bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of SC-CNN Based Variant of MLC Circuit: An Experimental Study
Authors: Swathy P. S. , Thamilmaran K.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a State Controlled Cellular Neural Network (SC-CNN) based variant of Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua (MLCV) circuit is presented. The proposed system is modeled by using a suitable connection of two simple state controlled generalized CNN cells, while the stability of the circuit is studied by determining the eigenvalues of the stability matrices, the dynamics as well as onset of chaos, torus and bifurcation have been investigated through laboratory hardware experiments and numerical analysis of the generalized SC-CNN equations. The experimental results such as phase portraits, Poincaré map and power spectra are in good agreement with those of numerical computations. We further validate our findings with data obtained from both experimental time series observations and numerical simulations and discuss "0-1 test" for distinguishing quasiperiodicity and chaoticity, which successfully detects the transition. The results obtained are quite satisfactory and significant.
A Simple Grid Multiscroll Chaotic Electronic Oscillator Employing CFOAs
Authors: Lin Yuan , Wang Chun Hua , Yin Jin Wen , Hu Yan
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a novel grid multiscroll chaotic electronic oscillator with simple circuit design is proposed. The proposed grid multiscroll chaotic circuit only needs two current feedback operational amplifiers (CFOAs) as current integrators, passive RC, and nonlinear elements in the form of current stair nonlinear function series (SNFS) realized with CFOAs. Compared with existing grid multiscroll circuits such as Chua's circuit and Jerk circuit, etc., its component count is reduced. Mathematical models of the proposed generators are derived. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations of the derived models are included. Moreover, the experimental results are verified that the proposed simpler chaotic electronic oscillator can generate grid multiscroll chaotic attractors with higher frequency.
Ordinal Pattern Based Complexity Analysis for EEG Activity Evoked by Manual Acupuncture in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Yi Guosheng , Wang Jiang , Tsang Kai-Ming , Chan Wai-Lok , Wei Xile , Deng Bin , Han Chunxiao
Published: March 2014

Manual acupuncture (MA) is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic for pain treatment and controlling stress. To investigate how MA modulates brain activities, electroencephalograph (EEG) signals are recorded with 20 channels by MA at ST36 of right leg in 11 healthy subjects during rest. Two novel nonlinear measures based on ordinal patterns of EEG series, i.e. permutation entropy (PE) and order index (OI), are adopted to investigate the nonlinear complexity characteristic in EEG data at different acupuncture states. It is observed that the recorded EEG series during and after MA have higher PE values and lower OI values compared to before MA. The results show that MA at ST36 can increase EEG complexity, which is especially obvious during MA. Our findings suggest that the PE and OI measures are promising methods to reveal EEG dynamical changes associated with MA stimulus, which could provide a potential for further exploring the interactions between acupuncture and brain activity. Moreover, these preliminary conclusions highlight the beneficial modulations of brain activity by MA, which could contribute to understanding the acupuncture effects on brain, as well as the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying MA.
Organization of the Dynamics in a Parameter Plane of a Tumor Growth Mathematical Model
Authors: Stegemann Cristiane , Rech Paulo C.
Published: March 2014

We report results of a numerical investigation on a two-dimensional cross-section of the parameter-space of a set of three autonomous, eight-parameter, first-order ordinary differential equations, which models tumor growth. The model considers interaction between tumor cells, healthy tissue cells, and activated immune system cells. By using Lyapunov exponents to characterize the dynamics of the model in a particular parameter plane, we show that it presents typical self-organized periodic structures embedded in a chaotic region, that were before detected in other models. We show that these structures organize themselves in two independent ways: (i) as spirals that coil up toward a focal point while undergoing period-adding bifurcations and, (ii) as a sequence with a well-defined law of formation, constituted by two mixed period-adding bifurcation cascades.
Overexpression of membrane metalloendopeptidase inhibits substance P stimulation of cholangiocarcinoma growth
Authors: Meng Fanyin , DeMorrow Sharon , Venter Julie , Frampton Gabriel , Han Yuyan , Francis Heather , Standeford Holly , Avila Shanika , McDaniel Kelly , McMillin Matthew , Afroze Syeda , Guerrier Micheleine , Quezada Morgan , Ray Debolina , Kennedy Lindsey , Hargrove Laura , Glaser Shannon , Alpini Gianfranco
Published: March 2014

Substance P (SP) promotes cholangiocyte growth during cholestasis by activating its receptor, NK1R. SP is a proteolytic product of tachykinin (Tac1) and is deactivated by membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME). This study aimed to evaluate the functional role of SP in the regulation of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) growth. NK1R, Tac1, and MME expression and SP secretion were assessed in human CCA cells and nonmalignant cholangiocytes. The proliferative effects of SP (in the absence/presence of the NK1R inhibitor, L-733,060) and of L-733,060 were evaluated. In vivo, the effect of L-733,060 treatment or MME overexpression on tumor growth was evaluated by using a xenograft model of CCA in nu/nu nude mice. The expression of Tac1, MME, NK1R, PCNA, CK-19, and VEGF-A was analyzed in the resulting tumors. Human CCA cell lines had increased expression of Tac1 and NK1R, along with reduced levels of MME compared with nonmalignant cholangiocytes, resulting in a subsequent increase in SP secretion. SP treatment increased CCA cell proliferation in vitro, which was blocked by L-733,060. Treatment with L-733,060 alone inhibited CCA proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Xenograft tumors derived from MME-overexpressed human Mz-ChA-1 CCA cells had a slower growth rate than those derived from control cells. Expression of PCNA, CK-19, and VEGF-A decreased, whereas MME expression increased in the xenograft tumors treated with L-733,060 or MME-overexpressed xenograft tumors compared with controls. The study suggests that SP secreted by CCA promotes CCA growth via autocrine pathway. Blockade of SP secretion and NK1R signaling may be important for the management of CCA.
Association of Acculturation, Nativity, and Years Living in the United States with Biobanking among Individuals of Mexican Descent
Authors: Lopez David S. , Fernandez Maria E. , Cano Miguel Angel , Mendez Claudia , Tsai Chu-Lin , Wetter David W. , Strom Sara S.
Published: March 2014

Background: Biobanking is the collection of human biospecimens (tissues, blood, and body fluids) and their associated clinical and outcome data. Hispanics are less likely to provide biologic specimens for biobanking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of acculturation, nativity status, and years living in the United States with participation in biobanking among individuals of Mexican descent.

Methods: Participants were 19,212 adults of Mexican descent enrolled in an ongoing population-based cohort in Houston, TX. Participants were offered the opportunity to provide a blood, urine, or saliva sample for biobanking. Acculturation was assessed with the bidimensional acculturation scale for Hispanics and scores were categorized into “low acculturation,” “bicultural,” and “high-acculturation.”

Results: After multivariable adjustment, we found an increased likelihood of participation in biobanking among individuals classified as “bicultural” as compared with “highly acculturated” individuals [OR, 1.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.10–2.26]. The associations of nativity status and years living in the United States with biobanking were not statistically significant. After stratifying by gender, the associations of acculturation, nativity status, and years living in the United States with biobanking were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Although individuals of Mexican descent who were “bicultural” were more likely to participate in biobanking than individuals who were “highly acculturated,” the difference in rates of participation among acculturation categories was small. The high participation rate in biospecimen collection is likely due to extensive community-engaged research efforts. Future studies are warranted to understand individuals' participation in biobanking.

Impact: Community-engaged research efforts may increase Hispanics' participation in biobanking.

See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Community Network Program Centers.”

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 402–8. ©2014 AACR.
Accuracy of Self-Report of Nevus and Pigmentation Phenotype Compared to Clinical Assessment in Young Australian Adults
Authors: Cust AE , Pickles KM , Goumas C , Vu T ,   Australian Melanoma Family Study Investigators
Published: March 2014

There is no formal community-wide melanoma screening program in Australia, but the importance of early detection and regular skin self-examination is generally well understood. It is important that individuals are able to identify key melanoma risk factors so that those at high risk can modify their sun-related behaviours and take appropriate preventative actions from a young age. Aims: 1) To evaluate the accuracy of self-reported pigmentation and nevus phenotype compared to clinical assessment, and 2) to examine agreement between clinically-measured whole-body nevus count and clinically-measured nevus count on selected anatomical regions, given that localised mole count is often used as a proxy measure. Methods: The sample included 456 cases with invasive cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between ages 18–39 years and 538 controls from the population-based Australian Melanoma Family Study. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their pigmentation and nevus phenotype, and attended a clinical skin examination with a dermatologic trainee. Results: There was strong agreement between self-reported and clinical measurement for eye color (weighted kappa, Kw, = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–0.86); and moderate agreement for hair color (Kw = 0.52, 95% CI 0.47–0.56) There was poor agreement for skin color when using spectrophotometer-derived individual typography angle (ITA) scores as the objective measure (Kw = 0.18, 95% CI 0.14–0.22). Participants underestimated their nevus counts. The Spearman correlation was 0.43 (95% CI 0.38–0.49) when comparing clinically-measured total body nevus count (≥2 mm) with self-reported nevus density categories, and the intraclass correlation was 0.36 (95% CI 0.30–0.41) when comparing nevus counts on the back. There was good agreement between quartile distributions of clinically-measured site-specific nevus counts with total body nevus counts, particularly for the arms (Kw = 0.76 for men and 0.80 for women). Conclusions: Agreement between self-reported pigmentation and nevus phenotype compared to clinical assessment ranges from poor to excellent, depending on the measure. For studies where a full body nevus count is impractical, measuring nevus counts on the arms would be an acceptable alternative.
Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in a Patient with Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mehrzad Raman , Saito Hiroki , Krahn Zachary , Feinstein Alexander
Published: March 2014

Objective: To report a case of spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS) of a solid tumor in a patient who had undiagnosed metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 70-year-old man with a medical history of alcohol abuse, withdrawal seizure and hypertension presented to the emergency department after being found unresponsive by his landlord. The patient had a bulky mass in the liver, classic laboratory abnormalities, oliguric renal failure and elevated alpha fetoprotein. He had never been treated with cytotoxic therapy. He was treated aggressively with fluid resuscitation and sodium bicarbonate, but he continued to be oliguric and the deterioration of his renal function also continued. Due to a minimal response to treatment and a poor prognosis, he was discharged to hospice for palliative care. Conclusion: This case showed that STLS should be in the differential diagnosis of a patient who has malignant disease and has developed classic laboratory abnormalities and renal failure even without previous cytotoxic therapy.
Constrained Novelty Search: A Study on Game Content Generation
Authors: Liapis Antonios , Yannakakis Georgios N. , Togelius Julian
Published: March 2014

Novelty search is a recent algorithm geared toward exploring search spaces without regard to objectives. When the presence of constraints divides a search space into feasible space and infeasible space, interesting implications arise regarding how novelty search explores such spaces. This paper elaborates on the problem of constrained novelty search and proposes two novelty search algorithms which search within both the feasible and the infeasible space. Inspired by the FI-2pop genetic algorithm, both algorithms maintain and evolve two separate populations, one with feasible and one with infeasible individuals, while each population can use its own selection method. The proposed algorithms are applied to the problem of generating diverse but playable game levels, which is representative of the larger problem of procedural game content generation. Results show that the two-population constrained novelty search methods can create, under certain conditions, larger and more diverse sets of feasible game levels than current methods of novelty search, whether constrained or unconstrained. However, the best algorithm is contingent on the particularities of the search space and the genetic operators used. Additionally, the proposed enhancement of offspring boosting is shown to enhance performance in all cases of two-population novelty search.
Review of the leafhopper genus Singapora Mahmood (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Erythroneurini)
Authors: CAO YANGHUI , YANG MEIXIA , ZHANG YALIN
Published: March 2014

General characteristics of Singapora Dworakowska and a key to known species of the genus are provided. Six new species, Singapora candela, S. excedens, S. falcata, S. longiantrosa, S. triacantha and S. yingjiangica spp. nov. are described and illustrated, with two new records, S. shivae Dworakowska from China and S. bannaensis Song & Li from Thailand.
A new genus and species of Mirini from Argentina (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae)
Authors: CARPINTERO DIEGO LEONARDO , CHÉROT FRÉDÉRIC
Published: March 2014

Mendozamiris chiquillanes is described as a new genus and species from Mendoza, Malargüe Department, Argentina.
Comparison of agomelatine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of head-to-head randomized clinical trials
Authors: Huang Kai-Lin , Lu Wan-Chen , Wang Ying-Yue , Hu Gwo-Chi , Lu Chien-Hung , Lee Wei-Ying , Hsu Chien-Chi
Published: March 2014

Objective:

Agomelatine is a new antidepressant with unique melatonin receptor type 1A (MTNR1A) and 1B ( MTNR1B) agonism and serotonergic receptor 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C (5-HT-2C) antagonism. Several studies of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have confirmed the superior efficacy and safety of agomelatine in comparison with established treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This meta-analysis comprehensively shows the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of agomelatine in comparison with SSRIs and SNRIs used as antidepressants in MDD.

Method:

Comprehensive electronic database searches were performed to identify reports of head-to-head randomized controlled trials that have compared agomelatine with SSRIs or SNRIs in terms of efficacy/effectiveness in treating MDD. Response and remission rates at both acute (6–12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks) phases, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale response and remission rates, changes in depression scale scores, improvements in subjective sleep, dropout rates, and side effect rates were extracted and analysed.

Results:

The meta-analysis included six head-to-head trials involving 1871 patients. In the acute phase, agomelatine had higher response rates (relative risk (RR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.15) compared to SSRIs and SNRIs. In the remission analysis, only acute remission rates (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.24) significantly differed. The action of agomelatine was superior on the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire-Quality of Sleep score (mean difference 4.05, 95% CI 0.61–7.49). Discontinuation due to inefficacy did not differ between agomelatine and SSRIs/SNRIs (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.42–1.28). Compared to SSRIs and SNRIs, however, agomelatine revealed a lower rate of discontinuation due to side effects (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.25–0.57).

Conclusions:

Agomelatine has significantly higher efficacy and potential acceptability compared to SSRIs and SNRIs when treating MDD. However, the difference in efficacy is not considered clinically relevant. Because of its unique chronobiotic effects, agomelatine may be useful for the management of some MDD patients with circadian disturbance.
A miRNA-binding-site SNP of MSX1 is Associated with NSOC Susceptibility
Authors: Ma L. , Xu M. , Li D. , Han Y. , Wang Z. , Yuan H. , Ma J. , Zhang W. , Jiang H. , Pan Y. , Wang L.
Published: March 2014

MSX1 is a favorable candidate gene for susceptibility to non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOCs). However, the roles of MSX1 genetic variants in the development of NSOC are controversial and vary among human populations. In the present study, the roles of 4 potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MSX1 (rs12532 in 3′-untranslated region [UTR], and rs3821947, rs3821949, and rs4464513 in 5′ upstream) were investigated in a case-control study of 602 NSOC cases and 605 healthy controls. The findings showed that rs12532 located within 3′-UTR of MSX1 could influence the risk of developing NSOC. Individuals who carried the variant genotype (rs12532AA genotype) showed a decreased possibility of developing NSOC (AA vs. GG: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = [0.49, 0.98]). Interestingly, similar effects were also observed on cleft lip with palate (CLP), in a stratified analysis (allelic comparison-12532A allele vs. 12532G allele, OR = 0.80, 95% CI = [0.66, 0.99]; genotypic comparison-AA vs. GG, OR = 0.58 95% CI = [0.37, 0.91]). Sequence analysis indicated that this SNP might alter the binding ability of miR-3649, confirmed by luciferase activity assay showing a lower expression level of rs12532 A allele compared with that of the G allele ( p < .001 for 293A and COS7 cell lines). Furthermore, an in vivo study showed that MSX1 expression among individuals carrying the AA genotype of rs12532 was markedly lower than that in those with the GG genotype, while the inverse correlation was observed for miR-3649, thus providing a possible interaction between MSX1 and miR-3649 in the etiology of NSOC. Taken together, these findings indicate that SNPs in the miRNA-binding sites might play an important role in the development of NSOCs. Furthermore, if confirmed in subsequent studies, the polymorphisms may be considered as additional markers for the evaluation of infants’ risk of NSOCs.
Ethnicity and civil war
Authors: Denny Elaine K , Walter Barbara F
Published: March 2014

If a civil war begins, it is more likely to be initiated by an ethnic group than any other type of group. We argue that ethnic groups, on average, are likely to have more grievances against the state, are likely to have an easier time organizing support and mobilizing a movement, and are more likely to face difficult-to-resolve bargaining problems. We further argue that each of these factors was likely due to three pre-existing patterns associated with ethnicity. First, when political power is divided along ethnic lines, ruling elites can disproportionately favor their own ethnic group at the expense of others. This creates grievances that fall along ethnic lines. Second, ethnic groups tend to live together in concentrated spaces, sharing the same language and customs, and enjoying deep ties with ethnic kin. This means that ethnic groups, if they are aggrieved, will have an easier time mobilizing support to demand change. Third, the fact that ethnic identity tends to be less elastic than other types of identity means that credible commitments to any bargain – before and during a conflict— will be more difficult to make. The result is that ethnic groups will have a greater number of reasons, opportunities, and incentives to mobilize and fight than non-ethnic groups.
50 years of peace research
Authors: Buhaug Halvard , Levy Jack S , Urdal Henrik
Published: March 2014

Established in 1964, the Journal of Peace Research ( JPR) celebrates 50 years. This anniversary special issue of the journal offers broad reviews of research areas that have been central both to the journal and to the field of peace and conflict research generally. An opening article co-authored by long-time editor Nils Petter Gleditsch offers a historical view on peace research and tracks trends in the use of ‘peace’ and ‘violence’ in titles of JPR across the first 49 volumes of the journal. Opening the review article section, two contributions address key thematic areas for the journal. Few if any subjects have attracted more attention in the study of international relations during the second half of JPR’s first 50 years than the democratic peace, and in the extension of this subject, the broader debate about the liberal peace. Additional articles review the status and propose future developments in the study of war and its relationship with territory, ethnicity, ideology and natural resources. Another key historical topic associated with the journal concerns the economic cost of military conflict, while more recent research fields covered include terrorism and human rights, topics that have grown to become major JPR niches. Reflecting the methodological contributions by JPR, two articles focus on challenges of contemporary quantitative political analysis and progress in peace and conflict data collection. Finally, this special issue includes a review of research on international mediation in armed conflicts.
Police Charging Practices for Incidents of Intimate Partner Violence in Canada
Authors: Dawson Myrna , Hotton Tina
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

To examine police charging practices in case of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Canada. Methods: In this national level study, we explore police charging in cases of IPV using data from the 2008 Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) survey. Using logistic regression, we examine the impact of several key legal and extralegal factors on the police charging decisions.

Results:

Analysis shows that, while the majority of cases were cleared by charge, the proportion of cases in which police recommended a charge varied across the country. Further, the majority of legal and extralegal variables examined were significantly associated with the police decision to lay a charge across the jurisdictions examined, including the presence of victim injury, multiple victims, offence type as well as gender of the victim and the victim–accused relationship.

Conclusion:

Study findings indicate that future research on police charging in cases of IPV require more precise examinations of the role played by gender and the type of relationship as well as an investigation of the community context in which police decisions are made.
Shantytown Revolution
Authors: Horst Jesse
Published: March 2014

This essay investigates the evolution of a progressive consensus that housing had become a citizenship right and a state responsibility in Cuba. This consensus was formalized in the Constitution of 1940, and framed policies of housing construction, slum clearance, and rent control under government administrations from 1940 to 1955. This essay argues that despite general agreement behind these measures in principle, political conflict ensued when they were put into practice, expanding the importance of the political system for stakeholders. Rent controls ensured the centrality of governmental regulation in bitter occupancy disputes, while promises for public housing intensified demands for effective central planning. At the same time, the organization of shantytown residents in defense of their homes meant that slum clearance initiatives provoked charges of governmental incapacity. In sum, housing conflicts reinforced the central role of the state in Cuban society, even as they contributed to mounting social and political instability.
Producing transnational space
Authors: Collyer Michael , King Russell
Published: March 2014

Geographical research into migrants’ use of transnational space has contributed towards the materialization of a purely metaphorical construct. A largely separate literature on borders has sought to ‘transnationalize’ the border by identifying how control practices move away from the physical border line. This paper brings these developing approaches together. The various ways in which state institutions attempt to control transnational relations require some account of control mechanisms that surpass the state’s current territorial limits. Three techniques of control are identified from the literature review – physical, symbolic and imaginative. These are explored in two case studies.
High prevalence and no latitude gradient of multiple sclerosis in Norway
Authors: Berg-Hansen P , Moen SM , Harbo HF , Celius EG
Published: March 2014

The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing, and the presence of a latitude gradient for MS risk is still discussed. We present the first nationwide prevalence estimates for Norway, spanning the latitudes from 58–71 degrees North, in order to identify a possible latitude gradient. Information from the Oslo MS Registry and the Norwegian MS Registry and Biobank was combined with data from the Norwegian Patient Registry, the Norwegian Prescription Database and Statistics Norway. We estimated a crude prevalence of 203/100,000 on 1 January 2012. The prevalence in the Northern and Southern regions were not significantly different. MS prevalence in Norway is among the highest reported worldwide. We found no evidence of a latitude gradient.
Appearance- and competition-focused performance goals
Authors: Warburton Victoria , Spray Christopher
Published: March 2014

We examined the utility of distinguishing between appearance- and competition-focused approach and avoidance performance goals to our understanding of motivation in physical education. Four achievement goals were tested composed of approach–avoidance and appearance–competition components. Three hundred and two pupils, aged 11–14 years, completed measures of appearance–competition approach–avoidance goals at the start of a football or gymnastics unit of work in physical education. Teacher-rated effort and National Curriculum attainment levels were recorded at the end of the unit of work as markers of performance in physical education. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the delineation of four goals in terms of the approach–avoidance and appearance–competition elements. Regression analyses subsequently revealed differences in the predictive utility of the four goals to performance in physical education. Thus, our understanding of motivational processes in physical education may be enhanced by utilising a more differentiated conception of normative achievement goals.
Exploring emergent literacy development in a second language: A selective literature review and conceptual framework for research
Authors: Chan Lydia LS , Sylva Kathy
Published: March 2014

While there have been reviews over the past decade of studies examining second-language (L2) acquisition and also emergent literacy development, these related bodies of knowledge have not generally been considered together in relation to the education of very young English-language learners. This paper attempts to do so in a selective manner by proposing a preliminary conceptual framework for second language emergent literacy development, thus paving the way for future research. The literature on the emergent literacy of native English speakers is first outlined, followed by a discussion of the general effects of bilingualism and cross-linguistic transfer, with the special case of Hong Kong children serving as an illustrative example. Finally, potential environmental influences are explored, with a focus on the home literacy environment.
The role of book familiarity and book type on mothers’ reading strategies and toddlers’ responsiveness
Authors: Fletcher Kathryn L , Finch W Holmes
Published: March 2014

The purpose of the current study was to examine how maternal reading strategies and book type would impact on toddlers’ responsiveness as they became familiar with three books. Eleven mothers and their 2- to 3-year-olds were recorded reading the same set of three different books (i.e. word book, narrative book and no narrative book) on four occasions. Toddlers were more likely to respond when mothers used positive feedback, positive motivating strategies and questions than labelling and reading text for the word book and the no narrative book. When they were read these two books, toddlers also increased their likelihood of responding across sessions. In later sessions, toddlers were more likely to respond when mothers used positive feedback, positive motivating and verbal questioning even though maternal reading strategies did not change across sessions. The implications of these findings for literacy programmes for families that help parents read to their children and/or provide books to families are discussed.
Familias Fuertes
Authors: Orpinas Pamela , Reidy Mary Clare , Lacy Mary Elizabeth , Kogan Steven M. , Londoño-McConnell Angela , Powell Gwynn
Published: March 2014

Families Fuertes (FF) is a seven-session, family-centered program for supporting positive youth development of Latino children aged 10 to 14 years. The Pan American Health Organization adapted it from the Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth for Spanish-speaking countries. The suitability of FF for recent immigrants to the United States is, however, unknown. This feasibility study assessed the appropriateness of FF with 12 low-income Mexican immigrant families residing in Georgia. Participants, a community liaison, and program staff evaluated (a) recruitment, retention, and evaluation strategies; and (b) the acceptability and promise of the curriculum. Recruitment and retention were very high; feedback of evaluation strategies was uniformly positive. Participants perceived that the program improved family relationships and that family members changed for the better. We detail practical and cultural adaptations to enhance the potential effectiveness of the program for this population. A version adapted to address acculturation-related stressors would increase the potential public health impact.
Construct Validity and Extended Normative Data for Older Adults for the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Revised
Authors: Kane Katherine D. , Yochim Brian P.
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

This study examined the construct validity of a visual memory test (Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Revised [BVMT-R]) in a sample of older adults and provided normative data for adults aged 80+ years.

Method:

The sample included 109 community-dwelling individuals (mean [M] age = 74.9 years, M education = 15.0 years, 62.4% female, and 97.2% European American).

Procedures:

Measures administered included the BVMT-R, California Verbal Learning Test, 2nd edition, and subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System and Neuropsychological Assessment Battery.

Results:

The BVMT-R correlated highly with another measure of memory and less so with unrelated measures (e.g., verbal fluency). Age and education were significantly correlated with BVMT-R Total and Delayed Recall scores, with education as the strongest predictor. No significant differences were found for sex. Normative data were provided for adults aged 80 to 88 years ( n = 29).

Conclusions:

Adequate evidence was found for convergent validity and only partial support for discriminant validity. Normative data should continue to be stratified by age and also by formal education level.
Emotion’s Response Patterns: The Brain and the Autonomic Nervous System
Authors: Lang Peter J.
Published: March 2014

The article considers patterns of reactivity in organ systems mediated by the autonomic nervous system as they relate to central neural circuits activated by affectively arousing cues. The relationship of these data to the concept of discrete emotion and their relevance for the autonomic feedback hypothesis are discussed. Research both with animal and human participants is considered and implications drawn for new directions in emotion science. It is suggested that the proposed brain-based view has a greater potential for scientific advance than the traditional model that emphasizes specific states of mind as mediators or reflectors of visceral action.
Emotion, Somatovisceral Afference, and Autonomic Regulation
Authors: Norman Greg J. , Berntson Gary G. , Cacioppo John T.
Published: March 2014

The precise relationship between the autonomic nervous system and emotion has been a topic of intense debate and research throughout the history of modern psychology. The present article considers some of the more influential theoretical frameworks that continue to drive contemporary research on the relationship between emotion and physiological processes. In particular, we highlight the multiple routes through which somatovisceral afference influences emotion and how this relates to the topic of emotion-specific patterns of autonomic nervous system activity.
Author Reply: Affect Control Theory and the Sociality of Emotion
Authors: Rogers Kimberly B. , Schröder Tobias , von Scheve Christian
Published: March 2014

We are pleased that all the commentators seem to agree that a theory-driven integration across disciplines is a worthwhile endeavor to better understand the social constitution of emotion. In our reply, we first take up the idea of relating affect control theory (ACT) to cultural priming and suggest links to an ACT-inspired constraint satisfaction explanation of priming. Second, we address reservations concerning ACT’s capability to account for emotions with nonconceptual content and to explain stability and change in affective meanings. Third, we clarify the relation of affect control theory to psychological constructionism, in particular with regard to conceptualizations of culture and society. Finally, we suggest that computational models are an adequate tool to address multilevel issues in the study of emotion.
Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Novel Microneedle Array-based Continuous Glucose Monitor
Authors: Jina Arvind , Tierney Michael J. , Tamada Janet A. , McGill Scott , Desai Shashi , Chua Beelee , Chang Anna , Christiansen Mark
Published: March 2014

Background:

The development of accurate, minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices has been the subject of much work by several groups, as it is believed that a less invasive and more user-friendly device will result in greater adoption of CGM by persons with insulin-dependent diabetes.

Methods:

This article presents the results of preliminary clinical studies in subjects with diabetes of a novel prototype microneedle-based continuous glucose monitor. In this device, an array of tiny hollow microneedles is applied into the epidermis from where glucose in interstitial fluid (ISF) is transported via passive diffusion to an amperometric glucose sensor external to the body.

Results:

Comparison of 1396 paired device glucose measurements and fingerstick blood glucose readings for up to 72-hour wear in 10 diabetic subjects shows the device to be accurate and well tolerated by the subjects. Overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) is 15% with 98.4% of paired points in the A+B region of the Clarke error grid.

Conclusions:

The prototype device has demonstrated clinically accurate glucose readings over 72 hours, the first time a microneedle-based device has achieved such performance.
Mental Health on the Go
Authors: Dennis Tracy A. , O’Toole Laura J.
Published: March 2014

Interest in the use of mobile technology to deliver mental-health services has grown in light of the economic and practical barriers to treatment. Yet research on alternative delivery strategies that are more affordable, accessible, and engaging is in its infancy. Attention-bias modification training (ABMT) has the potential to reduce treatment barriers as a mobile intervention for stress and anxiety, but the degree to which ABMT can be embedded in a mobile gaming format and its potential for transfer of benefits is unknown. In the present study, we examined effects of a gamified ABMT mobile application in highly trait-anxious participants ( N = 78). A single session of the active training relative to the placebo training reduced subjective anxiety and observed stress reactivity. Critically, the long (45 min) but not the short (25 min) active training condition reduced the core cognitive process implicated in ABMT (threat bias) as measured by an untrained, gold-standard protocol.
Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Khan Maria S. , McCubbin Mark , Nand Sucha
Published: March 2014

Case Presentation. A 69-year-old Hispanic male, with a past history of diabetes and coronary disease, was admitted for fever, diarrhea, and confusion of 4 weeks duration. Physical examination showed a disoriented patient with multiple ecchymoses, possible ascites, and bilateral scrotal swelling. Hemoglobin was 6.7, prothrombin time (PT) 21.4 seconds with international normalized ratio 2.1, partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 55.6 seconds, fibrin split 10 µg/L, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 1231 IU/L. Except for a positive DNA test for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, extensive diagnostic workup for infections, malignancy, or a neurological cause was negative. Mixing studies revealed a nonspecific inhibitor of PT and PTT but Factor VIII levels were normal. The patient was empirically treated with antibiotics but developed hypotension and died on day 27 of admission. At autopsy, patient was found to have intravascular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving skin, testes, lung, and muscles. The malignant cells were positive for CD20, CD791, Mum-1, and Pax-5 and negative for CD3, CD5, CD10, CD30, and Bcl-6. The malignant cells were 100% positive for Ki-67. Discussion. Intravascular large cell B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is rare form of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and tends to proliferate within small blood vessels, particularly capillaries and postcapillary venules. The cause of its affinity for vascular bed remains unknown. In many reports, IVLBCL was associated with HIV, HHV8, and EBV infections. The fact that our case showed evidence of EBV infection lends support to the association of this diagnosis to viral illness. The available literature on this subject is scant, and in many cases, the diagnosis was made only at autopsy. The typical presentation of this disorder is with B symptoms, progressive neurologic deficits, and skin findings. Bone marrow, spleen, and liver are involved in a minority of patients. Nearly all patients have elevated LDH, and about 65% are anemic. About 20% have hepatic and renal dysfunction. The treatment consists of systemic chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone plus rituximab (CHOP-R) and central nervous system prophylaxis. Retrospective data suggests that, with treatment, 51% to 82% of the patients achieve a complete remission and 27% to 56% are alive at 2-year follow-up. Conclusion. IVLBCL is a difficult diagnosis to make as the disease remains confined to the vascular lumen. It may be associated with certain viral illnesses, and this association needs to be explored further. It is important to consider this diagnosis in the appropriate settings because patients may achieve durable remissions with therapy.
Histone deacetylase inhibition promotes fibroblast apoptosis and ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Sanders Yan Y. , Hagood James S. , Liu Hui , Zhang Wei , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Thannickal Victor J.
Published: March 2014

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease, and therapeutic agents have shown only modest efficacy. Epigenetic alterations contribute to the pathogenesis of IPF. The histone deacetylase inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), has been approved for clinical use in cancer; however, its potential efficacy in modulating fibroblast survival and lung fibrosis has not been extensively investigated.

We investigated the effects of SAHA on apoptosis of primary IPF myofibroblasts and on injury-induced lung fibrosis in a murine model. SAHA-induced apoptosis of IPF myofibroblasts, an effect that was mediated, at least in part, by upregulation of the pro-apoptotic geneBakand downregulation of the anti-apoptotic geneBcl-xL.

Alterations in the expression of these apoptosis-related genes were associated with histone modifications and changes in DNA methylation. In addition to the expected higher levels of histone acetylation in treated cells, we also detected changes in other histone modifications, such as histone methylation. In a murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, SAHA-treated mice displayed decreased lung fibrosis and improved lung function compared to the bleomycin only group.

These results suggest that histone deacetylase inhibitors may offer a new therapeutic strategy in IPF by modulating myofibroblast susceptibility to apoptosis.
Perceived challenges and opportunities arising from integration of mental health into primary care: a cross-sectional survey of primary health care workers in south-west Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Mubarek , Tesfaye Markos , Belachew Tefera , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: March 2014

Background

The WHO’s mental health Gap Action Programme seeks to narrow the treatment gap for mental disorders by advocating integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC). This study aimed to assess the challenges and opportunities of this approach from the perspective of PHC workers in a sub-Saharan African country.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional survey of 151 PHC workers was conducted from 1st to 30th November 2011 in Jimma zone, south-west Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to ask about past training and mental health experience, knowledge and attitudes towards mental disorders and provision of mental health care in PHC. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 12 heads of health facilities for more in-depth understanding.

Results

Almost all PHC workers (96.0%) reported that mental health care was important in Ethiopia and the majority (66.9%) expressed interest in actually delivering mental health care. Higher levels of general health training (degree vs. diploma) and pre-service clinical exposure to mental health care were associated with more favourable attitudes. Knowledge about mental disorder diagnoses, symptoms and treatments was low. Almost half (45.0%) of PHC workers reported that supernatural factors were important causes of mental disorders. Health system and structural issues, such as poor medication supply, lack of rooms, time constraints, absence of specialist supervision and lack of treatment guidelines, were identified as challenges. Almost all PHC workers (96.7%) reported a need for more training, including a clinical attachment, in order to be able to deliver mental health care competently.

Conclusions

Despite acceptability to PHC workers, the feasibility of integrating mental health into PHC in this sub-Saharan African setting is limited by important gaps in PHC worker knowledge and expectations regarding mental health care, coupled with health system constraints. In addition to clinically-based refresher mental health training, expansion of the specialist mental health workforce may be needed to support integration in practice.
Epstein Barr virus: a prime candidate of breast cancer aetiology in Sudanese patients
Authors: Yahia Zeinab A , Adam Ameera AM , Elgizouli Magdeldin , Hussein Ayman , Masri Mai A , Kamal Mayada , Mohamed Hiba S , Alzaki Kamal , Elhassan Ahmed M , Hamad Kamal , Ibrahim Muntaser E
Published: March 2014

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in Sudanese women. Reported genetic alterations in the form of mutations in tumor suppressors are low in frequencies and could not explain the peculiarities of the diseases including its focal nature. Potential contributors disease aetiology include oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an established culprit of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, one of the most frequent cancers in Sudan.

In this study, DNA was extracted from malignant tissue samples and healthy tumour-free tissue from the same breast. Polymerase chain Reaction (PCR) was used to amplify two genes encoding for EBV viral proteins. The presence of Epstein-Barr virus and its cellular localization was confirmed by in situ hybridization (ISH) for Epstein-Barr encoded small RNAs (EBERs). Given the reported low frequency of mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Sudanese breast cancer patients, the methylation status of six tumor suppressor genes was investigated using methylation specific PCR. EBV genome was detected in 55.5% (n = 90) of breast cancer tissues as compared to 23% in control tissue samples (p = 0.0001). Using ISH, EBV signal was detected in all 18 breast cancer biopsies examined while all five normal breast tissue biopsies tested were negative for EBV. Of six tumour suppressor genes investigated BRCA1, BRCA2, and p14 appeared to be under strong epigenetic silencing.

In conclusion, we present evidence of a strong association between EBV and breast carcinoma in Sudanese patients, and considerable epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors that may likely be an outcome or an association with viral oncogenesis.
Innovations in Public Administration
Authors: Рукина  , Rukina I. , Филатов  , Filatov Vladimir
Published: March 2014

The paper analyzes public administration innovations based on foreign and domestic experiences in creating regulatory impact assessment systems. Imperfections in legislative drafting activities on the federal level of the state power are emphasized. Deficiencies, found in the relevant legal acts of the Government of the Russian Federation, are consistently discussed at the meetings of the Government Commission on legislative drafting activities. It is shown that the regulatory impact assessment system can be helpful in eliminating these drawbacks, and significantly update the existing mechanisms and procedures of legal due diligence. It is stated, that in several countries introduction of regulatory impact assessment system have helped to substantially enhance quality control of normative acts elaborated; to streamline and implement quality expert examination of normative legal acts elaborated in terms of achieving goals and purposes of adoption and application thereof.
Working Out Strategies for the Russian Vertically Integrated Oil Companies in the Black Sea and Mediterranean Region
Authors: Вотинов  , Votinov A. , Афанасьев  , Afanasev Valentin
Published: March 2014

The paper considers the major problems of integrating the RF oil companies in modern international

transport infrastructure of foreign oil and gas trade. Efficiency of diversification of export strategy and of

modernizing export capacities strategy are assessed as exemplified by the Rosneft company.