bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future Changes in Drought Characteristics: Regional Analysis for South Korea under CMIP5 Projections
Authors: Rhee Jinyoung , Cho Jaepil
Published: October 2015

The future changes in drought characteristics were examined on a regional scale for South Korea, in northeastern Asia, using 17 bias-corrected projections from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) of representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios 4.5 and 8.5. The frequency of severe or extreme drought, based on the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), with time scales of 1, 3, and 12 months (i.e., SPI1, SPI3, SPI12, SPEI1, SPEI3, and SPEI12), was considered, as well as the average duration based on SPEI1. A multimodel ensemble (MME) was produced using selected models, and future changes were investigated in terms of both drought frequency and the average duration for the entire area and four river basins. The changes in drought frequency largely depend on the selection of a drought index, rather than climate projection scenarios. SPEI3 mostly projected future increases in drought frequency, while SPI3 showed varied projections. SPI12 projected decreases in drought frequency for both scenarios in the study area, while differences between river basins were observed for SPEI12. Increases in the average duration of droughts were projected based on SPEI1, indicating an increase in persistent short-term droughts in the future. The results emphasize the importance of regional- and subregional-scale analysis in northeastern Asia. The findings of the study provide valuable information that can be used for drought-related decision-making, which could not be obtained from studies on a global spatial scale.
Multisite Downscaling of Seasonal Predictions to Daily Rainfall Characteristics over Pacific–Andean River Basins in Ecuador and Peru Using a Nonhomogeneous Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Pineda Luis E. , Willems Patrick
Published: October 2015

The seasonal predictability of daily rainfall characteristics is examined over 21 hydrologic units in the Pacific–Andean region of Ecuador and Peru (PAEP) using a nonhomogeneous hidden Markov model (NHMM) and retrospective seasonal information from general circulation models (GCMs). First, a hidden Markov model is used to diagnose four states that play distinct roles in the December–May rainy season. The estimated daily states fall into two wet states, one dry state, and one transitional dry–wet state, and show a systematic seasonal evolution together with intraseasonal and interannual variability. The first wet state represents regionwide wet conditions, while the second one represents north–south gradients. The former could be associated with the annual moisture offshore of the PAEP, thermally driven by the climatological maximum of sea surface temperatures in the Niño-1.2 region. The latter corresponds with the dynamically noisy component of the PAEP rainfall signal, associated with the annual displacement of the intertropical convergence zone. Then, a four-state NHMM is coupled with GCM information to simulate daily sequences at each station. Simulations of the GCM–NHMM approach represent daily rainfall characteristics at station level well. The best skills were found in reproducing the interannual variation of seasonal rainfall amount and mean intensity at the regional-averaged level with correlations equal to 0.60 and 0.64, respectively. At catchment level, the best skills appear over catchments south of 4°S, where hydrologically relevant characteristics are well simulated. It is thus shown that the GCM–NHMM approach provides the potential to produce precipitation information relevant for hydrological prediction in this climate-sensitive region.
All That Is Solid
Authors: Peterson David
Published: October 2015

The belief that natural sciences are more scientific than the social sciences has been well documented in the perceptions of both lay and scientific populations. Influenced by the Kuhnian concept of “paradigm development” and empirical studies on the closure of scientific controversies, scholars from divergent traditions associate scientific development with increased consensus and stability. However, both the macro/quantitative and micro/qualitative approaches are limited in key ways. This article is the first comparative ethnography of a natural science (molecular biology) and a social science (psychology) and it highlights important differences between the fields. Molecular biologists engage in a process of “bench-building,” in which they create and integrate new manipulation techniques and technologies into their practice, whereas psychologists have far less opportunity for this type of development. This suggests an alternative conception of the natural/social divide, in which the natural sciences are defined by dynamic material evolution while the social sciences remain relatively stable.
Challenge and hindrance stressors and wellbeing-based work–nonwork interference: A diary study of portfolio workers
Authors: Wood Stephen J , Michaelides George
Published: October 2015

Stress-based work–nonwork interference, or negative spillover, is associated with transference of negative emotions from the work to the nonwork domain. It is argued that work–nonwork interference resulting from high work demands does not necessarily entail the reproduction of any affective states. First, calmness can result in lower work–nonwork interference and enthusiasm in higher levels. Second, hindrance stressors can be negatively related to enthusiasm and calmness, while challenge stressors are positively associated with them. Hypotheses about the relationship between stressors and interference that reflect this rationality are developed and tested using longitudinal data from a six-month diary study of portfolio workers. The results offer some support for them and indicate that both challenge and hindrance stressors are positively related to interference. However, for hindrance stressors the indirect effect is positive when mediated by calmness and negative for enthusiasm. In contrast, for challenge stressors the indirect effect is negative when mediated by calmness and positive when mediated by enthusiasm. The mediation paths are significant only for transient effects. Thus, there are indications that well-being can both increase or decrease interference depending on the nature of the stressor and whether it is mediated by calmness or enthusiasm.
Organization at the margins: Subaltern resistance of Singur
Authors: Pal Mahuya
Published: October 2015

Based on fieldwork and subaltern studies as a theoretical framework, this article engages organizational discourses of farmers in Singur, India. Opposing their land grab by the state for a corporate project, the farmers join the global struggle against land acquisition by subaltern communities, a prominent feature of the neoliberal economy. My conversations with the farmers reveal that discourses of violence and non-violence informed their organization of struggle. Further, their organization of resistance emerges as a self-organization, demonstrates the interplay of agency and structure, and follows an ethico-political ideology to challenge the imperial power produced by state-corporate nexus. In particular, cultural value frames of ahimsa (non-violence) and dharma (moral) guide their organizational principles centered on ethical considerations, justice and human dignity. This research brings forth the counter-hegemonic potential of the Singur resistance and suggests its possibilities to contribute to the process of change in the neoliberal economy. Ultimately, the peasant discourses decentralize the ways we think of the world in terms of its forms of organization and its social life in the neoliberal political order, and offer social imaginaries of a politically just society.
Enquiry-based learning designed for transient response of dynamic circuits in electric circuits course
Authors: Hui Huang , Yuan-yuan Dong , Chu-shun Zhang , Xue-dong Jiang
Published: October 2015

According to enquiry-based learning theory and experiences in teaching Electric Circuits course, this paper presents a problem-based teaching model designed for transient response of dynamic circuits. Guided by some questions designed by teachers, students go through three processes: enquiry-based teaching and learning, problem-based simulation, and enquiry-based seminar. The knowledge of dynamic circuits is taught, and the circumstance of scientific enquiry is also set up to help students’ research. It is proved that the model can help students to understand knowledge much better, and it can also develop their ability of self-exploration.
The Concept of the Black Subject in Fanon
Authors: Sithole Tendayi
Published: October 2015

In this article, Blackness is examined in relation to the conception of the subject. From this perspective, Frantz Fanon’s subjectivity is a rallying point of critique to account for the ways in which such a subject is positioned in the existential realm of anti-Blackness. This calls for the ways in which the Black subject should be understood from its existential reality of subjection. The demand of the Black subject to be free from subjection essentially means that Blackness should tenaciously militate for liberation. This is the existential necessity in that the Black subject will move from the existential condition of dehumanization and to what Fanon calls new humanism.
Immune Cells and Molecular Networks in Experimentally Induced Pulpitis
Authors: Renard E. , Gaudin A. , Bienvenu G. , Amiaud J. , Farges J.C. , Cuturi M.C. , Moreau A. , Alliot-Licht B.
Published: October 2015

Dental pulp is a dynamic tissue able to resist external irritation during tooth decay by using immunocompetent cells involved in innate and adaptive responses. To better understand the immune response of pulp toward gram-negative bacteria, we analyzed biological mediators and immunocompetent cells in rat incisor pulp experimentally inflamed by either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline solution (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]). Untreated teeth were used as control. Expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokine ligands, growth factors, and enzymes were evaluated at the transcript level, and the recruitment of the different leukocytes in pulp was measured by fluorescence-activated cell-sorting analysis after 3 h, 9 h, and 3 d post-PBS or post-LPS treatment. After 3 d, injured rat incisors showed pulp wound healing and production of reparative dentin in both LPS and PBS conditions, testifying to the reversible pulpitis status of this model. IL6, IL1-β, TNF-α, CCL2, CXCL1, CXCL2, MMP9, and iNOS gene expression were significantly upregulated after 3 h of LPS stimulation as compared with PBS. The immunoregulatory cytokine IL10 was also upregulated after 3 h, suggesting that LPS stimulates not only inflammation but also immunoregulation. Fluorescence-activated cell-sorting analysis revealed a significant, rapid, and transient increase in leukocyte levels 9 h after PBS and LPS stimulation. The quantity of dendritic cells was significantly upregulated with LPS versus PBS. Interestingly, we identified a myeloid-derived suppressor cell–enriched cell population in noninjured rodent incisor dental pulp. The percentage of this population, known to regulate immune response, was higher 9 h after inflammation triggered with PBS and LPS as compared with the control. Taken together, these data offer a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of dental pulp immunity that may be elicited by gram-negative bacteria.
Heritage Site Visitation and Attitudes toward African American Heritage Preservation
Authors: Benjamin Stefanie , Kline Carol , Alderman Derek , Hoggard Wilson
Published: October 2015

Understanding disparities in visitation rates to heritage sites and patterns in public support for preservation and remembrance of African American heritage could greatly inform decision-making and management philosophies of park/historic site operators, preservationists, and other entrepreneurs. Informed by critical theory, this study examined heritage site visitation and attitudes toward remembrance and preservation of African American heritage among North Carolina (NC) residents. Telephone interviews were completed by 843 residents investigating their heritage site visitation patterns and support for African American heritage. The results suggest that race, age, education, income, frequency of travel, and voting record impact variation in heritage site visitation among NC residents while race, age, education, the presence of retirees or children in the household, voting record, and identification as a Southerner influenced attitudes toward African American preservation. This study contributes to the critical analysis of how patterns in heritage site visitation and public support of preservation perpetuate racialization of the travel experience.
Challenges in the successful management of a case of acute intermittent porphyria in India
Authors: Patell Rushad , Dosi Rupal , Joshi Harsh , Shah Purav , Tripathi Rishi
Published: October 2015

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare metabolic disease involving a defect in haem biosynthesis resulting in the accumulation and excessive secretion of porphyrins and its precursors. Acute attacks present with episodes of severe abdominal pain, nausea, confusion and severe life-threatening seizures. A high index of suspicion is required for the initial diagnosis of AIP.
Building a Better Houston: Highways, Neighborhoods, and Infrastructural Citizenship in the 1970s
Authors: Shelton Kyle
Published: October 2015

This article examines how residents from two disparate, central Houston, Texas, neighborhoods—the white and wealthy Courtlandt Place and the predominately black, mostly lower-class Third Ward—responded to disruptive physical changes caused by highway building in the 1960s and 1970s. To resist highway construction and its aftereffects, residents from both communities embraced a rhetoric and set of actions that turned their homes and streets into political tools. By transforming elements of the built environment from inert materials into arenas in which they could claim and assert political power, the Houstonians examined here crafted a shared set of actions this article frames as expressions of “infrastructural citizenship.” While imbalances in racial and economic power shaped the outcomes of these two fights, the common language and action residents found in infrastructural citizenship allowed them to protect their visions of the city and to participate in the planning of its future.
Integrated numerical and experimental methodology for thermal-energy analysis and optimization of heritage museum buildings
Authors: Pisello Anna Laura , Castaldo Veronica Lucia , Pignatta Gloria , Cotana Franco
Published: October 2015

Research effort was dedicated to the analysis of museums microclimate for the preservation of artifacts and indoor environment. In this paper, continuous monitoring and dynamic simulation of an ancient exhibition site are carried out to evaluate indoor microclimate and energy performance. The aim is to develop a multidisciplinary methodology for preserving artworks and historic buildings in the view of sustainability and comfort. The paper also shows how the environmental conditions of two thermal zones different for geometry, occupancy, ventilation rate, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are far from the values suggested by the regulations for the preservation of artifacts and from human comfortable set points of temperature and relative humidity. This work highlights the need for further investigation of historical exposition sites to reduce artworks' damaging and occupants' environmental stress.

Practical application: Many historical buildings in European countries host exhibition sites. Indoor microclimate of such areas is often inappropriate for visitors' comfort, for artworks', and building preservation. In fact, usually HVAC systems operate according to simple temperature-based control protocols. This study shows how old architectures could present indoor environmental conditions far from the target, for artworks' preservation, for occupants' comfort, and for the building maintenance. This paper presents a numerical–experimental methodology applied to an architectural heritage. The analysis gives insight on this issue, and could guide building operators and service management to investigate and optimize indoor environmental conditions where artworks are preserved.
Safety and Dosing Study of Glucagon‐Like Peptide 2 in Children With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Sigalet David L. , Brindle Mary , Boctor Dana , Casey Linda , Dicken Bryan , Butterworth Sonia , Lam Viona , Karnik Vikram , de Heuvel Elaine , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims: A glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2) analogue is approved for adults with intestinal failure, but no studies of GLP‐2 have included children. This study examined the pharmacokinetics, safety, and nutritional effects of GLP‐2 in children with intestinal failure. Methods: Native human GLP‐2(1‐33) was synthesized following good manufacturing practices. In an open‐label trial, with parental consent, 7 parenteral nutrition–dependent pediatric patients were treated with subcutaneous GLP‐2 (20 µg/kg/d) for 3 days (phase 1) and, if tolerated, continued for 42 days (phase 2). Nutritional treatment was directed by the primary caregivers. Patients were followed to 1 year. Results: Seven patients were enrolled (age: 4.0 ± 0.8 years; bowel length, mean ± SEM: 24% ± 4% of predicted). All were parenteral nutrition dependent since birth, receiving 44% ± 5% of calories by parenteral nutrition. GLP‐2 treatment had no effect on vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature) and caused no significant adverse events. Peak GLP‐2 levels were 380 pM (day 3) and 295 pM (day 42), with no change in half‐life or endogenous GLP‐2 levels. Nutritional indices showed a numeric improvement in z scores and citrulline levels; the z score was maintained while citrulline levels returned to baseline once GLP‐2 was discontinued. Conclusions: GLP‐2 was well tolerated in children, with a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that of adults. There were no changes in endogenous GLP‐2 release or metabolism. These results suggest that GLP‐2 ligands may be safely used in pediatric patients; larger trials are suggested to investigate nutritional effects.
The effects of resistance exercise in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yanan , Su Youxin , Chen Shaoqing , Zhang Yingjie , Zhang Ziyi , Liu Changyan , Lu Meili , Liu Feiwen , Li Shuzhen , He Zhen , Wang Yiru , Sheng Lu , Wang Wenting , Zhan Zhengxuan , Wang Xu , Zheng Naixi
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To analyze the effectiveness of resistance exercise in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis on pain, stiffness, and physical function.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data sources:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Web of Science, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were searched from the date of inception to August 2015.

Methods:

Trials comparing effects of resistance exercise intervention with either non-intervention or psycho-educational intervention were selected by two reviewers independently. The risk of bias was assessed and studies with similar outcomes were pooled using a fixed or random effects model.

Results:

Data from 17 randomized clinical trials including 1705 patients were integrated. The main source of methodological bias in the selected studies was lack of double blinding. The meta-analysis results suggested that resistance exercise training relieved pain (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.57 to -0.29; P < 0.001), alleviated stiffness (SMD: -0.31; 95%: CI -0.56 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and improved physical function (SMD -0.53; 95% CI: -0.70 to -0.37; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Resistance exercise is beneficial in terms of reducing pain, alleviating stiffness, and improving physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Using Active Learning for Speeding up Calibration in Simulation Models
Authors: Cevik Mucahit , Ergun Mehmet Ali , Stout Natasha K. , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Craven Mark , Alagoz Oguzhan
Published: October 2015

Background. Most cancer simulation models include unobservable parameters that determine disease onset and tumor growth. These parameters play an important role in matching key outcomes such as cancer incidence and mortality, and their values are typically estimated via a lengthy calibration procedure, which involves evaluating a large number of combinations of parameter values via simulation. The objective of this study is to demonstrate how machine learning approaches can be used to accelerate the calibration process by reducing the number of parameter combinations that are actually evaluated. Methods. Active learning is a popular machine learning method that enables a learning algorithm such as artificial neural networks to interactively choose which parameter combinations to evaluate. We developed an active learning algorithm to expedite the calibration process. Our algorithm determines the parameter combinations that are more likely to produce desired outputs and therefore reduces the number of simulation runs performed during calibration. We demonstrate our method using the previously developed University of Wisconsin breast cancer simulation model (UWBCS). Results. In a recent study, calibration of the UWBCS required the evaluation of 378 000 input parameter combinations to build a race-specific model, and only 69 of these combinations produced results that closely matched observed data. By using the active learning algorithm in conjunction with standard calibration methods, we identify all 69 parameter combinations by evaluating only 5620 of the 378 000 combinations. Conclusion. Machine learning methods hold potential in guiding model developers in the selection of more promising parameter combinations and hence speeding up the calibration process. Applying our machine learning algorithm to one model shows that evaluating only 1.49% of all parameter combinations would be sufficient for the calibration.
Acceptance of Prostitution and Its Social Determinants in Canada
Authors: Cao Liqun , Lu Ruibin , Mei Xiaohan
Published: October 2015

The nature of collective perception of prostitution is understudied in Canada. Except some rudimentary reports on the percentages of the key legal options, multivariate analysis has never been used to analyze the details of public opinion on prostitution. The current study explores the trend of public attitude toward prostitution acceptability in Canada over a 25-year span and examines the social determinants of the acceptability of prostitution, using structural equation modeling (SEM), which allows researchers to elaborate both direct and indirect effects (through mediating variables) on the outcome variable. Results show that the public has become more acceptant of prostitution over time. In addition, the less religious, less authoritarian, and more educated are more acceptant of prostitution than the more religious, more authoritarian, and less well educated. The effects of religiosity and authoritarianism mediate out the direct effects of age, gender, gender equality, marriage, marriage as an outdated institution, Quebec, race, and tolerance. The findings may serve as a reference point for the law reform regarding the regulation of prostitution in Canada.
Analysis of Agreement Between Computed Tomography Measurements of Glenoid Bone Defects in Anterior Shoulder Instability With and Without Comparison With the Contralateral Shoulder
Authors: Milano Giuseppe , Saccomanno Maristella F. , Magarelli Nicola , Bonomo Lorenzo
Published: October 2015

Background:

Computed tomography (CT) is frequently used to diagnose glenoid bone defects in anterior shoulder instability. The assessment of glenoid defects on 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) CT scans has been reported with and without a comparative study of the contralateral shoulder; however, no previous studies have analyzed if these 4 methods agree.

Purpose:

To estimate agreement between CT assessments of glenoid defects by examination of the affected shoulder alone and by comparison with the contralateral side on both 2D and 3D CT scans.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 200 prospectively enlisted patients affected by unilateral anterior shoulder instability underwent CT of both shoulders. The area of the missing glenoid was calculated on 4 sets of CT scans (2D and 3D CT images with and without comparison with the contralateral shoulder) by using the circle method. Agreement between the 4 measurements in quantifying the bone defect was estimated according to the Bland-Altman method. Agreement between the 4 measurements in assessing the presence and type of defect (fracture or erosion) was analyzed with κ statistics.

Results:

Analysis of agreement between CT measurements in quantifying glenoid bone defects showed that the mean difference between the 4 measures was less than 1% of the area of the inferior glenoid in each pairwise comparison. Limits of agreement were always below the established acceptable limit of 5%. The assessment of the presence and type of bone defect showed strong to near-complete agreement between the 4 measurement methods.

Conclusion:

CT assessments of glenoid bone defects with and without comparison with the contralateral shoulder showed very good agreement in identifying the size, presence, and type of defect in patients with anterior shoulder instability on both 2D and 3D CT scans.
Prevalence of Associated Lesions in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Brambilla Lorenzo , Pulici Luca , Carimati Giulia , Quaglia Alessandro , Prospero Emanuele , Bait Corrado , Morenghi Emanuela , Portinaro Nicola , Denti Matteo , Volpi Piero
Published: October 2015

Background:

Knee instability resulting from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is an important risk factor for the onset of meniscal tears and cartilage injuries. A delay of the ligament reconstruction further increases this risk. There is currently no agreement on the right time for surgical ACL reconstruction.

Purpose:

To verify the correlation of time to ACL reconstruction, patient age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) with the prevalence of meniscal tears and cartilage injuries, as well as to identify the proper surgical timing to decrease the risk of developing associated injuries.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The medical records of 988 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction between January 2010 and May 2014 were analyzed to collect data on the prevalence of meniscal tears and cartilage injuries, surgical timing, and patient sex, age, and BMI. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the association between the prevalence of intra-articular lesions and the independent variables of surgical timing, sex, age, and BMI.

Results:

The risk of developing at least an associated lesion increased by an average of 0.6% for each month of delay of surgical reconstruction. The odds ratio (OR) for developing an intra-articular lesion was 1.989 (95% CI, 1.403-2.820) in those waiting more than 12 months for ACL reconstruction. A 12-month delay for the intervention nearly doubled the risk of developing a medial meniscal tear (OR, 1.806 [95% CI, 1.317-2.475]) but did not modify the risk for the lateral meniscus (OR, 1.183 [95% CI, 0.847-1.653]). Concerning cartilage lesions, the risk after a 12-month delay increased in the medial compartment (femoral condyle: OR, 2.347 [95% CI, 1.499-3.676]; tibial plateau: OR, 5.574 [95% CI, 1.911-16.258]). In the lateral femoral condyle, the risk became significant in patients who underwent surgery more than 60 months after ACL injury as compared with those treated in the first 3 months (OR, 5.949 [95% CI, 1.825-19.385]). Lateral tibial plateau lesions did not seem to increase significantly. Male sex was a risk factor for the onset of lateral meniscal tears (OR, 2.288 [95% CI, 1.596-3.280]) and medial tears (OR, 1.752 [95% CI, 1.280-2.399]). Older age (OR, 1.017 [95% CI, 1.006-1.029]) and increased BMI (OR, 1.120 [95% CI, 1.072-1.169]) were risk factors for the occurrence of at least 1 associated lesion.

Conclusion:

ACL reconstruction within 12 months of injury can significantly reduce the risk of meniscal tears and chondral lesions. The close association between BMI and prevalence of associated lesions suggests that attention be paid to patients with an elevated BMI when considering the timing of ACL reconstruction surgery.
The dimensions of emotional meaning in modern Greek
Authors: Testa Silvia , Triantafyllopoulou Nikolitsa , Galati Dario
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the meaning structure of emotion terms from the Greek lexicon, and to assess commonalities and differences with the maps of emotional words obtained in a prior study of neo-Latin languages, a linguistic family sharing ancient roots with the Greek tongue. Twelve native speakers contributed to the selection of 33 Greek terms with a clear emotional meaning and an independent sample of 30 participants evaluated the pairwise similarities among the target words. The similarity ratings were subjected to multidimensional scaling analyses, yielding a three-dimensional configuration (Valence, Physiological Activation and Potency) in which the coping potential dimension (Potency) was more important than, or at least as important as, the Physiological Activation dimension. The map resembled that previously identified for the core neo-Latin languages, namely Italian, French and Spanish, and was quite different from those obtained for other more peripheral neo-Latin languages, and also from those obtained in some studies involving English emotion lexicon. Reasons for these similarities and differences are discussed.
Topographical Distribution of Epileptogenic Tubers in Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Ellingson Benjamin M. , Hirata Yoko , Yogi Akira , Karavaeva Elena , Leu Kevin , Woodworth Davis C. , Harris Robert J. , Enzmann Dieter R. , Wu Joyce Y. , Mathern Gary W. , Salamon Noriko
Published: October 2015

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystem genetic syndrome often affecting the central nervous system. The purpose of the current study was to identify topographical patterns in the distribution specific to epileptogenic (n = 37) and nonepileptogenic (n = 544) tubers throughout the brain for a cohort of 23 tuberous sclerosis complex patients with a history of seizures. Tubers localized to the inferior parietal lobes, middle frontal lobes, middle temporal lobes, or central sulcus regions were associated with a high frequency of epileptogenic tubers. Epileptogenic tubers occurred statistically more frequently within the inferior parietal lobe and within the central sulcus region in children younger than 1 or between 1 and 3 years old, respectively. Results imply seizure activity in tuberous sclerosis complex patients can be associated with the location of cortical tubers.
Comparative evaluation of in vivo biocompatibility and biodegradability of regenerated silk scaffolds reinforced with/without natural silk fibers
Authors: Mobini Sahba , Taghizadeh-Jahed Masoud , Khanmohammadi Manijeh , Moshiri Ali , Naderi Mohammad-Mehdi , Heidari-Vala Hamed , Ashrafi Helan Javad , Khanjani Sayeh , Springer Armin , Akhondi Mohammad-Mehdi , Kazemnejad Somaieh
Published: October 2015

Nowadays, exceptional advantages of silk fibroin over synthetic and natural polymers have impelled the scientists to application of this biomaterial for tissue engineering purposes. Recently, we showed that embedding natural degummed silk fibers in regenerated Bombyx mori silk-based scaffold significantly increases the mechanical stiffness, while the porosity of the scaffolds remains the same. In the present study, we evaluated degradation rate, biocompatibility and regenerative properties of the regenerated 2% and 4% wt silk-based composite scaffolds with or without embedded natural degummed silk fibers within 90 days in both athymic nude and wild-type C57BL/6 mice through subcutaneous implantation. In all scaffolds, a suitable interconnected porous structure for cell penetration was seen under scanning electron microscopy. Compressive tests revealed a functional relationship between fiber reinforcement and compressive modulus. In addition, the fiber/fibroin composite scaffolds support cell attachment and proliferation. On days 30 to 90 after subcutaneous implantation, the retrieved tissues were examined via gross morphology, histopathology, immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction as shown in Figure 1 . Results showed that embedding the silk fibers within the matrix enhances the biodegradability of the matrix resulting in replacement of the composite scaffolds with the fresh connective tissue. Fortification of the composites with degummed fibers not only regulates the degradation profile but also increases the mechanical performance of the scaffolds. This report also confirmed that pore size and structure play an important role in the degradation rate. In conclusion, the findings of the present study narrate key role of additional surface area in improving in vitro and in vivo biological properties of the scaffolds and suggest the potential ability of these fabricated composite scaffolds for connective tissue regeneration. [Figure: see text]
Potential in two types of collagen scaffolds for urological tissue engineering applications – Are there differences in growth behaviour of juvenile and adult vesical cells?
Authors: Leonhäuser D , Vogt M , Tolba RH , Grosse JO
Published: October 2015

The aging society has a deep impact on patient care in urology. The number of patients in need of partial or whole bladder wall replacement is increasing simultaneously with the number of cancer incidents. Therefore, urological research requires a model of bladder wall replacement in adult and elderly people. Two types of porcine collagen I/III scaffolds were used in vitro for comparison of cell growth of two different pig breeds at different growth stages. Scaffolds were characterised with scanning electron and laser scanning microscopy. Urothelial and detrusor smooth muscle cells were isolated from 15 adult Göttingen minipigs and 15 juvenile German Landrace pigs. Growth behaviour was examined in cell culture and seeded onto the collagen scaffolds via immunohistochemistry, two-photon laser scanning microscopy and a viability assay. The collagen scaffolds showed different structured surfaces which are appropriate for seeding of the two different cell types. Moisturisation of the scaffolds resulted in a change of the structure. Cell growth of German Landrace urothelial cells and smooth muscle cells was significantly higher than cell growth of the Göttingen minipig cells. Seeding of scaffolds with both cell types from both pig races was possible which could be shown by immunohistochemistry and two-photon laser scanning microscopy. Growth behaviour on the scaffolds was significantly increased for the German Landrace compared to Göttingen minipig. Nevertheless, seeding with the adult Göttingen minipig cells resulted in a closed layer on the surface and urothelial cells and smooth muscle cells showed increasing growth until day 14. The results show that these collagen scaffolds are adequate for the seeding with vesical cells. Moreover, they seem appropriate for the use as an in vitro model for the adult or elderly as the cells of the adult Göttingen minipig too, show good growth behaviour.
A Case Report of a Breastfed Infant’s Excessive Weight Gains over 14 Months
Authors: Perrella Sharon Lisa , Geddes Donna Tracy
Published: October 2015

High infant weight gain is associated with subsequent overweight and obesity and so may contribute to related comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The growth acceleration hypothesis proposes that early and rapid growth in infancy can shape the metabolic profile to increase susceptibility to obesity. Although breastfeeding reduces the infant’s risk of subsequent overweight and obesity, high infant weight gains are observed in this population. We report the case of an infant with excessive weight gains that persisted throughout 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. The mother chose to continue breastfeeding despite medical advice to wean, and high weight gains continued for a further 8 months of breastfeeding and complementary foods. This is the first reported case of an exclusively breastfed infant with excessive weight gains (> 97th percentile) with contemporaneous measures of 24-hour breast milk intake and doses and concentrations of protein, fat, and energy. We found a high breast milk protein dose, which is associated with increased weight gain and lean body mass but not necessarily adiposity. It is likely that other influences also contributed to the high infant weight gain. High infant weight gain is multifactorial, with evolving evidence for the role of adipokines and genetic markers. Advice to replace breast milk with formula affects the dose-dependent protection from noncommunicable diseases afforded by breast milk and may not be an effective strategy for reducing adiposity.
Synthesis and thermal decomposition kinetics of poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(styrene) block copolymers
Authors: Guan Xinghua , Ma Xiaoyan , Zhou Hualong , Chen Fang , Li Zhiguang
Published: October 2015

Two diblock copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate)- block-poly(styrene) with chlorine as terminal group (PMMA- b-PS-Cl) were synthesized via two-step atom transfer radical polymerization. The structures of the block copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography. Thermal properties including glass transition temperature ( Tg) and thermal stability were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The block copolymers of PMMA- b-PS-Cl exhibited two glass transitions, which were attributed to the Tgs of PMMA and PS segments, respectively. According to TGA, thermal decompositions of PMMA macro-initiator and PMMA- b-PS-Cl block copolymers had two stages. The weight loss ratio in the second stage was more significant than that in the first stage, which may be attributed to the separation of the halogen atom from the terminal group and the formation of a double bond. The breaking down of the backbone dominates in the second stage in which the weight loss ratio was more than 70%, represented the main stage of pyrolysis. It was found that the introduction of the PS chain remarkably enhanced the thermal stability of the copolymer, thus endowing the block copolymers high activation energy for thermal decomposition. On the other hand, the remaining two pyrolysis procedures further indicated that thermodynamic mechanism didn’t change due to the introduction of PS segments.
Frantz Fanon’s Contribution to Hegelian Marxism
Authors: Hudis Peter
Published: October 2015

Although Frantz Fanon’s work has been widely read and discussed in recent years, his contributions are often abstracted from its debt to Marxist theory and Hegelian philosophy. This paper seeks to correct this by re-examining his approach to issues of recognition, identity, and self-consciousness in Black Skin, White Masks in light of contemporary issues of racism and ethnic identity. Fanon departs from Hegel in many respects, especially concerning his understanding of the nature of the ‘master/slave’ relations that are structured along racial lines. He also seeks to go beyond Marx by providing a psycho-affective as against a primarily economic analysis of exploitation and alienation. Instead of representing a departure of the dialectical tradition, however, Fanon’s insights on these and other issues represent a crucial extension and concretization of it in light of the realities of his lived experience.
Examining the Disability Model From the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Using a Large Data Set of Community-Dwelling Malaysian Older Adults
Authors: Loke Seng Cheong , Lim Wee Shiong , Someya Yoshiko , Hamid Tengku A. , Nudin Siti S. H.
Published: October 2015

Objective: This study examines the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model (ICF) using a data set of 2,563 community-dwelling elderly with disease-independent measures of mobility, physical activity, and social networking, to represent ICF constructs. Method: The relationship between chronic disease and disability (independent and dependent variables) was examined using logistic regression. To demonstrate variability in activity performance with functional impairment, graphing was used. The relationship between functional impairment, activity performance, and social participation was examined graphically and using ANOVA. The impact of cognitive deficits was quantified through stratifying by dementia. Results: Disability is strongly related to chronic disease (Wald 25.5, p < .001), functional impairment with activity performance ( F = 34.2, p < .001), and social participation ( F= 43.6, p < .001). With good function, there is considerable variability in activity performance (inter-quartile range [IQR] = 2.00), but diminishes with high impairment (IQR = 0.00) especially with cognitive deficits. Discussion: Environment modification benefits those with moderate functional impairment, but not with higher grades of functional loss.
Youth Volunteering in Countries in the European Union
Authors: Gil-Lacruz Ana Isabel , Marcuello-Servós Carmen , Saz-Gil María Isabel
Published: October 2015

The reasons why people volunteer their time and services are of great interest and they have been the subject of academic research. This article helps identify some of the underlying reasons for the marked differences in youth volunteering among member states of the European Union. Our objective is to describe the similarities and differences in countries’ youth volunteer rates on individual and national levels. To this end, we identified individual and contextual factors and compared volunteer activities. We used data from the European Values Survey (EVS) for that purpose. As a methodological strategy, we carried out Logit models to estimate individual probabilities of working as a volunteer. The main result shows that social capital variables are the most relevant when young people decide to participate in voluntary activities.
The making of an online celebrity: A critical analysis of Han Han’s blog
Authors: Strafella Giorgio , Berg Daria
Published: October 2015

In the ‘society of the spectacle’, according to Guy Debord, ‘smug acceptance of what exists can also merge with purely spectacular rebellion’ and dissatisfaction itself becomes a commodity. Drawing on his reflections on celebrity and the spectacle, this article analyses the highly popular blog of novelist and racing car driver Han Han (born 1982). By doing so, it explores the relation between Han Han’s celebrity and his voice as a social critic. The analysis focuses on how Han Han’s blog thrives on the combination of his celebrity status and Everyman image; how it contrasts ‘anti-intellectualism’ in the tradition of Wang Shuo (born 1958) with elements of literati ideology including moderate loyal criticism and cultural nationalism; and how it negotiates the tension between commercial spectacle and the expression of sociopolitical concerns. The article also argues that unlike citizen journalism, Han Han’s blog relies on editorial commentary on hot topics and acts as a ‘safety valve’ blog. This article aims to contribute to understanding the rise in China’s cybersphere of a celebrity who merges the images of rebel, opinion leader and cultural entrepreneur.
Serological follow-up of infants born to mothers with positive syphilis serology – real-world experiences
Authors: Wallace Harriet E , Broomhall Harriet M , Isitt Catherine E , Miall Lawrence S , Wilson Janet D
Published: October 2015

The 2008 UK syphilis guideline recommends infants born to women with any positive syphilis serology be followed up until both treponemal and nontreponemal tests are negative to exclude congenital syphilis, whereas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend using only nontreponemal tests. Historically, we had low infant follow-up rates with no coherent pathways. We initiated a change in multidisciplinary team practice of infant testing for syphilis in 2011 and evaluated the results before and after by retrospective review of testing of infants born to women with positive syphilis serology between 2005 and 2012. A total of 28 infants’ mothers were treated in pregnancy (termed ‘high risk’); 26 had adequate treatment prior to pregnancy (termed ‘low risk’). There was a significant increase in serological testing after 2011 compared with before (83% versus 48%; OR 5.07 [95% CI 1.22–22.77] p = 0.01) but mainly in low risk infants with no significant improvement in high risk infants who are the priority group. Using nontreponemal tests only in the infants would have reduced the tests required by at least 50%, allowing health resources to be concentrated on achieving adequate follow-up for those infants most at risk.
Holocene oceanographic changes in SW Labrador Sea, off Newfoundland
Authors: Sheldon Christina M , Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Pearce Christof , Kuijpers Antoon , Hansen Mette J , Christensen Eva Zilmer
Published: October 2015

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages supported by selected geochemical data from three marine sediment cores collected in Placentia Bay, SE Newfoundland, are used to construct an ~13,000-year-long record of regional oceanographic changes in the SW Labrador Sea. The area is located in the boundary zone between the cold, ice-loaded Labrador Current (LC) in the north and the warm Gulf Stream (GS) waters to the south. After the Younger Dryas termination, the influence of GS-derived water increased and was further strengthened at 10.7 cal. kyr BP through enhanced northward flow of Atlantic water via the Slopewater Current. A short-term event of increased terrestrial input and water column stratification at 8.4 cal. kyr BP was likely linked to the distal drainage of glacial Lake Agassiz. After 7.3 cal. kyr BP, a stronger LC weakened the inflow of warmer subsurface waters from the GS. This may be explained by extensive meltwater release from ice sheets in Arctic Canada and is concurrent with a general shift in oceanographic conditions in the Labrador Sea region. Around 4.0 cal. kyr BP, conditions became more stable with a slight increase in salinity, indicating a decrease in meltwater transported via the LC. The Northern Hemisphere neoglacial cooling around 2.8 cal. kyr BP was characterized off SE Newfoundland by a further stabilization of the current system, dominated by the LC with some continued influx of GS water.
Thousand-year history of northeastern Europe exploration in the context of climatic change: Medieval to early modern times
Authors: Klimenko Vladimir
Published: October 2015

The extreme northeastern Europe constitutes a marginal historical transition zone from the, at least partially, agriculturally based economy of North Russia and the hunting-gathering economy of the indigenous Finnish and Samoyed peoples of the North. Climate and trade are crucial for the economy, and these are assumed to be the two main factors in understanding the regional historical development. I present a multi-archive mean annual temperature reconstruction for northeastern Europe spanning the past two millennia, which is used to develop a comparative chronology of climatic and historical events in the study region. It is argued that climate had a profound impact on the Slavic population’s economy and directions of migration, facilitating penetration into higher latitudes in warmer and abandonment in colder climatic phases. It is virtually certain that the mode and speed of development and northeastward expansion of the Russian State from the Middle Ages to the Modern Time were in many ways dependent on natural and geographical factors.