bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Updates and Knowledge Gaps in Cholesteatoma Research
Authors: Kuo Chin-Lung , Shiao An-Suey , Yung Matthew , Sakagami Masafumi , Sudhoff Holger , Wang Chih-Hung , Hsu Chyong-Hsin , Lien Chiang-Feng
Published: March 2015

The existence of acquired cholesteatoma has been recognized for more than three centuries; however, the nature of the disorder has yet to be determined. Without timely detection and intervention, cholesteatomas can become dangerously large and invade intratemporal structures, resulting in numerous intra- and extracranial complications. Due to its aggressive growth, invasive nature, and the potentially fatal consequences of intracranial complications, acquired cholesteatoma remains a cause of morbidity and death for those who lack access to advanced medical care. Currently, no viable nonsurgical therapies are available. Developing an effective management strategy for this disorder will require a comprehensive understanding of past progress and recent advances. This paper presents a brief review of background issues related to acquired middle ear cholesteatoma and deals with practical considerations regarding the history and etymology of the disorder. We also consider issues related to the classification, epidemiology, histopathology, clinical presentation, and complications of acquired cholesteatoma and examine current diagnosis and management strategies in detail.
Adaptive Beamforming Based on Compressed Sensing with Smoothedl0Norm
Authors: Han Yubing , Wang Jian
Published: March 2015

An adaptive beamforming based on compressed sensing with smoothedl0norm for large-scale sparse receiving array is proposed in this paper. Because of the spatial sparsity of the arriving signal, compressed sensing is applied to sample received signals with a sparse array and reduced channels. The signal of full array is reconstructed by using a compressed sensing reconstruction method based on smoothedl0norm. Then an iterative linearly constrained minimum variance beamforming algorithm is adopted to form antenna beam, whose main lobe is steered to the desired direction and nulls to the directions of interferences. Simulation results and Monte Carlo analysis for linear and planar arrays show that the beam performances of our proposed adaptive beamforming are similar to those of full array antenna.
High-Resolution Mapping of Scar-Related Atrial Arrhythmias Using Smaller Electrodes With Closer Interelectrode Spacing
Authors: Anter Elad , Tschabrunn Cory M. , Josephson Mark E.
Published: March 2015

Background—

The resolution of mapping is influenced by electrode size and interelectrode spacing. Smaller electrodes with closer interelectrode spacing may improve mapping resolution, particularly in scar. The aims of this study were to establish normal electrogram criteria in the atria for both 3.5-mm electrode tip linear catheters (Thermocool) and 1-mm multielectrode-mapping catheters (Pentaray) and to compare their mapping resolution in scar-related atrial arrhythmias.

Methods and Results—

Normal voltage amplitude cutoffs for both catheters were validated in 10 patients with structurally normal atria. In 20 additional patients with scar-related atrial arrhythmias, similar sequential mapping with both catheters was performed. Normal bipolar voltage amplitude was similar between 3.5- and 1-mm electrode catheters with a fifth percentile of 0.48 and 0.52 mV, respectively (
P
=0.65). In patients with scar-related atrial arrhythmias, the total area of bipolar voltage <0.5 mV measured using 1-mm electrode catheters was smaller than that measured using 3.5-mm catheter (14.7 versus 20.4 cm2;
P
=0.02). The mean bipolar voltage amplitude in this area of low voltage was significantly higher with 1-mm electrode catheters (0.28 and 0.17 mV;
P
=0.01). Importantly, 54.4% of all low voltage data points recorded with 1-mm electrode catheter had distinct electrograms that allowed annotation of local activation time compared with only 21.4% with 3.5-mm electrode tip catheters (
P
=0.01). Overdrive pacing with capture of the tachycardia from within the area of low voltage was more frequent with 1-mm electrode catheters (66.7 versus 33.4;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Mapping with small closely spaced electrode catheters can improve mapping resolution within areas of low voltage.
Purpose in Life and Cerebral Infarcts in Community-Dwelling Older People
Authors: Yu Lei , Boyle Patricia A. , Wilson Robert S. , Levine Steven R. , Schneider Julie A. , Bennett David A.
Published: March 2015

Background and Purpose—

Purpose in life, the sense that life has meaning and direction, is associated with reduced risks of adverse health outcomes. However, it remains unknown whether purpose in life protects against the risk of cerebral infarcts among community-dwelling older people. We tested the hypothesis that greater purpose in life is associated with lower risk of cerebral infarcts.

Methods—

Participants came from the Rush Memory and Aging Project. Each participant completed a standard measure of purpose in life. Uniform neuropathologic examination identified macroscopic infarcts and microinfarcts, blinded to clinical information. Association of purpose in life with cerebral infarcts was examined in ordinal logistic regression models using a semiquantitative outcome.

Results—

Four hundred fifty-three participants were included in the analyses. The mean score on the measure of purpose was 3.5 (SD, 0.5; range, 2.1–5.0). Macroscopic infarcts were found in 154 (34.0%) people, and microinfarcts were found in 128 (28.3%) people. Greater purpose in life was associated with a lower odds of having more macroscopic infarcts (odds ratio, 0.535; 95% confidence interval, 0.346–0.826;
P
=0.005), but we did not find association with microinfarcts (odds ratio, 0.780; 95% confidence interval, 0.495–1.229;
P
=0.283). These results persisted after adjusting for vascular risk factors of body mass index, history of smoking, diabetes mellitus, and blood pressure, as well as measures of negative affect, physical activity, and clinical stroke. The association with macroscopic infarcts was driven by lacunar infarcts, and was independent of cerebral atherosclerosis and arteriolosclerosis.

Conclusions—

Purpose in life may affect risk for cerebral infarcts, specifically macroscopic lacunar infarcts.
Safety of Birth: A Comparative Analysis of the Legal Guarantees in Maternity Care (Belgium — France — The Netherlands)
Authors: Eggermont Marlies
Published: March 2015

The birth process is crucial for the child’s later motor and intellectual development. A broad review of medical liability proceedings in Belgium, France and the Netherlands shows that the chances of a safe birth can be maximised if four conditions are met. Well-educated midwives and obstetricians with sound expertise in foetal heart rate monitoring is the first condition. The second is recognition of an obstetric risk or pathology. The third condition is making the appropriate choice of medical intervention: instrumental or caesarean delivery. Adequate use of the instruments is the last condition. Not answering to these ‘standards of safe birth’ can involve the medical liability of the midwife and obstetrician. In accordance with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Belgium, the Netherlands and France offer procedural guarantees to the parents of an injured baby to determine the liability.
DNA barcoding of Neotropical black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae): Species identification and discovery of cryptic diversity in Mesoamerica
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-TRIANA LUIS M.
Published: March 2015

Although correct taxonomy is paramount for disease control programs and epidemiological studies, morphology-based taxonomy of black flies is extremely difficult. In the present study, the utility of a partial sequence of the COI gene, the DNA barcoding region, for the identification of species of black flies from Mesoamerica was assessed. A total of 32 morphospecies were analyzed, one belonging to the genus Gigantodax and 31 species to the genus Simulium and six of its subgenera (Aspathia, Eusimulium, Notolepria, Psaroniocompsa, Psilopelmia, Trichodagmia). The Neighbour Joining tree (NJ) derived from the DNA barcodes grouped most specimens according to species or species groups recognized by morphotaxonomic studies. Intraspecific sequence divergences within morphologically distinct species ranged from 0.07% to 1.65%, while higher divergences (2.05%–6.13%) in species complexes suggested the presence of cryptic diversity. The existence of well-defined groups within S. callidum (Dyar & Shannon), S. quadrivittatum Loew, and S. samboni Jennings revealed the likely inclusion of cryptic species within these taxa. In addition, the suspected presence of sibling species within S. paynei Vargas and S. tarsatum Macquart was supported. DNA barcodes also showed that specimens of species that are difficult to delimit morphologically such as S. callidum, S. pseudocallidum Díaz Nájera, S. travisi Vargas, Vargas & Ramírez-Pérez, relatives of the species complexes such as S. metallicum Bellardi s.l. (e.g., S. horacioi Okazawa & Onishi, S. jobbinsi Vargas, Martínez Palacios, Díaz Nájera, and S. puigi Vargas, Martínez Palacios & Díaz Nájera), and S. virgatum Coquillett complex (e.g., S. paynei and S. tarsatum) grouped together in the NJ analysis, suggesting they represent valid species. DNA barcoding combined with a sound morphotaxonomic framework provided an effective approach for the identification of medically important black flies species in Mesoamerica and for the discovery of hidden diversity within this group.
Natural and Forced North Atlantic Hurricane Potential Intensity Change in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Ting Mingfang , Camargo Suzana J. , Li Cuihua , Kushnir Yochanan
Published: March 2015

Possible future changes of North Atlantic hurricane intensity and the attribution of past hurricane intensity changes in the historical period are investigated using phase 5 of the Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), multimodel, multiensemble simulations. For this purpose, the potential intensity (PI), the theoretical upper limit of the tropical cyclone intensity given the large-scale environment, is used.

The CMIP5 models indicate that the PI change as a function of sea surface temperature (SST) variations associated with the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) is more effective than that associated with climate change. Thus, relatively small changes in SST due to natural multidecadal variability can lead to large changes in PI, and the model-simulated multidecadal PI change during the historical period has been largely dominated by AMV. That said, the multimodel mean PI for the Atlantic main development region shows a significant increase toward the end of the twenty-first century under both the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. This is because of enhanced surface warming, which would place the North Atlantic PI largely above the historical mean by the mid-twenty-first century, based on CMIP5 model projection.

The authors further attribute the historical PI changes to aerosols and greenhouse gas (GHG) forcing using CMIP5 historical single-forcing simulations. The model simulations indicate that aerosol forcing has been more effective in causing PI changes than the corresponding GHG forcing; the decrease in PI due to aerosols and increase due to GHG largely cancel each other. Thus, PI increases in the recent 30 years appears to be dominated by multidecadal natural variability associated with the positive phase of the AMV.
Mutations in LOXHD1 Gene Cause Various Types and Severities of Hearing Loss
Authors: Mori Kentaro , Moteki Hideaki , Kobayashi Yumiko , Azaiez Hela , Booth Kevin T. , Nishio Shin-ya , Sato Hiroaki , Smith Richard J. H. , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objective:

We present 2 families that were identified with novel mutations in LOXHD1 as a cause of nonprogressive hearing loss.

Methods:

One thousand three hundred fourteen (1314) Japanese subjects with sensorineural hearing loss from unrelated families were enrolled in the study. Targeted genomic enrichment and massively parallel sequencing of all known nonsyndromic hearing loss genes were performed to identify the genetic cause of hearing loss.

Results:

Two patients in 1 family affected with homozygous mutation c.879+1G>A in LOXHD1 showed profound congenital hearing loss, whereas 2 patients in another family with compound heterozygous mutations, c.5869G>T (p.E1957X) and c.4480C>T (p.R1494X), showed moderate to severe hearing loss.

Conclusion:

Mutations in LOXHD1 are extremely rare, and these cases are the first identified in a Japanese population. The genotype-phenotype correlation in LOXHD1 is still unclear. The differences in phenotypes in each patient might be the result of the nature of the mutations or the location on the gene, or be influenced by a genetic modifier.
Keeping rising Asia at a distance: Canadian attitudes toward trade agreements with Asian countries
Authors: Allen Nathan W.
Published: March 2015

This paper asks: why do Canadians oppose trade deals with Asian countries but support them with Europe? While many Canadians view Asia's economically dynamic countries as important to Canada's future prosperity, they are hesitant to formalize ties with the same type of trade agreements they are willing to offer traditional trading partners. Using polls conducted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, this paper identifies the demographic and attitudinal basis for the “trade support gap.” It finds that the gap is driven by factors that go beyond economic interest. Canadians prefer to strengthen economic ties with democratic countries that have strong human rights records. Furthermore, those who are worried that foreign control of the economy threatens national security and those who prefer ties with traditional allies are likely to support trade with the EU but not with Asian and other non-Asian emerging economies.
Influence of carbon black/silica ratio on the physical and mechanical properties of composites based on epoxidized natural rubber
Authors: Al-Hartomy Omar A , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed A , Farha Al Said Said A , Dishovsky Nikolay , Mihaylov Mihail , Ivanov Milcho
Published: March 2015

The aim of the present paper is to investigate how carbon black/silica ratio influences the curing characteristics, mechanical and dynamic properties of composites based on epoxidized natural rubber (Epoxyprene 25). The data obtained show that the composites, containing carbon black and silica at a 30:40, 20:50, and 10:60 ratio have the best complex of parameters (cure characteristics, mechanical and dynamic properties). That is probably due to the intermingling of carbon black and silica particles what leads to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the silanol groups of silica particles. As a result, silica particles aggregate less and the filler disperses better in the rubber matrix. On the other hand, the presence of a silane coupling agent and the polar character of epoxidized natural rubber predetermine the stronger polymer–filler interaction.
Properties assessment of nickel particulate-reinforced aluminum composites produced by hot pressing
Authors: Miranda G , Carvalho O , Soares D , Silva FS
Published: March 2015

Nickel particulate-reinforced aluminum-silicon composites, with 5, 12.5 and 20 wt%Nickel were produced by a hot pressing route. Microstructural characterization showed a uniform distribution of the Nickel particulates in the aluminum-silicon matrix. Ultimate tensile strength and hardness of the composites were found higher than for the aluminum-silicon alloy, while ductility suffered a decrease. Fracture surface analysis showed evidences of load transfer from the matrix to the reinforcement indicating the development of an effective interfacial bonding between Nickel particulates and aluminum-silicon matrix. Energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffraction analyses performed in the particle/matrix interface revealed that it was formed by Al3Ni intermetallic. It was found that the amount of Al3Ni intermetallic has a paramount influence in the composites properties.
Circumstances, Descriptive Characteristics, and Pathologic Findings in Dogs Suspected of Starving
Authors: Gerdin J. A. , McDonough S. P. , Reisman R. , Scarlett J.
Published: March 2015

The authors reviewed the case circumstances, population characteristics, gross, and histopathologic findings in 40 cases of emaciated dogs with a suspected diagnosis of starvation. The dogs’ estimated age ranged from 3 months to geriatric. Nineteen breeds were represented, including small-breed ( n = 11), large-breed ( n = 13), and pit bull–type ( n = 16) dogs. The median body condition score was 1 out of 9 (Purina scale). Various diseases were identified as the cause of death in 7 dogs, while the cause of death in the other 33 dogs was starvation due to exogenous causes (SEC). Circumstances associated exclusively with SEC included being found in a vacated residence and death during temperature extremes or severe weather. Dogs with SEC did not differ significantly from diseased dogs in body condition score, sex, neuter status, or breed category (small, large, or pit bull type). Gross findings associated exclusively with SEC included severe hair matting and traumatic injuries. Diseased dogs had an empty stomach significantly more often than SEC dogs, which frequently had food and/or foreign material in the stomach. In 5 of the 7 cases where disease was the cause of death, disease involved the gastrointestinal tract. Gross and histopathologic changes commonly found in SEC and diseased dogs included the following: gross loss of muscle mass and absence of subcuticular fat; serous atrophy of omental, perirenal, epicardial, and bone marrow fat; atrophy of the liver, skin, thyroid gland, and testicle; gastric mucosal petechiae and ecchymoses; melena; and splenic hemosiderophages.
A new mathematical model for copper concentrate combustion in flash smelting furnaces
Authors: Zaim Ehsan Hassan , Mansouri Seyed Hossein
Published: March 2015

A novel mathematical model for combustion of a single copper concentrate particle is presented. The model includes particle volatilization, fragmentation, smelting, and combustion phenomena. This model has been incorporated into a general computational fluid dynamics code to calculate flow field and particle trajectories needed to simulate the smelting process in flash furnaces. In this model, Lagrangian approach was used to handle solid particles and droplets of liquid fuel charged, while Eulerian framework was used to handle the gas phase flow field. The results show that the effect of particle fragmentation was remarkable in flash smelting process as compared with experimental data and should be considered in combustion modeling. Moreover, the flash smelting process simulation results show that the reaction shaft design should be optimized based on a combination of furnace dimension and type of concentrate burners.
Ambulatory Patient Groups
Authors: Raulinajtys-Grzybek Monika
Published: March 2015

This article examines what potential effects the implementation of the payment system per “patient case” might have on the health service structure and providers’ behaviour. Author analyzed the case of the pricing system of ambulatory services that was implemented in Poland in 2011. This system is based on the concept of ambulatory patient groups—the modification of diagnosis-related groups dedicated to the ambulatory health care. Improper design of grouping and pricing services—in particular, the lack of cost homogeneity and different level of profitability of different groups—may result in undesirable behaviours of providers, including, in particular, unjustified increasing or decreasing the number of services. The study shows that in recent years such undesirable phenomena occurred in Poland. In the case of most of the analyzed groups, the change in the price level resulted in the reaction of the providers that was significantly different from their behaviour in relation to other groups and/or behaviour in relation to tested variables in the period before the change in pricing.
Impact of Introducing Different Financial Derivative Instruments in India on Its Stock Market Volatility
Authors: Nandy (Pal) Suparna , Chattopadhyay Arup Kr.
Published: March 2015

The impact of the introduction of derivative trading in the forms of stock index futures, stock index options, currency futures and interest rate futures in India over time on the underlying stock market volatility is examined here using data on daily closing prices of S&P CNX Nifty in a Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (GARCH) (1, 1) framework, capturing heteroscedasticity in stock market return. Our estimation period spans from 1 April 1996 to 31 March 2012. The results suggest that there is time-varying persistence of the stock market volatility throughout the estimation period. Further, the introduction of equity derivatives in the forms of stock index futures and stock index options and interest rate futures in the currency derivative segment have found to be successful in reducing the stock market volatility in India, whereas introduction of currency futures is observed to have a destabilizing impact on the stock market volatility of the country. The probable reasons behind these findings of the study are as follows: Derivative instruments are introduced on the general expectation of controlling risk, hence the volatility in the underlying spot market, which happened in the cases of equity derivatives. Same occurred in case of interest rate derivative because this instrument is expected to bring stabilization in interest rates, hence stock prices. But the ineffectiveness of currency futures in stabilizing the stock prices might happen due to excessive involvement of speculators in the foreign exchange market and current integration of the Indian economy with the rest of the world.
Nonparametric modeling of magnetorheological elastomer base isolator based on artificial neural network optimized by ant colony algorithm
Authors: Yu Yang , Li Yancheng , Li Jianchun
Published: March 2015

Laminated magnetorheological elastomer base isolator is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for realizing adaptive base isolation for civil structures. However, the intrinsic hysteretic and nonlinear behavior of magnetorheological elastomer base isolators imposes challenge for adopting the device to accomplish high-accuracy performance in structural control. Therefore, it is essential to develop an accurate model for symbolizing this unique characteristic before designing a feedback controller. So far, some classical parametric models, such as Bouc–Wen, Dahl, and LuGre, have been proposed to depict the hysteretic response of magnetorheological devices, that is, magnetorheological damper, which may also be used for describing the nonlinear behavior of magnetorheological elastomer base isolator. However, the parameter identification is difficult to implement due to the nonlinear differential equations existing in these models. Considering this problem, this article proposes a nonparametric model, that is, an artificial neural network–based model with 3 input neurons, 18 hidden neurons, and 1 output neuron, to predict the magnetorheological elastomer isolator behavior. In this model, the ant colony algorithm is employed for model training to obtain the optimal weights based on the force–displacement/velocity data sampled from the magnetorheological elastomer isolator. Finally, experimental data are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed artificial neural network–based model with the good forecasting results.
Dynamic Interplay Between Norms and Experiences of Anger and Gratitude in Groups
Authors: Delvaux Ellen , Vanbeselaere Norbert , Mesquita Batja
Published: March 2015

Emotions of task group members tend to be congruent, yet the processes that lead to this congruence are not well understood. In this study, we longitudinally followed the convergence of anger and gratitude in 68 task groups, and investigated the role of emotion norms in achieving this convergence. Over time, individual members’ emotions influenced the group’s emotions, and, conversely, the group’s emotions influenced individual members’ emotions. Moreover, over time the coherence between the emotions of different group members became stronger. This supports the idea that the emotions within groups converge. In addition, we found evidence for the dynamic interplay between norms and experience. Norms guided experience, and experience became normative, both at the individual and group levels. In addition, group norms on a particular emotion predicted individuals’ experience of that emotion over time, and conversely, individual members’ norms about an emotion predicted the group’s experience of that emotion.
The Role of Media References During Public Deliberation Sessions
Authors: Capurro Gabriela , Dag Haluk , Longstaff Holly , Secko David M.
Published: March 2015

One intrinsic component of public engagement events on scientific issues that has been ignored is the role of media representations as informational inputs. This is despite inferences that media representations may support learning, reflection, misinformation, or polarization during an event. In this article, we examined the role of media references during a public deliberation on advanced biofuels, revealing how participants used them for various purposes, such as supporting their points of view, challenging others, and adding information to the discussion. However, media references steadily decreased over time, and our analysis revealed that they ultimately had a limited influence on deliberations.
Age-Related Changes in Distractibility: Developmental Trajectory of Sustained Attention in ADHD
Authors: Slobodin Ortal , Cassuto Hanoch , Berger Itai
Published: March 2015

Objective: This study investigated age-related changes in sustained attention in children with ADHD and in their typically developed peers. Method: The study used a Continuous Performance Test (CPT) that includes visual and auditory stimuli serving as distractors. The rate of omission errors was used as a measurement of difficulty in sustained attention. Participants were children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years (478 with ADHD and 361 without ADHD). Results: Both groups of adolescents (with and without ADHD) showed reduced distractibility than younger children from the same group. However, distractibility tended to diminish in non-ADHD adolescents, but not in adolescents with ADHD. Conclusion: Although part of the difficulties in ADHD could be explained by developmental delay that improves with time, other deficits, such as increased distractibility causing more omission errors, do not show a clear developmental trajectory. The results suggest that deficits in inhibitory control might be the core of ADHD.
‘Blurred lines’
Authors: Sprake Andrew , Walker Sue
Published: March 2015

The recent review of the national curriculum, which places Physical Education as a compulsory subject at key stages 1–4, indicates a government commitment to the subject. However, given the contested history of Physical Education’s priorities and practices, such commitment should, perhaps, be handled with care. The main strength of Physical Education lies in its ability to develop the child holistically, through a focus on the promotion of physical literacy, but more recently the emphasis has been on its ability to support academic achievement. This suggests a dualistic view of Physical Education, whereby the mind and body are separate and physicality is viewed as a subservient function to cognition. It is argued, however, that these aspects cannot be separated, as it is the holistic development rooted in monism that enables the individual to flourish both physically and intellectually. In January 2011, the Department for Education launched a review of the national curriculum, with a ‘greater emphasis on competition’. This totally ignores the notion that competition does not suit everyone and may be catastrophic for some pupils’ self-esteem, having implications for physical activity levels. This paper concludes that a number of aspects require further consideration if the true value of Physical Education is to be realised. The pedagogical implications of a curriculum underpinned by physical literacy must be debated and a consolidated approach agreed.
Temporality in restorative justice: On time, timing and time-consciousness
Authors: Crawford Adam
Published: March 2015

Restorative justice has been the subject of much theoretical criminological debate and policy innovation. However, little consideration has been given explicitly to issues of temporality and the challenges they raise. Yet, at its heart, restorative justice provides a rearticulated understanding of the relationship between the past and future; one that seeks to marry otherwise tense and ambiguous dynamics of instrumental and moral reasoning, along with risk-based and punitive logics. This article explores a number of dimensions in which questions of time, timing and time-consciousness are implicated in conceptions and practices of restorative justice. It highlights the social, plural and contested nature of time and temporalizations with relevance to restorative justice. It points to new lines of enquiry and analysis with inferences for the implementation of restorative values and conceptions of justice. It concludes with reflections on the multiple temporalities inferred in shifts of scale in the application of restorative justice.
Second grammatical gender system and grammatical gender-linked connotations in adult emergent bilinguals with French as a second language
Authors: Lambelet Amelia
Published: March 2015

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research questions:

This paper explores the connotations that emergent bilinguals attach to grammatical gender and discusses the difficulties adults experience when learning a second grammatical gender system. The results from a study of emergent bilinguals with French as a second language suggest that these difficulties can be partly explained by gender connotations associated with the grammatical gender of the lexical item in the bilingual’s first language. The paper also discusses the dynamic side of these gender-linked connotations, by asking if they are modified when learning the grammatical gender of the lexical items in a second language.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

In the study, we surveyed 282 adult French L2 learners who were studying at two university language centres. Participants performed a voice attribution task, followed by a French grammatical gender production task.

Data and Analysis:

We analysed answers to the voice attribution task using a generalized linear mixed model.

Findings/Conclusions:

The results of this study reveal a strong influence of the objects’ L1 grammatical gender, while no effects of L2 French grammatical gender on voice attribution were found. However, an effect of the grammatical gender participants assigned to objects in the French grammatical gender production task was observed. It appears that L2 grammatical gender has an influence on the voice attribution task, but that the effects are related to the participant’s own L2 French gender assignment, rather than to the correct French grammatical gender of the object.

Originality:

This research investigates the difficulties experienced by adults learning a second grammatical gender system by tasks used in studies on grammatical gender and (bilingual) cognition.

Significance/Implications:

The results of this paper enable a discussion of the effects of grammatical gender on (bilingual) cognition, by its focus on L2 grammatical gender learning.
Meeting the Needs of Signers in the Field of Speech and Language Pathology
Authors: Cripps Jody H. , Cooper Sheryl B. , Supalla Samuel J. , Evitts Paul M.
Published: March 2015

Deaf individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) are rarely the focus of professionals in speech-language pathology. Although society is widely thought of in terms of those who speak, this norm is not all-inclusive. Many signing individuals exhibit disorders in signed language and need treatment much like their speaking peers. Although there is validation of the existence of disorders in signed language, provisions for signed language therapies are rare. Spoken language bias is explored with a focus on the concerning history of therapies provided for spoken language only. This article explores attitudes regarding ASL along with how signed language reading can help identify and treat language learning disabilities among deaf children. Addressing the topic of signed language disorders aims at meeting the needs of individuals who are deaf, which could lead to professional training and treatment options in signed language pathology (e.g., aphasia, stuttering).
Belgian Experience with FilterWire EX in the Prevention of Embolic Events during Carotid Stenting
Authors: Bosiers Marc , Peeters Patrick , Verbist Jurgen , Schroë Herman , Deloose Koen , Lauwers Geert , Stockx Luc
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the performance of the FilterWire EX for the capture and removal of debris and prevention of embolic events during endovascular carotid interventions.

Methods:

In the period from October 2001 to May 2002, 100 patients (60 men; mean age 72 years, range 48–90), 69 symptomatic with >50% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and 31 asymptomatic with >70% stenosis were scheduled for carotid stenting with cerebral protection provided by the FilterWire EX system. Satisfactory performance of the filter was defined as effectiveness in preventing intraprocedural embolic events shown by visible debris in the filter and unchanged neurological status assessed by an independent neurologist.

Results:

The placement and retrieval of the FilterWire EX was technically successful in 93 of 100 patients. Five delivery failures were due to severe ICA angulation; one stenosis was underestimated on preprocedural imaging, and one case was aborted following a major stroke during sheath manipulation before filter introduction. In 56.9% of the protected cases, the filter contained debris. One neurological event occurred 6 hours after the procedure: a transient ischemic attack from which the patient recovered fully after 2 hours. No other procedure-related events were recorded within 30 days of the procedure. The procedural success among the 93 patients stented under FilterWire EX protection was 98% (92% by intention to treat).

Conclusions:

The FilterWire EX appears to be an effective tool in the prevention of embolic events and in preserving neurological status during endovascular treatment of carotid artery stenosis.
Relationship of Intimal Flap Position to Endovascular Treatment of Malperfusion Syndromes in Aortic Dissection
Authors: Gaxotte Virginia , Cocheteux Benjamin , Haulon Stéphan , Vincentelli André , Lions Christophe , Koussa Mohamad , Willoteaux Serge , Asseman Philippe , Prat Alain , Beregi Jean-Paul
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To propose a classification system based on the position and extension of the intimal flap to assist in the endovascular repair of aortic dissection complicated by a malperfusion syndrome.

Methods:

Forty-one patients (34 men; mean age 58 years, range 22–78) with 19 type A and 22 type B dissections complicated by a malperfusion syndrome were treated with stenting, fenestration, or both for the peripheral ischemia. A retrospective review of the preprocedural imaging studies (computed tomographic angiography and arteriography) was performed to determine and categorize the position of the aortic intimal flap. In type 1, the flap was either parallel to or perpendicular to the origin of the malperfused collateral artery; type 2 referred to extension of the dissection into the collateral vessel, while type 3 represented the presence or absence of an avulsed branch ostium.

Results:

Patients treated with stenting (n = 19) alone had type 2 or type 3 arterial dissections, whereas the 12 patients who were treated with fenestration alone had type 1 lesions. Ten patients treated with stenting and fenestration had arterial lesions in which a type 1 dissection was associated with types 2 or 3.

Conclusions:

This appearance-based imaging approach combined with the symptoms of malperfusion syndromes during aortic dissection can help guide the endovascular treatment strategy.
Endoleak after Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Is it a Problem?
Authors: Verhagen Hence J.M. , Prinssen Monique , Milner Ross , Blankensteijn Jan D.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To illustrate the clinical significance of type I and type II endoleaks following endovascular treatment of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Case Report:

An 81-year-old patient presented with a ruptured AAA that was urgently treated with an Ancure aortomonoiliac endograft. After the postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scan, a distal type I endoleak was suspected, but the follow-up angiogram demonstrated only lumbar backbleeding. As the patient was stable, conservative treatment was recommended. After 3 months, a distal as well as a proximal type I endoleak were demonstrated, strangely enough, in the presence of a shrinking aneurysm and clearance of the retroperitoneal hematoma. Both endoleaks were treated endoluminally, after which the CT scan still showed contrast in the aneurysm sac, presumably from lumbar backbleeding. Twelve months after the initial procedure, the patient continues to do well.

Conclusions:

Although not well understood, the presence of an endoleak after endovascular repair of a ruptured AAA may not always be a life-threatening situation.
Endovascular Treatment of Malignant Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Is Bilateral Wallstent Placement Superior to Unilateral Placement?
Authors: Dinkel Hans-Peter , Mettke Birgit , Schmid Felix , Baumgartner Iris , Triller Jürgen , Do Dai-Do
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To report our experience with unilateral versus bilateral stent placement in the treatment of malignant superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS).

Methods:

The records and films of 84 consecutive patients (69 men; mean age 64±10 years, range 39–79) referred for stent placement in malignant SVCS were reviewed for venous compromise, technical and clinical success, complications, and reocclusions. Wallstents were placed covering the SVC and both (bilateral technique) brachiocephalic veins (BCV) preferentially; unilateral stenting of only one BCV in addition to the SVC was performed based on operator preference or inability to access both sides. Technical success was defined as the ability to stent the SVC and at least one BCV; clinical success was the elimination of SVCS symptoms.

Results:

Technical success was achieved in 83 (99%) patients, using the unilateral technique in 22 and bilateral stenting in 61 patients. The groups did not differ with regard to age, sex, underlying diseases, or location and extent of venous compromise. Immediate clinical success was achieved in 20 (91%) of 22 patients in the unilateral group and 55 (90%) of 61 patients in the bilateral group. Two patients suffered late occlusion in the unilateral group, while in the bilateral group, 8 patients had early occlusion and 9 had late occlusion. Thus, the total occlusion rate was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the unilateral group. There was 1 other complication (pericardial tamponade) in the bilateral group, for a 28% total complication rate, which was significantly higher (p = 0.039) than the 9% in the unilateral group. The 1, 3, 6, and 12-month primary stent patency rates were 90%, 81%, 76%, and 69%, respectively. Patency tended to last longer in the unilateral group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.11).

Conclusions:

Although bilateral Wallstent placement achieved equal technical and clinical success, it tended to confer shorter-lived patency and caused more complications.
False Aneurysm after Balloon Dilation of a Calcified Innominate Artery Stenosis
Authors: Walter Johannes , Hofmann Wolfgang J. , Ugurluoglu Ara , Magometschnigg Heinrich
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To describe the occurrence of a false aneurysm after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of a severely calcified, high-grade stenosis of the brachiocephalic trunk.

Case Report:

A 68-year-old patient was admitted with cerebrovascular insufficiency, right upper extremity ischemia, and recurrent amaurosis fugax. Magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) and duplex ultrasound revealed a severely calcified, high-grade stenosis of the innominate artery. Balloon dilation of this lesion was performed with minimal morphological success. After dilation, the patient suffered a reversible ischemic neurological deficit, from which he recovered completely. The patient's symptoms improved, but after 3 weeks he was re-admitted with palsy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. An MRA showed a false aneurysm at the dilation site. Open surgery was performed, and the patient received a bifurcated aorto-subclavian-carotid bypass graft. He was discharged free of his preoperative symptoms.

Conclusions:

This case illustrates the potential hazards of angioplasty of severely calcified stenoses of the supra-aortic vessels.
Migration versus Apparent Migration: Importance of Errors Due to Positioning Variation in Plain Radiographic Follow-up of Aortic Stent-Grafts
Authors: Hodgson Richard , McWilliams Richard G. , Simpson Alistair , Gould Derek A. , Brennan John A. , Gilling-Smith Geoffrey L. , Harris Peter L.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To demonstrate the influence of radiographic positioning on the assessment of stent-graft migration using plain radiographs following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Methods:

Equations were derived to correct for artifactual stent-graft migration introduced by geometric distortion due to variations in positioning between radiographs acquired at different times. A phantom system was used to validate the equations.

Results:

Errors in stent position increase with (1) the distance of the aortic stent-graft from the midline and (2) differences in radiographic centering points in the craniocaudal direction; other variables have little effect. For typical stent positions, errors are small if the centering changes by <8 cm. Consistent radiographic positioning to within 4 cm on successive imaging studies limits errors to 1.5 mm. Even if artifactual migration is large, the true migration can be reliably calculated to within 2 mm.

Conclusions:

Artifactual migration due to variation in radiographic centering is not usually clinically significant if care is taken to center radiographs consistently. Radiographs in which artifactual migration may be important are readily identified, and mathematical correction is straightforward.
Plain Radiographic Surveillance of Abdominal Aortic Stent-Grafts: The Liverpool/Perth Protocol
Authors: Murphy Micheal , Hodgson Richard , Harris Peter L. , McWilliams Richard G. , Hartley David E. , Lawrence-Brown Michael M.D.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To present a protocol for plain radiographic surveillance of abdominal aortic stent-grafts that addresses the main variables in need of standardization: (1) patient position, (2) radiographic centering point, and (3) focus-to-film distance.

Technique:

Our policy is to perform baseline anteroposterior and lateral films following endoluminal grafting and repeat the studies annually. These are the most important films to assess migration and component separation; supplementary right and left posterior oblique radiographs may help identify wireform fractures. It is best to perform radiography before computed tomography if both tests are scheduled for the same day, as excretion of intravenous contrast opacifies the renal collecting systems and interferes with radiographic analysis.

Conclusions:

Evaluation of the radiographs depends on the design of the stent-graft, so it is important to understand graft construction and the position of the radiopaque markers to best assess changes on follow-up films.
Translumbar Extraperitoneal Decompression for Abdominal Compartment Syndrome after Endovascular Treatment of a Ruptured AAA
Authors: Van Herzeele Isabelle , De Waele Jan J. , Vermassen Frank
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To report an unusual case of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) following endovascular repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) that had been treated with a stent-graft 3 years prior.

Case Report:

A 68-year-old man with a 3-year-old Vanguard bifurcated aortic stent-graft experienced sudden back pain and collapse. Aneurysm rupture documented by computed tomography was due to dislocation of the left graft limb. A Talent aortomonoiliac graft was deployed, followed by a femorofemoral bypass. No endoleak was evident. A few hours later, the patient became oliguric and hemodynamically unstable. Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was recorded. Abdominal decompression was performed, removing 1500 mL of blood from the retroperitoneum through an 18-cm lumbotomy; the peritoneum was opened, and another 500 mL of blood was aspirated. The IAP fell immediately, followed by diuresis a few hours later. The patient recovered and was discharged after 27 days.

Conclusions:

Some of the perioperative complications seen after conventional rAAA repair are also encountered after endovascular treatment. ACS requires urgent decompression, and less invasive approaches, such as translumbar extraperitoneal decompression, may be a good alternative to a midline laparotomy.
Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolism: Rapid Reperfusion with Hydrodynamic Thrombectomy and Pharmacological Thrombolysis
Authors: Tsuda Masashi , Nakamura Mamoru , Yamada Yasuo , Saito Haruo , Ishibashi Tadashi , Takahashi Shoki
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To report a case of acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) embolism successfully treated with hydrodynamic thrombectomy and pharmacological thrombolysis.

Case Report:

A 67-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with acute severe abdominal pain. Selective angiography via a femoral puncture revealed a complete embolic occlusion distal to the first jejunal branch of the SMA. Hydrodynamic thrombectomy resolved the severe abdominal pain of the patient in approximately 10 minutes after the start of thrombectomy. Local continuous thrombolysis with urokinase resulted in near complete restoration of the mesenteric flow after 24 hours. The patient made an uneventful recovery and continues to do well on warfarin therapy 8 months after treatment; he has shown no evidence of malabsorption.

Conclusions:

Although insertion of the device into the SMA via a femoral puncture is a difficult approach, we propose that hydrodynamic thrombectomy followed by local thrombolysis is a useful treatment for acute superior mesenteric artery embolism.