bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Telmisartan on Cerebral and Systemic Haemodynamics in Patients with Recent Ischaemic Stroke: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Sare Gillian M. , Ghadami Andrew , Ankolekar Sandeep , England Timothy , Hammonds Fiona , Adrian Margaret , Clarke Judith , Stokes Lynn , Auer Dorothee , Bath Philip M. W.
Published: June 2013

High blood pressure (BP) is common in acute stroke and is independently associated with a poor outcome. Lowering BP might improve outcome if cerebral blood flow (CBF) is unaffected in the presence of dysfunctional autoregulation. We investigated the effect of telmisartan on systemic and cerebral haemodynamics in patients with recent stroke. Patients with ischaemic stroke (<5 days) were randomised to 90 days of telmisartan (80 mg) or placebo. CBF (primary outcome) was measured using xenon CT at baseline and 4 hours. BP and transcranial doppler (TCD) were performed at baseline, 4 hours after-treatment, and on days 4, 7, and 90. Cerebral perfusion pressure and zero filling pressure (ZFP) were calculated. Of a planned 24 patients, 17 were recruited. Telmisartan significantly accentuated the fall in systolic and diastolic BP over 90 days (treatment-time interactionp=0.047,p=0.003,resp.) but did not alter BP at 4 hours after treatment (171/99 versus 167/87 mmHg), CBF, or CBF velocity. ZFP was significantly lower in the treatment group(p=0.018). Impairment at 7 days and dependency at 90 days did not differ between the groups. In this underpowered study, telmisartan did not significantly alter BP or CBF after the first dose. Telmisartan reduced BP over the subsequent 90 days and significantly lowered ZFP. This trial is registered withISRCTN 41456162.
Dental Treatment Needs in Vancouver Inner-City Elementary School-Aged Children
Authors: Samim F. , Aleksejuniene J. , Zed C. , Salimi N. , Emperumal C. P.
Published: June 2013

Aims. To examine the dental treatment needs of inner-city Vancouver elementary school-aged children and relate them to sociodemographic characteristics.Methods. A census sampling comprising 562 children from six out of eight eligible schools was chosen (response rate was 65.4%). Dental treatment needs were assessed based on criteria from the World Health Organization.Results. Every third child examined needed at least one restorative treatment. A higher proportion of children born outside Canada were in need of more extensive dental treatments such as pulp care and extractions compared to the children born in Canada. There were no statistically significant differences in dental treatment needs between age, gender, or income groups or between children with or without dental insurance (Chi SquaredP>0.05). The best significant predictors (Linear Multiple Regression,P>0.05) of higher dental treatment needs were being born outside Canada, gender, time of last dental visit, and family income. Having dental insurance did not associate with needing less treatment. Conclusion. A high level of unmet dental treatment needs (32%) was found in inner-city Vancouver elementary school-aged children. Children born outside Canada, particularly the ones who recently arrived to Canada, needed more extensive dental treatments than children born in Canada.
Bees’ Honey Attenuation of Metanil-Yellow-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Al-Malki Abdulrahman L. , Sayed Ahmed Amir Radwan
Published: June 2013

The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of bees’ honey against metanil-yellow-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into 7 groups: control group; three groups treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg metanil yellow, and three groups treated with metanil yellow plus2.5 mg·kg-1·day-1bees’ honey for 8 weeks. The obtained data showed that the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity of bees’ honey reduced the oxidative stress in the liver tissue and downregulated the inflammatory markers. In addition, the elevated levels of AGE and the activated NF-κB in the metanil-yellow-treated animals were significantly attenuated. Moreover, the levels of TNF-αand IL-1βwere significantly attenuated as a result of bees’ honey administration. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of the liver showed that bees’ honey reduced fatty degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and necrosis in metanil-yellow-treated rats. In conclusion, the obtained data suggest that bees’ honey has hepatoprotective effect on acute liver injuries induced by metanil-yellowin vivo, and the results suggested that the effect of bees’ honey against metanil yellow-induced liver damage is related to its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties which attenuate the activation of NF-κB and its controlled genes like TNF-αand IL-1β.
Energy Levels and the Landé -Factors for Singly Ionized Lanthanum
Authors: Karaçoban Betül , Özdemir Leyla
Published: June 2013

We have calculated the energies and the Landé -factors for 5d2, 5d6s, 6s2, 4f6p, 5d7s, 5d6d, 4f2, 6p2, 6s6d, 6s7s, 4f6s, 4f5d, 5d6p, 6s6p, 4f7s, 4f6d, 5d7p, and 6s7p excited levels of singly ionized lanthanum (La II). These calculations have been carried out by using the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock method within the framework of the Breit-Pauli Hamiltonian (MCHF+BP) and the relativistic Hartree-Fock (HFR) method. The obtained results have been compared with other works available in the literature. A discussion of these calculations for La II in this study has also been in view of the MCHF+BP and HFR methods.
Traditional Indian Medicines Used for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rizvi Syed Ibrahim , Mishra Neetu
Published: June 2013

Plants have always been a source of drugs for humans since time immemorial. The Indian traditional system of medicine is replete with the use of plants for the management of diabetic conditions. According to the World Health Organization, up to 90% of population in developing countries use plants and its products as traditional medicine for primary health care. There are about 800 plants which have been reported to show antidiabetic potential. The present review is aimed at providing in-depth information about the antidiabetic potential and bioactive compounds present inFicus religiosa, Pterocarpus marsupium, Gymnema sylvestre, Allium sativum, Eugenia jambolana, Momordica charantia, andTrigonella foenum-graecum. The review provides a starting point for future studies aimed at isolation, purification, and characterization of bioactive antidiabetic compounds present in these plants.
Bovine Papillomavirus Type 2 Infection and a Series of Mesenchymal Tumors of the Urinary Bladder in Cattle
Authors: Martano Manuela , Roperto Franco , Stocco Rita de Cassia , Russo Valeria , Borzacchiello Giuseppe , Paciello Orlando , Iovane Valentina , Leonardi Leonardo , Maiolino Paola , Restucci Brunella , Papparella Serenella , Roperto Sante
Published: June 2013

This report describes the histopathology of two hundred and fifty-three mesenchymal tumors of the urinary bladder in cattle grazing on lands rich in bracken fern. Approximately 80% were hemangiomas and angiosarcomas. Hemangioma (capillary, cavernous, and large vessels) was the most frequent mesenchymal tumor and was more common than angiosarcoma. Although the appearance of endothelial cells can vary remarkably, epithelioid angiosarcomas, often containing multinucleated cells, were the most frequent malignant vascular tumors. Hemangiopericytoma and tumors of muscle and soft connective tissue origin, alone and/or in association with tumor-like lesions, were less frequently seen. Furthermore, forty-five cases of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), a lesion not previously reported in the urinary bladder of cattle, were also described. Bovine papillomavirus type-2 DNA was amplified in tumor samples. Forty vascular tumors were investigated by dual-labeling immunofluorescence, and, for the first time, a coexpression of E5 and platelet-derived growth factorβreceptor (PDGFβR) was shown to occur. The results show that the BPV-2 E5 oncoprotein binds to the activated form of the PDGFβreceptor thus playing an important role in mesenchymal as well as epithelial carcinogenesis of the urinary bladder. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that BPV-2 infects both epithelial and mesenchymal cells.
Simulation of the Electric Field Distribution Near a Topographically Nanostructured Titanium‐Electrolyte Interface: Influence of the Passivation Layer
Authors: Körtge Andreas , Elter Patrick , Lange Regina , Beck Ulrich
Published: June 2013

A major challenge in biomaterials research is the regulation of protein adsorption at metallic implant surfaces. Recently, a number of studies have shown that protein adsorption can be influenced by metallic nanotopographies, which are discussed to increase electric field strengths near sharp edges and spikes. Since many metallic biomaterials form a native passivation layer with semiconducting properties, we have analyzed the influence of this layer on the near‐surface electric field distribution of a nanostructure using finite element simulations. The Poisson‐Boltzmann equation was solved for a titanium nanostructure covered by a TiO2 passivation layer in contact with a physiological NaCl solution (bulk concentration 0.137 mol/L). In contrast to a purely metallic nanostructure, the electric field strengths near sharp edges and spikes can be lower than in planar regions if a passivation layer is considered. Our results demonstrate that the passivation layer has a significant influence on the near‐surface electric field distribution and must be considered for theoretical treatments of protein adsorption on passivated metals like titanium.
Active Constrained Layer Damping of Smart Skew Laminated Composite Plates Using 1–3 Piezoelectric Composites
Authors: Kanasogi R. M. , Ray M. C.
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with the analysis of active constrained layer damping (ACLD) of smart skew laminated composite plates. The constraining layer of the ACLD treatment is composed of the vertically/obliquely reinforced 1–3 piezoelectric composites (PZCs). A finite element model has been developed for accomplishing the task of the active constrained layer damping of skew laminated symmetric and antisymmetric cross-ply and antisymmetric angle-ply composite plates integrated with the patches of such ACLD treatment. Both in-plane and out-of-plane actuations by the constraining layer of the ACLD treatment have been utilized for deriving the finite element model. The analysis revealed that the vertical actuation dominates over the in-plane actuation. Particular emphasis has been placed on investigating the performance of the patches when the orientation angle of the piezoelectric fibers of the constraining layer is varied in the two mutually orthogonal vertical planes. Also, the effects of varying the skew angle of the substrate laminated composite plates and different boundary conditions on the performance of the patches have been studied. The analysis reveals that the vertically and the obliquely reinforced 1–3 PZC materials should be used for achieving the best control authority of ACLD treatment, as the boundary conditions of the smart skew laminated composite plates are simply supported and clamped-clamped, respectively.
Bayesian Estimation Based on Rayleigh Progressive Type II Censored Data with Binomial Removals
Authors: Azimi Reza , Yaghmaei Farhad
Published: June 2013

This study considers the estimation problem for the parameter and reliability function of Rayleigh distribution under progressive type II censoring with random removals, where
the number of units removed at each failure time has a binomial distribution. We use the maximum likelihood and Bayesian procedures to obtain the estimators of parameter and reliability function of Rayleigh distribution. We also construct the confidence intervals for the parameter of Rayleigh distribution. Monte Carlo simulation method is used to generate a progressive type II censored data with binomial removals from Rayleigh distribution, and then these data are used to compute the point and interval estimations of the parameter and compare both the methods used with different random schemes.
Internalization of CCR4 and Inhibition of Chemotaxis by K777, a Potent and Selective CCR4 Antagonist
Authors: Sato Takashi , Iwase Miho , Miyama Motoki , Komai Masato , Ohshima Etsuo , Asai Akira , Yano Hiroshi , Miki Ichiro
Published: June 2013

CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is a G protein-coupled receptor that regulates the chemotaxis of Th2 lymphocytes, which are key players in allergic diseases. K777 is a small compound identified in a binding assay using a CCR4 ligand, CCL17. K777 inhibited both CCL17 binding and CCL17-induced chemotaxis in Hut78 cells (IC50: 57 and 8.9 nmol/l, respectively). The K777-mediated inhibition of chemotaxis was potent even in the presence of a 10-fold higher concentration of CCL17. The imaging and flow cytometric analyses revealed that K777 induced CCR4 internalization, with a ∼50% reduction of cell surface CCR4. K777 did not inhibit CXCR4-induced chemotaxis or internalization and did not bring about Ca2+ mobilization by itself. A Scatchard plot analysis of the binding assay using radiolabeled K777 revealed a single high-affinity binding site on the CCR4 molecule. These results indicate that K777 is a selective CCR4 antagonist featuring the potent chemotaxis inhibition, to which the internalization-inducible ability of K777 to hide a part of cell surface CCR4 may contribute.
Endothelin-1 Downregulates Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 Expression in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Li Yamin , Zeng Yan , Wu Renrong , Ou Jianjun
Published: June 2013

Background/Aims: Both endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the present study, we explored the interaction between ET-1 and the RAS by examining the effect of ET-1 on angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) expression and activity in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpCs). Methods: HBEpCs were treated with ET-1 (1, 10, 20, 40 or 50 nmol/l) for 6, 12, 18, 24 or 30 h with or without the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D, endothelin A (ETA) receptor blocker BQ123, endothelin B receptor blocker BQ788, or different kinase inhibitors. Results: ET-1 decreased the ACE2 mRNA level in a dose- and time-dependent manner within 24 h, which led to dose-dependent downregulation of the ACE2 promoter activity, protein level and the cell membrane ACE2 activity. Actinomycin D (1 mg/ml), BQ123 (1 μmol/l), and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) siRNA and inhibitor PD169316 (25 μmol/l) completely abolished the effect of ET-1 on ACE2 expression in HBEpCs. Conclusion: ET-1 downregulates ACE2 expression and activity at the transcription level in HBEpCs via the ETA receptor by a p38 MAPK-dependent mechanism. This is the first evidence of crosstalk between the ET-1/ETA axis and the RAS in regard to the pathogenesis and progression of COPD.
Four Generations of Rare Familial Lymphedema (Milroy Disease)
Authors: Gokhale Sankalp , Gokhale Sanjay
Published: June 2013

Objective: To report a rare case of familial lymphedema (Milroy disease) affecting 4 generations of individuals. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 28-year-old woman presented with bilateral pedal edema which she had since birth. A detailed evaluation including blood counts, metabolic panel and imaging studies ruled out secondary causes of lymphedema. The family history revealed many affected individuals up to 4 generations. She was reassured about the potential benign yet familial nature of this condition. She was advised to wear compression stockings and to avoid scratches or skin breakdowns in the lower extremities to prevent cellulitis. Conclusion: This case showed the occurrence of asymptomatic progressive lymphedema in 4 generations of individuals.
An Observational Study of the Association between Adenovirus 36 Antibody Status and Weight Loss among Youth
Authors: Vander Wal Jillon S. , Huelsing Jean , Dubuisson Olga , Dhurandhar Nikhil V.
Published: June 2013

Objective: Although the human adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) is associated with obesity and relative hypolipidemia, its role in pediatric weight loss treatment response is uncertain. Therefore, the primary study objective was to determine whether Ad-36 antibody (AB) status was associated with response to a pediatric weight loss program. The secondary objective was to assess the association between Ad-36 AB status and baseline lipid values. Methods: Participants included 73 youth aged 10-17 years in a residential camp-based weight loss program. The study examined differences in baseline lipid values between Ad-36 AB+ and AB- youth as well as differences in response to treatment, including indices of body size and fitness. Results: At baseline, results showed that Ad-36 AB+ youth evidenced significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides than Ad-36 AB- youth (all p < 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the Ad-36 AB+ youth showed a smaller reduction in BMI percentile than the Ad-36 AB- youth (p < 0.05), a difference of about 0.48 kg. Conclusion: Ad-36 AB status showed a weak association with treatment response, but was associated with a better lipid profile. Ad-36 AB status should be assessed in studies of pediatric obesity treatment and prevention.
Ultrafiltration in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Jefferies John L. , Bartone Cheryl , Menon Santosh , Egnaczyk Gregory F. , O’Brien Thomas M. , Chung Eugene S.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Ultrafiltration (UF) is a widely used technology for inpatient management of acute decompensated heart failure in patients with volume overload. However, the safety and efficacy of UF in patients with heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction [HFPEF]) need further clarification. We hypothesized that UF could be used in this population with outcomes similar to acute decompensated heart failure patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (HFLEF).

Methods and Results—

Prospective evaluation was performed on 2 patient cohorts admitted to a single institution for acute decompensated heart failure and treated with UF: HFLEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%; n=87) and HFPEF (left ventricular ejection fraction >40%; n=97). Selected demographic and clinical data were compared, including clinical and serological information, as well as in-hospital and 90-day postdischarge mortality. HFPEF patients were more likely to be women, have higher blood pressures, and less likely to have ischemic heart disease. There were no significant differences in total weight loss (7.7% in HFLEF and 7.0% in HFPEF), electrolyte and renal disturbances, or in-hospital mortality (3.4% in HFLEF and 3.3% in HFPEF) between the 2 groups. Mortality at 90 days tended to be greater in HFLEF (24.1%) than in HFPEF (15.5%).

Conclusions—

Therapeutic responses in patients with HFPEF meeting current indication for UF are similar to those with HFLEF. Larger studies are warranted to better characterize acute heart failure management with UF in this population.
Multimodal Imaging in Rats Reveals Impaired Neurovascular Coupling in Sustained Hypertension
Authors: Calcinaghi Novella , Wyss Matthias T. , Jolivet Renaud , Singh Anand , Keller Anna L. , Winnik Stephan , Fritschy Jean-Marc , Buck Alfred , Matter Christian M. , Weber Bruno
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Arterial hypertension is an important risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, such as transient ischemic attacks or stroke, and represents a major global health issue. The effects of hypertension on cerebral blood flow, particularly at the microvascular level, remain unknown.

Methods—

Using the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model, we examined cortical hemodynamic responses on whisker stimulation applying a multimodal imaging approach (multiwavelength spectroscopy, laser speckle imaging, and 2-photon microscopy). We assessed the effects of hypertension in 10-, 20-, and 40-week-old male SHRs and age-matched male Wistar Kyoto rats (CTRL) on hemodynamic responses, histology, and biochemical parameters. In 40-week-old animals, losartan or verapamil was administered for 10 weeks to test the reversibility of hypertension-induced impairments.

Results—

Increased arterial blood pressure was associated with a progressive impairment in functional hyperemia in 20- and 40-week-old SHRs; baseline capillary red blood cell velocity was increased in 40-week-old SHRs compared with age-matched CTRLs. Antihypertensive treatment reduced baseline capillary cerebral blood flow almost to CTRL values, whereas functional hyperemic signals did not improve after 10 weeks of drug therapy. Structural analyses of the microvascular network revealed no differences between normo- and hypertensive animals, whereas expression analyses of cerebral lysates showed signs of increased oxidative stress and signs of impaired endothelial homeostasis upon early hypertension.

Conclusions—

Impaired neurovascular coupling in the SHR evolves upon sustained hypertension. Antihypertensive monotherapy using verapamil or losartan is not sufficient to abolish this functional impairment. These deficits in neurovascular coupling in response to sustained hypertension might contribute to accelerate progression of neurodegenerative diseases in chronic hypertension.
Evidence for Citations of 3 Corinthians and Their Influence in the Demonstrations of Aphrahat
Authors: Walters J. Edward
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Aphrahat, the Persian Sage (d. ca. 350 CE), is frequently referenced as a witness for the use of the pseudepigraphic text known as 3 Corinthians as authoritative Scripture in the early Syriac tradition. However, this claim is yet to be fully substantiated by means of a close comparison of the texts in question. The present article offers a textual analysis of Aphrahat’s alleged citations of 3 Cor in order to demonstrate that Aphrahat did in fact cite this text as the authoritative words of Paul. The article also provides broader observations concerning the impact of the language and thought of 3 Cor on Aphrahat’s writings.
Distortion of the Scribal Hand in the Images of Clement’s Letter to Theodore
Authors: Viklund Roger , Paananen Timo S.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

This article discusses Morton Smith’s famous manuscript find, Clement’s Letter to Theodore (including the so-called Secret Gospel of Mark), and critically assesses Stephen C. Carlson’s study of its handwriting (2005). Carlson’s analysis is found to be wanting due to line screen distortion introduced by the halftone reproduction process in the images he used. We conclude that the script in the manuscript of Clement’s Letter to Theodore lacks all and any kind of “signs of forgery”.
Good Mothers, Bad Mothers: Transnational Mothering in the European Court of Human Rights’ Case Law
Authors: Staiano Fulvia
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Transnational mothering presents significant challenges to immigrant women. In addition to the gendered expectations originating from their own communities and cultures, transnational mothers may also have to cope with gendered notions of ‘good parent’ underlying national and European immigration regimes when pursuing family reunification with their children left behind in their countries of origin. Against this background, the European Court of Human Rights can constitute a benchmark for ensuring transnational mothers’ equal access to family reunification vis-à-vis legally sanctioned and gendered models of ‘good mother’, provided that the Court itself is capable of recognizing said models and avoiding to reproduce them. Thus, this article explores the Strasbourg Court’s case-law on transnational parents’ access to family reunification with the aim to unveil the actual capability of the Court to support a gender-sensitive enforcement of national and European family reunification regimes as well as transnational mothers’ access to family reunification in conditions of equality.
Sedum kuntsunianum (Crassulaceae: Sedoideae), a new species from southern Zhejiang, China
Authors: JIN SHUI-HU , ZHOU YING-YING , DING BING-YANG , WANG RONG-WEI , JIN XIAO-FENG
Published: June 2013

Sedum kuntsunianum, a new species of Crassulaceae from Zhejiang, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to S. makinoi in having opposite leaves that are obtuse at the leaf apex, and sepals and leaves that are spurred at the base, but differs in having a creeping habit, persistent decussate basal leaves (absent in S. makinoi), paired sterile stems in the axils of the basal leaves (absent in S. makinoi), sepals 5–9 mm long (2–3 mm in S. makinoi), and petals 7–8 mm long (4–5 mm in S. makinoi).
Systematics of the caecilian family Chikilidae (Amphibia: Gymnophiona) with the description of three new species of Chikila from northeast India
Authors: KAMEI RACHUNLIU G. , GOWER DAVID J. , WILKINSON MARK , BIJU S. D.
Published: June 2013

A taxonomic review of the monogeneric northeast Indian caecilian family Chikilidae is presented based on 64 specimens. Chikila fulleri (Alcock, 1904), known previously only from a single specimen collected more than 100 years ago, is re-diagnosed and characterised based on recent collections. We describe three additional species new to science, Chikila al-cocki sp. nov., Chikila darlong sp. nov., and Chikila gaiduwani sp. nov. This species-level taxonomy is consistent with mitochondrial DNA sequence data. A key to the species of Chikila is presented.
Ceratricula and Flandria—two new genera of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Hesperiinae (incertae sedis)) for species currently placed in the genus Ceratrichia Butler
Authors: LARSEN TORBEN B.
Published: June 2013

Two genera of Afrotropical Hesperiidae are described to receive species currently placed in Ceratrichia Butler, where they do not belong. Ceratricula gen. nov. comprises a single species spanning most of the main rainforest zone from Sierra Leone to Uganda and south to Zambia in three subspecies, ssp. congdoni ssp. nov. being new and ssp. indeterminabilis Strand raised from synonymy. Flandria gen. nov. consists of three rare or very rare species that are limited to eastern Cam-eroun and the western Democratic Republic of Congo, which gives this genus a more restricted range than any other among the African forest skippers; the three Flandria had previously been placed in Ceratrichia, Pardaleodes, or Andro-nymus.
The genus Pseudostenophylax Martynov (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) in Japan
Authors: NOZAKI TAKAO
Published: June 2013

I revise the Japanese species of the genus Pseudostenophylax Martynov (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae), and recognize 8 species including five new species, P. tohokuensis, P. kuharai, P. itoae, P. tanidai and P. befui, and three previously de-scribed species, P. tochigiensis Schmid, P. ondakensis (Iwata) and P. dentilus (Kobayashi). Pseudostenophylax takaoensis Schmid is synonymized with P. ondakenis. Adults and larvae of all species are described or redescribed except for the larval stage of P. befui sp. nov.
A new species and new records of Pachytullbergiidae and Tullbergiidae (Collembola: Onychiuroidea) from littoral of China, with notes on the variations of postantennal organ
Authors: BU YUN , POTAPOV MIKHAIL B. , GAO YAN
Published: June 2013

Sensiphorura oligoseta sp. nov. is described from the sand beach of Pacific coast of China. It is the second member of the genus and differs from S. marshalli Rusek, 1976 by the smaller apical vesicle on antennae, and fewer setae on abdominal tergites. Psammophorura neocaledonica Thibaud & Weiner, 1997 and Mesaphorura yosii (Rusek, 1967) are also found to be widely distributed on the coast. Chinese specimens of P. neocaledonica are described, notes to variations of its post-antennal organ are given.
A new species of Furciseta (Diptera, Ctenostylidae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: CÂMARA J. T. , RAFAEL J. A.
Published: June 2013

Furciseta Aczél, 1956 [type species: F. plaumanni (Hennig, 1952)] was described as a monotypic genus from southern Brazil and is known only from the type material. Herein, F. hyalipennis n. sp. is described and illustrated based on three males and one female collected in the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Maranhão. An illustrated key to the two known species is presented.
How Context Matters? Mobilization, Political Opportunity Structures, and Nonelectoral Political Participation in Old and New Democracies
Authors: Vráblíková Kateřina
Published: June 2013

Scholars have long argued that political participation is determined by institutional context. Within the voter turnout literature, the impact of various institutional structures has been demonstrated in numerous studies. Curiously, a similar context-driven research agenda exploring the correlates of nonelectoral participation (NEP) has not received the same attention. This study addresses this lacuna by testing a political opportunity structure (POS) model of citizen activism across 24 old and new democracies using International Social Survey Programme 2004: Citizenship (ISSP 2004) data. Using a multilevel modeling approach, this study tests a competition versus consensus conception of how decentralized institutions determine NEP. This research demonstrates that states with more competitive veto points operating through systems of horizontal and territorial decentralization increase individual NEP. In addition, it interacts with social mobilization networks to promote greater citizen activism: Institutional context counts only when citizens are mobilized.
Who’s in Charge? How Voters Attribute Responsibility in the European Union
Authors: Hobolt Sara B. , Tilley James
Published: June 2013

As an emerging federal system, the European Union (EU) divides decision-making powers between multiple levels of government. Yet little is known about how EU citizens attribute responsibility to the EU. In particular, do people hold the EU, rather than national governments, responsible for different policy outcomes, some of which are primarily decided at the EU level? This article investigates the extent to which institutional differences and individual biases influence citizens’ attribution of responsibility in the EU. We rely on unique survey data collected in all 27 EU member states to explore how citizens attribute responsibility across five different policy areas. Using a multilevel model of responsibility judgments, our findings show that while citizens’ evaluations correspond to the institutional context, group-serving biases, related to support for the EU, have a more important role in shaping attributions of responsibility in the EU.
Innovations and developments in surgical coloproctology
Authors: Randall Jonathan K , Gilbert Jonathan M
Published: June 2013

The field of coloproctology covers the treatment of both benign and cancerous disease of the colon, rectum and anus. Significant recent developments in the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer include the development of minimally invasive techniques for colorectal resections and the use of stenting for obstructed patients. The introduction of widespread screening aims to diagnose the disease at an earlier stage. Developments in chemotherapy and radiotherapy have also complimented surgical advances towards this disease. There have also been changes in the treatment of benign disease such as diverticular disease, haemorrhoids and anal fissures with a trend towards less invasive surgical techniques.
Epigenetic Modulation of Signal Transduction Pathways in HPV‐Associated HNSCC
Authors: Worsham Maria J. , Chen Kang Mei , Ghanem Tamer , Stephen Josena K. , Divine George
Published: June 2013

Objective

Human papilloma virus (HPV) positive and HPV negative head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) are biologically distinct with a prognostic advantage for HPV positive patients compared to HPV negative cases. DNA promoter methylation is central to human diseases such as cancer, including HNSCC, with reported genome‐wide hypomethylaton and promoter hypermethylation in HPV positive HNSCC tumors. The goal of this study was to identify differentially methylated genes in HPV positive versus HPV negative primary HNSCC genomes with clues to signaling networks.

Study Design

Laboratory‐based study.

Setting

Primary care academic health care system.

Subjects and Methods

DNA from 4 HPV positive and 4 HPV negative freshly frozen primary HNSCC were subject to comprehensive genome‐wide methylation profiling. Differentially methylated gene lists were examined using the Signal Transduction Pathways (canonical) filter in the Genomatix Pathway System (GePS).

Results

Twofold methylation differences were observed between HPV positive and HPV negative cases for 1168 genes. Pathway analysis applied to investigate the biological role of the 1168 differentially methylated genes revealed 8 signal transduction pathways forming a network of 66 genes, of which 62% are hypermethylated.

Conclusion

Our study reveals a predominant hypermethylation profile for genes in signal transduction pathways of HPV positive HNSCC tumor genomes. Because signaling events in the cell play a critical role in the execution of key biological functions, insights into how complex cellular signaling cascades and networks may be programmed in HNSCC are likely to be critical in the development of new biological agents designed to hit multiple targets.
Narrative Identity
Authors: McAdams Dan P. , McLean Kate C.
Published: June 2013

Narrative identity is a person’s internalized and evolving life story, integrating the reconstructed past and imagined future to provide life with some degree of unity and purpose. In recent studies on narrative identity, researchers have paid a great deal of attention to (a) psychological adaptation and (b) development. Research into the relation between life stories and adaptation shows that narrators who find redemptive meanings in suffering and adversity, and who construct life stories that feature themes of personal agency and exploration, tend to enjoy higher levels of mental health, well-being, and maturity. Researchers have tracked the development of narrative identity from its origins in conversations between parents and their young children to the articulation of sophisticated meaning-making strategies in the personal stories told in adolescence and the emerging adulthood years. Future researchers need to (a) disentangle causal relations between features of life stories and positive psychological adaptation and (b) explore further the role of broad cultural contexts in the development of narrative identity.
Beyond Word Segmentation
Authors: Thiessen Erik D. , Erickson Lucy C.
Published: June 2013

The term statistical learning was originally used to describe sensitivity to conditional relations between syllables in the context of word segmentation. Subsequent research has demonstrated that infants are sensitive to many other kinds of statistical information. The range of statistical learning phenomena presents a challenge to prior theories and models, which have primarily focused on a single aspect of learning. From our perspective, sensitivity to conditional information yields discrete representations (such as words). Integration across these representations yields sensitivity to distributional information. To achieve sensitivity to both kinds of statistical information, we propose a framework that combines processes that extract units from the input with processes that compare across these extracted items. We review the literature on statistical learning to show how these processes map onto prior research, and we discuss how the interaction between these processes gives rise to more complex patterns of learning than either process achieves in isolation.
Application of the single blood sample method to estimate feline glomerular filtration rate in a clinically relevant situation
Authors: Katayama Masaaki , Sasaki Asuka , Takayasu Mariko , Shimamura Shunsuke , Uzuka Yuji , Murayama Isao , Satoh Hiroshi , Furuhama Kazuhisa
Published: June 2013

To compare glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by a single blood sample method, the non-ionic contrast medium iodixanol (40 mg I/kg) and the standard GFR tracer inulin (50 mg/kg) were co-administered as a bolus intravenous injection to 12 cats, followed by blood collection 60 and 90 mins later. Serum iodixanol and inulin concentrations were measured separately by high-performance liquid chromatography and colourimetric assay. A correlation ( r = 0.90, P <0.01) was noted between GFR values estimated by the single-blood-sample method using iodixanol and inulin, indicating that this procedure can apply to feline GFR estimates, even if different GFR tracers are used. In a feline kidney transplantation study, the GFR was monitored subsequently by this simplified iodixanol method throughout a 750-day observation period with no adverse reactions. The results demonstrate that the simplified method, including the volume of distribution, can be used as an alternative or expedient tool in a clinically relevant situation.
Impact-abrasion wear of wear-resistant steels at perpendicular and tilted angles
Authors: Ratia Vilma , Valtonen Kati , Kuokkala Veli-Tapani
Published: June 2013

Earth moving and processing machinery has to withstand heavy wear caused by impacts and scratching by the soil. Especially, the edges are subjected to heavy wear. To simulate these conditions, impeller–tumbler impact-abrasion wear testing equipment was used to determine the wear resistance of four steel grades at perpendicular and tilted sample angles. The angles were selected to simulate the loading conditions. Natural granite rock was used as abrasive. The amount of wear was clearly smaller in the harder materials. The significance of hardness was quite similar at both sample angles in the steady-state wear of wear-resistant steels. On the initial state wear, hardness had a slightly greater effect at the perpendicular angle due to more severe wear in sample edges already at the beginning of the test. Overall, the largest differences in wear were observed in the sample edges. At the perpendicular sample angle, the sample edges were much more rounded. Some small differences were observed in the surface formations due to dissimilar movement of the abrasive. Deformed surfaces and fractured lips indicated that wear occurred mainly by the deformation of material followed by the removal of the deformed areas through impacts. In addition, scratches and dents were observed. It was found that larger sized abrasives caused higher mass loss than abrasives of similar mass but smaller size. Moreover, same amount of abrasive particles in each test reduces the scatter of the results.
Touching the gap: Social qualia and Cold War contact
Authors: Lemon Alaina
Published: June 2013

Claims about social phenomena and experience of them, their scale and their quality – ‘great intimacy’ and ‘long distance’, affinity or alienation, Iron Curtains and Velvet Revolutions – are matters neither of unmediated sensation nor of symbolic construction alone. They merge qualic signs – bread’s saltiness, an eye’s luster – with histories and taxonomies, with bodily apprehensions of people and of geopolitics. Attention to examples linked to the Cold War help us theorize the social and semiotic processes by which people, especially those I call ‘phatic experts’, make social qualia. Insofar as their work involves competitive claims to modernity, we, as theorists, might in turn attend to the reverberations of such competitions within our own claims about social life.
Effect of triggering and entrapment on tendon gliding properties following digital flexor tendon laceration: in vitro study on turkey tendon
Authors: Kennedy J. A. , Dias J. J.
Published: June 2013

The optimal management of partial flexor tendon laceration is controversial and remains a clinical challenge. Abnormal tendon gliding (triggering and entrapment) was assessed at the A2 pulley in 40 turkey tendons in three groups: intact, partially divided (palmar or lateral), and trimmed. Testing was of gliding resistance and friction coefficient at 30° and 70° of flexion, loaded with 2 and 4 N. We observed for triggering and entrapment. The changes in gliding properties were compared and analysed using Wilcoxon matched pair testing. A significant difference was found in the change in gliding properties of intact to lacerated and lacerated to trimmed tendons and between tendons that glided normally compared with those exhibiting triggering or entrapment. This suggests that palmar and lateral lacerations which, through clinical examination and visualization, are found to glide normally should be treated with early mobilization. However, partial lacerations that exhibit triggering or entrapment should be trimmed.
Enhanced GP training – creating posts that are fit for the future
Authors: Lewis Barry , Shiner Alice , Peet Danielle
Published: June 2013

Enhanced and extended GP specialty training (EGPT) will require significant changes to be made to the current 3-year GP specialty training (GPST) programme. The proposals for EGPT have already led to postgraduate deaneries reviewing posts within current programmes, with a view to developing appropriate posts and placements for the extra year of training and enhancing those posts which already exist. This article explains how the new programme may be implemented, using case scenarios to illustrate the innovations and changes to training designed to meet the demands of the future.
How to read and appraise a research paper
Authors: Jones Roger
Published: June 2013

Critical reading, or the ability to appraise and evaluate the quality of an academic or professional article, generally a research paper, is an important skill in primary care. This article is intended as a guide for GPs in training and in the early stages of their careers whose responsibilities are predominantly clinical and who need to master the skills of critical appraisal to keep abreast of the literature, to inform changes in their practice and to contribute to continuing professional development and other educational activities.
Certifying fitness to work
Authors: Simon Chantal
Published: June 2013

Around 131 million days of work were lost to sickness in the UK in 2011, an average of 4.5 days per worker. Although there has been a decrease in sickness absence in the UK over recent years, there is still a perception that illness is incompatible with work. Conversely, a substantial body of evidence suggests that earlier return to work results in better outcomes. One of the many roles of GPs is to act as gatekeepers to sickness-related benefits through the issuing of certificates confirming incapacity to work or ‘sick notes’. With this comes a responsibility to enable and assist patients to return to work at the earliest possibility. However, many GPs have received little or no training in sickness certification and occupational health and find this a difficult area of practice fraught with perceived conflicts and ethical dilemmas. This article outlines the evidence in support of early return to work and overviews the sickness certification system in the UK, providing signposts for GPs to make their task easier.
Feasibility of set-valued implicit complementarity problems
Authors: Zhong Ren-you , Wang Xiao-guo , Fan Jiang-hua
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we introduce new concepts of

(
α
,
β
,
γ
)

-exceptional family of elements and

(
α
,
γ
)

-exceptional family of elements for the set-valued implicit complementarity problems in

R
n

and infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces, respectively. By utilizing these notions and the Leray-Schauder type fixed point theorem, we study the feasibility and strict feasibility of the set-valued implicit complementarity problems. Our results generalize some corresponding previously known results in the literature.

MSC:49J40, 90C31.
Reliability of the Siemens Enzygnost and Novagnost Epstein–Barr Virus assays for routine laboratory diagnosis: agreement with clinical diagnosis and comparison with the Merifluor Epstein–Barr Virus immunofluorescence assay
Authors: Kreuzer Christina , Nabeck Klaus Udo , Levy H Roma , Daghofer Elisabeth
Published: June 2013

Background

Diagnosis of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is routinely conducted by clinical laboratories, especially to diagnose infectious mononucleosis. At an estimated general population incidence of 1:200, this represents a potentially significant testing burden. We evaluated the reliability of the Siemens Novagnost® and Enzygnost® EBV microtiter assays measuring VCA IgM and IgG, and EBNA-1 IgG for clinical diagnosis of EBV-related infectious mononucleosis.

Methods

Remnant sera from 537 patients tested for EBV infection were used to compare the Siemens assays to each other and to the Merifluor assay. The Siemens assays are qualitative/semiquantitative, automatable enzyme immunoassays. The Merifluor assays are manual, qualitative indirect immunofluorescent assays. Testing was conducted on the Siemens and Merifluor assays in parallel. All assays were conducted and interpreted according to each manufacturer’s specifications. Agreement of serostatus between each of the three assays was assessed. Discrepant results were resolved using a third method (Mikrogen recomLine).

Results

Final EBV serostatus indicated 2.9% of the population had an acute infection, 89.6% had a past infection, and 7.5% were EBV naive. All three assays demonstrated 100% agreement with acute infection. Agreement with past-infection serostatus was 99.1% for Enzygnost, between 86% and 98.8% for Novagnost, and 98.1% for Merifluor. Seronegative agreement was 100% for Enzygnost, 89.7% for Novagnost, and 92.3% for Merifluor.

Conclusions

The Siemens Enzygnost and Novagnost EBV microtiter assays are suitable for clinical rule-in of acute EBV infection and for identifying EBV-naive individuals. Both assays also adequately identify remote EBV infections. Because these assays can be automated, they can improve speed and efficiency of EBV testing, especially in high-volume laboratories.