bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service Research Priorities in a Rapidly Changing Context
Authors: Ostrom Amy L. , Parasuraman A. , Bowen David E. , Patrício Lia , Voss Christopher A.
Published: April 2015

The context in which service is delivered and experienced has, in many respects, fundamentally changed. For instance, advances in technology, especially information technology, are leading to a proliferation of revolutionary services and changing how customers serve themselves before, during, and after purchase. To understand this changing landscape, the authors engaged in an international and interdisciplinary research effort to identify research priorities that have the potential to advance the service field and benefit customers, organizations, and society. The priority-setting process was informed by roundtable discussions with researchers affiliated with service research centers and networks located around the world and resulted in the following 12 service research priorities: stimulating service innovation, facilitating servitization, service infusion, and solutions, understanding organization and employee issues relevant to successful service, developing service networks and systems, leveraging service design, using big data to advance service, understanding value creation, enhancing the service experience, improving well-being through transformative service, measuring and optimizing service performance and impact, understanding service in a global context, and leveraging technology to advance service.

For each priority, the authors identified important specific service topics and related research questions. Then, through an online survey, service researchers assessed the subtopics’ perceived importance and the service field’s extant knowledge about them. Although all the priorities and related topics were deemed important, the results show that topics related to transformative service and measuring and optimizing service performance are particularly important for advancing the service field along with big data, which had the largest gap between importance and current knowledge of the field. The authors present key challenges that should be addressed to move the field forward and conclude with a discussion of the need for additional interdisciplinary research.
The Disabling Art Museum
Authors: Guffey Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

This article examines museums and their furnishing, arguing that benches, seats and the very notion of comfort have a disabling or enabling function. A little studied aspect of visuality in museums, furniture admits some visitors and not others. Using New York’s Museum of Modern Art as the basis for its critique, the author gives an impressionistic account of how furnishing and comfort shape the museum visitor’s experience, but also reflect broader conceptions of the museum’s role in society.
Cancer-Related Search for Meaning Increases Willingness to Participate in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Authors: Garland Sheila N. , Stainken Cameron , Ahluwalia Karan , Vapiwala Neha , Mao Jun J.
Published: April 2015

Objective. A cancer diagnosis can prompt an examination and reevaluation of life’s meaning, purpose, and priorities. There is evidence that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may help facilitate the meaning-making process. This study examined the influence of meaning in life on willingness to participate (WTP) in MBSR and identified factors associated with the search for and/or presence of meaning. Methods. A cross-sectional survey study of 300 patients undergoing radiation therapy was conducted. WTP in MBSR was dichotomized into yes/no by asking, “Would you participate in an MBSR program if it was offered at the cancer center?” The search for, and the presence of, meaning were assessed using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Results. Eighty patients (27%) indicated WTP in MBSR. In a multivariate logistic regression model, search for meaning was the only significant predictor of WTP in MBSR (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =1.04, P ≤ .001, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08). Identifying as non-white (adjusted β = 4.62; 95% CI = 2.22-7.02; P < .001), and reporting subclinical (adjusted β = 3.59; 95% CI = 0.84-6.34; P = .01) or clinical levels (adjusted β = 5.52; 95% CI = 2.41-8.63; P = .001) of anxiety were the strongest predictors of search for meaning. Conclusion. Our study indicates that patients searching for meaning are receptive to MBSR. Nonwhite patients and those experiencing high levels of anxiety are most likely to endorse a search for meaning. Future research is needed to understand how best to support patients who are searching for meaning and remove barriers to evidence-based programs like MBSR.
Vision and Eye Health
Authors: Nottingham Chaplin P. Kay , Baldonado Kira , Hutchinson Amy , Moore Bruce
Published: April 2015

Significant advancements in vision screening research are leading to improved design, functionality, and reliability of screening tools. Presently, two vision screening approaches are available to school nurses for children ages 3 years and older: optotype-based screening and instrument-based screening. Optotype-based screening pertains to tests of visual acuity using optotypes (e.g., pictures, letters, and numbers), which children identify to determine visual acuity. Instrument-based screening pertains to automated devices that measure amblyogenic risk factors, such as refractive error, media opacities, and eye misalignment. Differences between the two approaches; best and acceptable practice recommendations for both approaches; unacceptable tests of visual acuity; and best, acceptable, and unacceptable occluders are described.
Mosaic 22q11.2 Deletion and Tetralogy of Fallot With Absent Pulmonary Valve
Authors: Prabhu Sudesh , Jenny Bryan , James Harraway , Provenzano Sylvio
Published: April 2015

Chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion is the most common microdeletion syndrome. Mosaic 22q11.2 deletions are very rare and only a few have been reported. We describe a case of a neonate with tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve with mosaic 22q11.2 deletion. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis of lymphocytes showed a hemizygous 22q11.2 microdeletion in 66% of interphase nuclei. Microarray testing confirmed a 1.66 Mb deletion at 22q11.2. The child did not have any clinical manifestations of 22q11.2 deletion other than the cardiac malformation.
Tetralogy of Fallot and Anomalous Origin of the Left Pulmonary Artery From the Ascending Aorta Associated With Absent Right Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Paredes Alberto Mendoza , Caspi Joseph , Lilje Christian
Published: April 2015

Anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare cardiac malformation more commonly described with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The association of absent right carotid artery with TOF and anomalous left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta has been rarely reported in the past. This case highlights the need for careful evaluation of the aortic arch and head vessels anatomy in patients with TOF because of the potential neurologic complications after surgery.
Biventricular Repair in a Neonate With Obstructive Inflow Cardiac Rhabdomyoma and Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Hood Hunter W. , Dodge-Khatami Ali , Parnell Aimee S. , Salazar Jorge D.
Published: April 2015

A neonate with prenatally diagnosed large intracardiac rhabdomyomas and suspicion of tuberous sclerosis presented at birth with severe ductal-dependent obstruction at the tricuspid valve and an atrial septal defect (ASD). Biventricular repair at 9 days of life included tumor resection, repair of the posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve with autologous pericardium, fenestrated ASD closure, and ductus ligation. After an uneventful postoperative recovery, follow-up echocardiography at two months showed excellent results with tricuspid valve competency and normal biventricular function. Overall prognosis will probably depend on issues pertaining to tuberous sclerosis.
Intraoperative Air Embolism Originating From a Pulmonary Vein
Authors: Siddiqui Maria , Sami Shahid , Atiq Mehnaz , Amanullah Muhammad Muneer
Published: April 2015

Air embolism entering the systemic arterial system originating from the pulmonary circuit itself is an extremely rare occurrence. We report the case of an 18-year-old female undergoing correction of an atrial septal defect, who had an air embolism that is believed to have originated from the right superior pulmonary vein. Although the exact mechanism of air entry remains a matter of speculation, several plausible hypotheses are proposed and discussed. Injury to a pulmonary vein may lead to air entry with migration to the left atrium and ultimately to systemic embolism.
Pediatric Cardiac Tumors
Authors: Linnemeier Laura , Benneyworth Brian D. , Turrentine Mark , Rodefeld Mark , Brown John
Published: April 2015

Background:

Cardiac tumors in children are rare. Of the cases reported in the literature, nearly all are benign and managed conservatively.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, observational study of pediatric patients <18 years who presented for surgical evaluation of a cardiac tumor, between 1969 and 2014 at a tertiary care children’s hospital. Presentation, pathology, management, and outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

Over the last 45 years, 64 patients were evaluated for surgical resection of a cardiac tumor. Rhabdomyoma was the most common neoplasm (58%), and 17% of the tumors had malignant pathologies. While 42% of benign cardiac neoplasms required surgical intervention for significant hemodynamic concerns, 73% of malignant neoplasms underwent radical excision, if possible, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Despite a 37% mortality in patients with malignant pathology, an aggressive surgical approach can yield long-term survival in some patients. There were no deaths among patients with benign tumors and 17% had postoperative complications mostly related to mitral regurgitation.

Conclusion:

Cardiac tumors in children are rare but can be managed aggressively with good outcomes. Benign tumors have an excellent survival with most complications related to tumor location. Malignant tumors have a high mortality rate, but surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy allow for prolonged survival in selected patients.
Masquerading Acidosis After Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Palermo Robert A. , Monge Michael C. , Charrow Joel , Costello John M. , Epting Conrad L.
Published: April 2015

We report the case of a child with both propionic acidemia and cyanotic congenital heart disease. The presence of an underlying inborn error of metabolism confounded the management of this patient in the postoperative period, resulting in therapeutic misdirection until the true etiology of hyperlactemia was recognized.
Repair of Early Posttransplant Endomyocardial Biopsy-Related Tricuspid Regurgitation in a Child
Authors: Pearce F. Bennett , Carlo Waldemar F. , Zaccagni Hayden J. , Dabal Robert J. , Kirklin James K.
Published: April 2015

We describe surgical repair of symptomatic tricuspid valve regurgitation in the early posttransplant period in a small child. The tricuspid valve regurgitation was due to injury to the valve and chordal apparatus during surveillance endomyocardial biopsy. The described surgical technique produced durable improvement in valve function.
Recurrent Coarctation
Authors: Saxena Anita
Published: April 2015

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) accounts for 5% to 8% of all congenital heart defects. With all forms of interventions for native CoA, repeat intervention may be required due to restenosis and/or aneurysm formation. Restenosis rates vary from 5% to 24% and are higher in infants and children and in those with arch hypoplasia. Although repeat surgery can be done for recurrent CoA, guidelines from a number of professional societies have recommended balloon angioplasty with or without stenting as the preferred intervention for patients with isolated recoarctation. For infants and young children with recurrent coarctation, balloon angioplasty has been shown to be safe and effective with low incidence of complications. However, the rates of restenosis and reinterventions are high with balloon angioplasty alone. Endovascular stent placement is indicated, either electively in adults or as a bailout procedure in those who develop a complication such as dissection or intimal tear after balloon angioplasty. Conventionally bare metal stents are used; these can be dilated later if required. Covered stents, introduced more recently, are best reserved for those who have aneurysm at the site of previous repair or who develop a complication such as aortic wall perforation or tear. Stents produce complete abolition of gradients across the coarct segment in a majority of cases with good opening of the lumen on angiography. The long-term results are better than that of balloon angioplasty alone, with very low rates of restenosis. However, endovascular stenting is a technically demanding procedure and can be associated with serious complications rarely.
Isolated Right Subclavian Artery With Interrupted Aortic Arch, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction
Authors: te Hoven Arianne S. , Clur Sally-Ann B. , Andreu Joaquin Perez , Hazekamp Mark G.
Published: April 2015

We present two cases of isolated right subclavian artery from the right pulmonary artery (PA) associated with interrupted aortic arch, ventricular septal defect, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and 22q11 microdeletion. Both patients were successfully managed with bilateral PA banding initially followed by a modified Yasui operation. Isolation of the subclavian artery is rare but should always be taken into account, especially when bilateral PA banding is considered. The banding must then be placed on the PA distal to the origin of the subclavian artery.
Outcome Following Augmentation of Superior Cavopulmonary Blood Flow With an Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Chanana Nitin , Day Ronald W. , McGough Edwin C. , Burch Phillip T.
Published: April 2015

Background:

Axillary or brachial arteriovenous fistulae are occasionally created to improve systemic oxygen saturation in patients with functionally univentricular circulation after superior cavopulmonary anastomosis. Different techniques of fistula construction may account for the conflicting results. We sought to determine the impact of axillary arteriovenous fistula on systemic oxygen saturation and survival before subsequent palliation or heart transplantation.

Methods:

Medical records of patients who underwent a side-to-side anastomosis between an adjacent axillary artery and vein for cyanosis after superior cavopulmonary anastomosis between 1991 and 2010 were reviewed.

Results:

The median age (n = 23) at the time of fistula creation was 54 months (4-278 months). There was no operative mortality. The median duration of fistula patency was 48 months (1-174 months). Oxygen saturation improved from 71% ± 10% preoperatively to 84% ± 4% early ( P < .05) and 81% ± 4% long term after the arteriovenous fistula ( P < .05). Twelve patients underwent additional surgery (total cavopulmonary anastomosis 6, partial biventricular repair 2, and heart transplantation 4) after an interval of 10 to 141 months. Six patients are alive with a patent fistula without subsequent interventions after an interval of 48 to 174 months. Two patients with spontaneous closure or device closure of the fistula are alive after an interval of 76 to 80 months without subsequent interventions. Three deaths occurred with a patent fistula without subsequent interventions after an interval of 1 to 84 months.

Conclusions:

Systemic oxygen saturation improved with creation of an axillary arteriovenous fistula after superior cavopulmonary anastomosis. The fistula extended the duration of this stage of palliation without precluding the option for additional palliation or heart transplantation.
Driving Forces behind Transformaion of Land Use in Southwest Birbhum District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Ghosh Tanusree
Published: April 2015

The Southwest Birbhum District (SWBD) is socio-economically and culturally a rural, backward area. As a consequence of the combined effect of poor physical set-up and very slow rate of socio-economic, cultural and technological evolution, land use characteristics in the study area remain more or less stagnant with some areal interchange among broad land use categories. However, there have been occurring micro-level changes in land use techniques and practices. There has been occurring proliferation of some profit-oriented, illegal, unscientific and unsustainable land use practices at the cost of valuable natural resources which would otherwise be utilised in a scientific way and thus would be sustainable to the regional economy, society and environment. Some of these activities are illegal coal mining activity, illegal coke factory, brick kiln and poppy seed cultivation and so on.

 In this context, the present study aims to find out the regional specificities of the study area, changing pattern of land use practices in the study area, the physical and anthropogenic driving forces behind land use changes and to suggest some remedial measures.
Land Alienation and Housing Segregation
Authors: Rajasenan D.
Published: April 2015

This article is an attempt at unravelling the intricate relationship among land alienation, housing segregation and socio-economic attributes of the tribes of Kerala. The study uses data amassed from various state government departments. Land alienation and housing segregation are the two inseparable rudiments that tend to act and react upon each other, forcing the tribes to remain in a dismal state of poverty. Despite the existence of strong legislations and numerous housing and resettlement schemes, land still remains a mirage to the tribal population. Various housing schemes of both the central and the state governments have not made any beneficial change in the quality of housing of the tribes. Ironing out the loopholes in the implementation of the tribal legislations and schemes is the only way out. Some visible changes have taken place in the housing and settlement patterns of landowning tribes such as the Kurumans and the Malayarayans.
10-W pulsed operation of substrate emitting photonic-crystal quantum cascade laser with very small divergence
Authors: Yao Dan-Yang , Zhang Jin-Chuan , Cathabard Olivier , Zhai Shen-Qiang , Liu Ying-Hui , Jia Zhi-Wei , Liu Feng-Qi , Wang Zhan-Guo
Published: April 2015

High-power broad area substrate emitting photonic-crystal distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) emitting around 4.73 μm is reported. Two-dimensional centered rectangular photonic-crystal (CRPC) grating is introduced to enhance optical coherence in large area device. Main lobe far-field radiation pattern with a very small divergence angle of about 0.65° × 0.31° is obtained. A record peak output power for vertical emitting QCLs exceeding 10 W is obtained with high reflectivity (HR) coating. Robust single longitudinal mode emission with a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 30 dB is continuously tunable by the heat sink temperature up to 65°C.
Active site formation mechanism of carbon-based oxygen reduction catalysts derived from a hyperbranched iron phthalocyanine polymer
Authors: Hiraike Yusuke , Saito Makoto , Niwa Hideharu , Kobayashi Masaki , Harada Yoshihisa , Oshima Masaharu , Kim Jaehong , Nabae Yuta , Kakimoto Masa-aki
Published: April 2015

Carbon-based cathode catalysts derived from a hyperbranched iron phthalocyanine polymer (HB-FePc) were characterized, and their active-site formation mechanism was studied by synchrotron-based spectroscopy. The properties of the HB-FePc catalyst are compared with those of a catalyst with high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity synthesized from a mixture of iron phthalocyanine and phenolic resin (FePc/PhRs). Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the HB-FePc catalyst does not lose its ORR activity up to 900°C, whereas that of the FePc/PhRs catalyst decreases above 700°C. Hard X-ray photoemission spectra reveal that the HB-FePc catalysts retain more nitrogen components than the FePc/PhRs catalysts between pyrolysis temperatures of 600°C and 800°C. This is because the linked structure of the HB-FePc precursor has high thermostability against nitrogen desorption. Consequently, effective doping of active nitrogen species into the sp

2
carbon network of the HB-FePc catalysts may occur up to 900°C.
The effect of cyclic martensitic transformations on diffusion of cobalt atoms in Fe-18wt.%Mn-2wt.%Si alloy
Authors: Danilchenko Vitaliy E , Mazanko Vladimir F , Filatov Alexander V , Iakovlev Viktor E
Published: April 2015

Diffusion characteristics of cobalt atoms were investigated using radioactive isotope method in phase-hardened Fe-18wt.%Mn-2wt.%Si alloy. The observed significant increase of diffusion coefficient of cobalt atoms under the cyclic γ-ε-γ martensitic transformations was due to the action of two independent mechanisms - an athermal one and a thermally activated one. The first one arose from the direct γ-ε and the reverse ε-γ transformations with corresponding direct and reverse lattice shears during alternating stresses and simultaneous lattice restructuring. Another mechanism arose under the diffusion annealing of the phase-hardened alloy.
Effects of soft bracing or taping on a lateral ankle sprain: a non‐randomised controlled trial evaluating recurrence rates and residual symptoms at one year
Authors: Kemler Ellen , van de Port Ingrid , Schmikli Sandor , Huisstede Bionka , Hoes Arno , Backx Frank
Published: April 2015

Background

After sustaining an ankle sprain, taping is often the standard treatment in primary care. Ankle braces are sometimes used as an alternative. This study aimed to compare the effects of four weeks of soft bracing or taping following acute lateral ankle ligamentous sprain (ALALS) on sprain recurrence rates and residual symptoms at one year.

Methods

In this pragmatic, non‐randomised controlled trial, 157 adult participants with an ALALS caused by an inversion trauma were alternately allocated to a four week treatment with a soft brace (intervention group) or a four week treatment with ankle tape (control group) in order of presentation. The primary outcome was the 1‐year incidence of the self‐reported recurrence of ALALS. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of residual symptoms.

Results

Baseline characteristics did not differ appreciably between the treatment groups. Thirteen patients (17%) in the brace group reported a re‐injury versus 11 patients (14%) treated with tape, corresponding to a risk difference of 3.1% (relative risk 1.2, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.6). Cox regression analysis showed a hazard ratio of self‐reported ankle sprain recurrence within 52 weeks in the brace group compared to the tape group of 0.9 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.9). After one year, patients in the brace group had poorer scores on the manual anterior ankle test, corresponding to a risk difference of 15.4% (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.0).

Conclusion

ALALS recurrences and residual symptoms appear to be similar at one year when an ALALS is treated with four weeks of soft bracing or taping.

Trial registration

ISRCTN92030205
The histone methyltransferase SDG8 mediates the epigenetic modification of light and carbon responsive genes in plants
Authors: Li Ying , Mukherjee Indrani , Thum Karen E , Tanurdzic Milos , Katari Manpreet S , Obertello Mariana , Edwards Molly B , McCombie W Richard , Martienssen Robert A , Coruzzi Gloria M
Published: April 2015

Background

Histone methylation modifies the epigenetic state of target genes to regulate gene expression in the context of developmental and environmental changes. Previously, we used a positive genetic screen to identify an Arabidopsis mutant, cli186, which was impaired in carbon and light signaling. Here, we report a deletion of the Arabidopsis histone methyltransferase SDG8 in this mutant (renamed sdg8-5), which provides a unique opportunity to study the global function of a specific histone methyltransferase within a multicellular organism.

Results

To assess the specific role of SDG8, we examine how the global histone methylation patterns and transcriptome were altered in the sdg8-5 deletion mutant compared to wild type, within the context of transient light and carbon treatments. Our results reveal that the sdg8 deletion is associated with a significant reduction of H3K36me3, preferentially towards the 3′ end of the gene body, accompanied by a reduction in gene expression. We uncover 728 direct targets of SDG8 that have altered methylation in the sdg8-5 mutant and are also bound by SDG8. As a group, this set of SDG8 targets is enriched in specific biological processes including defense, photosynthesis, nutrient metabolism and energy metabolism. Importantly, 64% of these SDG8 targets are responsive to light and/or carbon signals.

Conclusions

The histone methyltransferase SDG8 functions to regulate the H3K36 methylation of histones associated with gene bodies in Arabidopsis. The H3K36me3 mark in turn is associated with high-level expression of a specific set of light and/or carbon responsive genes involved in photosynthesis, metabolism and energy production.
Whole genome bisulfite sequencing of cell-free DNA and its cellular contributors uncovers placenta hypomethylated domains
Authors: Jensen Taylor J , Kim Sung K , Zhu Zhanyang , Chin Christine , Gebhard Claudia , Lu Tim , Deciu Cosmin , van den Boom Dirk , Ehrich Mathias
Published: April 2015

Background

Circulating cell-free fetal DNA has enabled non-invasive prenatal fetal aneuploidy testing without direct discrimination of the maternal and fetal DNA. Testing may be improved by specifically enriching the sample material for fetal DNA. DNA methylation may allow for such a separation of DNA; however, this depends on knowledge of the methylomes of circulating cell-free DNA and its cellular contributors.

Results

We perform whole genome bisulfite sequencing on a set of unmatched samples including circulating cell-free DNA from non-pregnant and pregnant female donors and genomic DNA from maternal buffy coat and placenta samples. We find CpG cytosines within longer fragments are more likely to be methylated. Comparison of the methylomes of placenta and non-pregnant circulating cell-free DNA reveal many of the 51,259 identified differentially methylated regions are located in domains exhibiting consistent placenta hypomethylation across millions of consecutive bases. We find these placenta hypomethylated domains are consistently located within regions exhibiting low CpG and gene density. Differentially methylated regions identified when comparing placenta to non-pregnant circulating cell-free DNA are recapitulated in pregnant circulating cell-free DNA, confirming the ability to detect differential methylation in circulating cell-free DNA mixtures.

Conclusions

We generate methylome maps for four sample types at single-base resolution, identify a link between DNA methylation and fragment length in circulating cell-free DNA, identify differentially methylated regions between sample groups, and uncover the presence of megabase-size placenta hypomethylated domains.
How well do radiographic, clinical and self-reported diagnoses of knee osteoarthritis agree? Findings from the Hertfordshire cohort study
Authors: Parsons Camille , Clynes Michael , Syddall Holly , Jagannath Darshan , Litwic Anna , van der Pas Suzan , Cooper Cyrus , Dennison Elaine M , Edwards Mark H ,   the EPOSA research group
Published: April 2015

Objective

Epidemiological studies of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have often used a radiographic definition. However, the clinical syndrome of OA is influenced by a broad range of factors in addition to the structural changes required for radiographic OA. Hence more recently several studies have adopted a clinical or self-reported approach to OA diagnosis rather than a radiographic approach. The aim of this study was to investigate agreement between radiographic OA and the clinical and self-reported diagnoses of OA.

Design

Data were available for 199 men and 196 women in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS), UK. Participants completed a questionnaire detailing self-reported OA. Clinical OA was defined based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Knee radiographs were taken and graded for overall Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) score.

Results

The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of study participants was 75.2 (2.6) years and almost identical proportions of men and women. The prevalence of knee OA differed depending on the method employed for diagnosis; 21% of the study participants self-reported knee OA, 18% of the participants had clinical knee OA and 42% of the participants had radiographic OA. Of those 72 study participants with a self-reported diagnosis of knee OA 52 (72%) had a radiographic diagnosis of knee OA, while 66% (39 out of 59) of study participants with clinical knee OA had a diagnosis of radiographic knee OA. However 58% of those participants diagnosed with radiographic OA did not have either self-reported knee OA or a diagnosis of clinical OA. Therefore in comparison with the radiographic definition of OA, both the clinical and self-report definitions had high specificity (91.5% & 91.5% respectively) and low sensitivity (24.5% and 32.7% respectively).

Conclusion

There is modest agreement between the radiographic, clinical and self-report methods of diagnosis of knee OA.
Contribution of the TCF7L2 rs7903146 (C/T) gene polymorphism to the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in Cameroon
Authors: Guewo-Fokeng Magellan , Sobngwi Eugene , Atogho-Tiedeu Barbara , Donfack Olivier Sontsa , Noubiap Jean Jacques N , Ngwa Elvis Ndonwi , Mato-Mofo Edith Pascale , Fosso Priscille Pokam , Djahmeni Eric , Djokam-Dadjeu Rosine , Evehe Marie-Solange , Aminkeng Folefac , Mbacham Wilfred F , Mbanya Jean Claude
Published: April 2015

Background

Data on the genetic variants for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in sub-Saharan African populations are very scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association of transcription factor 7-like (TCF7L2) with T2DM in a Cameroonian population and explore possible genotype-phenotype correlation.

Methods

This is a case–control study involving 37 T2DM patients and 37 non-diabetic volunteers of Cameroonian ethnicity aged 40 years old and above. We collected clinical and biological data to determine phenotypic traits. TCF7L2 was analyzed by genotyping for rs7903146 (C/T) using PCR-RFLP. Biochemical analyses were performed using a spectrophotometer with Chronolab kits. Statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS, PS and Quanto.

Results

TCF7L2 was associated with T2DM in this Cameroonian population (p = 0.013 for alleles, and p = 0.013 for genotypes). The risk allele was C (9.5% patients vs. 0% healthy controls, OR = 16.56) and the protective allele was T (90.5% patients vs. 100.0% healthy controls, OR = 0.06). The risk genotype was C/T (18.9% patients vs. 0% healthy controls, OR = 18.44), while the protective genotype was T/T (81.1% patients vs. 100.0% healthy controls, OR = 0.054). The statistical power was 99.99%. TCF7L2 was not preferentially associated with a specific disease phenotype.

Conclusion

TCF7L2 is associated with T2DM in this Cameroonian population. The association is not dependent on a specific T2DM phenotype. Clinical genetic testing for TCF7L2 can help to predict the occurrence of T2DM in Cameroon.
Minireview: From the Bench, Toward the Clinic: Therapeutic Opportunities for Cannabinoid Receptor Modulation
Authors: Picone Robert P. , Kendall Debra A.
Published: April 2015

The effects of cannabinoids have been known for centuries and over the past several decades two G protein-coupled receptors, CB1 and CB2, that are responsible for their activity have been identified. Endogenous lipid-derived cannabinergic agents have been found, biosynthetic and catabolic machinery has been characterized, and synthetic agents have been designed to modulate these receptors. Selective agents including agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists, and novel allosteric modulators targeting either CB1 or CB2 have been developed to inhibit or augment their basal tone. As a result, the role these receptors play in human physiology and their potential therapeutic applications in disease states are being elucidated. The CB1 receptor, although ubiquitous, is densely expressed in the brain, and CB2 is largely found on cells of immune origin. This minireview highlights the role of CB1 in excitotoxic assaults in the brain and its potential to limit addiction liability. In addition, it will examine the relationship between receptor activity and stimulation of insulin release from pancreatic β-cells, insulin resistance, and feeding behavior leading toward obesity. The roles of CB2 in the neuropathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in the central manifestations of chronic HIV infection potentially converge at inflammatory cell activation, thereby providing an opportunity for intervention. Last, CB2 modulation is discussed in the context of an experimental model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Achieving exquisite receptor selectivity and elucidating the mechanisms underlying receptor inhibition and activation will be essential for the development of the next generation of cannabinergic-based therapeutic agents.
“I DONT CARE ONE CENT WHAT [Ø] GOYING ON IN GREAT Britten”: BE-Deletion IN IRISH ENGLISH
Authors: McCafferty Kevin
Published: April 2015

In the English-speaking world, be-deletion, or copula absence, is best known as a likely creole feature of African American English (AAE) and basilectal Caribbean Englishes. This historical case study examines Raymond Hickey’s contention that attestations of be-deletion in present-day Irish English (IrE) must lead to revision of accounts assuming that be-deletion does not and did not occur in the Englishes of Britain and Ireland. A survey of reports of be-deletion in present-day and historical varieties of British English (BrE) and IrE suggests that be-deletion is and was found not only in Ireland, but also in Scotland and northern England, regions that contributed greatly to British settlement in Ireland. Deletion appears to have been widespread in IrE historically and was present in time to cross the Atlantic with Ulster Scots (Scotch-Irish) settlers in the eighteenth century and with other Irish emigrants in the nineteenth. However, an analysis of the letters of one individual writer from the Corpus of Irish English Correspondence (CORIECOR) shows that his be-deletion in a range of preceding and following grammatical environments deviates from the robust patterns reported for AAE and Caribbean Englishes. IrE is thus unlikely to have exerted much direct influence on be-deletion in AAE and Caribbean varieties. Nonetheless, be-deletion in IrE may have provided input into some marginal grammatical contexts where deletion was once found in AAE but has since been lost. Some of these—such as following what, it, that, and this—seem to be robust contexts for be-deletion in the IrE letters and are contexts where copula deletion in the Irish language suggests that the Irish substrate exerted some influence on be-deletion in IrE.
Selective Modification of Hydrophobic Paper Using a Surfactant for Protein Assay in Urine
Authors: Cai Longfei , Xu Chunxiu , Chen Yingcheng , Zhong Minghua , Wu Yunying
Published: April 2015

We used a surfactant to fabricate a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) by selective modification of hydrophobic filter paper. Hydrophobic tails of the surfactant penetrate and remain in the hydrophobic layer of filter cellulose while hydrophilic heads extend out of the hydrophobic layer, forming a hydrophilic layer on the hydrophobic cellulose to direct flow of aqueous solutions. A flower-shaped µPAD was fabricated by the presented method and was applied to the protein assay in human urine.
Quantification of polysaccharides fixed to Gram stained slides using lactophenol cotton blue and digital image processing
Authors: Ericksen Bryan
Published: April 2015

Indigo rings and circles emerged when I added the non-specific polysaccharide stain lactophenol cotton blue to Gram stained slides. I attribute the dark blue staining to the presence of capsular polysaccharides and bacterial slime associated with clumps of Gram-negative bacteria.  Since all bacterial cells are glycosylated and concentrate polysaccharides from the media, the majority of cells stain light blue. The contrast between dark and light staining is sufficient to enable a digital image processing thresholding technique to be quantitative with little background noise. Prior to the addition of lactophenol cotton blue, the Gram-stained slides appeared unremarkable, lacking ubiquitous clumps or stained polysaccharides.  Adding lactophenol cotton blue to Gram stained slides is a quick and inexpensive way to screen cell cultures for bacterial slime, clumps and biofilms that are invisible using the Gram stain alone.
Portrayed emotions in the movie "Forrest Gump"
Authors: Labs Annika , Reich Theresa , Schulenburg Helene , Boennen Manuel , Mareike Gehrke , Golz Madleen , Hartigs Benita , Hoffmann Nico , Keil Sebastian , Perlow Malú , Peukmann Anne Katrin , Rabe Lea Noell , von Sobbe Franca-Rosa , Hanke Michael
Published: April 2015

Here we present a dataset with a description of portrayed emotions in the movie ”Forrest Gump”. A total of 12 observers independently annotated emotional episodes regarding their temporal location and duration. The nature of an emotion was characterized with basic attributes, such as arousal and valence, as well as explicit emotion category labels. In addition, annotations include a record of the perceptual evidence for the presence of an emotion. Two variants of the movie were annotated separately: 1) an audio-movie version of Forrest Gump that has been used as a stimulus for the acquisition of a large public functional brain imaging dataset, and 2) the original audio-visual movie. We present reliability and consistency estimates that suggest that both stimuli can be used to study visual and auditory emotion cue processing in real-life like situations. Raw annotations from all observers are publicly released in full in order to maximize their utility for a wide range of applications and possible future extensions. In addition, aggregate time series of inter-observer agreement with respect to particular attributes of portrayed emotions are provided to facilitate adoption of these data.
Filênis, de belle de jour à alcoviteira: matéria erótica na Antologia Grega
Authors: Agnolon Alexandre
Published: April 2015

Na Antologia Grega ou Palatina, há um pequeno ciclo de epigramas dedicados à Filênis, que teria sido, no século IV a.C., tratadista de manual erótico. A alusão ou menção a seu nome circunscreve geralmente a ambiência erótico-amorosa do epigrama. No presente artigo, meu objetivo será: a) traduzir em verso alguns epigramas gregos em que Filênis é sujeito da fala epigramática ou é tão-somente referida – levando em consideração a atmosfera erótica dos epigramas, já indiciada pelo próprio nome da personagem –; e b) discutir, mediante análise dos epigramas traduzidos, a sagacidade de Filênis nos jogos do amor, consubstanciada quer pela alcovitaria, comumente associada a seu nome, quer pela escrita tratadística que se lhe atribui, constituinte de uma er todídaxis.
O ‘indígena’ em comunhão com a pólis: o caso do santuário grego no centro indígena de Monte Bubbonia em Gela, Sicília
Authors: Tabone Danilo Andrade
Published: April 2015

A partir do estudo de um caso – a área sacra de Monte Bubbonia, na khóra de Gela, Sicília – serão pensados os espaços sagrados gregos fundados em território não helênico. O objetivo é entender as possibilidades de sociabilização entre esses grupos através de ritos de comensalidade. Em um primeiro momento será discutido o conceito de rito de comensalidade enquanto modo de sociabilização, assim como o lugar do espaço sagrado na realização desses ritos. Em seguida se descreverá o contexto arqueológico de Monte Bubbonia, a partir do que se pensará o contato entre culturas com o conceito de hibridismo cultural.
Algumas anedotas sobre Demóstenes: uma releitura
Authors: Vallozza Maddalena
Published: April 2015

Muitas das anedotas sobre Demóstenes estão relacionados a seus problemas de voz e a suas dificuldades no momento da hypokrisis. Eu proponho uma reinterpretação das páginas em que eles nos são transmitidos: de Quintiliano (11, 3), a principal testemunha, a Cícero (Orator 26 e 56-58, Brutus 142, De Oratore I 261 e III 213), do autor da seção sobre Demóstenes nas Vidas dos Dez Oradores (844 d-845 b) à Vida de Demóstene, de Plutarco. Com base nisso, particularmente graças a Plutarco, que cita Hermipo e Demétrio de Fáleros, é possível formular a hipótese de que a tradição nasceu no Perípato, na área de interesses pela hypokrisis que demonstram o perdido Perì hypokríseos de Teofrasto e os fragmentos da Retórica de Demétrio de Fáleros.
Investigación: Valoración de atributos de los paquetes turísticos nacionales
Authors: Palud María Cristina
Published: April 2015

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el precio de mercado de los diferentes atributos de los paquetes turísticos que comprenden los principales destinos de Argentina. Considerando la oferta realizada por los operadores mayoristas en la ciudad de Santa Fe en el año 2012, se estima un modelo econométrico en base al enfoque de los precios hedónicos. Los resultados empíricos muestran que en su mayoría los atributos de los paquetes turísticos son significativos para explicar los precios, y el signo de los impactos encontrados son los esperados acorde a la relación precio–calidad.
Divulgación: Default soberanos: la necesidad de reforma a la arquitectura financiera internacional a partir de la experiencia de Argentina
Authors: Buchieri Flavio Ernesto
Published: April 2015

Argentina está en su segundo default en menos de quince años, debido a causas propias como al diseño jurídico internacional que contiene la emisión de deuda soberana en la actualidad. En este escenario es una prioridad generar mecanismos que eviten el comportamiento oportunístico de acreedores que no ingresaron a procesos de re–estructuración de tales deudas como lo revela el caso Argentino. De este rediseño en el manejo de deudas soberanas depende el éxito de futuros procesos de rescate de bonos nacionales.
Divulgación: Algunas reflexiones sobre el rol del Estado en la provisión de políticas públicas que se orientan al desarrollo sostenible
Authors: Huespe Agustina Belén
Published: April 2015

El presente trabajo analiza el papel del Estado en la formulación de políticas públicas, en un entorno cada vez más preocupado por cuestiones ambientales, sociales y económicas. Estos aspectos configuran los pilares sobre los que se apoya el concepto de desarrollo sostenible. De este modo, a través de un recorrido sobre las distintas épocas, se analizan las reformas estatales y su consecuente relevancia. A su vez, se pone énfasis en la actuación de la sociedad y su intervención para medir la efectividad de dichas políticas públicas.
Secured Transparent Computerized Voting System performance measurements
Authors: Elbarbary Enas , Abdelhady Ghada , Elbehiery Hussam , Zekry Abdelhalim
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a multipurpose Secured Transparent Computerized Voting System (STCVS) is proposed. STCVS introduces an improvement methodology to the regular election systems. It could handle electronic ballots with multiple scopes at the same time, e.g., presidential, parliamentary, local, amongst others. STCVS's design warrants well-secured identification and authentication processes for the voter via using voter's digital signatures, certificates. Also, it guarantees voting data protection via encryption. Tallying of the voting counts is achieved automatically; candidates recorded percentages are displayed as charts for the supervision trusted parties. STCVS eliminates counting errors, voting duplication, and vote attack raised in paper-based elections systems. Voting transparency is achieved through the election process steps to assure voting credibility. This is confirmed by a feedback e-mail that the voter receives after finalizing the voting process. In addition, the proposed system saves the huge budget required for authentication devices, Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) that consist similar voting systems. To evaluate the robustness and reliability of the proposed system, performance measurements were achieved by applying the Avalanche Effect (AE) tests. Results of these measurements show the degree of security and the performance of the proposed system.
A four-phase data replication algorithm for data grid
Authors: Saleh Alireza , Javidan Reza , FatehiKhajeh Mohammad Taghi
Published: April 2015

Nowadays, scientific applications generate a huge amount of data in terabytes or petabytes. Data grids currently proposed solutions to large scale data management problems including efficient file transfer and replication. Data is typically replicated in a Data Grid to improve the job response time and data availability. A reasonable number and right locations for replicas has become a challenge in the Data Grid. In this paper, a four-phase dynamic data replication algorithm based on Temporal and Geographical locality is proposed. It includes: 1) evaluating and identifying the popular data and triggering a replication operation when the popularity data passes a dynamic threshold; 2) analyzing and modeling the relationship between system availability and the number of replicas, and calculating a suitable number of new replicas; 3) evaluating and identifying the popular data in each site, and placing replicas among them; 4) removing files with least cost of average access time when encountering insufficient space for replication. The algorithm was tested using a grid simulator, OptorSim developed by European Data Grid Projects. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has better performance in comparison with other algorithms in terms of job execution time, effective network usage and percentage of storage filled.
Analytic subordination theory of operator-valued free additive convolution and the solution of a general random matrix problem
Authors: Belinschi Serban T. , Mai Tobias , Speicher Roland
Published: April 2015

We develop an analytic theory of operator-valued additive free convolution
in terms of subordination functions. In contrast to earlier investigations our functions are not just given by power series expansions, but are defined as Fréchet analytic functions in all of the operator upper half plane. Furthermore, we do not have to assume that
our state is tracial. Combining this new analytic theory of operator-valued free convolution with Anderson’s selfadjoint version of the linearization trick we are able to provide a solution to the following general random matrix problem:
Let

X
1

(
N
)

,
…
,

X
n

(
N
)

{X_{1}^{(N)},\dots,X_{n}^{(N)}}

be selfadjoint

N
×
N

{N\times N}

random matrices which are, for

N
→
∞

{N\to\infty}

, asymptotically free. Consider a selfadjoint polynomial p in n non-commuting variables and let

P

(
N
)

{P^{(N)}}

be the element

P

(
N
)

=

p
⁢

(

X
1

(
N
)

,
…
,

X
n

(
N
)

)

{P^{(N)}=p(X_{1}^{(N)},\dots,X_{n}^{(N)})}

. How can we calculate the asymptotic eigenvalue distribution of

P

(
N
)

{P^{(N)}}

out of the asymptotic eigenvalue distributions of

X
1

(
N
)

,
…
,

X
n

(
N
)

{X_{1}^{(N)},\dots,X_{n}^{(N)}}

?