bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SENHANCE: A Semantic Web framework for integrating social and hardware sensors in e-Health
Authors: Pagkalos Ioannis , Petrou Loukas
Published: March 2015

Self-reported data are very important in Healthcare, especially when combined with data from sensors. Social Networking Sites, such as Facebook, are a promising source of not only self-reported data but also social data, which are otherwise difficult to obtain. Due to their unstructured nature, providing information that is meaningful to health professionals from this source is a daunting task. To this end, we employ Social Network Applications as Social Sensors that gather structured data and use Semantic Web technologies to fuse them with hardware sensor data, effectively integrating both sources. We show that this combination of social and hardware sensor observations creates a novel space that can be used for a variety of feature-rich e-Health applications. We present the design of our prototype framework, SENHANCE, and our findings from its pilot application in the NutriHeAl project, where a Facebook app is integrated with Fitbit digital pedometers for Lifestyle monitoring.
Toward automated classification of consumers’ cancer-related questions with a new taxonomy of expected answer types
Authors: McRoy Susan , Jones Sean , Kurmally Adam
Published: March 2015

This article examines methods for automated question classification applied to cancer-related questions that people have asked on the web. This work is part of a broader effort to provide automated question answering for health education. We created a new corpus of consumer-health questions related to cancer and a new taxonomy for those questions. We then compared the effectiveness of different statistical methods for developing classifiers, including weighted classification and resampling. Basic methods for building classifiers were limited by the high variability in the natural distribution of questions and typical refinement approaches of feature selection and merging categories achieved only small improvements to classifier accuracy. Best performance was achieved using weighted classification and resampling methods, the latter yielding an accuracy of F1 = 0.963. Thus, it would appear that statistical classifiers can be trained on natural data, but only if natural distributions of classes are smoothed. Such classifiers would be useful for automated question answering, for enriching web-based content, or assisting clinical professionals to answer questions.
Good citizenship as a frame contest: Kony2012, memes, and critiques of the networked citizen
Authors: Kligler-Vilenchik Neta , Thorson Kjerstin
Published: March 2015

The rise of networked media has brought new opportunities and challenges for individuals’ engagement with politics. Some scholars propose that norms around “good citizenship” are evolving as well. Yet, little attention has been paid to how those debates play out in everyday cultural understandings. Drawing on the case of Kony2012, a highly visible social change campaign, we illustrate how perceptions of good citizenship can be understood as a contest between frames, one conducted not only by elites but also by individuals as they create and spread user-generated content. Using the theoretical lens of the frame contest, we contrast the hopeful image of the “networked citizen,” presented in the Kony2012 campaign, with counter-frames of “slacktivism,” presented in memes circulated in response to the campaign and its supporters. We posit the frame contest as a mechanism through which to understand how conceptions of good citizenship may change over time.
A new reading of Spencer on ‘society’, ‘organicism’ and ‘spontaneous order’
Authors: Offer John
Published: March 2015

Herbert Spencer represented societies as ‘social organisms’, but he also interpreted social life as a ‘spontaneous order’. This new reading of Spencer argues that these positions are not incompatible. The sociological challenge he tackled was how to conceptualise order, pattern and change in the mutually interdependent lives of social individuals as moral beings. Many critics, including Tönnies, Durkheim and Bosanquet, overlooked the subtlety of Spencer’s thought on the social organism and socially minded individuals, including its focus on ‘transcendental physiology’ and morphological variety. As a legacy, we behold mythical accounts of Spencer, either as an exponent of a reified ‘social system’ or as a mouthpiece for ‘laissez-faire’, and amoral ‘individualism’. This article suggests that individuals were understood to be neither ‘atomic’ nor amoral but capable of altruism and beneficence and to exhibit a ‘social self-consciousness’ within societies whose structures were mutable. If correct, Spencer’s contribution to the history of sociology has been commonly misjudged, and his basic thought retains value for sociology today in respect of ideas of individualism, holism and ‘society’.
Bow to Stern
Authors: Brown Stephen
Published: March 2015

If brands are narratives, as Stern, Twitchell and many marketing consultants contend, then the tools and techniques of literary criticism can help enhance branding understanding. This article applies the literary methods of Franco Moretti to a multi-storied brand, whose seemingly unfathomable mystique has fascinated consumers for more than a century. Specifically, it interprets RMS Titanic as an encyclopaedic narrative – what Moretti calls a ‘modern epic’ – which melds multiple literary genres, thereby complementing Stern’s classic study of consumer-marketer mythopoeia.
The role of embeddedness for resource integration
Authors: Laud Gaurangi , Karpen Ingo O. , Mulye Rajendra , Rahman Kaleel
Published: March 2015

Marketing research highlights the importance of actors’ relationships as mechanisms for integrating resources. With its roots in sociology, the concept of embeddedness has gained prominence in the literature on organizations, providing in-depth insight into how relational structures regulate resource integration processes and outcomes. However, the concept of an actor’s embeddedness is rarely discussed in association with service-dominant (S-D) logic. This limits the extant understanding of factors that influence resource exchange and value cocreation among individual actors in service ecosystems. Against this background, this article links S-D logic with social capital theory to establish and conceptualize embeddedness as a key concept. More specifically, this research identifies and delineates structural, relational, and cultural properties of embeddedness and offers a systematic and complementary theoretical understanding to better explain relational constellations based on actors’ resource integration potential. In so doing, this research significantly advances marketing science and particularly the S-D logic school of thought by explicitly clarifying the role of embeddedness and its implications for resource integration. A set of research propositions is presented laying the foundation for future research.
The cultural uses of the A-Z London street atlas: navigational performance and the imagining of urban form
Authors: Hornsey Richard
Published: March 2015

For a decade from the late 1990s, the A-Z London street atlas became a recurrent motif within art works and popular media texts. This essay collates and explores these cultural responses to the atlas, to consider what this might reveal about the affective dimensions of ordinary urban way-finding. There were three persistent motifs that ran through these diverse works: a basic fascination with the destruction of the atlas, the foregrounding of a stoic or heroic pedestrian figure, and the attachment of the atlas to a projected network of mobile individuals that connected on the streets at random times and places. An interrogation of these tropes reveals how the A-Z became a means to explore the terms of an expanded pedestrian experience, as well as a possible configuration of metropolitan movement and contact. Furthermore, the popularity of these texts points to an excess of affect that might have become embedded within acts of A-Z way-finding. Using, owning or being seen with the atlas briefly became a potential mechanism for imagining one’s contribution to a mobile metropolitan community. Hence, this essay is both a focussed exploration of street-atlas poetics and an attempt to think more deeply about the cultural dynamics of everyday urban navigation.
A systematic review of secondhand smoke exposure in a car
Authors: Raoof Sana A , Agaku Israel T , Vardavas Constantine I
Published: March 2015

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) has been linked to disease, disability, and premature death. While several countries have enacted smoke-free legislations, exposure to SHS may still occur in unregulated private environments, such as in the family car. We performed a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature in PubMed and Web of Science up to May 2013. Articles were selected if they provided a quantitative measure of SHS exposure (biological or atmospheric markers); the study was conducted inside a car; and the assessed exposure was attributable to cigarette combustion. From 202 articles identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Among all studies that assessed smoking in cars with at least one window partially open, the particulate matter 2.5 μm or less in diameter (PM2.5) concentrations ranged from 47 μg/m3 to 12,150 μg/m3. For studies with all windows closed, PM2.5 ranged from 203.6 μg/m3 to 13,150 μg/m3. SHS concentration in a car was mediated by air-conditioning status, extent of airflow, and driving speed. Smoking in cars leads to extremely high exposure to SHS and increased concentration of atmospheric markers of exposure—even in the presence of air-conditioning or increased airflow from open windows. This clearly shows that the only way to protect nonsmokers, especially children, from SHS within cars is by eliminating tobacco smoking.
Do Men Know Which Lower Bowel Symptoms Warrant Medical Attention? A Web-Based Video Vignette Survey of Men in Western Australia
Authors: Oberoi Devesh V. , Jiwa Moyez , McManus Alexandra , Parsons Richard
Published: March 2015

The current study aims to explor how men would advise other men about seeking help for lower bowel symptoms and also to determine the factors that may influence help seeking. A purposive sample of Western Australian men aged 18 years and older was recruited for the study. Participants completed 8 of the 28 randomly assigned video vignettes (video clips) displaying men (older or younger) with various combinations of one or more lower bowel symptoms. Participants were asked if the person in the vignette should seek health advice. Subsequently, the participants answered a set of questions based on the Health Belief Model. A total of 408 participants (response rate = 51%) answered 3,264 vignettes. Participants younger than 50 years, participants who were not tertiary educated and those who had lower incomes, or those living in regional or remote areas were less likely to advise help seeking from general practitioner (GP). Participants who visited their general practitioner less frequently were also less likely to advisehelp seeking. There was a trend to consider unintentional weight loss and diarrhea as minor symptoms not necessitating medical attention compared with rectal bleeding. The findings suggest for a need to improve public awareness among men about the need to seek timely medical advice for lower bowel symptoms in primary care. The importance of early presentation of persistent lower bowel symptoms must be specifically targeted at men younger than 50 years, those with lower incomes, or residing in regional or remote areas.
Early grade curriculum-based reading measures for students with intellectual disability
Authors: Hill David R , Lemons Christopher J
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to extend previous research on the use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) for students with intellectual disability by having 19 special education teachers monitor weekly reading progress of 38 students with intellectual disability for approximately 15 weeks and examining whether students exhibited gains on the progress monitoring measures. In addition to the weekly CBM, teachers reported the type and duration of daily reading instruction. Data were analyzed to explore relationships between CBM performance and reading instruction. Our results indicate that teachers are capable of administering and scoring CBM on a weekly basis and that CBM does capture reading growth for some students with intellectual disability. Correlations between CBM performance and a teacher report of skills taught during reading instruction indicate that teachers may be differentiating instruction based on students’ reading ability. Directions for future research as well as limitations of the study are discussed.
Loneliness Across Phylogeny and a Call for Comparative Studies and Animal Models
Authors: Cacioppo John T. , Cacioppo Stephanie , Cole Steven W. , Capitanio John P. , Goossens Luc , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: March 2015

Loneliness typically refers to the feelings of distress and dysphoria resulting from a discrepancy between a person’s desired and achieved levels of social relations, and there is now considerable evidence that loneliness is a risk factor for poor psychological and physical health. Loneliness has traditionally been conceptualized as a uniquely human phenomenon. However, over millions of years of evolution, efficient and manifold neural, hormonal, and molecular mechanisms have evolved for promoting companionship and mutual protection/assistance and for organizing adaptive responses when there is a significant discrepancy between the preferred and realized levels of social connection. We review evidence suggesting that loneliness is not a uniquely human phenomenon, but, instead, as a scientific construct, it represents a generally adaptive predisposition that can be found across phylogeny. Central to this argument is the premise that the brain is the key organ of social connections and processes. Comparative studies and animal models, particularly when integrated with human studies, have much to contribute to the understanding of loneliness and its underlying principles, mechanisms, consequences, and potential treatments.
Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality
Authors: Holt-Lunstad Julianne , Smith Timothy B. , Baker Mark , Harris Tyler , Stephenson David
Published: March 2015

Actual and perceived social isolation are both associated with increased risk for early mortality. In this meta-analytic review, our objective is to establish the overall and relative magnitude of social isolation and loneliness and to examine possible moderators. We conducted a literature search of studies (January 1980 to February 2014) using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and Google Scholar. The included studies provided quantitative data on mortality as affected by loneliness, social isolation, or living alone. Across studies in which several possible confounds were statistically controlled for, the weighted average effect sizes were as follows: social isolation odds ratio (OR) = 1.29, loneliness OR = 1.26, and living alone OR = 1.32, corresponding to an average of 29%, 26%, and 32% increased likelihood of mortality, respectively. We found no differences between measures of objective and subjective social isolation. Results remain consistent across gender, length of follow-up, and world region, but initial health status has an influence on the findings. Results also differ across participant age, with social deficits being more predictive of death in samples with an average age younger than 65 years. Overall, the influence of both objective and subjective social isolation on risk for mortality is comparable with well-established risk factors for mortality.
Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases through evidence-based public health: implementing the NCD 2020 action plan
Authors: Diem Günter , Brownson Ross C. , Grabauskas Vilius , Shatchkute Aushra , Stachenko Sylvie
Published: March 2015

The control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) was addressed by the declaration of the 66th United Nations (UN) General Assembly followed by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) NCD 2020 action plan. There is a clear need to better apply evidence in public health settings to tackle both behaviour-related factors and the underlying social and economic conditions. This article describes concepts of evidence-based public health (EBPH) and outlines a set of actions that are essential for successful global NCD prevention. The authors describe the importance of knowledge translation with the goal of increasing the effectiveness of public health services, relying on both quantitative and qualitative evidence. In particular, the role of capacity building is highlighted because it is fundamental to progress in controlling NCDs. Important challenges for capacity building include the need to bridge diverse disciplines, build the evidence base across countries and the lack of formal training in public health sciences. As brief case examples, several successful capacity-building efforts are highlighted to address challenges and further evidence-based decision making. The need for a more comprehensive public health approach, addressing social, environmental and cultural conditions, has led to government-wide and society-wide strategies that are now on the agenda due to efforts such as the WHO’s NCD 2020 action plan and Health 2020: the European Policy for Health and Wellbeing. These efforts need research to generate evidence in new areas (e.g. equity and sustainability), training to build public health capacity and a continuous process of improvement and knowledge generation and translation.
The relationship between audience mentality and attitudes towards healthy lifestyle promotion in the mass media
Authors: Lignowska Izabella , Borowiec Agnieszka , Slonska Zofia
Published: March 2015

Health promoters who use the mass media to encourage people to change their health behaviours usually underestimate the importance of audience’s mental predispositions, which may determine their susceptibility to such influences. This paper presents research findings that show how some elements of an audience’s mentality are related to their attitudes towards healthy lifestyle promotion in the mass media (HLPMM). The research project, undertaken between 2007 and 2009, comprised: a qualitative study using in-depth interviews ( N=30); a self-administered survey on a purposive sample ( N=237) and a computer-assisted personal interview or interviewing (CAPI) survey on a representative sample of Polish adult population ( N=934). The findings from the first two studies were used to construct a scale to investigate the attitude towards HLPMM. This scale was applied in a nation wide survey and, as a result, four dimensions of the attitude were identified: (1) appraisal of the idea of HLPMM; (2) appraisal of HLPMM practice; (3) propensity to receive media messages promoting healthy lifestyle and (4) propensity to avoid such messages. Moreover, the survey results confirmed the hypotheses whereby a higher degree of individualism, a higher degree of authoritarianism, a weaker demanding orientation and generalised trust are related to a more positive attitude towards HLPMM. The aforementioned relationships indicate that producers of media messages promoting a healthy lifestyle need to take account of their audience’s mentality, since knowledge of mental predispositions of the target audience may help them make the message more suitable for specific recipients.
Efficacy of action potential simulation and interferential therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Eftekharsadat Bina , Babaei-Ghazani Arash , Habibzadeh Afshin , Kolahi Babak
Published: March 2015

Objective:

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the main cause of pain, physical impairment and chronic disability in older people. Electrotherapeutic modalities such as interferential therapy (IFT) and action potential simulation (APS) are used for the treatment of knee OA. In this study, we aim to evaluate the therapeutic effects of APS and IFT on knee OA.

Methods:

In this randomized clinical trial, 67 patients (94% female and 6% male with mean age of 52.80 ± 8.16 years) with mild and moderate knee OA were randomly assigned to be treated with APS ( n = 34) or IFT ( n = 33) for 10 sessions in 4 weeks. Baseline and post-treatment Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) subscales, visual analogue scale (VAS) and timed up and go (TUG) test were measured in all patients.

Results:

VAS and WOMAC subscales were significantly improved after treatment in APS and IFT groups ( p < 0.001 for all). TUG was also significantly improved after treatment in APS group ( p < 0.001), but TUG changes in IFT was not significant ( p = 0.09). There was no significant difference in VAS, TUG and WOMAC subscales values before and after treatment as well as the mean improvement in VAS, TUG and WOMAC subscales during study between groups.

Conclusion:

Short-term treatment with both APS and IFT could significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with knee OA.
On-Ice Functional Assessment of an Elite Ice Hockey Goaltender After Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Tramer Joseph S. , Deneweth Jessica M. , Whiteside David , Ross James R. , Bedi Asheesh , Goulet Grant C.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a major cause of performance inhibition in elite-level athletes. The condition is characterized by pain, osseous abnormalities such as an increased alpha angle, and decreased range of motion at the affected hip joint. Arthroscopic surgical decompression is useful in reshaping the joint to alleviate symptoms. Functional kinematic outcomes of sport-specific movements after surgery, however, are presently unknown.

Hypothesis:

The ability of an ice hockey goaltender to execute sport-specific movements would improve after arthroscopic surgery.

Study Design:

Clinical research.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Methods:

An ice hockey goaltender was evaluated after arthroscopic correction of FAI on the symptomatic hip. Passive range of motion and radiographic parameters were assessed from a computed tomography–derived 3-dimensional model. An on-ice motion capture system was also used to determine peak femoral shock and concurrent hip joint postures during the butterfly and braking movements.

Results:

Maximum alpha angles were 47° in the surgical and 61° in the nonsurgical hip. Internal rotation range of motion was, on average, 23° greater in the surgically corrected hip compared with contralateral. Peak shock was lower in the surgical hip by 1.39 g and 0.86 g during butterfly and braking, respectively. At peak shock, the surgical hip demonstrated increased flexion, adduction, and internal rotation for both tasks (butterfly, 6.1°, 12.3°, and 30.8°; braking, 14.8°, 19.2°, and 41.4°).

Conclusion:

On-ice motion capture revealed performance differences between hips after arthroscopic surgery in a hockey goaltender. Range of motion and the patient’s subjective assessment of hip function were improved in the surgical hip. While presenting as asymptomatic, it was discovered that the contralateral hip displayed measurements consistent with FAI. Therefore, consideration of preemptive treatment in a presently painless hip may be deemed beneficial for young athletes seeking a long career in sport, and future work is needed to determine the costs and benefits of such an approach.

Clinical Relevance:

Surgical treatment of symptomatic FAI can achieve pain relief and improved kinematics of the hip joint with athletic activities. Additional studies are necessary to determine whether improved kinematics enhance the longevity of the native hip and alter the progression of osteoarthritic changes in those with asymptomatic FAI deformity.
Weightbearing Versus Nonweightbearing After Meniscus Repair
Authors: VanderHave Kelly L. , Perkins Crystal , Le Michael
Published: March 2015

Context:

Optimal rehabilitation after meniscal repair remains controversial.

Objective:

To review the current literature on weightbearing status after meniscal repairs and to provide evidence-based recommendations for postoperative rehabilitation.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE (January 1, 1993 to July 1, 2014) and Embase (January 1, 1993 to July 1, 2014) were queried with use of the terms meniscus OR/AND repair AND rehabilitation.

Study Selection:

Included studies were those with levels of evidence 1 through 4, with minimum 2 years follow-up and in an English publication.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

Demographics and clinical and radiographic outcomes of meniscus repair at a minimum of 2 years follow-up were extracted.

Results:

Successful clinical outcomes ranged from 70% to 94% with conservative rehabilitation. More recent studies using an accelerated rehabilitation protocol with full weightbearing and early range of motion reported 64% to 96% good results.

Conclusion:

Outcomes after both conservative (restricted weightbearing) protocols and accelerated rehabilitation (immediate weightbearing) yielded similar good to excellent results; however, lack of similar objective criteria and consistency among surgical techniques and existing studies makes direct comparison difficult.
Bio-Social Predictors of Hypertension Among Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Tyagi Renu , Dhall Meenal , Kapoor Satwanti
Published: March 2015

In the present study, the contribution of various biological and lifestyle factors toward progression to hypertension are examined among menopausal and postmenopausal women. A cross-sectional study among 245 women of 20 to 65 years was conducted. Besides blood pressure, fat percentage using bio-electric impedance analyzer and adiposity indices such as body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio (WHR), and waist–height ratio (WHtR) were taken. Mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, and multinomial logistic were used to analyze the data. Statistically significant differences ( p< .001) for blood pressure among postmenopausal and premenopausal women were found. Among both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, the prehypertensive and hypertensive group showed significant differences with the normotensive women for body weight ( p< .005), regional obesity, and general obesity. Low educational level, working status of women, socioeconomic status, nuclear family setup, postmenopausal status, and obesity were found to be the likely risk factors for prehypertension or hypertension among women.
Least Squared Simulated Errors
Authors: Veazie Peter J. , Cai Shubing
Published: March 2015

Estimation by minimizing the sum of squared residuals is a common method for parameters of regression functions; however, regression functions are not always known or of interest. Maximizing the likelihood function is an alternative if a distribution can be properly specified. However, cases can arise in which a regression function is not known, no additional moment conditions are indicated, and we have a distribution for the random quantities, but maximum likelihood estimation is difficult to implement. In this article, we present the least squared simulated errors (LSSE) estimator for such cases. The conditions for consistency and asymptotic normality are given. Finite sample properties are investigated via Monte Carlo experiments on two examples. Results suggest LSSE can perform well in finite samples. We discuss the estimator’s limitations and conclude that the estimator is a viable option. We recommend Monte Carlo investigation of any given model to judge bias for a particular finite sample size of interest and discern whether asymptotic approximations or resampling techniques are preferable for the construction of tests or confidence intervals.
Is Internal Communication Important for Sport Commitment
Authors: Mishra Navodita , Sharma Neha , Kamalanabhan T. J.
Published: March 2015

The study investigates the mechanism of internal communication in the context of sport organizations. This article illustrates the relationship between internal communication (peer communication, coach–player communication, communication training, and internal public relation [PR] practices) and commitment of individual players in the sports, broadening the understanding of internal communication practices in sport organizations. This study hypothesized a positive relationship between internal communication dimensions and sport commitment through survey methodology. Using multivariate regression technique, the hypotheses were tested on a sample of 223 players from National Cricket Academy of India that has produced some of the best cricketers in the world. Positive relationships between peer, coach–player communication, communication training, and internal PR practices of the organization and predicting individual sport commitment of players. Stronger predictions were observed for communication training and internal PR practices as compared to peer communication and coach–player communication. The study provides valuable insights from the player’s perspective on internal communication process in a sports organization to ensure individual sport commitment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has examined the influence of communication training and internal PR practices on individual sport commitment.
A Case of Sarcoidosis Associated With Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Treatment
Authors: Baha Ayse , Hanazay Cigdem , Kokturk Nurdan , Turktas Haluk
Published: March 2015

Sarcoidosis is a systemic chronic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. It predominantly involves the lungs but can affect many organs or tissues in the body, such as the lymphatic system, skin, eyes, and liver. Typical histopathological lesions are noncaseating granulomas in the affected organ or tissue. Indications, type of treatment, and duration of sarcoidosis treatment is currently debated. Despite studies showing that anti–tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) treatment can successfully be used in refractory sarcoidosis, there are some case reports regarding the development of sarcoidosis with these agents. There have been reports of 47 anti-TNF-associated cases of sarcoidosis until 2012. The patient is a 54-year-old Caucasian male. During routine examinations of the patient who had been followed for psoriasis vulgaris for 20 years and who had been on several anti-TNF regimens thereafter, new pulmonary pathologies due to sarcoidosis were detected. We present here a case of sarcoidosis that developed after infliximab treatment and showed obvious radiologic regression with discontinuation of treatment. During anti-TNF treatment, it should be kept in mind that autoimmune and granulomatous diseases may develop and particular care should be given to patient follow-ups.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Man Treated With Fingolimod for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Cohan Stanley , Godwin John , Gaedeke Leah
Published: March 2015

A man with relapsing multiple sclerosis, treated with fingolimod 0.5 mg/d for 15 months, developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia and died 4 months after immune ablation and bone marrow allograft, from graft versus host disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia reported in a patient treated with fingolimod. Although no causal relationship can be established between fingolimod use and acute lymphoblastic leukemia risk in this single case, future surveillance for lymphatic cell malignancies in patients treated with fingolimod appears justified.
Therapy for Cerebral Palsy by Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation Combined With Basic Rehabilitation Treatment
Authors: Zhang Che , Huang Li , Gu Jiaowei , Zhou Xihui
Published: March 2015

Background. Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause leading to childhood disability. Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) transplantation is a promising alternative considering the safety and efficacy in current reports. This report represents a case of hUCB-MSCs transplantation combined with basic rehabilitation treatment beginning as early as age 6 months with follow-up as long as 5 years. Methods. A 6-year-old female patient was diagnosed with CP at age 6 months. The patient accepted 4 infusions of intravenous hUCB-MSCs in each course and received 4 courses of transplantation totally. A series of assessments were performed before the first transplantation, including laboratory tests, CDCC Infant Mental Development Scale, and Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88). Then annual assessments using the GMFM-88, Ashworth spasm assessment, and comprehensive function assessment scale were made in addition to the annual laboratory tests. In addition, electroencephalography and brain magnetic resonance imaging were conducted before transplantation and in the follow-up phase. Rehabilitation and safety follow-up have been ongoing for 5 years up to date. Results. There was no complaint about adverse effects during hospitalization or postoperative follow-up. Motor function recovered to normal level according to the evaluation of scales. Language function improved significantly. Linguistic rehabilitation therapy was enhanced for further improvement. Conclusions. The clinical application of hUC-MSCs combined with basic rehabilitation treatment was effective and safe for improving motor and comprehensive function in a patient with CP.
Severe Prolonged Hypothyroidism
Authors: Yeshayahu Yonatan , Frizinsky Shirly , Somech Raz , Dubnov-Raz Gal
Published: March 2015

Background. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis usually presents with nonspecific systemic symptoms. The purpose of our study was to characterize the various properties of severe ongoing hypothyroidism and the rate of normalization following treatment. Methods. An adolescent girl with severe primary hypothyroidism was studied. Clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, brain magnetic resonance imaging, resting metabolic rate (RMR) testing, electroencephalogram, and visual field examination were performed at baseline and following treatment with levothyroxine. Results. At baseline, a significant psychomotor retardation was observed, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration was 1088.4 mIU/mL. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large intrasellar mass. Electroencephalogram was abnormal, and RMR was significantly reduced. Restoration of neurocognitive function and normalization of RMR, electroencephalogram, and laboratory tests occurred rapidly, alongside vanishing of the pituitary mass within 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusions. The various signs and symptoms of severe prolonged hypothyroidism may resolve rapidly with treatment, including the disappearance of a large pituitary mass.
The lncRNA Firre anchors the inactive X chromosome to the nucleolus by binding CTCF and maintains H3K27me3 methylation
Authors: Yang Fan , Deng Xinxian , Ma Wenxiu , Berletch Joel B , Rabaia Natalia , Wei Gengze , Moore James M , Filippova Galina N , Xu Jun , Liu Yajuan , Noble William S , Shendure Jay , Disteche Christine M
Published: March 2015

Background

In mammals, X chromosome genes are present in one copy in males and two in females. To balance the dosage of X-linked gene expression between the sexes, one of the X chromosomes in females is silenced. X inactivation is initiated by upregulation of the lncRNA (long non-coding RNA) Xist and recruitment of specific chromatin modifiers. The inactivated X chromosome becomes heterochromatic and visits a specific nuclear compartment adjacent to the nucleolus.

Results

Here, we show a novel role for the lncRNA Firre in anchoring the inactive mouse X chromosome and preserving one of its main epigenetic features, H3K27me3. Similar to Dxz4, Firre is X-linked and expressed from a macrosatellite repeat locus associated with a cluster of CTCF and cohesin binding sites, and is preferentially located adjacent to the nucleolus. CTCF binding present initially in both male and female mouse embryonic stem cells is lost from the active X during development. Knockdown of Firre disrupts perinucleolar targeting and H3K27me3 levels in mouse fibroblasts, demonstrating a role in maintenance of an important epigenetic feature of the inactive X chromosome. No X-linked gene reactivation is seen after Firre knockdown; however, a compensatory increase in the expression of chromatin modifier genes implicated in X silencing is observed. Further experiments in female embryonic stem cells suggest that Firre does not play a role in X inactivation onset.

Conclusions

The X-linked lncRNA Firre helps to position the inactive X chromosome near the nucleolus and to preserve one of its main epigenetic features.
Clinical outcomes of xeno-free expansion and transplantation of autologous ocular surface epithelial stem cells via contact lens delivery: a prospective case series
Authors: Bobba Samantha , Chow Sharron , Watson Stephanie , Di Girolamo Nick
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Depletion of limbal stem cells leads to a debilitating condition known as limbal stem cell deficiency, characterised by impaired corneal wound healing and poor vision. The aim of this study was to determine whether delivering progenitor cells on a contact lens is a viable and effective alternative to current transplantation techniques, which are complicated by biological and xenogeneic materials.

Methods

Sixteen eyes of 16 patients who had total (n = 14) and partial (n = 2) limbal stem cell deficiency (chemical burns, five eyes; iatrogenic causes, four eyes; aniridia, three eyes; trachoma-induced, two eyes; contact lens over-wear, one eye; and cicatrising conjunctivitis, one eye) and who had failed prior therapy were recruited prospectively into the study. Autologous limbal (n = 7) or conjunctival epithelial (n = 9) biopsies were harvested from patients and placed on the concave surface of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Cells were expanded in culture with autologous serum and transplanted onto the ocular surface.

Results

Restoration of a transparent avascular and clinically stable corneal epithelium was attained in 10 of 16 eyes (63%) at a median follow-up time of 2.5 years (range of 0.8 to 5.8 years). Although minor complications occurred in two eyes of two patients because of contact lens insertion or removal, these were not associated with long-term sequelae.

Conclusions

This is the first and largest study to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of autologous limbal/conjunctival stem cell transplantation via a US Food and Drug Administration-approved contact lens, demonstrating that delivery of ocular progenitor cells via this procedure offers a viable, effective, and xeno-free alternative to current transplantation methodologies.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN012607000211460. Registered 17 April 2007.
Exact solutions of unsteady Korteweg-de Vries and time regularized long wave equations
Authors: Islam S M Rayhanul , Khan Kamruzzaman , Akbar M Ali
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we implement the exp(−Φ(ξ))-expansion method to construct the exact traveling wave solutions for nonlinear evolution equations (NLEEs). Here we consider two model equations, namely the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation and the time regularized long wave (TRLW) equation. These equations play significant role in nonlinear sciences. We obtained four types of explicit function solutions, namely hyperbolic, trigonometric, exponential and rational function solutions of the variables in the considered equations. It has shown that the applied method is quite efficient and is practically well suited for the aforementioned problems and so for the other NLEEs those arise in mathematical physics and engineering fields.

PACS numbers: 02.30.Jr, 02.70.Wz, 05.45.Yv, 94.05.Fq.
Field test of monitoring gas reservoir development using time-lapse continuous electromagnetic profile method
Authors: He Zhanxiang , Hu Zuzhi , Gao Yan , He Lanfang , Meng Cuixian , Yang Lunkai
Published: March 2015

We have carried out a field trial of a time-lapse continuous electromagnetic profile (CEMP) method for monitoring gas reservoir development. Several data acquisition methods were tested to establish a field-worthy practical procedure that maintained the consistency of time-lapse CEMP acquisition and ensured the reliability of collected data. An effective denoising and static correction algorithm has also been developed to sufficiently suppress noise and disturbance for data processing purposes. The resistivity variation with time was recovered using a time-lapse inversion method. Three continuous acquisition tests on a gas reservoir in western China produced results that clearly indicated the relationship between resistivity change and the change in gas and water ratio as well as pressure decreases. The field trial was a successful experiment in monitoring gas reservoir development with high-precision time-lapse CEMP surveys. The established data acquisition procedure, data processing algorithm, and the inversion-based interpretation have general applicability, and these may open new avenues for time-lapse monitoring in oil and gas production.
The combined effects of pressure and cementation on 4D seismic data
Authors: Saul Matthew , Lumley David
Published: March 2015

Time-lapse seismology has proven to be a useful method for monitoring reservoir fluid flow, identifying unproduced hydrocarbons and injected fluids, and improving overall reservoir management decisions. The large magnitudes of observed time-lapse seismic anomalies associated with strong pore pressure increases are sometimes not explainable by velocity-pressure relationships determined by fitting elastic theory to core data. This can lead to difficulties in interpreting time-lapse seismic data in terms of physically realizable changes in reservoir properties during injection. It is commonly assumed that certain geologic properties remain constant during fluid production/injection, including rock porosity and grain cementation. We have developed a new nonelastic method based on rock physics diagnostics to describe the pressure sensitivity of rock properties that includes changes in the grain contact cement, and we applied the method to a 4D seismic data example from offshore Australia. We found that water injection at high pore pressure may mechanically weaken the poorly consolidated reservoir sands in a nonelastic manner, allowing us to explain observed 4D seismic signals that are larger than can be predicted by elastic theory fits to the core data. A comparison of our new model with the observed 4D seismic response around a large water injector suggested a significant mechanical weakening of the reservoir rock, consistent with a decrease in the effective grain contact cement from 2.5% at the time/pressure of the preinjection baseline survey, to 0.75% at the time/pressure of the monitor survey. This approach may enable more accurate interpretations and future predictions of the 4D signal for subsequent monitor surveys and improve 4D feasibility and interpretation studies in other reservoirs with geomechanically similar rocks.
Seismic chronostratigraphy and basin development at a Mid-Cretaceous intrashelf basin margin
Authors: Wharton Stanley Rich
Published: March 2015

The Mid-Cretaceous Wasia Formation represents one of the most productive hydrocarbon carbonate sequences in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, limited integrated studies have assessed the complexity and spatial distribution of its reservoir depositional systems near to an intrashelf basin margin. This study was focused on an assessment of its 3D seismic chronostratigraphy by integrating key well and seismic data to evaluate the gross depositional history of the mixed carbonate-clastic system. A seismic chronostratigraphy approach was introduced to assess the geometric relationships of depositional cycles and lithologic associations in response to relative sea-level changes. The main step entailed the correlation of well log chronostratigraphy from core and biostratigraphy interpretations with closely spaced, semiautomatically generated seismic horizons from seismic reflection data. A 3D seismic chronostratigraphy cube was built to interactively assess the basin history through the Mid-Cretaceous stages. Seismic sequences were selected to assess isopachs and gross depositional trends for demarcation of shelf, shelf margin, and slope from horizon attributes including root-mean-square amplitude and frequency decomposition. The results found the oldest Albian Safaniya member to be a generalized low-angle ramp shelf slope with thinning of sequences toward an intrashelf basin. Later, in the Albian, Cenomanian, and Turonian, carbonate factories developed distinct seismic sequences with steepened prograding systems in the Mauddud, Ahmadi/Rumaila, and Mishrif members at the intrashelf basin margin. Generally, areas immediately landward of the shelf margin possessed the most favorable reservoir lithologies of rudist-bearing platform carbonates, with source-rock distribution confined to basinal equivalents of sequences. The seismic chronostratigraphy approach proved to be fundamental to understanding the Wasia carbonate depositional system because it provided a technique to assess the varied stratal architectures of the main productive sequences. The integrated technique represents a unique methodology for exploration targeting of conventional reservoirs and unconventional source rocks.
Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption onto ZIF-8 Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Pan Yichang , Liu Wei , Zhang Lixiong
Published: March 2015

The adsorption of single heavy metal ions and competitive adsorption characteristics of binary heavy metal ions Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ on Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) nanocrystals were examined in batches. Rapid and preferential adsorption of Cu2+ suggests ZIF-8 as a novel candidate for removing copper ions in aqueous solution. ZIF-8@polyacrylamide (ZIF-8@PAM) composite microspheres with sub-millimeter-scale sizes were also successfully prepared, providing an easy route for the recovery of ZIF-8 nanocrystals used in Cu2+ removing.
Effect of Counter Ionic Radius in Initiator on Particle Size in Soap-free Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Yokoyama Taichi
Published: March 2015

Soap-free emulsion polymerization of styrene was carried out to synthesize particles with the size under 100 nm. Changing the concentration of initiator, VA-044, enabled us to control the size under 100 nm in soap-free emulsion polymerization of styrene. Furthermore, making the counter ion radius in initiator smaller was effective for reducing the size of particles in the polymerization.
Foreword/Avant-Propos
Authors: Kitromilides Paschalis M.
Published: March 2015

No abstract
L'histoire littéraire peut-elle être expérimentale?
Authors: Kushner Eva
Published: March 2015

L'histoire littéraire était longtemps considérée comme le fondement nécessaire à toute critique littéraire, ce qui rendait le contexte historique un facteur fondamental à la formation et l'interprétation des œuvres. L'histoire littéraire traditionnelle est caractérisée par une unité qui détermine le contenu en termes d'inclusions et d'exclusions, elle assimile l'hétérogénéité dans des ensembles cohérents qui peu à peu deviennent entités englobantes dans un devenir collectif. Les facteurs historiques contextuels acquièrent un impact pris pour acquis plutôt que démontré. L'histoire littéraire sert ainsi les aspirations nationales, elle est une totalité vivante au sein de l'histoire nationale qui l'englobe. Ces pratiques totalisantes et universalisantes ont eu quelques alternatives. En 1967, Hans Robert Jauss proposait une histoire littéraire fondée sur la réception esthétique des textes, selon un «horizon d'attente» en fonction duquel une œuvre a été créée et reçue. Pour Michael Riffaterre l'histoire littéraire narrative devrait être associée à l'approche stylistique, à l'analyse textuelle.

L'histoire littéraire, tant traditionnelle que novatrice, a pu résister aux critiques et aux transformations. Elle a assuré sa survivance en tant que pratique liée à l'essor des cultures, du fait qu'elle a pu devenir plus expérimentale, accepter le provisoire, et devenir discours de la recherche plutôt que de l'affirmation.