bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Glycogene Expression in Different Mouse Tissues Using RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Firoz Ahmad , Malik Adeel , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Jha Vivekanand , Ali Amjad
Published: July 2014

Glycogenes regulate a wide array of biological processes in the development of organisms as well as different diseases such as cancer, primary open-angle glaucoma, and renal dysfunction. The objective of this study was to explore the role of differentially expressed glycogenes (DEGGs) in three major tissues such as brain, muscle, and liver using mouse RNA-seq data, and we identified 579, 501, and 442 DEGGs for brain versus liver (BvL579), brain versus muscle (BvM501), and liver versus muscle (LvM442) groups. DAVID functional analysis suggested inflammatory response, glycosaminoglycan metabolic process, and protein maturation as the enriched biological processes in BvL579, BvM501, and LvM442, respectively. These DEGGs were then used to construct three interaction networks by using GeneMANIA, from which we detected potential hub genes such asPEMTandHPXN(BvL579),IGF2andNID2(BvM501), andSTAT6andFLT1(LvM442), having the highest degree. Additionally, our community analysis results suggest that the significance of immune system related processes in liver, glycosphingolipid metabolic processes in the development of brain, and the processes such as cell proliferation, adhesion, and growth are important for muscle development. Further studies are required to confirm the role of predicted hub genes as well as the significance of biological processes.
Concomitant Colonization ofHelicobacter pyloriin Dental Plaque and Gastric Biopsy
Authors: Abadi Amin Talebi Bezmin , Mobarez Ashraf Mohabati , Teymournejad Omid , Karbalaei Mona
Published: July 2014

Frequently reportedH. pyloriantimicrobial therapy failures suggest that there might be a different niche where the bacteria can stay safe. Current study aims to examine potential role of oral colonization ofH. pylorito feed reinfection after primary therapy. However, patients who were admitted to the gastroscopy section were chosen and gastric biopsy and dental plaque specimens were collected. Molecular and biochemical tests were applied to confirmH. pyloriidentity in different colonization niches. Results showed that 88.8% of dyspeptic patients had epigastric pains with nocturnal awakening when they were hungry (P=0.023). All patients who received therapy already were again H. pylori positive while they are still carryingH. pyloriin dental plaque (P=0.001). Moreover, H. pylori infection was sought in 100% of gastric biopsy’s dyspeptic patients who had ulcerated esophagitis and erosive duodenitis and who wereH. pyloripositive, and 75% of dyspeptic patients with duodenum deformity had this bacterium in gastric biopsies (P=0.004). Present study showed that only successful eradication of gastricH. pyloricannot guarantee prevention of reinfection. Conclusively, a new strategy which indicates concomitant eradication in oral and gastric colonization can result in clearance ofH. pyloriinfection.
GABABReceptors Expressed in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells Mediate Intracellular Calcium Concentration Regulation and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Translocation
Authors: Wang Xu-Ping , Cheng Zhen-Ying , Schmid Katrina L.
Published: July 2014

GABABreceptors regulate the intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a number of cells (e.g., retina, airway epithelium and smooth muscle), but whether they are expressed in vascular endothelial cells and similarly regulate the [Ca2+]iis not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of GABABreceptors, a subclass of receptors to the inhibitory neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and to explore if altering receptor activation modified [Ca2+]iand endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) translocation. Real-time PCR, western blots and immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression of GABAB1and GABAB2in cultured HAECs. The effects of GABABreceptors on [Ca2+]iin cultured HAECs were demonstrated using fluo-3. The influence of GABABreceptors on eNOS translocation was assessed by immunocytochemistry. Both GABAB1and GABAB2mRNA and protein were expressed in cultured HAECs, and the GABAB1and GABAB2proteins were colocated in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. One hundredμM baclofen caused a transient increase of [Ca2+]iand eNOS translocation in cultured HAECs, and the effects were attenuated by pretreatment with the selective GABABreceptor antagonists CGP46381 and CGP55845. GABABreceptors are expressed in HAECs and regulate the [Ca2+]iand eNOS translocation. Cultures of HAECs may be a usefulin vitromodel for the study of GABABreceptors and vascular biology.
Models for 31-Mode PVDF Energy Harvester for Wearable Applications
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , You Zheng
Published: July 2014

Currently, wearable electronics are increasingly widely used, leading to an increasing need of portable power supply. As a clean and renewable power source, piezoelectric energy harvester can transfer mechanical energy into electric energy directly, and the energy harvester based on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) operating in 31-mode is appropriate to harvest energy from human motion. This paper established a series of theoretical models to predict the performance of 31-mode PVDF energy harvester. Among them, the energy storage one can predict the collected energy accurately during the operation of the harvester. Based on theoretical study and experiments investigation, two approaches to improve the energy harvesting performance have been found. Furthermore, experiment results demonstrate the high accuracies of the models, which are better than 95%.
Failure of Ketamine Anesthesia in a Patient with Lamotrigine Overdose
Authors: Kornhall Daniel , Nielsen Erik Waage
Published: July 2014

Introduction.It is important to know which clinical situations prevent ketamine from working.Case Report.We present the case of the psychiatric inpatient who was admitted to our emergency department after ingesting a toxic dose of lamotrigine, unknown at that time. On admission, she was clearly in distress, displaying extreme agitation and violent ataxic movements. We opted to achieve sedation using intravenous ketamine boluses. Unexpectedly, after being injected with a total of 250 mg ketamine, our patient displayed no signs of dissociative anaesthesia.Discussion.There was no apparent reason for why ketamine failed, but an interaction between lamotrigine and ketamine was suspected. A literature search was performed. Very few articles describe interactions between lamotrigine and ketamine. Experimental studies, however, demonstrate how lamotrigine attenuates the neuropsychiatric effects of ketamine. Ketamine is classically described as an NMDA antagonist. Ketamine’s dissociative effects, however, are thought to be mediated by increased glutamate release via a pathway not dependent on NMDA receptors. Lamotrigine, on the other hand, is known to reduce cortical glutamate release.Conclusion.Lamotrigine reduces the glutamate release needed to mediate ketamine’s dissociative anaesthesia. This is important knowledge for anaesthesiologists in the emergency room where ketamine is often administered to unstable patients.
Ameliorative Effect of Saffron Aqueous Extract on Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia, and Oxidative Stress on Diabetic Encephalopathy in Streptozotocin Induced Experimental Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Samarghandian Saeed , Azimi-Nezhad Mohsen , Samini Fariborz
Published: July 2014

Diabetic encephalopathy is one of the severe complications in patients with diabetes mellitus. Findings indicate that saffron extract has antioxidant properties but its underlying beneficial effects on diabetic encephalopathy were unclear. In the present study, the protective activities of saffron were evaluated in diabetic encephalopathy. Saffron at 40 and 80 mg/kg significantly increased body weight and serum TNF-αand decreased blood glucose levels, glycosylated serum proteins, and serum advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) levels. Furthermore, significant increase in HDL and decrease (P<0.05) in cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL were observed after 28 days of treatment. At the end of experiments, the hippocampus tissue was used for determination of glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. Furthermore, saffron significantly increased GSH, SOD, and CAT but remarkably decreased cognitive deficit, serum TNF-α, and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in hippocampus tissue. Our findings indicated that saffron extract may reduce hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia risk and also reduce the oxidative stress in diabetic encephalopathy rats. This study suggested that saffron extract might be a promising candidate for the improvement of chemically induced diabetes and its complications.
Fast Algorithm of Numerical Solutions for Strong Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Liu Tongjing , Diwu Pengxiang , Liu Rui , Jiang Liwu , Jiang Baoyi
Published: July 2014

Because of a high mobility ratio in the chemical and gas flooding for oil reservoirs, the problems of numerical dispersion and low calculation efficiency also exist in the common methods, such as IMPES and adaptive implicit methods. Therefore, the original calculation process, “one-step calculation for pressure and multistep calculation for saturation,” was improved by introducing a velocity item and using the fractional flow in a direction to calculate the saturation. Based on these developments, a new algorithm of numerical solution for “one-step calculation for pressure, one-step calculation for velocity, and multi-step calculation for fractional flow and saturation” was obtained, and the convergence condition for the calculation of saturation was also proposed. The simulation result of a typical theoretical model shows that the nonconvergence occurred for about 6,000 times in the conventional algorithm of IMPES, and a high fluctuation was observed in the calculation steps. However, the calculation step of the fast algorithm was stabilized for 0.5 d, indicating that the fast algorithm can avoid the nonconvergence caused by the saturation that was directly calculated by pressure. This has an important reference value in the numerical simulations of chemical and gas flooding for oil reservoirs.
Investigation on Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior of Martensitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Ren Facai , Chen Fei , Chen Jun
Published: July 2014

The hot deformation behavior of X20Cr13 martensitic stainless steel was studied using the hot compression flow curves corresponding to the temperature range of 900–1150°C under strain rates from 0.01 to 10 s−1. A new mathematical model to estimate the flow stress under hot deformation conditions up to the peak of the flow curves was developed. The critical strains for initiation of dynamic recrystallization were also derived by the developed model. Furthermore, the effects of Zener-Hollomon parameter on the characteristic points of the flow curves were studied using the power law relation. The deformation activation energy obtained for this steel was 359.4 kJ/mol in the temperature range from 900°C to 1150°C. At the same time, the Avrami kinetic equation of dynamic recrystallization for X20Cr13 steel and the recrystallized grain size model were also established. Good agreement was obtained between the predictions and the experimental values.
Biomarkers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer and Polyps: Systematic Review
Authors: Shah Reena , Jones Emma , Vidart Victoire , Kuppen Peter J.K. , Conti John A. , Francis Nader K.
Published: July 2014

There is growing interest in early detection of colorectal cancer as current screening modalities lack compliance and specificity. This study systematically reviewed the literature to identify biomarkers for early detection of colorectal cancer and polyps. Literature searches were conducted for relevant papers since 2007. Human studies reporting on early detection of colorectal cancer and polyps using biomarkers were included. Methodologic quality was evaluated, and sensitivity, specificity, and the positive predictive value (PPV) were reported. The search strategy identified 3,348 abstracts. A total of 44 papers, examining 67 different tumor markers, were included. Overall sensitivities for colorectal cancer detection by fecal DNA markers ranged from 53% to 87%. Combining fecal DNA markers increased the sensitivity of colorectal cancer and adenoma detection. Canine scent detection had a sensitivity of detecting colorectal cancer of 99% and specificity of 97%. The PPV of immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is 1.26%, compared with 0.31% for the current screening method of guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT). A panel of serum protein biomarkers provides a sensitivity and specificity above 85% for all stages of colorectal cancer, and a PPV of 0.72%. Combinations of fecal and serum biomarkers produce higher sensitivities, specificities, and PPVs for early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomas. Further research is required to validate these biomarkers in a well-structured population-based study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1712–28. ©2014 AACR.
Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Transfemoral Aortic Valve Implantation Under General Versus Local Anesthesia
Authors: Oguri Atsushi , Yamamoto Masanori , Mouillet Gauthier , Gilard Martine , Laskar Marc , Eltchaninoff Helene , Fajadet Jean , Iung Bernard , Donzeau-Gouge Patrick , Leprince Pascal , Leguerrier Alain , Prat Alain , Lievre Michel , Chevreul Karine , Dubois-Rande Jean-Luc , Chopard Romain , Van Belle Eric , Otsuka Toshiaki , Teiger Emmanuel
Published: July 2014

Background—

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) performed under local anesthesia (LA) is becoming increasingly common. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes in patients who underwent transfemoral-TAVI under general anesthesia (GA) and LA.

Methods and Results—

Data from 2326 patients in the French Aortic National CoreValve and Edwards 2 (FRANCE 2) registry who underwent transfemoral-TAVI were analyzed. During the study period, the percentage of LA procedures increased gradually from 14% in January 2010 to 59% in October 2011. The clinical outcomes for GA (n=1377) and LA (n=949) were compared. Numerous baseline characteristics differed between the 2 groups, and the use of transesophageal echocardiographic guidance was more common in GA than in LA (76.3% versus 16.9%;
P
<0.001). Device success and cumulative 30-day survival rates were similar in the 2 groups (97.6% versus 97.0%;
P
=0.41 and 91.6% versus 91.3%;
P
=0.69, respectively), whereas the incidence of postprocedural aortic regurgitation≥mild was significantly lower in GA than in LA (15.0% versus 19.1%;
P
=0.015). The groups were also analyzed using a propensity-matching model, including transesophageal echocardiographic usage (GA [n=401] versus LA [n=401]). This model indicated that there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the rates of 30-day survival (GA [91.4%] versus LA [89.3%];
P
=0.27] and postprocedural aortic regurgitation≥mild (GA [12.7%] versus LA [16.2%];
P
=0.19).

Conclusions—

The less invasive transfemoral-TAVI under LA is preferred in clinical settings and seems to be acceptable; however, the higher incidence of postprocedural aortic regurgitation is emphasized. Therapeutic efforts should be made to reduce such complications during transfemoral-TAVI under LA.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women
Authors: Bavry Anthony A. , Thomas Fridtjof , Allison Matthew , Johnson Karen C. , Howard Barbara V. , Hlatky Mark , Manson JoAnn E. , Limacher Marian C.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Conclusive data about cardiovascular toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sparse. We hypothesized that regular NSAID use is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women, and that this association is stronger with greater cyclooxygenase (cox)-2 when compared with cox-1 inhibition.

Methods and Results—

Postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative were classified as regular users or nonusers of nonaspirin NSAIDs. Cox regression examined NSAID use as a time-varying covariate and its association with the primary outcome of total cardiovascular disease defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. Secondary analyses considered the association of selective cox-2 inhibitors (eg, celecoxib), nonselective agents with cox-2>cox-1 inhibition (eg, naproxen), and nonselective agents with cox-1>cox-2 inhibition (eg, ibuprofen) with the primary outcome. Overall, 160 801 participants were available for analysis (mean follow-up, 11.2 years). Regular NSAID use at some point in time was reported by 53 142 participants. Regular NSAID use was associated with an increased hazard for cardiovascular events versus no NSAID use (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.15;
P
<0.001). Selective cox-2 inhibitors were associated with a modest increased hazard for cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.13; 1.04–1.23;
P
=0.004 and celecoxib only: HR, 1.13; 1.01–1.27;
P
=0.031). Among aspirin users, concomitant selective cox-2 inhibitor use was no longer associated with increased hazard for cardiovascular events. There was an increased risk for agents with cox-2>cox-1 inhibition (HR, 1.17; 1.10–1.24;
P
<0.001 and naproxen only: HR, 1.22; 1.12–1.34;
P
<0.001). This harmful association remained among concomitant aspirin users. We did not observe a risk elevation for agents with cox-1>cox-2 inhibition (HR, 1.01; 0.95–1.07;
P
=0.884 and ibuprofen only: HR, 1.00; 0.93–1.07;
P
=0.996).

Conclusions—

Regular use of selective cox-2 inhibitors and nonselective NSAIDs with cox-2>cox-1 inhibition showed a modestly increased hazard for cardiovascular events. Nonselective agents with cox-1>cox-2 inhibition were not associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00000611.
Thrombolysis in Experimental Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and the Risk of Secondary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Reuter Björn , Grudzenski Saskia , Chatzikonstantinou Eva , Meairs Stephen , Ebert Anne , Heiler Patrick , Schad Lothar R. , Staufenbiel Matthias , Hennerici Michael G. , Fatar Marc
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most adverse event of thrombolysis in ischemic stroke. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy increases the risk for spontaneous lobar ICH. Although thrombolysis may be performed in cerebral amyloid angiopathy–affected patients, there is still little knowledge available on the risk for secondary ICH.

Methods—

We investigated the effect of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator on experimental ischemic stroke in APP23 transgenic mice (n=18) and wild-type littermates (n=15). Focal ischemic stroke was induced in 26-month-old mice by temporal middle cerebral artery occlusion (filament model), followed by treatment with 10 mg/kg recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. Twenty-four hours later, a functional score was assessed and the mice were euthanized for histological analysis. ICH was classified as grades 1 to 3 depending on severity.

Results—

The groups did not differ regarding mortality (
P
=0.67) and functional deficit (
P
=0.18). Compared with wild-type mice, the APP23 genotype was associated with a higher appearance for ICH in the infarct area (
P
=0.05). ICH severity grades 2 and 3 correlated significantly with infarct size (
P
=0.004 and 0.008, respectively).

Conclusions—

The APP23 genotype was not associated with increased mortality or worse functional outcome. Our results suggest an increased risk for ICH in the cerebral amyloid angiopathy–affected brain; however, no ICH was observed outside the ischemic area.
Community-Based Stroke System of Care for Chinese Rural Areas
Authors: He Mingli , Wang Jin’e , Gong Ling , Dong Qing , Ji Niu , Xing Houxun , Zhou Yuan , Qin Sizhou , Wang Huizheng , Zhang Huamin , Hui Rutai , Wang Yibo
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—

Stroke system of care plays key roles both in providing effective therapies and in improving the overall outcome of patients with stroke. Our purpose was to develop and evaluate the system in Chinese rural areas.

Methods—

A stroke system of care was developed from November 2009 to November 2010 in 3 townships in Ganyu County. An additional 3 matched townships were invited as controls. We first investigated stroke management in these townships and then implemented stroke system of care and an education campaign in the 3 intervention townships. The effectiveness of the system was then evaluated.

Results—

There were 1036 patients with new stroke among 344 345 subjects in the 6 rural communities. The incidence of stroke in the rural areas was 301/100 000, and the mortality rate was 55/100 000. The proportions significantly increased in the intervention communities after the implementation of the stroke system of care and education campaign when compared with the control communities, including patients presenting at rural hospitals within 3 hours of symptom onset (13.6% versus 8.7%;
P
=0.017), diagnosed by computed tomographic scanning within 24 hours of admission (65.3% versus 58.5%;
P
=0.034), and received thrombolytic treatment (3.9% versus 1.7%;
P
=0.038). During the 1-year follow-up, 32 (6.5%) patients with stroke in the intervention communities and 48 (10.1%) in the control communities died. The disability rate of stroke was significantly reduced in the intervention communities at postintervention (38.4% versus 48.1%;
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

A stroke system of care would be reliable and practical in Chinese rural areas.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.chictr.org
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-RCH-13003408.
Family History as a Risk Factor for Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Khaleghi Mahyar , Isseh Iyad N. , Jouni Hayan , Sohn Sunghwan , Bailey Kent R. , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—

We investigated whether family history of stroke or coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with presence of carotid artery stenosis (CAS).

Methods—

The study cohort included 864 patients (72±8 years; 68% men) with CAS and 1698 controls (61±11 years; 55% men) referred for noninvasive vascular testing. CAS was defined as ≥70% stenosis in the internal carotid artery on ultrasound or history of carotid revascularization. Controls did not have CAS or history of cerebrovascular disease or CHD. Family history of stroke and CHD was defined as having ≥1 first-degree relative who had stroke or CHD before age 65 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate whether family history of stroke or CHD was associated with presence of CAS, independent of conventional risk factors.

Results—

Family history of stroke and CHD was present more often in patients with CAS than in controls, with a resulting odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 2.02 (1.61–2.53) and 2.01 (1.70–2.37), respectively. The associations remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia; odds ratios: 1.41 (1.06–1.90) and 1.69 (1.35–2.10), respectively. A greater number of affected relatives with stroke or CHD was associated with higher odds of CAS; adjusted odds ratios: 1.25 (0.91–1.72) and 1.46 (1.14–1.89) versus 2.65 (1.35–5.40) and 2.13 (1.57–2.90) for patients with 1 and ≥2 affected relatives with stroke and CHD, respectively.

Conclusions—

Family history of stroke and of CHD were each associated with CAS, suggesting that shared genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of CAS.
Mahathirism and Its Legacy in Malaysia’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Dosch Jörn
Published: July 2014

The foreign policy style of Malaysia’s fourth prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad (1981–2003), was controversial in many instances, but the country’s influence and leverage in regional and global affairs had been remarkable for a country of its size. Despite initial outcries within Malaysia’s neighbourhood, Mahathir’s contributions to a wider East Asian regionalism are a lasting legacy. In the decade that has passed since Mahathir stepped down, Malaysia’s international relations have rarely made the global headlines. Does the legacy of Mahathirism live on in Malaysia’s foreign policy, or does the seeming absence of bold and pro-active initiatives indicate a substantive change of style and direction? The prime ministers since 2003, Abdullah Badawi and Najib Razak, have lacked Mahathir’s hegemonic status in policy-making, and this has inevitably led to a de-personalisation and institutionalisation of foreign affairs. At the same time both administrations have continued Mahathir’s practice of keeping foreign affairs out of the public domain as much as possible, in order to reduce the influence of domestic interests and debates on foreign policy matters.
The Tragedy of the Southeast Asian Commons
Authors: Gamas John Harvey Divino
Published: July 2014

The South China Sea disputes have proven to be the most divisive issue in ASEAN. The collective decision-making of the ten member states towards the issue remains ineffective and this has often been attributed to their disunity. However, disunity in the ASEAN maritime commons is symptomatic of the underlying political culture in Southeast Asia. Using Lucian Pye’s analysis of power as ritual in Southeast Asian political culture, we can surmise that the disjuncture between the hopes for a definitive Code of Conduct and the resulting lack of consensus in the 2012 biannual ASEAN summit chaired by Cambodia concretised ritualism. This paper’s analysis focuses on how intra-ASEAN disagreement in resolving the South China Sea maritime dispute was compounded by Cambodia’s 2012 ASEAN chairmanship. It revealed that power as ritual reduces ASEAN integration into a temple in support of the secularised version of the cosmic order and thus tolerating its lack of pragmatic utility and efficiency.
Introduction
Authors: Amstutz Galen , Dessì Ugo
Published: July 2014

Research on religion and globalization is revealing that religious responses to global dynamics have been highly varied, positioned across a broad spectrum that ranges from the defensive to the open and creative. However, attempts to engage this area of studies in the case of Japanese religions have been unexpectedly few and fragmentary; the use of full-scale globalization theory remains underdeveloped. Sometimes an underlying conceptual obstacle is that the dominating perspective is reduced to the dimension of worldwide institutional expansion, which prevents a full engagement with the much more complex dynamics. In other cases, there may simply be resistance to the application of contemporary globalization theories to concrete case studies in religion. Possibly also some features peculiar to Japanese history have delayed the application of globalization perspectives to its religious worlds. Based on these premises the articles by Inoue Nobutaka, Ugo Dessì, Galen Amstutz, Victoria Rose Montrose, Girardo Rodriguez Plasencia, Regina Yoshie Matsue, and Rafael Shoji and Frank Usarski collected in this special issue address several examples and themes in this diversified, complex world as part of the ongoing work of addressing our existing gaps in awareness.
The Influence of Globalization on Japanese Religion
Authors: Inoue Nobutaka
Published: July 2014

The process of globalization has significantly and unprecedentedly influenced the activities, teachings, and many other aspects of religions within Japan since the 1980s. While Christian groups have been establishing churches in Japan since the nineteenth century, one now also sees various other religious groups including Muslims from a broad range of countries establishing branch churches and mosques of their own in the country. Meanwhile the many domestic modern new religions that were established during the modernization process now find themselves operating alongside even newer types of religious groups including hyper-religions. When one observes the religious life of ordinary Japanese these days, on the surface little may seem to have changed from before globalization developed in earnest. However, the pop subcultures of the younger generations have demonstrated a readiness to adopt and rearrange elements from religious and folk cultures alien to Japan even as they eschew elements from traditional folk life. The ways in which these foreign folk beliefs and their more magical elements have entered and spread in the country are often unpredictable. Thanks to globalization, the boundaries that once existed among Japanese religions—both among the traditional religions in particular and more generally throughout the religious world as a whole—are gradually dissolving.
Global Communication versus Ethno-Chauvinism
Authors: Amstutz Galen
Published: July 2014

Globalization intensifies the range, intensity, and diversity of interactions among world societies, but along with phenomena of hybridization, glocalization, or creolization it is just as likely to produce counter-reactive phenomena of resistance or conservative radicalization. In the case of the major Japanese Buddhist tradition of Shin Buddhism, the interactive possibilities that could have been theoretically imagined for its modern encounter with North American society were overwhelmed by the ethno-chauvinism which became embedded in the nikkei population particularly in the context of early twentieth-century competition between the Japanese and American empires. The chauvinism took form, in Shin Buddhism as in certain other domains of nikkei life, as a pervasive, persistent pressure for an “equal but separate” structuring of nikkei relations with White society. The analysis suggests that in at least some instances—although North America is a quite major instance—issues of race consciousness and racial formation need to be given more attention in globalization studies.
Japanese New Religions in Brazil and the Dynamics of Globalization versus Glocalization
Authors: Shoji Rafael , Usarski Frank
Published: July 2014

Despite its tradition as a dominantly Christian country, Brazil is the host of the largest community of Japanese-descended people outside of Japan. This is the result of a long-lasting immigration process that started in 1908 and led to the establishment of a series of Japanese religions in the country. Although some of these groups are still restricted to the Japanese ethnic milieu, others have transcended their former ethnic boundaries and are quite successful in terms of recruiting new practitioners from a wider Brazilian audience. In order to identify the reasons for the failure or relative success of the various groups, the article starts with an overview of the historical development of Japanese religions in Brazil and summarizes the relevant results of the latest data provided by the institutions and the national census. The second part, which systematizes the strategies of transplantation of Japanese New Religions to Brazil, gives special attention to the construction of a transnational ancestor cult and the related emphasis on worldly benefits. The third part analyses in more detail the reinterpretation of ancestor worship and related rituals within Seichō-no-Ie. Finally, the fourth section refers the data to the academic discussion about the interrelated phenomena of globalization and glocalization.
The Potential Roles of Background Surface Wind in the SST Variability Associated with Intraseasonal Oscillations
Authors: Kanemaru Kaya , Masunaga Hirohiko
Published: July 2014

The current study is aimed at exploring the potential roles of the seasonally altering background surface wind in the seasonality of the intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) with a focus on the sea surface temperature (SST) variability. A composite analysis of the ocean mixed layer heat budget in term of ISO phases with various satellite data is performed for boreal winter and summer. The scalar wind is found to be a dominant factor that accounts for the ocean surface heat budget, implying that the background surface wind as well as its anomaly is important for the SST variability. An easterly anomaly to the east of convection diminishes scalar wind, and thus latent heat flux, when superposed onto a background westerly wind, implying that the presence of basic westerly wind is important for the development of a warm SST anomaly ahead of the ISO convection. On the other hand, an easterly anomaly in combination with basic easterly wind magnifies scalar wind and latent heat flux and cancels out the shortwave heat flux anomaly. The seasonal migration of the background westerly wind, which is confined to a southern equatorial belt in boreal winter but spread across the northern Indian Ocean in boreal summer, may offer a mechanism that partly accounts for the seasonal characteristics of ISO propagation. The northward propagation of the SST variability associated with the boreal summer ISO is found to also involve a similar mechanism with the meridional wind modulation of scalar wind.
Utilization of Specific Attenuation for Tropical Rainfall Estimation in Complex Terrain
Authors: Wang Yadong , Zhang Pengfei , Ryzhkov Alexander V. , Zhang Jian , Chang Pao-Liang
Published: July 2014

To improve the accuracy of quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) in complex terrain, a new rainfall rate estimation algorithm has been developed and applied on two C-band dual-polarization radars in Taiwan. In this algorithm, the specific attenuation A is utilized in the rainfall rate R estimation, and the parameters used in the R(A) method were estimated using the local drop size distribution (DSD) and drop shape relation (DSR) observations. In areas of complex terrain where the lowest antenna tilt is completely blocked, observations from higher tilts are used in radar QPE. Correction of the vertical profile of rain rate estimated by the R(A) algorithm (VPRA) is applied to account for the vertical variability of rain. It has been found that the VPRA correction improved the accuracy of estimated rainfall in severely blocked areas. The R(A)–VPRA scheme was tested for different precipitation cases including typhoon, stratiform, and convective rain. Compared to existing rainfall estimation algorithms such as rainfall–reflectivity (R–Z) and rainfall–specific differential phase (R–KDP), the new method is able to provide accurate and robust rainfall estimates when the radar reflectivity is miscalibrated or significantly biased by attenuation or when the lower tilt of the radar beam is significantly blocked.
Numerical Simulations of Lightning and Storm Charge of the 29–30 May 2004 Geary, Oklahoma, Supercell Thunderstorm Using EnKF Mobile Radar Data Assimilation
Authors: Calhoun Kristin M. , Mansell Edward R. , MacGorman Donald R. , Dowell David C.
Published: July 2014

Results from simulations are compared with dual-Doppler and total lightning observations of the 29–30 May 2004 high-precipitation supercell storm from the Thunderstorm Electrification and Lightning Experiment (TELEX). The simulations use two-moment microphysics with six hydrometeor categories and parameterizations for electrification and lightning while employing an ensemble Kalman filter for mobile radar data assimilation. Data assimilation was utilized specifically to produce a storm similar to the observed for ancillary analysis of the electrification and lightning associated with the supercell storm. The simulated reflectivity and wind fields well approximated that of the observed storm. Additionally, the simulated lightning flash rates were very large, as was observed. The simulation reveals details of the charge distribution and dependence of lightning on storm kinematics, characteristics that could not be observed directly. Storm electrification was predominately confined to the updraft core, but the persistence of both positive and negative charging of graupel in this region, combined with the kinematic evolution, limited the extent of charged areas of the same polarity. Thus, the propagation length of lightning flashes in this region was also limited. Away from the updraft core, regions of charge had greater areal extent, allowing flashes to travel farther without termination due to unfavorable charge potential. Finally, while the simulation produced the observed lightning holes and high-altitude lightning seen in the observations, it failed to produce the observed lightning initiations (or even lightning channels) in the distant downstream anvil as seen in the observed storm. Instead, the simulated lightning was confined to the main body of the storm.
Noninvasive Transcutaneous Monitoring in Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients With Thromboangiitis Obliterans Treated With Intravenous Iloprost
Authors: Melillo Elio , Grigoratos Chrysanthos , Sanctis Francesco De , Spontoni Paolo , Nuti Marco , Dell’Omodarme Matteo , Ferrari Mauro , Balbarini Alberto
Published: July 2014

We evaluated the effectiveness of intravenous iloprost (IVI) in outpatients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) and lower limb noninvasive transcutaneous monitoring (TCM) at follow-up (FU). Ten consecutive patients with TAO underwent IVI therapy. Transcutaneous oxygen (TcPo2) and carbon dioxide (TcPco2) determination and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) were performed before and after IVI at 3, 6, and 12 months of FU. Clinical response was positive in 7 patients, whereas 3 nonresponders underwent a second IVI cycle with 1 showing a late positive clinical response. After 12 months of FU, all patients were alive without amputations. Supine and dependent TcP2 levels significantly improved ( P < .005). Hallux LDF values showed significant change with the maximal hyperemic test at 44°C ( P < .005). Forefoot maximal hyperemic test at 44°C LDF ( P < .005) and improved venous arterial reflex ( P < .05) showed statistically significant time evolution. We demonstrated some degree of IVI effectiveness and evaluated TCM in patients with TAO.
Reconnecting Patients With Their Primary Care Provider
Authors: Sturm Jesse J. , Hirsh Daniel , Weselman Brad , Simon Harold K.
Published: July 2014

Objective. Intervention to reduce nonurgent pediatric emergency department (PED) visits over a 12-month follow-up. Methods. Prospective, randomized, controlled trial enrolled children seen in the PED for nonurgent concerns. Intervention subjects received a structured session/handout specific to their primary care provider (PCP), which outlined ways to obtain medical advice. Visitation to the PED and PCP were followed over 12 months. Results. A total of 164 patients were assigned to the intervention and 168 patients to the control. At 12-month follow-up, the intervention group had a lower rate of nonurgent PED utilization compared with the control group (70 [43%] patients in the intervention compared with 91 [54%] in the control; P = .047). At 12 months, there was an increase in the rate of sick visits to PCP in the intervention group when compared with the control ( P = .036). Conclusions. Intervention designed in cooperation with pediatricians was able to decrease nonurgent PED utilization and redirect patients to their PCP for future sick visits over a 12-month period.
Measuring Health Literacy in Caregivers of Children
Authors: Morrison Andrea K. , Schapira Marilyn M. , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Brousseau David C.
Published: July 2014

Objective. We examined the performance of the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) and the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) in caregivers of children. Method. Caregivers of children ≤12 years old seeking care for their child in a pediatric emergency department (ED) were tested using the NVS and the S-TOFHLA to measure health literacy. The results were compared with ED use outcomes. Result. The S-TOFHLA was found to have a ceiling effect as compared to the NVS; few caregivers scored in low literacy categories ( P < .0001). This finding was demonstrated in both lower ( P = .01) and higher ( P < .001) educational attainment groups. The NVS was predictive of ED use outcomes ( P = .02 and P < .01) whereas the S-TOFHLA was not ( P = .21 and P = .11). Conclusions. The measures do not seem to function similarly nor predict health outcomes equally. The NVS demonstrates sensitivity in identifying limited health literacy in younger adult populations.
Emergency Department Visits for Mental Health Conditions Among US Children, 2001-2011
Authors: Simon Alan E. , Schoendorf Kenneth C.
Published: July 2014

We examined mental health–related visits to emergency departments (EDs) among children from 2001 to 2011. We used the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey—Emergency Department, 2001-2011 to identify visits of children 6 to 20 years old with a reason-for-visit code or ICD-9-CM diagnosis code reflecting mental health issues. National percentages of total visits, visit counts, and population rates were calculated, overall and by race, age, and sex. Emergency department visits for mental health issues increased from 4.4% of all visits in 2001 to 7.2% in 2011. Counts increased 55 000 visits per year and rates increased from 13.6 visits/1000 population in 2001 to 25.3 visits/1000 in 2011 ( P < .01 for all trends). Black children (all ages) had higher visit rates than white children and 13- to 20-year-olds had higher visit rates than children 6 to 12 years old ( P < .01 for all comparisons). Differences between groups did not decline over time.
Bait Shop Owners as Opinion Leaders
Authors: Howell Allison P. , Shaw Bret R. , Alvarez German
Published: July 2014

Boaters and anglers who move between bodies of water are a primary cause of the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), which are non-native plants or animals that pose a threat to water quality, disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and cause economic harm. Research suggests that engagement with these individuals through opinion leaders within their social networks has the potential to encourage attitude and behavior change. Using the theory of planned behavior as a framework, this article explores factors that may enhance AIS outreach behaviors among opinion leaders, namely, bait shop owners and their employees, to communicate with their customers. The results of this study suggest that perceptions about normative social pressures are a strong predictor of intentions to engage in outreach activities, but perceived behavioral control is a stronger predictor of actual engagement with their customers.
Exploration of the Effect of Electroencephalograph Levels in Experienced Archers
Authors: Twigg Peter , Sigurnjak Stephen , Southall Dave , Shenfield Alex
Published: July 2014

This preliminary study aims to record the brainwaves of two experienced archers, while undertaking the process of aiming and shooting arrows at a target. The brainwaves are then analysed for repeatability and dominant characteristics within individual electroencephalograph activity. Images of the archers are also recorded to establish reference points within the shot cycle for correlating the electroencephalograph data sets.
“Meth’s Not My Cup of Tea”
Authors: Copes Heith , Kerley Kent R. , Angulski Kate , Zaleski Samantha
Published: July 2014

Recent media portrayals of methamphetamine (meth) suggest that its use is relatively rare among Black drug users. Our aim with the current research is to explore the reasons why Black women stimulant users abstain from using meth. We rely on semi-structured interviews with 33 Black women whose drug of choice was cocaine and who had never or rarely used meth. These women said that they did not use meth because they had limited access to the drug, feared the chemicals used in production, disliked the immediate sensations, and feared the long-term consequences on their health. The limited access to meth led these stimulant users to rely on stereotypes of meth that the drug is made from toxic materials and that it causes rapid deterioration in users’ appearances. We argue that these factors contribute to meth use being stigmatized in Black communities, thereby acting as a protective factor in discouraging use among Black stimulant users.
A Humanistic Approach to Problematic Online Sexual Behavior
Authors: Thomas Jill C.
Published: July 2014

Problematic Internet use for sexual activity is often explained by some combination of unique features of the Internet and user characteristics. Disease models of addiction are also often used. Experiential personal construct psychology offers an alternative, humanistic, nondisease diagnostic conceptualization of problematic online sexual activity. A detailed case example demonstrates an experiential personal construct psychology conceptualization. The article concludes with reflective comments provided by the client described in the case example.
Maintenance scheduling of a fleet of fighter aircraft through multi-objective simulation-optimization
Authors: Mattila Ville , Virtanen Kai
Published: July 2014

The maintenance scheduling problem of a fleet of fighter aircraft is considered through multi-objective simulation-optimization (MOSO). In the problem, a maintenance schedule consisting of target starting times of the maintenance activities of the aircraft is determined. The objectives are to minimize average deviation between the target and actual starting times of the activities and to maximize average aircraft availability. The objectives depend on the maintenance schedule through complex interactions due to a policy in which the need for maintenance is based on the flight hours of the aircraft cumulated during flight missions. In addition, the durations of the flight missions, maintenance activities, and failure repairs are uncertain. Therefore, an MOSO approach is applied to the problem. The approach includes a discrete-event simulation model and a state-of-the art multi-objective simulated annealing algorithm for determining non-dominated schedules. Moreover, a multi-attribute value (MAV) function is used for supporting a maintenance decision-maker (DM) in selecting the preferred non-dominated schedule for implementation. The MAV function captures incomplete information on the values of the objectives as well as on the DM’s preference statements regarding the weights of the objectives. The approach is implemented as an MOSO tool whereby the DM can consider the complex interactions and uncertainties of the problem which have not been addressed in the existing literature on maintenance scheduling. The approach and the tool are illustrated with a set of test problems as well as a real-life example problem.
Structure and Network Performance
Authors: Kapucu Naim , Garayev Vener
Published: July 2014

Networks have become a widely utilized method for dealing with emergencies and disasters. Researching this aspect of the emergency management process can effectively contribute to the outcome of disaster response and recovery by providing insight into the operations and processes of disaster management as well as ways to better utilize network resources and relationships. This article compares vertical and horizontal networks using the example of two counties in Florida. Understanding these network approaches contributes to efficient emergency management networks, thus strengthening outcomes in disaster response and recovery. The findings offer practical implications for local-level emergency management agencies.