bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative R2* MRI of the liver with rician noise models for evaluation of hepatic iron overload: Simulation, phantom, and early clinical experience
Authors: Yokoo Takeshi , Yuan Qing , Sénégas Julien , Wiethoff Andrea J. , Pedrosa Ivan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To compare Rician and non‐Rician noise models for quantitative R2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in a simulation, phantom, and human study.

Materials and Methods

Synthetic 12‐echo spoiled GRE (SGRE) datasets were generated with various R2* rates (0–2000 sec‐1) at a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 50, 20, 10, and 5. Phantoms of different MnCl2 concentrations (0–25 mM) were constructed and imaged using a 12‐echo 3D SGRE sequence at 1.5T. Increasing levels of synthetic noise was added to the original data to simulate sequentially lower SNR conditions. Sixteen patients with suspected or known iron overload were imaged using 12‐echo 3D SGRE at 1.5T. Various R2* quantification methods, based on Rician and non‐Rician noise models, were compared in the simulation, phantom, and human datasets.

Results

Non‐Rician R2* estimates were variably inaccurate in the high R2* range (>500 sec‐1), with SNR‐dependent linear goodness‐of‐fit statistic (R2) of 0.373–0.999. Rician R2* estimates were accurate even in the high R2* range, with high R2 of 0.940–0.999 regardless of SNR. Non‐Rician R2* estimates were variably nonlinear at high MnCl2 concentrations, with SNR‐dependent R2 of 0.345–0.994. Rician R2* estimates were linear even at high MnCl2 concentrations, with high R2 of 0.923–0.994 regardless of SNR. Between‐method agreement of the R2* estimates was excellent in patients with low ferritin but poor in patients with high ferritin. Rician R2* estimates had excellent correlation with ferritin (r = 0.966 P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Rician R2* estimates were most consistent in the high R2* conditions and under varying SNR, and may be more reliable when high iron load is suspected. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1544–1559.
Understanding the Antecedents of Intention to Use Mobile Internet Banking in India: Opportunities for Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Bryson Douglas , Atwal Glyn , Chaudhuri Himadri Roy , Dave Kartik
Published: May 2015

Microfinance institutions in India need to act upon opportunities to extend their reach concentrating their marketing efforts on factors that predict consumers’ intention to use mobile Internet banking.
When Social Enterprises Engage in Finance: Agents of Change in Lending Relationships, a Belgian Typology
Authors: Périlleux Anaïs
Published: May 2015

A typology of six major models drawn from the Belgian case shows how social enterprises working in finance are agents of change in lending relationships.
Evaluation of PPARα activation by known blueberry constituents
Authors: Rimando Agnes M , Khan Shabana I , Mizuno Cassia S , Ren Guang , Mathews Suresh T , Kim Hyunsook , Yokoyama Wallace
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Anthocyanins are known to have hypolipidemic properties. It was deemed necessary to determine whether major blueberry anthocyanins and catechins are ligands for the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha isoform (PPARα), and compare activation with known PPARα agonistic constituents, pterostilbene and resveratrol. It was also considered important to investigate the effect of pterostilbene on PPARα gene expression, and relate results with hepatic mRNA PPARα expression up‐regulation observed previously in hamsters fed a diet supplemented with blueberry peels extract (BBX).

RESULTS

The anthocyanins and catechins did not activate PPARα. Only pterostilbene exhibited a dose‐dependent activation of PPARα in H4IIEC3 cells. The resveratrol responses were lower than those of pterostilbene. Pterostilbene significantly and dose‐dependently (at 10, 20 and 50 µmol L−1) increased PPARα gene expression and the effect at 10 µmol L−1 was greater than 100 and 200 µmol L−1 of fenofibrate. Analysis of BBX showed levels of pterostilbene and resveratrol at 418 and 2381 ng g−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Anthocyanins and catechins do not appear to contribute to the up‐regulation of hepatic PPARα expression observed in hamsters. While pterostilbene and resveratrol demonstrated PPARα activation, their levels in BBX do not seem to be at efficacious concentrations. These stilbenes may contribute to the up‐regulation of PPARα expression by acting synergistically with each other or with other constituents in BBX. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Elastin hydrolysate derived from fish enhances proliferation of human skin fibroblasts and elastin synthesis in human skin fibroblasts and improves the skin conditions
Authors: Shiratsuchi Eri , Nakaba Misako , Yamada Michio
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that certain peptides significantly improve skin conditions, such as skin elasticity and the moisture content of the skin of healthy woman. This study aimed to investigate the effects of elastin hydrolysate on human skin. Proliferation and elastin synthesis were evaluated in human skin fibroblasts exposed to elastin hydrolysate and proryl‐glycine (Pro‐Gly), which is present in human blood after elastin hydrolysate ingestion. We also performed an ingestion test with elastin hydrolysate in humans and evaluated skin condition.

RESULTS

Elastin hydrolysate and Pro‐Gly enhanced the proliferation of fibroblasts and elastin synthesis. Maximal proliferation response was observed at 25 ng mL−1 Pro‐Gly. Ingestion of elastin hydrolysate improved skin condition, such as elasticity, number of wrinkles, and blood flow. Elasticity improved by 4% in the elastin hydrolysate group compared with 2% in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, elastin hydrolysate activates human skin fibroblasts and has beneficial effects on skin conditions. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Melatonin protects inner ear against radiation damage in rats
Authors: Karaer Isil , Simsek Gokce , Gul Mehmet , Bahar Leyla , Gürocak Simay , Parlakpinar Hakan , Nuransoy Ayse
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine the effects of N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine (melatonin) on radiation‐induced inner ear damage.

Study Design

An experimental animal model.

Methods

Forty rats were randomized into five groups, as follows: 1) melatonin and then radiotherapy group (n = 8), which received intraperitoneal (i.p.) melatonin (5 mg/kg) followed by irradiation 30 minutes later; 2) radiotherapy and then melatonin group (n = 8), which received irradiation with i.p. melatonin (5 mg/kg) 30 minutes later; 3) melatonin group (n = 8), which received i.p. melatonin (5 mg/kg); 4) radiotherapy group (n = 8), which underwent only irradiation; 5) and the control group (n = 8), which received i.p. 0.9% NaCl. The medications and irradiation were administered for 5 days. All rats underwent the distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) test before and 10 days after the experiment. The middle ears of the rats were excised, and assessment of tissue alterations in the organs of Corti, spiral ganglions, and stria vascularis were compared among the groups.

Results

In the radiotherapy group, the DPOAE amplitudes at frequencies of 4000 to 6000 Hz were significantly decreased when compared with the controls. The DPOAE amplitudes both in the melatonin and then radiotherapy group and the radiotherapy and then melatonin group exhibited better values than they did in the radiotherapy group. Histopathological evidence of damage to the organs of Corti, spiral ganglions, and stria vascularis damage was markedly reduced in both these two groups when compared to the radiotherapy group.

Conclusion

These results indicate that melatonin may have significant ameliorative effects on cochlear damage secondary to ionizing radiation. Laryngoscope, 125:E345–E349, 2015
Comorbid diseases of IgG4‐related sialadenitis in the head and neck region
Authors: Hong Xia , Sun Zhi‐Peng , Li Wei , Chen Yan , Gao Yan , Su Jia‐Zeng , Wang Zhen , Cai Zhi‐Gang , Li Tong‐Tong , Zhang Lei , Liu Xiao‐Jing , Liu Yan‐Ying , He Jing , Li Zhan‐Guo , Yu Guang‐Yan
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To further recognize the comorbid diseases of immunoglobulin G4‐related sialadenitis (IgG4‐RS) in the head and neck region and to observe the response of these conditions to immunomodulatory therapy.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

The symptoms of comorbid diseases and medical histories in 51 patients (24 men, 27 women; median age, 55 years) diagnosed with IgG4‐RS were analyzed. Thirty‐six patients received immunomodulatory therapy and were followed up for 10.4 ± 5.9 months. Computed tomography (CT) examination was performed before and after therapy.

Results

Rhinosinusitis occurred in 58.8% patients, and manifested with the symptoms of nasal obstruction, nasal xerosis, and hyposmia. In addition, 43.1% patients had allergic rhinitis. Lymphadenopathy was identified in 74.5% patients. Lacrimal gland swelling occurred in 78.4% patients. Extraocular muscles, otologic organs, skin and superficial soft tissue, and cranial nerves were also involved. All of the lesions were relieved after immunomodulatory therapy. The Lund‐Mackay scores decreased (9.6 ± 5.6 to 1.0 ± 2.2) according to CT analyses (P < .05). Mean CT volumes of the swollen lymph nodes and lacrimal glands decreased from 1.21 ± 0.61 cm3 to 0.59 ± 0.35 cm3 and from 2.25 ± 1.35 cm3 to 0.70 ± 0.32 cm3, respectively (P < .05) after treatment.

Conclusions

IgG4‐RS could potentially develop with involvement of ocular adnexa, sinonasal cavities, ears, lymph nodes, skin and superficial soft tissue, and cranial nerves in the head and neck region. Immunomodulatory therapy could be effective in controlling both the comorbid diseases of IgG4‐RS and sialadenitis of the major salivary glands.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:2113–2118, 2015
Preparation of a Methylcellulose‐graft‐Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer as an Ultrafiltration Membrane Material
Authors: Ahn Hye Ryun , Tak Tae Moon , Kwon Young‐Nam
Published: May 2015

A porous membrane was successfully prepared via the phase‐inversion process from casting solutions consisting of a methylcellulose‐graft‐methyl methacrylate (MCMMA) copolymer, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The copolymer MCMMA was synthesized by cerium ion‐initiated redox polymerization and then used in the preparation of ultrafiltration membranes. Successful graft copolymerization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The grafting of methycellulose rendered the polymer soluble in organic solvents such as DMAc, which aided the preparation of the membrane dope solution. Membranes were fabricated with different proportions of PVP as the pore‐forming agent, and bovine serum albumin rejection and resistance of the membranes to protein solutions were investigated. Thus, a novel membrane material is proposed for fabricating ultrafiltration membranes used in water treatment.
Bioinspired Phospholipid Polymer Hydrogel System for Cellular Engineering
Authors: Ishihara Kazuhiko , Oda Haruka , Aikawa Tatsuo , Konno Tomohiro
Published: May 2015

The properties of the microenvironment surrounding cells are important for the control of cell functions. The polymeric cellular environment has great potential in this regard because environmental properties can be manipulated. We propose a spontaneously forming phospholipid polymer hydrogel system composed of 2 kinds of pre‐polymers to control cellular functions via hydrogel physical properties. These pre‐polymers are cytocompatible poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine‐co‐n‐butyl methacrylate‐co‐p‐vinylphenylboronic acid) (PMBV) and water‐soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The p‐vinylphenylboronic acid units in PMBV can react with the hydroxy groups of PVA in aqueous medium and form cross‐linkages. This spontaneously formed PMBV/PVA hydrogel can be dissociated again via the addition of sugar compounds. To alter the physical properties, we simply change the concentration or mixing ratio of the pre‐polymers. The storage modulus of the PMBV/PVA hydrogel matrix was controlled from 0.3 kPa to 2.5 kPa, which corresponds to very soft natural tissue. Cells can be encapsulated in the hydrogel. When the storage modulus of the PMBV/PVA hydrogel was above 1.0 kPa, the proliferation of encapsulated cells was suppressed and provided uniform cells in G1 phase in cell cycle progression. High G1 phase fraction (>90%) may lead to excellent differentiation efficiency, which results in great insight for stem cell engineering. The PMBV/PVA system is expected to become a key material in cellular engineering for regulating cellular function without undesirable biological events.
Potential therapeutic Mn2+ and Ni2+ complexes of new 4‐acetyl‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazoline‐5‐one phenylhydrazone Ampp‐Ph.
Authors: Idemudia Omoruyi G. , Sadimenko Alexander P. , Afolayan Anthony J.
Published: May 2015

Schiff base of acetylpyrazolone phenylhydrazone Ampp‐Ph was synthesized from the reaction of synthesized acetylpyrazolone diketone precursor Ampp with phenylhydrazine. On reacting the isolated Schiff base in ethanol with aqueous solution of manganese or nickel chloride salts afforded the metal complexes of acetylpyrazolone phenylhydrazone. Based on elemental, analytical and spectroscopic studies a bidentate keto tautomer Schiff base forming an octahedral complex with the metal ion has been proposed. Varying antibacterial activities against selected bacterial isolates have been observed using the paper disc diffusion method at 40mg/ml. A significant free radical scavenging (antioxidant) capability against DPPH was exhibited by the synthesized compounds.
Water‐soluble polymer associated to regenerated cellulose membrane for boron removal
Authors: Rivas Bernabé L. , Sánchez Julio
Published: May 2015

This research presents a systematic study of boron removal from aqueous systems by means of liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention. Poly(3(N‐glucidol‐N‐methyl)‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate), P(GMHP) was prepared and used to form complexes with boron, and a regenerated‐cellulose membrane was used as a complex separator. The removal experiments of boron were conducted at 1 bar of pressure by varying pH, polymer:boron molar ratio, and the presence of interfering ions. The results showed higher retention capacity for boron at pH 9.5 with P(GMHP). The optimal polymer:boron molar ratio was 40:1. The second removal tests were performed using two simulated water samples from northern Chile with the same pH and concentration of boron, arsenic, and chloride. P(GMHP) showed a maximum of 60% boron retention for these artificial water samples. Studies of boron enrichment using P(GMHP) with simulated water of Northern Chile showed that the soluble polymer reached maximum retention capacity values between 2.0 and 12.0 mg of B retained per gram of polymer.
Effect of Excipients on the Stability of Insulin Lispro
Authors: Misra Gauri P. , Janagam Dileep R. , Lowe Tao L.
Published: May 2015

The effects of polymers hyaluronic acid (anionic), chitosan (cationic), and Pluronic F‐127 (nonionic) on the stability of the insulin lispro in PBS (pH 7.4) solution at 37°C was investigated using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography. The results were that hyaluronic acid slightly enhanced while chitosan and Pluronic® F‐127 both decreased the stability of insulin lispro. Furthermore, the negative effect of chitosan on insulin lispro's stability was worse than that of Pluronic® F‐127. These results clearly indicate that the macromolecular structure and charge of the polymer excipients had a significant effect on the stability of insulin lispro.
Vascular Parkinsonism: Deconstructing a Syndrome
Authors: Vizcarra Joaquin A. , Lang Anthony E. , Sethi Kapil D. , Espay Alberto J.
Published: May 2015

Progressive ambulatory impairment and abnormal white matter (WM) signal on neuroimaging come together under the diagnostic umbrella of vascular parkinsonism (VaP). A critical appraisal of the literature, however, suggests that (1) no abnormal structural imaging pattern is specific to VaP; (2) there is poor correlation between brain MRI hyperintensities and microangiopathic brain disease and parkinsonism from available clinicopathologic data; (3) pure parkinsonism from vascular injury (“definite” vascular parkinsonism) consistently results from ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes involving the SN and/or nigrostriatal pathway, but sparing the striatum itself, the cortex, and the intervening WM; and (4) many cases reported as VaP may represent pseudovascular parkinsonism (e.g., Parkinson's disease or another neurodegenerative parkinsonism, such as PSP with nonspecific neuroimaging signal abnormalities), vascular pseudoparkinsonism (e.g., akinetic mutism resulting from bilateral mesial frontal strokes or apathetic depression from bilateral striatal lacunar strokes), or pseudovascular pseudoparkinsonism (e.g., higher‐level gait disorders, including normal‐pressure hydrocephalus with transependimal exudate). These syndromic designations are preferable over VaP until pathology or validated biomarkers confirm the underlying nature and relevance of the leukoaraiosis. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A discontinuous Galerkin method with plane waves for sound‐absorbing materials
Authors: Gabard G. , Dazel O.
Published: May 2015

Poro‐elastic materials are commonly used for passive control of noise and vibration and are key to reducing noise emissions in many engineering applications, including the aerospace, automotive and energy industries. More efficient computational models are required to further optimise the use of such materials. In this paper, we present a discontinuous Galerkin method (DGM) with plane waves for poro‐elastic materials using the Biot theory solved in the frequency domain. This approach offers significant gains in computational efficiency and is simple to implement (costly numerical quadratures of highly oscillatory integrals are not needed). It is shown that the Biot equations can be easily cast as a set of conservation equations suitable for the formulation of the wave‐based DGM. A key contribution is a general formulation of boundary conditions as well as coupling conditions between different propagation media. This is particularly important when modelling porous materials as they are generally coupled with other media, such as the surround fluid or an elastic structure. The validation of the method is described first for a simple wave propagating through a porous material, and then for the scattering of an acoustic wave by a porous cylinder. The accuracy, conditioning and computational cost of the method are assessed, and comparison with the standard finite element method is included. It is found that the benefits of the wave‐based DGM are fully realised for the Biot equations and that the numerical model is able to accurately capture both the oscillations and the rapid attenuation of the waves in the porous material. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐Pressure Plasma After‐Treatment of Pollutants Emitted During Semiconductor Manufacturing
Authors: Hur Min , Lee Jae Ok , Kang Woo Seok , Song Young‐Hoon
Published: May 2015

Feasibility tests of abating and stabilizing pollutants emitted during semiconductor manufacturing are performed by using a plasma reactor placed before a vacuum pump. Abatement characteristics of N2O, CF4, CHF3, NF3, C3H6, and TEMAZ are investigated by analyzing the data obtained by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography. The size of byproduct particles is identified by using a particle sampler. Analysis is focused on the role of reactant gases (O2 or H2O) during abatement. Finally, the applicability of low‐pressure plasma after‐treatment technology is discussed from the environmental and economic points of view.
Synthetic pheromones as a management technique – dispensers reduce Linepithema humile activity in a commercial vineyard
Authors: Westermann Fabian L , Bell Vaughn A , Suckling David M , Lester Philip J
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Invasive ants, such as the Argentine ant, have often been reported to facilitate honeydew‐producing hemipteran pests such as mealybugs, which can be vectors of plant pathogens. Synthetic pheromones may offer a target‐specific method to control such ants and consequently lower the abundance of honeydew‐producing pests. Here we report the results of a trial to suppress Argentine ants in grapevines using ant pheromone dispensers.

RESULTS

Compared with untreated controls, we observed a significant drop in Argentine ant activity on the ground, irrespective of whether pheromone dispensers were placed at ground level, within the canopy or in both locations. Ant counts in the canopy confirmed that Argentine ant abundance was reduced under the influence of the pheromone dispenser placed at ground level compared with untreated controls. However, placing dispensers only in the canopy did not reduce the numbers of ants within the canopy compared with untreated controls.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that pheromone dispensers can significantly reduce Argentine ant foraging in grapevines if they are positioned appropriately. This technique could potentially reduce the abundance of associated mealybugs and potentially attendant virus vectoring areawide. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
TTL cooling and drying during the January 2013 stratospheric sudden warming
Authors: Evan Stephanie , Rosenlof K. H. , Thornberry Troy , Rollins Andrew , Khaykin Sergey
Published: May 2015

Extremely low water vapour concentrations (as low as 1.5 ppmv) in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) were observed by in situ measurements during the Airborne Tropical TRopopause Experiment (ATTREX) winter 2013 deployment in February 2013. The January 2013 tropical (15°N–15°S) mean value of Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) water vapour satellite data at 82 hPa (2.3 ppmv) was one of the lowest during the instrument record (2004–2013). The relationship between a cooling of the tropical tropopause, a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event and convective activity in the western Pacific is investigated using satellite data and reanalysis meteorological products to elucidate the likely origin of those extremely low water vapour concentrations. A major midwinter SSW developed on 6 January 2013. Stratospheric polar temperatures increased by ∼30 K in a matter of days and temperatures in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) dropped at the same time. As a result of the easterly shear phase of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation and the SSW, the tropical tropopause in January 2013 was anomalously cold (zonal mean of 187 K) and elevated (85 hPa). The tropical cold point tropopause (CPT) temperature and water vapour concentration at 82 hPa decreased by about 2 K and 1.5 ppmv respectively within the first 15 days of January; the water vapour change was likely a result of dehydration associated with the rapid cooling of the tropical CPT during that period.
Autoimmune disease leading to pulmonary AL amyloidosis and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ellender Claire M. , McLean Catriona , Williams Trevor J. , Snell Gregory I. , Whitford Helen M.
Published: May 2015

A 33‐year‐old woman with past history of Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus presented with dyspnea and syncope secondary to pulmonary hypertension. After progressive symptoms over 4 years, she received bilateral lung transplantation. Histopathology of the explanted lungs showed isolated pulmonary amyloid light‐chain amyloidosis and pulmonary cysts. No evidence of systemic amyloidosis was found at the time of transplantation. Seven years post lung transplantation, she remains well with no evidence of systemic amyloidosis recurrence.
Learn how CSAOs become college presidents
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2015

NEW ORLEANS, LA. — If you aspire to the college presidency but don't know how to get there or even if it's a realistic goal, you're in luck.
Was student wrongfully suspended for off‐campus conduct?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: May 2015

Mark Stapor was a graduate student at Wagner College. He also served as an assistant coach on one of its athletics teams.
Look at student conduct experience through a different lens
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2015

VASTI TORRES, DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
The effects of silver coating on friction coefficient and shear bond strength of steel orthodontic brackets
Authors: Arash Valiollah , Anoush Keivan , Rabiee Sayed Mahmood , Rahmatei Manuchehr , Tavanafar Saeid
Published: May 2015

Aims of the present study was to measure frictional resistance between silver coated brackets and different types of arch wires, and shear bond strength of these brackets to the tooth. In an experimental clinical research 28 orthodontic brackets (standard, 22 slots) were coated with silver ions using electroplate method. Six brackets (coated: 3, uncoated: 3) were evaluated with Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. The amount of friction in 15 coated brackets was measured with three different kinds of arch wires (0.019 × 0.025‐in stainless steel [SS], 0.018‐in stainless steel [SS], 0.018‐in Nickel‐Titanium [Ni‐Ti]) and compared with 15 uncoated steel brackets. In addition, shear bond strength values were compared between 10 brackets with silver coating and 10 regular brackets. Universal testing machine was used to measure shear bond strength and the amount of friction between the wires and brackets. SPSS 18 was used for data analysis with t‐test. SEM and AFM results showed deposition of a uniform layer of silver, measuring 8–10 μm in thickness on bracket surfaces. Silver coating led to higher frictional forces in all the three types of arch wires, which was statistically significant in 0.019 × 0.025‐in SS and 0.018‐in Ni‐Ti, but it did not change the shear bond strength significantly. Silver coating with electroplating method did not affect the bond strength of the bracket to enamel; in addition, it was not an effective method for decreasing friction in sliding mechanics. SCANNING 37:294–299, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Strongest Possible Lewisian Triviality Result
Authors: Fitelson Branden ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: May 2015

The strongest possible Lewisian triviality result for the indicative conditional is proven.
Thermal Aggregation of Hen Egg White Proteins in the Presence of Salts
Authors: Iwashita Kazuki , Inoue Naoto , Handa Akihiro , Shiraki Kentaro
Published: May 2015

Hen egg white contains more than 40 kinds of proteins with concentrations reaching 100 mg/mL. Highly concentrated protein mixtures are common in the food industry, but the effects of a crowded environment containing salts on protein stability and aggregation have only been investigated using pure protein solutions. Here, we investigated the thermal aggregation of hen egg white protein (EWP) at various concentrations in the presence of inorganic salts by solubility measurements and SDS-PAGE. EWP at 1 mg/mL formed aggregates with increasing temperature above 55 °C; the aggregation temperatures increased in the presence of inorganic salt with the Hofmeister series. Namely, the chaotrope 0.5 M NaSCN completely suppressed the thermal aggregation of 1 mg/mL EWP. As the protein concentration increased, NaSCN unexpectedly enhanced the protein aggregation; the aggregation temperature of 10 and 100 mg/mL EWP solutions were dramatically decreased at 62 and 47 °C, respectively. This decrease in aggregation temperatures due to the chaotrope was described by the excluded volume effect, based on a comparative experiment using Ficoll 70 as a neutral crowder. By contrast, the kosmotrope Na2SO4 did not affect the aggregation temperature at concentrations from 1 to 100 mg/mL EWPs. The unexpected fact that a chaotrope rather enhanced the protein aggregation at high concentration provides new insight into the aggregation phenomena with the Hofmeister effect as well as the crude state of highly concentrated proteins.
Negative Aspects of Business Relationships for Resource Mobilization
Authors: Corsaro Daniela
Published: May 2015

The diffusion of a relational view of markets has been accompanied by the introduction of the concept of relationship orientation, defined as the propensity to engage in a relational behaviour. But companies often struggle to obtain the benefits of close collaboration in business-to-business relationships, with important effects the way resources are combined in buyer–seller interactions. This paper will discuss three main elements that can limit the ability of a company to establish and maintain effective business relationships and therefore impede resource mobilization: opportunism, uncertainty and negative misalignment. The paper will highlight that for a relational orientation to influence resource mobilization positively, there is the need not only to build long-term relationships characterized by trust, commitment and information exchange, as often stressed in the literature, but also to manage relational opportunism, ambiguity and uncertainty.
The Effects of Volitional Preemptive Abdominal Contraction on Postural Control Responses in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Nagar Vittal R. , Sawyer Steven F. , James C. Roger , Brismée Jean‐Michel , Hooper Troy L. , Sizer Phillip S.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To investigate the effect of volitional preemptive abdominal contraction by using an abdominal bracing maneuver (ABM) on postural control responses.

Design

A within‐subjects, repeated‐measure, experimental design.

Setting

Laboratory.

Participants

Sixty‐five healthy subjects between 18 and 50 years of age.

Methods

Subjects performed ABM alternating with No‐ABM during 2 rounds of 2 Neurocom computed dynamic posturography tests: the Motor Control Test (MCT) and conditions 1 (eyes open), 2 (eyes closed), and 5 (eyes closed, sway‐referenced support) of the Sensory Organization Test (SOT).

Main Outcome Measurements

(1) MCT Response Latency (milliseconds) and Response Scaling (magnitude of active postural correction) and (2) SOT Equilibrium Scores and 2‐Dimensional Sway (°/second), and SOT Movement Strategy, which measure postural sway and movement strategies (ankle versus hip strategy), respectively.

Results

The use of ABM (versus No‐ABM) produced: (1) a small but statistically significant decrease in SOT Equilibrium Score for condition 2 (−1.0%; P = .004); (2) an increase in SOT 2‐Dimensional Sway (°/second) during conditions 1 (16.9%; P = .0001) and 2 (15.0%; P = .0001); (3) a small decrease in SOT Movement Strategy scores during condition 1 (−0.5%; P = .001) and condition 2 (−1.0%; P = .017); and (4) a reduction of MCT Response Latency by 3 milliseconds (−2.1%; P = .005) and reduction of Response Scaling by 0.33°/second (−9.2%; P = .001).

Conclusion

Individuals can incorporate the ABM without substantively altering postural control. Although selected SOT and MCT scores exhibited small decreases in postural response integrity, those outcomes did not reflect functionally meaningful changes. These findings can enhance clinicians' confidence in prescribing the ABM as a means to protectively stabilize the spine and potentially prevent injury in healthy subjects without concern for reducing postural control, especially during more complex postural perturbations that introduce sensory conflict.
Relationships Between Capsular Stiffness and Clinical Features in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Authors: Lee Sang Yoon , Lee Kyu Jin , Kim Won , Chung Sun G.
Published: May 2015

Background

Tightening and contracture of the joint capsule are hallmarks of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS). However, quantification of capsular stiffness and its relation to clinical features have not been investigated thoroughly.

Objectives

To quantify capsular stiffness during intra‐articular hydraulic distension (IHD) and to investigate its relationships with pain severity, symptom duration, range of motion (ROM), gender, and diabetes status.

Design

Case series.

Setting

University outpatient clinic of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Participants

A total of 107 consecutive patients with ACS who underwent IHD.

Methods

Pressure‐volume monitoring data during IHD, pain severity, symptom duration, shoulder ROM, and diabetes status were obtained by retrospective chart review. Capsular stiffness (Kcap) was measured by calculating the slope of the elastic phase in pressure‐volume curves. ROM was evaluated in 3 directions (flexion, abduction, and external rotation) with a goniometer, and the sum of the 3 ROMs was calculated.

Main Outcome Measurements

Pearson correlation coefficients and comparisons of averages were used to analyze the relationships between Kcap and clinical features.

Results

The mean Kcap of the total group of participants was 26.0 ± 14.2 mmHg/mL. Shoulder pain in motion or rest did not correlate with Kcap. Patients with stiffer capsules had smaller sums of ROMs (r = −.298, P = .002), with distinct limitations in external rotation and abduction (r = −.278, P = .004 and r = −.313, P = .001, respectively). Women had significantly stiffer capsules than men (29.5 ± 14.3 versus 20.2 ± 12.1 mmHg/mL, P = .001). Diabetes status had no significant effect on capsular stiffness.

Conclusions

Capsular stiffness of the glenohumeral joint significantly correlated with limitation in shoulder ROM, especially in the abduction and external rotation directions, whereas there were no meaningful relationships with shoulder pain during motion or rest. This is the first study to reveal the relationships between in vivo quantified capsular stiffness and shoulder ROM limitations.
What are kids getting into these days? A retrospective chart review of substance use presentations to a Canadian pediatric emergency department
Authors: Driedger G. Emmi , Dong Kathryn A. , Newton Amanda S. , Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Ali Samina
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Goals for this study were to characterize the substances being used by youth who presented to an emergency department (ED), their demographic descriptors, and to describe the associated acute morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all youth, ages 10–16 years, who presented to a pediatric ED with complaints related to recreational drug use (n=641) for 2 years ending on December 31, 2009.

Results

The median age of patients was 15 years; 56% were female. Six percent of patients were homeless, and 21% were wards of the state. The most frequent ingestions included ethanol (74%), marijuana (20%), ecstasy (19%), and medications (15%). Over one third of patients had ingested two or more substances. Ninety percent of patients were brought to the ED by the emergency medical services; 63% of these activations were by non-acquaintances. Of the 47% of youth who presented with a decreased level of consciousness, half had a Glasgow Coma Scale less than 13. The Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale score was 1 or 2 for 44% of patients. Sixty-eight percent received IV fluids, 42% received medication, and 4% were intubated. The admission rate was 9%.

Conclusions

Youth who presented to the ED for substance use represented a socially vulnerable population whose use of recreational substances resulted in high medical acuity and significant morbidity. Improved clinical identification of such high-risk youth and subsequent design of interventions to address problematic substance use and social issues are urgently needed to complement the acute medical care that youth receive.
Offload zones to mitigate emergency medical services (EMS) offload delay in the emergency department: a process map and hazard analysis
Authors: Carter Alix J.E. , Gould James B. , Vanberkel Peter , Jensen Jan L. , Cook Jolene , Carrigan Steven , Wheatley Mark R. , Travers Andrew H.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Offload delay is a prolonged interval between ambulance arrival in the emergency department (ED) and transfer of patient care, typically occurring when EDs are crowded. The offload zone (OZ), which manages ambulance patients waiting for an ED bed, has been implemented to mitigate the impact of ED crowding on ambulance availability. Little is known about the safety or efficiency. The study objectives were to process map the OZ and conduct a hazard analysis to identify steps that could compromise patient safety or process efficiency.

Methods

A Health Care Failure Mode and Effect Analysis was conducted. Failure modes (FM) were identified. For each FM, a probability to occur and severity of impact on patient safety and process efficiency was determined, and a hazard score (probability X severity) was calculated. For any hazard score considered high risk, root causes were identified, and mitigations were sought.

Results

The OZ consists of six major processes: 1) patient transported by ambulance, 2) arrival to the ED, 3) transfer of patient care, 4) patient assessment in OZ, 5) patient care in OZ, and 6) patient transfer out of OZ; 78 FM were identified, of which 28 (35.9%) were deemed high risk and classified as impact on patient safety (n=7/28, 25.0%), process efficiency (n=10/28, 35.7%), or both (n=11/28, 39.3%). Seventeen mitigations were suggested.

Conclusion

This process map and hazard analysis is a first step in understanding the safety and efficiency of the OZ. The results from this study will inform current policy and practice, and future work to reduce offload delay.
Church as Sacrament: Gutiérrez and Sobrino as Interpreters ofLumen Gentium
Authors: Walatka Todd
Published: May 2015

Vatican II'sGaudium et Spes(GS) has had an unmistakable and demonstrable impact on Latin American liberation theology. Likewise, any sufficient account of the impact of GS on the wider church would need to attend to liberation theology. This article affirms this basic point, then explores the often-underappreciated relationship between liberation theology andLumen Gentium(LG).In particular, it investigates how Gustavo Gutiérrez and Jon Sobrino interpret a fundamental ecclesiological affirmation of LG: the church as a sacrament of salvation and unity. Gutiérrez's early work provides, and Sobrino deepens, the basic point that the church's work as a sacrament inherently demands an option for the poor. Rather than being simply part of its social teaching, this option is at the heart of the churchquachurch. It is essential both for an adequate interpretation of LG and for a church seeking to be a credible sign and effective instrument of salvation and unity in the world.
Pope Francis and American Economics
Authors: Clark Charles M. A.
Published: May 2015

Reaction among conservatives to Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium has most often been negative. Ross Douthat, however, in his 2013 New York Times op-ed, has offered a more nuanced critique. Our four Roundtable authors respond to Douthat's implied invitation to a discussion by responding from the viewpoint of Catholic social thought.
Pope Francis and American Economics
Authors: Hirschfeld Mary
Published: May 2015

Reaction among conservatives to Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium has most often been negative. Ross Douthat, however, in his 2013 New York Times op-ed, has offered a more nuanced critique. Our four Roundtable authors respond to Douthat's implied invitation to a discussion by responding from the viewpoint of Catholic social thought.
Theology, Science, and Technology: Framing an Encounter in Light of Lonergan and Ricœur
Authors: Pambrun James R.
Published: May 2015

This article proposes a theological approach to the encounter between theology and the world of science and technology. A suitable locus for encounter is the different partners' shared commitment to the desire to understand. I draw on the work of both Bernard Lonergan and Paul Ricœur to describe understanding as the enactment of a pattern of cognitional operations. However, the theoretical mode of understanding proper to science is distinct from the practical mode of understanding proper to technology. Lonergan's elaboration of the “intellectual” pattern of operations is drawn on to enhance an encounter with science, while Ricœur's elaboration of the “action” pattern is drawn on to enhance an encounter with technology.
Should It Be Told or Tasted? Impact of Sensory Versus Nonsensory Cues on the Categorization of Low-Alcohol Wines
Authors: Masson Josselin , Aurier Philippe
Published: May 2015

We use the expectation-disconfirmation and categorization theories to study the effects of sensory versus nonsensory cues relative to a transformed attribute on categorization and typicality judgments relative to a new food product. In an experiment involving 51 participants and low-alcohol wines (new products), we show that categorization and typicality judgments differ according to sensory versus nonsensory cues. The new transformed product is categorized more often in its original category—wine—and perceived as more typical in the nonsensory compared to the sensory condition. (JEL Classifications: L66, M31)
Kant, Respect, and Hypothetical Acts
Authors: Shand John
Published: May 2015

The role of hypothetical acts, as opposed to actual acts, has been neglected in understanding the nature of what is required by the Respect for Persons formulation of the Categorical Imperative in concrete moral relations between persons. This had led to a failure to understand fully the way and the extent to which the Categorical Imperative may be present in all such relations with others as encapsulated in an appropriate attitude towards others that may refer to hypothetical acts, as well as actual acts. The result is an underestimation of the direct relevance and moral efficacy of the Categorical Imperative.
The Right Time for the Job? Insights into Practices of Time in Contemporary Field Sciences
Authors: Arpin Isabelle , Granjou Céline
Published: May 2015

Argument

Temporal issues appear to be crucial to the relationship between life scientists and their field sites and to the making of science in the field. We elaborate on the notion of practices of time to describe the ways life scientists cope with multiple and potentially conflicting temporal aspects that influence how they become engaged and remain engaged in a field-site, such as pleasure, long-term security, scientific productivity, and timeliness. With this notion, we seek to bring enhanced visibility and coherence to the extensive but rather scattered and limited treatments of temporal practices in field sciences that already exist.
The Pythagorean Table of Opposites, Symbolic Classification, and Aristotle
Authors: Goldin Owen
Published: May 2015

Argument

AtMetaphysicsA 5 986a22-b2, Aristotle refers to a Pythagorean table, with two columns of paired opposites. I argue that 1) although Burkert and Zhmud have argued otherwise, there is sufficient textual evidence to indicate that the table, or one much like it, is indeed of Pythagorean origin; 2) research in structural anthropology indicates that the tables are a formalization of arrays of “symbolic classification” which express a pre-scientific world view with social and ethical implications, according to which the presence of a principle on one column of the table will carry with it another principle within the same column; 3) a close analysis of Aristotle's arguments shows that he thought that the table expresses real causal relationships; and 4) Aristotle faults the table of opposites with positing its principles as having universal application and with not distinguishing between those principles that are causally prior and those that are posterior. Aristotle's account of scientific explanation and his own explanations that he developed in accordance with this account are in part the result of his critical encounter with this prescientific Pythagorean table.
Drivers of retention and discards of elasmobranch non-target catch
Authors: JAMES KELSEY C. , LEWISON REBECCA L. , DILLINGHAM PETER W. , CURTIS K. ALEXANDRA , MOORE JEFFREY E.
Published: May 2015

To address growing concern over the effects of fisheries non-target catch on elasmobranchs worldwide, the accurate reporting of elasmobranch catch is essential. This requires data on a combination of measures, including reported landings, retained and discarded non-target catch, and post-discard survival. Identification of the factors influencing discard versus retention is needed to improve catch estimates and to determine wasteful fishing practices. To do this, retention rates of elasmobranch non-target catch in a broad subset of fisheries throughout the world were compared by taxon, fishing country, and gear. A regression tree and random forest analysis indicated that taxon was the most important determinant of retention in this dataset, but all three factors together explained 59% of the variance. Estimates of total elasmobranch removals were calculated by dividing the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) global elasmobranch landings by average retention rates, and suggest that total elasmobranch removals may exceed FAO reported landings by as much as 400%. This analysis is the first effort to directly characterize global drivers of discards for elasmobranch non-target catch. The results highlight the importance of accurate quantification of retention and discard rates to improve assessments of the potential impacts of fisheries on these species.
Exposure of resident sparrows to West Nile virus evidenced in South Tunisia
Authors: HAMMOUDA A. , LECOLLINET S. , HAMZA F. , NASRI I. , NEB A. , SELMI S.
Published: May 2015

During the last few years, several cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in humans have been reported in Tunisia. However, detailed information on WNV infection in wild birds, the primary amplifying host of WNV, are lacking. In this work, we investigated the exposure of wild sparrows (hybrid Passer domesticus × hispaniolensis) living in two oases in southern Tunisia (Gabès and Kébili oases) to WNV, through the detection of WNV-specific antibodies by using ELISA and microneutralization tests. In total, 208 birds were sampled (54 from Kébili, 154 from Gabès). Anti-WNV antibodies were detected in two birds, corresponding to an overall seroprevalence of 1%. There was no significant difference between the two sampled populations [1·85% (1/54) in Kébili, 0·65% (1/154) in Gabès]. These data provide indirect evidence of the exposure of resident sparrows in southern Tunisia to WNV.