bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain Tumor Cells in Circulation Are Enriched for Mesenchymal Gene Expression
Authors: Sullivan James P. , Nahed Brian V. , Madden Marissa W. , Oliveira Samantha M. , Springer Simeon , Bhere Deepak , Chi Andrew S. , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Rothenberg S. Michael , Sequist Lecia V. , Kapur Ravi , Shah Khalid , Iafrate A. John , Curry William T. , Loeffler Jay S. , Batchelor Tracy T. , Louis David N. , Toner Mehmet , Maheswaran Shyamala , Haber Daniel A.
Published: August 2014

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain cancer characterized by local invasion and angiogenic recruitment, yet metastatic dissemination is extremely rare. Here, we adapted a microfluidic device to deplete hematopoietic cells from blood specimens of patients with GBM, uncovering evidence of circulating brain tumor cells (CTC). Staining and scoring criteria for GBM CTCs were first established using orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and then applied clinically: CTCs were identified in at least one blood specimen from 13 of 33 patients (39%; 26 of 87 samples). Single GBM CTCs isolated from both patients and mouse PDX models demonstrated enrichment for mesenchymal over neural differentiation markers compared with primary GBMs. Within primary GBMs, RNA in situ hybridization identified a subpopulation of highly migratory mesenchymal tumor cells, and in a rare patient with disseminated GBM, systemic lesions were exclusively mesenchymal. Thus, a mesenchymal subset of GBM cells invades the vasculature and may proliferate outside the brain.

Significance: GBMs are locally invasive within the brain but rarely metastasize to distant organs, exemplifying the debate over “seed” versus “soil.” We demonstrate that GBMs shed CTCs with invasive mesenchymal characteristics into the circulation. Rare metastatic GBM lesions are primarily mesenchymal and show additional mutations absent in the primary tumor. Cancer Discov; 4(11); 1299–1309. ©2014 AACR.

See related commentary by Seoane and De Mattos-Arruda, p. 1259

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1243
Early and Late Complications of Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular Haemorrhage in the Preterm Infant: What Is New?
Authors: Brouwer Annemieke J. , Groenendaal Floris , Benders Manon J.N.L. , de Vries Linda S.
Published: August 2014

Germinal matrix-intraventricular haemorrhage (GMH-IVH) remains a serious problem in the very and extremely preterm infant. This article reviews current methods of diagnosis, treatment and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants with low-grade and severe GMH-IVH. We conclude that there is still no consensus on timing of intervention and treatment of infants with GMH-IVH, whether or not complicated by post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. The discrepancies between the studies underline the need for international collaboration to define the optimal strategy for these infants.
Renal Tubular Acidosis in Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Ram Rapur , Swarnalatha Gudithi , Dakshinamurty Kaligotla Venkata
Published: August 2014

Background: The exact frequency of distal and proximal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in Sjögren's syndrome is unknown. Other features of Sjögren's syndrome like polyuria, glomerular manifestations, familial occurrence and pregnancy are not widely reported. The aim was to prospectively study the clinical features and outcome of distal and proximal RTA in Sjögren's syndrome and also report on other renal manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome. Methods: The present study is a prospective consecutive case series of patients who presented with a history suggestive of RTA and Sjögren's syndrome. All patients were followed for 1 year. The diagnosis of RTA was by fractional excretion of bicarbonate. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome was according to the American-European classification system [modified by Tzioufas and Voulgarelis: Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2007;21:989-1010]. Results: The total number of RTA patients diagnosed during this period was 149. Sjögren's syndrome accounted for 34.8% (52 of 149) of RTA patients. The important symptoms and laboratory parameters were oral and ocular symptoms in 23 (44.2%), dental caries in 12 (23%), body pains in 47 (90.3%), mean serum pH 7.202 ± 0.03, mean serum bicarbonate, 14.03 ± 1.66 mmol/l, and mean urine pH, 7.125 ± 0.54. There were 30 (57.6%) patients with distal RTA and 22 (42.3%) patients with proximal RTA. Conclusions: The clinical implication of the present study is that RTA is a common feature of Sjögren's syndrome. It may be missed if the presentation is not due to oral and ocular symptoms. The present study is also the only one with a 1-year follow-up.
Effect of Single Tibial Artery Revascularization on Microcirculation in the Setting of Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Kawarada Osami , Yasuda Satoshi , Nishimura Kunihiro , Sakamoto Shingo , Noguchi Miyuki , Takahi Yasuomi , Harada Koichiro , Ishihara Masaharu , Ogawa Hisao
Published: August 2014

Background—

Benefits of 2-dimensional (2D) angiosome-oriented infrapopliteal revascularization remain controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the effect of single tibial artery revascularization on the dorsal and plantar microcirculation of critically ischemic limbs based on skin perfusion pressure (SPP).

Methods and Results—

Fifty-seven interventions that only involved either anterior tibial artery (ATA) or posterior tibial artery (PTA) revascularization were included in this study. SPP was measured on the dorsal side (theoretically ATA perfusion area) and the plantar side (theoretically PTA perfusion area) before and after the procedure. Dorsal and plantar SPP increased significantly, from 33 (IQR 23–40.5) to 52 (IQR 32.5–65) mm Hg (
P
<0.0001) and 31.6±16.1 to 44.8±19.2 mm Hg (
P
=0.001) after ATA revascularization, respectively, and from 29.3±14.0 to 42.4±19.7 mm Hg (
P
=0.003) and 29.3±9.8 to 43.5±15.9 mm Hg (
P
<0.001) after PTA revascularization, respectively. Both ATA and PTA revascularization were not associated with any significant differences in ΔSPP between the dorsal and the plantar regions of the foot. Only 64% and 58% of ATA revascularization cases showed higher post-SPP and ΔSPP on the dorsal side than on the plantar side, respectively. Also, only 47% and 40% of PTA revascularization cases showed higher post-SPP and ΔSPP on the plantar side than on the dorsal side, respectively.

Conclusions—

Single tibial artery revascularization, whether of the ATA or PTA, yielded comparable improvements in microcirculation of the dorsal and plantar foot. Approximately half of the feet revascularized had a change in microcirculation that was not consistent with the 2D angiosome theory.
Social Network, Social Support, and Risk of Incident Stroke
Authors: Nagayoshi Mako , Everson-Rose Susan A. , Iso Hiroyasu , Mosley Thomas H. , Rose Kathryn M. , Lutsey Pamela L.
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Having a small social network and lack of social support have been associated with incident coronary heart disease; however, epidemiological evidence for incident stroke is limited. We assessed the longitudinal association of a small social network and lack of social support with risk of incident stroke and evaluated whether the association was partly mediated by vital exhaustion and inflammation.

Methods—

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study measured social network and social support in 13 686 men and women (mean, 57 years; 56% women; 24% black; 76% white) without a history of stroke. Social network was assessed by the 10-item Lubben Social Network Scale and social support by a 16-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-Short Form.

Results—

During a median follow-up of 18.6 years, 905 incident strokes occurred. Relative to participants with a large social network, those with a small social network had a higher risk of stroke (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.44 [1.02–2.04]) after adjustment for demographics, socioeconomic variables, marital status, behavioral risk factors, and major stroke risk factors. Vital exhaustion, but not inflammation, partly mediated the association between a small social network and incident stroke. Social support was unrelated to incident stroke.

Conclusions—

In this sample of US community-dwelling men and women, having a small social network was associated with excess risk of incident stroke. As with other cardiovascular conditions, having a small social network may be associated with a modestly increased risk of incident stroke.
Empirical Relationships for Estimating Liquid Water Fraction of Melting Snowflakes
Authors: Misumi Ryohei , Motoyoshi Hiroki , Yamaguchi Satoru , Nakai Sento , Ishizaka Masaaki , Fujiyoshi Yasushi
Published: August 2014

The liquid water fraction of individual snowflakes f is an important parameter when calculating the radar reflectivity of a melting layer. A ground-based observation of f at Nagaoka, Japan, was conducted by using dye-treated filter papers that were kept at a temperature of 0°C. From the results of these measurements, which consisted of 6179 particles taken with 44 sheets of filter paper, two empirical relationships are proposed. The first is a relationship between the ratio of liquid water flux to total precipitation intensity (FL; taking values from 0 to 1) and meteorological surface data. The second is a relationship to estimate f using the melted diameter of a snowflake, median mass diameter, and FL. It was determined that the root-mean-square errors for estimating FL and f by using these relationships were 0.160 and 0.144, respectively. It was also found that the ratio of raindrop flux to the total precipitation intensity FR was always below 0.1 when FL was less than 0.6 but increased rapidly when FL exceeded 0.8.
New Estimates of Variations in Water Flux and Storage over Europe Based on Regional (Re)Analyses and Multisensor Observations
Authors: Springer Anne , Kusche Jürgen , Hartung Kerstin , Ohlwein Christan , Longuevergne Laurent
Published: August 2014

Precipitation minus evapotranspiration, the net flux of water between the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, links atmospheric and terrestrial water budgets and thus represents an important boundary condition for both climate modeling and hydrological studies. However, the atmospheric–terrestrial flux is poorly constrained by direct observations because of a lack of unbiased measurements. Thus, it is usually reconstructed from atmospheric reanalyses. Via the terrestrial water budget equation, water storage estimates from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) combined with measured river discharge can be used to assess the realism of the atmospheric–terrestrial flux in models. In this contribution, the closure of the terrestrial water budget is assessed over a number of European river basins using the recently reprocessed GRACE release 05 data, together with precipitation and evapotranspiration from the operational analyses of high-resolution, limited-area NWP models [Consortium for Small-Scale Modelling, German version (COSMO-DE) and European version (COSMO-EU)] and the new COSMO 6-km reanalysis (COSMO-REA6) for the European Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) domain. These closures are compared to those obtained with global reanalyses, land surface models, and observation-based datasets. The spatial resolution achieved with the recent GRACE data allows for better evaluation of the water budget in smaller river basins than before and for the identification of biases up to 25 mm month−1 in the different products. Variations of deseasoned and detrended atmospheric–terrestrial flux are found to agree notably well with flux derived from GRACE and discharge data with correlations up to 0.75. Finally, bias-corrected fluxes are derived from various data combinations, and from this, a 20-yr time series of catchment-integrated water storage variations is reconstructed.
Land Contamination Correction for Passive Microwave Radiometer Data: Demonstration of Wind Retrieval in the Great Lakes Using SSM/I
Authors: Yang John Xun , Mckague Darren S. , Ruf Christopher S.
Published: August 2014

Passive microwave radiometer data over the ocean have been widely used, but data near coastlines or over lakes often cannot be used because of the large footprint with mixed signals from both land and water. For example, current standard Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) products, including wind, water vapor, and precipitation, are typically unavailable within about 100 km of any coastline. This paper presents methods of correcting land-contaminated radiometer data in order to extract the coastal information. The land contamination signals are estimated, and then removed, using a representative antenna pattern convolved with a high-resolution land–water mask. This method is demonstrated using SSM/I data over the Great Lakes and validated with simulated data and buoy measurements. The land contamination is significantly reduced, and the wind speed retrieval is improved. This method is not restricted to SSM/I and wind retrievals alone; it can be applied more generally to microwave radiometer measurements in coastal regions for other retrieval purposes.
In Denmark, Afghanistan is worth dying for: How public support for the war was maintained in the face of mounting casualties and elusive success
Authors: Jakobsen Peter Viggo , Ringsmose Jens
Published: August 2014

Much to their own surprise, successive Danish governments have succeeded in maintaining the highest level of public support among the nations contributing to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, while suffering the highest number of fatalities per capita. We explain this puzzle in a parsimonious fashion manner using a novel analytical framework derived from elite-competition theory, the event-driven school and the literature on strategic narratives. The Danish government initially built strong political and popular support by making a case for war that resonated with broadly shared pre-existing interests and values (national defence and support for democracy and human/women’s rights), and role conceptions (supporting NATO and US-led military operations as a responsible member of international society). Succeeding governments subsequently maintained a high level of political consensus on Afghanistan through a process of continuous consultation and consensus-building. The political elites supporting the mission then sustained the high level of public support by defining success in ways that did not involve ‘winning’ but focused instead on the attainment of realistic short-term, tactical objectives such as police training and building of schools, and by speaking with one voice to the media. This effectively reduced the Danish media to a conveyor belt passively transmitting the positive views of the political parties supporting the Afghanistan operation and the officers and soldiers carrying it out.
Preparation and properties of chitosan particle-reinforced polybenzoxazine blends
Authors: Ramdani Noureddine , Chrigui Mohamed , Wang Jun , Feng Tian-tian , He Xuan-yu , Liu Wen-bin , Zheng Xin-sheng
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the effects of chitosan particles (CTS) on the curing behavior, thermal and thermomechanical properties of polybenzoxazine matrix. The morphological, thermomechanical, and thermal properties of the blends are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamical mechanical analyzer (DMA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the −NH2 groups on the chitosan can act as an active crosslinking position and hydrogen bonding. The SEM micrographs reveal good compatibility between the blend components. Furthermore, the values of glass transition temperatures, char yields, and storage moduli of the cured blends are found to be increased with the increase of CTS contents to reach 191℃, 34%, 4.3 GPa, respectively, at 10% of CTS content.
The Paradox of Misaligned Profiling
Authors: Holt Charles A. , Kydd Andrew , Razzolini Laura , Sheremeta Roman
Published: August 2014

This article implements an experimental test of a game-theoretic model of equilibrium profiling. Attackers choose a demographic “type” from which to recruit, and defenders choose which demographic types to search. Some types are more reliable than others in the sense of having a higher probability of carrying out a successful attack if they get past the security checkpoint. In a Nash equilibrium, defenders tend to profile by searching the more reliable attacker types more frequently, whereas the attackers tend to send less reliable types. Data from laboratory experiments with financially motivated human subjects are consistent with the qualitative patterns predicted by theory. However, we also find several interesting behavioral deviations from the theory.
In Vivo Bioreactors for Mandibular Reconstruction
Authors: Tatara A.M. , Wong M.E. , Mikos A.G.
Published: August 2014

Large mandibular defects are difficult to reconstruct with good functional and aesthetic outcomes because of the complex geometry of craniofacial bone. While the current gold standard is free tissue flap transfer, this treatment is limited in fidelity by the shape of the harvested tissue and can result in significant donor site morbidity. To address these problems, in vivo bioreactors have been explored as an approach to generate autologous prefabricated tissue flaps. These bioreactors are implanted in an ectopic site in the body, where ossified tissue grows into the bioreactor in predefined geometries and local vessels are recruited to vascularize the developing construct. The prefabricated flap can then be harvested with vessels and transferred to a mandibular defect for optimal reconstruction. The objective of this review article is to introduce the concept of the in vivo bioreactor, describe important preclinical models in the field, summarize the human cases that have been reported through this strategy, and offer future directions for this exciting approach.
Fluorapatite-modified Scaffold on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Mineralization
Authors: Guo T. , Li Y. , Cao G. , Zhang Z. , Chang S. , Czajka-Jakubowska A. , Nör J.E. , Clarkson B.H. , Liu J.
Published: August 2014

In previous studies, fluorapatite (FA) crystal-coated surfaces have been shown to stimulate the differentiation and mineralization of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in two-dimensional cell culture. However, whether the FA surface can recapitulate these properties in three-dimensional culture is still unknown. This study examined the differences in behavior of human DPSCs cultured on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) NanoECM nanofibers with or without the FA crystals. Under near-physiologic conditions, the FA crystals were synthesized on the PCL nanofiber scaffolds. The FA crystals were evenly distributed on the scaffolds. DPSCs were cultured on the PCL+FA or the PCL scaffolds for up to 28 days. Scanning electron microscope images showed that DPSCs attached well to both scaffolds after the initial seeding. However, it appeared that more multicellular aggregates formed on the PCL+FA scaffolds. After 14 days, the cell proliferation on the PCL+FA was slower than that on the PCL-only scaffolds. Interestingly, even without any induction of mineralization, from day 7, the upregulation of several pro-osteogenic molecules ( dmp1, dspp, runx2, ocn, spp1, col1a1) was detected in cells seeded on the PCL+FA scaffolds. A significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity was also seen on FA-coated scaffolds compared with the PCL-only scaffolds at days 14 and 21. At the protein level, osteocalcin expression was induced only in the DPSCs on the PCL+FA surfaces at day 21 and then significantly enhanced at day 28. A similar pattern was observed in those specimens stained with Alizarin red and Von Kossa after 21 and 28 days. These data suggest that the incorporation of FA crystals within the three-dimensional PCL nanofiber scaffolds provided a favorable extracellular matrix microenvironment for the growth, differentiation, and mineralization of human DPSCs. This FA-modified PCL nanofiber scaffold shows promising potential for future bone, dental, and orthopedic regenerative applications.
Acute Myocardial Infarct Size Is Related to Periodontitis Extent and Severity
Authors: Marfil-Álvarez R. , Mesa F. , Arrebola-Moreno A. , Ramírez-Hernández J.A. , Magán-Fernández A. , O’Valle F. , Galindo-Moreno P. , Catena A.
Published: August 2014

Cardiovascular disease has been associated with 40% of deaths in high-income countries and 28% in lower-income countries. The relationship between periodontitis and acute myocardial infarction is well documented, but it has not been established whether the extent and severity of periodontitis influence the infarct size. This cross-sectional and analytic study was designed to investigate the association of chronic periodontitis extent and severity with acute myocardial infarct size as indicated by serum cardiac troponin I and myoglobin levels. Sociodemographic, periodontal, cardiologic, and hematologic variables were gathered in 112 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction. The extent (Arbes Index) and severity (Periodontal Inflammatory Severity Index) of the chronic periodontitis were significantly associated with troponin I levels after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical confounders (change in R2 = .041, p < .02, and R2 = .031, p = .04). However, only the extent index accounted for levels of myoglobin (change in R2 = .030, p < .05), total leukocytes (change in R2 = .041 p < .02), and neutrophils (change in R2 = .059, p < .01). Mediated regression analysis showed that leukocytes and neutrophils may underlie these observed relationships of chronic periodontitis with troponin I and myoglobin. To our knowledge, this study contributes the first research data demonstrating that the extent and severity of periodontitis is positively associated with acute myocardial infarct size as measured by serum troponin I and myoglobin levels.
Immediate hypersensitivity reaction following liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome) infusion
Authors: Nath Proggananda , Basher Ariful , Harada Michiyo , Sarkar Santana , Selim Shahjada , Maude Richard J , Noiri Eisei , Faiz Abul
Published: August 2014

Liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome) is now becoming first choice for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) patients due to high efficacy and less toxicity. The reported incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome), especially during therapy, is very rare. We report two patients with kala-azar: one developed breathing difficulties and hypotension followed by shock and the other had facial angioedema with chest tightness during treatment. Both patients were managed with immediate action of injection: adrenaline, diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. In our experience, AmBisome can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions that warrant proper support and close supervision.
Traumatic stress: established knowledge, current debates and new horizons
Authors: Eagle Gillian T , Kaminer Debra
Published: August 2014

Traumatic stress studies is a well-established, vibrant and ever-growing cross-disciplinary area of research and practice to which psychologists have made a substantial contribution. This article presents an overview of the field, acknowledging the close relationship between the study of post-traumatic stress disorder more specifically and the field of traumatic stress studies in general. The authors focus on four key dimensions: historical and conceptual issues, diagnostic features and debates, aetiological research findings in relation to vulnerability to disorder and treatment approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder and related conditions. It is observed that there is both extension and deepening of knowledge based upon scientific advances such as neuroimaging and gene mapping technology, employment of meta-analyses, increased attention to randomized control studies and emphasis on more comparative research. Alongside such developments is the posing of important philosophical and psychosocial questions and increasing recognition of the need to contextualize both where and how established knowledge has been generated and how this may need to be expanded.
The Myth of Coup-proofing
Authors: Albrecht Holger
Published: August 2014

This article argues that coup-proofing does not necessarily reduce the general propensity among military officers to stage coups d’état against authoritarian incumbents. Sophisticated coup-proofing terminates coup cascades and buys incumbent rulers time in office, but general coup risk remains high even if they maintain power for long periods of time. The article uses a new data set on coups in the Middle East and North Africa covering the period 1950–2013. The data reveal that the number of coup instances has decreased over time, but the risk for incumbents of falling to a coup during their extended time in office remains constant, even in coup-proofed autocracies. When autocrats apply coup-proofing measures, timing and agency become increasingly important. Plotters attempt coups either immediately after power turnovers or when incumbents turn into lame ducks after excessively long periods of rule. Success rates increase when coup plotters are supported by central military leaderships.
Exploring the Role of Dynamic Social Capital in Collaborative Governance
Authors: Oh Youngmin , Bush Carrie Blanchard
Published: August 2014

The literature indicates that social capital plays a crucial role in facilitating collective action in collaborative governance. Despite this important role, the extant literature has not systematically conceptualized what forms of social capital exist in the context of collaborative activities and when and where such social capital contributes to the effectiveness of collaborative regimes. Reviewing the role of social capital as addressed by prior studies, this article advances a theoretical lens to assess how social capital fosters collaborative governance. Specifically, multiple forms of social capital can help participants to achieve collaborative goals throughout sequential phases and substantive arenas of collaboration.
Lossless Data Compression for Improving the Performance of a GPU-Based Beamformer
Authors: Lok U-Wai , Fan Gang-Wei , Li Pai-Chi
Published: August 2014

The powerful parallel computation ability of a graphics processing unit (GPU) makes it feasible to perform dynamic receive beamforming However, a real time GPU-based beamformer requires high data rate to transfer radio-frequency (RF) data from hardware to software memory, as well as from central processing unit (CPU) to GPU memory. There are data compression methods (e.g. Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)) available for the hardware front end to reduce data size, alleviating the data transfer requirement of the hardware interface. Nevertheless, the required decoding time may even be larger than the transmission time of its original data, in turn degrading the overall performance of the GPU-based beamformer. This article proposes and implements a lossless compression–decompression algorithm, which enables in parallel compression and decompression of data. By this means, the data transfer requirement of hardware interface and the transmission time of CPU to GPU data transfers are reduced, without sacrificing image quality. In simulation results, the compression ratio reached around 1.7. The encoder design of our lossless compression approach requires low hardware resources and reasonable latency in a field programmable gate array. In addition, the transmission time of transferring data from CPU to GPU with the parallel decoding process improved by threefold, as compared with transferring original uncompressed data. These results show that our proposed lossless compression plus parallel decoder approach not only mitigate the transmission bandwidth requirement to transfer data from hardware front end to software system but also reduce the transmission time for CPU to GPU data transfer.
Book Review: Wendy Doniger, On Hinduism
Authors: Mahalakshmi R.
Published: August 2014

Wendy Doniger, On Hinduism, Aleph Book Company, 2013, pp. xvii + 660, ₹995. R. Mahalakshmi
Book Review: Deepak Kumar and Raj Sekhar Basu, eds, Medical Encounters in British India
Authors: Cleetus Burton
Published: August 2014

Deepak Kumar and Raj Sekhar Basu, eds, Medical Encounters in British India, OUP, New Delhi, 2013, pp. 365, ₹ 875.
False cognates: The effect of mismatch in morphological complexity on a backward lexical translation task
Authors: Janke Vikki , Kolokonte Marina
Published: August 2014

In this article we focus on ‘false cognates’, lexical items that have overlapping orthographic/phonological properties but little or no semantic overlap. False-cognate pairs were created from French (second language or L2) and English (first language or L1) items by manipulating the levels of morphological correspondence between them. Our aim was to test whether mismatches in morphological structure affected success on a low-frequency backward lexical translation task. Fifty-eight participants, divided into four groups (A-level; degree level; adult learners; bilinguals) were tested on monomorphemic items (simplex), polymorphemic items (complex), items whose morphological structure in French exceeded that of their English counterpart (mismatch), and control items. Translation success rate followed a uniform pattern: control > mismatch > simplex > complex. With respect to the false-friend effect, participant responses were also uniform: complex > simplex > mismatch. It is argued that an independent level of morphology explains these results.
Real-time data acquisition and alerts may reduce reaction time and improve perfusionist performance during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Beck JR , Fung K , Lopez H , Mongero LB , Argenziano M
Published: August 2014

Delayed perfusionist identification and reaction to abnormal clinical situations has been reported to contribute to increased mortality and morbidity. The use of automated data acquisition and compliance safety alerts has been widely accepted in many industries and its use may improve operator performance.

A study was conducted to evaluate the reaction time of perfusionists with and without the use of compliance alert. A compliance alert is a computer-generated pop-up banner on a pump-mounted computer screen to notify the user of clinical parameters outside of a predetermined range. A proctor monitored and recorded the time from an alert until the perfusionist recognized the parameter was outside the desired range. Group one included 10 cases utilizing compliance alerts. Group 2 included 10 cases with the primary perfusionist blinded to the compliance alerts. In Group 1, 97 compliance alerts were identified and, in group two, 86 alerts were identified. The average reaction time in the group using compliance alerts was 3.6 seconds. The average reaction time in the group not using the alerts was nearly ten times longer than the group using computer-assisted, real-time data feedback. Some believe that real-time computer data acquisition and feedback improves perfusionist performance and may allow clinicians to identify and rectify potentially dangerous situations.
Dilatation of the Virchow-Robin spaces as an indicator of unilateral carotid artery stenosis: correlation with white matter lesions
Authors: Sahin Neslin , Solak Aynur , Genc Berhan , Akpinar Mehmet Besir
Published: August 2014

Background

Virchow-Robin space (VRS) dilatation is related to many pathologic conditions, mostly associated with vascular abnormalities. White matter lesions (WMLs) are commonly seen on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with advancing age and generally considered as potential markers for vascular disease.

Purpose

To investigate if asymmetric dilatation of VRSs and WMLs are associated with unilateral internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) and to test the relationship between dilated VRSs and common vascular risk factors.

Material and Methods

Twenty-nine patients (18 men, 11 women; mean age, 68.62 years) with unilateral ICAS (≥70% carotid stenosis) undergoing carotid endarterectomy were identified for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant prospective study and assessed with brain MRI. Two experienced radiologists scored VRSs and WMLs and evaluated old infarcts, chronic lacunar infarcts, and cerebral atrophy. Asymmetry of WML and VRS scores between two cerebral hemispheres was assessed and associations between VRS scores, WML scores, and explanatory variables (e.g. age, sex, vascular risk factors, and atrophy) were tested.

Results

In this study, WMLs and basal ganglia VRSs were significantly greater in the unilateral hemisphere with ICA stenosis than contralateral hemisphere. Basal ganglia VRSs were associated with WMLs and internal cerebral atrophy. No association between the severity of VRSs and vascular risk factors was found.

Conclusion

ICA stenosis may contribute as a factor in the development of WMLs and dilatation of VRSs by causing chronic hypoperfusion. VRS dilatation may be an additional MRI marker of ICAS.
Electoral Manipulations and Fraud in Parliamentary Elections
Authors: Kovalov Maksym
Published: August 2014

This study examines the mechanisms through which the ruling party won a plurality of votes using a combination of legal changes and manipulative practices during the 2012 parliamentary election in Ukraine. Legal changes in electoral rules—the replacement of proportional representation to a mixed system—helped the ruling party weaken the opposition parties. These changes enabled the ruling party to engage in manipulation and fraud during campaigning and on election day by suppressing competition, crowding out the races with “technical” parties and “clone” candidates, and manipulating the composition of electoral commissions. The change of electoral system also enabled outright fraud on election day. A combination of these techniques disrupted both the contestation and participation dimensions of democracy, effectively pushing Ukraine into a state of competitive authoritarianism.
Applying the concept of consumer confusion to healthcare: Development and validation of a patient confusion model
Authors: Gebele Christoph , Tscheulin Dieter K , Lindenmeier Jörg , Drevs Florian , Seemann Ann-Kathrin
Published: August 2014

As patient autonomy and consumer sovereignty increase, information provision is considered essential to decrease information asymmetries between healthcare service providers and patients. However, greater availability of third party information sources can have negative side effects. Patients can be confused by the nature, as well as the amount, of quality information when making choices among competing health care providers. Therefore, the present study explores how information may cause patient confusion and affect the behavioral intention to choose a health care provider. Based on a quota sample of German citizens ( n = 198), the present study validates a model of patient confusion in the context of hospital choice. The study results reveal that perceived information overload, perceived similarity, and perceived ambiguity of health information impact the affective and cognitive components of patient confusion. Confused patients have a stronger inclination to hastily narrow down their set of possible decision alternatives. Finally, an empirical analysis reveals that the affective and cognitive components of patient confusion mediate perceived information overload, perceived similarity, and perceived ambiguity of information.
Using Mahalanobis–Taguchi system, logistic regression, and neural network method to evaluate purchasing audit quality
Authors: Lee Yu-Cheng , Hsiao Yin-Cheng , Peng Chi-Feng , Tsai Sang-Bing , Wu Chia-Huei , Chen Quan
Published: August 2014

The feature selection function in data mining facilitates the classification of vast data volumes and reduces attribute variables, enabling the construction of classification prediction models. For binary data, the Mahalanobis–Taguchi system, the logistic regression method, and the neural network method all feature high stability and accuracy. The Mahalanobis–Taguchi system differs from the other two methods in that models are developed through a measurement scale rather than from the learning of analytical data. We analyzed the audit quality of Taipei City Government public procurement from supply chains (hereafter abbreviated as public procurement) and applied the three feature selection methods to determine the items used in public procurement audit quality questionnaires. The results showed that the predictive powers of Mahalanobis–Taguchi system and logistic regression methods for the reduced question items were 93.8% and 92.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the prediction accuracy rate of the neural network method was 100%, showing that the prediction model constructed using the feature selections to reduce the number of attributes can effectively lower the number of questionnaire items while maintaining high prediction accuracy.
Lost and found in music: Music, consciousness and subjectivity
Authors: Clarke Eric F.
Published: August 2014

“Strong experiences of music”—to use Alf Gabrielsson’s (2011) term—commonly, but apparently paradoxically, seem to involve people in both losing themselves and finding themselves in music. How can this be? Who or what is lost, and, equally, who or what is found, and how can they both happen together? In this paper I offer an approach to these questions, framed within the perspectives of musical consciousness and musical subjectivity, that attempts to bring together perceptual, emotional and embodied components of musical experience, embedded in the ecology of everyday listening. In doing so, I also argue for the importance of paying proper attention to phenomenological qualities of listeners’ experiences, for the historically specific and changing nature of human subjectivity experienced through music, and for a dynamic and animated understanding of musical engagement.
Emotion-driven encoding of music preference and personality in dance
Authors: Luck Geoff , Saarikallio Suvi , Burger Birgitta , Thompson Marc , Toiviainen Petri
Published: August 2014

Thirty rhythmic music excerpts were presented to 60 individuals. Dance movements to each excerpt were recorded using an optical motion-capture system, preference for each excerpt recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, and personality assessed using the 44-item version of the Big Five Inventory. From the movement data, a large number of postural, kinematic and kinetic features were extracted, a subset of which were chosen for further analysis using sequential backward elimination with variance inflation factor (VIF) selection. Multivariate analyses revealed significant effects on these 11 features of both preference and personality, as well as a number of interactions between the two. As regards preference, a U-shaped curvilinear relationship between excerpt preference and amount of movement was identified, hypothesized to relate to the role of emotional arousal in guiding music preference and dance moves. As regards personality, a different pattern of movement characteristics was associated with each of the Big Five dimensions, broadly supporting previous work.
Assessment of a fluorescent antibody test for the detection of antibodies against epizootic bovine abortion
Authors: Blanchard Myra T. , Anderson Mark L. , Hoar Bruce R. , Pires Alda F. A. , Blanchard Patricia C. , Yeargan Bret V. , Teglas Mike B. , Belshaw Margaret , Stott Jeffery L.
Published: August 2014

The current study was directed at developing and validating an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) capable of detecting antibodies specific for the agent of epizootic bovine abortion (aoEBA). Sensitivity and specificity was determined by comparing antibody titers from 114 fetuses infected with aoEBA with 68 fetuses diagnosed with alternate infectious etiologies. Data established specificity at 100% and sensitivity at 94.7% when cutoff criteria for a positive test were assigned at a titer of ≥1,000. Potential cross-reactivity was noted in samples from 3 fetuses with antibody titers of 10 or100; all were infected with Gram-positive organisms. The remaining 65 fetuses infected with microbes other than aoEBA, and an additional 12 negative reference sera, did not have detectable titers. The IFAT-based serology assay is rapid, reproducible, and unaffected by fluid color or opacity. Total fetal immunoglobulin (Ig)G was also evaluated as an aid for diagnosing EBA. Significantly higher concentrations of IgG were identified in fetuses infected with aoEBA as compared to those with alternate infectious etiologies. The presence of IgG is a sensitive indicator of EBA and increases the specificity of FAT-based serologic diagnosis when titers are 10 or 100. Taken together, serology and IgG analyses suggest that the incidence of EBA may be underestimated.
Marriage and Family Counselors’ Perceived Ethical Issues Related to Online Therapy
Authors: Hertlein Katherine M. , Blumer Markie L. C. , Mihaloliakos Jennifer H.
Published: August 2014

Technology use in the practice of couple and family therapy has many advantages. The use of online and technology-based modes of communication for therapy, however, presents several valid ethical concerns. In a survey of 226 licensed Marriage and Family Counselors, students, and supervisors, participants were asked to identify ethical concerns and drawbacks of online therapy. Five themes related to this topic emerged: (a) confidentiality, (b) impact to the therapeutic relationship, (c) licensing and liability issues, (d) issues related to crises and risky clinical situations, and (e) training and education. Implications for practice, training, and research are discussed.
Predicting Graduation
Authors: Larson Lisa M. , Pesch Kathryn M. , Surapaneni Spurty , Bonitz Verena S. , Wu Tsui-Feng , Werbel James D.
Published: August 2014

Self-efficacy in the mathematics/science domain is conceptualized as partially determining whether science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students would persist toward reaching important milestones like graduating with a bachelor’s degree. The authors conducted a longitudinal study to examine if mathematics/science self-efficacy would significantly predict graduation status 4 to 8 years later after high school academic performance and mathematics aptitude were controlled in a university sample of introductory science students. Moreover, they looked at whether mathematics/science self-efficacy would significantly predict graduation status 4 to 8 years later after first semester grade point average (GPA) was controlled in addition to prior performance and aptitude. The sample consisted of 211 university students who graduated with a bachelor’s degree and 69 university students who did not graduate with a bachelor’s degree. The authors reported that mathematics/science self-efficacy significantly predicted graduation status 4 to 8 years later after controlling for prior performance and aptitude. The addition of mathematics/science self-efficacy improved the accuracy of identifying which participants dropped out before graduation by 4.4% in this sample. When first semester GPA was included in the control variables, the incremental contribution of mathematics/science self-efficacy to the prediction of retention status was null as expected. Findings are related to theory and prior research.
Isolated Talonavicular Fusion With Tension Band for Müller-Weiss Syndrome
Authors: Fornaciari Paolo , Gilgen Andrea , Zwicky Lukas , Horn Lang Tamara , Hintermann Beat
Published: August 2014

Background:

There are still controversies with regard to the operative treatment in advanced Müller-Weiss syndrome (MWS), where the navicular undergoes avascular necrosis and the talonavicular (TN) joint becomes arthritic. Most authors advocate extended fusion, sacrificing hindfoot mobility. To restore TN alignment and to achieve stable fixation, we developed a new isolated TN fusion technique applying the principles of a static tension band. The aim of the present study was to report the midterm results of a preliminary series of patients and their clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Methods:

Ten feet (10 patients; 8 females, 2 males; age 63 ± 16.7 [range, 34-83] years) with advanced deformity of MWS (3 Maceira’s stage III and 7 stage IV) were treated with isolated TN arthrodesis using the tension band technique. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was used to evaluate the functional outcome. Standard angles were measured to determine the amount of correction achieved through the operative treatment. The minimum follow-up was 24 (range, 24-43) months.

Results:

Trabeculation was seen to cross the fusion site on radiographs in 8 patients after 2 and in 1 patient after 3 months. One case needed revision after 13 months due to implant failure; after additional screw fixation, bony healing was achieved 2 months later. At last follow-up, all cases described a high level of satisfaction. Postoperatively, the AOFAS score improved from 33 (range, 18-48) to 88.3 (range, 79-100) ( P < .0001) points, the AP talocalcaneal angle increased from 14.2 (range, 1-22) to 22.7 (range, 12-30) degrees ( P = .0007), and the calcaneal pitch increased from 10.3 (range, 3-22) to 14.7 (range, 8-22) degrees ( P = .0006).

Conclusion:

The static tension band technique is a new, promising technique to treat MWS patients, providing stability against the counteracting deforming forces. Therefore, we consider this technique as our treatment of choice in patients with stage III and stage IV MWS.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, prospective case series.
Revisiting Ethics
Authors: King James R. , Stahl Norman
Published: August 2014

In this article, the authors update key constructs in the area of ethics within qualitative research in literacy. Issues such as newer interpretive theory, media incursion into data security, and newer expectations for privacy problematize what were once “taken-for-granted” assumptions about the ethical conduct of qualitative inquiry as it is now practiced in the fields of literacy education and queered ethics.
The Scholar Retires
Authors: emerald elke , Carpenter Lorelei
Published: August 2014

This article is inspired by Laurel Richardson’s ongoing work as a scholar and researcher during her “retirement.” Lorelei has been inspired by Laurel to imagine her retirement as still a time of productive scholarly contribution. This, despite the messages she has received, overtly and covertly, of her redundancy. Here, we follow Lorelei as she stories the disruption, conflicts, and tensions of transition from work life to retirement. Her introspection reveals that this life transition is unlike any other for her. This one is defined more by loss than gain, and Lorelei finds it uncomfortable to embody the juncture of “productivity” and “age”—clearly on the “wrong” side of each binary. Three issues are at the heart of her process: the importance of identity, the process of transitioning from employment to retirement, and the identities that society makes available postemployment. We use autoethnography with commentary to understand Lorelei’s experience in the context of the present social, cultural, and political historical moment. Laurel Richardson and her scholarship are integral to this piece in the permissions she has granted us: to both explore this space and to explore it in this way.