bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pension policy design changes inEUcountries since the mid‐1990s
Authors: Grech Aaron George
Published: December 2014

Recent decades have been characterised by significant pension reforms. This article reviews this process, focusing on five policy design issues that have concerned policymakers: optimising poverty alleviation effectiveness; redefining the state's role in smoothing incomes over the life‐course; balancing contributions to benefits; adjusting the system to respond to demographic, economic and social changes; and ensuring that reforms will be long‐lasting. While the role of state pensions is diminishing, there is a growing realisation of the need to ensure that they remain adequate, reigniting interest in minimum pensions and contribution credits. The expanding role of private pensions has led governments to intervene more in their operation. Policymakers have shown interest in automatic adjustment mechanisms to bring about required economic changes. However, there is greater understanding that for these to happen, the state has to engage more with its citizens.
Low‐Temperature‐Fired ReVO4 (Re = La, Ce) Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Wang Yang , Zuo Ruzhong , Zhang Chen , Zhang Jian , Zhang Tianwen
Published: December 2014

We report a series of ReVO4 (Re = La, Ce) microwave dielectric ceramics fabricated by a standard solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements were performed to explore the phase purity, sintering behavior, and microstructure. The analysis revealed that pure and dense monoclinic LaVO4 ceramics with a monazite structure and tetragonal CeVO4 ceramics with a zircon structure could be obtained in their respective sintering temperature range. Furthermore, LaVO4 and CeVO4 ceramics sintered at 850°C and 950°C for 4 h possessed out‐bound microwave dielectric properties: εr = 14.2, Q × f = 48197 GHz, τf = −37.9 ppm/°C, and εr = 12.3, Q × f = 41 460 GHz, τf = −34.4 ppm/°C, respectively. The overall results suggest that the ReVO4 ceramics could be promising materials for low‐temperature‐cofired ceramic technology.
Risk of subsequent cutaneous malignancy in patients with prior melanoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van der Leest R.J.T. , Flohil S.C. , Arends L.R. , de Vries E. , Nijsten T.
Published: December 2014

Melanoma patients are known to be at risk of developing multiple cutaneous (pre‐) malignancies, however, the exact dimensions of these risks are unknown. In this meta‐analysis, risks of developing a melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after a melanoma were investigated. An extensive systematic literature search was conducted (last performed on 18 January 2012). Studies reporting risks, i.e. proportions, standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and cumulative risks (CRs) were included. Fifty, of 233 fully read articles, met selection criteria. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study characteristics and risks measurements. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to pool the risk estimates for the three tumour combinations. In melanoma patients, pooled proportions for a subsequent melanoma, BCC or SCC were respectively 3.8% (n = 47), 2.8% (n = 5) and 1.0% (n = 6). The pooled SIRs for a subsequent melanoma, BCC or SCC in melanoma patients were respectively 10.4 (n = 12), 4.6 (n = 2) and 2.8 (n = 2). Mean 20‐year CRs of a subsequent melanoma, BCC or SCC in melanoma patients were respectively 5.4% (n = 3), 14.0% (n = 1) and 4.0% (n = 1). Subgroup analyses showed substantial differences in reported risks between continents and study design. In conclusion, a history of a prior melanoma is a strong predictor for development of a subsequent melanoma (approximately 10‐fold increased risk) and to a lesser extent BCC or SCC. This information could serve as information for health care systems. Further, secondary prevention seems pivotal in this patient group.
Determining the Overall Impact of Interruptions During Online Testing
Authors: Sinharay Sandip , Wan Ping , Whitaker Mike , Kim Dong‐In , Zhang Litong , Choi Seung W.
Published: December 2014

With an increase in the number of online tests, interruptions during testing due to unexpected technical issues seem unavoidable. For example, interruptions occurred during several recent state tests. When interruptions occur, it is important to determine the extent of their impact on the examinees’ scores. There is a lack of research on this topic due to the novelty of the problem. This article is an attempt to fill that void. Several methods, primarily based on propensity score matching, linear regression, and item response theory, were suggested to determine the overall impact of the interruptions on the examinees’ scores. A realistic simulation study shows that the suggested methods have satisfactory Type I error rate and power. Then the methods were applied to data from the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress‐Plus (ISTEP+) test that experienced interruptions in 2013. The results indicate that the interruptions did not have a significant overall impact on the student scores for the ISTEP+ test.
An Enhanced Approach to Combine Item Response Theory With Cognitive Diagnosis in Adaptive Testing
Authors: Wang Chun , Zheng Chanjin , Chang Hua‐Hua
Published: December 2014

Computerized adaptive testing offers the possibility of gaining information on both the overall ability and cognitive profile in a single assessment administration. Some algorithms aiming for these dual purposes have been proposed, including the shadow test approach, the dual information method (DIM), and the constraint weighted method. The current study proposed two new methods, aggregate ranked information index (ARI) and aggregate standardized information index (ASI), which appropriately addressed the noncompatibility issue inherent in the original DIM method. More flexible weighting schemes that put different emphasis on information about general ability (i.e., in item response theory) and information about cognitive profile (i.e., in cognitive diagnostic modeling) were also explored. Two simulation studies were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the new methods and weighting schemes. Results showed that the new methods with the flexible weighting schemes could produce more accurate estimation of both overall ability and cognitive profile than the original DIM. Among them, the ASI with both empirical and theoretical weights is recommended, and attribute‐level weighting scheme is preferred if some attributes are considered more important from a substantive perspective.
Prenatal Testosterone Excess Decreases Neurokinin 3 Receptor Immunoreactivity within the Arcuate Nucleus KNDy Cell Population
Authors: Ahn T. , Fergani C. , Coolen L. M. , Padmanabhan V. , Lehman M. N.
Published: December 2014

Prenatal exposure of the female ovine foetus to excess testosterone leads to neuroendocrine disruptions in adulthood, as demonstrated by defects in responsiveness with respect to the ability of gonadal steroids to regulate gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. In the ewe, neurones of the arcuate nucleus (ARC), which co‐expresses kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin (termed KNDy cells), play a key role in steroid feedback control of GnRH and show altered peptide expression after prenatal testosterone treatment. KNDy cells also co‐localise NKB receptors (NK3R), and it has been proposed that NKB may act as an autoregulatory transmitter in KNDy cells where it participates in the mechanisms underlying steroid negative‐feedback. In addition, recent evidence suggests that NKB/NK3R signalling may be involved in the positive‐feedback actions of oestradiol leading to the GnRH/luteinising hormone (LH) surge in the ewe. Thus, we hypothesise that decreased expression of NK3R in KNDy cells may be present in the brains of prenatal testosterone‐treated animals, potentially contributing to reproductive defects. Using single‐ and dual‐label immunohistochemistry we found NK3R‐positive cells in diverse areas of the hypothalamus; however, after prenatal testosterone treatment, decreased numbers of NK3R immunoreactive (‐IR) cells were seen only in the ARC. Moreover, dual‐label confocal analyses revealed a significant decrease in the percentage of KNDy cells (using kisspeptin as a marker) that co‐localised NK3R. To investigate how NKB ultimately affects GnRH secretion in the ewe, we examined GnRH neurones in the preoptic area (POA) and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) for the presence of NK3R. Although, consistent with earlier findings, we found no instances of NK3R co‐localisation in GnRH neurones in either the POA or MBH; in addition, > 70% GnRH neurones in both areas were contacted by NK3R‐IR presynaptic terminals suggesting that, in addition to its role at KNDy cell bodies, NKB may regulate GnRH neurones by presynaptic actions. In summary, the finding of decreased NK3R within KNDy cells in prenatal testosterone‐treated sheep complements previous observations of decreased NKB and dynorphin in the same population, and may contribute to deficits in the feedback control of GnRH/LH secretion in this animal model.
An Evolutionary Scenario for Gonadotrophin‐Inhibitory Hormone in Chordates
Authors: Osugi T. , Ubuka T. , Tsutsui K.
Published: December 2014

In 2000, we discovered a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that actively inhibits gonadotrophin release in quail and termed it gonadotrophin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH peptides have subsequently been identified in most representative species of gnathostomes. They all share a C‐terminal LPXRFamide (X = L or Q) motif. GnIH can inhibit gonadotrophin synthesis and release by decreasing the activity of GnRH neuroes, as well as by directly inhibiting pituitary gonadotrophin secretion in birds and mammals. To investigate the evolutionary origin of GnIH and its ancestral function, we identified a GnIH precursor gene encoding GnIHs from the brain of sea lamprey, the most ancient lineage of vertebrates. Lamprey GnIHs possess a C‐terminal PQRFamide motif. In vivo administration of one of lamprey GnIHs stimulated the expression of lamprey GnRH in the hypothalamus and gonadotophin β mRNA in the pituitary. Thus, GnIH may have emerged in agnathans as a stimulatory neuropeptide that subsequently diverged to an inhibitory neuropeptide during the course of evolution from basal vertebrates to later‐evolved vertebrates, such as birds and mammals. From a structural point of view, pain modulatory neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and neuropeptide AF, share a C‐terminal PQRFamide motif. Because agnathans possess both GnIH and NPFF genes, the origin of GnIH and NPFF genes may date back before the emergence of agnathans. More recently, we identified a novel gene encoding RFamide peptides in the amphioxus. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and synteny analysis indicated that this gene is closely related to the genes of GnIH and NPFF of vertebrates. The results suggest that the identified protochordate gene is similar to the common ancestor of GnIH and NPFF genes, indicating that the origin of GnIH and NPFF may date back to the time of the emergence of early chordates. The GnIH and NPFF genes may have diverged by whole‐genome duplication during the course of vertebrate evolution.
Dynamic testing of learning potential in adults with cognitive impairments: A systematic review of methodology and predictive value
Authors: Boosman Hileen , Bovend'Eerdt Thamar J. H. , Visser‐Meily Johanna M. A. , Nijboer Tanja C. W. , van Heugten Caroline M.
Published: December 2014

Dynamic testing includes procedures that examine the effects of brief training on test performance where pre‐ to post‐training change reflects patients’ learning potential. The objective of this systematic review was to provide clinicians and researchers insight into the concept and methodology of dynamic testing and to explore its predictive validity in adult patients with cognitive impairments. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, PsychINFO, and Embase/Medline. Of 1141 potentially relevant articles, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The mean methodological quality score was 4.6 of 8. Eleven different dynamic tests were used. The majority of studies used dynamic versions of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The training mostly consisted of a combination of performance feedback, reinforcement, expanded instruction, or strategy training. Learning potential was quantified using numerical (post‐test score, difference score, gain score, regression residuals) and categorical (groups) indices. In five of six longitudinal studies, learning potential significantly predicted rehabilitation outcome. Three of four studies supported the added value of dynamic testing over conventional testing in predicting rehabilitation outcome. This review provides preliminary support that dynamic tests can provide a valuable addition to conventional tests to assess patients’ abilities. Although promising, there was a large variability in methods used for dynamic testing and, therefore, it remains unclear which dynamic testing methods are most appropriate for patients with cognitive impairments. More research is warranted to further evaluate and refine dynamic testing methodology and to further elucidate its predictive validity concerning rehabilitation outcomes relative to other cognitive and functional status indices.
Diagnosis of a case of Dandy–Walker malformation aided by measurement of the brainstem–vermis angle at 14 weeks gestation
Authors: Ichizuka Kiyotake , Mishina Miyuki , Hasegawa Junichi , Matsuoka Ryu , Sekizawa Akihiko , Pooh Ritsuko K.
Published: December 2014

Reported is a fetal Dandy–Walker malformation that was strongly suspected in the first trimester through measurement of the brainstem–vermis (B‐V) angle, which was found to be 119° on transvaginal ultrasound examination at 14 weeks and 2 days gestation. Definitive diagnosis of the Dandy–Walker malformation was made by magnetic resonance imaging following stillbirth. Ultrasound measurement of the B‐V angle may be a useful index for prenatal diagnosis of Dandy–Walker anomalies during early pregnancy.
Role of gynecologists in reproductive education of adolescent girls in Hungary
Authors: Varga‐Tóth Andrea , Paulik Edit
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess whether the socioeconomic characteristics of adolescent girls, their knowledge about cervical cancer screening, and their sexual activity are associated with whether or not they have already visited a gynecologist.

Material and Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire‐based study was performed among secondary school girls (n = 589) who participated in professional education provided by a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic characteristics, sexual activity, knowledge on contraceptive methods, cervical screening and sources of their knowledge. Simple descriptive statistics, χ2 and one‐way‐anova tests, multivariate logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation were applied. All statistical analyses were carried out using spss 17.0 for Windows.

Results

A total of 50.3% of adolescent girls had already had a sexual contact. Half of the sexually active participants had already visited a gynecologist, and most of them did so due to some kind of complaint. The overall knowledge about cervical screening was quite low; higher knowledge was found among those having visited a gynecologist.

Conclusions

Adolescent girls' knowledge on cervical screening was improved by previous visits to a gynecologist. The participation of an expert – a gynecologist – in a comprehensive sexual education program of teenage girls is of high importance in Hungary.
Streptomyces rochei SM3 Induces Stress Tolerance in Chickpea Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and NaCl
Authors: Srivastava Smita , Patel Jai Singh , Singh Harikesh Bahadur , Sinha Asha , Sarma Birinchi Kumar
Published: December 2014

Understanding on actinomycetes‐mediated stress tolerance in plants is very limited. This study demonstrated for the first time some stress tolerance mechanisms in chickpea via mediation of an actinomycetes strain Streptomyces rochei SM3. Here, we used the strain SM3 for treating chickpea seeds and plants raised from such seeds were challenged with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and NaCl. Chickpea mortality due to Sc. sclerotiorum infection was suppressed by nearly 48%, and biomass accumulation was increased by nearly 20% in the salt‐stressed condition in SM3‐treated plants compared to non‐treated plants. Physiological responses in chickpea under the challenging conditions showed that phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities increased in SM3‐treated plants. This is followed by accumulation of higher concentrations of phenolics that led to enhanced lignifications in SM3‐treated plants compared to non‐SM3‐treated plants challenged with the same stresses. Antioxidant activities, as assessed through catalase activities and proline accumulation, also increased in SM3‐treated plants challenged with both the stresses compared to non‐SM3‐treated plants. Investigation at genetic level further showed that the strain SM3 triggered the ethylene (ET) responsive ERF transcription factor (CaTF2) under the challenged conditions. Thus, from this study, we conclude that actinomycetes St. rochei SM3 trigger the ET‐mediated defence pathway in chickpea and activates the phenylpropanoid pathway for alleviating the stresses caused by Sc. sclerotiorum and salt in chickpea.
Effects of environmental factors on cyanobacteria dynamics in Lake Baringo, Kenya
Authors: Olilo Casianes O. , Shivoga William A. , Kitetu John J. , Agembe Simon
Published: December 2014

The dominance of cyanobacterial algae in light‐limited, shallow freshwater Lake Baringo is a major environmental concern in regard to Kenyan water quality and public health protection agencies. Accordingly, this study focused on determining the effect of different environmental factors on cyanobacteria dynamics in different sediment disturbance zones of the lake and in different seasons. This study also sought to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the influence of water clarity on cyanobacteria dynamics in the lake. Samples were collected from the field, stored in ice and transported to the laboratory for nutrient analyses. Cyanobacteria cultures isolated from the lake were grown under a 12:12 light/dark cycle. The frequency of dividing cells (FDC) technique, and a fluorescence microscopy technique, was used to count growing cyanobacteria cells. Specific cyanobacteria organic carbon synthesis was significantly negatively correlated with turbidity for the southern (r = −0.6573; P < 0.05) and central sediment disturbance zones (r = −0.6847; P < 0.05). This study indicated that water clarity is an environmental phenomenon that facilitates the movement of cyanobacteria into the turbid areas of the lake, where their production levels are significantly high, in contrast to the clear water along the edges of the water–land interface during the wet season (April to August) and dry season (September to March). Water clarity potentially enhances cell division inhibition and multiplication, thereby positively influencing cyanobacteria dynamics in Lake Baringo. Thus, it is concluded that the cyanobacteria growth rate resulting from use of the FDC technique suggests a link with inflowing water clarity that can be used to monitor in‐lake water quality, to better manage cyanobacteria blooms in Lake Baringo and in lakes and reservoirs elsewhere.
Aetiology of paediatric facial trauma at a UK District General Hospital
Authors: Lello S. , Allen P. , Haig S.
Published: December 2014

Aim

This study aims to determine the types and causes of facial injury in children who present to a UK District General Hospital (DGH), to evaluate the relevant demographics of the subjects and to investigate whether the events were accurately clinically coded.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of all patients aged <1–17 years attending the emergency department (ED) in a DGH over the course of 1 month with a facial injury.

Results

Eighty‐four paediatric patients attended the ED with facial injuries during the month of September 2012. The male:female ratio was 2.36:1. Most injuries were due to a fall (49%). Six alleged assaults were recorded, but no other non‐accidental injury was suspected. Lacerations were the most frequent injury seen (44%). Dental trauma accounted for 9% of injuries. Sixty‐eight per cent of the subjects lived within the eight areas of Swindon that are among the most deprived 20% nationally. Eighteen per cent lived within the Penhill ward (electoral district), which has two areas among the most deprived 5% nationally. Ten per cent were referred on to specialist services within the hospital. Three children were referred to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Only 25% of the visits to the ED were coded with sufficient detail.

Conclusions

The aetiology of facial trauma in children should be accurately recorded to allow the planning of accident prevention campaigns that can be targeted at a local and national level. This relies partly on the coding information collected from EDs and so it is imperative that this is detailed and accurate.
The Use of Quadripolar Left Ventricular Leads Improves the Hemodynamic Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: OSCA JOAQUÍN , ALONSO PAU , CANO ÓSCAR , SÁNCHEZ JUAN MIGUEL , TEJADA DAVID , ANDRÉS ANA , SANCHO TELLO MARÍA JOSÉ , OLAGÜE JOSÉ
Published: December 2014

Background

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of a left ventricle (LV) quadripolar lead in improving the hemodynamic response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods and Results

We included 27 consecutive patients implanted with a CRT device with an LV quadripolar lead. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated at 3‐month follow‐up by using impedance cardiography. We assessed the highest cardiac output and the highest stroke volume (SV) obtained after atrioventricular and interventricular optimization with pacing from each of the four electrodes of the LV lead. Each patient was evaluated according to three different pacing configurations: unipolar‐simulated, bipolar, and quadripolar. Biventricular pacing improved hemodynamics in comparison to the nonpaced measurements: cardiac index (CI): 2.69 L/min/m2 versus 2.17 L/min/m2 (P = 0.001). The hemodynamic response was highest in the quadripolar in comparison to unipolar‐simulated and bipolar configurations, with an increase of 29%, 23%, and 27%, respectively, in relation to the reference CI and with an increase of 22%, 11%, and 18%, respectively, in relation to the reference indexed SV (P < 0.05, for the comparison between unipolar‐simulated and quadripolar configurations). Twelve patients (44%) showed the best hemodynamic response by pacing from any of the two distal electrodes and 15 patients (56%) by pacing from the two proximal electrodes. Finally, CRT responder rates were higher in quadripolar versus bipolar and unipolar‐simulated configurations: 90%, 85%, and 75%, respectively.

Conclusions

The quadripolar LV lead was associated with a better hemodynamic response and higher CRT responder rates when compared with unipolar‐simulated and bipolar LV leads.
Measuring the Pain Area: An Intra‐ and Inter‐Rater Reliability Study Using Image Analysis Software
Authors: dos Reis Felipe Jose Jandre , de Barros e Silva Veronica , de Lucena Raphaela Nunes , Mendes Cardoso Bruno Alexandre , Nogueira Leandro Calazans
Published: December 2014

Pain drawings have frequently been used for clinical information and research. The aim of this study was to investigate intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of area measurements performed on pain drawings. Our secondary objective was to verify the reliability when using computers with different screen sizes, both with and without mouse hardware. Pain drawings were completed by patients with chronic neck pain or neck–shoulder–arm pain. Four independent examiners participated in the study. Examiners A and B used the same computer with a 16‐inch screen and wired mouse hardware. Examiner C used a notebook with a 16‐inch screen and no mouse hardware, and Examiner D used a computer with an 11.6‐inch screen and a wireless mouse. Image measurements were obtained using GIMP and NIH ImageJ computer programs. The length of all the images was measured using GIMP software to a set scale in ImageJ. Thus, each marked area was encircled and the total surface area (cm2) was calculated for each pain drawing measurement. A total of 117 areas were identified and 52 pain drawings were analyzed. The intrarater reliability between all examiners was high (ICC = 0.989). The inter‐rater reliability was also high. No significant differences were observed when using different screen sizes or when using or not using the mouse hardware. This suggests that the precision of these measurements is acceptable for the use of this method as a measurement tool in clinical practice and research.
Kelsen's Theory on International Law during His Exile in Geneva
Authors: Losano Mario G.
Published: December 2014

Kelsen's monistic theory of international law was shaped during his exile in Geneva (1933–1940), but its deep roots are to be found in his Pure Theory of Law, centred on the neo‐Kantian notion of “system.” According to this conception, a legal system can only descend from a single principle. Consequently, Kelsen constructed a monistic theory of law, i.e., a legal system incorporating all norms into a pyramidal structure culminating in a single principle: the fundamental norm. This Kelsenian pyramid must also include international law, considering that if international law were a legal system different from national law (as the dualistic theory assumes), the theoretical construction would need two fundamental norms. This dualism is as incompatible with Kelsen's monistic vision as Schmitt's theory of “Great Spaces,” creating a hierarchical system of international relations. In the Kelsenian pyramid, international law occupies a position superior to national law: The consequences of this assumption are discussed in some documents recently published in German and French.
Validation of an Activity Monitor in Older Inpatients Undergoing Slow Stream Rehabilitation
Authors: Raymond Melissa , Winter Adele , Holland Anne E.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Older adults undergoing rehabilitation may have limited mobility, slow gait speeds and low levels of physical activity. Devices used to quantify activity levels in older adults must be able to detect these characteristics.

Objective:

To investigate the validity of the Positional Activity Logger (PAL2) for monitoring position and measuring physical activity in older inpatients (slow stream rehabilitation).

Methods:

Twelve older inpatients (≥65 years) underwent a 1-hour protocol (set times in supine, sitting, standing; stationary and moving). Participants were video-recorded while wearing the PAL2. Time spent in positions and walking (comfortable and fast speeds) were ascertained through video-recording analysis and compared with PAL2 data.

Results:

There was no difference between the PAL2 and video recording for time spent in any position (P-values 0.055 to 0.646). Walking speed and PAL2 count were strongly correlated (Pearson’s r = .913, P < .01). The PAL2 was responsive to within-person changes in gait speed: activity count increased by an average of 52.47 units (95% CI 3.31, 101.63). There was 100% agreement for transitions between lying to sitting and < 1 transition difference between siting to standing.

Conclusion:

The PAL2 is a valid tool for quantifying activity levels, position transitions, and within-person changes in gait speed in older inpatients.
T-rains Derailed in Fat Depots Cause Insulin Resistance
Authors: Price Elvin
Published: December 2014

T lymphocytes infiltrate adipose tissue and correlate with systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.
Gastroparesis as the initial presentation of pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Vaidya Gaurang Nandkishor , Lutchmansingh Denyse , Paul Manju , John Savio
Published: December 2014

Malignancy-associated gastroparesis is an under-reported entity and its diagnosis as a cause of cachexia or gastrointestinal symptoms is often missed in clinical practice. This case report highlights an unusual association of pulmonary adenocarcinoma with gastroparesis at presentation. Malignancy-associated gastroparesis should be added to the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with delayed gastric emptying of unknown aetiology and should prompt further radiological investigations. Early detection and treatment of underlying gastroparesis in patients with cancer is necessary to improve the quality of life and to avoid premature clinical deterioration due to intolerance to oral treatment.
Effect of L-type calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) on myocardial iron deposition in patients with thalassaemia with moderate-to-severe myocardial iron deposition: protocol for a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Shakoor Amarah , Zahoor Maaman , Sadaf Alina , Alvi Najveen , Fadoo Zehra , Rizvi Arjumand , Quadri Farheen , Tipoo Fateh Ali , Khurshid Mohammad , Sajjad Zaffar , Colan Steven , Hasan Babar S
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Sideroblastic cardiomyopathy secondary to repeated blood transfusions is a feared complication in thalassaemia. Control of myocardial iron is thus becoming the cornerstone of thalassaemia management. Recent evidence suggests a role for L-type Ca2+channels in mediating iron uptake by the heart. Blocking the cellular iron uptake through these channels may add to the benefit of therapy to standard chelation in reducing myocardial iron. We aim to determine the efficacy of amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) as an adjunct to standard aggressive chelation in retarding myocardial iron deposition in thalassaemics with or without cardiomyopathy.

Outcomes

The primary outcome is to compare the efficacy of amlodipine+chelation (intervention) versus standard chelation (control) in retarding myocardial iron deposition. Secondary outcomes include the effect of amlodipine therapy on systolic and diastolic function, strain and strain rate and liver iron content.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, parallel-group, prospective randomised control trial. Twenty patients will be randomised in a 1:1 allocation ratio into the intervention and control arms. In addition to conventional echocardiography, MRI T2* values for assessment of cardiac and liver iron load will be obtained at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Cardiac T2* will be reported as the geometric mean and per cent coefficient of variation, and an increase in cardiac T2* values from baseline will be used as an end point to compare the efficacy of therapy. A p Value of <0.05 will be considered significant.

Study setting

Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee and Clinical Trials Unit at The Aga Khan University with respect to scientific content and compliance with applicable research and human subjects regulations. Findings will be reported through scientific publications and research conferences and project summary papers for participants.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.Gov. Registration no:NCT02065492.
Inbreeding and thermal adaptation inDrosophila subobscura
Authors: Zivanovic Goran , Arenas Conxita , Mestres Francesc
Published: December 2014

Using a well-adapted Drosophila subobscura population (Avala, Serbia), a drastic experiment of inbreeding was carried out to assess whether the expected level of homozygosity could be reached or if other evolutionary forces affected the process. In general, no significant changes of inversion (or arrangement) frequencies were detected after 12 brother–sister mating generations. Furthermore, no significant differences were obtained between observed and expected (under the inbreeding model) karyotypic frequencies. Thus, these results seemed to indicate that the main evolutionary factor in the experiment was inbreeding. However, in the G12generation, complete chromosomal fixation was reached only in two out of the eight final inbred lines. In these lines, the chromosomal compositions were difficult to interpret, but they could be likely a consequence of adaptation to particular laboratory conditions (constant 18 °C, food, light period, etc.). Finally, in a second experiment, the inbred lines presented higher fertility at 18 °C than at 13 °C. Also, there was a significant line effect on fertility: inbred line number 6 (A1, J1, U1+2; U1+2+6, E8, and O3+4+7) presented the highest values, which maybe the result of an adaptation to laboratory conditions. Thus, the results obtained in our experiments reflect the adaptive potential of D. subobscura inversions.
Comments on information erasure in black hole
Authors: Alvi Mishkat Al , Matin Md. Abdul , Rahat Moinul Hossain , Roy Avik , Majumdar Mahbub
Published: December 2014

We analyze the Kim, Lee and Lee model of information erasure by black holes and find contradictions with standard physical laws. We demonstrate that the erasure model leads to arbitrarily fast information erasure; the proposed physical interpretation of information freezing at the event horizon as observed by an asymptotic observer is problematic; and information erasure, whatever the process may be, near the black hole horizon leads to contradictions with quantum mechanics if Landauer's principle is assumed. The later part of the work demonstrates the significance of the "erasure entropy". We show that the erasure entropy is the mutual information between two subsystems.
CCII-Based Nth-Order Mixed Mode Elliptic Filter with Grounded R and C
Authors: Ghosh K. , Ray B. N.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a new nth-order elliptic filter structure with second generation current conveyor (CCII). Synthesis methodology for mixed mode odd and even order filter is proposed. The designed structure is emphasized on the basis of implementation of integrated circuit fabrication by using grounded passive components (resistors and capacitors). The proposed structure is designed for different point of interests: (i) no component constraint, (ii) the structure is compatible with equal capacitance design, which is suitable for integrated circuit fabrication, (iii) low sensitivity like LC ladder filter and (iv) nearly null group sensitivity. To validate the theory, HSPICE simulation with 0.13-μm process and BSIM level 53 model is carried with ±1.5 V power supply.
On the invariance of the relative rest in doubly special relativity
Authors: Mandanici Gianluca
Published: December 2014

In the framework of the most-studied doubly special relativity models the use of the naive formula v = dE/dp has been argued to lead to inconsistencies connected to different rules of transformation, under boosts, of particles with the same energy but with different masses. In this paper, we show that, at least in 1 + 1 dimensions, doubly special relativity can be formulated in such a way that the formula v = dE/dp is fully consistent with the invariance of the relative rest, easily fitting to the relativity principle. It is also argued that, always in 1 + 1 dimensions, is not necessary to renounce to the usual (commutative) Minkowski spacetime endowed with energy-independent boost transformations. The compatibility of the approach with superluminal propagation, with linear addition rule for energy, and possible extensions to 3 + 1 dimensions are also discussed.
Formal Specification of the Assurance Point Web Service Composition Model
Authors: Gao Le , Urban Susan D. , Rodriguez Jonathan , Warkhade Abhijit
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a formal specification of the Assurance Point (AP) web service composition model. The AP model provides a flexible way of checking constraints and responding to execution errors in service composition. An AP is a combined logical and physical checkpoint, providing an execution milestone that stores critical data and interacts with integration rules (IRs) to alter program flow and to invoke different forms of recovery depending on the execution status. In this paper, the execution and recovery semantics of assurance points have been fully defined in the context of if-else, parallel, and loop control structures. The activities and complex control structures of the AP model have been formalized and tested in the Yet Another Workflow Language (YAWL) engine. By doing so, the correctness of the execution and recovery semantics in the AP model has been verified, demonstrating that YAWL nets of the AP model satisfy the soundness property. Different from existing web service composition models, the AP model presented by this research provides multiple levels of protection against service execution failure with a combination of forward and backward recovery techniques.
ASSESSMENT OF OSTEOPOROTIC FEMORAL FRACTURE RISK: FINITE ELEMENT METHOD AS A POTENTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR CURRENT CLINICAL TECHNIQUES
Authors: VAN DEN MUNCKHOF SVEN , NIKOOYAN ALI ASADI , ZADPOOR AMIR ABBAS
Published: December 2014

Femoral fracture risk prediction is a necessary step preceding effective pharmacological intervention or pre-operative planning. Current clinical methods for fracture risk prediction rely on 2D imaging methods and have limited predictive value. Researchers are therefore trying to find improved methods for fracture prediction. During last few decades, many studies have focused on integration of 3D imaging techniques and the finite element (FE) method to improve the accuracy of fracture assessment techniques. In this paper, we review the recent advances in FE and other techniques for predicting the risk of femoral fractures. Based on a number of selected studies, the different steps that are involved in generation of patient-specific FE models are reviewed with particular emphasis on the fracture criteria. The inaccuracies that might arise due to the imperfections of the involved steps are also discussed. It is concluded that compared to image- and geometry-based techniques, FE is a more promising approach for prediction of fracture loads. However, certain technological advancements in FE modeling protocols are required before FE modeling can be recruited in clinical settings.
MODELING DISTRIBUTED COLLABORATION ON GITHUB
Authors: McDONALD NORA , BLINCOE KELLY , PETAKOVIC EVA , GOGGINS SEAN
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we apply concepts from Distributed Leadership, a theory suggesting that leadership is shared among members of an organization, to frame models of contribution that we uncover in five relatively successful open source software (OSS) projects hosted on GitHub. In this qualitative, comparative case study, we show how these projects make use of GitHub features such as pull requests (PRs). We find that projects in which member PRs are more frequently merged with the codebase experience more sustained participation. We also find that projects with higher success rates among contributors and higher contributor retention tend to have more distributed (non-centralized) practices for reviewing and processing PRs. The relationships between organizational form and GitHub practices are enabled and made visible as a result of GitHub's novel interface. Our results demonstrate specific dimensions along which these projects differ and explicate a framework that warrants testing in future studies of OSS, particularly GitHub.
Command and Control for Large-Scale Hybrid Warfare Systems
Authors: Pang Chee Khiang , Hudas Gregory R. , Mikulski Dariusz G. , Le Cao Vinh , Lewis Frank L.
Published: December 2014

Emerging hybrid threats in large-scale warfare systems require networked teams to perform in a reliable manner under changing mission tactics and reconfiguration of mission tasks and force resources. In this paper, a formal Command and Control (C2) structure is presented that allows for computer-aided execution of the networked team decision-making process, real-time tactic selection, and reliable mission reconfiguration. A mathematically justified networked computing environment is provided called the Augmented Discrete Event Control (ADEC) framework. ADEC is portable and has the ability to provide logical connectivity among all team participants including mission commander, field commanders, war-fighters, and robotic platforms. The proposed C2 structure is developed and demonstrated on a simulation study involving Singapore Armed Forces team with three realistic symmetrical, asymmetrical, and hybrid attack missions. Extensive simulation results show that the tasks and resources of multiple missions are fairly sequenced, mission tactics are correctly selected, and missions and resources are reliably reconfigured in real time.
If a Bull Were a Cow, How Much Milk Would He Give?
Authors: Soller Morris
Published: December 2014

I became enamored of genetics at an early age. The desire to participate in the rebuilding of my people in our ancient homeland led to dairy science at Rutgers University, to Animal Breeding Plans by J.L. Lush, and to the realization that I could combine genetics and dairy science in animal breeding. It is to my mother-in-law that I owe the felicitous phrasing of the titular scientific question that has occupied my professional life: If a bull were a cow, how much milk would he give? Following my PhD (in 1956), I joined the Volcani Institute in Israel and, later (in 1972), the Applied Genetics group at the Hebrew University. The Applied Genetics group had an active marker lab, and this and a paper by Spickett & Thoday led me to explore genetic markers for quantitative trait loci mapping and marker-assisted selection. A chance encounter with Jacques Beckmann in 1980 opened my eyes to the potential of DNA-level markers for these purposes, and the rest followed.
Genome Evolution in Maize: From Genomes Back to Genes
Authors: Schnable James C.
Published: December 2014

Maize occupies dual roles as both (a) one of the big-three grain species (along with rice and wheat) responsible for providing more than half of the calories consumed around the world, and (b) a model system for plant genetics and cytogenetics dating back to the origin of the field of genetics in the early twentieth century. The long history of genetic investigation in this species combined with modern genomic and quantitative genetic data has provided particular insight into the characteristics of genes linked to phenotypes and how these genes differ from many other sequences in plant genomes that are not easily distinguishable based on molecular data alone. These recent results suggest that the number of genes in plants that make significant contributions to phenotype may be lower than the number of genes defined by current molecular criteria, and also indicate that syntenic conservation has been underemphasized as a marker for gene function.
Composite Fermion Theory of Exotic Fractional Quantum Hall Effect
Authors: Jain Jainendra K.
Published: December 2014

The fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) arises from strong correlations between electrons when they are confined to two dimensions and exposed to a strong magnetic field. The underlying physics is the formation of topological particles called composite fermions (CFs), electron-vortex bound states whose integer quantum Hall effect explains a large majority of the observed FQHE states. In recent years, the focus has shifted to the more exotic states that originate from a weak residual interaction between composite fermions. These include chiral p-wave paired states of composite fermions at certain even denominator fractions, unconventional FQHE of composite fermions, and a series of CF crystals at low fillings. Aside from these states, we also review the FQHE in multicomponent systems, which has attracted renewed attention because of the observation of well-developed FQHE in several multivalley systems, such as graphene and AlAs quantum wells.
Innovations in Statistical Physics
Authors: Kadanoff Leo P.
Published: December 2014

In 1963–71, a group of people, myself included, formulated and perfected a new approach to physics problems, which eventually came to be known under the names of scaling, universality, and renormalization. This work formed the basis of a wide variety of theories ranging from a starting point in critical phenomena, moving out to particle physics and relativity, and then into economics and biology. This work was of transcendental beauty and of considerable intellectual importance.

This left me with a personal problem. What next? Constructing the answer to that question would dominate the next 45 years of my professional life. I would ■ Try to help in finding and constructing new fields of science. ■ Do research and give talks on the science-society borderline. ■ Provide constructive criticism of scientific and technical work. ■ Help students and younger scientists. ■ Demonstrate scientific leadership.
Insights into Cytokine–Receptor Interactions from Cytokine Engineering
Authors: Spangler Jamie B. , Moraga Ignacio , Mendoza Juan L. , Garcia K. Christopher
Published: December 2014

Cytokines exert a vast array of immunoregulatory actions critical to human biology and disease. However, the desired immunotherapeutic effects of native cytokines are often mitigated by toxicity or lack of efficacy, either of which results from cytokine receptor pleiotropy and/or undesired activation of off-target cells. As our understanding of the structural principles of cytokine–receptor interactions has advanced, mechanism-based manipulation of cytokine signaling through protein engineering has become an increasingly feasible and powerful approach. Modified cytokines, both agonists and antagonists, have been engineered with narrowed target cell specificities, and they have also yielded important mechanistic insights into cytokine biology and signaling. Here we review the theory and practice of cytokine engineering and rationalize the mechanisms of several engineered cytokines in the context of structure. We discuss specific examples of how structure-based cytokine engineering has opened new opportunities for cytokines as drugs, with a focus on the immunotherapeutic cytokines interferon, interleukin-2, and interleukin-4.
Adult exercise effects on oxidative stress and reproductive programming in male offspring of obese rats
Authors: Santos Mery , Rodríguez-González Guadalupe L. , Ibáñez Carlos , Vega Claudia C. , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Zambrano Elena
Published: December 2014

Exercise improves health but few data are available regarding benefits of exercise in offspring exposed to developmental programming. There is currently a worldwide epidemic of obesity. Obesity in pregnant women predisposes offspring to obesity. Maternal obesity has well documented effects on offspring reproduction. Few studies address ability of offspring exercise to reduce adverse outcomes. We observed increased oxidative stress and impaired sperm function in rat offspring of obese mothers. We hypothesized that regular offspring exercise reverses adverse effects of maternal obesity on offspring sperm quality and fertility. Female Wistar rats ate chow (C) or high-energy, obesogenic diet (MO) from weaning through lactation, bred at postnatal day (PND) 120, and ate their pregnancy diet until weaning. All offspring ate C diet from weaning. Five male offspring (different litters) ran on a wheel for 15 min, 5 times/week from PND 330 to 450 and were euthanized at PND 450. Average distance run per session was lower in MO offspring who had higher body weight, adiposity index, and gonadal fat and showed increases in testicular oxidative stress biomarkers. Sperm from MO offspring had reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, lower sperm quality, and fertility. Exercise in MO offspring decreased testicular oxidative stress, increased sperm antioxidant activity and sperm quality, and improved fertility. Exercise intervention has beneficial effects on adiposity index, gonadal fat, oxidative stress markers, sperm quality, and fertility. Thus regular physical exercise in male MO offspring recuperates key male reproductive functions even at advanced age: it's never too late.