bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of A356/SiC Metal Matrix Composites Produced by Two Different Melting Routes
Authors: Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Sharma Satpal , Mishra Raghvendra Kumar
Published: October 2014

A356/SiC metal matrix composites with different weight percent of SiC particles were fabricated by two different techniques such as mechanical stir casting and electromagnetic stir casting. The results of macrostructure, microstructure, and XRD study revealed uniform distribution, grain refinement, and low porosity in electromagnetic stir casing samples. The mechanical results showed that the addition of SiC particles led to the improvement in tensile strength, hardness, toughness, and fatigue life. It indicates that type of fabrication process and percentage of reinforcement are the effective factors influencing the mechanical properties. It is observed that when percentage of reinforcement increases in electromagnetic stir casting, best mechanical properties are obtained.
Investigating the Existence of Chaos in Inflation Data in relation to Chaotic Foreign Exchange Rate
Authors: Das Pritha , Das Atin
Published: October 2014

Foreign exchange (ForEx) rates are amongst the most important economic indices in the international monetary markets. ForEx rate represents the value of one currency in another and it fluctuates over time. It is related to indicators like inflation, interest rate, gross domestic product, and so forth. In a series of works, we investigated and confirmed the chaotic property of ForEx rates by finding positive largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE). As inflation influences ForEx, in this work we would like to address the specific question, Is inflation data also chaotic? We collected data for time period of 2000 to 2013 and tested for nonlinearity in data by surrogate method. Calculating LLE, we find existence of chaos in inflation data for some countries.
Brain AVMs: An Endovascular, Surgical, and Radiosurgical Update
Authors: Peschillo Simone , Caporlingua Alessandro , Colonnese Claudio , Guidetti Giulio
Published: October 2014

Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are complex vascular lesions. Despite multiple studies, several classifications, and a great interest of the scientific community, case selection in AVM patients remains challenging. During the last few years, tremendous advancements widened therapeutic options and improved outcomes spreading indications for patients harboring lesions deemed inoperable in the past. Anatomical and biological case specific features, and natural history with a focus on presenting symptoms should be evaluated case by case and always kept in mind while planning a therapeutic management for a bAVMs. A multidisciplinary approach is strongly recommended when dealing with bAVMs and should involve physicians expertise in this kind of challenging lesions. The goal of this paper is to provide a focused review of the most recent acquisitions and therapeutic strategies regarding surgical, endovascular, and radiosurgical treatment.
Robust Analysis and Parameters Identification of the Nonlinear Multistage Dynamical System in Batch Fermentation of Glycerol
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Xinying , Feng Enmin , Xiu Zhilong
Published: October 2014

This paper discusses a complex biological problem which is the fermentation of glycerol byKlebsiella pneumoniaein batch culture. We set up an improved multistage model involving the concentration of intracellular substances. Furthermore, the existence, uniqueness, and continuity of solutions with respect to the parameters are discussed. On the condition that glycerol and 1,3-propanediol are assumed to pass the cell membrane by passive diffusion coupled with facilitated transport, we take the relative errors between experimental data and computational values of the extracellular substances concentrations and the biological robustness of the intracellular substances concentrations as the performance index. Then we establish a parameter identification model and construct the particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve it. Finally, the numerical result shows that the improved model could describe the glycerol fermentation in batch culture well.
Complex Dynamical Behavior of a Two-Stage Colpitts Oscillator with Magnetically Coupled Inductors
Authors: Kamdoum Tamba V. , Fotsin H. B. , Kengne J. , Kapche Tagne F. , Talla P. K.
Published: October 2014

A five-dimensional (5D) controlled two-stage Colpitts oscillator is introduced and analyzed. This new electronic oscillator is constructed by considering the well-known two-stage Colpitts oscillator with two further elements (coupled inductors and variable resistor). In contrast to current approaches based on piecewise linear (PWL) model, we propose a smooth mathematical model (with exponential nonlinearity) to investigate the dynamics of the oscillator. Several issues, such as the basic dynamical behaviour, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, and frequency spectra of the oscillator, are investigated theoretically and numerically by varying a single control resistor. It is found that the oscillator moves from the state of fixed point motion to chaos via the usual paths of period-doubling and interior crisis routes as the single control resistor is monitored. Furthermore, an experimental study of controlled Colpitts oscillator is carried out. An appropriate electronic circuit is proposed for the investigations of the complex dynamics behaviour of the system. A very good qualitative agreement is obtained between the theoretical/numerical and experimental results.
AKT1 and MYC Induce Distinctive Metabolic Fingerprints in Human Prostate Cancer
Authors: Priolo Carmen , Pyne Saumyadipta , Rose Joshua , Regan Erzsébet Ravasz , Zadra Giorgia , Photopoulos Cornelia , Cacciatore Stefano , Schultz Denise , Scaglia Natalia , McDunn Jonathan , De Marzo Angelo M. , Loda Massimo
Published: October 2014

Cancer cells may overcome growth factor dependence by deregulating oncogenic and/or tumor-suppressor pathways that affect their metabolism, or by activating metabolic pathways de novo with targeted mutations in critical metabolic enzymes. It is unknown whether human prostate tumors develop a similar metabolic response to different oncogenic drivers or a particular oncogenic event results in its own metabolic reprogramming. Akt and Myc are arguably the most prevalent driving oncogenes in prostate cancer. Mass spectrometry–based metabolite profiling was performed on immortalized human prostate epithelial cells transformed by AKT1 or MYC, transgenic mice driven by the same oncogenes under the control of a prostate-specific promoter, and human prostate specimens characterized for the expression and activation of these oncoproteins. Integrative analysis of these metabolomic datasets revealed that AKT1 activation was associated with accumulation of aerobic glycolysis metabolites, whereas MYC overexpression was associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism. Selected metabolites that differentially accumulated in the MYC-high versus AKT1-high tumors, or in normal versus tumor prostate tissue by untargeted metabolomics, were validated using absolute quantitation assays. Importantly, the AKT1/MYC status was independent of Gleason grade and pathologic staging. Our findings show how prostate tumors undergo a metabolic reprogramming that reflects their molecular phenotypes, with implications for the development of metabolic diagnostics and targeted therapeutics. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7198–204. ©2014 AACR.
Suppression of Feedback Loops Mediated by PI3K/mTOR Induces Multiple Overactivation of Compensatory Pathways: An Unintended Consequence Leading to Drug Resistance
Authors: Rozengurt Enrique , Soares Heloisa P. , Sinnet-Smith James
Published: October 2014

The development of drug resistance by cancer cells is recognized as a major cause for drug failure and disease progression. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is aberrantly stimulated in many cancer cells and thus it has emerged as a target for therapy. However, mTORC1 and S6K also mediate potent negative feedback loops that attenuate signaling via insulin/insulin growth factor receptor and other tyrosine kinase receptors. Suppression of these feedback loops causes overactivation of upstream pathways, including PI3K, AKT, and ERK that potentially oppose the antiproliferative effects of mTOR inhibitors and lead to drug resistance. A corollary of this concept is that release of negative feedback loops and consequent compensatory overactivation of promitogenic pathways in response to signal inhibitors can circumvent the mitogenic block imposed by targeting only one pathway. Consequently, the elucidation of the negative feedback loops that regulate the outputs of signaling networks has emerged as an area of fundamental importance for the rational design of effective anticancer combinations of inhibitors. Here, we review pathways that undergo compensatory overactivation in response to inhibitors that suppress feedback inhibition of upstream signaling and underscore the importance of unintended pathway activation in the development of drug resistance to clinically relevant inhibitors of mTOR, AKT, PI3K, or PI3K/mTOR. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(11); 2477–88. ©2014 AACR.
Body Mass Index and Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ahmadi Seyed-Foad , Zahmatkesh Golara , Streja Elani , Molnar Miklos Z. , Rhee Connie M. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Gillen Daniel L. , Steiner Shah , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: October 2014

Background: A higher body mass index (BMI) seems to be linked to survival advantage in maintenance hemodialysis patients. However, it is uncertain if this ‘obesity survival paradox' is also observed in kidney transplant recipients. Hence, we systematically reviewed the literature on the impact of pre-transplantation BMI on all-cause mortality in this population. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL for relevant studies up to July 2013. Two investigators independently selected the studies using predefined criteria, abstracted the data from the included studies, and independently assessed each study's quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. In addition to the qualitative synthesis, we quantitatively pooled the results of the studies with clinical, methodological, and statistical homogeneity. Results: We screened 7,123 records, from which we included 11 studies (with a total of 305,392 participants) in this systematic review and 4 studies in the meta-analyses. In the only study that included children, obesity was linked to higher mortality in children of 6-12 years old. For adults, our meta-analyses indicated that compared to normal BMI, underweight [Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.09; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.02-1.20], overweight (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.12), and obese (HR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.14-1.23) levels of BMI were associated with higher mortality. Conclusion: The presence of the obesity survival paradox is unlikely in kidney transplant recipients since both extremes of pre-transplantation BMI are linked to higher mortality in this population.
Increased Vascular Calcification in Patients Receiving Warfarin
Authors: Tantisattamo Ekamol , Han Kum Hyun , O’Neill W. Charles
Published: October 2014

Objective—

Matrix gla protein is a vitamin K–dependent inhibitor of medial arterial calcification whose synthesis and activity are blocked by warfarin. Warfarin induces arterial calcification in experimental models, but whether this occurs in humans is unclear. This was addressed by examining breast arterial calcification, which is exclusively medial and easily identified on mammograms.

Approach and Results—

Screening mammograms from women with current, past, or future warfarin use were examined for the presence of arterial calcification and compared with mammograms obtained in untreated women matched for age and diabetes mellitus. Women with a serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL or a history of end-stage renal disease were excluded. In 451 women with mammograms performed after ≥1 month of warfarin therapy, the prevalence of arterial calcification was 50% greater than in 451 untreated women (39.0% versus 25.9%;
P
<0.0001). However, in 159 mammograms performed before warfarin therapy, the prevalence of arterial calcification was not increased (26.4% versus 25.8%). The increased prevalence varied with duration of treatment, from 25.0% for <1 year to 74.4% for >5 years. In a multivariable logistic model, only age and duration of warfarin, but not the period of time after stopping warfarin, were significant determinants of arterial calcification in women with current or past warfarin use.

Conclusions—

The prevalence of breast arterial calcification is increased in women with current or past warfarin use independent of other risk factors and conditions predating warfarin use. This effect appears to be cumulative and may be irreversible.
Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Changes in Relation With Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Verdecchia Paolo , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Angeli Fabio , Trimarco Bruno , Mancia Giuseppe , Pogue Janice , Gao Peggy , Sleight Peter , Teo Koon , Yusuf Salim
Published: October 2014

Abstract—

Excessively high and low achieved blood pressure (BP) may be associated with a bad outcome in patients with coronary artery disease, the J curve phenomenon. The effect of BP changes from baseline in relation with the subsequent risk of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. Of the 25 620 patients randomized in the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) study, we selected 19 102 patients with coronary artery disease at baseline. BP at entry was 141/82 mm Hg, and its average decrease during follow-up was 7/6 mm Hg. BP entered the analysis as time-varying variable modeled with restricted cubic splines. After adjustment for several potential determinants of reverse causality, a change in BP from baseline by –34/–21 mm Hg (10th percentile) was associated with a lesser risk of stroke without any significant increase in the risk of MI. A rise in systolic/diastolic BP from baseline by 20/10 mm Hg (90th percentile) was associated with an increased risk of stroke, whereas the risk of MI increased with systolic BP and not with diastolic BP. In conclusion, in patients with coronary artery disease and initially free from congestive heart failure, a BP reduction from baseline over the examined BP range had little effect on the risk of MI and predicted a lower risk of stroke. An increase in systolic BP from baseline increased the risk of stroke and MI. The relationships of BP with risk were much steeper for stroke than for MI. A treatment-induced BP reduction over the explored range seems to be safe in patients with coronary artery disease.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00153101.
Short‐ and Long‐term Rehospitalization and Mortality for Heart Failure in 4 Racial/Ethnic Populations
Authors: Vivo Rey P. , Krim Selim R. , Liang Li , Neely Megan , Hernandez Adrian F. , Eapen Zubin J. , Peterson Eric D. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Heidenreich Paul A. , Yancy Clyde W. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: October 2014

Background

The degree to which outcomes following hospitalization for acute heart failure (
HF
) vary by racial and ethnic groups is poorly characterized. We sought to compare 30‐day and 1‐year rehospitalization and mortality rates for
HF
among 4 race/ethnic groups.

Methods and Results

Using the Get With The Guidelines–
HF
registry linked with Medicare data, we compared 30‐day and 1‐year outcomes between racial/ethnic groups by using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for clinical, hospital, and socioeconomic status characteristics. We analyzed 47 149 Medicare patients aged ≥65 years who had been discharged for
HF
between 2005 and 2011: there were 39 213 whites (83.2%), 4946 blacks (10.5%), 2347 Hispanics (5.0%), and 643 Asians/Pacific Islanders (1.4%). Relative to whites, blacks and Hispanics had higher 30‐day and 1‐year unadjusted readmission rates but lower 30‐day and 1‐year mortality; Asians had similar 30‐day readmission rates but lower 1‐year mortality. After risk adjustment, blacks had higher 30‐day and 1‐year
CV
readmission than whites but modestly lower short‐ and long‐term mortality; Hispanics had higher 30‐day and 1‐year readmission rates and similar 1‐year mortality than whites, while Asians had similar outcomes. When socioeconomic status data were added to the model, the majority of associations persisted, but the difference in 30‐day and 1‐year readmission rates between white and Hispanic patients became nonsignificant.

Conclusions

Among Medicare patients hospitalized with
HF
, short‐ and long‐term readmission rates and mortality differed among the 4 major racial/ethnic populations and persisted even after controlling for clinical, hospital, and socioeconomic status variables.
Role of Surgery in the Management of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Korja Miikka , Bervini David , Assaad Nazih , Morgan Michael Kerin
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—

Management of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is controversial. We have analyzed the largest surgical bAVM cohort for outcome.

Methods—

Both operated and nonoperated cases were included for analysis. A total of 779 patients with bAVMs were consecutively enrolled between 1989 and 2014. Initial management recommendations were recorded before commencement of treatment. Surgical outcome was prospectively recorded and outcomes assigned at the last follow-up visit using modified Rankin Scale. First, a sensitivity analyses was performed to select a subset of the entire cohort for which the results of surgery could be generalized. Second, from this subset, variables were analyzed for risk of deficit or near miss (intraoperative hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion of ≥2.5 L, hemorrhage in resection bed requiring reoperation, and hemorrhage associated with either digital subtraction angiography or embolization).

Results—

A total of 7.7% of patients with Spetzler–Ponce classes A and B bAVM had an adverse outcome from surgery leading to a modified Rankin Scale >1. Sensitivity analyses that demonstrated outcome results were not subject to selection bias for Spetzler–Ponce classes A and B bAVMs. Risk factors for adverse outcomes from surgery for these bAVMs include size, presence of deep venous drainage, and eloquent location. Preoperative embolization did not affect the risk of perioperative hemorrhage.

Conclusions—

Most of the ruptured and unruptured low and middle-grade bAVMs (Spetzler–Ponce A and B) can be surgically treated with a low risk of permanent morbidity and a high likelihood of preventing future hemorrhage. Our results do not apply to Spetzler–Ponce C bAVMs.
Fuzzy Navigation Engine: Mitigating the Cognitive Demands of Semi-Natural Locomotion
Authors: Marsh William E. , Kelly Jonathan W. , Dickerson Julie , Oliver James H.
Published: October 2014

Many interfaces exist for locomotion in virtual reality, although they are rarely considered fully natural. Past research has found that using such interfaces places cognitive demands on the user, with unnatural actions and concurrent tasks competing for finite cognitive resources. Notably, using semi-natural interfaces leads to poor performance on concurrent tasks requiring spatial working memory. This paper presents an adaptive system designed to track a user's concurrent cognitive task load and adjust interface parameters accordingly, varying the extent to which movement is fully natural. A fuzzy inference system is described and the results of an initial validation study are presented. Users of this adaptive interface demonstrated better performance than users of a baseline interface on several movement metrics, indicating that the adaptive interface helped users manage the demands of concurrent spatial tasks in a virtual environment. However, participants experienced some unexpected difficulties when faced with a concurrent verbal task.
Thinking about Complexity
Authors: Cochrane James R.
Published: October 2014

Reflecting on research on “religion” and “health” in Africa, one quickly confronts the challenge of what we might call “the complex real”. Adequately to understand and act upon the complex real requires multiple disciplines and interlocking theoretical constructs that transcend any particular discipline. Here the issue of transdisciplinarity arises and, with it, the relationship between knowledge and ethics. Does this have relevance for African Studies, where the intellectual task of asking “what do we know” is hard to separate from the practical one of asking “what should we do”? Here we pursue that question using Max-Neef’s seminal understanding of transdisciplinarity.
Typification of two Linnaean names: Centaurea aspera and Centaurea isnardii (Asteraceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , Roselló Roberto , Laguna Emilio , Gómez José , Peris Juan B.
Published: October 2014

The typification of the names Centaurea aspera L. and C. isnardii L. (Asteraceae) is discussed. A lectotype for C. aspera is designated from original material conserved in UPS-BURSER (Joachim Burser Herbarium). Centaurea isnardii is typified by an illustration of Isnard (1719) confirming this name as a synonym of C. aspera subsp. aspera.
Estimating Dependence of the Turbulent Length Scales on Model Resolution Based on A Priori Analysis
Authors: Kitamura Yuji
Published: October 2014

The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulation (RANS) and the large-eddy simulation (LES) have been widely used to parameterize unresolved turbulent motions for the atmospheric boundary layer. However, there is an intermediate model resolution, termed terra incognita, in which neither RANS nor LES is appropriate. Although identifying an appropriate turbulent length scale is essential for an eddy-diffusivity model, it is still uncertain how transition of the length scale is between the LES and RANS regimes. In the present study, dependence of the turbulent length scale on the horizontal resolution of a numerical model is investigated using a priori analysis for a convective boundary layer to explore a turbulent parameterization scheme applicable to the terra incognita region. Here, the approaches for estimating the length scales derived from the dissipation rate of the turbulent kinetic energy and the eddy viscosity are proposed. The estimated length scale depends on both the horizontal and vertical grid sizes when the aspect ratio of the grid sizes is close to unity, while it tends to be insensitive to the vertical resolution and asymptotically converges to an upper limit as the aspect ratio increases. Analysis of the length scales divided into horizontal and vertical components reveals that anisotropy of the length scale is remarkable even though the aspect ratio is close to unity. This result suggests that the anisotropic effects of the turbulent flux in subgrid scales should be taken into consideration for a turbulence parameterization scheme.
Assessing the availability and quality of online self-help videos: A pilot study with a focus on Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hammond Julia , Rennie Brandon , Seekins Tom , O’Donnell Dennis
Published: October 2014

Objective:

The Internet and other electronic media may provide one part of a solution for reducing disparities in the availability of medical services. From a patient-centred perspective, an individual with a chronic, degenerative condition may ask what information is available that I can use to manage changes in my functional capacity over time, and how effective is this? The purpose of this study was to assess the availability and quality of a sample of online self-help videos which address common functional problems ubiquitous among individuals living with one such condition: Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Internet.

Method:

An Internet search was conducted to identify self-help videos offering instruction on how to manage changes in function, and each video was assessed using 17 factors relevant to instructional quality.

Results:

Of 295 videos, 14 (4.7%) provided self-help instruction for three chosen skills. The quality of instructional presentation averaged 2.75 on a 5-point scale, where 1 was poor and 5 was excellent.

Conclusion:

The identified self-help videos that addressed maintaining functional outcomes for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease varied significantly in quality, and few met accepted standards of instructional design. Future research into effective presentation modes and patient functional capacity needs might usefully develop a patient-centred curriculum that can be delivered utilising multiple platforms. This area of research is critical in rehabilitation and other health settings to enhance assistance for individuals living with chronic health conditions and their families and caregivers.
The role of relational resources in the knowledge management capability and innovation of professional service firms
Authors: Fu Na
Published: October 2014

Adopting a relational perspective, this article investigates whether organizational relationship-building routines and relational coordination influence organizational knowledge management capability and ultimately innovation in professional service firms (PSFs). Using data collected from 120 accounting firms in Ireland, support is found for an inter-mediation model where both relational coordination and knowledge management capability intervene in the relationship between relational routines and innovation. Thus, a linkage model is supported whereby relational routines facilitate relational coordination, which enhances knowledge management capability, leading to innovation. This article provides evidence of the importance of relational routines and relational coordination in promoting a firm’s knowledge management capability and in fostering innovation. Results highlight the value of relational resources in PSFs and suggest a novel and easy-to-implement approach for knowledge and innovation management.
Intermediate strain rate energy harvesting from the impact of PZT 52/48 and 95/5
Authors: Roberts Christopher C , Lv Peng , Ghosh Dipankar , Talon Thibaud , Lynch Christopher S
Published: October 2014

The depolarization behavior of lead zirconate titanate 95/5 and 52/48 has been well characterized under uniaxial strain with strain rates on the order of 106/s, and under quasi-static uniaxial stress loading with strain rates on the order of 0.1–100/s. This study examines the depolarization behavior under uniaxial stress at strain rates on the order of 10 to 103/s. Specimens were loaded using a split Hopkinson pressure bar. Loading rates from 7.2 to 92.5 MPa/µs were investigated, with a maximum stress of around 900 MPa. The results show significant depolarization rate sensitivity in lead zirconate titanate 52/48, while lead zirconate titanate 95/5 exhibits two responses above and below the stress rate of 50–60 MPa/µs, both with little rate sensitivity.
Internally Displaced Populations and Suicide Terrorism
Authors: Choi Seung-Whan , Piazza James A.
Published: October 2014

This study asserts that countries with large internally displaced populations (IDPs) are more likely to experience a higher rate of suicide terrorism. After demonstrating this, the study tests four intervening factors hypothesized to drive the relationship between IDPs and suicide attacks: IDPs are expected (1) to increase the pool of potential suicide recruits, thereby lowering the labor costs for suicide terrorist groups; (2) to increase local ethnic conflicts that foster a favorable environment for suicide terrorism; (3) to worsen the human rights conditions in countries, prompting aggrieved people to support suicide terrorist tactics; and (4) to raise the counterterrorism and policing costs of the state, enabling terrorists to plan and execute suicide attacks. Results from negative binomial regression and Tobit models show evidence for the IDPs-suicide terrorism connection. When recursive models are employed to evaluate the effects of four intervening variables, the results most consistently support human rights violations as a significant and substantive mediator between IDPs and suicide attacks.
Simulation integration: using multidatabase systems concepts
Authors: Jalali Leila , Mehrotra Sharad , Venkatasubramanian Nalini
Published: October 2014

This paper considers the challenge of designing a framework that supports the integration of multiple existing simulation models into an integrated simulation environment (multisimulation). We aim to facilitate the process of fusing together the independently created simulators into an integrated simulation environment wherein we can model and execute complex scenarios involving multiple simulators. In this paper, we focus on solutions for the synchronization problem in multisimulation to orchestrate consistent information flow through multiple simulators. In particular, we provide: (1) a transaction-based approach to modeling the synchronization problem in multisimulations by mapping it to a problem similar to multidatabase concurrency; we express multisimulation synchronization as a scheduling problem where the goal is to generate “correct schedules” for time advancement and data exchange across simulators that meets the dependencies without loss of concurrency; (2) a hybrid scheduling strategy which adapts itself to the “right” level of pessimism/optimism based on the state of the execution and underlying dependencies. We also develop two key optimizations: (a) efficient checkpointing/rollback techniques; and (b) relaxation model for dependencies which guarantees bounded violation of consistency to support higher levels of concurrency. We evaluate our proposed techniques via a detailed case study from the emergency response domain by integrating three disparate simulators: a fire simulator (CFAST), an evacuation simulator (Drillsim) and a communication simulator (LTEsim).
What It Takes to Succeed: The Importance of Social Support for Academically Successful Middle School English Learners
Authors: Baker Lottie L.
Published: October 2014

Missing from educational studies on English learners (ELs) is an investigation of those students who succeed beyond minimum standards, defying the achievement gap. The research study presented in this article contributes to this area by examining the experiences and understandings of five middle school ELs who have demonstrated linguistic and academic success. These students are former ELs who once were in need of language support but have now exited from English as a Second Language (ESL) instructional services and are currently enrolled in advanced coursework. A basic qualitative approach was employed utilizing multiple student data sources including interviews and observations. In addition, two of each student’s teachers were interviewed individually for the purposes of triangulation. This manuscript identifies areas of social support contributed to these students’ success and discusses ways in which students understood and activated this support.
Group Contingency Interventions With Children—1980-2010
Authors: Little Steven G. , Akin-Little Angeleque , O’Neill Keryn
Published: October 2014

The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of group contingency procedures via meta-analysis. A total of 182 studies published between 1980 and 2010 were identified via PsychInfo that included group contingency as a keyword. Studies that met inclusion criteria (e.g., single-subject design, school-aged children; N = 50), were coded and effect sizes were calculated. Results strongly support the efficacy of group contingencies with an overall effect size of 3.41. Types of group contingencies were also evaluated for dependent group contingencies (ES = 3.75, n = 11), independent group contingencies (ES = 3.27, n = 8), and interdependent group contingencies (ES = 2.88, n = 35). These results clearly establish all varieties of group contingencies as efficacious for a wide range of target behaviors with school-aged children. Results are discussed with regard to practical implications.
Can Perspective-Taking Reduce Crime? Examining a Pathway Through Empathic-Concern and Guilt-Proneness
Authors: Martinez Andres G. , Stuewig Jeffrey , Tangney June P.
Published: October 2014

We describe and appraise a theoretical model in which individual differences in perspective-taking eventuate in crime reduction. Specifically, it is hypothesized that perspective-taking propensities influence the tendency to feel empathic-concern, thereby heightening proneness for guilt, which ultimately inhibits criminal behavior (perspective-taking → empathic-concern → guilt-proneness → crime desistance). Data from two sources were analyzed: (a) a cross-sectional college sample and (b) a longitudinal sample of jail inmates. Overall, results lend credence to this theoretical model: Perspective-taking propensities ultimately “put the brakes” on criminal behavior—via an emotional pathway of empathic-concern and then guilt-proneness. Discussion focuses on the nature of perspective-taking, its generative role for moral emotion and behavior, as well as potential applications for crime reduction.
Comparing Transnational and Local Influences on Immigrant Transnational Families of African and Asian Origin in Portugal
Authors: Trovão Susana
Published: October 2014

This article aims to discuss the influence of transnational family experiences and migratory integration on the redefinition processes of family dynamics through a comparative study among selected families of migrant backgrounds settled in Lisbon. Guiding research questions are the following: How do migrants whose cultures have historically been examples of a particular family dynamic implement it in the Portuguese migratory context? How are these dynamics changing and what are the consequences for the families and individual family members concerned? What is the effect on family dynamics of continuing transnational connections and of different experiences of insertion and exposure to values and attitudes of the receiving society? Comparative analysis has brought to light how continuing family transnationalism and local integration do not significantly transform long-standing migrant family dynamics. While allowing transnational family members to negotiate specific family relations, these negotiations are not experienced as a project in opposition to cultural and religious family traditions.
Overview of the “Epigenetic End Points in Toxicologic Pathology and Relevance to Human Health” Session of the 2014 Society of Toxicologic Pathology Annual Symposium
Authors: Hoenerhoff Mark J. , Hartke James
Published: October 2014

The theme of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology 2014 Annual Symposium was “Translational Pathology: Relevance of Toxicologic Pathology to Human Health.” The 5th session focused on epigenetic end points in biology, toxicity, and carcinogenicity, and how those end points are relevant to human exposures. This overview highlights the various presentations in this session, discussing integration of epigenetics end points in toxicologic pathology studies, investigating the role of epigenetics in product safety assessment, epigenetic changes in cancers, methodologies to detect them, and potential therapies, chromatin remodeling in development and disease, and epigenomics and the microbiome. The purpose of this overview is to discuss the application of epigenetics to toxicologic pathology and its utility in preclinical or mechanistic based safety, efficacy, and carcinogenicity studies.
Tell-Tale Words
Authors: Toma Catalina L. , D’Angelo Jonathan D.
Published: October 2014

This article analyzes the linguistic cues used by naïve perceivers to assess the expertise of online medical advice. We develop a theoretical framework of linguistic correlates to perceived expertise and test it on a corpus of 120 online medical advice messages, written by either medical doctors or laypersons. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) analyses show that messages were perceived as more expert if they contained more words (an indicator of uncertainty reduction), fewer I-pronouns and anxiety-related words (indicators of psychological distancing), and more long words and negations (indicators of cognitive complexity). These linguistic cues explained over a third of the variance in expertise ratings. Although unaware of the author of each message, perceivers were able to discern between messages written by doctors versus laypersons. However, only long words were helpful in making this distinction. Results advance the literature on linguistic correlates of psychological processes.
Associations among nonword repetition and phonemic and vocabulary awareness: Implications for intervention
Authors: Tattersall Patricia J , Nelson Nickola Wolf , Tyler Ann A
Published: October 2014

Prior research has shown possible relations among nonword repetition (NWR), vocabulary, and phonological processing skills in children with and without language impairment. This study was designed to investigate whether relationships would differ for students with primary language impairment (PLI) and typical language (TL) and whether they would shift across the school-age years, with implications for setting intervention priorities. NWR performance was compared for school-age students with PLI ( n = 36) and TL ( n = 36), matched for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and home language experience at three grade level bands (grades 1–2, 3–5, and 6–12). Both groups also completed tests of vocabulary awareness and phonological awareness to investigate them as predictors of performance on the NWR task. The two groups differed significantly with large effect sizes on the NWR task, as well as on vocabulary awareness and phonological awareness tasks. Regression analyses supported different predictive models for students with TL and PLI, with vocabulary awareness predicting significant variance in NWR for the TL students, but not for those with PLI. Conversely, phonological awareness, but not vocabulary awareness, predicted NWR for the students with PLI. Controlling for age did not change the regression models. Results support a view that phonological processing difficulties may function as a specific limiting factor for students with PLI, influencing their ability to learn new vocabulary as well as vice versa. These results have implications for designing treatment aimed explicitly at helping children connect sublexical aspects of word structure knowledge with word meaning.
Transvaginal duplex ultrasonography appears to be the gold standard investigation for the haemodynamic evaluation of pelvic venous reflux in the ovarian and internal iliac veins in women
Authors: Whiteley MS , Dos Santos SJ , Harrison CC , Holdstock JM , Lopez AJ
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To assess the suitability of transvaginal duplex ultrasonography to identify pathological reflux in the ovarian and internal iliac veins in women.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients treated in 2011 and 2012 was performed in a specialised vein clinic. Diagnostic transvaginal duplex ultrasonography in women presenting with symptoms or signs of pelvic vein reflux were compared with the outcomes of treatment from pelvic vein embolisation. A repeat transvaginal duplex ultrasonography was performed 6 weeks later by a blinded observer and any residual reflux was identified.

Results

Results from 100 sequential patients were analysed. Mean age 44.2 years (32–69) with mode average parity of 3 (0–5 deliveries). Pre-treatment, 289/400 veins were refluxing (ovarian – 29 right, 81 left; internal iliac – 93 right, 86 left). Coil embolisation was successful in 86/100 patients and failed partially in 14/100 – 5 due to failure to cannulate the target vein. One false-positive diagnosis was made.

Conclusion

Currently there is no accepted gold standard for pelvic vein incompetence. Comparing transvaginal duplex ultrasonography with the outcome from selectively treating the veins identified as having pathological reflux with coil embolisation, there were no false-negative diagnoses and only one false-positive. This study suggests that transvaginal duplex ultrasonography could be the gold standard in assessing pelvic vein reflux.
Ambulatory arterial stiffness index correlates with ambulatory pulse pressure but not dipping status in patients with grade 1/grade 2 essential hypertension
Authors: Qin Tingli , Jiang Hong , Jiao Yuan , Ke Yuannan , Sun Ningling , Wang Jiguang , Zhu Junren
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and other parameters derived from ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, including dipping status, in patients with grade 1/grade 2 hypertension.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included baseline data from Chinese outpatients enrolled into a previous study, who had clinic diastolic BP of 90–109 mmHg and systolic BP <180 mmHg, had undergone 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and routine blood chemistry investigations, and had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data.

Results

Out of 120 patients screened, 87 were included. No significant difference in 24-h AASI was found between dippers and nondippers. The 24-h AASI significantly correlated with age, systolic BP and pulse pressure, and inversely correlated with 24-h diastolic BP variation and eGFR. In dippers and nondippers, AASI correlated with daytime pulse pressure, daytime diastolic BP variation and eGFR; in nondippers, AASI also correlated with 24-h systolic BP and 24-h pulse pressure. The 24-h AASI was significantly associated with 24-h pulse pressure and daytime pulse pressure.

Conclusion

In patients with grade 1/grade 2 essential hypertension, AASI shows a significant correlation with ambulatory pulse pressure.
Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis in American Bulldogs Is Associated With NIPAL4 (ICHTHYIN) Deficiency
Authors: Mauldin E. A. , Wang P. , Evans E. , Cantner C. A. , Ferracone J. D. , Credille K. M. , Casal M. L.
Published: October 2014

A minority of patients with nonsyndromic autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) display mutations in NIPAL4 ( ICHTHYIN). This protein plays a role in epidermal lipid metabolism, although the mechanism is unknown. The study describes a moderate form of ARCI in an extended pedigree of American Bulldogs that is linked to the gene encoding ichthyin. The gross phenotype was manifest as a disheveled pelage shortly after birth, generalized scaling, and adherent brown scale with erythema of the abdominal skin. Pedigree analysis indicated an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Ultrastructurally, the epidermis showed discontinuous lipid bilayers, unprocessed lipid within corneocytes, and abnormal lamellar bodies. Linkage analysis, performed by choosing simple sequence repeat markers and single-nucleotide polymorphisms near genes known to cause ACRI, revealed an association with NIPAL4. NIPAL4 was identified and sequenced using standard methods. No mutation was identified within the gene, but affected dogs had a SINE element 5′ upstream of exon 1 in a highly conserved region. Of 545 DNA samples from American Bulldogs, 32 dogs (17 females, 15 males) were homozygous for the polymerase chain reaction fragment. All affected dogs were homozygous, with parents heterozygous for the insertion. Immunolabeling revealed an absence of ichthyin in the epidermis. This is the first description of ARCI associated with decreased expression of NIPAL4 in nonhuman species.
Practical implications of the migraine cardio- and cerebrovascular association: Unmet needs of patients
Authors: Diener Hans-Christoph , Kurth Tobias , Holle Dagny
Published: October 2014

Background

Numerous studies have described a relationship between migraine and stroke, and there is emerging evidence that migraine is also associated with cardiovascular disease. The combination of migraine and both cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease has implications for therapy.

Methods

We conducted a review of the modifications in medical therapy in patients with comorbid migraine and cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders based on publications from the last 15 years.

Results

Some drugs are contraindicated to treat migraine attacks (ergots, triptans) or for migraine prevention in patients after transient ischemic attack (TIA)/ischemic stroke. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated in patients with cerebral bleeding. Some drugs for the treatment of acute migraine attacks are contraindicated in patients with symptomatic coronary heart disease.

Conclusions

Given the large number of patients with comorbid migraine and cardiovascular as well as cerebrovascular disease, there is an unmet need to treat these patients.
Patient Predictors of Early Revision Surgery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Andernord Daniel , Desai Neel , Björnsson Haukur , Ylander Mattias , Karlsson Jón , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: October 2014

Background:

Revision surgery is one of the most important endpoints during follow-up after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Purpose:

To investigate if commonly known patient factors can predict revision surgery after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register during the period of January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2013. Patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon or bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts were included. Follow-up started on the date of primary ACL reconstruction, and follow-up ended with ACL revision surgery, after 24 months of follow-up, or on December 31, 2013, whichever occurred first. The analyzed patient variables were activity at the time of injury, sex, age, height, weight, body mass index, smoking, and the use of smokeless tobacco. The primary study endpoint was revision surgery, defined as replacement of a primary ACL reconstruction. Relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs were calculated and adjusted for confounding factors using multivariate statistics.

Results:

A total of 16,930 patients were included (males, n = 9767 [57.7%]; females, n = 7163 [42.3%]). The 2-year revision rate was 1.82% (95% CI, 1.62%-2.02%). There was no significant difference between male and female revision rates (1.74% [95% CI, 1.48%-2.00%] vs 1.93% [95% CI, 1.61%-2.25%], P = .383). In both males and females there was a significantly increased risk of revision surgery associated with soccer playing and adolescence (age 13-19 years) (males: RR = 1.58 [95% CI, 1.12-2.23], P = .009 and RR = 2.67 [95% CI, 1.91-3.73], P < .001, respectively; females: RR = 1.43 [1.01-2.04], P = .045 and RR = 2.25 [95% CI, 1.57-3.24], P < .001, respectively). A combination of these predictors were associated with a further increased risk of revision surgery (males: RR = 2.87 [95% CI, 1.79-4.60], P < .001; females: RR = 2.59 [95% CI, 1.69-3.96], P < .001).

Conclusion:

Soccer players and adolescents had an increased risk of revision surgery after ACL reconstruction, with a respective factor of 1.5 and 2.5. Individuals with a combination of these 2 predictors carried an almost 3-fold higher risk of revision surgery. There were no significant associations for sex, height, weight, body mass index, or tobacco use.
Telling the truth
Authors: Terezakis Katie
Published: October 2014

In this essay, I reconstruct Heller’s philosophy of history, arguing both that Heller’s position presents a serious intervention into modern theorizing about historical patternicity and that Heller’s position should be understood as a valuable hybrid, uniting her existential, ethical, and pragmatic bodies of work. For Heller, history is implicated indissolubly in the personal and ethical decision-making of individual actors. I conclude that Heller undermines postmodern claims about the relativism of history and scientific progress, notwithstanding initial appearances to the contrary.