bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NOTE ON THE EFFECT OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVES' h× POLARIZATION ON PARTICLE TRAJECTORY
Authors: JU PENG , ZHAN MING-SHENG
Published: July 2013

Motivated by the noise analysis in the feasibility study of gravitational wave (GW) detection with atom interferometry, the propagation of both massive and massless particles in a linearized GW background is investigated. The geodesic from the GW background is worked out, which shows that along the transverse direction, the trajectory of particles will be perturbed by the h× polarization of GWs. Fortunately, this kind of perturbation is far below the requirement on the pointing stability for the present GW detectors and proposals.
MORPHOLOGY AND HISTOLOGY OF THE COLLAPSED LUNATE IN ADVANCED KIENBÖCK DISEASE
Authors: Ueba Yasuo , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Nakajima Yasuaki , Kotoura Yosihiko
Published: July 2013

Morphological and histological changes of 24 collapsed lunates in advanced Kienböck disease were investigated. Articular cartilage of a collapsed lunate were consistently attenuated or disappeared. The proximal articular cartilage facing the radius is generally more affected than the distal articular cartilage facing the capitate. There was one major fracture in addition to multiple minor fractures in the collapsed lunate. Fracture patterns were classified into three types according to the directions of major fracture, namely horizontal type, dual oblique type, and vertical type. There were viable and necrotic areas in the collapsed lunate. Active new bone formation was observed at the junction between the viable and necrotic bone area of the collapsed lunate in advanced Kienböck disease.
MID-MOTION DEFORMATION OF MEDIAN NERVE DURING FINGER FLEXION: A NEW INSIGHT INTO THE DYNAMIC AETIOLOGY OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Authors: Liong Kyrin , Lahiri Amitabha , Lee Shujin , Chia Dawn , Biswas Arijit , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: July 2013

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) exists in a spectrum of severity and symptoms with a dynamic component. We aim to study dynamic nerve-tendon interrelationships in normal and mild CTS wrists during a fist motion, with dynamic ultrasound. We observed that in normal wrists, the nerve arcs in an ulnar-volar direction and changes from a circular shape to a flat oval during motion. In CTS candidates, however, the curvature and distance of the nerve's path are reduced, while nerve shape remains relatively constant. In all candidates, the nerve is compressed against the flexor retinaculum, with the nerve subject to less compression in normal candidates as it moves dorsally into a recess. These findings suggest that besides mechanical compression from increased carpal tunnel contents alone, a decrease in nerve gliding movement may lead to CTS symptomatology. Furthermore, we identified that maximum nerve deformation occurs mid-motion, supporting the use of wrist splints for symptom relief.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE STIFFNESS OF TRANSVERSE CARPAL LIGAMENT BETWEEN NORMAL SUBJECTS AND CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME PATIENTS
Authors: Miyamoto Hideaki , Miura Toshiki , Morizaki Yutaka , Uehara Kosuke , Ohe Takashi , Tanaka Sakae
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to compare the stiffness of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) between healthy volunteers and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients using sonoelastography. We studied 17 healthy volunteers (four men, 13 women; range 37–84 years) and 18 hands of 13 patients with CTS (three men, ten women; range 41–79 years). Thickness and elasticity of the TCL were evaluated by sonoelastography. Elasticity was estimated by strain ratio of an acoustic coupler, which has a standardized elasticity as a reference medium, to the TCL (AC/T strain ratio). The AC/T strain ratios of the healthy volunteers and the CTS patients were 6.0 and 8.1, respectively (p = 0.030). The AC/T strain ratio showed a positive correlation with the duration of symptoms in the CTS patients (p = 0.035, r = 0.50). We concluded that increased stiffness of the TCL could be one of the causes for CTS.
COMPARISON OF TWO UNCEMENTED TRAPEZIO-METACARPAL CUPS: A FINITE ELEMENT STUDY
Authors: Thorkildsen R. , Theodorsson J. , Mellgren M. , Røkkum M.
Published: July 2013

Trapezium components from two uncemented total joint replacements were compared in a three-dimensional finite element model. A 100 N axial and angular load was applied in a normal and an osteoporotic bone model. The axial deformation and maximum periprosthetic stress are greater for the ElektraTM than the Motec CMC® cup. The Motec CMC® design is less sensitive to changing bone quality. The ElektraTM cup transmits more stress to the cortical bone rim in all load conditions, but under angular loading the proportionate increase in stress is lower. The Motec CMC® design distributes the stress and contact pressure more evenly, whereas the ElektraTM transfers most of the load to the cortical bone rim and the screw hole base. The design features that are believed to be of greatest significance for the differences are the raised centre of rotation of the Motec CMC® cup and the collar acting as a lever arm.
BREAKING THE RULES: DUPUYTREN'S DISEASE UNDER SKOOG'S FIBRES
Authors: Munson Christopher F. , Davidson Dominique , Lohana Prakash
Published: July 2013

Skoog and others have concluded that the Skoog fibres, or transverse ligament of the palmar aponeurosis (TLPA), are never involved in the Dupuytren's disease process. Here we present a case in which this clearly occurs. Whilst for the vast majority of Dupuytren's cases the Skoog's fibres delineate the required deep extent of dissection for pretendinous cords, this case proves an exception, highlighting an occasional need to beware of accepting the conventional wisdom.
VENOUS VARIX ON THE DORSAL ASPECT OF THE THUMB: REPORT OF TWO CASES
Authors: Kawakatsu Motohisa , Fujiwara Masao
Published: July 2013

Venous varix on the volar aspect of the digits or the hand is a rare subcutaneous lesion that is usually described as a firm, blue, and painful single nodule that contains thrombus. However, there have been no reports about venous varix on the dorsal aspect of the digits or the hand, so its features are unknown. We treated two patients who each had a soft blue painless mass on the dorsal aspect of the thumb that became enlarged with the tourniquet test. Ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance imaging were used for assisting with the preoperative diagnosis, and showed each lesion was composed of two or more varicosities. Each mass was removed and was diagnosed as a venous varix without thrombus by histological examination.
NO NEED FOR SPEED: MODELING TREND ADOPTION IN A HETEROGENEOUS POPULATION
Authors: NOWAK ANDRZEJ , BARTKOWSKI WIESLAW , SAMSON KATARZYNA , RYCHWALSKA AGNIESZKA , KACPRZYK MARTA , ROSZCZYNSKA-KURASINSKA MAGDA , JAGIELSKA MAGDALENA
Published: July 2013

The speed of social and technological changes is constantly increasing. Change is a pre-requisite for economic development but this increasing speed carries additional costs that may largely affect the ability of the social systems to adopt them. While the financial costs constitute a limit to adoption, the psychological and social costs may also profoundly change the adoption potential. In an agent-based model of a heterogeneous population of adopters we explore the consequences of increasing the speed of novelty introduction on their satisfaction and the degree to which new trends may permeate the system. We show that introduction speed has a diametrically different impact on different adopter groups: opinion leaders are most satisfied when the mainstream individuals are least content and vice versa. Moreover, introduction speed profoundly affects the ability of trends to penetrate the system — the lower the introduction speed, the higher the level of penetration of the social system. With high speed of introduction, only a small fraction of the most attractive novelties is able to permeate the system. In sum, these results show that both the wellbeing of the social system as well as its capacity to adopt novelties are dependent on the speed of change.
ATTITUDES, IDEOLOGIES AND SELF-ORGANIZATION: INFORMATION LOAD MINIMIZATION IN MULTI-AGENT DECISION MAKING
Authors: KITTO KIRSTY , BOSCHETTI FABIO
Published: July 2013

Sophisticated models of human social behavior are fast becoming highly desirable in an increasingly complex and interrelated world. Here, we propose that rather than taking established theories from the physical sciences and naively mapping them into the social world, the advanced concepts and theories of social psychology should be taken as a starting point, and used to develop a new modeling methodology. In order to illustrate how such an approach might be carried out, we attempt to model the low elaboration attitude changes of a society of agents in an evolving social context. We propose a geometric model of an agent in context, where individual agent attitudes are seen to self-organize to form ideologies, which then serve to guide further agent-based attitude changes. A computational implementation of the model is shown to exhibit a number of interesting phenomena, including a tendency for a measure of the entropy in the system to decrease, and a potential for externally guiding a population of agents toward a new desired ideology.
EXAMPLES OF MODIFICATIONS TO FIELD EMITTER ARRAYS
Authors: DRAEGER NORMAN A.
Published: July 2013

A discussion is presented of some of the work reported during the early 21st century describing modifications to field emitter arrays (FEAs). Discussion is focused on FEAs of metals ( Mo and Si ), of ZnO , and of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Particular attention is given to modifications that lower the FEA turn-on field, and to the "screening effect" of closely packed emitters in an FEA. Hydrothermal synthesis briefly is described as a preparation technique.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A POLY(PYRROLYL METHANE)/MULTIWALLED CARBON NANOTUBES COMPOSITES
Authors: LIN JINXIAN , WANG PAN , ZHENG YUYING
Published: July 2013

A poly(pyrrolyl methane) (Poly[pyrrole-2, 5-diyl(4-methoxybenzylidane)], PPDMOBA)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composites are fabricated by in situ chemical polycondensation of pyrrole and 4-methoxybenzaldehyde on MWNTs. The structure, morphology, thermal stability and electrical property of the resulting composites are investigated via fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a four-probe method. The electrochemical performance of the composites is determined in a three-electrode system using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. FTIR, FESEM and TEM confirm that the composites have been successfully prepared, and PPDMOBA is uniformly dispersed in MWNTs. Electrical conductivity of PPDMOBA/MWNTs composites is 1.39 S cm-1, which is significantly larger than that of pristine PPDMOBA. The specific capacitance and charge transfer resistance of the composites is 56 F g-1 (1 mA cm-2) and 0.3Ω, respectively.
Distinct metabolic and vascular effects of dietary triglycerides and cholesterol in atherosclerotic and diabetic mouse models
Authors: Laplante Marc-André , Charbonneau Alexandre , Avramoglu Rita Kohen , Pelletier Patricia , Fang Xiangping , Bachelard Hélène , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Laakso Markku , Després Jean-Pierre , Deshaies Yves , Sweeney Gary , Mathieu Patrick , Marette André
Published: July 2013

Cholesterol and triglyceride-rich Western diets are typically associated with an increased occurrence of type 2 diabetes and vascular diseases. This study aimed to assess the relative impact of dietary cholesterol and triglycerides on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, atherosclerotic plaque formation, and endothelial function. C57BL6 wild-type (C57) mice were compared with atherosclerotic LDLr−/− ApoB100/100 (LRKOB100) and atherosclerotic/diabetic IGF-II × LDLr−/− ApoB100/100 (LRKOB100/IGF) mice. Each group was fed either a standard chow diet, a 0.2% cholesterol diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or a high-fat 0.2% cholesterol diet for 6 mo. The triglyceride-rich HFD increased body weight, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance but did not alter endothelial function or atherosclerotic plaque formation. Dietary cholesterol, however, increased plaque formation in LRKOB100 and LRKOB100/IGF animals and decreased endothelial function regardless of genotype. However, cholesterol was not associated with an increase of insulin resistance in LRKOB100 and LRKOB100/IGF mice and, unexpectedly, was even found to reduce the insulin-resistant effect of dietary triglycerides in these animals. Our data indicate that dietary triglycerides and cholesterol have distinct metabolic and vascular effects in obese atherogenic mouse models resulting in dissociation between the impairment of glucose homeostasis and the development of atherosclerosis.
Postprandial glucose fluxes and insulin sensitivity during exercise: A study in healthy individuals
Authors: Schiavon Michele , Hinshaw Ling , Mallad Ashwini , Man Chiara Dalla , Sparacino Giovanni , Johnson Matthew , Carter Rickey , Basu Rita , Kudva Yogish , Cobelli Claudio , Basu Ananda
Published: July 2013

Quantifying the effect size of acute exercise on insulin sensitivity (SIexercise) and simultaneous measurement of glucose disappearance (Rd), endogenous glucose production (EGP), and meal glucose appearance in the postprandial state has not been developed in humans. To do so, we studied 12 healthy subjects [5 men, age 37.1 ± 3.1 yr, body mass index 24.1 ± 1.1 kg/m2, fat-free mass (FFM) 50.9 ± 3.9 kg] during moderate exercise at 50% V̇o2max for 75 min, 120–195 min after a triple-tracer mixed meal consumed at time 0. Tracer infusion rates were adjusted to achieve constant tracer-to-tracee ratio and minimize non-steady-state errors. Glucose turnover was estimated by accounting for the nonstationary kinetics introduced by exercise. Insulin sensitivity index was calculated in each subject both in the absence [time ( t) = 0–120 min, SIrest] and presence ( t = 0–360 min, SIexercise) of physical activity. EGP at t = 0 min (13.4 ± 1.1 μM·kg FFM−1·min−1) fell at t = 120 min (2.4 ± 0.4 μM·kg FFM−1·min−1) and then rapidly rose almost eightfold at t = 180 min (18.2 ± 2.6 μM·kg FFM−1·min−1) before gradually falling at t = 360 min (10.6 ± 0.9 μM·kg FFM−1·min−1). Rd rapidly peaked at t = 120 min at the start of exercise (89.5 ± 11.6 μM·kg FFM−1·min−1) and then gradually declined at t = 195 min (26.4 ± 3.3 μM·kg FFM−1·min−1) before returning to baseline at t = 360 min. SIexercise was significantly higher than SIrest (21.6 ± 3.7 vs. 12.5 ± 2.0 10−4 dl·kg−1·min−1 per μU/ml, P < 0.0005). Glucose turnover was estimated for the first time during exercise with the triple-tracer technique. Our results, applying state-of-the-art techniques, show that moderate exercise almost doubles postprandial insulin sensitivity index in healthy subjects.
Transcriptomic responses of juvenile Pacific whiteleg shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei, to hypoxia and hypercapnic hypoxia
Authors: Rathburn Charles K. , Sharp Natasha J. , Ryan James C. , Neely Marion G. , Cook Matthew , Chapman Robert W. , Burnett Louis E. , Burnett Karen G.
Published: July 2013

Estuarine crustaceans are often exposed to low dissolved O2(hypoxia) accompanied by elevated CO2(hypercapnia), which lowers water pH. Acclimatory responses to hypoxia have been widely characterized; responses to hypercapnia in combination with hypoxia (hypercapnic hypoxia) are less well known. Here we used oligonucleotide microarrays to characterize changes in global gene expression in the hepatopancreas of Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, exposed to hypoxia or hypercapnic hypoxia for 4 or 24 h, compared with time-matched animals held in air-saturated water (normoxia). Unigenes whose expressions were significantly impacted by treatment and/or time were used to build artificial neural networks (ANNs) to identify genes with the greatest sensitivity in pairwise discriminations between treatments at each time point and between times for each treatment. ANN gene sets that discriminated hypoxia or hypercapnic hypoxia from normoxia shared functions of translation, mitochondrial energetics, and cellular defense. GO terms protein modification/phosphorylation/cellular protein metabolism and RNA processing/apoptosis/cell cycling occurred at highest frequency in discriminating hypercapnic hypoxia from hypoxia at 4 and 24 h, respectively. For 75.4% of the annotated ANN genes, exposure to hypercapnic hypoxia for 24 h reduced or reversed the transcriptional response to hypoxia alone. These results suggest that high CO2/low pH may interfere with transcriptionally based acclimation to hypoxia or elicit physiological or biochemical responses that relieve internal hypoxia. Whether these data reflect resilience or sensitivity of L. vannamei in the face of expanding hypoxic zones and rising levels of atmospheric CO2may be important to understanding the survival of this and other estuarine species.
Transnuclear TRP1-Specific CD8 T Cells with High or Low Affinity TCRs Show Equivalent Antitumor Activity
Authors: Dougan Stephanie K. , Dougan Michael , Kim Jun , Turner Jacob A. , Ogata Souichi , Cho Hyun-Il , Jaenisch Rudolf , Celis Esteban , Ploegh Hidde L.
Published: July 2013

We have generated, via somatic cell nuclear transfer, two independent lines of transnuclear mice, using as nuclear donors CD8 T cells, sorted by tetramer staining, that recognize the endogenous melanoma antigen tyrosinase related protein 1 (TRP1). These two lines of nominally identical specificity differ greatly in their affinity for antigen (TRP1high or TRP1low) as inferred from tetramer dissociation and peptide responsiveness. Ex vivo–activated CD8 T cells from either TRP1high or TRP1low mice show cytolytic activity in three-dimensional tissue culture and in vivo, and slow the progression of subcutaneous B16 melanoma. Although naïve TRP1low CD8 T cells do not affect tumor growth, upon activation these cells function indistinguishably from TRP1high cells in vivo, limiting tumor cell growth and increasing mouse survival. The antitumor effect of both TRP1high and TRP1low CD8 T cells is enhanced in RAG-deficient hosts. However, tumor outgrowth eventually occurs, likely due to T cell exhaustion. The TRP1 transnuclear mice are an excellent model for examining the functional attributes of T cells conferred by T cell receptor (TCR) affinity, and they may serve as a platform for screening immunomodulatory cancer therapies. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(2); 99–111. ©2013 AACR.
Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms and Alzheimer's Disease in Brazil
Authors: Moraes Clayton F. , Benedet Andrea L. , Souza Vinícius C. , Lins Túlio C. , Camargos Einstein F. , Naves Janeth O. S. , Brito Ciro J. , Córdova Cláudio , Pereira Rinaldo W. , Nóbrega Otávio T.
Published: July 2013

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding immunological mediators can affect the biological activity of these molecules by regulating transcription, translation, or secretion, modulating the genetic risk of inflammatory damage in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nonetheless, the Brazilian contingent is highly admixed, and few association trials performed herein with AD patients have considered genetic ancestry estimates as co-variables when investigating markers for this complex trait. Methods: We analyzed polymorphisms in 10 inflammatory genes and compared the genotype distribution across outpatients with late-onset AD and noncognitively impaired subjects from Midwest Brazil under a strict criterion, and controlling for ancestry heritage and ApoE genotype. Results: Our findings show an almost 40% lower chance of AD (p = 0.004) among homozygotes of the IL10 -1082A allele (rs1800896). Dichotomization to ApoE and mean ancestry levels did not affect protection, except among those with greater European or minor African heritage. Conclusion: The IL10 locus seems to affect the onset of AD in a context sensitive to the genetic ancestry of Brazilian older adults.
Crohn's Disease and Nontropical Endomyocardial Fibrosis
Authors: Ennezat Pierre Vladimir , Noel Christian , Tillie-Leblond Isabelle , Le Jemtel Thierry H. , Vincentelli André
Published: July 2013

The pathogenesis of endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is poorly understood. EMF may result from autoimmune scarring of the endocardium. Clinically, EMF presents as a restrictive cardiomyopathy. EMF is commonly reported in tropical countries. In Western countries, EMF is associated with hypereosinophilia and reported as Loeffler endocarditis. We report a Caucasian patient with Crohn's disease and EMF, and discuss a possible linkage between the two conditions.
A Prediction Model to Identify Patients at High Risk for 30-Day Readmission After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wasfy Jason H. , Rosenfield Kenneth , Zelevinsky Katya , Sakhuja Rahul , Lovett Ann , Spertus John A. , Wimmer Neil J. , Mauri Laura , Normand Sharon-Lise T. , Yeh Robert W.
Published: July 2013

Background—

The Affordable Care Act creates financial incentives for hospitals to minimize readmissions shortly after discharge for several conditions, with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to be a target in 2015. We aimed to develop and validate prediction models to assist clinicians and hospitals in identifying patients at highest risk for 30-day readmission after PCI.

Methods and Results—

We identified all readmissions within 30 days of discharge after PCI in nonfederal hospitals in Massachusetts between October 1, 2005, and September 30, 2008. Within a two-thirds random sample (Developmental cohort), we developed 2 parsimonious multivariable models to predict all-cause 30-day readmission, the first incorporating only variables known before cardiac catheterization (pre-PCI model), and the second incorporating variables known at discharge (Discharge model). Models were validated within the remaining one-third sample (Validation cohort), and model discrimination and calibration were assessed. Of 36 060 PCI patients surviving to discharge, 3760 (10.4%) patients were readmitted within 30 days. Significant pre-PCI predictors of readmission included age, female sex, Medicare or State insurance, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Post-PCI predictors of readmission included lack of β-blocker prescription at discharge, post-PCI vascular or bleeding complications, and extended length of stay. Discrimination of the pre-PCI model (C-statistic=0.68) was modestly improved by the addition of post-PCI variables in the Discharge model (C-statistic=0.69; integrated discrimination improvement, 0.009;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

These prediction models can be used to identify patients at high risk for readmission after PCI and to target high-risk patients for interventions to prevent readmission.
Uncoupling Protein 2 Impacts Endothelial Phenotype via p53-Mediated Control of Mitochondrial Dynamics
Authors: Shimasaki Yukio , Pan Ning , Messina Louis M. , Li Chunying , Chen Kai , Liu Lijun , Cooper Marcus P. , Vita Joseph A. , Keaney John F.
Published: July 2013

Rationale:

Mitochondria, although required for cellular ATP production, are also known to have other important functions that may include modulating cellular responses to environmental stimuli. However, the mechanisms whereby mitochondria impact cellular phenotype are not yet clear.

Objective:

To determine how mitochondria impact endothelial cell function.

Methods and Results:

We report here that stimuli for endothelial cell proliferation evoke strong upregulation of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). Analysis in silico indicated increased UCP2 expression is common in highly proliferative cell types, including cancer cells. Upregulation of UCP2 was critical for controlling mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ) and superoxide production. In the absence of UCP2, endothelial growth stimulation provoked mitochondrial network fragmentation and premature senescence via a mechanism involving superoxide-mediated p53 activation. Mitochondrial network fragmentation was both necessary and sufficient for the impact of UCP2 on endothelial cell phenotype.

Conclusions:

These data identify a novel mechanism whereby mitochondria preserve normal network integrity and impact cell phenotype via dynamic regulation of UCP2.
Comparison of the Sex-Specific Associations Between Systolic Blood Pressure and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Peters Sanne A.E. , Huxley Rachel R. , Woodward Mark
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Conflicting results have been reported on whether the association between increments in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cardiovascular disease differs between men and women. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to compare reliably sex-specific associations between SBP and cardiovascular risk.

Methods—

PubMed MEDLINE was systematically searched for prospective population-based cohort studies published between January 1, 1966, and March 31, 2012. Studies were selected if they presented sex-specific estimates, with associated variability, of the relative risk for either ischemic heart disease or stroke according to SBP. The data were pooled using random effects models with inverse variance weighting, and estimates of the ratio of the relative risks per 10 mm Hg increment in SBP, comparing women with men, were derived.

Results—

Data from 124 prospective cohort studies, including information on 1197 472 individuals (44% women) and 26 176 stroke and 24 434 ischemic heart disease events, were included. Overall, there was no evidence to suggest a sex difference in the relationship between SBP and either the risk of stroke (pooled ratio of relative risks, 0.98 [95% confidence interval, 0.96; 1.01];
P
=0.13) or ischemic heart disease (pooled ratio of relative risks, 1.00 [95% confidence interval, 0.97; 1.04];
P
=0.85).

Conclusions—

Elevated levels of SBP are a major risk factor for stroke and ischemic heart diseases in both women and men. This study unequivocally demonstrates the broadly similar impact of SBP increments on cardiovascular outcomes in both sexes.
A new Specklinia (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from Costa Rica and Panama
Authors: Bogarín Diego , Karremans Adam P. , Rincón Rafael , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: July 2013

A new species of Specklinia from the Cordillera de Talamanca in southern Costa Rica and western Panama is described and illustrated. Specklinia absurda most closely resembles Specklinia fuegi. It differs from that species in the pendent, single flowered inflorescence, whitish yellow sepals with red-pink veins and yellow apex, red petals with translucent margins, pandurate-trilobed, unguiculate lip with a distinct papillose isthmus below the anterior lobe, and reniform, erose, erect lateral lobes, with a Y-shaped thickened, hirsutulous apical callus. The affinities of this species to other Specklinia species are discussed.
Centaurea stuessyi (Compositae: Cardueae), a new species from the eastern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: ARNELAS ITZIAR , DEVESA JUAN ANTONIO , LÓPEZ EUSEBIO
Published: July 2013

Centaurea stuessyi is described as new to science from the eastern Iberian Peninsula, Spain. The range of this new species coincides with the zone of overlap of the ranges of two related species, C. antennata (subsp. antennata) and C. linifolia. The chromosome number found in the new species (2n = 44) reinforces its differences from C. linifolia (2n = 22) and C. antennata (2n = 22). The new species is compared with related species, and a description is given of its ecological preferences.
Accelerating Innovation in Climate Services: The 3 E's for Climate Service Providers
Authors: Brooks Mark S.
Published: July 2013

Climate services can help society manage climate-related risk and capitalize on favorable conditions by providing data analysis, data products, and scientific expertise. Meeting society's needs requires matching them with ongoing scientific research. Despite the best of intentions, some research never makes it into operational products or services. Likewise, some societal needs are never met and scientific capabilities never realized. The three E's of climate services—engagement, entrepreneurship, and evaluation—can help climate service providers bridge this research-to-operations “valley of death” and create valuable, innovative climate services for our nation. This essay aims to stimulate such progress in the climate services enterprise.
Play and Video Effects on Mood and Procedure Behaviors in School-Aged Children Visiting the Pediatrician
Authors: Burns-Nader Sherwood , Hernandez-Reif Maria , Thoma Stephen J.
Published: July 2013

This study examines how different types of activities, including medical play, typical play, and videos, affect the mood and behaviors of children visiting a pediatric office. Seventy-two school-aged children visiting a pediatrician’s office were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: medical play, medical information video, typical play, and nonmedical information video control. Children completed a mood self-report measure and their behaviors were recorded during triage by nurses. The medical information video improved the school-aged children’s mood. Children in the medical information video displayed less difficult behaviors during procedures than the medical play group. The findings suggest that providing information about medical equipment through a video of a child engaging in medical play may benefit children visiting the pediatrician.
Facing Invisible Dragons
Authors: Rohde-Brown Juliet , Frain Betty
Published: July 2013

Experiences of interpersonal trauma are not uncommon in families where there is a child with a brain injury, as are escape mechanisms that are used for the purposes of fleeing from unbearable suffering and traumatic memories. Through the courageous path of Zhi Mian, there is an opportunity for siblings to resist the temptation to flee and to choose an alternate path toward perceiving identity and finding meaning. Zhi Mian, facing life courageously and authentically, expands the horizons of consciousness, and opens the way to receive what the “wounded” child may offer a family and to how “relationship” may be understood in various ways. This article was part of the authors’ submission for their presentation at the Second International Conference on Existential Psychology in Shanghai, China.
Efficacy of Two Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Modalities for Panic Disorder With Nocturnal Panic Attacks
Authors: Marchand Lyne , Marchand André , Landry Pierre , Letarte Andrée , Labrecque Joane
Published: July 2013

The aim of this research was to examine the efficacy of two cognitive-behavioral treatment modalities for panic disorder (PD) with nocturnal panic (NP). The first study was conducted to determine whether conventional CBT for PD was effective for PD with NP in three participants. A second study sought to explore whether a CBT adapted to NP would lead to different clinical outcomes in three other participants. A multiple-baseline single-case design across individuals was used in both studies. Treatment outcome was assessed with standardized clinician ratings, self-report questionnaires, and daily self-monitoring. Results revealed that both the conventional and the adapted treatments showed a faster decrease in NPs versus daytime panics and significant clinical changes in all measures for up to a year after therapy. Hence, the changes brought about by the adapted treatment seemed to be similar to those obtained using conventional treatment. In light of these results, it can be presumed that conventional strategies may be sufficient for the treatment of NP. These observations raise questions regarding the real need to adapt treatments specifically to NP.
Management of Undescended Testis
Authors: van den Akker–van Marle M. Elske , Kamphuis Mascha , van Gameren–Oosterom Helma B. M. , Pierik Frank H. , Kievit Job ,   NST Expert Group
Published: July 2013

Background. Undescended testis (UDT) or cryptorchidism is the most common genital anomaly seen in boys and can be treated surgically by orchidopexy. The age at which orchidopexy should be performed is controversial for both congenital and acquired UDT. Methods. A decision analysis is performed in which all available knowledge is combined to assess the outcomes of orchidopexy at different ages. Results. Without surgery, unilateral congenital UDT and bilateral congenital UDT are associated with average losses in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of 1.53 QALYs (3% discounting 0.66 QALYs) and 5.23 QALYs (1.91 QALYs), respectively. Surgery reduces this QALY loss to on average 0.84 QALYs (0.21 QALYs) for unilateral UDT and 1.66 QALYs (0.40 QALYs) for bilateral UDT. Surgery at detection will lead to the lowest QALY loss of 0.91 (0.34) and 1.73 (0.60) QALYs, respectively, for unilateral and bilateral acquired UDT compared with surgery during puberty and no surgery. No sensitivity analysis is able to change the preferences for these strategies. Conclusions. Based on our decision analytic model using societal valuations of health outcomes, surgery for unilateral UDT (both congenital and acquired) yielded the lowest loss in QALYs. Given the modest differences in outcomes, there is room for patient (or parent) preference with respect to the performance and timing of surgery in case of unilateral UDT. For bilateral UDT (both congenital and acquired), orchidopexy at any age provides considerable benefit, in particular through improved fertility. As there is no strong effect of timing, the age at which orchidopexy is performed should be discussed with the parents and the patient. More clinical evidence on issues related to timing may in the future modify these results and hence this advice.
Criminal Defense in Chinese Courtrooms
Authors: Liang Bin , He Ni (Phil)
Published: July 2013

Scholars in the field of Chinese criminal procedure law study have long decried the meager legal protection afforded to criminal defendants on trial and the hapless status of Chinese criminal defense attorneys in the courtroom. Unfortunately, very little empirical evidence was available to shed light on how criminal defense was carried out in Chinese courtrooms. Based on observations of 325 actual criminal trials from 55 District People’s Courts in J province, this study provides an opportunity to understand the mundane work performed by Chinese criminal defense attorneys. In particular, this study describes how criminal defense attorneys prepare and present their cases (as measured in terms of bail request, overall trial preparation, examination of defendants and witnesses, presentation of evidence, and overall defense strategy), and analyzes the outcomes of their performance. In addition, this study examines the discernible impact of criminal defense work due to types of legal representation utilized (legal aid vs. privately retained attorneys), numbers of attorneys representing the client, and the gender composition of the attorneys.
Symbolic mapping and allocation for the Cholesky factorization on NUMA machines
Authors: Jeannot Emmanuel
Published: July 2013

We discuss some performance issues of the tiled Cholesky factorization on non-uniform memory access-time (NUMA) shared memory machines. We show how to optimize thread and data placement in order to improve performance. The final result is 50\% faster than PLASMA and 75\% faster than MKL.
Managing Sales Compensation
Authors: Madhani Pankaj M.
Published: July 2013

A company and the configuration of its sales force have to evolve as the company goes through the stages of its life cycle. Sales force configuration involves decisions that reflect sales strategy, sales force structure and sales force size. Specifically, it focuses on how the sales personnel apportion their efforts among different products, customers, geography and selling activities (sales strategy); the differing roles that internal sales force and external selling partners should play (sales force structure) and the sales force capacity to effectively serve the customers (sales force size). Sales force configuration management is critical because it determines how quickly a company can adjust its sales forces in response to market opportunities, while balancing compensation costs and profitability. This article discusses how sales force configuration variables change across the life cycle and identifies best-case scenario for optimal performance.
CEO Compensation and Relative Company Performance Evaluation
Authors: Farmer Mark , Archbold Stuart , Alexandrou George
Published: July 2013

This study examines how firm performance influences CEO pay in U.K. public listed companies. Specifically, it explores evidence of relative performance evaluation, following the recommendation in the U.K. Combined Code on Corporate Governance to link executive pay to relative firm performance. Using a panel of CEOs drawn from 204 of the largest, nonfinancial U.K. companies, between 2003 and 2007, we provide new and convincing evidence that shows basic pay and annual bonus is determined relative to annual FTSE 350 market performance and long-term incentive payouts are determined relative to 3-year FTSE 350 industry sector performance. Our results provide robust evidence that is consistent with the principal-agent framework of executive pay and firm performance. We demonstrate that it is crucial for research to distinguish between the different elements of pay and the different performance conditions that attach to those elements in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of the pay-for-performance relationship. The study provides confirmation that remuneration committees consider own firm performance relative to peer group performance in setting up CEO compensation contracts. We conclude that changes introduced to improve corporate governance practice in the field of executive pay are working to the benefit of shareholders.
Diagnosing and Understanding the Maxillary Lip-tie (Superior Labial, the Maxillary Labial Frenum) as it Relates to Breastfeeding
Authors: Kotlow Lawrence A.
Published: July 2013

Successful breastfeeding is dependent upon an infant’s ability to correctly latch onto a mother’s breast. If an infant is born with oral soft tissue abnormalities such as tongue-tie or lip-tie, breastfeeding may become challenging or impossible. During the oral evaluation of an infant presenting with breastfeeding problems, one area that is often overlooked and undiagnosed and, thus, untreated is the attachment of the upper lip to the maxillary gingival tissue. Historically, this tissue has been described as the superior labial frenum, median labial frenum, or maxillary labial frenum. These terms all refer to a segment of the mucous membrane in the midline of the upper lip containing loose connective tissue that inserts into the maxillary arch’s loose, unattached gingival or tight, attached gingival tissue. There is no muscle contained within this tissue. In severe instances, this tissue may extend into the area behind the upper central incisors and incisive papilla. The author has defined and identified the restrictions of mobility of this tissue as a lip-tie, which reflects the clinical attachment of the upper lip to the maxillary arch. This article discusses the diagnosis and classifications of the lip-tie, as it affects an infant’s latch onto the mother’s breast. As more and more women choose to breastfeed, lip-ties must be considered as an impediment to breastfeeding, recognizing that they can affect a successful, painless latch and milk transfer.
Association between Length of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Subsequent Breastfeeding Continuation
Authors: Howel Denise , Ball Helen
Published: July 2013

Background:

Although breastfeeding initiation rates have improved, later prevalence is very low in the United Kingdom, and Northeast England is the region with the lowest rates.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate novel in addition to well-established risk factors for cessation of breastfeeding among women in this region.

Methods:

Participants were 870 women considering breastfeeding prior to birth who were enrolled in the postnatal ward North East Cot trial at a tertiary hospital in Northeast England from 2008 to 2010. They provided weekly data on feeding and sleeping practices for 26 weeks postpartum using an automated telephone system with reminder postcards and contact by telephone, letter, or email if necessary. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate factors associated with terminating any and exclusive breastfeeding in this period.

Results:

Ninety-four percent of women started any breastfeeding and 66% initiated exclusive breastfeeding. By 26 weeks postpartum, 47% were still breastfeeding, but < 1% were breastfeeding exclusively. Multivariate analysis showed that women who exclusively breastfed for at least 4 weeks breastfed for significantly longer after supplementation started ( P < .001). Bed-sharing at home during the first 13 weeks was a significant predictor of both any and exclusive breastfeeding, as well as any breastfeeding after supplementation ( P < .001). We also confirmed some recognized socio-demographic predictors of breastfeeding cessation in this location.

Conclusion:

We found that exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 weeks was significantly associated with longer breastfeeding continuation after supplementation, and bed-sharing at home was associated with longer breastfeeding regardless of the definition used.
Robustness of Fama-French Three Factor Model: Further Evidence for Indian Stock Market
Authors: Sehgal Sanjay , Balakrishnan A.
Published: July 2013

In this article, we re-examine the efficacy of one factor capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and Fama-French three factor asset pricing model (FF model) in explaining the returns on various portfolios constructed based upon company characteristics such as size and value. Data is employed from 1996 to 2010 for 465 companies which form part of BSE-500 index. We use the same methodological procedures of Fama-French (1993 and 1996) for constructing the portfolios. This article evaluates the robustness of FF model with its standard version (Market Capitalization–Price to Book ratio) as well as alternative versions. We find that FF model does a better job than CAPM by explaining the returns on most of the portfolios constructed based on company characteristics. We also find that the alternative versions of FF model are robust in explaining the returns on various characteristics sorted portfolios.
Book Review: From the Ruins of Empire: The Revolt against the West and the Remaking of Asia
Authors: Jacob Wallace
Published: July 2013

Pankaj Mishra, From the Ruins of Empire: The Revolt against the West and the Remaking of Asia. Great Britain: Allen Lane an imprint of Penguin Books, 2012, x + 356 pp. , £20, [Hardback]. ISBN: 9781846144783
Fractional systems state space description: some wrong ideas and proposed solutions
Authors: Sabatier Jocelyn , Farges Christophe , Trigeassou Jean-Claude
Published: July 2013

This paper highlights several misinterpretations that arise in the field of fractional systems analysis using a representation known in the literature as “state space description”. Given these misinterpretations, some results already published and based on this description are questionable. Thus alternative descriptions are proposed.
Context-based Strategies for Engaging Consumers with Public Reports about Health Care Providers
Authors: Shaller Dale , Kanouse David E. , Schlesinger Mark
Published: July 2013

Efforts to engage consumers in the use of public reports on health care provider performance have met with limited success. Fostering greater engagement will require new approaches that provide consumers with relevant content at the time and in the context they need to make a decision of consequence. To this end, we identify three key factors influencing consumer engagement and show how they manifest in different ways and combinations for four particular choice contexts that appear to offer realistic opportunities for engagement. We analyze how these engagement factors play out differently in each choice context and suggest specific strategies that sponsors of public reports can use in each context. Cross-cutting lessons for report sponsors and policy makers include new media strategies such as a commitment to adaptive web-based reporting, new metrics with richer emotional content, and the use of navigators or advocates to assist consumers with interpreting reports.
Urban Image Work
Authors: Maher Kristen Hill , Carruthers David
Published: July 2013

The images people hold about any city affect its ability to attract tourists, shoppers, and investment. This study of urban image in Tijuana examines institutional place promotion efforts in two vital sectors: industry and tourism. It also explores a diverse set of efforts to shape city image from the bottom-up, through blogs, grassroots organizations, and entrepreneurialism. This analysis of differently positioned actors working to shape perceptions in a time of crisis illustrates how “urban image work” comprises a broader phenomenon than urban branding or place promotion, and one that better captures political contestation over rival city images.
Elastic disturbance due to a nanoparticle near a free surface
Authors: Mi Changwen , Kouris Demitris
Published: July 2013

The presence of nanoparticles in an elastic solid introduces disturbances that can vary significantly from the ones predicted by classical elasticity. In this study, we were able to determine that nanoscale effects introduced via a coherent interface model can indeed result in complex, non-local displacement and stress fields near the free surface of a substrate. The specific geometry is defined by a spherical nanoparticle near a straight boundary. The system is loaded either through a far-field uniaxial tension or a transformation strain (eigenstrain) in the particle itself. The elastic field can be fully determined using a three-dimensional displacement formulation that incorporates a well-established interface model.
Mainland Chinese shopping preferences and service perceptions in the Asian gaming destination of Macau
Authors: Wong Ip Kin Anthony
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this article is to investigate Chinese shopping preferences and service perceptions in a gaming destination. Based on a sample drawn from Macau, the world gambling capital, differences in the product preferences in regard to gender and place of origin of tourists are observed. A comparison of product preferences as well as shopping service attributes between Chinese tourists in Macau and Hong Kong is also made. In addition, the relationship between shopping service attributes and satisfaction is examined. Findings of this study provide an update of the literature and reveal business opportunities to develop Macau and other Asian gaming destinations into a major shopping destination that could potentially mimic the Las Vegas counterpart. The findings also provide insight for other destinations that target Chinese tourists and expand the literature pertaining to Chinese shopping preferences.