bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A system of hypergeometric differential equations in two variables of rank 9
Authors: Kaneko Jyoichi , Matsumoto Keiji , Ohara Katsuyoshi
Published: February 2017

We study a hypergeometric function in two variables and a system of hypergeometric differential equations associated with this function. This is a regular holonomic system of rank [Formula: see text]. We give a fundamental system of solutions to this system in terms of this hypergeometric series. We give circuit matrices along generators of the fundamental group of the complement of its singular locus with respect to our fundamental system.
Sequential Test Decompressors with Fast Tester Bits Wide-Spreading
Authors: Novak Ondrej , Jenicek Jiri , Rozkovec Martin
Published: February 2017

Usually, test pattern decompressors with dynamic reseeding are reset before starting a new test pattern decoding. The first few scan chain slices are then filled with test vectors that have lower decoding ability as the number of free variables is limited by the test access mechanism bandwidth. We have found that even within this limitation, it is possible to improve the decodability by creating fast and wide-spreading as many as possible independent linear combinations of the tester bits and using them for the scan chain loading. We evaluated features influencing the decompression quality and the hardware overhead for different decompressor principles. According to the evaluation results, we proposed a decompressor combining a XOR network and a linear feedback shift register (LFSR)-like automaton; we place the XOR network on the LFSR inputs. We demonstrate that due to this arrangement, the combined decompressor can be used without any phase shifter or state skipping ability of the LFSR. We have experimentally verified that adopting the proposed decompressor structure improves test coverage, saves the hardware resources and shortens the test application time.
LOW BACK PAIN: POSITIVE CORRELATION OF LOW SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND PAIN INTENSITY. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Michalea-Dimoulea Eleni , Papailias Theodore , Damigos Dimitris
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To record the incidence of low back pain in pain clinics in Greece and to determine whether patients’ demographic and socioeconomic characteristics affect the intensity of pain and their emotional situation. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients complaining about low back pain was conducted at six different pain clinics. Multiple linear regression analysis in a stepwise method was used. Statistical significance was set at [Formula: see text] and analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical software. Results: Most of the patients were women (69.7%), over 60 years old (64.2%) and had low income (76.2%). University alumni and patients with postgraduate studies having less intense pain than primary/middle school and high school graduates ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text], respectively). Female sex ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]), painkillers use ([Formula: see text]; SE [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) and increased pain score ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) were associated with greater negative emotions. Age ([Formula: see text]; SE [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] for patients 60–69 years old and [Formula: see text]; SE [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] for patients over 70) and marital status ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) were associated with more positive emotions. Conclusions: Many patients visit pain clinics complaining about low back pain. Their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics seem to affect their pain and their emotional situation.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Digital Signal Processing in Radio Astronomy
Authors: Price D. C. , Kocz J. , Bailes M. , Greenhill L. J.
Published: February 2017

Advances in astronomy are intimately linked to advances in digital signal processing (DSP). This special issue is focused upon advances in DSP within radio astronomy. The trend within that community is to use off-the-shelf digital hardware where possible and leverage advances in high performance computing. In particular, graphics processing units (GPUs) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are being used in place of application-specific circuits (ASICs); high-speed Ethernet and Infiniband are being used for interconnect in place of custom backplanes. Further, to lower hurdles in digital engineering, communities have designed and released general-purpose FPGA-based DSP systems, such as the CASPER ROACH board, ASTRON Uniboard, and CSIRO Redback board. In this introductory paper, we give a brief historical overview, a summary of recent trends, and provide an outlook on future directions.
An Open Source, FPGA-Based LeKID Readout for BLAST-TNG: Pre-Flight Results
Authors: Gordon Samuel , Dober Brad , Sinclair Adrian , Rowe Samuel , Bryan Sean , Mauskopf Philip , Austermann Jason , Devlin Mark , Dicker Simon , Gao Jiansong , Hilton Gene C. , Hubmayr Johannes , Jones Glenn , Klein Jeffrey , Lourie Nathan P. , McKenney Christopher , Nati Federico , Soler Juan D. , Strader Matthew , Vissers Michael
Published: February 2017

We present a highly frequency multiplexed readout for large-format superconducting detector arrays intended for use in the next generation of balloon-borne and space-based sub-millimeter and far-infrared missions. We will demonstrate this technology on the upcoming NASA Next Generation Balloon-borne Large Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope (BLAST-TNG) to measure the polarized emission of Galactic dust at wavelengths of 250, 350 and 500 microns. The BLAST-TNG receiver incorporates the first arrays of Lumped Element Kinetic Inductance Detectors (LeKID) along with the first microwave multiplexing readout electronics to fly in a space-like environment and will significantly advance the TRL for these technologies. After the flight of BLAST-TNG, we will continue to improve the performance of the detectors and readout electronics for the next generation of balloon-borne instruments and for use in a future FIR Surveyor.
Towards Real-Time Impulsive RFI Mitigation for Radio Telescopes
Authors: Buch Kaushal D. , Bhatporia Shruti , Gupta Yashwant , Nalawade Swapnil , Chowdhury Aditya , Naik Kishor , Aggarwal Kshitij , Ajithkumar B.
Published: February 2017

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is a growing concern for contemporary radio telescopes. This paper describes techniques for real-time threshold-based detection and filtering of broadband and narrowband RFI for the correlator and beamformer chains of a telescope back-end, with specific applications to the upgraded Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (uGMRT). The Median Absolute Deviation (MAD) estimator is used for robust estimation of dispersion of the received signal in temporal and spectral domains. Results from the tests carried out for the GMRT wide-band backend (GWB) using this technique show 10 dB improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio. MAD-based estimation and filtering was also found to be useful for filtering beamformer data. The RFI filtering technique demonstrated in this paper will find applications in other radio telescopes as well as receivers for digital communication and passive radiometry.
Compressive Sampling for Efficient Astrophysical Signals Digitizing: From Compressibility Study to Data Recovery
Authors: Gargouri Yosra , Petit Hervé , Loumeau Patrick , Cecconi Baptiste , Desgreys Patricia
Published: February 2017

The design of a new digital radio receiver for radio astronomical observations in outer space is challenged with energy and bandwidth constraints. This paper proposes a new solution to reduce the number of samples acquired under the Shannon–Nyquist limit while retaining the relevant information of the signal. For this, it proposes to exploit the sparsity of the signal by using a compressive sampling process (also called Compressed Sensing (CS)) at the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) to reduce the amount of data acquired and the energy consumption. As an example of an astrophysical signal, we have analyzed a real Jovian signal within a bandwidth of 40[Formula: see text]MHz. We have demonstrated that its best sparsity is in the frequency domain with a sparsity level of at least 10% and we have chosen, through a literature review, the Non-Uniform Sampler (NUS) as the receiver architecture. A method for evaluating the reconstruction of the Jovian signal is implemented to assess the impact of CS compression on the relevant information and to calibrate the detection threshold. Through extensive numerical simulations, and by using Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) as the reconstruction algorithm, we have shown that the Jovian signal could be sensed by taking only 20% of samples at random, while still recovering the relevant information.
Interleukin-6 Detection with a Plasmonic Chip
Authors: Tawa Keiko , Sumiya Masashi , Toma Mana , Sasakawa Chisato , Sujino Takuma , Miyaki Tatsuki , Nakazawa Hikaru , Umetsu Mitsuo
Published: February 2017

Interleukin-6, a cytokine relating inflammatory and autoimmune activity, was detected with three fluorescence assays using a plasmonic chip. In their assays, the way of surface modification, sample volume, incubation time and mixing solution, were found to influence the detection sensitivity. When the assay was revised in the point of a rapid and easy process, the detection sensitivity was not compromised compared to assays with sufficient sample volume and assay time. To suit the purpose of immunosensing, the assay conditions should be determined.
African Horse Sickness Virus: History, Transmission, and Current Status
Authors: Carpenter Simon , Mellor Philip S. , Fall Assane G. , Garros Claire , Venter Gert J.
Published: February 2017

African horse sickness virus (AHSV) is a lethal arbovirus of equids that is transmitted between hosts primarily by biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). AHSV affects draft, thoroughbred, and companion horses and donkeys in Africa, Asia, and Europe. In this review, we examine the impact of AHSV critically and discuss entomological studies that have been conducted to improve understanding of its epidemiology and control. The transmission of AHSV remains a major research focus and we critically review studies that have implicated both Culicoides and other blood-feeding arthropods in this process. We explore AHSV both as an epidemic pathogen and within its endemic range as a barrier to development, an area of interest that has been underrepresented in studies of the virus to date. By discussing AHSV transmission in the African republics of South Africa and Senegal, we provide a more balanced view of the virus as a threat to equids in a diverse range of settings, thus leading to a discussion of key areas in which our knowledge of transmission could be improved. The use of entomological data to detect, predict and control AHSV is also examined, including reference to existing studies carried out during unprecedented outbreaks of bluetongue virus in Europe, an arbovirus of wild and domestic ruminants also transmitted by Culicoides.
Timing of meals: when is as critical as what and how much
Authors: Jiang Peng , Turek Fred W.
Published: February 2017

Over the past decade, a large body of literature has demonstrated that disruptions of the endogenous circadian clock, whether environmental or genetic, lead to metabolic dysfunctions that are associated with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. The phrase, “It is not only what you eat and how much you eat, but also when you eat” sends a simple message about circadian timing and body weight regulation. Communicating this message to clinicians and patients, while also elucidating the neuroendocrine, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying this phrase is essential to embrace the growing knowledge of the circadian impact on metabolism as a part of healthy life style as well as to incorporate it into clinical practice for improvement of overall human health. In this review, we discuss findings from animal models, as well as epidemiological and clinical studies in humans, which collectively promote the awareness of the role of circadian clock in metabolic functions and dysfunctions.
The Epidemiology of Hospital-Referred Head Injury in Ardabil City
Authors: Farzaneh Esmaeil , Fattahzadeh-Ardalani Ghasem , Abbasi Vahid , Kahnamouei-aghdam Fariba , Molaei Behnam , Iziy Elham , Ojaghi Habib
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose. Trauma is the leading cause of death for youth in developing countries. Given the prevalence of head trauma (HT) in society and its complication and burden, the epidemiologic study of head trauma is necessary and is the main aim of this study.Materials and Methods. This retrospective population-based survey describes the epidemiology of head injury in a defined population in Ardabil city. It includes all 204 patients with head injury referred to the University Hospital of Ardabil, Iran, during 2013-2014. Data were collected by a checklist and analyzed by statistical methods in SPSS.19. Significance levelp<0.05was considered.Results. Of all registered cases, 146 (71.6%) were male and the rest of them were female. Most of HT patients lived in Ardabil city (60.8%). The mean age of patients was 22.6 ± 25.9 and most of victims were young. 24.5% of traumatic patients have injuries in severe to critical level (grade 3-4). The most cause of trauma was accidents (41.7%). Most of injuries occurred in night (55.9%) and in summer season (42.2%). Causes were traffic accident in 41.7%.Conclusion. Results showed that the leading cause of head trauma especially in the warm seasons is accidents and so, designing programs to reduce road accidents can dramatically reduce the rate of trauma in the future in Ardabil province.
Humoral Responses to Rv1733c, Rv0081, Rv1735c, and Rv1737c DosR Regulon-Encoded Proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Individuals with Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Kimuda Simon G. , Nalwoga Angela , Levin Jonathan , Franken Kees L. M. C. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Elliott Alison M. , Cose Stephen , Andia-Biraro Irene
Published: February 2017

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is evidence of immunological control of tuberculosis. Dormancy survival regulator (DosR) regulon-encoded proteins may have a role in the maintenance of LTBI. T cell responses to Rv1733c, Rv0081, Rv1735c, and Rv1737c DosR regulon-encoded proteins were found to be most frequent among household contacts of TB cases from Uganda compared to other DosR proteins, but antibody responses were not described. We characterized antibody responses to these proteins in individuals from Uganda. Antibodies to Rv1733c, Rv0081, Rv1735c, and Rv1737c DosR regulon-encoded proteins were measured in 68 uninfected individuals, 62 with LTBI, and 107 with active pulmonary tuberculosis (APTB) cases. There were no differences in the concentrations of antibodies to Rv0081, Rv1735c, and Rv1737c DosR regulon-encoded proteins between individuals with LTBI and APTB and those who were uninfected. LTBI was associated with higher concentrations of antibodies to Rv1733c in female participants [adjusted geometric mean ratio: 1.812, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.105 2.973, and p=0.019] but not in males (p value for interaction = 0.060). Antibodies to the four DosR regulon-encoded proteins investigated may not serve as good biomarkers of LTBI in the general population. More of the M.tb proteome needs to be screened to identify proteins that induce strong antibody responses in LTBI.
Raman Spectroscopic Analyses of Jaw Periosteal Cell Mineralization
Authors: Brauchle Eva , Carvajal Berrio Daniel , Rieger Melanie , Schenke-Layland Katja , Reinert Siegmar , Alexander Dorothea
Published: February 2017

To achieve safer patient treatments, serum-free cell culture conditions have to be established for cell therapies. In previous studies, we demonstrated that serum-free culture favored the proliferation of MSCA-1+ osteoprogenitors derived from the jaw periosteum. In this study, the in vitro formation of bone-specific matrix by MSCA-1+ jaw periosteal cells (JPCs, 3 donors) was assessed and compared under serum-free and serum-containing media conditions using the marker-free Raman spectroscopy. Based on a standard fluorescence assay, JPCs from one patient were not able to mineralize under serum-containing culture conditions, whereas the other cells showed similar mineralization levels under both conditions. Raman spectra from mineralizing MSCA-1+ JPCs revealed higher levels of hydroxyapatite formation and higher mineral to matrix ratios under serum-free culture conditions. Higher carbonate to phosphate ratios and higher crystallinity in JPCs cultured under serum-containing conditions indicated immature bone formation. Due to reduced collagen production under serum-free conditions, we obtained significant differences in collagen maturity and proline to hydroxyproline ratios compared to serum-free conditions. We conclude that Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool for the assessment and noninvasive monitoring of in vitro mineralization of osteoprogenitor cells. Further studies should extend this knowledge and improve JPC mineralization by optimizing culture conditions.
Cardiac Calcified Amorphous Tumor of the Mitral Valve Presenting as Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Abbasi Teshnizi Mohammad , Ghorbanzadeh Atefeh , Zirak Nahid , Manafi Babak , Moeinipour Aliasghar
Published: February 2017

Cardiac calcified amorphous tumors (CATs) are an extremely rare nonneoplastic intracardiac masses. They have been reported in the literature in only a few cases. Thus, the incidence, pathogenesis, and best approach to the treatment are not certain. We report a case of CATs on the atrial surface of the anterior mitral valve leaflet in a 37-year-old female who was diagnosed by histopathological examination after surgical removal.
Genetic Contribution to the Pathogenesis of Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Joshita Satoru , Umemura Takeji , Tanaka Eiji , Ota Masao
Published: February 2017

Formerly termed primary biliary cirrhosis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic and progressive cholestatic liver disease characterized by the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy is the most effective and approved treatment for PBC and leads to a favorable outcome in the vast majority of cases. Although the etiology of PBC has not yet been elucidated, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles have been consistently associated with disease onset for decades. Individuals in different geographic regions of the world may have varying susceptibility alleles that reflect indigenous triggering antigens. In this review, we describe the influence of HLA alleles and other gene polymorphisms on PBC along with the results of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on this disease.
Identification of Palmitoleic Acid Controlled by mTOR Signaling as a Biomarker of Polymyositis
Authors: Yin Geng , Wang Ying , Cen Xiao-min , Yang Yuan , Yang Min , Xie Qi-bing
Published: February 2017

Polymyositis (PM) is a chronic disease characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and increase in muscle-related enzymes, accompanied with inflammations in lymphocytes. However, it is not well understood how the molecular alternations in lymphocytes contribute to the development of polymyositis. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is the central regulator of metabolism and inflammation in mammalian cells. Based on previous studies, we proposed that mTOR signaling may control inflammatory reactionsvialipid metabolism. In this study, we aim to figure out the role of mTOR signaling in the development of polymyositis and identify novel biomarkers for the detection and therapy of polymyositis. After screening and validation, we found that palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, is highly regulated by mTOR signaling. Inhibition of mTORC1 activity decreases palmitoleic acid level. Moreover, mTORC1 regulates the level of palmitoleic acid by controlling its de novo synthesis. Importantly, increased palmitoleic acid has been proven to be a marker of polymyositis. Our work identifies palmitoleic acid in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as a biomarker of polymyositis and offers new targets to the clinical therapy.
A Design That Incorporates Adaptive Reservation into Mixed-Criticality Systems
Authors: Guan Fei , Peng Long , Perneel Luc , Fayyad-Kazan Hasan , Timmerman Martin
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a design and implementation of a Mixed-Criticality System (MCS) extended fromμC/OS III. It is based on a MCS model that uses an adaptive reservation mechanism to cope with the uncertainties in task execution times and to increase the resource utilization in MCS. The implementation takes advantage of the tasks’ recent execution records to predict their required computational resource in the near future and adjusts their reserved budget according to their criticality levels. The designed system focuses on soft real-time tasks. An overrun tolerance algorithm is used to limit the deadline miss ratios between a rise to the task’s actual consumption and the change to the amount of reservation. More than two criticality levels can be handled without introducing obvious additional overhead at each added level. The case study evaluation demonstrates that the reserved resource for each task is always close to its actual consumption; the tasks’ deadline misses are bounded by the different requirements specified by the criticality levels; during overload conditions, high-criticality tasks are guaranteed to have sufficient resource reservation. Although there is still room for improvement if it comes to processing overhead, this research brings some inspirations in both modelling and implementation aspects of MCS.
A Case of Crossed Left Renal Ectopia Identified during Colostomy Reversal
Authors: NeMoyer Rachel , Narayanan Sumana , Maloney-Patel Nell
Published: February 2017

Unilateral crossed renal ectopia without fusion is an uncommon anatomic anomaly, which often goes undiagnosed. We report a case of this renal variant discovered incidentally during colostomy reversal after Hartmann’s procedure for diverticular stricture.
Ultrasound Utility in the Diagnosis of a Morel-Lavallée Lesion
Authors: LaTulip Scott , Rao Rameshwar R. , Sielaff Alan , Theyyunni Nik , Burkhardt John
Published: February 2017

Morel-Lavallée lesions are uncommon injuries that can be associated with significant comorbidities if not detected early. Rapid diagnosis in the Emergency Department could significantly improve patient outcomes. We describe the diagnosis of such a lesion through the use of ultrasound imaging in the Emergency Department to utilize a fast, cost-effective imaging technique that does not subject the patient to radiation exposure. Our patient received surgical consultation but improved with conservative management. Ultrasound findings associated with this lesion do not require specialized equipment and should be considered when evaluating soft tissue lesions using point of care ultrasound.
Lumbar Radiofrequency Rhizotomy in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain Increases the Diagnosis of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Subsequent Follow-Up Visits
Authors: Rimmalapudi Varun Kumar , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: February 2017

Chronic back pain is often a result of coexisting pathologies; secondary causes of pain can become more apparent sources of pain once the primary pathology has been addressed. The objective of our study was to determine if there is an increase in diagnosis of Sacroiliac joint pain following a Lumbar Rhizotomy. A list of patients who underwent Lumbar Radiofrequency during a 6-month period in our clinic was generated. Records from subsequent clinic visits were reviewed to determine if a new diagnosis of SI joint pathology was made. In patients who underwent a recent Lumbar Rhizotomy procedure to treat facetogenic pain, the prevalence of Sacroiliac joint pain increased to 70%. We infer that there is a significant increase in the diagnosis of Sacroiliac joint syndrome following a Lumbar Rhizotomy, potentially due to unmasking of a preexisting condition. In patients presenting with persistent back pain after Lumbar Rhizotomy, the clinician must have a high degree of suspicion for latent Sacroiliac joint pain prior to attributing the pain to block failure. It would be prudent to use >80% relief of pain after a diagnostic medial branch block as a diagnostic criterion for facetogenic pain rather than the currently accepted >50% in order to minimize unmasking of preexisting subclinical pain from the SI joint.
Finite-Time Bounded Synchronization of the Growing Complex Network with Nondelayed and Delayed Coupling
Authors: Xu Yuhua , Zhang Jincheng , Zhou Wuneng , Tong Dongbing
Published: February 2017

The objective of this paper is to discuss finite-time bounded synchronization for a class of the growing complex network with nondelayed and delayed coupling. In order to realize finite-time synchronization of complex networks, a new finite-time stable theory is proposed; effective criteria are developed to realize synchronization of the growing complex dynamical network in finite time. Moreover, the error of two growing networks is bounded simultaneously in the process of finite-time synchronization. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to verify the theoretical results established in this paper.
The Role of Type III Interferons in Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Therapy
Authors: Bruening Janina , Weigel Bettina , Gerold Gisa
Published: February 2017

The human interferon (IFN) response is a key innate immune mechanism to fight virus infection. IFNs are host-encoded secreted proteins, which induce IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) with antiviral properties. Among the three classes of IFNs, type III IFNs, also called IFN lambdas (IFNLs), are an essential component of the innate immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV). In particular, human polymorphisms in IFNL gene loci correlate with hepatitis C disease progression and with treatment response. To date, the underlying mechanisms remain mostly elusive; however it seems clear that viral infection of the liver induces IFNL responses. As IFNL receptors show a more restricted tissue expression than receptors for other classes of IFNs, IFNL treatment has reduced side effects compared to the classical type I IFN treatment. In HCV therapy, however, IFNL will likely not play an important role as highly effective direct acting antivirals (DAA) exist. Here, we will review our current knowledge on IFNL gene expression, protein properties, signaling, ISG induction, and its implications on HCV infection and treatment. Finally, we will discuss the lessons learnt from the HCV and IFNL field for virus infections beyond hepatitis C.
Determinants of Secondary School Teachers’ Job Satisfaction in Tanzania
Authors: Nyamubi Gilman Jackson
Published: February 2017

This study examined teachers’ job satisfaction in Tanzania. It addressed one research question: what factors determine secondary school teachers’ job satisfaction? The study was conducted in eight secondary schools in two regions of Tanzania. It used focus group discussion as the data collection tool. Results show that teachers were satisfied by both monetary and nonmonetary incentives such as community support. They were pleased with fair remuneration packages that related to their labour input, opportunities for career development, a well‐defined individual appraisal system, timely promotion, and requisite workplace conditions. The study also showed that teachers’ friendship and cooperation with coworkers and students as well as the respect of community members also enhanced their satisfaction in teaching. Also important to their satisfaction is their students’ success in and after school, which reveals the teachers’ sense of duty and responsibility. Teachers’ job dissatisfaction can lead to their search for other means to gain economically. It is recommended that care should be given to address teachers’ pertinent issues, especially salaries, workplace conditions, and timely promotion, to enhance teachers’ physical and mental attachment to their workplaces.
Benefit from the Chin-Down Maneuver in the Swallowing Performance and Self-Perception of Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Ayres Annelise , Jotz Geraldo Pereira , Rieder Carlos R. M. , Olchik Maira Rozenfeld
Published: February 2017

Aims. To verify the effectiveness of the maneuver application in swallowing therapy with PD. Materials and Method. We performed an open-label trial, with three groups compounds by PD individuals: the experimental group, control group, and orientation group. The study included PD patients with dysphagia. A cognitive screening, through a questionnaire about depression and quality of life, was conducted. Swallowing assessment was performed through (1) fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES); (2) clinical evaluation and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS); and (3) assessment of the quality life related to swallowing (SWALQOL). A therapeutic program, which consisted of chin-down postural maneuver and orientations on feeding, was applied. Both groups (EG and OG) received on-month therapeutic program. Results. A significant improvement in swallowing, evaluated by clinical assessment, was observed in solid (p<0.001) and liquid (p=0.022) consistencies in EG when compared to OG and CG. Patients in EG presented improvement in QoL, with the significant difference in comparison with the other groups, about domain frequency of symptoms (p=0.029) in SWALQOL questionnaire. Conclusion. The postural maneuver chin-down improved swallowing performance and self-perception, but not the laryngeal signs. This trial is registered with registration number NCT02973698.
LSVT-BIG Improves UPDRS III Scores at 4 Weeks in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Wearing Off: A Prospective, Open-Label Study
Authors: Ueno Tatsuya , Sasaki Megumi , Nishijima Haruo , Funamizu Yukihisa , Kon Tomoya , Haga Rie , Arai Akira , Suzuki Chieko , Nunomura Jin-ichi , Baba Masayuki , Tomiyama Masahiko
Published: February 2017

The efficacy of LSVT-BIG for advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with wearing off remains to be determined. Therefore, we evaluated whether LSVT-BIG improves motor disability in eight PD patients with wearing off. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, daily off time, and mobility assessments were evaluated during the “on” time before and after the LSVT-BIG course. LSVT-BIG significantly improved UPDRS III scores at 4 weeks and UPDRS II scores in the “off” state at 12 weeks, with no changes in the other measures. The findings suggest that LSVT-BIG may be an effective therapy for advanced PD patients with wearing off.
Altered Brain Functional Activity in Infants with Congenital Bilateral Severe Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study under Sedation
Authors: Xia Shuang , Song TianBin , Che Jing , Li Qiang , Chai Chao , Zheng Meizhu , Shen Wen
Published: February 2017

Early hearing deprivation could affect the development of auditory, language, and vision ability. Insufficient or no stimulation of the auditory cortex during the sensitive periods of plasticity could affect the function of hearing, language, and vision development. Twenty-three infants with congenital severe sensorineural hearing loss (CSSHL) and 17 age and sex matched normal hearing subjects were recruited. The amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) of the auditory, language, and vision related brain areas were compared between deaf infants and normal subjects. Compared with normal hearing subjects, decreased ALFF and ReHo were observed in auditory and language-related cortex. Increased ALFF and ReHo were observed in vision related cortex, which suggest that hearing and language function were impaired and vision function was enhanced due to the loss of hearing. ALFF of left Brodmann area 45 (BA45) was negatively correlated with deaf duration in infants with CSSHL. ALFF of right BA39 was positively correlated with deaf duration in infants with CSSHL. In conclusion, ALFF and ReHo can reflect the abnormal brain function in language, auditory, and visual information processing in infants with CSSHL. This demonstrates that the development of auditory, language, and vision processing function has been affected by congenital severe sensorineural hearing loss before 4 years of age.
Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer using the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm with Frequent CA125 Testing in Women at Increased Familial Risk – Combined Results from Two Screening Trials
Authors: Skates Steven J. , Greene Mark H. , Buys Saundra S. , Mai Phuong L. , Brown Powel , Piedmonte Marion , Rodriguez Gustavo , Schorge John O. , Sherman Mark , Daly Mary B. , Rutherford Thomas , Brewster Wendy R. , O'Malley David M. , Partridge Edward , Boggess John , Drescher Charles W. , Isaacs Claudine , Berchuck Andrew , Domchek Susan , Davidson Susan A. , Edwards Robert , Elg Steven A. , Wakeley Katie , Phillips Kelly-Anne , Armstrong Deborah , Horowitz Ira , Fabian Carol J. , Walker Joan , Sluss Patrick M. , Welch William , Minasian Lori , Horick Nora K. , Kasten Carol H. , Nayfield Susan , Alberts David , Finkelstein Dianne M. , Lu Karen H.
Published: February 2017

Purpose: Women at familial/genetic ovarian cancer risk often undergo screening despite unproven efficacy. Research suggests each woman has her own CA125 baseline; significant increases above this level may identify cancers earlier than standard 6- to 12-monthly CA125 > 35 U/mL.

Experimental Design: Data from prospective Cancer Genetics Network and Gynecologic Oncology Group trials, which screened 3,692 women (13,080 woman-screening years) with a strong breast/ovarian cancer family history or BRCA1/2 mutations, were combined to assess a novel screening strategy. Specifically, serum CA125 q3 months, evaluated using a risk of ovarian cancer algorithm (ROCA), detected significant increases above each subject's baseline, which triggered transvaginal ultrasound. Specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were compared with levels derived from general population screening (specificity 90%, PPV 10%), and stage-at-detection was compared with historical high-risk controls.

Results: Specificity for ultrasound referral was 92% versus 90% (P = 0.0001), and PPV was 4.6% versus 10% (P > 0.10). Eighteen of 19 malignant ovarian neoplasms [prevalent = 4, incident = 6, risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) = 9] were detected via screening or RRSO. Among incident cases (which best reflect long-term screening performance), three of six invasive cancers were early-stage (I/II; 50% vs. 10% historical BRCA1 controls; P = 0.016). Six of nine RRSO-related cases were stage I. ROCA flagged three of six (50%) incident cases before CA125 exceeded 35 U/mL. Eight of nine patients with stages 0/I/II ovarian cancer were alive at last follow-up (median 6 years).

Conclusions: For screened women at familial/genetic ovarian cancer risk, ROCA q3 months had better early-stage sensitivity at high specificity, and low yet possibly acceptable PPV compared with CA125 > 35 U/mL q6/q12 months, warranting further larger cohort evaluation. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3628–37. ©2017 AACR.
Role Modeling and Reasons
Authors: Audi Robert
Published: February 2017

It is uncontroversial that virtues and reasons are connected. But moral theorists differ widely regarding just what the connections are, and so far there has not been a fully adequate response to the question whether, in some important way, the category of reasons is more basic than that of virtues. This paper pursues that question. It begins with developmental considerations concerning what constitutes role modeling of the kind that best contributes to virtue. In this context, it explores what is required for a proper “aretaic” responsiveness to such role modeling. Reasons for action are shown to play an essential role in such responsiveness. The paper also shows that we cannot adequately understand virtues apart from appeal to the kinds of normatively significant reasons that must figure in their characteristic exercises. The paper connects this conclusion with epistemological points, such as those indicating how one can know that a person has a virtue, with ontological points concerning what psychological properties ground virtues, and with developmental points indicating how virtue must apparently be role modeled if it is to be (demonstratively) well taught. None of the emerging conclusions implies that virtues are of secondary importance in ethics, nor even that, apart from virtue, human beings can be expected to act morally with reliable steadfastness. Whether or not virtues are fundamental in one or another philosophically interesting way, they appear to be psychologically real traits of persons and both morally and intellectually indispensable.
Does Situationism Threaten Free Will and Moral Responsibility?
Authors: McKenna Michael , Warmke Brandon
Published: February 2017

The situationist movement in social psychology has caused a considerable stir in philosophy. Much of this was prompted by the work of Gilbert Harman and John Doris. Both contended that familiar philosophical assumptions about the role of character in the explanation of action were not supported by experimental results. Most of the ensuing philosophical controversy has focused upon issues related to moral psychology and ethical theory. More recently, the influence of situationism has also given rise to questions regarding free will and moral responsibility. There is cause for concern that a range of situationist findings are in tension with the reasons-responsiveness putatively required for free will and moral responsibility. We develop and defend a response to the alleged situationist threat to free will and moral responsibility that we call pessimistic realism. We conclude on an optimistic note, exploring the possibility of strengthening our agency in the face of situational influences.
Trumping the Environment? An Empirical Perspective on the Legitimacy of Investment Treaty Arbitration
Authors: Behn Daniel , Langford Malcolm
Published: February 2017

Disputes involving an environmental component continue to be at the forefront of ongoing legitimacy debates in investment treaty arbitration. Critics of the international investment regime contend that arbitration favors the property rights of foreign investors over the need of host states to environmentally regulate and legislate in the public interest. While there is some doctrinal and anecdotal evidence to this effect, we ask whether investment treaty arbitration as a whole is as problematic for domestic environmental protection as has been perceived. With mixed method techniques, we analyze environmental cases in the context of five specific legitimacy concerns. Overall, we find that critiques of the system require nuance and clarification of the normative benchmarks for legitimacy assessments. In a number of important areas, the critiques do have purchase but in the aggregate, the most problematic cases are often successfully defended by respondent states.
Sustainability Impact Assessments as Inputs and as Interpretative Aids in International Investment Law
Authors: Gehring Markus , Stephenson Sean , Cordonier Segger Marie-Claire
Published: February 2017

Sustainability impact assessments (SIAs) act as bridges between trade and investment agreements and social, environmental and human considerations. They are relevant as inputs into the treaty negotiation process and as interpretive aids in investment treaty arbitration. As inputs, SIAs attempt to measure the impact of environmental, social, economic and human rights aspects of trade and investment agreements prior to and during a treaty’s negotiation. SIAs have been performed on all major negotiations in the EU since 1999, and will continue to be performed under its investment competence. Case studies in this article demonstrate how SIAs may include climate change. Additionally, legal recommendations are offered which, if adopted by the Directorate General for Trade, should increase the effectiveness of SIAs. As interpretive aids, SIAs may be key references in treaty interpretation arguments in light of increased environment and development related investment disputes and focus on sustainable development policy space.
Elsa Morante’s Aracoeli: A portrait of the mind as embodied
Authors: Beltrami Marzia
Published: February 2017

This article focuses on Elsa Morante’s last novel, Aracoeli (1982), as an interesting case study of representation of the mind as embodied. The argument begins by considering the ambiguous status of Manuele as narrator and suggests that his inability to distinguish between true and apocryphal memories should be regarded as a cognitive issue rather than a rhetorical one. The next stage of the argument explores the consequences of adopting a cognitive approach, thus foregrounding the embodied mind as one of the main foci of the narrative, both thematically and stylistically. Assuming a cognitive interpretive key, the central part of the article illustrates Morante’s complex portrayal of the dependence of the mind on the body and in particular on sensory perception, providing also a closer examination of the number of ways in which Morante articulates the body-mind nexus. For descriptive and heuristic purposes, these instances have been gathered into three main clusters: Embodied nature of emotions or feelings; Specificities of embodiment; and Embodied memory. Finally, I shall offer some suggestions as to how a cognitive reading of Aracoeli corroborates a non-nihilistic interpretation of the novel as expression of existential or literary defeat.
Measuring Sustained Attention and Perceived Workload
Authors: Laurie-Rose Cynthia , Curtindale Lori M. , Frey Meredith
Published: February 2017

Objective:

We examined the effects of spatial uncertainty, field dependence/independence (FD/I), and sex on vigilance performance and perceived workload in elementary school children.

Background:

Building on previous work in which children demonstrated their ability to evaluate workload, we tested whether spatial-uncertainty manipulations in a vigilance task would elicit in children the same deleterious effects on performance and workload as it does with adults. We also examined individual difference effects associated with FD/I and sex to determine their influence on both performance and workload.

Method:

In the low-uncertainty task, stimuli appeared in the center of the computer screen; in the high-uncertainty task, they appeared in one of the four quadrants of the screen. Neutral events consisted of uppercase letter strings. Critical signals consisted of a single lowercase letter among uppercase letters. Following each vigil, children completed a workload assessment via a modified version of the NASA Task Load Index.

Results:

Children showed lower perceptual sensitivity, greater response latency variability (RTSD), and a higher response criterion in the uncertain display condition. Workload scores reflected these performance differences. Field-dependent children showed lower perceptual sensitivity and greater RTSD than did field-independent children. The two groups exhibited differing workload profiles. Despite no objective performance differences, boys reported greater workload than girls.

Conclusion:

The scale demonstrated sensitivity and diagnosticity with regard to both the task variable and individual differences.

Application:

These findings contribute to the emerging field of “educational ergonomics” and indicate that appropriate assessment tools might identify children who are experiencing increased workload.
The Need to Kill Off Zombie Law
Authors: Sjölin Catarina
Published: February 2017

The law on indecent assault is currently misunderstood, leading to substantial injustice for some who have been abused as children. The first half of the article explores the nature and causes of these misunderstandings, discussing particularly the true nature of touching for indecent and common assaults. In the second half the article argues that despite a correction of the law being necessarily retroactive in effect it is not just permissible but necessary to make that correction.
When is a Chemical Weapon Not a Chemical Weapon?
Authors: Sellers Robin
Published: February 2017

This article seeks to highlight the difficulties encountered in the interpretation of the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons in the Chemical Weapons Act 1996. In particular, the application of ‘the act’ against individuals in the domestic criminal courts as opposed to larger entities and nation states. An example is given from the first instance decision in the case of Regina v Mohammed Amer Ali heard at the Central Criminal Court between 7 and 14 July 2015.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Motor Impairment
Authors: Goulardins Juliana B. , Marques Juliana C. B. , De Oliveira Jorge A.
Published: February 2017

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder during childhood, affecting approximately 3–6% of school-aged children; its cardinal symptoms of high activity, impulsivity, and behavioral distractibility might be assumed to have close relationships to interferences with motor skills. A separate body of literature attests to ways that motor problems can severely impact children’s daily lives, as motor problems may occur in 30–50% of children with ADHD. This article critically reviews research on motor impairment in children with ADHD, notable differences in motor performance of individuals with ADHD compared with age-matched controls, and possible neural underpinnings of this impairment. We discuss the highly prevalent link between ADHD and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and the lack of a clear research consensus about motor difficulties in ADHD. Despite increasing evidence and diagnostic classifications that define DCD by motor impairment, the role of ADHD symptoms in DCD has not been delineated. Similarly, while ADHD may predispose children to motor problems, it is unclear whether any such motor difficulties observed in this population are inherent to ADHD or are mediated by comorbid DCD. Future research should address the exact nature and long-term consequences of motor impairment in children with ADHD and elucidate effective treatment strategies for these disorders together and apart.