bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Politics and constitutional jurisgenesis: A cautionary note on political constitutionalism
Authors: KUO MING-SUNG 
Published: March 2018

Abstract:This article aims to provide an alternative account of political constitutionalism by situating it in a broader process of constitutional politics than the traditional court vs parliament debate has suggested. Drawing upon Robert Cover’s distinction between the jurispathic and the jurisgenerative constitution, I argue that parliamentary decision-making is not necessarily more congenial to a jurisgenerative constitutional order than judicial review as political constitutionalists contend. I trace the jurispathic character of current scholarship on political constitutionalism to the presupposition of institutional sovereignty in a narrow understanding of constitutional politics, which its defenders share in common with the supporters of judicial supremacy. To move towards a robust version of non-court-centred jurisgenerative constitutionalism, which I call constitutional jurisgenesis, we need to rethink the place of politics in a constitutional order. From Cover’s idea of constitutionalnomosI take two further lessons for this new understanding of constitutional politics. First, constitutional theory should reconsider the role of institutional sovereignty in the relationship between law and politics in constitutional orders. Second, to engage the people in constitutional politics, we need to shift attention from the popular sovereignty-centred debate to constitutional narratives, which are oriented towardsnomos-building.
The SF–8 Spanish Version for Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment: Psychometric Study with IRT and CFA Models
Authors: Tomás José M. , Galiana Laura , Fernández Irene 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aim of current research is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SF–8, overcoming previous shortcomings. A double line of analyses was used: competitivestructural equations modelsto establish factorial validity, andItem Response theoryto analyze item psychometric characteristics and information. 593 people aged 60 years or older, attending long life learning programs at the University were surveyed. Their age ranged from 60 to 92 years old. 67.6% were women. The survey included scales on personality dimensions, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors related to aging. Competitive confirmatory models pointed out two-factors (physical and mental health) as the best representation of the data: χ2(13) = 72.37 (p< .01); CFI = .99; TLI = .98; RMSEA = .08 (.06, .10). Item 5 was removed because of unreliability and cross-loading. Graded response models showed appropriate fit for two-parameter logistic model both the physical and the mental dimensions. Item Information Curves and Test Information Functions pointed out that the SF–8 was more informative for low levels of health. The Spanish SF–8 has adequate psychometric properties, being better represented by two dimensions, once Item 5 is removed. Gathering evidence on patient-reported outcome measures is of crucial importance, as this type of measurement instruments are increasingly used in clinical arena.
Moisture estimation for oil‐immersed bushing based on FDS method: field application
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Zhou Lijun , Liao Wei , Wang An , Xu Xiaowei , Guo Lei 
Published: March 2018

Temperature has obvious effects on the tested results of frequency domain dielectric spectrum (FDS) method. To estimate the moisture content of field oil‐immersed bushing, the effects of temperature must be considered and eliminated. In this study, the frequency‐domain dielectric spectrum of 72.5 kV bushing samples with different moisture contents was tested at different temperatures. The law that temperature affects the results of FDS tests was analysed and concluded. Afterwards, a method to transfer the tested results to the reference temperature (15°C) was proposed. Finally, an estimation method of moisture content for field oil‐immersed bushing was proposed and testified. The following conclusions can be concluded: (i) the effects of temperature on the FDS results may be divided into two aspects, i.e. one is along the horizontal axis and the other is along the vertical axis and (ii) based on the proposed method, the temperature effects on the results of FDS tests can be eliminated, and the moisture content of field oil‐immersed bushing can be estimated effectively and feasibly.
Backward SDEs and infinite horizon stochastic optimal control
Authors: Confortola Fulvia , Cosso Andrea , Fuhrman Marco 
Published: March 2018

We study an optimal control problem on infinite horizon for a controlled stochastic differential equation driven by Brownian motion, with a discounted reward functional. The equation may have memory or delay effects in the coefficients, both with respect to state and control, and the noise can be degenerate. We prove that the value, i.e. the supremum of the reward functional over all admissible controls, can be represented by the solution of an associated backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) driven by the Brownian motion and an auxiliary independent Poisson process and having a sign constraint on jumps.
In the Markovian case when the coefficients depend only on the present values of the state and the control, we prove that the BSDE can be used to construct the solution, in the sense of viscosity theory, to the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman partial differential equation of elliptic type on the whole space, so that it provides us with a Feynman-Kac representation in this fully nonlinear context.
The method of proof consists in showing that the value of the original problem is the same as the value of an auxiliary optimal control problem (called randomized), where the control process is replaced by a fixed pure jump process and maximization is taken over a class of absolutely continuous changes of measures which affect the stochastic intensity of the jump process but leave the law of the driving Brownian motion unchanged.
Use of Nonabsorbable Spiral Tacks for Mesh Reinforcement in Thoracoscopic Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Poupalou Anna , Vrancken Celine , Vanderveken Erwin , Steyaert Henri 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThoracoscopic prosthetic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a well-established and safe technique in experienced hands but the patching procedure is technically demanding and time consuming. To address the challenges associated with this process (confined working space and restricted time), the aim of this article is to assess the potential improvements in feasibility, efficacy, and safety of patch fixation by using nonabsorbable helicoidal tacks in neonates and infants for the repair of large CDH by thoracoscopy. The new technique has all the advantages of minimal invasive surgery in very young children combined with the advantages of reduced operating time and increased simplicity, and may be a good option in cases of recurrence.
Genetic and Phenotypic Variability between Families with Hereditary Protein S Deficiency
Authors: Lane David , Zöller Bengt , Mille-Baker Blandine , Laffan Mike , Dahlbäck Björn , Simmonds Rachel , Rezende Suely 
Published: March 2018

SummaryWhile many mutations thought to result in protein S (PS) deficiency are known, there have been few attempts to relate genotype expression with plasma phenotype. We have investigated the nature and consequence of PS gene (PROS1) mutations in 17 PS-deficient families who presented with mixed type I and type III phenotypes. Seven different mutations were found in nine families: delG-34 (STOP codon at –24), Val-24Glu, Arg49Cys, Asn217Ser, Gly295Val, +5 G to A intron j and His623Pro. PS wild type (PSWT) and the five missense mutants were transiently expressed in COS-1 cells. All mutants expressed lower (p<0.05) PS antigen compared to PSWT (100%). The mutants Val-24Glu, Gly295Val and His623Pro expressed very low/undetectable PS levels. The mutant Asn217Ser produced around 30% of PSWT, while the mutant Arg49Cys had the highest PS levels (around 50%). Metabolic labelling and pulse-chase experiments showed that all of the mutants had impaired secretion, but this was of variable severity. Also, enhanced intracellular degradation of unsecreted material was found for all mutants. There was a strong correspondence between plasma free PS levels in carriers of the mutations, secreted PS from transfected COS-1 cells and labelled PS from 24 h conditioned medium in pulse-chase experiment. We conclude that the magnitude of secretion defect depends on the nature of the PROS1 mutation and influences the level of free PS in plasma. It is likely that the severity of the secretion defect will determine the risk for venous thrombosis.
Novel Factor V C2-Domain Mutation (R2074H) in Two Families with Factor V Deficiency and Bleeding
Authors: Schrijver I. , Houissa-Kastally R. , Jones C. D. , Garcia K. C. , Zehnder J. L. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe molecular basis of Factor V deficiency has been defined in few patients only. We report a homozygous nucleotide change (G6395A) in two Tunisian probands with Factor V deficiency and bleeding episodes. This substitution results in the replacement of an arginine (R) by a histidine (H) in amino acid position 2074, located in the Factor V C2-domain. Mutations in this protein domain have not previously been described. Several lines of evidence support that this sequence variant is indeed disease causing: 1) Crystal structures of Factor V and molecular C2-domain modeling studies of H2074 suggest that the conserved R2074 is required for correct folding; 2) Structure-function studies of selective Factor V mutants (R2074A) demonstrate the importance of R2074 for structural stability of the Factor V C2-domain and for cofactor activity (1); 3) In Factor VIII, point mutations in codon 2209, which corresponds to position 2074 in Factor V, cause hemophilia A.
Inhibition of Thrombin Generation by the Oral Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Ximelagatran in Shed Blood from Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Eriksson Ulf , Mattsson Christer , Wolzt Michael , Frison Lars , Fager Gunnar , Gustafsson David , Sarich Troy 
Published: March 2018

SummaryXimelagatran, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor, whose active form is melagatran, was studied using a model of thrombin generation in humans. Healthy male volunteers (18 per group) received ximelagatran (60 mg p.o.), dalteparin (120 IU/kg s.c.) or a control (water p.o.). Shed blood, collected after incision of the forearm with standardised bleeding time devices at pre-dose, and at 2, 4 and 10 h post-dosing, was analysed for markers of thrombin generation. Statistically significant reductions (p < 0.05) in levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) in shed blood were detected at 2 and 4 h post-dosing in both the ximelagatran and dalteparin groups. Shed blood F1+2 and TAT levels had returned to pre-dose levels at 10 h post-dosing. Using a shed blood model, we demonstrate that the reversible thrombin inhibitor melagatran and, therefore, oral administration of ximelagatran, inhibits thrombin generation in humans after acute activation of coagulation.
Improved Fibrinolysis after one Year of Treatment with Enalapril in Men and Women with Uncomplicated Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Jansson Jan-Håkan , Nyhlén Katarina , Nilsson Torbjörn , Boman Kurt 
Published: March 2018

SummaryTo study long-term effects of enalapril on mass concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), tPA/PAI-1-complex and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in both genders with uncomplicated myocardial infarction.More than three months after an uncomplicated myocardial infarction 82 survivors (46 males, 36 females) were randomised to enalapril/placebo. PAI-1, tPA, tPA/PAI-1-complex and vWF were measured after two weeks, six and 12 months following randomisation. PAI-1 decreased significantly in both genders in the enalapril-treated group after two weeks, with a maximum decrease at six months (mean reduction: 31% equal to 9.8 µg X L–1, CI: 5.2 to 14.5 µg X L–1, p = 0.0001) and remained significantly lower at 12 months. Mass concentration of tPA decreased significantly (mean reduction; 1.81 µg X L–1, CI: 0.903 to 2.708 µg X L–1, p <0.001) after two weeks treatment in both genders but returned to baseline values at 12 months. The tPA/PAI-1-complex decreased and was significantly lower (mean reduction 0.96 µg X L–1, CI: 0.36 to 1.56 µg X L–1, p = 0.003) in the enalapril group after two weeks and six months (p = 0.037). No decrease of vWF was seen in the enalapril group.Enalapril treatment up to one year depressed mass concentrations of PAI-1 and transiently tPA and tPA/PAI-1 complex indicating an improvement of the fibrinolytic balance in both genders with uncomplicated myocardial infarction.
Ticlopidine Inhibits the Prothrombotic Effects of Thrombopoietin and Ameliorates Survival after Supralethal Total Body Irradiation
Authors: Gaugler Marie-Hélène , Vandamme Marie , Gourmelon Patrick , Wagemaker Gerard , Van der Meeren Anne , Mouthon Marc-André 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThrombopoietin modulates the response of platelets to several agonists and, on the other hand, those agonists can be released following irradiation. Thus, we have determined the effects of thrombopoietin, on its own and in combination with ticlopidine, an anti-platelet drug, on platelet activation, thrombosis formation and survival of irradiated C57BL6/J mice. Administration of thrombopoietin 2 h after 9 Gy total body irradiation increased the 125I-fibrin deposition in mouse tissues and accelerated platelet consumption as revealed by an enhanced drop in platelet counts. Additionally, the number of activated platelets, i.e. those expressing P-selectin on their membrane, was higher in thrombopoietin-treated mice as compared to the placebo group, regardless ex vivo stimulation with agonists. These effects of thrombo-poietin on platelet activation and consumption were reduced when mice were pretreated with ticlopidine. The combination of ticlopidine with thrombopoietin almost fully promoted 180-day survival, reaching the same efficacy as bone marrow transplantation, while only 30% of the mice treated with thrombopoietin alone survived. In summary, thrombopoietin induces long term-mortality of irradiated mice probably through platelet-mediated thrombosis and thus, ticlopidine efficiently counteracts these adverse effects of thrombopoietin.
Effects of Hereditary and Acquired Risk Factors of Venous Thrombosis on a Thrombin Generation-Based APC Resistance Test
Authors: Curvers Joyce , Thomassen M. Christella , Rimmer Janet , Hamulyak Karly , van der Meer Jan , Tans Guido , Preston F. , Rosing Jan 
Published: March 2018

SummarySeveral hereditary and acquired risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) are associated with impaired down-regulation of thrombin formation via the protein C pathway. To identify individuals at risk, functional tests are needed that estimate the risk to develop venous thrombosis.We determined the effects of hereditary and acquired risk factors of venous thrombosis on an APC resistance test that quantifies the influence of APC on the time integral of thrombin formation (the endogenous thrombin potential, ETP) initiated in plasma via the extrinsic coagulation pathway. APC sensitivity ratios (APCsr) were determined in plasma from carriers of factor VLeiden (n = 56) or prothrombin G20210A (n = 18), of individuals deficient in antithrombin (n = 9), protein C (n = 7) or protein S (n = 14) and of women exposed to acquired risk factors such as hormone replacement therapy (n = 49), oral contraceptive use (n = 126) or pregnancy (n = 35). We also analysed combinations of risk factors (n = 60).The thrombin generation-based APC resistance test was sensitive for the factor VLeiden and prothrombin G20210A mutation, to protein S deficiency, hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptive use and pregnancy. The assay was not influenced by antithrombin-or protein C deficiency. The presence of more than one risk factor of venous thrombosis resulted in more pronounced APC resistance. The APCsr of individuals with a single or combined risk factors of VTE correlated well with reported risk increases.The thrombin generation-based APC resistance test identifies individuals at risk for venous thrombosis due to acquired risk factors and/or hereditary thrombophilic disorders that affect the protein C pathway.
Atorvastatin and Thrombogenicity of the Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque: the ATROCAP Study
Authors: Cofrancesco Elisabetta , Arbustini Eloisa , Rossi Francesca , Negri Andrea , Tremoli Elena , Gabrielli Livio , Camera Marina , Cortellaro Michele 
Published: March 2018

SummaryStatins appear to have beneficial effects on fibrous cap stabilisation but their effects on plaque thrombogenicity have not been reported. To evaluate the thrombogenicity of human carotid plaques before and after atorvastatin treatment, 59 patients with bilateral carotid stenosis eligible for two-step carotid endoarterectomy (CEA) were randomly assigned to atorvastatin, 20 mg/day, or placebo. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses, Tissue Factor (TF), Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) antigens (Ag) and TF activity were determined in endoarterectomy specimens obtained at baseline and after treatment. Mean TFAg and TFPIAg levels from plaques removed at the first CEA were 55 ± 56 and 32 ± 26 pg/mg. After placebo, TFAg and TFPIAg content was higher in the second than the first CEA. Plaques removed at the second CEA from atorvastatin-treated patients had a lower macrophage content than plaques at the first CEA. TFAg and TFPIAg levels, and TF activity in plaques after atorvastatin treatment were lower (respectively 29, 18% and 56%) than after placebo. These findings indicate that atorvastatin reduce the inflammatory/thrombotic phenotype of carotid plaque, suggesting that these drugs may indeed have a beneficial effect on cerebrovascular events.We are indebted to Pfizer Italia for providing atorvastatin, 20 mg, and placebo.
Response of Factor VIII and IX-Deficient Blood to Wild Type and High Membrane Affinity Mutant Factor VIIa in an In Vitro Whole Blood Clotting Assay: Possible Correlation to Clinical Outcome
Authors: Henderson Nicole , Key Nigel , Christie Beverly , Kisiel Walter , Foster Donald , Nelsestuen Gary 
Published: March 2018

SummaryA modified form of the activated whole blood clotting time was used to evaluate response of blood from hemophilia patients to factor VIIa. Repeated assays of individuals over a one-year period showed consistency for each individual and significant difference between individuals. Four hemophilia patients with inhibitors gave low response to factor VIIa in the assay and were characterized as low or moderate clinical responders to factor VIIa therapy. Another four patients with moderate to good clinical responsiveness to factor VIIa therapy showed a strong response to factor VIIa in the assay. A factor VIIa mutant with enhanced membrane affinity showed 10 to 13-fold higher activity than wild type factor VIIa. The results may justify larger studies to determine the utility of this assay for evaluation of patient responsiveness and to set factor VIIa therapy levels.
A Single Thymine Nucleotide Deletion Responsible for Congenital Deficiency of Plasmin Inhibitor
Authors: Yoshinaga Haruhiko , Nakahara Masako , Shibamiya Aya , Nakazawa Fumie , Miles Lindsey , Hirosawa Shinsaku , Aoki Nobuo , Koyama Takatoshi 
Published: March 2018

SummaryPlasma plasmin inhibitor (PI) is a physiological inhibitor of plasminmediated fibrinolysis and constitutes a hemostatic component in blood plasma; hence its deficiency results in a severe hemorrhagic diathesis. We have carried out molecular analysis of American family members with congenital PI deficiency, and detected a single thymine deletion at nucleotide position 332 in exon 5. The deletion was found in both alleles of the homozygotes and in one allele of the heterozygotes, and the patterns of restriction fragment length polymorphism created by the mutation in the family members were compatible with their phenotypes. The deletion caused a frameshift leading to an alteration and shortening of the deduced amino acid sequence. The amino acid sequence consists of the first 83 amino acids of the N-terminal sequence of the normal PI and additional new amino acids, resulting in a mutant composed of 94 amino acids in contrast to 464 amino acids of the normal PI. In transient expression analysis, the mutant PI whose molecular size was compatible with the predicted amino acid sequence was detected in the lysates of the cells transfected with the mutated PI expression vector. The mutant PI was retained and underwent progressive degradation within the cells, and was minimally excreted into the media. These data indicate that this mutation is the cause of PI deficiency in this pedigree.
Recombinant Soluble P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-Ig (rPSGL-Ig) Attenuates Infarct Size and Myeloperoxidase Activity in a Canine Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Zhou Xiaorong , Zhou Zhongmin , Tarakji Khaldoun , Qin Jian , Sitges Marta , Shiota Takahiro , Forudi Farhad , Schaub Robert , Kumar Anjali , Penn Marc , Topol Eric , Lincoff A. , Wang Kai 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe role of P-selectin in the process of reperfusion injury was evaluated using a recombinant soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-Ig (rPSGL-Ig) in a canine coronary artery balloon occlusion model. rPSGL-Ig (1 mg/kg) or saline was given as an intravenous bolus 15 min before balloon deflation. Balloon occlusion time was 90 min followed by either 120 min or 7 days reperfusion. Infarct size was significantly reduced in the treatment group when expressed either as percentage of the area at risk or as absolute infarct size. Histological analysis showed that extensive myocardial injury and neutrophil infiltration were reduced by rPSGL-Ig. Myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) was significantly reduced in the risk area in the rPSGL-Ig group. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly less impaired during the first 24 h after reperfusion in the rPSGL-Ig group, although there was no difference by 7-day follow-up. Thus, administration of rPSGL-Ig decreases myocardial injury and inflammatory response for at least 7 days after reperfusion of ischemic myocardium.
Measurable Differences between Sequential and Parallel Diagnostic Decision Processes for Determining Stroke Subtype: A Representation of Interacting Pathologies
Authors: Watkins Fred , Jobe Thomas , Helgason Cathy 
Published: March 2018

SummaryStroke diagnosis depends on causal subtype. The accepted classification procedure is a succession of diagnostic tests administered in an order based on prior reported frequencies of the subtypes. The first positive test result completely determines diagnosis. An alternative approach tests multiple concomitant diagnostic hypotheses in parallel. This method permits multiple simultaneous pathologies in the patient. These two diagnostic procedures can be compared by novel numeric criteria presented here.Thrombosis, a type of ischemic stroke, results from interaction between endothelium, blood flow and blood components. We tested for ischemic stroke on thirty patients using both methods. For each patient the procedure produced an assessment of severity as an ordered set of three numbers in the interval [0, 1]. We measured the difference in diagnosis between the sequential and parallel diagnostic algorithms. The computations reveal systematic differences: The sequential procedure tends to under-diagnose and excludes any measure of interaction between pathologic elements.