bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Rights Law for Persons With Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific: The Need for a Disability Rights Tribunal
Authors: Perlin Michael L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractHuman rights are arguably the most significant political force shaping the life experience of people with disability. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities sets the standard at an international level, creating both positive and negative rights, and calls upon member states of the United Nations (UN) to develop policies and enact programs to safeguard and progress these rights for people with disabilities. However, without some means of enforcement, UN conventions and national policies can amount to little more than political rhetoric. The paper reviews legal mechanisms and processes established in various regions of the world to enforce the human rights of people with disability. The author examines the role of litigation in upholding the rights of individuals and of groups and critiques the proposed facilitators and barriers to the establishment and effective operation of regional human rights tribunals. Evidence from case law demonstrates that national courts can be powerful forces in mandating the practical implementation of international law. However, litigation in these jurisdictions appear most evident and effective where there has been a body of law established by regional commissions; such as The European Court on Human Rights, The Inter‐American Commission on Human Rights, and The African Commission on Human Rights. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is, potentially, the single most transformative legal initiative affecting persons with disabilities. However, it is unlikely that it will have any significant impact in Asia and the Pacific because of the absence of a regional court or commission in that area of the world. The creation of a Disability Rights Tribunal for Asia and the Pacific offers a solution to this dilemma.
Inclusive Education in Korea: Policy, Practice, and Challenges
Authors: Kim Yong Wook 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEven though the Korean experience with special education in the public education system is limited, inclusive education for special education needs (SEN) students has been at the center of attention at the national policy level since the mid‐1990s. Since then, Korean educators and administrators have put an emphasis on the revision and regulation of special education policies, guaranteeing the rights of SEN students to learn, and fostering the quality of teachers to strengthen inclusive education. These efforts have led to progress supporting inclusive education. However, there is still much to be achieved. The author examined the current practices and policies of inclusive education and the challenges to implementing successful inclusive education in Korea and found that what is needed is to transform the existing climate of the schools from being competition‐driven to being more cooperative and human‐centered. We need strong leadership from principals and administrators. The Korean process also needs to implement disability awareness programs at the national level in order to improve social perceptions. There is a need for closer collaboration and a stronger partnerships between regular and special education teachers. Teachers need to adopt a positive attitude and perception toward SEN students, and to achieve this, there is a need to provide preservice and in‐service education to promote among teachers the notions inherent to inclusive education. The challenges are long standing complicated issues with respect to the practice of inclusion in Korea. Many of these challenges at times appear almost impossible to resolve. However, every year, more SEN students want to participate in inclusive education and both regular and special education teachers, together with administrators and parents, believe inclusive education is a worthwhile ideal for the education of SEN students.
The role of phosphatase and tensin homolog in drug‐induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: Cetinkaya B. O. , Pamuk F. , Keles G. C. , Ayas B. , Ozfidan G. K. , Kayisli U. , Arik N. , Horton H. 
Published: June 2013

Background and ObjectiveWe proposed that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) might be one of the signaling proteins that alter the balance between cell growth and cell death in drug‐induced gingival overgrowth. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of PTEN in subjects using cyclosporine A and to analyze the relationship between PTEN and cell proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), in cyclosporine A‐induced gingival overgrowth.Material and MethodsIn total, samples from 36 subjects, i.e. 24 cyclosporine A‐mediated renal transplant patients with gingival overgrowth (n = 12) or without gingival overgrowth (n = 12) and 12 matched periodontally healthy subjects, were included in the study. PTEN and PCNA expressions in gingival tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, PTEN expression was also analyzed by western blot. PTEN immunoreactivity was calculated with a histologic score (HSCORE) value and PCNA immunoreactivity was calculated with the PCNA‐proliferative index.ResultsPhosphatase and tensin homolog HSCORE for the group with gingival overgrowth was found to be significantly lowest compared to the group without gingival overgrowth and the control group (p < 0.001) while the highest PTEN HSCORE was found in the control group. In addition, the PTEN HSCORE for the group without gingival overgrowth was significantly lower compared to controls (p < 0.001). The highest PCNA‐proliferative index score was observed in the group with gingival overgrowth while the lowest score was observed in the control group (p < 0.001). The immunoblot signal for PTEN was significantly decreased in the group with gingival overgrowth compared to the group without gingival overgrowth and the control group (p < 0.001). Western blot results were different from immunohistochemistry and revealed there was no significant difference between the without gingival overgrowth and the control group (p > 0.05).ConclusionOur results showing decreased PTEN levels in patients with gingival overgrowth supported with increased PCNA expression suggested that PTEN might take part in the imbalance between cell proliferation and death in drug‐induced gingival overgrowth.
Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction and Vestibular Pain Sensitivity Among Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Smith Kelly B. , Pukall Caroline F. , Chamberlain Susan M. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common cause of painful intercourse. Despite the fact that PVD is associated with high levels of pain and negative impact on women's sexuality, research has not examined associations between affected women's pain sensitivity and their sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Aims
This study aimed to examine sexual and relationship functioning/satisfaction and vestibular pain sensitivity among PVD-affected women, and potential associations between these variables.

Methods
Participants were 17 women with PVD and 17 matched controls. Women were assessed via a gynecological examination, structured interview, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Additionally, women completed a quantitative sensory testing session to assess vestibular pain thresholds and associated pain ratings; specifically, vestibular pressure-pain and heat pain thresholds were measured.

Main Outcome Measures
Gynecological and intercourse pain ratings; FSFI; GRISS; DAS; vestibular pressure-pain threshold; and vestibular heat pain thresholds.

Results
PVD-affected women reported significantly decreased sexual function in comparison with controls. While no differences in relationship satisfaction were found between groups, women with PVD did report less sexual satisfaction on the FSFI. PVD-affected women also reported significantly higher vestibular pain ratings associated with the gynecological examination and heat pain tolerance procedures, and lower pressure-pain threshold, heat pain threshold, and heat pain tolerance at the vestibule in comparison with controls. Among women with PVD, lower heat pain threshold was associated with less sexual satisfaction, and higher pain ratings related to intercourse and heat pain tolerance, respectively, were associated with lower sexual function and satisfaction.

Conclusions
The results indicate that women with PVD experience negative sexual effects and increased pain sensitivity. This study also suggests that some aspects of pain may be related to lower levels of sexual function and satisfaction among affected women.
Androgenic Action of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on Nerve Density in the Ovariectomized Rat Vagina
Authors: Pelletier Georges , Ouellet Johanne , Martel Céline , Labrie Fernand 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
We have recently reported that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases the density of nerve fibers in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat vagina.

Aim
To better define the mechanism of action of DHEA, we have examined the effect of DHEA, conjugated estrogens (premarin) and the potent blocker of estrogen action acolbifene on the innervation in the lamina propria in the OVX rat vagina.

Methods
Female Sprague-Dawley rats (10–12 weeks old) were used. Innervation of the vagina was examined 9 months after OVX and was compared to that of OVX animals treated daily with DHEA (80 mg/kg) by topical application on the skin, premarin (0.5 mg/kg) orally as well as acolbifene (2.5 mg/kg) orally administrated alone or in combination with DHEA or premarin.

Main Outcome Measures
Four histological sections from each vagina (5 animals/group) were immunostained using antibodies to the panneuronal marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5). The areas were measured by stereological analysis.

Results
OVX reduced the area of the lamina propria to 44% of the intact value, an effect which was reversed to 69% and 84% of the intact value by DHEA and premarin, respectively, at the doses used. When acolbifene was used, no inhibition of the stimulatory effect of DHEA was observed, while the action of premarin was completely blocked. Evaluation of the PGP 9.5 fiber density revealed that DHEA treatment increased the density of fibers by 60% compared to OVX animals, while a further 27% increase was observed when acolbifene was combined with DHEA. Premarin, on the other hand, had no effect on the density of PGP 9.5 fibers.

Conclusions
Considering that the antiestrogen acolbifene had no inhibitory effect on the effect of DHEA in rat vagina while blocking the stimulatory effect of premarin, the present data indicate that DHEA exerts its stimulatory effect on the fiber density through an androgenic action.
Prevalence ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisFecal Shedding in Alpacas Presented to Veterinary Hospitals in the United States
Authors: Fecteau M.‐E. , Bedenice D. , Cebra C.K. , Pinn T.L. , McAdams S.C. , Fyock T.L. , Whitlock R.H. , Sweeney R.W. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundThe prevalence of Johne's disease in alpacas in the United States is unknown. The limits of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP) in alpaca feces have not been determined.ObjectivesTo evaluate the use ofPCRforMAPdetection in alpaca feces; and to estimate the prevalence ofMAPfecal shedding in alpacas presented to veterinary teaching hospitals.AnimalsAlpacas presenting to 4 US veterinary teaching hospitals from November 2009 to February 2011.MethodsProspective study. Ten dilutions of a wildMAPstrain were added to negative alpaca feces and processed forMAPdetection by means of a commercial real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) assay, and cultured on Herrold's Egg Yolk Medium (HEYM) and liquid broth. The limits of detection for each method were determined. Fecal samples from alpacas admitted to the veterinary teaching hospitals during the study period were evaluated forMAPviaPCRandHEYM.ResultsThe lowestMAPdilution detectable viaPCRwas 243MAPcolony‐forming units (CFU)/g of feces, at which concentrationMAPgrowth was detectable onHEYM. Ten (6%; 95% confidence interval: 3–9%) of the 180 fecal samples collected were positive onPCR.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePolymerase chain reaction can provide an accurate and rapid detection ofMAPfecal shedding in alpacas; and the prevalence ofMAPfecal shedding in hospitalized alpacas in 4 US veterinary teaching hospitals was 6%.
Succession after prescribed burning in coastal Calluna heathlands along a 340‐km latitudinal gradient
Authors: Velle Liv G. , Vandvik Vigdis 
Published: June 2013

AbstractQuestionsThe coastal heathlands of northwest Europe are classified as highly endangered and a habitat of high conservation importance throughout their geographic range. Previous research into heathland vegetation dynamics has typically been carried out within single sites or regions, and hence little is known about the variability of land‐use effects and successional dynamics along biogeographic gradients. We test the hypothesis that the bioclimatic gradient is a key factor shaping post‐fire regeneration dynamics in Calluna heathlands, with progressively slower regrowth and lower post‐fire pioneer species richness towards colder climates.LocationWet and dry Calluna heath vegetation in five sites spanning a 340‐km latitudinal gradient along the west coast of Norway (60.70°–63.79° N).MethodsA repeated measures design was used, with floristic data recorded from permanent plots in a number of experimental post‐fire successions over a 3‐yr period (n = 344). The data were analysed using multivariate ordination techniques: detrended correspondence analysis, partial redundancy analysis and principal response curves, and mixed effects models.ResultsRegeneration rates decrease from south to north and the wet heath stands regenerate faster towards the pre‐fire community composition than the dry stands. Calluna decreases immediately after fire in all sites, but increases from the second year onwards, with the southernmost site having the fastest return. Regeneration of grasses, herbs, mosses and lichens is also faster in the south. Across all sites, species richness decreased the first year after fire, followed by an increase that exceeds pre‐fire levels by the second year. The number of pioneer species entering the heathlands after fire decreases northwards.ConclusionsWe found considerable geographic variation, not only in species composition, but also in post‐fire successional trends and dynamics. This is probably linked to higher productivity and larger pools of pioneer species in southern sites, and higher growth rates of shrubs and mosses in the wet heath habitat. This calls for conservation of a geographically diverse set of heathland sites, as well as development of regional‐ and site‐specific management plans.
Correction of all‐trans retinoic acid deficiency in alcoholic cirrhosis lessens the excessive inflammatory monocyte response: a translational study
Authors: Ouziel Romy , Trépo Eric , Cremer Anneline , Moreno Christophe , Degré Delphine , Chaouni Mustapha , Vercruysse Vincent , Quertinmont Eric , Devière Jacques , Lemmers Arnaud , Gustot Thierry 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsPatients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) have vitamin A (VA) deficiency and an enhanced immune response associated with disease severity. All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a VA‐active metabolite, has anti‐inflammatory effects and its deficiency could contribute to the exacerbated proinflammatory reaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ATRA/VA deficiency and supplementation on the monocyte response in ALD.MethodsVitamin A and ATRA plasma levels were quantified in ALD patients and healthy subjects (HS). The in vitro effect of ATRA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced TNF‐α production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was assessed by ELISA and RT‐PCR. The activation pattern of peritoneal macrophages (PerMΦ) and circulating monocytes isolated from VA‐deficient mice and ALD patients, respectively, was evaluated by flow cytometry, quantification of TNF‐α and NO2 production.ResultsAlcoholic liver disease patients (n = 85) showed plasmatic VA deficiency that was correlated with scores of severity and with the hepatic venous pressure gradient. ATRA levels correlated significantly with VA levels. In vitro, ATRA pretreatment decreased the overproduction of TNF‐α by LPS‐stimulated PBMC of ALD patients. In vivo, VA deficiency in mice was associated with increased activation of PerMΦ, while oral ATRA supplementation normalized it.ConclusionFor the first time, we show that VA/ATRA deficiencies in ALD patients are associated with disease severity. Furthermore, our data strongly suggest that the VA deficiency observed in ALD patients might participate in the pathophysiology of the disease by priming immune cells, and that ATRA supplementation could downregulate the deleterious proinflammatory state in cirrhosis and might thus be of therapeutic use.
Anthropogenic and climatic influences over the past three centuries on characteristics of an Adirondack lake, Eastern North America
Authors: Kanfoush Sharon L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractFourth Lake is a drainage lake at 43°N, 74°W, from which a 37‐cm long mud‐water interface core was recovered. 210Pb dating indicates the core spans ≈340 years, from the Little Ice Age through modern global warming. Diatom accumulation responds to anthropogenic watershed disturbances, declining slightly up‐core until a peak in the late‐1800s attributable to sediment and nutrient influx from logging and enlargement of the outlet dam. A dramatic decrease occurs ≈1900 as logging and lake filling ceased, and a smaller peak ≈1960 accompanies residential development. Similar changes occur in organic carbon accumulation, which ranges from 0.0038–0.024 mg cm−2 year−1, with generally decreasing values up‐core, punctuated by maximum values in the late‐1800s. Expressing diatoms as concentration, however, reveals a doubling up‐core that positively correlates with changes extending beyond the watershed, including Northern Hemisphere temperature, atmospheric CO2 concentration and solar irradiance (R = 0.627, 0.675 and 0.400, respectively). A >50% increase in % organic carbon, from 3.8% to 5.9%, also positively correlates with these larger‐scale environmental conditions (R = 0.828, 0.830 and 0.832), while negative correlations with the extrabasinal records are exhibited by magnetic susceptibility (R = −0.654, −0.496, and −0.660) and clay (R = −0.770, −0.762, and −0.737). These changes are consistent with decreased sediment influx and reduced dilution of biogenous sedimentary components. In contrast to total diatoms, the accumulation of planktonic genus Asterionella displays a long‐term increase up‐core. Potential explanations include increasing duration of the ice‐free season or a shift in the timing of the spring bloom and a mismatch with abundance of predator(s). Asterionella also increases as a percentage of total diatoms, being positively correlated with extrabasinal conditions (R = 0.827, 0.774 and 0.674). This change occurs at the expense of many benthic genera and, over the past century, at the expense of tychoplanktonic genus, Aulacosiera. Heavily silicified, Aulacosiera requires strong mixing to remain within the epilimnion. Thus, its decline might result from increasing stratification caused by warming.
Bathymetric study of Lake Hayq, Ethiopia
Authors: Yesuf Hassen M. , Alamirew Tena , Melesse Assefa M. , Assen Mohammed 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe generation of scientific information for improved understating of the physical dynamics of a lake is fundamental for guiding lake stakeholders and managers at the local level to implement best management practices and help design effective management strategies and policies at higher levels. Multitemporal bathymetric information on lakes is very important in hydrology and sediment studies to more clearly indicate environmental changes and to understand the effects of land processes on the hydrology of lakes. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to map bathymetric charts of Lake Hayq in Ethiopia and to derive morphometric parameters, including depth, volume, area, width and length, and to plot curves illustrating the relationships between these parameters. The bathymetric survey was carried out using a combination of a SonarLite Portable Echo Sounder and Global Positioning System (GPS) to generate three‐dimensional (XYZ) hydrographic data. Surfer 8.01 and ArcGIS 9.3 software program were used for surface, gridding and morphometric analyses. Comparison of the results of this study with a previous study conducted in 1941 indicated the lake has experienced changes in depth and surface area. To reduce the negative impacts of human‐induced activities on the ecohydrology of the lake, and to maintain its ecological integrity, appropriate and integrated lake management practices must be adopted. This will necessitate policy formulation, active lake basin stakeholder involvement and implementation of basin‐wide lake management to ensure sustainable use of the lake and its basin resources.
Lake bathymetry from Indian Remote Sensing (P6‐LISS III) satellite imagery using artificial neural network model
Authors: Moses Sheela A. , Janaki Letha , Joseph Sabu , Gomathi Jairaj P. , Joseph Justus 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe remote sensing technique provides a rapid and relatively inexpensive means of identifying silted areas in large water bodies, in order that desilting activities can be effectively conducted. This study developed lake bathymetry for a selected lake system (Akkulam–Veli Lake, Kerala, India) from the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS P6‐LISS III) satellite imagery, using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The water depth was measured for 17 months at different points in the lake on the same date of overpass of the IRS satellite. The satellite imageries obtained for 12 December 2007 and 16 February 2009 were identified as cloud‐free images. ANN models were developed with the four input series of radiance values from green, red, NIR and MIR bands observed for the satellite imagery obtained on 12 December 2007 at the sampling sites, with actual water depth measurements also being taken on the same date. A three‐layered feed forward neural network with back propagation training algorithm was developed for this study. To train the model, it was run several times by changing the number of neurons, learning rate and the momentum constants until the mean square error was minimum. When the number of neurons is increased to 35, and the logsig function is used as ANN transfer function, the error becomes minimum. To test the model, the developed ANN was run for a new set of input from the satellite imagery taken on 16 February 2009. Comparing the predicted and measured values for the same sites for the same day, it was found that the model is best suited for predicting water depth using ANN and the radiance values for four bands of IRS satellite imagery. The results of this study indicated that, for the shallow lake with lower depth, the difference between the actual and predicted value was considerable. In contrast, this was not the case where the lake water depth was greater, indicating an increased prediction accuracy with ANN with increasing depths for shallow lakes. A bathymetry map prepared with ANN indicated only the lake shoreline, as well as the shallow littoral zones. The approach used in this study requires further refinement, including further of the model based on using more field measurements to obtain a better bathymetry map.