bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Melatonin Synthesizing Enzymes inHelicobacter pyloriInfected Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Chojnacki Cezary , Popławski Tomasz , Blasiak Janusz , Chojnacki Jan , Reiter Russel J. , Klupinska Grazyna
Published: July 2013

Helicobacter pyloricolonization of gastric mucosa causes pain of unknown etiology in about 15–20% of infected subjects. The aim of the present work was to determine the level of expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of melatonin in gastric mucosa of asymptomatic and symptomaticH. pyloriinfected patients. To diagnoseH. pyloriinfection, histological analysis and the urea breath test (UBT C13) were performed. The levels of mRNA expression of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) and acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT) were estimated in gastric mucosa with RT-PCR. The level of AA-NAT expression and AMST was decreased inH. pyloriinfected patients and was increased afterH. pylorieradication. We conclude that decreased expression of melatonin synthesizing enzymes, AA-NAT and ASMT, in patients with symptomaticH. pyloriinfection returns to normal level afterH. pylorieradication.
A Frequency Selection Method Based on the Pole Characteristics
Authors: Yang Songyan , Deng Weibo , Yang Qiang , Wu Guangxin , Suo Ying
Published: July 2013

Due to the heavy jamming band of high frequency, frequency selecting strategies are serious issues for the system designed to achieve its best performance. Pole is independent of the direction and polarization of the incident wave, but the residue corresponding to the pole is related to the direction and polarization of the incident wave. And the value of residue is proportional to the value of the pole. This paper chooses the frequency which can maximize the residue in the high-frequency band as the optimal frequency for accurate extraction. The simulation result of a large number of ship targets shows remarkable rise in average recognition rate by using this method, compared with the average recognition rate of randomly selected frequency.
Analysis of Average Shortest-Path Length of Scale-Free Network
Authors: Mao Guoyong , Zhang Ning
Published: July 2013

Computing the average shortest-path length of a large scale-free network needs much memory space and computation time. Hence, parallel computing must be applied. In order to solve the load-balancing problem for coarse-grained parallelization, the relationship between the computing time of a single-source shortest-path length of node and the features of node is studied. We present a dynamic programming model using the average outdegree of neighboring nodes of different levels as the variable and the minimum time difference as the target. The coefficients are determined on time measurable networks. A native array and multimap representation of network are presented to reduce the memory consumption of the network such that large networks can still be loaded into the memory of each computing core. The simplified load-balancing model is applied on a network of tens of millions of nodes. Our experiment shows that this model can solve the load-imbalance problem of large scale-free network very well. Also, the characteristic of this model can meet the requirements of networks with ever-increasing complexity and scale.
Genetic Heterogeneity of Breast Cancer Metastasis May Be Related to miR-21 Regulation of TIMP-3 in Translation
Authors: Li Jianyi , Zhang Yang , Zhang Wenhai , Jia Shi , Tian Rui , Kang Ye , Ma Yan , Li Dan
Published: July 2013

Purpose.MicroRNAs are noncoding RNA molecules that posttranscriptionally regulated expression of target gene and implicate the progress of cancer proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The aim of this study is to determine whether microRNA-21 (miR-21), a specific microRNA implicated in multiple aspects of carcinogenesis, promoted breast cancer metastasis by regulating the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP-3) gene.Methods.miR-21 of serum and tissue from 40 patients (30 patients with breast cancer) were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). TIMP-3 of tissue from the patient was tested by real-time RT-qPCR. Protein expression of TIMP-3 was evaluated by western blotting. Correlation analysis was performed between miR-21 and TIMP-3.Results.Of the 40 samples from tissue and serum analyzed, the miR-21 expression was significantly higher in high invasion metastasis group (HIMG) that in low invasion metastasis group (LIMG); the latter was higher than that in normal group (NG). Additionally, the TIMP-3 expression was significantly lower in HIMG than in LIMG; the latter was lower than that in NG. There was significantly inverse correlation between miR-21 and TIMP-3 extracted from tissue.Conclusion.Our data suggest that miR-21 could promote metastasis in breast cancer via the regulation of TIMP3 translation, and there was consistency between miR-21 of serum and miR-21 in tissue.
Preparation and Characterization of Magnetic Mesoporous Bioactive Glass/Carbon Composite Scaffolds
Authors: Zhu Min , Zhang Jianhua , Zhou Yinghong , Liu Yunfei , He Xing , Tao Cuilian , Zhu Yufang
Published: July 2013

The magnetic Fe‐MBG/C composite scaffolds with enhanced mechanical strength and multifunctionality have been successfully prepared. The study showed that the Fe‐MBG/C composite scaffolds with the porosity of ca. 80% had interconnected macropores (200–500 µm) and mesopores (3.7–4.4 nm) and significantly enhanced the compressive strength compared to the pure MBG scaffolds. Importantly, the Fe‐MBG/C composite scaffolds exhibited good bioactivity and sustained drug release property. At the same time, the Fe‐MBG/C composite scaffolds could generate heat to raise the temperature of surrounding environment in an alternating magnetic field due to their superparamagnetic behavior. Therefore, the magnetic Fe‐MBG/C composite scaffolds could form a multifunctional platform with bone regeneration, magnetic hyperthermia, and local drug delivery and have more potential for use in the regeneration of the critical‐sized bone defects caused by bone tumors.
On Super(a,d)-Edge-Antimagic Total Labeling of Special Types of Crown Graphs
Authors: Ullah Himayat , Ali Gohar , Ali Murtaza , Semaničová-Feňovčíková Andrea
Published: July 2013

For a graphG=(V,E), a bijectionffromV(G)∪E(G)→{1,2,…,|V(G)|+|E(G)|}is called(a,d)-edge-antimagic total ((a,d)-EAT) labeling ofGif the edge-weightsw(xy)=f(x)+f(y)+f(xy),xy∈E(G), form an arithmetic progression starting fromaand having a common differenced, wherea>0andd≥0are two fixed integers. An(a,d)-EAT labeling is called super(a,d)-EAT labeling if the vertices are labeled with the smallest possible numbers; that is,f(V)={1,2,…,|V(G)|}. In this paper, we study super(a,d)-EAT labeling of cycles with some pendant edges attached to different vertices of the cycle.
Localized FCM Clustering with Spatial Information for Medical Image Segmentation and Bias Field Estimation
Authors: Cui Wenchao , Wang Yi , Fan Yangyu , Feng Yan , Lei Tao
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a novel fuzzy energy minimization method for simultaneous segmentation and bias field estimation of medical images. We first define an objective function based on a localized fuzzyc-means (FCM) clustering for the image intensities in a neighborhood around each point. Then, this objective function is integrated with respect to the neighborhood center over the entire image domain to formulate a global fuzzy energy, which depends on membership functions, a bias field that accounts for the intensity inhomogeneity, and the constants that approximate the true intensities of the corresponding tissues. Therefore, segmentation and bias field estimation are simultaneously achieved by minimizing the global fuzzy energy. Besides, to reduce the impact of noise, the proposed algorithm incorporates spatial information into the membership function using the spatial function which is the summation of the membership functions in the neighborhood of each pixel under consideration. Experimental results on synthetic and real images are given to demonstrate the desirable performance of the proposed algorithm.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology Can Play a Role in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Operable Breast Cancer
Authors: Garbar Christian , Curé Hervé
Published: July 2013

Despite the fact that CNB has been progressively replaced by FNAC in the investigation of nonpalpable lesions or microcalcifications without a clinical or radiological mass lesion, FNAC has yet a role in palpable lesions provided it is associated with the triple diagnosis and experienced cytologist. In these conditions, FNAC is a safe, effective, economical, and accurate technique for breast cancer evaluation. Numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses illustrated the advantages and disadvantages of both methods CNB and FNAC. The difference does not seem significant when noninformative and unsatisfactory FNAC was excluded. Recently, cytological methods using liquid-based cytology (LBC) technology improve immunocytological and molecular tests with the same efficiency as classical immunohistochemistry.
The indications of FNAC were, for palpable lesions, relative contraindication of CNB (elderly or frailty), staging of multiple nodules in conjunction or not with CNB, staging of lymph node status, newly appearing lesion in patient under neoadjuvant treatment, decreasing of anxiety with a rapid diagnosis, evaluation of biomarkers and new biomarkers, and chronological evaluation of biomarker following the neoadjuvant therapy response.
Two-Dimensional Einstein Manifolds in Geometrothermodynamics
Authors: Gutiérrez-Piñeres Antonio C. , López-Monsalvo Cesar S. , Nettel Francisco
Published: July 2013

We present a class of thermodynamic systems with constant thermodynamic curvature which, within the context of geometric approaches of thermodynamics, can be interpreted as constant thermodynamic interaction among their components. In particular, for systems constrained by the vanishing of the Hessian curvature we write down the systems of partial differential equations. In such a case it is possible to find a subset of solutions lying on a circumference in an abstract space constructed from the first derivatives of the isothermal coordinates. We conjecture that solutions on the characteristic circumference are of physical relevance, separating them from those of pure mathematical interest. We present the case of a one-parameter family of fundamental relations that—when lying in the circumference—describe a polytropic fluid.
Präventionschecklisten im OP und in der Endoskopie
Authors: von Bernstorff Wolfram , Pickartz Tilman , Busemann Alexandra
Published: July 2013

Hintergrund: Unerwünschte Ereignisse oder sogar folgenschwere Fehlleistungen entstehen in der Medizin nicht zufällig. Analog zu anderen hochriskanten Arbeitswelten wie der Luftfahrt oder der Kernenergie stellen sie eine Verkettung unglücklicher Umstände bzw. den Zusammenbruch der Multibarrierenstrategie dar. Aus diesem Grund wurden im Laufe der letzten Jahre Checklisten etabliert, die als Teil dieser Sicherheitsbarrieren die Patientensicherheit erhöhen. Methode: Zur Literaturrecherche wurden die Datenbanken von Medline und PubMed sowie der Internetsuchdienst von Google unter den Suchworten «Checkliste», «Sicherheitscheckliste», zum Teil kombiniert mit «Endoskopie» bzw. «Endoscopy», «Surgical Safety Checklist», «Safety Checklist», «Checklist», «Safety Management» und «WHO-Checklist(e)» abgefragt. Die so identifizierten Publikationen wurden im Folgenden auf die relevanten endoskopischen und chirurgischen Belange hin zusammengestellt und um eigene Erfahrungen aus der Chirurgie und Endoskopie ergänzt. Ergebnisse: Operationschecklisten sind nachweislich effektive Instrumente zur Erhöhung der Patientensicherheit und Vermeidung von unerwünschten Ereignissen. Dies ist insbesondere auf eine verbesserte Kommunikation bzw. Teaminteraktion zurückzuführen, mit dem Effekt einer dadurch veränderten Sicherheitskultur. Voraussetzung ist ein gutes Checklistendesign und die gelebte Anwendung der Checklisten durch die Leitungsebenen. Schlussfolgerungen: Operationssaal(OP)-Checklisten verbessern nachhaltig die Sicherheitskultur und erhöhen dadurch die Patientensicherheit. Diese positiven Ergebnisse sollten zunehmend in andere Bereiche der Medizin wie die Endoskopie transferiert werden.
Patientensicherheit in der Endoskopie: Prävention und Management von kritischen Ereignissen bei der Sedierung
Authors: Rall Marcus , Oberfrank Stephanie
Published: July 2013

Hintergrund: Die Verbesserung der Patientensicherheit in der Endoskopie ist nicht einfach und nicht von heute auf morgen zu realisieren. Der größte Anteil an schwerwiegenden Zwischenfällen bei der Endoskopie ist auf die Sedierung zurückzuführen. Methode: Anwendung der Inhalte der S3-Leitlinie sowie aktueller Kenntnisse zur Erhöhung der Patientensicherheit. Ergebnisse: Es ist selbstverständlich, dass die gemäß der aktuellen S3-Leitlinie geforderten Personal-, Struktur- und Prozessvoraussetzungen bei einer Sedierung in der Endoskopie auch bei Personalknappheit kompromisslos eingehalten werden. Risikopatienten müssen zuverlässig identifiziert und dann von entsprechend (intensivmedizinisch) erfahrenem Personal während endoskopischer Eingriffe betreut werden. Dennoch gilt: Fehler sind in komplexen Systemen zu erwarten und insofern «normal». Aber wir müssen aus Fehlern lernen. Hierfür bieten moderne softwarebasierte «Critical Incident Reporting»-Systeme (CIRS) gute Voraussetzungen. 70% der medizinischen Fehler beruhen nicht auf mangelndem Fachwissen, sondern auf Problemen im Bereich der Human Factors (HFs). Crisis Resource Management (CRM) ist ein effektives Tool gegen HF-bedingte Fehler und sollte in Zukunft von allen beherrscht werden. Schlussfolgerungen: Der aktuelle Goldstandard für HF/CRM-Training ist der Einsatz von realitätsnahen und modernen Simulationsteamtrainings, die von speziell geschulten Instruktoren durchgeführt werden. Um die Patientensicherheit nachhaltig zu erhöhen, sind die Autoren der Auffassung, dass Simulationstrainings zu Sedierungen und Zwischenfällen in der Endoskopie mindestens zweimal pro Jahr für jeden medizinischen Mitarbeiter bei Sedierungen in der Endoskopie durchgeführt werden sollten.
Face, Content and Concurrent Validity of the Mimic® dV-Trainer for Robot-Assisted Endoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Egi H. , Hattori M. , Tokunaga M. , Suzuki T. , Kawaguchi K. , Sawada H. , Ohdan H.
Published: July 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether any correlation exists between the performance of the Mimic® dV-Trainer (Mimic Technologies, Seattle, Wash., USA) and the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, Calif., USA). Methods: Twelve participants were recruited, ranging from residents to consultants. We used four training tasks, consisting of ‘Pick and Place', ‘Peg Board', ‘Thread the Rings' and ‘Suture Sponge', from the software program of the Mimic dV-Trainer. The performance of the participants was recorded and measured. Additionally, we prepared the same tasks for the da Vinci Surgical System. All participants completed the tasks using the da Vinci Surgical System and were assessed according to time, the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill checklist and the global rating score for endoscopic suturing assessed by two independent blinded observers. After performing these tasks, the participants completed a questionnaire that evaluated the Mimic dV-Trainer's face and content validity. The final results for each participant for the Mimic dV-Trainer and the da Vinci Surgical System were compared. Results: All participants ranked the Mimic dV-Trainer as a realistic training platform that is useful for residency training. There was a significant relationship between the Mimic dV-Trainer and the da Vinci Surgical System in all four tasks. We verified the reliability of the assessment of the checklist and the global rating scores for endoscopic suturing assessed by the two blinded observers using Cronbach's alpha test (r = 0.803, 0.891). Conclusions: We evaluated the concurrent validity of the Mimic dV-Trainer and the da Vinci Surgical System. Our results suggest the possibility that training using the Mimic dV-Trainer may therefore be able to improve the operator's performance during live robot-assisted surgery.
Evaluation of the Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid-β1-42/Amyloid-β1-40 Ratio Measured by Alpha-LISA to Distinguish Alzheimer's Disease from Other Dementia Disorders
Authors: Nutu Magdalena , Zetterberg Henrik , Londos Elisabet , Minthon Lennart , Nägga Katarina , Blennow Kaj , Hansson Oskar , Öhrfelt Annika
Published: July 2013

Background: The well-established core biomarkers used to identify Alzheimer's disease (AD) overlap with other dementia disorders such as dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD). This study aimed to evaluate whether the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β (Aβ)1-42/Aβ1-40 ratio, measured by a novel method, could improve the differential diagnosis of AD, DLB and PDD. Method: CSF levels of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 in patients with PDD, DLB, AD, Parkinson's disease and controls were analyzed using an amplified luminescent proximity homogenous immunoassay along with conventional immunoassays. Results: The CSF Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 ratio increased discrimination of AD from PDD and DLB compared with either of the two Aβ biomarkers individually. Conclusion: The use of the Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 ratio could improve the differentiation of AD from PDD and DLB.
Naturopathic Reflex Therapies for the Treatment of Chronic Pain - Part 2: Quantitative Sensory Testing as a Translational Tool
Authors: Spohn Dorothee , Musial Frauke , Rolke Roman
Published: July 2013

Naturopathic reflex therapies such as massage, Gua Sha massage, cupping, wet packs etc. are likely able to influence chronic pain at different levels of the nociceptive system. Since naturopathic reflex therapies have been shown to reduce symptoms of chronic pain and often utilize intense manipulation of the environment of the nociceptor (e.g. Gua Sha massage or cupping), it can be hypothesized that they unfold part of their effect at the level of the peripheral nociceptor and the spinal cord. However, these hypotheses have to date not been tested systematically. Standardized sensory testing, e.g., as performed by ‘quantitative sensory testing' (QST), a comprehensive battery of tests for clinical trials, may offer additional information about the mechanisms of naturopathic reflex therapies since it provides a measure for the mechanisms of nociceptive pain on all levels of the pain processing system. This method paper describes the potential role of QST in research on the neurobiological mechanisms of naturopathic reflex therapies.
Stagnant Loop Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Severe Malabsorption
Authors: Weigand Kilian , Herfarth Christian , Weigand Kurt
Published: July 2013

Background: Intestinal bacterial overgrowth as a consequence of postsurgical anatomical abnormalities as well as other small bowel diseases can lead to malabsorption. Case Report: A female patient had several abdominal operations due to recurrent intestinal obstructions. Initially, she presented with severe megaloblastic anaemia. Subsequently, she suffered from weight loss, diarrhoea, oedema, recurrent anaemia (despite vitamin B12 substitution), and severe malabsorption of proteins, lipids, iron, and vitamins. Vague information about the performed surgeries, an anatomy of the bowel that was difficult to interpret, and an unusual cholestasis made it difficult to reach the diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth due to a stagnant loop syndrome. Treatment with antibiotics only temporarily improved the condition of the patient. After restoring bowel continuity and after the resection of an enteroenteric fistula as well as of a bowel conglomerate, the patient did not show any further symptoms. Conclusion: The history of this patient indicates that the diagnosis of a stagnant loop syndrome may be difficult. The primary goal regarding surgically created small intestinal bacterial overgrowth should be the correction of the underlying small intestinal abnormality, whenever possible.
Evidence of Systematic Duplication by New Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Programs
Authors: Concannon Thomas W. , Nelson Jason , Kent David M. , Griffith John L.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Evidence suggests that recent and projected future investments in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) programs at US hospitals fail to increase access to timely reperfusion for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

We set out to estimate the annual number and costs of new PCI programs in US hospitals from 2004 to 2008 and identify the characteristics of hospitals, neighborhoods, and states where new PCI programs have been introduced. We estimated a discrete-time hazard model to measure the influence of these characteristics on the decision of a hospital to introduce a new PCI program. In 2008, 1739 US hospitals were capable of performing PCI, a relative increase of 16.5% (251 hospitals) over 2004. The percentage of the US population with projected access to timely PCI grew by 1.8%. New PCI programs were more likely to be introduced in areas that already had a PCI program with more competition for market share, near populations with higher rates of private insurance, in states that had weak or no regulation of new cardiac catheterization laboratories, and in wealthier and larger hospitals.

Conclusions—

Our data show that new PCI programs were systematically duplicative of existing programs and did not help patients gain access to timely PCI. The total cost of recent US investments in new PCI programs is large and of questionable value for patients.
Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Increases the Heterogeneity of Local Oxygen Supply/Consumption Balance
Authors: Weiss Harvey R. , Grayson Jeremy , Liu Xia , Barsoum Sylviana , Shah Harsh , Chi Oak Z.
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

After cerebral vessel blockage, local blood flow and O
2
consumption becomes lower and oxygen extraction increases. With reperfusion, blood flow is partially restored. We examined the effects of ischemia-reperfusion on the heterogeneity of local venous oxygen saturation in rats in order to determine the pattern of microregional O
2
supply/consumption balance in reperfusion.

Methods—

The middle cerebral artery was blocked for 1 hour using the internal carotid approach in 1 group (n=9) and was then reperfused for 2 hours in another group (n=9) of isoflurane-anesthetized rats. Regional cerebral blood flow was determined using a C
14
-iodoantipyrine autoradiographic technique. Regional small vessel arterial and venous oxygen saturations were determined microspectrophotometrically.

Results—

After 1 hour of ischemia, local cerebral blood flow (92±10 versus 50±10 mL/min per 100 g) and O
2
consumption (4.5±0.6 versus 2.7±0.5 mL O
2
/min per 100 g) decreased compared with the contralateral cortex. Oxygen extraction increased (4.7±0.2 versus 5.4±0.3 mL O
2
/100 mL) and the variation in small vein (20–60 μm) O
2
saturation as determined by its coefficient of variation (=100×SD/mean) increased (5.5 versus 10.5). With 2 hours of reperfusion, the blood flow decrement was reduced and O
2
consumption returned to the value in the contralateral cortex. Oxygen extraction remained elevated in the ischemic-reperfused area and the coefficient of variation of small vein O
2
saturation increased further (17.3).

Conclusions—

These data indicated continued reduction of O
2
supply/consumption balance with reperfusion. They also demonstrated many small regions of low oxygenation within the reperfused cortical region.
The Electric “Now Indigo Blue”: Synthetic Color and Video Synthesis Circa 1969
Authors: Kane Carolyn
Published: July 2013

Circa 1969, a few talented electrical engineers and pioneering video artists built video synthesizers capable of generating luminous and abstract psychedelic colors that many believed to be cosmic and revolutionary, and in many ways they were. Drawing on archival materials from Boston's WGBH archives and New York's Electronics Arts Intermix, this paper analyzes this early history in the work of electronics engineer Eric Siegel and Nam June Paik's and Shuya Abe's Paik/Abe Video Synthesizer, built at WGBH in 1969. The images produced from these devices were, as Siegel puts it, akin to a “psychic healing medium” used to create “mass cosmic consciousness, awakening higher levels of the mind, [and] bringing awareness of the soul.” While such radical and cosmic unions have ultimately failed, these unique color technologies nonetheless laid the foundation for colorism in the history of electronic computer art.
Vestibular Perception is Slow: A Review
Authors: Barnett-Cowan Michael
Published: July 2013

Multisensory stimuli originating from the same event can be perceived asynchronously due to differential physical and neural delays. The transduction of and physiological responses to vestibular stimulation are extremely fast, suggesting that other stimuli need to be presented prior to vestibular stimulation in order to be perceived as simultaneous. There is, however, a recent and growing body of evidence which indicates that the perceived onset of vestibular stimulation is slow compared to the other senses, such that vestibular stimuli need to be presented prior to other sensory stimuli in order to be perceived synchronously. From a review of this literature it is speculated that this perceived latency of vestibular stimulation may reflect the fact that vestibular stimulation is most often associated with sensory events that occur following head movement, that the vestibular system rarely works alone, that additional computations are required for processing vestibular information, and that the brain prioritizes physiological response to vestibular stimulation over perceptual awareness of stimulation onset. Empirical investigation of these theoretical predictions is encouraged in order to fully understand this surprising result, its implications, and to advance the field.
Scopes and Challenges of Dual-Doppler Lidar Wind Measurements—An Error Analysis
Authors: Stawiarski Christina , Träumner Katja , Knigge Christoph , Calhoun Ronald
Published: July 2013

Pulsed Doppler lidars are powerful tools for long-range, high-resolution measurements of radial wind velocities. With the development of commercial Doppler lidars and the reduction of acquisition costs, dual-Doppler lidar systems will be become increasingly accessible in upcoming years. This study reviews the most common dual-Doppler techniques, describes the setup of a highly synchronized long-range dual-Doppler lidar system, and discusses extensively the different kinds of errors connected with this complex measurement technique. Sources of errors and their interactions are traced through the retrieval algorithm, including errors from single-Doppler lidar and those occurring from a combination of instruments related to various parameters, such as relative beam angles, time and spatial scales of the scan pattern, and atmospheric conditions.
Falls from Grace and the Hazards of High Status
Authors: Graffin Scott D. , Bundy Jonathan , Porac Joseph F. , Wade James B. , Quinn Dennis P.
Published: July 2013

Although the benefits of high status are well documented, in this research we explore the potential hazards associated with high status that have increasingly been implicated in recent studies. Organizational research suggests two such hazards: (1) opportunistic behaviors by elites that eventually lead to sanctions and (2) the targeting of elites by various audiences such that they are held more accountable than their lower-status counterparts for similar offenses. Our objective was to disentangle these two explanations in the context of an organizational scandal involving the Members of the British Parliament (MPs) whose annual expense claims were unexpectedly exposed in a well-known 2009 scandal. We find that high-status MPs were not more likely to abuse the expense system than were lower-status MPs, but they were more likely to be targeted by the press and voters for their inappropriate expense claims. As a consequence, high-status MPs were significantly more likely than non-elite MPs to exit Parliament when they had high levels of inappropriate expense claims. Elite MPs who were not implicated in the scandal, however, were far more likely to remain in Parliament than their lower-status counterparts. Our results also suggest that media coverage of the expense incident by British newspapers played a significant role in shaping social reactions to the scandal.
The Rise of Neurotics
Authors: Daly Alan J. , Liou Yi-Hwa , Tran Natalie A. , Cornelissen Frank , Park Vicki
Published: July 2013

Purpose: Increasing evidence suggests the importance of relationships between district and site leaders. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the social infrastructure between and among leaders especially as related to the exchange of advice related to reform. Moreover, we have limited understanding regarding the mechanisms that are associated with how certain leaders occupy influential social positions. Method: Using social network data from district and site leaders, we conducted social network analysis and regression models to examine the relationship between a leader’s network position measured by incoming, outgoing, and close ties; personality traits; and leader self-efficacy controlling for demographics. Findings: Findings indicate that leaders with more incoming advice relationships from other leaders were associated with more years of experience in the district, being self-identified as “neurotic,” reporting higher efficacy in leading reform, and less efficacy in management. Leaders with more outgoing advice ties also self-identified as “neurotic” and reported lower efficacy in management. Leaders who were readily sought in terms of advice were explained by the number of years in the district and the self-reported personality traits of “neurotic,” “extraverted,” and “conscientious.” Leaders who were able to more efficiently connect to other leaders for advice were explained by being “neurotic,” “extraverted,” and “conscientious” as well as reporting low efficacy for management. Implications: Results suggest the importance of considering both personality traits as well as perceptions of efficacy in terms of understanding how leaders come to occupy influential social position in an advice network related to reform.
Distigmatisation of Apprenticeship – A Vehicle for Entrepreneurship Promotion and Job Creation among Further Education and Training College Students
Authors: Odora RJ , Naong MN
Published: July 2013

The intention of this paper is two-fold; firstly, it is to explore the causal effect of perceived negativity towards Further Education and Training (FET) college education among South African youth. Secondly, it is to determine the impact of apprenticeship on the development of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills among FET college students. The FET sector serves a particular function, which is the imparting of hands-on vocational training, intended to inculcate and promote a culture of self-employment, considered a necessity for employment creation. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 112 randomly selected students from three Motheo FET colleges. The findings reveal very contrasting results, a direct correlation between apprenticeship and entrepreneurship; however, 53% of the respondents did not feel sufficiently equipped, ready and confident enough to start their own businesses after graduation. About 48% feel the need to further their studies at university in order to stand a better chance of landing a good job.
Gene Delivery of c-myb Increases Bone Formation Surrounding Oral Implants
Authors: Bhattarai G. , Lee Y.H. , Lee M.H. , Yi H.K.
Published: July 2013

Bone regeneration around titanium (Ti) implants is a relatively slow process. The c-myb transcription factor has been associated with high proliferation and differentiation rates in bone. This study analyzed whether c-myb can enhance new bone surrounding the implant. In vitro overexpressed chitosan-gold nanoparticles conjugated with plasmid DNA/c-myb (Ch-GNPs/c-myb)-coated Ti surfaces were associated with enhanced expression of the osteogenic molecules osteopontin (OPN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2/7) in MC-3T3E1 osteoblast cells. Further, to determine its in vivo effect, we inserted Ch-GNPs/c-myb-coated Ti implants into rat mandibles. One and 4 wks post-implantation, mandibles were examined by microcomputed tomography, immunohistochemistry, and hematoxylin & eosin staining. The microcomputed tomography analysis demonstrated that c-myb overexpression increased the density and volume of newly formed bone surrounding the implants, compared with those in controls ( p < .05). Further, c-myb increased the number of cells expressing BMP2/7 and aided in the increase of new bone ( p < .05). These results support the view that c-myb overexpression accelerates new bone surrounding implants and can serve as a potent molecule in promoting tissue regeneration around dental implants. The recipient rat used in this system provides an excellent in vivo model for studies of bone regeneration.
Power parity and peace? The role of relative power in civil war settlement
Authors: Hultquist Philip
Published: July 2013

Theories of civil war highlight how relative power affects conflict onset, dynamics, strategy, outcome, and duration. Yet most studies of civil war have not been able to capture rebel power adequately and often rely on national-level characteristics to infer relative power distributions. This study addresses this shortcoming by using a troop strength measure to test arguments about how relative power affects the likelihood of civil conflict settlement. Drawing on the international crisis bargaining literature, while noting the inherent differences between interstate and intrastate conflicts, this study argues that the condition of power parity increases the likelihood of negotiated settlement and ceasefire. Weak rebels are unable to achieve concessions through negotiation since governments view them as minor threats. Yet governments have difficulty defeating weak rebels due to an emphasis on guerrilla warfare. On the other end of the spectrum, rebels that are superior to the government in strength are unlikely to settle given their power advantage. Strong rebels that can rival the strength of the government (i.e. they are near parity) can exact more concessions because fighting at parity exposes information about how long each side can hold out while escalating the costs of war, giving each side a greater incentive to negotiate and eventually seek a ceasefire or peace agreement. This argument is supported using data on 112 dyads in the post-Cold War period.
Where Did God Go? Theophanic Shift in Exodus
Authors: Walsh Carey
Published: July 2013

Divine presence in Exodus is vigorous, decisive, and variable. The Burning Bush, the ten plagues, the parting of the Sea, and the covenant atop Mt. Sinai all portray providence as interventionist in nature. Yet, after the Sinai theophany, divine potency downshifts and becomes manifest as “a pillar of cloud and of fire” and a cloud surrounding the desert sanctuary. This shift in theophany toward ephemeral imagery signals, not an attenuation of divine power, but the increased role of the people in discerning divine presence via the cult. The present essay first examines the relationship between the Sinai theophany (19–20) as a potential source of the cloud and fire elements for the pillar. Then, it discusses the imagery of a pillar of cloud as a new form of theophany that links divine guidance to constituting Israel in the desert journey via instruction and the cult. A final section argues that the pillar of cloud image served at least a dual agenda for the priestly redactors: one theological, built on divine ineffability within Israel's aniconic tradition; and one prescriptive, for participation in worship.
Servile Supplicium: Shame and the Deuteronomic Curse—Crucifixion in Its Cultural Context
Authors: Finney Mark T.
Published: July 2013

Contemporary scholarly reference to the subject of crucifixion in the ancient world is typically dominated by the figure of the crucified Christ, and within such discourse it is the christological or theological ramifications of the cross that normally predominate. But such perspectives, whilst perfectly valid, have at the same time left a lacuna in understanding crucifixion holistically within its first-century environment (and so within the social world of the nascent Christ-movement). For little recourse has been made to the dynamics of honor and shame, which played such a vital part of social life within the ancient world. This article examines crucifixion from such a perspective, paying particular attention to the ignominy and revulsion of being put to death in the manner of a slave. It also offers insight into crucifixion from a Judean context, and does so within the framework of the Deuteronomic curse (Deut 21:23; Gal 3:13), which traditional interpretations maintain was said to fall upon the crucified victim. In so doing, the article makes a response to Paula Fredrikson, who claims that the curse does not apply ipso facto from the physical act of crucifixion, but is ascribed to the victim for the crime(s) committed.
Paul's Aegean Network: The Strength of Strong Ties
Authors: Duling Dennis C.
Published: July 2013

István Czachesz adapts Mark Granovetter's Social Network Analysis (SNA) view, “the strength of weak ties,” that new, innovative information spreads through a network, not through one's intimate family and friends (“strong ties”), but through more distant, hardly known acquaintances (“weak ties”); Paul, constantly on the move, did not make many strong ties, but spread his message through weak ties. This article appreciates, but counterbalances, Czachesz's thesis with the SNA theory that strong ties are necessary for reinforcing risky behavioral change (complex contagions) and with conclusions about recruitment to, and spread of, new religions. It draws attention to Paul's longer stays as an artisan and the kinds of spaces in which he might have stayed. It also develops matrices and a simple sociogram of Paul's strong tie relationships and exchanges based on Paul's Philemon letter.
Female pubertal timing and problem behaviour
Authors: Skoog Therése , Stattin Håkan , Ruiselova Zdena , Özdemir Metin
Published: July 2013

We tested the peer-socialization/contextual-amplification explanation for the link between early female puberty and problem behaviour. We propose that in cultures with high tolerance for adolescent heterosexual involvement, early puberty should be linked with problem behaviour—not in other cultures. We compared girls in two cultures (Slovakia and Sweden) that differ in acceptance of adolescent girls’ heterosexual involvement. Findings supported the hypothesis by showing that in Sweden, a culture that facilitates adolescent heterosexual involvement, early-maturing girls reported more problem behaviours than in Slovakia. The mediation link (heterosexual involvement as the mechanism linking early puberty with problem behaviour) was moderated by culture. The findings expand our understanding of the role of macro-cultural contexts in the developmental significance of female puberty.
Polygamy, Family Law, and the Crisis of Governance in Palestine
Authors: Naser-Najjab Nadia A.
Published: July 2013

This study is based on interviews with Palestinian women who experienced polygamous marriages. An analysis of women’s narratives illuminates the impact of polygamy on both the contemporary Palestinian family and emerging modalities of governance. By tracing the interrelationships between marriage laws, gender inequalities, and the impact of statelessness and legal ambiguity on the family in Palestine, the research contributes to the ongoing debate about women’s rights and the reform of personal status laws in Palestine. This study analyses the psychology of Palestinian women in polygamous marriages, their feeling of despair, and the coping strategies they have used within the guidelines of the societal context. This research also allows the voices of these women to be heard and their insights on the current personal status law that caused their suffering. The study discusses the pessimism of these women concerning any change on the institutional and the judicial levels.
Reactive Oxygen Species in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Secondhand Smoke Exposure
Authors: Fordham M. Taylor , Mulligan Jennifer K. , Casey Sarah E. , Mulligan Ryan M. , Wang Eric W. , Sansoni E. Ritter , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can potentiate cellular injury and inflammation. This study aimed to (1) assess the presence of reactive oxygen species in the sinus tissue of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and (2) assess the impact of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Sinus tissue samples from patients undergoing sinus surgery were analyzed using diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining to assess for ROS. Stained specimens were photographed at random by a blinded photographer and then quantified by 3 blinded graders. The patient's SHS exposure was determined by hair nicotine levels. Results were compared between non–smoke exposed cohorts and those exposed to secondhand smoke and by diagnosis.

Results

Sixty‐nine adults undergoing sinus surgery were included in the study. For the non‐SHS‐exposed cohorts, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) had the highest number of DAB+ cells/high‐powered field (hpf) followed by chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and controls. When comparing the control patients to their SHS‐exposed counterparts, SHS exposure yielded statistically significantly higher levels of DAB‐positive cells/hpf. SHS exposure did not affect DAB staining in CRSsNP or CRSwNP patients.

Conclusion

ROS are differentially expressed in various subtypes of CRS. SHS exposure increases ROS in sinus tissue of control patients, but the clinical significance of this is unclear.
Assessment of Directionality Performances: Comparison between Freedom and CP810 Sound Processors
Authors: Razza Sergio , Albanese Greta , Ermoli Lucilla , Zaccone Monica , Cristofari Eliana
Published: July 2013

Objective

To compare speech recognition in noise for the Nucleus Freedom and CP810 sound processors using different directional settings among those available in the SmartSound portfolio.

Study Design

Single‐subject, repeated measures study.

Setting

Tertiary care referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐one monoaurally and binaurally implanted subjects (24 children and 7 adults) were enrolled. They were all experienced Nucleus Freedom sound processor users and achieved a 100% open set word recognition score in quiet listening conditions. Each patient was fitted with the Freedom and the CP810 processor. The program setting incorporated Adaptive Dynamic Range Optimization (ADRO) and adopted the directional algorithm BEAM (both devices) and ZOOM (only on CP810). Speech reception threshold (SRT) was assessed in a free‐field layout, with disyllabic word list and interfering multilevel babble noise in the 3 different pre‐processing configurations.

Results

On average, CP810 improved significantly patients’ SRTs as compared to Freedom SP after 1 hour of use. Instead, no significant difference was observed in patients’ SRT between the BEAM and the ZOOM algorithm fitted in the CP810 processor.

Conclusion

The results suggest that hardware developments achieved in the design of CP810 allow an immediate and relevant directional advantage as compared to the previous‐generation Freedom device.
Two cases of chylopericardium after aortic valve surgery
Authors: Cheng Ching Siang , Uchime Chimezie , Kang Dong
Published: July 2013

Chylopericardium is a rare clinical condition. It is largely idiopathic but could be iatrogenic from breached thoracic duct collaterals or secondary to thoracic duct flow obstruction. We describe 2 patients seen in a single cardiothoracic center within 6 weeks, and detail the clinicopathologic correlation of an unusual complication of cardiac surgery, as well as provide an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of postcardiotomy pericardial chylous effusion.
Descending mediastinitis managed by sternotomy, taurolidine and delayed closure
Authors: Iyer Anand P , Kugathasan Gana , Prabha Ramesh , Malik Paras , Kuteyi Opeyemi , Larbalestier Robert
Published: July 2013

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a rare complication of upper respiratory infections. A quick diagnosis and prompt and complete surgical drainage is important for a successful outcome. A 74-year-old man with descending necrotizing mediastinitis needed a sternotomy, multiple washouts, and delayed sternal closure.
Resection of an intrapericardial paraganglioma under cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Matsumoto Jun , Tanaka Nobutaka , Yoshida Yukihiro , Yamamoto Tetsushi
Published: July 2013

We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman with a non-functional middle mediastinal paraganglioma. Radiologic diagnosis of paraganglioma was confirmed by multidetector computed tomography and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography, without biopsy. Surgical resection was performed via a median sternotomy, and cardiopulmonary bypass was required for complete resection of the tumor because of invasion to the intrapericardial pulmonary artery. Preoperative pathological diagnosis of mediastinal paraganglioma by biopsy is dangerous due to bleeding, and should be avoided.
Surgery for left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: thoracotomy or sternotomy
Authors: Hamamoto Masaki , Morifuji Kiyohiko
Published: July 2013

We experienced 2 cases of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm located at the posterolateral wall. Case 1 was an 80-year-old woman who developed a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm 4 months after sutureless repair of left ventricular free wall rupture due to acute myocardial infarction. The pseudoaneurysm was repaired through a left thoracotomy. Case 2 was a 77-year-old woman who was diagnosed with left ventricular pseudoaneurysm incidentally by computed tomography. Aneurysmorrhaphy was conducted through a standard median sternotomy.
Treatment of left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis: stent or surgery
Authors: Sismanoglu Mesut , Sarıkaya Sabit , Onk Oruc Alper , Adademir Taylan , Aksoy Eray , Kırali Kaan
Published: July 2013

Background:

Drug-eluting stents have emerged as a solution to the problem of restenosis after bare-metal stent implantation, as an alternative to off-pump coronary bypass, for isolated left anterior descending coronary artery lesions at short-term follow-up. However, long-term follow-up is yet to be defined.

Methods:

From January to December 2004, 64 consecutive patients underwent myocardial revascularization: 31 by drug-eluting stents and 33 by off-pump coronary bypass. The primary endpoint was angiographic outcome, and the secondary endpoint was clinical outcome at 5 years.

Results:

There was no early or late mortality in either group. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the stent group (2.5 ± 2.1 vs. 7.1 ± 4.9 days, p = 0.003). Long-term patency was higher and major adverse cardiac events (recurrence of angina and revascularization of target vessel) were encountered less frequently in the coronary bypass group, although not significantly.

Conclusion:

The 5-year follow-up showed no significant difference between the off-pump coronary bypass and stent groups for the primary and secondary endpoints. As a significant difference between treatment options is lacking, decision-making for appropriate treatment in this group of patients requires the collaboration of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons and an individual approach, to achieve successful long-term outcomes.