bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole‐Exome Sequencing Reveals Overlap Between Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Kaufman Kenneth M. , Linghu Bolan , Szustakowski Joseph D. , Husami Ammar , Yang Fan , Zhang Kejian , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Fall Ndate , Harley John B. , Nirmala N. R. , Grom Alexei A.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life‐threatening complication of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), resembles familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a constellation of autosomal‐recessive immune disorders resulting from deficiency in cytolytic pathway proteins. We undertook this study to test our hypothesis that MAS predisposition in systemic JIA could be attributed to rare gene sequence variants affecting the cytotolytic pathway.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was used in 14 patients with systemic JIA and MAS and in their parents to identify protein‐altering single‐nucleotide polymorphisms/indels in known HLH‐associated genes. To discover new candidate genes, the entire whole‐exome sequencing data were filtered to identify protein‐altering, rare recessive homozygous, compound heterozygous, and de novo variants with the potential to affect the cytolytic pathway.

Results

Heterozygous protein‐altering rare variants in the known genes (LYST,MUNC13‐4, and STXBP2) were found in 5 of 14 patients with systemic JIA and MAS (35.7%). This was in contrast to only 4 variants in 4 of 29 patients with systemic JIA without MAS (13.8%). Homozygosity and compound heterozygosity analysis applied to the entire whole‐exome sequencing data in systemic JIA/MAS revealed 3 recessive pairs in 3 genes and compound heterozygotes in 73 genes. We also identified 20 heterozygous rare protein‐altering variants that occurred in at least 2 patients. Many of the identified genes encoded proteins with a role in actin and microtubule reorganization and vesicle‐mediated transport. “Cellular assembly and organization” was the top cellular function category based on Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (P < 3.10 × 10−5).

Conclusion

Whole‐exome sequencing performed in patients with systemic JIA and MAS identified rare protein‐altering variants in known HLH‐associated genes as well as in new candidate genes.
Apert syndrome with omphalocele: A case report
Authors: Ercoli Gabriel , Bidondo María Paz , Senra Blanca Cristina , Groisman Boris
Published: July 2014

Apert syndrome is a genetic disorder known as acrocephalopolysyndactyly type 1 caused by mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 and characterized by coronal craniosynostosis, symmetric bone and skin syndactyly of hands and feet, and craniofacial dysmorphic features. The estimated prevalence of this syndrome is 10 to 15.5 cases per 1,000,000 live births. Apert syndrome has considerable clinical variability. We present a case of Apert syndrome and associated features reported to the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina (RENAC). The reported case had omphalocele, esophageal atresia, and mega cisterna magna. The last two signs were reported several times as part of the clinical presentation of Apert syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case diagnosed with Apert syndrome associated with omphalocele. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 100:726–729, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Students' intentions to study non‐compulsory mathematics: the importance of how good you think you are
Authors: Sheldrake Richard , Mujtaba Tamjid , Reiss Michael J.
Published: July 2014

Increasing the number of students who study mathematics once it is no longer compulsory remains a priority for England. A longitudinal cohort from England (1085 students) was surveyed at Years 10 and 12. Students' self‐beliefs of ability influenced their GCSE mathematics grades and their intended and actual mathematics subject‐choices; the degree of under‐confidence or over‐confidence related to these self‐beliefs was also influential. Additional factors that significantly influenced students' intentions at Year 10 to study mathematics in Year 12 were the advice or pressure to do so, the extrinsic motivation associated with mathematics, their gender and the emotional response associated with doing mathematics. These same factors were also significant influences on students' intentions at Year 12 to study mathematics at university, with the addition of their intrinsic motivation associated with mathematics. Although gender was not a significant influence on GCSE mathematics grades or whether students actually studied A‐Level mathematics, boys were associated with higher intentions to study mathematics into Year 12, 13 and university. Additionally, girls were generally more under‐confident than boys in their self‐beliefs.
Aqueous two‐phase system‐mediated antibody micropatterning enables multiplexed immunostaining of cell monolayers and tissues
Authors: Frampton John P. , Tsuei Michael , White Joshua B. , Abraham Abin T. , Takayama Shuichi
Published: July 2014

Conventional immunostaining methods consume large quantities of expensive antibodies and are limited in terms of the number of antigens that can be detected from a single sample. In order to achieve multiplexed immunostaining, we micropatterned antibodies using aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) formed from polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran. Multiple antigens can be detected on a single fixed sample by incorporating antibodies within dextran solutions, which are then patterned by micropipetting at specific sites on the sample in a solution of PEG. The antibodies are retained within the dextran phase due to biomolecular partitioning, allowing multiple protein markers to be visualized simultaneously by way of chromogenic, chemiluminescent, or immunofluorescent detection. This aqueous two‐phase system‐mediated antibody micropatterning approach allows antibody dilutions to be easily optimized, reduces the consumption of expensive primary antibodies and can prevent antibody cross‐reactions, since the antibodies are retained at separate sites within the dextran microdroplets.
Contribution of cationic amino acids toward the inhibition of Arg‐specific cysteine proteinase (Arg‐gingipain) by the antimicrobial dodecapeptide, CL(14–25), from rice protein
Authors: Taniguchi Masayuki , Matsuhashi Yoshiyasu , Abe Takako K. , Ishiyama Yohei , Saitoh Eiichi , Kato Tetsuo , Ochiai Akihito , Tanaka Takaaki
Published: July 2014

CL(14–25), a dodecapeptide, exhibits antimicrobial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis with the 50% growth‐inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 145 µM, and arginine‐specific gingipain (Rgp)‐inhibitory activity. Kinetic analysis revealed that CL(14–25) is a mixed‐type inhibitor, with inhibition constants (Ki and Ki′ values) of 1.4 × 10−6 M and 4.3 × 10−6 M, respectively. To elucidate the contributions of four cationic amino acid residues at the N‐ and C‐termini of CL(14–25) toward Rgp‐inhibitory activity, we investigated the Rgp‐inhibitory activities of truncated and alanine‐substituted analogs of CL(14–25). Rgp‐inhibitory activities significantly decreased by truncated analogs, CL(15–25) and CL(16–25), whereas those of CL(14–24) and CL(14–23) were almost as high as that of CL(14–25). Rgp‐inhibitory activities of alanine‐substituted analogs, CL(R14A) and CL(R14A, R15A) also significantly decreased, whereas those of CL(K25A) and CL(R24A, K25A) were higher than that of CL(14–25). These results suggest that the arginine residue at position 15 substantially contributes to the Rgp‐inhibitory activity and that the arginine residue at position 14 plays important roles in exerting Rgp‐inhibitory activity. In this study, we demonstrated that CL(K25A) was a potent, dual function, peptide inhibitor candidate, exhibiting Rgp‐inhibitory activity with Ki and Ki′ of 9.6 × 10−7 M and 1.9 × 10−6 M, respectively, and antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis with an IC50 value of 51 µM. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 102: 379–389, 2014.
High Soil Sulfur Promotes Invasion of Exotic Spartina alterniflora into Native Phragmites australis Marsh
Authors: Xia Lu , Yang Wen , Zhao Hui , Xiao Yan , Qing Hua , Zhou Changfang , An Shuqing
Published: July 2014

Sulfur plays an important role in plant physiological processes functioning as one of the macro‐elements, but high soil sulfur is toxic to most of the plants. Exotic Spartina alterniflora, a blacklist invasive species in China, actively accumulates and stores sulfur in their tissues leading to high sulfide concentration in the invaded environment. Spartina alterniflora might be using high sulfur as a chemical tool in successful competition with indigenous species as e.g., Phragmites australis. As the supply of sulfur increases due to acid rain and rising sea levels, plant invasions will likely become more problematic around the world.
Optical crossbars on chip, a comparative study based on worst‐case losses
Authors: Le Beux Sébastien , Li Hui , Nicolescu Gabriela , Trajkovic Jelena , O'Connor Ian
Published: July 2014

The many‐core design research community has shown high interest in optical crossbar on chip for more than a decade. Key properties of optical crossbars, namely (1) contention‐free data routing, (2) low latency communication, and (3) potential for high bandwidth through the use of wavelength division multiplexing, motivate several implementations of this type of interconnect. These implementations demonstrate very different scalability and power efficiency abilities depending on three key design factors: (1) network topology, (2) considered layout, and (3) insertion losses induced by the fabrication process. In this paper, the worst‐case optical losses of crossbar implementations are compared according to the factors mentioned earlier. The comparison results have the potential to help many‐core system designer to select the most appropriate crossbar implementation according to, for instance, the number of IP cores and the die size. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental antecedents of abnormal eating attitudes and behaviors in adolescence
Authors: Le Grange Daniel , O'Connor Meredith , Hughes Elizabeth K. , Macdonald Jacqui , Little Keriann , Olsson Craig A.
Published: July 2014

Objective

This study capitalizes on developmental data from an Australian population‐based birth cohort to identify developmental markers of abnormal eating attitudes and behaviors in adolescence. The aims were twofold: (1) to develop a comprehensive path model identifying infant and childhood developmental correlates of Abnormal Eating Attitudes and Behaviors in adolescence, and (2) to explore potential gender differences.

Method

Data were drawn from a 30‐year longitudinal study that has followed the health and development of a population based cohort across 15 waves of data collection from infancy since 1983: The Australian Temperament Project. Participants in this analysis were the 1,300 youth who completed the 11th survey at 15–16 years (1998) and who completed the eating disorder inventory at this time point.

Results

Developmental correlates of Abnormal Eating Attitudes and Behaviors in mid‐adolescence were temperamental persistence, early gestational age, persistent high weight, teen depression, stronger peer relationships, maternal dieting behavior, and pubertal timing. Overall, these factors accounted for 28% of the variance in Abnormal Eating Attitudes and Behaviors at 15–16 years of age. Depressive symptoms, maternal dieting behavior, and early puberty were more important factors for girls. Late puberty was a more important factor for boys.

Discussion

Findings address an important gap in our understanding of the etiology of Abnormal Eating Attitudes and Behaviors in adolescence and suggest multiple targets for preventive intervention. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:813–824)
Association between cardiovascular vs. non‐cardiovascular co‐morbidities and outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Lund Lars H. , Donal Erwan , Oger Emmanuel , Hage Camilla , Persson Hans , Haugen‐Löfman Ida , Ennezat Pierre‐Vladimir , Sportouch‐Dukhan Catherine , Drouet Elodie , Daubert Jean‐Claude , Linde Cecilia ,   on behalf of the KaRen Investigators
Published: July 2014

Aims

The prevalence of cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular co‐morbidities and their relative importance for outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate this.

Methods and results

The Karolinska–Rennes (KaRen) Study was a multinational prospective observational study designed to characterize HFPEF. Inclusion required acute HF, defined by the Framingham criteria, LVEF ≥45%, and NT‐pro‐BNP ≥300 ng/L or BNP ≥100 ng/L. Detailed clinical data were collected at baseline and patients were followed prospectively for 18 months. Predictors of the primary (HF hospitalization or all‐cause mortality) and secondary (all‐cause mortality) outcomes were assessed with multivariable Cox regression. A total of 539 patients [56% women; median (interquartile range) age 79 (72–84) years; NT‐pro‐BNP/BNP 2448 (1290–4790)/429 (229–805) ng/L] were included. Known history of HF was present in 40%. Co‐morbidities included hypertension (78%), atrial fibrillation/flutter (65%), anaemia (51%), renal dysfunction (46%), CAD (33%), diabetes (30%), lung disease (25%), and cancer (16%). The primary outcome occurred in 268 patients [50%; 106 deaths (20%) and 162 HF hospitalizations (30%)]. Important independent predictors of the primary and/or secondary outcomes were age, history of non‐cardiovascular syncope, valve disease, anaemia, lower sodium, and higher potassium, but no cardiovascular co‐morbidities. Renin–angiotensin system antagonist and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use predicted improved prognosis.

Conclusion

HFPEF was associated with higher age, female gender, hypertension, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and numerous non‐cardiovascular co‐morbidities. Prognosis was determined by non‐cardiovascular co‐morbidities, but use of conventional heart failure medications may still be associated with improved outcomes.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Reaction of Hydrogen Sulfide with Diaquacobinamide in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Salnikov Denis S. , Makarov Sergei V. , van Eldik Rudi , Kucherenko Polina N. , Boss Gerry R.
Published: July 2014

We conducted a detailed kinetic study of the reaction of the vitamin B12 analog diaquacobinamide [(H2O)2Cbi(III)] with hydrogen sulfide in water from pH 3 to 11. The reaction proceeds in three steps: (1) the formation of three different complexes between cobinamide and hydrogen sulfide, viz., (HO–)(HS–)Cbi(III), (H2O)(HS–)Cbi(III), and (HS–)2Cbi(III); (2) inner‐sphere electron transfer (ISET) in the two complexes with one coordinated HS– ligand to form the reduced cobinamide complex [(H)S]Cbi(II); and (3) the addition of a second molecule of hydrogen sulfide to the reduced cobinamide. ISET does not proceed in the (HS–)2Cbi(III) complex. The final products of the reaction between cobinamide and hydrogen sulfide were found to be independent of pH, and the main product is a complex of cobinamide(II) with the anion radical SSH2–.
Microalgae cultivation in photobioreactors: An overview of light characteristics
Authors: Wang Shi‐Kai , Stiles Amanda R. , Guo Chen , Liu Chun‐Zhao
Published: July 2014

There is increasing commercial interest in the cultivation of microalgae for the production of biofuels, foods, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment. Light is one of the most important factors for the growth and product yield from photosynthetic cells. In this review, light transfer and photosynthesis in algal cells, and the issues of light utilization in the cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactor (PBR) are discussed. Research progress on the improvement of light utilization in microalgae cultivation is outlined. In addition, PBR design assisted by computational fluid dynamics and a strong focus on improving the light characteristics in the scale‐up of PBRs is emphasized.
Confidence regions for the level curves of spatial data
Authors: French Joshua P.
Published: July 2014

Contour plots are often used by environmental scientists to display the distribution of a variable over a two‐dimensional region of interest, but the uncertainty associated with the estimated level curves seldom receives attention. Few methods are available for identifying the true level curve with quantifiable confidence, and typically, these methods only deal with the uncertainty at individual locations. Methodology is introduced for constructing a confidence region for the entire level curve of a Gaussian random field at a specified level. The methodology utilizes common geostatistical methods to produce confidence regions containing the entire level curve with high confidence. The validity of this approach is investigated using simulation studies involving several covariance functions, dependence levels, and response quantiles. This methodology is then applied in constructing a confidence region for a level curve of the total monthly precipitation for the state of Colorado in May 1997. Simulation results indicate that this approach works well for the level curves of Gaussian random fields under a variety of conditions. Additionally, this methodology does not depend on the location of estimated level curves, so confidence regions may appear in areas where an estimated level curve is not present. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of transpiration cooling through porous material
Authors: Dahmen W. , Gotzen T. , Müller S. , Rom M.
Published: July 2014

Transpiration cooling using ceramic matrix composite materials is an innovative concept for cooling rocket thrust chambers. The coolant (air) is driven through the porous material by a pressure difference between the coolant reservoir and the turbulent hot gas flow. The effectiveness of such cooling strategies relies on a proper choice of the involved process parameters such as injection pressure, blowing ratios, and material structure parameters, to name only a few. In view of the limited experimental access to the subtle processes occurring at the interface between hot gas flow and porous medium, reliable and accurate simulations become an increasingly important design tool. In order to facilitate such numerical simulations for a carbon/carbon material mounted in the side wall of a hot gas channel that are able to capture a spatially varying interplay between the hot gas flow and the coolant at the interface, we formulate a model for the porous medium flow of Darcy–Forchheimer type. A finite‐element solver for the corresponding porous medium flow is presented and coupled with a finite‐volume solver for the compressible Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional results at Mach numberMa= 0.5 and hot gas temperatureTHG=540 K for different blowing ratios are compared with experimental data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When to perform hepatic resection for intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Djulbegovic Benjamin , Tsalatsanis Athanasios , Vitale Alessandro , Hozo Iztok , Piscaglia Fabio , Cescon Matteo , Ercolani Giorgio , Tuci Francesco , Cillo Umberto , Pinna Antonio Daniele
Published: July 2014

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first‐line therapy recommended for patients with intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, in clinical practice, these patients are often referred to surgical teams to be evaluated for hepatectomy. After making a treatment decision (e.g., TACE or surgery), physicians may discover that the alternative treatment would have been preferable, which may bring a sense of regret. Under this premise, it is postulated that the optimal decision will be the one associated with the least amount of regret. Regret‐based decision curve analysis (Regret‐DCA) was performed on a Cox's regression model developed on 247 patients with cirrhosis resected for intermediate HCC. Physician preferences on surgery versus TACE were elicited in terms of regret; threshold probabilities (Pt) were calculated to identify the probability of survival for which physicians are uncertain of whether or not to perform a surgery. A survey among surgeons and hepatologists regarding three hypothetical clinical cases of intermediate HCC was performed to assess treatment preference domains. The 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates after hepatectomy were 48.7% and 33.8%, respectively. Child‐Pugh score, tumor number, and esophageal varices were independent predictors of survival (P < 0.05). Regret‐DCA showed that for physicians with Pt values of 3‐year survival between 35% and 70%, the optimal strategy is to rely on the prediction model; for physicians with Pt <35%, surgery should be offered to all patients; and for Pt values >70%, the least regretful strategy is to perform TACE on all patients. The survey showed a significant separation among physicians' preferences, indicating that surgeons and hepatologists can uniformly act according to the regret threshold model. Conclusion: Regret theory provides a new perspective for treatment‐related decisions applicable to the setting of intermediate HCC. (Hepatology 2015;61:905–914)
Combined DNA methylation and gene expression profiling in gastrointestinal stromal tumors reveals hypomethylation of SPP1 as an independent prognostic factor
Authors: Haller Florian , Zhang Jitao David , Moskalev Evgeny A. , Braun Alexander , Otto Claudia , Geddert Helene , Riazalhosseini Yasser , Ward Aoife , Balwierz Aleksandra , Schaefer Inga‐Marie , Cameron Silke , Ghadimi B. Michael , Agaimy Abbas , Fletcher Jonathan A. , Hoheisel Jörg , Hartmann Arndt , Werner Martin , Wiemann Stefan , Sahin Özgür
Published: July 2014

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have distinct gene expression patterns according to localization, genotype and aggressiveness. DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides is an important mechanism for regulation of gene expression. We performed targeted DNA methylation analysis of 1.505 CpG loci in 807 cancer‐related genes in a cohort of 76 GISTs, combined with genome‐wide mRNA expression analysis in 22 GISTs, to identify signatures associated with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Principal component analysis revealed distinct DNA methylation patterns associated with anatomical localization, genotype, mitotic counts and clinical follow‐up. Methylation of a single CpG dinucleotide in the non‐CpG island promoter of SPP1 was significantly correlated with shorter disease‐free survival. Hypomethylation of this CpG was an independent prognostic parameter in a multivariate analysis compared to anatomical localization, genotype, tumor size and mitotic counts in a cohort of 141 GISTs with clinical follow‐up. The epigenetic regulation of SPP1 was confirmed in vitro, and the functional impact of SPP1 protein on tumorigenesis‐related signaling pathways was demonstrated. In summary, SPP1 promoter methylation is a novel and independent prognostic parameter in GISTs, and might be helpful in estimating the aggressiveness of GISTs from the intermediate‐risk category.
Family Therapy and the Family Doctor − 1
Authors: Martin Graham
Published: July 2014

The author shows that the family doctor's burden of responsibility in the area of psychological dysfunction in the community is immense. Traditionally he has little training, limited knowledge, and a paucity of skills, in the areas of counselling and psychotherapy. The author argues that structural and strategic family therapy skills may be applicable to family practice and of benefit to the family doctor. A brief introductory course and subsequent feedback are described.
Blackmail is against the Law
Authors: McCallum Peter , Lang Moshe
Published: July 2014

An annotated transcript of a first interview with a family where mother and daugher have attempted suicide.

A 14 year old girl took an overdose of her mother's tablets. Her mother was already seeing a psychiatrist, having herself taken an overdose months earlier. The psychiatrist referred the family because he decided that a family approach was needed.

What follows is an annotated verbatim transcript of the first meeting of the family with Moshe Lang, interposed with comments. A conclusion and invited commentaries are included.
A prospective comparison of MRI‐US fused targeted biopsy versus systematic ultrasound‐guided biopsy for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in patients on active surveillance
Authors: Da Rosa Michael R. , Milot Laurent , Sugar Linda , Vesprini Danny , Chung Hans , Loblaw Andrew , Pond Gregory R. , Klotz Laurence , Haider Masoom A.
Published: July 2014

Background

In active surveillance (AS) patients: (i) To compare the ability of a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)‐ultrasound biopsy system to detect clinically significant (CS) prostate cancer with systematic 12‐core biopsy (R‐TRUSBx), and (ii) To assess the predictive value of mpMRI with biopsy as the reference standard.

Methods

Seventy‐two men on AS prospectively underwent 3T mpMRI . MRI‐ultrasound fusion biopsy (UroNavBx) and R‐TRUSBx was performed. CS cancer was defined using two thresholds: 1) GS ≥ 7 (CS7) and 2) GS = 6 with >50% involvement (GS6). CS cancer detection rates and predictive values were determined.

Results

CS7 cancers were found in 19/72 (26%), 7 (37%) identified by UroNavBx alone, 2 (11%) by R‐TRUSBx alone (P = 0.182). UroNav targeted biopsy was 6.3× more likely to yield a core positive for CS7 cancer compared with R‐TRUSBx (25% of 141 versus 4% of 874, P < 0.001). Upgrading of GS occurred in 15/72 patients (21%), 13 (87%) detected by UroNavBx and 10 (67%) by R‐TRUSBx. The NPV of mpMRI for CS7 cancer was 100%. MRI suspicion level significantly predicted CS cancer on multivariate analysis (OR 3.6, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

UroNavBx detected CS cancer with far fewer cores compared with R‐TRUSBx, and mpMRI had a perfect negative predictive value in this population. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:220–225. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is “feeling good” good enough? Differentiating discrete positive emotions at work
Authors: Hu Xiaoxiao , Kaplan Seth
Published: July 2014

Overwhelming evidence demonstrates the benefits of positive affect for various life and work outcomes. However, the relevant organizational research almost exclusively has focused on general positive affect, thereby implying that all positive affect has consistent and equal relationships with other work variables. The purposes of this theoretical paper are to review and highlight research from basic psychology demonstrating the unique nature and correlates of specific positive emotions and to translate those ideas and findings into the organizational context. Specifically, we discuss three discrete positive emotions—pride, interest, and gratitude—and offer propositions regarding their differential effects on relevant workplace outcomes and regarding the differential antecedents of them. Our hope is that this paper stimulates future research on this topic, and we offer specific research strategies and ideas to facilitate those endeavors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between UVB and broadband solar radiation in Spain
Authors: Gandía S. , Utrillas M. P. , Gómez‐Amo J. L. , Esteve A. R. , Estellés V. , Pedrós R. , Núñez J. A. , Martínez Lozano J. A.
Published: July 2014

The daily values of UVB irradiation (290–315 nm), IUVB, and the broadband total irradiation (300–2800 nm), IT, measured on a horizontal plane have been correlated for the period 2000–2008 at 16 measurement sites in Spain. The results have been compared with the daily experimental values registered at the same sites during the period 2009–2011. The coefficients of determination R2 obtained by applying a linear regression are higher than 0.88 for all sites and increase to 0.94 when using a quadratic regression. When all data are considered together, the values of R2 are 0.91 and 0.97 for the linear and quadratic regressions, respectively. Three different clearness indices, which are dimensionless parameters, have been also used in order to reduce the uncertainties of the estimations and to reduce the local nature of the coefficients: (1) the UVB clearness index, kTUVB = IUVB/I0UVB; (2) the modified UVB clearness index, k′TUVB and (3) the estimated UVB clearness index, k*TUVB. The results show a strong dependence on the solar zenith angle. The bi‐dimensional regression of kTUVB as a function of the solar zenith angle and the clearness index, kT, substantially improves the correlation, with R2 values higher than 0.81 for all sites. Finally, a formula relating kTUVB and kT, valid for latitudes between 36°N and 44°N, has been obtained: kTUVB = 0.064 kT – 0.0011 θz – 1.24 E‐05 ϕ + 7.6 E‐05 λ + 0.063, where θz represents the solar zenith angle (in degrees), ϕ is the latitude (in degrees) of the site and λ is the distance to the sea (in km). We have compared the experimental values for the period 2009–2011 with those estimated using this expression. For this, the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.87, with a MBD of –3.4%, a RMSE of 21% and a NRMSE of 8.7%.
New evidence on the dimming/brightening phenomenon and decreasing diurnal temperature range in Iran (1961–2009)
Authors: Rahimzadeh Fatemeh , Sanchez‐Lorenzo Arturo , Hamedi Maryam , Kruk Michael C. , Wild Martin
Published: July 2014

For a better understanding of multidecadal climate change, as well as for the production of solar power, there is a growing need for knowledge of the trends in incident sunlight at the Earth's surface, but a lack of a long‐term sunlight time series dictates that a proxy measure is needed. In this study, variations of sunshine duration and diurnal temperature range (DTR) are used as proxies for surface solar radiation. Annual and seasonal composites of both variables from 29 stations are analyzed from 1961 through 2009 across the different types of climates of Iran. The annual sunshine duration mean time series shows a decrease from the early 1960s to the late 1970s, in line with the widespread dimming of surface solar radiation observed during this period. By the early 1980s, there is an increase in sunshine through the end of the 20th century, aligning with a well‐known and well‐documented brightening period. In addition, a renewed dimming is observed during the 2000s, with a sharp drop in 2009. A linear trend estimated over the 1961–2009 period was not found to be statistically significant. However, the annual DTR time series shows a widespread and statistically significant decrease since the 1960s, although the series ends without relevant variations after the 1990s. An agreement in the interannual variability of sunshine and DTR is observed except for the summer season. On decadal time scales, only the spring DTR series shows a partial agreement with sunshine series. Nevertheless, the recent leveling off in the DTR series supports a transition in the radiative regime.
Understanding the Heterogeneity of Generation Y's Preferences for Travelling: a Conjoint Analysis Approach
Authors: Vukic Milena , Kuzmanovic Marija , Kostic Stankovic Milica
Published: July 2014

The unique motives of young travellers make this market segment very important to the key objectives of the global tourism plan. Accordingly, it is important to understand better the main drivers that affect their choice of a tourism offer. This paper introduces conjoint analysis as an appropriate tool for evaluating the preferences of travellers. The survey was conducted on a sample of 514 respondents. To isolate homogeneous young traveller segments, preference‐based segmentation was performed on the conjoint data. Based on the study findings, a marketing strategy for each identified market segment is suggested. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tourism Demand Forecasting with Neural Network Models: Different Ways of Treating Information
Authors: Claveria Oscar , Monte Enric , Torra Salvador
Published: July 2014

This paper aims to compare the performance of three different artificial neural network techniques for tourist demand forecasting: a multi‐layer perceptron, a radial basis function and an Elman network. We find that multi‐layer perceptron and radial basis function models outperform Elman networks. We repeated the experiment assuming different topologies regarding the number of lags used for concatenation so as to evaluate the effect of the memory on the forecasting results. We find that for higher memories, the forecasting performance obtained for longer horizons improves, suggesting the importance of increasing the dimensionality for long‐term forecasting. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causal Maps and Indirect Influences Analysis in the Diagnosis of Second‐Home Tourism Impacts
Authors: García‐Andreu Hugo , Ortiz Guadalupe , Aledo Antonio
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes a method for diagnosing the impacts of second‐home tourism and illustrates it for a Mediterranean Spanish destination. This method proposes the application of network analysis software to the analysis of causal maps in order to create a causal network model based on stakeholder‐identified impacts. The main innovation is the analysis of indirect relations in causal maps for the identification of the most influential nodes in the model. The results show that the most influential nodes are of a political nature, which contradicts previous diagnoses identifying technical planning as the ultimate cause of problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steroids for treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Crane Ryan A. , Camilon Marc , Nguyen Shaun , Meyer Ted A.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To systematically review the available evidence regarding steroid treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) and to update prior analyses when possible.

Data Sources

OVID Medline.

Review Methods

An electronic database search (OVID Medline) was performed with the objective of identifying all randomized controlled trials examining the use of steroids for the treatment of SSHL. The search was limited to English‐language publications between January 1980 and June 2013. Reference lists were examined for additional articles.

Results

A total of 15 articles including 1,166 subjects were included in three separate analyses. Three articles (181 subjects) were included in the steroid versus placebo analysis, which resulted in an odds ratio of 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83‐2.77). Six articles (702 subjects) were included in the systemic versus intratympanic steroids analysis, which resulted in an odds ratio of 1.14 (95% CI: 0.82‐1.59). Six articles (283 subjects) were included in the salvage treatment analysis, which resulted in an odds ratio of 6.04 (95% CI: 3.26‐11.2).

Conclusions

A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials does not support the use of steroids over placebo in this condition, a finding consistent with previous analyses. Although systemic or intratympanic steroid administration does not have a significant treatment effect, steroids for salvage treatment of patients failing traditional therapy appear to have an effect. However, this result should be interpreted with caution given the poor quality of component trials. Implications for clinical practice and future trial design are discussed.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:209–217, 2015
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of pterostilbene in the rat
Authors: Azzolini Michele , La Spina Martina , Mattarei Andrea , Paradisi Cristina , Zoratti Mario , Biasutto Lucia
Published: July 2014

Scope

Pterostilbene (Pt) is emerging as an important health‐promoting natural compound. Pharmacokinetic studies so far have focused on plasma levels, while Pt distribution in tissues is most relevant for biological action. This study determined tissue distribution of Pt and its major metabolite, pterostilbene‐4′‐sulfate (Pt‐S), in rats after oral administration.

Methods and results

Upon intravenous (iv) administration (88 μmol/kg), Pt was cleared from blood with a half‐life of 1.8 ± 0.3 h. Oral administration (same dose) resulted in moderate Pt bioavailability (∼35%) and in an increased abundance of Pt‐S in blood (AUCPt/AUCPt‐S ∼0.75 and ∼0.05 after iv or oral administration, respectively). Pt‐S was the major species in all organs except the brain, where intact Pt was predominant (AUCPt/AUCPt‐S ∼5). Both Pt and Pt‐S peaked in all tissues at approximately 2 h. The highest levels (∼200 nmoles/g for Pt‐S and 40 nmoles/g for Pt) were measured in the liver, the lowest (≤7 nmol/g) in skeletal muscles and testes.

Conclusion

AUCPt was ∼2‐ to ∼25‐fold higher in tissues than in blood; this may explain its bioactivity despite barely detectable blood levels. Of particular interest is the high fraction of nonmetabolized Pt in the brain, given the reports of its activity at the level of the central nervous system.
Christian Marriage, Money Scams, and Melanesian Social Imaginaries
Authors: Cox John , Macintyre Martha
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we draw on fieldwork with middle‐class investors in ‘fast money schemes’ (Ponzi scams) to consider how Neo‐Pentecostal Christianity may be mediating social and economic change in Papua New Guinea, particularly in relation to gender equality. Ideas of companionate marriage and the cultivation of an affective self imply masculinities that are more sensitive and less domineering. As these images of fulfilled modernity flow out from Pentecostal churches into broader Papua New Guinean society, they corroborate Taylor's theory of how change occurs within the modern social imaginary.
Naming, Mnemonics, and the Poetics of Knowing inVula'a Oral Traditions
Authors: Van Heekeren Deborah
Published: July 2014

For theVula'a people of south‐easternPapuaNewGuinea names are a way of knowing that is intimately linked to a particular mode of being. The ethnography ofVula'a naming practices presented here, and an analysis of their stories – traditionally known asrikwana –suggests that names are essential in the Heideggerian sense that they bring the past, present, and future into proximity and thus may be understood as a form of historicity. In certain contexts names are also powerful because they are implicated in the kinds of transformations commonly described by anthropologists as magical. Magical names link knowing and speaking with a vital aspect ofVula'a cosmo‐ontology known asiavu(heat).
Great Ancestral Women: Sexuality, Gendered Mobility, and HIV among the Bamu and Gogodala of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Wood Michael , Dundon Alison
Published: July 2014

Faced with a potentially devastating epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea (PNG), sexuality and mobility have become a focus of national research and prevention programs. In Gogodala and Bamu communities in the Western Province, gendered mobility and sexuality intersect with ancestral narratives that form part of a wider series of Hero Tales found in the southern regions of PNG and Irian Jaya. In this paper we highlight the way these stories detail the travels and activities of female ancestors – known as Sagalu among the Bamui and Sawiya among the Gogodala. We outline the way such ancestral figures are now linked to understandings of contemporary STIs such HIV/AIDS as well as gendered mobility and sexuality more generally. Among the Bamu such links are sometimes directly asserted, with Sagalu represented as the origin if not cause of a uniquely defined variant of HIV/AIDS. Among the Gogodala, however, HIV/AIDS is predominantly understood as something external to the Gogodala and unrelated to ancestors like Sawiya. To explain this difference we note that, historically, Gogodala women have been less mobile and less transactable than their Bamu counterparts who have continued to enact unique understandings of the intersection of heterosexual marriage, gendered mobility, and illness. We argue that the mobility and sexuality of gendered ancestors is salient to understanding these contemporary enactments and their potential implications in light of the HIV epidemic in PNG.
Exome sequencing for gene discovery in lethal fetal disorders – harnessing the value of extreme phenotypes
Authors: Filges Isabel , Friedman Jan M.
Published: July 2014

Massively parallel sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of Mendelian disorders, and many novel genes have been discovered to cause disease phenotypes when mutant. At the same time, next‐generation sequencing approaches have enabled non‐invasive prenatal testing of free fetal DNA in maternal blood. However, little attention has been paid to using whole exome and genome sequencing strategies for gene identification in fetal disorders that are lethal in utero, because they can appear to be sporadic and Mendelian inheritance may be missed. We present challenges and advantages of applying next‐generation sequencing approaches to gene discovery in fetal malformation phenotypes and review recent successful discovery approaches. We discuss the implication and significance of recessive inheritance and cross‐species phenotyping in fetal lethal conditions. Whole exome sequencing can be used in individual families with undiagnosed lethal congenital anomaly syndromes to discover causal mutations, provided that prior to data analysis, the fetal phenotype can be correlated to a particular developmental pathway in embryogenesis. Cross‐species phenotyping allows providing further evidence for causality of discovered variants in genes involved in those extremely rare phenotypes and will increase our knowledge about normal and abnormal human developmental processes. Ultimately, families will benefit from the option of early prenatal diagnosis. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visible light‐induced diastereoselectiveE/Z‐photoisomerization equilibrium of the C=C benzofuran‐3‐one‐hydantoin dyad
Authors: Talhi Oualid , Lopes Guido R. , Santos Sérgio M. , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: July 2014

The diastereoselective photodependent isomerization equilibrium of E/Z‐1,3‐ditolyl‐5‐[3‐oxobenzofuran‐2(3H)‐ylidene]imidazolidine‐2,4‐dione (5) is reported. Both diastereomers E-5 and Z-5 are stereochemically stable in solid state but show significant photosensibility in solutions of halogenated solvent. The photoisomerization equilibrium of E/Z‐5 is therefore deduced from the 1H NMR profile after visible‐light irradiation of both E-5 and Z-5 samples. The results of the kinetic study, monitored by UV‐HPLC, reveal that the E/Z equilibrium is diastereoselective and photodependent, being the transformation E ➔ Z proceeding faster than that of Z ➔ E, and the E/Z ratio at the equilibrium depends on the used solvent, light source, and temperature. Both diastereomers are visible‐light photosensitive tending to coexist together in equilibrium solutions at a determined ratio, which is always in favor of the Z‐product assuming a minimum thermodynamic energy and an increased entropy of the system. Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations suggest that the photoisomerization mechanism proceeds via a conical intersection involving the first‐excited state: Upon irradiation, the E-5 isomer is excited to the S1 potential energy surface, where it relaxes through rotation of the C=C bond and reaches a conical intersection with the ground‐state potential energy surface, thus yielding the Z-5 isomer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free Movement? The Onward Migration of EU Citizens Born in Somalia, Iran, and Nigeria
Authors: Ahrens Jill , Kelly Melissa , Van Liempt Ilse
Published: July 2014

Research into the mobility of European Union (EU) citizens has contributed to a better understanding of the social effects of European integration. A growing body of literature highlights that naturalised third‐country nationals are also making use of their ‘freedom of movement’. This paper proposes a typology of ‘new EU citizens’ who onward migrate between member states. It draws on relevant statistics and qualitative empirical research carried out with Dutch‐Somalis, Swedish‐Iranians, and German‐Nigerians who relocated to the UK. In contrast to research with native‐born EU movers, our findings indicate that the majority of naturalised EU citizens onward migrated as a result of the discrimination and racism they experienced in their previous place of residence. In this paper, we conceptualise the interactions of integration and transnationalism as a potential trigger for onward migration. We illustrate how onward migrants are able to complete certain aspects of their integration process in a second member state. Moreover, we show how migrants maintain transnational ties across several destinations and therefore contribute to a broader understanding of transnationalism. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sense of Community Responsibility in Community Collaboratives: Advancing a Theory of Community as Resource and Responsibility
Authors: Nowell Branda , Boyd Neil M.
Published: July 2014

This paper contributes to the growing body of scholarship aimed at advancing our understanding of the experience of community by empirically investigating sense of community responsibility (SOC‐R) in relation to traditional measures of sense of community (SOC) and indices of satisfaction, engagement, and leadership in interorganizational collaborative settings. Findings support the proposition that, although both are related to the experience of community, SOC and SOC‐R emphasize different aspects of that experience and operate under different theoretical mechanisms of influence. SOC emphasizes community as a resource which was found to be a more salient aspect in differentiating those who will be more or less satisfied with their experience. In addition, SOC was found to predict general participation in a community collaborative. SOC‐R emphasizes the experience of community as a responsibility which appears to be a stronger predictor in explaining higher order engagement requiring greater investment of time and resources. Even more importantly, this study indicates that SOC‐R is uniquely equipped to help us advance models of community leadership. As such, it represents an important contribution to expanding our understanding of the factors that drive members’ willingness to give of themselves toward collective aims.
A randomized trial of chewing gum to prevent postoperative ileus after laparotomy for benign gynecologic surgery
Authors: Jernigan Amelia M. , Chen Chi Chiung Grace , Sewell Catherine
Published: July 2014

Objective

To assess whether chewing gum prevents postoperative ileus after laparotomy for benign gynecologic surgery.

Methods

A randomized study was conducted from December 1, 2010, to February 29, 2012. Patients scheduled to undergo laparotomy were randomly assigned to receive chewing gum or routine care after surgery. A chart review was performed to establish incidence of nausea and vomiting, use of antiemetics, cases of postoperative ileus (≥ 2 episodes of emesis of 100 mL or more, with abdominal distention and absence of bowel sounds), and time to discharge. Inpatient surveys recorded the time to specific events.

Results

A total of 109 patients were randomly assigned to receive chewing gum (n = 51) or routine postoperative care (n = 58). Fewer participants assigned to receive chewing gum than routine care experienced postoperative nausea (16 [31.4%] versus 29 [50.0%]; P = 0.049) and postoperative ileus (0 vs 5 [8.6%]; P = 0.032). There were no differences in the need for postoperative antiemetics, episodes of postoperative vomiting, readmissions, repeat surgeries, time to first hunger, time to toleration of clear liquids, time to regular diet, time to first flatus, or time to discharge.

Conclusion

Chewing gum after laparotomy for gynecologic surgery is safe and lowers the incidence of postoperative ileus and nausea.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01579175