bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Public Election Funding Create More Extreme Legislators? Evidence from Arizona and Maine
Authors: Masket Seth E. , Miller Michael G.
Published: December 2014

We investigate whether Maine and Arizona's Clean Elections laws, which provide public funding for state legislative candidates, are responsible for producing a new cadre of legislators who are unusually ideologically extreme. We find that there is essentially no important difference in the legislative voting behavior of “clean” funded legislators and traditionally funded ones in either Arizona or Maine: those who are financed by private donors are no more or less ideologically extreme than those who are supported by the state. This finding calls into question some concerns about the effects on polarization of money generally and public funding in particular.
Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremity (HABIT-ILE) in Children With Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bleyenheuft Yannick , Arnould Carlyne , Brandao Marina B. , Bleyenheuft Corrine , Gordon Andrew M.
Published: December 2014

Background. Intensive bimanual training results in more improvement in hand function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) than lower intensity conventional interventions. However, it is not known whether combined upper and lower extremity training in an intensive protocol is more efficacious for upper and lower functional abilities than conventional therapies provided in usual customary care. Objective. To determine the efficacy of Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremity (HABIT-ILE) for children with USCP. Methods. Twenty-four children with USCP were randomized into 2 groups: an immediate HABIT-ILE group (IHG, initially receiving HABIT-ILE, 10 days = 90 hours), and a delayed HABIT-ILE group (DHG), which continued their conventional/ongoing treatment for an intended total duration of 90 hours. In phase 2, children in the DHG were crossed over to receive HABIT-ILE and children of the IHG were followed in their ongoing conventional therapy. Children were assessed using the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA, primary outcome), the ABILHAND-Kids, and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. Dexterity (Box and Blocks Test [BBT]) and pinch strength were also measured. Locomotor abilities were assessed with Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT, primary outcome) and ABILOCO-kids. Social participation was measured with the Assessment of Life-HABITs. Results. A 2 (groups) × 3 (test sessions) analysis of variance indicated significant improvements for primary outcomes (AHA, P < .001; 6MWT, P = .002) and all secondary assessments except BBT, step length and bodyweight distribution following HABIT-ILE, but not conventional therapy. Conclusion. The findings suggest that combined upper and lower extremity in an intensive training protocol may be efficacious for improving both upper and lower extremity function in children with USCP.
The politics of political communication: Competing news discourses of the 2011 Egyptian protests
Authors: Ghobrial Bahaa G , Wilkins Karin G
Published: December 2014

The world witnessed the Egyptian community building political protests toward fundamental government change in early 2011. This research explores how news discourse across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the U.S. constructed these political protests, and how media figure in their narratives. Digital media became central characters in the U.S. version, which often referred to events in Egypt as a ‘facebook revolution’. We question whether this emphasis was shared across other news sources outside of the U.S. in the Arab region. This study builds on research conducted on news discourse of political protests, how U.S. media cover the Middle East, and how comparative research informs our knowledge of political communication.
Mapuche mnemonics: Beyond modernity’s violence
Authors: Gómez-Barris Macarena
Published: December 2014

The recent, spectacularly massive student marches in Chile have in some ways occluded Andean regional responses to extractive neoliberalism over the last 40 years. If we consider native subjectivity and the longer periodization of colonialism, then a different conceptualization and analysis of memory and subjugation emerge to complicate the field of memory and cultural studies. In this article, I analyze modern state violence through the “reducciones” period and post-1990 movement of “democratic transition” as two instances of acute racial capitalism and formulations of resistance by Mapuche peoples. Here, I wish to address what genealogy of cultural studies makes sense for understanding the long arc of colonial memory and paradigms of indigenous resistance. As such, my article tries to theoretically address possible future directions of memory studies in the Americas.
Blocked ears
Authors: Lloyd-Hughes Rhiannon , McKay-Davies Iain
Published: December 2014

A feeling of blocked ears is a common presentation in general practice. Often this is caused by excess wax in the auditory canal, with subsequent ear irrigations for wax accounting for around 2 000 000 visits to primary care in England and Wales each year. There are many other causes of a blocked ear sensation, including important ones that should not be missed. GPs should therefore have knowledge of the causes and treatment, and appreciate when ear, nose and throat referral may be required. This article addresses the clinical assessment and management of the most common and serious pathologies.
A review of conservative management of camptodactyly in children and adolescents
Authors: Lethbridge Katrina , Wollin Leslie
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the best available evidence for the conservative management of children and adolescents diagnosed with camptodactyly and propose recommendations to guide clinical practice.

Methods

A search of six electronic databases and manual searches were carried out in January 2014. The search strategy aimed to identify any published clinical practice guidelines as well as articles on the conservative management of camptodactyly for children and adolescents. Included articles were appraised using the McMaster Critical Review Forms for quantitative studies and assigned a level of evidence according to the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines.

Results

No published clinical practice guidelines were located; however, five quantitative articles met the inclusion criteria from the 31 articles identified. The evidence from all included studies was classified according to the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines as level IV, pre–post study design. All were retrospective. Included studies demonstrate clinically significant changes in passive joint range of motion following conservative treatment protocols. The results of the literature review, combined with clinical experience, were used to develop recommendations to guide clinical practice in the conservative management of children and adolescents with camptodactyly.

Discussion

The effectiveness of conservative therapy for camptodactyly is promising but evidence remains weak. More rigorous research is needed and the proposed recommendations could be used to inform future research for the conservative treatment of camptodactyly in children and adolescents.
A Physiology-Based Model Describing Heterogeneity in Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Maas Anne H. , Rozendaal Yvonne J. W. , van Pul Carola , Hilbers Peter A. J. , Cottaar Ward J. , Haak Harm R. , van Riel Natal A. W.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Current diabetes education methods are costly, time-consuming, and do not actively engage the patient. Here, we describe the development and verification of the physiological model for healthy subjects that forms the basis of the Eindhoven Diabetes Education Simulator (E-DES). E-DES shall provide diabetes patients with an individualized virtual practice environment incorporating the main factors that influence glycemic control: food, exercise, and medication.

Method:

The physiological model consists of 4 compartments for which the inflow and outflow of glucose and insulin are calculated using 6 nonlinear coupled differential equations and 14 parameters. These parameters are estimated on 12 sets of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) data (226 healthy subjects) obtained from literature. The resulting parameter set is verified on 8 separate literature OGTT data sets (229 subjects). The model is considered verified if 95% of the glucose data points lie within an acceptance range of ±20% of the corresponding model value.

Results:

All glucose data points of the verification data sets lie within the predefined acceptance range. Physiological processes represented in the model include insulin resistance and β-cell function. Adjusting the corresponding parameters allows to describe heterogeneity in the data and shows the capabilities of this model for individualization.

Conclusion:

We have verified the physiological model of the E-DES for healthy subjects. Heterogeneity of the data has successfully been modeled by adjusting the 4 parameters describing insulin resistance and β-cell function. Our model will form the basis of a simulator providing individualized education on glucose control.
Use of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to Identify Glycemic Intensification Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Korytkowski Mary T. , Brooks Maria , Lombardero Manuel , DeAlmeida Dilhari , Kanter Justin , Magaji Vasudev , Orchard Trevor , Siminerio Linda
Published: December 2014

Background: Current treatment guidelines for type 2 diabetes (T2D) recommend individualized intensification of therapy for glycated hemoglobin (A1C) ≥ 7% in most patients. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the ability of an electronic medical record (EMR) to identify glycemic intensification strategies among T2D patients receiving pharmacologic therapy. Methods: Patient records between 2005 and 2011 with documentation of A1C and active prescriptions for any diabetes medications were queried to identify potential candidates for intensification based on A1C ≥ 7% while on 1-2 oral diabetes medications (ODM). Patients with follow-up A1C values within 1 year of index A1C were grouped according to intensification with insulin, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), a new class of ODM, or no intensification. Changes in A1C and continuation of intensification therapy were determined. Results: A total of 4921 patients meeting inclusion criteria were intensified with insulin (n = 416), GLP-1RA (n = 68), ODM (n = 1408), or no additional therapy (n = 3029). Patients receiving insulin had higher baseline (9.3 ± 2.0 vs 8.3 ± 1.2 vs 8.3 ± 1.3 vs 7.6 ± 1.0%, P < .0001) and follow-up A1C (8.1 ± 1.6 vs 7.5 ± 1.2 vs 7.6 ± 1.3 vs 7.2 ± 1.1%, P < .0001) despite experiencing larger absolute A1C reductions (−1.2 ± 2.1 vs −0.8 ± 1.4 vs −0.7 ± 1.4 vs −0.3 ± 1.1%, P < .0001). Patients receiving GLP-1RA were more obese at baseline (BMI: 33.6 ± 7.1 vs 37.7 ± 6.1 vs 33.7 ± 6.8 vs 32.9 ± 7.1 kg/m2, P < .0001) and follow-up (BMI: 33.9 ± 7.3 vs 36.6 ± 6.1 vs 33.8 ± 7.0 vs 32.4 ± 7.0 kg/m2, P < .0001) despite experiencing more absolute weight reduction. Insulin was the most and GLP-1RA the least likely therapy to be continued. Conclusions: An EMR allows identification of prescribing practices and compliance with T2D treatment guidelines. Patients receiving intensification of glycemic medications had baseline A1C >8% suggesting that treatment recommendations are not being followed.
Insulin Degludec Requires Lower Bolus Insulin Doses Than Does Insulin Glargine in Japanese Diabetic Patients With Insulin-Dependent State
Authors: Komuro Manaho , Inoue Gaku , Tabata Mitsuhisa , Yamada Yoshifumi , Atsuda Koichiro , Matsubara Hajime , Irie Junichiro , Uchida Junichi , Nakajima Chikako , Izumi Hisa , Shimada Mariko , Yamada Satoru
Published: December 2014

Background: The study presents a comparison of the glucose-lowering effects, glycemic variability, and insulin doses during treatment with insulin degludec or insulin glargine. Methods: In this open-label, single-center, 2-way crossover study, 13 Japanese diabetic outpatients in the insulin-dependent state on basal-bolus therapy were assigned to receive either insulin glargine followed by insulin degludec, or insulin degludec followed by insulin glargine. Basal insulin doses were fixed in principle, and patients self-adjusted their bolus insulin doses. Seventy-two-hour continuous glucose monitoring was performed 2 weeks after switching the basal insulin. Results: Mean blood glucose (mg/dL) was not significantly different between insulin degludec and insulin glargine over 48 hours (141.8 ± 35.2 vs 151.8 ± 43.3), at nighttime (125.6 ± 40.0 vs 124.7 ± 50.4), or at daytime (149.3 ± 37.1 vs 163.3 ± 44.5). The standard deviation (mg/dL) was also similar (for 48 hours: 48.9 ± 19.4 vs 50.3 ± 17.3; nighttime: 18.7 ± 14.3 vs 13.7 ± 6.7; daytime: 49.3 ± 20.0 vs 44.3 ± 17.7). Other indices of glycemic control, glycemic variability, and hypoglycemia were similar for both insulin analogs. Total daily insulin dose (TDD) and total daily bolus insulin dose (TDBD) were significantly lower with insulin degludec than with insulin glargine (TDD: 0.42 ± 0.20 vs 0.46 ± 0.22 U/kg/day, P = .028; TDBD: 0.27 ± 0.13 vs 0.30 ± 0.14 U/kg/day, P = .036). Conclusions: Insulin degludec and insulin glargine provided effective and stable glycemic control. Insulin degludec required lower TDD and TDBD in this population of patients.
Performance-Enhancing Drugs and the High School Athlete
Authors: Franckowiak Bonnie
Published: December 2014

A performance-enhancing drug (PED) is any substance that is used to increase muscle mass, dull pain, reduce weight, or ease stress. The use of PEDs is a growing concern among adolescents, due in part to the pressures to perform, the influence of professional role models, and a general lack of education about the dangers of these substances. Use of performance enhancers has been identified in middle school as well as high school age students. This article details the school nurse’s role in identifying youth who are using a PED, providing education for students and families, and referring for treatment if needed. Although PED use is not as prevalent as use of other illicit drugs, PEDs still pose a threat to adolescent physical and mental health. Discussion about PED use can open the door to discussion about use of other substances.
Narcissistic Tendencies Among Actors
Authors: Dufner Michael , Egloff Boris , Hausmann Christoph M. , Wendland Lisa-Maria , Neyer Franz J. , Back Mitja D.
Published: December 2014

Building on a two-dimensional reconceptualization of grandiose narcissism, we investigated how narcissistic admiration (the tendency toward agentic self-promotion) and rivalry (the tendency toward other derogation) are related to acting. Study 1 ( N = 583) showed that acting students scored higher on narcissistic admiration than students with other majors, but at the same time, the acting students scored lower on rivalry. In Study 2 ( N = 283), we compared improvisational theater actors with a comparison group and found the same pattern: Admiration was higher, but rivalry was lower among the actors (across both self-reports and informant reports). Effects persisted when we controlled for sex, age, self-esteem, extraversion, and agreeableness. Additional analyses indicated that actors who were high in admiration were primarily motivated by applause. Taken together, these findings indicate that acting is an activity that attracts individuals with a strong narcissistic desire for admiration but repulses people with an inclination toward narcissistic other derogation.
Fragility Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients in Bhubaneswar, India (2012-2014)
Authors: Dash Sunil K. , Panigrahi Ranajit , Palo Nishit , Priyadarshi Ashok , Biswal Manas
Published: December 2014

Elderly patients with hip fracture constitute Single Largest Group of Emergency Orthopaedics Admissions. In 2050, 6.26 million hip fractures worldwide, approximately 50%, will occur in Asia. Only small number of reports on incidence of hip fractures in the Asian population exist. India lacks data registry for fragility hip fractures, therefore, the magnitude and standard of patient care are not known. A prospective multicenter study was conducted from January 2012 to April 2014 to describe population-based longitudinal trends, namely, age-specific incidence, fracture type, timing of presentation, kilometers traveled, timing of surgery, hospital stay, man hours lost, pressure ulcers, weight bearing, 30-day return, 3-month mortality, and so on, of fragility hip fractures. A total of 1031 patients were included with 59.7% females and 40.3% of male patients, with a female–male ratio of 1.5:1. Commonest mode: Falls 45%. 56.4% IT fractures. 66.2%patients operated, Operative/Conservative Ratio of 2.8:1. Patients travel a mean distance of 86.4 kilometers for quality treatment. Of the patients, 85.9 % presented late due to ignorance and misguiding quack practice. Incidence of delayed surgery was 69.3%. Persistent electrolytes imbalance and hyperglycemia normalized in 81.2% by second or third postoperative day. The man hours lost was 157.85 hours/person. Medical complications was more (90%) in patients who had delays in surgeries and presentation. Mortality rate was 6.2 %. Patients travel long for quality treatment, most of them are misguided, present late with significant complications and sufferings, and their pockets half drained depriving them off best treatment. Early presentation and operation have better prognosis and rehabilitation, facilitates early return to work, and independence. Increased pressure sores, infections, hospital stay, treatment cost, depression, and mortality are directly related to delays in surgeries and presentation. Estimated losses according to lost man hours may go up to 10 million dollars.
Falls Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Jamaica
Authors: Mitchell-Fearon Kathryn , James Kenneth , Waldron Norman , Holder-Nevins Desmalee , Willie-Tyndale Douladel , Laws Hazel , Eldemire-Shearer Denise
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for falling among community-dwelling older adults in Jamaica. A two-stage cluster sample design was used to recruit a nationally representative sample of 2,943 older adults. The fall prevalence in the past 6 months was 21.7%. In univariate analysis, a significantly greater proportion of women, the increasingly old, rural residents, persons with vision problems (including cataracts), and those with key chronic conditions reported falling in this period compared with those without these respective attributes ( p < .05). The majority of falls reported have occurred in the home (54.3%), and restriction of activities due to fear of falling was reported by 34.6% of respondents. Logistic regression found sex, area of residence, eyesight problems, cataracts, high blood pressure, and depression to be independent risk factors for falling. The falls in older adults represent a major public health issue. Identification of modifiable risk factors in developing countries such as Jamaica may help in the development of appropriate strategies to reduce fall risk.
A Look at Efficiency in Public Administration
Authors: Manzoor Azhar
Published: December 2014

One of the imperatives of public administration is the achievement of efficiency at all levels. Public organizations are responsible to provide the necessary public goods and services to the citizens but that too without any discrimination specifically based on affordability. Hence, the multidimensional objectives of public administration demand that performance not only is limited to mere cost–benefit analysis but also incorporates the essential element of providing value to citizens. In the present era where scarce resources have become even scarcer, it is important to visit the historic viewpoints on efficiency in public administration and attempt to foresee its future. This article looks into efficiency as defined in public administration over the years and attempts to predict its meaning and role in the future of the field. It is predicted that advancement in technology will have tremendous impact that will influence the evolution of public administration as a dynamic field.
Incidence and Nature of Medical Attendance Injuries in English Community Rugby Union
Authors: Roberts Simon P. , Trewartha Grant , England Mike , Stokes Keith A.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Previous research has identified injury patterns during community-level rugby union match play, but none have investigated the frequency and reasons for on-field injury management.

Purpose:

To establish the frequency, reasons, and patterns of on-field injury management in English community rugby, including differences between different levels of play.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Over 3 seasons, injury information was collected from 46 (2009-2010), 67 (2010-2011), and 76 (2011-2012) English community clubs (Rugby Football Union [RFU] levels 3-9). Club injury management staff reported information for all medical attendances during match play, including details on the injury site and type, playing position (seasons 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 only), and whether the player was removed from play. Clubs were subdivided into groups A (RFU levels 3 and 4 [mainly semiprofessional]; n = 39), B (RFU levels 5 and 6 [mainly amateur]; n = 71), and C (RFU levels 7-9 [social and recreational]; n = 79) to differentiate playing levels.

Results:

The overall medical attendance incidence was 229 per 1000 player-match hours (95% CI, 226-232), with 45 players removed per 1000 player-match hours (95% CI, 44-46). Attendance incidence for group A (294 per 1000 player-match hours; 95% CI, 287-301) was higher compared with group B (213; 95% CI, 208-218; P < .001) and C (204; 95% CI, 200-209; P < .001). There was a higher incidence of attendances to forwards (254; 95% CI, 249-259) compared with backs (191; 95% CI, 187-196; P < .001). The head was the most common specific site of injury (55 per 1000 player-match hours; 95% CI, 53-57) but the lower limb region overall accounted for most attendances (87; 95% CI, 85-89) and the greatest chance of removal from the pitch (22; 95% CI, 21-23).

Conclusion:

With the likelihood of 1 injury for each team per match severe enough for the player to leave the pitch and with at least 1 attendance for a head injury per match, there is clear evidence that pitch side staff should be trained to recognize potentially serious injuries.
Arthroscopic Repair of Horizontal Meniscus Tears by Vertical Sutures With Packing Technique
Authors: Kaya Alper , Ülkü Tekin Kerem , Kocaoğlu Barış , Gereli Hüseyin Arel , Akan Burak
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to report short term results of arthroscopic repair of horizontal meniscus tears by vertical sutures with packing technique

Methods:

Seventeen patients with an average age of 33 years were treated. Repair was performed to the patients that horizontal component of the tear extends into the capsular zone of the meniscus after excision of the unstable, central or flap components of the tears. The repair was performed after rasping and trephination, with vertical sutures that one leg of the suture is on the superior surface of the menisci and the other leg of the suture is under the inferior surface of the menisci by inside-out technique using the zone-specific curved canulas and all-inside technique using all inside meniscal devices. 9 medial and 8 lateral meniscus tears were treated.

Results:

Evaluation was performed by Lysholm functional knee scores. All patients were followed clinically and radiological by means of MRI to assess meniscus integrity at the repair site with an average follow-up of 12 months. MRI showed a healed meniscus at the repair sites in only five cases (29%) but with no further disruption of the tear components and osteoarthritic changes in all cases. Mean of Lysholm scores improved from 58 preoperatively to 92 postoperatively that was found statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Repairing of horizontal meniscus tears that extend into capsular zone instead of resection improves activity level and prevents meniscal loss.
Isokinetic Strength Profile of Shoulder Internal and External Rotators of Adolescent Volleyball Players
Authors: Harput Gulcan , Guney Hande , Colakoglu Fatma Filiz , Baltacı Gul
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of limb dominance and gender on isometric, eccentric and concentric strength of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles in adolescent volleyball players.

Methods:

Forty adolescent volleyball players [Male: 23( Age: 15.5±1.4 yrs, Body weight: 72±10.2 kg, Height: 184.4±7.6 cm, BMI: 20.9±2.6 kg/m2), Female: ( Age: 16.7±0.9 yrs, Body weight: 60.7±8.2 kg, Height: 172.5±5.3 cm, BMI: 20.4±2.3 kg/m2) participated in this study. Isomed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength testing. Isometric strength testing of shoulder internal and external rotator muscles were performed at 90 ° shoulder abduction and external rotation position. In the same position, concentric and eccentric muscle testing was performed at 90°/s angular velocity. Strength outcomes were recorded as Nm/kg. 2-way repeated measures of ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Dominance by gender interaction was not found significant for internal rotator (IR) and external rotator (ER) muscles' strength (IR: F(1,72)=2.87, p=0.06, ER: F(1,72)=1.98, p=0.15). There was a significant strength by dominance interaction for internal rotator muscles (F(2,72)=18.52, p<0.001). Isometric strength was greater in dominant limb (p<0.001)while concentric strength was found greater in non-dominant limb(p=0.006). Eccentric strength was found similar for limbs (p=0.18). IR muscles showed greater strength during eccentric (1.03±0.05), concentric (0.76±0.03) and isometric test (0.69±0.03), respectively. On the other hand, external rotators showed greater strength during eccentric (0.49±0.4), isometric (0.40±0.3) and concentric test (0.36±0.3), respectively. There was no significant gender effect on the strength (IR: F(2,72)=0.31, p=0.73, ER: F(2,72)=0.42, p=0.66).

Conclusion:

The strength of shoulder internal and external rotator muscles do not differ according to gender in adolescent volleyball players. Limb dominance has an effect on the strength of internal rotator muscles while it has no effect on the strength of external rotators. Both muscle groups show greater strength during eccentric testing.
First Name Popularity as Predictor of Employability
Authors: Pascual Alexandre , Guéguen Nicolas , Vallée Boris , Lourel Marcel , Cosnefroy Olivier
Published: December 2014

AbstractFor more than fifty years, research in psychology has demonstrated that our evaluation of others may be influenced by their surname or first name. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the attractiveness and frequency of names in situations of recruitment for low qualification level jobs. Using data from a recruitment agency, we tested (binomial regression) for effects associated with first name popularity, surname frequency, first name + surname attractiveness, ethnicity, gender, and age on job interview outcome of 507 low qualified French persons. The logistic regression analysis indicated that, among the various variables tested, first name popularity remained the best predictor of employability.
HIV-1 reprograms the migration of macrophages
Authors: Vérollet Christel , Souriant Shanti , Bonnaud Emilie , Jolicoeur Paul , Raynaud-Messina Brigitte , Kinnaer Cassandre , Fourquaux Isabelle , Imle Andrea , Benichou Serge , Fackler Oliver T. , Poincloux Renaud , Maridonneau-Parini Isabelle
Published: December 2014

Key Points

HIV-1 Nef reprograms human macrophage migration favoring the mesenchymal mode, which translates in vivo to macrophage tissue accumulation. Nef enhances mesenchymal migration by influencing podosome organization and function via the phagocyte-specific kinase Hck and WASP.
Synthesis of 2-cyclopropyl-3-(5-aryl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine
Authors: Bucha Mallaiah , Eppakayala Laxminarayana , Maringanti Thirumala Chary , Tharikoppula Giri , Kethireddy Shashikala
Published: December 2014

Background

1,8-Naphthyridine derivatives have attracted considerable attention because the 1,8-naphthyridine skeleton is present in many compounds that have been isolated from natural substances, with various biological activities.

Findings

N,N-dimethoxy-N-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamide (1) on reaction with Grignard reagent forms 2-methoxy-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbaldehyde (2). Compound 2 on reaction with different aromatic aldehydes provided 1-(2-cyclopropyl-1,8-naphthyridin-3-yl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones (3a-e) and these compounds on cyclisation with hydrazine hydrate 99% yielded 2-cyclopropyl-3-(5-aryl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1,8-naphthyridines (4-a-e).

Synthesis of the target compounds involved the formation of 4a-e. It was accomplished using Grignard reaction, condensation reaction, and cyclisation reactions. All the synthesized compounds were readily soluble in DMSO. Spectral data of the synthesized compounds were in full agreement with the proposed structures.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we have developed a simple and an efficient Synthesis of 2-cyclopropyl-3-(5-aryl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine.
Seasonal and reproductive effects on wound healing in the flight membranes of captive big brown bats
Authors: Ceballos-Vasquez Alejandra , Caldwell John R. , Faure Paul A.
Published: December 2014

The flight membranes of bats serve a number of physiological functions important for survival. Although flight membrane injuries are commonly observed in wild-caught bats, in most cases the damage heals completely. Previous studies examining wound healing in the flight membranes of bats have not taken into consideration energy constraints that could influence healing times. Wound healing results in increased energy demands, therefore we hypothesized that wound healing times would be slower during periods of energy conservation and/or energy output. In this study we used an 8 mm diameter circular punch tool to biopsy the wing membranes of healthy adult female big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) from a captive research colony to test the hypothesis that healing times will vary with seasonal temperature changes between the summer and winter seasons, and with reproductive condition between lactating and non-reproductive females. As expected, membrane biopsies took significantly longer to heal during the winter when bats were hibernating compared to the summer when bats were active. Surprisingly, no difference in healing time was observed between lactating and non-reproductive females. The wings of most bats fully healed, although some individuals showed wound expansion demonstrating that impaired healing is occasionally observed in otherwise healthy subjects.
Regulation of Sec16 levels and dynamics links proliferation and secretion
Authors: Tillmann Kerstin D. , Reiterer Veronika , Baschieri Francesco , Hoffmann Julia , Millarte Valentina , Hauser Mark A. , Mazza Arnon , Atias Nir , Legler Daniel F. , Sharan Roded , Weiss Matthias , Farhan Hesso
Published: December 2014

We currently lack a broader mechanistic understanding of the integration of the early secretory pathway with other homeostatic processes such as cell growth. Here, we explore the possibility that Sec16A, a major constituent of endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES), acts as an integrator of growth factor signalling. Surprisingly, we find that Sec16A is a short-lived protein that is regulated by growth factors in a manner dependent on Egr family transcription factors. We hypothesize that Sec16A acts as a central node in a coherent feed-forward loop that detects persistent GF stimuli to increase ERES number. Consistent with this notion, Sec16A is also regulated by short-term growth factor treatment that leads to increased turnover of Sec16A at ERES. Finally, we demonstrate that Sec16A depletion reduces, while its overexpression increases proliferation. Together with our finding that growth factors regulate Sec16A levels and its dynamics on ERES, we propose this protein as an integrator linking growth factor signalling and secretion. This provides a mechanistic basis for the previously proposed link between secretion and proliferation.
Ferns and fern allies of District Shopian, Kashmir Valley, India
Authors: MIR SHAKOOR A. , MISHRA ANAND K. , PALA SHAUKET AHMAD , RESHI ZAFAR A. , SHARMA M. P.
Published: December 2014

Mir SA, Mishra AK, Pala SA, Reshi ZA, Sharma MP. Ferns and fern allies of District Shopian, Kashmir Valley, IndiaBiodiversitas 16: 27-43. Shopian, recently created hilly district of Kashmir valley, Jammu and Kashmir is surrounded by the loftymountains of Pir-Panjal range. More than half area of district is occupied by different forests, subalpine, alpine and mountainous zones.Great altitudinal variation, adequate rainfall, high forest cover, large number of streams, springs and topographic variations render thedistrict worthy for supporting rich fern flora. Therefore, the current study was aimed to undertake in-depth systematic survey of differenthabitats of Shopian for the collection of diversity of pteridophytes. Specimens were collected during 2010, 2011 and 2012 growingseasons from June to November. A total 81 species of ferns and fern allies belonging 27 genera and 11 families were reported. Thedominant families of the region are Dryopteridaceae (25 species) followed by Woodsiaceae (16 species), Aspleniaceae (13 species) andPteridaceae (12 species). Similarly, the dominant genera collected from here are Dryopteris (14 species), Asplenium (13), Polystichum(11 species) and Athyrium (6 species). A list of the fern and fern allies, along with update nomenclature, their selected Synonym,diagnostic features, distributional and ecological notes have been provided here.
Web-based Comparative Patient-reported Outcome Feedback to Support Quality
Improvement and Comparative Effectiveness Research in Total Joint Replacement
Authors: Zheng Hua , Li Wenjun , Harrold Leslie , Ayers David C. , Franklin Patricia D.
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are rarely included in quality
monitoring systems, surgeon comparative feedback reports, or registries. We present the
design and implementation of a secure website in a federally funded research
program—Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint
Replacement (FORCE-TJR)—to return comparative PRO reports to participating surgeons, in
addition to including traditional quality measures, in order to monitor and improve
quality and health outcomes.Methods: The surgeon-specific comparative PRO reports were
designed and structured based on user input for content, data elements, integration, and
display. Three questions are addressed regarding the knee and hip joint symptom profiles
of patients before TJR, as well as outcomes of surgery. The website is organized with a
hierarchical structure to display data at national, practice, and individual surgeon
levels, and provides a comprehensive site-level executive summary and surgeon-level data
reports that can be downloaded.Early Results: As of September 2014, over 22,000 patients
were enrolled from more than 130 surgeons in 22 states. The reporting website was
launched in September 2012 and has been updated quarterly for all surgeons to review
their site- and individual-specific outcomes data compared to national
benchmarks.Discussion: In this novel system, quarterly comparative surgeon feedback
extends beyond traditional measures of complication rates to include PROs of pain relief
and functional gain. We anticipate that this enhanced data will facilitate
patient-centered quality improvement (QI) and outcomes research from the registry. As
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other insurers consider
future implementation of PROs, surgeons will increasingly need comparative data by which
to self-monitor their practice outcomes.
Touching the ineffable: Collective creative collaboration, education and the secular-spiritual in performing arts
Authors: Jamieson Evelyn
Published: December 2014

This article considers a range of spiritual, psychological and pedagogical writing to examine whether the contemporary notion of ‘secular-spirituality’ can move forward our understanding of collaborative working processes in the performing arts. With reference to Anttila, Bigger, Bini, Czikszentmihalyi, Lave and Wenger, James, Roff, and Van Ness, the article focuses on the rehearsal room interplay of life world and social world through three key notions. These are ‘embodied knowing’, ‘bodily intelligence’ and ‘belonging’ in relation to the individual in the wider collaborative process. Some working practices of Forced Entertainment – as discussed by Tim Etchells – are then considered as a concluding and practice-based referent.
Returning to the dancing body: Honouring our divinity through dance
Authors: Kurnaedy Karen
Published: December 2014

This article is an invitation to celebrate and honour the divinity of the dance in each person. The phrase ‘returning to the dancing body’ highlights the inherent vitality, renewal and communion with the divine that may be experienced through dancing and may be experienced over and over as we return to the dance to refresh and cultivate a spiritual self. The physical body engaged holistically in movement with a phenomenological focused awareness appears to have the potential for us to experience our spirituality in new and rejuvenating ways. Honouring the body, movement and the sacred vitality of the dance may broaden our concepts and connections to our selves and the numinous, and allow experiences of unification and vital aliveness to occur.
Accruals and the prediction of future operating cash-flows: evidence from Tunisian companies
Authors: BenjemÃ¢a Olfa , Toukabri Mohamed , Jilani Faouzi
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate the ability of earnings and its components to predict future cash flows for Tunisian companies. We provide evidence on the ability of aggregate earnings, accruals and its components to forecast one or two-period ahead cash flows.The results of the models show that disaggregating earnings into cash flows and total accruals enhance the predictive ability of earnings relative to aggregate earnings. Furthermore, consistent with prediction, the disaggregating total ac-cruals into its major components (change in accounts receivable; change in inventory; change in accountantâ€™s payable, amortization, and other accruals) significantly enhances the predictive ability of earnings. Each accruals componentâ€™s proves a significantly power to predict future cash flows.
Evaluating system reliability using linear-exponential distribution function
Authors: Ezzati Ghasem , Rasouli Abbas
Published: December 2014

Safety is a main criterion to design every system. Among various theories, which are applied to improve system safety, reliability theory is known as a powerful tool to reach higher safety levels in system design. In this paper, a compound of series and parallel systems is considered for reliability improvement. This system includes three items that two items are connected in parallel and their compound item is connected to the third item in series. It's assumed that the items are independent and their longevity follows linear-exponential distribution function. Reliability function of the mentioned system is formulated using linear-exponential distribution function. Then, three improvement methods will be applied to enhance system reliability. In each method, different sets of items will be considered for improvement and their reliability functions will be reformulated. A data analysis will be done in order to compare different improvement methods and a conclusion will be made based on the analyzed data.
Analysis of Model Variance for Ensemble Based Turbulence Modeling
Authors: Jiang Nan , Kaya Songul , Layton William
Published: December 2014

This report develops an ensemble or statistical eddy viscosity model.
The model is parameterized by an ensemble of solutions of an ensemble-Leray
regularization. The combined approach of ensemble time stepping and ensemble
eddy viscosity modeling allows direct parametrization of the turbulent
viscosity coefficient. We prove unconditional stability and that the model's solution approaches statistical equilibrium as t → ∞; the model's variance converges to zero as t → ∞. The ensemble method is used to interrogate a rotating flow, testing its predictability by computing effective averaged Lyapunov exponents.
Pitfalls in hormonal diagnosis of 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase III deficiency
Authors: Khattab Ahmed , Yuen Tony , Yau Mabel , Domenice Sorahia , Frade Costa Elaine Maria , Diya Kazmi , Muhuri Dwaipayan , Pina Christian Enrique , Nishi Mirian Yumie , Yang Amy C. , de Mendonça Berenice Biharinho , New Maria I.
Published: December 2014

Steroid 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase III (17β-HSD3) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that usually presents in patients with a 46,XY karyotype with ambiguous genitalia at birth. The 17β-HSD3 enzyme, which is encoded by the
Carbohydrate-lipid profile and use of metformin with micronized fenofibrate in reducing metabolic consequences of craniopharyngioma treatment in children: single institution experience
Authors: Kalina Maria Aleksandra , Wilczek Marta , Kalina-Faska Barbara , Skała-Zamorowska Eliza , Mandera Marek , Małecka Tendera Ewa
Published: December 2014

To evaluate auxology and metabolic disturbances in children with craniopharyngioma, and to present observational results of treatment of metabolic sequels with metformin and micronized fenofibrate.

The studied group comprised 22 children [median age at diagnosis 10.5 (0.17–16.75) years; median follow-up 5.1 years]. Assessment included height standard deviations (SDS), body mass index (BMI) SDS, concentrations of lipids, glucose and insulin (fasting or oral glucose tolerance test) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Ten adolescents with hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia received therapy with metformin (500–1500 mg/daily) and micronized fenofibrate (160 mg/daily).

At diagnosis, median hSDS was –1.66 (range: –4.08; +0.1). Nine (40.9%) children were growth hormone-treated. There was gradual increase of BMI SDS, 18 (81.8%) patients being overweight at the final assessment. Dyslipidaemia was found in 19 patients (86.4%), hyperinsulinaemia in 11 patients (50%) and elevated HOMA-IR in 15 patients (68.2%). Decrease of triglycerides [median 263.5 (171–362) mg/dL vs. 154 (102–183) mg/dL] and HOMA-IR [8.64 (5.08–12.65) vs. 4.68 (0.7–7.9)] was significant in the group treated with metformin and fenofibrate for 6 months.

Significant auxologic changes and metabolic abnormalities were found in children treated for craniopharyngioma. The use of metformin and fenofibrate seemed to attenuate these disturbances in a short-term observation.
Is IGSF1 involved in human pituitary tumor formation?
Authors: Faucz Fabio R , Horvath Anelia D , Azevedo Monalisa F , Levy Isaac , Bak Beata , Wang Ying , Xekouki Paraskevi , Szarek Eva , Gourgari Evgenia , Manning Allison D , de Alexandre Rodrigo Bertollo , Saloustros Emmanouil , Trivellin Giampaolo , Lodish Maya , Hofman Paul , Anderson Yvonne C , Holdaway Ian , Oldfield Edward , Chittiboina Prashant , Nesterova Maria , Biermasz Nienke R , Wit Jan M , Bernard Daniel J , Stratakis Constantine A
Published: December 2014

IGSF1 is a membrane glycoprotein highly expressed in the anterior pituitary. Pathogenic mutations in theIGSF1gene (on Xq26.2) are associated with X-linked central hypothyroidism and testicular enlargement in males. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that IGSF1 is involved in the development of pituitary tumors, especially those that produce growth hormone (GH).IGSF1was sequenced in 21 patients with gigantism or acromegaly and 92 healthy individuals. Expression studies with a candidate pathogenicIGSF1variant were carried out in transfected cells and immunohistochemistry for IGSF1 was performed in the sections of GH-producing adenomas, familial somatomammotroph hyperplasia, and in normal pituitary. We identified the sequence variant p.N604T, whichin silicoanalysis suggested could affect IGSF1 function, in two male patients and one female with somatomammotroph hyperplasia from the same family. Of 60 female controls, two carried the same variant and seven were heterozygous for other variants. Immunohistochemistry showed increased IGSF1 staining in the GH-producing tumor from the patient with theIGSF1p.N604T variant compared with a GH-producing adenoma from a patient negative for anyIGSF1variants and with normal control pituitary tissue. TheIGSF1gene appears polymorphic in the general population. A potentially pathogenic variant identified in the germline of three patients with gigantism from the same family (segregating with the disease) was also detected in two healthy female controls. Variations in IGSF1 expression in pituitary tissue in patients with or withoutIGSF1germline mutations point to the need for further studies of IGSF1 action in pituitary adenoma formation.
Marker-Based Estimation of Heritability in Immortal Populations
Authors: Kruijer Willem , Boer Martin P , Malosetti Marcos , Flood Pádraic J , Engel Bas , Kooke Rik , Keurentjes Joost J B , van Eeuwijk Fred A
Published: December 2014

Heritability is a central parameter in quantitative genetics, from both an evolutionary and a breeding perspective. For plant traits heritability is traditionally estimated by comparing within- and between-genotype variability. This approach estimates broad-sense heritability and does not account for different genetic relatedness. With the availability of high-density markers there is growing interest in marker-based estimates of narrow-sense heritability, using mixed models in which genetic relatedness is estimated from genetic markers. Such estimates have received much attention in human genetics but are rarely reported for plant traits. A major obstacle is that current methodology and software assume a single phenotypic value per genotype, hence requiring genotypic means. An alternative that we propose here is to use mixed models at the individual plant or plot level. Using statistical arguments, simulations, and real data we investigate the feasibility of both approaches and how these affect genomic prediction with the best linear unbiased predictor and genome-wide association studies. Heritability estimates obtained from genotypic means had very large standard errors and were sometimes biologically unrealistic. Mixed models at the individual plant or plot level produced more realistic estimates, and for simulated traits standard errors were up to 13 times smaller. Genomic prediction was also improved by using these mixed models, with up to a 49% increase in accuracy. For genome-wide association studies on simulated traits, the use of individual plant data gave almost no increase in power. The new methodology is applicable to any complex trait where multiple replicates of individual genotypes can be scored. This includes important agronomic crops, as well as bacteria and fungi.