bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crack Initiation and Growth in PBX 9502 High Explosive Subject to Compression
Authors: Liu C. , Thompson D. G.
Published: July 2014

Brittle and quasi-brittle solids, when subject to compression, fail by the development of microcracks that originate from heterogeneity. Lateral confinement has been shown to affect the failure pattern of the testing specimen, from splitting type of cracking with no confinement, to failure by shear banding with moderate confinement, to plasticitylike ductile failure when subject to high confining pressure. Even in the case of simple uni-axial compression, near local heterogeneity, e.g., pore or a small crack, the nonuniform stress state will introduce local confinement. As a result, different types of failure can occur simultaneously. In the present study, we investigate the process of damage initiation, accumulation, and cracking in a specimen of plastic bonded explosive (PBX), PBX 9502, containing a cavity and subject to compression. Due to the nonuniform deformation near the cavity, both tensile cracks and shear-dominated widespread material damage are generated. Detailed variation of quantities that characterize the process of crack initiation and growth will be presented and discussed.
Anisotropic Compressive Properties of Passive Porcine Muscle Tissue
Authors: Pietsch Renee , Wheatley Benjamin B. , Haut Donahue Tammy L. , Gilbrech Ryan , Prabhu Rajkumar , Liao Jun , Williams Lakiesha N.
Published: July 2014

The body has approximately 434 muscles, which makes up 40–50% of the body by weight. Muscle is hierarchical in nature and organized in progressively larger units encased in connective tissue. Like many soft tissues, muscle has nonlinear visco-elastic behavior, but muscle also has unique characteristics of excitability and contractibility. Mechanical testing of muscle has been done for crash models, pressure sore models, back pain, and other disease models. The majority of previous biomechanical studies on muscle have been associated with tensile properties in the longitudinal direction as this is muscle's primary mode of operation under normal physiological conditions. Injury conditions, particularly high rate injuries, can expose muscle to multiple stress states. Compressive stresses can lead to tissue damage, which may not be reversible. In this study, we evaluate the structure–property relationships of porcine muscle tissue under compression, in both the transverse and longitudinal orientations at 0.1 s−1, 0.01 s−1, or 0.001 s−1. Our results show an initial toe region followed by an increase in stress for muscle in both the longitudinal and transverse directions tested to 50% strain. Strain rate dependency was also observed with the higher strain rates showing significantly more stress at 50% strain. Muscle in the transverse orientation was significantly stiffer than in the longitudinal orientation indicating anisotropy. The mean area of fibers in the longitudinal orientation shows an increasing mean fiber area and a decreasing mean fiber area in the transverse orientation. Data obtained in this study can help provide insight on how muscle injuries are caused, ranging from low energy strains to high rate blast events, and can also be used in developing computational injury models.
Data-Driven Lossy Tube-Load Modeling of Arterial Tree: In-Human Study
Authors: Abdollahzade Majid , Kim Chang-Sei , Fazeli Nima , Finegan Barry A. , Sean McMurtry M. , Hahn Jin-Oh
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we present and validate a data-driven method to lossy tube-load modeling of arterial tree in humans. In the proposed method, the lossy tube-load model is fitted to central aortic and peripheral blood pressure (BP) waves in the time domain. For this purpose, we employ a time-domain lossy tube-load model in which the wave propagation constant is formulated to two terms: one responsible for the alteration of wave amplitude and the other for the transport delay. Using the experimental BP data collected from 17 cardiac surgery patients, we showed that the time-domain lossy tube-load model is able to accurately represent the relation between central aortic versus upper-limb and lower-limb BP waves. In addition, the comparison of lossy versus lossless tube-load models revealed that (1) the former outperformed the latter in general with the root-mean-squared errors (RMSE) of 3.1 mm Hg versus 3.5 mm Hg, respectively (p-value < 0.05), and (2) the efficacy of the former over the latter was more clearly observed in case the normalized difference in the mean central aortic versus peripheral BP was large; when the difference was >5% of the underlying mean BP, lossy and lossless models showed the RMSE of 2.7 mm Hg and 3.7 mm Hg, respectively (p-value < 0.05).
A Simple Treatment of Constraint Forces and Constraint Moments in the Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
Authors: O'Reilly Oliver M. , Srinivasa Arun R.
Published: July 2014

In this expository article, a simple concise treatment of Lagrange's prescription for constraint forces and constraint moments in the dynamics of rigid bodies is presented. The treatment is suited to both Newton–Euler and Lagrangian treatments of rigid body dynamics and is illuminated with a range of examples from classical mechanics and orthopedic biomechanics.
[RE]IMAGINING SAME-SEX CIVIL UNIONS
Authors: Steven Dionne Louise
Published: July 2014

In this paper I fashion an understanding of the relatively recent phenomenon of same-sex civil unions in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Drawing on fieldwork, I explore the contours of 30 couples’ civil union ceremonies. I argue that civil unions as cultural performances can be defined as reflexive and biographical representations that for many couples were shaped by a historic dialectic based on exclusion. In constructing their ceremonies, couples, in varying degrees, drew on both queer and heteronormative meaning-constitutive practices but also felt free to introduce elements of a more innovative nature. The gravity of the occasion, the affective nature of ritual, and the socio-historical significance of same-sex civil unions combined to make most couples’ civil union a highly emotional and meaningful experience. The transformative effects of “ritual” were, however, by no means limited to the couple. Often the most profound outcome of couples’ civil unions was the positive shifts that occurred with family of origin.
THE CROWN IN NEW ZEALAND: Anthropological Perspectives on an Imagined Sovereign
Authors: Shore Cris , Kawharu Margaret
Published: July 2014

The ‘Crown’ in New Zealand is often seen as an essential partner in the Treaty of Waitangi relationship between Maori and the government, yet as some legal commentators have noted, the Crown itself is a ‘legal fiction’ and a ‘shape-shifting’ symbol whose definition is obtuse and whose meanings vary according to context. This paper reports on an ethnographic study that examines how the concept of the Crown is understood and contested in New Zealand. It also examines the different ways in which the Crown as a political, legal and symbolic entity shapes policy and practice. We ask, what exactly is the Crown, how is it imagined and personified, when and why is the discourse of the Crown used, and what are the implications of its continual usage? We argue that the Crown is an imagined yet extraordinarily powerful entity that represents more than simply a proxy for the New Zealand state. It needs to be deconstructed in order to shed light on the symbolic and discursive work it performs in maintaining New Zealand’s political and constitutional order. We also outline some of the key findings of our pilot study and suggest future directions for research.
THE ASSOCIATION OF CRIME STORIES AND MAORI IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND PRINT MEDIA
Authors: McCreanor Timothy , Rankine Jenny , Moewaka Barnes Angela , Borell Belinda , Nairn Raymond , McManus Anna-Lyse
Published: July 2014

This paper explores associations between crime reporting and Maori ethnicity in a large representative sample of newspaper items gathered in Aotearoa New Zealand between November 2007 and April 2008, using content, thematic and discursive analyses and audience interpretations. The association of Maori and crime was prominent in these newspapers and Maori were frequently labelled as possible or actual perpetrators of crime on superficial judgements, often by victims. This practice associates Maori with all accounts of crime and embeds crime as a background for all other items about Maori. In contrast, newspaper coverage of Pakeha perpetrators of a crime against a Maori organisation worked to valorise the convicted thieves. This embedding of crime as a background to other stories about Maori, the pervasive but unacknowledged Pakeha1 norms, and media positioning of Maori as a threat in non-crime stories, is central to hegemonic discourses of Maori-Pakeha relations. Focus groups participants indicated that these discourses support real-world marginalisation and discrimination against Maori in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Holographic dark energy model with quintessence in general class of Bianchi cosmological models
Authors: Chaubey R. , Shukla A.K.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we study the general class of Bianchi cosmological models with holographic dark energy component. We have discussed three types of solutions of the average scale factor for the general class of Bianchi cosmological models by using a special law for the deceleration parameter, which is linear in time with a negative slope. The exact solutions to the corresponding field equations are also obtained. All the physical parameters are calculated and discussed in each physically viable cosmological model. For large time (i.e., t → ∞) the models tend asymptotically to an isotropic Friedmann–Robertson–Walker cosmological model. Quintessence scalar field and quintessence potential are also obtained for three different scenarios of scale factor.
Seeds of doubt: feeding preferences of white-footed deer mice (Peromyscusleucopus noveboracensis) and woodland deer mice (Peromyscusmaniculatus gracilis) on maple (genusAcer) seeds
Authors: Cramer M.J.
Published: July 2014

This study explores foraging choices made by seed predators (white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis (Fischer, 1829), and woodland deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis (LeConte, 1855)) presented with seeds of two dominant tree species (sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marsh., and red maple, Acer rubrum L.). I hypothesized that both species would prefer A. saccharum seeds, as they are larger and ostensibly contain more energy. Although P. l. noveboracensis consumed more seed than P. m. gracilis, there was also a species-specific difference in preference. Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis clearly preferred A. rubrum over A. saccharum, whereas preferences of P. l. noveboracensis were less specific. Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis, being a habitat generalist, may demonstrate higher plasticity in response to different food types. Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis may prefer A. rubrum because of differences in nutrition, handling costs, or germination schedules, although this was not explicitly tested. This species-specific difference in preference indicates the common assumption that Peromyscus species are ecologically similar should be made with caution.
Newtonian, Post-Newtonian and Parametrized Post-Newtonian limits of f(R, 𝒢) gravity
Authors: De Laurentis Mariafelicia , Lopez-Revelles Antonio Jesus
Published: July 2014

We discuss in detail the weak field limit of f(R, 𝒢) gravity taking into account analytic functions of the Ricci scalar R and the Gauss–Bonnet invariant 𝒢. Specifically, we develop, in metric formalism, the Newtonian, Post-Newtonian (PN) and Parametrized Post-Newtonian (PPN) limits starting from general f(R, 𝒢) Lagrangian. The special cases of f(R) and f(𝒢) gravities are considered. In the case of the Newtonian limit of f(R, 𝒢) gravity, a general solution in terms of Green's functions is achieved.
Fast Near-Duplicate Image Detection Using Uniform Randomized Trees
Authors: Lei Yanqiang , Qiu Guoping , Zheng Ligang , Huang Jiwu
Published: July 2014

Indexing structure plays an important role in the application of fast near-duplicate image detection, since it can narrow down the search space. In this article, we develop a cluster of uniform randomized trees (URTs) as an efficient indexing structure to perform fast near-duplicate image detection. The main contribution in this article is that we introduce “uniformity” and “randomness” into the indexing construction. The uniformity requires classifying the object images into the same scale subsets. Such a decision makes good use of the two facts in near-duplicate image detection, namely: (1) the number of categories is huge; (2) a single category usually contains only a small number of images. Therefore, the uniform distribution is very beneficial to narrow down the search space and does not significantly degrade the detection accuracy. The randomness is embedded into the generation of feature subspace and projection direction, improveing the flexibility of indexing construction. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more efficient than the popular locality-sensitive hashing and more stable and flexible than the traditional KD-tree.
Donor Research in Australia: Challenges and Promise
Authors: Masser Barbara , Smith Geoff , Williams Lisa A.
Published: July 2014

Donors are the key to the core business of Blood Collection Agencies (BCAs). However, historically, they have not been a focus of research undertaken by these organizations. This model is now changing, with significant donor research groups established in a number of countries, including Australia. Donor research in the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (Blood Service) is concentrated in the Donor and Community Research (DCR) team. Cognizant of the complex and ever-changing landscape with regard to optimal donor management, the DCR team collaborates with academics located at universities around Australia to coordinate a broad program of research that addresses both short- and-long term challenges to the blood supply. This type of collaboration is not, however, without challenges. Two major collaborative programs of the Blood Service's research, focusing on i) the recruitment and retention of plasmapheresis donors and ii) the role of the emotion pride in donor motivation and return, are showcased to elucidate how the challenges of conducting collaborative BCA research can be met. In so doing, these and the other research programs described herein demonstrate how the Blood Service supports and contributes to research that not only revises operational procedures but also contributes to advances in basic science.
Blood Donation by Elderly Repeat Blood Donors
Authors: Zeiler Thomas , Lander-Kox Jutta , Alt Timo
Published: July 2014

Background: Upper age limits for blood donors are intended to protect elderly blood donors from donor reactions. However, due to a lack of data about adverse reactions in elderly blood donors, upper age limits are arbitrary and vary considerably between different countries. Methods: Here we present data from 171,231 voluntary repeat whole blood donors beyond the age of 68 years. Results: Blood donations from repeat blood donors beyond the age of 68 years increased from 2,114 in 2005 to 38,432 in 2012 (from 0,2% to 4.2% of all whole blood donations). Adverse donor reactions in repeat donors decreased with age and were lower than in the whole group (0.26%), even in donors older than 71 years (0.16%). However, from the age of 68 years, the time to complete recovery after donor reactions increased. Donor deferrals were highest in young blood donors (21.4%), but increased again in elderly blood donors beyond 71 years (12.6%). Conclusion: Blood donation by regular repeat blood donors older than 71 years may be safely continued. However, due to a lack of data for donors older than 75 years, blood donation in these donors should be handled with great caution.
Blood Donor Deferral among Students in Northern Japan: Challenges Ahead
Authors: Ngoma Alain Mayindu , Goto Aya , Nollet Kenneth E. , Sawamura Yoshihiro , Ohto Hitoshi , Yasumura Seiji
Published: July 2014

Background: As Japan's aging society needs more blood, young students comprise a progressively smaller portion of the donor pool. To ensure a safe and sustainable blood supply, it is crucial to select suitable donors. This study aims to evaluate donor deferral rates, causes of deferral, and characteristics of deferred Japanese students. Methods: Computerized records of blood centers in northern Japan (Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures) from March 2010 through March 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among 231,361 individuals visiting during the 12-month period, 24,778 were students. Of these, 19,193 (77%) attempted donation, and 5,585 (23%) were deferred. Low hemoglobin, questionnaire-based interview decisions, and medication were the main reasons for temporary deferral. Age, sex, and blood center location were associated with low hemoglobin; donation history and blood center location were associated with medication-based deferral. The odds ratio among female students deferred for low hemoglobin was 35.48 with a 95% CI of 27.74-45.38. Conclusions: These results suggest that continued efforts are needed to motivate deferred potential donors to return, to prevent low hemoglobin especially among females, and to review medical interview decisions, while paying close attention to regional differences.
Monetary Compensation and Blood Donor Return: Results of a Donor Survey in Southwest Germany
Authors: Weidmann Christian , Schneider Sven , Weck Eberhard , Menzel Dagmar , Klüter Harald , Müller-Steinhardt Michael
Published: July 2014

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to compare donor return patterns of non-compensated and compensated German first-time donors to assess the effect of monetary reward on donor return. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a donor survey of 3,077 non-compensated and 738 compensated German first-time donors. Survey data were pooled and linked with blood donor return rates within the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year. Logistic regression models were used to estimate differences in the probability of donor return between non-compensated and compensated donors. Results: In the first 2 years following the initial donation, compensated donors were more likely to return with the odds of giving at least one further donation 1.86 (1st year) and 1.32 (2nd year) times higher for compensated donors than for non-compensated donors. In the 3rd year, there were no significant differences in donor return. Conclusion: This report, which was based on two non-randomized donor samples, suggests that monetary compensation may increase the likelihood of donors returning in the first months after the initial donation. Monetary reward may therefore be used as a short-term strategy to recruit new donors. The long-term commitment, however, seems not to be affected by monetary reward, and complementary donor retention strategies are needed.
Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life by Comprehensive Cancer Pain Therapy: A Pilot Study with Breast Cancer Outpatients under Palliative Chemotherapy
Authors: Puetzler Jan , Feldmann Jr. Robert E. , Brascher Anne-Kathrin , Gerhardt Axel , Benrath Justus
Published: July 2014

Background: Cancer-related pain is highly prevalent among outpatients with metastatic breast cancer affecting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study evaluates potential effects of comprehensive pharmacologic cancer pain therapy (CPT) on HRQoL. Patients and Methods: 52 outpatients with metastatic breast cancer undergoing palliative chemotherapy participated. 28 patients suffering from moderate to severe cancer pain were offered CPT. 13 patients participated (intervention group), and 15 declined participation (control group). HRQoL was assessed with the Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the breast module QLQ-BR23 at baseline and after 3 weeks. Results: At baseline, 83% of the patients experienced cancer-related pain, of whom 35% were not prescribed any pain medication. HRQoL of all patients was reduced compared to reference scores. After CPT, the intervention group reported significantly alleviated pain and improvement in several HRQoL subscales (Global QoL, Emotional Functioning, Physical Functioning, Future Perspective, Sleeplessness). The control group did not change significantly. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the demand for sufficient pain management in palliative breast cancer outpatients. The combination of CPT as a guidance for the pharmacological aspects of cancer pain management and the EORTC QLQ-C30 as an assessment and surveillance tool appears to be a method that warrants further research.
Elevated Remnant Cholesterol in 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency in the General Population
Authors: Ooi Esther M. , Afzal Shoaib , Nordestgaard Børge G.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are associated with high cardiovascular risk. This may be because that low 25(OH)D levels are associated with high levels of atherogenic lipoproteins, but whether these 2 risk factors are genetically associated is unknown. We tested this hypothesis.

Methods and Results—

Using a Mendelian randomization approach, potential genetic associations between plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins and 25(OH)D were examined in ≤85 868 white, Danish individuals in whom we genotyped for variants affecting plasma levels of 25(OH)D, nonfasting remnant cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Lipoprotein levels were measured in all and 25(OH)D levels in 31 435. A doubling in nonfasting remnant cholesterol levels was observationally and genetically associated with −6.0%(95% confidence interval [CI], −6.5% to −5.5%) and −8.9% (95% CI, −15% to −2.3%) lower plasma 25(OH)D levels. For low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, corresponding values were −4.6% (95% CI, −5.4% to −3.7%) observationally and −11% (95% CI, −29% to +6.9%) genetically. In contrast, a halving in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels was observationally associated with −1.5% (95% CI, −2.2% to −0.7%) lower but genetically associated with +20% (95% CI, +7.4% to +34%) higher plasma 25(OH)D levels. Plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) and 25(OH)D did not associate. Finally, low 25(OH)D levels did not associate genetically with levels of remnant and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.

Conclusions—

Genetically elevated nonfasting remnant cholesterol is associated with low 25(OH)D levels, whereas genetically reduced high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol is not associated with low 25(OH)D levels. These findings suggest that low 25(OH)D levels observationally is simply a marker for elevated atherogenic lipoproteins and question a role for vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
A new genus and a major temperate bamboo lineage of the Arundinarieae (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) from Sri Lanka based on a multi-locus plastid phylogeny
Authors: Attigala Lakshmi , Triplett Jimmy K. , Kathriarachchi Hashendra-Suvini , Clark Lynn G
Published: July 2014

Kuruna, a new temperate woody bamboo (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Arundinarieae) genus from Sri Lanka, is recognized based on chloroplast sequence data from five markers (coding: ndhF 3’ end; non-coding: rps16-trnQ, trnC-rpoB, trnD-trnT, trnT-trnL). This genus represents the twelfth major lineage of temperate woody bamboos and is characterized by pachymorph culm bases with short necks, unicaespitose clumps, culm leaf girdles ca. 1 mm wide, usually abaxially hispid culm leaves with non-irritating hairs, persistent foliage leaf sheaths, complete branch sheathing and acute to biapiculate palea apices. Maximum Parsimony, Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses of a combined data set consistently strongly supported the monophyly of this Sri Lankan temperate woody bamboo clade. Although the Kishino-Hasegawa test is unable to reject the alternative hypothesis of monophyly of the Sri Lankan clade plus Bergbambos tessellata from South Africa, Kuruna and Bergbambos are distinguishable by a combination of morphological characters. A few additional cpDNA markers not previously used in phylogenetic analyses of Arundinarieae were tested to evaluate their utility in this taxonomically difficult tribe.
Juncus fascinatus (Juncaceae), a new combination in Juncus sect. Ozophyllum and notes on morphologically similar species
Authors: Knapp Wesley Martin
Published: July 2014

Research of the morphologic variation within Juncus (Juncaceae) sect. Ozophyllum has revealed the need for a new combination, Juncus fascinatus. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses show that J. fascinatus is morphologically distinct from J. validus. Juncus fascinatus is described, illustrated, and compared to the superficially similar species J. paludosus, J. polycephalos, and J. validus. Juncus fascinatus is endemic to 25 counties in north-central and southeastern Texas whereas J. validus is more widespread and weedy. Juncus fascinatus is distinguished from J. validus by a united capsule apex at dehiscence, capsule length, inner and outer tepal length, length by which the capsule exceeds the tepals, and inflorescence length and width. Juncus validus is ecologically distinct from J. fascinatus and has shown a rapid range expansion throughout the southeastern United States and into the Mid-Atlantic. Juncus validus is most likely non-native west of the Mississippi River. The morphologically similar J. paludosus is reported from Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina for the first time.  Juncus polycephalos is reported from Kansas.
The genus Dolichocephala newly found in Shaanxi Province (China), with descriptions of three new species (Diptera: Empididae)
Authors: LIU XIAOYAN , WANG MENGQING , YANG DING
Published: July 2014

The genus Dolichocephala is recorded from Shaanxi Province (China) for the first time. The following three new species are described: Dolichocephala brevis sp. nov., D. longa sp. nov., and D. qinlingensis sp. nov. Their relationships with related species are discussed. An updated key to the species of Dolichocephala from China is presented.
Isolation and enzyme bioprospection of endophytic bacteria associated with plants of Brazilian mangrove ecosystem
Authors: Castro Renata A , Quecine Maria Carolina , Lacava Paulo T , Batista Bruna D , Luvizotto Danice M , Marcon Joelma , Ferreira Anderson , Melo Itamar S , Azevedo João L
Published: July 2014

The mangrove ecosystem is a coastal tropical biome located in the transition zone between land and sea that is characterized by periodic flooding, which confers unique and specific environmental conditions on this biome. In these ecosystems, the vegetation is dominated by a particular group of plant species that provide a unique environment harboring diverse groups of microorganisms, including the endophytic microorganisms that are the focus of this study. Because of their intimate association with plants, endophytic microorganisms could be explored for biotechnologically significant products, such as enzymes, proteins, antibiotics and others. Here, we isolated endophytic microorganisms from two mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia nitida, that are found in streams in two mangrove systems in Bertioga and Cananéia, Brazil. Bacillus was the most frequently isolated genus, comprising 42% of the species isolated from Cananéia and 28% of the species from Bertioga. However, other common endophytic genera such as Pantoea, Curtobacterium and Enterobacter were also found. After identifying the isolates, the bacterial communities were evaluated for enzyme production. Protease activity was observed in 75% of the isolates, while endoglucanase activity occurred in 62% of the isolates. Bacillus showed the highest activity rates for amylase and esterase and endoglucanase. To our knowledge, this is the first reported diversity analysis performed on endophytic bacteria obtained from the branches of mangrove trees and the first overview of the specific enzymes produced by different bacterial genera. This work contributes to our knowledge of the microorganisms and enzymes present in mangrove ecosystems.
Increase of nerve growth factor levels in the human herniated intervertebral disc: can annular rupture trigger discogenic back pain?
Authors: Aoki Yasuchika , Nakajima Arata , Ohtori Seiji , Takahashi Hiroshi , Watanabe Fusako , Sonobe Masato , Terajima Fumiaki , Saito Masahiko , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Toyone Tomoaki , Watanabe Atsuya , Nakajima Takayuki , Takazawa Makoto , Nakagawa Koichi
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has an important role in the generation of discogenic pain. We hypothesized that annular rupture is a trigger for discogenic pain through the action of NGF. In this study, the protein levels of NGF in discs from patients with disc herniation were examined and compared with those from discs of patients with other lumbar degenerative disc diseases.

Methods

Patients (n = 55) with lumbar degenerative disc disease treated by surgery were included. Nucleus pulposus tissue (or herniated disc tissue) was surgically removed and homogenized; protein levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for NGF. Levels of NGF in the discs were compared between 1) patients with herniated discs (herniated group) and those with other lumbar degenerative disc diseases (non-herniated group), and 2) low-grade and high-grade degenerated discs. Patient’s symptoms were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI); the influence of NGF levels on pre- and post-operative symptoms was examined.

Results

Mean levels of NGF in discs of patients were significantly higher in herniated discs (83.4 pg/mg total protein) than those in non-herniated discs (68.4 pg/mg).

No significant differences in levels of NGF were found between low-grade and high-grade degenerated discs. Multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex, also showed significant correlation between the presence of disc herniation and NGF levels, though no significant correlation was found between disc degeneration and NGF levels. In both herniated and non-herniated groups, pre-operative symptoms were not related to NGF levels. In the herniated group, post-operative lower extremity pain and low back pain (LBP) in motion were greater in patients with low levels of NGF; no significant differences were found in the non-herniated group.

Conclusions

This study reports that NGF increased in herniated discs, and may play an important role in the generation of discogenic pain. Analysis of patient symptoms revealed that pre-operative NGF levels were related to post-operative residual lower extremity pain and LBP in motion. The results suggest that NGF in the disc is related to pain generation, however, the impact of NGF on generation of LBP varies in individual patients.
MicroRNA-18a inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor 1α activity and lung metastasis in basal breast cancers
Authors: Krutilina Raisa , Sun Wenlin , Sethuraman Aarti , Brown Martin , Seagroves Tiffany N , Pfeffer Lawrence M , Ignatova Tatyana , Fan Meiyun
Published: July 2014

Introduction

In breast cancer, distinct expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been associated with molecular subgroups and clinicopathological characteristics, implicating a diagnostic and prognostic role of miRNAs. However, the biological functions of deregulated miRNAs in tumor progression are not yet completely defined. In this study, we investigated the function of miR-18a in regulating breast cancer metastasis through the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A)–dependent hypoxic response.

Methods

An orthotopic metastatic breast cancer xenograft model (MDA-MB-231 cells) was used to identify miRNAs associated with spontaneous lung metastasis. The function of miR-18a in regulating HIF1A expression, as well as cellular responses to hypoxia and metastasis, were then studied in vitro and in vivo by assessing ectopic miR-18a expression or miR-18a inhibition. miRNA–mRNA interactions (AGO2 immunoprecipitation and 3′ untranslated region Luciferase reporter assays), gene expression (quantitative PCR and microarray), cell migration and invasion, and cell growth were assessed under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, complemented by orthotopic xenograft of tumor cells to the mammary fat pad to investigate the effect of modulating miR-18a expression on primary tumor growth and lung metastasis. Last, clinically relevant correlations between miR-18a, HIF1A, hypoxia-responsive gene expression and distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS) were assessed using published expression array breast tumors data sets.

Results

miRNAs encoded by the MIR17HG gene were downregulated in lung metastases compared to primary tumors. Ectopic expression of miR-18a, a MIR17HG family member, in a metastatic variant of MDA-MB-231 cells reduced primary tumor growth and lung metastasis, whereas miR-18a inhibition in the parental cells promoted tumor growth and lung metastasis. We identified HIF1A as a direct target of miR-18a. Modulating miR-18a expression significantly affected hypoxic gene expression, cell invasiveness and sensitivity to anoikis and hypoxia in vitro in a HIF1A-dependent manner. Analysis of previously published data revealed that higher expression of HIF1A and a panel of hypoxic genes is associated with shorter DMFS interval in patients with basal-like breast tumors, and that, within this subtype, miR-18a expression is inversely correlated with hypoxic gene expression. Together, these data support a role of miR-18a in repressing distant metastasis through a HIF1A-dependent pathway.

Conclusions

The results of this study reveal a novel role for miR-18a in targeting HIF1A and repressing metastasis of basal-like breast tumors.
Early mobilization on continuous renal replacement therapy is safe and may improve filter life
Authors: Wang Yi Tian , Haines Terry P , Ritchie Paul , Walker Craig , Ansell Teri A , Ryan Danielle T , Lim Phaik-Sim , Vij Sanjiv , Acs Rebecca , Fealy Nigel , Skinner Elizabeth H
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Despite studies demonstrating benefit, patients with femoral vascular catheters placed for continuous renal replacement therapy are frequently restricted from mobilization. No researchers have reported filter pressures during mobilization, and it is unknown whether mobilization is safe or affects filter lifespan. Our objective in this study was to test the safety and feasibility of mobilization in this population.

Methods

A total of 33 patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy via femoral, subclavian or internal jugular vascular access catheters at two general medical-surgical intensive care units in Australia were enrolled. Patients underwent one of three levels of mobilization intervention as appropriate: (1) passive bed exercises, (2) sitting on the bed edge or (3) standing and/or marching. Catheter dislodgement, haematoma and bleeding during and following interventions were evaluated. Filter pressure parameters and lifespan (hours), nursing workload and concern were also measured.

Results

No episodes of filter occlusion or failure occurred during any of the interventions. No adverse events were detected. The intervention filters lasted longer than the nonintervention filters (regression coefficient = 13.8 (robust 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.0 to 22.6), P = 0.003). In sensitivity analyses, we found that filter life was longer in patients who had more position changes (regression coefficient = 2.0 (robust 95% CI = 0.6 to 3.5), P = 0.007). The nursing workloads between the intervention shift and the following shift were similar.

Conclusions

Mobilization during renal replacement therapy via a vascular catheter in patients who are critically ill is safe and may increase filter life. These findings have significant implications for the current mobility restrictions imposed on patients with femoral vascular catheters for renal replacement therapy.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000733976 (registered 13 July 2011)
Current and upcoming approaches to exploit the reversibility of epigenetic mutations in breast cancer
Authors: Falahi Fahimeh , van Kruchten Michel , Martinet Nadine , Hospers Geke , Rots Marianne G
Published: July 2014

DNA methylation and histone modifications are important epigenetic modifications associated with gene (dys)regulation. The epigenetic modifications are balanced by epigenetic enzymes, so-called writers and erasers, such as DNA (de)methylases and histone (de)acetylases. Aberrant epigenetic alterations have been associated with various diseases, including breast cancer. Since aberrant epigenetic modifications are potentially reversible, they might represent targets for breast cancer therapy. Indeed, several drugs have been designed to inhibit epigenetic enzymes (epi-drugs), thereby reversing epigenetic modifications. US Food and Drug Administration approval has been obtained for some epi-drugs for hematological malignancies. However, these drugs have had very modest anti-tumor efficacy in phase I and II clinical trials in breast cancer patients as monotherapy. Therefore, current clinical trials focus on the combination of epi-drugs with other therapies to enhance or restore the sensitivity to such therapies. This approach has yielded some promising results in early phase II trials. The disadvantage of epi-drugs, however, is genome-wide effects, which may cause unwanted upregulation of, for example, pro-metastatic genes. Development of gene-targeted epigenetic modifications (epigenetic editing) in breast cancer can provide a novel approach to prevent such unwanted events. In this context, identification of crucial epigenetic modifications regulating key genes in breast cancer is of critical importance. In this review, we first describe aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications as two important classes of epigenetic mutations in breast cancer. Then we focus on the preclinical and clinical epigenetic-based therapies currently being explored for breast cancer. Finally, we describe epigenetic editing as a promising new approach for possible applications towards more targeted breast cancer treatment.
When noise makes music: HIV reactivation with transcriptional noise enhancers
Authors: Tan Xu , Elledge Stephen J
Published: July 2014

Reactivating latent HIV is key to depleting the virus reservoir in AIDS patients. A recent paper has described the rationale for and discovery of a new class of drugs - transcriptional noise enhancers - that can synergize with conventional transcription activators to more effectively reactivate latently infected T cells. As well as describing a promising new strategy in the bid to find a cure for AIDS, this study more broadly highlights the utility of exploring drug combinations in treatment of human disease.
Main Vectors and Problems of Development of Social Legislation
Authors: Khabriyeva Taliya
Published: July 2014

The article on the guidelines for the development of social legislation of the Russian Federation predicts a rapid and accelerated development of this block of Russian law system.Among the largescale trends typical for social legislation the author includes: expanding of the scope of regulation (juridification) and the corresponding expansion of legal regulations, differentiation of social legislation on the new brunches (in particular, immigration legislation), the formation of new sub-brunches within
the existing ones (for instance, labor relations in the public service) and institutions (biotechnology and so on).
The article discusses some “growth problems” of social legislation: the tendency of commercialization of the sphere leads to a decrease of the quality of services, the weakening of safeguards for the most vulnerable categories of citizens (for example, cancellation of the rules on prior consent of the guardianship authorities to carry out transactions with premises where childrenlive, led to a decline of living conditions of many minors of the Russian Federation). As a result the very content of constitutional rights is expressly questioned. At the same time it is underlined that the positive aspect of social legislation juridificationis the appearance of new obligations of the state in the social sphere.
To overcome the existing problems and to prevent new onesit is proposed to strengthen the role of science in determining the broad guidelines of development of social legislation in the systematization of social legislation, unification of regional legislation in the social sphere, preventing the rejection of statutory approach in the formation of the secondary legislation, reduction of by-law regulation, strengthening the greater coherence of other branches of Russian legislation with the norms of social legislation.
Optimization of legislative regulation through the adoption of the Federal Law “On Normative Legal Acts” will contribute to the elimination of many defects of social legislation and greater stability of legislation of the Russian Federation in the whole.
Social Concept of Law: A New Approach
Authors: Nanba Sariya , Tikhomirov YUriy , Tsomartova Fatima
Published: July 2014

Social conception of right is presented in the article. The aims of conception it is been forming of behavioral mechanism of law, and also combination of private and public interests. On the basis of social conception of right the models of her realization are offered: “conservative”, “pessimistic”, “optimistic”. Elements are offered models that are the form of expression of substantive provisions to conception. Elements it is been: aim, social interest, measure of legitimity, methods of the socially-legal affecting behavior, self-regulation, legal consciousness and legal culture et al. Methodologies of measuring of social efficiency of the legal adjusting are also offered in the article. Authors consider actual next methodologies: level of legal knowledge, legal being informed, legal culture, relation of citizens to the right; satisfaction providing of social services; estimation of quality and availability of public organs; estimation of character and volume labour.
Legal Tender as a Category of Financial Law
Authors: Kuchyerov Ilya
Published: July 2014

In the real work the nature of lawful means of payment from a position of science of a financial law is considered. The origin, formation and development of institute of lawful means of payment is investigated. Intrinsic legal signs of lawful means of payment are revealed. The author of article comes to a conclusion that it is possible to understand as lawful means of payment emitted in a certain monetary unit and officially introduced into circulation on behalf of the state the instrument of payment accepted at nominal cost within the respective territory, and used as it should be, the defined legislation on monetary circulation, for execution of monetary duties and the termination of liabilities.
Judiciary Practice in the Mechanism of Legal Monitoring
Authors: Glazkova Mariya , Pavlushkin Aleksey , Cherepanova Ekaterina
Published: July 2014

In article discusses topical issues of implementation of the legal monitoring mechanism. The authors made an attempt to discover the essence of the legal monitoring mechanism, to analyze and to assess the sufficiency of those functions, that are reserved for judicial authorities in this mechanism, and also to pay attention to specificity of monitoring of procedural rules as a type of law enforcement monitoring. Reveals the theoretical basis of the legal and regulatory monitoring? The organization the legal monitoring software. The authors proposes creation of a complex program of legal monitoring and law-application as an instrument of improvement of quality of normative-law acts. In article ways of influence of judicial practice on lawmaking and practice are generalized and systematized. Specific proposals are formulated. It ensures the scientifically-reasonable approach to a choice of directions of legislative development and in the end — an internal coordination of the legal system as a whole.
Implementation of Legislative Prerogatives of the Russian Federation on the Basis of the Principle of Subsidiarity: Legal Assessment of the Experience of the European Union
Authors: Pimenova Oksana
Published: July 2014

The execution and protection of Russian regions’ prerogative legislative powers is the most significant element of their jurisdictional independence, and legal regulation of this area is crucial for ongoing federative reforms. The purpose of this article is to clarify possibilities of adaptation of the European Union’s experience in implementation of the subsidiarity principle to the Russian Federation’s system of regulation and execution of federal legislative powers in the area of joint jurisdiction which is considered to be the main institute of the vertically integrated government system in a federal state.
International Law Standards and Regulation of Safety of Food in the WTO Law
Authors: Chuyko Nataliya
Published: July 2014

International legal standards along with norms and principles of international law recently take hold and gain more acceptance by the states. Strengthening of their role in the international law system is connected to the globalization processes of legal framework at the international level and the internationalization of rules at the national level. Orientation on the international standards in the sphere of food safety becomes more relevant in the light of Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization due to the fact that regulation of multilateral food trade is not limited only to the set of WTO agreements but contains references to other international legal documents including the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s (CAC) standards. In spite of the fact that the CAC standards primarily serve as guidelines they acquire a special status within the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Russian Federation has a right to to take sanitary and phytosanitary measures necessary for the protection of human, animal or plant life or health, however the existing presumption of legitimacy of measures based on the CAC standards establishes a certain framework for their application.
Giving it all artistically: Observations on the 48th Maribor Theatre Festival: The move towards the grotesque as a sentiment of crisis
Authors: Irmer Thomas
Published: July 2014

This review discusses several productions from last year's festival program (competition and additional shows) in the context of social crisis and the aesthetics of the grotesque in drama and theatre. One outstanding example is the winner of the Borštnikovo Grand Prix, Crazy Locomotive directed by Jernej Lorenci, while other shows exhibited performance aesthetics as a strong tradition in Slovenian theatre (Oliver Frljić, Dragan Živadinov, Irena Tomažin).
Paradise lost: In Africa and in Europe, with Brett Bailey, the mesmerizer, in charge
Authors: Stefanova Kalina
Published: July 2014

This article aims at introducing the extraordinary talent of South African director Brett Bailey by recreating the second installment of his Exhibit Series - a unique art-and-politics event that has been stunning and disconcerting European audiences - and by presenting a firsthand account of the main developments in his work, from his first show Zombie until now.
Nobody is innocent
Authors: Založnik Jasmina
Published: July 2014

This article focuses on the relation of women artists toward the problem of the body and woman as Other in performance art practices. It addresses the changes in corporeal politics and the procedures of governmentality in contemporary society through a debut performance by the young Croatian dancer and choreographer Nataša Mihoci entitled Nobody Is Innocent. Further, it scrutinises representations of women in popular culture, the production of the image and its effects on the process of subjectivation.