bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Absence of Aortic Valve: A Report of Two Cases with Different Outcomes and a Literature Review
Authors: Murakami Takashi , Horigome Hitoshi , Shiono Junko , Ishiodori Takumi , Ban Yukiko , Gomi Seigo , Abe Masakazu
Published: August 2014

Congenital absence of aortic valve (AAV) is a rare cardiac anomaly associated with high mortality. We present 2 prenatally diagnosed cases of AAV. In both cases, fetal echocardiography showed no aortic valve tissue and free aortic regurgitation. At 24 weeks' gestation, case 1 showed a hypoplastic hypocontractile left ventricle and mitral atresia, but did not develop hydrops and was born at term. Bilateral pulmonary arterial banding was performed with continuous infusion of prostaglandin E1 at 5 days of age followed by Norwood and bidirectional Glenn procedures at 3 months of age. The hypoplastic non-compliant left ventricle and mitral atresia might have limited aortic regurgitation. Case 2 showed hydrops at 23 weeks' gestation. An enlarged hypocontractile left ventricle and massive mitral insufficiency were noted. The regurgitant flow was directed to the right atrium through a foramen ovale. This peculiar hemodynamic established a malignant circuit which was arbitrarily called ‘inverse circulatory shunt'. Intrauterine death occurred at 28 weeks' gestation. An autopsy showed absent aortic valve leaflets but three tiny membranous remnants. Hemodynamic evaluation by fetal echocardiography should include the documentation of the presence of and assessment of the grade of aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation and blood flow through a foramen ovale as well as left ventricular function.
Evolution of the Central Sulcus Morphology in Primates
Authors: Hopkins William D. , Meguerditchian Adrien , Coulon Olivier , Bogart Stephanie , Mangin Jean-François , Sherwood Chet C. , Grabowski Mark W. , Bennett Allyson J. , Pierre Peter J. , Fears Scott , Woods Roger , Hof Patrick R. , Vauclair Jacques
Published: August 2014

The central sulcus (CS) divides the pre- and postcentral gyri along the dorsal-ventral plane of which all motor and sensory functions are topographically organized. The motor-hand area of the precentral gyrus or KNOB has been described as the anatomical substrate of the hand in humans. Given the importance of the hand in primate evolution, here we examine the evolution of the motor-hand area by comparing the relative size and pattern of cortical folding of the CS surface area from magnetic resonance images in 131 primates, including Old World monkeys, apes and humans. We found that humans and great apes have a well-formed motor-hand area that can be seen in the variation in depth of the CS along the dorsal-ventral plane. We further found that great apes have relatively large CS surface areas compared to Old World monkeys. However, relative to great apes, humans have a small motor-hand area in terms of both adjusted and absolute surface areas.
Review of Frequency of Dysmenorrhea and Some Associated Factors and Evaluation of the Relationship between Dysmenorrhea and Sleep Quality in University Students
Authors: Sahin Sevil , Ozdemir Kevser , Unsal Alaattin , Arslan Refika
Published: August 2014

Objective: To determine the frequency of dysmenorrhea in university students, review some associated factors and evaluate the relationship between dysmenorrhea and sleep quality. Material and Methods: The study group included 520 students. Survey forms prepared previously in line with the study objective were completed by the students under supervision. The severity of dysmenorrhea was rated with Visual Analogue Scale. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate the sleep quality. The χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for the analyses. Statistical significance level was accepted at p < 0.05. Results: Mean age of the students was 20.23 ± 1.59 years (range 17-25). Frequency of dysmenorrhea was determined to be 69.0% (n = 359). Frequency of dysmenorrhea was higher in smokers, those with menstrual irregularity, those who use drugs for menstrual regulation and those having a family history (p < 0.05 for each). The most frequent symptoms in those having dysmenorrhea history were weakness (59.6%), fatigue (58.5%) and breast tenderness (45.4%), respectively. Sleep quality was found to be poorer in the students having a history of dysmenorrhea (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dysmenorrhea is an important health problem in young women. Dysmenorrhea affects the sleep quality negatively.
Plasma Membrane Calcium ATPase Isoform 4 Inhibits Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Mediated Angiogenesis Through Interaction With Calcineurin
Authors: Baggott Rhiannon R. , Alfranca Arantzazu , López-Maderuelo Dolores , Mohamed Tamer M.A. , Escolano Amelia , Oller Jorge , Ornes Beatriz C. , Kurusamy Sathishkumar , Rowther Farjana B. , Brown James E. , Oceandy Delvac , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Wang Weiguang , Gómez-del Arco Pablo , Martínez-Martínez Sara , Neyses Ludwig , Redondo Juan Miguel , Armesilla Angel Luis
Published: August 2014

Objective—

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as a crucial regulator of physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Among the intracellular signaling pathways triggered by VEGF, activation of the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling axis has emerged as a critical mediator of angiogenic processes. We and others previously reported a novel role for the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) as an endogenous inhibitor of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway, via interaction with calcineurin, in cardiomyocytes and breast cancer cells. However, the functional significance of the PMCA/calcineurin interaction in endothelial pathophysiology has not been addressed thus far.

Approach and Results—

Using in vitro and in vivo assays, we here demonstrate that the interaction between PMCA4 and calcineurin in VEGF-stimulated endothelial cells leads to downregulation of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway and to a significant reduction in the subsequent expression of the NFAT-dependent, VEGF-activated, proangiogenic genes
RCAN1.4
and
Cox-2
. PMCA4-dependent inhibition of calcineurin signaling translates into a reduction in endothelial cell motility and blood vessel formation that ultimately impairs in vivo angiogenesis by VEGF.

Conclusions—

Given the importance of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway in the regulation of pathological angiogenesis, targeted modulation of PMCA4 functionality might open novel therapeutic avenues to promote or attenuate new vessel formation in diseases that occur with angiogenesis.
More Favorable Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Women Than in Men
Authors: Cheng Yun-Jiu , Zhang Jing , Li Wei-Jie , Lin Xiao-Xiong , Zeng Wu-Tao , Tang Kai , Tang An-li , He Jian-Gui , Xu Qing , Mei Mei-Yi , Zheng Dong-Dan , Dong Yu-Gang , Ma Hong , Wu Su-Hua
Published: August 2014

Background—

Data on sex difference in response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remain controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize all published studies to determine whether sex-based differences in response to CRT exist.

Methods and Results—

We performed a literature search using MEDLINE (source PubMed; January 1966 to March 2014) and EMBASE (January 1980 to March 2014) with no restrictions. Pooled effect estimates were obtained by using random-effects meta-analysis. Seventy-two studies involving 33 434 patients were identified. Overall, female patients had better outcomes from CRT compared with male patients, with a significant 33% reduction in the risk of death from any cause (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.74;
P
<0.001), 20% reduction in death or hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.90;
P
<0.001), 41% reduction in cardiac death (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.84;
P
<0.001), and 41% reduction in ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.70;
P
<0.001). These more favorable responses to CRT in women were consistently associated with greater echocardiographic evidence of reverse cardiac remodeling in women than in men.

Conclusions—

Women obtained greater reductions in the risk of death from any cause, cardiac cause, death or hospitalization for heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death with CRT therapy compared with men, with consistently greater echocardiographic evidence of reverse cardiac remodeling in women than in men. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact reasons for these results and determine whether indications for CRT in women should be different from men.
Central Sympathetic Inhibition to Reduce Postablation Atrial Fibrillation Recurrences in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Giannopoulos Georgios , Kossyvakis Charalampos , Efremidis Michael , Katsivas Apostolos , Panagopoulou Vasiliki , Doudoumis Konstantinos , Raisakis Konstantinos , Letsas Konstantinos , Rentoukas Ilias , Pyrgakis Vlasios , Manolis Antonis S. , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Stefanadis Christodoulos , Deftereos Spyridon
Published: August 2014

Background—

The autonomic system is an important determinant of atrial arrhythmogenesis. Current evidence indicates that a combined sympathovagal drive is most commonly responsible for eliciting atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes. The purpose of this study was to test whether moxonidine, a centrally acting sympathoinhibitory agent, can lead to a reduction in postablation AF recurrence.

Methods and Results—

This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized study of 291 hypertensive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who were scheduled to undergo pulmonary vein isolation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either moxonidine (0.2–0.4 mg daily) or placebo, along with standard antihypertensive treatment. No significant differences in blood pressure levels were observed between the 2 groups. In the primary outcome analysis, mean recurrence-free survival was 467 days (95% CI, 445–489 days) in the moxonidine group as compared with 409 days (95% CI, 381–437 days) in control subjects (log rank test,
P
=0.006). The calculated 12-month recurrence rate estimates were 36.9% in the control group and 20.0% in the moxonidine group (
P
=0.007). Moxonidine treatment was associated with lower recurrence risk after adjustment for age, body mass index, number of AF episodes in the previous year, and left atrial diameter (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.22–0.55];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Treatment with moxonidine is associated with less AF recurrences after ablation treatment for drug-refractory AF in patients with hypertension. The observed effect does not appear to depend on the antihypertensive action of this agent.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01791699.
Response of Day-to-Day Home Blood Pressure Variability by Antihypertensive Drug Class After Transient Ischemic Attack or Nondisabling Stroke
Authors: Webb Alastair J.S. , Wilson Michelle , Lovett Nicola , Paul Nicola , Fischer Urs , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Visit-to-visit variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with an increased risk of stroke and was reduced in randomized trials by calcium channel blockers and diuretics but not by renin–angiotensin system inhibitors. However, time of day effects could not be determined. Day-to-day variability on home BP readings predicts stroke risk and potentially offers a practical method of monitoring response to variability-directed treatment.

Methods—

SBP mean, maximum, and variability (coefficient of variation=SD/mean) were determined in 500 consecutive transient ischemic attack or minor stroke patients on 1-month home BP monitoring (3 BPs, 3× daily). Hypertension was treated to a standard protocol. Differences in SBP variability from 3 to 10 days before to 8 to 15 days after starting or increasing calcium channel blockers/diuretics versus renin–angiotensin system inhibitors versus both were compared by general linear models, adjusted for risk factors and baseline BP.

Results—

Among 288 eligible interventions, variability in SBP was reduced after increased treatment with calcium channel blockers/diuretics versus both versus renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (−4.0 versus 6.9 versus 7.8%;
P
=0.015), primarily because of effects on maximum SBP (−4.6 versus −1.0 versus −1.0%;
P
=0.001), with no differences in effect on mean SBP. Class differences were greatest for early-morning SBP variability (3.6 versus 17.0 versus 38.3;
P
=0.002) and maximum (−4.8 versus −2.0 versus −0.7;
P
=0.001), with no effect on midmorning (
P
=0.29), evening (
P
=0.65), or diurnal variability (
P
=0.92).

Conclusions—

After transient ischemic attack or minor stroke, calcium channel blockers and diuretics reduced variability and maximum home SBP, primarily because of effects on morning readings. Home BP readings enable monitoring of response to SBP variability-directed treatment in patients with recent cerebrovascular events.
TeleStroke Units Serving as a Model of Care in Rural Areas
Authors: Müller-Barna Peter , Hubert Gordian J. , Boy Sandra , Bogdahn Ulrich , Wiedmann Silke , Heuschmann Peter U. , Audebert Heinrich J.
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Stroke Unit care improves stroke prognosis and is recommended for all patients with stroke. In rural areas, population-wide implementation of Stroke Units is challenging. Therefore, the TeleMedical Project for integrative Stroke Care (TEMPiS) was established in 2003 as a TeleStroke Unit network to overcome this barrier in Southeast Bavaria/Germany. Evaluation of its implementation between 2003 and 2005 had revealed improved process quality and clinical outcomes compared with matched hospitals without TeleStroke Units. Data on sustainability of these effects are lacking.

Methods—

Effects on the stroke care of the local population were analyzed by using data from official hospital reports. Prospective registries from 2003 to 2012 describe processes and outcomes of consecutive patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack treated in TEMPiS hospitals. Quality indicators assess diagnostics, treatment, and outcome. Rates and timeliness of intravenous thrombolysis as well as data on teleconsultations and secondary interhospital transfers were reported over time.

Results—

Within the covered area, network implementation increased the number of patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack treated in hospitals with (Tele-)Stroke Units substantially from 19% to 78%. Between February 2003 and December 2012, 54 804 strokes and transient ischemic attacks were treated in 15 regional hospitals, and 31 864 teleconsultations were performed. Intravenous thrombolysis was applied 3331 stroke cases with proportions increasing from 2.6% to 15.5% of all patients with ischemic stroke. Median onset-to-treatment times decreased from 150 (interquartile range, 127–163) to 120 minutes (interquartile range, 90–160) and door-to-needle times from 80 (interquartile range, 68–101) to 40 minutes (interquartile range, 29–59).

Conclusions—

TeleStroke Units can provide sustained high-quality stroke care in rural areas.
Characterizing Autopoiesis in the Game of Life
Authors: Beer Randall D.
Published: August 2014

Maturana and Varela's concept of autopoiesis defines the essential organization of living systems and serves as a foundation for their biology of cognition and the enactive approach to cognitive science. As an initial step toward a more formal analysis of autopoiesis, this article investigates its application to the compact, recurrent spatiotemporal patterns that arise in Conway's Game-of-Life cellular automaton. In particular, we demonstrate how such entities can be formulated as self-constructing networks of interdependent processes that maintain their own boundaries. We then characterize the specific organizations of several such entities, suggest a way to simplify the descriptions of these organizations, and briefly consider the transformation of such organizations over time.
Building Polyhedra by Self-Assembly: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Kaplan Ryan , Klobušický Joseph , Pandey Shivendra , Gracias David H. , Menon Govind
Published: August 2014

We investigate the utility of a mathematical framework based on discrete geometry to model biological and synthetic self-assembly. Our primary biological example is the self-assembly of icosahedral viruses; our synthetic example is surface-tension-driven self-folding polyhedra. In both instances, the process of self-assembly is modeled by decomposing the polyhedron into a set of partially formed intermediate states. The set of all intermediates is called the configuration space, pathways of assembly are modeled as paths in the configuration space, and the kinetics and yield of assembly are modeled by rate equations, Markov chains, or cost functions on the configuration space. We review an interesting interplay between biological function and mathematical structure in viruses in light of this framework. We discuss in particular: (i) tiling theory as a coarse-grained description of all-atom models; (ii) the building game—a growth model for the formation of polyhedra; and (iii) the application of these models to the self-assembly of the bacteriophage MS2. We then use a similar framework to model self-folding polyhedra. We use a discrete folding algorithm to compute a configuration space that idealizes surface-tension-driven self-folding and analyze pathways of assembly and dominant intermediates. These computations are then compared with experimental observations of a self-folding dodecahedron with side 300 μm. In both models, despite a combinatorial explosion in the size of the configuration space, a few pathways and intermediates dominate self-assembly. For self-folding polyhedra, the dominant intermediates have fewer degrees of freedom than comparable intermediates, and are thus more rigid. The concentration of assembly pathways on a few intermediates with distinguished geometric properties is biologically and physically important, and suggests deeper mathematical structure.
Evolution of Communication Protocols Using an Artificial Regulatory Network
Authors: Mitchener W. Garrett
Published: August 2014

I describe the Utrecht Machine (UM), a discrete artificial regulatory network designed for studying how evolution discovers biochemical computation mechanisms. The corresponding binary genome format is compatible with gene deletion, duplication, and recombination. In the simulation presented here, an agent consisting of two UMs, a sender and a receiver, must encode, transmit, and decode a binary word over time using the narrow communication channel between them. This communication problem has chicken-and-egg structure in that a sending mechanism is useless without a corresponding receiving mechanism. An in-depth case study reveals that a coincidence creates a minimal partial solution, from which a sequence of partial sending and receiving mechanisms evolve. Gene duplications contribute by enlarging the regulatory network. Analysis of 60,000 sample runs under a variety of parameter settings confirms that crossover accelerates evolution, that stronger selection tends to find clumsier solutions and finds them more slowly, and that there is implicit selection for robust mechanisms and genomes at the codon level. Typical solutions associate each input bit with an activation speed and combine them almost additively. The parents of breakthrough organisms sometimes have lower fitness scores than others in the population, indicating that populations can cross valleys in the fitness landscape via outlying members. The simulation exhibits back mutations and population-level memory effects not accounted for in traditional population genetics models. All together, these phenomena suggest that new evolutionary models are needed that incorporate regulatory network structure.
Comparing Courts: The Accountability Function of the Constitutional Courts of Poland and Hungary
Authors: Kinander Morten
Published: August 2014

Why did Hungary witness the development of one of the strongest constitutional courts
the world has ever seen, whereas, at the same time and under similar circumstances, nearby Poland decided to subject its Constitutional Tribunal to political review? This article considers how, following the transition from communism to democracy, these two countries developed their constitutional jurisprudence with a special focus on what is called “the accountability function of the courts”, namely on the normative role of the courts in structuring the conditions for democracy and the ability to hold the executive branch of government responsible for making legitimate laws.
Reflections on Opportunities for Comparative Private Law in Academia: Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas
Published: August 2014

While in theory the great didactic benefits of teaching comparative private law in legal education have generally rarely been denied, the implementation of comparative private law in academic curricula has proven to be a persistent challenge—both in terms of the mode and the degree of implementation. In Central and Eastern Europe, the comparative private law boat has recently been bouncing on especially rough seas: although comparative law formally is still included in the curricula in many places, it is in fact being avoided more and more by both teachers and students as a subject in post-socialist states. The reversion of this development may not be easy, but it is far from impossible, as there are—to my mind—far more tools enhancing the teaching of comparative law (be it in didactic, structural or financial terms) than generally assumed. In this article, I would like to present some of them.
Review of the planthopper genus Ommatissus Fieber (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae) with descriptions of three new species from China
Authors: CHANG ZHI-MIN , CHEN XIANG-SHENG
Published: August 2014

The tropiduchid planthopper genus Ommatissus Fieber, 1875 is reviewed to include six species in China: O. binotatus Fieber, 1875 (Taiwan), O. chinsanensis Muir, 1913 (Hong Kong, Macao, Guangdong), O. fuscus sp. nov. (Guizhou, Yunnan, Hunan), O. lateralis sp. nov. (Yunnan, Guizhou), O. lofouensis Muir, 1913 (Guizhou, Shandong, Shanxi, Hunan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Taiwan) and O. trimaculatus sp. nov. (Yunnan). Except O. chinsanensis and O. binotatus, four species are described or redescribed and illustrated. The generic characters are redefined. A checklist and key to all species in the genus are provided.
Hesionidae Grube, 1850 (Annelida: Polychaeta) from South-Southeastern Brazil, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: RIZZO ALEXANDRA E. , SALAZAR-VALLEJO SERGIO I.
Published: August 2014

On the basis of extensive intertidal and subtidal samplings in South-Southeastern Brazil, five hesionid species were found; four are newly described and Podarkeopsis levisfuscina Perkins, 1984 is redescribed. Micropodarke pleijeli n. sp. differs from the other species because it lacks eyes, and by having a large number of pharynx papillae and by neurochaetal features; this species differs from M. dubia (Hessle, 1925) by lacking eyes, having a pharynx with more papillae, and by the neurochaetal features. Syllidia amaralae n. sp. resembles more closely S. armata sensu Day, 1967 (non S. armata de Quatrefages, 1865) because both have dorsal and tentacular cirri annulated or moniliform, and 10–15 pharyngeal papillae. However, S. amaralae n. sp. specimens differ from Day’s ones because they have a quadrangular prostomium, by the relative size and arrangement of eyes, and by a reduced number of chaetae which are disposed in two bundles; these features are consistent and present in juveniles and mature specimens. Neogyptis nonatoi n. sp. is distinguishable from the others by having four types of neurochaetae; this species resembles N. crypta (Pleijel, 1993), and N. plurisetis (Hilbig, 1992). It differs from N. crypta by having a few acicular notochaetae with blunt tip, a small number of compound neurochaetae, simple capillary neurochaetae distally curved, and much slender notopodial and neuropodial lobes. The new species also differs from N. plurisetis by having four types of neurochaetae instead of having only falciger chaetae; there are less pharyngean papillae and they are far apart to each other, conical and shorter in N. plurisetis when compared to those of N. nonatoi n. sp., which are fringed, longer and closer among them, having some other longer lateral papillae. Oxydromus lanai n. sp. resembles O. obscurus (Verrill, 1873) as recorded by Uebelacker (1984), O. pugettensis by Hilbig (1994), O. guanicus by Hoagland (1919), and O. cf. guanicus by Hartman (1951). The pharynx of O. obscurus does not have fringe or papilla on its border, and it has two types of neurochaetae, differing from O. lanai n. sp. which has a single furcate notochaeta, with its shorter tine serrated. Oxydromus pugettensis and O. cf. guanicus also have usually two, instead of one, furcate notochaeta, differing from O. lanai n. sp. Oxydromus guanicus differs from our new species in having a characteristic pigmentation pattern, to be very large, its median antenna is less than one-third as long as lateral antennae, and its cirrophores are distally constricted producing a colorless ring, whereby the cirrostyle is inserted. These species are the first Brazilian records for the genera Podarkeopsis and Syllidia, and for Micropodarke, it is newly recorded from the Atlantic Ocean. Keys are included to identify hesionid genera and the species of Syllidia, Micropodarke, Neogyptis, and Podarkeopsis.
Redescription of Ypsolopha nervosella (Zerny, 1940) (Lepidoptera, Ypsolophidae) with first description of the female genitalia
Authors: BARANIAK EDWARD , WALCZAK URSZULA
Published: August 2014

In three successive papers, Zerny (1939, 1940a, b) catalogued the specimens collected during his expedition to Iran. His description of the external appearance of Ypsolopha nervosella was very short (Zerny 1940b). He mentioned that Y. nervosella was similar to Y. instabilella (Mann, 1866) collected in the same location. Such a terse description of the species does not allow for its correct identification and therefore the status of the species has remained unclear. Following the examination of its type specimen, we provide a more extensive description, including that of its genitalia.
A Semihydrostatic Theory of Gravity-Dominated Compressible Flow
Authors: Dubos Thomas , Voitus Fabrice
Published: August 2014

From Hamilton’s least-action principle, compressible equations of motion with density diagnosed from potential temperature through hydrostatic balance are derived. Slaving density to potential temperature suppresses the degrees of freedom supporting the propagation of acoustic waves and results in a soundproof system. The linear normal modes and dispersion relationship for an isothermal state of rest on f and β planes are accurate from hydrostatic to nonhydrostatic scales, except for deep internal gravity waves. Specifically, the Lamb wave and long Rossby waves are not distorted, unlike with anelastic or pseudoincompressible systems.

Compared to similar equations derived by A. Arakawa and C. S. Konor, the semihydrostatic system derived here possesses an additional term in the horizontal momentum budget. This term is an apparent force resulting from the vertical coordinate not being the actual height of an air parcel but its hydrostatic height (the hypothetical height it would have after the atmospheric column it belongs to has reached hydrostatic balance through adiabatic vertical displacements of air parcels). The Lagrange multiplier λ introduced in Hamilton’s principle to slave density to potential temperature is identified as the nonhydrostatic vertical displacement (i.e., the difference between the actual and hydrostatic heights of an air parcel).

The expression of nonhydrostatic pressure and apparent force from λ allow the derivation of a well-defined linear symmetric positive definite problem for λ. As with hydrostatic equations, vertical velocity is diagnosed through Richardson’s equation. The semihydrostatic system has therefore precisely the same degrees of freedom as the hydrostatic primitive equations, while retaining much of the accuracy of the fully compressible Euler equations.
Volumetric Lidar Scanning of Wind Turbine Wakes under Convective and Neutral Atmospheric Stability Regimes
Authors: Iungo Giacomo Valerio , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: August 2014

Optimization of a wind farm’s layout is a strategic task to reduce wake effects on downstream turbines, thus maximizing wind power harvesting. However, downstream evolution and recovery of each wind turbine wake are strongly affected by the characteristics of the incoming atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flow, such as the vertical profiles of the mean wind velocity and the turbulence intensity, which are in turn affected by the ABL thermal stability. Therefore, the characterization of the variability of wind turbine wakes under different ABL stability regimes becomes fundamental to better predict wind power harvesting and to improve wind farm efficiency. To this aim, wind velocity measurements of the wake produced by a 2-MW Enercon E-70 wind turbine were performed with three scanning Doppler wind lidars. One lidar was devoted to the characterization of the incoming wind—in particular, wind velocity, shear, and turbulence intensity at the height of the rotor disc. The other two lidars performed volumetric scans of the wind turbine wake under different atmospheric conditions. Through the evaluation of the minimum wake velocity deficit as a function of the downstream distance, it is shown that the ABL stability regime has a significant effect on the wake evolution; in particular, the wake recovers faster under convective conditions. This result suggests that atmospheric inflow conditions, and particularly thermal stability, should be considered for improved wake models and predictions of wind power harvesting.
Projections of U.S. Edentulism Prevalence Following 5 Decades of Decline
Authors: Slade G.D. , Akinkugbe A.A. , Sanders A.E.
Published: August 2014

After decades of decline in prevalence of complete tooth loss (edentulism), the trend continues to be misinterpreted, producing flawed projections and misdirected health goals. We investigated population trends in edentulism among U.S. adults aged ≥15 yr by creating time-series data from 5 national cross-sectional health surveys: 1957-1958 ( n ≈ 100,000 adults), 1971-1975 ( n = 14,655 adults), 1988-1998 ( n = 18,011 adults), 1999-2002 ( n = 12,336 adults), and 2009-2012 ( n = 10,522 adults). Birth cohort analysis was used to isolate age and cohort effects. Geographic and sociodemographic variation in prevalence was investigated with a sixth U.S. survey of 432,519 adults conducted in 2010. Prevalence through 2050 was projected with age-cohort regression models using Monte-Carlo simulation of prediction intervals. Across the 5-decade observation period, edentulism prevalence declined from 18.9% in 1957-1958 (95% confidence limits: 18.4%, 19.4%) to 4.9% in 2009-2012 (95% confidence limits: 4.0%, 5.8%). The most influential determinant of the decline was the passing of generations born before the 1940s, whose rate of edentulism incidence (5%-6% per decade of age) far exceeded later cohorts (1%-3% per decade of age). High-income households experienced a greater relative decline, although a smaller absolute decline, than low-income households. By 2010, edentulism was a rare condition in high-income households, and it had contracted geographically to states with disproportionately high poverty. With the passing of generations born in the mid-20th century, the rate of decline in edentulism is projected to slow, reaching 2.6% (95% prediction limits: 2.1%, 3.1%) by 2050. The continuing decline will be offset only partially by population growth and population aging such that the predicted number of edentulous people in 2050 (8.6 million; 95% prediction limits: 6.8 million, 10.3 million) will be 30% lower than the 12.2 million edentulous people in 2010.
Hospice ministry as apologetics
Authors: Tremaine Alice
Published: August 2014

The objective of this article is to present the act of compassion—particularly compassion at the end of life through hospice care—as an appropriate response to the problem of evil. A thesis of the article is that the end of life presents opportunities for engaging in practical Christian apologetics, such as emulating God’s compassion for those who suffer and acknowledging God’s presence in the midst of suffering and evil. The article begins by discussing the history of hospice care, from its medieval beginnings to its modern context, as well as the potential spiritual crisis that is brought on by terminal illness. I contend that practical gestures of compassion are appropriate responses to evil and suffering, and ways of proclaiming God’s existence and message. In order to support this thesis, I draw from commentary from John Swinton and Marcus Borg, as well as Jesus’ parables and contemporary stories. I conclude the article by asserting that God is revealed in the act of compassion and also seen in those who are suffering. The article calls for a response based on Jesus’ commandment in the “Good Samaritan parable” to “go and do likewise.”
Iterative learning control for train trajectory tracking under speed constrains with iteration-varying parameter
Authors: Li Zhenxuan , Hou Zhongsheng , Yin Chenkun
Published: August 2014

An iterative learning control based on Automatic Train Operation is proposed for repetitively running train to deal with trajectory tracking problem under iteration-varying operation condition and certain speed constrains. Iteration-varying operation condition considered in this paper focuses on the air resistance coefficient of the train, which may be completely different at any two consecutive operation processes due to different weather conditions. To eliminate the influence of the resistance coefficient caused by the different weather conditions, data measured by the temperature sensors is used. In order to meet the speed constrains, the Barrier Composite Energy Function scheme is used to guarantee that the speed constraints are not violated. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by theoretical analysis and numerical simulation.
An Emerging Field of Research
Authors: Lipstein Ellen A. , Brinkman William B. , Fiks Alexander G. , Hendrix Kristin S. , Kryworuchko Jennifer , Miller Victoria A. , Prosser Lisa A. , Ungar Wendy J. , Fox David
Published: August 2014

There is growing interest in pediatric decision science, spurred by policies advocating for children’s involvement in medical decision making. Challenges specific to pediatric decision research include the dynamic nature of child participation in decisions due to the growth and development of children, the family context of all pediatric decisions, and the measurement of preferences and outcomes that may inform decision making in the pediatric setting. The objectives of this article are to describe each of these challenges, to provide decision researchers with insight into pediatric decision making, and to establish a blueprint for future research that will contribute to high-quality pediatric medical decision making. Much work has been done to address gaps in pediatric decision science, but substantial work remains. Understanding and addressing the challenges that exist in pediatric decision making may foster medical decision-making science across the age spectrum.
High speed trot-running: Implementation of a hierarchical controller using proprioceptive impedance control on the MIT Cheetah
Authors: Hyun Dong Jin , Seok Sangok , Lee Jongwoo , Kim Sangbae
Published: August 2014

This paper presents implementation of a highly dynamic running gait with a hierarchical controller on the MIT Cheetah. The developed controller enables high-speed running of up to 6 m/s (Froude number of Fr ≈ 7.34) incorporating proprioceptive feedback and programmable virtual leg compliance of the MIT Cheetah. To achieve a stable and fast trot gait, we applied three control strategies: (a) programmable virtual leg compliance that provides instantaneous reflexes to external disturbance and facilitates the self-stabilizing shown in the passive dynamics of locomotion; (b) tunable stance-trajectory design, intended to adjust impulse at each foot-end in the stance phase in a high speed trot-running according to the equilibrium-point hypothesis; and (c) a gait-pattern modulation that imposes a desired cyclic gait-pattern taking cues from proprioceptive TD feedback. Based on three strategies, the controller is hierarchically structured. The control parameters for forward speeds, a specific gait-pattern, and desired leg trajectories are managed by a high-level controller. It consists of both a gait-pattern modulator with proprioceptive leg TD detection and a leg-trajectory generator using a Bèzier curve and a tunable amplitude sinusoidal wave. Instead of employing physical spring/dampers in the robot’s leg, the programmable virtual leg compliance is realized using proprioceptive impedance control in individual low-level leg controllers.

To verify the developed controller, a robot dynamic simulator is constructed based on the model parameters of the MIT Cheetah. The controller parameters are tuned with the simulator to achieve self-stability, and then applied to the MIT Cheetah in an experimental environment. Using leg kinematics and applied motor current feedbacks, the MIT Cheetah achieved a stable trot-running gait in the sagittal plane.
Evidence of a Gene × Environment Interaction Between Birth Weight and Genetic Risk in the Prediction of Criminogenic Outcomes Among Adolescent Males
Authors: Jackson Dylan B. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: August 2014

A number of studies have revealed that low birth weight children have a heightened risk of various maladaptive outcomes, including academic challenges and delinquent involvement. However, very little research to date has examined whether the relationship between low birth weight, poor academic performance, and delinquent peer affiliation is moderated by genetic risk. Using data from the National Longitudinal study of Adolescent Health, the present study examines whether male adolescents born at very low birth weights are significantly predisposed to poor academic performance and delinquent peer affiliation. Moreover, we test whether the effect of birth weight on these outcomes is conditioned by level of genetic risk. We find no evidence that very low birth weight males are more likely to affiliate with delinquent peers or perform poorly in school during adolescence. However, upon examining gene–environment interactions, we find that being born at a very low birth weight does significantly increase the odds of poor academic performance and delinquent peer affiliation among males who possess a higher level of genetic risk. Limitations are noted and the implications of the findings are discussed.
Historical geography I
Authors: McGeachan Cheryl
Published: August 2014

This report uses the First World War as a way to open up current debates into issues of bodies, selves, battlefields, memory and death in historical geography and beyond. Sweeping through a range of scales, from the global nature of imperialist practices to the intimate spaces of the psyche, this report highlights the contributions that historical geographers are making to these studies and the creative approaches taken. The aim is to expose the need for historical geography to engage with the darkest corners of human experience, in relation to conflict, so as to learn from the past in present insecure times.
Changing Distribution of Land and Assets in Indian Agriculture
Authors: Das Debarshi
Published: August 2014

Government reports in India indicate that big farms are losing land in terms of absolute area as well as percentage of land. To understand the nature of accumulation I estimate the distribution of assets of cultivator households and distribution of land of operational landholdings, and examine how they change over time. It is found that the top fifteen percentiles of holdings have lost land share, the bottom fifty percentiles have gained land share. The share of assets of top fifteen percentiles cultivator households has gone up, the bottom fifty percentiles has also gained assets share. Distribution of land and assets of fifteen major states has been estimated. The paper discusses the possible causes and implications of these observations.
Capitalist Class Formation and U.S. Imperialism
Authors: Gürcan Efe Can
Published: August 2014

The relevance of Van Der Pijl’s classic volume lies in its potential to provide an extensible conceptual framework that accentuates the territoriality of capitalist-imperialism. The arguments provided in the new preface are influenced by the author’s later work, which associates capitalist globalization with the rise of masonic “transnational cosmopolitanism.” Such an assumption, however, seems to contradict the book’s original argument about the territoriality of imperialism and the state’s central role in manufactory hegemony.
Hybrid vitronectin-mimicking polycaprolactone scaffolds for human retinal progenitor cell differentiation and transplantation
Authors: Lawley Elodie , Baranov Petr , Young Michael
Published: August 2014

Many advances have been made in an attempt to treat retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The irreversible loss of photoreceptors is common to both, and currently no restorative clinical treatment exists. It has been shown that retinal progenitor and photoreceptor precursor cell transplantation can rescue the retinal structure and function. Importantly, retinal progenitor cells can be collected from the developing neural retina with further expansion and additional modification in vitro, and the delivery into the degenerative host can be performed as a single-cell suspension injection or as a complex graft transplantation. Previously, we have described several polymer scaffolds for culture and transplantation of retinal progenitor cells of both mouse and human origin. This tissue engineering strategy increases donor cell survival and integration. We have also shown that biodegradable poly(ɛ-caprolactone) induces mature photoreceptor differentiation from human retinal progenitor cells. However, poor adhesive properties limit its use, and therefore it requires additional surface modification. The aim of this work was to study vitronectin-mimicking oligopeptides (Synthemax II-SC) poly(ɛ-caprolactone) films and their effects on human retinal progenitor cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Here, we show that the incorporation of vitronectin-mimicking oligopeptide into poly(ɛ-caprolactone) leads to dose-dependent increases in cell adhesion; the optimum dose identified as 30 µg/ml. Inhibition of human retinal progenitor cells proliferation was seen on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) and was maintained with the hybrid scaffold. This has been shown to be beneficial for driving cell differentiation. Additionally, we observed equal expression of Nrl, rhodopsin, recoverin, and rod outer membrane 1 after differentiation on the hybrid scaffold as compared to the standard fibronectin coating of poly(ɛ-caprolactone). After transplantation into rd1 retina degenerative mice, human retinal progenitor cells were able to migrate to the outer nuclear layer and survive for three weeks. We conclude that Synthemax II-SC can be incorporated into poly(ɛ-caprolactone) to create a hybrid chemically defined scaffold for clinical application.
Chondrogenic potential of human articular chondrocytes and skeletal stem cells: A comparative study
Authors: Li Siwei , Sengers Bram G , Oreffo Richard OC , Tare Rahul S
Published: August 2014

Regenerative medicine strategies have increasingly focused on skeletal stem cells (SSCs), in response to concerns such as donor site morbidity, dedifferentiation and limited lifespan associated with the use of articular chondrocytes for cartilage repair. The suitability of SSCs for cartilage regeneration, however, remains to be fully determined. This study has examined the chondrogenic potential of human STRO-1-immunoselected SSCs (STRO-1+ SSCs), in comparison to human articular chondrocytes (HACs), by utilising two bioengineering strategies, namely “scaffold-free” three-dimensional (3-D) pellet culture and culture using commercially available, highly porous, 3-D scaffolds with interconnected pore networks. STRO-1+ SSCs were isolated by magnetic-activated cell sorting from bone marrow samples of haematologically normal osteoarthritic individuals following routine hip replacement procedures. Chondrocytes were isolated by sequential enzymatic digestion of deep zone articular cartilage pieces dissected from femoral heads of the same individuals. After expansion in monolayer cultures, the harvested cell populations were centrifuged to form high-density 3-D pellets and also seeded in the 3-D scaffold membranes, followed by culture in serum-free chondrogenic media under static conditions for 21 and 28 days, respectively. Chondrogenic differentiation was determined by gene expression, histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Robust cartilage formation and expression of hyaline cartilage-specific markers were observed in both day-21 pellets and day-28 explants generated using HACs. In comparison, STRO-1+ SSCs demonstrated significantly lower chondrogenic differentiation potential and a tendency for hypertrophic differentiation in day-21 pellets. Culture of STRO-1+ SSCs in the 3-D scaffolds improved the expression of hyaline cartilage-specific markers in day-28 explants, however, was unable to prevent hypertrophic differentiation of the SSC population. The advantages of application of SSCs in tissue engineering are widely recognised; the results of this study, however, highlight the need for further development of cell culture protocols that may otherwise limit the application of this stem cell population in cartilage bioengineering strategies.
Healthy Spaces in Meaningful Places
Authors: Plunkett Robyn , Leipert Beverly , Ray Susan L. , Olson Joanne K.
Published: August 2014

Purpose: The influence of place on health is beginning to be addressed in health research. Current understanding of rural places, however, remains in a state of disequilibrium, balancing between geographic and sociocultural positions. This article illuminates the significance of place for rural women’s experiences of health promotion in the rural church. Design: This study used a novel approach to interpretive phenomenological methodology by including the photovoice method to elicit both individual and shared experiential meanings. Method: Twenty-two participants took pictures, wrote in logbooks, and participated in individual and group interviews to share their experiences of health promotion in the rural church. Findings: The church as a place was realized through three broad discourses: (a) an intersection of physical and geographic environments, (b) a gateway to experiential attachment and personal meaning, and (c) a connection to shared culture and beliefs. It is also suggested that place may best be interpreted with an experiential lens as it exhibits lived and felt spaces. Conclusions: Data analysis suggests that place consists of both physical and experiential realities, in addition to being a resource of culture and meaning. Implications for rural women’s health promotion include fostering a deeper recognition of place-shaped experiences of health.