bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Ablation of Metadherin Inhibits Autochthonous Prostate Cancer Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Wan Liling , Hu Guohong , Wei Yong , Yuan Min , Bronson Roderick T. , Yang Qifeng , Siddiqui Javed , Pienta Kenneth J. , Kang Yibin
Published: July 2014

Metadherin (MTDH) overexpression in diverse cancer types has been linked to poor clinical outcomes, but definitive genetic proof of its contributions to cancer remains incomplete. In particular, the degree to which MTDH may contribute to malignant progression in vivo is lacking. Here, we report that MTDH is amplified frequently in human prostate cancers where its expression levels are tightly correlated with prostate cancer progression and poor disease-free survival. Furthermore, we show that genetic ablation of MTDH in the transgenic adenomcarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer blocks malignant progression without causing defects in the normal development of the prostate. Germline deletion of Mtdh in TRAMP mice prolonged tumor latency, reduced tumor burden, arrested progression of prostate cancer at well-differentiated stages, and inhibited systemic metastasis to distant organs, thereby decreasing cancer-related mortality ∼10-fold. Consistent with these findings, direct silencing of Mtdh in prostate cancer cells decreased proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, supporting an epithelial cell–intrinsic role of MTDH in prostate cancer. Together, our findings establish a pivotal role for MTDH in prostate cancer progression and metastasis and define MTDH as a therapeutic target in this setting. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5336–47. ©2014 AACR.
Downregulation of microRNAs 145-3p and 145-5p Is a Long-term Predictor of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk: The ORDET Prospective Study
Authors: Muti Paola , Sacconi Andrea , Hossain Ahmed , Donzelli Sara , Ben Moshe Noa Bossel , Ganci Federica , Sieri Sabina , Krogh Vittorio , Berrino Franco , Biagioni Francesca , Strano Sabrina , Beyene Joseph , Yarden Yosef , Blandino Giovanni
Published: July 2014

Background: miRNAs have been implicated in the regulation of key metabolic, inflammatory, and malignant pathways; hence, they might be considered both predictors and players of cancer development.

Methods: Using a case–control study design nested in the ORDET prospective cohort study, we addressed the possibility that specific mRNAs can serve as early predictors of breast cancer incidence in postmenopausal women. We compared leukocyte miRNA profiles of 133 incident postmenopausal breast cancer cases and profiles of 133 women who remained healthy over a follow-up period of 20 years.

Results: The analysis identified 20 differentially expressed miRNAs, 15 of which were downregulated. Of the 20 miRNAs, miR145-5p and miR145-3p, each derived from another arm of the respective pre-miRNA, were consistently and significantly downregulated in all the databases that we surveyed. For example, analysis of more than 1,500 patients (the UK Metabric cohort) indicated that high abundance of miR145-3p and miR145-5p was associated with longer, and for miR145-3p also statistically significant, survival. The experimental data attributed different roles to the identified miRNAs: Although the 5p isoform was associated with invasion and metastasis, the other isoform seems related to cell proliferation.

Conclusions: These observations and the prospective design of our study lend support to the hypothesis that downregulation of specific miRNAs constitutes an early event in cancer development. This finding might be used for breast cancer prevention.

Impact: The identification of the miRNAs as long-term biomarkers of breast cancer may have an impact on breast cancer prevention and early detection. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2471–81. ©2014 AACR.
Follow-up to Abnormal Cancer Screening Tests: Considering the Multilevel Context of Care
Authors: Zapka Jane M. , Edwards Heather M. , Chollette Veronica , Taplin Stephen H.
Published: July 2014

The call for multilevel interventions to improve the quality of follow-up to abnormal cancer screening has been out for a decade, but published work emphasizes individual approaches, and conceptualizations differ regarding the definition of levels. To investigate the scope and methods being undertaken in this focused area of follow-up to abnormal tests (breast, colon, cervical), we reviewed recent literature and grants (2007–2012) funded by the National Cancer Institute. A structured search yielded 16 grants with varying definitions of “follow-up” (e.g., completion of recommended tests, time to diagnosis); most included minority racial/ethnic group participants. Ten grants concentrated on measurement/intervention development and 13 piloted or tested interventions (categories not mutually exclusive). All studies considered patient-level factors and effects. Although some directed interventions at provider levels, few measured group characteristics and effects of interventions on the providers or levels other than the patient. Multilevel interventions are being proposed, but clarity about endpoints, definition of levels, and measures is needed. The differences in the conceptualization of levels and factors that affect practice need empirical exploration, and we need to measure their salient characteristics to advance our understanding of how context affects cancer care delivery in a changing practice and policy environment. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(10); 1965–73. ©2014 AACR.
Human Striatum Remodelling after Neurotransplantation in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Gallina Pasquale , Paganini Marco , Biggeri Annibale , Marini Mirca , Romoli Annamaria , Sarchielli Erica , Berti Valentina , Ghelli Elena , Guido Carmela , Lombardini Letizia , Mazzanti Benedetta , Simonelli Paolo , Peri Alessandro , Maggi Mario , Porfirio Berardino , Di Lorenzo Nicola , Vannelli Gabriella B.
Published: July 2014

Background: Restoration of functions in Huntington's disease (HD) by neurotransplantation stems from the formation of a striatum-like structure capable of establishing host connections as a result of grafted striatal neuroblast maturation. For the first time, we demonstrated some developmental steps accomplished by progenitor cells in the brain of an HD patient and analysed the molecular asset of the human primordium. Case Report: Surgery involved bilateral (two sessions) stereotactic, caudate-putaminal transplantation of whole ganglionic eminence fragments from single legally aborted fetuses. MRI showed that the tissue deposits of the left hemisphere grew and joined to constitute a single tissue mass that remodelled basal ganglia anatomy and remained stable in size over time. No evidence of graft growth was observed contralaterally. PET demonstrated increased striatal and stable cortical metabolism. Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale assessments demonstrated improvement of motor performances, which faded over the 36-month follow-up. Cognitive performance tended to decrease at a lower rate than before transplantation. Conclusion: The striatal primordium grew into the host brain and this process was associated with metabolic change and some clinical benefit. The study suggests the plasticity and reparative potential of un-manipulated primordium in an era where promising cell-based therapies are still in their infancy.
A Case of Metastatic Bladder Cancer in Both Lungs Treated with Korean Medicine Therapy Alone
Authors: Lee Dong-Hyun , Kim Sung-Su , Seong Shin , Woo Chang-Ryoul , Han Jae-Bok
Published: July 2014

This case report is aimed to investigate the effects of Korean medicine therapy (KMT) including oral herbal medicine and herb nebulizer therapy in treating metastatic bladder cancer in the lungs. A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with metastatic bladder cancer in both lungs in August 2013. He refused any chemotherapy and was admitted to our hospital in a much progressed state on January 11, 2014. Since then, he was treated with KMT until May 17, 2014. The main oral herbal medicines were Hyunamdan made of heat-processed ginseng, Hangamdan S made of Cordyceps militaris, Panax ginseng radix, Commiphora myrrha, calculus bovis, margarita, Boswellia carteri, Panax notoginseng radix and Cremastra appendiculata tuber, and nebulizer therapy with Soram nebulizer solution made of wild ginseng and Cordyceps sinensis distillate. Their effect was evaluated considering the change of the main symptoms and using serial chest X-ray. The size and number of multiple metastatic nodules in both lungs were markedly decreased and the symptoms had disappeared. These results suggest that KMT can be an effective method to treat metastatic bladder cancer in the lungs.
Beriberi, a Severe Complication after Metabolic Surgery - Review of the Literature
Authors: Stroh Christine , Meyer Frank , Manger Thomas
Published: July 2014

Background: The epidemic growth of morbid obesity has led to an increase in the number of bariatric interventions. During the distribution process of bariatric surgical interventions, the risk for severe nutritious complications such as bariatric beriberi can rise. Methods: By means of systematic literature review, epidemiological data, clinical characteristics and diagnostic as well as therapeutic recommendations for bariatric beriberi were elicited. Databases and registries such as PubMed, Cochrane and Ovid were searched for a defined time period with the key words ‘lack of thiamine' / ‘Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome' / ‘encephalopathy' after bariatric surgical interventions. Results: Up to December 2013, overall 255 patients had been found as published cases, indicating that the risk for the postoperative occurrence of thiamine deficiency and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is increased in women. In addition, the risk correlates with patient's age. The majority of patients developed symptoms of a dry beriberi with peripheral neuritis, ataxia and paraplegia, indicating an advanced stage of disease approximately 4-12 weeks postoperatively. Laboratory analysis in case of a suspicious clinical finding is the appropriate diagnostics. As treatment, prompt initiation of parenteral thiamine substitution under clinical monitoring is required. Conclusion: Bariatric beriberi can occur within the first 1-3 postoperative months. To minimize the risk of severe consequences, immediate substitution of thiamine in clinical suspicion or prolonged parenteral nutrition is necessary. A delayed diagnosis or missing the correct diagnosis can lead to irreversible damages of the CNS with coma and fatal outcome. Knowledge on the subject, including development of thiamine deficiency, symptomatology and emergency treatment, are considered essential for bariatric surgeons but also for further medical disciplines involved in treatment.
Incidence and Outcome of Surgical Procedures After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Compared With Those After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Tokushige Akihiro , Shiomi Hiroki , Morimoto Takeshi , Ono Koh , Furukawa Yutaka , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Kadota Kazushige , Ando Kenji , Shizuta Satoshi , Tada Tomohisa , Tazaki Junichi , Kato Yoshihiro , Hayano Mamoru , Abe Mitsuru , Hamasaki Shuichi , Ohishi Mitsuru , Nakashima Hitoshi , Mitsudo Kazuaki , Nobuyoshi Masakiyo , Kita Toru , Imoto Yutaka , Sakata Ryuzo , Okabayashi Hitoshi , Hanyu Michiya , Shimamoto Mitsuomi , Nishiwaki Noboru , Komiya Tatsuhiko , Kimura Takeshi
Published: July 2014

Background—

Noncardiac surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been reported to be carrying high risk for both ischemic and bleeding complications. However, there has been no report comparing the incidence and outcomes of surgical procedures after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with those after PCI.

Methods and Results—

Among 14 383 patients undergoing first coronary revascularization (PCI, n=12 207; CABG, n=2176) enrolled in the Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto (CREDO-Kyoto) PCI/CABG Registry Cohort-2, surgical procedures were performed more frequently after CABG (n=560) than after PCI (n=2398; cumulative 3-year incidence: 27% versus 22%; unadjusted
P
<0.0001), particularly <6 months of coronary revascularization. The risk for the primary ischemic outcome measure (death/myocardial infarction) at 30-day postsurgical procedures was not significantly different between the CABG and PCI groups (cumulative incidence: 3.1% versus 3.2%; unadjusted
P
=0.9; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–1.89;
P
=0.9). The risk for the primary bleeding outcome measure (moderate or severe bleeding by Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries classification) was lower in the CABG groups than in the PCI group (cumulative incidence: 1.3% versus 2.6%; unadjusted
P
=0.07; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.87;
P
=0.02). There were no interactions between the timing of surgery and the types of coronary revascularization (CABG/PCI) for both ischemic and bleeding outcomes.

Conclusions—

Surgical procedures were performed significantly more frequently after CABG than after PCI, particularly <6 months after coronary revascularization. Surgical procedures after CABG as compared with those after PCI were associated with similar risk for ischemic events and lower risk for bleeding events, regardless of the timing after coronary revascularization.
Fully Integrated High-Speed Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography/Near-Infrared Fluorescence Structural/Molecular Imaging In Vivo Using a Clinically Available Near-Infrared Fluorescence–Emitting Indocyanine Green to Detect Inflamed Lipid-Rich Atheromata in Coronary-Sized Vessels
Authors: Lee Sunki , Lee Min Woo , Cho Han Saem , Song Joon Woo , Nam Hyeong Soo , Oh Dong Joo , Park Kyeongsoon , Oh Wang-Yuhl , Yoo Hongki , Kim Jin Won
Published: July 2014

Background—

Lipid-rich inflamed coronary plaques are prone to rupture. The purpose of this study was to assess lipid-rich inflamed plaques in vivo using fully integrated high-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT)/near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) molecular imaging with a Food and Drug Administration–approved indocyanine green (ICG).

Methods and Results—

An integrated high-speed intravascular OCT/NIRF imaging catheter and a dual-modal OCT/NIRF system were constructed based on a clinical OCT platform. For imaging lipid-rich inflamed plaques, the Food and Drug Administration–approved NIRF-emitting ICG (2.25 mg/kg) or saline was injected intravenously into rabbit models with experimental atheromata induced by balloon injury and 12- to 14-week high-cholesterol diets. Twenty minutes after injection, in vivo OCT/NIRF imaging of the infrarenal aorta and iliac arteries was acquired only under contrast flushing through catheter (pullback speed up to ≤20 mm/s). NIRF signals were strongly detected in the OCT-visualized atheromata of the ICG-injected rabbits. The in vivo NIRF target-to-background ratio was significantly larger in the ICG-injected rabbits than in the saline-injected controls (
P
<0.01). Ex vivo peak plaque target-to-background ratios were significantly higher in ICG-injected rabbits than in controls (
P
<0.01) on fluorescence reflectance imaging, which correlated well with the in vivo target-to-background ratios (
P
<0.01;
r
=0.85) without significant bias (0.41). Cellular ICG uptake, correlative fluorescence microscopy, and histopathology also corroborated the in vivo imaging findings.

Conclusions—

Integrated OCT/NIRF structural/molecular imaging with a Food and Drug Administration –approved ICG accurately identified lipid-rich inflamed atheromata in coronary-sized vessels. This highly translatable dual-modal imaging approach could enhance our capabilities to detect high-risk coronary plaques.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Single‐Center Double‐Blinded Randomized Trial
Authors: McCrindle Brian W. , Clarizia Nadia A. , Khaikin Svetlana , Holtby Helen M. , Manlhiot Cedric , Schwartz Steven M. , Caldarone Christopher A. , Coles John G. , Van Arsdell Glen S. , Scherer Stephen W. , Redington Andrew N.
Published: July 2014

Background

Remote ischemic preconditioning (
RIPC
) harnesses an innate defensive mechanism that protects against inflammatory activation and ischemia‐reperfusion injury, known sequelae of cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. We sought to determine the impact of
RIPC
on clinical outcomes and physiological markers related to ischemia‐reperfusion injury and inflammatory activation after cardiac surgery in children.

Methods and Results

Overall, 299 children (aged neonate to 17 years) were randomized to receive an
RIPC
stimulus (inflation of a blood pressure cuff on the left thigh to 15 mm Hg above systolic for four 5‐minute intervals) versus a blinded sham stimulus during induction with a standardized anesthesia protocol. Primary outcome was duration of postoperative hospital stay, with serial clinical and laboratory measurements for the first 48 postoperative hours and clinical follow‐up to discharge. There were no significant baseline differences between
RIPC
(n=148) and
sham
(n=151). There were no in‐hospital deaths. No significant difference in length of postoperative hospital stay was noted (
sham
5.4 versus
RIPC
5.6 days; difference +0.2; adjusted
P
=0.91), with the 95% confidence interval (−0.7 to +0.9) excluding a prespecified minimal clinically significant differences of 1 or 1.5 days. There were few significant differences in other clinical outcomes or values at time points or trends in physiological markers. Benefit was not observed in specific subgroups when explored through interactions with categories of age, sex, surgery type, Aristotle score, or first versus second half of recruitment. Adverse events were similar (
sham
5%,
RIPC
6%;
P
=0.68).

Conclusions

RIPC
is not associated with important improvements in clinical outcomes and physiological markers after cardiac surgery in children.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
: clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier:
NCT
00650507.
Education Level and Inequalities in Stroke Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Stecksén Anna , Glader Eva-Lotta , Asplund Kjell , Norrving Bo , Eriksson Marie
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies have revealed inequalities in stroke treatment based on demographics, hospital type, and region. We used the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) to test whether patient education level is associated with reperfusion (either or both of thrombolysis and thrombectomy) treatment.

Methods—

We included 85 885 patients with ischemic stroke aged 18 to 80 years registered in Riksstroke between 2003 and 2009. Education level was retrieved from Statistics Sweden, and thrombolysis, thrombectomy, patient, and hospital data were obtained from Riksstroke. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between reperfusion therapy and patient education.

Results—

A total of 3649 (4.2%) of the patients received reperfusion therapy. University-educated patients were more likely to be treated (5.5%) than patients with secondary (4.6%) or primary education (3.6%;
P
<0.001). The inequality associated with education was still present after adjustment for patient characteristics; university education odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.26 and secondary education odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.17 compared with primary education. Higher hospital specialization level was also associated with higher reperfusion levels (
P
<0.001). In stratified multivariable analyses by hospital type, significant treatment differences by education level existed only among large nonuniversity hospitals (university education odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.40; secondary education odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.29).

Conclusions—

We demonstrated a social stratification in reperfusion, partly explained by patient characteristics and the local hospital specialization level. Further studies should address treatment delays, stroke knowledge, and means to improve reperfusion implementation in less specialized hospitals.
Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke Without Arterial Occlusion at Presentation
Authors: Lahoti Sourabh , Gokhale Sankalp , Caplan Louis , Michel Patrik , Samson Yves , Rosso Charlotte , Limaye Kaustubh , Hinduja Archana , Singhal Aneesh , Ali Syed , Pettigrew Luther Creed , Kryscio Richard , Dedhia Nikita , Hastak Shirish , Liebeskind David S.
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—

None of the randomized trials of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator reported vascular imaging acquired before thrombolysis. Efficacy of tissue-type plasminogen activator in stroke without arterial occlusion on vascular imaging remains unknown and speculative.

Methods—

We performed a retrospective, multicenter study to collect data of patients who presented to participating centers during a 5-year period with ischemic stroke diagnosed by clinical examination and MRI and with imaging evidence of no vascular occlusion. These patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received thrombolytic therapy and those who did not. Primary outcome measure of the study was excellent clinical outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 1 at 90 days from stroke onset. Secondary outcome measures were good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2) and perfect outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0). Safety outcome measures were incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 4–6).

Results—

A total of 256 patients met study criteria, 103 with thrombolysis and 153 without. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients who received thrombolysis had more frequent excellent outcomes with odds ratio of 3.79 (
P
<0.01). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was more frequent in thrombolysis group (4.9 versus 0.7%;
P
=0.04). Thrombolysis led to more frequent excellent outcome in nonlacunar group with odds ratio 4.90 (
P
<0.01) and more frequent perfect outcome in lacunar group with odds ratio 8.25 (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

This study provides crucial data that patients with ischemic stroke who do not have visible arterial occlusion at presentation may benefit from thrombolysis.
Implication of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Seo Jae-Young , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Jung-Gon , Kim Ji-Sun , Roh Hakjae , Ahn Moo-Young , Park Byoung Won , Hyon Min Su
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is a predictor for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was aimed to investigate whether LVDD in cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CS) could be a clue to stroke mechanism.

Methods—

The clinical and echocardiographic findings of 1589 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack between 2004 and 2013 were reviewed. LVDDs among stroke subtypes were graded by transthoracic echocardiography into 4 groups by severity: normal, abnormal relaxation (grade I), pseudonormal (grade II), and restrictive diastolic filling (grade III), whereas severe LVDD was defined as grade III. We classified the lesion pattern of CS into cardioembolism-mimic or non–cardioembolism-mimic and determined whether cardioembolism-mimic lesions were associated with severe LVDD.

Results—

The fraction of severe LVDD in CS was not different from that of stroke with AF (27.3% versus 37.1%;
P
=0.173) but was significantly higher than that of stroke without AF (27.3% versus 13.4%;
P
=0.008). Cardioembolism-mimic CS had more severe LVDD than non–cardioembolism-mimic CS (41.4% versus 11.5%;
P
=0.013). LVDD of grade II (odds ratio, 4.37; 95% confidence interval, 2.99–6.41) and grade III (odds ratio, 5.60; 95% confidence interval, 3.42–9.17) were independently related to stroke with AF after adjusting covariates.

Conclusions—

The severe LVDD could be a predictor of stroke with AF, and its frequency was similar between CS and stroke with AF. Cardioembolism-mimic CS had significantly more severe LVDD than non–cardioembolism-mimic CS. LVDD could be helpful to discriminate the stroke mechanism in the patients with acute CS.
Object Intermediaries: How New Media Artists Translate the Language of Things
Authors: Anderson Kayla
Published: July 2014

This paper uses Walter Benjamin’s concept of translation between people and things as a focal point for analysis of the work of contemporary new-media artists Paula Gaetano Adi and Lindsey French, who utilize robotics and interactive technology to explore interspecies communication. Framed by materialist, poststructuralist, and posthumanist theory, along with recent discourse in object-oriented ontology, this paper poses the work of Gaetano Adi and French as potential models for visualizing object-oriented and vital materialist interactions. In the age of the Anthropocene, thinking beyond the human has become increasingly vital in both ethical and ecological terms, making the ability to envision less anthropocentric, more object-oriented worldviews both novel and timely.
Posture Platform and The Drawing Room: Virtual Teleportation in Cyberspace
Authors: Courchesne Luc , Durand Emmanuel , Roy Bruno
Published: July 2014

Three-hundred-sixty-degree audio/visual immersion and the restoration of non-verbal communication cues are essential features for interfaces inviting the human body in cyberspace. The Posture Platform is a network of bases that offers access to a shared virtual environment. Each base is composed of an immersive 360-degree visual display, a surround-sound system, an array of image capture devices, a microphone, an omnidirectional controller/pointer, and a computer with wifi and an internet connection. The Drawing Room is the most recent virtual space developed for the platform. It invites participants to a blank shared space where they draw their own environment collaboratively. The platform, and the project it hosts, is an example of the art, design, and engineering challenges and opportunities associated with development of inhabitable cyberspace.
Consequences of Voluntary Settlement: Normative Beliefs Related to Independence in Hokkaido
Authors: Ishii Keiko
Published: July 2014

Voluntary settlement is linked to the ethos of independence. However, it is unclear whether initial cultural contexts in frontier areas influence this ethos. The present study focused on Hokkaido, a Japanese island with a history of voluntary settlement, and predicted that while the predominant mainland-Japanese ethos of interdependence is prevalent in Hokkaido, the idea of independence fostered by settlement emerges mainly in the normative beliefs of people living there. The study examined the degree of interdependence measured by attention to vocal affect. Participants listened to emotional utterances and judged the verbal meaning while ignoring the vocal affect. During the process, about half of the participants were presented with schematic faces that activate normative beliefs. Overall, Japanese were more sensitive to vocal affect than were North Americans. Nevertheless, consistent with the prediction, the interference effect in the face condition was less in both North Americans and Hokkaido-born Hokkaido Japanese than in mainland Japanese.
Naming the Living Things: Linguistic, Experiential and Cultural Factors in Wichí and Spanish Speaking Children
Authors: Taverna Andrea S. , Waxman Sandra R. , Medin Douglas L. , Moscoloni Nora , Peralta Olga A.
Published: July 2014

This work focuses on the underlying conceptual structure of children’s category of living things from a cross-cultural, cross-linguistic perspective. School-aged children (n= 129) from three Argentinean communities (rural Wichí-speaking, rural Spanish-speaking, urban Spanish-speaking) were asked to generate the names of living things. Analyses were focused on the typicality, semantic organization, and hierarchical level of the names mentioned. We identified convergences among the names generated by children in all three communities, as well as key differences: the typicality, habitats and hierarchical level of the categories mentioned varied as a function of children’s language and their direct experience with the natural world. These findings provide evidence concerning the role of language, culture and experience in shaping children’s folkbiological concepts.
The Impact of Cultural Background on Structural Figure Perception: Cultural Biases in the Reproduction of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure
Authors: Bossuroy Muriel , Wallon Philippe , Falissard Bruno , Moro Marie-Rose
Published: July 2014

Visuo-spatial tests are often thought to be less subject to cultural bias than verbal tests. It has, however, been demonstrated that scores obtained, particularly using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, vary according to the cultural context. In a previous study, we noted that the socio-cultural environment had an impact on structural figure perception. We compared the techniques used to draw the figures by school-children in France from different cultural backgrounds, with the hypothesis that the culture handed down by the parents has an impact on structural figure perception (N = 914). Subjects were classified according to type of approach, based on the order in which tasks were performed using a computer recording of lines traced. Results demonstrate substantial contrasts among groups of children of different cultural origins. Inherited culture appears to influence structural figure perception, which could explain the variation in scores obtained. The impact of the familiarity with this type of task and educational level of the families are discussed.
Conscience and Empire: Politics and Moral Theology in the Early Modern Portuguese World
Authors: Marcocci Giuseppe
Published: July 2014

This article presents the first reconstruction of the relationship between conscience and empire in the Portuguese World between 1500 and 1650. It shows to what extent the foundation of the Mesa da Consciência (“Board of Conscience”), a royal council of theologians devoted to issues like war, commerce, conversion, and slavery, shaped the imperial ideology. In this context, “conscience” emerged as a keyword in the political vocabulary, reflecting the importance of moral theology for the political language in which the empire was conceived. It not only bolstered the hegemony of theologians but also encouraged the emergence of a missionary casuistry, which became increasingly independent of the central authorities in the kingdom and in Rome. Under the Habsburg domination (1580-1640) this system was dismantled and theologians lost their centrality at court. After the Restoration of 1640 some of the old institutions were recovered in name, but the old interconnection between politics and moral theology was not re-installed.
The Scope of Application of EU (Model) Investment Agreements
Authors: Bungenberg Marc
Published: July 2014

The contribution examines the personal and material scope of application of future eu International Investment Agreements. Therefore the notions of 'investor' and 'investment' are discussed. The scope of application of iias is one of the most important issues in investment law, as it determines the application of material standards as well as the possibility of investor state dispute settlement. On a comparative basis, the chapter examines the eu approach to this issue. Also the coverage of State owned Enterprises as well as Sovereign Wealth Funds is paid specific attention to. Especially the draft investment chapter of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (ceta) is taken as a first orientation for possible wording and structure as well as intention of the scope of application of future eu iias.
Agrostis pendryi (Poaceae: Agrostidinae)—a new species from the Central Himalaya
Authors: Paszko Beata
Published: July 2014

Agrostis pendryi, a new species from Nepal and northwest India, is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically similar to A. pilosula and A. munroana, but differs from them by its shorter, weak and straight awn, and palea less than half the length of the lemma.
Bredemeyera divaricata, a new combination for the well-known Amazonian species of Polygalaceae
Authors: Pastore José Floriano Barêa
Published: July 2014

A recent effort to study Ferreira’s material brought to Paris from Lisbon in the beginning of the XIXth century revealed the identity of one often overlooked name in Polygalaceae, Badiera divaricata which had not been revised since its original publication. We provide the typification of the names involved and propose a new combination for the species nowadays known as Bredemeyera altissima.
Polychaete species (Annelida) described from the Philippine and China Seas
Authors: SALAZAR-VALLEJO SERGIO I. , CARRERA-PARRA LUIS F. , MUIR ALEXANDER I. , DE LEÓN-GONZÁLEZ JESÚS ANGEL , PIOTROWSKI CHRISTINA , SATO MASANORI
Published: July 2014

The South China and Philippine Seas are among the most diverse regions in the Western Pacific. Although there are several local polychaete checklists available, there is none comprising the whole of this region. Presented herein is a comprehensive list of the original names of all polychaete species described from the region. The list contains 1037 species, 345 genera and 60 families; the type locality, type depository, and information regarding synonymy are presented for each species.
Quantifying Emerging Local Anthropogenic Emissions in the Arctic Region: The ACCESS Aircraft Campaign Experiment
Authors: Roiger A. , Thomas J.-L. , Schlager H. , Law K. S. , Kim J. , Schäfler A. , Weinzierl B. , Dahlkötter F. , Krisch I. , Marelle L. , Minikin A. , Raut J.-C. , Reiter A. , Rose M. , Scheibe M. , Stock P. , Baumann R. , Bouarar I. , Clerbaux C. , George M. , Onishi T. , Flemming J.
Published: July 2014

Arctic sea ice has decreased dramatically in the past few decades and the Arctic is increasingly open to transit shipping and natural resource extraction. However, large knowledge gaps exist regarding composition and impacts of emissions associated with these activities. Arctic hydrocarbon extraction is currently under development owing to the large oil and gas reserves in the region. Transit shipping through the Arctic as an alternative to the traditional shipping routes is currently underway. These activities are expected to increase emissions of air pollutants and climate forcers (e.g., aerosols, ozone) in the Arctic troposphere significantly in the future. The authors present the first measurements of these activities off the coast of Norway taken in summer 2012 as part of the European Arctic Climate Change, Economy, and Society (ACCESS) project. The objectives include quantifying the impact that anthropogenic activities will have on regional air pollution and understanding the connections to Arctic climate. Trace gas and aerosol concentrations in pollution plumes were measured, including emissions from different ship types and several offshore extraction facilities. Emissions originating from industrial activities (smelting) on the Kola Peninsula were also sampled. In addition, pollution plumes originating from Siberian biomass burning were probed in order to put the emerging local pollution within a broader context. In the near future these measurements will be combined with model simulations to quantify the influence of local anthropogenic activities on Arctic composition. Here the authors present the scientific objectives of the ACCESS aircraft experiment and the the meteorological conditions during the campaign, and they highlight first scientific results from the experiment.
On the Co-Occurrence of Warm Conveyor Belt Outflows and PV Streamers*
Authors: Madonna Erica , Limbach Sebastian , Aebi Christine , Joos Hanna , Wernli Heini , Martius Olivia
Published: July 2014

The co-occurrence of warm conveyor belts (WCBs), strongly ascending moist airstreams in extratropical cyclones, and stratospheric potential vorticity (PV) streamers, indicators for breaking Rossby waves on the tropopause, is investigated for a 21-yr period in the Northern Hemisphere using Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data. WCB outflows and PV streamers are respectively identified as two- and three-dimensional objects and tracked during their life cycle. PV streamers are more frequent than WCB outflows and nearly 15% of all PV streamers co-occur with WCBs during their life cycle, whereas about 60% of all WCB outflows co-occur with PV streamers. Co-occurrences are most frequent over the North Atlantic and North Pacific in spring and winter. WCB outflows are often located upstream of the PV streamers and form earlier, indicating the importance of diabatic processes for downstream Rossby wave breaking. Less frequently, PV streamers occur first, leading to the formation of new WCBs.
A Global Climatology of Outgoing Longwave Spectral Cloud Radiative Effect and Associated Effective Cloud Properties
Authors: Huang Xianglei , Chen Xiuhong , Potter Gerald L. , Oreopoulos Lazaros , Cole Jason N. S. , Lee Dongmin , Loeb Norman G.
Published: July 2014

Longwave (LW) spectral flux and cloud radiative effect (CRE) are important for understanding the earth’s radiation budget and cloud–radiation interaction. Here, the authors extend their previous algorithms to collocated Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Cloud and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) observations over the entire globe and show that the algorithms yield consistently good performances for measurements over both land and ocean. As a result, the authors are able to derive spectral flux and CRE at 10-cm−1 intervals over the entire LW spectrum from all currently available collocated AIRS and CERES observations. Using this multiyear dataset, they delineate the climatology of spectral CRE, including the far IR, over the entire globe as well as in different climate zones. Furthermore, the authors define two quantities, IR-effective cloud-top height (CTHeff) and cloud amount (CAeff), based on the monthly-mean spectral (or band by band) CRE. Comparisons with cloud fields retrieved by the CERES–Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) algorithm indicate that, under many circumstances, the CTHeff and CAeff can be related to the physical retrievals of CTH and CA and thus can enhance understandings of model deficiencies in LW radiation budgets and cloud fields. Using simulations from the GFDL global atmosphere model, version 2 (AM2); NASA’s Goddard Earth Observing System, version 5 (GEOS-5); and Environment Canada’s Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma) Fourth Generation Canadian Atmospheric General Circulation Model (CanAM4) as case studies, the authors further demonstrate the merits of the CTHeff and CAeff concepts in providing insights on global climate model evaluations that cannot be obtained solely from broadband LW flux and CRE comparisons.
Consistency and the Lack Thereof in Pacific Decadal Oscillation Impacts on North American Winter Climate
Authors: McAfee Stephanie A.
Published: July 2014

Impacts of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on North American climate were initially assessed over one negative (~1943 to 1976) and one positive (1977 to ~1990) PDO regime. Release of the Twentieth Century Reanalysis and the recent occurrence of negative PDO years make it possible to study the stability of PDO teleconnections. This analysis identified consistency in broad-scale teleconnection patterns but also critical differences in the amplitude of circulation pattern, temperature, and precipitation anomalies between comparable phases of the PDO. Many of these discrepancies were apparent after controlling for long-term trends and the impact of ENSO and were associated with variability in Atlantic Ocean temperatures and in the northern annular mode. Results from this study suggest that not all of the climate variability attributed to the PDO derives solely from fluctuations in Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs), that the climatic impact of these SST anomalies varies over time, or that the PDO might have a “mixed” state with muted teleconnections. Any of these conclusions has substantial implications for reconstruction of the PDO and its use to understand past hydrologic or ecological changes. They suggest that evaluation of climate models on the basis of their ability to simulate teleconnection patterns of low-frequency modes of climate variability should be undertaken with the recognition that observational records may not be long enough to capture the full range of variability in teleconnection patterns.
Religiosity and politics in Spain and Poland: A period effect analysis
Authors: Requena Miguel , Stanek Mikolaj
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study is to compare how the Catholic Church’s involvement in politics under authoritarian rule in Spain and Poland impacted on religiosity in those countries after the transition to democracy. The Catholic Church was a key political actor during the Franco regime in Spain and communist rule in Poland. However, the nature of its political involvement in each case was quite different: while in Spain the Catholic Church legitimized the Franco regime, in Poland it was one of the main actors opposing communist rule. The authors use data from the Polish General Social Survey covering 1991–2008 and several surveys carried out by the Spanish Centre for Sociological Studies (CIS) between 1975 and 1995. Results confirm that the political involvement of the Catholic Church had different impacts on subsequent religious practice in each country. In Spain secularization was especially intense during the political transition in the late 1970s, while in Poland after the 1990s there was only a moderate shift toward secularization.
Engaging with flexibility and security: Rediscovering the role of collective bargaining
Authors: Marginson Paul , Galetto Manuela
Published: July 2014

Debates on flexicurity have largely focused on national policies and legislative frameworks, overlooking the role of sub-national regulation including collective bargaining at sector and company levels. Drawing on findings from a cross-national study of collective bargaining in metalworking since the late 1990s, the article demonstrates its distinctive contribution. Agreements mainly support internal forms of flexibility and promote employment, income and combination security. Collective bargaining’s capacity to address flexibility and security differs according to the institutional arrangements governing bargaining. Important differences are identified between multi- and single-employer arrangements and, under multi-employer arrangements, according to the presence and nature of effective mechanisms articulating the sector and company levels.
The process of wage adjustment: An analysis using establishment-level data
Authors: Bayo-Moriones Alberto , Galdon-Sanchez Jose Enrique , Martinez-de-Morentin Sara
Published: July 2014

This article uses data from Spanish manufacturing plants to analyze the determinants of the importance attributed to several criteria when wages are adjusted. More specifically, the criteria taken into account in the study are the cost of living, the wages of the firm in relation to its competitors, the fulfillment of collective agreements at sector level, the need to recruit and retain employees, the performance of the organization, and the industrial relations climate. The results show that the structural characteristics of the establishment, some human resource management practices, as well as the wage-setting arrangements and the influence of trade unions, play a role in explaining wage adjustments.
The Forum on China– Africa Cooperation, Ideas and Aid: National Interest(s) or Strategic Partnership?
Authors: Du Plessis Ambrosé
Published: July 2014

China is providing the African continent, in terms of aid and trade, with an alternative ‘model of development’. The post-Cold War era marks the re-awakening of China–Africa relations. China’s role as an emerging power has become evident in terms of providing aid and development assistance to Third-World countries, especially to Africa. This new found ‘emerging power’ status makes it an invaluable partner to Africa. Even in the midst of a global financial crisis, China–Africa relations continue to move from strength to strength. Contemporary China–Africa relations are based on the agenda set out by the >Forum for China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000; it provided the ideological premises for future strengthening of the China–Africa strategic partnership. However, it was only in 2006, when leaders of over 40 African states visited Beijing for a Summit Meeting, that the world began to take note of this ever-evolving partnership. The principle objective of this article is to examine the FOCAC in terms of ideas and aid. Central to this investigation is the question: Whether China–Africa relations can best be classified as either national interest(s) or a strategic partnership?
Apolipoprotein polymorphism is associated with pro-thrombotic profile in non-demented dyslipidemic subjects
Authors: Ferreira Cláudia N , Carvalho Maria G , Gomes Karina B , Reis Helton J , Fernandes Ana-Paula , Palotás András , Sousa Marinez O
Published: July 2014

Apolipoprotein gene polymorphism has an important role in lipid metabolism and in the development of cerebro- and cardio-vascular disease (CCVD), including dementia. Dyslipidemia and hemostatic abnormalities are key risk factors associated with athero-sclerotic events preceding CCVD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationships of various apolipoprotein-species with hemostatic parameters and cognitive function. Lipid profile, gene polymorphism, coagulation markers, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores were assessed in 109 dys-lipidemic subjects and in 107 healthy control volunteers. Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) plasma levels were significantly higher in apolipoprotein-E2 (apoE2) patients when compared to other apoE forms. The apoA5 -1131T>C polymorphism was associated with elevated D-dimer concentration in dyslipidemic TT homozygous individuals. MMSE did not correlate with lipid or coagulation profile. These data suggest that apoE and apoA5 variants have an effect on hemostatic parameters, but they neither influence nor predict cognitive performance in non-demented individuals.
How can qualitative research be utilised in the NHS when re-designing and commissioning services?
Authors: Barker Karen L
Published: July 2014

Patient experience is acknowledged as a key quality metric of healthcare quality and can be used to identify problems with healthcare delivery, to drive quality improvements and to inform commissioning of services that promote patient choice. In this article, the contribution of qualitative research studies to inform the redesign and patient-focussed commissioning of services is considered, illustrated with particular reference to elective orthopaedic surgical services. To fully embrace the concept of patient and public involvement (PPI) and to embed it in service delivery, health service design and informing commissioners to purchase healthcare that truly meets patient need and expectations, qualitative research has an increasingly important role to play. Through well-conducted qualitative research exploring patients’ experiences, their knowledge and experiences of conditions can be utilised for the benefit of others and the impact of the patient voice truly heard when designing and commissioning healthcare services.