bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attribution of primary formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide at Texas City during SHARP/formaldehyde and olefins from large industrial releases (FLAIR) using an adjoint chemistry transport model
Authors: Olaguer Eduardo P. , Herndon Scott C. , Buzcu‐Guven Birnur , Kolb Charles E. , Brown Michael J. , Cuclis Alex E.
Published: September 2013

An adjoint version of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) neighborhood air quality model with 200 m horizontal resolution, coupled offline to the Quick Urban & Industrial Complex (QUIC‐URB) fast response urban wind model, was used to perform 4‐D variational (4Dvar) inverse modeling of an industrial release of formaldehyde (HCHO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Texas City, Texas during the 2009 Study of Houston Atmospheric Radical Precursors (SHARP). The source attribution was based on real‐time observations by the Aerodyne mobile laboratory and a high resolution 3‐D digital model of the emitting petrochemical complex and surrounding urban canopy. The inverse model estimate of total primary HCHO emitted during the incident agrees very closely with independent remote sensing estimates based on both Imaging and Multi‐Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS). Whereas a previous analysis of Imaging DOAS data attributed the HCHO release to a Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU), the HARC model attributed most of the HCHO event emissions to both the FCCU and desulfurization processes. Fugitives contributed significantly to primary HCHO, as did combustion processes, whereas the latter accounted for most SO2 event emissions. The inferred HCHO‐to‐SO2 molar emission ratio was similar to that computed directly from ambient air measurements during the release. The model‐estimated HCHO‐to‐CO molar emission ratio for combustion units with significant inferred emissions ranged from 2% to somewhat less than 7%, consistent with other observationally‐based estimates obtained during SHARP. A model sensitivity study demonstrated that the inclusion of urban morphology has a significant, but not critical, impact on the source attribution.
Double scaling in tensor models with a quartic interaction
Authors: Dartois Stéphane , Gurau Razvan , Rivasseau Vincent
Published: September 2013

Abstract

In this paper we identify and analyze in detail the subleading contributions in the 1/N expansion of random tensors, in the simple case of a quartically interacting model. The leading order for this 1/N expansion is made of graphs, called melons, which are dual to particular triangulations of the D-dimensional sphere, closely related to the “stacked” triangulations. For D < 6 the subleading behavior is governed by a larger family of graphs, hereafter called cherry trees, which are also dual to the D-dimensional sphere. They can be resummed explicitly through a double scaling limit. In sharp contrast with random matrix models, this double scaling limit is stable. Apart from its unexpected upper critical dimension 6, it displays a singularity at fixed distance from the origin and is clearly the first step in a richer set of yet to be discovered multi-scaling limits.
The Geography of Citizen Crime Reporting
Authors: Wisnieski Elise , Bologeorges Stephanie , Johnson Tina , Henry David B.
Published: September 2013

Research has shown variable conceptualizations of neighborhood, often inconsistent with administrative boundaries. The present investigation seeks to quantify the geographic area encompassed by citizens’ reporting of crime. Two Chicago violence prevention organizations gathered near real‐time citizen reports of crime and other precursors of violence in a south side community. Over the course of 6 months, 48 community residents participated in a weekly telephone survey about incidents occurring in their community, including crime, incivilities, and disorder. For each incident reported in the study community, respondents were asked to specify its location, whether it was witnessed or heard about, and if it occurred within one block of their residence. Incident locations were geocoded and used to compute distance from residence. Incident reporting radii were calculated for all types of incidents. Calculated distances of events reported within a block revealed discrepancies between resident perceptions and geographic apportionments. On average, incident reports spanned just over a half‐mile geographic radius from respondents’ residences. Reporting radii were greater for more violent incidents and shorter for incidents witnessed directly. There was no effect of age, gender, length of residence, or length of participation in the study on reporting radii. Descriptions of reporting radii and implications for crime prevention efforts and research are discussed.
Bedside teaching in medical education: a literature review
Authors: Peters Max , Ten Cate Olle
Published: September 2013

Bedside teaching is seen as one of the most important modalities in teaching a
variety of skills important for the medical profession, but its use is declining. A
literature review was conducted to reveal its strengths, the causes of its decline and
future perspectives, the evidence with regard to learning clinical skills and
patient/student/teacher satisfaction. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library were
systematically searched with regard to terms related to bedside teaching. Articles
regarding the above-mentioned subjects were included. Bedside teaching has shown to
improve certain clinical diagnostic skills in medical students and residents. Patients,
students/residents and teachers all seem to favour bedside teaching, for varying
reasons. Despite this, the practice of bedside teaching is declining. Reasons to explain
this decline include the increased patient turnover in hospitals, the assumed violation
of patients’ privacy and an increased reliance on technology in the diagnostic process.
Solutions vary from increasingly using residents and interns as bedside teachers to
actively educating staff members regarding the importance of bedside teaching and
providing them with practical essentials. Impediments to bedside teaching need to be
overcome if this teaching modality is to remain a valuable educational method for
durable clinical skills.
Perceived Benefits of a Radiology Resident Mentoring Program: Comparison of Residents with Self-Selected vs Assigned Mentors
Authors: Yamada Kei , Slanetz Priscilla J. , Boiselle Phillip M.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

It has been suggested that assigned mentoring relationships are less successful than those that develop by free choice. This study evaluates radiology residents' overall experience with a mentoring program and compares the responses of those who self-selected mentors with those who were assigned mentors.

Methods

A voluntary Web-based survey was sent to 27 radiology residents in postgraduate years 3-5. Data collected included the following: year in residency, method of mentor assignment, duration of relationship, frequency and types of communication, perceived value of mentoring, overall satisfaction with the program, and the perceived impact of mentoring.

Results

Twenty-five of 27 residents (93%) responded, with 14 having self-selected mentors (56%) and 11 having assigned mentors (44%). Both groups unanimously agreed that mentoring is beneficial or critical to their training; however, those residents with self-selected mentors were significantly more satisfied with the mentoring program (4 vs 3.3; P = .04) and more likely to consider their mentor as their primary mentor compared with those with assigned mentors (11 [79%] vs 4 [36%]; P = .049). Although all residents perceived a benefit, residents with self-selected mentors rated almost all mentoring parameters more positively than those with assigned mentors, although most of these parameters did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Residents highly value the importance of mentoring. However, residents who self-select their mentors are more likely to be satisfied with a mentoring program.
A short C‐terminal tail prevents mis‐targeting of hydrophobic mitochondrial membrane proteins to the ER
Authors: Reithinger Johannes H. , Yim Chewon , Park Kwangjin , Björkholm Patrik , von Heijne Gunnar , Kim Hyun
Published: September 2013

Sdh3/Shh3, a subunit of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase, contains transmembrane domains with a hydrophobicity comparable to that of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins. Here, we show that a C‐terminal reporter fusion to Sdh3/Shh3 results in partial mis‐targeting of the protein to the ER. This mis‐targeting is mediated by the signal recognition particle (SRP) and depends on the length of the C‐terminal tail. These results imply that if nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial proteins contain strongly hydrophobic transmembrane domains and a long C‐terminal tail, they have the potential to be recognized by SRP and mis‐targeted to the ER.
Role of phospholemman and the 70 kDa inhibitor protein in regulating Na+/K+ ATPase activity in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells under U46619 stimulation
Authors: Dey Kuntal , Rahaman Sayed Modinur , Chakraborti Tapati , Chakraborti Sajal
Published: September 2013

Treatment of bovine pulmonary smooth muscle cells with U46619 inhibited the Na+/K+ ATPase activity in two parallel pathways: one of which is mediated via glutathionylation of the pump and the other by augmenting the inhibitory activity of the 70 kDa inhibitor protein of Na+/K+ ATPase. Although phospholemman deglutathionylates the pump leading to its activation, the inhibitor is responsible for irreversible inhibition of Na+/K+ ATPase in an isoform specific manner during treatment of the cells with U46619.
Polysulfide exerts a protective effect against cytotoxicity caused by t‐buthylhydroperoxide through Nrf2 signaling in neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Koike Shin , Ogasawara Yuki , Shibuya Norihiro , Kimura Hideo , Ishii Kazuyuki
Published: September 2013

Polysulfide is a bound sulfur species derived from endogenous H2S. When mouse neuroblastoma, Neuro2A cells were exposed to tert‐butyl hydroperoxide after treatment with polysulfide, a significant decline in cell toxicity was observed. Rapid uptake of polysulfides induced translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, resulting in acceleration of GSH synthesis and HO‐1 expression. We demonstrated that polysulfide reversibly modified Keap1 to form oxidized dimers and induced the translocation of Nrf2. Moreover, polysulfide treatment accelerated Akt phosphorylation, which is a known pathway of Nrf2 phosphorylation. Thus, polysulfide may mediate the activation of Nrf2 signaling, thereby exerting protective effects against oxidative damage in Neuro2A cells.
Glioma‐derived macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) promotes mast cell recruitment in a STAT5‐dependent manner
Authors: Põlajeva Jelena , Bergström Tobias , Edqvist Per-Henrik , Lundequist Anders , Sjösten Anna , Nilsson Gunnar , Smits Anja , Bergqvist Michael , Pontén Fredrik , Westermark Bengt , Pejler Gunnar , Forsberg Nilsson Karin , Tchougounova Elena
Published: September 2013

Recently, glioma research has increased its focus on the diverse types of cells present in brain tumors. We observed previously that gliomas are associated with a profound accumulation of mast cells (MCs) and here we investigate the underlying mechanism.

Gliomas express a plethora of chemoattractants. First, we demonstrated pronounced migration of human MCs toward conditioned medium from cultures of glioma cell lines. Subsequent cytokine array analyses of media from cells, cultured in either serum‐containing or ‐free conditions, revealed a number of candidates which were secreted in high amounts in both cell lines. Among these, we then focused on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which has been reported to be pro‐inflammatory and ‐tumorigenic. Infiltration of MCs was attenuated by antibodies that neutralized MIF. Moreover, a positive correlation between the number of MCs and the level of MIF in a large cohort of human glioma tissue samples was observed.

Further, both glioma‐conditioned media and purified MIF promoted differential phosphorylation of a number of signaling molecules, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), in MCs. Inhibition of pSTAT5 signaling significantly attenuated the migration of MCs toward glioma cell‐conditioned medium shown to contain MIF. In addition, analysis of tissue microarrays (TMAs) of high‐grade gliomas revealed a direct correlation between the level of pSTAT5 in MCs and the level of MIF in the medium.

In conclusion, these findings indicate the important influence of signaling cascades involving MIF and STAT5 on the recruitment of MCs to gliomas.
The Concurrent Validity and Responsiveness of the High‐Level Mobility Assessment Tool for Mobility Limitations in People With Multitrauma Orthopedic Injuries
Authors: Williams Gavin , Hill Bridget , Kahn Michelle
Published: September 2013

Objective

To investigate the concurrent validity, responsiveness, and ceiling effect of the revised High‐Level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT) in persons after orthopedic multitrauma.

Design

Cross‐sectional sample of convenience.

Setting

A large tertiary rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Forty‐three participants with orthopedic multitrauma lower limb injuries that resulted from motor vehicle accidents.

Methods

This study compared the concurrent validity, responsiveness, and ceiling effects of the revised HiMAT, motor subsection of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument. Performances for all participants were concurrently scored on the motor FIM, revised HiMAT, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) at initial testing, and 6 and 12 weeks after the decision to fully bear weight.

Main Outcome Measurements

Revised HiMAT, motor FIM, and LEFS.

Results

The correlation between the revised HiMAT and the motor FIM was moderate (r = 0.49; P <.001) and partly induced by a ceiling effect in the motor FIM. After 12 weeks of full weight bearing, 51.2% of participants achieved the maximum score on the motor FIM. The correlation between the revised HiMAT and LEFS was weak (r = 0.39; P = .012), which indicated a weak relationship between self‐reported mobility problems and actual performance. The revised HiMAT was more responsive than the motor FIM and the LEFS, based on the proportion of persons who exceeded the minimal detectable change score over a period of 6 and 12 weeks.

Conclusion

The revised HiMAT is more responsive to change than the LEFS and motor FIM, and less susceptible to a ceiling effect than the motor FIM for persons with orthopedic multitrauma. It has poor‐to‐moderate concurrent validity with the LEFS and motor FIM, which suggests that it may be measuring a different aspect of mobility.
An analysis of 100 referrals for depression from primary care to an adult mental health service
Authors: Rogers C. , Heatherington S. , Carroll M. , Leonard M. , Cullen W. , Meagher D.
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Improving the interface between primary care and mental health services is a key target in current healthcare policy in Ireland. This study examines the content of referrals from primary care to a community mental health service for apparent depression.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 100 patients with depression who consecutively attended a specialist mental health service in Ireland's midwest region. Records were reviewed for demographic and clinical information provided by the doctor at the time of referral, subsequent service engagement, diagnosis and treatment initiated.

Results

There was considerable variation in the content and presentation of information contained in referral letters. Eleven per cent used structured HSE mental health referral forms. Seventy-six per cent of referrals contained clear information regarding name, address, symptoms and treatment previously initiated. Specifically, low mood, biological symptoms of depression and illness severity were documented in 43%, 34% and 27%, respectively. Suicide risk was documented in 20%. More detail was significantly associated with more severe illness. At initial specialist assessment, 71% had commenced antidepressant treatment, with 11% having received an adequate trial of a first antidepressant and 3% an adequate trial of two antidepressants. Two-thirds were diagnosed with mild/moderate depression. Initiation of antidepressant treatment was linked to subsequent diagnosis of depressive illness by mental health services (p< 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate variable referral practices from general practice to mental health in our region. Most referrals were for mild to moderate depression. Poor access to psychological services locally may be a key factor in this phenomenon.
Inter- and intraspecific interactions in two mealybug predators Spalgis epius and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri in the presence and absence of prey
Authors: Dinesh A.S. , Venkatesha M.G.
Published: September 2013

Spalgis epius and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are the two potential predators of different species of mealybugs. However, the mode of their interactions is not known to use these predators together in the field. Hence, we investigated on the possible interactions i.e., cannibalism, intraguild predation (IGP) and competition between the predators in the presence and absence of prey Planococcus citri. In the presence of prey, no cannibalism and predation were observed in both S. epius and C. montrouzieri larvae. A pair of S. epius larvae consumed significantly more number of mealybugs than one S. epius/C. montrouzieri larva or a pair of C. montrouzieri larvae. The predation of S. epius larva by C. montrouzieri larva was significantly more than the predation of C. montrouzieri by S. epius. Conspecific and interspecific egg predation was absent both in S. epius and C. montrouzieri. Cannibalism in C. montrouzieri was more than that in S. epius. The study indicated that C. montrouzieri larvae can be used as an additive along with voracious S. epius larvae under abundant prey population. IGP was asymmetric between the two predators in the absence of prey. Both S. epius and C. montrouzieri larvae can maintain a stable coexistence when prey is abundantly available, however, in the complete absence of prey C. montrouzieri may dominate the guild. This study provides an insight into the possible complex inter- and intraspecific predatory phenomena in the field to use these two predators in the biological control of mealybugs.
Effect of field edges on dispersal and distribution of colonizing stink bugs across farmscapes of the Southeast USA
Authors: Tillman P.G. , Cottrell T.E. , Mizell R.F. , Kramer E.
Published: September 2013

Stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), including Nezara viridula (L.), Euschistus servus (Say), and Chinavia hilaris (Say), are economic pests in farmscapes where they move within and between closely associated crop and non-crop habitats. Thus, field edges in these farmscapes include not only crop-to-crop interfaces but also those edges adjoining non-crop habitats. We examined the influence of field edges on colonization of stink bugs in southeastern USA farmscapes composed of typical combinations of corn, peanut, and cotton. For E. servus and N. viridula, egg-to-adult development and presence of both sexes on all crops indicated that the crops served as reproductive plants. Adult C. hilaris were rarely found on corn and on crops associated with it, and they were present mainly in cotton in peanut–cotton farmscapes. Mature crop height was significantly higher for corn than for cotton and significantly higher for cotton over peanut, and an edge effect in dispersal of stink bugs into a crop was detected up to 4.6, 8.2, and 14.6 m from the crop-to-crop interface in corn, cotton, and peanut, respectively. These results suggest that stink bug dispersal into a crop decreases as crop height increases. The first stink bug-infested crop at the crop-to-crop interface was the most significant contributor of colonizing stink bugs to an adjacent crop. An edge effect in dispersal of stink bug adults was detected in corn next to non-woodlands and woodlands and in cotton adjacent to woodlands. Edge effects were never detected in side edges of peanut. Overall, our results indicate that both plant height and host plant suitability can influence edge-mediated dispersal of stink bugs at field edges.
How ‘age-friendly’ are rural communities and what community characteristics are related to age-friendliness? The case of rural Manitoba, Canada
Authors: MENEC VERENA H. , HUTTON LOUISE , NEWALL NANCY , NOWICKI SCOTT , SPINA JOHN , VESELYUK DAWN
Published: September 2013

Since the World Health Organization introduced the concept of ‘age-friendly’ communities in 2006, there has been rapidly growing interest in making communities more age-friendly on the part of policy makers world-wide. There is a paucity of research to date, however, that has examined age-friendliness in diverse communities, particularly in rural communities. The main objective of the study reported in this paper was to examine whether age-friendliness varies across community characteristics, such as a population size. The study was based on surveys administered in 56 communities throughout Manitoba, a mid-Western Canadian province, in the context of a needs assessment process for communities that are part of the Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative. A total of 1,373 individuals completed a survey developed to measure age-friendliness. Domains included the physical environment; housing options; the social environment; opportunities for participation; community supports and health-care services; transportation options; and communication and information. Community characteristics were derived from census data. Multi-level regression analysis indicated that the higher the percentage of residents aged 65 or older, the higher the ratings of age-friendliness overall and, specifically, ratings of the social environment, opportunities for participation, and communication and information. Moreover, small communities located within a census metropolitan area and remote communities in the far north of the province emerged as having the lowest age-friendliness ratings. These findings suggest that communities are generally responsive to the needs of their older residents. That different results were obtained for the various age-friendly domains underscores the importance of considering age-friendliness in a holistic way and measuring it in terms of a range of community features. Our study further highlights the importance of differentiating between degrees of rurality, as different patterns emerged for communities of different sizes and proximity to a larger urban centre.
High prevalence of Nova hantavirus infection in the European mole (Talpa europaea) in France
Authors: GU S. H. , DORMION J. , HUGOT J.-P. , YANAGIHARA R.
Published: September 2013

Recent discovery of genetically distinct hantaviruses in shrews and moles (order Soricomorpha, family Soricidae and Talpidae) has challenged the conventional view that rodents serve as the principal reservoir hosts. Nova virus (NVAV), previously identified in archival liver tissue of a single European mole (Talpa europaea) from Hungary, represents one of the most highly divergent hantaviruses identified to date. To ascertain the spatial distribution and genetic diversity of NVAV, we employed RT–PCR to analyse lungs from 94 moles, captured in two locations in France, during October 2012 to March 2013. NVAV was detected in more than 60% of moles at each location, suggesting efficient enzootic virus transmission and confirming that this mole species serves as the reservoir host. Although the pathogenic potential of NVAV is unknown, the widespread geographical distribution of the European mole might pose a hantavirus exposure risk for humans.
Estimating flight ranges to unravel migratory strategies: spring migration of continental Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa limosa
Authors: ALVES JOSé A. , LOURENçO PEDRO M.
Published: September 2013

Mapping migratory routes and the distribution of species during migration requires information collected over large scales (e.g. survey data), or the ability to follow specific movements (e.g. using tracking devices), which is often limited to a few individuals. For endangered species, such techniques may be impractical, but developments in flight range modelling allow inferences about migratory routes and potential site occupancy, given a few morphological parameters. We modelled flight range in a rapidly declining population of continental Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa limosa departing from a staging site in Iberia during spring migration and found that the vast majority of godwits are able to reach the breeding grounds in a single flight. Contrary to the traditional use of staging sites in France (and Morocco), godwits currently staging in Iberia are predicted to fly directly to The Netherlands and be present at breeding locations earlier than previously expected and observed. Despite harbouring approximately 75% of the total population during spring migration, Iberian staging sites currently lack any legal protection. Our example of the Black-tailed Godwit illustrates the potential of this approach to identify migration strategies and locate staging sites for species of conservation concern for which such information may be virtually absent.
Conservation of the Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus in Spain (1966–2011): a bibliometric review of threats, research and adaptive management
Authors: MORENO-OPO R. , MARGALIDA A.
Published: September 2013

Detecting and quantifying threats and researching and implementing management actions are key to improving the conservation status of endangered species. Bibliometric analysis can constitute a useful tool for the evaluation of such questions from a long-term perspective. Taking as a case study the Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus in Spain, we tested relationships between population dynamics, research efforts, existing threats and conservation milestones. The population growth of the species (from 206 pairs in 1976 to 2,068 in 2011) was parallelled by the increase in the total number of publications, the number of articles in SCI journals and the number of published works dealing with aspects of conservation, threats and management. These results are discussed in terms of cause-effect relationships taking into account that the influence of other non-mutually exclusive factors could also probably explain such associations. Similarly, we analysed the trend of the Cinereous Vulture breeding population with respect to different threats and indices of food availability, obtaining a positive correlation with the increase in big-game hunting bags in Spain. With respect to conservation milestones, we concluded that the current situation is positive in terms of the protection of the species and its habitat, with the situation in relation to food availability being unclear. Finally, we reviewed the main conservation actions that have been taken for the species in Spain and how these have been progressively modified based on new scientific and technical evidence, as an example of adaptive management applied to conservation.
The value of stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for patients referred from the adult congenital heart disease clinic: 5-year experience at the Toronto General Hospital
Authors: Deva Djeven P. , Torres Felipe S. , Wald Rachel M. , Roche S. Lucy , Jimenez-Juan Laura , Oechslin Erwin N. , Crean Andrew M.
Published: September 2013

Background: Vasodilator stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is a clinically useful tool for detection of clinically significant myocardial ischaemia in adults. We report our 5-year retrospective experience with perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance in a large, quarternary adult congenital heart disease centre. Methods: We reviewed all cases of perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients referred from the adult congenital heart disease service. Dipyridamole stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance was undertaken on commercially available 1.5 and 3 T cardiovascular magnetic resonance scanners. Late gadolinium enhancement imaging was performed 8–10 minutes after completion of the rest perfusion sequence. Navigator whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography was also performed where feasible. Results of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance were correlated with complementary imaging studies, surgery, and clinical outcomes. Results: Over 5 years, we performed 34 stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance examinations (11 positive). In all, 84% of patients had further investigations for ischaemia in addition to cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Within a subgroup of 19 patients who had definitive alternative assessment of their coronary arteries, stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance demonstrated a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 100%. Of the 34 studies, two were false negatives, in which the aetiology of ischaemia was extrinsic arterial compression rather than intrinsic coronary luminal narrowing. Coronary abnormalities were identified in 71% of cases who had coronary magnetic resonance angiography. Conclusion: Stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance is a useful and accurate tool for investigation of myocardial ischaemia in an adult congenital heart disease population with suspected non-atherosclerotic coronary abnormalities.
Left ventricular strain and strain rates are decreased in children with normal fractional shortening after exposure to anthracycline chemotherapy
Authors: Moon Thomas J. , Miyamoto Shelley D. , Younoszai Adel K. , Landeck Bruce F.
Published: September 2013

Background

Anthracycline chemotherapeutic agents carry the well-recognised risk of cardiotoxicity. Previous methods to evaluate cardiac function are useful, but have significant limitations. We sought to determine the left ventricular strain and strain rate of paediatric cancer patients with normal fractional shortening treated with anthracyclines using the latest ultrasound feature-tracking technology.

Patients and methods

Echocardiograms on cancer patients before anthracycline exposure and following completion of treatment were retrospectively analysed using Velocity Vector Imaging software in the circumferential and longitudinal planes. The same analysis was performed on matched controls. Only patients with a fractional shortening ≥28% were included.

Results

In all, 71 patients were identified with an age at diagnosis of 10.5 ± 4.7 years. The time from diagnosis to follow-up was 3.9 ± 4.0 years and the cumulative anthracycline dose was 356 ± 106 mg/m2. Following anthracycline exposure, paediatric cancer patients had a higher heart rate and a lower longitudinal strain, longitudinal diastolic strain rate, circumferential strain, and circumferential systolic and diastolic strain rate when compared with controls. Diastolic strain rate showed the greatest percent difference following anthracycline exposure versus controls.

Conclusion

Despite having a normal fractional shortening, children exposed to anthracyclines have subclinical derangement of their left ventricular deformation as measured by decreases in strain and strain rate in both the circumferential and longitudinal axis. In particular, there was a profound decrease in diastolic strain rate following anthracycline exposure compared with controls. Whether the decline of strain or strain rate can predict future risk of developing cardiomyopathy requires further investigation.
Chronic pain in children after cardiac surgery via sternotomy
Authors: Lauridsen Mette H. , Kristensen Anders D. , Hjortdal Vibeke E. , Jensen Troels S. , Nikolajsen Lone
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Chronic pain is common after sternotomy in adults with reported prevalence rates of 20–50%. So far, no studies have examined whether children develop chronic pain after sternotomy.

Material and methods

Postal questionnaires were sent to 171 children 10–60 months after undergoing cardiac surgery via sternotomy at the age of 0–12 years. The children were asked to recall the intensity and duration of their post-operative pain, if necessary with the help from their parents, and to describe the intensity and character of any present pain. Another group of 13 children underwent quantitative sensory testing of the scar area 3 months after sternotomy.

Results

A total of 121 children, median (range) age 7.7 (4.2–16.9) years, answered the questionnaire. Their age at the time of surgery was median (range) 3.8 (0–12.9) years, and the follow-up period was median (range) 4 (0.8–5.1) years. In all, 26 children (21%) reported present pain and/or pain within the last week located in the scar area; in 12 (46%) out of the 26 children, the intensity was ≥4 on a numeric rating scale (0–10). Quantitative sensory testing of the scar area revealed sensory abnormalities – pinprick hyperalgesia and brush and cold allodynia – in 10 out of 13 children.

Conclusion

Chronic pain after cardiac surgery via sternotomy in children is a problem that should not be neglected. The pain is likely to have a neuropathic component as suggested by the sensory abnormalities demonstrated by quantitative sensory testing.
China's Political Economy and Political Science
Authors: Tsai Kellee S.
Published: September 2013

China's contemporary political economy is among the most exciting and demanding frontiers of research in comparative politics. The country's sheer size and internal diversity offer a natural laboratory for examining topics at multiple levels and units of analysis, and in varied regional environments. China's salience in the international media and business community also presents scholars with the added opportunity (and even responsibility) for clarifying popular misconceptions through original empirical research. An abundance of research possibilities is accompanied by a ready audience of nonacademic consumers.
America's Polarized Politics: Causes and Solutions
Authors: Fiorina Morris P.
Published: September 2013

Commentary on contemporary American national politics is almost universally critical. Gridlock reigns: Politics is polarized, government is dysfunctional, and public policy is stalemated. Elected officials barely avoid one cliff only to find themselves on the brink of another. Credit downgrades, debt crises, national bankruptcy, climate catastrophe, and other forms of Armageddon loom. The system is broken.
Response to Charles A. Kupchan's review of Playing Our Game: Why China's Rise Doesn't Threaten the West
Authors: Steinfeld Edward S.
Published: September 2013

While Charles Kupchan and I share common aspirations for a more flexible and inclusive global order, we clearly differ in our understanding of contemporary China. This difference is about far more than facts. Rather, it reflects a fundamental disagreement about the nature and identification of sociopolitical change itself.
Response to Reinoud Leenders's review of Political Corruption in Eastern Europe: Politics After Communism
Authors: Kostadinova Tatiana
Published: September 2013

Reinoud Leenders has written a thoughtful assessment of my book, and I am thankful for the insights he provided. In my response I focus on the main issues raised in the review.
Between Science and Engineering: Reflections on the APSA Presidential Task Force on Political Science, Electoral Rules, and Democratic Governance
Authors: Htun Mala , Powell G. Bingham
Published: September 2013

Political scientists have contributed to the world of electoral systems as scientists and as engineers. Taking stock of recent scientific research, we show that context modifies the effects of electoral rules on political outcomes in specific and systematic ways. We explore how electoral rules shape the inclusion of women and minorities, the depth and nature of political competition, and patterns of redistribution and regulation, and we consider institutional innovations that could promote political equality. Finally, we describe the diverse ways that political scientists produce an impact on the world by sharing and applying their knowledge of the consequences of electoral rules and global trends in reform.
Diffusion-Proofing: Russian and Chinese Responses to Waves of Popular Mobilizations against Authoritarian Rulers
Authors: Koesel Karrie J. , Bunce Valerie J.
Published: September 2013

Do authoritarian leaders take preemptive actions to deter their citizens from joining cross-national waves of popular mobilizations against authoritarian rulers? Are they more likely to engage in such behavior when these uprisings appear to be more threatening—in particular, when they take place in neighboring countries and in regimes that resemble their own? We provide answers to these questions by comparing the responses of the Russian and Chinese leadership to two such waves: the color revolutions and the Arab uprisings. We conclude that, despite differences in the ostensible threats posed by these two waves, they nonetheless prompted the leaders of both of these countries to introduce similar preemptive measures in order to “diffusion-proof” their rule from the color revolutions and the Arab upheavals. These findings have some important implications for our understanding of authoritarian politics and diffusion processes. One is to reinforce the emphasis in many recent studies on the strategic foundations of authoritarian resilience. That recognized, however, we would add that the authoritarian toolkit needs to be expanded to include policies that preempt international, as well as domestic threats. The other is to provide further confirmation, in this case derived from the behavior of authoritarian rulers, of how scholars have understood the drivers of cross-national diffusion. At the same time, however, we counsel students of diffusion to pay more attention to the role of resisters, as well as to adopters. In this sense, the geographical reach of diffusion is much broader than many analysts have recognized.
Elections, Contestation, and Democracy
Authors: Isaac Jeffrey C.
Published: September 2013

As I write this Introduction on June 1, 2013, Turkey is experiencing a fourth day of street demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist-based Justice and Development Party. What began as a protest of government plans to construct a shopping mall on the site of an Istanbul green space has escalated into a broader protest of Erdogan's decade-long tenure in office. The government has thus far responded violently, and the protests have intensified. A Reuters news report summarizes the crisis:
Between Science and Engineering: Reflections on the APSA Presidential Task Force on Political Science, Electoral Rules, and Democratic Governance
Authors: Ferree Karen E. , Powell G. Bingham , Scheiner Ethan
Published: September 2013

Political scientists have contributed to the world of electoral systems as scientists and as engineers. Taking stock of recent scientific research, we show that context modifies the effects of electoral rules on political outcomes in specific and systematic ways. We explore how electoral rules shape the inclusion of women and minorities, the depth and nature of political competition, and patterns of redistribution and regulation, and we consider institutional innovations that could promote political equality. Finally, we describe the diverse ways that political scientists produce an impact on the world by sharing and applying their knowledge of the consequences of electoral rules and global trends in reform.
Between Science and Engineering: Reflections on the APSA Presidential Task Force on Political Science, Electoral Rules, and Democratic Governance
Authors: Shugart Matthew S.
Published: September 2013

Political scientists have contributed to the world of electoral systems as scientists and as engineers. Taking stock of recent scientific research, we show that context modifies the effects of electoral rules on political outcomes in specific and systematic ways. We explore how electoral rules shape the inclusion of women and minorities, the depth and nature of political competition, and patterns of redistribution and regulation, and we consider institutional innovations that could promote political equality. Finally, we describe the diverse ways that political scientists produce an impact on the world by sharing and applying their knowledge of the consequences of electoral rules and global trends in reform.
Between Science and Engineering: Reflections on the APSA Presidential Task Force on Political Science, Electoral Rules, and Democratic Governance
Authors: Rehfeld Andrew , Schwartzberg Melissa
Published: September 2013

Political scientists have contributed to the world of electoral systems as scientists and as engineers. Taking stock of recent scientific research, we show that context modifies the effects of electoral rules on political outcomes in specific and systematic ways. We explore how electoral rules shape the inclusion of women and minorities, the depth and nature of political competition, and patterns of redistribution and regulation, and we consider institutional innovations that could promote political equality. Finally, we describe the diverse ways that political scientists produce an impact on the world by sharing and applying their knowledge of the consequences of electoral rules and global trends in reform.
Analyse von Querschnittsdaten zur Intelligenzentwicklung im Erwachsenenalter: eine Studie zur deutschsprachigen Version der WAIS-IV
Authors: Daseking Monika , Petermann Franz
Published: September 2013

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird der Datensatz (N = 1664), aus dem auch die Normstichprobe für die deutschsprachige Version der Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) gezogen wurde, nach altersabhängigen Veränderungen kognitiver Fähigkeiten analysiert. Die niedrigsten Rohwertmittelwerte werden in der ältesten Altersgruppe erreicht, die Leistungsspitzen finden sich überwiegend im Altersbereich zwischen 20 und 29 Jahren. In den Untertests der Indizes Wahrnehmungsgebundenes Logisches Denken und Verarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit kommt es zu einer bedeutsamen Leistungsabnahme mit zunehmendem Alter: In der ältesten Altersgruppe werden nur noch zwischen 50 und 60 % der Rohwertmittelwerte der leistungsstärksten Altersgruppe erreicht. Gleichzeitig nimmt die Heterogenität in der Rohwertverteilung zu. Für die Indizes Sprachverständnis und Arbeitsgedächtnis fallen beide Effekte deutlich niedriger aus.
Das sprachsystematische Aphasiescreening (SAPS): Konstruktionseigenschaften und erste Evaluierung
Authors: Blömer Freya , Pesch Anna , Willmes Klaus , Huber Walter , Springer Luise , Abel Stefanie
Published: September 2013

Das sprachsystematische Aphasiescreening (SAPS) ist ein neu entwickeltes diagnostisches Instrument, mit dem die Verarbeitungsebenen Phonetik/Phonologie, Lexikon/Semantik und Morphologie/Syntax nach ansteigendem Schwierigkeitsgrad rezeptiv und expressiv geprüft werden, um darauf aufbauend störungsspezifische Behandlungen ableiten und evaluieren zu können. Ziel der vorliegenden Pilotstudie war eine erste Erprobung und Evaluation des SAPS bei 31 Patienten mit Aphasie vor und nach stationärer Intensivtherapie. Die Konstruktionseigenschaften des Screenings konnten größtenteils empirisch abgesichert werden. Die Leistungen der Patienten und signifikante Veränderungen im Verlauf wurden zuverlässig dargestellt, und es konnten Therapieschwerpunkte aus dem Störungsprofil abgeleitet werden. Nicht ausreichend nach Schwierigkeit abgestufte Aufgabenstellungen wurden bereits modifiziert. Insgesamt hat sich das SAPS in der praktischen Anwendung für die Neurorehabilitation bewährt. Die sprachsystematische Ausrichtung eignet sich zur Diagnostik und störungsspezifischen Aphasietherapieplanung.
Progesterone Attenuates Hemorrhagic Transformation after Delayed tPA Treatment in an Experimental Model of Stroke in Rats: Involvement of the VEGF–MMP Pathway
Authors: Won Soonmi , Lee Jin Hwan , Wali Bushra , Stein Donald G , Sayeed Iqbal
Published: September 2013

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only FDA-approved treatment for acute stroke, but its use remains limited. Progesterone (PROG) has shown neuroprotection in ischemia, but before clinical testing, we must determine how it affects hemorrhagic transformation in tPA-treated ischemic rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion with reperfusion at 4.5 hours and tPA treatment at 4.5 hours, or PROG treatment intraperitoneally at 2 hours followed by subcutaneous injection at 6 hours post occlusion. Rats were killed at 24 hours and brains evaluated for cerebral hemorrhage, swelling, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), vascular endothelial growth factor level (VEGF), and tight junction (TJ) proteins. We also evaluated PROG's efficacy in preventing tPA-induced impairment of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and TJ proteins under hypoxia/reoxygenation in the endothelial cells. Delayed tPA treatment induced significant hemorrhagic conversion and brain swelling. Treatment with PROG plus tPA ameliorated hemorrhage, hemispheric swelling, BBB permeability, MMP-9 induction, and VEGF levels compared with controls. Progesterone treatment significantly prevented tPA-induced decrease in TEER and expression of occludin and claudin-5, and attenuated VEGF levels in culture media subjected to hypoxia. The study concluded that PROG may extend the time window for tPA administration in ischemic stroke and reduce hemorrhagic conversion.
Increasing functional modularity with residence time in the co-distribution of native and introduced vascular plants
Authors: Hui Cang , Richardson David M. , Pyšek Petr , Le Roux Johannes J. , Kučera Tomáš , Jarošík Vojtěch
Published: September 2013

Species gain membership of regional assemblages by passing through multiple ecological and environmental filters. To capture the potential trajectory of structural changes in regional meta-communities driven by biological invasions, one can categorize species pools into assemblages of different residence times. Older assemblages, having passed through more environmental filters, should become more functionally ordered and structured. Here we calculate the level of compartmentalization (modularity) for three different-aged assemblages (neophytes, introduced after 1500 AD; archaeophytes, introduced before 1500 AD, and natives), including 2,054 species of vascular plants in 302 reserves in central Europe. Older assemblages are more compartmentalized than younger ones, with species composition, phylogenetic structure and habitat characteristics of the modules becoming increasingly distinctive. This sheds light on two mechanisms of how alien species are functionally incorporated into regional species pools: the settling-down hypothesis of diminishing stochasticity with residence time, and the niche-mosaic hypothesis of inlaid neutral modules in regional meta-communities.
MnO Nanoparticle@Mesoporous Carbon Composites Grown on Conducting Substrates Featuring High-performance Lithium-ion Battery, Supercapacitor and Sensor
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Peng Zheng , Wang Yuhang , Tang Jing , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: September 2013

We demonstrate a facile, two-step coating/calcination approach to grow a uniform MnO nanoparticle@mesoporous carbon (MnO@C) composite on conducting substrates, by direct coating of the Mn-oleate precursor solution without any conducting/binding reagents and subsequent thermal calcination. The monodispersed, sub-10 nm MnO nanoparticles offer high theoretical energy storage capacities and catalytic properties and the mesoporous carbon coating allows for enhanced electrolyte transport and charge transfer towards/from MnO surface. In addition, the direct growth and attachment of the MnO@C nanocomposite in the supporting conductive substrates provide much reduced contact resistances and efficient charge transfer. These excellent features allow the use of MnO@C nanocomposites as lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor electrodes for energy storage, with high reversible capacity at large current densities, as well as excellent cycling and mechanical stabilities. Moreover, this MnO@C nanocomposite has also demonstrated a high sensitivity for H2O2detection and also exhibited attractive potential for the tumor cell analysis.