bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decrease in Circulating Dendritic Cell Precursors in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Kretzschmar Daniel , Rohm Ilonka , Schäller Sebastian , Betge Stefan , Pistulli Rudin , Atiskova Yevgeniya , Figulla Hans-R. , Yilmaz Atilla
Published: April 2015

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis. Inflammation is important for initiation and progression of the disease. Dendritic cells (DCs) as antigen‐presenting cells play an important role in the immune system. Therefore, we hypothesize that, in patients with PAD, DCPs might be reduced in blood due to their recruitment into the vascular wall and induce a proinflammatory response. The numbers of myeloid DCPs, plasmacytoid DCPs, and total DCPs were analyzed by flow cytometry in blood of patients with PAD (n = 52) compared to controls (n = 60). Femoralis plaques (n = 12) of patients who underwent surgery were immunostained for CD209 and CD83 (mDCs) as well as CD304, CD123 (pDCs), and HLA‐DR. In patients with PAD, a significant decrease in mDCPs, pDCPs, and tDCPs was observed. In immunostaining, markers indicative for mDCs (CD209: 16 versus 8 cells/0.1 mm2, P = 0.02; CD83: 19 versus 5 cells/0.1 mm2, P = 0.03) were significantly elevated in femoralis plaques compared to control vessels. We show for the first time that mDCPs, pDCPs, and tDCPs are significantly reduced in patients with PAD. Immunohistochemical analysis unraveled that the decrease in DCPs might be due to their recruitment into atherosclerotic plaques.
Chemical Composition and Disruption of Quorum Sensing Signaling in Geographically Diverse United States Propolis
Authors: Savka Michael A. , Dailey Lucas , Popova Milena , Mihaylova Ralitsa , Merritt Benjamin , Masek Marissa , Le Phuong , Nor Sharifah Radziah Mat , Ahmad Muhammad , Hudson André O. , Bankova Vassya
Published: April 2015

Propolis or bee glue has been used for centuries for various purposes and is especially important in human health due to many of its biological and pharmacological properties. In this work we showed quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) activity of ten geographically distinct propolis samples from the United States using the acyl-homoserine lactone- (AHL-) dependentChromobacterium violaceumstrain CV026. Based on GC-MS chemical profiling the propolis samples can be classified into several groups that are as follows: (1) rich in cinnamic acid derivatives, (2) rich in flavonoids, and (3) rich in triterpenes. An in-depth analysis of the propolis from North Carolina led to the isolation and identification of a triterpenic acid that was recently isolated from Hondurian propolis (Central America) and ethyl ether ofp-coumaric alcohol not previously identified in bee propolis. QSI activity was also observed in the second group US propolis samples which contained the flavonoid pinocembrin in addition to other flavonoid compounds. The discovery of compounds that are involved in QSI activity has the potential to facilitate studies that may lead to the development of antivirulence therapies that can be complementary and/or alternative treatments against antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens and/or emerging pathogens that have yet to be identified.
Identification of Novel Potential Vaccine Candidates against Tuberculosis Based on Reverse Vaccinology
Authors: Monterrubio-López Gloria P. , González-Y-Merchand Jorge A. , Ribas-Aparicio Rosa María
Published: April 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease, considered as the second leading cause of death worldwide, caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis. The limited efficacy of the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine against pulmonary TB and the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB warrants the need for more efficacious vaccines. Reverse vaccinology uses the entire proteome of a pathogen to select the best vaccine antigens byin silicoapproaches.M. tuberculosisH37Rv proteome was analyzed with NERVE (New Enhanced Reverse Vaccinology Environment) prediction software to identify potential vaccine targets; these 331 proteins were further analyzed with VaxiJen for the determination of their antigenicity value. Only candidates with values ≥0.5 of antigenicity and 50% of adhesin probability and without homology with human proteins or transmembrane regions were selected, resulting in 73 antigens. These proteins were grouped by families in seven groups and analyzed by amino acid sequence alignments, selecting 16 representative proteins. For each candidate, a search of the literature and protein analysis with different bioinformatics tools, as well as a simulation of the immune response, was conducted. Finally, we selected six novel vaccine candidates, EsxL, PE26, PPE65, PE_PGRS49, PBP1, and Erp, fromM. tuberculosisthat can be used to improve or design new TB vaccines.
Transcriptomic Analysis of mRNAs in Human Monocytic Cells Expressing the HIV-1 Nef Protein and Their Exosomes
Authors: Aqil Madeeha , Mallik Saurav , Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra , Maulik Ujjwal , Jameel Shahid
Published: April 2015

The Nef protein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) promotes viral replication and progression to AIDS. Besides its well-studied effects on intracellular signaling, Nef also functions through its secretion in exosomes, which are nanovesicles containing proteins, microRNAs, and mRNAs and are important for intercellular communication. Nef expression enhances exosome secretion and these exosomes can enter uninfected CD4 T cells leading to apoptotic death. We have recently reported the first miRNome analysis of exosomes secreted from Nef-expressing U937monocytic cells. Here we show genome-wide transcriptome analysis of Nef-expressing U937 cells and their exosomes. We identified four key mRNAs preferentially retained in Nef-expressing cells; these code for MECP2, HMOX1, AARSD1, and ATF2 and are important for chromatin modification and gene expression. Interestingly, their target miRNAs are exported out in exosomes. We also identified three key mRNAs selectively secreted in exosomes from Nef-expressing U937 cells and their corresponding miRNAs being preferentially retained in cells. These are AATK, SLC27A1, and CDKAL and are important in apoptosis and fatty acid transport. Thus, our study identifies selectively expressed mRNAs in Nef-expressing U937 cells and their exosomes and supports a new mode on intercellular regulation by the HIV-1 Nef protein.
Reflective Optics Design for an LED High Beam Headlamp of Motorbikes
Authors: Ge Peng , Wang Xiang , Li Yang , Wang Hong
Published: April 2015

We propose a reflective optics design for an LED motorbike high beam lamp. We set the measuring screen as an elliptical zone and divide it into many small lattices and divide the spatial angle of the LED source into many parts and make relationships between them. According to the conservation law of energy and the Snell’s law, the reflector is generated by freeform optics design method. Then the optical system is simulated by Monte Carlo method using ASAP software. Light pattern of simulation could meet the standard. The high beam headlamp is finally fabricated and assembled into a physical object. Experiment results can fully comply with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) vehicle regulations R113 revision 2 (Class C).
Peripheral Signals Mediate the Beneficial Effects of Gastric Surgery in Obesity
Authors: Barja-Fernández Silvia , Folgueira Cintia , Castelao Cecilia , Leis Rosaura , Casanueva Felipe F. , Seoane Luisa M.
Published: April 2015

Obesity is nowadays a public health problem both in the industrialized world and developing countries. The different treatments to fight against obesity are not very successful with the exception of gastric surgery. The mechanism behind the achievement of this procedure remains unclear although the modifications in the pattern of gastrointestinal hormones production appear to be responsible for the beneficial effect. The gastrointestinal tract has emerged in the last time as an endocrine organ in charge of response to the different stimulus related to nutritional status by the modulation of more than 30 signals acting at central level to modulate food intake and body weight. The production of some of these gastric derived signals has been proved to be altered in obesity (ghrelin, CCK, and GLP-1). In fact, bariatric surgery modifies the production of both gastrointestinal and adipose tissue peripheral signals beyond the gut microbiota composition. Through this paper the main peripheral signals altered in obesity will be reviewed together with their modifications after bariatric surgery.
Predictors of Contraceptive Adherence among Women Seeking Family Planning Services at Reproductive Health Uganda, Mityana Branch
Authors: Muhindo Richard , Okonya Joyce Nankumbi , Groves Sara , Chenault Michelene
Published: April 2015

Poor adherence is one of the main causes of unintended pregnancies among women of reproductive age. The purpose of this study was to establish the predictors of contraceptive adherence. A total of 211 women were enrolled and interviewed while seeking family planning services at reproductive health Uganda facility. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the association between adherence and the independent variables. Most of the respondents (83.4%) were currently using a hormonal contraceptive. Of the participants who were using contraceptives, 43% had discontinued use at some time for reasons other than pregnancy, 53.1% reported having short birth interval less than 2 years, and 7% reported having more children than desired. The predictors of poor contraceptive adherence included lower education level (OR 2.484, 95% CI 1.403–4.397) and lower self-efficacy (OR 1.698, 95% CI 1.959–3.004). Lack of male partner support (OR 2.014, 95% CI 1.140–3.557) and low education level (OR 2.103, 95% CI 1.196–3.699) were predictive of reporting short birth interval less than 2 years. The findings point to a number of predictors of contraceptive adherence that may have implications for designing and evaluating family planning programs. In the Ugandan context, studies to evaluate effective adherence improvement strategies are needed.
A Survey of the Practice and Perspectives of Chinese Acupuncturists onDeqi
Authors: Ren Yu-lan , Guo Tai-pin , Du Huai-bin , Zheng Hua-bin , Ma Ting-ting , Fang Li , Gao Yu-jie , Yang Xu-guang , Li Xue-zhi , Shi Jing , Chen Liang , Liu Yi-wei , Zhang Ru-wen , Zheng Hui , Li De-hua , Wu Xi , Liang Fan-rong
Published: April 2015

Deqirefers to the special sensation and reaction sensed mainly by both acupuncturist and patient when a needle was inserted into the acupoints and is considered to be vital to achieve acupuncture effect. For acupuncturist, it is important to judge and controlDeqiin clinical practice. However, enough attention is paid to patients’ feelings rather than acupuncturists’ nowadays. We thus conducted this survey to determine acupuncturists’ perspectives aboutDeqiand to further find the proper way to induceDeqi. A total of 250 questionnaires were sent out to acupuncturists and 202 (80.8%) were returned. According to the results, most acupuncturists believe thatDeqiis vital to obtain preferable clinical effects. The reliability of acupuncturists’Deqisensation ranks as sinking> tightening> astringent. The reliability of patients’Deqisensations ranks as sourness> numbness> distention> heaviness> pain. The reliability of influential factors ranks as manipulation> specificity of acupoint> TCM constitution> disease status> patient’s psychological condition> acupuncturists’ psychological guidance> clinical environment. This study is believed to provide additional evidence to the qualitative and quantitative research ofDeqiin the future.
Superiority of [68Ga]-DOTATATE PET/CT to Other Functional Imaging Modalities in the Localization of SDHB-Associated Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Janssen Ingo , Blanchet Elise M. , Adams Karen , Chen Clara C. , Millo Corina M. , Herscovitch Peter , Taieb David , Kebebew Electron , Lehnert Hendrik , Fojo Antonio T. , Pacak Karel
Published: April 2015

Purpose: Patients with succinate dehydrogenase subunit B(SDHB) mutation–related pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PHEO/PGL) are at a higher risk for metastatic disease than other hereditary PHEOs/PGLs. Current therapeutic approaches are limited, but the best outcomes are based on the early and proper detection of as many lesions as possible. Because PHEOs/PGLs overexpress somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), the goal of our study was to assess the clinical utility of [68Ga]-DOTA(0)-Tyr(3)-octreotate ([68Ga]-DOTATATE) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and to evaluate its diagnostic utility in comparison with the currently recommended functional imaging modalities [18F]-fluorodopamine ([18F]-FDA), [18F]-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine ([18F]-FDOPA), [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([18F]- FDG) PET/CT as well as CT/MRI.

Experimental Design: [68Ga]-DOTATATE PET/CT was prospectively performed in 17 patients with SDHB-related metastatic PHEOs/PGLs. All patients also underwent [18F]-FDG PET/CT and CT/MRI, with 16 of the 17 patients also receiving [18F]-FDOPA and [18F]-FDA PET/CT scans. Detection rates of metastatic lesions were compared between all these functional imaging studies. A composite synthesis of all used functional and anatomical imaging studies served as the imaging comparator.

Results: [68Ga]-DOTATATE PET/CT demonstrated a lesion-based detection rate of 98.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 96.5%–99.5%], [18F]-FDG, [18F]-FDOPA, [18F]-FDA PET/CT, and CT/MRI showed detection rates of 85.8% (CI, 81.3%–89.4%; P < 0.01), 61.4% (CI, 55.6%–66.9%; P < 0.01), 51.9% (CI, 46.1%–57.7%; P < 0.01), and 84.8% (CI, 80.0%–88.5%; P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions: [68Ga]-DOTATATE PET/CT showed a significantly superior detection rate to all other functional and anatomical imaging modalities and may represent the preferred future imaging modality in the evaluation of SDHB-related metastatic PHEO/PGL. Clin Cancer Res; 21(17); 3888–95. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Hofman and Hicks, p. 3815
The Novel ATP-Competitive MEK/Aurora Kinase Inhibitor BI-847325 Overcomes Acquired BRAF Inhibitor Resistance through Suppression of Mcl-1 and MEK Expression
Authors: Phadke Manali S. , Sini Patrizia , Smalley Keiran S.M.
Published: April 2015

Resistance to BRAF inhibitors is a major clinical problem. Here, we evaluate BI-847325, an ATP-competitive inhibitor of MEK and Aurora kinases, in treatment-naïve and drug-resistant BRAF-mutant melanoma models. BI-847325 potently inhibited growth and survival of melanoma cell lines that were both BRAF inhibitor naïve and resistant in 2D culture, 3D cell culture conditions, and in colony formation assays. Western blot studies showed BI-847325 to reduce expression of phospho-ERK and phospho-histone 3 in multiple models of vemurafenib resistance. Mechanistically, BI-847325 decreased the expression of MEK and Mcl-1 while increasing the expression of the proapoptotic protein BIM. Strong suppression of MEK expression was observed after 48 hours of treatment, with no recovery following >72 hours of washout. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Mcl-1 enhanced the effects of BI-847325, whereas Mcl-1 overexpression reversed this in both 2D cell culture and 3D spheroid melanoma models. In vivo, once weekly BI-847325 (70 mg/kg) led to durable regression of BRAF-inhibitor naïve xenografts with no regrowth seen (>65 days of treatment). In contrast, treatment with the vemurafenib analog PLX4720 was associated with tumor relapse at >30 days. BI-847325 also suppressed the long-term growth of xenografts with acquired PLX4720 resistance. Analysis of tumor samples revealed BI-847325 to induce apoptosis associated with suppression of phospho-ERK, total MEK, phospho-Histone3, and Mcl-1 expression. Our studies indicate that BI-847325 is effective in overcoming BRAF inhibitor resistance and has long-term inhibitory effects upon BRAF-mutant melanoma in vivo, through a mechanism associated with the decreased expression of both MEK and Mcl-1. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1354–64. ©2015 AACR.
Treatment and Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Heart Valve Thrombosis
Authors: Latib Azeem , Naganuma Toru , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Danenberg Haim , Cota Linda , Barbanti Marco , Baumgartner Helmut , Finkelstein Ariel , Legrand Victor , de Lezo José Suárez , Kefer Joelle , Messika-Zeitoun David , Richardt Gert , Stabile Eugenio , Kaleschke Gerrit , Vahanian Alec , Laborde Jean-Claude , Leon Martin B. , Webb John G. , Panoulas Vasileios F. , Maisano Francesco , Alfieri Ottavio , Colombo Antonio
Published: April 2015

Background—

Valve thrombosis has yet to be fully evaluated after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. This study aimed to report the prevalence, timing, and treatment of transcatheter heart valve (THV) thrombosis.

Methods and Results—

THV thrombosis was defined as follows (1) THV dysfunction secondary to thrombosis diagnosed based on response to anticoagulation therapy, imaging modality or histopathology findings, or (2) mobile mass detected on THV suspicious of thrombus, irrespective of dysfunction and in absence of infection. Between January 2008 and September 2013, 26 (0.61%) THV thromboses were reported out of 4266 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation in 12 centers. Of the 26 cases detected, 20 were detected in the Edwards Sapien/Sapien XT cohort and 6 in the Medtronic CoreValve cohort. In patients diagnosed with THV thrombosis, the median time to THV thrombosis post–transcatheter aortic valve implantation was 181 days (interquartile range, 45–313). The most common clinical presentation was exertional dyspnea (n=17; 65%), whereas 8 (31%) patients had no worsening symptoms. Echocardiographic findings included a markedly elevated mean aortic valve pressure gradient (40.5±14.0 mm Hg), presence of thickened leaflets or thrombotic apposition of leaflets in 20 (77%) and a thrombotic mass on the leaflets in the remaining 6 (23%) patients. In 23 (88%) patients, anticoagulation resulted in a significant decrease of the aortic valve pressure gradient within 2 months.

Conclusions—

THV thrombosis is a rare phenomenon that was detected within the first 2 years after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and usually presented with dyspnea and increased gradients. Anticoagulation seems to have been effective and should be considered even in patients without visible thrombus on echocardiography.
Three new species of Quedius elpenor group (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini: Quediina) from China
Authors: CAI YAN-PENG , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: April 2015

Three new species of the subgenus Distichalius Casey, 1915 of the genus Quedius Stephens, 1829 are described based on specimens collected in China: Q. (Distichalius) biprominulus sp. nov., Yunnan; Q. (Distichalius) fusus sp. nov., Beijing; and Q. (Distichalius) paululus sp. nov., Sichuan. The new species belong to the Quedius elpenor group and increase the number of species of this group to 10. Line drawings and color illustrations of adults and genitalia of the new species are given. A key to all species of this group is provided and their geographical distribution is mapped.
On Afrotropical Mohelia Matile (Diptera, Mycetophilidae): new species and phylogenetic comments
Authors: OLIVEIRA SARAH SIQUEIRA
Published: April 2015

Mohelia was originally described by Matile for M. nigricauda, from the Comoros. Three new Afrotropical species of Mohelia are described. The male and female terminalia of M. matilei sp.n., M. amorimi sp.n., and M. chandleri sp.n. are illustrated. An additional species, not formally described, is commented on. An identification key is also provided, as well as a distribution map for the genus. The differences between Mohelia and Aphrastomyia Lane & Coher are also discussed.
Role of Moist Processes in the Tracks of Idealized Midlatitude Surface Cyclones
Authors: Coronel Benoît , Ricard Didier , Rivière Gwendal , Arbogast Philippe
Published: April 2015

The effects of moist processes on the tracks of midlatitude surface cyclones are studied by performing idealized mesoscale simulations. In each simulation, a finite-amplitude surface cyclone is initialized on the warm-air side of a zonal baroclinic jet. For some simulations, an upper-level cyclonic anomaly upstream of the surface cyclone is also added initially. Sensitivities to the upper-level perturbation and moist processes are analyzed by both performing a relative vorticity budget analysis and adopting a potential vorticity (PV) perspective.

Whatever the simulation, there is a systematic crossing of the zonal jet by the surface cyclone occurring after roughly 30 h. A PV inversion tool shows that it is the nonlinear advection of the surface cyclone by the upper-level PV dipole, which explains the cross-jet motion of the surface cyclone. The simulation with an initial upper-level cyclonic anomaly creates a stronger surface cyclone and a more intense upper-level PV dipole than the simulation without it. It results in faster northward and slower eastward motions of the surface cyclone.

A moist run including full microphysics has a more intense surface cyclone and induces a faster northeastward motion than the dry run. The faster eastward motion is due to the diabatically produced cyclonic circulation at low levels. The faster northward motion is explained by the stronger upper-level anticyclone due to released latent heat, together with the closer location of the surface cyclone to the upper-level anticyclone. Finally, a moist run with only condensation and evaporation exhibits less latent heat release and a slower northeastward motion of the surface cyclone than the full moist run.
A “joke-filled romp” through end times: Radical environmentalism, deep ecology, and human extinction in Margaret Atwood’s eco-apocalyptic MaddAddam trilogy
Authors: Bouson J. Brooks
Published: April 2015

Canadian writer Margaret Atwood has spent years thinking and writing about the existential threat humanity now confronts in an era of an exponential growth in the global human population, accelerating environmental and habitat destruction, mass extinctions of plant and animal species, and ever-worsening ecological degradation. Like her 2003 novel Oryx and Crake, which Atwood describes as a “joke-filled romp through the end of the human race”, her 2009 novel The Year of the Flood and her 2013 novel MaddAddam are admonitory satires. In MaddAddam, Atwood moves forward from The Year of the Flood and Oryx and Crake as she retells and reconsiders her dystopian eco-apocalyptic account of what leads up to and what follows mass human extinction. In her account of the apocalyptic and millennial environmentalism of Crake and the God’s Gardeners, Atwood draws on the philosophy of deep ecology, and she also invokes the type of radical environmentalism embraced by activist green movements like Earth First!. Intent on environmental consciousness-raising, Atwood offers a horrific and darkly satiric account of the gruesome final days of humanity in the twenty-first century. By wryly suggesting that the remedy to humanity’s ills lies not only in interspecies cooperation but also in interspecies breeding, Atwood engages her readers in an unsettling thought experiment as Crake’s genetically modified hominoids, which are presented in Oryx and Crake as a kind of mad scientist joke, become the best hope for the genetic survival of some vestige of homo sapiens in the future Craker–human hybrid.
True Believers, Deserters, and Traitors
Authors: Oppenheim Ben , Steele Abbey , Vargas Juan F. , Weintraub Michael
Published: April 2015

Anti-insurgent militias and states attempt to erode insurgent groups’ capacities and co-opt insurgent fighters by promising and providing benefits. They do so to create a perception that the insurgency is unraveling and to harness inside information to prosecute more effective counterinsurgency campaigns. Why do some insurgents defect to a paramilitary group and others exit the war by demobilizing, while still others remain loyal to their group? This article presents the first empirical analysis of these questions, connecting insurgents’ motivations for joining, wartime experiences, and organizational behavior with decisions to defect. A survey of ex-combatants in Colombia shows that individuals who joined for ideological reasons are less likely to defect overall but more likely to side-switch or demobilize when their group deviates from its ideological precepts. Among fighters who joined for economic reasons, political indoctrination works to decrease their chances of demobilization and defection to paramilitaries, while opportunities for looting decrease economically motivated combatants’ odds of defection.
Pathways to Adolescents’ Flourishing: Linking Self-Control Skills and Positivity Ratio Through Social Support
Authors: Orkibi Hod , Hamama Liat , Gavriel-Fried Belle , Ronen Tammie
Published: April 2015

This study focused on the ability to experience a high ratio of positive to negative emotions in 807 Israeli adolescents aged 12 to 15 years (50% girls). While considering possible gender differences, we tested a model positing that adolescents’ self-control skills would link to their positivity ratio and indirectly through perceived social support from parents and classmates. Parental support was significantly higher than classmate support, and girls scored significantly higher than boys on self-control skills and on both support sources. Self-control skills linked directly with positivity ratio and indirectly through parents’ and classmates’ support, with no gender differences found for the overall model. The study highlights the importance of prevention and treatment programs designed to impart adolescents with prosocial self-control skills, to improve their perceived availability of social support and consequently to increase their positivity ratio during this intense developmental period.
Natural Experiments and Pluralism in Political Science
Authors: Crasnow Sharon
Published: April 2015

Natural experiments are an increasingly popular research design in political science. This popularity raises a number of questions. First, what are natural experiments and why are they appealing? Second, what makes a good natural experiment? And finally, are natural experiments able to provide resources for knowledge production that other methodologies cannot or do not provide? Using Mary Morgan’s and Thad Dunning’s recent work on natural experiments, I offer answers to the first two questions and use the analysis to argue that natural experiments highlight features of knowledge production that support methodological pluralism and the multiple aims of research.
A randomized clinical trial to determine effectiveness of driving simulator retraining on the driving performance of clients with neurological impairment
Authors: Mazer Barbara , Gélinas Isabelle , Duquette Josee , Vanier Marie , Rainville Constant , Chilingaryan Gevorg
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Following a neurological event, returning to driving is an important activity contributing to improved participation within the community. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of driving simulator retraining on driving in clients with neurological impairment and to examine factors associated with treatment effectiveness.

Method

Individuals with non-degenerative brain injury were randomized to either a simulator training or control group. The simulator group received individualized training (16 sessions) using a driving simulator. The control group did not receive intervention. A blind evaluator assessed participants on the DriveAble On-Road Driving Evaluation.

Results

There was no significant difference between groups in the proportion of individuals who passed the driving evaluation (Chi2 = 0.65; p = 0.42; CI = −0.41 to +0.17). However, participants with moderate impairment who received simulator training were more likely to pass the driving test compared with those in the control group (86% versus 17%; Chi2 = 6.2; p = 0.03; CI = −1.00 to −0.30). There were no differences in pass rate according to diagnosis, gender, or for those with severe impairments.

Conclusion

Results provide clinicians with preliminary information on the potential clinical usefulness of driving simulator training. While the findings do not support simulator retraining for the group as a whole, they suggest that clients with moderate impairment have the potential to benefit.
The Relationship Among Genetic Heritability, Environmental Effects, and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Deng Wenlin , Zou Xiaobing , Deng Hongzhu , Li Jianying , Tang Chun , Wang Xueqin , Guo Xiaobo
Published: April 2015

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that have strong heritability. To better understand the heritable factors in twins with clinically diagnosed ASD and to discuss the relationship between social impairments and genetic and environmental factors. In last 13 years, over 12,000 cases of ASD were diagnosed in the children’s development and behavior center, the authors review 37 pairs of these twins, in each pair, and at least 1 twin had been diagnosed with an ASD, and found that the concordance rate was 80% [95% confidence interval (CI) 51.9-95.7%] for monozygotic twins and 13.6% (95% CI: 2.9-34.9%) for dizygotic twins. The heritability of social impairments for ASD was 60.9% (95% CI: 47.3-74.5%). In addition, the rate of nonshared environmental factors was 39.1% (95% CI: 25.5-52.7%), and there were no shared environmental effects. Genetics and special environmental effect play an important role on ASD social impairments.
The effect of nano-silica and nano-magnetite on the magnetorheological fluid stabilization and magnetorheological effect
Authors: Ashtiani Mahshid , Hashemabadi Seyed Hassan
Published: April 2015

In this study, the effect of adding magnetizable and non-magnetizable nano particles (magnetite and fumed silica) to magnetorheological fluids was investigated experimentally. The results showed a great increase up to six times in magnetorheological effect when using magnetite in comparison to nano particle–free magnetorheological fluids. On the other hand, adding non-magnetizable silica made the suspension stable for more than 2000 h by somehow increasing magnetorheological effect. Herschel–Bulkley model fitted the experimental data well and shear thinning behaviour was observed in all synthesized magnetorheological fluids.
Development of a smart reconfigurable reflector prototype for an extremely high-frequency antenna
Authors: Hiroaki Tanaka , Sakamoto Hiraku , Inagaki Akiya , Ishimura Kosei , Doi Akihiro , Kono Yusuke , Oyama Tomoaki , Watanabe Kazuki , Oikawa Yu , Kuratomi Takeshi
Published: April 2015

A prototype for a space-borne smart reconfigurable reflector, whose reflector surface can be changed intentionally using surface adjustment actuators, has been developed, and its performance was evaluated through experiments. The smart reconfigurable reflector was designed as a sub-reflector of a space antenna for observations in the extremely highfrequency band (frequency range: 30 -300 GHz) and is used for correcting the path length errors in the antenna system caused by surface deformations of the main reflector. It consists of a solid surface, supporting members, and surface adjustment actuators. The surface adjustment actuators are a key part of the smart reconfigurable reflector, and each consists of a piezoelectric stack actuator and a displacement magnifying mechanism. Functional tests were performed in order to investigate the performance of the actuator. The results indicate that the actuator has a stroke of more than 0.9 mm with an accuracy of 0.01 mm and a force of more than 90 N. The control accuracy was much better than the required surface accuracy for an extremely high-frequency antenna system. The effectiveness of the developed reflector system was demonstrated through numerical simulations and shape modification experiments. In order to clarify the effectiveness of the developed smart reconfigurable reflector, the performance of the antenna system, equipped with the smart reconfigurable reflector, was evaluated. The experimental results confirmed the performance expected from the numerical simulation and indicated that the antenna could be adequately controlled as expected.
Mastery, submission, and subversion: On the performative construction of strategist identity
Authors: Laine Pikka-Maaria , Meriläinen Susan , Tienari Janne , Vaara Eero
Published: April 2015

While research on strategy-making has begun to focus attention on identity construction, we nevertheless lack a critical understanding of the ways in which socio-historical understandings of strategy are (re)constructed at the level of identity. In this article, we draw on Judith Butler’s theorizing on performative subject formation—first to explore identity constructions grounded in the simultaneity of submitting to and mastering the socio-historical discourses of strategy and second to consider the subversion of discourses and identities enabled by this simultaneity. We distinguish between three performative identity constructions and demonstrate that by submitting to specific understandings of strategy discourses such as the illusion of control (the analytical strategist), omnipotence (the strategic leader), and personal glory (the state-of-the-art strategist), managers face the unattainability of these projects, which drives them to increase their mastery of the dominant discourses in order to win acceptance from others. Highlighting the dynamics of identity construction in strategy-making, we argue that subversion of the dominant discourses and identities is at best subtle. This enables us to better comprehend the persistence of dominant conceptions and related problems in strategy-making such as the overemphasis on technical rationality, anxiety in the face of uncertainty, heightened expectations of heroism, and the inability to engage in genuine dialogue with others and to consider broader social and societal issues as part of strategy-making.
Public roles and private negotiations: Considering city magazines’ public service and market functions
Authors: Jenkins Joy
Published: April 2015

Editors at city and regional magazines face the same competing loyalties as other local journalists, including sharing information about their cities while considering the interests of their organizations, readers, and advertisers. This study used in-depth interviews with city and regional magazine editors ( N = 11) around the country to explore how they navigate public and private interests affecting their work and the implications of these negotiations for their journalistic identity and the perceived functions of their publications in communities. The results shed light on how the editors negotiate a focus on private-service content, which attracts readers and revenue, and public-service content, which serves the magazines’ journalistic role.
Transformational leadership: Relationship to job stress and job burnout in five-star hotels
Authors: Salem Islam El-Bayoumi
Published: April 2015

Due to the significance of transformational leadership in the hospitality industry, and the imperative need of managers to communicate effectively with all employees in the work environment, this study aims to (1) shed light on the importance of transformational leadership in the hospitality industry; (2) study the implementation of transformational leadership for guest and non-guest contact employees in five-star hotels in Egypt, and (3) scrutinize the perception of transformational leadership and its effect on job stress and burnout. To our knowledge, this is the only study that has investigated this topic both in guest and non-guest contact departments in five-star hotels (113 hotels). A total of 327 valid questionnaires from 500 questionnaire distributed were used to conduct the data analysis (155 questionnaire represented guest contact department and 172 questionnaire represented non-guest contact department), giving a response rate of 65.4%. The findings revealed the perception of transformational leadership does not have significant variance, whether in guest contact department or in non-guest contact department. Although employees in guest contact department showed that their direct managers “often” implement transformational leadership, in non-guest contact department, they showed that their direct managers “sometimes” implement transformational leadership. The findings also revealed a significant and negative correlation between transformational leadership and job stress in five-star hotels. However, this negative relationship between transformational leadership and job stress is higher among guest contact employees than non-guest contact employees. Likewise, the statistical test revealed a significant and negative correlation between transformational leadership and job burnout in five-star hotels. But this negative relationship between transformational leadership and job stress is higher among guest contact employees than non-guest contact employees. The outcomes of this study raised major critical recommendations that have to be directed to top managerial level in the hospitality industry.
Parents' responses to a kindergarten-classroom lending-library component designed to support shared reading at home
Authors: Meyer Lori E , Ostrosky Michaelene M , Yu SeonYeong , Favazza Paddy C , Mouzourou Chryso , van Luling Lisa , Park Hyejin
Published: April 2015

Teachers often recommend that families engage their children in shared book reading to support literacy learning at home. When teachers purposefully provide families with home literacy activities there are benefits for everyone involved. The purpose of this article is to report the findings of a study that examined parental participation and response to a home book reading component (i.e. a classroom lending library) that took place in 32 kindergarten classrooms as part of a larger study examining the efficacy of a curriculum focused on promoting kindergartners' positive attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. Findings suggest that parents considered shared book reading to be enjoyable and beneficial for their children's language and literacy development. Additionally, parents' comments provided evidence that both they and their children learned a variety of new concepts, including those related to science and disabilities, through shared book reading. Implications for practice and ideas for future research are discussed.
Adolescent problem behaviour: The gender gap in European perspective
Authors: Thijs Paula E. , van Dijk Ingrid K. , Stoof Robin , Notten Natascha
Published: April 2015

This study scrutinizes gender differences in adolescent problem behaviour and its potential determinants, simultaneously taking into account the individual and contextual level, including personality, family and country characteristics. Using the 2010 EU Kids Online Survey, we estimate multilevel models on 18,027 individuals from 24 European countries. In line with earlier research, we find that boys engage more in adolescent problem behaviour than girls. The gender gap is largely explained by personality traits, such as self-control. Whereas the influence of self-control does not differ between boys and girls, the association between conduct problems and problem behaviour is stronger for boys than for girls. Family factors are relevant but not gender specific in their impact on problem behaviour. European countries differ with respect to the gender gap in adolescent problem behaviour, which is partly explained by the societal level of gender inequality.
Sleep Quality Improves During Treatment With Bryophyllum pinnatum
Authors: Simões-Wüst Ana Paula , Hassani Taziri Al , Müller-Hübenthal Boris , Pittl Sandra , Kuck Angela , Meden Harald , Eberhard Jutta , Decker Michael , Fürer Karin , von Mandach Ursula ,   Bryophyllum Collaborative Group
Published: April 2015

Hypothesis. Cancer patients frequently suffer from poor sleep quality. Bryophyllum pinnatum is a herbal medication used in anthroposophic medicine, which has been shown to be associated with improvements in sleep quality during pregnancy with only few and minor or moderate side-effects reported. In this study, the sleep quality of cancer patients during treatment with B pinnatum was investigated. Study Design. In this prospective, observational study, cancer patients suffering from sleep problems were treated with B pinnatum (350 mg tablets, corresponding to 50% of leaf pressed juice [Weleda AG, Arlesheim, Switzerland], dosage at physician’s consideration, but most frequently 2 tablets with evening meal and 2 before going to bed). Methods. Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), daily sleepiness (Epworth Sleeping Scale [ESS]), and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]) were assessed at the beginning of the treatment and after 3 weeks. Possible adverse drug reactions perceived by the patients during the treatment were recorded. From the 28 recruited patients, 20 completed both questionnaires and were considered in the present analysis. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results. Patients were 61 ± 10.4 years old and the majority were female (17 out of 20). During treatment with B pinnatum, the PSQI decreased from 12.2 ± 3.62 to 9.1 ± 3.61 ( P < .01), and ESS changed from 8.4 ± 3.18 to 7.1 ± 3.98 ( P < .05). There was no change in FSS. The treatment was well tolerated by the majority of patients, with only 6 patients reporting discomfort that might have been caused by B pinnatum (fatigue n = 3, dry throat n = 1, agitation n = 1, difficult digestion n = 1). No serious adverse drug reactions were detected. Conclusion. B pinnatum may be a suitable treatment for sleep problems of cancer patients. Controlled, randomized clinical trials of the use of B pinnatum in sleep disorders are urgently needed.
Persisting variation in testing and reporting Clostridium difficile cases
Authors: Satta Giovanni , Parekh Sejal , Dabrowski Hannah , Petkar Hawabibee
Published: April 2015

Previous evidence suggested a significant variation in the testing algorithms used across the United Kingdom for the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and new national guidelines were issued in 2012. The main aim of this paper was to explore if such variation in testing and reporting is still present, to compare the management of CDI cases, and to investigate if there is any significant variation in the antibiotic policies among different hospitals. Using London hospitals as a sample, results show that there is still a wide variation of testing methods and reporting used, making comparisons difficult. It is likely that the overall variability in practices would be greater at a national and, even more, at international level. The relationship between broad-spectrum antibiotics and C. difficile incidence and alternative approaches in antibiotic guidelines may require further studies.
Individual Differences in Gelotophobia Predict Responses to Joy and Contempt
Authors: Hofmann Jennifer , Platt Tracey , Ruch Willibald , Proyer René T.
Published: April 2015

In a paradigm facilitating smile misattribution, facial responses and ratings to contempt and joy were investigated in individuals with or without gelotophobia (fear of being laughed at). Participants from two independent samples ( N1 = 83, N2 = 50) rated the intensity of eight emotions in 16 photos depicting joy, contempt, and different smiles. Facial responses were coded by the Facial Action Coding System in the second study. Compared with non-fearful individuals, gelotophobes rated joy smiles as less joyful and more contemptuous. Moreover, gelotophobes showed less facial joy and more contempt markers. The contempt ratings were comparable between the two groups. Looking at the photos of smiles lifted the positive mood of non-gelotophobes, whereas gelotophobes did not experience an increase. We hypothesize that the interpretation bias of “joyful faces hiding evil minds” (i.e., being also contemptuous) and exhibiting less joy facially may complicate social interactions for gelotophobes and serve as a maintaining factor of gelotophobia.
Idiopathic Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Rupture as an Uncommon Cause of Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Schatz Richard A. , Schabel Stephen , Rockey Don C.
Published: April 2015

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms are infrequently encountered but critical to recognize. Limited literature to date describes associations with pancreatitis, trauma, and rarely peptic ulcer disease. Hemorrhage and abdominal pain are the most common manifestations. There is typically overt gastrointestinal blood loss but bleeding can also extend into the peritoneum, retroperitoneum, adjacent organs, or even a pseudocyst. Most patients with ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysms present with hemodynamic instability. Here, we describe a patient recovering from acute illness in the intensive care unit but with otherwise no obvious risk factors or precipitants for visceral pseudoaneurysm. He presented with acute onset altered mental status, nausea, and worsening back and abdominal pain and was found to be in hypovolemic shock. The patient was urgently stabilized until more detailed imaging could be performed, which ultimately revealed the source of blood loss and explained his rapid decompensation. He was successfully treated with arterial coiling and embolization. Thus, we herein emphasize the importance of prompt recognition of hemorrhagic shock and of aggressive hemodynamic stabilization, as well as a focused diagnostic approach to this problem with specific treatment for splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. Finally, we recommend that multidisciplinary management should be the standard approach in all patients with splenic artery pseudoaneurysm.
Long-term hazard of recurrence in HER2+ breast cancer patients untreated with anti-HER2 therapy
Authors: Strasser-Weippl Kathrin , Horick Nora , Smith Ian E , O’Shaughnessy Joyce , Ejlertsen Bent , Boyle Frances , Buzdar Aman U , Fumoleau Pierre , Gradishar William , Martin Miguel , Moy Beverly , Piccart-Gebhart Martine , Pritchard Kathleen I , Lindquist Deborah , Rappold Erica , Finkelstein Dianne M , Goss Paul E
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Worldwide, many patients with HER2+ (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive) early breast cancer (BC) do not receive adjuvant trastuzumab. Hazards of recurrence of these patients with respect to hormone receptor status of the primary tumor have not been described.

Methods

Using data from 1,260 patients randomized to placebo in the adjuvant TEACH trial, we report 10-year annual hazards of recurrence in HER2+ patients not treated with anti-HER2 therapy.

Results

Disease-free survival (DFS) was 75% after 5 and 61% after 10 years, respectively. Patients with HER2+ hormone receptor-positive (HR+ (hormone receptor-positive); ER+ (estrogen receptor-positive) or PR+ (progesterone receptor-positive)) disease had a significantly better DFS than patients with HER2+ HR- (ER-/PR-) disease (hazard ratio 0.72, P = 0.02). This difference was explainable by a significantly higher hazard of recurrence in years 1 to 5 in HER2+ HR- compared to HER2+ HR+ patients, with a mean risk of recurrence of 9%/year for HR- versus 5%/year in HR+ patients (hazard ratio 0.59, P = 0.002 for years 1 to 5). The high early risk of recurrence of HER2+ HR- patients declined sharply over time, so that it was similar to that seen in HER2+ HR+ patients in years 6 to 10 (hazard ratio 0.97, P = 0.92 for years 6 to 10).

Conclusions

Our results show that outcomes in HER2+ patients with early BC not receiving anti-HER2 therapy strongly depend on HR expression. The very high early risk of relapse seen in HER2+ HR- patients is particularly relevant in health care settings with limited access to adjuvant anti-HER2 treatment. The event rates shown for subpopulations of HER2+ BC patients suggest that in resource-constrained environments patients with HER2+ HR- early BC should be prioritized for consideration of adjuvant anti-HER2 therapy.