bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Chromatin Epigenetic Modification Patterns among Root Meristem, Elongation and Maturation Zones in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Yan Shihan , Zhang Qi , Li Yingnan , Huang Yan , Zhao Lin , Tan Junjun , He Shibin , Li Lijia
Published: April 2014

Plant roots mainly consist of division, elongation and maturation regions. Histone modifications of chromatin play a vital role in plant cell growth and differentiation. However, there has been no systematic attempt to investigate the distribution patterns of histone modifications in the different plant root zones. In this study, histone H3 acetylation (H3K9ac), histone H4 acetylation (H4K5ac), and histone H3 methylation (H3K4me2, H3K4me3, H3K9me1, H3K9me2, and H3K27me2) levels and distribution patterns were examined in the root meristem, elongation and maturation zones of maize primary roots. Overall, the cells of the maturation zone displayed the highest level of multiple histone modifications. The lowest level of histone modification was detected in the root meristem. H3K9ac was enriched in the euchromatin and nucleoli of most nuclei from the elongation and maturation zones. The nucleoli of more than 60% of cells from all root regions were labeled by H4K5ac. In only a small proportion of cells (less than 7%), knobs showed H4K5ac signals. H3K4me2 and H3K4me3 were specifically detected in euchromatin. H3K9me1, H3K9me2 and H3K27me2 labeled heterochromatin and euchromatin in all the root tissues analyzed. Over 30% of elongation and maturation cells exhibited H3K9me1 signals around knobs, approximately 5% of maturation cells showed signals of H3K9me2 around knobs, and H3K27me2 was stained weakly in approximately 95% of maturation cells in knobs. Analysis of the genomic patterns of histone modifications across functionally distinct regions of maize roots reveals a root zone-specific chromatin distribution.
Human tissue-type plasminogen activator
Authors: Kruithof Egbert K. O. , Dunoyer-Geindre Sylvie
Published: April 2014

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA ) plays an important role in the removal of intravascular fibrin deposits and has several physiological roles and pathological activities in the brain. Its production by many other cell types suggests that t-PA has additional functions outside the vascular and central nervous system. Activity of t-PA is regulated at the level of its gene transcription, its mRNA stability and translation, its storage and regulated release, its interaction with cofactors that enhance its activity, its inhibition by inhibitors such as plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 or neuroserpin, and its removal by clearance receptors. Gene transcription of t-PA is modulated by a large number of hormones, growth factors, cytokines or drugs and t-PA gene responses may be tissue-specific. The aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge on t-PA function and regulation of its pericellular activity, with an emphasis on regulation of its gene expression.
A comparative cohort study on personalised antiplatelet therapy in PCI-treated patients with high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity
Authors: Schulz Stefanie , Bernlochner Isabell , Morath Tanja , Braun Siegmund , Hausleiter Jörg , Massberg Steffen , Schunkert Heribert , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Kastrati Adnan , Sibbing Dirk , Mayer Katharina
Published: April 2014

In clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), high platelet reactivity (HPR) is associated with a higher risk for thrombotic events including stent thrombosis (ST). A personalised therapy with selective intensification of treatment may improve HPR patients´ outcome in this setting although recent randomised trials are against this hypothesis. The aim of the ISAR-HPR registry was to assess whether clopidogrel-treated HPR patients benefit from selective intensification of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. For the registry, outcomes were compared between two cohorts. We identified 428 clopidogrel treated HPR patients (AU x min ≥468 on the Multiplate analyser) between 2007–2008 (historical control cohort) without a change of treatment based on platelet function (PF) testing results. Between 2009–2011, we identified 571 HPR patients (guided therapy cohort) and used this information for guidance and selective intensification of P2Y12 receptor directed treatment (reloading with clopidogrel, switch to prasugrel, re-testing) in a setting of routine PF testing. The primary outcome was the composite of death from any cause or ST after 30 days. Major bleeding according to TIMI criteria was also monitored. The incidence of the primary outcome was significantly lower in the guided vs the control cohort (7 [1.2%] vs 16 [3.7%] events; HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.13–0.79; p=0.009). The incidence of major bleeding was numerically but not statistically higher in the guided vs the control cohort (1.9 vs 0.7%; p=0.10). In conclusion, present findings are in support for a PF testing guided antiplatelet therapy with selective intensification of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. The issue of personalised antiplatelet treatment warrants further investigation in randomized and well-controlled clinical trials.
Factor Markets in Babylonia from the Late Seventh to the Third Century BCE
Authors: Jursa Michael
Published: April 2014

Abstract

This paper studies the evidence for the existence of a labour market, a market for agricultural land, and a market for capital in Babylonia from the sixth to the third century bce. The argument is informed by our current understanding of the performance of Babylonian commodity markets, for which abundant quantitative information is available. I attempt to establish a connection between the general political and socio-economic development in Babylonia from the sixth century onwards and the increase and decrease of the role that can be attributed to factor markets.
The problem of the content of the lex Iulia iudiciorum publicorum
Authors: Giltaij J.
Published: April 2014

The lex Iulia iudiciorum publicorum (‘Julian law regarding public criminal trials’) was enacted during the reign of Augustus. It is generally assumed the lex purely pertained to procedural aspects of the quaestio-trial. But did the lex Iulia iudiciorum publicorum only entail provisions valid for the public criminal procedure, or did the law state provisions relevant for specific crimina separately? Through reassessing various Roman legal texts in which the lex Iulia iudiciorum publicorum is mentioned and comparing these with the epigraphical evidence, it becomes apparent the lex Iulia iudiciorum publicorum probably contained a specific arrangement to determine which public criminal lex was to be applied to which situation.
Außerjuristische Wertungen in der Argumentation Papinians
Authors: Wolf J.G.
Published: April 2014

Non-legal values in Papinian’s reasoning. – Papinian († 212 A.D.) was one of the most important Roman jurists. One of the specific elements of his way of reasoning is the recurrence to non-legal values like pietas, affectio, humanitas or verecundia. An inquiry to this way of reasoning is rather new, because formerly only the intuition of the Roman jurists was praised and the way of rea­soning itself was hardly dealt with. A detailed analysis follows of three passages of the Digest: D. 35,1,102, where pietas is used as a decisive argument, D. 46,1,47,1, where humanitas is used, and D. 28,7,15, where pietas, verecundia and boni mores play a role.
The European Union and the Democratization Process of the Western Balkans
Authors: Perković Ana Ješe
Published: April 2014

This paper considers democratization process in the Western Balkans and the influence of the European Union on this process. After the fall of communism European Union has been deeply involved in the transformation of the post-communist societies in the Eastern Europe. The lack of democratic tradition, complexity of democratic process, weak institutions and weak civil society have been among the main obstacles for quick transition. Yet many authors have argued that the EU membership has been one of the most important foreign policy goals of the post-socialist governments and a foreign policy tool of European Union. The EU has been using a leverage of prospect of EU membership and EU conditionality for implementing certain policies, hence trying to encourage the democratization process. This paper compares a democratization process in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) with one in the Western Balkans, and looks at EU conditionality and its impact on the democratization process of the Western Balkan states. We argue that the prospect of EU membership has influenced democratization in the Western Balkans to some extent, but the implementation of reforms has been superficial in some policy areas due to ostensible compliance with EU rules of the political elites.
The Prohibition against Arbitrary Conduct and the Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard under NAFTA Article 1105
Authors: Dumberry Patrick
Published: April 2014

This article examines how NAFTA tribunals have interpreted and applied the prohibition against arbitrary conduct in the context of claims of breach of the fair and equitable treatment standard under Article 1105. Tribunals have come to the conclusion that this prohibition is a stand-alone element under this provision and that it should also be considered as part of the minimum standard of treatment under custom. This position is no longer denied by NAFTA Parties. NAFTA tribunals have also consistently applied a high threshold of severity requiring that conduct be manifestly arbitrary to conclude that the host State has breached Article 1105. Based on this high threshold, NAFTA tribunals have held that a State conduct in violation of its own municipal law (or a contract) does not breach Article 1105. Thus, “something more” than simple illegality is required to constitute a violation of this provision. This article explains what that “something more” is.
Investor-State Arbitration: Evaluating Australia’s Evolving Position
Authors: Trakman Leon E.
Published: April 2014

This article examines Australia’s contentious 2011 Trade Policy Statement in which the Federal Government indicated that it will no longer provide for investor-state arbitration (ISA) in future bilateral and regional trade agreements (BRTAs), choosing instead to rely on alternatives to ISA. These are likely to vary from encouraging investor-state parties to negotiate contracts that provide mechanisms for dispute resolution to providing by treaty that domestic courts resolve such disputes. Notwithstanding a change in Australia’s Federal Government in 2013, two years after the Policy Statement was announced, the new Liberal Government has retreated from that Policy notably by including ISA in the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) concluded on 5 December 2013. However, it has not rejected the Policy, but has indicated instead that it will consider ISA in its treaties on a case-by-case basis. As a result, the Policy could still have significant ramifications for Australia in negotiating BRTAs; it could have a material impact on Australia’s inbound and outbound investors, as well as upon other states and investors directly or indirectly impacted by Australia’s Policy. It is also conceivable that other states will follow Australia’s initiative and reconsider whether to agree to ISA in their BRTAs.

In analysing the policy shift against ISA, the paper evaluates the nature of foreign direct investment (FDI) and its economic and legal significance to host and home states, as well as to inbound and outbound foreign investors. Following this analysis, the paper outlines the rationale behind Australia’s rejection of ISA in 2011. It evaluates the perceived advantages and disadvantages of alternatives to ISA, such as diplomatic intervention in investor-state disputes and conciliation proceedings between investor-state parties. However, it focuses on the most likely alternative to ISA, namely, reliance on domestic courts to resolve investment disputes. The paper argues against the complete rejection of ISA. It illustrates the challenges of Australia relying on domestic courts to resolve investor-state disputes in light of the impending Investment Chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) and the preservation of Australia’s investment interests in Asia.

As an alternative, the article proposes the adoption of a BIT policy which would provide investor-state parties with a choice among dispute-avoiding measures, including access to either domestic courts or ISA. The rationale is that such an approach is likely to preserve the national interests of Australia, while also gaining support within the international community of states and among foreign investors.
The UAE’s Pilgrimage to International Arbitration Stardom
Authors: Almutawa Ahmed M. , Maniruzzaman A.F.M.
Published: April 2014

The last two decades have witnessed a growing interest and participation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in international arbitration as they have also joined the New York Convention and the Washington Convention. Still, scepticisms abound as to the efficacy of international arbitration in the GCC states. However, Dubai is considered to have the potential of being a Middle East business hub as it is modernising its arbitration law and practice in light of international developments. Forward thinking and innovative pro-arbitration institutions like the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) - the leading arbitration centre in the UAE; the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) - a common law free zone within Dubai with its own sets of laws, including the DIFC Arbitration Law, and its own court system (DIFC Courts) both of which are separate from Dubai and UAE laws and judicial systems; and the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre, have turned Dubai into a growing propitious arbitration hub (i.e. a pro-arbitration and pro-enforcement jurisdiction) in the Middle East. While doubts continue to be raised with regard to the role and influence of the Shari’a on the arbitration process and on the enforceability of arbitral awards in Dubai, an examination of recent developments and trends in the arbitration rules and case law in Dubai reveals a promising environment for international arbitration, except for a few cases that followed formalistic grounds for denying enforcement. Recent cases from the UAE, and especially from Dubai, reveal a new attitude pervading the UAE judiciary that is more welcoming of the New York Convention and that is less likely to interfere with the merits of an arbitral award. However, the new UAE Draft Federal Arbitration Law is yet to be enacted. The article provides a critical appraisal of the recent legislative and institutional developments and international arbitral practice in the UAE and assesses Dubai’s prospect to be a Middle East business hub.
Trimetazidine and Cardioprotection
Authors: Tsioufis Konstantinos , Andrikopoulos George , Manolis Athanasios
Published: April 2014

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic agent used in cardiology for more than 40 years. Several studies assessed the cardioprotective effects of TMZ in patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as in patients with heart failure (HF). In light of the inclusion of TMZ in the current guidelines on the management of stable CHD, we reviewed the published literature on TMZ, focusing mainly its effects on patients with stable angina and HF. According to the published literature, there is sufficient evidence to support the addition of this agent in the treatment of symptomatic patients with stable angina.
LDL cholesterol variability in patients with Type 2 diabetes taking atorvastatin and simvastatin: a comparison of two formulae for LDL-C estimation
Authors: Sathyapalan T , Atkin SL , Kilpatrick ES
Published: April 2014

Background

A new formula was recently proposed by Cordovo et al. that was more highly correlated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) measured directly than the Friedewald LDL formula. We conducted this prospective study to establish whether the new formula allows true variations in LDL within the same individual to be tracked more closely than that of the Friedewald formula.

Methods

A cross-over study of biological variation of lipids in 26 patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) taking either a short half-life statin, simvastatin 40 mg ( n = 10), or a long half-life statin, atorvastatin 10 mg. After three months on one statin, fasting lipids were measured on 10 occasions over a five-week period. The same procedure was then followed for the other statin. The LDL was measured by a direct LDL immunoassay and was compared to the LDL estimated by the Friedewald and Cordova (0.7516) × (total cholesterol [TC]−high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) formulae.

Results

As a group, the calculated or measured mean LDL was no different between statins. However, the biological coefficient of variation (CV) of directly measured LDL was far larger with simvastatin than atorvastatin. This difference was detected by Cordova LDL but not found with the Friedewald LDL formula.

Conclusions

In contrast to Friedewald LDL, Cordova LDL estimation revealed LDL to be much more stable in T2DM patients taking atorvastatin rather than simvastatin that was in accord with LDL when measured directly. Therefore, Cordova LDL which is a measure of non-HDL-cholesterol is the simplest, cheapest and the most convenient measurement for assessment of response to statin treatment.
Evidence-based practice supports among Canadian occupational therapists
Authors: Thomas Aliki , Law Mary C.
Published: April 2014

Background.

Supports for evidence-based practice (EBP) and research utilization are needed for moving evidence into practice.

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of individual and organizational EBP supports (based on a previous scoping review) and the attitudes toward the supports in a convenience sample of Canadian occupational therapists.

Method.

A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Findings.

Data from 368 clinicians (21%) indicated that although factors that have been shown to support EBP, such as student supervision and participation in research and mentoring, were not common practice, attitudes toward these EBP supports were positive.

Implications.

EBP supports, although viewed favourably by clinicians, have yet to be integrated fully into clinical practice. These findings provide researchers with an opportunity to design studies to support clinicians who view EBP in a positive light in integrating evidence into their practice.
Who is ‘the middle manager’?
Authors: Harding Nancy , Lee Hugh , Ford Jackie
Published: April 2014

Middle managers occupy a central position in organizational hierarchies, where they are responsible for implementing senior management plans by ensuring junior staff fulfil their roles. However, explorations of the identity of the middle manager offer contradictory insights. This article develops a theory of the identity of the middle manager using a theoretical framework offered by the philosopher Judith Butler and empirical material from focus groups of middle managers discussing their work. We use personal pronoun analysis to analyse the identity work they undertake while talking between themselves. We suggest that middle managers move between contradictory subject positions that both conform with and resist normative managerial identities, and we also illuminate how those moves are invoked. The theory we offer is that middle managers are both controlled and controllers, and resisted and resisters. We conclude that rather than being slotted into organizational hierarchies, middle managers constitute those hierarchies.
Thrilled by the discourse, suffering through the experience: Emotions in project-based work
Authors: Lindgren Monica , Packendorff Johann , Sergi Viviane
Published: April 2014

In this article, we study emotional processes associated with the project management discourse. Employing a constructionist approach where emotions are experienced within an ordering discursive context, the study identifies four distinct emotional processes associated with the invocation of the project management discourse in daily work practices. From a study of theatre and opera house employees, we suggest that the project management discourse tends to normalize feelings of rigidity and weariness in project-based work, while emphasizing projects as extraordinary settings creating thrill and excitement. Moreover, we argue that this discourse is invoked in ways that lead individuals to internalize emotional states related to chaos and anxiety, while ascribing feelings of certainty and confidence to external organizational norms and procedures. The study highlights how employees construct project-based work as a promise of exciting adventures experienced under conditions of rational control, but also how the negative and suppressed aspects of project-based work are constructed as inevitable and to be endured. Through these emotional processes, the project management discourse is sustained and reinforced.
NASA Contracting and the Direction of Space Science
Authors: Mahler Julianne
Published: April 2014

Images of shuttle launches and earthrise over the rim of the moon are iconic representations of American strength, technical capacity, and the future of humankind. Yet, the agency responsible for these images, NASA, finds itself chronically underfunded, buffeted by changes in externally defined direction, and currently without a clear next mission. This raises questions about the place of the agency in American space science and engineering. Here NASA’s relations with its aerospace contractors are explored to uncover its changing roles vis-à-vis industry, from directive to adaptive to facilitative, and the impact of these contracting relations on agency program definition.
Audiovestibular Characteristics of Small Cochleovestibular Schwannomas in Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Authors: Holliday Michael A. , Kim Hung Jeffrey , Zalewski Christopher K. , Wafa Talah , Dewan Ramita , King Kelly A. , Brewer Carmen C. , Butman John A. , Asthagiri Ashok R.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Describe the relationship between cochleovestibular schwannoma (CVS) volume, audiovestibular characteristics, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

Study Design

Subgroup analysis of NF2 prospective natural history study from 2008 to 2011.

Setting

Quaternary medical research institute.

Subjects and Methods

NF2 patients with small treatment‐naive CVSs (volume <1000 mm3) by ear; N = 49 ears (32 patients). Cross‐sectional analysis of the following parameters was performed: tumor size, auditory brainstem response (ABR), 4‐frequency pure‐tone average (4f‐PTA; 0.5, 1, 2, and 4KHz), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), caloric testing, 240° velocity step test (VST), and MRI findings.

Results

For all physiologic measures but the 4f‐PTA, larger tumors correlated with abnormal responses (P <. 05). For abnormal ABR, mean tumor volume was 405 vs 151 mm3 (P =. 0007) for normal ABR. Similarly, larger tumors correlated with weak caloric responses (mean 521 vs 165 mm3; P =. 0007) and weak cVEMP (mean 357 vs 192 mm3; P =. 0262). Tumor volume was not significantly correlated with 4f‐PTA. Elevated intralabyrinthine protein on MRI fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery sequences was correlated with larger tumor volume (mean 333 vs 55 mm3; P =. 001) and abnormal ABR and 4f‐PTA (P <. 05) but did not correlate with cVEMP, VST, or caloric responses.

Conclusion

In our cohort, ABR, caloric response, cVEMP, and elevated intralabyrinthine protein correlated with tumor volume, but 4f‐PTA did not. Abnormal ABR and 4f‐PTA correlated with elevated intralabyrinthine protein. These findings may provide insight on the effect of small CVS on the inner ear and cochleovestibular nerves, which may aid in their optimal management.
Liposuction for Submental Lymphedema Improves Appearance and Self‐Perception in the Head and Neck Cancer Patient
Authors: Brake Maria K. , Jain Lauren , Hart Robert D. , Trites Jonathan R. B. , Rigby Matthew , Taylor S. Mark
Published: April 2014

Objective

Patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer are at risk for neck lymphedema, which can severely affect quality of life. Liposuction has been used successfully for cancer patients who suffer from posttreatment limb lymphedema. The purpose of our study was to review the outcomes of head and neck cancer patients at our center who have undergone submental liposuction for posttreatment lymphedema.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Oncology center in tertiary hospital setting.

Subjects and Methods

Head and neck cancer patients who underwent submental liposuction for posttreatment lymphedema were included. Nine patients met the study criteria. Patients completed 2 surveys (Modified Blepharoplasty Outcome Evaluation and the validated Derriford Appearance Scale) pre‐ and postoperatively to assess satisfaction. Patients’ pre‐ and postoperative photos were graded by independent observers to assess outcomes objectively.

Results

Our study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patients’ self‐perception of appearance and statistically significant objective scoring of appearance following submental liposuction.

Conclusion

Submental liposuction improves the appearance and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients suffering from posttreatment lymphedema by way of improving their self‐perception and self‐confidence.
Intraoperative coronary artery spasm after off-pump coronary surgery
Authors: Tamim Muhammed , Tantawi Tarek , Azmi Adel
Published: April 2014

Coronary artery spasm is rare after coronary artery bypass surgery. We describe a case of intraoperative severe native coronary artery and graft spasm after successful off-pump coronary bypass surgery in a 55-year-old man, which was detected by suspicious electrocardiographic changes, and documented postoperatively by coronary angiography.
Schwannoma arising in a bronchogenic cyst wall
Authors: Aydogdu Koray , Fındık Gokturk , Kaya Sadi , Koksal Deniz , Demirag Funda
Published: April 2014

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital malformations thought to originate from the primitive ventral foregut, and they are the most common type of mediastinal cystic lesion. The clinical presentation of a bronchogenic cyst is variable, from respiratory distress at birth to late appearance of symptoms. Most bronchogenic cysts originate in the mediastinum, and 15% to 20% occur in the lung parenchyma. Various malignant transformations have been reported in the literature. In this report, we describe a case of schwannoma in an intrapulmonary bronchogenic cyst wall in a 38-year-old man, which was found incidentally during a routine examination.
Iatrogenic intraoperative type A aortic dissection following cardiac surgery
Authors: Narayan Pradeep , Angelini Gianni D , Bryan Alan J
Published: April 2014

Background

An increase in the incidence of intraoperative aortic dissection has been reported recently, attributed to the increasingly elderly patient population undergoing cardiac surgery and more off-pump coronary artery bypass. We performed this study to examine current trends, identify risk factors for iatrogenic dissection, and compare iatrogenic intraoperative aortic dissection with spontaneous aortic dissection.

Methods

The 15,144 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery from April 1999 to April 2011 were studied retrospectively on data collected prospectively.

Results

Iatrogenic type A aortic dissection following cardiac surgery was diagnosed intraoperatively in 7 (0.04%) patients. Of the 4784 patients who had off-pump coronary artery bypass, only 2 (0.04%) developed iatrogenic intraoperative aortic dissection. Patients in the iatrogenic aortic dissection group were older by a decade (median age 72 vs. 62 years, p = 0.01). The cannulation site in conventional coronary artery bypass grafting and injury by the side-biting clamp in off-pump coronary artery bypass were the most common causes of dissection. Atheromatous disease was identified at the site of cannulation in 5 (71.4%) of the 7 cases.

Conclusions

Intraoperative aortic dissection remains a rare and unpredictable complication of cardiac surgery, with worse outcomes than spontaneous aortic dissection. Increased age and atheromatous disease at the site of cannulation are significant risk factors for iatrogenic dissection. In this series, off-pump coronary artery bypass did not appear to be a risk factor for iatrogenic aortic dissection.
Mode Effects in Assessing Cancer Worry and Risk Perceptions
Authors: Persoskie Alexander , Leyva Bryan , Ferrer Rebecca A.
Published: April 2014

Background. Risk perceptions and worry are important determinants of health behavior. Despite extensive research on these constructs, it is unknown whether people’s self-reports of perceived risk and worry are biased by their concerns about being viewed negatively by others (social desirability). Methods. In this study, we examined whether reports of perceived risk and worry about cancer varied across survey modes differing in the salience of social desirability cues. We used data from the National Cancer Institute’s 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey, which assessed perceived cancer risk and worry in 1 of 2 survey modes: an interviewer-administered telephone survey (higher likelihood of socially desirable responding; n = 3678) and a self-administered mail survey (lower likelihood of socially desirable responding; n = 3445). Data were analyzed by regressing perceived risk and worry on survey mode and demographic factors. Results. Analyses showed no effect of survey mode on cancer risk perceptions ( B = 0.02, P = 0.55, d = 0.02). However, cancer worry was significantly higher in the self-administered mode than in the interviewer-administered mode ( B = 0.24, P < 0.001, d = 0.26). Education moderated this effect, with respondents lower in education exhibiting a stronger mode effect. When cancer worry was dichotomized, the odds of reporting cancer worry were approximately twice as high in the self-administered mode compared with the interviewer-administered mode (OR = 2.13, P < 0.001). Conclusions. These results bolster the veracity of self-reported cancer risk perceptions. They also suggest that interviewer-administered surveys may underestimate the frequency of cancer worry, particularly for samples lower in socioeconomic status. Studies are needed to test for this effect in clinical contexts.
Carbonation of municipal solid waste incineration electrostatic precipitator fly ashes in solution
Authors: De Boom Aurore , Aubert Jean-Emmanuel , Degrez Marc
Published: April 2014

Carbonation was applied to a Pb- and Zn-contaminated fraction of municipal solid waste incineration electrofilter fly ashes in order to reduce heavy metal leaching. Carbonation tests were performed in solution, by Na2CO3 addition or CO2 bubbling, and were compared with washing (with water only). The injection of CO2 during the washing did not modify the mineralogy, but the addition of Na2CO3 induced the reaction with anhydrite, forming calcite. Microprobe analyses showed that Pb and Zn contamination was rather diffuse and that the various treatments had no effect on Pb and Zn speciation in the residues. The leaching tests indicated that carbonation using Na2CO3 was successful because it gave a residue that could be considered as non-hazardous material. With CO2 bubbling, Pb and Zn leaching was strongly decreased compared with material washed with water alone, but the amount of chromium extracted became higher than the non-hazardous waste limits for landfilling.
Development of the Text-Learning Strategies Inventory
Authors: Merchie Emmelien , Van Keer Hilde , Vandevelde Sabrina
Published: April 2014

Independently learning from informative texts becomes increasingly important from the age of 11. Little information is available, however, on (a) how and to what extent late elementary education students already apply specific text-learning strategies, and (b) whether different learner profiles can already be distinguished. In this study, a 37-item Text-Learning Strategies Inventory (TLSI) was developed and validated by means of exploratory (Sample 1; 896 students) and confirmatory factor analysis (Sample 2; 644 students). The TLSI contains nine subscales reflecting overt, covert, surface- and deep-level cognitive and metacognitive text-learning strategies. Based on these subscales, four learner profiles (i.e., integrated strategy users, information organizers, mental learners, and memorizers) were identified and validated by means of hierarchical and k-means cluster analysis and study traces. No differences in text free recall score between profiles were found. More girls were profiled as integrated strategy users, whereas more boys were identified as mental learners or memorizers.
High proton conductivity and low fuel crossover polymer electrolyte membranes derived from branched sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)s and silica sulfonic acid nanoparticles
Authors: Li Ye , Wang Xitao , Xie Min , Liang Yuan , Liu Xincai , Wang Ce
Published: April 2014

With the objective of improving water uptake and proton conductivity, silica sulfonic acid (SSA) nanoparticles were successfully prepared via the sulfonation of silica (SiO2) with sulfuryl chloride and a series of branched sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (BSPEEK)-based hybrid membranes with varying contents of SSA were fabricated by the solution-casting method as proton electrolyte materials. The hybrid membranes exhibited improved water uptake, excellent thermal stability, and enhanced mechanical strength. Compared with the methanol permeability, with the incorporation of SSA particles, the proton conductivity enhanced more significantly. The selectivity of the hybrid membranes increased with the increasing SSA contents, and the highest value was 8.2 × 105 S s cm−3, which was 2.6 times higher than that of Nafion 117. Therefore, these BSPEEK-SSA hybrid membranes could be considered as promising materials for direct methanol fuel cell applications.
Identification of crack locations and depths in a multi-cracks beam by using local adaptive differential quadrature method
Authors: Lee Lin-Tsang , Wu Jiun-Yu
Published: April 2014

In this article, we propose a new simplified sectional flexibility method to simulate multi-cracks in a beam. The crack is considered as a line spring model which is related to the ratio of crack depth to the beam height ( a/ h). The transfer matrix method was derived and employed to construct the eigenvalue system. The local adaptive differential quadrature method was applied to evaluate the natural frequencies of cracked beams. The results of natural frequencies are in excellent agreement with literature results. For identification of multiple cracks in a beam, the Newton–Raphson iteration method was applied to predict the locations and depths of cracks. Numerical results were compared with results of other investigators and this method was found to be more accurate.
Biochemical changes and oxidative stress induced by zearalenone in the liver of pregnant rats
Authors: Zhou C , Zhang Y , Yin S , Jia Z , Shan A
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present research was to examine the toxic influence of different doses of zearalenone (ZEN) on the liver, especially oxidative stress induced by ZEN on the liver. A total of 48 pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 4 treatments groups with 12 animals in each. The rats were fed with a normal diet treated with 0 mg/kg (control), 50 mg/kg (treatment 1), 100 mg/kg (treatment 2), or 150 mg/kg (treatment 3) ZEN in feed on gestation days (GDs) 0–7 and then all the rats were fed with a normal diet on GDs 8–20. The experimental period lasted 21 days. The results showed that exposure to ZEN induced increase in aspartate amino transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities and decrease in total protein and albumin content in a dose-dependent manner and also induce decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and increase in malondialdehyde content in a dose-dependent manner in the serum and the liver. The increased transcription of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) was detected in the liver after exposure to ZEN. These results suggested that ZEN not only caused damage in the liver of pregnant rats in a dose-dependent manner but also induced the messenger RNA expression of CYP2E1 in the liver.
The categorization of the relative complementizer phrase in third-language English: A feature re-assembly account
Authors: Hermas Abdelkader
Published: April 2014

Research questions:

The study considers (1) the nature of multilingual transfer in the pre-intermediate stage of third-language (L3) English and (2) the upper limit of L3 ultimate attainment with respect to the acquisition of definite and indefinite restrictive relative clauses.

Methodology:

The methodology used was four-point scale acceptability judgment tasks testing (un)-grammatical relative sentences.

Data and analysis:

The accuracy scores of two control groups of French ( n = 15) and English ( n = 12) natives and two groups of pre-intermediate ( n = 11) and advanced ( n = 15) adult learners of L3 English are submitted to parametric statistical analysis.

Findings:

The results of the pre-intermediate L3 learners indicate that the relative complementizer phrase structure is available as a block from the earlier stages, while the feature matrix of the complementizer is a hybrid of first-language (L1) Arabic and second-language (L2) French features [EPP, ±definite, –wh]. The L3 interlanguage at this stage presents simultaneous L1 non-facilitative and L2 facilitative transfer effects. The performance of the advanced L3 learners shows that they can successfully re-assemble the features of the complementizer matrix substituting the target [–wh] for the native [±definite].

Originality:

This article uses a novel language triplet L1 Arabic–L2 French–L3 English to investigate the L3 acquisition of restrictive relatives in a formal foreign language context. The focus is on the interplay between the (in)-definiteness of the head noun and the nature of the complementizer.

Significance/implications:

The study extends the viability of Lardiere’s feature re-assembly account of L2 acquisition to L3 acquisition. The (in)-definiteness of the head noun of the relative clause needs adequate attention in language teaching, like the much-highlighted aspects of resumption.
The logical problem of second language acquisition of argument structure: Recognizing aspectual distinctions in Spanish psych-predicates
Authors: Soler Inmaculada Gómez
Published: April 2014

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

This article explores the issue of second language (L2) acquisition of argument structure as it relates specifically to Spanish psych-verbs. These predicates are classified into three classes according to their distinct aspectual nature, which corresponds to different morphosyntactic properties. This study tests L2 learners’ ability to understand these subtle distinctions in spite of the impoverished input to which they are exposed and the lack of instruction and first language (L1) transfer. In particular, the research questions I explore are the following: (1) Are L2 learners aware of the fact that Class III has two possible word order configurations while Class II allows only one? (2) Do L2ers recognize that Class II allows antipassive se whereas Class III does not?

Design/methodology/approach and data and analysis:

A control group of 36 native Spanish speakers and an experimental group of 65 native English learners of Spanish across four proficiency levels conducted two scalar grammaticality judgment tasks. Their data, analyzed through repeated-measures ANOVA, showed that these L2ers had a good understanding of the morphosyntactic reflexes that distinguish eventive and stative psych-verbs.

Findings/conclusions:

Since these properties could neither have been learned through instruction nor transferred from the L1 or accessed straightforwardly from the input, learners must have resorted to universal mappings between meaning and syntax in order to achieve these target-like patterns of behavior.

Originality:

Although the acquisition of argument structure has been the topic of a considerable amount of early research in the field, this article looks at a completely novel instantiation of argument structure and its learnability.

Significance/implications:

This study contributes with new data to the long-standing debate on the poverty-of-the-stimulus (POS) argument by supporting positions that contend that L2 acquisition is characterized by a logical problem and that L2 learners can successfully overcome this POS by resorting to universal principles.
Resistant masculinities in alternative R&B? Understanding Frank Ocean and The Weeknd’s representations of gender
Authors: Dhaenens Frederik , De Ridder Sander
Published: April 2014

With the emergence of alternative R&B, contemporary R&B and hip hop culture are being confronted with a subgenre that challenges its key characteristics. One of the aspects that typify alternative R&B is the emergence of an alternative masculinity. The aim of this study is to research whether the alternative masculinities represented in alternative R&B resist the hegemonic masculine ideal established within R&B and hip hop culture. To this end, this study conducts a textual analysis of the representations of gender in the work of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, artists considered representative for alternative R&B. The analysis reveals that Ocean’s work features successful nonnormative masculine identities, whereas The Weeknd refrains to representing postmodern exaggerations of the hegemonic male. Despite divergent representational strategies, both artists do engage in questioning what it means to be a man in R&B and hip hop culture and thereby at least attempt to challenge the supremacy of hegemonic masculinity.
Venthamarai chooranam, a polyherbal Siddha medicine, alleviates hypertension via AT1R and eNOS signaling pathway in 2K1C hypertensive rats
Authors: Babu Chidambaram S , Kalaivani Periyathambi , Ranju Vijayan , Sathiya Sekar , Anbarasi Chandrasekar , Mahadevan Murugappapillai V , Vijayakumar Harivanzan , Sunil Adoor G , Thanikachalam Sadagopan
Published: April 2014

The present study was aimed to scientifically demonstrate the anti-hypertensive action of Venthamarai chooranam (VMC) in renal hypertensive rats. Two Kidney One Clip (2K1C) Goldblatt model was adopted to induce hypertension in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (270–320 g) were randomized into sham ( n = 6), vehicle-treated 2K1C ( n = 9) and VMC-treated 2K1C (400 mg/kg, p.o; n = 8) and monitored for nine weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), plasma nitrate/nitrite, carotid endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS), renal angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R), TNFα, IL-6, thioredoxin 1 (TRX1), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TRXR1) mRNA expressions were studied. VMC upregulated eNOS expression which in turn improved plasma nitric oxide and decreased SBP in hypertensive rats. It down-regulated AT1R and simultaneously upregulated AT2R expression in comparison to vehicle-treated 2K1C rats. Further, renal TNFα and IL-6 expressions were down-regulated while TRX1 and TRXR1 were upregulated by VMC. VMC potentially interacts with renin-angiotensin components and endothelial functions, and thereby exerts its antihypertensive action. This is the first study to demonstrate the mechanism of anti-hypertensive action of VMC in an animal model of renovascular hypertension.
‘We are volunteers and that sometimes gets forgotten’: exploring the motivations and needs of volunteers at a healthy living resource centre in the North East of England
Authors: Warren Jon , Garthwaite Kayleigh
Published: April 2014

Aims:

This article explores the motivations and needs of volunteers in the delivery of community health services at a healthy living resource centre in the North East of England, United Kingdom.

Methods:

Four focus groups involving a total of 16 participants were conducted between March and May 2013. All sessions were digitally recorded with prior consent from participants. Data were then transcribed, thematically coded and analysed using NVivo software.

Results:

Relevant training tailored to individual needs is required in order to avoid alienating volunteers. Successful communication is also central to fostering positive relationships between volunteers and staff members within organisations. Finally, it is vital that the contribution volunteers make is fully recognised and appreciated.

Conclusion:

The place of volunteers within public services and their role in delivery have become increasingly prominent in recent years. Training, alongside clear communication and recognition of the contribution volunteers make, can help improve the experiences of those choosing to volunteer within the health services.
Global Advocacy for Physical Activity (GAPA): global leadership towards a raised profile
Authors: Blanchard Claire , Shilton Trevor , Bull Fiona
Published: April 2014

Physical inactivity has been recognised by the World Health Organization as one of the leading causes of death due to non-communicable disease (NCD), worldwide. The benefits of action over inactivity can cut across health, environment, transportation, sport, culture and the economy. Despite the evidence, the policies and strategies to increase population-wide participation in physical activity receive insufficient priority from across high, middle and low-income countries; where physical inactivity is a rapidly-emerging issue. There is an increased need for all countries to invest in policies, strategies and supportive environments that inform, motivate and support individuals and communities to be active in ways that are safe, accessible and enjoyable. This commentary presents some recent efforts towards physical activity promotion globally, led by the Global Advocacy for Physical Activity (GAPA). It provides an overview of the background and history of GAPA; describes GAPA and the council’s key achievements and milestones; places physical activity promotion within the global NCD agenda; presents GAPA flagships; and reflects on the lessons learned, ingredients for success and the major challenges that remain. The commentary documents insights into the effectiveness and challenges faced by a small non-governmental organisation (NGO) in mounting global advocacy. These lessons may be transferrable to other areas of health promotion advocacy.
How Digital Outcasts Can Pilot the Future of Health Care
Authors: Smith Kel
Published: April 2014

Although overall Internet use rates have leveled off, users with disabilities remain active participants in a new cultural model for how we work, shop, learn, and socialize. By recognizing and accommodating these “digital outcasts,” a health care model that emphasizes self-empowerment and accountability can demonstrate what the future of managed health care might become.
Ten Scenarios for the Future of Civil Liberties along the Road to the Twenty-Second Century
Authors: Kunstler Barton
Published: April 2014

The author presents ten plausible scenarios, together with accompanying commentaries, that trace alternative paths which developments in the area of civil liberties might take between now and the twenty-second century. Conclusions regarding the desirability and relative likelihood of these different scenarios are purposely left to the reader.