bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting nonsexual violent reoffending by sexual offenders: A comparison of four actuarial tools
Authors: Howard Philip D. , Barnett Georgia D. , Wakeling Helen C. 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThis study compared the ability of four risk assessment scales to predict non‐sexual violent reoffending, and differences in non‐sexual violent reoffending rates by sexual offending history.MethodRisk assessment instruments were scored, and criminal histories and three non‐sexual violent reoffending outcomes were coded, for a large sample of sexual offenders supervised by probation services in England and Wales. Predictive validities for the three outcomes were compared, varying the banding of risk scores to reflect practical constraints on offender management resources. Reoffending rates were compared by sexual offending history.ResultsAfter adjusting for risk assessment tool banding, the Offender Group Reconviction Scale version 3 and OASys Violence Predictor (OVP) had generally superior predictive validity to Risk Matrix 2000's v and c scales. However, several of OVP's dynamic risk factors were unrelated to non‐sexual violent recidivism. Non‐sexual violent reoffending rates were greater among those with prior but not current sexual offences and lower among those with indecent images offences, and sexual reoffending rates were lower but not negligible among those who had only sexually offended before the age of 16.ConclusionsThe use of OVP was recommended to the English and Welsh correctional services. The dynamic risk factor and sexual offence history results suggest that further work is required to optimize prediction of non‐sexual violence among sexual offenders.
Internet child pornography offenders: An examination of attachment and intimacy deficits
Authors: Armstrong Janelle , Mellor David 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThis study investigated attachment, intimacy, and anxiety related to interpersonal interactions, in offenders convicted of Internet child pornography (ICP), other sexual offenders, and non‐offenders.MethodsThe sample of 162 male participants comprised 32 ICP offenders, 32 matched child sexual offenders, 31 matched adult sexual offenders, 20 offenders convicted of both ICP and an offline sexual offence, and 47 community controls who reported that they had not been convicted of any sexual offences.ResultsThe ICP group reported significantly less secure attachment than non‐offenders and both the matched child and adult sexual offenders. Both the ICP group and the group convicted of an ICP offence in addition to an offline sexual offence reported a significantly more fearful attachment style and a more negative view of themselves than non‐offenders. The ICP group also reported a more negative view of themselves than both of the matched sexual offender groups. Finally, the ICP group reported more social avoidance and distress than non‐offenders.ConclusionsDespite a small sample size these findings provide insights into the cohort of offenders convicted of ICP and their similarities/differences to other sexual offenders.
Hyperexcitability as a potential cause for diffuse lower motor neuron loss in Isaacs’ syndrome
Authors: Furukawa Takahiro , Nodera Hiroyuki , Shimatani Yoshimitsu , Watanabe Osamu , Miyashiro Ai , Mori Atsuko , Matsui Naoko , Nishida Yoshihiko , Izumi Yuishin , Kaji Ryuji 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWe present a patient who initially developed diffuse painful muscle cramps who had elevated antibodies against voltage‐gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex. Despite the initial improvement after immunomodulatory therapy, she later developed progressive atrophy and weakness of the limb muscles whose electrophysiological finding mimicked that in lower motor neuron disease. A potential causal relationship between anti‐VGKC complex antibody‐associated hyperexcitability and lower motor axon loss is discussed.
Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis: A back‐to‐front presentation
Authors: Rathakrishnan Rahul , Yuki Nobuhiro 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a multiphasic immune‐mediated syndrome with a unique evolution of clinical features. Patients usually present with psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, delusions and paranoia, followed by disturbance of speech and obtundation. Some develop movement disorders, characteristically oro‐facial dyskinesias. Dystonia as a presenting feature in adults is unusual. Complex partial seizures and dysautonomia might require intensive care. We describe an adult with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis who presented atypically. Dystonia and oculogyric crisis were then followed by cognitive dysfunction and impairment of consciousness. Psychiatric features manifested 25 days after presentation. The patient made a full recovery after immunosuppressive treatment. The atypical sequence of clinical features suggests a subcortical‐to‐cortical pathway of involvement. Anti‐NMDAR encephalitis might be underdiagnosed in patients with unusual manifestations.
A synthetic framework for modeling the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity and its costs
Authors: Zhai Yi , Lv Yafei , Li Xin , Wu Weimiao , Bo Wenhao , Shen Dengfeng , Xu Fang , Pang Xiaoming , Zheng Bingsong , Wu Rongling 
Published: September 2013

Summary

The phenotype of an individual is controlled not only by its genes, but also by the environment in which it grows.

A growing body of evidence shows that the extent to which phenotypic changes are driven by the environment, known as phenotypic plasticity, is also under genetic control, but an overall picture of genetic variation for phenotypic plasticity remains elusive.

Here, we develop a model for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that regulate environment‐induced plastic response. This model enables geneticists to test whether there exist actual QTLs that determine phenotypic plasticity and, if there are, further test how plasticity QTLs control the costs of plastic response by dissecting the genetic correlation of phenotypic plasticity and trait value.

The model was used to analyze real data for grain yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), leading to the detection of pleiotropic QTLs and epistatic QTLs that affect phenotypic plasticity and its cost in this crop.
Early transcriptional responses to mercury: a role for ethylene in mercury‐induced stress
Authors: Montero‐Palmero M. Belén , Martín‐Barranco Amanda , Escobar Carolina , Hernández Luis E. 
Published: September 2013

Summary

Understanding the cellular mechanisms of plant tolerance to mercury (Hg) is important for developing phytoremediation strategies of Hg‐contaminated soils. The early responses of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seedlings to Hg were studied using transcriptomics analysis.

A Medicago truncatula microarray was hybridized with high‐quality root RNA from M. sativa treated with 3 μM Hg for 3, 6 and 24 h. The transcriptional pattern data were complementary to the measurements of root growth inhibition, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and NADPH‐oxidase activity as stress indexes.

Of 559 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 91% were up‐regulated. The majority of DEGs were shared between the 3 and 6 h (60%) time points, including the ‘stress’, ‘secondary metabolism’ and ‘hormone metabolism’ functional categories. Genes from ethylene metabolism and signalling were highly represented, suggesting that this phytohormone may be relevant for metal perception and homeostasis.

Ethylene‐insensitive alfalfa seedlings preincubated with the ethylene signalling inhibitor 1‐methylcyclopronene and Arabidopsis thaliana ein2‐5 mutants confirmed that ethylene participates in the early perception of Hg stress. It modulates root growth inhibition, NADPH‐oxidase activity and Hg‐induced apoplastic H2O2 accumulation. Therefore, ethylene signalling attenuation could be useful in future phytotechnological applications to ameliorate stress symptoms in Hg‐polluted plants.
Modifying the Libyan fiscal regime to optimise its oil reserves and attract more foreign capital part 2: application to CO2‐EOR project in Libya
Authors: Balhasan Saad A. , Towler Brian F. , Miskimins Jennifer L. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis paper extends the analysis of our proposed modification to the first model of Libyan Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (LEPSA I) to field applications. Four decision‐making models are coded in a spreadsheet program to estimate profitability indicators for two development scenarios. These scenarios are primary and secondary recovery methods with water injection and enhanced oil recovery by injecting carbon dioxide. The paper concludes that the economic profit for the foreign investor (second party) under LEPSA I was improved compared with EPSA IV. Also, Libya increased its oil reserves with a reasonable decrease of its production share. Moreover, the results showed that the profit indicators under the current production shares (cost recovery) of the fourth model of Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA IV) were not favourable to the second party. Because of that, the second party would not be motivated to make a decision to invest any money for an oil development projects in Libya. Finally, the paper investigates how EPSA IV should be redesigned to maximise the Libyan National Oil Corporation (first party) oil reserves and give more attention to the economic objectives of the second party.
Oral treatment with β‐lactoglobulin peptides prevents clinical symptoms in a mouse model for cow's milk allergy
Authors: Meulenbroek Laura A. P. M. , van Esch Betty C. A. M. , Hofman Gerard A. , den Hartog Jager Constance F. , Nauta Alma J. , Willemsen Linette E. M. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen Carla A. F. M. , Garssen Johan , van Hoffen Els , Knippels Léon M. J. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrior exposure to partial whey hydrolysates has been shown to reduce the allergic response to whey in mice. This effect was more pronounced in combination with a diet containing non‐digestible oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS). It is unknown which fractions/epitopes are responsible for this effect. Therefore, the prophylactic ability of synthetic peptides of β‐lactoglobulin with/without a scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS‐containing diet to reduce the allergic response in a mouse model for cow's milk allergy was investigated.MethodsOf 31 peptides, nine peptides were selected based on human T cell data. Mice were pre‐treated orally with three peptide mixtures or single peptides for six consecutive days. During this period, they received a control or scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS‐containing diet. Subsequently, mice were orally sensitized to whey and received an intradermal and oral challenge. After sacrifice, serum and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were collected for further analysis.ResultsPrior exposure to peptide mixtures 1 and 3 significantly reduced the acute allergic skin response to whey. Mixture 2 showed no effect. An additive effect of the scGOS/lcFOS/pAOS‐containing diet was only observed for mixture 1. Of the peptides in mixture 1, one peptide (LLDAQSAPLRVYVEELKP) showed the strongest effect on the acute allergic skin response. This peptide also tended to decrease whey‐specific antibody levels and to increase the percentages of CD11b+CD103+ dendritic cells and CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the MLN.ConclusionsPrior exposure to specific peptides of β‐lactoglobulin reduces the allergic response to whey, which may involve regulatory dendritic and T cells. Combining peptides with a sGOS/lcFOS/pAOS‐containing diet enhances this effect.
The Metaphysics of Constitution and Accounts of the Resurrection
Authors: Loose Jonathan 
Published: September 2013

AbstractSome Christian materialists have argued for the possibility of resurrection given that persons are constituted by bodies, and constitution is not identity. Baker's constitutionist view claims superiority over animalist alternatives but offers only circular accounts of both personal identity over time and personhood. Corcoran's alternative approaches these questions differently but makes use of Zimmerman's ‘Falling Elevator Model’ of resurrection, which is rendered incoherent by its reliance on contingent identity. A recent constitutionist revision of this model succeeds only in exchanging incoherence for absurdity. Despite difficulties for such resurrection accounts, the idea of constitution as a sui generis relation remains attractive among philosophers and Christian materialists in particular. However, Wasserman's deflationary view combines with problems such as extensionality, indiscernibility and the explosion of reality to provide reason to worry that constitution might be just identity after all. If so, then the metaphysics of constitution cannot provide a convenient route between animalism and immaterialism when explaining the possibility of resurrection.
Systematic review of human listeriosis in China, 1964–2010
Authors: Feng Yanfang , Wu Shuyu , Varma Jay K. , Klena John D. , Angulo Frederick J. , Ran Lu 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectivesListeria is an important foodborne pathogen with severe manifestations and high case‐fatality rate. However, listeriosis is not yet a notifiable disease in China, and there is no national monitoring system for cases. We conducted a systematic review to better understand the clinical and epidemiologic features of listeriosis in China.MethodsBoth electronic and manual retrieval systems were used to search Chinese literature for cases and isolates of human listeriosis reported between 1964 and 2010. We recorded and analysed demographic, clinical and laboratory information available for reported cases.ResultsA total of 147 clinical cases, 479 Listeria isolates and 82 outbreak‐related cases were reported in 28 (90%) provinces in China from January 1964 to December 2010. Of the clinical cases, 45 (31%) were central nervous system infections, 68 (46%) were septicaemia and 34 (23%) were focal infections or gastroenteritis. The overall case‐fatality rate was 26% (34/130) among clinical cases with known outcomes and 46% (21/46) among neonatal cases.ConclusionListeriosis cases occurred in China throughout the study period between 1964 and 2010. Case‐fatality was similar to published data from other countries. China should consider requiring notification of listeriosis cases to improve estimates of incidence, identification of risk factors and design of preventive measures.
Effect of HSV‐2 on population‐level trends in HIV incidence in Uganda between 1990 and 2007
Authors: Biraro Samuel , Kamali Anatoli , White Richard , Karabarinde Alex , Nsiimire Ssendagala Juliet , Grosskurth Heiner , Weiss Helen A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the long‐term effects of population‐level HSV‐2 infection on HIV incidence.MethodsData from a population‐based cohort in south‐western Uganda were used to estimate HIV incidence from 1990 to 2007. Stored blood samples were tested for HSV‐2, and the impact of HSV‐2 prevalence and incidence on HIV incidence was estimated by calculating population attributable fractions (PAFs). The association between population‐level annual HIV incidence and annual HSV‐2 incidence/prevalence was analysed using linear regression.ResultsHIV incidence declined over time among men, from 8.72/1000 person‐years (pyr) in 1990 to 4.85/1000 pyr in 2007 (P‐trend <0.001). In contrast, there was no decline in HIV incidence among women (4.86/1000 pyr in 1990 to 6.74/1000 pyr in 2007, P‐trend = 0.18). PAFs of incident HIV attributable to HSV‐2 were high (60% in males; 70% in females). There was no evidence of an association between long‐term trends in HIV incidence and HSV‐2 prevalence or incidence.ConclusionAssuming a causal relationship, a substantial proportion of new HIV infections in this population are attributable to HSV‐2. The study did not find an effect of HSV‐2 prevalence/incidence on trends in HIV incidence. HIV incidence did not vary much during the study period. This may partly explain the lack of association.
Nasopharyngeal bacterial colonisation in HIV‐positive children in Cambodia
Authors: Krcmery Vladimir , Sokolova Jaroslava , Kulkova Nada , Liskova Anna , Shahum Andrea , Benca George 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine patterns of nasopharyngeal colonisation in HIV‐positive children.MethodsNasopharyngeal, nasal and ear swabs were prospectively taken from all children living in two paediatric nursing homes for HIV‐positive orphans in Cambodia from 2004 to 2011.ResultsA total of 882 swabs were taken, of which 586 tested positive for bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated species (178 isolates; 30.4%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (103 isolates; 17.6%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (99 isolates; 16.9%). The rate of S. pneumoniae decreased in 2009 when a vaccination programme was introduced.ConclusionsThe respiratory tract of HIV‐positive children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy is commonly colonised by S. aureus and S. pneumoniae, while other species normally found in the respiratory tract, such as Moraxella catarrhalis, are far less frequent.
Skunk musk causes methemoglobin and Heinz body formation in vitro
Authors: Fierro Brittney R. , Agnew Dalen W. , Duncan Ann E. , Lehner Andreas F. , Scott Michael A. 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundA captive Red Panda developed a regenerative anemia with Heinz bodies after being sprayed by a skunk. A definite cause‐and‐effect relationship between skunk musk and oxidative erythrocyte damage has not been reported, but it was suspected in one reported case of a dog with Heinz body hemolytic anemia.ObjectiveThe objective was to determine whether skunk musk induces oxidative HGB damage in vitro.MethodsPlasma and RBC were harvested from heparinized blood of 3 dogs, 3 cats, and a Red Panda. Skunk musk was solubilized in ethanol and mixed with plasma from each species to make stock solutions of 4% musk and 4% ethanol. Aliquots of RBC were resuspended in autologous stock solutions and solvent controls to yield musk concentrations of 0%, 0.04%, and 0.4% (by volume). Aliquots were incubated at 37°C for 4–72 hours and assessed for oxidative damage by visual inspection, optical absorbance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and light microscopy after Wright and vital New Methylene Blue staining.ResultsDose‐dependent brown color and absorption changes characteristic of methemoglobin were present by 4 hours and increased over 24 hours (Red Panda) and 72 hours (dog and cat). Similarly, there were time‐dependent (all species) and dose‐dependent (dog and cat) increases in the number of Heinz bodies, which were present by 4 hours and numerous by 24 hours.ConclusionsIn vitro, skunk musk causes Heinz body and methemoglobin formation in canine, feline, and Red Panda RBC, supporting the clinical association between Heinz body hemolytic anemia and skunk spray exposure.
Correlation of cellular expression with function of NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase in the murine lower urinary tract
Authors: Lies Barbara , Groneberg Dieter , Friebe Andreas 
Published: September 2013

Key points
Diseases of the lower urinary tract are associated with dysfunctions of cellular mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle tone. Nitric oxide (NO) mediates relaxation of most smooth muscle‐containing tissues via NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO‐GC). Correlation of cellular localization with function of NO‐GC in the murine lower urinary tract has not been previously performed.
Using cell‐specific knock‐out mice, we demonstrate that NO‐GC is expressed exclusively in smooth muscle cells of the urethral sphincter and mediates NO‐induced relaxation.
In bladder detrusor, NO‐GC is not detected in smooth muscle cells but rather in platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α‐positive interstitial cells. NO‐GC in these cells does not contribute to NO‐induced relaxation; therefore, bladder detrusor smooth muscle appears to be unique as it is not relaxed by NO.
The correlation of NO‐GC localization and function regarding smooth muscle relaxation allows the clinical use of compounds acting within NO/cGMP signalling to be assessed.
Abstract  The action of nitric oxide (NO) to stimulate NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO‐GC), followed by production of cGMP, and eventually to cause smooth muscle relaxation is well known. In the lower urinary tract (LUT), in contrast to the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract, specific localization in combination with function of NO‐GC has not been investigated to date. Consequently, little is known about the mechanisms regulating relaxation of the lower urinary tract in general and the role of NO‐GC‐expressing cells in particular. To study the distribution and function of NO‐GC in the murine lower urinary tract, we used internal urethral sphincter and bladder detrusor from global (GCKO) and smooth muscle cell‐specific (SM‐GCKO) NO‐GC knock‐out mice for immunohistochemical analyses and organ bath experiments. In urethral sphincter, NO‐GC‐positive immunofluorescence was confined to smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Deletion of NO‐GC in SMCs abolished NO‐induced relaxation. In bladder detrusor, exposure to NO did not cause relaxation although immunohistochemistry uncovered the existence of NO‐GC in the tissue. In contrast to the urethral sphincter, expression of NO‐GC in bladder detrusor was limited to platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)‐positive interstitial cells. In conclusion, NO‐GC found in SMCs of the urethral sphincter mediates NO‐induced relaxation; bladder detrusor is unique as NO‐GC is not expressed in SMCs and, thus, NO does not induce relaxation. Nevertheless, NO‐GC expression was found in PDGFRα‐positive interstitial cells of the murine bladder with an as yet unknown function. Further investigation is needed to clarify the role of NO‐GC in the detrusor.