bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facial speech gestures: the relation between visual speech processing, phonological awareness, and developmental dyslexia in 10‐year‐olds
Authors: Schaadt Gesa , Männel Claudia , van der Meer Elke , Pannekamp Ann , Friederici Angela D.
Published: October 2015

Successful communication in everyday life crucially involves the processing of auditory and visual components of speech. Viewing our interlocutor and processing visual components of speech facilitates speech processing by triggering auditory processing. Auditory phoneme processing, analyzed by event‐related brain potentials (ERP), has been shown to be associated with impairments in reading and spelling (i.e. developmental dyslexia), but visual aspects of phoneme processing have not been investigated in individuals with such deficits. The present study analyzed the passive visual Mismatch Response (vMMR) in school children with and without developmental dyslexia in response to video‐recorded mouth movements pronouncing syllables silently. Our results reveal that both groups of children showed processing of visual speech stimuli, but with different scalp distribution. Children without developmental dyslexia showed a vMMR with typical posterior distribution. In contrast, children with developmental dyslexia showed a vMMR with anterior distribution, which was even more pronounced in children with severe phonological deficits and very low spelling abilities. As anterior scalp distributions are typically reported for auditory speech processing, the anterior vMMR of children with developmental dyslexia might suggest an attempt to anticipate potentially upcoming auditory speech information in order to support phonological processing, which has been shown to be deficient in children with developmental dyslexia.
Difficult temperament and negative parenting in early childhood: a genetically informed cross‐lagged analysis
Authors: Micalizzi Lauren , Wang Manjie , Saudino Kimberly J.
Published: October 2015

A genetically informed longitudinal cross‐lagged model was applied to twin data to explore etiological links between difficult temperament and negative parenting in early childhood. The sample comprised 313 monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. Difficult temperament and negative parenting were assessed at ages 2 and 3 using parent ratings. Both constructs were interrelated within and across age (rs .34–.47) and showed substantial stability (rs .65–.68). Difficult temperament and negative parenting were influenced by genetic and environmental factors at ages 2 and 3. The genetic and nonshared environmental correlations (rs .21–.76) at both ages suggest overlap at the level of etiology between the phenotypes. Significant bidirectional associations between difficult temperament and negative parenting were found. The cross‐lagged association from difficult temperament at age 2 to negative parenting at age 3 and from negative parenting at age 2 and difficult temperament at age 3 were due to genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental factors. Substantial novel genetic and nonshared environmental influences emerged at age 3 and suggest change in the etiology of these constructs over time.
Intramuscular Lipoma as an Unusual Cause of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction
Authors: Zhang Hong‐wei , Zhong Ming‐hua , Meng Wei , Zhang Er‐yong , Gu Jun , Hu Jia
Published: October 2015

Mini‐Abstract

We report a case with a primary intracardiac lipoma in the right ventricle protruding to the outflow tract and resultant obstruction. As the sustained symptoms and the potential for malignancy were low, the tumor was surgically removed to obtain a suitable route to the right ventricular outlet.
Abnormal Connection of the Ductus Venosus to a Dilated Coronary Sinus Imaged by Prenatal Echocardiography: Case Report
Authors: Qian Yuan , Bing Han , Ailu Cai , Wei Sun , Yu Wang , Lei Wang
Published: October 2015

We describe a case of a fetus with an ectopic connection of the ductus venosus to a dilated coronary sinus that was diagnosed at ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University. A dilated coronary sinus was initially detected with prenatal echocardiography. Neither a persistent left superior vena cava nor an anomalous pulmonary venous connection was present. After comprehensive examination, we discovered that the ductus venosus had an abnormal course draining into the coronary sinus. The postnatal outcome of this fetus was good. Once a dilated coronary sinus is confirmed, further ultrasound evaluation should be performed to search for a potential cause.
An Unusual Localization of a Cardiac Pseudoaneurysm Complicated by Paravalvular Leak in a Patient with Prosthetic Heart Valves
Authors: Vatankulu Mehmet A. , Sönmez Osman , Akkaya Mehmet , Aydin Cemalettin
Published: October 2015

Mini‐Abstract

An 58‐year‐old male was admitted to the hospital with exertional dyspnea. He had a history of mitral and aortic valve replacement with St. Jude prosthetic valve twenty years ago. Transesophageal echocardiography showed paravalvular mitral leak and a false chamber, which was expanding during systole and communicating to the right atrium. Real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated the origin and flap of the false lumen that was opening during ventricular systole and closing at ventricular diastole from the left ventricular inside. The patient underwent redo aortic and mitral valve surgery.
Spectral Doppler of the Hepatic Veins in Rate, Rhythm, and Conduction Disorders
Authors: Fadel Bahaa M. , Mohty Dania , Husain Aysha , Alassas Khadija , Echahidi Najmeddine , Dahdouh Ziad , Di Salvo Giovanni
Published: October 2015

Doppler interrogation of blood flow in the hepatic veins (HVs) provides valuable information regarding a wide spectrum of pathological processes that affect the right heart. Systematic analysis of the direction, velocity, and phasicity of the HV waveforms allows one to distinguish normal from abnormal patterns and provides important diagnostic information. Abnormalities in heart rate, rhythm, and intracardiac conduction are commonly encountered during echocardiographic studies. Sinus bradycardia and tachycardia, bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias as well as atrioventricular conduction disturbances influence the flow pattern in the HVs and may pose a challenge to the correct interpretation of the HV Doppler. Alterations in HV flow that are induced by the electrical abnormalities may mimic right heart pathology. Awareness of these alterations allows one to avoid misinterpretation of the HV signal, helps diagnose the underlying rhythm or conduction abnormality, and permits assessment of the impact on right heart hemodynamics.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Mantle Radiation Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Bastiaenen Rachel , Sneddon James , Sharma Rajan
Published: October 2015

The long‐term sequelae of mantle radiotherapy include lung disease and cardiac disorders. Dyspnea on exertion is a common complaint and can be due to one or more pathologies. We describe a case of mantle radiotherapy‐induced mitral stenosis, characterized by aorto‐mitral continuity calcification and absent commissural fusion which precludes balloon valvotomy. The latency period is long, and this patient presented 42 years after radiotherapy. Importantly, as previously described with radiation‐induced valve disease, significant mitral stenosis developed 10 years after surgery for significant aortic stenosis. Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography should be considered during assessment of symptomatic survivors of Hodgkin's disease where the index of suspicion for valvular stenosis increases over time. Given the natural history of mantle radiation valvular disease, a lower threshold for surgical intervention in radiation‐induced mitral stenosis may need to be considered if cardiac surgery is planned for other reasons in order to avoid repeated sternotomy in patients with prior irradiation.
MOVING OUT TO MOVE UP: DUAL‐CAREER MIGRATION AND WORK–FAMILY TRADEOFFS
Authors: McFall Brooke Helppie , Murray‐Close Marta
Published: October 2015

Using data from a survey of new entrants to the junior PhD job market in economics, this paper shows that dual‐career location problems compromise the personal and professional lives of early‐career PhDs. Contrary to the common assumption that couples who do not live together break up, we find that living apart is a viable solution to location problems in the first year after graduate school. Surprisingly, PhDs facing moderate location problems are more likely than those facing severe location problems to make career sacrifices on behalf of their relationship; PhDs facing severe location problems are more likely to live apart. (JEL, J12, J44, A11)
Connecting with the World of Work: horizontal accountability processes in institutions providing Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Authors: Hooge Edith
Published: October 2015

In VET systems, connectivity with the world of work has been on the agenda for many years: for Western and Southern European countries, since the 1980s as a consequence of the 1973 oil crisis, and then for Central and Eastern European countries, since the early 1990s. In the last few decades, awareness has grown that European prosperity depended heavily on the skills of the workforce and the innovativeness and competitiveness of the economy. In the EU, it has long been acknowledged that VET plays a key role in integrating young people in the labour market and providing skills and competences that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. More recently, VET has also been seen as a precondition to overcome the current economic crisis in Europe. This article analyses how institutions that provide VET can address these demands. It begins by describing European VET policy, characterising it as soft governance. Furthermore, based on data and insights from CEDEFOP and OECD research and publications, an overview is given of strategies and measure es and of the practice of VET providers connecting and cooperating with the world of work throughout Europe. The article goes on to analyse in greater depth the concept of horizontal accountability and stakeholder theory, providing a framework to study the external orientation and connectivity with the world of work of VET colleges in The Netherlands. The Dutch VET system is described and compared with other systems in Europe. Drawing on empirical data, the horizontal accountability processes in which Dutch VET colleges engage are unravelled, examining with which parties and about what they connect. Finally, some conclusions are proposed.
Disturbance maintains alternative biome states
Authors: Dantas Vinícius de L. , Hirota Marina , Oliveira Rafael S. , Pausas Juli G.
Published: October 2015

Understanding the mechanisms controlling the distribution of biomes remains a challenge. Although tropical biome distribution has traditionally been explained by climate and soil, contrasting vegetation types often occur as mosaics with sharp boundaries under very similar environmental conditions. While evidence suggests that these biomes are alternative states, empirical broad‐scale support to this hypothesis is still lacking. Using community‐level field data and a novel resource‐niche overlap approach, we show that, for a wide range of environmental conditions, fire feedbacks maintain savannas and forests as alternative biome states in both the Neotropics and the Afrotropics. In addition, wooded grasslands and savannas occurred as alternative grassy states in the Afrotropics, depending on the relative importance of fire and herbivory feedbacks. These results are consistent with landscape scale evidence and suggest that disturbance is a general factor driving and maintaining alternative biome states and vegetation mosaics in the tropics.
Cognitive and affective functions in Alzheimer's disease patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Hishikawa N. , Fukui Y. , Sato K. , Kono S. , Yamashita T. , Ohta Y. , Deguchi K. , Abe K.
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

The influence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on cognitive and affective functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was examined.

Methods

A total of 570 AD patients were divided into two subgroups depending on waist circumference (WC) (normal versus achieving Japanese diagnostic criteria of MetS). Afterwards, the AD control subgroup was defined as those normal WC patients with no vascular risk factors (VRFs). The AD with MetS (AD‐MetS) subgroup was defined as the MetS WC group who had two or more VRFs to qualify as having MetS. Cognitive and affective functions, insulin resistance, vascular endothelial function and white matter changes between AD‐MetS and AD controls were compared.

Results

Scores on the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Hasegawa Dementia Score – Revised, Frontal Assessment Battery and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were worse in the AD‐MetS group than in AD controls, but the difference was not significant. Some analyses were conducted twice, once including all patients and once including only late‐elderly patients. Scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale were found to be significantly higher for AD‐MetS than for AD controls (all ages, late‐elderly), as were those for apathy (late‐elderly). Furthermore, both the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and reactive hyperemia index scores were significantly worse in AD‐MetS than in AD controls, whilst white matter changes showed a tendency to be worse.

Conclusions

Greater cognitive and affective decline occurs in patients with AD‐MetS than in those without. Further, insulin resistance and vascular endothelial dysfunction are strongly correlated with AD‐MetS before pathological white matter changes can be observed.
Nanoscale petrographic and geochemical insights on the origin of the Palaeoproterozoic stromatolitic phosphorites from Aravalli Supergroup, India
Authors: Papineau D. , De Gregorio B. , Fearn S. , Kilcoyne D. , McMahon G. , Purohit R. , Fogel M.
Published: October 2015

Stromatolites composed of apatite occur in post‐Lomagundi–Jatuli successions (late Palaeoproterozoic) and suggest the emergence of novel types of biomineralization at that time. The microscopic and nanoscopic petrology of organic matter in stromatolitic phosphorites might provide insights into the suite of diagenetic processes that formed these types of stromatolites. Correlated geochemical micro‐analyses of the organic matter could also yield molecular, elemental and isotopic compositions and thus insights into the role of specific micro‐organisms among these communities. Here, we report on the occurrence of nanoscopic disseminated organic matter in the Palaeoproterozoic stromatolitic phosphorite from the Aravalli Supergroup of north‐west India. Organic petrography by micro‐Raman and Transmission Electron Microscopy demonstrates syngeneity of the organic matter. Total organic carbon contents of these stromatolitic phosphorite columns are between 0.05 and 3.0 wt% and have a large range of δ13Corg values with an average of −18.5‰ (1σ = 4.5‰). δ15N values of decarbonated rock powders are between −1.2 and +2.7‰. These isotopic compositions point to the important role of biological N2‐fixation and CO2‐fixation by the pentose phosphate pathway consistent with a population of cyanobacteria. Microscopic spheroidal grains of apatite (MSGA) occur in association with calcite microspar in microbial mats from stromatolite columns and with chert in the core of diagenetic apatite rosettes. Organic matter extracted from the stromatolitic phosphorites contains a range of molecular functional group (e.g. carboxylic acid, alcohol, and aliphatic hydrocarbons) as well as nitrile and nitro groups as determined from C‐ and N‐XANES spectra. The presence of organic nitrogen was independently confirmed by a CN− peak detected by ToF‐SIMS. Nanoscale petrography and geochemistry allow for a refinement of the formation model for the accretion and phototrophic growth of stromatolites. The original microbial biomass is inferred to have been dominated by cyanobacteria, which might be an important contributor of organic matter in shallow‐marine phosphorites.
Public support for environmental organisations in BRIC countries
Authors: Lo Alex Y
Published: October 2015

The four BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) have recently come under an environmental spotlight. These fast‐growing and influential economies could become new sites for environmental activism to prosper. As the public have gained the wealth to meet their material needs, they tend to give stronger support to protecting the environment and participating in environmental movements. However, there are initial signs of declining confidence and membership in environmental organisations in BRIC countries. Caution is required when celebrating the emergence of environmental citizenship in the developing world. Further efforts are needed to address the interplay of improving economic conditions and enduring socio‐political impediments in mobilising public engagement in collective environmental action.
Human papillomavirus type 2 associated with pyogenic granuloma in patients without clinical evidence of warts
Authors: Vázquez‐Martínez Osvaldo T. , González‐Betancourt Anajulia , Barboza‐Cerda María Carmen , González‐González Sergio E. , Lugo‐Trampe Ángel , Welsh Oliverio , Rojas‐Martínez Augusto , Martínez‐Rodríguez Herminia G. , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge , Ortiz‐López Rocío
Published: October 2015

Background

Pyogenic granuloma is a non‐neoplastic lesion that frequently occurs in the skin and mucous membranes of children and pregnant women. The anatomical sites of pyogenic granulomas overlap with those of wart infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Objective

This study assessed the presence of HPV DNA in pyogenic granuloma samples by polymerase chain reaction.

Methods

Eighteen pyogenic granuloma biopsies from patients without a clinical history or evidence of verruca in the studied area were tested for the presence of the HPV genome. The presence of HPV DNA was screened by three independent polymerase chain reaction reactions using standard consensus primer sets targeted to the L1 or E1 consensus regions of HPV genome. The HPV DNA‐positive samples were genotyped using methodologies enabling the identification of up to 30 HPVs, including oncogenic, nononcogenic, and cutaneous viral types.

Results

The HPV DNA was detected in 44.4% (eight of 18) of the samples, with HPV‐2 being the only type in the eight HPV DNA‐positive samples. Contamination with HPV‐2 sequences throughout the entire process was reliably eliminated.

Conclusion

This report is the first to suggest an association between HPV‐2 and pyogenic granuloma. This relationship is similar to that observed between HPV‐2 and nongenital warts.
Macrophage‐mediated cholesterol handling in atherosclerosis
Authors: Chistiakov Dimitry A. , Bobryshev Yuri V. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: October 2015

Formation of foam cells is a hallmark at the initial stages of atherosclerosis. Monocytes attracted by pro‐inflammatory stimuli attach to the inflamed vascular endothelium and penetrate to the arterial intima where they differentiate to macrophages. Intimal macrophages phagocytize oxidized low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDL). Several scavenger receptors (SR), including CD36, SR‐A1 and lectin‐like oxLDL receptor‐1 (LOX‐1), mediate oxLDL uptake. In late endosomes/lysosomes of macrophages, oxLDL are catabolysed. Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) hydrolyses cholesterol esters that are enriched in LDL to free cholesterol and free fatty acids. In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), acyl coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase‐1 (ACAT1) in turn catalyses esterification of cholesterol to store cholesterol esters as lipid droplets in the ER of macrophages. Neutral cholesteryl ester hydrolases nCEH and NCEH1 are involved in a secondary hydrolysis of cholesterol esters to liberate free cholesterol that could be then out‐flowed from macrophages by cholesterol ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 and SR‐BI. In atherosclerosis, disruption of lipid homoeostasis in macrophages leads to cholesterol accumulation and formation of foam cells.
Operating room nurses’ positioning of anesthetized surgical patients
Authors: Sørensen Erik Elgaard , Kusk Kathrine Hoffmann , Grønkjær Mette
Published: October 2015

Aims and objectives

To describe the incidence of problems associated with the positioning of anaesthetised surgical patients.

Background

The positioning of the anaesthetised surgical patient is a complex task. The interdisciplinary nature with several professional groups in a surgical team may lead to conflict between the positioning standards and individual consideration for the patient. Existing knowledge of the relationship between the different positioning forms, surgical team competences and the applicability and availability of positioning equipment is sparse.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Method

An electronic questionnaire was sent to 833 OR nurses employed at four public university hospitals. With 481 responses, a response rate of 57·7% was achieved. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using the spss software package (version 19.00).

Results

Positioning of the patient was found to be particularly difficult for the prone (43·8%), lithotomy (53·4%) and lateral (65·5%) positions. Lack of positioning competences and equipment for arm support, standardised equipment for leg support and standard sizes of OR beds seemed to complicate positioning.

Conclusion

Lack of appropriate positioning equipment and positioning competences in surgical teams, combined with the poor availability of positioning equipment in ORs were found to cause problems.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need for innovative solutions to develop modern forms of positioning equipment allowing individual consideration of the patient. Further research is required on positioning equipment, optimisation of continuity and the establishment of permanent surgical teams.
Safety and Efficacy of Immediate Rotational Atherectomy in Nondilatable Calcified Coronary Lesions Complicated by Coronary Artery Dissection (RAISE)
Authors: Zhang Dongwei , Hu Jianqiang , Man Wanrong , Wang Tingting , Zhang Mingming , Lin Jie , Narsinh Kazim , Zhang Lei , Li Chengxiang , Sun Dongdong
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To examine the safety and efficacy of immediate rotational atherectomy (RA) in nondilatable calcified coronary lesions complicated by coronary dissection during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

In the presence of coronary dissection in nondilatable calcified coronary lesions, conservative management is suggested to permit the dissection to heal prior to treatment with RA. However, many patients have frequent angina attacks and some patients develop serious complications during this period.

Methods

One hundred and nighty‐eight patients with severe coronary calcification underwent PCI, and were randomized into immediate (n = 105) or delayed RA group (n = 93) when coronary dissections occur. The primary endpoint of the present study was all‐cause death including cardiac and non‐cardiac death in 4 years follow‐up. Non‐fatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, cardiac tamponade, stroke, target lesion revascularization, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV heart failure were analyzed as secondary end points.

Results

At a follow‐up of 4 years, event‐free survival rates were not statistically different between the immediate and delayed RA group (81.9% vs 80.6%, P = 0.820). Rates of PCI‐ and RA‐related major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and severe RA‐related complications were not statistically different between groups. Luminal loss was not significantly different between the immediate and delayed RA group as evaluated by Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Two cases in the delayed RA group experienced myocardial infarction during the 4‐week waiting.

Conclusion

This study indicates that immediate RA during PCI is safe and effective in patients with coronary artery dissection. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:456–463)
Optimal Prevention for Multiple Risks
Authors: Courbage Christophe , Loubergé Henri , Peter Richard
Published: October 2015

This article analyzes optimal prevention in a situation of multiple, possibly correlated risks. We focus on probability reduction (self‐protection) so that correlation becomes endogenous. If prevention concerns only one risk, introducing a second exogenous risk increases the level of prevention expenditures, even if correlation is negative. If prevention expenditures may be invested for both risks, a substitution effect arises. Under nonincreasing returns on self‐protection, we find that increased dependence increases aggregate prevention expenditures, but not necessarily prevention expenditures for each risk due to differences in prevention efficiency. Similar results are found when considering changes in the severity of losses. Consequently, the comparative statics emphasize global effects versus allocation effects. Our results have strong policy implications, considering the numerous mandatory safety measures introduced by governments over the past years.
Managing Mortality Risk With Longevity Bonds When Mortality Rates Are Cointegrated
Authors: Wong Tat Wing , Chiu Mei Choi , Wong Hoi Ying
Published: October 2015

This article investigates the dynamic mean‐variance hedging problem of an insurer using longevity bonds (or longevity swaps). Insurance liabilities are modeled using a doubly stochastic compound Poisson process in which the mortality rate is correlated and cointegrated with the index mortality rate. We solve this dynamic hedging problem using a theory of forward–backward stochastic differential equations. Our theory shows that cointegration materially affects the optimal hedging strategy beyond correlation. The cointegration effect is independent of the risk preference of the insurer. Explicit solutions for the optimal hedging strategy are derived for cointegrated stochastic mortality models with both constant and state‐dependent volatilities.
East Asian Children and Money as a Cultural Tool: Dialectically Understanding Different Cultures
Authors: Takahashi Noboru , Yamamoto Toshiya , Takeo Kazuko , Oh Sun‐Ah , Pian Chengnan , Sato Tatsuya
Published: October 2015

In our project, which is called the “Pocket Money Project,” researchers from the four East Asian counties, Japan, Korea, China, and Vietnam, jointly conducted research in various combinations on the relationship between money and children in each country. In this paper, we outline the results of the project. First, we summarize the three main findings: life in consumer society, the structure of parent‐child relationships, and that of peer relationships for children in these four countries. Second, we propose the theoretical framework of our “cultural psychology of differences,” which we call an “expanded mediational structure (EMS),” based on the results. The “cultural psychology of differences” aims not to extract crystallized culture as a substance but to show the possibility of understanding a different culture with a prescription to handle and analyze the process in which it is being crystallized, and through this, ultimately to show a way of practice to understand different cultures.
Determinants of pull strength in captive grey mouse lemurs
Authors: Thomas P. , Pouydebat E. , Brazidec M. L. , Aujard F. , Herrel A.
Published: October 2015

Grasping is important for arboreal species as it allows them to hold on to branches. Although grasping has been studied previously in the context of primate origins and as an indicator of age‐induced loss in overall performance, little is known about the proximate determinants of variation in strength. We measured hand pull strength in 62 adult captive individuals of grey mouse lemurs Microcebus murinus of known age. In addition, we measured the body mass and the length of the forearm in each individual. Our results showed that animals with a longer ulna, and animals that weighed more, and had a greater relative body mass had higher pull strength. However, despite the fact that females are bigger than males, differences in pull strength were not significantly different between the two sexes. Although comparative data for other species of vertebrates are scarce, our data suggest that mouse lemurs have relatively high pull strength for their size that may be interpreted as an adaptation to arboreal locomotion.
Gubernatorial Veto Powers and the Size of Legislative Coalitions
Authors: McGrath Robert J. , Rogowski Jon C. , Ryan Josh M.
Published: October 2015

Few political institutions are as central to theories of lawmaking as the executive veto. Despite its importance, institutional continuity at the national level has precluded identification of empirical effects of the veto on legislative behavior. We address this limitation and present evidence from the states demonstrating how the veto affects the formation of legislative coalitions and, indirectly, executive influence over policymaking. We find consistent evidence that the presence and strength of gubernatorial veto powers affect the lawmaking behavior of state legislatures. Our analysis shows how institutional provisions condition executives' ability to affect policy outcomes in separation‐of‐powers systems.
Intensive insulin therapy implementation by means of planned versus emergent change approach
Authors: Luiking Marie‐Louise , van Linge Roland , Bras Leo , Grypdonck Maria , Aarts Leon
Published: October 2015

Background

Nurses' participation in decisions about new care procedures and protocols is potentially of benefit for patient outcomes. Whether nurses' participation in decisions is allowed in the implementation of innovations depends on the implementation approach used for the introduction. A planned change implementation approach does not allow it, an emergent change implementation approach does.

Aim

To compare a planned change and an emergent change implementation approach to introduce an intensive insulin therapy to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

A prospective comparative study in an ICU in the Netherlands of two teams of nurses using either implementation approach.

Methods

Pre‐introduction of the comparability of the two teams was assessed. The nurse compliance to the protocol was assessed as being nurses' behaviour according to the protocol and leading to acceptable glucose values. The effectiveness of the implementation was assessed by measuring the percentage of patients' glucose values within the target range, the occurrence of hypoglycaemic events and the time to glucose value normalization. Data were collected from December 2007 till January 2009.

Results

In the emergent change approach team there was better nurse compliance measurements than in the planned change approach team (83.5% vs 66,8% conform protocol), a better percentage of glucose values in the target range (53,5% vs 52.8%) and a shorter time to glucose value normalization.

Conclusion

The implementation approach allowing nurse participation was associated with better nurse compliance and patient outcome measurements. The implementation approach did not conflict with introducing an evidence‐based innovation. It was also associated with more effective adaptation of the protocol to changing circumstances.

Relevance for clinical practice

When a new treatment requires adaptability to changing circumstances to be most effective, nurses' participation in decisions about the implementation of the treatment should be considered.
From corneal shape to ocular wavefront in eyes with aspheric IOLs: the feasibility of IOL customisation
Authors: de Jong Tim , Canovas Carmen , Weeber Henk , Jansonius Nomdo M.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To determine if it is possible to predict the ocular wavefront aberrations of eyes with an aspheric IOL from the corneal shape and other readily available eye characteristics. A reliable prediction is a prerequisite for future IOL customisation.

Methods

Sixty pseudophakic eyes with aspheric IOLs of 60 patients were included. The corneal shape and the ocular wavefront aberrations were measured postoperatively with a Scheimpflug camera and an aberrometer, respectively. The elevation data of the anterior corneal surface were fitted by Zernike polynomials. Linear regression models for the Zernike coefficients describing the ocular wavefront aberrations up till the fourth order were determined, with as independent variables the Zernike coefficients describing the corneal shape, the eye (right/left), IOL power, and axial length.

Results

Linear regression equations with an explained variance (adjusted R‐square) above 0.50 were found for five Zernike aberration terms: defocus (z(2,0); adjusted R‐square 0.90), the astigmatism terms (0.81 for oblique astigmatism [z(2,−2)] and 0.88 for regular astigmatism [z(2,2)]), vertical coma (z(3,−1); 0.52), and spherical aberration (z(4,0); 0.71).

Conclusion

The defocus, astigmatism, vertical coma, and spherical aberration terms of the ocular wavefront are strongly associated with the corneal shape in pseudophakic eyes and may thus be predicted from the corneal shape and other eye characteristics.
Determining the Site of Accessory Pathways in Orthodromic Reciprocating Tachycardia by Using the Response to Right Ventricular Pacing
Authors: BOONYAPISIT WARANGKNA , METHAVIGUL KOMSING , KRITTAYAPHONG RUNGROJ , SRIRATANASATHAVORN CHARN , PUMPRUEG SATCHANA , SUWANAGOOL ARISARA , WINIJKUL ARJBORDIN , JONGNARANGSIN KRIT
Published: October 2015

Background

Postpacing interval (PPI) after right ventricular (RV) pacing entrainment minus tachycardia cycle length (TCL) with a correction for atrioventricular (AV) node delay (corrected PPI‐TCL) was useful to differentiate atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) from orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia (ORT). However, the value of corrected PPI‐TCL in determining the site of the accessory pathway (AP) in ORT has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the corrected PPI‐TCL is useful in differentiating ORT using a left‐sided AP from a right‐sided AP.

Methods

We studied 52 patients with ORT using a left‐sided AP and 13 patients with a right‐sided AP. The PPI was measured upon cessation of the RV pacing at a cycle length 10–40 ms shorter than the TCL. The corrected PPI‐TCL was calculated from the subtraction of the increment in AV nodal conduction time of the first PPI from the PPI‐TCL.

Results

The mean corrected PPI‐TCL was 83 ± 20 ms in patients with ORT using a left‐sided AP and 27 ± 19 ms in patients with a right‐sided AP (P ≤ 0.001). All patients with ORT using a left‐sided AP except three patients with left septal AP and none of the patients with ORT using a right‐sided AP had a corrected PPI‐TCL > 55 ms.

Conclusions

The corrected PPI‐TCL after the RV pacing entrainment is useful to guide differentiating ORT using a left‐sided AP from a right‐sided AP.
Polls and ElectionsSome Folks You Just Can't Reach: The Genetic Heritability of Presidential Approval
Authors: Miles Matthew R.
Published: October 2015

Among the more robust fields of study in American politics is presidential approval. The influence of rally events, the economy, political sophistication, and partisanship on political attitudes began with explorations into the dynamics of presidential approval. Despite this, we lack a complete understanding of the processes through which people evaluate presidential performance. This article proposes a theoretical model that explains how presidential performance evaluations are strongly influenced by one's genetic makeup. The model is tested using twin data to estimate the genetic heritability of presidential performance evaluations and finds that presidential approval has a strong genetic component.
Access to Justice in Environmental Matters and the Aarhus Convention's Effects in the EU Legal Order: No Room for Nuanced Self‐executing Effect?
Authors: Pirker Benedikt
Published: October 2015

This article examines two recent decisions by the Court of Justice of the European Union on the effect of the Aarhus Convention in the European Union) legal order. Compared to earlier case law, the Court missed an opportunity to nuance its approach towards the self‐executing character of the Convention's provisions. As a consequence of the Court's overly rigid jurisprudence, a provision of the Convention cannot serve as a benchmark to review the very same Convention's implementing measure at the EU level, the Aarhus Regulation. Sceptical of this outcome, the article suggests a more nuanced approach and provides arguments in support of this approach.
Global burden of COPD
Authors: López‐Campos José Luis , Tan Wan , Soriano Joan B.
Published: October 2015

It is estimated that the world population will reach a record 7.3 billion in 2015, and the high burden of chronic conditions associated with ageing and smoking will increase further. Respiratory diseases in general receive little attention and funding in comparison with other major causes of global morbidity and mortality. In particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been a major public health problem and will remain a challenge for clinicians within the 21st century. Worldwide, COPD is in the spotlight, since its high prevalence, morbidity and mortality create formidable challenges for health‐care systems. This review emphasizes the magnitude of the COPD problem from a clinician's standpoint by drawing extensively from the new findings of the Global Burden of Disease study. Updated, distilled information on the population distribution of COPD is useful for the clinician to help provide an appreciation of the relative impact of COPD in daily practice compared with other chronic conditions, and to allocate minimum resources in anticipation of future needs in care. Despite recent trends in reduction of COPD standardized mortality rates and some recent successes in anti‐smoking efforts in a number of Western countries, the overarching demographic impact of ageing in an ever‐expanding world population, joined with other factors such as high rates of smoking and air pollution in Asia, will ensure that COPD will continue to pose an ever‐increasing problem well into the 21st century.
One Module, Different Levels of Merge: AN(N) Compounds in Dutch
Authors: De Belder Marijke , van Koppen Marjo
Published: October 2015

In this article we provide empirical evidence against the claim that morphology contrasts with syntax in dealing with items that are listed in the lexicon. (Jackendoff 1975, Aronoff 1976, Jensen and Stong‐Jensen 1984). More specifically, we distinguish between three types of ANN compounds in Dutch. We show that the structural properties of these types do not show a one‐to‐one mapping with lexical properties, such as having a listed or even idiomatic meaning (see DiSciullo & Williams 1987). On the basis of this, we argue that conclusions on the structure of certain morphologically complex word‐forms should be based on structural properties and not on lexical properties such as idiomaticity or being lexicalized. We propose a syntactic derivation for all types of ANN compounds in Dutch (pace Ackema and Neeleman 2004). Structural differences follow from the level of merge: what we traditionally call morphology is syntax below the functional domain.
Chloroplast lipid transfer processes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii involving a TRIGALACTOSYLDIACYLGLYCEROL 2 (TGD2) orthologue
Authors: Warakanont Jaruswan , Tsai Chia‐Hong , Michel Elena J. S. , Murphy George R. , Hsueh Peter Y. , Roston Rebecca L. , Sears Barbara B. , Benning Christoph
Published: October 2015

In plants, lipids of the photosynthetic membrane are synthesized by parallel pathways associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the chloroplast envelope membranes. Lipids derived from the two pathways are distinguished by their acyl‐constituents. Following this plant paradigm, the prevalent acyl composition of chloroplast lipids suggests that Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamydomonas) does not use the ER pathway; however, the Chlamydomonas genome encodes presumed plant orthologues of a chloroplast lipid transporter consisting of TGD (TRIGALACTOSYLDIACYLGLYCEROL) proteins that are required for ER‐to‐chloroplast lipid trafficking in plants. To resolve this conundrum, we identified a mutant of Chlamydomonas deleted in the TGD2 gene and characterized the respective protein, CrTGD2. Notably, the viability of the mutant was reduced, showing the importance of CrTGD2. Galactoglycerolipid metabolism was altered in the tgd2 mutant with monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) synthase activity being strongly stimulated. We hypothesize this to be a result of phosphatidic acid accumulation in the chloroplast outer envelope membrane, the location of MGDG synthase in Chlamydomonas. Concomitantly, increased conversion of MGDG into triacylglycerol (TAG) was observed. This TAG accumulated in lipid droplets in the tgd2 mutant under normal growth conditions. Labeling kinetics indicate that Chlamydomonas can import lipid precursors from the ER, a process that is impaired in the tgd2 mutant.
Severe case of fetal hemolytic disease caused by anti‐Cw requiring serial intrauterine transfusions complicated by pancytopenia and cholestasis
Authors: Macher Susanne , Wagner Thomas , Rosskopf Konrad , Reiterer Friedrich , Csapo Bence , Schlenke Peter , Klaritsch Philipp
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Anti‐Cw are rarely found as a source for severe fetal and neonatal hemolytic diseases. We report a case with serial intrauterine transfusions complicated by pancytopenia and cholestasis in the neonatal period.

CASE REPORT

A 37‐year‐old woman revealed anti‐Cw with a titer of 512 in her fourth pregnancy. The fetus developed fetal anemia and a severe hydrops requiring three intrauterine red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. After birth at 33 + 0 weeks the newborn presented only transfused RBCs and suffered from anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and a cholestatic liver disease. Blood counts improved after transfusion of 2 RBC units and one platelet concentrate and administration of hematopoietic growth factors. The symptoms of cholestasis improved slowly after therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid, vitamins, and medium‐chain triglyceride‐enriched formula feeding.

CONCLUSION

Anti‐Cw may lead to severe fetal anemia and consecutive complications. Surveillance of affected pregnancies with high antibody titers using sonographic evaluation of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity should be warranted, especially in multiparous women.
Left ventricular atrioventricular plane displacement is preserved with lifelong endurance training and is the main determinant of maximal cardiac output
Authors: Steding‐Ehrenborg Katarina , Boushel Robert C. , Calbet José A. , Åkeson Per , Mortensen Stefan P.
Published: October 2015

Key points

Ageing has negative effects on cardiac function.

Endurance training in young subjects is known to improve cardiac function and the ability to deliver blood to exercising tissue.

This study shows that lifelong endurance training maintains cardiac pumping function at a level similar to sedentary young subjects and by the same mechanisms.

Healthy untrained elderly subjects have maintained cardiac pumping function but use compensatory mechanisms similar to what is seen in patients with heart failure.

Healthy ageing should include regular physical activity to maintain cardiac function.

Age‐related decline in cardiac function can be prevented or postponed by lifelong endurance training. However, effects of normal ageing as well as of lifelong endurance exercise on longitudinal and radial contribution to stroke volume are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine resting longitudinal and radial pumping in elderly athletes, sedentary elderly and young sedentary subjects. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate determinants of maximal cardiac output in elderly. Eight elderly athletes (63 ± 4 years), seven elderly sedentary (66 ± 4 years) and ten young sedentary subjects (29 ± 4 years) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. All subjects underwent maximal exercise testing and for elderly subjects maximal cardiac output during cycling was determined using a dye dilution technique. Longitudinal and radial contribution to stroke volume did not differ between groups (longitudinal left ventricle (LV) 52–65%, P = 0.12, right ventricle (RV) 77–87%, P = 0.16, radial 7.9–8.6%, P = 1.0). Left ventricular atrioventricular plane displacement (LVAVPD) was higher in elderly athletes and young sedentary compared with elderly sedentary subjects (14 ± 3, 15 ± 2 and 11 ± 1 mm, respectively, P < 0.05). There was no difference between groups for RVAVPD (P = 0.2). LVAVPD was an independent predictor of maximal cardiac output (R2 = 0.61, P < 0.01, β = 0.78). Longitudinal and radial contributions to stroke volume did not differ between groups. However, how longitudinal pumping was achieved differed; elderly athletes and young sedentary subjects showed similar AVPD whereas this was significantly lower in elderly sedentary subjects. Elderly sedentary subjects achieved longitudinal pumping through increased short‐axis area of the ventricle. Large AVPD was a determinant of maximal cardiac output and exercise capacity.
Characteristics of Sheet Formed by Collision of Two Elliptical Jets at Short Impact Distance
Authors: Zhao Fei , Yang Li-jun , Mo Chao-jie , Li Xue-de
Published: October 2015

The research on characteristics of impinging jet has a long history and focuses mainly on the circular jets, whereas the impingement of noncircular jets, such as elliptical jets, receives much less attention. This paper investigated liquid sheet resulting from the oblique collision of two elliptical jets at short impact distance. The elliptical liquid jets contract and collide obliquely at impact point, forming a sheet in the form of a leaf bounded by a thicker rim. An improved theoretical model, taking jet contraction into account, for two elliptical impinging jets is established. The sheet features are obtained by combining the conservation equations between the liquid jet and sheet with the force balance equations of the sheet rim. The calculated sheet shapes are compared with the experiments, and the results show good agreement. The experimental results also indicate that the liquid sheet formed by elliptical jets tends to be larger and more unstable than that formed by circular jets. Based on the model, the effects of axial ratio and impact distance on the sheet characteristics, such as sheet shape and thickness, are also studied.
Experimental Study on Flow-Induced Vibration of Floating Squared Section Cylinders With Low Aspect Ratio: Part I — Effects of Incidence Angle
Authors: Gonçalves Rodolfo T. , Gambarine Dênnis M. , Figueiredo Felipe P. , Amorim Fábio V. , Fujarra André L. C.
Published: October 2015

Experiments regarding flow-induced vibration on floating squared section cylinders with low aspect ratio were carried out in an ocean basin with rotating-arm apparatus. The floating squared section cylinders were elastically supported by a set of linear springs to provide low structural damping to the system. Three different aspect ratios were tested, namely L/D = 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, and two different incidence angles, namely 0 and 45 degrees. The aims were to understanding the flow-induced vibration around single columns of multi-column platforms, such as semi-submersible and TLP. VIV on circular cylinders were also carried out to compare the results. The range of Reynolds number covered was 2,000 < Re < 27,000. The in-line and transverse amplitude results showed to be higher for 45-degree incidence compared with 0-degree, but the maximum amplitudes for squared section cylinders were lower compared with the circular ones. The double frequency in the in-line motion was not verified as in circular cylinders. The yaw amplitudes cannot be neglected for squared section cylinders, maximum yaw amplitudes around 10 degrees were observed for reduced velocities up to 15.