bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective smoothed finite element methods for extremely large deformation of anisotropic incompressible bio‐tissues
Authors: Jiang Chen , Zhang Zhi‐Qian , Han Xu , Liu Gui‐Rong
Published: July 2014

Two dynamic selective smoothed FEM (selective S‐FEM) are proposed for analysis of extremely large deformation of anisotropic incompressible bio‐tissues using the simplest four‐node tetrahedron elements. In the present two Selective S‐FEMs, the method that consists of the face‐based smoothed FEM (FS‐FEM) used for the deviatoric part of deformation and the node‐based smoothed FEM (NS‐FEM) used for the volumetric part is called FS/NS‐FEM; another method that replaces the deviatoric part of deformation in the first one by the edge‐based smoothed FEM (3D‐ES‐FEM) is call 3D‐ES/NS‐FEM. Both selective S‐FEMs can achieve outstanding accuracy, and stability of volumetric locking free. This is because the NS‐FEM offers an ‘overly‐soft’ feature (in contrast to the standard FEM ‘overly‐stiff’ model), which can be used to effectively mitigate the volumetric locking, and on the other hand, the 3D‐ES‐FEM and FS‐FEM produce close to exact stiffness for the discretized model leading to accurate solution. Numerical examples are presented to examine the performance of the selective S‐FEM methods, including soft bio‐tissues that may be isotropic, transversely isotropic, and anisotropic arterial layered materials. The present methods are found having good accuracy and performance. The examples also demonstrate that the proposed methods are very robust and possess remarkable capabilities of handling element distortion, which is very useful for simulating soft materials including bio‐tissues. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doing Good, Public Good, and Public Value
Authors: Mendel Stuart C. , Brudney Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2014

In this article, using multiple illustrative case examples, we demonstrate that philanthropic institutions are in the business of creating public value. In framing the work of philanthropy more broadly to include the process of public value creation, philanthropic institutions and leaders are challenged to be more strategic not only in their mission‐fulfillment grant‐making with nonprofit organizations but also in the way they stimulate and encourage collaboration, create the “third space” necessary to incubate ideas to transform society, and leverage resources to increase the return on their investments toward system‐wide change. The implications for philanthropic actors and institutions suggest that the strategic contributions they make toward creation of public value are those that go beyond transactional performance measures, such as number of dollars spent or clients receiving services, to include ways that their investments are amplified by meaningful partnerships with nonprofit and other organizations, changed behaviors of institutions and individuals, and transformative public policies.
Optimization‐based autonomous racing of 1:43 scale RC cars
Authors: Liniger Alexander , Domahidi Alexander , Morari Manfred
Published: July 2014

This paper describes autonomous racing of RC race cars based on mathematical optimization. Using a dynamical model of the vehicle, control inputs are computed by receding horizon based controllers, where the objective is to maximize progress on the track subject to the requirement of staying on the track and avoiding opponents. Two different control formulations are presented. The first controller employs a two‐level structure, consisting of a path planner and a nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) for tracking. The second controller combines both tasks in one nonlinear optimization problem (NLP) following the ideas of contouring control. Linear time varying models obtained by linearization are used to build local approximations of the control NLPs in the form of convex quadratic programs (QPs) at each sampling time. The resulting QPs have a typical MPC structure and can be solved in the range of milliseconds by recent structure exploiting solvers, which is key to the real‐time feasibility of the overall control scheme. Obstacle avoidance is incorporated by means of a high‐level corridor planner based on dynamic programming, which generates convex constraints for the controllers according to the current position of opponents and the track layout. The control performance is investigated experimentally using 1:43 scale RC race cars, driven at speeds of more than 3 m/s and in operating regions with saturated rear tire forces (drifting). The algorithms run at 50 Hz sampling rate on embedded computing platforms, demonstrating the real‐time feasibility and high performance of optimization‐based approaches for autonomous racing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viewing rate and reference ranges for papillary muscle areas of the fetal heart using four‐dimensional ultrasound in the rendering mode
Authors: Rolo Liliam Cristine , Rizzo Giuseppe , Pietrolucci Maria Elena , Barros Fernanda Silveira Bello , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Martins Wellington P. , Arduini Domenico , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: July 2014

Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess the viewing rate and determine reference ranges ​​for the papillary muscle areas in the fetal atrio‐ventricular valves using four‐dimensional (4D) ultrasound and spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) in the rendering mode.

Methods

This cross‐sectional prospective study included 310 4D STIC volume data sets of normal fetuses between 18 weeks 0 day and 34 weeks 0 day of gestation. The papillary muscles were antero‐lateral (MPAL) and postero‐medial (MPPM) to the mitral valve and antero‐superior (MPAS), inferior (MPI) and septal (MPS) to the tricuspid valve. Polynomial regressions were built to determine the reference ranges, and adjustments were made using the determination coefficient (R2). To assess inter‐observer reproducibility, the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used.

Results

Identification of the papillary muscles was possible in 89.3% patients. The best‐fit regression equations between papillary muscle areas and gestational age were second degree. The inter‐observer reproducibility was good (ICC: 0.98 to MPAS, 0.97 to MPI, 0.98 to MPS, 0.98 to MPAL and 0.97 to MPPM).

Conclusions

Identification of the papillary muscles of the fetal valves was possible in most of the 4D STIC volume data sets, enabling the determination of reference ranges using the rendering mode. The reference ranges ​​for the papillary muscle areas were determined. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial interventions addressing the needs of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer: a review of the current landscape
Authors: Whitehead Nicole Ennis , Hearn Lauren E.
Published: July 2014

Background

Poorer health outcomes and lower survival rates have been well documented among African American/Black (Black) women diagnosed with breast cancer. Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women despite a lower incidence rate. Apart from pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions are recommended by the Institute of Medicine as standard medical care for breast cancer patients at all phases of treatment. The current review is the first attempt to systematically evaluate the literature on the influence of psychosocial interventions for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Methods

This systematic review aimed to adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines. A comprehensive computerized literature search of CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science was conducted to obtain relevant studies.

Results

Interventions demonstrated improved mood, decreased distress, increased ability to cope with intrusive thoughts and cancer‐related stress, personal growth, and improved social well‐being. However, aspects unique to this population require additional scientific inquiry. Over 80% of empirical interventions focused on Black women diagnosed with breast cancer have been concentrated on the posttreatment phase. There is a paucity of work at the time of diagnosis and during treatment.

Conclusions

To address gaps in the scientific literature, more work is needed to better understand how psychosocial interventions can improve the health trajectory for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer particularly in the areas of seeking help and support, identifying culturally acceptable methods for engaging support networks, and identifying best practices for enhancing coping skills. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing Zinc–Protein–Chelant Interactions Using Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Zinc‐Responsive Polypeptides
Authors: Mak Wing Cheung , Selegård Robert , Garbrecht Magnus , Aili Daniel
Published: July 2014

The coordination of zinc by proteins and various other organic molecules is essential for numerous biological processes, such as in enzymatic catalysis, metabolism, and signal transduction. Presence of small molecular chelants can have a profound effect on the bioavailability of zinc and affect critical Zn2+–protein interactions. Zn2+ chelators are also emerging therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease because of their preventive effect on zinc‐promoted amyloid formation. Despite the importance of zinc–protein–chelant interactions in biology and medicine, probing such interactions is challenging. Here, an innovative approach is introduced for real‐time characterization of zinc–protein–chelant interactions using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a zinc‐responsive protein mimetic polypeptide. The peptide‐functionalized AuNPs aggregate extensively in the presence of Zn2+, triggered by specific Zn2+‐mediated polypeptide dimerization and folding, causing a massive red shift of the plasmon band. Chelants affects the Zn2+–polypeptide interaction and thus the aggregation differently depending on their concentrations, zinc‐binding affinities, and coordination numbers, which affect the position of the plasmon band. This system is a simple and powerful tool that provides extensive information about the interactions of chelants in the formation of Zn2+ coordination complexes, and an interesting platform for development of bioanalytical techniques, and characterization of chelation‐based therapeutics.
Teaching English language arts methods in the United States: a review of the research
Authors: Pasternak Donna L. , Caughlan Samantha , Hallman Heidi , Renzi Laura , Rush Leslie
Published: July 2014

Context and Implications
Quantitative imaging of neuroinflammation in human white matter: A positron emission tomography study with translocator protein 18 kDa radioligand, [18F]‐FEPPA
Authors: Suridjan Ivonne , Rusjan Pablo M. , Kenk Miran , Verhoeff Nicolaas Paul L.G. , Voineskos Aristotle N. , Rotenberg David , Wilson Alan A. , Meyer Jeffrey H. , Houle Sylvain , Mizrahi Romina
Published: July 2014

The ability to quantify translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) in white matter (WM) is important to understand the role of neuroinflammation in neurological disorders with WM involvement. This article aims to extend the utility of TSPO imaging in WM using a second‐generation radioligand, [18F]‐FEPPA, and high‐resolution research tomograph (HRRT) positron emission tomography (PET) camera system. Four WM regions of interests (WM‐ROI), relevant to the study of aging and neuroinflammatory diseases, were examined. The corpus callosum, cingulum bundle, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior limb of internal capsule were delineated automatically onto subject's T1‐weighted magnetic resonance image using a diffusion tensor imaging‐based WM template. The TSPO polymorphism (rs6971) stratified individuals to three genetic groups: high‐affinity binders (HAB), mixed‐affinity binders (MAB), and low‐affinity binders. [18F]‐FEPPA PET scans were acquired on 32 healthy subjects and analyzed using a full kinetic compartment analysis. The two‐tissue compartment model showed moderate identifiability (coefficient of variation 15–19%) for [18F]‐FEPPA total volume distribution (VT) in WM‐ROIs. Noise affects VT variability, although its effect on bias was small (6%). In a worst‐case scenario, ≤6% of simulated data did not fit reliably. A simulation of increased TSPO density exposed minimal effect on variability and identifiability of [18F]‐FEPPA VT in WM‐ROIs. We found no association between age and [18F]‐FEPPA VT in WM‐ROIs. The VT values were 15% higher in HAB than in MAB, although the difference was not statistically significant. This study provides evidence for the utility and limitations of [18F]‐FEPPA PET to measure TSPO expression in WM. Synapse 68:536–547, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the sensitivity of the novel α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor PET radioligand 18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB to increases in synaptic acetylcholine levels in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Gallezot Jean‐Dominique , Esterlis Irina , Bois Frederic , Zheng Ming‐Qiang , Lin Shu‐Fei , Kloczynski Tracy , Krystal John H. , Huang Yiyun , Sabri Osama , Carson Richard E. , Cosgrove Kelly P.
Published: July 2014

Objective

18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB (also known as 18F‐(‐)‐Flubatine) is a new radioligand to image α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET), with faster kinetics than previous radioligands such as 18F‐2‐F‐A85380. The goal of this study was to assess the sensitivity of 18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB‐PET to increases in synaptic acetylcholine concentration induced by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Methods

Two rhesus monkeys were scanned four times each on a Focus 220 scanner: first at baseline, then during two bolus plus infusions of physostigmine (0.06–0.28 mg/kg), and finally following a bolus injection of donepezil (0.25 mg/kg). The arterial input function and the plasma free fraction fP were measured. 18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB volume of distribution VT was estimated using the multilinear analysis MA1 and then normalized by plasma free fraction fP.

Results

18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB fP was 0.89 ± 0.04. At baseline, 18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB VT/fP ranged from 7.9 ± 1.3 mL plasma/cm3 tissue in the cerebellum to 34.3 ± 8.4 mL plasma/cm3 tissue in the thalamus. Physostigmine induced a dose‐dependent reduction of 18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB VT/fP of 34 ± 9% in the putamen, 32 ± 8% in the thalamus, 25 ± 8% in the cortex, and 23 ± 10% in the hippocampus. With donepezil, 18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB VT/fP was reduced by 24 ± 2%, 14 + 3% and 14 ± 5%, 10 ± 6% in the same regions.

Conclusion

18F‐(‐)‐NCFHEB can be used to detect changes in synaptic acetylcholine concentration and is a promising tracer to study acetylcholine dynamics with shorter scan durations than previous radioligands. Synapse 68:556–564, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers: Surface Science Studies of Carbazole Derivatives
Authors: Papp Christian , Wasserscheid Peter , Libuda Jörg , Steinrück Hans‐Peter
Published: July 2014

We review recent results towards a molecular understanding of the adsorption and dehydrogenation of carbazole‐derived liquid organic hydrogen carriers on platinum and palladium single crystals and on Al2O3‐supported Pt and Pd nanoparticles. By combining synchrotron‐based high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared reflection‐absorption spectroscopy, advanced molecular beam methods and temperature‐programmed desorption spectroscopy, detailed insights into the reaction mechanism are obtained. On Pt(111), dehydrogenation of perhydro‐N‐ethylcarbazole, H12‐NEC, starts with activation of the hydrogen atoms at the pyrrole unit, yielding H8‐NEC as the first stable reaction intermediate at ∼340 K, followed by further dehydrogenation to NEC at ∼380 K. Above 390 K, dealkylation starts, yielding carbazole as an undesired byproduct. On small supported Pt particles, the dealkylation sets in at lower temperatures, due to the higher reactivity of low‐coordinated sites, while on larger particles with (111) facets a reactivity as on the flat surface is observed. Carbazole derivatives with ethyl, propyl and butyl chains show an overall very similar reactivity, both on Pt(111) and on Pt nanoparticles. When comparing the dealkylation behavior of H12‐NEC on Pt(111) and Pt nanoparticles to that on Pd(111) and Pd nanoparticles, we find a higher reactivity for the Pd systems.
Involvement of L‐type Ca2+ channel and toll‐like receptor‐4 in nickel‐induced interleukin‐8 gene expression
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hsien , Chung Chih‐Ang , Wong Jhen‐Hong , Chen Ben‐Kuen , Chiu Siou‐Jin , Klahan Sukhontip , Lee Yi‐Chao , Chang Wei‐Chiao
Published: July 2014

The metal nickel (Ni2+) is found everywhere in our daily lives, including coins, costume jewelry, and even nuts and chocolates. Nickel poisoning can cause inflammatory reactions, respiratory diseases, and allergic contact dermatitis. To clarify the mechanism by which nickel induces mediators of inflammation, we used the human acute monocytic leukemia THP‐1 cell line as a model. Interleukin (IL)‐8 promoter activity as well as gene expression were tested by luciferase assay and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The underlying mechanisms of nickel‐induced IL‐8 were investigated. We found that nickel induced IL‐8 gene expression via the L‐type Ca2+ channel, Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TRL‐4) and nuclear factor NF‐κB signal transduction pathways. Nickel activated NF‐κB expression through extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and then increased IL‐8 expression. Thus, the L‐type Ca2+ channel and TRL‐4 play important roles in nickel‐induced inflammatory gene expressions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 5–12, 2016.
Prediction of early‐ and late‐onset pregnancy‐induced hypertension using placental volume on three‐dimensional ultrasound and uterine artery Doppler
Authors: Arakaki T. , Hasegawa J. , Nakamura M. , Hamada S. , Muramoto M. , Takita H. , Ichizuka K. , Sekizawa A.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To determine whether uterine artery (UtA) Doppler findings and three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound measurement of placental volume during the first trimester allowed prediction of early‐ and late‐onset pregnancy‐induced hypertension (early PIH and late PIH).

Methods

Subjects with singleton pregnancy who underwent an ultrasound scan at 11–13 weeks' gestation and delivered between 2011 and 2013 were enrolled prospectively into the study. The UtA Doppler indices and placental volume on 3D ultrasound at 11–13 weeks' gestation in cases that developed early PIH (< 34 weeks) or PIH later in pregnancy (≥ 34 weeks) were compared with values in unaffected pregnancies.

Results

Ten cases of early PIH, 67 cases of late PIH and 1285 unaffected pregnancies were analyzed. The UtA pulsatility index (PI) was higher in cases of early PIH than that in unaffected pregnancies (median, 2.35 vs 1.79; P = 0.043) but did not differ between cases of late PIH and unaffected pregnancies. Placental volume was smaller in cases of early PIH than that in unaffected pregnancies (median, 43 cm3 vs 62 cm3; P = 0.003) but did not differ between cases of late PIH and unaffected pregnancies. The area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve for the prediction of early PIH, by combining UtA‐PI and placental volume, was 0.832 (95% CI, 0.742–0.921), with this combination providing a detection rate for early PIH of 67.5% for a 5% false‐positive rate.

Conclusions

High UtA‐PI and small placental volume were observed more often in cases of early PIH compared with unaffected pregnancies, but not in cases of late PIH. These results may indicate that there are differences in pathophysiology between early PIH and late PIH. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The Growth and Development of Non-Catholic Churches in Chile
Authors: Gooren Henri
Published: July 2014

Different varieties of Protestantism and Pentecostalism have been very successful in Latin America, where Chile, Brazil, and most Central American countries are now 15-30 % Protestant. This article analyzes the growth and development of the ten major non-Catholic churches in Chile, one of the most Pentecostal countries of Latin America. It describes the history and growth of the following churches in the chronological order of their arrival or start: Anglicans, Methodists, Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, Iglesia Metodista Pentecostal, Jehovah's Witnesses, Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal, Assemblies of God, Church of God, and Latter-day Saints (Mormons). I end with an analysis of average annual growth rates for each church and for the entire Protestant community. Chile was famous for strong Protestant growth in the past, but there are few recent data on church growth. My main question here is: which non-Catholic churches in Chile have been most successful in terms of membership growth and when did this growth occur? The conclusion analyzes why non-Catholic churches in Chile have been successful in the past and why they currently struggle to grow.
Injury prevention among friends: The benefits of school connectedness
Authors: Chapman R.L. , Buckley L. , Reveruzzi B. , Sheehan M.
Published: July 2014

Unsafe road behaviors, violence and alcohol use, are primary contributors to adolescent injury. Research suggests that adolescents look out for their friends and engage in protective behavior to reduce others' risk‐taking and that school connectedness is associated with reduced injury‐risks. This study examined the role of school connectedness in willingness to protect and prevent friends from involvement in alcohol use, fights and unlicensed driving. Surveys were completed at two time points, six months apart, by 545 13–14 year olds from seven Australian high schools. Females were significantly more likely than males to report willingness to protect their friends. School connectedness significantly and positively predicted willingness to protect across all three injury‐risk behaviors, after accounting for sex and own involvement in injury‐risk behaviors. School connectedness may therefore be an important factor to target in school‐based prevention programs, both to reduce adolescents' own injury‐risk behavior and to increase injury prevention among friends.
Alcohol use among adolescents, aggressive behaviour, and internalizing problems
Authors: Kivimäki Petri , Kekkonen Virve , Valtonen Hannu , Tolmunen Tommi , Honkalampi Kirsi , Tacke Ulrich , Hintikka Jukka , Lehto Soili M. , Laukkanen Eila
Published: July 2014

Alcohol use is common among adolescents, but its association with behavioural and emotional problems is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate how self‐reported psychosocial problems were associated with the use of alcohol in a community sample consisting of 4074 Finnish adolescents aged 13–18 years. Aggressive behaviour associated with alcohol use and a high level of alcohol consumption, while internalizing problems did not associate with alcohol use. Having problems in social relationships associated with abstinence and lower alcohol consumption. Tobacco smoking, early menarche and attention problems also associated with alcohol use.
Noninvasive molecular fingerprinting of host–microbiome interactions in neonates
Authors: Donovan Sharon M. , Wang Mei , Monaco Marcia H. , Martin Camilia R. , Davidson Laurie A. , Ivanov Ivan , Chapkin Robert S.
Published: July 2014

The early postnatal period is a critical window for intestinal and immune maturation. Intestinal development and microbiome diversity and composition differ between breast‐ (BF) and formula‐fed (FF) infants. Mechanistic examination into host–microbe relationships in healthy infants has been hindered by ethical constraints surrounding tissue biopsies. Thus, a statistically rigorous analytical framework to simultaneously examine both host and microbial responses to dietary/environmental factors using exfoliated intestinal epithelial cells was developed. Differential expression of ∼1200 genes, including genes regulating intestinal proliferation, differentiation and barrier function, was observed between BF and FF term infants. Canonical correlation analysis uncovered a relationship between microbiome virulence genes and host immunity and defense genes. Lastly, exfoliated cells from preterm and term infants were compared. Pathways associated with immune cell function and inflammation were up‐regulated in preterm, whereas cell growth‐related genes were up‐regulated in the term infants. Thus, coordinate measurement of the transcriptomes of exfoliated epithelial cells and microbiome allows inquiry into mutualistic host–microbe interactions in the infant, which can be used to prospectively study gut development or, retrospectively, to identify potential triggers of disease in banked samples.
Quality of life predictors in patients with epilepsy and cognitive disabilities
Authors: Viteva Ekaterina
Published: July 2014

Purpose We aimed to assess the QOL and its predictors in Bulgarian patients with refractory epilepsy (RE) and cognitive problems.

Methods We conducted a study based on questionnaires designed for people with intellectual disability (the stigma scale, the Glasgow Depression Scale, the Glasgow Anxiety Scale, the Glasgow Epilepsy Outcome Scale – GEOS-35) and a purposeful interview on clinical and social factors of 64 patients (50% men) with RE and cognitive problems.

Results The mean total score of the GEOS-35 was 76 ± 2.34 (an indicator of low QOL). On univariate analysis, the GEOS-35 total score was associated with seizure frequency and severity, stigma, depression, and anxiety. On multivariate regression analysis predictors of the GEOS-35 total score were anxiety, seizure severity, and stigma Р < 0.001 (F = 14.66). Regarding the GEOS-35 subscales, on multivariate regression analysis, we found that 1. Seizure severity, seizure type, and anxiety were predictors of “concerns about seizures” Р < 0.001 (F = 8.99); 2. Anxiety was the only predictor of “concerns about treatment” Р < 0.001 (F = 7.98); 3. Anxiety and seizure severity were predictors of “concerns about caring” Р < 0.001 (F = 12.12); and 4. Seizure severity and stigma were predictors of “concerns about social impact” Р < 0.001 (F = 18.31).

Conclusions We have affirmed the low QOL in patients with RE and cognitive problems and its clinical and social determinants. The results from our study prove the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for quality of life improvement in these patients.
Poor uptake of influenza vaccination in pregnancy in northern India
Authors: Koul Parvaiz A. , Bali Nargis K. , Ali Saima , Ahmad Syed J. , Bhat Muneer A. , Mir Hyder , Akram Shabir , Khan Umar H.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To study the uptake of influenza vaccination among pregnant women in northern India and physicians’ beliefs and practices regarding vaccination.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based survey was undertaken between October 2012 and April 2013. Pregnant women attending an obstetric hospital in Srinagar, India, and healthcare personnel were asked to participate.

Results

Among 1000 women aged 18–41 years (13.6% first trimester, 26.8% second trimester), none had been offered or received influenza vaccination. Only 9 (10.0%) of 90 obstetricians surveyed had been vaccinated for influenza in the past 5 years, although 81 (90.0%) believed that influenza could have severe consequences for themselves and their patients. The reasons cited for non‐vaccination included poor knowledge about availability of vaccine and concerns about its efficacy. Sixty‐six (73.3%) obstetricians believed that vaccine adverse effects are under‐reported, and 79 (87.8%) believed that vaccination programs are motivated by profit. Eighty‐four (93.3%) obstetricians wished to undergo vaccination in the coming flu season.

Conclusion

Influenza vaccination among pregnant women in northern India is nonexistent. Poor uptake is rooted in misperceptions about vaccine availability, efficacy, and safety among treating physicians, few of whom are vaccinated.
The Nigeria Independent Accountability Mechanism for maternal, newborn, and child health
Authors: Garba Aminu Magashi , Bandali Sarah
Published: July 2014

Since the 2010 launch of the UN Secretary‐General's Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health, worldwide political energy coalesced around improving the health of women and children. Nigeria acted on a key recommendation emerging from the Global Strategy and became one of the first countries to establish an independent group known as the Nigeria Independent Accountability Mechanism (NIAM). NIAM aims to track efforts on progress related to Nigeria's roadmap for the health of women and children. It includes eminent people from outside government to ensure independence, and is recognized within government to analyze and report on progress. The concept of NIAM received approval at various national and international forums, as well as from the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health. This experience provides an example of connecting expertise and groups with the government to influence and accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, and child health. Engagement between government and civil society should become the norm rather than the exception to achieve national goals.
Insulin resistance predicts brain amyloid deposition in late middle‐aged adults
Authors: Willette Auriel A. , Johnson Sterling C. , Birdsill Alex C. , Sager Mark A. , Christian Bradley , Baker Laura D. , Craft Suzanne , Oh Jennifer , Statz Eric , Hermann Bruce P. , Jonaitis Erin M. , Koscik Rebecca L. , La Rue Asenath , Asthana Sanjay , Bendlin Barbara B.
Published: July 2014

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) increases Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. IR is related to greater amyloid burden post‐mortem and increased deposition within areas affected by early AD. No studies have examined if IR is associated with an in vivo index of amyloid in the human brain in late middle‐aged participants at risk for AD.

Methods

Asymptomatic, late middle‐aged adults (N = 186) from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention underwent [C‐11]Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography. The cross‐sectional design tested the interaction between insulin resistance and glycemic status on PiB distribution volume ratio in three regions of interest (frontal, parietal, and temporal).

Results

In participants with normoglycemia but not hyperglycemia, higher insulin resistance corresponded to higher PiB uptake in frontal and temporal areas, reflecting increased amyloid deposition.

Conclusions

This is the first human study to demonstrate that insulin resistance may contribute to amyloid deposition in brain regions affected by AD.
Ideological Clarity in Multiparty Competition: A New Measure and Test Using Election Manifestos
Authors: Lo James , Proksch Sven-Oliver , Slapin Jonathan B.
Published: July 2014

Parties in advanced democracies take ideological positions as part of electoral competition, but some parties communicate their position more clearly than others. Existing research on democratic party competition has paid much attention to assessing partisan position taking in electoral manifestos, but it has largely overlooked how manifestos reflect the clarity of these positions. This article presents a scaling procedure that better reflects the data-generating process of party manifestos. This new estimator allows us to recover not only positional estimates, but also estimates for the ideological clarity or ambiguity of parties. The study validates its results using Monte Carlo tests, a manifesto-drafting simulation and a human coding exercise. Finally, the article applies the estimator to party manifestos in four multiparty democracies and demonstrates that ambiguity can enhance the appeal of parties with platforms that become more moderate, and lessen the appeal of parties with platforms that become more extreme.
How Socialization Attenuates Tax Competition
Authors: Gilardi Fabrizio , Wasserfallen Fabio
Published: July 2014

Tax competition is the quintessential example of policy interdependence. The general idea is that tax changes in one jurisdiction lead to similar changes in others. However, research has shown that institutional and political constraints limit competition. This article develops another argument: that socialization among policy makers attenuates competitive dynamics by setting limits to the extent of competition that is considered acceptable. Using fine-grained Swiss data and spatial econometric techniques, it shows that personal income tax rates are more strongly correlated among competitors that donotparticipate in the same intergovernmental organizations. This finding implies that, to some extent, the detrimental consequences of competition can be mitigated by fostering institutionalized forms of interaction among policy makers.
ERROR OF LAW AND FLAWED ADMINISTRATIVE ACTS
Authors: Feldman David
Published: July 2014

Section I shows that the idea, founded on the “principle of legality”, that all legal flaws make a decision void as a matter of law is erroneous. Infringing a legal requirement may not affect validity, or may make a decision only voidable. Section II shows the significance of distinctions between various stages of decision-making processes, and between different types of issues for judges, and argues that case law shows that seven guiding principles operate alongside the “principle of legality”. Section III concludes that these common-law principles reflect professional practice and provide a realistic basis for predictable, normatively legitimate administrative law.
IMPLIED TERMS AFTERBELIZE TELECOM
Authors: Hooley Richard
Published: July 2014

It is five years since Lord Hoffmann delivered the advice of the Privy Council inAttorney-General of Belize v Belize Telecom Ltd. In that landmark decision, Lord Hoffmann assimilated contractual interpretation and implication with the result that when implying a term in fact the court must ask a single question: “is that what the instrument, read as a whole against the relevant background, would reasonably be understood to mean?” It might have been thought that five years was enough time for the English courts to come to terms with this approach.Belizeis regularly cited in the courts, but the judges appear to struggle with its application. There remains uncertainty as to the roles (if any) to be afforded to the traditional “business efficacy” and “officious bystander” tests, and the requirement of “necessity”. This article seeks to re-evaluateBelizefive years on. It concludes thatBelizeprovides a doctrinally coherent and workable basis for identifying and giving effect to the intention of the parties through the implication of terms. However, the article questions whether it remains necessary, or even helpful, to continue to make reference to tests based on “business efficacy” or the “officious bystander”, as the tests distract from the central idea advanced by Lord Hoffmann and have led to uncertainty in its application.
THE WARSAW CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS: EMERGING UNDERSTANDINGS AND BATTLE LINES ON THE ROAD TO THE 2015 CLIMATE AGREEMENT
Authors: Rajamani Lavanya
Published: July 2014

The Warsaw conference, 2013, marked the halfway point from the Durban conference, 2011, that launched negotiations towards a 2015 climate agreement and the Paris conference, 2015, slated as the deadline for these negotiations. As such, the Warsaw conference needed to register a step change in the process—from the airing of differences to negotiating them. It also needed to create the conditions necessary to reach agreement in 2015. This article analyses the outcome of the Warsaw negotiations with a view to determining the extent to which it paves the way for a 2015 climate agreement. In particular, this article explores the divisions over, prospects for and contours of a likely 2015 agreement. The 2015 agreement is likely to be shaped by the resolution Parties arrive at on three overarching issues. These are: architecture—whether the agreement will be ‘top-down’ (prescriptive) or ‘bottom-up’ (facilitative) or a hybrid version of the two; differentiation—the nature and extent of it, and in particular whether it will eschew or replicate the Kyoto model of differentiation and related vision of equity; and legal form—whether the 2015 agreement will be legally binding, and if yes, as is likely, which elements of the 2015 package will be in the legally binding instrument and which elements will be in non-binding complementary decisions. The Warsaw outcome will therefore be analysed with a view to providing insights into the likely architecture and legal form of as well as treatment of differentiation and equity in the 2015 agreement.
THE ALIEN TORT STATUTE AFTER KIOBEL: THE POSSIBILITY FOR UNLAWFUL ASSERTIONS OF UNIVERSAL CIVIL JURISDICITON STILL REMAINS
Authors: MORA PAUL DAVID
Published: July 2014

The jurisdictional reach of causes of action brought under the Alien Tort Statute 17891 (ATS) was considered by the Supreme Court of the United States in Kiobel v Royal Dutch Petroleum.2 The claimants in this decision sought to bring an action before a US District Court asserting universal civil jurisdiction over the conduct of foreign corporations performed against non-US nationals in the territory of a foreign State. Although the Supreme Court dismissed the particular claim on the basis of a domestic canon of statutory interpretation (the presumption against extraterritoriality), the narrowness of its reasoning left open the possibility for actions to continue being brought under the ATS which assert universal civil jurisdiction over the harm caused by individuals rather than corporations. Moreover, this position was specifically endorsed by a four-member minority of the Supreme Court in the Concurring Opinion of Justice Breyer. This paper argues that the reasoning of Justice Breyer is unconvincing and goes on to suggest that assertions of civil jurisdiction made under the universal principle are unlawful in international law as they fail to find a legal basis in either customary or conventional international law.
Tinnitus and its association with psychiatric disorders: systematic review
Authors: Pinto P C L , Marcelos C M , Mezzasalma M A , Osterne F J V , de Melo Tavares de Lima M A , Nardi A E
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

To systematically review the literature on the occurrence of psychiatric diagnoses in a tinnitus-affected population, and correlate the presence of psychiatric disorders with tinnitus-related annoyance and severity.

Method:

A systematic review of the literature published between January 2000 and December 2012 was performed using PubMed, ISI Web of Science and SciELO databases. Original articles in English and Portuguese that focused on the diagnosis of mental disorders associated with tinnitus, especially anxiety and depression, were identified.

Results:

A total of 153 articles were found and 16 were selected. Fifteen articles showed a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in tinnitus-affected patients, and nine showed a high correlation between the presence of a psychiatric disorder and tinnitus-related annoyance and severity.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders, especially anxiety and depression, is high in tinnitus patients, and the presence of these disorders correlates with tinnitus-related annoyance and severity.
Investigation of demodex species frequency in patients with a persistent itchy ear canal treated with a local steroid
Authors: Cevik C , Kaya O Aycan , Akbay E , Yula E , Yengil E , Gulmez M I , Akoglu E
Published: July 2014

Objective:

To investigate the frequency of demodex species in the external acoustic meatus in patients with an itchy ear canal.

Methods:

Patients were assigned to one of three groups. Group one consisted of 54 patients with an itchy ear canal who were using a local agent, while group two was composed of 51 patients with an itchy ear canal who were not using a local agent. Group three consisted of 50 healthy individuals without an itchy ear canal.

Results:

Demodex species test results were positive in nine (5.8 per cent) of the cases. Six of these positive cases were in group one, two in group two and one in group three. The frequency of demodex species in the external acoustic meatus was similar between those patients with an itchy ear canal who did not use a local agent and the healthy individuals (p = 0.571), but it was significantly higher in those using a local steroid compared with those not using a local agent (p = 0.046).

Conclusion:

Although demodex species was not significantly higher in patients with an itchy ear canal compared with the control group, use of a local steroid increased the parasite frequency in the external ear canal of affected patients.
Population decline and the effects of disturbances on the structure and recovery of octocoral communities (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) in Pacific Panama
Authors: Gomez Catalina G. , Guzman Hector M. , Gonzalez Andrew
Published: July 2014

Community structure, species composition, and changes over time after disturbances are frequently studied using common descriptors. We used rank abundance distribution plots (RADs), Rényi entropy plots, common theoretical community models, ordination analysis of similarities (ANOSIM and Clusters), and abundance spectra analyses to study the effects of a gradual natural population decline and an anthropogenic punctuated disturbance on the structure of octocoral communities in Panama, considered a hot spot area for octocoral diversity in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. Over a 17-month period, no significant change was found in community structure after a natural yearly population decline of 25.2%. After a disturbance, however, different recovery trajectories were observed in various coral communities. Possible physical and biological explanations for the observed differences include initial local species diversity and abundance, species life history patterns, colony morphology, and the geographical location of the community. Differences in community structure between study sites were best described using a combination of community descriptors, RADs, and abundance spectra. Rényi plots were useful in identifying changes in community structure, whereas the extent of the changes was best evaluated using ANOSIM and cluster analysis.
The interpretation and probable dating of conversations found in Victor Campbell's field note-book, written while in a snow-cave on Inexpressible Island, Antarctica, during the winter of 1912
Authors: Webster Don
Published: July 2014

Scott's Northern Party, led by Victor Campbell, after almost a year at Cape Adare was moved south by Terra Nova. They landed at Evans Cove for five weeks’ sledging in the Wood Bay area. Bad ice-conditions prevented the vessel from returning. Campbell's party, stranded with little food and only summer equipment, faced the 1912 winter alone. For shelter they dug a snow-cave and there survived for seven months, living mainly on seals and penguins. Finally in early spring they sledged 230 miles back to Scott's party at Cape Evans. The small snow-cave provided little privacy. Authors have mentioned how Campbell divided the cave into two virtual messes, one for the ratings, the other for the officers, with the associated naval implications that conversations in one mess were not to be ‘paid attention to’ in the other. Still, at times, private exchanges were needed. Hooper describes one silent conversation between Campbell and Levick found in the latter's cave-diary, and mentions some others relating to health matters. This paper describes one drawing and nine new written conversations between Campbell, Levick and Priestley found in a field-notebook held in the Victor Campbell Collection at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. The conversations are transcribed, interpreted, and placed in the context of the life in the snow-cave. All were written during September, their last month there, and show that officers often needed to converse silently in writing and, furthermore, that the two-mess concept was not a satisfactory context for private conversations.
Demoralization: a systematic review on its clinical characterization
Authors: Tecuta L. , Tomba E. , Grandi S. , Fava G. A.
Published: July 2014

Background

Demoralization has been described as a psychological state characterized by helplessness, hopelessness, a sense of failure and the inability to cope.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review with qualitative data analysis following PRISMA criteria with the following aims: to review validated assessment instruments of the demoralization syndrome, report main findings regarding demoralization as measured by validated instruments that emerge in the literature, compare and report evidence for the clinical utility of the identified instruments. Utilizing the key word ‘demoralization’ in PubMed and PsycINFO databases, an electronic search was performed, supplemented by Web of Science and manual searches. Study selection criteria included the assessment of medical patients and use of instruments validated to assess demoralization. Seventy-four studies were selected.

Results

Four instruments emerged in the literature. Main findings concern prevalence rates of demoralization, evidence of discriminant validity from major depression, factors associated with demoralization and evidence of clinical utility. The instruments vary in their definition, the populations they aim to assess, prevalence rates they estimate and their ability to discriminate between different conditions. Nonetheless, demoralization appears to be a distinctive psychological state characterized by helplessness, hopelessness, giving up and subjective incompetence. It is not limited to life-threatening diseases such as cancer, but may occur in any type of clinical situation. It is associated with stress and adverse health outcomes.

Conclusions

Studies addressing the incremental value of demoralization in psychiatry and psychology are needed. However, demoralization appears to entail specific clinical features and may be a distinct condition from major depression.
NMR structures of membrane proteins in phospholipid bilayers
Authors: Radoicic Jasmina , Lu George J. , Opella Stanley J.
Published: July 2014

Membrane proteins have always presented technical challenges for structural studies because of their requirement for a lipid environment. Multiple approaches exist including X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy that can give significant insights into their structure and function. However, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is unique in that it offers the possibility of determining the structures of unmodified membrane proteins in their native environment of phospholipid bilayers under physiological conditions. Furthermore, NMR enables the characterization of the structure and dynamics of backbone and side chain sites of the proteins alone and in complexes with both small molecules and other biopolymers. The learning curve has been steep for the field as most initial studies were performed under non-native environments using modified proteins until ultimately progress in both techniques and instrumentation led to the possibility of examining unmodified membrane proteins in phospholipid bilayers under physiological conditions. This review aims to provide an overview of the development and application of NMR to membrane proteins. It highlights some of the most significant structural milestones that have been reached by NMR spectroscopy of membrane proteins, especially those accomplished with the proteins in phospholipid bilayer environments where they function.