bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Dysregulation in the Prefrontal Cortex of Suicide Completers
Authors: Schneider Eberhard , El Hajj Nady , Müller Fabian , Navarro Bianca , Haaf Thomas
Published: July 2015

The epigenome is thought to mediate between genes and the environment, particularly in response to adverse life experiences. Similar to other psychiatric diseases, the suicide liability of an individual appears to be influenced by many genetic factors of small effect size as well as by environmental stressors. To identify epigenetic marks associated with suicide, which is considered the endpoint of complex gene-environment interactions, we compared the cortex DNA methylation patterns of 6 suicide completers versus 6 non-psychiatric sudden-death controls, using Illumina 450K methylation arrays. Consistent with a multifactorial disease model, we found DNA methylation changes in a large number of genes, but no changes with large effects reaching genome-wide significance. Global methylation of all analyzed CpG sites was significantly (0.25 percentage point) lower in suicide than in control brains, whereas the vast majority (97%) of the top 1,000 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were higher methylated (0.6 percentage point) in suicide brains. Annotation analysis of the top 1,000 DMRs revealed an enrichment of differentially methylated promoters in functional categories associated with transcription and expression in the brain. In addition, we performed a comprehensive literature research to identify suicide genes that have been replicated in independent genetic association, brain methylation and/or expression studies. Although, in general, there was no significant overlap between different published data sets or between our top 1,000 DMRs and published data sets, our methylation screen strengthens a number of candidate genes (APLP2, BDNF, HTR1A, NUAK1, PHACTR3, MSMP, SLC6A4, SYN2, and SYNE2) and supports a role for epigenetics in the pathophysiology of suicide.
High-Concentration Piperine: Capsaicin-Sensitive and -Insensitive Effects on Isolated Organs
Authors: Bencsik Timea , Sandor Zsolt , Bartho Lorand
Published: July 2015

Piperine (P), a sensory stimulant in black pepper, is an agonist on TRPV1 receptors. Earlier work has showed capsaicin-sensitive and -insensitive mechanisms of the contractile action of P on the intestine. The current isolated organ study in the guinea-pig ileum, urinary bladder and trachea (a) confirms the presence of such components of effect (ileum and bladder); (b) indicates TRPV1 involvement in the effect of 5 or 30 µmol/l of P on the basis of an inhibitory action of the antagonist BCTC (ileum); (c) indicates that HC 030031-sensitive TRPA1 receptors and nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels contribute to the capsaicin-resistant contraction to 30 µmol/l P (ileum) and (d) shows that the contractile effect of P up to 100 µmol/l (guinea-pig trachea) or 30 µmol/l (guinea-pig urinary bladder) is capsaicin-sensitive and mediated by TRPV1 receptors/channels.
Influence of habitat structure on Pristimantis species (Anura: Craugastoridae) in a bamboo-dominated forest fragment in southwestern Amazonia
Authors: López-Rojas Jhon Jairo , Souza Moisés Barbosa , Morato Elder Ferreira
Published: July 2015

Structural and determinate factors for the composition of assemblages of species are diverse. Two theories attempt to explain the pattern of species composition in assemblies using different approaches—i.e., Niche Theory and Neutral Theory. Anurans have complex responses to habitat structure. Species of Pristimantis are good indicators for conservation because they are organisms with direct development. The effect of habitat structure on species of Pristimantis in a bamboo-dominated remnant forest located in southwestern Amazonia is analyzed herein. Active visual and auditory searches in 10 plots of the Biodiversity Research Program (PPBio) were conducted between November 2012 and May 2013. Four hundred and sixty individuals of five species were recorded: Pristimantis altamazonicus, P. diadematus, P. fenestratus, P. reichlei, and P. skydmainus. Neither spatial distance nor the structure of the habitat of the plots affected the composition of Pristimantis. The first axis of PCA explained 45.6% variation of the characterization habitat structure, correlated significantly with the number of Pristimantis, species increasing with trees between 10 ≤ dbh < 30 cm and decreased with density of bamboo. The increase in litter depth and canopy cover influenced in the occurrence of P. reichlei, the occurrence of P. skydmainus decreased with increased density of bamboo and trees dbh ≥ 30 cm and the occurrence of P. diadematus decreased relative to increased canopy cover. Pristimantis diadematus and P. skydmainus were the most restricted species in terms of habitat and were especially susceptible to bamboo density.
Oviposition and development in the glass frog Hyalinobatrachium orientale (Anura: Centrolenidae)
Authors: Nokhbatolfoghahai Mohsen , Pollock Christopher J. , Downie J. Roger
Published: July 2015

Oviposition and development in the glass frog Hyalinobatrachium orientale (Anura: Centrolenidae). Oviposition and external embryonic developmental features are described in the Tobago glass frog, Hyalinobatrachium orientale. Egg clutches are nearly always laid on the undersides of leaves (one exception); usually leaves of Heliconia sp. are used, but Philodendron and palms may be used in the absence of Heliconia. Clutches contain 28.0 ± 5.3 eggs (mean ± SD) and eggs are 1.86 ± 0.11 mm in diameter. The behavior of one amplectant pair was followed for more than five hours; the pair rotated several times around a small area of the leaf depositing eggs in a tight spiral formation. External embryonic features were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Surface ciliation is extensive up to the time of hatching when it is lost; external gills are short and a cement gland is absent. Hatching gland cells were detectable on the anterodorsal surface of the head from Day 4 after deposition and persisted until at least Day 10, and hatching occurred between Days 9 and 16. During this period, progressive development in tail length, surface pigmentation, intestinal coiling, and oral disc features was observed. Post-hatching larvae reared for six weeks grew 37% in length and tripled in weight, but remained at Gosner Stage 25.
Amphibian Biology. Volume 11, Part 4: Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Eastern Hemisphere. Southern Europe and Turkey
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco
Published: July 2015

Heatwole, H. and J. W. Wilkinson (eds.). 2015. Amphibian Biology. Volume 11, Part 4: Status of Conservation and Decline of Am­phibians: Eastern Hemisphere. Southern Europe and Turkey. 158 pp. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter, UK.
Senescent Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Drive Inflammation Through an Interleukin-1α–Dependent Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype
Authors: Gardner Sarah E. , Humphry Melanie , Bennett Martin R. , Clarke Murray C.H.
Published: July 2015

Objective—

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that become senescent are both present within atherosclerotic plaques and thought to be important to the disease process. However, senescent VSMCs are generally considered to only contribute through inaction, with failure to proliferate resulting in VSMC- and collagen-poor unstable fibrous caps. Whether senescent VSMCs can actively contribute to atherogenic processes, such as inflammation, is unknown.

Approach and Results—

We find that senescent human VSMCs develop a proinflammatory state known as a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Senescent human VSMCs release high levels of multiple cytokines and chemokines driven by secreted interleukin-1α acting in an autocrine manner. Consequently, the VSMC senescence-associated secretory phenotype promotes chemotaxis of mononuclear cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, senescent VSMCs release active matrix metalloproteinase-9, secrete less collagen, upregulate multiple inflammasome components, and prime adjacent endothelial cells and VSMCs to a proadhesive and proinflammatory state. Importantly, maintaining the senescence-associated secretory phenotype places a large metabolic burden on senescent VSMCs, such that they can be selectively killed by inhibiting glucose utilization.

Conclusions—

Senescent VSMCs may actively contribute toward the chronic inflammation associated with atherosclerosis through the interleukin-1α–driven senescence-associated secretory phenotype and the priming of adjacent cells to a proatherosclerotic state. These data also suggest that inhibition of this potentially important source of chronic inflammation in atherosclerosis requires blockade of interleukin-1α and not interleukin-1β.
Proangiogenic Properties of Thrombospondin-4
Authors: Muppala Santoshi , Frolova Ella , Xiao Roy , Krukovets Irene , Yoon Suzy , Hoppe George , Vasanji Amit , Plow Edward , Stenina-Adognravi Olga
Published: July 2015

Objective—

Thrombospondin-4 (TSP-4) is 1 of the 5 members of the thrombospondin protein family. TSP-1 and TSP-2 are potent antiangiogenic proteins. However, angiogenic properties of the 3 other TSPs, which do not contain the domains associated with the antiangiogeneic activity of TSP-1 and TSP-2, have not been explored. In our previous studies, we found that TSP-4 is expressed in the vascular matrix of blood vessels of various sizes and is especially abundant in capillaries. We sought to identify the function of TSP-4 in the regulation of angiogenesis.

Approach and Results—

The effect of TSP-4 in in vivo angiogenesis models and its effect on angiogenesis-related properties in cultured cells were assessed using
Thbs4
−/−
mice, endothelial cells (EC) derived from these mice, and recombinant TSP-4. Angiogenesis was decreased in
Thbs4
−/−
mice compared with wild-type mice. TSP-4 was detected in the lumen of the growing blood vessels. Mice expressing the P387 TSP-4 variant, which was previously associated with coronary artery disease and found to be more active in its cellular interactions, displayed greater angiogenesis compared with A387 form. Lung EC from
Thbs4
−/−
mice exhibited decreased adhesion, migration, and proliferation capacities compared with EC from wild-type mice. Recombinant TSP-4 promoted proliferation and the migration of EC. Integrin α
2
and gabapentin receptor α
2
δ-1 were identified as receptors involved in regulation of EC adhesion, migration, and proliferation by TSP-4.

Conclusion—

TSP-4, an extracellular matrix protein previously associated with tissue remodeling, is now demonstrated to possess proangiogenic activity.
Cerebral Microbleeds Are Associated With an Increased Risk of Stroke
Authors: Akoudad Saloua , Portegies Marileen L.P. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Hofman Albert , van der Lugt Aad , Ikram M. Arfan , Vernooij Meike W.
Published: July 2015

Background—

Cerebral microbleeds are highly prevalent in people with clinically manifest cerebrovascular disease and have been shown to increase the risk of stroke recurrence. Microbleeds are also frequently found in healthy elderly, a population in which the clinical implication of microbleeds is unknown.

Methods and Results—

In the population-based Rotterdam Study, the presence, number, and location of microbleeds were assessed at baseline on brain MRI of 4759 participants aged ≥45 years. Participants were followed for incident stroke throughout the study period (2005–2013). We used Cox proportional hazards to investigate if people with microbleeds were at increased risk of stroke in comparison with those without microbleeds, adjusting for demographic, genetic, and cardiovascular risk, and cerebrovascular imaging markers. Microbleed prevalence was 18.7% (median count 1 [1–111]). During mean follow-up of 4.9 years (standard deviation, 1.6) 93 strokes occurred (72 ischemic, 11 hemorrhagic, and 10 unspecified). Microbleed presence was associated with an increased risk of all strokes (hazard ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–2.99). The risk increased with greater microbleed count. In comparison with those without microbleeds, participants with microbleeds in locations suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (lobar with or without cerebellar microbleeds) were at increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (hazard ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–20.23). Microbleeds at other locations were associated with an increased risk of both ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusions—

Microbleeds on MRI are associated with an increased risk of stroke in the general population. Our results strengthen the notion that microbleeds mark progression of cerebrovascular pathology and represent a precursor of stroke.
Therapeutically Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor-α/Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling Corrects Myogenic Reactivity in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Yagi Kenji , Lidington Darcy , Wan Hoyee , Fares Jessica C. , Meissner Anja , Sumiyoshi Manabu , Ai Jinglu , Foltz Warren D. , Nedospasov Sergei A. , Offermanns Stefan , Nagahiro Shinji , Macdonald R. Loch , Bolz Steffen-Sebastian
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a complex stroke subtype characterized by an initial brain injury, followed by delayed cerebrovascular constriction and ischemia. Current therapeutic strategies nonselectively curtail exacerbated cerebrovascular constriction, which necessarily disrupts the essential and protective process of cerebral blood flow autoregulation. This study identifies a smooth muscle cell autocrine/paracrine signaling network that augments myogenic tone in a murine model of experimental SAH: it links tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling.

Methods—

Mouse olfactory cerebral resistance arteries were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized for in vitro vascular reactivity assessments. Cerebral blood flow was measured by speckle flowmetry and magnetic resonance imaging. Standard Western blot, immunohistochemical techniques, and neurobehavioral assessments were also used.

Results—

We demonstrate that targeting TNFα and sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling in vivo has potential therapeutic application in SAH. Both interventions (1) eliminate the SAH-induced myogenic tone enhancement, but otherwise leave vascular reactivity intact; (2) ameliorate SAH-induced neuronal degeneration and apoptosis; and (3) improve neurobehavioral performance in mice with SAH. Furthermore, TNFα sequestration with etanercept normalizes cerebral perfusion in SAH.

Conclusions—

Vascular smooth muscle cell TNFα and sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling significantly enhance cerebral artery tone in SAH; anti-TNFα and anti–sphingosine-1-phosphate treatment may significantly improve clinical outcome.
Adopting a Patient-Centered Approach to Primary Outcome Analysis of Acute Stroke Trials Using a Utility-Weighted Modified Rankin Scale
Authors: Chaisinanunkul Napasri , Adeoye Opeolu , Lewis Roger J. , Grotta James C. , Broderick Joseph , Jovin Tudor G. , Nogueira Raul G. , Elm Jordan J. , Graves Todd , Berry Scott , Lees Kennedy R. , Barreto Andrew D. , Saver Jeffrey L. ,   Additional contributors from DAWN Trial Steering Committee:, Furlan Anthony , Baxter Blaise , Lutsep Helmi L. , Ribo Marc , Jansen Olav , Gupta Rishi , Pereira Vitor Mendes
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Although the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the most commonly used primary end point in acute stroke trials, its power is limited when analyzed in dichotomized fashion and its indication of effect size challenging to interpret when analyzed ordinally. Weighting the 7 Rankin levels by utilities may improve scale interpretability while preserving statistical power.

Methods—

A utility-weighted mRS (UW-mRS) was derived by averaging values from time-tradeoff (patient centered) and person-tradeoff (clinician centered) studies. The UW-mRS, standard ordinal mRS, and dichotomized mRS were applied to 11 trials or meta-analyses of acute stroke treatments, including lytic, endovascular reperfusion, blood pressure moderation, and hemicraniectomy interventions.

Results—

Utility values were 1.0 for mRS level 0; 0.91 for mRS level 1; 0.76 for mRS level 2; 0.65 for mRS level 3; 0.33 for mRS level 4; 0 for mRS level 5; and 0 for mRS level 6. For trials with unidirectional treatment effects, the UW-mRS paralleled the ordinal mRS and outperformed dichotomous mRS analyses. Both the UW-mRS and the ordinal mRS were statistically significant in 6 of 8 unidirectional effect trials, whereas dichotomous analyses were statistically significant in 2 to 4 of 8. In bidirectional effect trials, both the UW-mRS and ordinal tests captured the divergent treatment effects by showing neutral results, whereas some dichotomized analyses showed positive results. Mean utility differences in trials with statistically significant positive results ranged from 0.026 to 0.249.

Conclusions—

A UW-mRS performs similar to the standard ordinal mRS in detecting treatment effects in actual stroke trials and ensures the quantitative outcome is a valid reflection of patient-centered benefits.
Effect of Antibiotic Class on Stroke Outcome
Authors: Zierath Dannielle , Kunze Allison , Fecteau Leia , Becker Kyra
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Infections are common after stroke and associated with worse outcome. Clinical trials evaluating the benefit of prophylactic antibiotics have produced mixed results. This study explores the possibility that antibiotics of different classes may differentially affect stroke outcome.

Methods—

Lewis rats were subjected to transient cerebral ischemia (2 hours) and survived for 1 month. The day after stroke they were randomized to therapy with ceftiofur (a β-lactam antibiotic), enrofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic), or vehicle (as controls) and underwent the equivalent of 7 days of treatment. Behavioral tests were performed weekly until euthanization. In a subset of animals, histology was done.

Results—

There were no differences in outcomes at 24 hours or 1 week after stroke among the different groups. At 1 month after stroke, however, performance on the rotarod was worse in enrofloxacin-treated animals when compared with control animals.

Conclusions—

Independent of infection, the antibiotic enrofloxacin was associated with worse stroke outcome. These data echo the clinical observations to date and suggest that the secondary effects of antibiotics on stroke outcome should be considered when treating infection in subjects with stroke. The mechanism by which this antibiotic affects outcome needs to be elucidated.
Pediatric Acute Stroke Protocol Activation in a Children’s Hospital Emergency Department
Authors: Ladner Travis R. , Mahdi Jasia , Gindville Melissa C. , Gordon Angela , Harris Zena Leah , Crossman Kristen , Pruthi Sumit , Abramo Thomas J. , Jordan Lori C.
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Pediatric acute stroke teams are a new phenomenon. We sought to characterize the final diagnoses of children with brain attacks in the emergency department where the pediatric acute stroke protocol was activated and to describe the time to neurological evaluation and neuroimaging.

Methods—

Clinical and demographic information was obtained from a quality improvement database and medical records for consecutive patients (age, ≤20 years) presenting to a single institution’s pediatric emergency department where the acute stroke protocol was activated between April 2011 and October 2014. Stroke protocol activation means that a neurology resident evaluates the child within 15 minutes, and urgent magnetic resonance imaging is available.

Results—

There were 124 stroke alerts (age, 11.2±5.2 years; 63 boys/61 girls); 30 were confirmed strokes and 2 children had a transient ischemic attack. Forty-six of 124 (37%) cases were healthy children without any significant medical history. Nonstroke neurological emergencies were found in 17 children (14%); the majority were meningitis/encephalitis (n=5) or intracranial neoplasm (n=4). Other common final diagnoses were complex migraine (17%) and seizure (15%). All children except 1 had urgent neuroimaging. Magnetic resonance imaging was the first study in 76%. The median time from emergency department arrival to magnetic resonance imaging was 94 minutes (interquartile range, 49–151 minutes); the median time to computed tomography was 59 minutes (interquartile range, 40–112 minutes).

Conclusions—

Of pediatric brain attacks, 24% were stroke, 2% were transient ischemic attack, and 14% were other neurological emergencies. Together, 40% had a stroke or other neurological emergency, underscoring the need for prompt evaluation and management of children with brain attacks.
Description of two new species of Pheles Herrich-Schäffer, [1853] and notes on the taxonomic position of two species hitherto included in the genus (Riodinidae: Riodininae)
Authors: Dias Fernando Maia Silva , Dolibaina Diego Rodrigo , Mielke Carlos guilherme costa , Mielke Olaf Hermann Hendrik , Casagrand Mirna Martins
Published: July 2015

Two new species of Pheles Herrich–Schäffer, [1853], Pheles plaumanni Dolibaina & Dias sp. nov. and Pheles obscura C. Mielke, Dolibaina & Dias sp. nov. are described from southern Brazil. Through the comparative study of the morphology of the head, labial palpus and the genitalia two species are removed from Pheles and the following new combinations are proposed: Pachythone bicolor (Godman & Salvin, 1886) comb. nov. and Melanis caatingensis (Callaghan & Nobre, 2014) comb. nov. The species studied are pictured and details of the head and genitalia are illustrated.
What does serum γ-glutamyltransferase tell us as a cardiometabolic risk marker?
Authors: Bulusu Sudha , Sharma Manisha
Published: July 2015

γ-glutamyltransferase plays a key role in the synthesis and metabolism of extracellular glutathione, a major antioxidant in several defence mechanisms in the body. γ-glutamyltransferase is affected by environmental and genetic factors, and is raised when there is depletion of glutathione. Hence, it is a marker of oxidative stress. There is robust evidence that γ-glutamyltransferase even when values are within the reference interval is associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in both sexes, in normal subjects and subjects with coronary artery disease, in the middle-aged and the elderly after adjusting for confounding factors. γ-glutamyltransferase even within the reference interval is associated with future presentation of type 2 diabetes, and the longitudinal increase in γ-glutamyltransferase activity is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular mortality. γ-glutamyltransferase is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome. It has a prognostic value after a previous acute myocardial infarction and may be an indicator of adverse outcome in acute coronary syndromes and other chronic cardiac disorders. There is limited data about γ-glutamyltransferase and any association with peripheral arterial disease and also whether knowing γ-glutamyltransferase activity improves cardiovascular risk prediction beyond conventional risk factors. γ-glutamyltransferase is present in atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary and carotid arteries, and has a prooxidant role leading to the production of reactive oxygen species and atherosclerosis. Current reference intervals for γ-glutamyltransferase are inappropriate and need to be addressed. Some laboratories still use non- International Federation of Clinical Chemistry methods for estimation of γ-glutamyltransferase which are associated with lower results. Such laboratories should review their method and consider changing to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry method.
Firefighting to Innovation
Authors: Hignett Sue , Wolf Laurie , Taylor Ellen , Griffiths Paula
Published: July 2015

Objective:

The aim of this study was to use a theoretical model (bench) for human factors and ergonomics (HFE) and a comparison with occupational slips, trips, and falls (STFs) risk management to discuss patient STF interventions (bedside).

Background:

Risk factors for patient STFs have been identified and reported since the 1950s and are mostly unchanged in the 2010s. The prevailing clinical view has been that STF events indicate underlying frailty or illness, and so many of the interventions over the past 60 years have focused on assessing and treating physiological factors (dizziness, illness, vision/hearing, medicines) rather than designing interventions to reduce risk factors at the time of the STF.

Method:

Three case studies are used to discuss how HFE has been, or could be, applied to STF risk management as (a) a design-based (building) approach to embed safety into the built environment, (b) a staff- (and organization-) based approach, and (c) a patient behavior–based approach to explore and understand patient perspectives of STF events.

Results and Conclusion:

The results from the case studies suggest taking a similar HFE integration approach to other industries, that is, a sustainable design intervention for the person who experiences the STF event—the patient.

Application:

This paper offers a proactive problem-solving approach to reduce STFs by patients in acute hospitals. Authors of the three case studies use HFE principles (bench/book) to understand the complex systems for facility and equipment design and include the perspective of all stakeholders (bedside).
Conscription, Inequality, and Partisan Support for War
Authors: Kriner Douglas L. , Shen Francis X.
Published: July 2015

While recent scholarship suggests that conscription decreases support for military action, we argue that its effect is contingent both on a draft’s consequences for inequality in military sacrifice and on partisanship. In an experiment examining public support for defending South Korea, we find that reinstating the draft significantly decreases support for war among Democrats; however, this effect is diminished if the draft reduces inequality in sacrifice. Support for war among Republicans, by contrast, responds neither to information about conscription nor its inequality ramifications. A follow-up experiment shows that conscription continues to significantly decrease support for war, even in the context of a retaliatory strike against a foreign state that targeted American forces. Moreover, partisanship and the inequality ramifications of the draft continue to moderate the relationships between conscription and public opinion. More broadly, our study emphasizes the importance of examining how Americans evaluate foreign policy–relevant information through partisan lenses.
Teaching, Learning, and Leading
Authors: Heineke Amy J. , Ryan Ann Marie , Tocci Charles
Published: July 2015

Within the current federal, state, and local contexts of educational reform, teachers must be recognized as central actors in policy work, but rarely do we explicitly consider preparing teachers to become policy actors. Understanding these implications for teacher education, we investigate teacher candidates’ learning of the complexity and dynamism of educational policy through a field-based teacher preparation program. Situated across four unique school contexts in the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago, Illinois, we qualitatively study the cases of eight teacher candidates as they explore policy in practice. We found that candidates developed enduring understandings about policy as complex, situated, and multilayered, as well as the central role of the teacher. This learning was mediated by multiple facets of the field-based module, including readings, panels, and observations. Implications center on the use of field-based teacher education to support policy-related learning and development.
Engineering evidence for carbon monoxide toxicity cases
Authors: Galatsis Kosmas
Published: July 2015

Unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings and fatalities lead to many toxicity cases. Given the unusual physical properties of carbon monoxide—in that the gas is odorless and invisible—unorganized and erroneous methods in obtaining engineering evidence as required during the discovery process often occurs. Such evidence gathering spans domains that include building construction, appliance installation, industrial hygiene, mechanical engineering, combustion and physics. In this paper, we attempt to place a systematic framework that is relevant to key aspects in engineering evidence gathering for unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning cases. Such a framework aims to increase awareness of this process and relevant issues to help guide legal counsel and expert witnesses.
Self-regulatory strategies in daily life
Authors: Robinson Stephanie A. , Rickenbach Elizabeth H. , Lachman Margie E.
Published: July 2015

The effective use of self-regulatory strategies, such as selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) requires resources. However, it is theorized that SOC use is most advantageous for those experiencing losses and diminishing resources. The present study explored this seeming paradox within the context of limitations or constraints due to aging, low cognitive resources, and daily stress in relation to everyday memory problems. We examined whether SOC usage varied by age and level of constraints, and if the relationship between cognitive resources and memory problems was mitigated by SOC usage. A daily diary paradigm was used to explore day-to-day fluctuations in these relationships. Participants ( n=145, ages 22 to 94) completed a baseline interview and a daily diary for seven consecutive days. Multilevel models examined between- and within-person relationships between daily SOC use, daily stressors, cognitive resources, and everyday memory problems. Middle-aged adults had the highest SOC usage, although older adults also showed high SOC use if they had high cognitive resources. More SOC strategies were used on high-stress compared to low-stress days. Moreover, the relationship between daily stress and memory problems was buffered by daily SOC use, such that on high-stress days, those who used more SOC strategies reported fewer memory problems than participants who used fewer SOC strategies. The paradox of resources and SOC use can be qualified by the type of resource-limitation. Deficits in global (cognitive) resources were not tied to SOC usage or benefits. Conversely, under daily constraints tied to stress, the use of SOC increased and led to fewer memory problems.
Parental monitoring and adolescent problem behaviors
Authors: Keijsers Loes
Published: July 2015

This article aims to provide a critical analysis of how much we know about the effectiveness of parental monitoring in preventing adolescent delinquency. First, it describes the historical developments in parental monitoring research. Second, it explains why it is uncertain whether causal inferences can be drawn from contemporary research findings on the link of parenting and adolescent problem behaviors. Third, it is empirically demonstrated, using Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Models, how distinguishing between-person and within-person associations may alter or strengthen conclusions regarding the links of parental monitoring and adolescent disclosure with adolescent delinquency. Previously detected correlations between parental monitoring and adolescent delinquency were not present at the within-family level. However, there were significant associations between within-person fluctuations in disclosure and delinquency. Together, these models provide stronger evidence for a potential causal link between disclosure and delinquency, but also suggest that previously detected linkages of parental monitoring and delinquency can be explained by stable between-person differences rather than causal processes operating within families.
Shoulder Dysfunction after Selective Neck Dissection in Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Wong Stanley Thian Sze , Chan Richie Chiu Lung , Wei William Ignace
Published: July 2015

Objective

To investigate the incidence of occult nodal metastasis and severity of shoulder dysfunction after selective neck dissection (SND) for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with N0 status.

Study Design

Prospective, single‐group, pre/post test design.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Between 1998 and 2012, 46 patients who had recurrent NPC and N0 status were recruited. They subsequently received salvage nasopharyngectomy and SND, removing ipsilateral level I to III and V lymphatics. The incidence of occult nodal metastasis was noted. All patients underwent standardized physiotherapy after surgery. Postoperative shoulder function was measured using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Results

The incidence of microscopic nodal metastasis was 15.2%. For first year posttreatment, the mean DASH score was 44.2. With time, there was no improvement in shoulder function despite targeted physiotherapy (P =. 09), and the second postoperative year mean DASH score was 46.3. The degree of daily activity affected was rated as moderate to very limited, and 30% of the patients had at least moderate shoulder pain at rest.

Conclusion

Shoulder dysfunction after SND for recurrent NPC is significant and persistent. Given the low incidence of microscopic nodal metastasis in such circumstances, routine SND is not recommended.
Neural Response Telemetry Thresholds in Patients with Cochlear Nerve Canal Stenosis
Authors: Han Shuguang , Wang Line , Zhang Daoxing , Peng Kevin
Published: July 2015

Objective

To explore neural response telemetry (NRT) thresholds in patients with stenotic versus normal cochlear nerve canals.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty pediatric patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss in at least 1 ear and no benefit from amplification underwent computed tomography imaging of the temporal bones. They were divided into 3 groups according to the diameter of the cochlear nerve canal: group A, <1.5 mm; group B, 1.5 to 1.7 mm; group C, 1.8 to 2.1 mm. All patients underwent cochlear implantation with full insertion of all electrodes. NRT was performed both intraoperatively and 6 months postoperatively in all patients; thresholds of electrodes 1, 11, and 22 were compared.

Results

Per analysis of variance, intraoperative and 6‐month postoperative NRT thresholds were both significantly different among groups A, B, and C at electrodes 1 and 22 but not at electrode 11. On intergroup analysis, group A showed statistically higher thresholds than those of groups B and C; however, no difference was found between groups B and C.

Conclusion

Cochlear nerve canal stenosis, defined as a canal diameter <1.5 mm, is associated with significantly increased NRT thresholds, which may play a role in postimplant performance.
‘People hate you because of the way you dress’
Authors: Allen Chris
Published: July 2015

Chakraborti and Zempi (2012) argued for the need to increase awareness of the gendered facets of Islamophobia in order to shed light on and improve understanding of the overlooked and negated ‘invisible’ victimisation of veiled Muslim women in the public spaces of contemporary western society. In seeking to shed light and improve understanding about this process, this article sets out the findings from a project that interviewed 20 veiled British Muslim women who had been victims of Islamophobia and had reported their experience to the British government-funded service Tell MAMA (measuring anti-Muslim attacks). Reflecting on what is contemporarily known about Islamophobia, and in particular what is known about Islamophobia’s relationship with gender, this article sets out the thematically considered empirical findings from the project in order to better understand why Islamophobic incidents against veiled Muslim women are ‘neither seen nor heard’. In doing so, the article considers the ways in which the visibility and invisibility of veiled Muslim women function in order to reduce and essentialise veiled Muslim women through the symbolism of the veil, thereby becoming seen as the physical embodiment of all that is considered to be problematic and threatening about Muslims and Islam per se.
Quantifying Parameter Uncertainty in EQ-5D-3L Value Sets and Its Impact on Studies That Use the EQ-5D-3L to Measure Health Utility
Authors: Pullenayegum Eleanor M. , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Xie Feng
Published: July 2015

Background. Parameter uncertainty in EQ-5D value sets is routinely ignored. Sources of parameter uncertainty include uncertainty in the estimated regression coefficients of the scoring algorithm and uncertainty that arises from the need to use a nonsaturated functional form when creating the scoring algorithm. We hypothesize that this latter source is the major contributor to parameter uncertainty in the value sets. Methods. We used data from the United States EQ-5D-3L valuation study to assess the extent of parameter uncertainty in the value set. We refitted the US scoring algorithm to quantify contributors to the mean square prediction errors and used a Bayesian approach to estimate the predictive distribution of the mean utilities. The impact of parameter uncertainty in the value set was assessed using survey data. Results. Parameter uncertainty in the estimated regression coefficients explained 16% of the mean squared prediction error; uncertainty in the functional form explained the remaining 84%. The median width of the 95% credible intervals for the mean utilities was 0.15. In estimating mean utility in our survey population, parameter uncertainty in the value set was responsible for 93% of the total variance, with sampling variation in the survey population being responsible for the remaining 7%. Conclusion. EQ-5D-3L value sets are estimated subject to considerable parameter uncertainty; the median credible interval width is large compared with reported values of the minimum important difference for the EQ-5D-3L, which have been reported to be as small as 0.03. Other countries’ scoring algorithms are based on smaller studies and are hence subject to greater uncertainty. This uncertainty should be accounted for when using EQ-5D health utilities in economic evaluations.
On the Use of Language in Individual and Clinical Group Analysis and in Training
Authors: Meden Klavora Vlasta
Published: July 2015

The nature of the first language is the subject of many myths and beliefs. It is believed that language is a supernatural gift and the grace of one or many gods. According to the Judeo–Christian culture to which I belong, there is no doubt that the first language was Hebrew. The belief that Hebrew was the original language comes from the text in the first book of Moses:

‘The Lord our God formed every beast of the field and every bird in the sky, and brought them to man to see what he would call them . . . Man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast in the field. And the whole earth was of one language and one speech’ (Genesis 11.1).

But when the ‘children of men’ started to build the city and the tower of Babel, God punished their vanity, ‘Let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech’. So the Lord scattered them all over the face of the earth, and they abandoned the building of the city (Genesis 11:7, 8).

As we know, communication is the essence of psychotherapy. Linguistic diversity, as the consequence of God’s punishment, could therefore cause much trouble for the therapist and the patient in both individual and group psychotherapy, as they try to communicate and discuss their experience in different languages.
Secular studies come of age
Authors: Bielo James S
Published: July 2015

In this essay I review three important volumes for the field of secular studies: Varieties of Secularism in a Secular Age, Rethinking Secularism, and The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere. All three volumes explore the nature of the secular and the status, role, and possible futures of religion in our late modern, globalized world. The volumes present 34 essays by 30 authors representing seven disciplines, and at least six end games. For some, questions of religion-secular entanglement are a historical matter and the task is to map intellectual and ideological trajectories. A second purpose is to empirically document the complexities of particular religion-secular entanglements in particular socio-cultural locations. For others, the remit is theoretical, to discern a conceptual agenda for the ongoing study of religion-secular entanglements. Others are more philosophical, chasing the existential consequences of secularity. A fifth end game is applied in nature: reflections on how political actors might best engage the religious and the secular in acts of governance and international relations. Finally, there are normative voices, those seeking to name what a good, productive religion-secular entanglement ought to look like. Taken together, the volumes mark a thriving, mature field of scholarly inquiry: secular studies has come of age.
Probable Interaction Between Warfarin and Banana Flakes Supplement
Authors: King Amber E. , Strnad Kyle
Published: July 2015

Purpose: To describe a case of subtherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) associated with concomitant use of warfarin and banana flakes in a patient with diarrhea. Summary: A man in his 30s was hospitalized for an elective procedure, but his stay was complicated by cerebral venous thrombosis requiring intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin, ventilator‐associated pneumonia, bacteremia requiring broad‐spectrum antimicrobials and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement, and diarrhea. Eventually, the heparin was transitioned to warfarin. After several days of therapeutic INR, the INR became subtherapeutic and remained so for 3 days. The decreased INR correlated temporally with initiation of consistent administration of dried banana flakes to treat diarrhea and the subsequent decrease in the rate and extent of diarrhea. Diarrhea decreases the amount and activity of vitamin K–producing intestinal flora and dietary vitamin K absorption, resulting in increased INR. Resolution of diarrhea secondary to banana flakes administration in this patient may have contributed to the decreased INR by causing a relative increase in vitamin K–producing flora and vitamin K absorption. A probability score of 5 was obtained upon applying the Drug Interaction Probability Scale modified to address interactions between warfarin and dietary supplements, indicating a probable interaction between warfarin and banana flakes. Conclusion: Concomitant use of warfarin and banana flakes supplements may result in a reduced rate and extent of diarrhea and may be associated with subtherapeutic INR and decreased warfarin efficacy. Practitioners must be aware of this potential interaction and closely monitor INR and adjust warfarin doses accordingly.
Taking education for all goals in sub-Saharan Africa to task
Authors: Nudzor Hope Pius
Published: July 2015

In many sub-Saharan African countries, the endorsement of the 1990 Education for All (EFA) and the 2000 Millennium Development Goals agreements have resulted in the introduction of ‘fee-free’ education policies in recent time. Yet, in 2015 it is becoming unlikely that education for all will be attained, as it has not been achieved through previous pledges. Using a ‘processual analytical approach’, this paper examines literature from disparate sources to exemplify challenges faced by countries in the sub-region in their attempt at getting children from disadvantaged communities to enrol in primary education. In the process, the paper contends that ‘new’ research is needed to examine how political imperatives and democratic processes impinge on implementation of EFA policy initiatives in the sub-region. This endeavour, the paper argues, is necessary to unearth the commitment, progress and constraints of sub-Saharan African governments (as well as commitment of international donor countries and agencies to helping the sub-region) towards meeting the EFA goals.
Experimental investigation on electrical discharge diamond drilling of nickel-based superalloy aerospace material
Authors: Yadav Umacharn Singh , Yadava Vinod
Published: July 2015

In this article, the authors have attempted to use altogether a new hybrid machining process for making the holes in nickel-based superalloy (nimonic alloy) aerospace material and termed it as electro-discharge diamond drilling process. To perform this experimental study, they self-designed and developed a setup which is capable to hold as well as rotate the metal-bonded diamond abrasive tool electrode. They installed this setup on a ZNC 320 sinking electrical discharge machining machine and conducted the experimental study. The effects of input parameters such as gap current, pulse-on time, duty factor and tool rotation on the response parameters such as average surface roughness ( Ra) and average circularity ( Ca) of the drilled hole have been studied. It is observed that electro-discharge diamond drilling process has substantive effects on the improvement of Ra as well as on Ca in comparison to the hole made by stationary electrode electrical discharge machining (die-sinking electrical discharge machining) process. The photographs and micrographs of few selected workpieces were taken by metallurgical microscope and scanning electron microscope, respectively, which commensurate with the findings of the research study.
Micro-satellite angular rate estimation using second-order sliding mode observer
Authors: Pal Madhumita , Bhat M Seetharama
Published: July 2015

Development of computationally efficient and accurate attitude rate estimation algorithm using low-cost commercially available star sensor arrays and processing unit for micro-satellite mission is presented. Our design reduces the computational load of least square (LS)-based rate estimation method while maintaining the same accuracy compared to other rate estimation approaches. Furthermore, rate estimation accuracy is improved by using recently developed fast and accurate second-order sliding mode observer (SOSMO) scheme. It also gives robust estimation in the presence of modeling uncertainties, unknown disturbances, and measurement noise. Simulation study shows that rate estimation accuracy achieved by our LS-based method is comparable with other methods for a typical commercially available star sensor array. The robustness analysis of SOSMO with respect to measurement noise is also presented in this paper. Simulation test bench for a practical scenario of satellite rate estimation uses moment-of-inertia variation and environmental disturbances affecting a typical micro-satellite at 500 km circular orbit. Comparison studies of SOSMO with 1-SMO and pseudo-linear Kalman filter show that satisfactory estimation accuracy is achieved by SOSMO.