bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Impulsive Multi-Orders Fractional Differential Equation Involving Multipoint Fractional Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Wang Guotao , Liu Sanyang , Baleanu Dumitru , Zhang Lihong
Published: June 2014

A new impulsive multi-orders fractional differential equation is studied. The existence and uniqueness results are obtained for a nonlinear problem with fractional integral boundary conditions by applying standard fixed point theorems. An example for the illustration of the main result is presented.
Optical Coupling Structures of Fiber-Optic Mach-Zehnder Interferometers Using CO2Laser Irradiation
Authors: Chen Chien-Hsing , Hsu Chih-Yu , Huang Pei-Hsing , Wang Jian-Neng , Wu Wei-Te
Published: June 2014

The Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) can be used to test changes in the refractive index of sucrose solutions at different concentrations. However, the popularity of this measurement tool is limited by its substantial size and portability. Therefore, the MZI was integrated with a small fiber-optic waveguide component to develop an interferometer with fiber-optic characteristics, specifically a fiber-optic Mach-Zehnder interferometer (FO-MZI). Optical fiber must be processed to fabricate two optical coupling structures. The two optical coupling structures are a duplicate of the beam splitter, an optical component of the interferometer. Therefore, when the sensor length and the two optical coupling structures vary, the time or path for optical transmission in the sensor changes, thereby influencing the back-end interference signals. The researchers successfully developed an asymmetrical FO-MZI with sensing abilities. The spacing value between the troughs of the sensor length and interference signal exhibited an inverse relationship. In addition, image analysis was employed to examine the size-matching relationship between various sensor lengths and the coupling and decoupling structure. Furthermore, the spectral wavelength shift results measured using a refractive index sensor indicate that FO-MZIs with a sensor length of 38 mm exhibited excellent sensitivity, measuring 59.7 nm/RIU.
Adaptive Heterogeneous Autoregressive Models of Realized Volatility Based on a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Qu Hui , Ji Ping
Published: June 2014

The heterogeneous autoregressive (HAR) models of high-frequency realized volatility are inspired by the Heterogeneous Market Hypothesis and incorporate daily, weekly and monthly realized volatilities in the volatility dynamics with a (1,5,22) time horizon structure. We build on the HAR models and propose a new framework, adaptive heterogeneous autoregressive (AHAR) models, whose time horizon structures are optimized by a genetic algorithm. Our models can be applied to markets with different heterogeneous structures, and their time horizon structures can be adjusted adaptively as the market's heterogeneous structure varies. Moving window tests with five-minute returns of the CSI 300 index indicate that the (1,5,22) structure originally proposed for American stock markets is not the best choice for Chinese stock markets, and Chinese stock markets’ heterogeneous structure does vary over time. Using four common loss functions, we find that the AHAR models outperform the corresponding HAR models in most of the forecast windows and thus are reasonable choices for volatility forecasting practices.
Existence and Multiplicity of Fast Homoclinic Solutions for a Class of Damped Vibration Problems with Impulsive Effects
Authors: Zhang Qiongfen
Published: June 2014

This paper is concerned with the existence and multiplicity of fast homoclinic solutions for a class of damped vibration problems with impulsive effects. Some new results are obtained under more relaxed conditions by using Mountain Pass Theorem and Symmetric Mountain Pass Theorem in critical point theory. The results obtained in this paper generalize and improve some existing works in the literature.
Fabrication and Permeability Characteristics of Microdialysis Probe Using Chitosan Nanoporous Membrane
Authors: Chuang Yun-Ju , Chen Mei-Jung , Chen Pei-Ru
Published: June 2014

In this article, a nanoporous chitosan polymer membrane was successfully produced and applied as microdialysis membrane for in vitro sampling of biomolecules. With the use of nanoparticle leaching technique, porogenic gelatin nanoparticles formed nanopores in the chitosan‐based membrane to create a secure implantable nanoporous membrane for biomolecule sampling. The gelatin nanoparticles size was in the range of 45 to 70 nm, and the pore size of the chitosan membrane was around 40 to 100 nm. The porosity of membrane was found to be dependent on the mixing ratio of chitosan solution and gelatin nanoparticles solution. The results of diffusion study showed that we can alter the mixing ratio of porogen to achieve size‐selective molecular diffusion, which means that the porosity and cut‐off size of porous membrane can be controlled. The recoveries of the probe fabricated from the chitosan‐based membrane were examined for four different model compounds of different molecular weights: 2‐NBDG, substance P, TNF‐α, and FITC‐BSA. The microdialysis probes showed linear responses and substantial recovery to various concentrations of biomolecules. These results indicated that the microdialysis probe constructed by chitosan nanoporous membrane could sample and monitor the biomolecules in vitro and has the potential for the application in vivo.
Horizontal Coalition Stability Analysis of Supply Chain Entities Based on Sequential Game
Authors: Wang Shizhao , Luo Yong
Published: June 2014

Aiming to find the effect of the same status entities’ horizontal coordination on supply chain, this paper studied the coalition stability of dealers in a two-stage supply chain with one supplier and multiple dealers. First, a vertical sequential game model is built, where the supplier is leader and the multiple dealers are followers. In the second stage of the game, multiple dealers face two selections: playing Nash game with each other or developing a coalition. Then, according to the results acquired by comparing the dealers’ profits which depend on their coalition situations, the criterion of coalition stability is developed. Finally, numerical simulation is used to verify the validity of the model, and some insights are obtained. For example, if the sensitivity coefficientTof the market price is fixed, dealers’ coalition tends to be stable with the increasing of the substitution ratekin a reasonable range; the supplier’s optimal wholesale price is constant with and without dealer’s coalition, but dealers’ coalition causes demand to decrease, which leads to the decrease of the supplier’s profit too. The result of this paper provides an important reference for the formation of dealers’ coalition in IT or automobile supply chain.
PME-1 Modulates Protein Phosphatase 2A Activity to Promote the Malignant Phenotype of Endometrial Cancer Cells
Authors: Wandzioch Ewa , Pusey Michelle , Werda Amy , Bail Sophie , Bhaskar Aishwarya , Nestor Mariya , Yang Jing-Jing , Rice Lyndi M.
Published: June 2014

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) negatively regulates tumorigenic signaling pathways, in part, by supporting the function of tumor suppressors like p53. The PP2A methylesterase PME-1 limits the activity of PP2A by demethylating its catalytic subunit. Here, we report the finding that PME-1 overexpression correlates with increased cell proliferation and invasive phenotypes in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells, where it helps maintain activated ERK and Akt by inhibiting PP2A. We obtained evidence that PME-1 could bind and regulate protein phosphatase 4 (PP4), a tumor-promoting protein, but not the related protein phosphatase 6 (PP6). When the PP2A, PP4, or PP6 catalytic subunits were overexpressed, inhibiting PME-1 was sufficient to limit cell proliferation. In clinical specimens of endometrial adenocarcinoma, PME-1 levels were increased and we found that PME-1 overexpression was sufficient to drive tumor growth in a xenograft model of the disease. Our findings identify PME-1 as a modifier of malignant development and suggest its candidacy as a diagnostic marker and as a therapeutic target in endometrial cancer. Cancer Res; 74(16); 4295–305. ©2014 AACR.
Human Umbilical Cord Blood–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Producing IL15 Eradicate Established Pancreatic Tumor in Syngeneic Mice
Authors: Jing Wei , Chen Ying , Lu Lei , Hu Xiangui , Shao Chenghao , Zhang Yijie , Zhou Xuyu , Zhou Yingqi , Wu Lang , Liu Rui , Fan Kexing , Jin Gang
Published: June 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) represent a new tool for delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer sites because of their strong tropism toward tumors. IL15 has demonstrated a potent antitumor activity in various animal models as well as clinical trials. However, because of its short half-life, effective therapeutic effects usually require a high dose, which often results in undesired side effects; thus, new strategies for overcoming this disadvantage are needed. In this study, human MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood as delivery vehicles and transduced with lentivirus vector expressing murine IL15 (MSC-IL15). In vitro assays of lymphocyte activation and proliferation demonstrated that IL15 produced by MSCs was biofunctional. In syngeneic mice bearing Pan02 pancreatic tumors, systemic administration of MSC-IL15 significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice, which were associated with tumor cell apoptosis, and natural killer (NK)– and T-cell accumulation. Furthermore, we confirmed that MSC-IL15 could migrate toward tumor and secreted IL15 in tumor-specific sites. Depletion of NK and CD8+ T cells abolished the antitumor activity of MSC-IL15, suggesting that NK and CD8+ T cells play a key role for MSC-IL15–mediated effect. Interestingly, cured mice after MSC-IL15 treatment were resistant to Pan02 pancreatic tumor rechallenge, and adoptive transfer of lymphocytes from cured mice also could cause rejection of Pan02 tumor inoculation in naïve mice, indicating that MSC-IL15 induced tumor-specific T-cell immune memory response. Overall, these data support that MSCs producing IL15 might represent an innovative strategy for therapy of pancreatic tumor. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(8); 2127–37. ©2014 AACR.
Fetal Megacystis: Experience of a Single Tertiary Center in Switzerland over 20 Years
Authors: Müller Brochut Anne-Claude , Thomann Daniel , Kluwe Wolfram , Di Naro Edoardo , Kuhn Anette , Raio Luigi
Published: June 2014

Objectives: Megacystis (MC) is rare and often associated with other structural and chromosomal anomalies. In euploid cases with early oligohydramnios, prognosis is poor mainly due to pulmonary hypoplasia and renal damage. We report our experience of the past 20 years. Methods: A retrospective review of cases with prenatally diagnosed MC was performed. Complete prenatal as well as postnatal medical records from 1989 to 2009 were reviewed focusing on diagnostic precision, fetal interventions [vesicocentesis (VC), vesicoamniotic shunt (VAS)], short- and long-term outcome, and potential prognostic factors. Results: 68 cases were included. Follow-up was available in 54 cases (9 girls and 45 boys including 3 cases with aneuploidy). We found 39 isolated MC at sonography (5 girls and 34 boys). 24 fetuses with isolated MC underwent VC and VAS at 19.6 ± 6.3 and 20 ± 4.9 weeks of gestation, respectively. Survival rate was higher in male than in female fetuses (51 vs. 33%). Renal problems occurred in 4/14 prenatally treated fetuses and in 1/10 when cases with prune belly syndrome (PBS) were excluded from the analysis. Conclusions: Our study shows that a careful selection of cases with MC excluding fetuses with PBS and early treatment has still the potential to improve outcome.
Etiologic Spectrum and Prognosis of Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelopathies
Authors: Cobo-Calvo Álvaro , Alentorn Agustí , Mañé Martínez M. Alba , Bau Laura , Matas Elisabet , Bruna Jordi , Romero-Pinel Lucía , Martínez-Yélamos Sergio
Published: June 2014

Background: Patients with a first episode of longitudinal extensive transverse myelopathy (LETM) were reviewed with two objectives: to evaluate the clinical spectrum of LETM and to analyze the related clinical and laboratory variables that can be used as functional prognostic markers. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of clinical, radiologic and biochemical data of patients admitted for LETM between 1993 and 2011. Results: Our cohort included 72 patients [median age 41 years, interquartile range (IQR) 29-61.5]. Median follow-up was 34 months (IQR 17.2-63). The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was ≥2 at the end of follow-up in 72.2%. The final diagnosis was idiopathic LETM in 22 patients, multiple sclerosis in 18, parainfectious disease in 11, systemic disease in 9, spinal cord infarction and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in 3 patients each, and acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, dural fistula, and tumor-related LETM in 2 patients each. Unfavorable outcome was associated with mRS ≥2 at admission [odds ratio (OR) 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.66] and older age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11). Conclusion: Idiopathic LETM was the most frequent diagnosis at the end of follow-up. Older age and clinically severe disease at onset were independent prognostic factors of poorer functional recovery.
Changes in Adrenoceptors and G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 in L-NAME-Induced Hypertension Compared to Spontaneous Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Oliver Eduardo , Flacco Nicla , Arce Cristina , Ivorra M. Dolores , D'Ocon M. Pilar , Noguera M. Antonia
Published: June 2014

This work compares the expression of adrenoceptors (ARs) and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) 2 (RT-PCR and immunoblotting) and functional responses in conductance (aorta) and resistance vessels (mesenteric resistance arteries; MRA) in two different models of rat hypertension: hypertension induced by chronic treatment with L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester) (L-NAME-treated rats; LNHR), and genetically induced hypertension (spontaneously hypertensive rats; SHR). Changes found in the aorta, but not in the MRA, were: (1) a loss of contractile capacity, more evidently in α1-AR-mediated contraction, and an impairment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, with both changes occurring independently of the hypertensive model; (2) a diminished sensitivity to α1-AR-induced vasoconstriction along with increased β2-AR-mediated vasodilation in LNHR, and (3) a lower expression of ARs and GRK2 in LNHR. The two latter changes are the opposite of those previously found in aortas of SHR. In the MRA of LNHR, a diminished sensitivity to isoprenaline, in parallel with a reduced expression of β1-AR, was observed without changes in GRK2 expression. In the MRA of SHR, the increased GRK2 expression was not accompanied by significant changes in either β-AR expression or the vasorelaxant potency of isoprenaline. The present results highlight that changes in AR function differ not only between vessels but also between hypertensive models. Moreover, they suggest that changes in GRK2 expression could contribute to regulating β2-AR function in conductance vessels but not β1-AR function in resistance vessels.
The Pathophysiology of Malabsorption
Authors: Keller Jutta , Layer Peter
Published: June 2014

Physiological digestion and absorption of nutrients within the gastrointestinal tract requires a complex interaction between motor, secretory, digestive, and absorptive functions that is vulnerable to a multitude of potential disturbances which may lead to global or specific malabsorption syndromes. Potential pathomechanisms that are illustrated in this article include insufficient mechanical breakdown of harder food components due to chewing problems and/or decreased antral contractility, critical reduction of time for absorption in patients with markedly enhanced upper gastrointestinal transit (e.g. dumping syndrome), impaired digestion and absorption of nutrient components caused by reduced gastric acid secretion, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency or reduced biliary secretion, defects of the enteral mucosa with enzyme deficiencies (e.g. disaccharidases) or lack of specific carrier mechanisms (e.g. hexose or aminoacid transporters), and critical quantitative loss of intestinal mucosa in patients with short bowel syndrome.
A hiperhomocisteinemia como fator de risco cardiovascular: perspectivas atuais
Authors: Lopes Sérgio Luiz Brasileiro , Lopes Heloísa Helena Maia Christovam , Vannucchi Hélio
Published: June 2014

A homocisteína, uma intermediária do metabolismo da metionina, é considerada, de forma ainda não consensual, como um fator de risco independente para cardiopatia isquêmica. Objetivando revisar a literatura, realizamos uma pesquisa bibliográfica acerca da associação entre a hiperhomocisteinemia e o risco cardiovascular. Conclusivamente, a hiperhomocisteinemia determina uma maior homocisteinilação protéica e molecular de LDL, induzindo o surgimento de auto-anticorpos específicos anti-proteína homocisteinilada, e o aumento dos níveis circulantes de LDL oxidada, com consequente incremento da propensão à ateromatose vascular. Essa associação parece depender, intrinsecamente, dos níveis séricos de dois importantes co-fatores envolvidos diretamente em seu metabolismo, o ácido fólico e a cobalamina. Indivíduos portadores de hiperhomocisteinemia têm reduzidos o risco cardiovascular e a mortalidade global se suplementados com esses co-fatores. Entretanto, essa ação benéfica parece estar restrita aos indivíduos que utilizam essas vitaminas como forma de prevenção primária, uma vez que, nos portadores de coronariopatia aterosclerótica sua utilização não conseguiu, na maioria dos estudos, minimizar a incidência de eventos isquêmicos ou a taxa de óbitos. Conclui-se que a hiperhomocisteinemia é um fator de risco independente para doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica, devendo, por isso, ser tratada precocemente, antes do desenvolvimento de sintomas isquêmicos, com a suplementação de ácido fólico e de cobalamina, objetivando o controle de seus níveis séricos e, consequentemente, do risco cardiovascular intrínseco. Esse controle clínico faz-se essencial principalmente naqueles indivíduos que, além da hiperhomocisteinemia, são portadores de outros fatores de risco clássicos para vasculopatia aterosclerótica.
Identificação computadorizada de crises tipo ausência no eletrocorticograma de ratos
Authors: Pavão Rodrigo , Cheixas-Dias Arnaldo
Published: June 2014

Crises tipo epilepsia de ausência são expressas no eletrocorticograma de ratos como surtos paroxísticos de descargas espícula-onda. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi desenvolver e testar um sistema automatizado de identificação de crises. O princípio do sistema é distinguir sinais de crise dos demais sinais pela análise da potência na faixa de frequência entre 7 e 11 Hz, que é alta apenas durante as crises. A rotina, elaborada no Matlab®, é informada com um intervalo de registro em que não ocorreram crises (crivo), a fim de estabelecer o critério de identificação. O sistema compara, por meio da transformada rápida de Fourier, o crivo com o registro inteiro. A saída do programa é uma tabela informando a presença de crises nesses intervalos. Quatro ratos Wistar geneticamente portadores de crises tipo ausência e implantados com eletrodos corticais tiveram eletrocorticograma por 80 minutos. As crises foram quantificadas manualmente minuto a minuto. O registro e a quantificação das crises de um animal foram usados no refinamento do sistema. Os valores da quantificação automatizada foram bastante similares aos da quantificação manual para o animal usado na elaboração do sistema. Os registros dos demais animais foram usados para testar o sistema e apresentaram padrão similar. O sistema é capaz de quantificar com grande fidelidade as descargas eletrocorticográficas espícula-onda, mostrando-se como potente instrumento na análise de registros em estudos com modelos animais dessa patologia. Adicionalmente, pequenas adaptações permitem identificar outros padrões encontrados em registros eletroencefalográficos (sono, vigília, manifestações patológicas). A rotina está disponível para download em www.ib.usp.br/~rpavao.
Fatores determinantes para a escolha da especialidade médica no Brasil
Authors: Cruz José Arnaldo Shiomi da , Sandy Natascha Silva , Vannucchi Tiago Ribeiro , Gouveia Éder Maxwell , Passerotti Carlo Camargo , Bruschini Homero , Srougi Miguel
Published: June 2014

Fundamento. A escolha da especialidade médica é complexa e multifatorial. A importância dos diferentes fatores varia mundialmente e está associada a diferentes valores e sistemas de educação. O objetivo do estudo é identificar os fatores que determinam essa escolha no Brasil. Métodos. Um questionário foi enviado, via internet (eletronic mail), para graduandos dos seis anos do curso de medicina, solicitando informações demográficas e a avaliação de fatores que influenciam na escolha da especialidade médica. Resultados. A idade média foi de 22 anos. Quanto à influência de familiares, 42,5% dos alunos têm pelo menos um médico como parente próximo, sendo as especialidades mais comuns desse parente: Pediatria, Ginecologia e Obstetrícia e Oftalmologia. A quantidade de respondentes que declararam certeza da carreira a ser seguida ao entrar na faculdade foi 19%, enquanto essa certeza foi de 22,2% na ocasião da pesquisa. Afinidade pela especialidade e estilo de vida foram fatores avaliados como importantes ou muito importantes por mais de 95% dos respondentes. Urgência em ganhar dinheiro rápido, tempo curto de residência, alto rendimento inicial e influência familiar foram os fatores avaliados como menos importantes pelos respondentes na escolha de sua especialidade. Quase metade dos respondentes (49,7%) descartaram uma especialidade que cogitaram fortemente, as principais razões para isso foram ter descoberto não ter afinidade pela especialidade pela qualidade de vida. Conclusões. Afinidade e estilo de vida são os fatores determinantes da escolha e da rejeição de especialidade médica em nosso meio.
Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Myocardial Infarction Risk
Authors: Leong Darryl P. , Smyth Andrew , Teo Koon K. , McKee Martin , Rangarajan Sumathy , Pais Prem , Liu Lisheng , Anand Sonia S. , Yusuf Salim
Published: June 2014

Background—

Although moderate alcohol use is associated with protection against myocardial infarction (MI), it is not known whether this effect is generalizable to populations worldwide. It is also uncertain whether differences in the pattern of alcohol use (and in particular heavy episodic consumption) between different regions negate any beneficial effect.

Methods and Results—

We included 12 195 cases of first MI and 15 583 age- and sex-matched controls from 52 countries. Current alcohol use was associated with a reduced risk of MI (compared with nonusers: adjusted odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.94;
P
=0.001); however, the strength of this association was not uniform across different regions (region-alcohol interaction
P
<0.001). Heavy episodic drinking (≥6 drinks) within the preceding 24 hours was associated with an increased risk of MI (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.9;
P
=0.01). This risk was particularly elevated in older individuals (for age >65 years: odds ratio, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–18;
P
=0.008).

Conclusions—

In most participants, low levels of alcohol use are associated with a moderate reduction in the risk of MI; however, the strength of this association may not be uniform across different countries. An episode of heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of acute MI in the subsequent 24 hours, particularly in older individuals.
Roman Optimism Before Cannae: The Vow of the Ver Sacrum (Livy 22.10)
Authors: Clark Jessica H.
Published: June 2014

This article examines the consequences of Justus Lipsius’ emendation of Livy 22.10.6, the final sentence of the ver sacrum vowed after the Roman defeat at Lake Trasimene in 217 bce. After a brief discussion of the historical context of the vow, we turn to the text as transmitted by the earliest manuscript, the fifth-century Codex Puteanus. Lipsius rendered the mss. anteidea as antidea, a hapax legomenon. Subsequent editors experimented with a range of other changes in order to facilitate a particular understanding of the clause in question, and this process has had a lasting impact on translations and interpretations of the vow. If we dispense with the historical expectations that complicated the text in the first place, the importance of Lipsius’ antidea becomes both simple and clear: in 217, the harsh antithesis between rash and prudent commanders had yet to be articulated, and the collectivity of the Senate and Roman people looked forward to a swift end for the Hannibalic War.
Greek Strategies of Adaptation to the Roman World: The Case of the Contests
Authors: Aneziri Sophia
Published: June 2014

This article examines strategies that made it possible for Greek contests and the professionals who were engaged in them to retain their identity in the Roman Empire while they adapted to the circumstances of the new era. In their efforts to preserve and to enhance existing prestige and privilege, the organizers and others who were involved in the contests attempted both to exploit the past and to establish links to the new Roman power. The consequent linking of the Imperial cult with festivals, artists, athletes, and their associations provided tools that assisted the promotion of Imperial power and ideology.
The Aura of an Alphabet: Interpreting the Hebrew Gospels in Ramon Martí’s Dagger of Faith (1278)
Authors: Szpiech Ryan Wesley
Published: June 2014

The writing of the Catalan Dominican Ramon Martí (d. after 1284), well-known for its use of non-Christian sources, is one of the most striking examples of the medieval Dominican interest in the study of Arabic and Hebrew as a means of reading and exploiting Jewish and Muslim scriptures. This paper focuses on one aspect of Martí’s writing that bears directly on his concept of “foreign” scriptures and their place in polemical argument: his citation of New Testament passages in Hebrew translation in his final work, the Dagger of Faith (Pugio fidei, from 1278). Rather than relying on faulty seventeenth-century printed editions of the Dagger, as previous scholars have done, I will bring forth new examples from the manuscript tradition to consider Martí’s use of language and script. I will argue that he did not draw his citations from some previous Hebrew Gospels translation, but rather that he chose deliberately to translate his New Testament citations into Hebrew for polemical purposes. His translations reflect an important aspect of his overall polemical strategy, namely, his use of “foreign” scripts as markers of both textual authority and scriptural authenticity.
Religion in Childhood and Adolescence: How should it be studied? A Critical Review of Problems and Challenges in Methodology and Research
Authors: Schweitzer Friedrich
Published: June 2014

This article discusses the question of how religion in childhood and adolescence should be studied. More exactly, the focus is on problems of methodology and research which are discussed in relationship to religion in childhood and adolescence. It does not present a handbook type of overview, however, but is focused on problems and challenges for future research. Four questions are addressed specifically: How can empirical research do justice to the special nature of religion in childhood and adolescence? What are the implications of viewing religion within non-religious interpretive frameworks? What methodological problems do we have to face concerning religion in childhood and adolescence? What interdisciplinary challenges can be identified in this context? The final section relates these questions to the main topic of the present publication by stating a number or criteria, i.e., criteria related to the concept of religion to be used in research across different approaches and disciplines.
Comparison in Religion: A Methodological Contribution
Authors: Hermans Chris A.M. , Sterkens Carl
Published: June 2014

How do we build theory on religion in cross-religious research? This article deals with four methodological issues in answering this question. What are the goals of cross-religious comparison? What is the object of cross-religious research? What kind of definition of religion is used in cross-religious comparison? And finally, how can we asses similar phenomena across different religious traditions? The last question is specified by the distinction of levels of equivalence in quantitative cross-religious survey research.
A new Munidopsis species (Galatheoidea, Munidopsidae) from the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: CARDOSO IRENE A. , SEREJO CRISTIANA S. , RODRIGUES CELSO , RODRIGUES CELSO
Published: June 2014

Six Munidopsis species are recorded to the Southwestern Atlantic: M. barbarae; M. erinacea; M. nitida; M. sigsbei; M. riveroi and M. transtridens. Herein a new Munidopsis species from Southwestern Atlantic is described: Munidopsis trindadensis sp.nov., was sampled off Trindade Island (Espírito Santo, Brazil) at 360 m depth and differs from all six species previously recorded in this region by the telson with seven plates.
Two new species of Chrysotus Meigen (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) from Siberia, with a key to the Siberian species
Authors: NEGROBOV OLEG P. , BARKALOV ANATOLIJ V. , SELIVANOVA OLGA V.
Published: June 2014

Two new species from the southern tundra of the Taimyr Peninsula (Russia) are described. Chrysotus tricaudatus Negrobov, Barkalov & Selivanova sp. nov. is similar to C. albibarbus Loew, but can be distinguished by its brown palpus with black setae, yellow hind tibia and base of hind tarsus, and features of the male genitalia. Chrysotus komovi Negrobov, Barkalov & Selivanova sp. nov. is similar to C. obscuripes Zetterstedt, but can be distinguished by features of the male genitalia. A key to all Siberian species of the genus is also presented along with figures of diagnostic morphological characters.
New species and new record of Megatyrus Hlaváč & Nomura (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Asia
Authors: YIN ZI-WEI , LI LI-ZHEN
Published: June 2014

A new species, Megatyrus femoralis sp. n., is described from the Koshi Zone, East Nepal, with major diagnostic features illustrated. Megatyrus masumotoi Nomura, Sakchoowong & Chanpaisaeng, originally described from southwestern Thailand, is recorded from the Noring Timur Mountain, West Malaysia. The above data extends the known range of Megatyrus about 1,200 km to the west, and 870 km to the south.
Trainee and Program Director Perceptions of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Education
Authors: Zenlea Ian S. , Billett Amy , Hazen Melissa , Herrick Daniel B. , Nakamura Mari M. , Jenkins Kathy J. , Woolf Alan D. , Kesselheim Jennifer C.
Published: June 2014

Objective. To assess the current state of quality improvement and patient safety (QIPS) education at a large teaching hospital. Methods. We surveyed 429 trainees (138 residents, 291 clinical fellows) and 38 program directors (PDs; 2 were PDs of >1 program) from 39 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited training programs. Results. Twenty-nine PDs (76.3%) and 259 trainees (60.3%) responded. Most trainees (68.8%) reported participation in projects culminating in scholarly products (39.9%) or clinical innovations (44%). Most PDs reported that teaching (88.9%) and project supervision (83.3%) are performed by expert faculty. Nearly half of the PDs (45.8%) and trainees (49.6%) perceived project-based learning to be of equal value to formal curricula. Compared with trainees, a greater proportion of PDs reported needs for funding for projects, teaching faculty to provide mentorship, and faculty development ( P < .05). Conclusions. Providing additional financial, administrative, and operational support could enhance the value of curricula and projects. Developing expert teaching faculty is paramount.
Prediction of adaptation difficulties by country of origin, cumulate psychosocial stressors and attitude toward integrating: A Swedish study of first-generation immigrants from Somalia, Vietnam and China
Authors: Johnsson Ewa , Zolkowska Krystyna , McNeil Thomas F
Published: June 2014

Background:

Different types of accumulated stress have been found to have negative consequences for immigrants’ capacity to adapt to the new environment. It remains unclear which factors have the greatest influence.

Aims:

The study investigated whether immigrants’ experience of great difficulty in adapting to a new country could best be explained by (1) country of origin, (2) exposure to accumulated stressors before arrival or (3) after arrival in the new country and/or (4) reserved attitude toward integrating into the new society.

Methods:

The 119 first-generation immigrants from Somalia, Vietnam and China, living in Malmö, Sweden, were interviewed in a standardized manner.

Results:

Experiencing great difficulty in adapting to Sweden was independent of length of residence, but significantly related to all four influences, studied one at a time. Country of origin was also related to stressors and attitude. When the effects of the other influences were mutually controlled for, only exposure to accumulated stressors in Sweden (and especially experiencing discrimination/xenophobia/racism) accounted for great adaptation difficulty. Stressors in Sweden had a greater effect if the immigrant had been exposed to stressors earlier.

Conclusions:

Immigrants’ long-term experiences of great difficulty in adapting to a new country were explained primarily by exposure to accumulated stressors while moving to and living in the new country, rather than by their backgrounds or attitudes toward integrating. This suggests promoting strategies to avoid discrimination and other stressors in the host country.
Fabrication of lightweight, flexible polyetherimide/nickel composite foam with electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness reaching 103 dB
Authors: Zhai Wentao , Chen Yuejuan , Ling Jianqiang , Wen Bianying , Kim Young-Wook
Published: June 2014

The preparation of lightweight materials with electromagnetic interference-shielding effectiveness higher than 30 dB is critical for most industrial and consumer applications. Compounding polymer resin with conductive filler can generate excellent electromagnetic interference-shielding effectiveness but usually leads to a high-sample density, while the foaming of polymer composite suffers from the significant-reduced electromagnetic interference-shielding effectiveness. In this study, polyetherimide composite foams with loading of 10–80 phr (parts per hundred of resins) nickel particles were fabricated to meet the gap. The polyetherimide/nickel composite foams possessed uniform cell structure and low-sample density such as 0.86 g/cm3 at 70 phr nickel. The coupling effects of gravity settlement and cell-structure solidification led to the formation of gradient distribution of nickel particles across the foams. The formed novel structure facilitated the enhancement of multi-reflection and multi-scattering among nickel particles and cells. As a consequence, polyetherimide/nickel foam with 70 phr nickel (PEIN70) possessed a high-electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of 86.7–106.5 dB over a frequency range of 50–3000 MHz. When the sample density was considered, the specific electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of PEIN70 foam was as high as 121.3 dB/(g/cm3) at 1 GHz, which was higher than the reported electromagnetic interference-shielding materials. The excellent electromagnetic interference-shielding properties, lightweight, well-defined resin properties ensure polyetherimide/nickel composite foams useful in many advanced applications.
Tensile behavior of carbon nanotube multi-yarn coated with polyester
Authors: Misak HE , Asmatulu R , Mall S
Published: June 2014

The behavior of a carbon nanotube (CNT) multi-yarn consisting of 30 yarns and coated with a thin layer of polyester is investigated under tensile loading condition. The coated and uncoated CNT multi-yarns are loaded until fracture occurred inside a scanning electron microscope. In situ photographs were undertaken to investigate the helix angle, diameter, yarn twist, and damage and failure mechanisms. The coated CNT multi-yarn has a higher ultimate tensile strength than the uncoated counterpart. The coated multi-yarn fails at a single location and remains tight after the failure. The uncoated yarn fails at multiple locations along its length and also unravels. The adhesive coating adheres to the CNT yarn surface and does not penetrate into the yarn. These results provide insights into how CNT multi-yarn would behave when used as the reinforcement in the nanocomposites.
Diabetes and Oral Implant Failure
Authors: Chrcanovic B.R. , Albrektsson T. , Wennerberg A.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate whether there are any effects of diabetes mellitus on implant failure rates, postoperative infections, and marginal bone loss. An electronic search without time or language restrictions was undertaken in March 2014. The present review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligibility criteria included clinical human studies. The search strategy resulted in 14 publications. The I2 statistic was used to express the percentage of total variation across studies due to heterogeneity. The inverse variance method was used for the random effects model when heterogeneity was detected or for the fixed effects model when heterogeneity was not detected. The estimates of an intervention for dichotomous outcomes were expressed in risk ratio and in mean difference in millimeters for continuous outcomes, both with a 95% confidence interval. There was a statistically significant difference ( p = .001; mean difference = 0.20, 95% confidence interval = 0.08, 0.31) between diabetic and non-diabetic patients concerning marginal bone loss, favoring non-diabetic patients. A meta-analysis was not possible for postoperative infections. The difference between the patients (diabetic vs. non-diabetic) did not significantly affect implant failure rates ( p = .65), with a risk ratio of 1.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.80, 1.44). Studies are lacking that include both patient types, with larger sample sizes, and that report the outcome data separately for each group. The results of the present meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution because of the presence of uncontrolled confounding factors in the included studies.
The Internationalisation of Healthcare and Business Aspirations of Medical Professionals
Authors: Skountridaki Lila
Published: June 2014

Interest in international patient travel and trade in healthcare has grown considerably over the past decade. Whilst the field is under-researched, patients’ motivation to travel to seek healthcare solutions has attracted significant attention. In contrast, the perspective of the medical doctors (MDs) remains unexplored. This article directs attention to medical professionals as key players in the internationalisation of private healthcare provision. Through the lens of the sociology of the professions, it examines the ongoing initiatives of MDs in Greece to attract patients from abroad. Findings indicate that international patient movement has given an incentive to MDs to exhibit an entrepreneurial approach. Their attitudes portray professionals with business aspirations which go well beyond their role as medics, and stand in contrast to the traditional image of medical professionals. In addition, it fosters competition among professionals at a domestic and international level, threatening the cohesion of the medical community.
Effects of Specified Performance Criterion and Performance Feedback on Staff Behavior
Authors: Hardesty Samantha L. , Hagopian Louis P. , McIvor Melissa M. , Wagner Leaora L. , Sigurdsson Sigurdur O. , Bowman Lynn G.
Published: June 2014

The present study isolated the effects of frequently used staff training intervention components to increase communication between direct care staff and clinicians working on an inpatient behavioral unit. Written “protocol review” quizzes developed by clinicians were designed to assess knowledge about a patient’s behavioral protocols. Direct care staff completed these at the beginning of each day and evening shift. Clinicians were required to score and discuss these protocol reviews with direct care staff for at least 75% of shifts over a 2-week period. During baseline, only 21% of clinicians met this requirement. Completing and scoring of protocol reviews did not improve following additional in-service training ( M = 15%) or following an intervention aimed at decreasing response effort combined with prompting ( M = 28%). After implementing an intervention involving specified performance criterion and performance feedback, 86% of clinicians reached the established goal. Results of a component analysis suggested that the presentation of both the specified performance criterion and supporting contingencies was necessary to maintain acceptable levels of performance.
Resting Energy Expenditure in Critically Ill Patients With Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Koukiasa Pagona , Bitzani Militsa , Papaioannou Vasileios , Pnevmatikos Ioannis
Published: June 2014

Background: Data on energy requirements of patients with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the resting energy expenditure (REE) in critically ill patients with SICH and to compare it with the predicted basal metabolic rate (BMR). Methods: In 30 nonseptic patients with SICH, the REE was measured during the 10 first posthemorrhage days with the use of indirect calorimetry (IC). Predicted BMR was also evaluated by the Harris‐Benedict (HB) equation. Bland‐Altman analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between measured and predicted values. The possible effect of confounding factors (demographics, disease, and severity of illness score) on the evolution of continuous variables was also tested. Results: mean predicted BMR, calculated by the HB equation, was 1580.3 ± 262 kcal/d, while measured REE was 1878.9 ± 478 kcal/d (117.5% BMR). Compared with BMR, measured REE values showed a statistically significant increase at all studied points (P < .005). Measured and predicted values showed a good correlation (r = 0.73, P < .001), but the test of agreement between the 2 methods with the Bland‐Altman analysis showed a mean bias (294.6 ± 265.6 kcal/d) and limits of agreement (–226 to 815.29 kcal/d) that were beyond the clinically acceptable range. REE values presented a trend toward increase over time (P = .077), reaching significance (P < .005) after the seventh day. Significant correlation was found between REE and temperature (P = .002, r = 0.63), as well as between REE and cortisol level (P = .017, r = 0.62) on the 10th day. No correlation was identified between REE and depth of sedation, as well as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, Glasgow Coma Scale, and Hunt and Hess scores. Conclusions: During the early posthemorrhagic stage, energy requirements of critically ill patients with SICH are increased, presenting a trend toward increase over time. Compared with IC, the HB equation underestimates energy requirements and is inefficient in detecting individual variability of REE in this group of patients.
Multicultural mediations, developing world realities: Indians, Koreans and Manila’s entertainment media
Authors: Cabanes Jason Vincent Aquino
Published: June 2014

In this article, I examine the mediation of multiculturalism in the developing world city of Manila, the Philippines. Drawing on both a thematic analysis of the Manila-centric Philippine entertainment media and six focus group discussions with the city’s local Filipinos, I reveal that this instance of mediation is entangled with the broader discourses of the Philippine postcolonial nationalist project. For one, the mediation of multiculturalism in Manila tends to symbolically marginalize the city’s Indians and Koreans and, in so doing, reinforces existing negative discourses about them. I contend that this is linked to the locals’ preoccupation with establishing a unifying cultural identity that tends to make them elide the issue of their own internal cultural diversity, as well as of the increasing diasporic population of the city. Second, the said mediation also tends to valorize the lighter-skinned Koreans over the darker-skinned Indians. I posit that this is related to how the locals’ discourse of cultural homogeneity has resulted in their continued reluctance to publicly discuss the persistence of their unspoken skin-tone-based racial hierarchy not only of themselves, but also of their cultural others.
Do gestures pave the way?: A systematic review of the transitional role of gesture during the acquisition of early lexical and syntactic milestones in young children with Down syndrome
Authors: te Kaat- van den Os Danielle JA , Jongmans Marian J , Volman M (Chiel) JM , Lauteslager Peter EM
Published: June 2014

Expressive language problems are common among children with Down syndrome (DS). In typically developing (TD) children, gestures play an important role in supporting the transition from one-word utterances to two-word utterances. As far as we know, an overview on the role of gestures to support expressive language development in children with DS is lacking. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current state of empirical evidence on the role of gestures during the acquisition of early lexical and syntactic milestones in young children with DS. A systematic literature search was performed using Pubmed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results show that children with DS produce the same gestures and go through the same early expressive language stages of development as TD children. For children with DS, however, developmental stages are significantly delayed and, most importantly, the stage of supplementary gesture-plus-word combinations is rarely observed. Incorporating both verbal communication and gestures in daily communication between the child with DS and his/her parent might facilitate the child’s transition from one-word utterances to two-word utterances. Such activities should be incorporated into early language intervention programs.
Specialization in Action
Authors: González-Santos Sandra P.
Published: June 2014

This article has two objectives: the first, to analyze the professionalization process of assisted reproduction (AR) in order to see how AR is consolidating into an independent field within medicine, and the second, to see how AR arrived and was assimilated into Mexican culture. As opposed to other projects that have traced back the story of a particular specialty to see how it emerged as such, this article looks at an ongoing process: specialization in action. By analyzing the data collected through three years of multisited ethnography using tools offered by the sociology of professions and the history of medical specialization, I identify specific moments in which AR is gaining cognitive, normative, and evaluative consolidation, structure, and independence. This leads me to suggest that AR might separate from gynecology and become an independent specialty within medicine. I offer examples to support this argument and show how AR has developed into a biomedical service, a professional biomedical field, and a biomedical business.