bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Modeling of CO2 Discharges with Aerospace Applications
Authors: Berenguer Chloe , Katsonis Konstantinos
Published: December 2014

We developed a global model aiming to study discharges in CO2 under various conditions, pertaining to a large spectrum of pressure, absorbed energy, and feeding values. Various physical conditions and form factors have been investigated. The model was applied to a case of radiofrequency discharge and to helicon type devices functioning in low and high feed conditions. In general, main charged species were found to be CO2+ for sufficiently low pressure cases and O− for higher pressure ones, followed by CO2+, CO+, and O2+ in the latter case. Dominant reaction is dissociation of CO2 resulting into CO production. Electronegativity, important for radiofrequency discharges, increases with pressure, arriving up to 3 for high flow rates for absorbed power of 250 W, and diminishes with increasing absorbed power. Model results pertaining to radiofrequency type plasma discharges are found in satisfactory agreement with those available from an existing experiment. Application to low and high flow rates feedings cases of helicon thruster allowed for evaluation of thruster functioning conditions pertaining to absorbed powers from 50 W to 1.8 kW. The model allows for a detailed evaluation of the CO2 potential to be used as propellant in electric propulsion devices.
Translational Impact of Nanoparticle–Drug Conjugate CRLX101 with or without Bevacizumab in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Pham Elizabeth , Birrer Michael J. , Eliasof Scott , Garmey Edward G. , Lazarus Douglas , Lee Christina R. , Man Shan , Matulonis Ursula A. , Peters Christian G. , Xu Ping , Krasner Carolyn , Kerbel Robert S.
Published: December 2014

Purpose: Increased tumor hypoxia and hence elevated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) is thought to limit the efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway–targeting drugs by upregulating adaptive resistance genes. One strategy to counteract this is to combine antiangiogenic drugs with agents able to suppress HIF1α. One such possibility is the investigational drug CRLX101, a nanoparticle–drug conjugate (NDC) containing the payload camptothecin, a known topoisomerase-I poison.

Experimental Design: CRLX101 was evaluated both as a monotherapy and combination with bevacizumab in a preclinical mouse model of advanced metastatic ovarian cancer. These preclinical studies contributed to the rationale for undertaking a phase II clinical study to evaluate CRLX101 monotherapy in patients with advanced platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Results: Preclinically, CRLX101 is highly efficacious as a monotherapy when administered at maximum-tolerated doses. Furthermore, chronic low-dose CRLX101 with bevacizumab reduced bevacizumab-induced HIF1α upregulation and resulted in synergistic efficacy, with minimal toxicity in mice. In parallel, initial data reported here from an ongoing phase II clinical study of CRLX101 monotherapy shows measurable tumor reductions in 74% of patients and a 16% RECIST response rate to date.

Conclusions: Given these preclinical and initial clinical results, further clinical studies are currently evaluating CRLX101 in combination with bevacizumab in ovarian cancer and warrant the evaluation of this therapy combination in other cancer types where HIF1α is implicated in pathogenesis, as it may potentially be able to improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic drugs. Clin Cancer Res; 21(4); 808–18. ©2014 AACR.
Functional Models for Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract
Authors: van de Hoek Glenn , Nicolaou Nayia , Giles Rachel H. , Knoers Nine V.A.M. , Renkema Kirsten Y. , Bongers Ernie M.H.F.
Published: December 2014

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) constitute one of the most common developmental diseases in humans; however, the cause for most patients remains unknown. Efforts to identify novel genetic causes for CAKUT through next-generation sequencing techniques have led to the discovery of new genes and risk factors. Concomitantly, these same efforts have generated large gene candidate lists requiring individual functional characterization. Appropriate model systems are needed to assess the functionality of genes and pathogenicity of genetic variants discovered in CAKUT patients. In this review, we discuss how cellular, animal, and personal (human) models are being used to study CAKUT candidate genes and what their major advantages and disadvantages are with respect to relevance and throughput.
High Cutoff Membrane to Reduce Systemic Inflammation Due to Differentiation Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Villa Gianluca , Zaragoza Jose J. , Sharma Aashish , Chelazzi Cosimo , Ronco Claudio , De Gaudio A. Raffaele
Published: December 2014

Background: Differentiation syndrome is a life-threatening complication of therapy that is carried out with agents used for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Its physiopathology comprehends the production of inflammatory mediators by differentiating granulocytes, endothelial and alveolar cells due to stimulation by all-trans retinoic acid and leading to sustained systemic inflammation. Methods: Treatment with high cut-off continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (HCO-CVVHD) was performed to reduce the circulating mediators of systemic inflammation. Results: After 52 h of treatment, an important reduction was observed in inflammatory mediators (IL-1β: from 10 to 2 pg/ml; IL-8: from 57 to 40 pg/ml; TNF-α: from 200 to 105 pg/ml; IL-6: from 263 to 91 pg/ml), as well as in anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10: from 349 to 216 pg/ml). Conclusions: HCO-CVVHD should be explored as a part of treatment in systemic inflammation states other than sepsis (e.g., differentiation syndrome). Furthermore, its immunomodulatory effects could be particularly useful in immunocompromised patient treated with corticosteroids.
Angiotensin II Mobilizes Spleen Monocytes to Promote the Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in
Apoe
−/−
Mice
Authors: Mellak Safa , Ait-Oufella Hafid , Esposito Bruno , Loyer Xavier , Poirier Maxime , Tedder Thomas F. , Tedgui Alain , Mallat Ziad , Potteaux Stéphane
Published: December 2014

Objective—

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is widespread among elderly people and results in progressive expansion and rupture of the aorta with high mortality. Macrophages, which are the main population observed within the site of aneurysm, are thought to derive from circulating monocytes although no direct evidence has been provided to date. In this study, we were particularly interested in understanding the trafficking behavior of monocyte subsets in AAA and their role in disease pathogenesis.

Approach and Results—

Using bone marrow transplantation in
Apoe
−/−
mice, we showed that circulating monocytes give rise to abdominal aortic macrophages in hypercholesterolemic mice submitted to angiotensin II (AngII). Detailed monitoring of monocyte compartmentalization revealed that lymphocyte antigen 6C
high
and lymphocyte antigen 6C
low
monocytes transiently increase in blood early after AngII infusion and differentially infiltrate the abdominal aorta. The splenic reservoir accounted for the mobilization of the 2 monocyte subsets after 3 days of AngII infusion. Spleen removal or lymphocyte deficiency in
Apoe
−/−
Rag2
−/−
mice similarly impaired early monocyte increase in blood in response to AngII and protected against AAA development, independently of blood pressure. Reconstitution of
Apoe
−/−
Rag2
−/−
mice with total splenocytes but not with B-cell–depleted splenocytes restored monocyte mobilization in response to AngII and enhanced susceptibility to AAA.

Conclusions—

Taken together, the data show that lymphocyte antigen 6C
high
and lymphocyte antigen 6C
low
monocytes are mobilized from the spleen in response to AngII. Intriguingly, the process is dependent on the presence of B cells and significantly contributes to the development of AAA and the occurrence of aortic rupture.
Association of Postural Instability With Asymptomatic Cerebrovascular Damage and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Tabara Yasuharu , Okada Yoko , Ohara Maya , Uetani Eri , Kido Tomoko , Ochi Namiko , Nagai Tokihisa , Igase Michiya , Miki Tetsuro , Matsuda Fumihiko , Kohara Katsuhiko
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

Asymptomatic cerebral small-vessel disease (cSVD) in elderly individuals are potent risk factors for stroke. In addition to common clinical risk factors, postural instability has been postulated to be associated with cSVD in older frail patients. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study to understand the possible link between postural instability and asymptomatic cSVD further, namely periventricular hyperintensity, lacunar infarction, and microbleeds, as well as cognitive function, in a middle-aged to elderly general population (n=1387).

Methods—

Postural instability was assessed based on one-leg standing time (OLST) and posturography findings. cSVD was evaluated by brain magnetic resonance imaging. Mild cognitive impairment was assessed using a computer-based questionnaire, and carotid intima-media thickness as an index of atherosclerosis was measured via ultrasonography.

Results—

Frequency of short OLST, in particular <20 s, increased linearly with severity of cSVD (lacunar infarction lesion: none, 9.7%; 1, 16.0%; >2, 34.5%; microbleeds lesion: none, 10.1%; 1, 15.3%; >2, 30.0%; periventricular hyperintensity grade: 0, 5.7%; 1, 11.5%; >2, 23.7%). The association of short OLST with lacunar infarction and microbleeds but not periventricular hyperintensity remained significant even after adjustment for possible covariates (lacunar infarction,
P
=0.009; microbleeds,
P
=0.003; periventricular hyperintensity,
P
=0.601). In contrast, no significant association was found between posturographic parameters and cSVD, whereas these parameters were linearly associated with OLST. Short OLST was also significantly associated with reduced cognitive function independent of covariates, including cSVD (
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—

Postural instability was found to be associated with early pathological changes in the brain and functional decline, even in apparently healthy subjects.
Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Plus Eptifibatide Versus Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Alone in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Adeoye Opeolu , Sucharew Heidi , Khoury Jane , Tomsick Thomas , Khatri Pooja , Palesch Yuko , Schmit Pamela A. , Pancioli Arthur M. , Broderick Joseph P.
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

The Combined Approach to Lysis Utilizing Eptifibatide and rt-PA in Acute Ischemic Stroke-Enhanced Regimen (CLEAR-ER) trial demonstrated safety of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) plus eptifibatide in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). CLEAR-ER randomized AIS patients (5:1) to 0.6 mg/kg r-tPA plus eptifibatide versus standard r-tPA (0.9 mg/kg). Interventional Management of Stroke III randomized AIS patients to r-tPA plus endovascular therapy versus standard r-tPA. Albumin in Acute Stroke Part 2 randomized patients to albumin±r-tPA versus saline±r-tPA. Our aim was to compare outcomes in CLEAR-ER combination arm patients to propensity score-matched r-tPA only subjects in Albumin in Acute Stroke Part 2 and Interventional Management of Stroke III.

Methods—

The primary outcome was 90-day severity-adjusted modified Rankin score (mRS) dichotomization based on baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Secondary outcomes were 90-day mRS dichotomization as excellent (mRS, 0–1); mRS dichotomization as favorable (mRS, 0–2); and nonparametric analysis of the ordinal mRS.

Results—

Eighty-five combination arm CLEAR-ER subjects were matched with 169 Albumin in Acute Stroke Part 2 and Interventional Management of Stroke III trials’ r-tPA only patients (controls). Median age in CLEAR-ER and control subjects was 68years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale in the CLEAR-ER subjects was 11 and in control subjects 12. At 90 days, CLEAR-ER subjects had a nonsignificantly greater proportion of patients with favorable outcomes (45% versus 36%; unadjusted relative risks, 1.24; 95% confidence intervals, 0.91–1.69;
P
=0.18). Secondary outcomes were 52% versus 34% excellent outcomes (relative risks, 1.51; 95% confidence intervals, 1.13–2.02;
P
=0.007); 60% versus 53% favorable outcome (relative risks, 1.13; 95% confidence intervals, 0.90–1.41;
P
=0.31); and ordinal Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel
P
=0.10.

Conclusion—

r-tPA plus eptifibatide showed a favorable direction of effect that was consistent across multiple approaches for AIS outcome evaluation. A phase III trial to establish the efficacy of r-tPA plus eptifibatide for improving AIS outcomes is warranted.
Trade Implications of the Trans-Pacific Partnership for ASEAN and Other Asian Countries
Authors: Deardorff Alan V.
Published: December 2014

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) aspires to become a state-of-the-art trade agreement linking 12 countries on both sides of the Pacific. In addition to establishing a free trade agreement (FTA) among these countries, negotiators are pursuing a long list of other issues, both trade-related and non-trade related. This paper examines the likely effects of the TPP on trade alone, taking into account the fact that all of the potential members of the TPP are already participants in other FTAs. Using information from the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the existence of these FTAs plus data on the identities of countries’ major trading partners for both exports and imports, I discuss the likely effects on a list of countries in terms of trade creation, trade diversion, preference erosion, and “trade reversion”—the reversal of trade diversion that has already occurred due to existing FTAs. The list of countries includes all of the members of the TPP as well as of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In addition it includes 10 additional Asian economies that are not part of either.
Prolixus (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) newly recorded from New Zealand: A new species from Cyperaceae and its ontogenetic patterns in chaetotaxy
Authors: XU YUN , ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: December 2014

The genus Prolixus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) was represented by two species from Australian sedges prior to this study. A new species, Prolixus meyerae sp. nov., is here described and illustrated from leaves of Gahnia (Cyperaceae) in Auckland, New Zealand. In this paper, we present the ontogenetic additions in idiosomal and leg chaetotaxy from larva to adult. A key to world species of Prolixus is also proposed.
Development sites, feeding modes and early stages of seven European Palloptera species (Diptera, Pallopteridae)
Authors: ROTHERAY GRAHAM E.
Published: December 2014

Two hundred and ninety-eight rearing records and 87 larvae and puparia were obtained of seven species of Palloptera Fallén (Diptera, Pallopteridae), mainly in Scotland during 2012–2013. The third stage larva and puparium of each species were assessed morphologically and development sites and feeding modes investigated by rearing, observation and feeding tests. Early stages appear to be distinguished by the swollen, apico-lateral margins of the prothorax which are coated in vestiture and a poorly developed anal lobe with few spicules. Individual pallopteran species are separated by features of the head skeleton, locomotory spicules and the posterior respiratory organs. Five species can be distinguished by unique character states. Observations and feeding tests suggest that the frequently cited attribute of zoophagy is accidental and that saprophagy is the primary larval feeding mode with autumn/winter as the main period of development. Food plants were confirmed for flowerhead and stem developing species and rain is important for maintaining biofilms on which larvae feed. Due to difficulties in capturing adults, especially males, the distribution and abundance of many pallopteran species is probably underestimated. Better informed estimates are possible if early stages are included in biodiversity assessments. To facilitate this for the species investigated, a key to the third stage larva and puparium along with details on finding them, is provided.
Estimating Spatially Varying Severity Thresholds of a Forest Fire Danger Rating System Using Max-Stable Extreme-Event Modeling
Authors: Stephenson Alec G. , Shaby Benjamin A. , Reich Brian J. , Sullivan Andrew L.
Published: December 2014

Fire danger indices are used in many countries to estimate the potential fire danger and to issue warnings to local regions. The McArthur fire danger rating system is used in Australia. The McArthur forest fire danger index (FFDI) uses only meteorological elements. It combines information on wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, and recent rainfall to produce a weather index of fire potential. This index is converted into fire danger categories to serve as warnings to the local population and to estimate potential fire-suppression difficulty. FFDI values above the threshold of 75 are rated as extreme. The spatial behavior of large values of the FFDI is modeled to investigate whether a varying threshold across space may serve as a better guide for determining the onset of elevated fire danger. The authors modify and apply a statistical method that was recently developed for spatial extreme events, using a “max-stable” process to model FFDI data at approximately 17 000 data sites. The method that is described here produces a quantile map that can be employed as a spatially varying fire danger threshold. It is found that a spatially varying threshold may serve to more accurately represent high fire danger, and an adjustment is proposed that varies by local government area. Temporal change was also investigated, and evidence was found of a recent increase in extreme fire danger in southwestern Australia.
An Analysis of the Environmental Moisture Impacts of Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Schenkel Benjamin A. , Hart Robert E.
Published: December 2014

The present study examines the environmental moisture anomalies present during western North Pacific tropical cyclone (TC) passage using storm-relative composites. Composited precipitable water anomalies reveal asymmetric anomalies with dry anomalies to the northwest and southwest of the TC and moist anomalies to the east of the TC. Precipitable water anomalies filtered in space and time suggest that the moisture anomalies in the northwest, southwest, and east regions (NWR, SWR, and ER, respectively) are partially due to the TC, while the anomalies in the SWR are also forced by a convectively suppressed Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and equatorial Rossby wave (ERW). Composited vertically integrated moisture budgets and backward parcel trajectories reveal that the moisture anomalies in the NWR, SWR, and ER are primarily due to the convergence of climatological mean moisture by the anomalous meridional wind. This convergence is induced by the secondary circulation of the TC in the NWR and ER and by inertial instability induced by the TC, MJO, and ERW in the SWR and ER as also suggested by prior work. Dry anomalies in the NWR are also forced by the advection of moisture by lower-tropospheric northerly wind anomalies associated with the primary circulation of the TC. Together with prior work, these results suggest that TCs can have significant impacts on their large-scale atmospheric environment extending well beyond the spatiotemporal scales of the lower-tropospheric cyclonic circulation of the TC.
Implications of Ural Blocking for East Asian Winter Climate in CMIP5 GCMs. Part I: Biases in the Historical Scenario
Authors: Cheung Hoffman H. N. , Zhou Wen
Published: December 2014

This study assesses the ability of the 25 GCMs from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) to simulate Ural blocking (UB) and its linkage with the East Asian winter climate [December–February (DJF)] in a historical run (1950/51–2004/05). A Ural blocking index (UBI) is defined as the DJF-mean blocking frequency over 45°–90°E for each winter.

Regression analyses suggest that the long-term mean bias of UBI is caused by the long-term mean circulation bias over the North Atlantic. On seasonal time scales, the GCMs simulating a positive bias of UBI are associated with a stronger Atlantic jet stream, as well as stronger westerly momentum fluxes from the North Atlantic to Europe. On synoptic time scales, however, these GCMs tend to be associated with a weaker Siberian high and East Asian trough during the evolution of a UB event. Altogether, there is no apparent linkage between the long-term mean bias of UB and the East Asian winter climate. Further studies are needed to explore the teleconnection between UB and the East Asian winter climate in the GCMs.
Preceding Factors of Summer Asian–Pacific Oscillation and the Physical Mechanism for Their Potential Influences
Authors: Liu Ge , Zhao Ping , Chen Junming , Yang Song
Published: December 2014

The authors explore the preceding factors of summertime Asian–Pacific Oscillation (APO) using observations and output from the NCEP Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2). Results show that the winter and spring sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the tropical central-eastern Pacific (TCEP) and the spring sea level pressure (SLP) over the north Indian Ocean (NIO) are significantly correlated with summer APO. The preceding TCEP SST anomaly tends to exert a delayed impact on summer APO through the following process. The previous winter TCEP SST anomaly persists until spring and results in SLP anomaly over the NIO in spring. The latter induces a vertical motion anomaly over the western Tibetan Plateau, which alters spring rainfall and underlying soil moisture in situ, further modulating local surface air temperature during the following summer and hence the summer APO. The CFSv2 has high skills in predicting the winter and spring TCEP SST and the spring NIO SLP and successfully captures the observed relationships of TCEP SST and NIO SLP with summer APO. This result explains why the CFSv2 is capable of predicting the summer APO teleconnection by several months in advance.
Variational Estimation of Wave-Affected Parameters in a Two-Equation Turbulence Model
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Han Guijun , Li Dong , Wu Xinrong , Li Wei , Chu Peter C.
Published: December 2014

A variational method is used to estimate wave-affected parameters in a two-equation turbulence model with assimilation of temperature data into an ocean boundary layer model. Enhancement of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation due to breaking waves is considered. The Mellor–Yamada level 2.5 turbulence closure scheme (MY2.5) with the two uncertain wave-affected parameters (wave energy factor α and Charnock coefficient β) is selected as the two-equation turbulence model for this study. Two types of experiments are conducted. First, within an identical synthetic experiment framework, the upper-layer temperature “observations” in summer generated by a “truth” model are assimilated into a biased simulation model to investigate if (α, β) can be successfully estimated using the variational method. Second, real temperature profiles from Ocean Weather Station Papa are assimilated into the biased simulation model to obtain the optimal wave-affected parameters. With the optimally estimated parameters, the upper-layer temperature can be well predicted. Furthermore, the horizontal distribution of the wave-affected parameters employed in a high-order turbulence closure scheme can be estimated optimally by using the four-dimensional variational method that assimilates the upper-layer available temperature data into an ocean general circulation model.
Evaluation of bilirubin displacement effect by acetaminophen in vitro
Authors: Sugino Masahiro , Okada Hitoshi , Kusaka Takashi , Itoh Susumu
Published: December 2014

Background

The use of acetaminophen as a drug for pain control is expected to increase in the neonatal field. The displacement factor of acetaminophen in the reaction in the glucose oxidase peroxidase method is very high, but is also considered to be inaccurate based on physicochemical properties.

Method

Unbound bilirubin was measured using the erythrocyte-bound bilirubin measurement method and glucose oxidase peroxidase method by the addition of acetaminophen or sulfisoxazole. The displacement factor was measured using glucose oxidase peroxidase method with the addition of tert-butyl-p-hydroxyanisole.

Results

Acetaminophen did not increase erythrocyte-bound bilirubin, and the addition of tert-butyl-p-hydroxyanisole lowered its displacement factor. On the other hand, sulfisoxazole increased erythrocyte-bound bilirubin, while tert-butyl-p-hydroxyanisole did not change its displacement factor.

Conclusion

Acetaminophen is an accelerator of the reaction in the glucose oxidase peroxidase method and does not displace bilirubin from human serum albumin.
What Is Obvious? Federal Courts’ Interpretation of the Knowledge Requirement in Post–Farmer v. Brennan Custodial Suicide Cases
Authors: Tartaro Christine
Published: December 2014

The Supreme Court ruling on Farmer v. Brennan established the federal court standard for determining when corrections staff members should be held legally responsible for inmates’ injuries resulting from inmate–inmate violence or self-harm. Legal scholars lamented that requiring plaintiffs to prove deliberate indifference placed a heavy burden on plaintiffs. Two slightly encouraging signs appeared to be Farmer’s end to the “individual-specific” rule and the decision that courts had the option of ruling that the threat of harm was too obvious for the defendants to ignore. This article involves a review of post- Farmer custodial suicide cases and the impact that these two aspects of the Farmer decision has had on these cases.
External Corporate Governance and Strategic Investment Behaviors of Target CEOs
Authors: Heyden Mariano L. M. , Kavadis Nikolaos , Neuman Qiomy
Published: December 2014

Hostile takeover attempts are considered a key external governance mechanism aimed at addressing perceived managerial underperformance in a target firm. Studies show that target chief executive officers (CEOs) are usually dismissed shortly after a takeover attempt, regardless of whether the bidder actually completes the acquisition. Yet, little is known about the investment behaviors of target CEOs who actually retain their positions in the wake of an unsuccessful hostile takeover attempt. Engaging with this underexplored governance context, we advance a behaviorally informed model of CEO investment behaviors in response to external governance as a function of the negative performance feedback event of the takeover attempt and the timing of the market’s attempt in terms of the stage of the target CEO’s tenure. Based on a matched-pair study of 71 failed takeover attempts from 1995 to 2006, we find evidence of a nonlinear relation between target CEO tenure and degree of uncertainty of expected returns in subsequent strategic investments in the wake of a failed hostile takeover attempt. We discuss the implications for research on external governance, behavioral agency, and executives’ influences on firm processes and outcomes.
From the external to the internal
Authors: Liu Yanchun , Wang Yijie , Luo Rufan , Su Yanjie
Published: December 2014

The present study investigated how Chinese children develop theory of mind (ToM) in a language environment with limited mental state talk that is rich in behavior discourse. In Study 1, 60 mothers shared a wordless storybook with their 3–4-year-olds. The children completed two false-belief tasks and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised at the same time and again 1 year later. Mothers’ early behavior clarifications during book-sharing predicted children’s later false-belief understanding independent of children’s early false-belief scores; children’s early verbal ability; maternal education; and mothers’ early mental state clarifications, simple mental state mentions, and simple behavior mentions. Using a discussion paradigm, Study 2 experimentally exposed 46 children aged 4 to 5 years to mental state or behavior clarifications or physical features of object talk (control group) through storytelling. Children in the experimental groups showed improvement in false-belief tasks from the pretest to the posttest. These findings indicate that behavior clarifications facilitated Chinese children’s mental understanding, suggesting a culture-specific mechanism for ToM development.
Comparing Weighted and Unweighted Grade Point Averages in Predicting College Success of Diverse and Low-Income College Students
Authors: Warne Russell T. , Nagaishi Chanel , Slade Michael K. , Hermesmeyer Paul , Peck Elizabeth Kimberli
Published: December 2014

While research has shown the statistical significance of high school grade point averages (HSGPAs) in predicting future academic outcomes, the systems with which HSGPAs are calculated vary drastically across schools. Some schools employ unweighted grades that carry the same point value regardless of the course in which they are earned; other schools use weighting systems that assign greater value to grades earned in honors courses. Due to these inconsistencies, comparison of HSGPAs from different schools is difficult or impossible. We coded 710 transcripts from undergraduate students involved in the Joint Admissions Medical Program in Texas. All grades were standardized on an unweighted 4.0 scale in order to compare the effectiveness of weighted and unweighted HSGPAs. Using multiple regression and multiple logistic regression models, we were able to determine the predictive power of HSGPAs on four outcomes: college grade point average (CGPA), Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores, the likelihood of students taking the MCAT, and the likelihood of students graduating from medical school. Our results demonstrated that unweighted HSGPAs were better predictors of CGPA, but that neither type of HSGPA was a useful predictor for the other outcomes. We recommend discontinuation of the use of weighted HSGPAs in assessing the likelihood of student success in higher education.
Evolving regional and local economic development in New Zealand
Authors: Nel Etienne
Published: December 2014

Regional and local economic development policy and practise has evolved over time both globally and in New Zealand specifically. Regional development support in this country, prior to 1984, focussed on conventional policies of regional investment and subsidies. The costly nature of support and the changing global context encouraged policy reformulation. After 1984, the pursuit of neo-liberal economic policies encouraged a focus on regional partnership formation and local level autonomy in alignment with thinking on ‘new regionalism’. More recently, increasing centralisation of economic policy, the narrowing of the local government mandate and new regional development thinking, which is grounded on market-based attraction of foreign investment, reveals the degree to which regional and local policy has evolved, and become more centralised and market focussed. At both the national and local levels, economic policies now tend to downplay social and community considerations in favour of market-led and business-focussed support.
Recent trends in regional and local demographic and economic inequality in New Zealand and associated regional development implications
Authors: Nel Etienne
Published: December 2014

Regional and local demographic and economic inequality appears to be increasing in New Zealand. Drawing on recently released statistical data, this paper reflects on and considers the implications of growing differences. The dominance of the cities and selected regions contrasts with demographic decline and relative contraction of the economic share of the less advantaged regions. New Zealand's government is currently formulating a new approach to regional development which should focus not just on comparative advantage but also on addressing equity concerns.
Effects of exercise training with traditional dancing on functional capacity and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Kaltsatou A , Kouidi E , Fountoulakis K , Sipka C , Theochari V , Kandylis D , Deligiannis A
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To examine the effects of an eight-month exercise training programme with Greek traditional dancing on functional capacity and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Sports Medicine Laboratory.

Subjects:

A total of 31 patients, aged 59.9 ± 14.1 years.

Interventions:

They were randomly assigned either to a Greek traditional dancing programme (Group A) or to a sedentary control group (Group B).

Main measures:

A functional capacity assessment was performed at baseline and the end of the study. Global Assessment of Functioning Scale and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were also used. Quality of life was examined using the Quality of Life and Satisfaction questionnaire.

Results:

After the eight months, Group A increased walking distance in the 6-minute walk test (328.4 ± 35.9 vs. 238.0 ± 47.6 m), sit-to-stand test (19.1 ± 1.8 vs. 25.1 ± 1.4 seconds), Berg Balance Scale score (53.1 ± 2.1 vs. 43.2 ± 6.7), lower limbs maximal isometric force (77.7 ± 25.7 vs. 51.0 ± 29.8 lb), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score (77.0 ± 23.1 vs. 82.0 ± 24.4), Global Assessment of Functioning Scale total score (51.3 ± 15.5 vs. 47.7 ± 13.3) and Quality of Life total score (34.9 ± 5.2 vs. 28 ± 4.5), compared with Group B.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that Greek traditional dances improve functional capacity and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia.
Is the use of negative pressure wound therapy for a malignant wound legitimate in a palliative context? “The concept of NPWT ad vitam”: A case series
Authors: Riot Samuel , de Bonnecaze Guillaume , Garrido Ignacio , Ferron Gwenaël , Grolleau Jean-Louis , Chaput Benoit
Published: December 2014

Background:

The management of malignant wounds remains particularly difficult. They are often malodorous, highly exuding, and painful. In this context, the use of negative pressure wound therapy is usually not recommended. It is, however, an effective procedure for maintaining a good quality of life in certain palliative situations.

Case presentation:

Five patients underwent negative pressure wound therapy for a malignant wound in our unit. Three had sarcomas, one patient had a parietal recurrence of breast carcinoma, and one patient had melanoma. They were in a metastatic palliative situation and were no longer receiving specific treatment.

Case management and outcomes:

The patients reported a decrease in odor and exudates with negative pressure wound therapy, compared with conventional dressings. No patients complained of pain associated with the suction system itself. Fewer dressing changes reduced the pain and encouraged the resumption of social interactions. The average duration of negative pressure wound therapy before the death of the patients was 49 days. No complications or bleeding were observed. The duration of the patients’ stay was shortened by implementing negative pressure wound therapy at home.

Conclusion:

We report on our experiences with five patients for whom manufacturers and health authorities contraindicated the use of negative pressure wound therapy because of its potential to encourage tumor growth, although it was considered to be beneficial for all of these patients. This procedure may offer an alternative to conventional wound dressings at the end of life and improve the quality of life of patients by controlling the three most disabling elements: the odor, exudate, and pain associated with changing the dressings. Miniaturization and lower costs could promote the systematic use of negative pressure wound therapy.
The Role of Youth Anger in Explaining Links Between Parenting and Early Adolescent Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Houltberg Benjamin J. , Sheffield Morris Amanda , Cui Lixian , Henry Carolyn S. , Criss Michael M.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the role of youth anger regulation and reactivity in the link between parenting and social adjustment among a sample of 84 youth residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods in a mid-southwestern city. Using path analysis, findings indicate that parents’ responsive and discipline-related behaviors were associated with antisocial and prosocial behaviors in different ways. Parental support was positively associated with prosocial behavior (directly and indirectly through anger regulation), while permissive discipline was positively associated with antisocial behavior directly and indirectly through anger reactivity. The patterns of associations in the model remained significant even after youth age and sex were entered as covariates. Implications of the study for intervention programs targeting anger regulation and parenting in youth and families in high-risk settings are discussed.
De-monopolizing the Bureaucratic Field
Authors: Müller Markus-Michael
Published: December 2014

Through the lens of Bourdieusian field theory, this article examines the transnationalization of the urban security field in contemporary Mexico City. It demonstrates that while the local bureaucratic field has held a monopoly over the definition of security issues, previously marginalized actors situated outside of the local security field used the political opportunity created by the intersection of the democratization of local politics, the neoliberalization of the Mexican economy and rising crime rates since the mid-1990s to deploy “internationalization strategies” to confront the bureaucratic field’s definitional authority over urban security. While the resulting struggles within the urban security field undermined the dominance of the bureaucratic field and contributed to a growing transnationalization of urban security governance, the analysis shows how, because of the “two-tiered” nature of the transnational urban security field, these processes did not improve the overall security situation in the city.
Global Government and the Sources of Globoscepticism
Authors: Cabrera Luis
Published: December 2014

While a number of prominent researchers have recently turned their attention to the likelihood or desirability of full world government, such an ideal has little current support in civic and popular discourse. This article seeks to identify some factors possibly reinforcing such ‘globoscepticism’. After first discussing why it should not be seen as prima facie absurd to support global political integration, and noting widespread popular support in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, it turns to some findings on the sources of Euroscepticism. This phenomenon involves negative attitudes expressed by political elites and ordinary citizens towards European Union integration. Also considered are the determinants of attitudes towards international trade liberalisation. Insights from both areas can be applied to a preliminary exploration of globoscepticism. Specifically, they can enrich an analysis of domestic biases which naturally arise and are reinforced within a sovereign states system, and which tend to diminish support for comprehensive projects beyond the state. These pose challenges that must be addressed by academic advocates of full global integration, as well as advocates of still-ambitious but far less comprehensive projects of suprastate institution building.
Sexual Assault Victimization Among Female Undergraduates During Study Abroad
Authors: Flack William F. , Kimble Matthew O. , Campbell Brooke E. , Hopper Allyson B. , Petercă Oana , Heller Emily J.
Published: December 2014

Almost all research on sexual assault victimization among undergraduate university students pertains to incidents that occur on domestic college and university campuses. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual assault victimization and related factors among undergraduates in the context of study-abroad programs. Two hundred eight female students (52% response rate) from a small university in the northeastern United States who had recently studied abroad responded to an online survey containing measures of sexual assault, posttraumatic stress responses (PSR), and alcohol consumption. Almost 19% of the respondents indicated one or more types of sexual assault victimization. Approximately 17% reported non-consensual sexual touching, 7% attempted rape, 4% rape, with 9% reporting attempted rape or rape. As in domestic studies, victimization in this sample was related positively to alcohol consumption and PSR. Use of force was the most frequently reported perpetrator tactic. In sum, the high rates of sexual assault victimization reported by this sample during study abroad replicate previous findings. This context requires further attention from sexual assault researchers, especially given the increasing numbers of university students engaging in study abroad, and from campus support personnel who may be unaware of the likelihood of assault in this context.
Both Islam and Christianity Invite to Tolerance
Authors: Salamati Payman , Naji Zohrehsadat , Koutlaki Sofia A. , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa
Published: December 2014

Baier recently published an interesting original article in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. He compared violent behavior (VB) between Christians and Muslims and concluded that religiosity was not a protecting factor against violence and that Muslim religiosity associated positively with increased VB. We appreciate the author’s enormous efforts on researching such an issue of relevance to today’s world. However, in our view, the article has methodological weaknesses in terms of participants, instruments, and statistical analyses, which we examine in detail. Therefore, Baier’s results should be interpreted more cautiously. Although interpersonal violence may sometimes be observable among Muslims, we do not attribute these to Islam’s teachings. In our opinion, both Islam and Christianity invite to tolerance, peace, and friendship. So, the comparison of such differences and the drawing of conclusions that may reflect negatively on specific religious groups need better defined research, taking into consideration other basic variables in different communities.
Charpy impact behavior of clay/basalt fiber-reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites at various temperatures
Authors: Khalili Seyed Mohammad Reza , Farsani Reza Eslami , Soleimani Neda , Hedayatnasab Ziba
Published: December 2014

In this article, the polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites containing nanoclay particles and basalt fiber (BF) are prepared in the presence of maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP- g-MA) as compatibilizing agent. The Charpy impact behavior of PP/PP- g-MA/clay nanocomposites and PP/PP- g-MA/Clay/BF nanocomposites at room temperature (25°C), cryogenic temperature (–196°C), and high temperature (120°C) is presented. The BFs prevented the PP matrix from plastic deformation, but the impact strength improvement of nanocomposites is obtained when nanoclay in the PP matrix resists the propagation of cracks. The fracture surfaces are examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Pathology and diagnosis of proliferative and ulcerative dermatitis associated with Tunga penetrans infestation in cattle
Authors: Marin Raul E. , Houston Robin , Omanska-Klusek Alicja , Alcaraz Ana , Garcia Jorge P. , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: December 2014

Tunga penetrans is the smallest biting flea known. In cattle, infestation by T. penetrans (tungiasis) typically affects the skin of the distal legs, udder, prepuce, and perianal area. A detailed clinical and pathologic description of bovine tungiasis, together with electron microscopy and molecular diagnostics to establish the identity of the parasite are described. Ninety percent of the cows and heifers and 80% of the bulls in a herd in northwest Argentina had proliferative and ulcerative skin lesions affecting the coronary band, interdigital space, heels, and rudimentary toes of the fore and/or rear limbs, teats, and/or prepuce. These proliferative lesions had multiple large cavities filled with hemorrhagic fluid, necrotic debris, and Tunga spp. parasites. Histologically, the skin showed diffuse papillary epithelial hyperplasia with severe orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, and it was multifocally ulcerated and inflamed. Multifocally, sections of arthropod parasites were observed embedded in the epidermis and dermis with the posterior end toward the surface. Images of wet mounts and scanning electron microscopy of the parasite showed morphologic characteristics compatible with Tunga spp. Polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II and the internal transcribed spacer region indicated 99% homology to published T. penetrans sequences. Tungiasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for proliferative lesions in skin of cattle.
Identification of Parabodo caudatus (class Kinetoplastea) in urine voided from a dog with hematuria
Authors: Vandersea Mark W. , Birkenheuer Adam J. , Litaker R. Wayne , Vaden Shelly L. , Renschler Janelle S. , Gookin Jody L.
Published: December 2014

A voided urine sample, obtained from a 13-year-old intact male dog residing in a laboratory animal research facility, was observed to contain biflagellate protozoa 5 days following an episode of gross hematuria. The protozoa were identified as belonging to the class Kinetoplastea on the basis of light microscopic observation of Wright–Giemsa-stained urine sediment in which the kinetoplast was observed basal to 2 anterior flagella. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using primers corresponding with conserved regions within the 18S ribosomal RNA gene of representative kinetoplastid species identified nucleotide sequences with 100% identity to Parabodo caudatus. Parabodo caudatus organisms were unable to be demonstrated cytologically or by means of PCR in samples collected from the dog’s environment. The dog had a history of 50 complete urinalyses performed over the 12-year period preceding detection of P. caudatus, and none of these were noted to contain protozoa. Moreover, the gross hematuria that was documented 5 days prior to detection of P. caudatus had never before been observed in this dog. Over the ensuing 2.5 years of the dog’s life, 16 additional complete urinalyses were performed, none of which revealed the presence of protozoa. Bodonids are commonly found in soil as well as in freshwater and marine environments. However, P. caudatus, in particular, has a 150-year-long, interesting, and largely unresolved history in people as either an inhabitant or contaminant of urine. This historical conundrum is revisited in the current description of P. caudatus as recovered from the urine of a dog.
Diaphragm Disease of the Small Intestine
Authors: Ullah Sana , Ajab Shereen , Rao Rajashekhar , Raghunathan Girish , DaCosta Philip
Published: December 2014

Diaphragm disease of small intestine usually presents with nonspecific clinical features. Radiological investigations often fail to differentiate it from small intestinal tumors and inflammatory bowel disease. It is therefore diagnosed on final histology after surgical resection. We hereby report an interesting case of a suspected small bowel tumor later diagnosed as diaphragm disease on histology.