bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sudden neuropathological deaths: An autopsy study
Authors: Hugar Basappa Subhas , Shetty Harish , Girishchandra YP , Hosahally Jayanth S
Published: June 2014

Background

Sudden or unexpected death can occur from unnatural causes, such as violence or poisoning, as well as from natural causes. Second to cardiac causes, neuropathology is one of the main causes of sudden natural death. In spite of the increasing incidence of neuropathological deaths, few studies have been conducted in Asia – hence the reason for the present study.

Methods

A 10-year (January 2003 to December 2012) retrospective study was conducted at the MS medico-legal institute in a metropolitan city of southern India. All the cases of sudden natural death, where the cause of death was opined to be due to a neuropathology after meticulous medico-legal autopsy and chemical analysis, were included.

Results and conclusions

A total of 7520 reported deaths were investigated. These included 291 sudden natural deaths, amongst which the death was attributed to neuropathology in 43 cases (14.7%). Of these 43 cases, 69.7% were male and 30.3% were female. The majority of cases (25.5%) were in those aged ≥60 years. Causes of neuropathology were due to subarachnoid haemorrhage in 48.8% of cases, stroke in 30.2%, meningitis in 14% and tumours in 7%. There was history of hypertension in 46.5% of cases, diabetes in 32.5% of cases and cardiac disease in 18.6% of cases.
To share or not to share
Authors: Van Berkel Sheila R. , Van der Pol Lotte D. , Groeneveld Marleen G. , Hallers-Haalboom Elizabeth T. , Endendijk Joyce J. , Mesman Judi , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J.
Published: June 2014

Sharing is an important indicator of internalised prosocial values. We examined predictors of sharing of 302 preschoolers with their younger siblings in a one-year longitudinal study. Sharing was observed during different home visits, once with father and once with mother. We examined the following predictors: both children’s externalising behaviour, observed parental sensitivity, and situational factors. Preschoolers’ sharing was stable and increased with age. Preschoolers shared more when sharing was preceded by a structured interaction with a parent compared to free play with an unfamiliar adult. At age 4 they shared more in fathers’ presence than in mothers’ presence. Neither parental sensitivity nor child behaviour were related to sharing. These findings demonstrate stability and the importance of situational factors in the development of prosocial behaviour.
Marriage Squeeze in China
Authors: Huang Kuangshi
Published: June 2014

Based on a literature review of studies on the Chinese marriage squeeze, this study examines the evolution and trend of the male marriage squeeze in China since 1950 and employs cohort analysis of the redundant boys born since 1983 to estimate the yearly number of surplus males in the next 60 years. This research concludes that the marriage squeeze phenomenon has existed in China since 1950, but in the 1960s, the country experienced the most severe male marriage squeeze. Moreover, in the next two decades a surplus of 1.31 million males each year are expected because of the high sex ratio at birth since 1983, and the total number of excess males will reach 30 million in 2028 and peak at 41.41 million in 2043. If the sex ratio at birth in the future is still as high as that in 2012, the male marriage squeeze will become more serious.
Cost‐benefit Analysis of Polysomnography versus Clinical Assessment Score‐15 (CAS‐15) for Treatment of Pediatric Sleep‐disordered Breathing
Authors: Konka Anita , Weedon Jeremy , Goldstein Nira A.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To determine the cost of medical care using the Clinical Assessment Score‐15 (CAS‐15) scale versus polysomnography (PSG) for children with sleep‐disordered breathing in terms of benefit.

Study Design

Cost‐benefit analysis.

Setting

Hospital‐based pediatric otolaryngology practice.

Subjects and Methods

Ninety‐three patients from our original CAS‐15 study were included. Four clinical measures were used and payment data were obtained. Cost‐benefit analysis was performed for 2 clinical pathways. In pathway 1, all children had PSG; those with positive studies were referred for adenotonsillectomy. In pathway 2, children with CAS‐15 ≥ 32 were referred for adenotonsillectomy regardless of PSG. Paired t test compared intrasubject mean total cost (pathway 1 vs pathway 2). Further analyses computed a change score for the clinical measures (follow‐up minus baseline); these were divided by estimated treatment cost, producing 4 cost‐benefit ratios for each pathway. Paired t tests compared the mean of these ratios between the pathways.

Results

Of 65 PSG+ (15 CAS–), 54 underwent surgery; of 28 PSG– (17 CAS–), 7 underwent surgery. Model estimated costs demonstrate a mean cost benefit of $US1172 (SE = $214) for pathway 2 versus pathway 1 (P <. 001). CAS‐15 is also cost‐beneficial versus PSG in 3 of 4 clinical measures (Child Behavior Checklist total problem T score, P =. 008, mean OSA‐18 survey score, P <. 001, apnea hypopnea index, P <. 001).

Conclusions

We present evidence that a CAS‐15–based treatment decision criterion is superior to PSG in terms of monetary cost and in benefit per unit cost for 3 of 4 clinical measures evaluated.
“The Fist in the Face of God”
Authors: Mayer Adam , Timberlake Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this paper is to explain the timing and location of the diffusion of heavy metal music. We use data from an Internet archive to measure the population-adjusted rate of metal band foundings in 150 countries for the 1991–2008 period. We hypothesize that growth in “digital capacity” (Internet and personal computer use) catalyzed the diffusion of metal music. We include time-varying controls for gross national income, political regime, global economic integration, and degree of metal penetration of countries sharing a land or maritime border with each country. We find that digital capacity is positively associated with heavy metal band foundings, but, net of all controls, the effect is much stronger for countries with no history of metal music prior to 1990. Hence, our results indicate that increasing global digital capacity may be a stronger catalyst for between-country than for within-country diffusion of cultural products.
Pesticides, Prisoners, and Policy
Authors: Jenness Valerie
Published: June 2014

Over the last few decades, a steady stream of books decry the decline of the public intellectual in modern life, while academics continue to express the desire to “make a difference” by producing research that contributes to the amelioration of social problems. In this context, this article draws on basic and applied research on transgender prisoners in California as a case study to address larger questions about the pursuit of knowledge, the creation of policy, the prompting of praxis, and the promise of justice. The empirical research on transgender prisoners in prisons for men presented in this article begins with a decidedly specific policy question (how to keep transgender prisoners safe from sexual assault in prison) and ends with basic research that interrogates the social organization and workings of gender (how is gender accomplished among transgender prisoners in prisons for men). Reviewing this research and presenting a few instructive digressions referred to as “sidebars” leads to two conclusions: (1) The line between basic and policy work cannot be effectively erased (nor should it be), and (2) basic and applied research can be treated as productively interdependent (i.e., take us to new research paths and generate new insights). By operating side-by-side, basic and policy research can provide us with general and particularistic understandings of social processes and structures that ultimately help us make a difference in the lives of those who suffer the most from systems of inequality, in this case transgender women subject to state authority.
Design of an aerial combat guidance law using virtual pursuit point concept
Authors: You Dong-Il , Shim David Hyunchul
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a combat maneuvering guidance law for an unmanned combat aerial vehicle is presented, and X-Plane based nonlinear six-degrees-of-freedom combat simulation results are presented. For realizing practical implementation and good real-time performance, the guidance law is designed using the virtual pursuit point concept and a typical pure pursuit guidance law. The virtual pursuit points, which include virtual lag, pure, and lead points, are generated based on energy–maneuverability analysis for turn performance, weapon characteristics, and basic fighter maneuver principles of manned fighters. Furthermore, an algorithm is proposed for generating a single point using the virtual pursuit points and for determining the type of pursuit maneuver using the vehicle’s state-based probabilistic functions. The simulation results indicate that the proposed guidance law produces sensible maneuvers for close air-to-air engagement. The proposed methodology has the advantage of not only allowing wide-ranging combat maneuvers from high-g agile to delicate gunshot maneuvers but also performing tactical pursuit maneuvers in real time using the virtual pursuit point.
Understanding Help Seeking for Chronic Joint Pain
Authors: Morden Andrew , Jinks Clare , Ong Bie Nio
Published: June 2014

Osteoarthritis-related joint pain is prevalent and potentially disabling. United Kingdom clinical guidelines suggest that patients should be supported to self-manage in primary care settings. However, the processes and mechanisms that influence patient consultation decisions for joint pain are not comprehensively understood. We recruited participants ( N = 22) from an existing longitudinal survey to take part in in-depth interviews and a diary study. We found that consultation decisions and illness actions were ongoing social processes. The need for and benefits of consulting were weighed against the value of consuming the time of a professional who was considered an expert. We suggest that how general practitioners manage consultations influences patient actions and is part of a broader process of defining the utility and moral worth of consulting. Recognizing these factors will improve self-management support and consultation outcomes.
The Influences of Health Beliefs and Identity on Adolescent Marijuana and Tobacco Co-Use
Authors: Haines-Saah Rebecca J. , Moffat Barbara , Jenkins Emily K. , Johnson Joy L.
Published: June 2014

Among youth, the co-use of marijuana and tobacco is highly prevalent, yet a considerable gap remains in the drug-prevention literature pertaining to such co-use. In particular, the prevention field lacks research exploring how adolescents understand the health implications of smoking these two substances in combination. In this article, we draw on qualitative interviews with adolescents from three communities in British Columbia, Canada, and describe the health beliefs and social identities that they associated with smoking marijuana and tobacco. We argue that smoking prevention and cessation initiatives targeting adolescents must address both marijuana and tobacco. Such initiatives must also be designed to identify and address how adolescents frame the potential health harms associated with smoking these substances.
Navigating Social and Institutional Obstacles
Authors: Ostrach Bayla , Cheyney Melissa
Published: June 2014

Nearly half of all women in the United States will have at least one abortion during their lifetime, and many will encounter economic, logistical, and/or social obstacles while attempting to undergo the procedure. The purpose of this project was to examine the abortion-seeking experiences of a volunteer sample of Oregon women, to identify key barriers and the strategies women employed to overcome them. Using a mixed-methods approach combining survey and interview data with participant observation, we found that low-income women experienced structural and economic barriers to abortion even though abortion is covered by the state Medicaid program in Oregon. Social support helped women overcome obstacles, and a lack of support was itself experienced as an obstacle. Women of lower socioeconomic status also encountered more barriers and had a more difficult time overcoming them. Our findings indicate the need for improved advocacy to reduce structural delay, and to improve access to social support and other resources needed for timely abortion care.
Do asylum recognition rates in Europe respond to transnational terrorism? The migration-security nexus revisited
Authors: Avdan Nazli
Published: June 2014

Scholars assume that transnational terrorism has culminated in policy securitization with expansive restrictions on migration. I evaluate the impact of transnational terrorism on asylum recognition among European Union and Schengen member-states from 1980 until 2007. I unpack the impact of terrorism according to the location of incidents. The article illustrates that policy tightening is more pronounced when recipient states experience terrorism on their own soil or against their citizens. In contrast, measuring transnational terrorism as attacks worldwide mutes the impact of security concerns. The findings show that policy stringency is not directed against particular sources of terrorism and demonstrates that the humanitarian principles underpinning asylum recognition have not been eroded by terrorism. The article thus represents an important step in differentiating between channels of impact whereby transnational terror shapes policy outcomes.
Couples as socially distributed cognitive systems: Remembering in everyday social and material contexts
Authors: Harris Celia B , Barnier Amanda J , Sutton John , Keil Paul G
Published: June 2014

In everyday life remembering occurs within social contexts, and theories from a number of disciplines predict cognitive and social benefits of shared remembering. Recent debates have revolved around the possibility that cognition can be distributed across individuals and material resources, as well as across groups of individuals. We review evidence from a maturing program of empirical research in which we adopted the lens of distributed cognition to gain new insights into the ways that remembering might be shared in groups. Across four studies, we examined shared remembering in intimate couples. We studied their collaboration on more simple memory tasks as well as their conversations about shared past experiences. We also asked them about their everyday memory compensation strategies in order to investigate the complex ways that couples may coordinate their material and interpersonal resources. We discuss our research in terms of the costs and benefits of shared remembering, features of the group and features of the remembering task that influence the outcomes of shared remembering, the cognitive and interpersonal functions of shared remembering, and the interaction between social and material resources. More broadly, this interdisciplinary research program suggests the potential for empirical psychology research to contribute to ongoing interdisciplinary discussions of distributed cognition.
Sociological Scholarship on Gender Differences in Emotion and Emotional Well-Being in the United States: A Snapshot of the Field
Authors: Simon Robin W.
Published: June 2014

This article provides a brief overview of scholarship on gender differences in emotion and emotional well-being among adults in the United States, highlighting major substantive findings, methodological innovations, and theoretical developments that have emerged in the sociologies of emotion and mental health. Sociological research consistently finds that men report more frequent positive and less frequent negative feelings than women as well as gender differences in both the experience and expression of emotional distress. Sociologists attribute these gendered patterns of emotion to the larger social, economic, and cultural context surrounding women and men. Overall, by identifying macro- and meso-level social causes of microlevel emotional processes, sociologists have made significant contributions to knowledge about gender differences in emotion and emotional well-being in the US.
Comment: Why Meta-Analyses Rarely Resolve Ideological Debates
Authors: Ferguson Christopher J.
Published: June 2014

In their meta-analysis Wood, Kressel, Joshi, and Louie (2014) argue little evidence supports shifts in mating preferences across the menstrual cycle. They imply this may represent a critical weakness of evolutionary psychology theories of mating preferences more generally. This report represents a fairly common use of meta-analysis: to assemble data to support or reject a particular proposition over which there is debate. Yet, rarely do meta-analyses succeed at resolving ideological debates. Multiple decision points related to the selection, coding, effect size extraction, and interpretation of studies leaves considerable room for meta-analytic authors to interject their own beliefs. Meta-analyses are typically hailed by those who agreed a priori with their conclusion, and rejected as fatally flawed by those in disagreement. As such, meta-analyses have failed in replacing narrative reviews as more objective.
What is required to institutionalize Kant’s cosmopolitan ideal?
Authors: Raponi Sandra
Published: June 2014

Although Kant argues that a world republic with coercive public law is the only rational way to secure a lawful cosmopolitan condition, he states that it is an unachievable ideal, and he proposes a voluntary, non-coercive federation of states as a substitute. While some scholars have criticized Kant for moving away from this ideal due merely to pragmatic considerations, I argue that his rejection of a coercive world republic is based on his conception of state sovereignty and what is required for a lawful condition. I consider how we can institutionalize a lawful condition between states without a coercive world republic in ways that go beyond Kant’s voluntary federation. I also consider how we can resolve this dilemma in Kant’s account to support a federal world republic.
A neutrophil intrinsic impairment affecting Rab27a and degranulation in cystic fibrosis is corrected by CFTR potentiator therapy
Authors: Pohl Kerstin , Hayes Elaine , Keenan Joanne , Henry Michael , Meleady Paula , Molloy Kevin , Jundi Bakr , Bergin David A. , McCarthy Cormac , McElvaney Oliver J. , White Michelle M. , Clynes Martin , Reeves Emer P. , McElvaney Noel G.
Published: June 2014

Key Points

In people with cystic fibrosis, defective CFTR function alters neutrophil cytosolic ion homeostasis leading to impaired degranulation. By normalizing CFTR function, ivacaftor treatment corrects neutrophil degranulation resulting in normalized killing of bacteria.
Chewing through the Miocene: an examination of the feeding musculature in the ground sloth Hapalops from South America (Mammalia: Pilosa)
Authors: Naples Virginia L. , McAfee Robert K.
Published: June 2014

Hapalops, a smaller-sized and early sloth of the Megatheroidea, appeared in the middle Miocene Santa Cruz formation of Argentina. This genus is part of the group from which later, larger megatheroids arose, i.e.,NothrotheriopsandMegatherium. Many cranial characters support this idea; howeverHapalopsis not merely a smaller antecedent of the later forms. Specifically,Hapalopsretains short anterior caniniform teeth, and a temporomandibular joint elevated above the cheek tooth row; a combination distinct among sloths. An elevated temporomandibular joint occurs inBradypus, a tree sloth with anterior chisel-shaped teeth instead of caniniforms, and the tree slothCholoepus,which is aligned with the megalonychids, has anterior caniniforms.Hapalopshas an elongated zygomatic ascending process that is reminiscent of that inBradypus;however, theBradypusskull is extremely foreshortened while that ofHapalopsis elongated, as in nothrotheres, but not deepened as in megatheres. Previous work identified many sloth cranial character complexes, and functional limitations on skull feature combinations. The uniqueHapalopscharacter patterns indicate a selective feeder with a mediolaterally oriented grinding stroke during mastication.
Compound data sets and software tools for chemoinformatics and medicinal chemistry applications: update and data transfer
Authors: Hu Ye , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: June 2014

In 2012, we reported 30 compound data sets and/or programs developed in our laboratory in a data article and made them freely available to the scientific community to support chemoinformatics and computational medicinal chemistry applications. These data sets and computational tools were provided for download from our website. Since publication of this data article, we have generated 13 new data sets with which we further extend our collection of publicly available data and tools. Due to changes in web servers and website architectures, data accessibility has recently been limited at times. Therefore, we have also transferred our data sets and tools to a public repository to ensure full and stable accessibility. To aid in data selection, we have classified the data sets according to scientific subject areas. Herein, we describe new data sets, introduce the data organization scheme, summarize the database content and provide detailed access information in ZENODO (doi: 10.5281/zenodo.8451 and doi:10.5281/zenodo.8455).
Spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome type 1 with dystonia: a case report and discussion of the literature
Authors: Voet Caroline , le Polain de Waroux Bernard , Forget Patrice , Deumens Ronald , Masquelier Etienne
Published: June 2014

Background: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) is a debilitating chronic pain disorder, the physiopathology of which can lead to dystonia associated with changes in the autonomic, central and peripheral nervous system. An interdisciplinary approach (pharmacological, interventional and psychological therapies in conjunction with a rehabilitation pathway) is central to progress towards pain reduction and restoration of function.

Aim: This case report aims to stimulate reflection and development of mechanism-based therapeutic strategies concerning CRPS associated with dystonia.

Case description: A 31 year old female CRPS-1 patient presented with dystonia of the right foot following ligamentoplasty for chronic ankle instability. She did not have a satisfactory response to the usual therapies. Multiple anesthetic blocks (popliteal, epidural and intrathecal) were not associated with significant anesthesia and analgesia. Mobilization of the foot by a physiotherapist was not possible. A multidisciplinary approach with psychological support, physiotherapy and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) brought pain relief, rehabilitation and improvement in the quality of life.

Conclusion: The present case report demonstrates the occurrence of multilevel (peripheral and central) pathological modifications in the nervous system of a CRPS-1 patient with dystonia. This conclusion is based on the patient’s pain being resistant to anesthetic blocks at different levels and the favourable, at least initially, response to SCS. The importance of the bio-psycho-social model is also suggested, permitting behavioural change.
Congenital duplication of the urethra with urethral diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Shah Darshan H , Ganpule Arvind P , Sabnis Ravindra B , Desai Mahesh R
Published: June 2014

Duplication of the urethra is a rare congenital anomaly. Urethral duplication with the presence of diverticulum is a rare combination and to the best of our knowledge has  not been previously reported. We report a case of a 16 month old male child with duplication of the urethra and diverticulum arising from the ventral urethra. We also cover the intricacies and challenges in the management of such a case.

The opening of the narrowed accessory dorsal urethra at the verumontanum was cauterized and gradually the dorsal urethra became atrophied. The ventral urethral diverticulum was excised. This case is unique due to:

The unusual presentation of swelling over the dorsum of the penis, together with duplication of the urethra with diverticulum.

The use of cauterization as a treatment modality. Cauterization of the ventral urethra with a Bugbee electrode and diverticulectomy was performed. A glidewire helped in identifying the small opening of the dorsal urethra at the level of the verumontanum.

 The case also highlights the importance of endoscopic management of this clinical entity.
The ‘SAR Matrix’ method and its extensions for applications in medicinal chemistry and chemogenomics
Authors: Gupta-Ostermann Disha , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: June 2014

We describe the ‘Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Matrix’ (SARM) methodology that is based upon a special two-step application of the matched molecular pair (MMP) formalism. The SARM method has originally been designed for the extraction, organization, and visualization of compound series and associated SAR information from compound data sets. It has been further developed and adapted for other applications including compound design, activity prediction, library extension, and the navigation of multi-target activity spaces. The SARM approach and its extensions are presented here in context to introduce different types of applications and provide an example for the evolution of a computational methodology in pharmaceutical research.
A Fully Sequential Elimination Procedure for Indifference-Zone Ranking and Selection with Tight Bounds on Probability of Correct Selection
Authors: Frazier Peter I.
Published: June 2014

We consider the indifference-zone (IZ) formulation of the ranking and selection problem with independent normal samples. In this problem, we must use stochastic simulation to select the best among several noisy simulated systems, with a statistical guarantee on solution quality. Existing IZ procedures sample excessively in problems with many alternatives, in part because loose bounds on probability of correct selection lead them to deliver solution quality much higher than requested. Consequently, existing IZ procedures are seldom considered practical for problems with more than a few hundred alternatives. To overcome this, we present a new sequential elimination IZ procedure, called BIZ (Bayes-inspired indifference zone), whose lower bound on worst-case probability of correct selection in the preference zone is tight in continuous time, and nearly tight in discrete time. To the author's knowledge, this is the first sequential elimination procedure with tight bounds on worst-case preference-zone probability of correct selection for more than two alternatives. Theoretical results for the discrete-time case assume that variances are known and have an integer multiple structure, but the BIZ procedure itself can be used when these assumptions are not met. In numerical experiments, the sampling effort used by BIZ is significantly smaller than that of another leading IZ procedure, the KN procedure, especially on the largest problems tested (214= 16,384 alternatives).
Heterotopic intra-abdominal ossification in a complex ventral hernia defect
Authors: Obeid A. , Sarhane K.A. , Berjaoui T. , Abiad F.
Published: June 2014

Heterotopic ossification, an entity common in orthopaedic practice frequently involving the hip, knee or other joints, is rarely encountered in abdominal wounds and mesentery. This unusual condition, referred to as mesenteric ossification, is typically associated with intra-abdominal catastrophes. Surgical repair following such catastrophes has always been a challenge as the abdominal wall architecture is frequently distorted by the multiple laparotomies previously performed. In addition, the presence of several enterocutaneous fistulae further compounds the reconstruction approach, especially when mesh material is planned for use. We report a case of intra-abdominal heterotopic ossification with mesenteric involvement after a penetrating injury to the abdomen, followed by multiple laparotomies that ended in a complex abdominal wall hernia with major loss of domain, and multiple enterocutaneous fistulae. The patient was treated with resection of the bony deposits from the abdominal wound and cavity, along with excision of the fistula sites. This was followed by a component separation technique and the use of a biologic mesh graft to reconstruct the abdominal wall.
Neuromuscular blocking agents — what does a nurse need to know?
Authors: Soar Kylie L
Published: June 2014

The need for clarification of what is relevant to nurses is required in order for the veterinary nurse to be able to proceed with involvement of patients using neuromuscular blocking agents (NBAs). Available veterinary literature provides information that nurses do not necessarily require, such as the pharmacological compounds of NBAs and ultimately most do not focus on the nursing side of using NBAs, such as ventilation requirements, heating aids and monitoring equipment required. This article highlights what nurses are required to be aware of when participating in NBA use, providing a condensed nursing perspective.
What It's Like to Grow Older: The Aging Perceptions of People With an Intellectual Disability in Ireland
Authors: Burke Eilish , McCarron Mary , Carroll Rachael , McGlinchey Eimear , McCallion Philip
Published: June 2014

The Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing is a national longitudinal study on the aging of people with an intellectual disability (ID) using a randomly selected sample of people with ID over the age of 40. In total, 367 people with an ID completed the aging perception self-report only section. Over 57% of people described their health as very good to excellent with no significant difference in health perceptions found for gender, level of ID, or living circumstance. Exploring people's perceptions utilizing PASW Text Analytics for Surveys 4.1 perceptions often supported negative views of the consequences of aging. These findings suggest challenging negative aging concepts is essential to promote positivity with associated improved health and wellbeing.
The ‘terrorism’ frame in ‘neo-Orientalism’: Western news and the Sunni–Shia Muslim sectarian relations after 9/11
Authors: Douai Aziz , Lauricella Sharon
Published: June 2014

Sunni–Shia relations have become a topic of significant media attention; this attention is largely due to the tendency of these groups to engage in sectarian strife as well as the Islamic Shia sect’s influential rise in world politics. The inter-Islamic sectarian relations are part of extensive reporting on upheaval events currently taking place in the Greater Middle East in the post 9/11 decade. This study analyses ten years of news coverage of the Sunni–Shia relations in the Canadian Globe and Mail and the US-based Washington Post. Results indicate that rather than contextualizing sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia Islam, this media coverage overwhelmingly frames the tensions from the ‘war on terrorism’ perspective. This article argues that ‘neo-Orientalist’ discourses and propagandist perspectives have become routinized and more prevalent in the manner in which Western media represents Islam, privileging dominant discourses and ‘war on terrorism’ frames.
Modeling the Effects of the Quantity and Particle Size of Wheat Bran on Some Properties of Bread Dough using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Majzoobi Mahsa , Pashangeh Safoora , Aminlari Ladan , Farahnaky Asgar
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to find empirical models for some properties of bread dough as a function of bran concentration and particle size using D-Optimal made by Design Expert Software. Wheat flour was replaced with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% (w/w, flour basis) wheat bran at particle sizes of 170, 280, 425 and 750 μm. Increasing bran concentration and particle size enhanced dough water absorption. Dough arrival and development times increased, while dough stability time, tolerance to mixing and volume rising decreased as the bran particle size and concentration increased. The dough became darker, more reddish and yellower with increasing bran concentration and particle size. Dough hardness increased while cohesiveness decreased with addition of bran concentration and particle size. In general, strong correlations between dough properties with bran quantity and particle size were established. Bran concentration had stronger effect on dough properties compared to its particle size.
Advances in understanding the transformation of engineered nanoparticles in the environment
Authors: Nick Setare Tahmasebi , Bolandi Ali , Samuels Tova A. , Obare Sherine O.
Published: June 2014

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are known to possess unique size and shape dependent chemical and physical properties. As a result of their properties, ENPs have been effective in several important applications including catalysis, sensor design, photonics, electronics, medicine, and the environmental remediation of toxic pollutants. Such properties and applications have led to an increase in the manufacture of ENPs and a rise in their presence in consumer products. The increase of ENPs in consumer products presents several opportunities and challenges, and necessitates a proactive study of their health and safety. This article highlights some recent work in which we have studied the effect of exposure of well-defined ENPs to pesticides and the effect of pH and dissolved organic matter. We also summarize our work and that of others who have studied the toxicity of ENPs with microorganisms. The results provide insights on the need for green manufacturing strategies of ENPs, their use and safe disposal practices.
Experimental Investigation on Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Characteristics of Air Flow over A Staggered Flat Tube Bank in Crossflow
Authors: Ishak M. , Tahseen Tahseen Ahmad , Rahman Md. Mustafizur
Published: June 2014

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of air flow in a staggered flat tube bank in crossflow with laminarforced convection. Measurements were conducted for sixteen tubes in the direction of flow and four tubes in rows. The air velocity varies between 0.6–1.0 m/s and the Reynolds number varied from 373 to 623. The total heat flux supplied in all tubes are changed from 967.92 to 3629.70 W/m2 . The results indicate that the average Nusselt number for all the flat tubes increased by 11.46–46.42%, with the Reynolds numbers varying from 373 to 623 at the fixed heat flux. The average Nusselt number increased by 21.39–84%, and the total heat flux varyied between 967.92–3629.70 W/m2 with a constant Reynolds number Re = 498. In addition, the pressure drop decreased with an increase in the Reynolds number. A new mean Nusselt number-Reynolds number correlation was found, and the correlation yielded good predictions for the measured data with a confidence interval of 98.9%.
The onset time of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) depends on AIT type
Authors: Tomisti Luca , Rossi Giuseppe , Bartalena Luigi , Martino Enio , Bogazzi Fausto
Published: June 2014

Objective

Considering the different pathogenic mechanisms of the two main forms of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT), we ascertained whether this results in a different onset time as well.

Design and methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 200 consecutive AIT patients (157 men and 43 women; mean age 62.2±12.6 years) referred to our Department from 1987 to 2012. The onset time of AIT was defined as the time elapsed from the beginning of amiodarone therapy and the first diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, expressed in months. Factors associated with the onset time of AIT were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The median onset time of thyrotoxicosis was 3.5 months (95% CI 2–6 months) in patients with type 1 AIT (AIT1) and 30 months (95% CI 27–32 months,P<0.001) in those with type 2 AIT (AIT2). Of the total number of patients, 5% with AIT1 and 23% with AIT2 (P=0.007) developed thyrotoxicosis after amiodarone withdrawal. Factors affecting the onset time of thyrotoxicosis were the type of AIT and thyroid volume (TV).

Conclusions

The different pathogenic mechanisms of the two forms of AIT account for different onset times of thyrotoxicosis in the two groups. Patients with preexisting thyroid abnormalities (candidate to develop AIT1) may require a stricter follow-up during amiodarone therapy than those usually recommended. In AIT1, the onset of thyrotoxicosis after amiodarone withdrawal is rare, while AIT2 patients may require periodic tests for thyroid function longer after withdrawing amiodarone.
Development of Guidelines for Skeletal Survey in Young Children With Fractures
Authors: Wood Joanne N. , Fakeye Oludolapo , Feudtner Chris , Mondestin Valerie , Localio Russell , Rubin David M.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To develop guidelines for performing initial skeletal survey (SS) in children <24 months old with fractures, based on available evidence and collective judgment of experts from diverse pediatric specialties.

METHODS:

Following the Rand/UCLA Method, a multispecialty panel of 13 experts applied evidence from a literature review combined with their own expertise in rating the appropriateness of performing an SS for 525 clinical scenarios involving fractures in children <24 months old. After discussion on the initial ratings, panelists rerated SS appropriateness for 240 revised scenarios and deemed that SSs were appropriate in 191 scenarios. The panelists then assessed in which of those 191 scenarios SSs were not only appropriate, but also necessary.

RESULTS:

Panelists agreed that SS is “appropriate” for 191 (80%) of 240 scenarios rated and “necessary” for 175 (92%) of the appropriate scenarios. Skeletal survey is necessary if a fracture is attributed to abuse, domestic violence, or being hit by a toy. With few exceptions, SS is necessary in children without a history of trauma. In children <12 months old, SS is necessary regardless of the fracture type or reported history, with rare exceptions. In children 12 to 23 months old, the necessity of obtaining SS is dependent on fracture type.

CONCLUSIONS:

A multispecialty panel reached agreement on multiple clinical scenarios for which initial SS is indicated in young children with fractures, allowing for synthesis of clinical guidelines with the potential to decrease disparities in care and increase detection of abuse.
Prevalence and possible causes of hypospadias
Authors: Ságodi László , Kiss Ákos , Kiss-Tóth Emőke , Barkai László
Published: June 2014

Hypospadias is the most common congenital malformation of the male external genitalia. After the heart and circulatory system, it is the second most common developmental disorder in males. It is due to a midline fusion defect of the male urethra, which results in a misplaced urethral meatus. Hypospadias may be distal, medial and proximal. It may occur as an isolated defect or it may develop together with other genital disorders (retention of testes in one or both sides, microphallus, bifid scrotum) or with malformation of other organs. In some cases syndromic forms may also occur. Genetic factors play a crucial role in the occurrence of early developmental defect, but endocrine and environmental factors may also be important in the aetiology of hypospadias. It may be associated with various sex and autosomal chromosomal abnormalities. Monogenic and chromosomal causes of hypospadias accounts for about in 30% of all cases, while genetic factors remain unknown in 70% of cases. The authors summarize the development of the male external genitalia, the prevalence and possible causes of hypospadias. They propose that better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease may contribute to the prevention and decreased prevalence of the disease. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(25), 978–985.
Discriminating between behaviour using market data from panels
Authors: Tsao Hsiu-Yuan , Pitt Leyland , Campbell Colin
Published: June 2014

Considerable research exists on stochastic models of switching behaviour that uses sequences of individual-level purchase data. While at the individual level, sample size and sequence length are limiting factors, at the aggregate level, heterogeneity with respect to purchase sequences may assist in interpreting results. The authors propose an approach to discriminate between the switching behaviour of variety seeking, indifference and reinforcement. Only the proportion of 100% loyal customers, market share data and an estimation of the promotional effect -information all available from consumer panel data - are necessary to fit the model.
An Acceleration Slip Regulation Strategy for Four-Wheel Drive Electric Vehicles Based on Sliding Mode Control
Authors: He Hongwen , Peng Jiankun , Xiong Rui , Fan Hao
Published: June 2014

This paper presents an acceleration slip regulation (ASR) system for four-wheel drive (4WD) electric vehicles, which are driven by the front and rear axles simultaneously. The ASR control strategy includes three control modes: average distribution of inter-axle torque, optimal distribution of inter-axle torque and independent control of optimal slip rate, respectively, which are designed based on the torque adaptive principle of inter-axle differential and sliding mode control theory. Furthermore, in order to accurately describe the longitudinal tyre force characteristic, a slip rate calculation formula in the form of a state equation was used for solving the numerical problem posed by the traditional way. A simulation was carried out with the MATLAB/Simulink software. The simulation results show that the proposed ASR system can fully use the road friction condition, inhibit the drive-wheels from slipping, and improve the vehicle longitudinal driving stability.
Feasibility and Safety of Intra-arterial Pericyte Progenitor Cell Delivery following Mannitol-Induced Transient Blood-Brain Barrier Opening in a Canine Model
Authors: Youn Sung Won , Jung Keun-Hwa , Chu Kon , Lee Jong-Young , Lee Soon-Tae , Bahn Jae-Jun , Park Dong-Kyu , Yu Jung-Suk , Kim So-Yun , Kim Manho , Lee Sang Kun , Han Moon-Hee , Roh Jae-Kyu
Published: June 2014

Stem cell therapy is currently being studied with a view to rescuing various neurological diseases. Such studies require not only the discovery of potent candidate cells but also the development of methods that allow optimal delivery of those candidates to the brain tissues. Given that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) precludes cells from entering the brain, the present study was designed to test whether hyperosmolar mannitol securely opens the BBB and enhances intra-arterial cell delivery. A noninjured normal canine model in which the BBB was presumed to be closed was used to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the tested protocol. Autologous adipose tissue-derived pericytes with platelet-derived growth factor receptor β positivity were utilized. Cells were administered 5 min after mannitol pretreatment using one of following techniques: ( 1 ) bolus injection of a concentrated suspension, ( 2 ) continuous infusion of a diluted suspension, or ( 3 ) bolus injection of a concentrated suspension that had been shaken by repeated syringe pumping. Animals administered a concentrated cell suspension without mannitol pretreatment served as a control group. Vital signs, blood parameters, neurologic status, and major artery patency were kept stable throughout the experiment and the 1-month posttreatment period. Although ischemic lesions were noted on magnetic resonance imaging in several mongrel dogs with concentrated cell suspension, the injection technique using repeated syringe shaking could avert this complication. The cells were detected in both ipsilateral and contralateral cortices and were more frequent at the ipsilateral and frontal locations, whereas very few cells were observed anywhere in the brain when mannitol was not preinjected. These data suggest that intra-arterial cell infusion with mannitol pretreatment is a feasible and safe therapeutic approach in stable brain diseases such as chronic stroke.
Access to Personalized Medicine: Factors Influencing the Use and Value of Gene Expression Profiling in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Bombard Y. , Rozmovits L. , Trudeau M. , Leighl N.B. , Deal K. , Marshall D.A.
Published: June 2014

Genomic information is increasingly being used to personalize health care. One example is gene expression profiling (gep) tests, which estimate recurrence risk to inform chemotherapy decisions in breast cancer. Recently, gep tests were publicly funded in Ontario. We explored the perceived utility of gep tests, focusing on the factors influencing their use and value in treatment decision-making by patients and oncologists. Methods: We conducted interviews with oncologists (n = 14) and interviews and a focus group with early-stage breast cancer patients (n = 28) who underwent gep testing. Both groups were recruited through oncology clinics in Ontario. Data were analyzed using the content analysis and constant comparison techniques. Results: Narratives from patients and oncologists provided insights into various factors facilitating and restricting access to gep. First, oncologists are positioned as gatekeepers of gep, providing access in medically appropriate cases. However, varying perceptions of appropriateness led to perceived inequities in access and negative impacts on the doctor–patient relationship. Second, media attention facilitated patient awareness of gep, but also complicated gatekeeping. Third, the dedicated administration attached to gep was burdensome and led to long waits for results and also to increased patient anxiety and delayed treatment. Collectively, because of barriers to access, those factors inadvertently heightened the perceived value of gep for patients relative to other prognostic indicators. Conclusions: Our study delineates the factors facilitating and restricting access to gep, and highlights the roles of media and organization of services in the perceived value and utilization of gep. The results identify a need for administrative changes and practice guidelines to support streamlined and standardized use of gep tests.
Hormonal Manipulation with Letrozole in the Treatment of Metastatic Malignant pecoma
Authors: Le P. , Garg A. , Brandao G. , Abu-Sanad A. , Panasci L.
Published: June 2014

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumours (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal tumours. Some have a benign course; others metastasize. Treatment of malignant PEComas is challenging, and little is known about treatment for patients with metastatic disease. Here, we report a case of metastatic malignant PEComa with estrogen and progesterone receptor expression that showed a favourable and sustained response to letrozole.
La adaptación de la forma a las cargas en el arte estructural: desde las pilas y el arco, a la torre
Authors: Serrano-López R. , Mínguez-Algarra J. , Cambronero-Barrientos F. , Saldaña-Arce D.
Published: June 2014

La forma de la Torre Eiffel ha sido varias veces analizada, buscando relaciones físicas y matemáticas. Este artículo pretende abordar este análisis desde un punto de vista diferente, la evolución histórica y secuencial del diseño a lo largo de la trayectoria de la empresa de Eiffel. De esta manera, puede comprobarse la relación entre la experiencia acumulada en diferentes obras y técnicos. Se intenta además atribuir los méritos que corresponden a todos los colaboradores de Eiffel a lo largo de esos años. En definitiva, se contrasta y corrobora de esta manera a la solución final de la Torre como un magnífico ejemplo de arte estructural, como ya ha sido descrito en otras ocasiones.