bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asia–Pacific consensus recommendations for endoscopic and interventional management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Rerknimitr Rungsun , Angsuwatcharakon Phonthep , Ratanachu‐ek Thawee , Khor Christopher J L , Ponnudurai Ryan , Moon Jong Ho , Seo Dong Wan , Pantongrag‐Brown Linda , Sangchan Apichat , Pisespongsa Pises , Akaraviputh Thawatchai , Reddy Nageshwar D , Maydeo Amit , Itoi Takao , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Punamiya Sundeep , Attasaranya Siriboon , Devereaux Benedict , Ramchandani Mohan , Goh Khean‐Lee
Published: January 2013

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is one of the most common types of hepatobiliary cancers reported in the world including Asia–Pacific region. Early HCCA may be completely asymptomatic. When significant hilar obstruction develops, the patient presents with jaundice, pale stools, dark urine, pruritus, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever. Because no single test can establish the definite diagnosis then, a combination of many investigations such as tumor markers, tissue acquisition, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasonography/intraductal ultrasonography, and advanced cholangioscopy is required. Surgery is the only curative treatment. Unfortunately, the majority of HCCA has a poor prognosis due to their advanced stage on presentation. Although there is no survival advantage, inoperable HCCA managed by palliative drainage may benefit from symptomatic improvement. Currently, there are three techniques of biliary drainage which include endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical approaches. For nonsurgical approaches, stent is the most preferred device and there are two types of stents i.e. plastic and metal. Type of stent and number of stent for HCCA biliary drainage are subjected to debate because the decision is made under many grounds i.e. volume of liver drainage, life expectancy, expertise of the facility, etc. Recently, radio‐frequency ablation and photodynamic therapy are promising techniques that may extend drainage patency. Through a review in the literature and regional data, the Asia–Pacific Working Group for hepatobiliary cancers has developed statements to assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing of HCCA. After voting anonymously using modified Delphi method, all final statements were determined for the level of evidence quality and strength of recommendation.
Associations Between Visual, Hearing, and Dual Sensory Impairments and History of Motor Vehicle Collision Involvement of Older Drivers
Authors: Green Kimberly A. , McGwin Gerald , Owsley Cynthia
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To examine the association between visual and hearing impairment and motor vehicle collision (MVC) involvement in older drivers.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

North central Alabama.

Participants

Population‐based sample of 2,000 licensed‐drivers aged 70 and older.

Measurements

Visual acuity was measured using the Electronic Visual Acuity test. Contrast sensitivity was measured using the Pelli‐Robson chart. Presence of subjective hearing loss and other health conditions were determined using a general health questionnaire. Information regarding MVCs for all participants spanning the 5 years before study enrollment was obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

Results

After adjustment for age, race, sex, number of miles driven, number of medical conditions, general cognitive status, and visual processing speed, older drivers with visual acuity and hearing impairment (rate ratio (RR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–2.30), contrast sensitivity impairment alone (RR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.00–2.02), and contrast sensitivity and hearing impairment (RR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.62–3.57) had higher MVC rates than drivers with no visual or hearing impairments. Drivers with visual acuity loss alone or hearing loss alone did not have MVC rates that were significantly different from those of the no impairment group after adjustment for multiple variables.

Conclusion

Older drivers with dual sensory impairment are at greater MVC risk than those with a visual acuity or hearing deficit alone. A combined screening approach of screening for hearing and visual impairment may be a useful tool to identify older drivers at risk of MVC involvement.
Hematologic and blood chemistry values of healthyCebus flaviuskept in northeast of Brazil
Authors: Teixeira Magda Guedes , Ferreira Adriano Fernandes , Colaço Aura Antunes , Ferreira Sibele Fernandes , de Melo Benvenutti Márcio Eduardo , Queiroga Felisbina Luisa Pereira Guedes
Published: January 2013

Background

Cebus flaviusis a New World Monkey found in the northeast of Brazil, listed as critically endangered. So far, no hematologic or blood chemistry reference intervals have been determined for this species.

Methods

Hematologic and biochemistry reference values were determined for 20 clinically healthyC. flavius, kept in captivity in the Wild Animals Screening Center, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The influence of gender and age on these variables was evaluated.

Results

Considering sex, significant differences are found for the total count of erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and creatine kinase. Regarding the age, levels of creatinine and alanine aminotransferase are significantly higher in adults and levels of creatine kinase and calcium are significantly higher in juveniles. Considering age, no hematologic differences were found.

Conclusions

The factors age and gender had influence on some hematologic and blood chemistry variables and should not be neglected for a correct blood interpretation.
Use of alpha-tocopherol esters for topical vitamin E treatment: evaluation of their skin permeation and metabolism
Authors: Ben-Shabat Shimon , Kazdan Yolia , Beit-Yannai Elie , Sintov Amnon C
Published: January 2013

Objectives

The aim of this work was to investigate new pro-vitamins based on α-tocopherol (α-Toc) and fatty acids, and to compare their properties with those of α-tocopherol acetate (α-TAc).

Methods

Skin levels of α-Toc–fatty acid ester conjugates, total α-Toc and endogenous α-Toc were measured in skin samples taken from separate groups of treated and untreated rats. Multiple and extensive treatment with α-Toc oleate and α-TAc was also carried out to assess the skin accumulation and safety of these esters.

Key findings

The in-vivo studies revealed that α-Toc–fatty acid conjugates penetrated into the skin quantitatively while being comparable with the permeation of α-TAc. Differences were found between the levels of total α-Toc and endogenous α-Toc after application of α-TAc, α-Toc oleate, α-Toc linoleate, α-Toc-α linolenate and α-Toc palmitate, indicating that α-Toc conjugates of these fatty acids, but not α-Toc γ-linolenate or α-Toc stearate, were hydrolysed to free α-Toc. In long-term and extensive treatment, α-TAc was found to be lethal to rats treated with 1.15 mg/kg of this agent, which had been spread over 16 cm2 of skin. Similar treatment with α-Toc oleate did not produce any side effects.

Conclusions

This study suggests that α-Toc conjugates with unsaturated fatty acids may be a good alternative as stable vitamin E derivatives, rather than the α-TAc ester.
Genetic affinity between the Kam‐Sui speaking Chadong and Mulam people
Authors: DENG Qiong‐Ying , WANG Chuan‐Chao , WANG Xiao‐Qing , WANG Ling‐Xiang , WANG Zhong‐Yan , WU Wen‐Jun , LI Hui ,   the Genographic Consortium
Published: January 2013

The origins of Kam‐Sui speaking Chadong and Mulam people have been controversial subjects in ethnic history studies and other related fields. Here, we studied Y chromosome (40 informative single nucleotide polymorphisms and 17 short tandem repeats in a non‐recombining region) and mtDNA (hypervariable segment I and coding region single nucleotide polymorphisms) diversities in 50 Chadong and 93 Mulam individuals. The Y chromosome and mtDNA haplogroup components and network analyses indicated that both Chadong and Mulam originated from the admixture between surrounding populations and the indigenous Kam‐Sui populations. The newly found Chadong is more closely related to Mulam than to Maonan, especially in the maternal lineages.
Effect of Glycerol on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wheat Starch Edible Films
Authors: Farahnaky Asgar , Saberi Bahareh , Majzoobi Mahsa
Published: January 2013

In this research, edible films were produced using native wheat starch with different concentrations of glycerol (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of starch dry weight basis). Starch films were prepared by casting after gelatinization. The effects of glycerol on the microstructure, crystallinity, solubility in water, moisture absorption, water vapor permeability, optical and mechanical properties of the films at 25C and relative humidity range of 11–84% were investigated. The increase of glycerol content led to increase in film solubility, lightness, more compact structures and water absorption at 25C. The lowest water vapor permeabilities were found for the films with 20 and 30% glycerol. Glycerol did not change X‐ray patterns of starch films; however, the degree of crystallinity reduced. In general, for all starch films stress at break and Young's modulus decreased and elongation increased when glycerol concentration and/or RH increased.

Practical Application

The inclusion of glycerol into starch films prepared by casting can increase film solubility, lightness, water absorption and produce more compact structures. Glycerol up to 30% reduced the water vapor permeability of starch films and more glycerol increased this parameter. Glycerol decreased stress at break and Young's modulus of starch films; however, elongation increased. Glycerol is able to improve some mechanical properties of the starch films.
Modernist Women’s Writing: Beyond the Threshold of Obsolescence
Authors: Garrity Jane
Published: January 2013

The new modernist studies has helped to expand the definition of modernism, but this move has simultaneously contributed to the marginalization of “women’s writing.” The rise of post‐structuralism, transnational and race studies, as well as queer and transgender theory, have all contributed to a more complicated and nuanced understanding of gender‐based analyses and their political import. However this move to expand the range and scope of our understanding of gender raises inevitable questions about the viability of the category of “modernist women’s writing.” This essay asks: What is the rationale for retaining a focus on “women’s writing”– and, more particularly, on experimental women’s writing – within modernist studies today, and how can we signal the continued vitality of this gender‐inflected area of scholarship without succumbing to the bewildering label, old‐fashioned?
Meteorites from meteor showers: A case study of the Taurids
Authors: Brown Peter , Marchenko Valerie , Moser Danielle E. , Weryk Robert , Cooke William
Published: January 2013

We propose that the Taurid meteor shower may contain bodies able to survive and be recovered as meteorites. We review the expected properties of meteorite‐producing fireballs, and suggest that end heights below 35 km and terminal speeds below 10 km s−1 are necessary conditions for fireballs expected to produce meteorites. Applying the meteoroid strength index (PE criteria) of Ceplecha and McCrosky (1976) to a suite of 33 photographically recorded Taurid fireballs, we find a large spread in the apparent meteoroid strengths within the stream, including some very strong meteoroids. We also examine in detail the flight behavior of a Taurid fireball (SOMN 101031) and show that it has the potential to be a (small) meteorite‐producing event. Similarly, photographic observations of a bright, potential Taurid fireball recorded in November of 1995 in Spain show that it also had meteorite‐producing characteristics, despite a very high entry velocity (33 km s−1). Finally, we note that the recent Maribo meteorite fall may have had a very high entry velocity (28 km s−1), further suggesting that survival of meteorites at Taurid‐like velocities is possible. Application of a numerical entry model also shows plausible survival of meteorites at Taurid‐like velocities, provided the initial meteoroids are fairly strong and large, both of which are characteristics found in the Taurid stream.
Potential impact of soil microbiomes on the leaf metabolome and on herbivore feeding behavior
Authors: Badri Dayakar V. , Zolla Gaston , Bakker Matthew G. , Manter Daniel K. , Vivanco Jorge M.
Published: January 2013

It is known that environmental factors can affect the biosynthesis of leaf metabolites. Similarly, specific pairwise plant–microbe interactions modulate the plant's metabolome by stimulating production of phytoalexins and other defense‐related compounds. However, there is no information about how different soil microbiomes could affect the plant growth and the leaf metabolome.

We analyzed experimentally how diverse soil microbiomes applied to the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana were able to modulate plant growth and the leaf metabolome, as assessed by GC‐MS analyses. Further, we determined the effects of soil microbiome‐driven changes in leaf metabolomics on the feeding behavior of Trichopulsia ni larvae.

Soil microbiomes differentially impacted plant growth patterns as well as leaf metabolome composition. Similarly, most microbiome‐treated plants showed inhibition to larvae feeding, compared with unamended control plants. Pyrosequencing analysis was conducted to determine the soil microbial composition and diversity of the soils used in this study.

Correlation analyses were performed to determine relationships between various factors (soil microbial taxa, leaf chemical components, plant growth patterns and insect feeding behavior) and revealed that leaf amino acid content was positively correlated with both microbiome composition and insect feeding behavior.
Ontogenic changes rather than difference in temperature cause understory trees to leaf out earlier
Authors: Vitasse Yann
Published: January 2013

In a temperate climate, understory trees leaf out earlier than canopy trees, but the cause of this discrepancy remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether this discrepancy results from ontogenic changes or from microclimatic differences.

Seedlings of five deciduous tree species were grown in spring 2012 in the understory and at canopy height using a 45‐m‐high construction crane built into a mature mixed forest in the foothills of the Swiss Jura Mountains. The leaf development of these seedlings, as well as conspecific adults, was compared, taking into account the corresponding microclimate.

The date of leaf unfolding occurred 10–40 d earlier in seedlings grown at canopy level than in conspecific adults. Seedlings grown in the understory flushed c. 6 d later than those grown at canopy height, which can be attributed to the warmer temperatures recorded at canopy height (c. 1°C warmer).

This study demonstrates that later leaf emergence of canopy trees compared with understory trees results from ontogenic changes and not from the vertical thermal profile that exists within forests. This study warns against the assumption that phenological data obtained in warming and photoperiod experiments on juvenile trees can be used for the prediction of forest response to climate warming.
Do Low‐Wage Workers React Less to Longer Unemployment Benefits? Quasi‐Experimental Evidence*
Authors: Centeno Mário , Novo Álvaro A.
Published: January 2013

The fact that unemployed workers have different abilities to smooth consumption entails heterogeneous responses to extended unemployment benefits. Our empirical exercise explores a quasi‐experimental setting generated by an increase in the benefits entitlement period. The results suggest a hump‐shape response of unemployment duration over the one‐year pre‐unemployment wage distribution; individuals at the bottom and top of the wage distribution reacted less than those in the interquartile range. This behaviour of job searchers is consistent with labour supply models with unemployment insurance and savings. It questions the optimality of very long entitlement periods to target the unemployment experiences of low‐wage workers.
PMEL: a pigment cell‐specific model for functional amyloid formation
Authors: Watt Brenda , van Niel Guillaume , Raposo Graça , Marks Michael S.
Published: January 2013

PMEL is a pigment cell‐specific protein responsible for the formation of fibrillar sheets within the pigment organelle, the melanosome. The fibrillar sheets serve as a template upon which melanins polymerize as they are synthesized. The PMEL fibrils are required for optimal pigment cell function, as animals that either lack PMEL expression or express mutant PMEL variants show varying degrees of hypopigmentation and pigment cell inviability. The PMEL fibrils have biophysical properties of amyloid, a protein fold that is frequently associated with neurodegenerative and other diseases. However, PMEL is one of a growing number of non‐pathogenic amyloid proteins that contribute to the function of the cell and/or organism that produces them. Understanding how PMEL generates amyloid in a non‐pathogenic manner might provide insights into how to avoid toxicity due to pathological amyloid formation. In this review, we summarize and reconcile data concerning the fate of PMEL from its site of synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum to newly formed melanosomes and the role of distinct PMEL subdomains in trafficking and amyloid fibril formation. We then discuss how its progression through the secretory pathway into the endosomal system might allow for the regulated and non‐toxic conversion of PMEL into an ordered amyloid polymer.
Protecting the living: Managerialism and professional turf wars in risk regulatory death investigations
Authors: Leslie Myles
Published: January 2013

This paper demonstrates how general trends in the management of public institutions, and a specific turf war between the doctors and lawyers inOntario,Canada, have combined to shape an important risk regulatory decisionmaking process: the coroner's inquest. Drawing on ethnographic evidence, I show how the priorities of managerialism, and the collateral effects of physician coroners battling with lawyers, have reduced the number of public inquests convened inOntario by 80 per cent over a 20‐year period. Where many public safety decisions affecting the province's legal, policy, and physical environments were once made at public inquests, they appear now more likely to be made in private. The paper examines the implications of reduced public participation in the analysis of, and response to, death.
Elevated levels of thrombin‐generating microparticles in stored red blood cells
Authors: Gao Y. , Lv L. , Liu S. , Ma G. , Su Y.
Published: January 2013

Background

During storage, red blood cells (RBCs) lose their membrane stability, leading to haemolysis and microparticle (MP) formation. The use of RBCs stored for more than 28 days has been associated with an increased incidence of deep vein thrombosis. However, the exact mechanism by which coagulation activation is enhanced in stored RBCs is still unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the relevant potential procoagulant activities of MPs and study the relative procoagulant factors for initiating the coagulation on MPs in stored RBCs.

Study Design and Methods

MPs were isolated from the plasma of RBC units stored in citrate–phosphate–dextrose–adenine. At seven storage time‐points (d0, d7, d14, d21, d28, d35 and d42), MPs were morphologically observed, quantified and analysed for tissue factor, factor XI (FXI) and their thrombin‐generating potential.

Results

MPs were observed using electron microscopy. The size of the MPs ranged from 0·272 μm to 0·973 μm in diameter. During the storage of RBCs in plastic bags, the MP concentration increased from 3389 ± 218/μl at day 0 to 61 586 ± 2237/μl at d42. Thrombin generation was dependent on the total number of MPs (r = 0·987). Anti‐human FXI antibody inhibited thrombin concentrations by 50·3% compared with control plasma, whereas antitissue factor and antitissue factor pathway inhibitor failed to reduce thrombin concentrations.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that MP formation due to RBC storage might propagate coagulation not only by exposing phosphatidylserine, but also by initiating thrombin generation independently of tissue factor in a FXI ‐dependent manner.
From consensus to action: knowledge transfer, education and influencing policy on sports concussion
Authors: Provvidenza Christine , Engebretsen Lars , Tator Charles , Kissick Jamie , McCrory Paul , Sills Allen , Johnston Karen M
Published: January 2013

Objective

To: (1) provide a review of knowledge transfer (KT) and related concepts; (2) look at the impact of traditional and emerging KT strategies on concussion knowledge and education; (3) discuss the value and impact of KT to organisations and concussion-related decision making and (4) make recommendations for the future of concussion education.

Design

Qualitative literature review of KT and concussion education literature.

Intervention

PubMed, Medline and Sport Discus databases were reviewed and an internet search was conducted. The literature search was restricted to articles published in the English language, but not restricted to any particular years. Altogether, 67 journal articles, 21 websites, 1 book and 1 report were reviewed.

Results

The value of KT as part of concussion education is increasingly becoming recognised. Target audiences benefit from specific learning strategies. Concussion tools exist, but their effectiveness and impact require further evaluation. The media is valuable in drawing attention to concussion, but efforts need to ensure that the public is aware of the right information. Social media as a concussion education tool is becoming more prominent. Implementation of KT models is one approach which organisations can use to assess knowledge gaps; identify, develop and evaluate education strategies and use the outcomes to facilitate decision-making.

Conclusions

Implementing KT strategies requires a defined plan. Identifying the needs, learning styles and preferred learning strategies of target audiences, coupled with evaluation, should be a piece of the overall concussion education puzzle to have an impact on enhancing knowledge and awareness.
Methoxetamine toxicity reported to the National Poisons Information Service: clinical characteristics and patterns of enquiries (including the period of the introduction of the UK's first Temporary Class Drug Order)
Authors: Hill Simon L , Harbon Siân C D , Coulson James , Cooper Gillian A , Jackson Gill , Lupton David J , Vale J Allister , Thomas Simon H L
Published: January 2013

Objective

To report the demographic and clinical characteristics of cases of methoxetamine toxicity reported to The National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) by healthcare professionals. To assess the pattern of enquiries from health professionals to the UK NPIS related to methoxetamine, including the period of the making of the UK first Temporary Class Drug Order (TCDO).

Methods

All telephone enquiries to and user sessions for TOXBASE, the NPIS on-line information resource, related to methoxetamine (and synonyms ‘MXE’, ‘mket’ and ‘2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(ethylamino)cyclohexanone’) were reviewed from 1 April 2010 to 1 August 2012. Data were compared for the 3 months before and after the TCDO.

Results

There were 47 telephone enquiries and 298 TOXBASE sessions regarding methoxetamine during the period of study. Comparing the 3 months before and after the TCDO, TOXBASE sessions for methoxetamine fell by 79% (from 151 to 32) and telephone enquiries by 80% (from 15 to 3). Clinical features reported by enquirers were consistent with case reports of analytically confirmed methoxetamine toxicity and typical toxidromes were of stimulant (36%), reduced consciousness (17%), dissociative (11%) and cerebellar (6.4%) types, but also particularly featured acute disturbances in mental heath (43%).

Conclusions

Structured NPIS data may reveal trends in drugs of abuse use and toxicity when interpreted within their limitations. Since April 2012, there have been fewer enquiries to NPIS from clinicians, indicating reduced presentations with suspected methoxetamine toxicity to healthcare services. It is unclear if this is related to the TCDO made on 5 April 2012.
Case studies in prehospital care from London HEMS: pre-hospital administration of prothrombin complex concentrate to the head-injured patient
Authors: Lendrum Robbie A , Kotze Jean-Pierre , Lockey David J , Weaver Anne E
Published: January 2013

A case of pre-hospital administration of prothrombin complex concentrate to a patient anticoagulated with warfarin and with suspected intracranial haemorrhage is described. Effective, early reversal of anticoagulation by the time of arrival at hospital was achieved.
The role of ambulatory hysteroscopy in reproduction
Authors: Robinson Lynne L L , Cooper Natalie A M , Clark T Justin
Published: January 2013

Hysteroscopy is a mainstay of modern gynaecologic practice. However, the role of ambulatory hysteroscopy and associated procedures has increased dramatically in recent years. The outpatient setting has associated benefits, both for the patient and economically. The advent of less invasive vaginoscopic techniques means that diagnostic hysteroscopy is achievable safely, comfortably and efficiently in almost all women and avoids the risk of a general anaesthetic.

This review aims to summarise first the role for ambulatory hysteroscopy in diagnosis of conditions contributing to reproductive failure. The second section of the review concentrates on the therapeutic interventions that can be performed hysteroscopically in the ambulatory setting such as tubal catheterisation, tubal occlusion and uteroplasty. Lastly, we discuss the role outpatient hysteroscopy plays in established contraceptive techniques such as intrauterine device placement, and the more recent advent of hysteroscopic sterilisation.
Melatonin attenuates hypertension-related proarrhythmic myocardial maladaptation of connexin-43 and propensity of the heart to lethal arrhythmias
Authors: Benova Tamara , Viczenczova Csilla , Radosinska Jana , Bacova Barbara , Knezl Vladimir , Dosenko Victor , Weismann Peter , Zeman Michal , Navarova Jana , Tribulova Narcis
Published: January 2013

We hypothesized that the pineal hormone melatonin, which exhibits cardioprotective effects, might affect myocardial expression of cell-to-cell electrical coupling protein connexin-43 (Cx43) and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, and hence, the propensity of the heart to lethal ventricular fibrillation (VF). Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar rats fed a standard rat chow received melatonin (40 μg/mL in drinking water during the night) for 5 weeks, and were compared with untreated rats. Melatonin significantly reduced blood pressure and normalized triglycerides in SHR, whereas it decreased body mass and adiposity in Wistar rats. Compared with healthy rats, the threshold to induce sustained VF was significantly lower in SHR (18.3 ± 2.6 compared with 29.2 ± 5 mA; p < 0.05) and increased in melatonin-treated SHR and Wistar rats to 33.0 ± 4 and 32.5 ± 4 mA. Melatonin attenuated abnormal myocardial Cx43 distribution in SHR, and upregulated Cx43 mRNA, total Cx43 protein, and its functional phosphorylated forms in SHR, and to a lesser extent, in Wistar rat hearts. Moreover, melatonin suppressed myocardial proapoptotic PKCδ expression and increased cardioprotective PKCε expression in both SHR and Wistar rats. Our findings indicate that melatonin protects against lethal arrhythmias at least in part via upregulation of myocardial Cx43 and modulation of PKC-related cardioprotective signaling.
PROSPECTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO THE CHALLENGE OF JOB CREATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: MAHADEA DARMA
Published: January 2013

Entrepreneurship is critical to job creation and economic growth. Unemployment in South Africa is presently at about 25 percent. The formal sector is unable to provide adequate employment opportunities for labor although the country registered positive economic growth rates over the past 17 years since the demise of apartheid. Some people manage to obtain employment in the informal sector. However, this sector also has been shedding labor recently. Although the government has responded with many initiatives to deal with employment creation, unemployment rates, especially among the youth, remain a formidable challenge. Entrepreneurship, through the creation of new ventures and expansion of business firms, can make a difference to absorb more people in the labor market. However, this depends on the level of entrepreneurial capacity and environment of the South African economy. This paper examines the problem of low employment economic growth performance over the post-apartheid period. By drawing on the Harrod-Domar model as a heuristic guide, and using regression analysis, the paper highlights the probable links between changes in economic growth and in employment. The results indicate the marginal employment growth effect is positive, the growth elasticity of employment is low over the 1994–2010 period and investment in relation to the country's desired growth in GDP is also found to be low. The paper identifies some constraints to employment creation against the entrepreneurial environmental conditions in South Africa and then examines how entrepreneurship can make a difference to employment creation.
THE IMPACT OF BUSINESS CLIMATE, FOREIGN POPULATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT ON NEW VENTURE CREATION
Authors: HOELSCHER MARK , ELANGO BALASUBRAMANIAN
Published: January 2013

This paper seeks to add to the literature on regional factors that drive development of new ventures. In particular, it investigates the effects of business climate, foreign population and unemployment on new venture creation. Using state level data from the time period 2003–2007, we find that while business climate and foreign population are positively related to new venture creation, unemployment is negatively related. Implications of this study for fostering entrepreneurship are discussed.
THE CHOICE OF DISCOUNT RATE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY EVALUATION
Authors: GOULDER LAWRENCE H. , WILLIAMS ROBERTON C.
Published: January 2013

Nearly all discussions about the appropriate consumption discount rate for climate-change policy evaluation assume that a single discount rate concept applies. We argue that two distinct concepts and associated rates apply. We distinguish a social-welfare-equivalent discount rate (r SW ) appropriate for determining whether a given policy would augment social welfare (according to a postulated social welfare function) and a finance-equivalent discount rate (rF) suitable for determining whether the policy would offer a potential Pareto improvement.

Distinguishing the two rates helps resolve arguments as to whether the choice of discount rate should be based on ethical considerations or empirical information (such as market interest rates), and about whether the discount rate should serve a prescriptive or descriptive role. Separating out the two rates also helps clarify disputes about the appropriate stringency of climate change policy.

We find that the structure of leading numerical optimization models used for climate policy analysis may have helped contribute to the blurring of the differences between r SW and rF. In addition, we indicate that uncertainty about underlying ethical parameters or market conditions implies that both r SW and rF should decline as the time-horizon increases.
40
Ar/
39
Ar age constraints on the Haifanggou and Lanqi formations: When did the first flowers bloom?
Authors: Chang Su-Chin , Zhang Haichun , Hemming Sidney R. , Mesko Gary T. , Fang Yan
Published: January 2013

Well-preserved Mesozoic terrestrial fossils were discovered in the Haifanggou Formation and the overlying Lanqi Formation (or their correlative strata) in NE China. The recent discoveries of
Schmeissneria sinensis
and
Xingxueanthus sinensis
from the middle and upper Jurassic Haifanggou Formation provide evidence that the origin of angiosperms could be predate the Early Cretaceous. In addition to the finding of pre-Cretaceous angiosperms from the Haifanggou Formation, the overlying Lanqi Formation yields a rich and varied terrestrial flora. The high diversity and abundance of the palaeoflora from these formations provide a unique window to understand floral evolution and its diversification in the Mesozoic. Two tuff samples and one andesite sample collected from the Haifanggou and Lanqi formations near Beipiao City, Liaoning, NE China yield robust
40
Ar/
39
Ar age results. Our
40
Ar/
39
Ar age of 166.7 ± 1.0 Ma for plagioclases from one tuff interbedded in the fossiliferous horizons of the middle Haifanggou Formation provides accurate age calibration for the pre-Cretaceous angiosperms for the first time. Moreover, our age results for these fossil-bearing formations will improve our knowledge of the Jurassic environment in general, including the link between plants and atmospheric CO
2
.

Supplementary material:

Details of analysis procedures, Ar isotopic data corrected for blanks, mass discrimination, radioactive decay and J values are available at:
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18575
.
Interleukin 6 Plasma Concentration Associates with Cognitive Decline: The Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Economos Alexis , Wright Clinton B. , Moon Yeseon Park , Rundek Tatjana , Rabbani LeRoy , Paik Myunghee C. , Sacco Ralph L. , Elkind Mitchell S.V.
Published: January 2013

Background: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine that has been associated with vascular disease and cognitive impairment, but few studies have examined these relationships in population-based studies that include Hispanic and Black people who often have a greater prevalence of vascular risk factors and are at an elevated risk of dementia than Whites. We examined relative elevations of plasma IL-6 concentrations in relation to cognitive decline in a stroke-free racially/ethnically diverse community-based sample from Northern Manhattan. Methods: We used mixed effects models to measure the effect of IL-6 on change in performance on the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) measured annually in our cohort, adjusting for sociodemographic and vascular risk factors. Results: There were 1,224 participants with IL-6 levels (median 1.5 pg/ml, interquartile range 0.83–2.57 pg/ml) and TICS-m data available (mean = 31.6 points, SD 6.5). The mean age was 71 (SD 9.3; 64% women, 59% Hispanic, 19% Black, 19% White) with 3,406 person-years and a median 3.0 years of follow-up (interquartile range 1.1–4.0 years). Participants with IL-6 levels above the median showed greater cognitive decline on the TICS-m compared to those with levels below the median, adjusting for sociodemographic and vascular factors (β = –0.17 points/year, p = 0.02). Decline on the TICS-m among participants with IL-6 above the median differed by age (p for interaction <0.001). There was no interaction by race/ethnicity, vascular risk factors, C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein ε4 allele status, or the metabolic syndrome among nondiabetics. Conclusions: IL-6 associated with cognitive decline among older participants in this racially/ethnically diverse sample independent of other vascular risk factors and C-reactive protein.
Patient Selection for Therapy Reduction after Long-Term Daily Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment for Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease: Trial and Error
Authors: van der Velden Alike W. , de Wit Niek J. , Quartero A. Otto , Grobbee Diederick E. , Numans Mattijs E.
Published: January 2013

Background: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy reduction after long-term daily treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptomatology proves difficult in primary care practice. We aimed to identify patient and/or disease characteristics in long-term daily PPI users predicting a successful switch to less than daily therapy. Methods: GORD patients who after long-term continuous treatment were able to use less than a daily PPI dose in a placebo-controlled trial were compared to patients who persisted in a daily dosage with respect to general, lifestyle and quality of life characteristics (SF-36 Health Survey) as well as psychological factors (Symptom Check List 90), symptom control on daily PPI (Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia questionnaire), disease and medication history. Results: Adequate symptom control on daily PPI use and female gender were determinants of successful therapy reduction. A prediction rule including the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia vitality dimension and gender correctly predicted 64% of patients to both less than daily and sustained daily treatment (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.69). Conclusion: In the heterogeneous population of PPI users for GORD in primary care, no clinically useful, easily obtainable combination of patient characteristics was able to adequately predict eligibility for therapy reduction. Switching to less than daily therapy remains a process of trial and error in which motivation of the patient and support by the physician will be important factors for success.
Defibrillation Waveform Duration Adjustment Increases the Proportion of Acceptable Defibrillation Thresholds in Patients Implanted with Single-Coil Defibrillation Leads
Authors: Gabriels James , Budzikowski Adam S. , Kassotis John T.
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether defibrillation waveform duration adjustment with single-coil defibrillation leads can be used to increase the proportion of patients with satisfactory defibrillation thresholds (DFTs). A retrospective analysis of the DFT levels for 105 patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator devices and a single-coil defibrillation lead was performed. Two groups of patients were compared: 34 patients who had undergone waveform tuning (group A) and 71 patients with a fixed-tilt waveform (group B). Additional data including demographics, etiology, New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, high-voltage lead impedance and medications were gathered to determine what effect these variables had on the DFT levels. Of the 34 patients who had undergone waveform adjustment (group A), 27 (79%) were found to have satisfactory DFTs, while 41 (58%) of the 71 patients with fixed-tilt devices (group B) had satisfactory DFTs. Waveform duration adjustment was found to significantly increase the proportion of patients with satisfactory DFTs (p = 0.03).
Comparison of Disease Clusters in Two Elderly Populations Hospitalized in 2008 and 2010
Authors: Marengoni A. , Nobili A. , Pirali C. , Tettamanti M. , Pasina L. , Salerno F. , Corrao S. , Iorio A. , Marcucci M. , Franchi C. , Mannucci P.M. ,   on behalf of REPOSI Investigators
Published: January 2013

Background: As chronicity represents one of the major challenges in the healthcare of aging populations, the understanding of how chronic diseases distribute and co-occur in this part of the population is needed. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare patterns of diseases identified with cluster analysis in two samples of hospitalized elderly. Methods: Data were obtained from the multicenter ‘Registry Politerapie SIMI (REPOSI)' that included people aged 65 or older hospitalized in internal medicine and geriatric wards in Italy during 2008 and 2010. The study sample from the first wave included 1,411 subjects enrolled in 38 hospitals wards, whereas the second wave included 1,380 subjects in 66 wards located in different regions of Italy. To analyze patterns of multimorbidity, a cluster analysis was performed including the same diseases (19 chronic conditions with a prevalence >5%) collected at hospital discharge during the two waves of the registry. Results: Eight clusters of diseases were identified in the first wave of the REPOSI registry and six in the second wave. Several diseases were included in similar clusters in the two waves, such as malignancy and liver cirrhosis; anemia, gastric and intestinal diseases; diabetes and coronary heart disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and prostate hypertrophy. Conclusion: These findings strengthened the idea of an association other than by chance of diseases in the elderly population.
22q11.2 Microduplication with Thyroid Hemiagenesis
Authors: Kim Hae Jung , Jo Heui Seung , Yoo Eun-Gyong , Chung In Hyuk , Kim Sung Woo , Lee Kyu Hyung , Chang Yoon Hwan
Published: January 2013

Background: Chromosome 22q11.2 microduplications are extremely rarely detected; in comparison, the deletion of same region, known as the DiGeorge/velocardiofacial syndrome, occurs more frequently. Thyroid anomalies commonly occur in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, however few reports of thyroid anomalies associated with 22q11.2 microduplication have been published thus far. Case Report: We present a case of a male infant who was prenatally diagnosed with 22q11.2 microduplication and was found to have congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid hemiagenesis after birth. Moreover, the baby had bilateral hearing impairment, bilateral cryptorchidism, and a rotated penis. At the age of 2 years, the infant was euthyroid with levothyroxine replacement, but he showed significant developmental delay. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first case of congenital hypothyroidism with thyroid hemiagenesis in a patient showing 22q11.2 microduplication. Thyroid dysgenesis could be an additional clinical feature shared by the 22q11.2 microduplication and deletion syndrome, suggesting that the duplication and deletion of a gene may result in a common phenotype. Thyroid dysgenesis should be considered in the evaluation and management of patients with this genomic disorder.
Novel Role of Copper Transport Protein Antioxidant-1 in Neointimal Formation After Vascular Injury
Authors: Kohno Takashi , Urao Norifumi , Ashino Takashi , Sudhahar Varadarajan , McKinney Ronald D. , Hamakubo Takao , Iwanari Hiroko , Ushio-Fukai Masuko , Fukai Tohru
Published: January 2013

Objective—

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration is critically important for neointimal formation after vascular injury and atherosclerosis lesion formation. Copper (Cu) chelator inhibits neointimal formation, and we previously demonstrated that Cu transport protein antioxidant-1 (Atox1) is involved in Cu-induced cell growth. However, role of Atox1 in VSMC migration and neointimal formation after vascular injury is unknown.

Approach and Results—

Here, we show that Atox1 expression is upregulated in injured vessel, and it is colocalized with the Cu transporter ATP7A, one of the downstream targets of Atox1, mainly in neointimal VSMCs at day 14 after wire injury. Atox1
−/−
mice show inhibition of neointimal formation and extracellular matrix expansion, which is associated with a decreased VSMCs accumulation within neointima and lysyl oxidase activity. Mechanistically, in cultured VSMC, Atox1 depletion with siRNA inhibits platelet-derived growth factor–induced Cu-dependent VSMC migration by preventing translocation of ATP7A and small G protein Rac1 to the leading edge, as well as Cu- and Rac1-dependent lamellipodia formation. Furthermore, Atox1
−/−
mice show decreased perivascular macrophage infiltration in wire-injured vessels, as well as thioglycollate-induced peritoneal macrophage recruitment.

Conclusions—

Atox1 is involved in neointimal formation after vascular injury through promoting VSMC migration and inflammatory cell recruitment in injured vessels. Thus, Atox1 is a potential therapeutic target for VSMC migration and inflammation-related vascular diseases.
Store-Independent Orai1/3 Channels Activated by Intracrine LeukotrieneC
4
Authors: González-Cobos José C. , Zhang Xuexin , Zhang Wei , Ruhle Brian , Motiani Rajender K. , Schindl Rainer , Muik Martin , Spinelli Amy M. , Bisaillon Jonathan M. , Shinde Arti V. , Fahrner Marc , Singer Harold A. , Matrougui Khalid , Barroso Margarida , Romanin Christoph , Trebak Mohamed
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

Through largely unknown mechanisms, Ca
2+
signaling plays important roles in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) remodeling. Orai1-encoded store-operated Ca
2+
entry has recently emerged as an important player in VSMC remodeling. However, the role of the exclusively mammalian Orai3 protein in native VSMC Ca
2+
entry pathways, its upregulation during VSMC remodeling, and its contribution to neointima formation remain unknown.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to determine the agonist-evoked Ca
2+
entry pathway contributed by Orai3; Orai3 potential upregulation and role during neointima formation after balloon injury of rat carotid arteries.

Methods and Results:

Ca
2+
imaging and patch-clamp recordings showed that although the platelet-derived growth factor activates the canonical Ca
2+
release-activated Ca
2+
channels via store depletion in VSMC, the pathophysiological agonist thrombin activates a distinct Ca
2+
-selective channel contributed by Orai1, Orai3, and stromal interacting molecule1 in the same cells. Unexpectedly, Ca
2+
store depletion is not required for activation of Orai1/3 channel by thrombin. Rather, the signal for Orai1/3 channel activation is cytosolic leukotrieneC
4
produced downstream thrombin receptor stimulation through the catalytic activity of leukotrieneC
4
synthase. Importantly, Orai3 is upregulated in an animal model of VSMC neointimal remodeling, and in vivo Orai3 knockdown inhibits neointima formation.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that distinct native Ca
2+
-selective Orai channels are activated by different agonists/pathways and uncover a mechanism whereby leukotrieneC
4
acts through hitherto unknown intracrine mode to elicit store-independent Ca
2+
signaling that promotes vascular occlusive disease. Orai3 and Orai3-containing channels provide novel targets for control of VSMC remodeling during vascular injury or disease.
Ichthyocephaloides sumbatus n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhigonematoidea) from Indonesia and additional data on Xystrognathus phrissus Hunt, Pham Van Luc & Spiridonov, 2002
Authors: Malysheva Svetlana V. , Spiridonov Sergei E.
Published: January 2013

Ichthyocephaloides sumbatus n. sp., from the gut of Salpidobolus sp. (Spirobolida: Rhinocricidae), collected in the forest covering the mountainous region of Sumba Island, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically related to Australasian species of Ichthyocephaloides by the presence of a long, subulate tail in both sexes, distribution and number of genital papillae, presence of genital diverticulum and anterior position of vulva. Ichthyocephaloides sumbatus n. sp. is distinguished from all other nominal species by the highest mean right/left spicule length ratio and the exceptional form of the anterior vulval lip. The original description of Xystrognathus phrissus is supplemented with a description of the juvenile morphology and illustrated with line graphics and SEM images of adult stages. Molecular sequences and phylogenetic trees are provided.
Tyrone Werts
Authors: Werts Tyrone
Published: January 2013

The Inside Out Prison Exchange Program housed at Temple University is an International educational program that brings together outside college and university students and inside incarcerated students in prisons and jails for a semester long college course. Started in 1997 in the county jail system in Philadelphia, PA, Inside Out is presently in 38 states and Canada, offering hundreds of courses that spans throughout the humanities and social sciences. The class is taught is a circle and emphasizes dialogue, exchange and collaboration. It impact participating students in ways far beyond education by providing a profound learning experience that is transformational. It invites participates to take leadership in addressing issues of crime, justice and social concerns.