bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Membrane Permeability on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and β2m Plasma Levels in Patients on Long-Term Haemodialysis: A Randomised Crossover Trial
Authors: Chazot Charles , Kirchgessner Judith , Pham Jenny , Vo-Van Cyril , Lorriaux Christie , Hurot Jean-Marc , Zaoui Eric , Grassmann Aileen , Jean Guillaume , Marcelli Daniele
Published: March 2015

Survival of haemodialysis (HD) patients is influenced by many factors. Mortality is mainly of cardiovascular (CV) origin and related to both traditional and nontraditional CV risk factors. Low plasma Beta2-microglobulin (β2m) levels are associated with improved HD patient survival. HD session times that are longer than the conventional 4 h (i.e., extended dialysis) provide better middle molecule clearance and are also associated with a survival advantage. In this crossover randomised trial, we investigated the effect of membrane flux on CV risk factors and on β2m plasma levels in patients treated with extended dialysis. Dialysis session duration was between 5 and 8 h for all patients. Patients were randomly assigned to the treatment sequences low-flux/high-flux dialysis versus high-flux/low-flux dialysis in a crossover design after a 3-month run-in period, with each phase lasting 9 months. Of the initially enrolled 168 patients, 155 patients started the study after the run-in period, 117 patients completed Phase 1, and 83 patients completed the whole study. Lp(a), homocystein, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and serum albumin were comparable in the low-flux and high-flux treatments. The average β2m level was 43.3 ± 11.1 mg/l at the end of the low-flux phase. Independent of sequence assignation, average β2m was significantly lower at the end of the high-flux phase (27.5 ± 76.0 mg/l, p < 0.0001 versus end of low-flux phase). Both phosphate and nPNA were significantly lower at the end of the high-flux phase compared to the low-flux phase (p = 0.045 and p = 0.002, respectively). Inclusion of those patients who completed Phase 1 and who dropped out of the study during Phase 2 did not significantly change the results. In conclusion, this study did not find an influence of high-flux filters on several traditional CV risk factors in a population of HD patients treated with extended dialysis. However, high-flux filters are necessary to optimise middle molecule clearance and reduce the β2m level.
Alcohol Intake Measured by Phosphatidylethanol in Blood and the Lifetime Drinking History Interview Are Correlated with the Extent of Psoriasis
Authors: Zou Linnea , Lonne-Rahm Sol-Britt , Helander Anders , Stokkeland Knut , Franck Johan , Nordlind Klas
Published: March 2015

Background: Psoriasis has been reported to be associated with alcohol consumption. Objective: To investigate the level of alcohol intake in individuals with psoriasis and correlate intake with the extent of disease and pruritus. Methods: Twenty-nine outpatients (15 females and 14 males) with stable chronic plaque psoriasis of moderate severity were recruited. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the degree of pruritus (visual analogue scale) were compared with measures of drinking habits as determined by the Lifetime Drinking History (LDH), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and whole-blood phosphatidylethanol (PEth), an alcohol-specific biomarker. Results: The majority of patients were social drinkers with moderate alcohol consumption as determined by PEth and LDH. Alcohol consumption correlated significantly with the PASI score. There was no correlation between alcohol use and pruritus. Conclusion: The level of alcohol consumption is correlated with the extent of psoriasis.
Impact of Vascular Calcifications on Arteriovenous Fistula Survival in Hemodialysis Patients: A Five-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Jankovic Aleksandar , Damjanovic Tatjana , Djuric Zivka , Marinkovic Jelena , Schlieper Georg , Tosic-Dragovic Jelena , Djuric Petar , Popovic Jovan , Floege Juergen , Dimkovic Nada
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Vascular calcifications are frequently found among dialysis patients, and the calcification process may influence the patient's outcome. The aim of the present study was to determine the role that vascular calcifications may have on autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) survival. Methods: This study included 90 patients (49 males, mean age 62 ± 11) with a native AVF treated by chronic hemodialysis (HD) for more than one year. The overall vascular calcification scores ranged from 0-11 (Adragao score + vascular access calcification score); patients were categorized into mild (score 0-3; n = 36), moderate (score 4-7; n = 24) and severe (score 8-11; n = 30) calcification groups. AVF survival was then followed for 5 years after calcification measurement or until the patient's death/transplantation. Results: Patients with more pronounced vascular calcifications were more frequently diabetic and male. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between calcification score and male gender, diabetes mellitus, previous duration of AVF, low dialysis flow rate and intact parathormone (iPTH) values. After multivariate adjustment for basal differences, Cox proportional analysis revealed a graded impact of calcification scores on AVF failure: moderate scores (were associated with a hazard rate (HR) of 3.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-13.23) and severe scores with an HR of 4.65 (CI 0.97-22.38). Conclusion: Vascular calcifications are associated with worse survival of native arteriovenous hemodialysis fistulas.
Urinary β2-Microglobulin Testing in Pediatric Uveitis: A Case Report of a 9-Year-Old Boy with Renal and Ocular Sarcoidosis
Authors: Pepple Kathryn L. , Lam Deborah L. , Finn Laura S. , Van Gelder Russell
Published: March 2015

We present here a case of a 9-year-old boy with bilateral anterior uveitis and an extremely elevated urinary β2-microglobulin level (25,400 μg/l). The normal range for urinary excretion of β2-microglobulin is 0-300 μg/l. In patients with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU), elevations typically range from 1,260 to 5,160 μg/l. Renal biopsy was pursued, and significant granulomatous interstitial nephritis consistent with sarcoidosis was identified. Systemic immune modulation was required for control of ocular inflammation. This case highlights the importance of urinary β2-microglobulin testing in the pediatric patient uveitis population, and additionally the need to pursue kidney biopsy in the presence of extreme elevations in urinary β2-microglobulin to differentiate between TINU and sarcoidosis.
Association between Hypouricemia and Reduced Kidney Function: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study in Japan
Authors: Wakasugi Minako , Kazama Junichiro James , Narita Ichiei , Konta Tsuneo , Fujimoto Shouichi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Asahi Koichi , Kimura Kenjiro , Kondo Masahide , Kurahashi Issei , Ohashi Yasuo , Watanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2015

Background: Hypouricemia, conventionally defined as a serum uric acid level of ≤2 mg/dl, is considered a biochemical disorder with no clinical significance. However, individuals with renal hypouricemia have a high risk of urolithiasis and exercise-induced acute kidney injury, both of which are risk factors for reduced kidney function. Methods: To test the hypothesis that individuals with hypouricemia would be at a higher risk of reduced kidney function, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using data from the Specific Health Checkups and Guidance System in Japan. Logistic analysis was used to examine the relationship between hypouricemia and reduced kidney function, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Results: Among 90,710 men (mean age, 63.8 years) and 136,935 women (63.7 years), 193 (0.2%) and 540 (0.4%) were identified as having hypouricemia, respectively. The prevalence of hypouricemia decreased with age in women (p for trend <0.001), but not in men (p for trend = 0.24). Hypouricemia was associated with reduced kidney function in men (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.74), but not in women (0.61; 0.43-0.86), relative to the reference category (i.e., serum uric acid levels of 4.1-5.0 mg/dl) after adjusting for age, drinking, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and history of renal failure. Sensitivity analyses stratified by diabetic status yielded similar results. Conclusions: This study is the first to provide evidence that hypouricemia is associated with reduced kidney function in men. Further research will be needed to determine the long-term prognosis of individuals with hypouricemia.
Aspergillosis Superinfection as a Cause of Death of Crizotinib-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease Successfully Treated with High-Dose Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Deiana Laura , Grisanti Salvatore , Ferrari Vittorio , Tironi Andrea , Brugnoli Giulia , Ferrari Laura , Bozzola Giordano , Berruti Alfredo
Published: March 2015

Crizotinib is an efficacious and well-tolerated drug in the management of ALK-positive lung cancer. Crizotinib treatment, however, is rarely complicated by the occurrence of acute interstitial lung disease (ILD) that is often fatal. There is no treatment for this serious adverse event. We report a female non-small cell lung cancer patient who developed ILD after a few days of crizotinib therapy. She showed a significant improvement after a high dose of pulse corticosteroid therapy, both radiologically and clinically. Unfortunately, the patient subsequently developed an aspergillosis superinfection leading to death. Our experience suggests that high-dose steroid therapy may be efficacious in the management of a severe complication of crizotinib therapy. However, potent antifungal therapy should be considered to prevent the risk of severe aspergillosis.
Association between Anemia and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Koudriavtseva Tatiana , Renna Rosaria , Plantone Domenico , Mandoj Chiara , Piattella Maria Cristina , Giannarelli Diana
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: The relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and anemia has not been clarified sufficiently. In this retrospective, cross-sectional, case-control study we evaluated in MS patients: (1) prevalence of anemia relative to sex- and age-matched controls; (2) relationships between patients' demographic, clinical and drug-related characteristics and anemia; (3) effect of anemia on the risk of developing MS. Methods: 187 consecutive MS patients (51 males, mean age (±SD) 44.5 ± 10.7 years) and 200 controls (56 males, mean age 45.5 ± 12 years) were included in the study. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <12 g/dl for females and <13 g/dl for males. Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of anemia between MS patients and controls (35 (18.7%) and 19 (9.5%), respectively, p = 0.009). We did not find any association between patients' characteristics and anemia. The occurrence of anemia increased more than twice the risk of developing MS (odds ratio: 2.19, 95% confidence interval 1.19-4.0). Conclusion: Our study showed a consistent association between anemia and MS.
The Polyvalence of ἀφίημι and the Two Cognitive Frames of Forgiveness in the Synoptic Gospels
Authors: Roitto Rikard
Published: March 2015

Depending on whether God or a human is the forgiving agent in the Synoptic Gospels (and beyond), the verb valence of ἀφίημι, “forgive,” differs in several ways. The present article argues that the differences are reflections in linguistic conventions of the cognition that only God can remove the substance of sin, while both God and humans can remit the moral debt of sin. Construction grammar, a linguistic theory which assumes that syntax and semantics are inseparable, is used in the analysis. Theological implications are discussed.
Perfection Perfected
Authors: Marquis Timothy Luckritz
Published: March 2015

Hebrews evinces the linked exegetical aporiae of, on the one hand, tension between the asserted perfection of the believer and exhortations to further perfection and, on the other, a similar tension between Christ’s exalted, preexistent nature and claims about his need for further perfection during his earthly life. The paper proposes the Stoic figure of the “self-eluding sage” as a helpful contextual analogue for explaining the indicative-imperative problem in Hebrews. Originally a product of early epistemological debates among Hellenistic philosophical schools, the “self-eluding sage” (διαλεληθὼς σοφός) was deployed by Philo and Plutarch in Roman-era debates on the nature of moral progress. Terminological and structural similarities between discussions of the Stoic figure and discussions of progress in Hebrews (especially 5:14-6:3) help contextualize the speech’s concern for moral insight and improvement within a general Roman-era focus on moral progress toward filling communal roles.
Composition and variation of the skin microbiota in sympatric species of European newts (Salamandridae)
Authors: Vences Miguel , Vences Miguel , Dohrmann Anja B. , Vences Miguel , Dohrmann Anja B. , Künzel Sven , Vences Miguel , Dohrmann Anja B. , Künzel Sven , Granzow Susann , Vences Miguel , Dohrmann Anja B. , Künzel Sven , Granzow Susann , Baines John F. , Vences Miguel , Dohrmann Anja B. , Künzel Sven , Granzow Susann , Baines John F. , Tebbe Christoph C.
Published: March 2015

The mucous skin of amphibians provides a habitat for microorganisms which may interact with their hosts and thereby affect their condition and health. Cultivation-independent analyses of the bacterial communities based on the detection of PCR-amplified bacterial 16S rRNA genes provides a direct approach to characterize their diversity. In the present pilot study we utilized this approach in combination with a high-throughput DNA sequencing technology (454 pyrosequencing), to characterize the bacterial community structure of the skin of three newt species (Lissotriton vulgaris, Ichthyosaura alpestris, Triturus cristatus), collected near Braunschweig, Germany. 16S rDNA sequences were obtained from 19 unique samples. On average, 6113 amplicon sequences were obtained per sample and these could phylogenetically be assigned to a total of 1615 different operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Altogether, most samples were rather similar in their dominant bacterial taxa. Most represented were Betaproteobacteria (46%; mostly Janthinobacterium), Gammaproteobacteria (28%; mostly Pseudomonas), Flavobacteria (phylum Bacteroidetes: 19%, mostly Flavobacterium), and Sphingobacteria (Bacteroidetes: 5%, mostly Pedobacter). We found no significant differences between the three newt species, or between hemi-nested vs. non-nested PCR, but a strong difference among sampling dates (15 and 17 April 2013) which might be explained by the ongoing transition of the newts from their terrestrial to aquatic phase which coincided with this period, or by differences between sexes as these were unevenly sampled on the two dates. 16S rRNA gene sequences retrieved in this study in several cases were identical or very similar to those previously found on the skin of North American salamanders.
Knowledge of habitat preferences applied to habitat management: the case of an endangered tortoise population
Authors: Vilardell-Bartino Albert , Vilardell-Bartino Albert , Capalleras Xavier , Vilardell-Bartino Albert , Capalleras Xavier , Budó Joan , Vilardell-Bartino Albert , Capalleras Xavier , Budó Joan , Bosch Rafel , Vilardell-Bartino Albert , Capalleras Xavier , Budó Joan , Bosch Rafel , Pons Pere
Published: March 2015

To avoid the possible extinction of the last native population of western Hermann’s tortoise in the Iberian Peninsula it is essential to make sound management decisions. Knowledge of macro and microhabitat use and home range size has considerable practical value for land managers. With this aim we first studied the home range and habitat preferences in western Hermann’s tortoises by radio tracking 15 adults weekly from March 2008 to May 2009 in three localities within the Albera population range (NE Iberian Peninsula). We estimated home ranges with Fixed Kernel estimator (FK) and Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) after checking tortoise site fidelity. We observed that home range size did not differ significantly between males and females (mean FK = 2.01 ha, mean MCP = 3.01 ha). Secondly, we studied macrohabitat selection using a vegetation map. Preferred habitats were open shrubland, open forest and barren land during the activity period, and dense forest, dense shrubland and open shrubland during the hibernation. Next, we assessed microhabitat selection along five periods of the annual cycle: hibernation, emergence from hibernation, spring, summer and autumn. We then located marked tortoises weekly and classified the plant species observed in each location. Principal component analyses showed that tortoises selected shrubs with trees during hibernation, bramble during summer and herbaceous habitat during the breeding season. All these results can provide guidelines for management programs that set aside areas of habitat critical to conserve viable populations, although it is also important to prevent mortality from forestry works. We therefore tested a new brush cutter head accessory to achieve tortoise-safe undergrowth clearing. To this aim we distributed 52 frozen hybrid tortoises among eight plots of 100 m2, cleared six of these plots with the accessory and two without it, and evaluated the scars of the blade on caparaces. We observed no damage in plots that were cleared with the accessory but scars in most carapaces in the plots cleared without it (with potential mortality ranging from 40% in neonates to 100% in adults). These results outline the importance of supporting habitat management decisions with proper field studies.
Recent species in old Islands: the origin of introduced populations of Litoria aurea (Anura: Hylidae) in New Caledonia and Wallis
Authors: Nicolas Violaine , Nicolas Violaine , Grandcolas Philippe , Nicolas Violaine , Grandcolas Philippe , Braux Frédéric , Nicolas Violaine , Grandcolas Philippe , Braux Frédéric , Jourdan Hervé , Nicolas Violaine , Grandcolas Philippe , Braux Frédéric , Jourdan Hervé , Malau Atoloto , Nicolas Violaine , Grandcolas Philippe , Braux Frédéric , Jourdan Hervé , Malau Atoloto , Couloux Arnaud , Nicolas Violaine , Grandcolas Philippe , Braux Frédéric , Jourdan Hervé , Malau Atoloto , Couloux Arnaud , Ohler Annemarie
Published: March 2015

New Caledonia is a megadiverse tropical island in the southwest Pacific, however, inhabited by only one species of amphibian, Litoria aurea (Hylidae). We used both molecular (CO1 and ND4 gene sequencing) and morphometric data to explore its geographical origin and timing of colonisation. We tested whether this species arrived through transoceanic dispersal before human arrival in the island, or recently through anthropogenic introduction. We found a weak phylogeographical structure within this species, and lower haplotype diversity in New Zealand, New Caledonia and Wallis compared to Australia. No significant genetic differentiation was found between pairs of populations in New Caledonia and Wallis, or between pairs of population from these two islands. We observed a high level of morphometric differentiation between Australian and island populations, and a low level of morphometric differentiation between island populations. Our results support an Australian origin for insular frogs. The possibility of a trans-marine dispersal from Australia to New Caledonia and/or Wallis in-between the Eocene and the Pleistocene cannot be favoured, given the low level of genetic differentiation. Our results are consistent with a recent human introduction, most likely during European times. Our data support the historical absence of amphibians in the old island New Caledonia, and is consistent with the new biogeographical paradigm that this island was totally re-colonized after emergence in Eocene. More studies are necessary to explain the success of this frog in oceanic islands, where it is widespread and abundant, compared to Australia, where it is declining.
Elevation related variation in aggressive response to mirror image in mountain chickadees
Authors: Branch Carrie L. , Kozlovsky Dovid Y. , Pravosudov Vladimir V.
Published: March 2015

Behavioural syndrome literature suggests that behavioural traits may be coupled to form behavioural strategies that are consistent and repeatable across contexts. Typically these behavioural types are composed of bold, aggressive, dominant individuals and shy, less aggressive, subordinate individuals. Mountain chickadees living in varying climatic conditions across a montane environment appear to exhibit consistent behavioural types, such that high elevation birds, which experience harsher winter conditions and rely more heavily on spatial memory to retrieve food caches to survive winter, explore a novel environment at a slower rate (i.e., shy) and are socially subordinate to low elevation birds. Dominance is typically expressed in individual pairwise interactions, but it is not always clear which traits predispose an individual to become a dominant in such interactions. Aggression is frequently suggested to be associated with higher dominance status, yet the data are equivocal. Here we aimed to test whether previously described elevation related differences in social dominance might be associated with elevation related differences in aggression levels in mountain chickadees by using the mirror test. The mirror test can address potential differences in reactive and proactive aggression, although caution should be taken when using the mirror test as some species are able to self-recognize. Low elevation birds responded more aggressively to their mirror image than high elevation birds, suggesting that elevation related differences in aggression may be partially responsible for previously found differences in social dominance status.
eu Negotiating and Voting under the Amended cites Convention
Authors: Krämer Ludwig
Published: March 2015

The European Union is on the point of becoming a full member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (cites Convention). This Convention is a so-called mixed agreement: the competence to protect endangered species of fauna and flora is shared between the eu and its 28 Member States. This article discusses, how the right to negotiate and vote is shared between the eu and the Member States, in particular in the light of the jurisprudence of the eu Court of Justice. The principle of sincere cooperation and the necessity for the eu to speak with one voice during international negotiations play a particularly important role in this regard.
Marine Natura 2000 and Fishery – The Case of Sweden
Authors: Christiernsson Anna , Michanek Gabriel , Nilsson Pontus
Published: March 2015

Fishing operations likely to have a significant effect on a marine Natura 2000 area shall be subject to prior assessment and authorisation according to Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive. This provision, partly also article 6.2, and in particular the cjeu case law, implies that this prior control should be applied rather often in practice, even for recurrent fishery irrespective of when the first fishing operation occurred in an area. Article 11 of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation entails that Sweden and other Member States apply Article 6 of the Habitats Directive within the entire exclusive economic zone, to both own and foreign fishing vessels. A Member State is also, under certain preconditions, empowered to impose restrictions on fishery not supported by article 6 of the Habitats Directive, especially within the 12 nautical miles zone. A Member State is not formally hindered from excluding fishery from prior assessment and authorisation if instead general requirements on fishery in legislation can ensure that no future fishing operation is likely to have a significant effect on the Natura 2000 area. However, cjeu case law indicates that it would be difficult to fulfil that precondition.
The Effectiveness of the Principle of Recovery of the Costs of Water Services Jeopardized by the European Court of Justice – Annotations on the Judgment in C-525/12
Authors: Lindhout P.E. , van Rijswick H.F.M.W.
Published: March 2015

In Case C-525/12 the European Court of Justice concludes that cost recovery for water services as outlined in Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive is only one of the instruments for Member States to strive for a rational water use. It furthermore concludes that the wfd environmental objectives not necessarily imply that cost recovery should be applicable to all water-related activities mentioned in Article 2 (38) wfd. In this underlying contribution a number of critical remarks to this judgment are provided. In view of the authors, the European Court of Justice reduces the effectivity of the cost recovery principle too rigorously by reducing the principle of cost recovery for water services to a practically voluntary tool for Member States.
Healing by Design? An Experiential Approach to Early Modern Ottoman Hospital Architecture
Authors: Ergin Nina
Published: March 2015

Frank Lloyd Wright commented in 1948 that “Hospital patients should never be imbued with the idea that they are sick…” Ironically, in subsequent decades architects moved farther away from restorative environments and made functional efficiency their sole guiding principle. Since the 1980s, however, the medical establishment has once again shown interest in the built environment where healthcare is delivered, and in the ways architecture and gardens can support or undermine healing—a turn summarized by the concept “healing by design”. This essay takes as starting point the present knowledge of successful hospital architecture, as it rests on evidence-based design, and through its lens examines early modern Ottoman hospital architecture, in order to understand how these buildings shaped users’ sensory experiences, how they conformed to four qualities of space essential to “healing by design” (orientation, connection, scale, and symbolic meaning), and how they promoted well-being and assisted in the therapeutic process.
New data on the genus Hybos Meigen (Diptera: Hybotidae) from the Palaearctic Region
Authors: Shamshev Igor , Grootaert PATRICK , Kustov Semen
Published: March 2015

The taxonomy and distribution of the genus Hybos Meigen in the Palaearctic Region is reviewed with a special reference to the European fauna. Twenty-three species have been recorded from the Palaearctic, of which only four species are known from Europe. We describe two new species, H. andradei sp. nov. (Portugal) and H. mediasiaticus sp. nov. (Middle Asia). The status of two previously considered doubtful species of Hybos are validated: H. striatellus Villeneuve, 1913 (Algeria) and H. vagans Loew, 1874 (the Caucasus). Both species are re-described, and the lectotype of H. striatellus is designated. A key to species of Hybos from the western Palaearctic is compiled. Numerous new data on distributions of H. culiciformis (Fabricius, 1775), H. femoratus (Müller, 1776), H. grossipes (Linné, 1767) and H. vagans are given. Hybos culiciformis is recorded for the first time from Algeria, Byelorussia, Croatia, Cyprus, Lebanon, and Portugal; H. femoratus—from Estonia, Georgia (including Abkhazia), Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Ukraine; H. grossipes—from Byelorussia, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Mongolia, Ukraine; H. vagans—from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia (including Abkhazia), Russia, Turkey. The variation of some characters in H. culiciformis is discussed and is confirmed for Portugese specimens by COI barcoding. Female postabdominal structures are examined and described for H. andradei sp. nov., H. culiciformis, H. femoratus, H. grossipes, H. mediasiaticus sp. nov., and H. striatellus. Possible relationships of the West-Palaearctic species are discussed. A check-list of Hybos from the Palaearctic Realm is provided.
Reference Upper-Air Observations for Climate: From Concept to Reality
Authors: Bodeker G. E. , Bojinski S. , Cimini D. , Dirksen R. J. , Haeffelin M. , Hannigan J. W. , Hurst D. F. , Leblanc T. , Madonna F. , Maturilli M. , Mikalsen A. C. , Philipona R. , Reale T. , Seidel D. J. , Tan D. G. H. , Thorne P. W. , Vömel H. , Wang J.
Published: March 2015

The three main objectives of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN) are to provide long-term high-quality climate records of vertical profiles of selected essential climate variables (ECVs), to constrain and calibrate data from more spatially comprehensive global networks, and to provide measurements for process studies that permit an in-depth understanding of the properties of the atmospheric column. In the five years since the first GRUAN implementation and coordination meeting and the printing of an article (Seidel et al.) in this publication, GRUAN has matured to become a functioning network that provides reference-quality observations to a community of users.

This article describes the achievements within GRUAN over the past five years toward making reference-quality observations of upper-air ECVs. Milestones in the evolution of GRUAN are emphasized, including development of rigorous criteria for site certification and assessment, the formal certification of the first GRUAN sites, salient aspects of the GRUAN manual and guide to operations, public availability of GRUAN’s first data product, outcomes of a network expansion workshop, and key results of scientific studies designed to provide a sound scientific foundation for GRUAN operations.

Two defining attributes of GRUAN are 1) that every measurement is accompanied by a traceable estimate of the measurement uncertainty and 2) that data quality and continuity are maximized because network changes are minimized and managed. This article summarizes how these imperatives are being achieved for existing and planned data products and provides an outlook for the future, including expected new data streams, network expansion, and critical needs for the ongoing success of GRUAN.
Tornado Damage Mitigation: Benefit–Cost Analysis of Enhanced Building Codes in Oklahoma
Authors: Simmons Kevin M. , Kovacs Paul , Kopp Gregory A.
Published: March 2015

In April 2014, the city of Moore, Oklahoma, adopted enhanced building codes designed for wind-resistant construction. This action came after Moore suffered three violent tornadoes in 14 yr. Insured loss data and a rigorous approach to estimating how much future damage can be mitigated is used to conduct a benefit–cost analysis of the Moore standards applied to the entire state of Oklahoma. The results show that the new codes easily pass the benefit–cost test for the state of Oklahoma by a factor of 3 to 1. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on each of the five input variables to identify the threshold where each variable causes the benefit–cost test to fail. Variables include the estimate of future losses, percent of damage that can be reduced, added cost, residential share of overall losses, and the discount rate.
Standards-based grading and reporting will improve education
Authors: Muñoz Marco A. , Guskey Thomas R.
Published: March 2015

Grading and reporting are foundational elements in nearly every educational system. Grading represents teachers’ evaluations, formative or summative, of students’ performance. Reporting is how the results of those evaluations are communicated to students, parents, or others. Because of their fundamental nature, educators must ensure that grading and reporting always meet the criteria for validity and reliability. And because of their primary communication purpose, educators must also ensure that grading and reporting are meaningful, accurate, and fair.
Development, Displacement and Labour Market Marginalisation: The Case of Jharkhand Tribal Population
Authors: Haldar Tanushree , Abraham Vinoj
Published: March 2015

Development-induced displacement has forced the indigenous populations of Jharkhand to abandon their traditional source of livelihood and join the modern economy. However, these indigenous populations are ill-equipped to achieve upward mobility in the modern economic system, thus being relegated to the margins of the labour market. The present study is an attempt to understand this process of marginalisation of tribal people in the labour market. Using various rounds of census as well as unit-level NSS data, the current position of the Scheduled Tribes in the employment and occupational hierarchy is analysed.
Book Review: Prasenjit Biswas and C. Joshua Thomas (Eds), Construction of Evil in North East India: Myth, Narrative and Discourse
Authors: Banerjee Trina Nileena
Published: March 2015

Prasenjit Biswas and C. Joshua Thomas (Eds), Construction of Evil in North East India: Myth, Narrative and Discourse, New Delhi, SAGE Publications, 2012, 296 pp., £40.00, ISBN: 978-81-321-0945-7 (HB).
Wellbeing by Eating Well
Authors: Shankari Uma
Published: March 2015

The article describes the availability of food in the traditional food system in a village in Andhra Pradesh before the advent of borewell. The borewell era has seen disappearance of water both underground and over ground and the article describes its impact on the food system. People have now become from net producers of food to net purchasers of food from the PDS and the market.
Adolescents’ Health Education and Social Media
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Nayak J.K.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

The research aims to predict the perceptions/opinion of nutritious/harmful intake and the perceptions/opinion of different socializing agents who encouraged nutritious and healthy eating among the Indian adolescents.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

A survey was done on 160 adolescents from the different zones (eastern, western, northern, southern) in India. A well-structured questionnaire with suitable items was prepared and distributed among the adolescents in India.

Findings:

The findings of this study reveal that adolescents frequently ate/consumed unhealthy and junk foods (chocolates, snacks, soft drinks, etc.). As per the adolescents’ perception, the intake of foods regularly on time comes under the most important healthy eating habit. Also, as far as the situational influences are concerned, like in marriages/birthday parties, it has been found that adolescents generally eat unhealthy foods. While at home or when they are sick, they generally eat healthy and nutritious food. The socializing agents, especially parents, act as a main agent or promoter for the healthy food as compared to peers, schools or the siblings.

Research Limitations/Implications:

In each region (east, west, north, south), only two to three secondary schools were chosen for the data collection; all these schools could not be the representative of the all the adolescents in different regions.

Originality/Value:

The article offers insights into designing communication strategies for adolescents’ health education. It is original in that it focuses on adolescents, and explores the perceptions of different socializing agents and the influence of advertising media appeals on healthy eating.
Organizations, Climate Change, and Transparency
Authors: Hahn Rüdiger , Reimsbach Daniel , Schiemann Frank
Published: March 2015

The debate surrounding climate change often centers on companies’ contributions to global warming, which has led to an increase in the importance of carbon disclosure. We evaluate the current state of related research and identify its trends, coherences, and caveats via a systematic literature review. Sociopolitical theories of disclosure, economic theories of disclosure, and institutional theory serve as the main theoretical anchors for our exploration. The existing research emphasizes the determinants and, to a lesser extent, effects of carbon disclosure, as well as the associated regulatory issues such as voluntary versus mandatory disclosure. Additionally, we discuss related topics, such as assurance and risks. We find that a large portion of scholarly work provides no link to theory, despite the fact that such links can be identified, for example, from the financial disclosure literature. Finally, we report on the established knowledge and examine the need for additional research.
Traditional oral theatre meets popular middle-class melodrama: the Greek shadow-theatre puppeteer Vasilaros
Authors: Papageorgiou Ioanna
Published: March 2015

Vasilaros (1899-1979), a moderately educated Greek shadow-theatre puppeteer, adapted popular melodramas and novels with strong bourgeois morality, such as Oι δύο λοχίοα in 1931, H άγνωστος in 1937, At δύο ορφαναί in 1944, and Οι άθλκη in 1955. The adaptations indicate that by the mid-1930s, the borderline between the traditional oral art of shadow theatre and mainstream culture had become considerably blurred. This article explores the convergence of these two cultures in terms of dramatic structure and ideology.
Interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells restores endothelial permeability via paracrine hepatocyte growth factor in vitro
Authors: Chen Qi-Hong , Liu Ai-Ran , Qiu Hai-Bo , Yang Yi
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potent stabilising effects on vascular endothelium injury, inhibiting endothelial permeability in lung injury via paracrine hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Recently, it has been indicated that MSCs secrete more factors by MSC-endothelial cell (MSC-EC) interactions. We hypothesised that MSC-EC interactions restore endothelial permeability induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) via paracrine HGF.

Methods

We investigated the endothelial permeability induced by LPS under two co-culture conditions. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were added into the upper chambers of cell-culture inserts, while two different co-culture conditions were used in the lower side of the transwells, as follows: (1) MSC-EC interaction group: MSCs and HPMECs contact co-culture; (2) MSC group: MSCs only. The endothelial paracellular and transcellular permeabilities in the upper side of transwells were detected. Then the concentration of HGF was measured in the culture medium by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, followed by neutralisation of HGF with anti-HGF antibody in the co-culture medium. In addition, adherens junction and cytoskeleton protein expressions were measured by Western blot and immunofluorescence. HPMEC proliferation was analysed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay.

Results

The paracellular permeability significantly increased after LPS stimulation in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, MSC-EC interaction more significantly decreased endothelial paracellular and transcellular permeability induced by LPS. Moreover, HGF levels in the MSC-EC interaction group were much higher than those of the MSC group. However, neutralising HGF with anti-HGF antibody inhibited the role of MSC-EC interaction in improving endothelial permeability. Compared with the MSC group, MSC-EC interaction increased vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and occludin protein expression, reduced caveolin-1 protein expression in HPMECs, and restored remodelling of F-actin and junctional localisation of VE-cadherin. Furthermore, the proliferation ratio in the MSC-EC interaction group was higher than that of the MSC group. However, the effects of MSCs were significantly blocked by anti-HGF antibody.

Conclusions

These data suggested that MSC-EC interaction decreased endothelial permeability induced by LPS, which was attributed mainly to HGF secreted by MSCs. The main mechanisms by which HGF restored the integrity of endothelial monolayers were remodelling of endothelial intercellular junctions, decreasing caveolin-1 protein expression, and inducing proliferation in HPMECs.
Antigen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and obstruction is related to caveolin‐1 expression in airway smooth muscle in a guinea pig asthma model
Authors: Álvarez‐Santos Mayra , Ramos‐Ramírez Patricia , Gutiérrez‐Aguilar Fernando , Sánchez‐Hernández Sandra , Lascurain Ricardo , Olmos‐Zuñiga Raúl , Jasso‐Victoria Rogelio , Bobadilla Norma A , Bazan‐Perkins Blanca
Published: March 2015

Background

Caveolin‐1 is a fundamental signalling scaffold protein involved in contraction; however, the role of caveolin‐1 in airway responsiveness remains unclear. We evaluated the relationship between caveolin‐1 expression in airway smooth muscle (ASM) and antigen‐induced airway responsiveness and obstruction in a guinea pig asthma model.

Methods

Airway obstruction in sensitised guinea pigs, induced by antigenic (ovalbumin) challenges administered every 10 days, was measured. Antigen‐induced responsiveness to histamine and the expression of caveolin‐1 and cavin 1, 2 and 3 were evaluated at the third ovalbumin challenge. The control group received saline solution instead of ovalbumin.

Results

After the first challenge, antigen exposure induced a transient airway obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness, high levels of IL‐4 and IL‐5 in lung and airway globet cells proliferation at the third antigenic challenge. Caveolin‐1 mRNA levels in total lung decreased in the experimental group compared with controls. Flow cytometric analysis of ASM from the experimental group showed a high number of cells expressing caveolin‐1 compared with controls. This increase was confirmed by western blot. Airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness correlated with the degree of increased caveolin‐1 expression in ASM cells (P < 0.05; r = 0.69 and −0.52, respectively). The expression of cavins 1, 2 and 3 in ASM also increased in the experimental group compared to controls. Immunohistochemical findings reveal that differences in ASM caveolin‐1 were not evident between groups. Nevertheless, a marked decrease in caveolin‐1 and caspase 3 was observed in the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle of asthma model compared with controls. Histological analysis did not reveal differences in smooth muscles mass or subepithelial fibrosis levels in airways between groups. However, an enlargement of smooth muscle mass was observed in the pulmonary microvessels of experimental animals. This enlargement did not induce changes in pulmonary or systemic arterial pressures.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that caveolin‐1 expression in ASM has a crucial role in the development of antigen‐induced airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness in a guinea pig asthma model. In addition, the asthma model in guinea pigs appears to induce a contractile smooth muscle phenotype in the airways and a proliferative smooth muscle phenotype in pulmonary vessels.
Generation bidding game with potentially false attestation of flexible demand
Authors: Shan Yuquan , Raghuram Jayaram , Kesidis George , Miller David J , Scaglione Anna , Rowe Jeff , Levitt Karl
Published: March 2015

With the onset of large numbers of energy-flexible appliances, in particular plug-in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, a significant portion of electricity demand will be somewhat flexible and accordingly may be responsive to changes in electricity prices. In the future, this increased degree of demand flexibility (and the onset of only short-term predictable intermittent renewable supply) will considerably exceed present level of uncertainty in day-ahead prediction of assumed inelastic demand. For such a responsive demand idealized, we consider a deregulated wholesale day-ahead electricity marketplace wherein bids by generators (or energy traders) are determined through a Nash equilibrium via a common clearing price (i.e., no location marginality). This model assumes the independent system operator (ISO) helps the generators to understand how to change their bids to improve their net revenue based on a model of demand-response. The model of demand-response (equivalently, demand-side bidding day ahead) is based on information from load-serving entities regarding their price-flexible demand. We numerically explore how collusion between generators and loads can manipulate this market. The objective is to learn how to deter such collusion, e.g., how to set penalties for significant differences between stated and actual demand, resulting in higher energy prices that benefit certain generators.
The estimation of per capita loadings of domestic wastewater in Tehran
Authors: Mesdaghinia Alireza , Nasseri Simin , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Tashauoei Hamid Reza , Hadi Mahdi
Published: March 2015

The amount of wastewater characteristics loading is one of the main parameters in the design of wastewater collection and treatment systems. The generation per capita per day (GPCD) of wastewater characteristics was estimated by analyzing the monthly data of nine wastewater treatment plants in Tehran, capital city of Iran. GPCD values were calculated from measured collected wastewater flow, the population and concentration data. The results indicated the values of 32.96 ± 1.91, 49.25 ± 2.49, 37.31 ± 2.44, 6.77 ± 0.53, 1.96 ± 0.11, 92.23 ± 5.68, 2.07 ± 0.39 and 128.96 ± 6.69 g/d.cap of GPCD for BOD5, COD, TSS, TKN, P, TDS, ON and TS, respectively, for Tehran’s wastewater. The per capita estimated for the wastewater production and treatment were determined to be 186.06 ± 7.85 and 136.72 ± 5.43 L/d.cap, respectively. It is estimated that about 504 m3/d and 346 m3/d of sludge, will be produced and waste as excrement raw sludge, respectively, in Tehran. Simple regression models were presented the relationships such as the change of collected and treated wastewater with population and changes of GPCD parameters with each other. It was revealed that the Tehran’s wastewater may be classified as highly degradable, but during recent decades its Biodegradability Index (BI) has been reduced up to 15%. The new suggested revised per capita parameters can be used for design purposes in Tehran, and possibly, in areas with similar characteristics, substituting the classical values obtained from foreign textbooks. These values could help in designing more accurate treatment systems and may lower the required capacity for the treatment of wastewater up to 40% in Tehran.
La Capitale de la Faim: Black Market Restaurants in Paris, 1940-1944
Authors: Mouré Kenneth
Published: March 2015

Black market restaurants thrived in Occupied Paris. German authorities castigated the French for their failure to shut them down, claiming that profiteers consumed luxurious fare in restaurants at the expense of hungry Parisians waiting in marketplace queues. Paris restaurants merit closer attention for the evidence they provide on the conflicts and relative powers in Franco-German “collaboration,” for the glaring inequities in food distribution exemplified by these restaurants that discredited Vichy food management policies, and for the creativity of Parisian restaurant owners in finding methods of alternate supply and service for their clients. The restaurants provide material for a case study to highlight the development of black markets and the frustration of control efforts, the reasons for popular sentiments of injustice in food supply, and the critically important role of German demands in the development of black market activity.

Les restaurants parisiens du marché noir ont prospéré pendant l’Occupation. Les Allemands ont fustigé les autorités françaises pour leur incapacité d’arrêter ce commerce, soutenant que les repas luxueux consommés par les trafiquants du marché noir privaient les Parisiens des denrées essentielles. Une étude des restaurants parisiens du marché noir pourrait nous aider à éclaircir la nature des conflits franco-allemands sur le ravitaillement et le pouvoir relatif déterminant la « collaboration », à expliquer l’exacerbation progressive de l’opinion publique contre le régime de Vichy, et à mettre en lumière la créativité des restaurateurs qui trouvaient des méthodes alternatives pour alimenter leur commerce. On y voit aussi l’importance des exigences allemandes qui provoquaient l’étendue des activités du marché noir.