bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanadium in Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Sengupta Pranesh , Dey Krishna K. , Halder Rumu , Ajithkumar Thalasseril G. , Abraham Geogy , Mishra Raman K. , Kaushik Chetan P. , Dey Goutam K.
Published: October 2014

Understanding the role of V2O5 within borosilicate glass matrices is important for the development of novel matrices toward immobilization of sulfate containing high‐level nuclear wastes. Present investigation shows, within sodium barium borosilicate glass matrix V2O5 can be homogeneously added up to 5 mol% and beyond which it separates out into three phases, for example, (i) silica (ii) Barium (Ba) – Vanadium (V) oxide, and (iii) glass matrix. 29Si MAS NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) studies of the samples show that below 5 mol% V2O5 addition, silicate network is dominantly constituted of Q2 and Q3 structural units, whereas above this, the network gets more polymerized through formation of Q3 and Q4 units. In case of borate network, 11B MAS NMR investigations revealed that the concentration of BO4 [(0B, 4Si)] unit increases gradually up to 5 mol% and then it decreases at the cost of BO4 [(1B, 3Si)], BO3 (symmetric) and BO3 (asymmetric) units. Micro‐Raman analyses of the samples showed that with additions of V2O5 in diluted concentrations, amorphous silicate network remained unaltered, whereas some amplification in signals corresponding to ring‐type metaborate and VO5 units exists. It is therefore apparent from both MAS‐NMR and micro‐Raman studies that with V2O5 additions within the solubility limit (≤5 mol%), borate network gets depolymerized leading to decrease in hardness from an average value of 5.0–4.2 GPa.
Effect of High‐Temperature Aging on the Fracture Toughness of 40 mol% Ceria‐Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Jiang Kuo , Liu Songbai , Xi Wenjun
Published: October 2014

The 40 mol% CeO2‐stabilized ZrO2 ceramic was synthesized by the sol‐spray pyrolysis method and aged at 1400°C–1600°C. The effects of high‐temperature aging on its fracture toughness were investigated after heat treatments at 1500°C for 6–150 h in air. Characterization results indicated that the activation energy for grain growth of 40 mol% CeO2‐stabilized ZrO2 was 593 ± 47 kJ/mol. The average grain size of this ceramic varied from 1.4 to 5.6 μm within the aging condition of 1500°C for 6–150 h. The Ce‐lean tetragonal phase has a constant tetragonality (ratio of the c‐axis to a‐axis of the crystal lattice) of 1.0178 during the aging process. It was found that the fracture toughness of 40 mol% CeO2‐stabilized ZrO2 was determined to be 2.0 ± 0.1 MPa·m1/2, which did not vary significantly with prolonging aging time. Since no monoclinic zirconia was detected in the regions around the indentation crack‐middle and crack‐tip, the high fracture toughness maintained after high‐temperature aging can be attributed to the remarkable stability of the tetragonal phase in 40 mol% CeO2‐stabilized ZrO2 composition.
Effectiveness of feedback for enhancing English pronunciation in an ASR‐based CALL system
Authors: Wang Y.‐H. , Young S.S.‐C.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a study on implementing the ASR‐based CALL (computer‐assisted language learning based upon automatic speech recognition) system embedded with both formative and summative feedback approaches and using implicit and explicit strategies to enhance adult and young learners' English pronunciation. Two groups of learners including 18 adults and 16 seventh graders participated in the study. The results indicate that the formative feedback had a positive impact on improving the learners' speaking articulation, and the summative feedback aided the learners' self‐reflection and helped them to track their speaking progress. Furthermore, the implicit information such as model pronunciation with full sentences and audio recast benefitted the adult learners, whereas the young learners preferred the explicit learning information such as textual information of individual words for self‐correction. In addition, the results of this study also confirm that learners have different perceptions of the media modalities designed with implicit and explicit strategies in the feedback. Feedback with audio modality is more suitable for adults, whereas juxtaposed textual and audio modalities are better for young learners.
Impact of Steerable Sheaths on Contact Forces and Reconnection Sites in Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ULLAH WAQAS , HUNTER ROSS J. , MCLEAN AILSA , DHINOJA MEHUL , EARLEY MARK J. , SPORTON SIMON , SCHILLING RICHARD J.
Published: October 2014

Steerable Sheaths and Contact Force in AF Ablation

Background

In preclinical studies, catheter contact force (CF) during radiofrequency ablation correlates with the subsequent lesion size. We investigated the impact of steerable sheaths on ablation CF, its consistency, and wide area circumferential ablation (WACA) line reconnection sites.

Methods and Results

Five thousand and sixty‐four ablations were analyzed across 60 patients undergoing first‐time ablation for persistent AF using a CF‐sensing catheter: 19 manual nonsteerable sheath (Manual‐NSS), 11 manual steerable sheath, and 30 robotic steerable sheath (Sensei, Hansen Medical Inc.) procedures were studied. Ablation CFs were higher in the steerable sheath groups for all left atrial ablations and also WACA ablations specifically (P < 0.006), but less consistent per WACA segment (P < 0.005). There were significant differences in the CFs around both WACAs by group: in the left WACA CFs were lower with Manual‐NSS, other than at the anterior–inferior and posterior–superior regions, and lower in the right WACA, other than the anterior–superior region. There was a difference in the proportion of segments chronically reconnecting across groups: Manual‐NSS 26.5%, manual steerable sheath 4.6%, robotic 12% (P < 0.0005). The left atrial appendage/PV ridge and right posterior wall were common sites of reconnection in all groups.

Conclusions

Steerable sheaths increased ablation CF; however, there were region‐specific heterogeneities in the extent of increment, with some segments where they failed to increase CF. Steerable sheath use was associated with reduced WACA‐segment reconnection. It may be that the benefits of steerable sheath use in terms of higher CFs could be translated to improved clinical outcomes if regional weaknesses of this technology are taken into account during ablation procedures.
Editorial Perspective: The importance of considering parent's preferences when planning treatment for their children – the case of childhood obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Lewin Adam B. , McGuire Joseph F. , Murphy Tanya K. , Storch Eric A.
Published: October 2014

Assessing parental treatment preference is critical for maximizing alliance, adherence, and efficacy while minimizing patient attrition. Parents of youth with OCD report significantly higher preference for and acceptability of behavioral treatment over medication or combined treatment. Parents of younger children expressed lower acceptability of pharmacotherapy. Consistent concerns about medication safety were expressed.
Cognitive impairments are different in single‐incidence and multi‐incidence ADHD families
Authors: Oerlemans Anoek M. , Hartman Catharina A. , de Bruijn Yvette G.E. , Franke Barbara , Buitelaar Jan K. , Rommelse Nanda N.J.
Published: October 2014

Background

We may improve our understanding of the role of common versus unique risk factors in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by examining ADHD‐related cognitive deficits in single‐ (SPX), and multi‐incidence (MPX) families. Given that individuals from multiplex (MPX) families are likely to share genetic vulnerability for the disorder, whereas simplex (SPX) ADHD may be the result of sporadic (non‐)genetic causes unique to the patient, we hypothesized that cognitive impairments may be different in SPX and MPX ADHD as indicated by (a) the presence of cognitive deficits in MPX, but not SPX unaffected siblings and (b) dissimilar cognitive profiles in SPX and MPX ADHD patients.

Methods

Tasks measuring total IQ, verbal attention, executive functioning, motor functioning, and time estimation were administered to 31 SPX/264 MPX ADHD probands, 47 SPX/123 MPX unaffected siblings, and 263 controls, aged 6–19 years.

Results

SPX unaffected siblings were unimpaired compared to controls, except for verbal working memory, whereas MPX unaffected siblings showed impairments on most cognitive domains. The cognitive profiles of SPX and MPX probands were highly similar, except that verbal attention, response inhibition and motor control deficits were more pronounced in MPX probands, and ‐compared to their unaffected siblings‐ impairments in IQ, visual working memory and timing abilities were more pronounced in SPX cases.

Conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that a partly different cognitive architecture may underlie SPX and MPX forms of ADHD, which becomes evident when contrasting cognitive performances within families. Cognitive factors underlying MPX forms of ADHD are familial, whereas nonfamilial in SPX ADHD. SPX‐MPX stratification may be a step forward in unraveling diverse causal pathways.
Condition dependence and the maintenance of genetic variance in a sexually dimorphic black scavenger fly
Authors: Dmitriew C. , Blanckenhorn W. U.
Published: October 2014

The maintenance of genetic variation in traits under strong sexual selection is a longstanding problem in evolutionary biology. The genic capture model proposes that this problem can be explained by the evolution of condition dependence in exaggerated male traits. We tested the predictions that condition dependence should be more pronounced in male sexual traits and that genetic variance in expression of these traits should increase under stress as among‐genotype variation in overall condition is exposed. Genetic variance in female and nonsexual traits should, by contrast, be similar across environments as a result of stabilizing selection on trait expression. The relationship between the degree of sexual dimorphism, condition dependence and additive genetic variance (Va) was assessed for two morphological traits (body size and relative fore femur width) affecting male mating success in the black scavenger fly Sepsis punctum (Diptera: Sepsidae) and for development time (a nonsexual trait often correlated with body size). We compared trait expression between the sexes for two cross‐continental populations that differ in degree of sexual dimorphism (Ottawa and Zurich). Condition dependence was indeed most pronounced in males of the strongly dimorphic Zurich population (males larger), and Va was similar for males and females unless the trait was strongly sex specific and condition dependent. Contrary to prediction, however, Va primarily increased under food limitation in both sexes, and genetic variance in fore femur width was low to nil, perhaps depleted by putatively strong sexual selection. Solely for body size of Zurich males, Va increased more in males than females at limited food, in accordance with the predictions of the genic capture model. Overall therefore, quantitative genetic evidence in support of the model was inconsistent and weak at best.
Evolution of wing shape in hornets: why is the wing venation efficient for species identification?
Authors: Perrard A. , Baylac M. , Carpenter J. M. , Villemant C.
Published: October 2014

Wing venation has long been used for insect identification. Lately, the characterization of venation shape using geometric morphometrics has further improved the potential of using the wing for insect identification. However, external factors inducing variation in wing shape could obscure specific differences, preventing accurate discrimination of species in heterogeneous samples. Here, we show that interspecific difference is the main source of wing shape variation within social wasps. We found that a naive clustering of wing shape data from taxonomically and geographically heterogeneous samples of workers returned groups congruent with species. We also confirmed that individuals can be reliably attributed to their genus, species and populations on the basis of their wing shape. Our results suggested that the shape variation reflects the evolutionary history with a potential influence of other factors such as body shape, climate and mimicry selective pressures. However, the high dimensionality of wing shape variation may have prevented absolute convergences between the different species. Wing venation shape is thus a taxonomically relevant marker combining the accuracy of quantitative characters with the specificity required for identification criteria. This marker may also highlight adaptive processes that could help understand the wing's influence on insect flight.
Aggregate Jump and Volatility Risk in the Cross‐Section of Stock Returns
Authors: CREMERS MARTIJN , HALLING MICHAEL , WEINBAUM DAVID
Published: October 2014

We examine the pricing of both aggregate jump and volatility risk in the cross‐section of stock returns by constructing investable option trading strategies that load on one factor but are orthogonal to the other. Both aggregate jump and volatility risk help explain variation in expected returns. Consistent with theory, stocks with high sensitivities to jump and volatility risk have low expected returns. Both can be measured separately and are important economically, with a two‐standard‐deviation increase in jump (volatility) factor loadings associated with a 3.5% to 5.1% (2.7% to 2.9%) drop in expected annual stock returns.
Outcome of infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with brain hypothermia
Authors: Tokuhisa Takuya , Ibara Satoshi , Minakami Hisanori , Maede Yoshinobu , Ishihara Chie , Matsui Takako
Published: October 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine perinatal factors associated with cerebral palsy (CP) in infants treated with brain hypothermia (BHT).

Material and Methods

We carried out a retrospective review of 23 infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in whom BHT was applied within 6 h after birth. Outcome regarding the presence or absence of CP was assessed at the age of 18 months. Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) was measured before, during and after BHT at the jugular sinus.

Results

Three infants died and 12 developed CP (poor outcome group). The remaining eight infants did not have CP at 18 months old (favorable outcome group). There were no differences in gestational age, birthweight, pH, base deficit, or lactate level between infants with favorable and poor outcomes. Infants with flat trace on electroencephalography on admission were less likely to have favorable outcome (0.0% [0/8] vs 53% [8/15], respectively, P = 0.02), while those with Apgar score at 10 min ≥5 (57% [8/14] vs 0.0% [0/9], P = 0.007) or ≥6 (70% [7/10] vs 7.7% [1/13], P = 0.002), OEF ≥ 13.3% during BHT (64% [7/11] vs 8.3% [1/12], P = 0.009), and OEF ≥ 18.5% after BHT (73% [8/11] vs 0.0% [0/12], P = 0.002) were more likely to have favorable outcome compared with those with counterpart characteristics.

Conclusion

Infants with an Apgar score at 10 min ≥5, activity on electroencephalography on admission, and higher OEF during and after BHT were likely to have a favorable outcome.
Ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified: A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical experience of 12 cases
Authors: Haroon Saroona , Idrees Romana , Fatima Saira , Memon Aisha , Kayani Naila
Published: October 2014

Aim

Ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified (SCT‐NOS) are very rare neoplasms. No large study has been performed in Pakistan to establish the clinicopathological spectrum and immunohistochemical behavior in our region. The purpose of our study was to determine the various clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of ovarian SCT‐NOS along with follow‐up in our institution.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study. The study was conducted in the Section of Histopathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All reported cases of ovarian SCT‐NOS occurring during January 1992 to August 2013 were retrieved. The slides were reviewed and patient demographics, and clinical and pathological features were noted with proforma software. SPSS version 19 was used for all analyses. Data is expressed as absolute values and percentages.

Results

A total of 12 SCT‐NOS (2.3%) out of 528 ovarian sex cord stromal tumors were retrieved. The age range was 3–70 years, with mean of 40.75 years. The tumors ranged 2.5–13 cm in size, with a mean size of 6.1 cm. One patient had bilateral tumors. All of the tumors were positive for inhibin and calretinin. Four tumors were negative for Mic‐2 (CD99). In two patients, the tumor recurred. Only one patient who had worse pathological features received adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Steroid cell tumors are very rare ovarian tumors in the Pakistani population, mostly presenting in adulthood. Diverse histological differentials exist so special stains and immunohistochemical stains are needed to distinguish these from other tumors.
Vaginal delivery in pregnancy with Moyamoya disease: Experience at a single institute
Authors: Tanaka Hiroaki , Katsuragi Shinji , Tanaka Kayo , Miyoshi Takekazu , Kamiya Chizuko , Iwanaga Naoko , Neki Reiko , Takahashi Jun C. , Ikeda Tomoaki , Yoshimatsu Jun
Published: October 2014

Aim

Cesarean section is commonly selected in pregnancy with Moyamoya disease. We consider vaginal delivery with epidural anesthesia a viable alternative in such cases.

Methods

Mode of delivery and outcomes were examined in 27 pregnancies in 19 women with Moyamoya disease treated at the Department of Perinatology, National Cardiovascular Center, Japan, from 1983 to 2013. Of these 27 pregnancies, 20 were delivered vaginally with epidural anesthesia. The cerebral circulation, mode of delivery, maternal outcome (presence of symptoms due to Moyamoya disease intrapartum) and neonatal outcome (gestational week, birthweight, Apgar score at 5 min and pH of umbilical artery) were investigated.

Results

The cerebral circulation was judged to be good in all pregnancies. No symptoms due to Moyamoya disease intrapartum were seen in the vaginal delivery cases.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that vaginal delivery is viable in pregnancy with Moyamoya disease and that unnecessary cesarean section may be avoided. These findings are limited by the retrospective nature of the study.
Uterine perforation in an adolescent using an intrauterine device with memory function: A case report and review of the published work
Authors: Tong Jin‐Yi , Sun Wen‐Chao , Li Juan , Jin Mei , Shen Xiu‐Zhen , Zhang Zhi‐Fen
Published: October 2014

Intrauterine devices (IUD) are the most common method of reversible birth control used worldwide. Adolescents infrequently have uterine perforation caused by IUD, hampering both the diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we report a case of uterine perforation in an 18‐year‐old primipara after insertion of an IUD that possessed memory function (AiMu MCu). The patient presented with vomiting and abdominal pain after insertion of an AiMu MCu IUD, was treated via laparoscopy and had a full recovery. The present case indicated that uterine perforation caused by an AiMu MCu IUD may occur as a rare complication and that uterine perforation can occur in an adolescent. Clinicians might consider a diagnosis of uterine perforation in an adolescent reporting vomiting and abdominal pain after IUD insertion. Laparoscopy could be a reasonable treatment option for such patients.
Switching from Femoral to Routine Radial Access Site for ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Single Center Experience
Authors: RUBARTELLI PAOLO , CRIMI GABRIELE , BARTOLINI DAVIDE , BELLOTTI SANDRO , IANNONE ALESSANDRO , FONTANA VINCENZO
Published: October 2014

Objectives

This study sought to describe the change of first choice access site from transfemoral (TF) to transradial (TR) in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in a single center.

Background

TR‐pPCI, when performed by experienced operators, can reduce bleeding events and improve clinical outcome. However, little is known about the learning curve of TR‐pPCI and the results obtained by less experienced operators.

Methods

Time to reperfusion, contrast and radiation doses, and 30‐day clinical events were evaluated. The relationship between operator experience and procedural results was assessed.

Results

During 6.5 years, 1,045 patients with STEMI underwent pPCI. The rate of TR‐pPCI increased gradually from about 40% to 90% and remained stable thereafter. The crossover from TR to TFpPCI occurred in 4.6% of patients and was not related to the operator experience. Patients selected for TR‐pPCI had a lower risk profile and lower incidence of 30‐day mortality and bleeding events. Time to reperfusion, contrast volume, fluoroscopy time, and angiographic success was not significantly different between the 2 vascular approaches, nor was it associated to the operator experience. At roughly 200 PCIs as operator experience, a slight adjusted reduction in the time form first coronary angiogram to balloon was detected with both vascular approaches.

Conclusions

A progressive transition from TF to TR‐pPCI could be implemented over a 4‐year period without increasing overall treatment delay. The impact of operator experience on procedural results appeared to be modest and it did not differ in the study access groups.
Histologically Proven Radiation‐Induced Brainstem Glioma 93 Months After External Beam Radiotherapy for Pituitary Macroadenoma: Radiation Treatment Dose and Volume Correlation
Authors: Abboud Salim E. , Wolansky Leo J. , Manjila Sunil V. , Lo Simon S. , Arafah Baha M. , Selman Warren R. , Couce Marta E. , Rogers Lisa R.
Published: October 2014

Patient is a 29‐year‐old with a history of recurrent growth hormone‐secreting pituitary macroadenoma diagnosed 12 years prior to presentation. Eight years prior to current presentation, the patient underwent re‐resection and received 50.4 Gy external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in 28 fractions of 1.8 Gy each. Serial postradiation MRIs demonstrated regression in pituitary tumor size. Patient presented with new headaches 7.5 years after completing EBRT. Brain MRI demonstrated new FLAIR hyperintensity and contrast enhancement within the pons and medulla, corresponding to the 36 Gy isodose line of each radiation dose fraction. Differential diagnosis included radiation necrosis and radiation‐induced glioma (RIG). The patient's neurologic exam worsened over the following 4 months. MRI showed progressive increase in mass effect, extent of FLAIR hyperintensity, and contrast enhancement in the brainstem. Stereotactic‐assisted biopsy showed infiltrating astrocytoma with moderate atypia. A PubMed search showed this is the first case of histologically verified brainstem RIG correlated with 3‐dimensional conformational radiation therapy dose and volume planning following EBRT for a pituitary adenoma. The rare occurrence of brainstem RIG after radiation therapy for pituitary tumor supports the need for long‐term imaging monitoring of such patients.
Understanding psychological contract breach due to labour costs reduction: Contingent upon employee sex and managerial control
Authors: Wei Xin , Ma Li , Zhang Zhi‐Xue , Showail Sammy J. , Jiao Jie , Wang Xiao
Published: October 2014

Integrating the perspectives of psychological contract and sex differences, this study examines how organizational decision to reduce labour costs influences employees’ perceived psychological contract breach and their commitment to their organizations. Using two experiments, we found three‐way interaction effects among the decision to reduce labour costs, employee sex, and the managerial control over the decision. The decision of labour costs reduction leads to stronger feelings of psychological contract breach for females when the decision is in low than in high levels of managerial control, but the same decision leads to stronger psychological contract breach for males when the decision is in high than in low levels of managerial control. Furthermore, the indirect effect of labour costs reduction on employees’ organizational commitment through psychological contract breach is also contingent upon the interaction between employee sex and managerial control. Our findings expand the literature of psychological contract and shed light on timely practical issues of management's decisions regarding labour costs reduction.

Practitioner points

Labour costs reductions in economic downturns lead to different responses from employees, and managers are advised to plan their actions bearing in mind such differences.

Management in crisis or difficulties calls for more delicate considerations of employees’ psychological feelings towards the organization.

Nuanced empirical evidence informs us about the different needs and responses of a diverse group of employees and how their responses contradict.
Disengaged or Bookworm: Academics, Mental Health, and Success for Sexual Minority Youth
Authors: Watson Ryan J. , Russell Stephen T.
Published: October 2014

Same‐sex attracted youth (SSAY) experience higher rates of negative mental health outcomes compared with their heterosexual peers; however, the association between sexual minority status and academic achievement is less clear. We used four waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to compare 1,279 ethnically diverse SSAY (57% male) based on the degree to which they were “engaged” (65%) or “disengaged” (35%) in school, classified through cluster analysis techniques. The pattern of results indicated significantly better mental health among the engaged group one and 6 years later (e.g., fewer depressive symptoms, less alcohol use), and more occupational and educational achievement eleven years later. The implications of school connection and achievement across a decade of life are discussed.
Serum soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor as a screening test for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chounta Athina , Ellinas Christofer , Tzanetakou Vassiliki , Pliarhopoulou Fani , Mplani Virginia , Oikonomou Angelos , Leventogiannis Kostantinos , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J.
Published: October 2014

Background & Aims

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before imaging signs appear remains an unmet medical need. Former publications suggest that soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a non‐specific cancer marker. suPAR was validated for the detection of patients at risk for HCC.

Methods

After an initial training set in 23 patients with extreme disease phenotypes, a prospective test set was conducted in which 267 patients without any imaging signs of HCC were followed up for 7 years. Patients were divided into low risk and high risk for the development of HCC by the EASL criteria. suPAR was measured at the beginning of follow‐up. All patients underwent liver biopsy to define staging of fibrosis. The primary study endpoint was to define a cut‐off among high‐risk patients by the EASL criteria that can early discriminate those at real risk for HCC.

Results

The training set showed that suPAR was significantly greater in patients with HCC even in the absence of underlying cirrhosis compared with patients with minimal liver inflammation because of fatty deposition. The test set showed that among the high‐risk EASL subgroup, suPAR more than 9.56 ng/ml had sensitivity 76.0%, specificity 90.4%, positive predictive value 54.3% and negative predictive value 96.2% for the development of HCC (odds ratio: 29.88, P < 0.0001). In survival analysis, patients with suPAR above 9.56 ng/ml at baseline progressed earlier to HCC.

Conclusions

The specificity and negative predictive value make serum suPAR a potential screening tool for the early detection of HCC in patients with chronic liver disorders.
Early occurrence of new‐onset diabetes after transplantation is related to type of liver graft and warm ischaemic injury
Authors: Hartog Hermien , May Christine J.H. , Corbett Chris , Phillips Angela , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Mergental Hynek , Isaac John , Bramhall Simon , Mirza Darius F. , Muiesan Paolo , Perera M. Thamara P.R.
Published: October 2014

Background & Aims

We studied new‐onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) in liver transplantation with grafts donated after brain death (DBD) or circulatory death (DCD), focusing on the early post‐transplant period.

Methods

A total of 430 non‐diabetic primary liver transplant recipients [DCD, n = 90 (21%)] were followed up for 30 months (range 5–69). NODAT was defined as the composite endpoint of one of following: (i) Two non‐fasting plasma glucose levels > 11.1 mmol/L ≥ 30 days apart, (ii) oral hypoglycaemic drugs ≥ 30 days consecutively (iii) insulin therapy ≥ 30 days and (iv) HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/L. Resolution of NODAT was defined as cessation of treatment or hyperglycaemia.

Results

Total of 81/430 (19%) patients developed NODAT. Incidence and resolution of NODAT over time showed significantly different patterns between DCD and DBD liver graft recipients; early occurrence, high peak incidence and early resolution were seen in DCD. In multivariate logistic regression including age, ethnicity, HCV, tacrolimus level and pulsed steroids, only DCD was independently associated with NODAT at day 15 post‐transplant (OR 6.5, 95% CI 2.3–18.4, P < 0.001), whereas age and pulsed steroids were significant factors between 30–90 days. Combined in multivariate Cox regression model for NODAT‐free survival, graft type, age and pulsed steroids were each independent predictor for decreased NODAT‐free survival in the first 90‐postoperative days.

Conclusion

Early peak of NODAT in DCD graft recipients is a novel finding, occurring independently from known risk factors. Donor warm ischaemia and impact on insulin sensitivity should be further studied and could perhaps be associated with graft function.
Avoiding the Agreement Trap: Teams Facilitate Impasse in Negotiations with Negative Bargaining Zones
Authors: Cohen Taya R. , Leonardelli Geoffrey J. , Thompson Leigh
Published: October 2014

The agreement trap occurs when negotiators reach deals that are inferior to their best alternative agreements. This article extends prior negotiation research by investigating whether teams display greater wisdom than solos in knowing when to walk away from the negotiating table and thereby avoid the agreement trap. Two experiments compared teams and solos in a negotiation in which reaching agreement was unwise because of misaligned interests. The negotiation involved a real estate transaction in which the optimal solution was for the parties to declare an impasse. Study 1 found that two‐ and three‐person teams were significantly more likely than solos to impasse. Study 2 found that the party faced with the greater need to make accurate judgments about the alignment between their own and their counterpart's interests benefited most from the addition of a teammate. These findings offer insight into why the agreement trap occurs and how it can be reduced.
Physical activity and risk of end‐stage kidney disease in the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Jafar Tazeen Hasan , Jin Aizhen , Koh Woon‐Puay , Yuan Jian‐Min , Chow Khuan Yew
Published: October 2014

Aim

To explore the relationship between physical activity and risk of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Methods

We analysed data on a prospective cohort of 59 552 Chinese adults aged 45–74 years enrolled in the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Information on physical activity was collected with a structured questionnaire. Physically active individuals were defined as those who engaged in any moderate activities for 2 h or more per week and any strenuous activities 30 min or more per week. Incident ESKD was identified via record linkage with the Singapore Registry of Birth and Death and Singapore Renal Registry. Cox proportional hazards regression method was used for analysis for risk of incident ESKD alone or ESKD plus death associated with physical activity.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 15.3 years, a total of 642 incident ESKD occurred, and 9808 study participants died. A 24% lower adjusted risk of ESKD (hazard ratio: 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.62–0.93) was associated with moderate or strenuous physical activities compared with no regular physical activity. This association appeared to be dose dependent with the lowest risk for subjects at highest intensity of physical activity (P trend <0.003). Similar results were observed for risk of ESKD plus death.

Conclusion

Higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower risk of ESKD. Our findings highlight the role of physical activity for prevention of ESKD, which deserves further evaluation in intervention trials.
Vaccinium damingshanense sp. nov. (Ericaceae) from Guangxi, China
Authors: Tong Yi‐Hua , Xia Nian‐He
Published: October 2014

Vaccinium damingshanense (Ericaceae), a new species from Daming Mountain, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China is described, illustrated and placed in a new key for the identification of species of V. sect. Eococcus Sleumer in China. The new species is similar to V. carlesii Dunn, but differs in leaf shape, leaf margin character and details of anther thecae. Information on its distribution and ecology is also provided.
Order of arrival structures arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of plants
Authors: Werner Gijsbert D. A. , Kiers E. Toby
Published: October 2014

Priority effects – the impact of a species' arrival on subsequent community development – have been shown to influence species composition in many organisms. Whether priority effects among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) structure fungal root communities is not well understood. Here, we investigated whether priority effects influence the success of two closely related AMF species (Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus aggregatum), hypothesizing that a resident AMF suppresses invader success, this effect is time‐dependent and a resident will experience reduced growth when invaded.

We performed two glasshouse experiments using modified pots, which permitted direct inoculation of resident and invading AMF on the roots. We quantified intraradical AMF abundances using quantitative PCR and visual colonization percentages.

We found that both fungi suppressed the invading species and that this effect was strongly dependent on the time lag between inoculations. In contrast to our expectations, neither resident AMF was negatively affected by invasion.

We show that order of arrival can influence the abundance of AMF species colonizing a host. These priority effects can have important implications for AMF ecology and the use of fungal inocula in sustainable agriculture.
A dual‐systems perspective on addiction: contributions from neuroimaging and cognitive training
Authors: McClure Samuel M. , Bickel Warren K.
Published: October 2014

Dual‐systems theories explain lapses in self‐control in terms of a conflict between automatic and deliberative modes of behavioral control. Numerous studies have now tested whether the brain areas that control behavior are organized in a manner consistent with dual‐systems models. Brain regions directly associated with the mesolimbic dopamine system, the nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in particular, capture some of the features assumed by automatic processing. Regions in the lateral prefrontal cortex are more closely linked to deliberative processing and the exertion of self‐control in the suppression of impulses. While identifying these regions crudely supports dual‐systems theories, important modifications to what constitutes automatic and deliberative behavioral control are also suggested. Experiments have identified various means by which automatic processes may be sculpted. Additional work decomposes deliberative processes into component functions such as generalized working memory, reappraisal of emotional stimuli, and prospection. The importance of deconstructing dual‐systems models into specific cognitive processes is clear for understanding and treating addiction. We discuss intervention possibilities suggested by recent research, and focus in particular on cognitive training approaches to bolster deliberative control processes that may aid quit attempts.
Synthesis, Structure and Photophysical Properties of Ferrocenyl or Mixed Sandwich Cobaltocenyl Ester Linked meso‐Tetratolylporphyrin Dyads
Authors: Gokulnath Sabapathi , Achary Balahoju Shivaprasad , Kumar Chakka Kiran , Trivedi Rajiv , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Giribabu Lingamallu
Published: October 2014

We report here the design and synthesis of porphyrin–metallocene dyads consisting of a metallocene [either ferrocene or mixed sandwich η5‐[C5H4(COOH)]Co(η4‐C4Ph4) connected via an ester linkage at meso phenyl position of either free‐base or zinc porphyrin. All these dyad systems were characterized by various spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. A dimeric form of this molecule was observed in the X‐ray crystal structure of Zn‐TTPCo. The absorption spectra of all four dyads indicated the absence of electronic interactions between porphyrin macrocycle and metallocene in the ground state. However, interestingly, in all four dyads, fluorescence emission of the porphyrin was quenched (19–55%) as compared to their monomeric units. The quenching was more pronounced in ferrocene derivatives rather than cobaltocenyl derivatives. The emission quenching can be attributed to the excited‐state intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer from metallocene to singlet excited state of porphyrin and the electron‐transfer rates (kET) were established in the range 1.51 × 108 to 1.11 × 109 s−1. They were found to be solvent dependent.
In Situ FTIR Spectroscopy Study of the Photodegradation of Acetaldehyde and azo Dye Photobleaching on Bismuth‐Modified TiO2
Authors: Henych Jiří , Štengl Václav , Mattsson Andreas , Österlund Lars
Published: October 2014

The photocatalytic properties of bismuth‐modified titania were studied by photobleaching of two aqueous azo dyes solutions (Reactive Black 5 and Acid Orange 7), and by photoinduced decomposition (PID) of acetaldehyde using in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Low bismuth doping concentrations up to 3 at.% is shown to lead to an increased photobleaching rate of both azo dyes solutions. Too high Bi dopant concentrations lead to less developed crystallite nanoparticles and exhibit weaker adsorption capacity. Bismuth doping altered the adsorption kinetics of acetaldehyde resulting in different surface products, and a modified photocatalytic reaction pathway was inferred.
Can we use photography to estimate radiation interception by a crop canopy?
Authors: Chakwizira E. , Meenken E.D. , George M.J. , Fletcher A. L.
Published: October 2014

Accuracy of determining radiation interception, and hence radiation use efficiency, depends on the method of measuring photosynthetically active radiation intercepted. Methods vary, from expensive instruments such as Sunfleck ceptometers to simple methods such as digital photography. However, before universal use of digital photography there is need to determine its reliability and compare it with conventional, but expensive, methods. In a series of experiments at Lincoln, New Zealand, canopy development for barley, wheat, white clover and four forage brassica species was determined using both digital photographs and Sunfleck ceptometer. Values obtained were used to calculate conversion coefficient (Kf/Ki) ratios between the two methods. Digital photographs were taken at 45° and 90° for barley, wheat and white clover and at only 90° for brassicas. There was an interaction of effects of crop and cultivar for the cereal crops. Barley closed canopies earlier than wheat, and ‘Emir’ barley and ‘Stettler’ wheat had consistently higher canopy cover than ‘Golden Promise’ and ‘HY459′, respectively. Canopy cover was consistently larger at 45° than 90° for cereals. However, for white clover, the angle of digital photography was not important. There was also an interaction between effects of species and method of determining canopy cover for brassicas. Photographs gave higher cover values than ceptometer for forage rape and turnip, but the relationship was variable for forage kale and swede. Kf/Ki ratios of 1.0–1.10 for cereals, white clover and forage rape and turnip show that digital photographs can be used to estimated radiation interception, in place of Sunfleck ceptometer, for these crops.
Signing Statements, Gridlock, and Presidential Strategy
Authors: Kennedy Joshua B.
Published: October 2014

Why do presidents use signing statements? Past research has approached presidential strategy in using such statements from both policy‐oriented and institutionally oriented perspectives. However, scholars have not adequately addressed the consequences of congressional ideology and gridlock on the use of presidential signing statements. This article considers congressional composition and offers two different perspectives on presidential strategy: a separation of powers perspective (i.e., presidents use signing statements to protect their office from congressional encroachment) and a political perspective (i.e., presidents use signing statements to counteract the actions of an adversarial Congress). I find that political factors are more important: under conditions of unified government, gridlock predicts fewer substantive signing statements than under conditions of divided government. The results suggest a theory of unilateral power, which posits that presidents are strategic and will change their use of particular policy‐shaping tools depending on various political circumstances.
PresidentNixon's Broken Promise to “Bring theAmerican People Together”
Authors: Peretz Pauline
Published: October 2014

To secure his reelection,PresidentRichardNixon tried to dismantle theNewDeal coalition and form a newRepublican majority; to do so, he attacked the monopolyDemocrats had on racial and ethnic votes.Nixon's racial and ethnic politicking represented a rupture with pastRepublican ignorance of minorities; it was going to be one of his key legacies to his party. This article shows that, driven by consecutively defined electoral goals, his administration systematically favored group‐specific measures over universalistic policies addressing common ethnic claims, and that these measures were accompanied by a divisive rhetoric and implemented in an antagonistic fashion. It argues thatNixon broke his promise to reunite the country, and used racial and ethnic politics as an instrument of electoral engineering rather than as a way to correct legacies of past discriminations.
Appointee–Careerist Relations in the Presidential Transition of 2008‐2009
Authors: Resh William G.
Published: October 2014

This research takes a different approach from most studies of presidential transitions by examining transition preparations from the unique perspective of the career bureaucrats that provide a critical connection between transitions and governance. I examine how career senior executives perceive management techniques that are commonly prescribed to political appointees, how prominent their application was during the second term of theGeorgeW.Bush administration, and what happened at the end of theBush administration when theWhiteHouse called for appointees to pursue a transition strategy that required the involvement of careerSeniorExecutiveService members. I find evidence that cooperation between careerists and appointees is conditional, even in a policy area where the president demands it. Career executives' explicit knowledge of transition preparations is more likely in agencies subject to persistent vacancies amongSenate‐confirmed appointee positions, and the importance of trust to explicit knowledge exchange is pronounced in agencies with more liberal orientations.
The LawPresidential Studies, Behavioralism, and Public Law
Authors: Sollenberger Mitchel A.
Published: October 2014

Since the rise of the behavioralist revolution in the 1950s and 1960s the political science discipline has struggled to find agreement on a uniform vision of the study of politics, particularly as it relates to the employment of methods. This article addresses behavioralism's influence on the decline of public law analysis in the field of presidential studies. Specifically, it focuses on the work of presidential scholarsEdwardCorwin andRichardNeustadt in highlighting the changes to the study of the presidency. Attention is also paid to the decline of normative types of public law analysis. The article concludes with a call for greater acceptance, and practice, of public law analysis.
Does the Network Centrality of Government Actors Matter? Examining the Role of Government Organizations in Aquaculture Partnerships
Authors: Resh William , Siddiki Saba , McConnell Will R.
Published: October 2014

The growth in the use of collaborative governance arrangements has been accompanied by burgeoning scholarship in the field of public affairs that seeks to understand the benefits of engaging diverse stakeholders in common venues. However, few scholars have formally assessed the role of government actors in facilitating outcomes for individual participants in such efforts. Moreover, little work on collaborative governance examines how individual incentives and barriers to collective action are formed within the nested nature of these contexts. We contribute to the study of collaborative governance by formally investigating how the relative centrality of government actors in collaborative policy‐making venues affects individual relationship building and learning for participants therein. We find that government actor centrality is positively associated with relationship building and learning. However, in testing two different conceptualizations of “centrality,” we find that the definition of this construct clearly matters.
The Challenges of Consulting the Public on Science Policy: Examining the Development of European Risk Assessment Policy for Genetically Modified Animals
Authors: Hartley Sarah , Millar Kate M.
Published: October 2014

With the growing importance of public engagement in science policy making and declining levels of public trust in food production, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has attempted to embed “good governance” approaches to strengthen scientific independence and open up risk decision making, which include the use of public consultations. However, “opening up” of risk assessment policies reveals some tensions; namely, balancing the goals of scientific excellence and transparency, protecting science from interests, addressing value judgments, and limited opportunities to debate ethical and social issues. EFSA's development of risk assessment policy for genetically modified animals is used as a case study to analyze these tensions. This analysis suggests that in order to fulfill good governance commitments and maintain trust in risk governance, closer cooperation between EFSA and the European Commission is required to provide “space” for debating the broader risk management issues. This publically accessible space may be needed alongside rather than instead of EFSA's consultation.
Public Support for Climate Change Policy: Consistency in the Influence of Values and Attitudes Over Time and Across Specific Policy Alternatives
Authors: Stoutenborough James W. , Bromley‐Trujillo Rebecca , Vedlitz Arnold
Published: October 2014

This study examines the factors that explain public preferences for a set of climate change policy alternatives. While scholarly work indicates a relationship between attitudes and values on views toward specific issues, the literature often examines general support for issues rather than specific policy proposals. Consequently, it is unclear the extent to which these attitudes and values affect specific policy considerations. This project examines public support for five climate change policy options in two national surveys taken three years apart. The empirical analysis reveals that time is a factor and that those who are liberal, have strong ecological values, report greater concern for climate change, and trust experts are consistently more supportive of the climate policy options considered here. The results shed new light on the nuanced views of the American public toward climate change.