bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marketing small twin-island states
Authors: Cameron Acolla Lewis
Published: December 2013

The majority of small twin-island states in the Caribbean depend on tourism as the mainstay of their economies. These islands are constantly seeking to remain or become competitive in a challenging global environment. This article focuses on the most appropriate approach to marketing twin-island states. Tourism marketing experts were interviewed in six states to elicit their views on whether or not twin-island states should be marketed separately or collaboratively. While there was no agreement on the best way forward, there seems to be greater movement towards collaboration versus separate marketing agendas. The interviewees identified five factors that must be considered in marketing these states including institutional arrangements, level of infrastructural development, socio-economic conditions, the nature of the tourism product and the impact on destination image. Based on these findings, it was noted that further research should be conducted on collaborative tourism marketing in Small Island States.
Devising a branding model for multipurpose mega-projects in entertainment, residential, tourism, and sport in Iran
Authors: Divandari Ali , Ekhlassi Amir , Rahmani Kamal
Published: December 2013

Purpose:

While it seems there are very few studies on the branding process for megaprojects in entertainment, residential, tourism, and sport, branding is one of the most important factors in these types of projects. This study has particularly tried to devise a branding model for these types of projects that corresponds to Persian characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach:

In Iran, since there is no special model in this field, the grounded theory approach was used to hypothesize and outline the aspects of the model. In-depth interviews corresponding to grounded theory were conducted.

Findings:

The main phenomenon relates to the branding process for megaprojects in entertainment, residential, tourism, and sport. Causal, contextual, and intervening conditions are all explored, and the results are introduced as a comprehensive model.

Originality/value:

Currently, there is no special model for multipurpose megaprojects in Iran. In fact, extant studies conducted globally have considered that the branding of these projects almost all focus on city or destination branding. This study considers branding issues from the initial phases of planning and constructing.
The associations between resilience, social capital and self-rated health among HIV-positive South Africans
Authors: Dageid Wenche , Grønlie Anette A
Published: December 2013

This study examined the relationship between resilience, social capital and self-rated health among 263 HIV-positive South Africans living in poverty, using questionnaires. Self-rated good health was predicted by younger age, trust in community-based organizations and having contacts of different religions. The findings highlight the importance of community-based networks and resources for care and support for persons living with HIV/AIDS in poor, rural areas. Furthermore, resilience, which also related positively to education and income, contributed positively to self-rated health, drawing attention to the interplay between resources at individual and community levels.
Hip resurfacing arthroplasty versus large-diameter head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty: comparison of three Designs from the Finnish Arthroplasty Register
Authors: Junnila M. , Kostensalo I. , Virolainen P. , Remes V. , Matilainen M. , Vahlberg T. , Pulkkinen P. , Eskelinen A. , Itälä A. , Mäkelä K.
Published: December 2013

Background and Aims:

Large headed metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty may produce more metal ions than hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Increased metal-ion levels may be associated with higher revision rates due to adverse reaction to metal debris. The purpose of our study was to compare the survivorship of three hip resurfacing arthroplasty designs with their analogous cementless large-diameter head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties.

Material and Methods:

Based on data obtained from the Finnish Arthroplasty Register, the revision risks of three metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty/total hip arthroplasty design couples performed during 2001–2011 were analyzed using the Cox regression model.

Results:

In the Cox regression analysis for compared design pairs adjusted for age, gender, operated side, head size, diagnosis, and implant, there was no statistically significant difference in revision risk between ReCap hip resurfacing arthroplasty and Bimetric/ReCap total hip arthroplasty (risk ratio = 1.43, confidence interval = 0.95–2.14, p = 0.09) or between Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty and Synergy/Birmingham hip resurfacing total hip arthroplasty (risk ratio = 1.35, confidence interval = 0.75–2.43, p = 0.31). However, the revision risk of Corail and Summit/articular surface replacement total hip arthroplasty (ASR HRA) was significantly increased compared to ASR HRA. (risk ratio = 0.73, confidence interval = 0.54–0.98, p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

We conclude that the short-term revision risk of large headed metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties was not increased compared to analogous hip resurfacing arthroplasties in two out of three devices studied at a nationwide level. There may be implant-related factors having an effect on the success of single manufacturer devices. However, more information on the incidence of adverse soft-tissue reactions in these patient cohorts is needed.
The emergence of iWar: Changing practices and perceptions of military engagement in a digital era
Authors: Pötzsch Holger
Published: December 2013

The present article investigates the influences of new media technologies on perception and practices of warfare. Drawing on established conceptual frameworks, such as virtuous war and diffused war, the article argues for the fundamentally ambiguous nature of the Internet and social networking technologies that facilitate democratic participation and political activism, but at the same time enable unprecedented forms of oppression, surveillance and control. The article develops the term iWar to account for the technological affordances that facilitate the latter, and introduces five key dimensions of the concept – individuation, implicitness, interactivity, intimacy and immediacy. These dimensions are then connected to specific socio-technological dynamics, before their impact on practices and perceptions of warfare is sketched out.
Mobile phones and the good life: Examining the relationships among mobile use, social capital and subjective well-being
Authors: Chan Michael
Published: December 2013

The number of mobile phone subscriptions worldwide reached almost 7 billion in 2013. Therefore, the social and psychological consequences of the technology are of great interest to new media scholars and policy makers. Adopting an affordance-based approach, this study examines how different uses of the mobile phone are related to individuals’ subjective well-being and social capital. Findings from a national survey showed that both voice and online communication with the mobile phone is positively related to various indicators of subjective well-being and bonding and bridging capital. Moreover, both bonding and bridging capital mediated the relationship between mobile phone use and subjective well-being. On the other hand, non-communicative uses, such as information seeking activities, were negatively related to positive affect and passing time activities were positively related to negative affect. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Structural adjustment comes to Europe: Lessons for the Eurozone from the conditionality debates
Authors: Greer Scott
Published: December 2013

This article argues that the Economic Adjustment Programmes (EAPs) that came with loans to peripheral Eurozone members Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and now Cyprus, are very similar to the loans with conditionality, also known as Structural Adjustment Programs, that international financial institutions used as a policy tool in the 1980s and 1990s. It defines structural adjustment programs and then shows how Eurozone rules plus the EAPs resemble them. It then canvasses the literature evaluating structural adjustment in the developing world in order to formulate expectations for its performance in Europe. The conclusions from the large literature on structural adjustment policies suggest that the EAPs will: be badly implemented; be neutral or bad for growth; be bad for equity and the poor; have unpredictable policy consequences; and will allow incumbent elites to preserve their positions. Preliminary evidence from the four peripheral countries confirms that the same problems are afflicting EAPs.
Politics and action research: An examination of one school’s mandated action research program
Authors: Flessner Ryan , Stuckey Shanna
Published: December 2013

Action research has been shown to empower educators, create lasting changes in schools, and have an impact on student learning outcomes. Given these positive results, many school leaders are beginning to mandate the use of action research within their schools. While some in the field have warned against mandating action research, there is little research examining the effects of doing so. This study examines the mandated school-wide action research program at Fieldstone Elementary. While some results align with the action research literature (importance of collaboration, necessity of time to conduct action research, etc.), this article also examines the political tensions surrounding these ideas. Implications for those interested in mandating action research programs are provided.
Teacher action research and student voice: Making sense of learning in secondary school
Authors: Kane Ruth G , Chimwayange Chris
Published: December 2013

The Making Sense of Learning project began with the premise that for teachers to understand the ways in which their practice influences student learning, they need to invite and listen to students’ accounts of their learning experiences. Initiated by classroom teachers, supported by a university researcher, and informed by student voice, this teacher action research involved the empirical-reflective (self-) study by teachers of their practice as interpreted and critiqued by their students and themselves. This article explores how researchers challenge teachers to move beyond taken for granted conceptions of teaching, learning, and roles of students, to engage in learning-centered dialog with their students and through this, transform classroom practice. Supported by the researchers, teachers and students gain a sense of empowerment as they deepen their relationships and negotiate new roles as partners and coresearchers making sense of learning in their classrooms. Teachers and students come to situated understandings of the complexity of teaching and learning that reveal transformative and emancipatory outcomes.
Economic Empowerment of Impoverished IPV Survivors
Authors: Hahn Sur Ah , Postmus Judy L.
Published: December 2013

Best practices in advocating for economic empowerment of impoverished intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors require the comprehensive and holistic organization of program and service delivery systems. This article outlines the best practices literature that addresses IPV in the lives of impoverished women, as well as the literature that specifically examines the interventions to economically empower IPV survivors—whether impoverished or not. This article concludes with suggestions for policy makers on how to incorporate these best practices into the Violence Against Women Act and for practitioners to ensure a comprehensive approach to interventions for impoverished IPV survivors.
Undoing the Alphabet
Authors: Holman Jones Stacy , Adams Tony E.
Published: December 2013

This essay is written in and as a queer fugue—a series of themes and variations on grief, on loss and remembering, on the constitutive and dispossessing dance of relationality, and on the possibilities of becoming and forgiving. It is an essay about public mourning, queer relationships, being undone by death and language, and about making a case for recognizing unrecognized and unspeakable grief. It is an essay that recognizes the debts we owe to those we’ve lost, celebrates the queer selves and lives we could not do without, and how the words and voices and lives of others who are not acknowledged as fully or equally human are significant and profound.
Special Education Teacher Evaluation
Authors: Johnson Evelyn , Semmelroth Carrie Lisa
Published: December 2013

There is currently little consensus on how special education teachers should be evaluated. The lack of consensus may be due to several reasons. Special education teachers work under a variety of complex conditions, with a very heterogeneous population, and support student progress toward a very individualized set of goals. In addition, special education is marked by historical rates of attrition, with a lack of highly qualified teachers entering the field, and a number of special education teachers completing alternate certification programs, leading to a combined effect that impacts overall professional quality. In this article, we first review the challenges associated with evaluating special education teachers, describe and analyze current approaches, and present a conceptual framework for an approach to special education teacher evaluation. We then provide an overview of the Recognizing Effective Special Education Teachers (RESET) tool as a possible alternative to measure special education teacher effectiveness. Given the current zeitgeist of teacher evaluation systems that fail to address the unique circumstances related to special education teachers, it is hoped that the information in this article will contribute to the small but growing body of research on special education teacher evaluation and effectiveness.
Endovascular Management of a Mobile Thoracic Aortic Thrombus Following Recurrent Distal Thromboembolism
Authors: Scott Daniel J. , White Joseph M. , Arthurs Zachary M.
Published: December 2013

Sources of lower extremity and visceral arterial thromboembolism most commonly include the heart and proximal aneurysmal disease. Infrequently, further workup of “cryptogenic” emboli will reveal a mural atheroma or thrombus of the descending thoracic aorta. Without prospective data, anticoagulation and open surgical thrombectomy with or without aortic replacement have been the standard approach. Presented is a case of a floating mural thrombus in the setting of superior mesenteric and femoral arterial thromboembolism that was effectively treated with endovascular stent graft exclusion.
Statins Promote Residual Aneurysm Sac Regression Following Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Gray Cleona , Goodman Patrick , O’Malley M. Kevin , O’Donohoe Martin K. , McDonnell Ciarán O.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Regression of the residual sac is indicative of successful endovascular aortic aneurysm (EVAR) repair. Using color duplex ultrasound (CDU), we monitored the residual aneurysm sac following EVAR and correlated sac behavior with perioperative risk factors.

Methods:

Of 145 patients with EVAR, 106 (73.1%) patients between January 01, 2003, and July 01, 2010, had at least 2 consecutive postoperative scans and thus were eligible for inclusion. Mean (± standard deviation [SD]) CDU scans per person was 4.6 (±1.4). All were conducted by the same technologist using a standard protocol on the same machine. Aneurysm sac change in centimeters and percentage terms was calculated. The presence or absence of an endoleak was also recorded. Change in aneurysm sac size was correlated with preoperative risk factors.

Findings:

Mean sac size change at 1 month was a decrease of 0.24 cm, equating to a percentage change of 4.3%. At 7 months, the decrease was 0.59 cm (9.8%), at 12 months, 0.73 cm (12.4%), at 18 months 0.92 cm (15.8%), and at 36 months 1.0 cm (16.6%). Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that statin therapy ( P = .002) was the only risk factor variable positively associated with aneurysm regression while the presence of an endoleak was inversely related to sac reduction ( P = .01).

Interpretation:

Maximum aneurysmal sac reduction seems to occur in the first year following endograft implantation. Statin therapy appears to be associated with an increased likelihood of sac regression following EVAR. Further investigation of the role of statins in the biology of abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease is warranted.
Surgical Salvage of Acute Renal Artery Occlusion in the Setting of a Solitary Kidney
Authors: Stone Patrick , Mossalllati Adam S. , Schlarb Haley , Schlarb Chris
Published: December 2013

Management of acute renal artery occlusion in patients with a solitary kidney has a poorly defined prognosis. Loss of renal function is reported by some when acute warm ischemia reaches 2 hours. We report a unique case of a patient that had a 24-hour onset of anuria and acute renal failure upon arrival to the hospital. Nuclear imaging showed trace uptake of the right kidney, without evidence of excretion. Conventional digital subtraction angiography was performed; however, evidence of nephrogram or distal filling of the renal artery was not demonstrated. Secondary to conflicting studies, a computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast revealed only minimal cortical perfusion despite complete occlusion of the previously grafted right renal artery. Patient was taken for urgent hepatorenal bypass surgery. Intraoperative return of urine output occurred immediately after completion of the bypass. Hemodialysis, which was required preoperatively, was stopped after <30 days of bypass procedure. Over 2 years following successful renal salvage, the patient has maintained a normal glomerular filtration rate and patency of her bypass by duplex follow-up.
Rescue EVAR for ruptured AAA: Clinical success does not mean technical success
Authors: Setacci Francesco , Sirignano Pasqualino , de Donato Gianmarco , Galzerano Giuseppe , Setacci Carlo
Published: December 2013

We report a clinical evolution of a 85-years old male admitted to our Emergency Department for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). One month later a huge type I proximal endoleak was detected and corrected by proximal aortic extension. We decided to fix the stent-graft to the aortic wall using EndoAnchors. However, an asymptomatic type III endoleak due to controlateral limb disconnection was detected at the followed schedulated CT angio and corrected by a relining of the endograft. The patient is now in good clinical condition with no evidence of endoleaks at 1-year follow-up.
Temporal artery biopsy size does not matter
Authors: Kaptanis Sarantos , Perera Joanne K , Halkias Constantine , Caton Nadine , Alarcon Lida , Vig Stella
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to clarify whether positive temporal artery biopsies had a greater sample length than negative biopsies in temporal arteritis. It has been suggested that biopsy length should be at least 1 cm to improve diagnostic accuracy. A retrospective review of 149 patients who had 151 temporal artery biopsies was conducted. Twenty biopsies were positive (13.3%), 124 negative (82.1%) and seven samples were insufficient (4.6%). There was no clinically significant difference in the mean biopsy size between positive (0.7 cm) and negative samples (0.65 cm) ( t-test: p = .43 NS). Ninety-four patients fulfilled all three ACR criteria prior to biopsy (62.3%) and four patients (2.6%) changed ACR score from 2 to 3 after biopsy. Treatment should not be delayed in anticipation of the biopsy or withheld in the case of a negative biopsy if the patient’s symptoms improve.
Hypothenar hammer syndrome and basilic bypass
Authors: Chander RK , Phair J , Oza P , Patel M , Balar N
Published: December 2013

We report a case of hypothenar hammer syndrome. The case presents necessary diagnostic measures and discusses the etiology of this syndrome. Additionally, the case reviews treatments, which culminated in the eventual use of ulnar artery bypass with autogenous basilica vein to treat and resolve the ischemic fingers of the patient.
Application of endovascular stent placement as a remedy for spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection
Authors: Sun Yuan , Chen Zhaolei , Zhang Xicheng
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To present our experience regarding endovascular stent placement for the treatment of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) and to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the endovascular therapy.

Methods

The clinical data from six patients with SISMAD who underwent endovascular stent placement in two institutions from March 2010 to May 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Four patients were implanted a self-expanding stent, and an additional stent was deployed in two of these patients after the first stent was implanted. One patient was subjected to a self-expanding stent implantation combined with coil embolization. The remaining patient underwent thrombectomy plus partial intimectomy 2 months before a balloon-expandable stent was implanted.

Results

All of the patients recuperated uneventfully without any reoccurrence of the symptoms in the follow-up period (range 12–38 months). Contrast-enhanced computer tomography scanning was performed 3 months after the procedure in all of the patients, and the images showed that the false lumen was nearly thrombosed and that the true lumen was maintained patent.

Conclusions

Endovascular stent placement is a simple and safe alternative to aggressive surgery or uncertain observation.
Experience with rituximab in the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis
Authors: Clain Jeremy M. , Cartin-Ceba Rodrigo , Fervenza Fernando C. , Specks Ulrich
Published: December 2013

Prior to the 1970s, severe cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis (AAV) were thought to be invariably fatal. However, the use of cyclophosphamide-based treatment regimens fundamentally altered disease outcomes, transforming AAV into a manageable, chronic illness. Despite the tremendous success of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of AAV, there remained a need for alternative therapies, due to high rates of treatment failures and significant toxicities. In recent years, with the introduction of targeted biologic response modifiers into clinical practice, many have hoped that the treatment options for AAV could be expanded. Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the B-lymphocyte protein CD20, has been the most successful biologic response modifier to be used in AAV. Following the first report of its use in AAV in 2001, experience with rituximab for treatment of AAV has rapidly expanded. Rituximab, in combination with glucocorticosteroids, is now well established as a safe and effective alternative to cyclophosphamide for remission induction for severe manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. In addition, initial experiences with rituximab for remission maintenance in these diseases have been favorable, as have experiences for remission induction in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Young Mothers Lack Plans to Receive Preventive Health Care
Authors: Harris Kari R. , Ahlers-Schmidt Carolyn R. , Weeks Kerri L.
Published: December 2013

Background: Despite their health vulnerability, multiple barriers to health care exist for adolescent mothers. This pilot study aimed to gain information regarding preventive health care intentions of young mothers following pregnancy. Methods: We administered institutional review board–approved surveys to mothers aged 15 to 21 years at a local hospital where 75% of infants are born. Participants were questioned regarding current and intended use of health care. Results: Results showed that only half of the young mothers identified a primary care provider (PCP) but more had seen some type of doctor in the 3 years preceding their pregnancy. White mothers were significantly more likely than Hispanic to have seen a physician prior to pregnancy; family physicians (FPs) were referenced most. Additionally, white and black mothers were significantly more likely than Hispanic mothers or mothers of other ethnicity to have received minor emergency care during pregnancy. While FPs were referenced most frequently, few mothers planned to see one for preventive care. Nearly half of participants planned to see their obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN) for routine yearly checkups. Conclusions: This research indicates a gap in health care for young mothers. Only half enter parenthood with a PCP, and once mothers, few plan to see a physician for preventive care. In this study, OBGYNs were identified most often for preventive health care. Therefore OBGYNs should provide comprehensive care to this population, or connect them with other PCPs. Furthermore, young mothers do plan on seeing FPs for acute health care, supporting previous recommendations that physicians use all visits to provide comprehensive care to adolescents.
A Methodology for Quantifying Effects and Psychological Functioning of Behavior-Change Techniques
Authors: Tobias Robert , Huber Alexandra C. , Tamas Andrea
Published: December 2013

We present a methodology to quantify the effects of behavior change techniques (BCTs) that allows forecasting campaign effects on behavior and psychological constructs. The approach involves the gathering of longitudinal data during actual campaigns in which different combinations and sequences of BCTs are applied to different groups. Approximate metric data are gathered by asking for simple and specific evaluations. The data are analyzed using regression models that consider the value range of the dependent variable as bounded (bounded linear regression). Based on these models, forecasts of the intervention effects are calculated, considering the uncertainty of the parameter estimates. The methodology is applied to investigate the effects of prompts (external memory aids), public self-commitments, and implementation intentions on affective and instrumental attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms, forgetting, perceived behavior control, and behavior in a health-promotion campaign in Bolivia. Prompts and public self-commitments reached more than half of the target population but only showed relevant effects when combined or repeated. The effects of both BCTs on behavior were mainly mediated by forgetting. Implementation intentions were not well received by the promoters and the population. From the few cases that implemented this BCT, no clear psychological effects could be derived.
Competent in Work and Love? Emerging Adults’ Trajectories in Dealing With Work–Partnership Conflicts and Links to Health Functioning
Authors: Seiffge-Krenke Inge , Luyckx Koen
Published: December 2013

In a 3-year longitudinal study on 989 emerging adults, we assessed self-efficacy in dealing with work–family conflicts and different indices of work and relationships characteristics (e.g., satisfaction, commitment, and stress). In addition, we assessed different indices of health functioning (e.g., sick days, body complaints, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and well-being). Latent class growth analyses revealed three different trajectories of competence with work-to-partnership conflicts over time that were related to work, romantic relationships, and health. Emerging adults in the high stable group (characterized by high levels of self-efficacy in dealing with conflicts in work and partnerships) remained in considerably better health than those in the other two groups. Emerging adults following the moderate increasing and the low increasing trajectories (e.g., with increasing competencies, starting from moderate and low mean levels in self-efficacy in dealing with work–partnership conflicts), experienced a stable commitment with their partners but more partnership–work conflicts over time. Their job satisfaction also increased over time. Overall health improved in those following the low increasing trajectory but remained considerably lower than in the other two groups. Results are interpreted with respect to the challenges but also the costs of efforts involved in adapting to the difficult transitions in the domains of love and work.
Work and Love Among Emerging Adults
Authors: van Dulmen Manfred H. M. , Claxton Shannon E. , Collins W. Andrew , Simpson Jeffry A.
Published: December 2013

The literature on the association between work and love during the young adulthood years is relatively sparse. The articles in this special issue make a substantial contribution to the empirical evidence in this arena. In this commentary, we make several conceptual and methodological recommendations to further research in this area. In particular, we argue that researchers should carefully consider the spacing and timing of assessments and the incorporation of more short-term, intensive assessments. Furthermore, we recommend that the conceptualization of work needs to be broadened to include a focus on career paths. Finally, we suggest a continued focus on using dyadic designs as well as a broadening of relationships to include the way in which casual sexual relationships and experiences affect work and education outcomes.
The evolution of cellular deficiency in GATA2 mutation
Authors: Dickinson Rachel E. , Milne Paul , Jardine Laura , Zandi Sasan , Swierczek Sabina I. , McGovern Naomi , Cookson Sharon , Ferozepurwalla Zaveyna , Langridge Alexander , Pagan Sarah , Gennery Andrew , Heiskanen-Kosma Tarja , Hämäläinen Sari , Seppänen Mikko , Helbert Matthew , Tholouli Eleni , Gambineri Eleonora , Reykdal Sigrún , Gottfreðsson Magnús , Thaventhiran James E. , Morris Emma , Hirschfield Gideon , Richter Alex G. , Jolles Stephen , Bacon Chris M. , Hambleton Sophie , Haniffa Muzlifah , Bryceson Yenan , Allen Carl , Prchal Josef T. , Dick John E. , Bigley Venetia , Collin Matthew
Published: December 2013

Key Points

Diverse patient groups with GATA2 mutation develop mononuclear cytopenia and elevated Flt3 ligand. Progressive cytopenias, rising Flt3 ligand, and terminal differentiation of lymphoid cells accompany clinical progression.
Rapid genomic and transcriptomic alterations induced by wide hybridization: Chrysanthemum nankingense × Tanacetum vulgare and C. crassum × Crossostephium chinense (Asteraceae)
Authors: Wang Haibin , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Fang Weimin , Guan Zhiyong , Liao Yuan , Chen Fadi
Published: December 2013

Background

Hybridization is a major driver of evolution in plants. In a number of plant species, the process of hybridization has been revealed to be accompanied by wide-ranging genetic and epigenetic alterations, some of which have consequences on gene transcripts. The Asteraceae family includes a number of polyploid species, and wide crossing is seen as a viable means of genetically improving ornamental species such as Chrysanthemum spp. However, the consequences of hybridization in this taxon have yet to be characterized.

Results

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), methylation sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) and cDNA-AFLP profiling of the two intergeneric hybrids C. nankingense × Tanacetum vulgare and C. crassum × Crossostephium chinense were employed to characterize, respectively, the genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic changes induced by the hybridization event. The hybrids’ AFLP profiles included both the loss of specific parental fragments and the gain of fragments not present in either parent’s profile. About 10% of the paternal fragments were not inherited by the hybrid, while the corresponding rate for the maternal parent fragments was around 4–5%. The novel fragments detected may have arisen either due to heterozygosity in one or other parent, or as a result of a deletion event following the hybridization. Around one half of the cDNA-AFLP fragments were common to both parents, about 30% were specific to the female parent, and somewhat under 20% specific to the male parent; the remainder (2.9-4.7%) of the hybrids’ fragments were not present in either parent’s profile. The MSAP fingerprinting demonstrated that the hybridization event also reduced the amount of global cytosine methylation, since > 50% of the parental fragments were methylated, while the corresponding frequencies for the two hybrids were 48.5% and 50.4%.

Conclusions

Combining two different Asteraceae genomes via hybridization clearly induced a range of genomic and epigenomic alterations, some of which had an effect on the transcriptome. The rapid genomic and transcriptomic alterations induced by hybridization may accelerate the evolutionary process among progenies.
Clinical course and seizure outcome of idiopathic childhood epilepsy: determinants of early and long-term prognosis
Authors: Dragoumi Pinelopi , Tzetzi Olga , Vargiami Efthimia , Pavlou Evangelos , Krikonis Konstantinos , Kontopoulos Eleftherios , Zafeiriou Dimitrios I
Published: December 2013

Background

Idiopathic epilepsies and epileptic syndromes predominate childhood and adolescence epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical course and outcome of idiopathic childhood epilepsy and identify variables determining both early and long-term prognosis.

Methods

We followed 303 children with newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy aged 1–14 years old, both prospectively and retrospectively. Outcome was defined at one, 2 and 4 years of follow-up, as well as at the end of the study period for all patients. Based on the data collected, patients were classified in four patterns of clinical course: “excellent”, “improving”, “relapsing” and “poor”. Variables defined at intake and after the initial year of treatment were analyzed for their prognostic relevance towards the clinical course and outcome of the patients.

Results

The mean age at seizure onset was 6,7 years and the mean duration of follow-up was 8,3 years (range 2,0-22,0,SD 4,24). During the initial year of treatment, 70,3% of patients were seizure-free. The course of epilepsy was “excellent” in 53,1% of the subjects, “improving” in 22,8%, “relapsing” in 22,1% whereas only 6 children with idiopathic epilepsy (2%) had a “poor” clinical course exhibiting drug-resistance. After multivariate analysis, variables predictive of a poor initial response to therapy were early seizure onset, multiple seizure types and history of status epilepticus. At the end of follow-up, early response to treatment was of significant positive predictive value, while the presence of multiple seizure types and the history of migraine had a negative impact on prognosis.

Conclusions

In the vast majority of children, the long-term prognosis of idiopathic epilepsy is favorable. More than half of the patients attain seizure freedom immediately and their clinical course is considered “excellent”. About one fifth exhibit either an improving or a fluctuating course. Early seizure onset, multiple seizure types and status epilepticus are predictive of an initial poor response to treatment in children with idiopathic epilepsy. Initial non-response to treatment, multiple seizure types and history of migraine are determinants of a less favorable final outcome after long-term follow-up.
Quantitative T2 mapping to characterize the process of intervertebral disc degeneration in a rabbit model
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhang Kai , Zhao Chang-qing , Ding Wei , Yuan Jun-jie , Sun Qi , Sun Xiao-jiang , Xie You-zhuan , Li Hua , Zhao Jie
Published: December 2013

Background

To investigate the potential of T2 mapping for characterizing the process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in a rabbit model.

Methods

Thirty-five rabbits underwent an annular stab to the L4/5 discs (L5/6 discs served as internal normal controls). Degenerative changes were graded according to the modified Thompson classification and quantified in T2 respectively at pre-operation, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. After MRI analysis, expression analysis of aggrecan and type II collagen gene in nucleus pulposus (NP) was performed using real time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The longitudinal changes in NP T2 and gene expressions were studied by repeated measures and ANOVA, linear regression was performed for their correlations through the process of IDD. The reliability analysis of method of measurement of NP T2 was also performed.

Results

There was a strong inverse correlation between NP T2 and Thompson grades (r = -0.85). The decline of L4/5 NP T2 through 24 weeks was nonlinear, the most significant decrease was observed in 3 weeks postoperatively (P<0.05). The tendency was confirmed at gene expression levels. NP T2 correlated strongly with aggrecan (R2 = 0.85, P<0.01) and type II collagen (R2 = 0.78, P<0.01) gene expressions. The intraclass correlation coefficients for interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.963 and 0.977 respectively.

Conclusions

NP T2 correlates well with aggrecan and type II collagen gene expressions. T2 mapping could act as a sensitive, noninvasive tool for quantitatively characterizing the process of IDD in longitudinal study, help better understanding of the pathophysiology of IDD, assist us to detect the degenerative cascade, and develop a T2-based quantification scale for evaluation of IDD and efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Prevalence of methotrexate intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Bulatović Ćalasan Maja , van den Bosch Oscar FC , Creemers Marjonne CW , Custers Martijn , Heurkens Antonius HM , van Woerkom Jan Maarten , Wulffraat Nico M
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and behavioural symptoms occurring before (anticipatory/associative) and after methotrexate (MTX) administration, termed MTX intolerance, in rheumatoid (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Methotrexate Intolerance Severity Score (MISS), previously validated in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients, was used to determine MTX intolerance prevalence in 291 RA/PsA patients. The MISS consisted of four domains: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and behavioural symptoms, occurring upon, prior to (anticipatory) and when thinking of MTX (associative). MTX intolerance was defined as ≥6 on the MISS with ≥1 point on anticipatory and/or associative and/or behavioural items.

Results

A total of 123 patients (42.3%) experienced at least one gastrointestinal adverse effect. The prevalence of MTX intolerance was 11%. MTX intolerance prevalence was higher in patients on parenteral (20.6%) than on oral MTX (6.2%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Besides well-known gastrointestinal symptoms after MTX, RA and PsA patients experienced these symptoms also before MTX intake. RA and PsA patients on MTX should be closely monitored with the MISS for early detection of MTX intolerance, in order to intervene timely and avoid discontinuation of an effective treatment.
Seismic Evaluation of Existing Wharf Structures Subjected to Earthquake Excitation: Case Study
Authors: Doran Bilge , Shen Jay , Akbas Bulent
Published: December 2013

The ability of aging shore structures to resist design seismic forces located in high-seismicity regions has been a subject of interest for many researchers. Seismic design codes have become more stringent and suggest the use of new design methods, such as performance-based design. According to the Turkish Code for Shore Structures ( TCSS 2008 ), a pile-wharf structure is expected to withstand a D1 level of ground motion (corresponding to a return period of 72 years) with minor or no damage and a D2 level of ground motion (corresponding to a return period of 475 years) with short-term loss of serviceability. In this study, nonlinear static analyses of the seismic performance of two existing pile-wharf structures were performed (pushover analyses) according to TCSS (2008) . The results are presented here.
Significance of Rotating Ground Motions on Behavior of Symmetric- and Asymmetric-Plan Structures: Part II. Multi-Story Structures
Authors: Kalkan Erol , Reyes Juan C.
Published: December 2013

The influence of the ground motion rotation angle on engineering demand parameters (EDPs) is examined in the companion paper based on three-dimensional (3-D) computer models of single-story structures. Further validations are performed here using 3-D models of nine-story buildings that have symmetric and asymmetric layouts subjected to a suite of bi-directional near-fault records with and without apparent velocity-pulses. The linear and nonlinear response-history analyses (RHAs) are used for evaluating the use of fault-normal and fault-parallel (FN/FP) directions and maximum-direction (MD) to rotate ground motions. This study suggests that individual ground motions rotated to MD or FN/FP directions not always provide conservative EDPs in nonlinear range, but often produce larger EDPs than as-recorded motions. In practice, when a suite of ground motions is used, nonlinear RHAs should be performed by rotating them to the MD and FN/FP directions, and maximum response values should be taken from these analyses as design values.
Is There a Link Between Acute Pain and Chronic Pain?
Authors: Rathmell James P.
Published: December 2013

Pain is a normal physiologic response to injury. The presence of pain signals impending tissue injury and signals the need to protect the injured area during healing. Under some circumstances, pain persists after all tissue has healed. We now have a detailed understanding of the physiologic mechanisms that are responsible for the initial perception of acute pain and the neuronal changes that rapidly lead to an increase in sensitivity of the injured region. At the same time, efforts to use combinations of analgesics and analgesic techniques including regional analgesia have been closely studied and shown to provide excellent pain relief. Despite our best efforts, some patients go on suffer from long-term chronic pain after the acute event. In this review, we will examine the basic physiologic mechanisms that lead to the perception of acute pain, our current understanding of the neuronal mechanisms that produce sensitization immediately after injury, and the risk factors that are associated with persistent pain after surgery. Our discussion will include an examination of the role for specific analgesic techniques in improving pain control in the immediate postoperative period and how we might identify those at greatest risk for persistent pain and develop analgesic regimens most likely to minimize the risk of persistent pain.
Genomic Medicine: Why Do “Similar” Patients Have Different Outcomes?
Authors: Schwinn Debra , Kleine-Brueggeney Maren , Oganesian Anush
Published: December 2013

Genomic variation is an important factor in why supposedly “similar” patients react differently to drugs, have different disease course(s), and varying clinical outcomes. This review provides an update on concepts in modern genomic medicine with an emphasis on clinically relevant study approaches, disease/drug pathway analysis, and recent pharmacogenomic findings. The application of genomic medicine and its importance for rapid diagnosis of disease-causing agents, as well as its clinical application in human disease diagnosis/treatment and in cardiovascular disease are discussed. In addition to direct clinical applications, modern genomic approaches also play an important role in elucidating new mechanisms of disease. Finally, the role of the National Institutes of Health national pharmacogenomics research network in codifying “bench to bedside” translation of genetic results that impact drug therapy will also be discussed.
Acclimation and thermal tolerance in Antarctic marine ectotherms
Authors: Peck Lloyd S. , Morley Simon A. , Richard Joëlle , Clark Melody S.
Published: December 2013

Antarctic marine species have evolved in one of the coldest and most temperature-stable marine environments on Earth. They have long been classified as being stenothermal, or having a poor capacity to resist warming. Here we show that their ability to acclimate their physiology to elevated temperatures is poor compared with species from temperate latitudes, and similar to those from the tropics. Those species that have been demonstrated to acclimate take a very long time to do so, with Antarctic fish requiring up to 21–36 days to acclimate, which is 2–4 times as long as temperate species, and invertebrates requiring between 2 and 5 months to complete whole-animal acclimation. Investigations of upper thermal tolerance (CTmax) in Antarctic marine species have shown that as the rate of warming is reduced in experiments, CTmax declines markedly, ranging from 8 to 17.5°C across 13 species at a rate of warming of 1°C day−1, and from 1 to 6°C at a rate of 1°C month−1. This effect of the rate of warming on CTmax also appears to be present at all latitudes. A macrophysiological analysis of long-term CTmax across latitudes for marine benthic groups showed that both Antarctic and tropical species were less resistant to elevated temperatures in experiments and thus had lower warming allowances (measured as the difference between long-term CTmax and experienced environmental temperature), or warming resistance, than temperate species. This makes them more at risk from warming than species from intermediate latitudes. This suggests that the variability of environmental temperature may be a major factor in dictating an organism's responses to environmental change.
Economic Uncertainty, Disagreement, and Credit Markets
Authors: Buraschi Andrea , Trojani Fabio , Vedolin Andrea
Published: December 2013

We study how the equilibrium risk sharing of agents with heterogeneous perceptions of aggregate consumption growth affects bond and stock returns. Although credit spreads and their volatilities increase with the degree of heterogeneity, the decreasing risk premium on moderately levered equity can produce a violation of basic capital structure no-arbitrage relations. Using bottom-up proxies of aggregate belief dispersion, we give empirical support to the model predictions and show that risk premia on corporate bond and stock returns are systematically explained by their exposures to aggregate disagreement shocks.

This paper was accepted by Jerome Detemple, finance.
The Many Faces of Diphenylalanine
Authors: Hashemi Mohtadin , Fojan Peter , Gurevich Leonid
Published: December 2013

Diphenylalanine is well known to form complex self-assembled structures,including peptide nanowires, with morphologies depending on N- and C-terminal modifications. Here we report that significant morphological vari-ations of self-assembled structures are attainable through pH variation ofunmodified diphenylalanine in trifluoroethanol. The obtained self-assembleddiphenylalanine nanostructures are found to vary drastically with pH, incu-bation time, and diphenylalanine concentration in solution. The observedstructures ranged from structured films at neutral and alkaline conditions tovertically aligned nanowires and sponge-like structures at acidic conditions.These observations are corroborated by the results of electrostatic modelling,indicating the disappearance of the dipole moment at high pH values. Thisalso emphasizes the importance of the dipole moment for the resulting self-assembled structures. Our results suggest that, in comparison to the commonlydescribed procedure of diphenylaniline nanowire growth through anilinevapor treatment, strictly anhydrous conditions are not necessarily required.