bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
English, super‐diversity, and identity in the State of Qatar
Authors: Hillman Sara , Ocampo Eibenschutz Emilio 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article provides a contemporary profile of English, or Englishes thereof, in the State of Qatar, a tiny country undergoing tremendous socio‐cultural transformations. The historical background section contextualizes Qatar's contemporary linguistic ‘super‐diversity’ as a continuity of mobility, integration, and exchange with various communities within and beyond the shores of the Arab/Persian Gulf for centuries. We describe Qatar's present‐day sociolinguistic situation, English language policy initiatives and reforms in the educational context, and take a critical stance toward the common homogenizing view of English and Arabic language in the region, one that precludes a nuanced understanding in terms of wider cultural and linguistic processes taking place and shaping identities in Qatar today.
Plasma cytokines and risk of coronary heart disease in the PROCARDIS study
Authors: Clarke Robert , Valdes-Marquez Elsa , Hill Michael , Gordon Joanne , Farrall Martin , Hamsten Anders , Watkins Hugh , Hopewell Jemma C 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to examine the associations of plasma levels of five cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-5, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R)) and C reactive protein (CRP) with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).MethodsIn a case–control study of 931 CHD cases and 974 controls, logistic regression was used to estimate the OR and 95% CI of CHD for extreme thirds of biomarkers after adjustment for established risk factors. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in non-statin and in non-aspirin users.ResultsPlasma levels of CRP were moderately correlated with IL-6 (r=0.45) in controls, but more weakly correlated with other cytokines. Likewise, all other cytokines were only weakly correlated with each other. After adjustment for established risk factors, the ORs (95% CI) for CHD comparing extreme thirds of cytokine levels (defined in controls) were 2.53 (1.86 to 3.43) for IL-6, 1.46 (1.11 to 1.93) for IL-5 and 1.46 (1.09 to 1.95) for IFN-γ, respectively. However, neither TNF-α, IL-6R nor CRP was significantly associated with CHD. After further adjustment for the associated cytokines, only IL-5 (1.34; 1.00 to 1.80) and IL-6 (2.39; 1.73 to 3.30) remained significantly associated with CHD. The risk associations of cytokines in non-users of statins or aspirin were comparable with the overall population.ConclusionsThis study confirmed the importance of IL-6 as the most strongly associated cytokine with CHD risk, but also demonstrated novel and independent associations of IL-5 with CHD that warrant further investigation using larger panels of cytokines.
Cloning, expression, and bioinformatics analysis of a putative pigeon retinoid acid-inducible gene-I
Authors: Li Guoqin , Tian Yong , Chen Li , Shen Junda , Tao Zhengrong , Zeng Tao , Xu Jian , Lu Lizhi 
Published: April 2018

Retinoid acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a major cytoplasmic RNA sensor, playing an essential role in detecting viral RNA and triggering antiviral innate immune responses. The objective of the present study was to characterize the structure and expression of the RIG-I gene in pigeons. The pigeon RIG-I (piRIG-I) was cloned from splenic lymphocytes of pigeons using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The cDNA of piRIG-I contains a 147 bp 5′-untranslated regions (UTRs), a 2787 bp open reading frame, and 2962 bp 3′-UTRs. Based on this sequence, the encoded piRIG-I protein is predicted to consist of 928 amino acids, and it has conserved domains typical of RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) including two tandem arranged N-terminal caspase recruitment domains, a domain with the signature of DExD/H box helicase (helicase domain), and a C-terminal repression domain similar to finch RIG-I, duck RIG-I, goose RIG-I, human RIG-I, and mouse RIG-I. The piRIG-I shows 82.1%, 78.6%, and 78.2% amino acid sequence identity with previously described finch RIG-I, duck RIG-I, and goose RIG-I, respectively, and 49.7%–53.8% sequence identity with mammalian homologs. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated that the piRIG-I mRNA is scarcely detected in healthy tissues, and it is strongly expressed in the thymus gland, kidney, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius. These findings lay the foundation for further research on the function and mechanism of avian RIG-I in innate immune response related to vaccinations and infectious diseases in the pigeon.
Pull-in behavior of electrostatically actuated stepped microbeams
Authors: Zhu Junhua , Yao Ke , Dong Xianshan , Huang Qinwen , Liu Renhuai 
Published: April 2018

The stepped microbeams are typical low stiffness structures widely used in MEMS devices. Approximated solutions of the natural frequency and the pull-in voltage of stepped microbeams, including clamped-free (CF) and clamped–clamped (CC) boundary conditions are developed, and the unique pull-in behavior of the stepped microbeams is investigated. The stepped microbeam is viewed as a beam with a rectangular electrode pad at its tip for CF beam and at its center for CC beam. The motion equations are deduced based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam and the modified couple stress theory. The natural frequency and the pull-in voltage are extracted with a one-degree-of-freedom model. The present model correctness is validated by comparing with the finite element results, and the effect of the length ratio of the electrode pad to the beam and the width ratio of the beam to the electrode pad are discussed. The results show that both the natural frequency and the pull-in voltage monotonously increase with the increase of the width ratio, and first decrease and then increase with the increase of the length ratio. The minimum value of them does not appear at the same time, but is determined by the width ratio. The results can be used to design and improve the performance of MEMS devices.
Capsaicin-based analgesic balm attenuates the skeletal muscle metaboreflex in healthy humans
Authors: Vianna Lauro C. , Fernandes Igor A. , Barbosa Thales C. , Teixeira André L. , Nóbrega Antonio C. L. 
Published: April 2018

The exercise pressor reflex (EPR) is comprised of group III and IV skeletal muscle afferents and is one of the principal mediators of the cardiovascular response to exercise. In animals, capsaicin-based analgesic balm (CAP) attenuates the pressor response to muscle contraction, indicating the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPv1) receptor (localized on the group IV afferent neuron) as an important mediator of the EPR. However, whether these findings can be extrapolated to humans remains unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that CAP would attenuate blood pressure (BP) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) responses to isolated muscle metaboreflex activation in healthy men. MSNA (microneurography) and beat-to-beat heart hate (HR, by electrocardiography), and BP (finger photoplethysmography) were continuously measured in eight healthy males (23 ± 5 yr) at rest, during isometric handgrip exercise, and during postexercise ischemia (PEI). Trials were performed before and 30 and 60 min after the topical application of CAP (0.1%, CAPZASIN-HP) over the volar forearm of the subject’s exercising arm. Isometric exercise evoked increases in mean BP (∆32 ± 4 mmHg) and MSNA (∆26 ± 5 bursts/min; ∆19 ± 5 bursts/100 heart beats). The increases in BP during handgrip were not affected by CAP, but the increase in MSNA was lower after 60 min of CAP application. During PEI, the increases in BP and MSNA were all significantly less than those before CAP (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, CAP attenuated BP and sympathetic responses evoked by PEI in humans. These data provide evidence that transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors potentially contribute to the EPR in humans, via its metabolic component. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that topical application of capsaicin-based analgesic balm attenuates arterial blood pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity during isolated muscle metaboreflex activation following isometric handgrip exercise in healthy humans. These findings suggest that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 may contribute to the exercise pressor reflex in humans via its metabolic component.
Human Papillomavirus Seroprevalence and Association with Anal HPV Infection and Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions in Australian Gay and Bisexual Men
Authors: Poynten Isobel M. , Waterboer Tim , Jin Fengyi , Templeton David J. , Hillman Richard J. , Law Carmella , Cornall Alyssa , Tabrizi Sepehr , Roberts Jennifer M. , Garland Suzanne M. , Fairley Christopher K. , Grulich Andrew E. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Gay and bisexual men (GBM) are at disproportionately high risk of anal cancer. The precursor lesions, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), are very common and it is evident that not all HSIL progresses to cancer. The serologic response to anal human papillomavirus (HPV) in GBM has not been well characterized.
Methods: The Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer is an ongoing cohort study of GBM ages 35 years and older. At six visits over three years, anal samples are collected for cytology, HPV DNA testing, and histology. Baseline serum was tested for HPV L1, E6, and E7 antibodies for 10 HPV types. Seroprevalence and associated predictors were analyzed.
Results: A total of 588 of 617 participants were included in this analysis. A total of 436 (74.2%) were seropositive for at least one of the 10 HPV types. Almost half had L1 antibodies to HPV6 (48.5%), over a third to HPV11 (36.4%) and HPV16 (34.5%). HIV-positive men were more likely to be HPV L1 seropositive. HSIL detection was highest among participants who were HPV serology and DNA positive. There was a borderline significant association between presence of HPV16 E6 antibodies and prevalent HSIL (OR = 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–9.60; P = 0.068).
Conclusions: HPV L1 seropositivity was common in this cohort of older GBM. These results suggest that HPV L1 seropositivity, in conjunction with anal HPV DNA detection, predicts concurrent HSIL. The apparent association between HPV16 E6 antibodies and prevalent HSIL is a finding with potential clinical significance that needs further exploration.
Impact: HPV seropositivity with concurrent DNA detection predicted anal HSIL detection. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(7); 768–75. ©2018 AACR.
Smoking and Prostate Cancer–Specific Mortality after Diagnosis in a Large Prospective Cohort
Authors: Gansler Ted , Shah Roma , Wang Ying , Stevens Victoria L. , Yang Baiyu , Newton Christina C. , Gapstur Susan M. , Jacobs Eric J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Prior studies of prostate cancer survivors suggest that smoking might be associated with higher prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) after diagnosis with prostate cancer. However, most of these studies were small, and questions remain regarding this association's strength and whether it persists after adjustment for stage and Gleason score.
Methods: This analysis included men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer between enrollment in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort in 1992–1993 and June 2013. Cigarette smoking was self-reported at enrollment and updated in 1997 and every 2 years thereafter. Analyses of pre-diagnosis and post-diagnosis smoking included 9,781 and 9,111 prostate cancer cases, respectively, with vital status follow-up through 2014.
Results: There were 672 deaths from prostate cancer in analyses of pre-diagnosis smoking and 554 in analyses of post-diagnosis smoking. In multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models including stage and Gleason score, both current smoking before diagnosis [HR = 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–2.13] and current smoking after diagnosis (HR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.09–2.67) were associated with higher PCSM compared to never smoking. Prostate cancer survivors who quit smoking &lt;20 years before diagnosis were also at significantly higher risk of PCSM (HR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04–1.61).
Conclusions: This large prospective study suggests that current smoking both before and after diagnosis of prostate cancer is associated with higher PCSM, even after accounting for stage and Gleason score.
Impact: Our results provide evidence that smoking is a relevant prognostic factor for prostate cancer patients and that prostate cancer may be among the causes of death attributable to smoking. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 665–72. ©2018 AACR.
Real-Time Elastography: Noninvasive Diagnostic Tool in the Evaluation of Liver Stiffness in Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis, Correlation with Histological Examination
Authors: Ippolito Davide , Schiavone Valentina , Talei Franzesi Cammillo Roberto , Casiraghi Alessandra Silvia , Drago Silvia Girolama , Riva Luca , Sironi Sandro 
Published: April 2018

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> To determine the value of real-time elastography (RTE) in the assessment of liver stiffness in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, correlating RTE data with the extent of fibrosis based on biopsy findings (Ishak score). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We evaluated 98 patients (45–75 years) with chronic viral hepatitis (51 HCV, 47 HBV) by using ultrasonography (US) study combined with RTE analysis. In the RTE images, relative tissue stiffness is expressed, according to color scale, with soft areas represented in green/red colors and hard areas in blue. We divided the patients into 2 groups based on the fibrosis degree: soft degree (D1, corresponding to F1–F3 Ishak score) and hard degree (D2, corresponding to F4–F6). Before RTE, all patients underwent a US-guided percutaneous liver biopsy (right lobe). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Quantitative RTE data were compared with liver biopsy by using the Spearman correlation coefficient in order to assess the correlation between the RTE (D) and fibrosis, according to Ishak score (F) at histology. At RTE, out of 98 patients 55 had degree D1 and 43 had degree D2; at histological analysis, we observed the following: 15 patients with F1, 28 with F2, 17 with F3, 16 with F4, 12 with F5, and 10 with F6. The Spearman’s coefficient showed significant correlation between D and F degree, obtaining rho = 0.573, <i>p</i> = 0.003. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> RTE analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of fibrosis, and it appears to be a useful diagnostic tool for noninvasive quantification of fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.
<b>The invasive aphid <I>Pterochloroides persicae</I> (Cholodkovsky, 1899) (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea: Lachninae) recorded on important fruit trees in Kashmir Valley, India</b>
Authors: Mahendiran Govindasamy , Akbar Shahid Ali , Dar Mudasir Ahmad 
Published: April 2018

Pterochloroides persicae (Cholodkovsky, 1899) is reported here for the first time from the Kashmir Valley. The aphid is seen to infest almond, peach, plum orchards in the region. Monitoring of the pest was carried out in the peach and almond fields of the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) during the years 2014–2016. Seasonality and bio-rational management practices of the pest are discussed.
<b>Comparative cross-sectional survey on gastrointestinal parasites of captive, semi-captive, and wild Elephants of Sri Lanka</b>
Authors: Abeysekara Nirupama , Rajapakse R.P.V. Jayanthe , Rajakaruna R. S. 
Published: April 2018

Parasites can influence the fitness of individuals particularly of small populations of endangered species. An island-wide, cross sectional, coprological survey was carried out from 03 January to 30 October 2015, to determine the gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of the Sri Lankan Elephant Elephas maximus maximus. Fresh fecal samples from wild, captive and semi-captive elephants were collected and analyzed using a modified salt floatation, Sheather’s sucrose floatation, direct iodine smears, and sedimentation methods. Species identification was done morphologically. Intensity of parasite infections was determined using McMaster technique. A total of 85 fecal samples (wild = 45, semi-captive = 20, captive = 20) were analysed; 58 (68.2%) samples were positive for GI parasites. Overall, helminth infections (60.0%) were more common than protozoan (37.6%) infections (Chi square test, χ2 = 8.499; p < 0.001). In the captive elephants, however, more protozoan infections were observed than helminthes, which could be due to anthelminthic treatment. A significantly higher prevalence of infection was observed in the wild elephants (93.3%) compared to semi-captive elephants (55.0%; χ2 = 13.516; p < 0.001) and captive elephants (25.0%; χ2 =32.289; p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in the prevalence between captive and semi-captive elephants (χ2 =3.750; p = 0.053). Ten types of GI parasites were observed, nine of which were recorded in wild elephants. Among them the most common infection was strongyles (34.1%) with high intensity (440.1±295.2 EPG). Semi-captive elephants harbored five types of GI parasites, while captive elephants had only three types. One captive elephant at the Temple of the Tooth was infected with the tapeworm Anoplocephala sp. at low intensity of 50 EPG. Some of the GI parasites recorded are highly pathogenic while others are incidental.
<b>New records of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from Assam, northeastern India with a distribution list of bat fauna of the state</b>
Authors: Boro Ananda Ram , Saikia Prasanta Kumar , Saikia Uttam 
Published: April 2018

Specimen based records of two vespertilionid bats namely Pipistrellus ceylonicus and Tylonycteris fulvida are provided for the first time from the state of Assam in northeastern India. Based on review of existing literature and examinations of museum specimens, we also furnish a checklist of the bat fauna of Assam with distribution, which includes 32 species in 17 genera.
Hot Balloon Versus Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Nagashima Koichi , Okumura Yasuo , Watanabe Ichiro , Nakahara Shiro , Hori Yuichi , Iso Kazuki , Watanabe Ryuta , Arai Masaru , Wakamatsu Yuji , Kurokawa Sayaka , Mano Hiroaki , Nakai Toshiko , Ohkubo Kimie , Hirayama Atsushi 
Published: April 2018

Background:
Hot balloon ablation (HBA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA) were developed to simplify ablation for atrial fibrillation. Because the lesion characteristics and efficacy of these balloon modalities have not been clarified, we compared lesion characteristics and outcomes of HBA and CBA.

Methods:
Of 165 consecutive patients who underwent initial catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, 74 propensity scorematched (37 HBA and 37 CBA) patients were included in our study.

RESULTS:

Patients’ clinical characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, atrial fibrillation subtype, CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score, and left atrial dimension, were similar between the 2 groups. Touch-up radiofrequency ablation was required for residual/dormant pulmonary vein conduction in 52% of the patients with HBA versus 24% of the patients with CBA (
P
=0.02) and often in the anterior aspect of the left superior pulmonary vein after HBA (41%) versus the inferior aspect of the inferior pulmonary veins after CBA (22%). HBA lesions were smaller than CBA lesions (23.8±7.9 versus 33.5±14.5 cm
2
;
P
=0.0007). Similar results were observed when lesions in each pulmonary vein were compared between groups. Twentyfour hours after the procedure, serum levels of the cardiac biomarkers, including troponin-T, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-MB, were higher in the HBA group than in the CBA group. Atrial fibrillation recurrence did not differ between the groups within 6 (3% versus 11%;
P
=0.36) or 12 months (16% versus 16%;
P
=1.00).

Conclusions:
Although HBA lesions appear to be smaller than CBA lesions, middle-term outcomes are not statistically different between these balloon modalities.
Protease-Activated Receptor-2 Plays a Critical Role in Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice
Authors: Hara Tomoya , Phuong Pham Tran , Fukuda Daiju , Yamaguchi Koji , Murata Chie , Nishimoto Sachiko , Yagi Shusuke , Kusunose Kenya , Yamada Hirotsugu , Soeki Takeshi , Wakatsuki Tetsuzo , Imoto Issei , Shimabukuro Michio , Sata Masataka 
Published: April 2018

Background:
The coagulation system is closely linked with vascular inflammation, although the underlying mechanisms are still obscure. Recent studies show that protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2, a major receptor of activated factor X, is expressed in both vascular cells and leukocytes, suggesting that PAR-2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Here we investigated the role of PAR-2 in vascular inflammation and atherogenesis.

Methods:

We generated apolipoprotein E-deficient (
ApoE
-/-
) mice lacking systemic PAR-2 expression (
PAR-2
-/-
ApoE
-/-
). ApoE
-/-
mice, which lack or express PAR-2 only in bone marrow (BM) cells, were also generated by BM transplantation. Atherosclerotic lesions were investigated after 20 weeks on a Western-type diet by histological analyses, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. In vitro experiments using BM-derived macrophages were performed to confirm the proinflammatory roles of PAR-2. The association between plasma activated factor X level and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was also examined in humans who underwent coronary intervention.

Results:

PAR-2
-/-
ApoE
-/-
mice showed reduced atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch (
P
<0.05) along with features of stabilized atherosclerotic plaques, such as less lipid deposition (
P
<0.05), collagen loss (
P
<0.01), macrophage accumulation (
P
<0.05), and inflammatory molecule expression (
P
<0.05) compared with
ApoE
-/-
mice. Systemic PAR2 deletion in
ApoE
-/-
mice significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory molecules in the aorta. The results of BM transplantation experiments demonstrated that PAR-2 in hematopoietic cells contributed to atherogenesis in
ApoE
-/-
mice. PAR-2 deletion did not alter metabolic parameters. In vitro experiments demonstrated that activated factor X or a specific peptide agonist of PAR-2 significantly increased the expression of inflammatory molecules and lipid uptake in BM-derived macrophages from wild-type mice compared with those from PAR-2–deficient mice. Activation of nuclear factor-κB signaling was involved in PAR-2–associated vascular inflammation and macrophage activation. In humans who underwent coronary intervention, plasma activated factor X level independently correlated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis as determined by Gensini score (
P
<0.05) and plaque volume (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

PAR-2 signaling activates macrophages and promotes vascular inflammation, increasing atherosclerosis in
ApoE
-/-
mice. This signaling pathway may also participate in atherogenesis in humans.
Concept of a Treaty in Decisions of International Courts and Tribunals
Authors: Fitzmaurice Malgosia 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This article investigates and analyses the work of the International Law Commission concerning what constitutes a treaty in international law, and the role of international courts and tribunals in developing the definition of treaty as enshrined in the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (‘the VCLT’). The definition of the treaty in the VCLT is the starting point of the discussion. The article argues that there is a whole host of new elements which appear in the practice of international courts and tribunals (including the International Court of Justice) that supplement the classical definition in the VCLT. However, judicial practice in international courts and tribunals is rather diverse which inhibits the formulation of a uniform and consistent general rule in respect of the definition of the treaty outside that of the VCLT.