bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feeding behaviour of larval Ambystoma mexicanum
Authors: de Jesus Chaparro-Herrera Diego , Nandini S. , Sarma S.S.S. , Zambrano Luis 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, endemic to the freshwater lakes, Xochimilco
and Chalco in Mexico City, feeds on zooplankton during its larval stages. We
evaluated the functional response over eight weeks of A. mexicanum fed
different prey items found in its natural habitat (rotifers: Brachionus
havanaensis, B. calyciflorus, B. rubens and Plationus patulus; cladocerans:
Moina macrocopa, Macrothrix triserialis, Alona glabra and Simocephalus
vetulus; and ostracods: Heterocypris incongruens). Zooplankton consumption
by A. mexicanum varied in relation to the prey species and age of the
larvae. Unlike oviparous fish larvae which often feed preferentially on
rotifers in the first few weeks, A. mexicanum larvae fed more on cladocerans
and ostracods. Among the cladocerans offered, larval A. mexicanum consumed
higher numbers of M. triserialis and M. macrocopa. Feeding on the largest
cladoceran tested, S. vetulus, increased after the fifth week. There was a
consistent increase in the number of ostracods Heterocypris incongruens,
consumed with age, from 4 to 169 prey per larva over eight weeks. The
results are discussed with relation to the importance of zooplankton diet in
conservation effort of this endangered species in Lake Xochimilco.
The Expansion of the Prophetic Experience: 'Abdolkarīm Sorūš's New Approach to Qur'ānic Revelation
Authors: Amirpur Katajun 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIndubitably, Iranian thinker 'Abdolkarīm Sorūš (b. 1945) in the course of the Islamic Republic's history has undergone an impressive change from establishment ideologist to its most prominent dissident. From 1980 on, he was a member of the Council of the Cultural Revolution, an organisation that dismissed oppositional, i.e. secular minded professors from their university posts, and he often appeared on TV as the Islamic Republic's apologist denouncing the left wing's ideology. But in the late 1980s, Sorūš published his epistemological theory of the evolution of religious knowledge in Keyhān-e Farhangī magazine. Controversies between the magazine's state-appointed publisher and the two journalists who had accepted Sorūš's articles for publication inspired the latter to found Kīyān magazine, which was Sorūš's mouthpiece as much as it became the most important platform of the religious newthinkers, and the religious reform's backbone until its proscription in 2001. Sorūš's transition to a post-Islamist thinker began with his theory of what he chose to call theoretical contraction and expansion of the šarī'a and it continued with his theory of religious-democratic government. In all of his later essays, he spoke out against the monopolization of exegesis by one single social class and against tendencies of taking fatwās for religion itself. In 1997, he published his probably most radical theory, which however was not widely noted until 2007, when the English translation of the essay in question was about to be published and Sorūš spoke of it in an interview. In what did finally appear in English under the title “The Expansion of Prophetic Experience” in 2009, he argued that “like a poet, the Prophet transmits the divine inspiration into the language he knows, the styles and images he masters, and the knowledge he possesses”. And this human view of the Qur'ān makes it possible to distinguish between what he calls the 'essential' and the 'accidental' aspects of religion. Some parts of religion are historically and culturally determined and no longer relevant today. At this epistemological revolution, some of Sorūš's critics accused him of having left his faith for good; others see in it a chance to bring about Islam's aggiornamento.
Human Rights and New Jurisprudence in Mohsen Kadivar's Advocacy of “New-Thinker” Islam
Authors: Matsunaga Yasuyuki 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn 2001, Mohsen Kadivar (1959-), a Qom-trained Shi'ite mujtahid, began advocating what he has alternately termed “spiritual Islam”, “goal-oriented Islam”, and “new-thinker Islam”. No longer just a critic of the “rule of the jurisprudent” (wilāyat-i faqīh) doctrine, Kadivar started to set forth his version of postrevivalist Islam, a kind that characteristically highlights its spiritual aspects but is nonetheless self-consciously anchored within the framework of Islamic jurisprudence. In this article, I will first examine Kadivar's arguments about the fundamental conflict between the traditional exegesis of Islam and modern human rights norms, the inadequacy of traditional Islamic jurisprudence as a means to tackle the conflict, and his proposed approach to solving the problem. I will then critically discuss certain controversial aspects of the new exegesis that Kadivar has proposed—particularly, the issues surrounding the abrogation of accepted precepts of sharī'a and the newly introduced conception of the intrinsic rights of human beings—as well as its significance and cogency. These examinations will highlight the unique emphasis that Kadivar has put on jurisprudence as the means to come to terms with the challenges of modernity, in contrast with more explicitly hermeneutic approaches preferred by some of his peers within the emerging postrevivalist current in Iran.
Khomeini the Poet Mystic
Authors: Seyed-Gohrab Asghar 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAyatollah Khomeini (1902-1989), the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is commonly known in the West for his political reading of Islam. Especially his death-sentence against the British-Indian writer Salman Rushdie, in 1989, strengthened his image as a fundamentalist. Khomeini as a hermit and mystic poet who composed poetry about selfless love, wine and mystic union is, for the western public, contradictio in terminis. Yet mysticism and poetry are two essential aspects of his personality, usually overshadowed by his outspoken political views.
The Shī'a in Iraqi Novels
Authors: Zeidel Ronen 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThroughout the 20 th century, Iraqi novels and novelists played a significant role in the construction of Iraqi national identity. They continue to do so in the first decade of the 21 st century with a proliferation of novels and novelists. The version of national identity that they have propagated considered sectarianism, particularly among the Shī'a , to be totally incompatible with Iraqi national identity. In fact, sectarianism became a code word for the expression of Shī'ī identity and as such has either been ignored by literature or strictly condemned. This article will show how Iraqi novels refrained from touching this extremely sensitive issue—the Shī'a in Iraq—either by not mentioning it at all or by treating it briefly as marginal to the narrative. Although this is still the dominant tone, this article will also show a process of change which started during the 90s with interesting consequences to Shī'ī and Iraqi identities. This change occurred against the background of the extremely violent repression of the Shī'ī Intifada in March 1991, the rising violence in Iraq, the weakening of the (Sunnī) regime, as well as the dispersion of Iraqi literary circles away from Baghdad and the ascendance of a new generation of exile writers. Although the change preceded the upheaval of April 2003, recent events in Iraq have reinforced the trend and the results are novels that are either Shī'ī in a religious sense or strive to integrate Shī'ī tradition into a secular atmosphere.
The European External Action Service and the European Parliament
Authors: Raube Kolja 
Published: January 2012

Summary
Despite considerable academic attention on the European External Action Service (EEAS), only a few studies have touched upon its relationship with the European Parliament. This article looks into the relationship between the EEAS, its High Representative and the European Parliament. It pays particular attention to the question of whether — during the making of the EEAS — the European Parliament was able to expand its parliamentary oversight in external relations along the lines of legislative, supervisory and budgetary powers.
Carbon nanotubes/polyamide 6.6 nanostructured composites crystallization kinetic study
Authors: Ribeiro B , Nohara LB , Oishi SS , Costa ML , Botelho EC 
Published: January 2012

Compared with the traditional composites, the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into polymeric matrices can generate materials with superior properties, especially thermal, electrical and tribological properties. The aim of this study was to study the polyamide 6.6/carbon nanotubes (PA 6.6/CNT) nanostructured composites crystallization kinetics. The solution mixing technique was used to obtain the nanostructured composites studied in this work. PA 6.6 films were produced with amounts of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt% (weight/weight) CNT. X-ray diffraction analyses were performed in order to determine the crystallographic properties of nanostructured composite. The nanostructured composites crystallization kinetic study was performed using the differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal and nonisothermal (dynamic) conditions. The results have shown addition of CNTs in the PA 6.6 reduces the Avrami exponent, affecting the crystallization process of the composite.
Musculoskeletal Imaging in the Cat
Authors: Mahoney Paul 
Published: January 2012

Practical relevance Despite the increasing availability of ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiography remains the primary imaging modality for the assessment of feline musculoskeletal disease in practice. In many respects, having a more feline-focused approach to radiography will reward the clinician with better quality images and, hence, a greater likelihood of a correct diagnosis. Clinical challenges Correct interpretation of radiographic films requires familiarity with some of the unique aspects of normal feline skeletal anatomy. For optimal patient management, the clinician also needs an appreciation of the distinct advantages of advanced imaging modalities in certain circumstances, in particular for head trauma patients. Equipment When considering what equipment is most suitable for musculoskeletal imaging, the small size of our feline patients means that image resolution is of primary importance. Choosing an x-ray system (film–screen or digital) that offers more detail, and selecting ultrasound probes of a higher frequency than would be used on larger canine patients, will go some way to improving the diagnostic yield of any feline imaging study. If there is the option of referral for MRI, and a choice between high-field and low-field MRI systems for the feline patient, a high-field system will always provide more detail. Audience This review, drawing on the author’s experience and established imaging and anatomical principles, aims to assist general veterinary practitioners in their approach to feline musculoskeletal imaging. It provides an overview of the imaging choices and techniques for different regions of the body, and gives examples of normal anatomy that is peculiar to the cat.
Musculoskeletal oddities in the cat
Authors: Langley-Hobbs Sorrel 
Published: January 2012

Practical relevance Cats, both young and old, can suffer a variety of weird and wonderful musculoskeletal conditions that are a cause of lameness. These include developmental, metabolic and nutritional bone diseases, ectopic mineralisation disorders, conditions that cause lameness or exercise intolerance and primarily or secondarily affect muscle, and lastly pad conditions. Clinical challenges These conditions are mostly rare and can be challenging to diagnose. The aim of this review is to bring these conditions to the attention of practitioners so that, if they are encountered, further research around the topic can be undertaken. Radiographic changes and diagnostic tests that can be used to try to confirm diagnoses are described. Evidence base These unusual causes of lameness are the subject of multiple single case reports or small case series, many of which are relatively old. The evidence presented here is drawn from these articles. However, it is not possible within the scope of this review to discuss all the conditions in as much detail as they may warrant, or to make reference to every article relating to them.
On-site management of investigational products and drug delivery systems in conformity with Good Clinical Practices (GCPs)
Authors: Méthot Julie , Brisson Diane , Gaudet Daniel 
Published: January 2012

Background Investigators and research teams participating in clinical trials have to deal with complex investigational products, study designs, and research environments. The emergence of new drug delivery systems and investigational products combining more than one drug and the development of biodrugs such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides, siRNA, and gene therapy to treat orphan or common diseases constitute a new challenge for investigators and clinical sites. Purpose We describe the requirements and challenges of drug management in conformity with Good Clinical Practices (GCPs) for investigators and sites participating in clinical trials. Review At all sites participating in clinical trials, standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering the critical path of drug and drug delivery systems management are required. All steps should be auditable, including reception, validation, storage, access, preparation, distribution, techniques of administration, use, return, and destruction of research products. Biodrugs require traceability and specific SOPs on the management of potential immune reactions. Investigational products must be stored under standard auditable conditions. The traceability of storage conditions (including temperature) requires these conditions to be monitored on a continuous basis. A dedicated space with restricted access limited to authorized qualified personnel facilitates the monitoring. Conclusions The development of standardized, auditable settings and the application of dedicated, site-specific SOPs for the management of investigational products and drug delivery systems contribute to guarantee the compliance to GCP requirements.
Characterization and discovery of novel miRNAs and moRNAs in JAK2V617F-mutated SET2 cells
Authors: Bortoluzzi Stefania , Bisognin Andrea , Biasiolo Marta , Guglielmelli Paola , Biamonte Flavia , Norfo Ruggiero , Manfredini Rossella , Vannucchi Alessandro M. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
To gain insights into a possible role of microRNAs in myeloproliferative neoplasms, we performed short RNA massive sequencing and extensive bioinformatic analysis in the JAK2V617F-mutated SET2 cell line. Overall, 652 known mature miRNAs were detected, of which 21 were highly expressed, thus being responsible of most of miRNA-mediated gene repression. microRNA putative targets were enriched in specific signaling pathways, providing information about cell activities under massive posttranscriptional regulation. The majority of miRNAs were mixtures of sequence variants, called isomiRs, mainly because of alternative, noncanonical processing of hairpin precursors. We also identified 78 novel miRNAs (miRNA*) derived from known hairpin precursors. Both major and minor (*) forms of miRNAs were expressed concurrently from half of expressed hairpins, highlighting the relevance of miRNA* and the complexity of strand selection bias regulation. Finally, we discovered that SET2 cells express a number of miRNA-offset RNAs (moRNAs), short RNAs derived from genomic regions flanking mature miRNAs. We provide novel data about the possible origin of moRNAs, although their functional role remains to be elucidated. Overall, this study shed light on the complexity of microRNA-mediated gene regulation in SET2 cells and represents the basis for future studies in JAK2V617F-mutated cellular models.
Techniques for analysing pattern formation in populations of stem cells and their progeny
Authors: Fozard John A , Kirkham Glen R , Buttery Lee DK , King John R , Jensen Oliver E , Byrne Helen M 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate how patterns of cell differentiation are related to underlying intra- and inter-cellular signalling pathways, we use a stochastic individual-based model to simulate pattern formation when stem cells and their progeny are cultured as a monolayer. We assume that the fate of an individual cell is regulated by the signals it receives from neighbouring cells via either diffusive or juxtacrine signalling. We analyse simulated patterns using two different spatial statistical measures that are suited to planar multicellular systems: pair correlation functions (PCFs) and quadrat histograms (QHs).ResultsWith a diffusive signalling mechanism, pattern size (revealed by PCFs) is determined by both morphogen decay rate and a sensitivity parameter that determines the degree to which morphogen biases differentiation; high sensitivity and slow decay give rise to large-scale patterns. In contrast, with juxtacrine signalling, high sensitivity produces well-defined patterns over shorter lengthscales. QHs are simpler to compute than PCFs and allow us to distinguish between random differentiation at low sensitivities and patterned states generated at higher sensitivities.ConclusionsPCFs and QHs together provide an effective means of characterising emergent patterns of differentiation in planar multicellular aggregates.
Chronic fluoxetine treatment in middle-aged rats induces changes in the expression of plasticity-related molecules and in neurogenesis
Authors: Guirado Ramon , Sanchez-Matarredona David , Varea Emilo , Crespo Carlos , Blasco-Ibáñez José Miguel , Nacher Juan 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Antidepressants promote neuronal structural plasticity in young-adult rodents, but little is known of their effects on older animals. The polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) may mediate these structural changes through its anti-adhesive properties. PSA-NCAM is expressed in immature neurons and in a subpopulation of mature interneurons and its expression is modulated by antidepressants in the telencephalon of young-adult rodents.

Results
We have analyzed the effects of 14 days of fluoxetine treatment on the density of puncta expressing PSA-NCAM and different presynaptic markers in the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala of middle-aged (8 months old) rats. The density of puncta expressing PSA-NCAM increased in the dorsal cingulate cortex, as well as in different hippocampal and amygdaloid regions. In these later regions there were also increases in the density of puncta expressing glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 (GAD6), synaptophysin (SYN), PSA-NCAM/SYN and PSA-NCAM/GAD6, but a decrease of those expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1). Since there is controversy on the effects of antidepressants on neurogenesis during aging, we analyzed the number of proliferating cells expressing Ki67 and that of immature neurons expressing doublecortin or PSA-NCAM. No significant changes were found in the subgranular zone, but the number of proliferating cells decreased in the subventricular zone.

Conclusions
These results indicate that the effects of fluoxetine in middle-aged rats are different to those previously described in young-adult animals, being more restricted in the mPFC and even following an opposite direction in the amygdala or the subventricular zone.
Impact of the ABCDE triage in primary care emergency department on the number of patient visits to different parts of the health care system in Espoo City
Authors: Kantonen Jarmo , Menezes Ricardo , Heinänen Tuula , Mattila Juho , Mattila Kari J , Kauppila Timo 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Many Finnish emergency departments (ED) serve both primary and secondary health care patients and are therefore referred to as combined emergency departments. Primary care doctors are responsible for the initial assessment and treatment. They, thereby, also regulate referral and access to secondary care. Primary health care EDs are easy for the public to access, leading to non-acute patient visits to the emergency department. This has caused increased queues and unnecessary difficulties in providing immediate treatment for urgent patients. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the flow of patients was changed by implementing the ABCDE-triage system in the EDs of Espoo City, Finland.

Methods
The numbers of monthly visits to doctors were recorded before and after intervention in Espoo primary care EDs. To study if the implementation of the triage system redirects patients to other health services, the numbers of monthly visits to doctors were also scored in the private health care, the public sector health services of Espoo primary care during office hours and local secondary health care ED (Jorvi hospital). A face-to-face triage system was applied in the primary care EDs as an attempt to provide immediate treatment for the most acute patients. It is based on the letters A (patient sent directly to secondary care), B (to be examined within 10 min), C (to be examined within 1 h), D (to be examined within 2 h) and E (no need for immediate treatment) for assessing the urgency of patients' treatment needs. The first step was an initial patient assessment by a health care professional (triage nurse). The introduction of this triage system was combined with information to the public on the "correct" use of emergency services.

Results
After implementation of the ABCDE-triage system the number of patient visits to a primary care doctor decreased by up to 24% (962 visits/month) as compared to the three previous years in the EDs. The Number of visits to public sector GPs during office hours did not alter. Implementation of ABCDE-triage combined with public guidance was associated with decreased total number of doctor visits in public health care. During same period, the number of patient visits in the private health care increased. Simultaneously, the number of doctor visits in secondary health care ED did not alter.

Conclusions
The present ABCDE-triage system combined with public guidance may reduce patient visits to primary health care EDs but not to the secondary health care EDs. Limiting the access of less urgent patients to ED may redirect the demands of patients to private sector rather than office hours GP services.