bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Six new species of Australocosmica Köhler, 2011 from the Kimberley islands, Western Australia (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Camaenidae)
Authors: CRISCIONE FRANCESCO , KÖHLER FRANK
Published: January 2013

The Western Australian Kimberley region harbours a diverse fauna of camaenid land snails characterised by marked patterns of narrow range endemism. The recently described genus Australocosmica comprised three species that are endemic to single offshore islands or island groups. Material of a further seven candidate species recognised by the late Alan Solem has been examined. Six of these manuscript species, NSP 40 (= A. rotunda n. sp.), NSP 76 (= A. pallida n. sp.), NSP 77 (= A. buffonensis n. sp.), NSP 78 (= A. bernoulliensis n. sp.), NSP 79 (= A. crassicostata n. sp.), and NSP 80 (= A. nana n. sp.), are here newly described based on examination of shell morphology and penial anatomy. Based on our findings, we are presenting an updated generic diagnosis of Australocosmica. Statistical analyses revealed that species exhibit similar shell characters (colouration, sculpture, dimensions), which render the delimitation of species based only on shells difficult. However, species were found to differ significantly in their penial anatomy. Although the material studied was not suitable for DNA extraction, the anatomical differences were considered sufficient to permit the description of distinct species.
Descriptions of four new species of Thysanophrys (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae) from the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: KNAPP LESLIE W.
Published: January 2013

Four new species of Thysanophrys are described from the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). T. rarita, known from a single specimen taken off Somalia, is provisionally placed in Thysanophrys and is distinguished by its color pattern and number of preocular and suborbital spines. T. tricaudata is described from three specimens taken at SCUBA stations off southwestern Sri Lanka. They differ from other western Indian Ocean (WIO) Thysanophrys in color pattern, lack of ocular flaps, number of dorsal fin spines and scale counts.  The remaining two new species are somewhat similar to the widespread Indo-Pacific species, T. chiltonae Schultz (1966). T. randalli is described from specimens taken at the Amirante Islands and Mauritius. It may also be widespread in the Indo-Pacific, but differs from T. chiltonae in nasal spine structure, color pattern, type of iris lappet margin, and in having a much shorter maximum size. T. springeri also appears to be a smaller species than T. chiltonae and, aside from one record off Djibouti, is restricted to Red Sea. It also differs from T. chiltonae in color pattern, in having fewer pectoral rays and fewer scale rows between the second dorsal-fin insertion and the lateral line. Although T. chiltonae is relatively common in the northern Indian Ocean, it does not appear to have entered the Red Sea.
Gadigaleyrodes froggatti, a new genus and species of whitefly
Authors: DOOLEY JOHN W. III , GILLESPIE PETER
Published: January 2013

A new monotypic genus of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), Gadigaleyrodes gen.n., is described and illustrated for G. froggatti sp.n. from New South Wales, Australia. Specimens were collected by W. W. Froggatt in 1899 on Syncarpia glomulifera, and subsequently by P. S. Gillespie on an unknown climbing plant. The genus has unusual morphological features with traits common to both Aleurodicinae and Aleyrodinae. The subfamily placement is discussed, and a key provided to discriminate this taxon from similar whitefly genera in Australia.
Identification of the nymphal stages of two European seed bugs, L. equestris and L. simulans (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), using DNA barcodes
Authors: LIS BARBARA , LIS JERZY A. , ZIAJA DARIUSZ J.
Published: January 2013

The genus Lygaeus Fabricius, 1794 includes more than fifty species, mainly distributed in the Old World regions, with 17 species known from the Palearctic (Péricart 2001; Wachmann et al. 2007), and only two from Central Europe, i.e., L. equestris (Linnaeus, 1758) and L. simulans Deckert, 1985 (Péricart 2001).
A new species and key to species of the agriculturally important sharpshooter genus Sonesimia Young (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini)
Authors: FELIX MÁRCIO , SANTOS LIMA DOUGLAS FELIPE DOS , MEJDALANI GABRIEL , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY R.
Published: January 2013

The new sharpshooter species Sonesimia nessimiani is described from Bolivia based on specimens collected on sugar cane. An identification key to males and females of all known species of the genus is given. In addition to the external morphology, color pattern, and male genitalia, female genital structures are also described and illustrated. Notes comparing the new species with the remaining six Sonesimia species are provided.
Interannual Variation of the Winter Rainfall in Malaysia Caused by the Activity of Rain-Producing Disturbances
Authors: Chen Tsing-Chang , Tsay Jenq-Dar , Yen Ming-Cheng , Matsumoto Jun
Published: January 2013

Heavy rainfall/flood (HRF) cyclones contribute close to two-thirds of the total rainfall PT in both parts of Malaysia [peninsular Malaysia (M) and west Borneo (B)]. Judging by the rainfall variance produced by these cyclones and its correlation (~0.9) with the interannual PT variation, this variation is caused primarily by HRF cyclones through two factors: 1) their westward propagation properties and 2) their rain-producing efficiency. The former is regulated by the change of the cyclonic shear flow around the near-equator trough, while the latter is determined by the change of the convergence of water vapor flux toward tropical Southeast Asia. During November–December of cold (warm) ENSO phases, the westward propagation of the cyclone's parent cold surge vortices (CSVs) from the Philippine (P) vicinity (Borneo) to peninsular Malaysia CSVPMs (CSVBMs) and intensified (weakened) convergence of water vapor flux toward tropical South/Southeast Asia act to enhance (reduce) the rain-producing efficiency of HRFPM (HRFBM) cyclones. During winter cold (warm) phases, the deepening (filling) of the near-equator trough crossing west Borneo allows some CSVs formed/trapped in Borneo CSVBBs to develop into HRFBB (HRFBBM) cyclones (to propagate westward to peninsular Malaysia). The rain-producing efficiency of HRFBB and HRFBBM cyclones is also increased (reduced) by the intensified (weakened) convergence of water flux toward tropical South/Southeast Asia. Interannual variations of both PT(M) and PT(B) caused by the impacts of the circulation pattern changes on occurrences of HRFPM and HRFBB/HRFBBM cyclones, respectively, and their rain-producing efficiency may pose a new challenge to simulate the weather–climate relationship in climate modeling.
Simple Uncertainty Frameworks for Selecting Weighting Schemes and Interpreting Multimodel Ensemble Climate Change Experiments
Authors: Sansom Philip G. , Stephenson David B. , Ferro Christopher A. T. , Zappa Giuseppe , Shaffrey Len
Published: January 2013

Future climate change projections are often derived from ensembles of simulations from multiple global circulation models using heuristic weighting schemes. This study provides a more rigorous justification for this by introducing a nested family of three simple analysis of variance frameworks. Statistical frameworks are essential in order to quantify the uncertainty associated with the estimate of the mean climate change response.

The most general framework yields the “one model, one vote” weighting scheme often used in climate projection. However, a simpler additive framework is found to be preferable when the climate change response is not strongly model dependent. In such situations, the weighted multimodel mean may be interpreted as an estimate of the actual climate response, even in the presence of shared model biases.

Statistical significance tests are derived to choose the most appropriate framework for specific multimodel ensemble data. The framework assumptions are explicit and can be checked using simple tests and graphical techniques. The frameworks can be used to test for evidence of nonzero climate response and to construct confidence intervals for the size of the response.

The methodology is illustrated by application to North Atlantic storm track data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) multimodel ensemble. Despite large variations in the historical storm tracks, the cyclone frequency climate change response is not found to be model dependent over most of the region. This gives high confidence in the response estimates. Statistically significant decreases in cyclone frequency are found on the flanks of the North Atlantic storm track and in the Mediterranean basin.
Eulerian and Lagrangian Statistics in the South China Sea as Deduced from Surface Drifters
Authors: Qian Yu-Kun , Peng Shiqiu , Li Yineng
Published: January 2013

Eulerian and Lagrangian statistics of the surface flows over the South China Sea (SCS) are investigated based on observations of satellite-tracked Lagrangian drifters of the Surface Velocity Program. Although the dataset contains the most recent observations up to 2011, the spatial and temporal distributions of the data are quite inhomogeneous. The Luzon Strait as well as the northern and western parts of the SCS are heavily sampled by drifters whereas the internal SCS is less sampled. The overall Eulerian mean circulation derived from all drifter observations resembles the wintertime circulations because of the seasonal sampling bias toward wintertime. It is found that the calculation of the diffusivity may be misled by the low-frequency temporal variabilities such as annual cycle, which could be removed using the Gauss–Markov decomposition. In the regions around Luzon Strait, typical values of diffusivity, time scale, and length scale are 3.7–11.9 × 107 cm2 s−1, 0.8–1.9 days, and 16.4–44.4 km, respectively. In the regions around Hainan Island and the western boundary of the SCS, the typical estimated diffusivity and length scale are slightly smaller, that is, 2.3–6.9 × 107 cm2 s−1 and 12.8–33.7 km while the time scale (0.8–2.0 days) is approximately the same as that in the regions around Luzon Strait. Although these regions are close to the coast, the “flux versus gradient” relationship is still valid in these coastal regions.
H. L. Wagner's Unbiased Hit Rate and the Assessment of Categorical Forecasting Accuracy
Authors: Armistead Timothy W.
Published: January 2013

The paper briefly reviews measures that have been proposed since the 1880s to assess accuracy and skill in categorical weather forecasting. The majority of the measures consist of a single expression, for example, a proportion, the difference between two proportions, a ratio, or a coefficient. Two exemplar single-expression measures for 2 × 2 categorical arrays that chronologically bracket the 130-yr history of this effort—Doolittle's inference ratio i and Stephenson's odds ratio skill score (ORSS)—are reviewed in detail. Doolittle's i is appropriately calculated using conditional probabilities, and the ORSS is a valid measure of association, but both measures are limited in ways that variously mirror all single-expression measures for categorical forecasting. The limitations that variously affect such measures include their inability to assess the separate accuracy rates of different forecast–event categories in a matrix, their sensitivity to the interdependence of forecasts in a 2 × 2 matrix, and the inapplicability of many of them to the general k × k (k ≥ 2) problem. The paper demonstrates that Wagner's unbiased hit rate, developed for use in categorical judgment studies with any k × k (k ≥ 2) array, avoids these limitations while extending the dual-measure Bayesian approach proposed by Murphy and Winkler in 1987.
‘Must Will Peace’: The British Brokering of ‘Central European’ and ‘Balkan Locarno’, 1925–9
Authors: Bakić Dragan
Published: January 2013

This article examines the British attempt to use the momentum created after the conclusion of the Locarno Agreements of October 1925 to promote a similar settlement in Central Europe among the Little Entente countries and Hungary, and in the Balkans, where Bulgaria had to be reconciled with her neighbours, particularly with Yugoslavia (Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes), with each region being dealt with in a separate settlement. The approach of the Foreign Secretary, Sir Austen Chamberlain, was to induce the leaders of the countries in question to come into personal contact and tackle their mutual antagonisms, while at the same time securing that Britain, France and Italy maintained a common stance and spoke with one voice to all the concerned governments. The article outlines the main lines of diplomatic intercourse and analyses the reasons for the ultimate failure of both ‘Central European’ and ‘Balkan Locarno’. It is argued here that Chamberlain’s policy, his distorted perceptions, delusive premises and fallacious judgement accounted for the inevitable breakdown of his Locarno-like scheme. This failure became apparent towards the end of the period studied here and its consequences heralded difficult times in the years to come.
Broadcasting Bolshevik: The Radio Voice of Soviet Culture, 1920s–1950s
Authors: Lovell Stephen
Published: January 2013

Propaganda was always a key preoccupation of the Soviet regime and it was not limited to the printed word. Public speaking – whether in meetings and lectures or on the radio – had a prominent place in the Soviet version of modernity. From the early 1920s onwards, propagandists, journalists and performers debated how best to use the spoken word: what was the balance to be struck between oratory and information, edifcation and theatricality, authority and popular participation? Radio professionals struggled with these issues more than anyone: they had to get broadcasts right, yet studios worked under great pressure and faced serious technological constraints. By 1937 experimental and interactive forms of broadcasting were effectively banned. They made a slow comeback in the postwar era, thanks in no small part to technological improvements such as the introduction of mobile recording equipment. The story of how Russia learned to speak on air is an important and hitherto overlooked aspect of Soviet ‘cultural construction’.
Effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Menopause on Rat Soft Palate and Base of Tongue
Authors: Deveci Ildem , Sürmeli Mehmet , Senem Deveci Hande , Eriman Murat , Habesoglu Mehmet , Tek Arman , Misirlioglu Kutyar , Gunes Pembegul
Published: January 2013

Objective

To investigate the histopathologic changes in rat soft palate and base of tongue by performing experimental polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause models.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Setting

The study was conducted at the animal care facility of Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital.

Subject and Methods

Thirty healthy female Albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (PCOS study group [n = 10], per oral letrozole given; PCOS control group [n = 6], per oral saline given; menopause study group [n = 8], ovariectomized; menopause control group [n = 6], sham operated). At the end of the follow‐up periods, all animals were euthanized, and soft palates and base of tongues of all groups were removed to observe the histopathologic changes.

Results

When we compared the PCOS study group with the PCOS control group, submucous gland hypertrophy, mast cell infiltration, vascular engorgement, and acanthosis were significantly different in the soft palate (P <. 05), and in addition to these findings, lymphocyte infiltration, subepithelial edema, and dilated glandular excretory duct were significantly different in base of tongue (P <. 05). When we compared the menopause study group with the menopause control group, only vascular engorgement was significantly different in the soft palate (P <. 05), and in addition to this finding, submucous gland hypertrophy, lymphocyte infiltration, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and subepithelial edema were significantly different in base of tongue (P <. 05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PCOS and menopause induce significant histopathologic changes in the soft palate and base of tongue that are similar to the histopathologic changes seen in the soft palate and base of tongue of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Examining continuance usage of mobile Internet services from the perspective of resistance to change
Authors: Zhou Tao
Published: January 2013

Retaining users and facilitating their continuance usage are critical for mobile Internet service providers. From the perspective of resistance to change, this research identified the factors affecting continuance usage of mobile services. We collected data among mobile Internet users and conducted data analysis with structural equation modeling. The results indicated that trust and switching costs have strong effects on resistance to change, which in turn affects continuance usage. In addition, trust affects perceived usefulness and flow experience. The results indicate that mobile service providers need to increase users’ resistance to change in order to facilitate their continuance usage.
Retinal vessel abnormalities predict coronary artery diseases
Authors: Tabatabaee A , Asharin MR , Dehghan MH , Pourbehi MR , Nasiri-Ahmadabadi M , Assadi M
Published: January 2013

Background:

There are limited data supporting an association between retinal microvascular changes and cardiovascular mortality, but there is no convincing evidence of an independent or direct association with atherosclerosis in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. The present study examines the relationship between retinal microvascular changes and angiographic findings.

Methods:

Patients who were candidates for angiography were, at first, referred to the ophthalmology department for the determination of the severity of retinal atherosclerosis based on the Scheie classification. Angiography was carried out afterwards. Each patient completed a questionnaire, also providing information on risk factors. For each patient, the Gensini score was calculated using angiography findings.

Results:

A total of 168 patients (99 males and 69 females) with a mean age of 55.3±11.9 years were included in this study. The results show a significant association between CAD severity and retinal artery atherosclerosis (r = 0.47, p = 0.0001). In multiple regression analyses with CAD severity (using Gensini scoring) as a dependent variable, we observed a significant association between atherosclerosis scores based on Scheie criteria (β=0.31, p<0.0001), diabetes mellitus (DM) (β=0.29, p<0.0001), hypertension (β=0.23, p<0.0001), smoking (β=0.20, p<0.0001), and age (β=0.15, p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

The results demonstrate that fundoscopic changes might be a predictor of CADs. However, more well-designed studies to verify these results are still needed.
Characterization of flax/epoxy prepregs before and after cure
Authors: Phillips Steven , Baets Joris , Lessard Larry , Hubert Pascal , Verpoest Ignaas
Published: January 2013

This paper aims to better understand the nature of flax/epoxy hot melt prepreg systems as well as the mechanical properties of their cured composites. Two uncured systems were subjected to thermal gravimetric analysis and compaction experiments. Composites were then produced in an autoclave at pressures of 1, 3 and 5 bars. Void analysis was carried out on the cured laminates by optical microscopy and void contents ranging from below 1% to over 20% were obtained by image analysis. The primary source of voids was shown to be resin starvation based on the results of the compaction tests. Tensile properties were shown to be strongly degraded by fabric crimp. Short beam tests revealed a 16% decrease in interlaminar shear strength with a 3.5% increase in void content. Similarly, water absorption tests showed a significant increase in rate of absorption likely due to the presence of voids. The results suggest that in order for flax/epoxy prepregs to reach their full potential, the level of crimp and the evacuation of moisture during cure should be of primary concern.
An extracellular matrix–like surface modification on titanium improves implant endothelialization through the reduction of platelet adhesion and the capture of endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Li Quan-Li , Huang Nan , Chen Jia-Long , Xiong Kai-Qin , Chen Jun-Ying , You Tian-Xue , Jin Jian
Published: January 2013

To address the problem of surface-induced thrombosis and restenosis, an extracellular matrix–like biological membrane was constructed from collagen, heparin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and an anti-CD34 antibody. This membrane was assembled on a titanium surface using a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique and induced the spontaneous endothelialization of synthetic cardiovascular implants in vivo. The multilayer growth process was carried out by first depositing a single layer of positively charged poly-L-lysine on the negatively charged NaOH-treated titanium substrate. This was followed by alternating depositions of negatively charged heparin, containing vascular endothelial growth factor and an anti-CD34 antibody and positively charged collagen, terminating with an outermost layer of heparin containing vascular endothelial growth factor and the anti-CD34 antibody. The uncoated and coated titanium samples were exposed to platelet-rich plasma and endothelial progenitor cells, respectively, under static and flow conditions in vitro. Then, the samples were implanted into dog femoral arteries. The results suggest that the multilayering process led to reduced platelet adhesion and activation, promoted the attachment and growth of endothelial progenitor cells in vitro, and induced the rapid and complete endothelialization of the lumenal surface of the implant. Thus, the approach described here may be used in the fabrication of titanium-based vascular implant surfaces to induce endothelialization in vivo.
Radiographic Evaluation of Plantar Plate Injury
Authors: Waldrop Norman E. , Zirker Chris A. , Wijdicks Coen A. , LaPrade Robert F. , Clanton Thomas O.
Published: January 2013

Background:

The term turf toe has been generally applied to athletic dorsiflexion injuries of the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Variations in injury patterns coupled with the complexity of the MTP joint makes the diagnosis of more severe injuries challenging and may lead to a failure in recognition of an unstable joint and a subsequently prolonged recovery. Although the proximal migration of one or both sesamoids has been previously identified with a plantar plate disruption, the current study proposes a quantitative grading system based on dorsiflexion stress radiographs, providing a predictable and reproducible test for evaluating the extent of injury to the first MTP joint.

Methods:

Twenty-four nonpaired fresh-frozen foot/ankle specimens with no history or physical evidence of prior injury were used in this study. The specimens were randomly assigned into 4 cutting groups, and the 4 main distal ligaments of the plantar plate were identified and sectioned. Lateral dorsiflexion fluoroscopic stress images were obtained in the intact state and with each subsequent cut. With each image, measurements from the distal margin of the sesamoids to the most proximal margin of the proximal phalanx were taken. Images were obtained at 45 degrees with both a fibrous loop wrapped around the interphalangeal joint and applying 15 N and also with a manual dorsiflexion stress. Statistical testing performed was a repeated-measures analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc to compare measurements between each group to determine if movement of the sesamoid bones relative to the phalanx quantitatively increased with each structure that was cut.

Results:

Our results demonstrate a relationship between the number of ligaments injured in the turf toe simulation and an increase in sesamoid phalangeal distance. We found that an increase of 3 mm in the distance from the sesamoids to the proximal phalanx was significant and predictive of a severe injury to the plantar plate.

Conclusion:

Injuries producing differences of 3 mm or greater from the intact state have a high likelihood of having sustained injury to at least 3 of the 4 ligaments of the plantar plate complex. This study is the first to establish a quantitative grading scale for evaluating turf toe injuries radiographically based on changes in movement of the sesamoids relative to the intact state.

Clinical Relevance:

In assessing a turf toe injury, historically the evaluation has been qualitative, but our study provides quantifiable data for evaluation of the severity of plantar plate injuries, which may provide guidance to physicians for treatment decisions.
Mitchell’s Osteotomy With Mini-Plate and Screw Fixation for Hallux Valgus
Authors: Kalender Ali Murat , Uslu Mustafa , Bakan Betul , Ozkan Fuat , Erturk Cemil , Altay Mehmet Akif , Guner Savas , Kalender Mahmut
Published: January 2013

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of mini-plate and screw fixation to stabilize the first metatarsal osteotomy in patients undergoing Mitchell bunionectomy, with the outcomes of interest being radiological alignment and the time to bony union.

Methods:

We used mini-plates and screws in 43 feet of 25 patients to avoid cast immobilization and prevent osteotomy displacement. The mean age at operation was 45.4 ± 13.4 years (range, 17.0-65.0 years). The mean follow-up was 16.9 ± 3.6 months (range, 12.0-30.0 months). The hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores were evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative month 12.

Results:

The mean preoperative value for the hallux valgus angle was 35.9 ± 4.4 degrees (range, 26.0-45.0 degrees) and for the intermetatarsal angle was 12.1 ± 1.4 degrees (range, 10.0-15.0 degrees). The mean postoperative value for the hallux valgus angle was 16.0 ± 2.12 degrees (range, 12.0-20.0 degrees) and for the intermetatarsal angle was 7.7 ± 1.2 degrees (range, 5.0-10.0 degrees). The mean AOFAS score was 50.5 ± 12.8 points (range, 30.1-76.0 points) preoperatively and 75.9 ± 11.3 points (range, 43.3-92.3 points) at postoperative month 12. Improvement of range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint, pain relief, and satisfactory alignment of the first ray were achieved in 41 feet (95.3%).

Conclusions:

We recommend this fixation for Mitchell’s bunionectomy because it provided stable fixation without the need for casting.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
The Spectrum of Open Fractures of the Foot in Adults
Authors: Court-Brown Charles , Honeyman Calum , Bugler Kate , McQueen Margaret
Published: January 2013

Background:

Open foot fractures are rare, and few surgeons see the whole spectrum of these injuries. There has been no previous study of the epidemiology and severity of open foot fractures.

Methods:

A 23-year study of the epidemiology of open fractures was undertaken in a hospital with a catchment area of about 530 000 adults. The results were used to calculate the incidences of open foot fractures and to study their epidemiology and severity.

Results:

In 23 years, 348 open foot fractures were treated. Analysis showed 3 levels of severity with the least severe fractures being isolated open forefoot fractures, which occurred in 69% of the patients. Patients with multiple forefoot fractures had a higher Injury Severity Score (ISS), prevalence of Gustilo type III fractures, and amputation rate. The most severely injured patients presented with open hindfoot and midfoot fractures. They had an average ISS of 12, and 65.9% had Gustilo type III fractures. In patients with open hindfoot fractures, the amputation rate was 17.1%. This rose to 30% in patients with open midfoot fractures. Open foot fractures tended to occur in younger patients, and only 13% were in patients aged at least 65 years.

Conclusions:

Open foot fractures are uncommon. There were 3 levels of injury. Level 1 injuries were isolated fractures of the forefoot. Level 2 injuries were multiple forefoot fractures, and level 3 injuries were open fractures of the midfoot and hindfoot. These were severe injuries with a high amputation rate. They should be treated in level 1 trauma centers.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Imai Kan , Ikoma Kazuya , Imai Ryo , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Kido Masamitsu , Hara Yusuke , Ono Toshihiko , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: January 2013

Background:

The purpose of our study was to investigate tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) arising in patients who have undergone maintenance dialysis at our facility and to evaluate the frequency, pathological characteristics, and diagnosis of TTS.

Methods:

We evaluated 1011 patients (mean age 65.1 years) undergoing maintenance dialysis from 2000 to 2006 at our hospital. In patients diagnosed with TTS, we examined clinical symptoms and imaging findings. In addition, we evaluated intraoperative findings in patients who had undergone surgery. A follow-up study was conducted for at least 1 year.

Results:

Five patients (7 ankles) (mean age 57.8 years) were diagnosed as have TTS, with a mean dialysis duration of 23.4 years (range, 7-30 years). With conservative treatment consisting of rest and a steroid injection, 4 ankles showed improvement. Surgery was performed on 3 ankles. Amyloidoma, nodular tumor fragile deposits in the soft tissue or thecal surface, proliferation of the synovial tendon sheath, and thickened joint capsule were recognized in 3 ankles, and a concomitant ganglion was recognized in 1 ankle. Histologically, the deposition of hyaline material was recognized in all tissues, including the walls of the ganglion or joint capsule, by staining to a pale red color using Congo red stain. An immunohistochemical study indicated positive staining by β-2 microglobulin staining. The flexor retinaculum was thin in all cases, with retinaculum-like thickness not found in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Conclusions:

We believe that the occurrence of TTS in dialysis patients was 0.5%, with a tendency to be more prevalent among patients undergoing maintenance dialysis for 5 or more years. The pathological process of TTS may be different from that of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
The effect of Nintendo® Wii® on balance in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized control study
Authors: Brichetto Giampaolo , Spallarossa Patricio , de Carvalho Maria L Lopes , Battaglia Mario A
Published: January 2013

Improvement of sensory strategies is a relevant part of balance rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to Assess the effectiveness of visual-feedback exercises in improving balance in MS. We divided 36 patients into Wii and control-treated groups that underwent balance rehabilitation. Outcomes were obtained for Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and sway area under conditions of opened and closed eyes. BBS showed a statistically significant improvement (from 49.6 to 54.6 points, p < 0.05) in the Wii group. Interactive visual-feedback exercises such as Wii could be more effective than the current standard protocol in improving balance disorders in MS.
Wikipedia and encyclopedic production
Authors: Loveland Jeff , Reagle Joseph
Published: January 2013

Wikipedia is often presented within a foreshortened or idealized history of encyclopedia-making. Here we challenge this viewpoint by contextualizing Wikipedia and its modes of production on a broad temporal scale. Drawing on examples from Roman antiquity onward, but focusing on the years since 1700, we identify three forms of encyclopedic production: compulsive collection, stigmergic accumulation, and corporate production. While each could be characterized as a discrete period, we point out the existence of significant overlaps in time as well as with the production of Wikipedia today. Our analysis explores the relation of editors, their collaborators, and their modes of composition with respect to changing notions of authorship and originality. Ultimately, we hope our contribution will help scholars avoid ahistorical claims about Wikipedia, identify historical cases germane to the social scientist’s concerns, and show that contemporary questions about Wikipedia have a lifespan exceeding the past decade.
Diversity around a democratic core: The universal and the particular in journalism
Authors: George Cherian
Published: January 2013

Journalism around the world is being shaped by both convergent and divergent forces. The resulting landscape, comprising a patchwork of journalistic traditions that are both similar and different, leaves scholars torn between a universalist impulse that risks imposing eurocentric benchmarks outside of their proper context, and a moral relativism that is unable to make any value judgments. When studying the relationship between journalism and democracy across the world, the challenge is to find common ground that is broad enough to include a diversity of norms and practices, but not to the extent of excusing those that perpetuate the domination of power over truth. This article suggests that the right balance can be struck with an open mind that is sensitive to differences of context, of media functions and of democratic priorities. However, in trying to globalize journalism studies, it would be a mistake to assume that official doctrines and ideologies are authentic representations of a society’s culture and values. Scholars need to recognize journalists’ attempts to hold on to the democratic values at the heart of the profession’s dominant paradigm, especially in societies where those values are under assault and not part of the officially sanctioned discourse.
The Impact of the Ford Fellowship Program in the Creation of Latina/o Academic Generations
Authors: Vélez-Ibáñez Carlos , Szecsy Elsie , Peña Courtney
Published: January 2013

This article presents preliminary data to examine the manner in which the Ford Fellows Program intellectually and academically affects American higher education and especially those awards afforded to individuals of Mexican and Puerto Rican origin (1970–1990).
RETRACTED: Effects of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Motor and Gait Improvement in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Authors: Kumru Hatice , Benito Jesus , Murillo Narda , Valls-Sole Josep , Valles Margarita , Lopez-Blazquez Raquel , Costa Ursula , Tormos Josep M. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Vidal Joan
Published: January 2013

Kumru H, Benito J, Murillo N, et al. Effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor and gait improvement in incomplete spinal cord injury patients. Neurorehabil & Neural Repair. 2013;27:421-429.

Original DOI: 10.1177/1545968312471901.

The above article has been retracted because of substantial overlap with a previously published article in another journal.
Motivation and Self-Regulation in Addiction
Authors: Köpetz Cătălina E. , Lejuez Carl W. , Wiers Reinout W. , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: January 2013

Addiction models have frequently invoked motivational mechanisms to explain the initiation and maintenance of addictive behaviors. However, in doing so, these models have emphasized the unique characteristics of addictive behaviors and overlooked the commonalities that they share with motivated behaviors in general. As a consequence, addiction research has failed to connect with and take advantage of promising and highly relevant advances in motivation and self-regulation research. The present article is a call for a convergence of the previous approaches to addictive behavior and the new advances in basic motivation and self-regulation. The authors emphasize the commonalities that addictive behaviors may share with motivated behavior in general. In addition, it is suggested that the same psychological principles underlying motivated action in general may apply to understand challenging aspects of the etiology and maintenance of addictive behaviors.
How to Make a Young Child Smarter
Authors: Protzko John , Aronson Joshua , Blair Clancy
Published: January 2013

Can interventions meaningfully increase intelligence? If so, how? The Database of Raising Intelligence is a continuously updated compendium of randomized controlled trials that were designed to increase intelligence. In this article, the authors examine nearly every available intervention involving children from birth to kindergarten, using meta-analytic procedures when more than 3 studies tested similar methods and reviewing interventions when too few were available for meta-analysis. This yielded 4 meta-analyses on the effects of dietary supplementation to pregnant mothers and neonates, early educational interventions, interactive reading, and sending a child to preschool. All 4 meta-analyses yielded significant results: Supplementing infants with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, enrolling children in early educational interventions, reading to children in an interactive manner, and sending children to preschool all raise the intelligence of young children.
Measuring Memory Reactivation With Functional MRI
Authors: Levy Benjamin J. , Wagner Anthony D.
Published: January 2013

Environmental cues often remind us of earlier experiences by triggering the reactivation of memories of events past. Recent evidence suggests that memory reactivation can be observed using functional MRI and that distributed pattern analyses can even provide evidence of reactivation on individual trials. The ability to measure memory reactivation offers unique and powerful leverage on theoretical issues of long-standing interest in cognitive psychology, providing a means to address questions that have proven difficult to answer with behavioral data alone. In this article, we consider three instances. First, reactivation measures can indicate whether memory-based inferences (i.e., generalization) arise through the encoding of integrated cross-event representations or through the flexible expression of separable event memories. Second, online measures of memory reactivation may inform theories of forgetting by providing information about when competing memories are reactivated during competitive retrieval situations. Finally, neural reactivation may provide a window onto the role of replay in memory consolidation. The ability to track memory reactivation, including at the individual trial level, provides unique leverage that is not afforded by behavioral measures and thus promises to shed light on such varied topics as generalization, integration, forgetting, and consolidation.
The Seductive Allure of “Seductive Allure”
Authors: Farah Martha J. , Hook Cayce J.
Published: January 2013

The idea of fMRI’s “seductive allure” is supported by two widely cited studies. Upon closer analysis of these studies, and in light of more recent research, we find little empirical support for the claim that brain images are inordinately influential.
How Is Pain Influenced by Cognition? Neuroimaging Weighs In
Authors: Wager Tor D. , Atlas Lauren Y.
Published: January 2013

Neuroimaging can inform cognitive theories to the extent that particular patterns of brain activity are sensitively and specifically associated with particular types of cognitive processes. We illustrate the utility of neuroimaging data in one specific case: understanding cognitive influences on pain. We first argue that pain self-reports are often inadequate to fully characterize pain experience and the processes that underlie it. Then, we describe how neuroimaging measures have been used to corroborate the effects of psychological manipulations on pain by focusing on placebo treatments and demonstrating effects on the best available correlates of pain experience. In addition, using placebo analgesia as an example, we argue that brain evidence is useful for building psychological theories likely to yield valid and generalizable predictions, because biologically informed theories are grounded in the constraints inherent in the relevant physiological systems. Finally, we suggest that neuroimaging findings will become increasingly useful for constraining psychological inference as brain patterns diagnostic of particular types of mental events are identified and characterized. In our view, the relationships between biological findings and cognitive theory are empirically based and must develop through an iterative process of synthesis across studies, topics, and methods.
Deformation behaviour and failure mechanisms of Al–TiB2in situ composites
Authors: Madhavan S , Balasivanandha Prabu S
Published: January 2013

The deformation behaviour and failure mechanisms of Al–TiB2 in situ metal matrix composites were examined through uniaxial tension and compression tests. The influence of particle size and holding time was found to have stronger influence. Elastic modulus of the composite during tension and compression was higher than that of the unreinforced matrix. Fractographic morphology studies were done using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results reveal that the primary failure was due to matrix yielding initiated by the slip lines. A dimpled structure of the matrix is observed indicating that the failure occurred by microvoid coalescence. The specimens also exhibit plastic microbuckling phenomena at the circumference, followed by particle fracture adding up to the failure mechanisms during compression. Compressive strength and tensile elastic modulus were very sensitive to change in the percentage reinforcement. During compression, majority of the samples failed by splitting or splaying mode. In tension, the particles influence the failure mechanism, whereas in compression they act as barriers to the matrix flow.
‘Flower-like’ micropillars of copper with porous nanowalls as effective hydrophobic surface
Authors: Tian C F , Zhang F L , Cai H H , Fang J X , Ding B J
Published: January 2013

The wetting properties of porous Cu nanowall arrays prepared by a facile replacement reaction are reported. The influences of various experimental parameters including the concentrations of Cu ions and reaction time on final products were investigated. It was found that a hierarchical structure containing micro- and nanoscale structure can be formed on zinc substrate. The measurements of water contact angle indicated that the hydrophobic nature of the hierarchical nanostructures can be tuned by reaction times. When reaction time reached 5 min, its wettability switched from hydrophilic to hydrophobic with a contact angle of >120°. By using modified Cassie–Baxter models, we investigated the relation between hierarchical structure and hydrophobic property. Moreover, Cu flower-like hierarchical nanostructures exhibits good hydrophobic properties.
δ and austenite phases evolution and model in solution treatment of superalloy GH4169
Authors: Wang K , Li M Q , Li C
Published: January 2013

The δ phase evolution and its effect on the austenite grain growth in the solution treatment of superalloy GH4169 were investigated at the solution temperatures of 1233, 1253, 1273 and 1293 K and the holding time of 30, 45 and 60 min. The δ phase is dissolved and transformed from short bars to fine bars or particles gradually with the increasing solution temperature. The holding time affects the morphology and the amount of δ phase slightly. The austenite grain grows with the increasing solution temperature and holding time. It grows slowly at the solution temperatures ranging from 1233 to 1373 K, but sharply from 1273 to 1293 K. The phenomenon suggests that the δ phase generates a pinning effect on the austenite grain growth. The kinetic analysis about the austenite grain growth was carried out at the solution temperatures ranging from 1233 to 1373 K. The grain growth exponent n value is calculated to be 1·2 which confirms the pinning effect of δ phase on the austenite grain growth, and activation energy Q value is calculated to be 394·1 kJ mol−1. Finally, a model with an average difference 9·22% for the austenite grain growth was proposed.
Influences of ellipse cooling holes on creep crack initiation and surface morphology of nickel based superalloys
Authors: Wang X M , Liu H , Zhou Q T , Li L , Deng C H , Yue Z F
Published: January 2013

A creep damage model is developed with the consideration of cavitation and material microstructure degradation as damage factors. Five models are studied with different ratios between the length of ellipse hole axis parallel (denoted by y) and perpendicular to the loading direction (denoted by x), where y maintains constant. Two loading conditions are taken into account: constant external load and constant net section stress. The creep crack initiation time increases with increasing y/ x ratio at both loading conditions. The stress distribution morphologies are quite similar for all the models at the start of creep where there are high stress strips between holes in the adjacent rows and low stress strips between holes in the same rows. During the creep, stress relaxation and redistribution induce some differences in the morphologies for different models at the crack initiation time. The damage distributions provide important information on crack initiation and propagation path.
Developing higher strength microalloyed medium carbon steel capable of being fracture split after laser transformation notching
Authors: Zhang D , Harris S J , McCartney D G , Shipway P H , Voisey K T
Published: January 2013

High proof strength (>600 MPa) microalloyed medium carbon steels are being developed to replace high carbon steels in the production of internal combustion engine components which are manufactured by processes involving fracture splitting. The target steels are required to achieve a balance between the ability to fracture when initiated by a novel laser transformation notch (LTN) and the properties required by the application. In this study, the effect of phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) and the depths of LTN on the fracture process of these forged steels were investigated by using an instrumented Charpy impact tester. The impact specimens were notched by a fibre laser with no removal of material. The depth of the notch showed a significant influence on the force–displacement curves, the Charpy impact energy and the associated fracture surfaces. The steel with combined high S and P contents showed the lowest Charpy impact energy of 2·9 J when the depth of LTN was >0·4 mm compared to 5·5 J with the steel containing only a higher S content and 11·2 J for the reference base steel with normal S and P contents. It was observed that MnS inclusions in the originally forged materials were redistributed to the resolidified grain boundaries in the melted region of the LTN. The distribution of P could not be identified in the LTN but presumably it also segregated to the interdendritic regions and the columnar grain boundaries during freezing. The steel containing enhanced contents of S and P was shown to be potentially suitable for fracture splitting and higher load applications.
Preparation of ultrahigh purity cylindrical tantalum ingot by electron beam drip melting without sintering process
Authors: Oh J-M , Lee B-K , Choi G-S , Kim H-S , Lim J-W
Published: January 2013

A two-step process was used to obtain an ultrahigh purity cylindrical tantalum ingot from tantalum powder. Generally, powders cannot be used as raw materials in processes employing electron beam (EB) drip melting. We designed a process that could indeed use powders. The first step reduced the impurities in tantalum by the repeated EB melting of tantalum buttons fabricated from tantalum powder. An ultrahigh purity tantalum ingot was then fabricated by repeated EB drip melting of the refined tantalum buttons. A cylindrical ingot (Ø80×100 mm) with purity of 99·9998 was obtained. The purity of the raw tantalum powder was 99·9944, while those of tantalum buttons remelted twice and four times were 99·9989 and 99·9994 respectively. The concentration of gas impurities such as C, N and O was reduced to <10 ppm from an initial level of 3340 ppm.