bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Endothelial Markers Define Novel Subsets of Cancer-Specific Circulating Endothelial Cells Associated with Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Mehran Reza , Nilsson Monique , Khajavi Mehrdad , Du Zhiqiang , Cascone Tina , Wu Hua Kang , Cortes Andrea , Xu Li , Zurita Amado , Schier Robert , Riedel Bernhard , El-Zein Randa , Heymach John V.
Published: March 2014

Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) are derived from multiple sources, including bone marrow (circulating endothelial progenitors; CEP), and established vasculature (mature CEC). Although CECs have shown promise as a biomarker for patients with cancer, their utility has been limited, in part, by the lack of specificity for tumor vasculature and the different nonmalignant causes that can impact CEC. Tumor endothelial markers (TEM) are antigens enriched in tumor versus nonmalignant endothelia. We hypothesized that TEMs may be detectable on CEC and that these circulating TEM+ endothelial cells (CTEC) may be a more specific marker for cancer and tumor response than standard CEC. We found that tumor-bearing mice had a relative increase in numbers of circulating CTEC, specifically with increased levels of TEM7 and TEM8 expression. Following treatment with various vascular-targeting agents, we observed a decrease in CTEC that correlated with the reductions in tumor growth. We extended these findings to human clinical samples and observed that CTECs were present in patients with esophageal cancer and non–small cell lung cancer (N = 40), and their levels decreased after surgical resection. These results demonstrate that CTECs are detectable in preclinical cancer models and patients with cancer. Furthermore, they suggest that CTECs offer a novel cancer-associated marker that may be useful as a blood-based surrogate for assessing the presence of tumor vasculature and antiangiogenic drug activity. Cancer Res; 74(10); 2731–41. ©2014 AACR.
Circulating MicroRNAs and the Occurrence of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Chinese Populations
Authors: Huang Suli , Chen Mu , Li Lu , He Mei’an , Hu Die , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Jun , Tanguay Robert M. , Feng Jing , Cheng Longxian , Zeng Hesong , Dai Xiayun , Deng Qifei , Hu Frank B. , Wu Tangchun
Published: March 2014

Background—

Circulating microRNAs ( miRNAs) are emerging as novel disease biomarkers. We aimed to explore the association between circulating miRNAs and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chinese populations.

Methods and Results—

In the discovery stage, the plasma of 20 patients with AMI and 20 controls were pooled respectively and profiled by massively parallel sequencing. Seventy-seven miRNAs showed differential expression. Selected miRNAs were validated in 178 patients with AMI and 198 controls using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays and further replicated in 150 patients with AMI and 150 controls. Results suggest that miR-320b and miR-125b levels were significantly lower in patients with AMI than in controls in both validation populations (
P
<0.0001). Lower levels of miR-320b and miR-125b were associated with increased occurrence of AMI (adjusted odds ratio, 4.71; 95% confidence interval, 2.96–7.48 and odds ratio, 4.27; 95% confidence interval, 2.84–6.41, respectively). Addition of the 2 miRNAs to traditional risk factors led to a significant improvement in the area under the curve from 0.822 (95% confidence interval, 0.787–0.856) to 0.871 (95% confidence interval, 0.842–0.900), with a net reclassification improvement of 20.45% (
P
<0.0001) and an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.16 (
P
<0.0001) for patients with AMI. A functional study showed that miR-320b and miR-125b could regulate the expression profiles of genes enriched in several signal transduction pathways critical for coronary heart disease in human vascular endothelial cells.

Conclusions—

The plasma levels of miR-320b and miR-125b were significantly lower in patients with AMI when compared with controls, and these miRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease.
Time Course of Early Postadmission Hematoma Expansion in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Ovesen Christian , Christensen Anders Fogh , Krieger Derk W. , Rosenbaum Sverre , Havsteen Inger , Christensen Hanne
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose—

Early hematoma expansion (EHE) in patients with intracerebral hematoma is a promising treatment target. To date, the time course of EHE has remained poorly described. We prospectively investigated the time course of EHE.

Methods—

We included consecutive patients presenting spontaneous intracerebral hematoma within 4.5 hours. On admission, patients underwent noncontrast computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography. Serial hematoma volume estimations by transcranial B-mode ultrasound were effected through the contralateral transtemporal bone window by obtaining sagittal, transversal, and coronal diameter and calculating the ABC/2-formula. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and transcranial B-mode ultrasound were performed consecutively every 30 minutes during the first 6 hours and from 6 to 12 hours every 2 hours. Follow-up CT and ultrasound were performed after ≈24 hours.

Results—

Twenty-five patients with intracerebral hematoma were included; mean (SD) time from onset to CT was 108.6 (45.7) minutes. Ten (40%) patients had EHE. In patients with a final clinically significant hematoma expansion >12.5 mL, all EHE occurred within 6 hours after admission scan. EHE in spot sign positive patients continued during the first 5 hours after CT angiography. In spot sign–negative patients, no significant EHE was observed (Friedman test,
P
=0.476). Neurological deterioration occurred in 5 (20%) patients and was well temporally correlated with EHE. Transcranial B-mode ultrasound demonstrated good volume estimation compared with the follow-up CT with a maximum absolute volume deviation within 7 mL and minimal systematic error (mean deviation, 1.3 [confidence interval, −0.1 to 2.6] mL).

Conclusions—

EHE was reliably reflected by transcranial B-mode ultrasound and mainly occurred within the first 7 to 8 hours after symptom onset.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01472224.
“Great Pride and Insolence”: Spiritual Justifications for Violence in the Pequot War
Authors: Slater Sandra
Published: March 2014

In 1637 a coalition of soldiers from Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, and allied natives attacked the Pequot fortification at Mystic, Connecticut culminating in the deliberate incineration of hundreds of Pequot men, women, and children. As part of the larger Pequot War (1636–37), the incident at Fort Mystic represents a distinctly “Puritan” moment of heightened aggression grounded in Puritan beliefs of humility and pride. Over the course of the 1630s the Puritans increasingly associated the entire Pequot nation with a myriad of sins, including pride, insolence, and an unwillingness to submit to the Christian God. This behavior was categorically opposed to Puritan expectations of Christian behavior that demanded humility. Puritans believed that when humble, God would intervene on one’s behalf, thus rewarding humility in the face of God’s greatness. The destruction of the Pequot was divine retribution on behalf of the godly against the sin of pride in the Pequot nation.
High diversity of Drosophilidae (Insecta, Diptera) in the Pampas Biome of South America, with descriptions of new Rhinoleucophenga species
Authors: POPPE JEAN LUCAS , SCHMITZ HERMES JOSÉ , GRIMALDI DAVID , DA SILVA VALENTE VERA LÚCIA
Published: March 2014

In the last three decades some faunal surveys of Drosophilidae have been done in several environments in the Neotropical region, especially in Brazil. But approximately 30 to 50% of the drosophilids in Brazil have not yet been described, and the degradation of some biomes causes a profound loss of species diversity, as well as the loss of information about the present structureof their communities. This is the situation with the pampas biome, which covers southernmost Brazil, all of Uruguay, and the central region of eastern Argentina. For the present study, seasonal collections were made in a natural area of pampas within the limits of the municipality of Bossoroca in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (28°45’01”S 54°56’55”W), from April 2011 to April 2012. A total of 7,164 drosophilids of 51 species were collected, comprising 36 species belonging to Drosophila Fallén, ten of Rhinoleucophenga Hendel, two of Amiota Loew, two of Zygothrica Wiedemann and one of Zaprionus Coquillett. Some species were recorded for the first time in pampas: Drosophila briegeri Pavan & Breuer, D. fuscolineata Duda, Rhinoleucophenga obesa (Loew), R. punctulata Duda, R. subradiata Duda and Zygothrica orbitalis (Sturtevant). Furthermore, three new species of genus Rhinoleucophenga were described: R. pampeana sp. nov., R. missionera sp. nov. and R. sulina sp. nov. A dichotomous key is given for the Rhinoleucophenga species recorded in pampas. An intensive literature search is reviewed of drosophilid species recorded in pampas of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, including taxonomic, genetic, evolutionary, and ecological studies. Despite Brazilian pampas being the richest when compared with Uruguay and Argentina, the three countries presented the same problem: huge areas with a barely surveyed Drosophilidae fauna. The combination of this information and the knowledge of the current state of preservation of pampas stress the necessity and importance of creating new conservation areas to preserve the natural biodiversity of pampas.
Diversity of Indo-West Pacific Siphonaria (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Euthyneura)
Authors: DAYRAT BENOÎT , GOULDING TRICIA C. , WHITE TRACY R.
Published: March 2014

Species of the limpet genus Siphonaria (Gastropoda: Euthyneura) are commonly found in the rocky intertidal, worldwide, except in the Arctic. In total, 205 species-group names are available and not permanently invalid. However, estimating the actual species diversity of Siphonaria has remained challenging, mainly because past authors have interpreted differently the variation of shell characters, resulting in different taxonomic accounts. Species diversity of Siphonaria is evaluated for the first time here based on DNA sequence data (three mitochondrial gene fragments: COI, 12S, and 16S) and a large sampling focusing on the tropical and subtropical Indo-West Pacific (from eastern Africa to Hawaii): new sequences are provided for 153 individuals, 123 of which were collected from 93 locations throughout the Indo-West Pacific. In total, 41 species (molecular units) are recognized worldwide (31 from the Indo-West Pacific), all of which are strongly supported. Potential names are discussed for those 41 species, based on traditional taxonomy. The shells of 66 of the individuals from which DNA was extracted are illustrated: intra- and inter-specific variation is documented in detail and discussed in the light of new molecular results. It is shown that many species could hardly be identified based on the shell only, because the variation of shell characters is too high and overlaps between species. Geographically, no species is found across the entire Indo-West Pacific, where quite a few species seem to be endemic to restricted areas. The biogeography of Siphonaria in the Indo-West Pacific is compared to other groups.
Perlidae (Plecoptera) from Southeastern Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil
Authors: NOVAES MARCOS CARNEIRO , BISPO PITÁGORAS DA CONCEIÇÃO
Published: March 2014

Seven species of Perlidae (Plecoptera) from southeastern Santa Catarina State, (Brazil) were studied: Anacroneuria fiorentini De Ribeiro & Froehlich, A. ofaye Froehlich, A. trimacula Jewett, Kempnyia mirim Froehlich, K. neotropica (Jacobson & Bianchi), and K. tenebrosa Klapálek. A new species, A. xokleng is also described.
Effect of Mandibular Tori on Glottic Exposure During Simulated Suspension Microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Best Simon R. , Kobler James B. , Friedman Aaron D. , Barbu Anca M. , Zeitels Steven M. , Burns James A.
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

Mandibular tori have been identified as a contributing factor in difficult exposure during intubation. However, no investigation has measured the effect of mandibular tori on glottic exposure during suspension microlaryngoscopy (SML). The objective of this study was to measure how the size and location of mandibular tori affect glottic exposure during simulated SML at different thyromental distances.

Methods:

Suspension microlaryngoscopy was modeled on an anatomically accurate skull and larynx with thyromental distances between 6 and 12 cm. Mandibular tori were simulated by protruding screws 5 to 15 mm from the lingual aspect of the mandible. The tori were positioned either 15 mm (anterior) or 25 mm (posterior) from the midline of the symphysis. The glottic exposure for the various-size tori in each location was measured by recording the displacement of the glottiscope tip relative to the most anterior exposure achievable without tori. The glottiscope angle relative to the horizontal plane was measured for each condition.

Results:

Mandibular tori of more than 10 mm had a significant impact on glottic exposure. Displacement of the glottiscope tip ranged from 2 to 9 mm for anteriorly placed tori and from 7 to 29 mm for posteriorly placed tori, with larger tori causing greater displacement. Increasing the thyromental distance increased the posterior glottiscope tip displacement regardless of torus size or location. The glottiscope angle increased with larger tori (12º to 28º), but this angle did not change with increasing thyromental distance.

Conclusions:

Larger size and more-posterior location of mandibular tori more significantly reduce glottic exposure during SML. The inner table of the mandible is the most relevant anatomic constraint on glottic exposure, which varies with the presence or absence of mandibular tori independent of thyromental distance.
Arytenoid Repositioning Device
Authors: Hoffman Henry T. , Heaford Andrew C. , Dailey Seth H. , Bock Jonathan M. , Van Daele Douglas J. , Ahlrichs-Hanson Jan S. , Quebbemann Greg J. , Johnson Micaela N. , Boltz Justin E. , Tiedt Sean L.
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

We report development of a device and technique to manage laryngeal paralysis through minimal-access arytenoid adduction (for unilateral paralysis) and arytenoid abduction (for bilateral paralysis).

Methods:

A human cadaver study coupled with directed engineering was used to develop instrumentation designed to secure the muscular process of the arytenoid into favorable adducted or abducted positions. Digital video, photography, and 3-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) imaging of cadaveric larynges were done to evaluate the surgical technique.

Results:

Testing of prototypes identified the ideal implant to be a 0.36-mm wire with a distal spring-wound coil placed through a trocar via a small drill hole in the anterior thyroid cartilage. An endoscopic view of transilluminated light through the pyriform sinus mucosa identified the tip location of the trocar adjacent to the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. Placement of the device through the trocar permitted rotation to engage the muscular process and/or adjacent soft tissue with the distal coil. Implant fixation to the thyroid cartilage positioned the vocal cord into either adduction or abduction. Three-dimensional CT imaging coupled with review of the video documentation established the feasibility of this technique.

Conclusions:

We confirm the feasibility of minimal-access arytenoid adduction and abduction through development of a new technique and device.
Emergent Treatment of Button Batteries in the Esophagus
Authors: Ruhl Douglas S. , Cable Benjamin B. , Rieth Katherine K. S.
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

The evolving epidemiology of pediatric button battery ingestion is alarming. Currently, assessment of the degree of damage relies heavily on the initial esophagoscopy in a manner similar to the management of caustic ingestion. We have noted that use of this classic approach may delay the return to normal oral intake. Using several cases treated at our institution, we illustrate the value of “close second-look esophagoscopy” (CSLE) in expediting a return to normal oral intake after button battery ingestion.

Methods:

We present a retrospective case series.

Results:

Five patients (11 to 18 months of age) with button batteries trapped in the cervical esophagus were recently managed at our institution. The batteries were lodged in the esophagus for durations ranging from 6 hours to 4 months. Three cases of initial grade III circumferential necrotic injury were downgraded to grade IIa after a CSLE performed 2 to 4 days after removal, and their management was appropriately changed.

Conclusions:

The injury and healing of cases of button batteries in the proximal esophagus appear to be variable; caustic injury, electrical mucosal damage, and direct pressure are thought to be several contributory factors. Performing a CSLE within 2 to 4 days after battery removal may provide more useful prognostic information. In certain cases, downgrading of the injury may facilitate an earlier return to an oral diet, use of fewer diagnostic tests, and a shorter hospital stay. The utility and timing of imaging, management of diet and medications, and acceptable follow-up plans are discussed within the context of guiding future research.
Lingual Thyroidectomy
Authors: Howard Brittany E. , Moore Eric J. , Hinni Michael L.
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

We report the clinical findings, surgical management, and outcomes for lingual thyroidectomy.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective case review of lingual thyroidectomy performed at 3 tertiary-care academic referral centers between 1994 and 2012.

Results:

Nine patients underwent lingual thyroidectomy for symptoms including globus sensation (6 patients), dysphagia (5 patients), and airway obstruction (5 patients). Before surgery, 3 patients had attempted medical suppressive therapy. Lingual thyroidectomy was performed by transoral laser microsurgery in 4 patients, transoral robotic surgery in 3 patients, transoral surgery without microscopic assistance in 1 patient, and an open approach with a modified Sistrunk procedure in 1 patient. Total thyroidectomy was attained in 7 patients, and subtotal resection in 2. The follow-up averaged 8 months, and all patients reported significant improvement in their symptoms. One patient had a recurrence. Complications included postoperative bleeding and epiglottic perforation in 1 patient and airway obstruction secondary to angioedema in another patient. There was no significant difference in operative times between transoral laser microsurgery (91 ± 16 minutes) and transoral robotic surgery (109 ± 35 minutes). Transoral surgery without microscopic assistance and open resection had longer operative times (206 and 246 minutes, respectively).

Conclusions:

Surgical resection of lingual thyroid glands achieves significant improvement in patient symptoms, with low rates of recurrence. We favor a total lingual thyroidectomy approach with use of either a microscope or a robotic endoscope for optical assistance.
Gifted Conversations
Authors: Netz Hadar
Published: March 2014

Despite the attested association between giftedness and high verbal abilities, and despite the central role attributed to classroom discourse analysis in educational research, discourse in gifted classes has not received due scholarly attention. This study takes a first step toward filling this gap. This study offers a microanalysis of a corpus of recorded and transcribed interactions from classes of gifted students in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This study focuses on student initiations and on the ways teachers handle these initiations. It is argued that the preponderance of student initiations in the classes observed sets a fertile ground for dialogic discourse to develop. However, student initiations do not guarantee the emergence of dialogic discourse, since teachers sometimes employ instructional practices that hinder its emergence.
Effects of moisture on glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Guzman V Alzamora , Brøndsted P
Published: March 2014

Glass fiber polymer composites are used in wind turbine blades because of their high-specific strength and stiffness, good fatigue properties, and low cost. The wind industry is moving offshore to satisfy economies of scale with larger turbines. High humidity in this environment degrades mechanical performance of wind turbine blades over their lifetime. Here, environmental moisture conditions were simulated by immersing glass fiber-reinforced polymer specimens in salt water for a period of up to 8 years. The mechanical properties of specimens were analyzed before and after immersion to evaluate the degradation mechanisms. Single-fiber tensile testing was also performed at different moisture conditions. The water-diffusion mechanism was studied to quantify the diffusion coefficients as a function of salt concentration, sample geometry, and fiber direction. Three degradation mechanisms were observed: polymer plasticization, fiber stress corrosion, and interface degradation, where the latter was found to be the most detrimental for wind-industry applications.
Class Politics and Migrants: Collective Action among New Migrant Workers in Britain
Authors: Però Davide
Published: March 2014

This article addresses issues of class-based collective action. Through an ethnographic case study examining migrant workers’ political engagements, the article discusses the current relevance of class politics and the role that culture, identity and intersectionality seem to play in it. By focusing on the collective political practices observed among Latin American migrant workers in London, it seeks to contribute to the ‘new sociology of class’, an emerging strand within the discipline which has begun to explore the identity and cultural dimension of class. In particular, it aims to broaden the scope of this strand beyond the individual so as to include the collective and contentious dimension of class and to enhance its sensitivity to new migrants and to the ‘super-diverse’ nature of contemporary society.
Living Apart Relationships in Contemporary Europe: Accounts of Togetherness and Apartness
Authors: Stoilova Mariya , Roseneil Sasha , Crowhurst Isabel , Hellesund Tone , Santos Ana Cristina
Published: March 2014

Drawing on a European cross-national biographical-narrative study of intimate life, this article discusses the complexity of experiences of ‘togetherness’ and ‘apartness’ amongst people in living apart relationships. We explore the five main ways in which interviewees spoke about and understood their current living apart relationships (as: chosen; temporary; transitional; undecided; and unrecognisable), which we argue shows the need for a broader conceptualisation of this form of intimate relationship than is suggested by the established notion of ‘living apart together’. The article points to interviewees’ varying experiences of receiving or being denied recognition and acceptance by others as belonging to a couple, as well as to their differing degrees of desire for, or rebellion against, expectations that living apart relationships should ‘progress’ towards cohabitation.
A Symbolic Landscape for Suburbia
Authors: Kargon Jeremy
Published: March 2014

The embrace of modern architecture by American institutions was historically coincident with many communities’ migration from city centers to suburban environments. This geographic shift, accelerating after World War II, reflected changes in widely held attitudes toward landscape as well as toward architecture. Jewish American groups were especially active in this transition. A useful case study is a design for Baltimore’s Chizuk Amuno congregation, which in 1954 began planning a suburban campus with New York architect Daniel Schwartzman. Among the congregation’s initial requests was a proposal for a “Hebrew Culture Garden,” inspired by Cleveland’s ensemble of public ethnic-cultural gardens dating to the 1920s. Chizuk Amuno’s garden project was never realized, but its design and development throughout the planning process illustrate changing sensibilities about public space, cultural consumption, and the balance between religious and secular identities.
A New Gnosticism: Why Simon Gathercole and Mark Goodacre on the Gospel of Thomas Change the Field
Authors: Denzey Lewis Nicola
Published: March 2014

This review article applauds Simon Gathercole and Mark Goodacre for presenting strong arguments in favour of the dependence of the Gospel of Thomas on the Synoptic Gospels. Their shared emphasis on Thomas as a second-century text drawing on Synoptic tradition does, nevertheless, raise wider questions about the author’s aims and the purpose of the text, whose series of sayings were probably intended as a medium to unlock the secrets to eternal life. A redaction-critical approach to Thomas can also open up a whole new ﬁeld of questions about its setting and transmission history.
Double Ring Array Catheter for In Vivo Real-Time 3D Ultrasound
Authors: Smith Stephen W. , Gardea Paul , Patel Vivek , Douglas Stephen J. , Wolf Patrick D.
Published: March 2014

We developed new forward-viewing matrix transducers consisting of double ring arrays of 118 total PZT elements integrated into catheters used to deploy medical interventional devices. Our goal is 3D ultrasound guidance of medical device implantation to reduce x-ray fluoroscopy exposure. The double ring arrays were fabricated on inner and outer custom polyimide flexible circuits with inter-element spacing of 0.20 mm and then wrapped around an 11 French (Fr) catheter to produce a 15 Fr catheter (outer diameter [O.D.]). We used a braided cabling technology to connect the elements to the Volumetrics Medical Imaging (VMI) real-time 3D ultrasound scanner. Transducer performance yielded an average −6 dB fractional bandwidth of 49% ± 11% centered at 4.4 MHz for 118 elements. Real-time 3D cardiac scans of the in vivo pig model yielded good image quality including en face views of the tricuspid valve and real-time 3D guidance of an endo-myocardial biopsy catheter introduced into the left ventricle.
Tissue-Mimicking Gel Phantoms for Thermal Therapy Studies
Authors: Dabbagh Ali , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet , Ramasindarum Chanthiriga , Abu Kasim Noor Hayaty
Published: March 2014

Tissue-mimicking phantoms that are currently available for routine biomedical applications may not be suitable for high-temperature experiments or calibration of thermal modalities. Therefore, design and fabrication of customized thermal phantoms with tailored properties are necessary for thermal therapy studies. A multitude of thermal phantoms have been developed in liquid, solid, and gel forms to simulate biological tissues in thermal therapy experiments. This article is an attempt to outline the various materials and techniques used to prepare thermal phantoms in the gel state. The relevant thermal, electrical, acoustic, and optical properties of these phantoms are presented in detail and the benefits and shortcomings of each type are discussed. This review could assist the researchers in the selection of appropriate phantom recipes for their in vitro study of thermal modalities and highlight the limitations of current phantom recipes that remain to be addressed in further studies.
The decline of political Islam’s legitimacy
Authors: Redissi Hamadi
Published: March 2014

The ‘rise’ and ‘decline’ refer to the rationale behind Islamic attractiveness and its rejection. What I intend to write is a narrative based on theoretical intuitions and empirical facts very different from Olivier Roy’s thesis on the ‘failure’ of political Islam (1992) and Asef Bayat’s post-Islamism (1996). My theoretical intuition is that political Islam has for years at best taken advantage of a long-term series of failures. First, there is the failure of modernization, of secularity and of national ideology. Islamist movements transformed this kind of ‘negative legitimacy’ into an electoral success. This is the case with En-Nahdha in Tunisia. Second, however, this electoral legitimacy was rapidly eroded. Third, post-Islamist expectations were not met: political Islam with its radicalism was not cut off and did not digest jihadism and terrorism. It is still worked out by a double-handed attempt: a neo-authoritarian politics and a religious anti-liberal zeal. Now, this project is failing, not because political Islam entered into a ‘post-Islamist’ area but thanks to a strong and heroic resistance of secular civil society.
Early Romantic Relationships Linked With Improved Child Behavior 8 Years Later
Authors: Ratcliffe G. Cole , Norton Aaron M. , Durtschi Jared A.
Published: March 2014

The nature of parents’ romantic relationships has been shown to relate to how parents interact with their children and how their children develop. This study used a subsample of 1,318 couples from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study across 8 years to test Belsky’s model of the determinants of parenting. A dyadic path analysis was used to test the effects of relationship quality on negative child behavior, mediated by positive parental engagement. Results revealed that mothers’ and fathers’ early relationship quality predicted their own parental engagement 2 years into the future. Additionally, mothers’, but not fathers’, positive parental engagement predicted negative child behavior. Last, mothers’ parenting behaviors mediated the relationship between relationship quality and child outcome. The results lend support for clinicians and parent educators to include relationship enhancement programs for the benefit of parents and their children.
Above and below baselines
Authors: Bar-Kalifa Eran , Rafaeli Eshkol
Published: March 2014

The current study tests an explanation inspired by social baseline theory ( Beckes & Coan, 2011 . Social baseline theory: The role of social proximity in emotion and economy of action. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5, 976–988. doi:10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00400) for the mixed blessings associated with received emotional support from one’s partner. We reason that the receipt of emotional support engenders benefits only up to individualized baseline points—that is, support effects will be nonmonotonic. In two dyadic daily-diary samples ( N = 38/80 couples, over 21/35 days, respectively), we used piecewise multilevel modeling, finding support for our hypotheses. Receiving emotional support exceeding one’s baseline was associated with little affective change; receiving emotional support falling short of one’s baseline was consistently associated with worsened moods and relationship feelings. This work highlights the importance of individuals’ baseline levels as reference or comparison points for understanding support’s effects.
Quality end-of-life care for dementia: What have family carers told us so far? A narrative synthesis
Authors: Davies Nathan , Maio Laura , Rait Greta , Iliffe Steve
Published: March 2014

Background:

People with dementia do not always receive good quality end-of-life care, with undertreated pain, aggressive medical interventions and limited access to hospice care being common. Family carers often provide the majority of informal care for people with dementia, therefore may be best placed to comment on quality of care.

Aim:

We explored what quality end-of-life care for dementia is from the perspective of family carers.

Design:

A review of qualitative evidence taking a systematic approach using a narrative synthesis with tabulation, textual description of studies and thematic analysis as tools, following the guidelines from the Economic and Social Research Council.

Data sources:

Keywords and subject headings were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCIE and PsycINFO for studies from 1990 in April 2012 and updated in May 2013. Reference lists were checked and citation searches undertaken.

Results:

Eight studies were included. There was an overarching theme of ‘A family’s belief of death and their choice of treatment’. Three further themes were then identified to explain family carers’ beliefs: the relationship with professionals as a core component of care quality; emotional and commitment pressures of caring and finally, family carers’ ability to think about death and dying.

Conclusion:

It is difficult to define what constitutes high-quality end-of-life care for people with dementia from the perspective of family carers. Their views expressed in the literature appear to demonstrate more variation of preference of care and treatment and their uncertainty of this.
Risk-Prone Pitching Activities and Injuries in Youth Baseball
Authors: Yang Jingzhen , Mann Barton J. , Guettler Joseph H. , Dugas Jeffrey R. , Irrgang James J. , Fleisig Glenn S. , Albright John P.
Published: March 2014

Background:

There are relatively few published epidemiological studies that have correlated pitching-related risk factors with increased pitching-related arm problems as well as injuries.

Hypothesis:

High pitching volume and limited recovery will lead to arm fatigue, thus placing young pitchers at a greater risk for elbow and shoulder problems and, subsequently, an increased risk for arm injuries.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A national survey was conducted among 754 youth pitchers (ages 9 to 18 years) who had pitched in organized baseball leagues during the 12 months before the survey. Self-reported risk-prone pitching activities were identified and compared with recommendations by the American Sports Medicine Institute. Relationships between self-reported pitching activities, shoulder and elbow problems, and injuries were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

Of the 754 participating pitchers, 43.4% pitched on consecutive days, 30.7% pitched on multiple teams with overlapping seasons, and 19.0% pitched multiple games a day during the 12 months before the study. Pitchers who engaged in these activities had increased risk of pitching-related arm pain (odds ratio [OR] = 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-5.60; OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.02-3.38; OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.03-3.49, respectively). Nearly 70% of the sample reported throwing curveballs, which was associated with 1.66 (95% CI = 1.09-2.53) greater odds of experiencing arm pain while throwing. Pitching-related arm tiredness and arm pain were associated with increased risk of pitching-related injuries. Specifically, those who often pitched with arm tiredness and arm pain had 7.88 (95% CI = 3.88-15.99) and 7.50 (95% CI = 3.47-16.21) greater odds of pitching-related injury, respectively. However, pitching on a travel baseball club, playing baseball exclusively, or playing catcher were not associated with arm problems.

Conclusion:

The results of this study, along with those of others, reinforce the importance of avoiding risk-prone pitching activities to prevent pitching-related injuries among youth pitchers.
Return to Sports and Subsequent Injury Rates After Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Autograft
Authors: Shelbourne K. Donald , Benner Rodney W. , Gray Tinker
Published: March 2014

Background:

The return-to-sport and reinjury rates are not well defined after revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Hypothesis:

School-age athletes would have a higher rate of return to sports and reinjury to either knee after revision ACL surgery compared with college or recreational athletes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients were prospectively studied after revision ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft. Participants were grouped by competitive sport levels of school age (mean age, 16.6 ± 0.9 years; n = 84), college (19.6 ± 1.2 years; n = 58), or recreational adult (27.6 ± 4.1 years; n = 117). An activity survey was used to determine the specific sport and sport level patients participated in before and after surgery. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee survey and Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS) survey responses were also obtained.

Results:

The rate of return to the same sport at the same level was 62 of 84 school-age athletes (74%), 43 of 58 college athletes (74%), and 73 of 117 recreational athletes (62%) ( P = .1065). The number of patients who had a subsequent ACL graft tear rate after revision surgery was 2 of 84 (2.3%) in the high school group, 3 of 58 (5.1%) in the college group, and 4 of 117 (3.4%) in the recreational group ( P = .6706). The number of patients who had a subsequent ACL tear in the contralateral knee was 1 of 84 (1.1%) in the school-age group, 1 of 58 (1.7%) in the college group, and 2 of 117 (1.7%) in the recreational group ( P = .9501). At 2 years postoperatively, the mean IKDC subjective total score was 86.1 ± 11.7 points and the mean CKRS total score was 89.7 ± 11.1 points.

Conclusion:

Revision ACL reconstruction with BPTB autograft and perioperative rehabilitation allowed high school and college athletes to return to sports at the preinjury level at a rate of 74%; the return rate for recreational-level adults was 62%. Reinjury rates in the first 5 years after revision surgery ranged from 2% to 5%, which is lower than what has been reported for young competitive athletes after primary surgery.
GIS-based multicriteria municipal solid waste landfill suitability analysis: A review of the methodologies performed and criteria implemented
Authors: Demesouka OE , Vavatsikos AP , Anagnostopoulos KP
Published: March 2014

Multicriteria spatial decision support systems (MC-SDSS) have emerged as an integration of the geographical information systems (GIS) and multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods. GIS-based MCDA allows the incorporation of conflicting objectives and decision maker (DM) preferences into spatial decision models. During recent decades, a variety of research articles have been published regarding the implementation of methods and/or tools in a variety of real-world case studies. The article discusses, in detail, the criteria and methods that are implemented in GIS-based landfill siting suitability analysis and especially the exclusionary and non-exclusionary criteria that can be considered when selecting sites for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. This paper reviews 36 seminal articles in which the evaluation of candidate landfill sites is conducted using MCDA methods. After a brief description of the main components of a MC-SDSS and the applied decision rules, the review focuses on the criteria incorporated into the decision models. The review provides a comprehensive guide to the landfill siting analysis criteria, providing details regarding the utilization methods, their decision or exclusionary nature and their monotonicity.
The Impact of Coproductive Taxpayers’ Supervisory Behaviors on the Job Involvement of Tax Collectors
Authors: Chen Chin-Mei , Lee Pei-Ching , Chou Chien-Heng
Published: March 2014

Citizen coproduction of public services can be a powerful force that influences employee work motivation. However, little research has been conducted to explore what kind of coproductive behaviors can motivate public employees in a positive direction. The two purposes of this article are to explore whether taxpayers would behave as tax collectors’ supervisors during their participation in the production and delivery processes of tax services, and whether such taxpayers’ supervisory behaviors would impact the job involvement of tax collectors. Drawing on the tax collectors of the tax collection agencies in Taipei, Taiwan, the authors first develop a coproductive-taxpayer-as-supervisor measure through focus group interviews and accepted psychometric testing procedures. The measure reveals that tax collectors would perceive taxpayers as their supervisors if taxpayers provide challenges and support to tax collectors. A mail survey further indicates that both taxpayers’ challenge and supportive behaviors are positively related to tax collectors’ job involvement.
Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intention in a Sample of Undergraduate Students in Mainland China
Authors: Lou Zixin , Zeng Guo , Orme John G. , Huang Lujiao , Liu Fang , Pang Xuehong , Kavanagh Katherine F.
Published: March 2014

Background:

Despite the high breastfeeding initiation rate in China (> 90%), the low exclusivity rate is of concern. Some traditional behaviors, combined with increasing popularity of infant formula, may negatively affect future breastfeeding rates. As suggested by the theory of planned behavior, understanding breastfeeding beliefs of young adults may help identify and address misperceptions of future parents, supporting maintenance of the current initiation rate while increasing rates of exclusivity and duration. No research has evaluated these factors among young adults in Mainland China.

Objective:

The objective was to explore any relationships between breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, previous experiences, and future intention among undergraduate students in Mainland China.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted from May to June 2012. A convenience sample of 395 students from a major public university in southwest China participated in the survey.

Results:

Breastfeeding knowledge was moderate (76.7% of total score), and breastfeeding was considered to be painful (34.2%), to make breasts sag (43.1%), and to restrict the freedom of mothers (52.5%). In addition, 58.2% of students reported that they would feel embarrassed if they or their partners were to breastfeed in public, and acceptability of breastfeeding in public was low (34.7%). Three-fourths of the students (75.1%) expressed future breastfeeding intent, though males were more likely to report this intention (ie, to support a partner in breastfeeding) than were females (81.3% vs 71.7%, P = .04).

Conclusion:

To create a more breastfeeding-friendly culture, future research is warranted to explore these negative beliefs about breastfeeding and to counter misunderstandings among future parents in Mainland China.
The Ethiopic ‘Andəmta’ Commentary on Ethiopic Enoch 2 (1 Enoch 6–9)
Authors: Lee Ralph
Published: March 2014

The little-studied corpus of biblical commentary material in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church includes a commentary on the book of Enoch. The commentary tradition reflects the outlook of seventeenth-century Gondar, the then capital of Ethiopia, although it undoubtedly contains much older material. Enoch is an important book in the Ethiopian tradition, with its theology underpinning the interpretation of many other books. This article presents a translation of the commentary on Enoch 6–9, the fallen angels, and the related commentary on Ps. 82(81).7. The commentary views the fallen angels as holy men who fell into temptation, and reflects the strongly ascetic outlook of Ethiopian Christianity. The commentary on Psalm 82 includes reference to a story found in the Midrash ha-Gadol on Genesis raising the question of the influence of Jewish commentary material on the Ethiopian tradition.
Traces of the Targum Sources in Greek Bible Translations in the Hebrew Alphabet
Authors: Sznol Shifra
Published: March 2014

The Constantinople Pentateuch, which includes the Masoretic text and a translation into Judeo-Greek and Ladino, was published in 1547. This edition is the only complete edition we have of the Pentateuch of the Greek Bible in the Hebrew alphabet (GBHA). There are other books and fragments belonging to the same literary corpus. In addition to providing an overview of the main Greek sources of GBHA, the main aim of this article is to recover traces of the Aramaic translations and rabbinic commentaries in this corpus. Identification of such traces is helpful in determining the early sources of the GBHA and its final editing during the early medieval period. Additional support for this thesis is the arrangement of biblical translation readings from this corpus in the Jewish liturgy, as well as its medieval Greek language vocabulary.
Novel quasi-continuous super-twisting high-order sliding mode controllers for output feedback tracking control of robot manipulators
Authors: Van Mien , Kang Hee-Jun , Shin Kyoo-Sik
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a robust output feedback tracking control scheme for uncertain robot manipulators with only position measurements is investigated. First, a quasi-continuous second-order sliding mode (QC2S)-based exact differentiator and super-twisting second-order sliding mode (STW2S) controllers are designed to guarantee finite time convergence. Although the QC2S produces continuous control and less chattering than that of a conventional sliding mode controller and other high-order sliding mode controllers, a large amount of chattering exists when the sliding manifold is defined by the equation [Formula: see text]. To decrease the chattering, an uncertainty observer is used to compensate for the uncertainty effects, and this controller may possess a smaller switching gain. Compared to the QC2S controller, the STW2S has less chattering and tracking error when the system remains on the sliding manifold [Formula: see text]. Therefore, to further eliminate the chattering and obtain a faster transient response and higher tracking precision, we develop a quasi-continuous super-twisting second-order sliding mode controller, which integrates both the merits of QC2S and STW2S controllers. The stability and convergence of the proposed scheme are theoretically demonstrated. Finally, computer simulation results for a PUMA560 robot comparing with conventional QC2S and STW2S controllers are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A qualitative analysis of barriers to accessing HIV/AIDS-related services among newly diagnosed HIV-positive men who have sex with men in China
Authors: Li Haochu (Howard) , Holroyd Eleanor , Li Xiaoming , Lau Joseph
Published: March 2014

Summary

In China, specific HIV/AIDS-related services have been in place since 2004. However, utilisation of these services remains limited among people living with HIV. We explored barriers to accessing HIV/AIDS-related services from the perspective of newly diagnosed HIV-positive men who have sex with men. We conducted repeated in-depth interviews with 31 newly diagnosed HIV-positive men who have sex with men, using the socio-ecological framework and thematic content analysis. Multiple barriers for utilisation of HIV/AIDS-related services were identified, including perceptions of subjective health and poor quality of services, mental and emotional health problems, lack of trust and understanding of the services on offer, low economic status, lack of insurance, and high medical fees, being refused access to services, and restrictive attendance policies. The findings provide information on potential multi-level obstacles preventing newly diagnosed HIV-positive men who have sex with men to use services that they need. It is recommended that policy makers should create a trustful and non-discriminating environment and services integrating physical and mental healthcare.
New search method in digital library image collections: A theoretical inquiry
Authors: Kovács Béla Lóránt , Takács Margit
Published: March 2014

It is a challenge for today’s library practice to make the entities in digital images retrievable according to the users’ demands. In our paper we wish to introduce a new search method which is able to seek certain elements and their environment in the images by applying within them a search in a natural language. One key element of this method is to extend the Dublin Core metadata system by a new qualifier of the description element which helps to enlist the natural language denominations of the elements in the images and the elements’ positions within it. Subsequently, we are able to find certain elements, then calculate and grade the information value of their environment with the help of a modified version of Shannon’s entropy formula. The application of this method enables us to perform further value calculations for certain details within a particular image which makes, further, more efficient searches possible.