P < 0.05). The treatment group was significantly reduced in daily drug scores and VAS scores compared with the control group at 12 months follow‐up. Meanwhile, at the end of therapy, a significant difference was found in the change in average daily drug scores (difference from 1 month) between two groups (P < 0.01); The treatment group evidently had a higher level of serum‐specific IgG4 than the control group at 6 and 12 month of treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dermatophagoides farinae drops are a safe and effective SLIT for patients with AD, which was proven to reduce the need for medicine. In addition, SLIT could induce a tolerogenic IgG4 response to mite allergen correlated with favorable clinical efficacy. Standardization of specific immunotherapy is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy and compliance.
Bedside nursing handover: Patients' opinions
Authors: Lu Sai , Kerr Debra , McKinlay Louise
Published: August 2013

Within the context of contemporary nursing practice, bedside handover has been advocated as a potentially more suitable mode for achieving patient‐centred care. Given that patients can play an important role in the process, better understanding of patients' perspectives of bedside handover could be a critical determinate for successful implementation of the practice. Using a phenomenological approach, this study attempted to explore patients' perceptions of bedside nursing handover. Four key themes emerged from the patient interviews: ‘a more effective and personalised approach’, ‘being empowered and contributing to error minimization’, ‘privacy, confidentiality and sensitive topics’, and ‘training need and avoidance of using technical jargon’. Patients welcome bedside handover as they can be empowered through participation in the process. Nevertheless, attention is needed to ensure that adequate training is provided to nurses and to minimize the use of technical jargon so that handover is delivered with a professional and consistent approach.
Eccrine poromatosis: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Deckelbaum Scott , Touloei Khasha , Shitabata Paul K. , Sire David J. , Horowitz David
Published: August 2013

Eccrine poroma (EP) is a benign tumor of the eccrine duct. Multiple EPs are defined as eccrine poromatosis (EPS), an uncommon phenomenon. To date there are only eight reported cases of EPS. This review exemplifies the epidemiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and histology of EP, while reviewing the eight cases of EPS. Six of the eight cases of EPS had a history of immunosuppression from either radiation or chemotherapy. This paper will also emphasize the importance of excision to avoid possible malignancy. Here we present a 73‐year‐old gentleman with EPS who was also treated with radiation and chemotherapy prior to the onset of the lesions.
Evaluation of single port access gastropexy and ovariectomy using articulating instruments and angled telescopes in dogs
Authors: Runge Jeffrey J. , Mayhew Philipp D.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To describe in dogs, a technique for single port access gastropexy and ovariectomy (SPAGO) using a commercially available multitrocar port and to evaluate short‐term outcome.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 18).

Procedures

A commercially available multitrocar port was inserted into the abdomen lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle and 2–5 cm caudal to the right rib. Dogs were tilted 45° in both left and right recumbency and bilateral ovariectomy performed using articulating graspers, a bipolar vessel sealing device and a 30° telescope. The laparoscopic assisted incisional gastropexy was performed after ovariectomy at the multitrocar port insertion site by grasping the antral portion of the stomach with a 10 mm DuVall forceps and suturing the seromuscular layer of the antral region of the stomach to the transversus abdominis muscle.

Results

Eighteen dogs (median weight, 34.5 kg; range, 14.7–59.2 kg) met the inclusion criteria. Median surgical time for SPAGO was 65 minutes (range, 50–225 minutes). Intra‐operative complications included, incorrect multitrocar port placement location (n = 3) and mild hemorrhage from a splenic laceration (1) All dogs recovered from surgery and were discharged from the hospital.

Conclusions

Single port access gastropexy and ovariectomy is a feasible procedure to provide prophylaxis against gastric dilation‐volvulus and a simultaneous means of sterilization in female dogs. Careful and accurate initial multitrocar port insertion is necessary to have optimal operative viewing as well as to reduce the chances of inadvertent splenic laceration.
The role of muscle activation in cruciate disease
Authors: Adrian Caroline P. , Haussler Kevin K. , Kawcak Christopher , Reiser Raoul F. , Riegger‐Krugh Cheryl , Palmer Ross H. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Taylor Robert A.
Published: August 2013

Traditional investigations into the etiopathogenesis of canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease have focused primarily on the biological and mechanical insults to the CCL as a passive stabilizing structure of the stifle. However, with recent collaboration between veterinarians and physical therapists, an increased focus on the role of muscle activity and aberrant motor control mechanisms associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and rehabilitation in people has been transferred and applied to dogs with CCL disease. Motor control mechanisms in both intact and cruciate‐deficient human knees may have direct translation to canine patients, because the sensory and motor components are similar, despite moderate anatomic and biomechanical differences. Components of motor control, such as muscle recruitment and the coordination and amplitudes of activation are strongly influenced by afferent proprioceptive signaling from peri‐ and intra‐articular structures, including the cruciate ligaments. In people, alterations in the timing or amplitude of muscle contractions contribute to uncoordinated movement, which can play a critical role in ACL injury, joint instability and the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). A better understanding of motor control mechanisms as they relate to canine CCL disease is vitally important in identifying modifiable risk factors and applying preventative measures, for development of improved surgical and rehabilitative treatment strategies. The purpose of this review article is to analyze the influence of altered motor control, specifically pelvic limb muscle activation, in dogs with CCL disease as evidenced by mechanisms of ACL injury and rehabilitation in people.
Materials in the classroom ecology
Authors: Guerrettaz Anne Marie , Johnston Bill
Published: August 2013

Though there is an extensive literature on materials in language teaching, little if any of it examines the relationship between materials such as textbooks and the totality of the classroom experience. The present study makes use of the concept of classroom ecology (Tudor, 2001; van Lier, 1996) to explore the interrelationships among materials and other crucial elements in an advanced ESL grammar class offered in the Intensive English Program of an American university. We focus in particular on the ways in which the textbook—Azar's (2002) Understanding and using English grammar—constituted the de facto curriculum of the course, and how it provided structure for the majority of the classroom interaction. Finally, we speculate on the relationship between the materials and language learning in this classroom. We argue that the framework of ecology, with its emphasis on affordances and emergence, provides a compelling lens through which to study the ways in which materials are actually deployed in classrooms, and how teachers and students conceive of the work being done there.
Form‐focused instruction and learner investment in L2 communication
Authors: Tomita Yasuyo , Spada Nina
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of form‐focused instruction (FFI) in relation to learner investment in second language (L2) communication. Although positive effects of FFI have been reported, most of this research has been conducted from a cognitive–interactionist perspective. Little attention has been paid to the social factors of FFI, including learner investment—a desire to learn a second/foreign language taking into consideration learners' socially constructed identities (Norton Peirce, 1995). Drawing on second language socialization theory (Duff, 2007) and using discursive practices (Young, 2009) as an analytic framework, this study examines how FFI influences learner investment in L2 communication in the classroom setting. Twenty‐four high school students in Japan participated in a study, where two Japanese teachers of English team‐taught four 50‐minute lessons. Each lesson contained a 15‐minute exclusively meaning‐focused activity and a 15‐minute form‐focused activity that included attention to both form and meaning. All students completed both types of activities. Data were collected through classroom observations, video‐recorded classroom interactions, stimulated recalls, interviews, questionnaires, and diaries, all of which were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results suggest that FFI created social contexts for learners to establish their identities as L2 learners, leading to greater investment in L2 communication.
Kurdish adolescents acquiring Turkish: Their self‐determined motivation and identification with L1 and L2 communities as predictors of L2 accent attainment
Authors: Polat Nihat , Schallert Diane L.
Published: August 2013

In this study, we address the particularly charged question of why young adolescent Kurds living and attending school in Turkey, where their education is conducted entirely in Turkish, acquire the accent of the regional Turkish spoken at school and in society to different degrees of native‐likeness. We have chosen to study accent because previous sociolinguistic research and social views of L2 attainment have suggested accent to be the strongest marker of L2 learners' sociocultural identification (Baugh, 1999; Bongaerts, 1999; Labov, 1972; Moyer, 2004; Scovel, 1988). Moreover, we study accent because it is a salient source of linguistic profiling (Baugh, 1999), an important factor that can influence such extrinsic social rewards as access to jobs, entry into a country, housing, or membership in a group, particularly in communities that are imbued with violent conflicts. In our study, we called upon the constructs of identification with speakers of a person's first and second languages (Duff, 2002; Norton Peirce, 1995; Spolsky, 1989) and of self‐determined motivational patterns (Dörnyei, 2005; Pintrich, 2003; Ryan & Deci, 2000) to help elucidate the differing degrees of success in attaining a native‐like Turkish accent exhibited by Kurdish youth in a Turkish‐speaking society.
Information disclosure and vaccination externalities
Authors: Shi Xinyan
Published: August 2013

This paper examines the information disclosure problem when both positive and negative externalities can arise for vaccination. During an epidemic outbreak, public disclosure on the level of infectiousness may potentially trigger a sudden increase in the demand for vaccination, which imposes external costs. The government has to choose an information disclosure policy to induce a level of vaccination that balances the benefits and costs of revealing information. I establish conditions under which a full disclosure is optimal in some circumstances and a non‐disclosure or partial disclosure is optimal in other circumstances. I show that the feature of partial convexity restricts the scenarios in which pooling is desirable. Indeed, I find that it is never optimal to pool a sufficiently low infectiousness state with other states.
Risk attitudes and the value of risk transformations
Authors: Denuit Michel M. , Eeckhoudt Louis
Published: August 2013

An increase in risk aversion, defined by a concavification of the utility function, does not always increase the willingness to pay (WTP) for a mean‐preserving reduction in risk. This is why Ross () proposed a stronger measure of increased risk aversion that maintains for mean‐preserving changes in risk the result obtained by Arrow () and Pratt () for risk elimination. Ross's () contribution was later extended to higher orders using Ekern's () notion of a higher‐degree increase in risk. In this paper, we show that these measures remain valid under less restrictive assumptions than those implied by Ekern's () approach and we refer to the concept of mean‐preserving stochastic dominance. Finally, we also extend the analysis conducted for the WTP to the willingness to accept.
Axiomatizations of second price auctions with a reserve price
Authors: Sakai Toyotaka
Published: August 2013

In single‐item auctions, we show that an auction rule satisfies weak efficiency, strategy‐proofness, and non‐imposition if and only if it is either a second price auction with a reserve price or the no‐trade rule. In this characterization, any reserve price is endogenously derived from the three axioms. We also analyze relations between equity and efficiency axioms, and obtain alternative characterizations.
Shear bond strength of chemical and light‐cured glass ionomer cements bonded to resin composites
Authors: Farah Camile S. , Orton Vergil G. , Collard Stephen M.
Published: August 2013

A bond between glass ionomer cements (GIC) and resin composites is desirable for the success of the ‘sandwich’ restoration. Chemically cured glass ionomer cements have been the traditional materials used in this technique since its development, but etching the GIC was necessary to obtain a bond to the composite facing. Producing a very smooth GIC surface has aided in better determining the magnitude of the chemical bond between glass ionomers and resin composites. Shear testing of bonded specimens has revealed that chemical bonding is minimal (0.21 MPa) in conventional glass ionomers, but does exist (4.92 MPa) between GIC and resin composite regardless of the filler content (microfilled vs hybrid) of the composite. Thermal stressing affects the bond to resin‐modified glass ionomers, but has no significant effect on self‐cured cements. Of all combinations tested, Vitremer/Scotchbond/Silux Plus showed the highest mean shear bond strength. Based on the clinical need for an adhesive bond between GIC liner/base and resin composite, the resin‐modified glass ionomer would appear to be the material of choice.
Pelagic to demersal transition in a coral‐reef fish, the orbicular batfish Platax orbicularis
Authors: Leis J. M. , Hay A. C. , Sasal P. , Hicks A. S. , Galzin R.
Published: August 2013

Behavioural and ecological observations were made on young, reared Platax orbicularis in Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia, during their transition from the pelagic, dispersive stage to the reef‐orientated demersal stage. Seventy‐two young P. orbicularis (17–75 mm standard length, LS) were released in the pelagic zone and 20 (40–70 mm LS) adjacent to the reefs. Swimming speed was slow (mean 5·2 cm s−1) and independent of size. An ontogenetic descent was observed: the smallest P. orbicularis swam at the surface, medium‐sized P. orbicularis swam in midwater (mean 5–13 m) and the largest P. orbicularis swam to the bottom, where many lay on their sides. Platax orbicularis swam southerly on average, away from the ocean and into the bay. Smaller P. orbicularis were more likely to swim directionally than larger individuals. Young P. orbicularis released near reef edges swam at similar, but more variable speeds (mean 6·6 cm s−1). About half of those released near reefs swam away, but fewer swam away from an inshore fringing reef than from a patch reef near the bay mouth. Many P. orbicularis swam up the slope onto the reef top, but the little settlement observed was near the reef base. Average, near‐reef swimming direction was also southerly. Some reef residents, in particular the triggerfish Balistapus undulatus, harassed young P. orbicularis.
Microvascular invasion in small hepatocellular carcinoma: Is it predictable with preoperative diffusion‐weighted imaging?
Authors: Xu Pengju , Zeng Mengsu , Liu Kai , Shan Yan , Xu Chen , Lin Jiang
Published: August 2013

Background and Aim

The presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) is an independent risk factor affecting recurrence‐free survival following surgical treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim in this study was to investigate whether diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) could be useful in predicting MVI for small HCC.

Methods

Breath‐hold DWI (b‐value 0, 500 s/mm2) and gadopentate dimeglumine‐enhanced dynamic imaging of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of 109 surgically proven small HCCs from 92 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The signal intensity ratio on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) for lesions were quantitatively measured. Signal intensity ratio and ADC of DWI, tumor size, tumor shape, tumor capsule, peritumoral enhancement on arterial phase images, and dynamic enhancement pattern were analyzed as radiological parameters reflecting MVI and were compared with histopathological references. The chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann–Whitney U test, and the independent t‐test were used for univariate analysis. To identify the independent predictors of MVI among these radiological parameters and to evaluate their diagnostic performance, multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed, respectively.

Results

A univariate analysis showed that a lower ADC value (P = 0.005) and irregular circumferential enhancement (P = 0.020) showed statistically significant associations with MVI. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the ADC value and irregular circumferential enhancement were independent predictors of MVI. With a cut‐off of 1.227 × 10−3 mm2/s, the ADC value provided a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 78.6% in the prediction of MVI with an odds ratio of 7.63 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Lower ADC values (< 1.227 × 10−3 mm2/s) on DWI with b‐value of 0.500 s/mm2 can be a useful preoperative predictor of MVI for small HCCs.
Endocytoscopy can provide additional diagnostic ability to magnifying chromoendoscopy for colorectal neoplasms
Authors: Kudo Shin‐ei , Mori Yuichi , Wakamura Kunihiko , Ikehara Nobunao , Ichimasa Katsuro , Wada Yoshiki , Kutsukawa Makoto , Misawa Masashi , Kudo Toyoki , Hayashi Takemasa , Miyachi Hideyuki , Inoue Haruhiro , Hamatani Shigeharu
Published: August 2013

Background and Aim

Pit pattern (PIT) diagnosis with magnifying chromoendoscopy is effective diagnostic method for predicting a massively invasive submucosal colorectal cancer (SMm) which has possibility of metastasis, whereas endocytoscopy (EC) is recently reported to provide excellent diagnostic ability by enabling in vivo cellular visualization. The aim was to assess the additional diagnostic value of EC to PIT for diagnosing colorectal lesions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective comparative analysis using a prospectively recorded database in a referral hospital. The subjects were 538 patients who were detected of a colorectal lesion with use of a magnifying colonoscope with EC capability. Each detected lesion was initially diagnosed by PIT findings followed by EC diagnosis by the on‐site endoscopist. The diagnostic abilities in predicting neoplastic change and SMm were compared between PIT and PIT plus EC.

Results

Overall, 514 lesions from 455 patients were available for analysis. Of them, there were 58 non‐neoplastic lesions, 352 adenomas, 15 slightly invasive submucosal cancers, and 89 SMm. The diagnostic abilities of predicting neoplastic change were comparable between PIT and PIT plus EC: sensitivity was 97.8% versus 97.4%, specificity was 91.4% versus 89.7%, and accuracy was 97.1% versus 96.5%. Regarding those of predicting SMm, PIT plus EC showed additional specificity and accuracy to PIT: specificity was 99.1% versus 97.6% (P = 0.041), and accuracy was 96.3% versus 93.8% (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Though PIT has feasible diagnostic ability for predicting both neoplastic change and SMm, EC provides additional diagnostic value to PIT diagnosis for predicting SMm.
Does shape co‐variation between the skull and the mandible have functional consequences? A 3D approach for a 3D problem
Authors: Cornette Raphaël , Baylac Michel , Souter Thibaud , Herrel Anthony
Published: August 2013

Morpho‐functional patterns are important drivers of phenotypic diversity given their importance in a fitness‐related context. Although modularity of the mandible and skull has been studied extensively in mammals, few studies have explored shape co‐variation between these two structures. Despite being developmentally independent, the skull and mandible form a functionally integrated unit. In the present paper we use 3D surface geometric morphometric methods allowing us to explore the form of both skull and mandible in its 3D complexity using the greater white‐toothed shrew as a model. This approach allows an accurate 3D description of zones devoid of anatomical landmarks that are functionally important. Two‐block partial least‐squares approaches were used to describe the co‐variation of form between skull and mandible. Moreover, a 3D biomechanical model was used to explore the functional consequences of the observed patterns of co‐variation. Our results show the efficiency of the method in investigations of complex morpho‐functional patterns. Indeed, the description of shape co‐variation between the skull and the mandible highlighted the location and the intensity of their functional relationships through the jaw adductor muscles linking these two structures. Our results also demonstrated that shape co‐variation in form between the skull and mandible has direct functional consequences on the recruitment of muscles during biting.
Investigation of the process underpinning vowel‐size correspondence
Authors: Ohtake Yuka , Haryu Etsuko
Published: August 2013

Vowel‐size correspondence is frequently reported in the literature: Namely, the vowels a and i tend to elicit bigger and smaller images, respectively. Previous studies have speculated that two factors may contribute to this vowel‐size correspondence: the acoustical features of vowels and the speaker's kinesthetic experience of producing them. However, these two factors have been investigated without being considered separately in previous research. In this study, we investigated the process underpinning vowel‐size correspondence by using speeded classification tasks and manipulating the two factors mentioned above separately in two experiments. The results of Experiment 1 indicate that a and i elicited bigger and smaller images even in the absence of kinesthetic experience. The results of Experiment 2 indicate that the proprioception of the size of the oral cavity on its own may not contribute to vowel‐size correspondence. Thus, the acoustic features of vowels mainly contribute to vowel‐size correspondence, although other possibilities are also discussed.
Physicians' Attitude toward Female Genital Plastic Surgery: A Multinational Survey
Authors: Lowenstein Lior , Salonia Andrea , Shechter Arik , Porst Hartmut , Burri Andrea , Reisman Yacov
Published: August 2013

Introduction

The demand for female genital plastic surgery (FGPS) has increased over the last few decades. Yet, to date, there are no objective explicit measurements to define “abnormal” appearance of genital organs. Using the results of this study, we aimed to produce a statement of the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) on FGPS practice.

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence of demand for FGPS and to explore the attitudes of sexual medicine specialists toward indications for FGPS.

Methods

Attendees of the 2012 Annual Congress of the ESSM in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were asked to participate in a survey during the congress.

Main Outcome Measure

A 25-item self-report, closed-question questionnaire subdivided into three sections: sociodemographic data, professional background, and personal attitudes toward FGPS.

Results

Overall, a total of 360 physicians (mean age 48 years; range 23–72) from different medical disciplines completed the survey. There were diverse responses among participants regarding the definition of abnormal labial appearance and the techniques for labial reduction they perform. Overall, 65% responded that FGPS is frequently or occasionally demanded by the patients they treat. Likewise, most physicians (63%) reported that they never perform FGPS. Conversely, only 14% reported that they either frequently or occasionally perform FGPS. Almost one-third of participants believe that FGPS (labial surgery) improves sexual function. Fifty-two percent of participants answered that they believe that self image is the main reason for women to ask for labial surgery.

Conclusions

Self-image was regarded as the main factor in the demand for FGPS. Many practitioners in the field of sexual medicine recommend that women be referred for consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist before undergoing FGPS.
Expression of Aquaporins in Prostate and Seminal Vesicles of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Pei Lijun , Yang Guosheng , Jiang Jun , Jiang Rui , Deng Qingfu , Chen Bo , Gan Xilun
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that facilitate the movement of water and many small solutes across biological membranes. Seminal fluid is primarily produced by prostate and seminal vesicles, and its production may potentially be mediated by many mechanisms related to transudation of fluid. Epidemiological data suggest that semen volume in diabetic men is significantly less than in nondiabetic men.

Aim

To investigate the change in volume of secretions of the prostate and seminal vesicles in diabetic rats and its association with the expression of AQPs 1–4.

Methods

Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided among 4- and 6-week diabetic groups and 4- and 6-week control groups. Prostate and seminal vesicle secretions were collected and measured, and levels of expression of AQPs 1–4 were determined by immunohistochemical study and Western blot.

Main Outcome Measures

The levels of expression of AQPs 1–4 were determined in the prostate and seminal vesicles of diabetic rats by Western blot and immunohistochemical study.

Results

Plasma glucose was significantly higher in diabetic model groups than in controls (P < 0.05). The weights of secretions of the prostate and seminal vesicles were significantly lower in diabetic model groups (P < 0.05). The levels of expression of AQPs 1 and 4 in seminal vesicles were significantly lower in diabetic model groups (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the level of expression of AQP3 in seminal vesicles among the groups. The levels of expression of AQPs 1, 3, and 4 in prostate were significantly lower in diabetic model groups (P < 0.05). AQP2 was not detectable in the prostate or seminal vesicles of any of the groups.

Conclusions

Decreased weight of prostate secretions in diabetic rats may be partly due to decreased levels of AQPs 1, 3, and 4 in prostatic tissue. Decreased weight of seminal vesicle secretions in diabetic rats may be partly due to decreased levels of AQP1 and AQP4 in seminal vesicles. There is no relationship between the expression of AQPs 1–4 and the duration of disease.
Reconciling custom, citizenship and colonial legacies: Ni‐Vanuatu tertiary student attitudes to national identity
Authors: Clarke Matthew , Leach Michael , Scambary James
Published: August 2013

Nation‐building remains a key challenge in Vanuatu. From the origins of this new nation in 1980, it was clear that creating a unifying sense of national identity and political community from multiple languages and diverse traditional cultures would be difficult. This paper presents new survey and focus group data on attitudes to national identity among tertiary students in Vanuatu. The survey identifies areas of common attitudes towards nationalism and national identity, shared by both Anglophone and Francophone Ni‐Vanuatu. However, despite the weakening ties between language of education and political affiliation over recent years, the findings suggest that there remain some key areas of strong association between socio‐linguistic background, and attitudes to the nation, and national identity. These findings cast new light on the attitudes of likely future elites towards regional, ethnic, intergenerational and linguistic fault lines in Vanuatu and the challenges of building a cohesive sense of political community and national identity.
A role for the DtxR family of metalloregulators in gram‐positive pathogenesis
Authors: Merchant A.T. , Spatafora G.A.
Published: August 2013

Given the central role of transition metal ions in a variety of biochemical processes, the colonization, survival, and proliferation of a bacterium within a host hinges upon its ability to overcome the metal ion deprivation that characterizes nutritional immunity. Metalloregulatory, or ‘metal‐sensing’ proteins have evolved in bacteria to mediate metal ion homeostasis by activating or repressing the expression of genes encoding metal ion transport systems upon binding their cognate metal ion. Yet increasing evidence in the literature supports an additional role for these metalloregulatory proteins in pathogenesis. Herein, we survey studies on the DtxR family of metalloregulators, namely DtxR (Cornyebacterium diphtheriae), SloR (Streptococcus mutans), MtsR (Streptococcus pyogenes), and MntR (Staphylococcus aureus) to describe how metalloregulation enables adaptive virulence gene expression within the mammalian host. This research has important implications for drug design, as the generation of hyper‐repressive metalloregulatory proteins may represent a mechanism by which to attenuate bacterial pathogenicity. The fact that metalloregulators are unique to prokaryotes makes these proteins especially attractive therapeutic targets.
EXPLAINING RADICAL POLICY CHANGE: THE CASE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY POLICY UNDER THE BRITISH LABOUR GOVERNMENT 2006–10
Authors: CARTER NEIL , JACOBS MICHAEL
Published: August 2013

An innovative framework combining the ‘multiple streams’ (MS) and ‘punctuated equilibrium’ (PE) models of agenda‐setting is used to explain the transformation ofUKclimate change and energy policy under the Labour Government between 2006 and 2010. The coupling of the problem, politics and policy streams by policy entrepreneurs (MS), and changes in policy image and institutional venues (PE), were critical in opening a policy window, disrupting the existing policy monopoly and enabling radical policy initiatives. The case study suggests two revisions to the models: (1) policy windows can remain open far longer than either model typically predicts; and (2) party politics, especially where party competition generates a ‘competitive consensus’, can be important for both initiating and prolonging policy change in parliamentary systems. An important factor typically overlooked by both models is the significant policy entrepreneurship role that government ministers can play, particularly when an issue becomes part of their ‘narrative identity’.
Growth and molecular responses to long‐distance stimuli in poplars: bending vs flame wounding
Authors: Tixier Aude , Badel Eric , Franchel Jerome , Lakhal Wassim , Leblanc‐Fournier Nathalie , Moulia Bruno , Julien Jean‐Louis
Published: August 2013

Inter‐organ communication is essential for plants to coordinate development and acclimate to mechanical environmental fluctuations. The aim of this study was to investigate long‐distance signaling in trees. We compared on young poplars the short‐term effects of local flame wounding and of local stem bending for two distal responses: (1) stem primary growth and (2) the expression of mechanoresponsive genes in stem apices. We developed a non‐contact measurement method based on the analysis of apex images in order to measure the primary growth of poplars. The results showed a phased stem elongation with alternating nocturnal circumnutation phases and diurnal growth arrest phases in Populus tremula × alba clone INRA 717‐1B4. We applied real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) amplifications in order to evaluate the PtaZFP2, PtaTCH2, PtaTCH4, PtaACS6 and PtaJAZ5 expressions. The flame wounding inhibited primary growth and triggered remote molecular responses. Flame wounding induced significant changes in stem elongation phases, coupled with inhibition of circumnutation. However, the circadian rhythm of phases remained unaltered and the treated plants were always phased with control plants during the days following the stress. For bent plants, the stimulated region of the stem showed an increased PtaJAZ5 expression, suggesting the jasmonates may be involved in local responses to bending. No significant remote responses to bending were observed.
Jobs, Institutions, and Beneficial Retirement
Authors: Lang Gerald
Published: August 2013

According to Saul Smilansky's ‘Paradox of Beneficial Retirement’, many serving members of professions may have decisive integrity‐based reasons for retiring immediately. The Paradox of Beneficial Retirement holds that a below‐par performance in one's job does not require any outright incompetence, but may take a purely relational form, in which a good performance is not good enough if it would be improved upon by someone else who would be appointed instead. It is argued, in response, that jobs in the sectors Smilansky mentions are not merely positions to optimize the goals of the profession, but are professional careers in which there is the possibility of security and personal fulfilment. The article also explores connections between Smilansky's argument and G. A. Cohen's anti‐incentives argument against Rawls. It is suggested that both thinkers underappreciate the relationship between personal reasons and institutional reasons.
Measuring the Level and Inequality of Wealth: An Application to China
Authors: Ward Patrick
Published: August 2013

We construct and compare three distinct measures of household asset wealth that complement traditional income‐ or expenditure‐based measures of socioeconomic status. We apply these measures to longitudinal household survey data from China and demonstrate that household asset wealth has been increasing over time, a theme consistent with many previous studies on the process of development in China. Unlike other studies that have shown rising income inequality over time, however, we show that asset wealth inequality has actually been declining in recent years, indicating widespread participation in the benefits of economic reforms. Furthermore, the evolution in the cumulative distribution of household welfare is such that social welfare has been increasing with the passage of time, despite rising inequality in the early years of the survey.
Cultures of Denial: Avoiding Knowledge of State Violations of Human Rights in Argentina and the United States
Authors: Sutton Barbara , Norgaard Kari Marie
Published: August 2013

Why and how do individuals distance themselves from information about their government's participation in torture and other human rights violations? Such citizen (non)response implicitly legitimates and thus facilitates the continuation of abusive state actions. Drawing on a model of socially organized denial, we explore how sociocultural contexts and practices mediate individuals’ avoidance, justification, normalization, silencing, and outright denial of human rights abuses in two sites: Argentina during the last military dictatorship (1976–1983) and the United States during the “war on terror” post September 11, 2001. The study is based on 40 in‐depth interviews with members of diverse civic, religious, community, and political organizations in both countries (20 in each site). Comparing the political circumstances of a dictatorship and an electoral democracy, the analysis shows the roles of patriotic and national security ideologies and practices of silence and talk as organizers of cultures of denial.
Adolescent Loneliness and Health in Early Adulthood
Authors: Goosby Bridget J. , Bellatorre Anna , Walsemann Katrina M. , Cheadle Jacob E.
Published: August 2013

The health consequence of loneliness in the early life course is an understudied topic in the sociological literature. Using data from Waves 1–3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examine pre‐disease pathways in the relationship between adolescent loneliness and early adult health. Our results indicate that loneliness during adolescence is associated with diagnosed depression, poorer adult self‐rated health, and metabolic risk factors related to cardiovascular disease. High depressive symptoms and parent support are important pathways through which the health consequences of loneliness are exacerbated or offset. There is also evidence that lonely youth remain at higher risk for experiencing adult depression and poor self‐rated health even in the presence of equivalent levels of parental support relative to non‐lonely adolescents. Furthermore, lonely adolescent females are more vulnerable to reporting poor adult self‐rated health and being overweight or obese in adulthood. In sum, our study demonstrates the importance of adolescent loneliness for elevating the risk of poor health outcomes in adulthood.
Cryptococcosis as an emerging systemic mycosis in dogs
Authors: Vorathavorn Victoria I. , Sykes Jane E. , Feldman David G.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To review the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentations of canine cryptococcosis that are of relevance to veterinary emergency and critical care veterinarians. Diagnosis, treatment, and public health considerations of the disease will also be discussed.

Etiology

Cryptococcosis is a multisystemic disease of dogs, with a predilection for the CNS, caused by encapsulated yeast species of the genus Cryptococcus. The 2 main pathogenic species are Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii (previously known as C. neoformans var. gattii). Cryptococcosis is an emerging disease in North America, with C. gattii gaining prominence as a cause of serious veterinary and human disease.

Diagnosis

Definitive diagnosis is made by serologic (antigen) testing, culture, and identification of the organism using light microscopy. False negatives and false positives, while uncommon, can occur in dogs using commercially available antigen tests. Cytological examination demonstrates the organism in a majority of cases, although culture is more sensitive. Specific media are required to differentiate between C. neoformans and C. gattii.

Therapy

The most commonly used antifungal drugs to treat canine cryptococcosis are azole antifungals and amphotericin B. Some strains of Cryptococcus are resistant to antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole. Cautious use of glucocorticoids in critically affected dogs with CNS presentations can improve outcome.

Prognosis

Prognosis is variable and depends on the severity of disease, underlying host immunocompetence, and financial constraints of the owner. Altered mental status in dogs with CNS cryptococcosis is a negative prognostic indicator.
α1,3Galactosyltransferase knockout pigs produce the natural anti‐Gal antibody and simulate the evolutionary appearance of this antibody in primates
Authors: Galili Uri
Published: August 2013

Background

Anti‐Gal is the most abundant natural antibody in humans and Old World primates (apes and Old World monkeys). Its ligand, the α‐gal epitope (Galα1‐3Galβ1‐4GlcNAc‐R), is abundant in nonprimate mammals, prosimians and New World monkeys whereas it is absent in humans and Old World primates as a result of inactivation of the α1,3galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) gene in ancestral Old World primates, as recent as 20–28 million years ago. Since anti‐Gal has been a “forbidden” autoantibody for >140 million years of evolution in mammals producing α‐gal epitopes it was of interest to determine whether ancestral Old World primates could produce anti‐Gal once α‐gal epitopes were eliminated, i.e. did they carry anti‐Gal encoding immunoglobulin genes, or did evolutionary selection eliminate these genes that may be detrimental in mammals synthesizing α‐gal epitopes. This question was studied by evaluating anti‐Gal prodution in α1,3GT knockout (GT‐KO) pigs recently generated from wild‐type pigs in which the α‐gal epitope is a major self‐antigen.

Methods

Anti‐Gal antibody activity in pig sera was assessed by ELISA, flow cytometry and complement mediated cytolysis and compared to that in human sera.

Results

The study demonstrates abundant production of the natural anti‐Gal antibody in GT‐KO pigs at titers even higher than in humans. The fine specificity of GT‐KO pig anti‐Gal is identical to that of human anti‐Gal.

Conclusions

Pigs and probably other mammals producing α‐gal epitopes carry immunoglobulin genes encoding anti‐Gal as an autoantibody. Once the α‐gal epitope is eliminated in GT‐KO pigs, they produce anti‐Gal. These findings strongly suggest that similar to GT‐KO pigs, inactivation of the α1,3GT gene in ancestral Old World primates enabled the immediate production of anti‐Gal, possibly as a protective antibody against detrimental microbial agents carrying α‐gal epitopes.
THE LEGACY OF GORDON KAUFMAN: THEOLOGICAL METHOD AND ITS PRAGMATIC NORMS
Authors: Soneson Jerome P.
Published: August 2013

I argue that the most significant contribution and legacy of Gordon Kaufman's work rests in his theological method. I limit my discussion to his methodological starting point, his concept of human nature, as he develops it in his book, In Face of Mystery. I show the relevance of this starting point for cultural and theological criticism by arguing two points: first, that this starting point embraces religious and cultural pluralism at its center, providing a framework for intercultural and interreligious discussion and cooperation, and second, that Kaufman's interpretation of religion that emerges out of this starting point embodies pragmatic criteria for evaluating and reconstructing alternative cultural and religious worldviews, so that they may function more adequately within the changing contexts of life.
LAW AND ETHICS IN ISLAMIC BIOETHICS: NONMALEFICENCE IN ISLAMIC PATERNITY REGULATIONS
Authors: Shabana Ayman
Published: August 2013

In Islamic law paternity is treated as a consequence of a licit sexual relationship. Since DNA testing makes a clear distinction between legal and biological paternity possible, it challenges the continued correlation between paternity and marriage. This article explores the foundations of paternity regulations in the Islamic ethico‐legal tradition, with a particular focus on what is termed here “the licit sex principle,” and investigates the extent to which a harm‐based argument can be made either by appeal to or against Islamic paternity regulations. It argues that in Islamic bioethics the definition of harm and its boundaries is a function of both: (1) identification of legal and religious rights and the extent to which these rights are violated; and (2) balancing and reconciling perceived harm against both specific principles in relation to a given issue and also the overarching objectives of Islamic law. The article is divided into three main sections addressing the Islamic legal, ethical, and bioethical dimensions of paternity.
Flocking of Multi-Agent Systems Using a Unified Optimal Control Approach
Authors: Wang Jianan , Xin Ming
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the multi-agent flocking problem is investigated in a unified optimal control framework. The flocking characteristics, such as velocity alignment, navigation, cohesion, and collision/obstacle avoidance, are accomplished by formulating them into respective cost function terms. The resultant nonquadratic cost function poses a challenging optimal control problem. A novel inverse optimal control strategy is adopted to derive an analytical optimal control law. The optimality and asymptotic stability are proved and the distributed feedback control law only requires local information to achieve the flocking behaviors. Various simulation scenarios are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimal flocking algorithm.
Time-Optimal Output Transition for Minimum-Phase Systems
Authors: Haggerty Jennifer , Singh Tarunraj
Published: August 2013

The time-optimal output transition control problem for stable or marginally stable systems with minimum-phase zeros is discussed in this paper. A double integrator system with a real left-half plane zero is used to illustrate the development of the time-optimal output transition controller. It is shown that an exponentially decaying postactuation control profile is necessary to maintain the output at the desired final location. It is shown that the resulting solution to the output transition time-optimal control profile can be generated by a time-delay filter whose zeros and poles cancels the poles and zeros of the system to be controlled. The design of the time-optimal output transition problem is generalized and illustrated on the benchmark floating oscillator problem.
Affordances and Product Design to Support Environmentally Conscious Behavior
Authors: Srivastava Jayesh , Shu L. H.
Published: August 2013

We developed an affordance-based methodology to support environmentally conscious behavior (ECB) that conserves resources such as materials, energy, etc. While studying concepts that aim to support ECB, we noted that characteristics of products that enable ECB tend to be more accurately described as affordances than functions. Therefore, we became interested in affordances, and specifically how affordances can be used to design products that support ECB. Affordances have been described as possible ways of interacting with products, or context-dependent relations between artifacts and users. Other researchers have explored affordances in lieu of functions as a basis for design, and developed detailed deductive methods of discovering affordances in products. We abstracted desired affordances from patterns and principles we observed to support ECB, and generated concepts based on those affordances. As a possible shortcut to identifying and implementing relevant affordances, we introduced the affordance-transfer method. This method involves altering a product's affordances to add desired features from related products. Promising sources of affordances include lead-user and other products that support resource conservation. We performed initial validation of the affordance-transfer method and observed that it can improve the usefulness of the concepts that novice designers generate to support ECB.