bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gambling on Livelihoods
Authors: Jakimow Tanya
Published: June 2014

“Farming is just like gambling” is a common saying among villagers in Telangana, India, and Central Lombok, Indonesia. Commercial cultivation has made agriculture more risky, as well as potentially more profitable; it contains the possibility for both ruin and fortune. This paper aims to shed light on how farmers experience this uncertainty by going beyond material conditions to pay attention to hopes, desires and fears. The translocal study examines farmers’ responses to specific material and discursive environments, shaped by transnational flows and processes. It argues that farmers take risk as an ethical action in response to conditions of uncertainty, and that these actions consequently play a part in self-making processes. Risk is critical to people’s evaluation of their lives, evoking feelings of capacity and impotence, dreams and fears.
The Ghetto Intern: Culture and Memory
Authors: Macdonald Heather , Goodman David M. , Howe Katie
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Many philosophers have argued that psychological time is a fundamental, inherent quality of consciousness that provides continuity and sequence to mental events—enabling memory. And, since memoryisconsciousness, psychological time enables the individual intentionality of consciousness. Levinas (1961), on the other hand, argues that an individual’s past, in the most original sense, is the past of other. The irreducible alterity of one’s past sets the stage for the other who co-determines the meaning of the past. This paper is about the exploration cultural memory within the context of a Caucasian doctoral student entering into an African-American community during an internship, who finds that cultural memories are remarkably more complicated than the propositional description of historic events. The paper further explores how cultural memory is not a record of “what happened” but a sociolinguistic creative meaning making process. Histories can be contested. Memory, on the other hand, never adheres to the strict true or false dichotomy. Memory is like searching for the Divine, it cannot be found, only revealed in mysterious and small details. Memory, is the intruding of the infinite, creating as an effect the idea of a finite (August, 2011), they are not “representations” of the past nor are they a kind of mnemonic system of subjectivism to mediate all of consciousness.
Priests, Pollution and the Demonic: Evaluating Impurity in the Hebrew Bible in Light of Assyro-Babylonian Texts
Authors: Cranz Isabel
Published: June 2014

The Priestly Source makes no explicit reference to the demonic when describing pollution which supposedly sets it apart from non-biblical conceptualizations of impurity. Most scholars explain the Priestly disregard for demons by referring to the advance of monotheism and the subsequent eradication of supernatural forces other than God. Depending on whether monotheism is viewed as gradual process or as the foundation of Israelite religion, commentators either detect a weakened demonic quality in Priestly pollution or claim that the Priestly Source has always been of a non-demonic nature. However, in recent years the idea that monotheism pervades most books of the Hebrew Bible has been increasingly called into question. At the same time, the extensive publication of Assyro-Babylonian ritual texts allows for better understanding of Assyro-Babylonian conceptualizations of impurity. These developments necessitate the reevaluation of the current views on Priestly pollution by examining Assyro-Babylonian texts pertaining to impurity and the demonic. Special attention is given to context and dating of the cuneiform sources used to exemplify the non-demonic nature of Priestly impurity. This renewed comparison of Priestly and Assyro-Babylonian impurity highlights how the Priestly writer frames the concepts of pollution within the context of the sanctuary and its maintenance. The Assyro-Babylonian texts dealing with impurity and demons, by contrast, focus on the individual and his/her relationship to the personal god rather than temple maintenance. Likewise, cuneiform texts that deal with pollution and temple maintenance do not concern themselves with demonic affliction. Consequently, it can be argued that the non-demonic nature of impurity in the Priestly Source is the result of the Priestly focus on the sanctuary and does not give witness to an underlying theological ideal.
Contact and convergence: The Mon language in Burma and Thailand
Authors: McCormick Patrick , Jenny Mathias
Published: June 2014

Mon has long been in contact with the dominant Burmese and Thai languages. The documented history of more than a thousand years allows us to trace changes in the language over time. This study looks at the divergent Mon varieties spoken today in Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand respectively, both influenced to different degrees and in different domains by the dominant national languages, Burmese and Thai. The study brings together insights from areal linguistics and history, painting a picture of the development of Mon in the two countries and its changing structure. 

Le mon a été depuis longtemps en contact avec les langues dominantes que sont  le birman et le thai. Une documentation historique de plus d'un millénaire nous permet de suivre l'évolution de cette langue à travers les époques. Cette étude s'intéresse aux variétés divergentes de mon parlées aujourd'hui en Birmanie et en Thaïlande respectivement, toutes deux influencées à des degrés divers et dans des domaines différents par les languges nationales dominantes, le birman et le thaï. Cette étude s'appuie à la fois sur la linguistique aréale et l'histoire afin de brosser un tableau du développement du mon dans ces deux pays et de son évolution structurelle.
Nominal demonstratives in the Southern Min Dialect of Hui’an
Authors: Chen Weirong
Published: June 2014

This paper first clarifies the terms ‘demonstratives’ and ‘nominal demonstratives’, and how they differ from the Chinese term zhǐshì dàicí 指示代詞. We examine five sets of nominal demonstrative attested in the Southern Min dialect of Hui’an, in terms of their syntactic functions, their semantic features and their pragmatic uses. These demonstratives, which may involve syllable fusion, are marked for number, and also for type and genericity. In terms of pragmatic uses, they have not only an exophoric use, but also anaphoric, recognitional, discourse deictic, and other uses.

Cet article clarifie tout d’abord les termes “démonstratif” et “déterminant démon­stratif”, et ce qui les différencie du terme chinois zhǐshì dàicí 指示代詞. Nous examinons du point de vue syntaxique, sémantique et pragmatique cinq séries de déterminants démonstratifs du nom attestés dans le dialecte min du sud de Hui’an, dont certains peuvent provenir d'une contraction syllabique. Ils sont marqués quant au nombre, au type et à la généricité. Du point de vue pragmatique, ils peuvent avoir des emplois exophorique, anaphorique, de reconnaissance, comme un emploi déictique discursif.
Sextus and Wittgenstein on the End of Justification
Authors: Tor Shaul
Published: June 2014

Following the lead of Duncan Pritchard’s “Wittgensteinian Pyrrhonism,” this paper takes a further, comparative and contrastive look at the problem of justification in Sextus Empiricus and in Wittgenstein’sOn Certainty. I argue both that Pritchard’s stimulating account is problematic in certain important respects and that his insights contain much interpretive potential still to be pursued. Diverging from Pritchard, I argue that it is a significant and self-conscious aspect of Sextus’ sceptical strategies to call into question large segments of our belief systemen masseby exposing as apparently unjustifiable fundamental propositions which are closely related in their linchpin role to Wittgenstein’s hinge propositions. In the first instance, the result is a more complex account of both a deeper affinity between Wittgenstein’s approach to hinge propositions and Sextus’ approach to what I termarchaipropositions and a divergence between the two. In the second instance, I suggest how the comparison withOn Certaintycan be illuminating for the interpreter of Sextus. In particular, it can help us to see how the Pyrrhonist’s everyday conduct—common assumptions to the contrary notwithstanding—involves rational procedures of justification, in line with a naturalism reminiscent of Wittgenstein. Furthermore, it can help us to reflect on the Pyrrhonist’s attitude to what Wittgenstein would have called her ‘worldview’. Throughout, I suggest that the comparison with Wittgenstein is interesting, although it must be cashed out differently, not only on the interpretation—or, perhaps, strand—of ancient Pyrrhonism which has the sceptic exempt ordinary beliefs from her suspension of judgement, but also on the interpretation (or strand) which has her disavow all beliefs categorically.
Unilateral Cancellation of Contracts in French, English and Chinese Law
Authors: Kovac Mitja
Published: June 2014

This paper offers a comparative evaluation of the unilateral cancellation of contracts in French, English and Chinese contract law. The main propositions and conclusions are: (1) in principle, contracts should not be unilaterally cancellable by any contracting party; (2) with several preconditions, efficiency requires the unilateral cancellation of open-ended contracts to be permitted, as in fixed-term contracts where the right to unilateral cancellation is expressly provided for; (3) in order to deter opportunism, such cancellation should only be awarded if it is not due to socially harmful behaviour – a good faith standard for cancellation should be introduced; (4) a certain advance notice period should be given in order to enable the non-cancelling party to adapt to the new, changed circumstances and to recoup their initial investment; and finally (5) analysis reveals that Chinese contract law differs from French and English contract law.
Revision of the genus Narvesus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) and a new record for Argentina
Authors: FERNANDO DIEZ , COSCARÓN MARÍA DEL CARMEN
Published: June 2014

This is a revision of Narvesus Stål, a Neotropical genus with two species: Narvesus carolinensis Stål 1859 and Narvesus minor Barber 1930. Both known species are redescribed and illustrated, including data on male genitalia and new distributional records. We compared with the genus Diaditus Stål.
A new species of swamp rat of the genus Scapteromys Waterhouse, 1837 (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) endemic to Araucaria angustifolia Forest in Southern Brazil
Authors: QUINTELA FERNANDO MARQUES , GONÇALVES GISLENE LOPES , ALTHOFF SÉRGIO LUIZ , SBALQUEIRO IVES JOSE , OLIVEIRA LUIZ FLAMARION BARBOSA , DE FREITAS THALES RENATO OCHOTORENA
Published: June 2014

A new species of swamp rat of the genus Scapteromys from the Meridional Plateau of Southern Brazil is described. Morphological, molecular, and karyological analysis support the recognition of the new species, distinct from S. aquaticus and S. tumidus. Scapteromys sp. nov. is significantly smaller than the congeneric taxa considering most of the external and craniometric measurements and the pelage is conspicuously grayer and darker. It can be distinguished from S. tumidus by the laterally extended thenar pad of the manus and the parallel edges of the hamular process of the pterygoid, and from S. aquaticus by a grayer and darker pelage and smaller values of most external and craniometric measurements. Karyological analysis indicated a difference in chromosome numbers across the distributional range: 2n=34 and 2n=36. A total of 11 haplotypes were found along the range of the new species within the biogeographic province of Araucaria angustifolia Forest. Strongly supported substructure was found within the new taxon, resulting in two reciprocally monophyletic clades.
The Plant–Craig Stochastic Convection Scheme in ICON and Its Scale Adaptivity
Authors: Keane Richard J. , Craig George C. , Keil Christian , Zängl Günther
Published: June 2014

The emergence of numerical weather prediction and climate models with multiple or variable resolutions requires that their parameterizations adapt correctly, with consistent increases in variability as resolution increases. In this study, the stochastic convection scheme of Plant and Craig is tested in the Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic GCM (ICON), which is planned to be used with multiple resolutions. The model is run in an aquaplanet configuration with horizontal resolutions of 160, 80, and 40 km, and frequency histograms of 6-h accumulated precipitation amount are compared. Precipitation variability is found to increase substantially at high resolution, in contrast to results using two reference deterministic schemes in which the distribution is approximately independent of resolution. The consistent scaling of the stochastic scheme with changing resolution is demonstrated by averaging the precipitation fields from the 40- and 80-km runs to the 160-km grid, showing that the variability is then the same as that obtained from the 160-km model run. It is shown that upscale averaging of the input variables for the convective closure is important for producing consistent variability at high resolution.
Anelastic and Compressible Simulation of Moist Deep Convection
Authors: Kurowski Marcin J. , Grabowski Wojciech W. , Smolarkiewicz Piotr K.
Published: June 2014

Anelastic and compressible solutions are compared for two moist deep convection benchmarks, a two-dimensional thermal rising in a saturated moist-neutral deep atmosphere, and a three-dimensional supercell formation. In the anelastic model, the pressure applied in the moist thermodynamics comes from either the environmental hydrostatically balanced pressure profile in the standard anelastic model or is combined with nonhydrostatic perturbations from the elliptic pressure solver in the generalized anelastic model. The compressible model applies either an explicit acoustic-mode-resolving scheme requiring short time steps or a novel implicit scheme allowing time steps as large as those used in the anelastic model. The consistency of the unified numerical framework facilitates direct comparisons of results obtained with anelastic and compressible models.

The anelastic and compressible rising thermal solutions agree not only with each other but also with the previously published compressible benchmark solution based on the comprehensive representation of moist dynamics and thermodynamics. In contrast to earlier works focusing on the formulation of moist thermodynamics, the compatibility of the initial conditions is emphasized and its impact on the benchmark solutions is documented. The anelastic and compressible supercell solutions agree well for various versions of anelastic and compressible models even for cloud updrafts reaching 15% of the speed of sound. The nonhydrostatic pressure perturbations turn out to have a negligible impact on the moist dynamics. Numerical and physical details of the simulations, such as the advection scheme, spatial and temporal resolution, or parameters of the subgrid-scale turbulence, have a more significant effect on the solutions than the particular equation system applied.
Social Support, Social Networks, and Happiness of Individuals With Visual Impairments
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Papakonstantinou Doxa , Koutsoklenis Athanasios , Koustriava Eleni , Kouderi Vasiliki
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the structure of active social networks of individuals with visual impairments, the social support they receive from their social networks, and their satisfaction from received support. In addition, we examined these factors as predictors of happiness in people with visual impairments. A total of 96 individuals with visual impairments, who ranged in age from 16 to 50, participated in this study. Three self-constructed questionnaires, which included questions related to demographic data, social networks, social support, and happiness, were used in the study. Participants reported being satisfied with received support, and they also appeared to receive more positive than negative support. Findings also demonstrated the merit of social support for the happiness of individuals with visual impairments.
Selfing as, with, and without othering: Dialogical (im)possibilities with Dialogical Self Theory
Authors: Gülerce Aydan
Published: June 2014

This essay critically reflects on the hegemonic conceptions of the self and its instrumentalization in modern psychology to fit modern Western society in general. Not only that various metaphysical, metatheoretical, theoretical and methodological commitments are seen as serious obstacles to fulfil the apparent epistemological desire for a paradigmatic shift towards a dynamic, relational and pluralist worldview as illustrated by Dialogical Self Theory in particular but also the conceptual confusion between various key categories of human subjectivity such as the self, identity, otherness, difference, alterity, sociality and the reductionism of position categories is drawn attention to. Departing from the Handbook of Dialogical Self Theory, Dialogical Self Theory's appropriation of Bakhtinian notion of dialogic is put into question. In order to accentuate the moral, historical and sociopolitical aspects of dialogical self-reflexivity and psychic, microgenetic, ontogenetic and socicogenetic processes, the concept of ‘selfing’ is introduced in three distinct relations with the concept of ‘othering’ for its significant implications for the post-/late-modern glocal world.
Aberrant overexpression of CD14 on granulocytes sensitizes the innate immune response in mDia1 heterozygous del(5q) MDS
Authors: Keerthivasan Ganesan , Mei Yang , Zhao Baobing , Zhang Ling , Harris Chad E. , Gao Juehua , Basiorka Ashley A. , Schipma Matthew J. , McElherne James , Yang Jing , Verma Amit K. , Pellagatti Andrea , Boultwood Jacqueline , List Alan F. , Williams David A. , Ji Peng
Published: June 2014

Key Points

mDia1 deficiency led to a cell-autonomous overexpression of CD14 on granulocytes and a hypersensitive innate immune response. mDia1 heterozygous and knockout mice developed age-dependent MDS that was accelerated by chronic stimulation of the innate immunity.
Systematic identification of personal tumor-specific neoantigens in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Rajasagi Mohini , Shukla Sachet A. , Fritsch Edward F. , Keskin Derin B. , DeLuca David , Carmona Ellese , Zhang Wandi , Sougnez Carrie , Cibulskis Kristian , Sidney John , Stevenson Kristen , Ritz Jerome , Neuberg Donna , Brusic Vladimir , Gabriel Stacey , Lander Eric S. , Getz Gad , Hacohen Nir , Wu Catherine J.
Published: June 2014

Key Points

Tumor neoantigens are a promising class of immunogens based on exquisite tumor specificity and the lack of central tolerance against them. Massively parallel DNA sequencing with class I prediction enables systematic identification of tumor neoepitopes (including from CLL).
Antioxidant, total phenolic contents and antinociceptive potential of Teucrium stocksianum methanolic extract in different animal models
Authors: Shah Syed Muhammad Mukarram , Sadiq Abdul , Shah Syed Muhammad Hassan , Ullah Farhat
Published: June 2014

Background

Oxidative stress and analgesia are connected with different pathological conditions. The drug candidates from synthetic sources are associated with various side effects; therefore, researchers are giving priority to find novel, effective and safe phytomedicines. Teucrium species possesses antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities. The essential oils of Teucrium stocksianum have shown strong antinociceptive potential. Our current study is designed to embark total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant and antinociceptive potential of the methanolic extract of Teucrium stocksianum (METS).

Method

Phytochemical composition was determined by using standard methods. Free radical scavenging potential and TPC of METS were assessed by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR) respectively. Antinociceptive potential was determined by acetic acid induced abdominal writhing, formalin induced paw licking and tail immersion tests. Different test dose 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight of METS were administered intra peritonealy (i.p) to various groups of mice for the evaluation of analgesic potential.

Results

Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, anthraquinone, steroid, phlobatannin, terpenoid, glycoside and reducing sugars. METS was found safe at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight. A concentration dependent free radical scavenging effect was observed with methanolic aerial parts extract of Teucrium stocksianum (MAPETS) and methanolic roots extracts of Teucrium stocksianum (MRETS). MAPETS and MRETS have shown highest antioxidant activity 91.72% and 86.19% respectively at 100 μg/ml. MAPETS was found more rich (115.32 mg of GAE/g of dry material) in TPC as compared to MAPETS (105.41 mg of GAE/g). METS demonstrated a dose dependent antinociceptive potential in different pain models, like in acetic acid, formalin and tail immersion showing 83.103%, 80.872% and 67.58% at a dose of 150 mg/kg, similar to acetylsalicylic acid (74.79%, 82.87%, 100 mg/kg) and TramadolR (74%, 30 mg/kg) respectively.

Conclusion

Strong antioxidant potential and high TPCs are residing in the methanolic extract of T. stocksianum. METS showed analgesic potential in all models of nociception implying that both peripheral and central pathways of analgesia are involved. This might be due to the presence of various classes of phytochemicals in the plant extract.
Prevalence and correlates of unhealthy weight control behaviors: findings from the national longitudinal study of adolescent health
Authors: Stephen Eric M , Rose Jennifer S , Kenney Lindsay , Rosselli-Navarra Francine , Weissman Ruth Striegel
Published: June 2014

Background

A recent study examined the prevalence, clinical correlates, age trends, and stability of unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCB; purging and diet pill use) in a nationally representative sample of Norwegian boys and girls. The purpose of this study was to provide similar, comparative analyses for a nationally representative sample of American youth.

Methods

Data were extracted from the restricted use data files of survey Waves I, II, and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), selecting all participants who at Wave I had provided information on age, sex, and UWCB. Using UWCB information, three groups were created (purging, diet pill use, and no recent UWCB “controls”) and compared on indicators of adverse health or mental health.

Results

Girls consistently were more likely than boys to report UWCB. UWCB were significantly associated with higher body mass index, self-perception of being overweight, low self-esteem, depression, and delinquency. Prevalence estimates for purging remained relatively constant across the three survey waves; in contrast, diet pill use was especially common at Wave III.

Conclusions

Age trends, gender differences, and clinical correlates of change in the likelihood of UWCB between Waves I-III were all identified in analyses comparing purging and diet pill use in American adolescents. Females and older adolescents were specifically more likely to engage in pill use than purging, and individuals with increased weight dissatisfaction, a history of delinquent behaviors, more depression symptoms, or lower self-esteem were more likely to engage in an unhealthy weight control behavior over time. While the Norwegian study found that prevalence of purging was lower among young adult participants, our results suggested that there were no significant differences in prevalence between age groups.
Mortality Risk for Women on Chronic Hemodialysis Differs by Age
Authors: Sood Manish M , Rigatto Claudio , Komenda Paul , Mojica Julie , Tangri Navdeep
Published: June 2014

Background:

Previous reports have demonstrated similar survival for men and women on hemodialysis, despite women's increased survival in the general population.

Objectives:

To examine the effect of age on mortality in women undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study using an administrative data registry, the Canadian Organ Replacement Registry (CORR) from Jan. 2001 and Dec. 2009.

Setting:

Canada.

Patients:

28,971 (Women 11,792 (40.7%), Men 17,179 (59.3%)) incident chronic hemodialysis patients who survived greater than 90 days on dialysis.

Measurements:

All-cause mortality.

Methods:

Cox proportional hazards and competing risks models were employed to determine the independent association between sex, age and likelihood of all-cause mortality with renal transplantation as the competing outcome.

Results:

During the study period, 6060 (51.4%) of women and 8650 (50.4%) of men initiating dialysis died. Younger women experienced higher mortality (Age < 45: Women 22.5%, Men 18.2%, hazard ratio (HR) 1.31 (1.12–1.52)) whereas elderly women experience lower mortality (Age 75–85: Women 65%, Men 67.3%, HR 0.94 95% CI 0.88–0.99, Age > 85: Women 66%, Men 70.2%, HR 0.83 95% CI 0.71–0.97) compared to men. This relationship persisted after accounting for the competing risk of transplantation.

Limitations:

The cause of death was unknown.

Conclusions:

Women's survival on chronic hemodialysis varies by age compared to men with a significantly higher mortality in women younger than 45 years old and lower mortality in woman older than 75 years of age.
On simulations of spinning processes with a stationary one-dimensional upper convected Maxwell model
Authors: Lorenz Maike , Marheineke Nicole , Wegener Raimund
Published: June 2014

This work deals with the behavior of viscoelastic jets under gravitational forces described by an asymptotic upper convected Maxwell (UCM) model, system of partial differential equations. Considering fiber spinning, we show that the one-dimensional model equations in general allow for the simulation of drawing processes with and without die swell effect. But, as the model is of hyperbolic type and the run of the characteristics crucially depend on the physical parameters, the existence regimes of the stationary solutions associated to certain boundary conditions turn out to be limited. We investigate the regimes for gravitational uniaxial and 2d spinning scenarios numerically.
Intrinsic multipotential mesenchymal stromal cell activity in gelatinous Heberden’s nodes in osteoarthritis at clinical presentation
Authors: Baboolal Thomas G , Boxall Sally A , Churchman Sarah M , Buckley Conor T , Jones Elena , McGonagle Dennis
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Gelatinous Heberden’s nodes (HNs), also termed synovial cysts, are a common form of generalized osteoarthritis (OA). We sought to determine whether HN cases at clinical presentation contained multipotential stromal cells (MSCs) and to explore whether such cells were more closely related to bone marrow (BM) or synovial fluid (SF) MSCs by transcriptional analysis.

Methods

At clinical presentation, gelatinous material was extracted/extruded from the distal phalangeal joint of OA patients with HNs. From this, plastic adherent cells were culture-expanded for phenotypic and functional characterization and comparison with BM- and SF-MSCs. Mesenchymal related gene expression was studied by using a custom-designed TaqMan Low Density Array to determine transcriptional similarities between different MSC groups and skin fibroblasts.

Results

In all cases, HN material produced MSC-like colonies. Adherent cultures displayed an MSC phenotype (CD29+, CD44+, CD73+, CD81+, and CD90+ and CD14- CD19-, CD31-, CD34-, CD45-, and HLADR-) and exhibited osteogenic, chondrogenic lineage differentiation but weak adipogenesis. Gene cluster analysis showed that HN-MSCs were more closely related to SF- than normal or OA BM-MSCs with significantly higher expression of synovium-related gene markers such as bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1A (BMPR1A), protein/leucine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP), secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4), and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6) (P <0.05).

Conclusions

Gelatinous HNs derived from hand OA at clinical presentation contain a population of MSCs that share transcriptional similarities with SF-derived MSCs. Their aberrant entrapment within the synovial cysts may impact on their normal role in joint homeostasis.
It’s not just the antibiotics, it’s the treatment
Authors: Guidry Christopher A , Sawyer Robert G
Published: June 2014

The recent study by Bloos and colleagues demonstrates that early initiation of antimicrobial therapy is not associated with improved survival in sepsis. We contend that these findings should not be surprising. This study is yet another part of the growing case against early and aggressive antimicrobial therapy and highlights the important roles resuscitation and source control play in the management of the septic patient. We suggest that, whenever possible, antimicrobial therapy should we withheld until objective evidence of infection has been obtained.
Foundation News
Authors: Blythe Natalie
Published: June 2014

SEG proudly announces a $250,000 investment from BGP in support of the SEG On Demand program. BGP's commitment will provide SEG's global membership with online education anywhere and anytime, as well as an increase in the number of educational materials available in Mandarin.
Experimental results on the combined effects of frequency and pressure on the dispersion of elastic waves in porous rocks
Authors: Fortin Jérôme , Pimienta L. , Guéguen Y. , Schubnel A. , David E. C. , Adelinet M.
Published: June 2014

Experimental results are presented on the dispersive nature of elastic waves in porous rocks. These results show the combined effects of frequency, pressure, and fluid viscosity on the bulk modulus in fluid-saturated sandstone and basalt. At low frequency (0.1 Hz), samples behave as though fully drained: The bulk modulus remains unchanged under argon-, glycerin-, and water-saturated conditions. However, the high-frequency (or unrelaxed) bulk modulus, deduced from ultrasonic velocities, is clearly modified by the nature of the fluid. In addition, the bulk dispersion between low and high frequencies is significant at low confining pressure when cracks are open and decreases as cracks are closed. Although cracks represent a small fraction of total porosity, they produce a dispersion caused by squirt-flow processes. A simple quantitative model can be used to predict the frequency effect and explain the experimental results well.
Antigen-Specific Immune Responses and Clinical Outcome After Vaccination With Glioma-Associated Antigen Peptides and Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid Stabilized by Lysine and Carboxymethylcellulose in Children With Newly Diagnosed Malignant Brainstem and Nonbrainstem Gliomas
Authors: Pollack Ian F. , Jakacki Regina I. , Butterfield Lisa H. , Hamilton Ronald L. , Panigrahy Ashok , Potter Douglas M. , Connelly Angela K. , Dibridge Sharon A. , Whiteside Theresa L. , Okada Hideho
Published: June 2014

Purpose

Diffuse brainstem gliomas (BSGs) and other high-grade gliomas (HGGs) of childhood carry a dismal prognosis despite current treatments, and new therapies are needed. Having identified a series of glioma-associated antigens (GAAs) commonly overexpressed in pediatric gliomas, we initiated a pilot study of subcutaneous vaccinations with GAA epitope peptides in HLA-A2–positive children with newly diagnosed BSG and HGG.

Patients and Methods

GAAs were EphA2, interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL-13Rα2), and survivin, and their peptide epitopes were emulsified in Montanide-ISA-51 and given every 3 weeks with intramuscular polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid stabilized by lysine and carboxymethylcellulose for eight courses, followed by booster vaccinations every 6 weeks. Primary end points were safety and T-cell responses against vaccine-targeted GAA epitopes. Treatment response was evaluated clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Twenty-six children were enrolled, 14 with newly diagnosed BSG treated with irradiation and 12 with newly diagnosed BSG or HGG treated with irradiation and concurrent chemotherapy. No dose-limiting non-CNS toxicity was encountered. Five children had symptomatic pseudoprogression, which responded to dexamethasone and was associated with prolonged survival. Only two patients had progressive disease during the first two vaccine courses; 19 had stable disease, two had partial responses, one had a minor response, and two had prolonged disease-free status after surgery. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot analysis in 21 children showed positive anti-GAA immune responses in 13: to IL-13Rα2 in 10, EphA2 in 11, and survivin in three.

Conclusion

GAA peptide vaccination in children with gliomas is generally well tolerated and has preliminary evidence of immunologic and clinical responses. Careful monitoring and management of pseudoprogression is essential.
Cancer-Specific Outcomes Among Young Adults Without Health Insurance
Authors: Aizer Ayal A. , Falit Benjamin , Mendu Mallika L. , Chen Ming-Hui , Choueiri Toni K. , Hoffman Karen E. , Hu Jim C. , Martin Neil E. , Trinh Quoc-Dien , Alexander Brian M. , Nguyen Paul L.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will likely improve insurance coverage for most young adults, but subsets of young adults in the United States will face significant premium increases in the individual market. We examined the association between insurance status and cancer-specific outcomes among young adults.

Methods

We used the SEER program to identify 39,447 patients age 20 to 40 years diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm between 2007 and 2009. The association between insurance status and stage at presentation, employment of definitive therapy, and all-cause mortality was assessed using multivariable logistic or Cox regression, as appropriate.

Results

Patients who were uninsured were more likely to be younger, male, nonwhite, and unmarried than patients who were insured and were also more likely to be from regions of lower income, education, and population density (P < .001 in all cases). After adjustment for pertinent confounding variables, an association between insurance coverage and decreased likelihood of presentation with metastatic disease (odds ratio [OR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.94; P = .003), increased receipt of definitive treatment (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.52 to 2.50; P < .001), and decreased death resulting from any cause (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.91; P = .002) was noted.

Conclusion

The improved coverage fostered by the ACA may translate into better outcomes among most young adults with cancer. Extra consideration will need to be given to ensure that patients who will face premium increases in the individual market can obtain insurance coverage under the ACA.
Kinetically Controllable Supramolecular Polymerization through Synchronized Activation of Monomers
Authors: Numata Munenori , Sakai Ryo-ichiro
Published: June 2014

The morphologies and functionalities of supramolecular architectures are governed entirely by the molecular design and the self-assembling field. Herein, we demonstrate that use of a microflow system to precisely regulate the self-assembling field enables control over the pathway for self-assembly of a designed molecule. By changing the flow rate, we could selectively create supramolecular nanofibers having various length and stabilities under nonequilibrium conditions.
Development of Socio-Historical Models as a Cognitive Process: A Cross-Disciplinary Analysis
Authors: Аникеева Ольга , Anikyeyeva Olga
Published: June 2014

The article analyses the problems of modeling as a means of socio-historical cognition. The major discrepancy lies in the fact that the practice of cognition, as well as change-oriented activity, frequently

employ modeling, while the principles and methods of model-development have not been clearly defined. The article considers the correlation between modeling and the conventional methods of historical research, and identifies the common and specific aspects of their implementation, the peculiarities of socio-historical modeling and its Junctions.

Modern science regards a model as analogous to a protoimage (a fact, an event, a process), its symbolic representation, or an idealized pattern (actions, behavior). The article highlights the basic principles underlying the development of socio-historical models: a model is representational (reflecting the ontologicalfeatures of the protoimage), relevant, both conditional and autonomous, moreover, a model has its individual life cycle, with the existence and development of the model determined by its cognitive value.

Modeling as a cognitive method emerged in response to the new perspective which viewed socio-historical processes as products of the meaningful activity of the agent. One of the most significant constituents of the model is its axiological motivation, which reflects the axiological system and the ideology immanent to the protoimage, and, thus, accounts for both the specifics and the essence of modeling. Another peculiarity and forte of modeling is the possibility and tolerance of the quantification of socio-historical processes, that is, translating qualitative characteristics onto the quantitative plane and developing mathematical models which lend themselves to mathematical study and interpretation, reducing ideological and axiological influences.
Frontline Everyday During the Great Patriotic War of 1941—1945: Daily Service Perspective
Authors: Ларионов Алексей , Larionov Aleksey
Published: June 2014

This article describes and analyzes the frontline in terms of daily service activities of state and military leadership of the USSR, as well as the activities individually undertaken by the military in order to satisfy their vital survival needs. Based on the analysis of archival sources and personal communication, conclusion is made concerning the specific nature of service in the extreme warfare conditions, and its characteristic features are identified.
Economic benefits of visiting-friends-and-relatives tourism development: foreign experience and Russian practices
Authors: Кобец Маргарита , Kobets Margarita , Ефимова Екатерина , Efimova Ekaterina
Published: June 2014

The article puts forward the idea that visiting friends and relatives tourism (VFR tourism) is quite an attractive and promising kind of tourism in economic terms contrary to the common opinion about it being a minor and not profitable one owing to the fact that VFR trip makers spend less money than other types of tourists as they do not use local accommodation, restaurants, attractions and so on. Using the results of ample foreign research the authors claim that current VFR tourist expenditure appears to exceed (when the average host´s spending is added) that of tourists falling into other categories. A VFR tourist sufficiently often uses commercial accommodation facilities and prefers active pastime including dining, city sightseeing, visiting museums, theatres. The paper also identifies and systematizes the main characteristics of VFR tourism, which provides considerable economic benefits to the appropriate destination areas. Particular emphasis is put on creating jobs, a ´seasonal compensation´ to the temporal flow pattern, local revenue mobilization because of VFR trips repetition and regularity, as well as a popularization of destination through VFR tourists responses and word-of-mouth advertising. In reference to Russia, the authors substantiate the expediency of maintaining and developing the international segment of the VFR tourism market and the necessity for scientific research into the internal Russian VFR tourism market potential.
Registry review
Authors: Phillips J. R. A. , Waterson H. B. , Searle D. J. , Mandalia V. I. , Toms A. D.
Published: June 2014

This is the second of a series of reviews of registries. This review looks specifically at worldwide registry data that have been collected on knee arthroplasty, what we have learned from their reports, and what the limitations are as to what we currently know.
„Die größte Seltenheit darin ist gewiss der Bibliothekar …“ – Zum Wandel in einer kleinen Regionalbibliothek
Authors: Riethmüller Marianne
Published: June 2014

Vor über 13 Jahren wurde die bis dato selbstständige Hessische Landesbibliothek Fulda per Vermerk im Haushaltsgesetz des Landes Hessen für das Jahr 2001 in die Fachhochschule Fulda eingegliedert. Bei der ersten darauf folgenden Tagung der AG Regionalbibliotheken war die Skepsis der Kolleginnen und Kollegen in Bezug auf die gerade erst erfolgte Fusion deutlich zu spüren. Mehr als ein Jahrzehnt ist ins Land gegangen und es stellt sich die Frage, was aus der fusionierten Bibliothek geworden ist – ist das Ergebnis gut, ist das Ergebnis schlecht? Oder, um in der Fragestellung des Sonderbandes zu bleiben, hat die Bibliothek mit der Integration tatsächlich einen Strukturwandel vollzogen?
Die Wissenschaftliche Stadtbibliothek Mainz: Neuausrichtung in Reaktion auf nachhaltige Sparmaßnahmen – gezielte Umstrukturierung statt Abwicklung
Authors: Fliedner Stephan
Published: June 2014

Die Wissenschaftliche Stadtbibliothek Mainz, eine der größten wissenschaftlichen Kommunalbibliotheken, war 2011 aufgrund von Sparmaßnahmen des Trägers von Zerschlagung und Abwicklung bedroht. Zähe Verhandlungen, aber auch das mutige und konstruktive Auftreten der Mitarbeiter und eine bemerkenswerte Petition des Fördervereins konnten die Schließung abwenden.

Die sich daran anschließenden radikalen Etatkürzungen erfordern allerdings ebenso radikale Umstrukturierungsmaßnahmen. Dabei steht das Konzept einer Wissenschaftlichen Regional- und Forschungsbibliothek mit den beiden Schwerpunkten „Regionalbibliothek für Mainz und Rheinhessen“ sowie „Forschungsbibliothek für Buch- und Kulturwissenschaften“ im Mittelpunkt.
Die Memoria der Bibliothek: Perspektiven der Staats- und Stadtbibliothek Augsburg nach der Verstaatlichung
Authors: Laube Reinhard
Published: June 2014

Bibliothek ist Gedächtnis, Bibliothek perspektiviert Gedächtnis und Bibliothek formiert Gedächtnis: So lauten die bibliothekspolitischen Axiome, mit denen die Kultureinrichtung Bibliothek Zeugnis ablegt von der Macht der Memoria. Im Fall der Staats- und Stadtbibliothek Augsburg wurden Macht und Grenzen der institutionellen Memoria sichtbar durch ihre Infragestellung. Im Jahr 2010 wurde nicht nur offen über die Auflösung der Sammlung gesprochen, sondern zugleich auch über die Bedeutung der Einrichtung, die durch Vergewisserung der Memoria bekräftigt wurde. Der Fortbestand der Bibliothek und die Integrität der Sammlung konnten 2012 durch Einbindung in das System der regionalen Staatlichen Bibliotheken gesichert werden. Die Zukunft der regional orientierten Forschungsbibliothek liegt in der Zukunft der Memoria, entfaltet durch verschiedene Strategien des Bestandsmanagements, der Erschließung, der Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und des Bibliotheksbaus.
Die Staatliche Bibliothek Regensburg: eine Regionalbibliothek im Strukturwandel
Authors: Lübbers Bernhard
Published: June 2014

Der Beitrag hebt darauf ab, dass für Regionalbibliotheken neben der digitalen Bereitstellung der Bestände auch die wissenschaftliche Komponente nicht vernachlässigt werden darf.
The Coexistence of Terms to Describe the Presence of Multiple Concurrent Diseases
Authors: Almirall José , Fortin Martin
Published: June 2014

Background

Consensus on terminology for multiple diseases is lacking. Because of the clinical relevance and social impact of multiple concurrent diseases, it is important that concepts are clear.

Objective

To highlight the diversity of terms in the literature referring to the presence of multiple concurrent diseases/conditions and make recommendations.

Design

A bibliometric analysis of English-language publications indexed in the MEDLINE database from 1970 to 2012 for the terms comorbidity, multimorbidity, polymorbidity, polypathology, pluripathology, multipathology, and multicondition, and a review of definitions of multimorbidity found in English-language publications indexed from 1970 to 2012 in the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases.

Results

Comorbidity was used in 67,557 publications, multimorbidity in 434, and the other terms in three to 31 publications. At least 144 publications used the term comorbidity without referring to an index disease. Thirteen general definitions of multimorbidity were identified, but only two were frequently used (91% of publications). The most frequently used definition (48% of publications) was “ more than one or multiple chronic or long-term diseases/conditions”. Multimorbidity was not defined in 51% of the publications using the term.

Conclusions

Comorbidity was overwhelmingly used to describe any clinical entity coexisting with an index disease under study. Multimorbidity was the term most frequently used when no index disease was designated. Several definitions of multimorbidity were found. However, most authors using the term did not define it. The use of clearly defined terms in the literature is recommended until a general consensus on the terminology of multiple coexistent diseases is reached.
The Experience of Adults with Multimorbidity: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Duguay Cynthia , Gallagher Frances , Fortin Martin
Published: June 2014

Background

Findings from several countries indicate that the prevalence of multimorbidity is very high among clients of primary healthcare. A deeper understanding of patients’ experiences from their own perspective can greatly enrich any intervention to help them live as well as possible with multimorbidity.

Objective

To describe the fundamental structure of adults’ experience with multimorbidity.

Design

A phenomenological study was undertaken to describe the experiences of 11 adults with multimorbidity. These adults participated in two semi-structured interviews, the content of which was rigorously analyzed.

Results

At the core of the study participants’ multimorbidity experience are the impression of aging prematurely, difficulties with self-care management, and issues with access to the healthcare system, which contribute to the problem's complexity. Despite these issues, participants with multimorbidity report attempting to take control of their situation and adjusting to daily living.

Conclusions

The description of this experience, through the systemic vision of participants, provides a better understanding of the realities experienced by people with multimorbidity.
THERAPY OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
Authors: Baudin Eric , Habra Mouhammed Amir , Deschamps Frederic , Cote Gilbert , Dumont Frederic , Cabanillas Maria , Arfi-Roufe J , Berdelou A , Moon Bryan , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Patel Shreyaskumar , Leboulleux Sophie , Jimenez Camilo
Published: June 2014

Metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (MPPs) present clinicians with three major challenges: scarcity, complexity of characterization, and heterogeneous behavior and prognosis. As with the treatment for all neuroendocrine tumors, the control of hormonal symptoms and tumor growth is the main therapeutic objective in MPP patients. A significant number of MPP patients still die from uncontrolled hormone secretion. In addition, the management of MPPs remains palliative. Steps forward include proper characterization of MPP patients at large cancer referral centers with multidisciplinary teams; improved strategies to stratify patients prognostically; and implementation of trials within national and international networks. Progress in the molecular characterization and staging of MPPs constitutes the basis for significant treatment breakthroughs.