bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting Secondary Caries Lesions
Authors: Brouwer F. , Askar H. , Paris S. , Schwendicke F.
Published: October 2015

Secondary caries lesions are the main late complication of dental restorations, limiting their life span and generating costs by repeated reinterventions. Accurate detection of secondary lesions is crucial for estimating the true burden of the disease and allocating appropriate treatments. We aimed to assess the accuracy of detection methods for secondary caries lesions. Clinical or in vitro studies were included that investigated the accuracy of 5 detection methods—visual, tactile, radiography, laser fluorescence, quantitative light-induced fluorescence—of natural or artificially induced secondary lesions, as verified against an established reference test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, as well as diagnostic odds ratios were calculated and publication bias assessed. From 1,179 screened studies, 23 were included. Most studies were performed in vitro, on permanent posterior teeth, and had high risk of bias or applicability concerns. Lesions were on proximal (14 studies) or other surfaces and adjacent to amalgam (16 studies) or tooth-colored materials. Visual ( n = 11), radiographic ( n = 13), and laser fluorescence detection ( n = 8) had similar sensitivities (0.50 to 0.59) and specificities (0.78 to 0.83), with visual and laser fluorescence assessment being more accurate on nonproximal surfaces and adjacent to composites, respectively. Tactile assessment ( n = 7) had low accuracy. Light-induced fluorescence ( n = 3) was sensitive on nonproximal surfaces but had low specificities. Most analyses seemed to suffer from publication bias. Despite being a significant clinical and dental public health problem, detection of secondary caries lesions has been assessed by only a few studies with limited validity and applicability. Visual, radiographic and laser-fluorescence detection might be useful to detect secondary lesions. The validity of tactile assessment and quantitative light-induced fluorescence remains unclear at present.
Divergent patterns of built-up urban space growth following post-socialist changes
Authors: Ianoş Ioan , Sîrodoev Igor , Pascariu Gabriel , Henebry Geoffrey
Published: October 2015

An important challenge for the research on post-socialist big cities is to identify the mechanisms of their uncontrolled urban space growth. This analysis is focused on the built-up urban space affected by transformations from a centrally planned to a market-based economy. Post-socialist changes in Bucharest are clearly reflected in the dynamics of built-up space. Land cover dynamics were evaluated using spectral mixture analysis of Landsat 5 TM (Thematic Mapper) data to map percent impervious surface area in 1988 and 2010. Change analysis reveals (1) a decrease of built space in central and peri-central areas of Bucharest, (2) an expansion of new residential areas to the south, (3) land fragmentation to the east and southeast, (4) a mixture of densities to the north, and (5) the role of the ring road in spurring recent development. A key challenge facing Bucharest is the disposition and repurposing of the lands covered by old large housing estates and shuttered heavy industries.
Urban sustainability in the Arabian Gulf: Air conditioning and its alternatives
Authors: Winter Tim
Published: October 2015

This paper examines shifting approaches to urban sustainability in the Arabian Gulf by focusing on the issue of air conditioning and thermal comfort. It considers the recent foregrounding of tradition and heritage within the arena of mega-project development in Qatar, using the Msheireb Downtown Doha Project as an example of a wider regional trend around urban sustainability. Through its focus on air conditioning, the paper draws on Appadurai’s recent critique of design singularity to examine built environment sustainability in relation to the indoor comfort norms and practices, for both bodies and objects, which are now well established across the Gulf region.
Performance comparison of temperature and humidity independent control air-conditioning system with conventional system
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Xiao-Hua
Published: October 2015

The energy consumption of centralized air-conditioning systems represents a large percentage of total building energy consumption in commercial buildings. The temperature and humidity independent control system, regulating indoor temperature and humidity separately through different approaches, is a feasible improvement to conventional systems. This paper focuses on the performance discrepancies between the temperature and humidity independent control systems and the conventional systems. A typical office building in Guangzhou is chosen for case study and energy performances of three temperature and humidity independent control systems with different outdoor air handling processes are investigated. Compared to the conventional system, energy efficiency ratio for the entire air-conditioning season of temperature and humidity independent control system I using condensing dehumidification is about 10% higher if the dry fan coil unit is adopted; of temperature and humidity independent control system II with high-temperature chilled water for precooling is about 16% higher, and energy efficiency improvement of temperature and humidity independent control system III with heat pump driven liquid desiccant air handling processor is about 22%. For other three cities in China, the energy saving ratio of temperature and humidity independent control system I is about 10%, about 15%–17% of temperature and humidity independent control system II and 20%–23% of temperature and humidity independent control system III.

Practical application: THIC air-conditioning system is supposed to be an effective approach for energy saving in buildings. Chosen a typical office building as an example, this paper gives the energy performance discrepancies between the conventional system and the THIC systems for researchers and designers. Annual energy consumptions for different air-conditioning systems are compared, and the energy saving ratios of THIC systems are obtained. The research will be helpful for designing and constructing an energy efficient central air-conditioning system for buildings. In these typical cities or cities with similar climate, THIC system III with the highest energy efficiency is recommended just from the perspective of energy saving.
The Restating of Financial Statements by REITs
Authors: Adams John C. , Hayunga Darren K. , Rasmussen Stephanie J.
Published: October 2015

This article is the first to examine financial restatements by real estate investment trusts (REITs). We provide a descriptive breakdown of the underlying causes of REIT restatements as well as overall and subsample analyses of stock market reactions to restatements from 2000 to 2011. REIT restatements occur for a large variety of accounting issues with the most common being expense-related (e.g., leases, depreciation). We find that the average market reaction for REIT restatements is negative 0.63%, which is less negative than non-REIT restatements. Further investigation reveals that a significant portion of REIT restatements result in large positive or negative returns, the most extreme of which appear to be a result of both the restatement and other news released simultaneously. Cross-sectional analysis shows that the most important determinant of restatement cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) is whether the restatement is a result of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) comment letters or involves an investigation by regulators, which lowers the CAR by 5.64%. Overall, the findings suggest that REIT restatements occur for a variety of reasons, and REIT investors place high value on quality financial statements.
Perceived Father Rejection and Young Adult Aggression: Examining Mediational Components of Emotional Dysregulation
Authors: McKenzie Melissa D. , Casselman Robert B.
Published: October 2015

Emotional dysregulation was explored as a mediator of the relationship between perceived father rejection and young adult male and female aggression. Among undergraduate college students ( N = 534), emotional dysregulation was assessed as a combined construct and then as distinct components. Analyses revealed that impulsivity mediated the relationship between perceived father rejection and aggression for both males and females. Nonacceptance of emotions was partially supported as a mediator of the perceived father rejection–aggression relationship among males, but not females. Results suggest that although father–child relationships may contribute to a variety of emotion regulation difficulties, impulsivity may play an integral role in the development of aggression. Researchers and clinicians are encouraged to pay particular attention to the process by which impulsivity may influence aggression for father-rejected sons and daughters, with additional attention to nonacceptance of emotions for sons. Limitations and future research recommendations are discussed.
Failed Warnings
Authors: Moss Brian G. , Yeaton William H.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Academic probation is a nearly universal but underresearched policy practiced at most postsecondary institutions.

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of probation warning letters on students’ academic performance.

Research design:

Employing the inferentially strong regression discontinuity design, we evaluated the impact of two versions of warning letters (U.S. mail and email), noting their impact on next semester grades.

Subjects:

Probation and nonprobation students at a large, Midwestern college enrolled during two, successive fall–winter semester pairs ( n > 17,000, for each pair).

Measures:

Fall and winter grade point averages (GPAs) were identified for each individual student in the study sample.

Results:

Using both parametric and nonparametric analyses, we found that neither delivery method, paper or electronic, had a consistent, significant impact on subsequent GPA or odds of a GPA ≥ 2.0 during the next semester. Four of the eight measures of effect for GPA were small and positive (0.02–0.15; one significant positive outcome), and four were negative (−0.02 to −0.08; one significant negative result). A separate set of analyses that excluded students who took a single course led to further inconsistency in results. Supplementary analyses that excluded students scoring far from the cut-point yielded results consistent with a no-difference conclusion. Our findings also indicated that, after being placed on probation, only a small percentage of students were able to avoid movement to the next stage of academic sanction.

Conclusions:

Warning letters notifying students of probation status, lacking a staff-focused intervention, had little impact on academic performance.
The nexus between legal records and human rights in the justice delivery system
Authors: Dewah Peterson , Mutula Stephen
Published: October 2015

This paper discusses the relationship between good record keeping and its impact on the delivery of justice and human rights in the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Courts. It defines the concepts of court records management and justice delivery, and explores the link between records management and the discharge of justice. The study was conceived against a background of poor record keeping and management in the judiciary. The law (Criminal Procedures Act and the Constitution of Zimbabwe) states that an accused person must be tried within a reasonable time period and yet this has not been achieved in some cases. A survey research design was used on a purposively selected sample of 30 participants employed in various sections of the court that completed the questionnaires and were interviewed. The findings indicate that the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court uses a range of records to administer justice, which are necessary for upholding individual rights. In some situations citizens have been denied the right to fair trial, right to entitlement, right to freedom of movement, right to association and as a result of missing or incomplete records individuals have been detained for long periods without trial. To achieve justice in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UN MDGs) magistrates’ courts need to have in place professional recordkeeping systems, improve on the security of court records, employ professionally qualified records managers and embark on aggressive fundraising activities in order to obtain adequate funding to upgrade record storage, cater for environmental threats to records, and replenish record keeping resources among other issues.
Structural and inherent case in the non-native processing of Spanish: Constraints on inflectional variability
Authors: Hopp Holger , León Arriaga Mayra E.
Published: October 2015

This article reports an eye-tracking study on the native and non-native processing of case in Spanish. Twenty-four native and 27 first language (L1) German non-native speakers of Spanish were tested on their sensitivity to case marking violations involving structural case with objects of ditransitive verbs and to violations of inherent case for objects of transitive verbs (differential object marking; DOM). Both groups distinguished between grammatical and ungrammatical case marking for all sentence types in off-line acceptability judgments. In reading, however, the non-native speakers, unlike the native speakers, were sensitive only to violations of structural case marking with ditransitive verbs and the erroneous realization of DOM with inanimate objects. In contrast, they did not show processing slowdowns for the omission of DOM with animate objects. We interpret the asymmetry in non-native processing as reflecting sensitivity of the parser to grammatical feature hierarchies in that the parser licenses default case markings, yet flags feature clashes occasioned by the suppliance of erroneous inflectional forms with inherent case marking. We discuss the findings in the context of current approaches to second language (L2) acquisition and processing.
Understanding object descriptions in robotics by open-vocabulary object retrieval and detection
Authors: Guadarrama Sergio , Rodner Erik , Saenko Kate , Darrell Trevor
Published: October 2015

We address the problem of retrieving and detecting objects based on open-vocabulary natural language queries: given a phrase describing a specific object, for example “the corn flakes box”, the task is to find the best match in a set of images containing candidate objects. When naming objects, humans tend to use natural language with rich semantics, including basic-level categories, fine-grained categories, and instance-level concepts such as brand names. Existing approaches to large-scale object recognition fail in this scenario, as they expect queries that map directly to a fixed set of pre-trained visual categories, for example ImageNet synset tags. We address this limitation by introducing a novel object retrieval method. Given a candidate object image, we first map it to a set of words that are likely to describe it, using several learned image-to-text projections. We also propose a method for handling open vocabularies, that is, words not contained in the training data. We then compare the natural language query to the sets of words predicted for each candidate and select the best match. Our method can combine category- and instance-level semantics in a common representation. We present extensive experimental results on several datasets using both instance-level and category-level matching and show that our approach can accurately retrieve objects based on extremely varied open-vocabulary queries. Furthermore, we show how to process queries referring to objects within scenes, using state-of-the-art adapted detectors. The source code of our approach will be publicly available together with pre-trained models at http://openvoc.berkeleyvision.org and could be directly used for robotics applications.
The personality of music genres
Authors: Neuman Yair , Perlovsky Leonid , Cohen Yochai , Livshits Danny
Published: October 2015

The idea that words used by people are indicative of their personality has been established in several studies. In this study, we ask whether song lyrics of different music genres (e.g., punk) are associated with different personalities. We tested the hypotheses that (1) personalities are associated with lyrics of various music genres and that (2) personality, as expressed in song lyrics, may be used for the classification of songs into genres. We used a database of 17,495 songs categorized into music genres and 2468 essays written by students whose personalities have been assessed through the five factor model of personality. The method uses sophisticated tools of Natural Language Processing. The research hypotheses were confirmed and it was found that it is possible to predict participants’ personality based on the similarity of their writing style to the style of various music genres, and that songs can be automatically classified into music genres based on the similarity of those songs to personality factors. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the lyrics of music genres can be used to predict personalities, and conversely, personalities can be used for genre identification and classification.
The Tendon Structure Returns to Asymptomatic Values in Nonoperatively Treated Achilles Tendinopathy but Is Not Associated With Symptoms
Authors: de Jonge Suzan , Tol Johannes L. , Weir Adam , Waarsing Jan H. , Verhaar Jan A.N. , de Vos Robert-Jan
Published: October 2015

Background:

Tendinopathy is characterized by alterations in the tendon structure, but there are conflicting results on the potential of tendon structure normalization and no large studies on the quantified, ultrasonographic tendon structure and its association with symptoms.

Purpose:

To determine whether the tendon structure returns to values of asymptomatic individuals after treatment with 2 substances injected within the tendon, to assess the association between the tendon structure and symptoms, and to assess the prognostic value of the baseline tendon structure on treatment response.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

This study was part of a randomized trial on chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy using eccentric exercises with either a platelet-rich plasma or saline injection. Symptoms were recorded using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire. The tendon structure was quantified with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC); echo types I + II (as a percentage of total tendon types I-IV) are structure related. Follow-up was at 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks. A control group of asymptomatic subjects (similar age) was selected to compare the tendon structure. Patient symptomswere correlated with the tendon structure using a linear model.

Results:

Fifty-four patients were included in the symptomatic group. The mean (±SD) echo types I + II in the symptomatic group increased significantly from 74.6% ± 10.8% at baseline to 85.6% ± 6.0% at 24-week follow-up. The result for echo types I + II at 24 weeks was not significantly different ( P = .198) from that of the asymptomatic control group (87.5% ± 6.0%). In 54 repeated measurements at 5 time points, the adjusted percentage of echo types I + II was not associated with the VISA-A score (main effect: β = .12; 95% CI, −0.12 to 0.35; P = .338). The adjusted baseline echo types I + II were not associated with a change in the VISA-A score from baseline to 52 weeks (β = −.15; 95% CI, −0.67 to 0.36; P = .555).

Conclusion:

In symptomatic, tendinopathic Achilles tendons, the ultrasonographic tendon structure improved during nonoperative treatment and normalized after 24 weeks to values of matched asymptomatic controls. There was no association between the tendon structure and symptoms. The percentage of echo types I + II before treatment was not associated with change in symptoms over time. This study demonstrates that restoration of the tendon structure is not required for an improvement of symptoms.
Prevalence and Functional Consequences of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Young Male Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Brunner Romana , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Casartelli Nicola C. , Bizzini Mario , Sutter Reto , Pfirrmann Christian W. , Leunig Michael
Published: October 2015

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), which is highly prevalent in adult ice hockey players, is often associated with negative clinical and functional outcomes. It is unclear, however, whether FAI-related bony deformities and symptoms may lead to functional alterations as reflected in hip muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and on-ice physical performance in youth ice hockey players.

Hypothesis:

Compared with players with neither structural signs nor symptoms related to FAI, players with symptomatic FAI would show hip muscle weakness and reduced hip ROM, which would in turn affect ice hockey physical performance.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 74 young male ice hockey players were evaluated bilaterally for passive hip internal rotation ROM by use of a hip examination chair. Only the side with less internal rotation ROM was further investigated. FAI-related bony deformities were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The involved hip was classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on the presence of hip pain during exercise and results from the flexion/adduction/internal rotation (FADIR) provocation test. Hip muscle strength, passive hip ROM, and on-ice physical performance were compared between players with no FAI, players with asymptomatic MRI-positive FAI, and players with symptomatic FAI.

Results:

Fifty of 74 players (68%) had FAI-related bony deformities, of whom 16 (22%) were symptomatic. Hip muscle strength, hip ROM, and on-ice physical performance did not differ significantly between players with no FAI and those with asymptomatic or symptomatic FAI.

Conclusion:

Despite a high prevalence of FAI-related bony deformities, youth ice hockey players with asymptomatic or symptomatic FAI did not show functional impairments in terms of hip muscle strength, hip ROM, or on-ice physical performance.

Clinical Relevance:

Hip muscle strength, passive hip ROM, and on-ice physical performance do not seem to discriminate for FAI-related signs and symptoms in young male ice hockey players.
Patterns of Global Gender Inequalities and Regional Gender Regimes
Authors: Bose Christine E.
Published: October 2015

This article draws on data from various sources for 190 developed and developing nations and uses them to examine gender regimes, or forms of patriarchal structures, at the regional level. I argue for multiple, rather than single, measures of gender inequality and illustrate that using many inequality measures exposes a wider range of outcomes within the Global South than the North, also suggesting the inefficacy of this geographic dichotomy. Then I re-examine the outcomes with nations grouped into seven regions, showing that each region has different variables that define their gender inequalities. Finally, I link gendered social institutions (e.g., laws on violence/physical integrity, family codes, civil liberties, and ownership rights) and implicitly gendered political-economic structures (e.g., IMF debt, armed conflict, ever having been a colony, and electoral democracy) to gender-inequitable outcomes in six regions to reveal three different gender regimes across the regions.
Physical Activity Is Associated With Reduced Risk of Executive Function Impairment in Older Women
Authors: Clark Scott , Parisi Jeanine , Kuo Julie , Carlson Michelle C.
Published: October 2015

Objective: To examine whether baseline levels of physical activity, measured by total caloric expenditure, predicted domain-specific cognitive impairments over a 9-year period. Method: Participants included 376 community-dwelling older women aged 70 to 80 years at baseline from the Women’s Health and Aging Study II. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations between self-reported physical activity and risk of cognitive impairments in psychomotor speed, executive function, and verbal memory. Models were adjusted for age, race, education, number of chronic illnesses, and number of depressive symptoms at baseline. Results: Greater baseline levels of caloric expenditure were associated with better executive function in the most active quintile of adults compared with the least active quintile. Caloric expenditure was not associated with improved scores for any of the other domains assessed. Discussion: The results of this study suggest that higher levels of physical activity modified risk of incident impairment in executive function.
Frailty and Social Vulnerability in Mexican Deprived and Rural Settings
Authors: Manrique-Espinoza Betty , Salinas-Rodríguez Aarón , Salgado de Snyder Nelly , Moreno-Tamayo Karla , Gutiérrez-Robledo Luis Miguel , Avila-Funes José Alberto
Published: October 2015

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of frailty in a sample of rural elderly living in socially vulnerable circumstances as well as to determine its correlates. Method: Cross-sectional study of 558 rural elderly participating in a prospective study conducted in Mexico. Frailty was defined using the Fried criteria. Ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify the correlates of frailty levels. Results: Prevalence of frailty was 8.6%. Disability in basic activities of daily living and illiteracy increase the probability of being pre-frail and/or frail (odds ratio [OR] = 2.72, p < .01; OR = 1.45, p = .05, respectively), while living in households with higher socioeconomic status reduces this probability (OR = 0.85, p < .01). Discussion: A high prevalence of frailty was found among these young elderly, who did not yet fully show adverse health events. Also the social vulnerability of rural elderly is associated with frailty status. These findings highlight the health needs of socially and economically vulnerable elderly population.
The quality and implications of Balance of Care studies: Lessons from a systematic literature review
Authors: Tucker Sue , Hughes Jane , Brand Christian , Buck Deborah , Challis David
Published: October 2015

The Balance of Care approach provides a framework for assessing the relative costs and outcomes of changes in the mix of services provided for a particular client group in a defined geographical area. A 2008/2009 systematic literature review explored how five key aspects of the framework had been operationalised detailing past studies’ methods. However, little has been reported about the quality of these applications, whilst the (positive and negative, internal and external) issues associated with organisations’ capacity to implement study findings (i.e. reconfigure provision) have not been appraised. Against this background, this paper reports the results of a new review that sought to address these gaps and identified 38 examples of the approach’s use since 1970. Reporting standards appeared to have improved over time, but there was no clear relationship between study quality and year of publication. Recent applications generally had large samples, used credible case types and engaged appropriate personnel in specifying optimal care. However, they rarely considered comprehensive costs, cost shifting or outcomes. Factors perceived to assist service reconfiguration included the high quality data the approach provided and the momentum for change it generated. Negative factors were predominantly financial, including increased average unit costs and the need for bridging funds.
Flow past a moderately heated horizontal cylinder at low Reynolds number
Authors: Ajith Kumar S , Lal S Anil , Sameen A
Published: October 2015

Flow past a heated two-dimensional cylinder in the laminar regime is investigated. A hybrid finite element–finite volume method is used to solve Navier–Stokes and energy equations. The vortex shedding frequency defined nondimensionally as Strouhal number is observed to be increasing with heating. Vortex shedding behind heated cylinder exhibits asymmetry in wake region due to stable and unstable density stratification below and above the cylinder, respectively. A negative lift is generated due to heating, in an otherwise symmetric zero time-averaged lift configuration, due to skewness in vortex shedding towards the direction of buoyancy. We also note that the heating brings down the drag for the cases considered here. The thermal energy transport due to convection, defined by nondimensional Nusselt number is found to increase only marginally with cylinder heating.
The curious case of the guaranteed minimum income (GMI): Highlighting Greek ‘exceptionalism’ in a Southern European context
Authors: Lalioti Varvara
Published: October 2015

In Greece, after many years of failure to establish a national-level guaranteed minimum income (GMI) in line with European Union (EU) recommendations, the government recently decided to try a pilot scheme. Explanations are proposed for the long-standing policy inertia and the recent change. A wider, southern European context is considered, with comparisons to Italy, Portugal and Spain. ‘Process tracing’ and an actor-centred approach examine key political and social actors and show the importance of politics and alliances in effecting different national GMI policy histories. Policy stagnation in Greece resulted largely from fractured attitudes within governing parties and lack of support for GMI from political and social actors who in other southern European countries played a crucial role in its favour. The recent Greek decision for a pilot is related to the drastic transformation in political scenery due to economic crisis and austerity.
Vegetation, climate and human settlement interactions at the late Mesolithic site of Cueva Blanca (Hellín, Albacete, SE Spain)
Authors: Uzquiano Paloma , Casas-Gallego Manuel , Mingo Alberto , Barba Jesús , Yravedra José
Published: October 2015

Archaeobotanical analyses conducted on material from the Cueva Blanca rockshelter have provided much-needed data on past landscapes, vegetation change and woodland exploitation by late Mesolithic groups settled in the ‘Campos de Hellín’, a region of SE Spain. Radiocarbon ages indicate occupations in the period between 7610 ± 40 BP (8450–8370 cal. BP) and 6730 ± 40 BP (7660–7560 cal. BP). The seasonal short character of human occupation, major vegetation features and the site chronology relate it to the 8.2 ka cal. BP cooling event and the subsequent aridity responsible for open landscapes and the becoming of human settlement in SE Spain. A Mediterranean open coniferous woodland composed of Pinus and Juniperus has been inferred around the site where Pinus halepensis and Rhamnus lycioides were the main sources of firewood managed by late Mesolithic inhabitants. Steppe and scrub conditions are also identified by the abundance of Ephedra and Asteraceae. Environmental factors, such as an irregular rainfall regime, are also suggested to explain the fluctuations of the main woody taxa identified. Furthermore, pollen and charcoal data were also correlated with the palynological and anthracological information available for the western Mediterranean area. However, human impact is scarce, as indicated by the nature of human occupation. The increase of Poaceae and Amaranthaceae as well as the appearance of Boraginaceae, Cichorioideae, Plantago lanceolata and Cerealia towards the top of the sequence (L1A) are indicative of human activities carried out at the site during later prehistoric periods.
Sediment chronology in Antarctic deglacial sediments: Reconciling organic carbon 14C ages to carbonate 14C ages using Ramped PyrOx
Authors: Subt Cristina , Fangman Kimberly A , Wellner Julia S , Rosenheim Brad E
Published: October 2015

We present the first study which directly compares carbonate radiocarbon (14C) dates with the Ramped PyrOx (RP) radiocarbon dating technique within a single sediment core, and we confirm the utility for the latter constructing chronologies of high latitude, Holocene marine margin sediment successions. Historically, the heavily detrital nature of Antarctic margin sedimentary organic material and lack of carbonate preservation have made these sediments difficult to date accurately. Here, we use archived cores with existing foraminiferal ages to compare with RP dates at equal or similar depth intervals. The lowest temperature RP splits were integrated over narrower intervals than in previous studies to reduce the amount of mixing with older, more thermochemically stable end-members during pyrolytic decomposition. Ages of the low-temperature RP splits coincide with their corresponding carbonate counterparts, suggesting that the RP 14C dating method is a reliable alternative to carbonate dates in sediments where carbonates are absent or not sufficiently preserved for 14C dating. The rarity of calcareous material in most Antarctic sediments often obligates the use of the bulk acid insoluble organic (AIO) fraction of the sediment, which can be problematic because of contamination by older carbon. The bulk AIO 14C ages, which are calculated using the weighted arithmetic mean of all RP splits of individual samples, show that age reversals and biases can occur using bulk AIO dates for age models because of variable proportions of pre-aged organic matter down-core. The application of the RP dating method can reduce these effects to produce a more reliable chronology that is statistically identical to the foraminiferal dating chronology.
Enhanced sensitivity of an antibody competitive blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using Equine arteritis virus purified by anion-exchange membrane chromatography
Authors: Chung Chungwon J. , Grimm Amanda L. , Wilson Carey L. , Balasuriya Udeni B. R. , Chung Grace , Timoney Peter J. , Bandaranayaka-Mudiyanselage Chandima-Bandara , Lee Stephen S. , McGuire Travis C.
Published: October 2015

In an effort to improve a competitive blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for antibody detection to Equine arteritis virus (EAV), antigen purified by anion-exchange membrane chromatography capsule (AEC) was evaluated. Virus purification by the AEC method was rapid and easily scalable. A comparison was made between virus purified by the AEC method with that obtained by differential centrifugation based on the following: 1) the relative purity and quality of EAV glycoprotein 5 (GP5) containing the epitope defined by monoclonal antibody 17B7, and 2) the relative sensitivity of a commercial antibody cELISA with the only change being the 2 purified antigens. On evaluation by Western blot using GP5-specific monoclonal antibody 17B7, the AEC-purified EAV contained 86% GP5 monomer whereas the differentially centrifuged EAV contained <29% of the monomer. Improvement of analytical sensitivity without sacrifice of analytical specificity was clearly evident when cELISAs prepared with EAV antigen by each purification method were evaluated using 7 sensitivity and specificity check sets. Furthermore, the AEC-purified EAV–based cELISA had 30–40% higher agreement with the virus neutralization (VN) test than the cELISA prepared with differentially centrifuged EAV based on testing 40 borderline EAV-seropositive samples as defined by the VN test. In addition, the AEC-purified cELISA had highly significant ( P = 0.001) robustness indicated by intra-laboratory repeatability and interlaboratory reproducibility when evaluated with the sensitivity check sets. Thus, use of AEC-purified EAV in the cELISA should lead to closer harmonization of the cELISA with the World Organization for Animal Health–prescribed VN test.
The use of loop-mediated isothermal amplification improves Toxoplasma gondii detection in wildlife
Authors: Trisciuoglio Anna , Zanet Stefania , Marello Giuseppina , Chiesa Francesco , Nucera Daniele M. , Bergallo Massimiliano , Gennero Maria S. , Ferroglio Ezio
Published: October 2015

Toxoplasma gondii is among the most widespread parasites worldwide. Wildlife is recognized as an important reservoir and source of infection of T. gondii. The goal of the present work was to assess the performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a diagnostic tool for T. gondii infection in the skeletal muscle and central nervous system (CNS) of free-ranging ungulates and carnivores. Fifty-seven wild animals were tested for the presence of T. gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and LAMP. The use of LAMP amplification improved sensitivity in T. gondii molecular detection compared with conventional PCR on skeletal muscle (χ2 = 5.8, P < 0.05), having a lower minimum detection limit (0.1 tachyzoite) than PCR (1 tachyzoite). No significant differences existed between the detection capacities of both assays when performed on CNS. LAMP is a valid tool to improve the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in wild game meat. The technique provides a sensitive yet specific method that can be applicable to both field surveys and large-scale testing of wildlife samples.
Why Has It Taken So Long to Address the Problems Created by Uranium Mining in the Navajo Nation?
Authors: Brugge Doug
Published: October 2015

Following the start of uranium mining after World War II, progress toward addressing the hazards it created for workers and nearby communities was slow, taking many decades. This essay asks why it took so long and suggests several factors that might have contributed.
Building an RNA Sequencing Transcriptome of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Dong Xiaomin , You Yanan , Wu Jia Qian
Published: October 2015

The composition and function of the central nervous system (CNS) is extremely complex. In addition to hundreds of subtypes of neurons, other cell types, including glia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) and vascular cells (endothelial cells and pericytes) also play important roles in CNS function. Such heterogeneity makes the study of gene transcription in CNS challenging. Transcriptomic studies, namely the analyses of the expression levels and structures of all genes, are essential for interpreting the functional elements and understanding the molecular constituents of the CNS. Microarray has been a predominant method for large-scale gene expression profiling in the past. However, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology developed in recent years has many advantages over microarrays, and has enabled building more quantitative, accurate, and comprehensive transcriptomes of the CNS and other systems. The discovery of novel genes, diverse alternative splicing events, and noncoding RNAs has remarkably expanded the complexity of gene expression profiles and will help us to understand intricate neural circuits. Here, we discuss the procedures and advantages of RNA-Seq technology in mammalian CNS transcriptome construction, and review the approaches of sample collection as well as recent progress in building RNA-Seq-based transcriptomes from tissue samples and specific cell types.
The impact of renovation on indoor airborne bacterial and fungal populations
Authors: Mortazavi Roya , Ariya Parisa A.
Published: October 2015

We undertook an extensive study of population and type of viable microorganisms at several indoor construction sites in a 50-year-old chemical building which housed both laboratory and office spaces. Results were compared to neighbouring public buildings (office and shopping malls), as well as outdoor (green areas and traffic zones) in downtown Montreal, (45 °30′N, 73 °35′W). The highest number of microorganisms was observed in the major shopping street (bacteria: 602,865 cfu/m3; fungi: 109,612 cfu/m3). During moving/construction process, the mean population of airborne bacteria and fungi were 89,281 and 50,386 cfu/m3, respectively. Mean bacterial and fungal population in demolished laboratory sites were 37,127 and 17,679 cfu/m3, respectively. After the termination of laboratory renovations, continued elevation of airborne taxa population (bacteria: 25,635 cfu/m3; fungi: 6188 cfu/m3) was observed. At the construction site, the 16S rDNA sequence of bacteria isolates, R. equi, was identified as human pathogen and R. jostii RHA1 in an organic demolished laboratory site, with the ability to degrade a variety of xenobiotic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls. Our study showed that renovation/construction activities could create a distinct large pool of microorganisms that could be released into indoor environments which may persist even after the completion of renovations. Potential health effects and suggestions for future research are discussed in this paper.
Mediated and moderated effects of violent media consumption on youth violence
Authors: Kanz Kristina-Maria
Published: October 2015

Violent media consumption is often thought to lead to more aggression and violence, especially in juveniles. Social cognitive theories assume a pivotal role for cognitive functions, such as normative beliefs, in the explanation of human behaviour (including violence) and see violent media as a possible and potent learning environment. Although many studies have analysed the relationship between violent media consumption and violence, only a few are longitudinal and apparently no study has analysed mediator effects of violence-approving normative beliefs with data from a Western country at more than two points in time. Some researchers assume that violent media consumption can only aggravate an already existing disposition for violence due to other experiences such as parental maltreatment (double-dose or intensifier effect, which is methodologically described as a moderator effect). Both assumptions – mediation and moderation – are tested with structural equation models using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from a German panel study. Results show that interaction effects between parental behaviour and violent media consumption are surprisingly weak, whereas both influence the approval of violence to a remarkable extent and mediated by this eventually, to a smaller extent, violent behaviour.
A Male Promotores Network for Latinos
Authors: Documet Patricia I. , Macia Laura , Thompson Alice , Gonzalez Miguel , Boyzo Roberto , Fox Andrea R. , Guadamuz Thomas E.
Published: October 2015

Background. Lay health advisor (LHA) interventions with Latino men are rare, especially in emerging Latino communities. We present a process evaluation of a male LHA network aiming at connecting Latino men to various kinds of services and to the Latino community. It assesses the feasibility of (1) maintaining a steering coalition; (2) hiring, training, and retaining male LHA; and (3) recruiting and assisting underserved participants. Methods. Project management data and LHA debriefings were analyzed qualitatively and compared to a logic model and evaluation table prepared before the project started. Results. The community coalition steered the project during its implementation. Eleven men attended the initial LHA training. Two thirds of them reflected the community in educational level. One third did not and required extra mentoring from the other LHA to recruit participants. LHA requested topics for monthly trainings according to their needs in the field, including housing, sexual health, and immigration. LHA enrolled 182 participants. Participants’ needs went beyond health issues. Therefore, LHA needed to forge new collaborations with local social service organizations. Conclusions. Recruiting male LHA is feasible. LHA and the community coalition can suggest adaptations to fit the local context.
Fibromuscular Dysplasia in a Normotensive Patient Presented With Renal Infarct
Authors: Rostambeigi Nassir , Goldfarb Robert , Hunter David W. , Anderson James Kyle
Published: October 2015

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a well-known disease, but its diagnosis can be challenging. Typically, the symptomatic FMD are reported by young and middle aged people with high blood pressure refractory to medical treatment. We present a rare case of a young, healthy, and normotensive patient who presented with pain secondary to renal infarction, without any prior signs or symptoms or history of hypertension. This presentation of FMD has not been previously described. The typical but subtle angiographic findings of the macro-aneurysmal FMD as well as the successful endovascular treatment are discussed herein. The macro-aneurysmal form of FMD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute renal infarction in young and middle aged patients even if they do not have a history of hypertension.
Fibrinogen Level and Bleeding Risk During Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Using Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Lee Kevin , Istl Alexandra , Dubois Luc , DeRose Guy , Forbes Thomas L. , Wiseman Daniele , Mujoomdar Amol , Kribs Stewart , Power Adam H.
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether low fibrinogen levels (fibrinogen level <1.5 g/L) during catheter-directed thrombolysis are associated with an increased bleeding risk.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing extremity arterial or venous thrombolysis between 2005 and 2013.

Results:

Patients in the low fibrinogen group were younger ( P = .006) and had a higher number of venous occlusive events ( P = .004). The low fibrinogen group received a larger dose of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA; P = .009) and had a longer duration of thrombolysis ( P = .010). The rates of major bleeding were not significantly different ( P = .139). Univariate analysis showed that larger total dose and longer duration of tPA infusion were associated with increased bleeding complications ( P < .01 and P = .03).

Conclusion:

A fibrinogen level <1.5 g/L during thrombolysis was not associated with an increased bleeding risk. However, larger dose and longer duration of thrombolysis were associated with increased bleeding risk.
Thrombectomy in posterior circulation stroke through persistent primitive trigeminal artery: A case report
Authors: Mulder MJHL , Lycklama à Nijeholt GJ , Dinkelaar W , de Rooij TPW , van Es ACGM , van der Kallen BF , Emmer BJ
Published: October 2015

We describe a case of intra-arterial treatment (IAT) of acute posterior circulation occlusion in a patient with a persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA). The patient presented with an acute left sided hemiparesis and loss of consciousness (Glasgow coma score of 5). Computed tomography angiography showed an acute occlusion of the right internal carotid artery (ICA), the PPTA, distal basilar artery (BA), right posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and right superior cerebellar artery (SCA). Stent-retriever assisted thrombectomy was not considered possible through the hypoplastic proximal BA. After passage of the proximal ICA occlusion, the right PCA and SCA were recanalized through the PPTA, with a single thrombectomy procedure. Ten days after intervention patient was discharged scoring optimal EMV with only a mild facial and left hand paresis remaining. PPTA is a persistent embryological carotid–basilar connection. Knowledge of existing (embryonic) variants in neurovascular anatomy is essential when planning and performing acute neurointerventional procedures.