bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical and Device Start-Up Companies
Authors: Sharpe R. Allan , Austin Jennifer P. , Kruft Bonnie , Nelson Lindsay A. , Stewart Jeanette A. , Stewart William C.
Published: June 2015

Aims: To describe the number, type and location of ophthalmic companies and their associated product areas and indications. Methods: A retrospective, non-patient-based, observational review of ophthalmic pharmaceutical and device companies with a new product in development. Data was compiled by Internet searches. Results: We identified 190 companies currently developing ophthalmic products: 134 (71%) were privately held and 56 (29%) publicly held, while 136 (72%) were in the United States and 53 (28%) were outside the United States. There were 436 total products of which 338 (78%) were pharmaceuticals and 98 (22%) devices. With pharmaceuticals we identified 46 separate indications with age-related macular degeneration (n = 75), glaucoma (n = 52) and dry eye (n = 46) as most common; anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, hormone therapy and anti-inflammatory products were also common classes. With devices there were 30 indications with glaucoma (n = 26), age-related macular degeneration (n = 19) and dry eye (n = 6) as most common; drug delivery, ocular implants and prostheses were less common classes. Conclusions: Ophthalmology as a specialty is benefited by a wide effort in new medicine and device development. However, a concentration of effort into relatively few indications suggests a potential lack of market analysis and possible difficulty for many companies in commercializing their product.
Peripheral Neurokinin-1 Receptors Contribute to Kaolin-Induced Acute Monoarthritis in Rats
Authors: Camargo Livia L. , Denadai-Souza Alexandre , Yshii Lidia M. , Mesquita Filiphe P.N. , Soares Antonio G. , Lima Carla , Schenka André , Grant Andrew , Fernandes Elizabeth , Muscará Marcelo N. , Costa Soraia K.P.
Published: June 2015

Objective: intra-articular co-injection of kaolin with carrageenan (CGN) in rodents is widely used as an experimental model of arthritis. However, the ability of kaolin to cause arthritis and related immune responses when administered alone is unclear. We evaluated the contribution of prostanoids and sensory C-fibres (and their neuropeptide substance P) to kaolin-induced inflammation in the rat knee. Methods: Wistar rats, 8-10 weeks old, received an intra-articular injection of kaolin (1-10 μg/joint) or saline into the knee joint. Knee inflammation, proinflammatory cytokines, pain behaviour and secondary tactile allodynia were assessed over 5 h, when synovial leukocyte counts, histopathological changes and proinflammatory cytokine levels were evaluated. Results: The intra-articular injection of kaolin caused a dose- and time-dependent knee swelling and impairment of motion that were associated with secondary tactile allodynia, elevated concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα, leukocyte infiltration, and histopathological changes in the ipsilateral hindpaw. The neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist SR140333 or neonatal treatment with capsaicin markedly reduced the inflammatory parameters, cytokines and allodynia but failed to significantly inhibit the impaired motion. The cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin partially inhibited knee oedema and allodynia but did not affect the leukocyte influx, myeloperoxidase activity or impaired motion in the kaolin-injected rat. Conclusions: We show the first evidence that intra-articular injection of kaolin without CGN produced severe acute monoarthritis. This was highly dependent on substance P (released from C-fibres) and NK1 receptor activation, which stimulated local production of proinflammatory cytokines. This model may be of critical importance for mechanistic studies and screening new anti-inflammatory/analgesic drugs.
Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis Through Reactive Oxygen Species Signal Pathways in Experimental Diabetes Mellitus Models
Authors: Zheng Dan , Dong Shiyun , Li Ting , Yang Fan , Yu Xiangjing , Wu Jichao , Zhong Xin , Zhao Yajun , Wang Lina , Xu Changqing , Lu Fanghao , Zhang Weihua
Published: June 2015

Background: Oxidative stress inducing hyperglycemia and high glucose play an important role in the development of cardiac fibrosis associated with diabetic cardiomyopathy. The endogenous gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can act in a cytoprotective manner. However, whether H2S could inhibit the fibrotic process is unclear. The purpose of our study was to examine the role of H2S in the development and underlying mechanisms behind diabetic cardiomyopathy. Methods: Diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced in rats by injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Cardiac fibrosis and proliferation of rat neonatal cardiac fibroblasts were induced by hyperglycemia and high glucose. We tested the effects of GYY4137 (a slow-releasing H2S donor), NaHS (an exogenous H2S donor) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) siRNA on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, MMP-2,9, cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), NOX4, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) to reveal the effects of H2S on the cardiac fibrosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Result: In vivo, NaHS treatment inhibited hyperglycemia-induced expression of type I and III collagen, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in diabetic hearts. Rat neonatal cardiac fibroblast migration and cell survival were inhibited by administration of GYY4137. NOX4 expression was increased by hyperglycemia and high glucose, but was reduced in cardiac fibroblasts treated by NaHS and GYY4137. ROS production, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and MMP-2 and 9 expression were decreased in rat neonatal cardiac fibroblasts treated with GYY4137 and NOX4 siRNA. Conclusion: The present study shows that enhanced NOX4 expression results in cardiac fibrosis through ROS-ERK1/2-MAPkinase-dependent mechanisms in diabetic cardiomyopathy. NOX4 could be an important target for H2S to regulate redox homeostasis in cardiac fibrosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Berberine Sensitizes Human Ovarian Cancer Cells to Cisplatin Through miR-93/PTEN/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Qiaoyun , Qin Rong , Fang Yue , Li Hao
Published: June 2015

Background: Berberine, a well-known component of the Chinese herbal medicine Huanglian, has wide range of biochemical and pharmacological effects, including antineoplastic effect, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential chemo-sensitization effect of berberine in ovarian cancer cell line A2780. Methods: The expression of miR-93 was measure by RT-PCR. The target of miR-93 was confirmed by luciferase activity assay. Hoechst 33258 staining, Annexin V and PI double staining were used for apoptosis analysis. Results: In this study, we found A2780/DDP cells that were incubated with berberine combined with cisplatin had a significantly lower survival than the control group. Berberine enhanced cisplatin induced apoptosis and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in A2780 cells. Next, we observed that the miR-93 levels in cisplatin resistant cell lines were higher than that in cisplatin sensitive cell lines. Furthermore, our study found berberine could inhibit miR-93 expression and function in ovarian cancer, as shown by an increase of its target PTEN, an important tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer. A2780 cells that were treated with PTEN siRNA had increased survival compared to NC group and this could be partly alleviated by the AKT inhibitor Triciribine. More importantly, A2780 cells that were treated with PTEN siRNA had a survival pattern that is similar to cells with miR-93 overexpression. Conclusion: The results suggested that berberine modulated the sensitivity of cisplatin through miR-93/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway in the ovarian cancer cells.
Candida glabrata Chorioamnionitis following in vitro Fertilization: Review of the Literature
Authors: Ganer Herman Hadas , Mevorach Zussman Noa , Krajden Haratz Karina , Bar Jacob , Sagiv Ron
Published: June 2015

Aim: To review all past reports of Candida glabrata chorioamnionitis in the literature while noting their correlation with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: We checked MEDLINE, PubMed and Google scholar (January 1970 to December 2014) for articles using the search terms ‘Candida', ‘Torulopsis', ‘glabrata', ‘chorioamnionitis', ‘congenital', ‘perinatal' and ‘infection'. Case reports were included if they described a verified intrauterine infection with C. glabrata. The authors reviewed the articles and abstracted the data. 20 cases were compared, including a case reported from our institution shortly described in this article. Results: 13 of 20 cases (65%) involved pregnancies achieved by IVF; 3 patients underwent amniocentesis during their pregnancy. Of the 7 cases with no history of IVF, 2 involved a history of cerclage and 2 a history of intrauterine device use. Only 6 infants survived, delivered prematurely by cesarean section. Conclusions: Review of literature demonstrated a high prevalence of IVF-assisted pregnancies among the few C. glabrata chorioamnionitis cases previously described, typically occurring during the second trimester. Additional cases were notable for additional instrumentation/invasive procedure. The prognosis was mostly grim, entailing a high incidence of stillbirth or rapid neonatal death.
Comparison of Reproductive Outcomes following Retained Products of Conception after Vaginal Delivery versus First-Trimester Abortion
Authors: Melcer Yaakov , Smorgick Noam , Schneider David , Pansky Moty , Halperin Reuvit , Ben-Ami Ido
Published: June 2015

Objective: To compare the reproductive outcomes of women with pathologically confirmed retained products of conception (RPOC) following spontaneous vaginal delivery versus first-trimester pregnancy termination. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of women who underwent uterine re-evacuation due to pathologically confirmed RPOC between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010. Reproductive outcomes were compared between women with RPOC following spontaneous vaginal delivery and those who underwent dilatation and curettage (D&C) due to first-trimester abortion. Results: The study group consisted of 176 patients with pathologically confirmed RPOC. Of those, 83 (47.1%) were admitted after spontaneous vaginal delivery and 93 (52.9%) following D&C due to first-trimester abortion. There were no significant differences in the conception rate, the mean time to conception and the rate of a new infertility problem between women with RPOC after vaginal delivery compared to those following pregnancy termination (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between the groups in pregnancy outcomes following RPOC. Conclusion: Pathologically confirmed RPOC harbors the same reproductive outcomes following spontaneous vaginal delivery and first-trimester pregnancy termination.
Evaluating the existence of structural change in the Brazilian term structure of interest rate: evidence based on Hansens cointegration models with structural break
Authors: Marcal Emerson F. , Pereira Pedro L. Valls
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates whether there is evidence of struc- tural change in the Brazilian term structure of interest rates. Multivari- ate cointegration techniques are used to verify this evidence. An econo- metric model is estimated which is a Vector Autoregressive Model with Error Correction Mechanism (VECM) with abrupt structural change formulated by Hansen [13]. Two datasets were analysed. The rst one contains a nominal interest rate with maturity up to three years. The second data set focuses on maturity up to one year. The rst data set focuses on a sample period from 1995 to 2010 and the second from 1998 to 2010. The frequency is monthly. The estimated models suggest the existence of structural change in the Brazilian term structure. It was possible to document the existence of multiple regimes using the tech- nique for both databases. The risk premium for dierent spreads varied considerably during the earliest period of both samples and seemed to converge to stable and lower values at the end of the sample period. Long-term risk premiums seemed to converge to international stand- ards, although the Brazilian term structure is still subject to liquidity problems for longer maturities.
A vida como luta
Authors: Teixeira Jorge Luan
Published: June 2015

Se um conceito pudesse condensar a visão que os moradores das fazendas de Catarina, no Sertão dos Inhamuns (CE), têm da própria condição e trabalho, esse conceito seria luta. Ainda que se trate de uma noção muito ampla, é possível pensar em pelo menos quatro usos relacionados dela.(1) A vida é a própria luta, viver é lutar contra condições vistas como precárias, é enfrentar o sofrimento, as Secas, os revezes e persistir. 2) Lutar é também ter coragem e disposição para trabalhar duro, suportando o desgaste e o cansaço ocasionados pela peleja. Aqui, como no primeiro sentido, lutar dignifica o trabalhador, é duplamente produtivo: o que está em jogo, além da produção econômica, é a produção da pessoa moral. Quando se vive “na terra dos outros” - isto é, quando não se é o dono da propriedade em que se vive e trabalha - lutar também está relacionado ao empenho para obter progresso, melhorar de condição - o que ou permite sair da condição de morador, ou a torna mais confortável. (3) Os moradores lutam com os animais: com o "gado" (bovinos) e/ou com a "criação" (ovinos e caprinos). Se a luta é "com" é porque é a partir dessa forma de combate e esforço que o morador trabalha pela própria melhora: ao lutarem com os animais, os moradores obtém um ganho maior, sendo remunerados ou na "sorte" (uma porcentagem dos bichos nascidos), ou em dinheiro. A luta, entretanto, também é contra os animais, pois os "bicho bruto", ao contrário do ser humano, não são dotados de "entendimento" (razão) e, por isso, escapam à agência dos homens, nem sempre se submetem à sua vontade. (4) Os moradores não lutam sozinhos, mas com os parentes, com os vizinhos, com outros moradores e mesmo com os patrões, os donos da terra. Há tanto "gente boa" para se lutar quanto "gente ruim".As fotografias aqui apresentadas foram feitas durante o ano de 2013. Elas fazem parte de um ensaio maior que integra a minha dissertação de mestrado, que tratou da relação de morada em Catarina e da mobilidade dos moradores. As imagens exploram os significados do conceito de luta numa tentativa de interpretação e exposição por meio da imagem fotográfica. Assim sendo, as fotografias não compõem uma narrativa sequencial, mas apresentam situações diversas em que a noção de luta está em jogo para esses trabalhadores.
Sobre cultura e segredo entre os Xakriabá de São João das Missões/MG
Authors: Santos Rafael Barbi Costa e
Published: June 2015

Este artigo parte de uma reflexão em torno dos projetos de cultura entre os Xakriabá de São João das Missões, Minas Gerais, derivando aspectos de seu mundo vivido em torno dos confrontos entre a ideia de cultura implícita nos projetos e aquela que se desenha em meio ao grupo. Parto das descrições dos Xakriabá enquanto “índios aculturados” presentes nos primeiros relatórios de indigenistas e pesquisadores acerca desse povo, colocando-a em contraponto à noção xakriabá de índio misturado, que emerge da composição dos Xakriabá contemporâneos. Argumento também que os projetos de cultura se articulam em torno de dimensões criativas da relação dos Xakriabá vivos com os antigos e outros povos indígenas. Por fim, procuro discutir questões em torno do segredo, conceito que define as relações intensivas dos Xakriabá com os encantados e outros agentes, e explicito por que este aspecto constitui uma dimensão à parte dos projetos de cultura.
Entrosar-se, uma reflexão etnográfica afroindígena
Authors: Sauma Julia
Published: June 2015

Partindo de uma hesitação quanto à simplicidade da antropologia afroindígena e sua abertura a análises identitárias, este artigo busca explicitar o potencial comparativo desta proposta antropológica. Para tanto, apresenta-se uma reflexão etnográfica sobre os processos de identificação e diferenciação entre os Filhos do Erepecuru – ribeirinhos-castanheiros-coletivos-remanescentes -quilombolas da mesorregião do Baixo Amazonas, município de Oriximiná. Baseado no mito de chegada dos antepassados dos Filhos no rio Erepecuru e sua conceptualização de lugares e corpos instáveis, componho uma análise sobre o conceito nativo de entrosamentos, apontando para a importância das relações que tem seu fundamental na alteridade e no controle. Por meio dos pontos de conexão e contraste entre etnografias sobre povos indígenas e de matriz africana, este trabalho delineia a importância do mecanismo de controle no método comparativo e, portanto, para uma antropologia afroindígena.
Daquilo que não se sabe bem o que é: a indeterminação como poder nos mundos afroindígenas
Authors: Vanzolini Marina
Published: June 2015

Tendo como ponto de partida uma comparação entre modos de fazer e pensar a feitiçaria num contexto ameríndio e em algumas casas de religião de matriz africana no Brasil, o artigo propõe uma conexão entre o que, para a economia do argumento aqui apresentado, defini como “os mundos do axé” e “os mundos perspectivistas” ameríndios. A hipótese desenvolvida é que, mais do que uma concepção do mundo, o que pode ser comparável nos universos ameríndios e nas religiões afro-brasileirasé uma concepção do conhecimento. Com isso não se pretende afirmar uma natureza comum desses coletivos, mas observar como, em contraste com nosso regime de pensamento, parece ser possível falarmos de um pensamento afroindígena – algo que só seria comum, pois, em oposição a certo aspecto de “nós”.
DAWSEY, John; MÜLLER, Regina; MONTEIRO, Marianna; HIKIJI, Rose. Antropologia e performance: ensaios Napedra.
Authors: Sant'Ana Raquel
Published: June 2015

DAWSEY, John; MÜLLER, Regina; MONTEIRO, Marianna; HIKIJI, Rose. Antropologia e performance: ensaios Napedra. São Paulo: Terceiro Nome, 2013, 504p.
Os sujeitos por trás dos direitos: o território como fonte de direitos desde a perspectiva indígena serrana
Authors: León Patrícia Lora
Published: June 2015

A partir dos artefatos comunicativos criados pelas organizações indígenas da Serra Nevada de Santa Marta (Colômbia) para a interlocução e o posicionamento do pensamento próprio diante dos representantes da sociedade nacional, a presente comunicação pretende mostrar a preocupação indígena por pautar formas de ordenamento territorial próprias nos processos de planejamento e intervenção no âmbito do seu território ancestral, particularmente perante as iniciativas do Estado e dos investidores nacionais e internacionais interessados nos recursos naturais do maciço montanhoso. Nesse contexto, os posicionamentos críticos indígenas apontam pela defesa da integralidade do território, sinalizando nesse caminho formas outras de compreensão sobre a teoria e práxis dos direitos humanos.
Plasma Apolipoprotein C-III Levels, Triglycerides, and Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 2 Diabetics
Authors: Qamar Arman , Khetarpal Sumeet A. , Khera Amit V. , Qasim Atif , Rader Daniel J. , Reilly Muredach P.
Published: June 2015

Objective—

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins have emerged as causal risk factors for developing coronary heart disease independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) modulates triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism through inhibition of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic uptake of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Mutations causing loss-of-function of ApoC-III lower triglycerides and reduce coronary heart disease risk, suggestive of a causal role for ApoC-III. Little data exist about the relationship of ApoC-III, triglycerides, and atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Here, we examined the relationships between plasma ApoC-III, triglycerides, and coronary artery calcification in patients with T2DM.

Approach and Results—

Plasma ApoC-III levels were measured in a cross-sectional study of 1422 subjects with T2DM but without clinically manifest coronary heart disease. ApoC-III levels were positively associated with total cholesterol (Spearman
r
=0.36), triglycerides (
r
=0.59), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (
r
=0.16), fasting glucose (
r
=0.16), and glycosylated hemoglobin (
r
=0.12;
P
<0.0001 for all). In age, sex, and race-adjusted analysis, ApoC-III levels were positively associated with coronary artery calcification (Tobit regression ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–2.50 per SD increase in ApoC-III;
P
<0.001). As expected for an intermediate mediator, these findings were attenuated when adjusted for both triglycerides (Tobit regression ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–2.18;
P
=0.086) and separately for very low–density lipoprotein cholesterol (Tobit regression ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–1.71;
P
=0.53).

Conclusions—

In persons with T2DM, increased plasma ApoC-III is associated with higher triglycerides, less favorable cardiometabolic phenotypes, and higher coronary artery calcification, a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therapeutic inhibition of ApoC-III may thus be a novel strategy for reducing plasma triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and cardiovascular risk in T2DM.
An Analysis of the Fitness Landscape of Travelling Salesman Problem
Authors: Tayarani-N. Mohammad-H. , Prügel-Bennett Adam
Published: June 2015

The fitness landscape of the travelling salesman problem is investigated for 11 different types of the problem. The types differ in how the distances between cities are generated. Many different properties of the landscape are studied. The properties chosen are all potentially relevant to choosing an appropriate search algorithm. The analysis includes a scaling study of the time to reach a local optimum, the number of local optima, the expected probability of reaching a local optimum as a function of its fitness, the expected fitness found by local search and the best fitness, the probability of reaching a global optimum, the distance between the local optima and the global optimum, the expected fitness as a function of the distance from an optimum, their basins of attraction and a principal component analysis of the local optima. The principal component analysis shows the correlation of the local optima in the component space. We show how the properties of the principal components of the local optima change from one problem type to another.
Seven new species of the genus Physotarsus Townes 1966 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from South America
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY , SÄÄKSJÄRVI ILARI EERIKKI
Published: June 2015

Seven new species of the genus Physotarsus Townes are described and illustrated: P. iquitos Reshchikov and Sääksjärvi sp. n., P. mishanensis Reshchikov and Sääksjärvi sp. n., P. orellanensis Reshchikov and Sääksjärvi sp. n., P. polleti Reshchikov and Sääksjärvi sp. n., P. saltilloensis Reshchikov sp. n., P. tampobata Reshchikov and Sääksjärvi sp. n., and P. tunchi Reshchikov sp. n. The male of P. oculatus Zhaurova, 2009 is described for the first time. An illustrated key for Neotropical species is provided.
A new genus and species of pterygosomatid mite (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) parasitizing Callopistes maculatus (Squamata: Teiidae) from Chile
Authors: FUENTE MARÍA CAROLINA SILVA-DE LA , PAREDES-LEÓN RICARDO , CASANUEVA MARÍA EUGENIA , ESCOBAR-HUERTA GUSTAVO , SALAS LUCILA MORENO
Published: June 2015

A new genus and species Callopistiella atacamensis gen. nov. and sp. nov. (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) are described from Callopistes maculatus (Squamata: Teiidae) in Chile. In this species, both sexes are characterized by the hypostome without a velum, the chelicerae proximally globose and very thin distally, ending in a movable digit curved outward, the fixed cheliceral digit reduced to a membranous and sparsely serrate structure, presence of seta 2c, tarsus I with seta ft nude and 2 times longer than solenidion ω2; larvae have solenidion ω1 on tarsus I and tibia I without solenidion φ and moderate hypertrichy present around the genital area. Some biological aspects of this new species are discussed.
Catalogue of genera and their type species in the mite Suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: HALLIDAY R. B.
Published: June 2015

This paper provides details of 300 genus-group names in the suborder Uropodina, including the superfamilies Microgynioidea, Thinozerconoidea, Uropodoidea, and Diarthrophalloidea. For each name, the information provided includes a reference to the original description of the genus, the type species and its method of designation, and details of nomenclatural and taxonomic anomalies where necessary. Twenty of these names are excluded from use because they are nomina nuda, junior homonyms, or objective junior synonyms. The remaining 280 available names appear to include a very high level of subjective synonymy, which will need to be resolved in a future comprehensive revision of the Uropodina.
Reduvius frommeri, a new species of Reduviidae from the Western United States (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), with a synopsis of the Nearctic species of Reduvius Fabricius
Authors: WEIRAUCH CHRISTIANE , RUSSELL KALEIGH , HWANG WEI SONG
Published: June 2015

The rate of discovery of new species of Reduviidae (Insecta: Heteroptera) from North America has slowed in the 21st century. This is not surprising, given the conspicuousness and large distribution ranges of many Nearctic assassin bug species that are often collected using general insect collecting techniques. Nevertheless, biodiversity discovery in Nearctic Reduviidae is ongoing. We here describe a new species, Reduvius frommeri, n. sp., from Southern California that is so far only known from a small endemic range in the Sonoran Desert. With about 197 species, the genus Reduvius Fabricius is one of the most speciose genera of Reduviidae. The majority of species occur in arid- and semi-arid areas in the Afrotropical, Oriental, and Palearctic regions and only three species are New World endemics. A fourth species that occurs in the United States, Reduvius personatus Fabricius, is cosmopolitan and has been introduced to the Western Nearctic. The new species of Reduvius stands out amongst the four other Nearctic Reduvius species by the small size and pale body coloration with a contrasting dark head. Image plates documenting habitus and selected morphological details and maps are provided for the five species in the Nearctic. We conclude that efforts to document species diversity and distribution ranges even for conspicuous insects such as assassin bugs in fairly well studied biogeographic regions need to continue.
Us and Them
Authors: Abascal Maria
Published: June 2015

How will Hispanic population growth affect black-white relations in the United States? Research on intergroup relations operates within a two-group paradigm, furnishing few insights into multi-group contexts. This study is based on an original experiment that combines behavioral game and survey methods to evaluate the impact of perceived Hispanic growth on attitudes and behavior. Results reveal opposite reactions among blacks and whites. Whites in the baseline condition contribute comparable amounts to black and white recipients in a dictator game, whereas whites who first read about Hispanic growth contribute more to white recipients than to black ones. By contrast, blacks in the baseline condition contribute more to black recipients than to white ones, whereas blacks who first read about Hispanic growth contribute comparable amounts to black and white recipients. Patterns of identification mirror patterns of contributions: whites exposed to Hispanic growth identify relatively more strongly with their racial group than with their national group, whereas blacks exposed to Hispanic growth identify relatively more strongly with their national group than with their racial group. Together, these results suggest that people respond to the growth of a third group by prioritizing the most privileged identity to which they can plausibly lay claim and which also excludes the growing group.
Expansion of rebellion
Authors: Nakao Keisuke
Published: June 2015

Why do some rebellions expand gradually as rebel groups challenge in sequence, whereas other rebellions explode instantaneously as rebel groups challenge in unison? To address this question, we develop a dynamic and spatial model of rebellion that illustrates patterns of war fought between a hegemon (government) and its challengers (rebel groups). Our model incorporates three features into the standard coordination game: (a) potential rebel groups (players) are uncertain about the government’s strength; (b) battle outcomes are unpredictable; (c) these groups can be heterogeneous in terms of resolve and strength. In contrast to what existing theories commonly presume, our theory suggests that the sequence and timing of challenges are determined endogenously, depending on rebel groups’ resolve and strength. Through equilibrium analyses, we demonstrate that while simultaneous challenges are likely when rebel groups are relatively homogeneous, sequential challenges may emerge when one group is outstanding in terms of resolve and strength. Once this group rebels, other groups are inclined to ‘bandwagon’ as battles evolve, because the government is gradually revealed to be weak and because accumulated challenges shift the balance of power away from the government. Our theory also addresses why rebellious movements often spread across the periphery and can eventually reach the heartland as if a siege tightens. With an eye to historical incidents, we delineate four patterns of rebellion: (i) snowballing rebellion, which gradually escalates as more challengers are drawn in (Napoleonic Wars); (ii) catalytic rebellion, in which an instigator provokes a galvanizing event to inspire others to challenge the government (Boshin War); (iii) partially coordinated rebellion, which is initiated by a subset of ex post rebel groups (American Civil War, Yugoslav Wars); (iv) fully coordinated rebellion, in which all the rebel groups challenge collectively (American Revolution, Glorious Revolution).
Personnel contributions to UN and non-UN peacekeeping missions
Authors: Gaibulloev Khusrav , George Justin , Sandler Todd , Shimizu Hirofumi
Published: June 2015

Based on spatial panel regressions for 1990–2012, this article draws publicness differences between peacekeeping personnel contributions to UN and non-UN peacekeeping operations. The analysis shows that UN missions are much less responsive to personnel spillovers, derived from other contributors’ peacekeepers, than is the case of non-UN missions. UN peacekeeping missions display either no response or free riding to these personnel spillovers, while non-UN missions indicate spillover complementarity. Moreover, a number of controls distinguish the two kinds of peacekeeping, where non-UN missions display income normality and UN missions’ deployments increase with the number of concurrent peacekeeping missions. The latter suggests that some countries specialize in supplying UN peacekeepers as a money-making venture. The positive response to the population variable supports this conjecture for UN missions, because a greater population base provides the recruits for peacekeeping operations. Our spatial empirical analysis accounts for the endogeneity of peacekeeper spillovers. The article concludes with a host of robustness tests that account for the alternative classes of peacekeepers, African Union and ECOWAS missions, and other empirical variants.
Building Strong Teacher–Student Relationships in Pluralistic Music Classrooms
Authors: Gurgel Ruth
Published: June 2015

A positive teacher-student relationship is a critical component of an engaging climate in pluralistic music classrooms. This article defines and gives examples of five strategies for building positive, cross-cultural teacher–student relationships. Teachers who take responsibility for developing these relationships begin by becoming culturally competent themselves. Culturally competent teachers make use of multiple cultural patterns of interaction, behavior, and music-making in their classrooms. By doing so, these teachers create a classroom climate that is responsive to their students. In addition, culturally competent teachers create more equitable relationships with their students while simultaneously maintaining a focus on musical achievement.
Alcohol Prevention and School Students
Authors: Midford Richard , Ramsden Robyn , Lester Leanne , Cahill Helen , Mitchell Johanna , Foxcroft David R. , Venning Lynne
Published: June 2015

The Drug Education in Victorian Schools program provided integrated education about licit and illicit drugs, employed a harm minimization approach that incorporated participatory, critical thinking and skill-based teaching methods, and engaged parental influence through home activities. A cluster-randomized, controlled trial of the program was conducted with a student cohort during Year 8 (13 years) and Year 9 (14 years). Twenty-one secondary schools in Victoria, Australia, were randomly allocated to the Drug Education in Victorian Schools program (14 schools, n = 1,163) or their usual drug education program (7 schools, n = 589). This study reports program effects for alcohol. There was a greater increase in the intervention students’ knowledge about drugs, including alcohol; there was a greater increase in communication with parents about alcohol; they recalled receiving more alcohol education; their alcohol consumption increased less; and they experienced a lesser increase in alcohol-related harms. Among intervention group risky drinkers, consumption and harm increased less. There were no differences between study groups in attitudes toward alcohol or in the proportion of drinkers or risky drinkers. While the program did not stop students taking up drinking, it did reduce their consumption and harm.
Identifying and Responding to Possible -isms in Institutional Encounters
Authors: Stokoe Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

This article examines sequences of interaction in which speakers utter a possible -ism, that is, something possibly racist, sexist, or otherwise prejudiced, in the course of making, warranting, or defending against complaints. Recorded encounters between mediators and their (prospective) clients were analysed using conversation analysis. I show how participants orient to their own or recipients’ talk as possibly prejudiced, occasionally explicitly characterising that talk as racist (sexist, etc.). Mediators’ responses fell into one of two broad categories, either deleting (e.g., through reformulation) or challenging the -ism (e.g., through admonishment). Both involve misalignment or disaffiliation rather than the mediation-mandated impartial stance. Two upshots will be discussed. First, the fact that few instances of -isms are treated explicitly as such goes to the heart of debates in conversation analysis about warrants for particular kinds of observations, and the designed defeasibility of social action. Second, the article discusses the way the data and analysis are used in communication training workshops with mediators, for whom such cases present challenges to their commitment to impartiality.
Development of a new occupational therapy service in a Singapore prison
Authors: Tan Bhing Leet , Ravindra Kumar Vasanth , Devaraj Prathipraj
Published: June 2015

Statement of context

In April 2011, a contract between Singapore Prison Service and Institute of Mental Health paved the way for setting up the first occupational therapy service within the prisons. A well-defined workflow was put in place and a variety of group activities were drawn up to improve life management and social skills among offenders.

Critical reflection on practice

Occupational therapists found it challenging to provide authentic occupations for offenders within the custodial prison setting, but were able to gradually create pockets of opportunities to improve socialization and assign worker roles for them. After 1 year of occupational therapy intervention, the offenders showed an improvement in all functional domains of the adapted Task Behavioural Scale. Through close collaboration, correctional officers were also gradually supportive of new therapeutic initiatives.

Overall, the occupational therapists found that they had gained new valuable skills in adjusting therapy to cater to different risk levels.
Diet and nutraceutical interventions for headache management: A review of the evidence
Authors: Orr Serena L
Published: June 2015

Background

The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) is common among patients with primary headaches. In parallel, CAM research is growing. Diet interventions comprise another category of non-pharmacologic treatment for primary headache that is of increasing clinical and research interest.

Methods

A literature search was carried out to identify studies on the efficacy of diet and nutraceutical interviews for primary headache in the pediatric and adult populations. MEDLINE, Embase and EBM Reviews—Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify studies.

Results

There is a growing body of literature on the potential use of CAM and diet interventions for primary headache disorders. This review identified literature on the use of a variety of diet and nutraceutical interventions for headache. Most of the studies assessed the efficacy of these interventions for migraine, though some explored their role in tension-type headache and cluster headache. The quality of the evidence in this area is generally poor.

Conclusions

CAM is becoming more commonplace in the headache world. Several interventions show promise, but caution needs to be exercised in using these agents given limited safety and efficacy data. In addition, interest in exploring diet interventions in the treatment of primary headaches is emerging. Further research into the efficacy of nutraceutical and diet interventions is warranted.
Prevalence of migraine in a diverse community—electronic methods for migraine ascertainment in a large integrated health plan
Authors: Pressman Alice , Jacobson Alice , Eguilos Roderick , Gelfand Amy , Huynh Cynthia , Hamilton Luisa , Avins Andrew , Bakshi Nandini , Merikangas Kathleen
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The growing availability of electronic health data provides an opportunity to ascertain diagnosis-specific cases via systematic methods for sample recruitment for clinical research and health services evaluation. We developed and implemented a migraine probability algorithm (MPA) to identify migraine from electronic health records (EHR) in an integrated health plan.

Methods

We identified all migraine outpatient diagnoses and all migraine-specific prescriptions for a five-year period (April 2008–March 2013) from the Kaiser Permanente, Northern California (KPNC) EHR. We developed and evaluated the MPA in two independent samples, and derived prevalence estimates of medically-ascertained migraine in KPNC by age, sex, and race.

Results

The period prevalence of medically-ascertained migraine among KPNC adults during April 2008–March 2013 was 10.3% (women: 15.5%, men: 4.5%). Estimates peaked with age in women but remained flat for men. Prevalence among Asians was half that of whites.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the feasibility of an EHR-based algorithm to identify cases of diagnosed migraine and determine that prevalence patterns by our methods yield results comparable to aggregate estimates of treated migraine based on direct interviews in population-based samples. This inexpensive, easily applied EHR-based algorithm provides a new opportunity for monitoring changes in migraine prevalence and identifying potential participants for research studies.
Revision Risk After Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Tejwani Samir G. , Chen Jason , Funahashi Tadashi T. , Love Rebecca , Maletis Gregory B.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Allograft tissue is a common graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Allograft sterilization methods vary widely across numerous commercial tissue vendors. Multiple studies, despite being limited in sample size, have suggested a higher rate of clinical failure associated with the use of allograft tissue in ACLR when compared with autograft.

Purpose:

To examine the association of graft processing techniques, patient characteristics, and graft type with risk of revision surgery after allograft ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted that used an integrated United States health care system’s ACLR registry to identify primary unilateral cases in which allografts were used. Aseptic revision was the endpoint of the study. Allograft type, processing methods (irradiation dose, AlloWash, AlloTrue, BioCleanse), and graft donor age were assessed as potential risk factors for revision, with adjustment for patient age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) by use of survival analysis. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results:

A total of 5968 primary ACLR cases with allograft were included in the study, of which 3688 (61.8%) were male patients. The median age of the cohort at the time of surgery was 34.1 years (interquartile range, 24.1-42.9 years). The mean time to follow-up (±SD) was 2.1 ± 1.5 years. There were 3751 (62.9%) allograft ACLRs using soft tissue, 1188 (19.9%) with Achilles tendon, and 1029 (17.2%) with bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB). Graft processing groups included BioCleanse (n = 367), AlloTrue or AlloWash (n = 2278), irradiation greater than 1.8 Mrad (n = 1146), irradiation up to 1.8 Mrad (n = 3637), and no irradiation (n = 1185). There were 156 (2.6%) aseptic revisions. After adjustment for patient age, sex, and BMI, the use of BioCleanse (HR = 2.45; 95% CI, 1.36-4.40) and irradiation greater than 1.8 Mrad (HR = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.08-2.49) were associated with a higher risk of revision when compared with all other methods of processing. BPTB allografts were at higher risk of revision (HR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.20-2.66) when compared with soft tissue allografts. Conversely, with every 5-year increase in age, the risk of revision was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.61-0.73) times lower. Male patients were found to be at higher risk of revision when compared with females (HR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.04-2.07). The use of AlloWash or AlloTrue processing, patient BMI, and graft donor age did not affect revision rate significantly.

Conclusion:

In the largest known study of its kind examining outcome after primary allograft ACLR, graft irradiation greater than 1.8 Mrad, BioCleanse graft processing, younger patient age, male patients, and BPTB allograft were all associated with a higher risk of clinical failure and subsequent revision surgery.
Differences in ICT Usage Across Subject Areas
Authors: Tay Lee Yong , Lim Cher Ping , Lim Siew Khiaw
Published: June 2015

Many factors affect the use of information and communication technology (ICT) for teaching and learning in schools: policy and school leadership, physical and technological infrastructure, teachers’ practices and beliefs, curriculum and assessment, and professional development. The subject area, that has not been given as much attention in previous research studies, may be another factor that affects ICT usage for teaching and learning in schools. This article examines how subject areas at an elementary school in Singapore affect the use of ICT for teaching and learning. This mixed-method study suggests that the subject area is another factor that could affect the ICT usage rates in teaching and learning, vis-à-vis the contextual, infrastructure, and human factors. Multivariate analysis of variance with follow-up discriminant analysis and teachers’ interviews suggest that there are differences in ICT usage in subject areas and grade levels. Although several factors affect ICT usage, subject area is one other factor that also deserves our further exploration and attention.
A scenario-based robust optimization approach for batch processing scheduling
Authors: Shahmoradi-Moghaddam Hani , Akbari Kaveh , Sadjadi Seyed Jafar , Heydari Mahdi
Published: June 2015

For years, there have been tremendous endeavors to reduce makespan in an attempt to decrease the production expenses. This investigation aims to develop a scenario-based robust optimization approach for a real-world flow shop with any number of batch processing machines. The study assumes there are some uncertainties associated with processing times as well as size of jobs. Each machine can process multiple jobs simultaneously as long as the machines’ capacities are not violated. In order to verify this developed model and to evaluate the performance of the proposed robust model, a number of test problems are prepared and a commercial optimization solver is adopted to solve these test problems. For the purpose of validating the results, the robust model and mean-value model are carried out by simulation, which confirmed the proposed model.
Leveling the Playing Field
Authors: Hunt Lucy L. , Eastwick Paul W. , Finkel Eli J.
Published: June 2015

Clear empirical demonstrations of the theoretical principles underlying assortative mating remain elusive. This article examines a moderator of assortative mating—how well couple members knew each other before dating—suggested by recent findings related to market-based (i.e., competition) theories. Specifically, competition is pervasive to the extent that people achieve consensus about who possesses desirable qualities (e.g., attractiveness) and who does not. Because consensus is stronger earlier in the acquaintance process, assortative mating based on attractiveness should be stronger among couples who formed a relationship after a short period rather than a long period of acquaintance. A study of 167 couples included measures of how long partners had known each other before dating and whether they had been friends before dating, as well as coders’ ratings of physical attractiveness. As predicted, couples revealed stronger evidence of assortative mating to the extent that they knew each other for a short time and were not friends before initiating a romantic relationship.
Proficiency monitoring of monoclonal antibody cocktail–based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E in dogs
Authors: Lee Kenneth W. , Blankenship Karen , McKinney Brennan , Kern Gerhard , Buch Jesse , Greenwood Janice , Brazis Pilar , Drouet Laurent , Tambone Cecilia , Faas Rebecca , Weaver Gareth
Published: June 2015

The purpose of our study was to document the continued comparative proficiency of different laboratories that perform a monoclonal antibody–based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (macELISA) for detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E in dogs. Replicate samples of 18 different sera pools were independently evaluated in a single blinded fashion by each of 16 different operators functioning in 10 different laboratories. The average intra-assay variance among reactive assay calibrators in all laboratories was 6.0% (range: 2.7–16.1%), while the average intralaboratory interassay variance was 7.5% (range: 3.9–10.9%). The overall interassay interlaboratory variance was consistent among laboratories and averaged 11.4% (range: 8.5–12.5%). All laboratories yielded similar profiles and magnitudes of responses for replicate unknown samples; dose response profiles observed in each of the laboratories were indistinguishable. Considering the positive or negative results, interassay interlaboratory concordance of results exceeded 90%. Correlation of optical density values between and among all laboratories was strong ( r > 0.9, P < 0.001). Collectively, the results demonstrated that the macELISA for measuring allergen-specific canine IgE is reproducible, and documents that consistency of results can be achieved not only in an individual laboratory by differing operators but also among laboratories using the same monoclonal-based ELISA.