bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring disability: The agency of an attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnostic questionnaire
Authors: Forbes Shelby
Published: December 2014

Scholars in language and social interaction have long been concerned with the role of texts in institutional settings, studying, for example, how interview schedules actively shape conversational dynamics between participants. While texts have been acknowledged as active in this way, their generative capacity remains largely overlooked. This article argues that like human subjects, texts in interaction enact agency. One text in particular, a screening form used to diagnose the learning disability attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is analyzed to claim that this text brings about the very condition it is designed to measure: a learning disability. Drawing from work in discursive psychology, I show how the measurement requires the client to adopt certain speaking positions, which then enables the text to speak for the client. I also demonstrate how the text constructs otherwise normal behavior as pathological through punctuation and nominalization. Finally, I illustrate how the spatial organization of the text constrains clients’ choices for interacting with it. This article claims that texts produce, rather than reflect, cognitive phenomena, and it moreover encourages that the notion of text as agent be taken seriously, especially when it presents the capacity to disable.
Ethnographic journalism
Authors: Hermann Anne Kirstine
Published: December 2014

Accounting for emerging journalistic genres is a difficult endeavor not least because there is little agreement as to what constitutes journalism itself. Doing so, however, is essential if we are to recognize changing journalistic doxas. To capture such changes, we must include a holistic framework that takes into account the position, commitment, role, writing and language of journalists as well as the scope, temporality, narrative and reproductive labor of texts. This article introduces such a framework. At a moment in time when multiculturalism poses evident challenges to the press and media trends require more contextual reporting, ethnographic journalism emerges in American feature journalism. Analyzed holistically, this genre is characterized as the employment of immersion strategies adopted from social science for distinct storytelling purposes. These methods, however, transform conventional journalistic epistemology, changing it through practice. In turn, the analysis reveals how journalism practices can evolve its troubled philosophical position.
South African newspaper ethics and the politics of cultural belonging: Reflections on The Spear
Authors: Steenveld Lynette
Published: December 2014

This article considers journalism ethics in South Africa by examining the decisions of an Editor first to publish an image and then retract it in response to a public outcry. Notwithstanding South Africa’s constitutional framework that recognises both the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Dignity, this article argues that underlying her decision-making and the public responses to it are contested views about the politics of representation, ‘belonging’ and citizenship. This contestation is approached through Mamdani’s concept of the colonial construction of ‘citizen’ and ‘subject’ and Calhoun’s arguments about the significance of ‘ethnic identifications’ as the basis of ‘solidarity’ and belonging, despite Brubaker’s concern about how such ethnic identifications can be appropriated for opportunistic political ends. This article proposes that the ethical challenges presented by such a scenario can be addressed through Fraser’s philosophical strategy of seeing identity politics as claims for social justice, not ‘recognition’.
Inhibition of local aldosterone by eplerenone reduces renal structural damage in a novel model of chronic cyclosporine A nephrotoxicity
Authors: Sun Qiao-Ling , Li Meng , Rui Hong-Liang , Chen Yi-Pu
Published: December 2014

Background and objective:

The fact that mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists reduce structural and functional alterations induced by cyclosporine A (CsA) indicates that aldosterone plays a key role in chronic CsA nephrotoxicity. We and other researchers have reported local renal aldosterone synthesis. To investigate local renal aldosterone’s role in chronic CsA nephrotoxicity, we evaluated the effect of eplerenone (Epl) on renal structural damage and renal dysfunction in adrenalectomized (ADX) rats, and assessed whether the therapeutic benefit was associated with reduction of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and collagen I (COL-I) expression.

Methods:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed a normal-sodium diet were divided in four groups: sham-ADX, ADX, CsA, or Epl. Rats in the ADX, CsA and Epl groups were adrenalectomized first. Aldosterone, sodium and potassium levels in serum and urine were measured on the second day. Two weeks later, vehicle (sham-ADX and ADX group), CsA (25mg/kg/d), or CsA and Epl (100 mg/ kg/d) combination was administrated, respectively. After six weeks, urinary protein, creatinine clearance (Ccr), tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF), aldosterone level in kidney, and renal aldosterone synthase CYP11B2, COL-I, TGF-β1, CTGF and PAI-1 gene expression levels were determined.

Results:

On the second day after surgery, adrenalectomized rats showed undetectable aldosterone with natriuresis, hyponatremia, decreased urinary potassium excretion and hyperpotassemia. CsA reduced Ccr, induced urinary proteins and up-regulated COL-I, TGF-β1, CTGF and PAI-1 gene expression with a significant development of TIF. Eplerenone administration prevented TIF and COL-I, TGF-β1 and PAI-1 up-regulation but did not improve renal function.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest local renal aldosterone is an important mediator of renal injury induced by CsA.
Mapping and interpreting a decision-making framework for the implicit managerial theory in the Arab Gulf States
Authors: Galanou Ekaterini N , Farrag Dalia
Published: December 2014

This article developed an empirical design to examine the direct effects of four dimensions of the strategic decision-making process (SDMP) on the organizational innovation in the context of cultural value characteristics of executive managers in Qatar. The study used the cultural relativity theory to explain and advance hypotheses regarding the associations between SDMP dimensions, culture attributes, and innovation performance in an input-process-outcome model. To test the raised research hypotheses of the proposed framework, the methodology of structural equation models was used. Based on quantitative evidence of 140 Qatari public and private organizations, the results demonstrated the following three major issues: (1) strategic decision-making practices have a direct and more significant impact on process innovation performance than product/service innovation performance, (2) innovation performance is both process and context specific, and (3) certain contextualizing constructs verify a particular cultural orientation.
Mobius’ edge: Infinite regress in the resource-based and dynamic capabilities views
Authors: Arend Richard J
Published: December 2014

The study of strategic organization involves many delicious ironies, one of which is the goal to prescribe general paths to sustainable competitive advantage. Twenty years after Collis and a few good men and women originally exposed and confronted the infinite regress problem in the resource-/capabilities-based theories, we revisit this problem to resolve it. We consider the linkages between the infinite hierarchical levels that form the paths to the origins of sustainable competitive advantages in both the resource-based view and the dynamic capabilities view. We find that there are logical factors that limit the number of levels that need to be traversed to reach the origins. We discuss the implications to academics, managers and policy-makers from our resolution to the infinite regress problem to provide a more crystal clear understanding of the strenuous objective that continues to challenge all strategic theory.
The relationship between philosophy and evidence in education
Authors: Schouten Gina , Brighouse Harry
Published: December 2014

This article explores the ways that philosophy and evidence interact in the exploration of normative questions in philosophy of education. First, the authors provide a description of reflective equilibrium, a central method in normative philosophizing. They proceed to describe three tasks of normative philosophy, each of which requires engagement with empirical evidence, albeit in different ways: identifying values, assessing institutional arrangements, and guiding policy action. They recommend increased attention from social scientists to the potential contribution of philosophy in setting the agenda for empirical research, and they recommend increased use by philosophers of real-life case studies, which enable philosophers to better understand decision-makers’ feasibility constraints. These recommendations, they argue, can enable both social scientists and philosophers to better equip decision-makers to enact the best policy from among the options available to them.
Protective phenotypes of club cells and alveolar macrophages are favored as part of endotoxin-mediated prevention of asthma
Authors: García Luciana N , Leimgruber Carolina , Uribe Echevarría Elisa M , Acosta Patricio L , Brahamian Jorge M , Polack Fernando P , Miró María S , Quintar Amado A , Sotomayor Claudia E , Maldonado Cristina A
Published: December 2014

Atopic asthma is a chronic allergic disease that involves T-helper type 2 (Th2)-inflammation and airway remodeling. Bronchiolar club cells (CC) and alveolar macrophages (AM) are sentinel cells of airway barrier against inhaled injuries, where allergy induces mucous metaplasia of CC and the alternative activation of AM, which compromise host defense mechanisms and amplify Th2-inflammation. As there is evidence that high levels of environmental endotoxin modulates asthma, the goal of this study was to evaluate if the activation of local host defenses by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) previous to allergy development can contribute to preserving CC and AM protective phenotypes. Endotoxin stimulus before allergen exposition reduced hallmarks of allergic inflammation including eosinophil influx, Interleukin-4 and airway hyperreactivity, while the T-helper type 1 related cytokines IL-12 and Interferon-γ were enhanced. This response was accompanied by the preservation of the normal CC phenotype and the anti-allergic proteins Club Cell Secretory Protein (CCSP) and Surfactant-D, thereby leading to lower levels of CC metaplasia and preventing the increase of the pro-Th2 cytokine Thymic stromal lymphopoietin. In addition, classically activated alveolar macrophages expressing nitric oxide were promoted over the alternatively activated ones that expressed arginase-1. We verified that LPS induced a long-term overexpression of CCSP and the innate immune markers Toll-like receptor 4, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, changes that were preserved in spite of the allergen challenge. These results demonstrate that LPS pre-exposition modifies the local bronchioalveolar microenvironment by inducing natural anti-allergic mechanisms while reducing local factors that drive Th2 type responses, thus modulating allergic inflammation.
Protection of HepG2 cells against acrolein toxicity by 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-imidazolide via glutathione-mediated mechanism
Authors: Shah Halley , Speen Adam M , Saunders Christina , Brooke Elizabeth AS , Nallasamy Palanisamy , Zhu Hong , Li Y Robert , Jia Zhenquan
Published: December 2014

Acrolein is an environmental toxicant, mainly found in smoke released from incomplete combustion of organic matter. Several studies showed that exposure to acrolein can lead to liver damage. The mechanisms involved in acrolein-induced hepatocellular toxicity, however, are not completely understood. This study examined the cytotoxic mechanisms of acrolein on HepG2 cells. Acrolein at pathophysiological concentrations was shown to cause apoptotic cell death and an increase in levels of protein carbonyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive acid substances. Acrolein also rapidly depleted intracellular glutathione (GSH), GSH-linked glutathione- S-transferases, and aldose reductase, three critical cellular defenses that detoxify reactive aldehydes. Results further showed that depletion of cellular GSH by acrolein preceded the loss of cell viability. To further determine the role of cellular GSH in acrolein-mediated cytotoxicity, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) was used to inhibit cellular GSH biosynthesis. It was observed that depletion of cellular GSH by BSO led to a marked potentiation of acrolein-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. To further assess the contribution of these events to acrolein-induced cytotoxicity, triterpenoid compound 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-imidazolide (CDDO-Im) was used for induction of GSH. Induction of GSH by CDDO-Im afforded cytoprotection against acrolein toxicity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, BSO significantly inhibited CDDO-Im-mediated induction in cellular GSH levels and also reversed cytoprotective effects of CDDO-Im in HepG2 cells. These results suggest that GSH is a predominant mechanism underlying acrolein-induced cytotoxicity as well as CDDO-Im-mediated cytoprotection. This study may provide understanding on the molecular action of acrolein which may be important to develop novel strategies for the prevention of acrolein-mediated toxicity.
Strategy Training Shows Promise for Addressing Disability in the First 6 Months After Stroke
Authors: Skidmore Elizabeth R. , Dawson Deirdre R. , Butters Meryl A. , Grattan Emily S. , Juengst Shannon B. , Whyte Ellen M. , Begley Amy , Holm Margo B. , Becker James T.
Published: December 2014

Background. Cognitive impairments occur frequently after stroke and contribute to significant disability. Strategy training shows promise but has not been examined in the acute phase of recovery. Objective. We conducted a single-blind randomized pilot study estimating the effect of strategy training, relative to reflective listening (attention control), for reducing disability and executive cognitive impairments. Methods. Thirty participants with acute stroke who were enrolled in inpatient rehabilitation and had cognitive impairments were randomized to receive strategy training (n = 15, 10 sessions as adjunct to usual inpatient rehabilitation) or reflective listening (n = 15, same dose). The Functional Independence Measure assessed disability at baseline, rehabilitation discharge, 3, and 6 months. The Color Word Interference Test of the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System assessed selected executive cognitive impairments (inhibition, flexibility) at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Results. Changes in Functional Independence Measure scores for the 2 groups over 6 months showed significant effects of group ( F1,27 = 9.25, P = .005), time ( F3,74 = 96.00, P < .001), and group * time interactions ( F3,74 = 4.37, P < .007) after controlling for baseline differences in stroke severity ( F1,27 = 6.74, P = .015). Color Word Interference Inhibition scores showed significant effects of group ( F1,26 = 6.50, P = .017) and time ( F2,34 = 4.74, P = .015), but the group * time interaction was not significant ( F2,34 = 2.55, P = .093). Color Word Interference Cognitive Flexibility scores showed significant effects of group ( F1,26 = 23.41, P < .001), time ( F2,34 = 12.77, P < .001), and group * time interactions ( F2,34 = 7.83, P < .002). Interaction effects suggested greater improvements were associated with strategy training. Conclusions. Strategy training shows promise for addressing disability in the first 6 months after stroke. Lessons from this pilot study may inform future clinical trials.
Generalizability of the Proportional Recovery Model for the Upper Extremity After an Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Winters Caroline , van Wegen Erwin E. H. , Daffertshofer Andreas , Kwakkel Gert
Published: December 2014

Background and objective. Spontaneous neurological recovery after stroke is a poorly understood process. The aim of the present article was to test the proportional recovery model for the upper extremity poststroke and to identify clinical characteristics of patients who do not fit this model. Methods. A change in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity score (FMA-UE) measured within 72 hours and at 6 months poststroke served to define motor recovery. Recovery on FMA-UE was predicted using the proportional recovery model: ΔFMA-UEpredicted = 0.7·(66 − FMA-UEinitial) + 0.4. Hierarchical cluster analysis on 211 patients was used to separate nonfitters (outliers) from fitters, and differences between these groups were studied using clinical determinants measured within 72 hours poststroke. Subsequent logistic regression analysis served to predict patients who may not fit the model. Results. The majority of patients (~70%; n = 146) showed a fixed proportional upper extremity motor recovery of about 78%; 65 patients had substantially less improvement than predicted. These nonfitters had more severe neurological impairments within 72 hours poststroke ( P values <.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that absence of finger extension, presence of facial palsy, more severe lower extremity paresis, and more severe type of stroke as defined by the Bamford classification were significant predictors of not fitting the proportional recovery model. Conclusions. These results confirm in an independent sample that stroke patients with mild to moderate initial impairments show an almost fixed proportional upper extremity motor recovery. Patients who will most likely not achieve the predicted amount of recovery were identified using clinical determinants measured within 72 hours poststroke.
Daily Electrical Muscle Stimulation Enhances Functional Recovery Following Nerve Transection and Repair in Rats
Authors: Willand Michael P. , Chiang Cameron D. , Zhang Jennifer J. , Kemp Stephen W. P. , Borschel Gregory H. , Gordon Tessa
Published: December 2014

Background. Incomplete recovery following surgical reconstruction of damaged peripheral nerves is common. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to improve functional outcomes has not been effective in previous studies. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of a new, clinically translatable EMS paradigm over a 3-month period following nerve transection and immediate repair. Methods. Rats were divided into 6 groups based on treatment (EMS or no treatment) and duration (1, 2, or 3 months). A tibial nerve transection injury was immediately repaired with 2 epineurial sutures. The right gastrocnemius muscle in all rats was implanted with intramuscular electrodes. In the EMS group, the muscle was electrically stimulated with 600 contractions per day, 5 days a week. Terminal measurements were made after 1, 2, or 3 months. Rats in the 3-month group were assessed weekly using skilled and overground locomotion tests. Neuromuscular junction reinnervation patterns were also examined. Results. Muscles that received daily EMS had significantly greater numbers of reinnervated motor units with smaller average motor unit sizes. The majority of muscle endplates were reinnervated by a single axon arising from a nerve trunk with significantly fewer numbers of terminal sprouts in the EMS group, the numbers being small. Muscle mass and force were unchanged but EMS improved behavioral outcomes. Conclusions. Our results demonstrated that EMS using a moderate stimulation paradigm immediately following nerve transection and repair enhances electrophysiological and behavioral recovery.
Barriers to Sexual Expression and Safe Sex Among Mexican Gay Men
Authors: Verduzco Ignacio Lozano
Published: December 2014

Same-sex sexual practices among men in Mexico City are stigmatized. This article analyzes sexual practices and experiences of gay men in Mexico City and its implications on emotional and sexual health. The concept of sexual practices is used from a public health perspective, and the concept of sexual experiences from a psychological one, intending to understand both physical and emotional discomfort and pleasure in sexual contexts. The aim of this article is to analyze sexual practices and experiences of gay men in Mexico City and its implications on health, particularly emotions that can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and unsafe sex. Fifteen in-depth interviews were carried out with gay men of three generations who live in Mexico City. The data were analyzed using techniques from grounded theory to identify categories, and critical discourse analysis as an analytical approach to understand how social discourses affect subjectivity, emotions, and practices. Sexual practices and experiences are the result of homoerotic desire, which gender and heteronormative culture encourage to be kept hidden and clandestine. This leads men into risk contexts where practices are hardly negotiated, thus exposing themselves to sexually transmitted infections and abuse. These practices also produce a series of emotions such as guilt, shame, fear, and sadness that may develop into mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Interventions at all levels must consider homophobic discrimination as part of gay men’s daily lives and should be oriented toward decreasing it, to diminish discomforting emotions and reduce the probability of unsafe sex practices.
Labels, Gender-Role Conflict, Stigma, and Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help in Men
Authors: Wahto Rachel , Swift Joshua K.
Published: December 2014

Despite a comparable need, research has indicated that on average men hold more negative attitudes toward psychological help seeking than women. Several researchers have suggested that the gender gap in service use and attitudes could be addressed through efforts to better market psychological services to men; however, a limited number of studies have tested this hypothesis. This study examined whether altering the labels for mental health providers (psychologist or counselor), settings (mental health clinic or counseling center), and treatments (problem or feeling focused) could result in less perceived stigma (social and self) by men. Participants, 165 male college students, were asked to read one of eight randomly assigned vignettes that described a man who was experiencing symptoms of depression and was considering seeking help. The vignettes differed in the labels that were used to describe the help that was being considered. Participants then completed measures assessing the stigma (self and social) associated with the treatment, and their preexisting experience of gender-role conflict and attitudes toward psychological help seeking. In summary, perceived stigma did not depend on the type of label that was used; however, 59% of the variance in attitudes was predicted by self-stigma (uniquely explaining 11%), gender-role conflict (uniquely explaining 10%), and social stigma (uniquely explaining 5%). Specifically, higher levels of gender-role conflict, social stigma, and self-stigma were associated with more negative attitudes toward psychological help seeking. Based on the demographics of the sample, these findings primarily have implications for Caucasian college-educated young adult men. Further limitations with the study and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Modeling of the thermal performance of air-filled partitioned enclosures: Effects of the geometry and thermal properties
Authors: Sambou Vincent , Lartigue Berangere , Monchoux Françoise , Adj Mamadou
Published: December 2014

Enclosures divided by multiple vertical diffusive partitions have a high insulating quality and may provide tangible benefits as a construction material. The enclosure under investigation is differentially heated, with adiabatic bottom and top sides. The three coupled modes of heat transfer are investigated numerically. An analysis of the interaction of natural convection and surface radiation has been conducted by studying the influence of the partitions and walls surface emissivity. A parametric study is conducted to point out the influence on global heat transfer of some parameters such as partitions number, enclosure void fraction, and thermal conductivity ratio of partitions and side walls.
Evaluation of the response to vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine in pediatric patients diagnosed with celiac disease
Authors: Walkiewicz-Jedrzejczak Dorota , Egberg Matthew , Nelson Catherine , Eickoff Jens
Published: December 2014

Background:

A gap exists in the literature on celiac disease populations and the response to hepatitis B vaccination.

Objective:

To identify pediatric patients with celiac disease who received the primary hepatitis B vaccination and investigate their response to vaccine.

Design/Methods:

Patients underwent blood draw for hepatitis B surface antibody titers. Patients with undetectable or non-protective HBsAb titers were contacted. Study outcome measures and patient characteristics variables were summarized by means, standard deviations, medians, and ranges. A two-sample t-test was used to compare normally distributed continuous variables between responders and non-responders.

Results:

In all, 58% of patients did not meet the threshold for “protective” antibody titers. The mean time between completion of hepatitis B vaccination and diagnosis of celiac disease was 8.1 years for responders versus 10.5 years for non-responders. In a multivariate analysis, time between completion of vaccine and diagnosis of celiac disease was statistically significant predictor of response with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.50–0.95; p = 0.021).

Conclusion:

Our celiac disease population shows a high hepatitis B vaccine failure. The time between completion of vaccine series and diagnosis of celiac disease is an independent predictor for response.
Results of Operative and Nonoperative Treatment of Rockwood Types III and V Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation
Authors: Joukainen Antti , Kröger Heikki , Niemitukia Lea , Mäkelä E. Antero , Väätäinen Urho
Published: December 2014

Background:

The optimal treatment of acute, complete dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is still unresolved.

Purpose:

To determine the difference between operative and nonoperative treatment in acute Rockwood types III and V ACJ dislocation.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

In the operative treatment group, the ACJ was reduced and fixed with 2 transarticular Kirschner wires and ACJ ligament suturing. The Kirschner wires were extracted after 6 weeks. Nonoperatively treated patients received a reduction splint for 4 weeks. At the 18- to 20-year follow-up, the Constant, University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA), Larsen, and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores were obtained, and clinical and radiographic examinations of both shoulders were performed.

Results:

Twenty-five of 35 potential patients were examined at the 18- to 20-year follow-up. There were 11 patients with Rockwood type III and 14 with type V dislocations. Delayed surgical treatment for ACJ was used in 2 patients during follow-up: 1 in the operatively treated group and 1 in the nonoperatively treated group. Clinically, ACJs were statistically significantly less prominent or unstable in the operative group than in the nonoperative group (normal/prominent/unstable: 9/4/3 and 0/6/3, respectively; P = .02) and in the operative type III ( P = .03) but not type V dislocation groups. In operatively and nonoperatively treated patients, the mean Constant scores were 83 and 85, UCLA scores 25 and 27, Larsen scores 11 and 11, and SST scores 11 and 12 at follow-up, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in type III and type V dislocations. In the radiographic analysis, the ACJ was wider in the nonoperative than the operative group (8.3 vs 3.4 mm; P = .004), and in the type V dislocations (nonoperative vs operative: 8.5 vs 2.4 mm; P = .007). There was no statistically significant difference between study groups in the elevation of the lateral end of the clavicle. Both groups showed equal levels of radiologic signs of ACJ osteoarthritis and calcification of the coracoclavicular ligaments.

Conclusion:

Nonoperative treatment was shown to produce more prominent or unstable and radiographically wider ACJs than was operative treatment, but clinical results were equally good in the study groups at 18- to 20-year follow-up. Both treatment methods showed statistically significant radiographic elevations of the lateral clavicle when compared with a noninjured ACJ.
Dimensional effects of polymer pillar arrays on hydrophobicity
Authors: Gao J. , Zhao J. , Liu L. , Xue W.
Published: December 2014

This paper reports experimental studies on the dimensional effects of pillar arrays on surface hydrophobicity. Completely different behaviours are observed on intrinsically hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials. In order to experimentally observe the Cassie-to-Wenzel transition, circular pillar arrays with varying diameters and spacing are fabricated on PDMS and SU-8 surfaces. Wetting experiments show that the PDMS arrays demonstrate clear Cassie-to-Wenzel transition as the spacing increases. The critical transition spacing for different diameters shows a close match to theoretical predictions based on a force balance model. The transition model also predicts the maximum contact angles. By comparison, the dimensional effects on an intrinsically hydrophilic surface (SU-8) show smaller contact angles without a transition phase. These differences come from the inherent wettability of the two polymers. Without further coatings or treatment, the PDMS structures can achieve contact angles close to 170° while the SU-8 arrays can only achieve contact angles up to 140°.
The Problem of Overbite in Class II, Division 2 Malocclusion
Authors: Mills J. R. E.
Published: December 2014

The paper studies 60 Class II, Division 2 malocclusions, from lateral skull radiographs taken before treatment and at least 1 year after the end of retention. In the first part of the paper the nature of the malocclusion is analysed. It usually exhibits a Class II skeletal pattern, and while this is on average milder than for Class II, Division I, there is a marked variation between individuals. Other factors are a high inter-incisal angle, a high lip-line, and in some cases a small lower facial height. The upper and lower facial heights, on the other hand, are not appreciably greater than normal.

The results of treatment are then analysed. Successful overbite reduction would seem to be associated with a reduction in inter-incisal angle and a relative lowering of the lower lip-line. Growth appears to be important in achieving overbite reduction. It is suggested that favourable rotation of the mandible may be a factor in overbite reduction in some cases, and this would repay further study.

Finally attention is turned to the effect of incisor proclination. This was usually more successful in the lower jaw, but again there was wide individual variation.
Orthodontic Treatment Needs in English Children Aged 11–12 Years
Authors: Haynes Sydney
Published: December 2014

A subjective clinical investigation of the extent of the need for orthodontic treatment in English children aged 11–12 years is described. The sample consisted of 566 boys and 619 girls attending randomly selected schools in Grimsby, England, and included children of all social groups. No significant sex differences were found with respect to either the prevalence of acceptable occlusions or the different basic types of orthodontic treatment required. Approximately 70 per cent required some form of orthodontic treatment; almost 25 per cent required extractions alone and 35·5 per cent required extractions and appliances. It was found that the ratio of removable to fixed appliances for those requiring active treatment was approximately 10: 1.
Symposium on the Early Treatment of the Cleft Lip and Palate: The Present Dilemma
Authors: Johnson J. S.
Published: December 2014

Early treatment of the cleft lip and palate infant poses a number of problems. Analysis of the success of pre-surgical treatment has been difficult due to a lack of adequate records of a large number of variables applied to a statistically small sample, with a lapse of many years being required before assessment can be made. Active pre-surgical appliances frequently cause ulceration in the mouth and nasal septum, but this can be minimized following design modification. Several methods are in current use for alignment of the segments, including appliances which expand the segments and others which introduce a curvature into the greater segment or retain the arch while still allowing it to grow mesially and distally. The dilemma today is no longer whether to give pre-surgical treatment, but to what extent it should be carried out.
Autogenous Tooth Transplantation: A Clinical and Histological Investigation
Authors: Lovius B. B. J. , Atherton J. D. , Wynne T. H. M. , Finch L. D.
Published: December 2014

The most successful autogenous tooth transplantation technique of which we have had experience in Liverpool is that described by Thonner (1969). Our results have been sufficiently encouraging to regard the technique as a normal orthodontic/surgical procedure and to be able to tell the patient that the chances of success are good. The technique consists of the removal of the tooth with the minimum of trauma and while the new socket is being prepared the tooth is kept in the patient's serum at 37°C. The tooth is not root filled at the time of operation.
Mantle cell lymphoma: evolving management strategies
Authors: Campo Elias , Rule Simon
Published: December 2014

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that generally affects older individuals and continues to have one of the worst outcomes of all the lymphomas. Over the last decade, there has been a widespread adoption of cytarabine-based therapy in younger patients, and the incorporation of rituximab into chemotherapeutic regimens has become an evidence-based standard of care. However MCL remains a largely incurable disease, and following relapse, it can be a challenge to manage. Although it is possible to define prognosis reliably, there are, as yet, no clear diagnostic or response-adjusted parameters that can help to guide therapeutic decisions. However, there are a number of highly active targeted therapies that are moving into the clinic that are set to transform the therapeutic paradigm for this disease in the very near future. This review will explore the molecular pathogenesis of MCL and the current and evolving therapeutic strategies for this disease.
Type II NKT-TFH cells against Gaucher lipids regulate B-cell immunity and inflammation
Authors: Nair Shiny , Boddupalli Chandra Sekhar , Verma Rakesh , Liu Jun , Yang Ruhua , Pastores Gregory M. , Mistry Pramod K. , Dhodapkar Madhav V.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

A new subset of human and murine type II NKT-TFH cells against Gaucher lipids that regulate B-cell immunity. A novel pathway for B-cell help providing a mechanism underlying chronic B-cell activation and gammopathy in metabolic lipid disorders.
Is parent–child bed-sharing a risk for wheezing and asthma in early childhood?
Authors: Luijk Maartje P.C.M. , Sonnenschein-van der Voort Agnes M.M. , Mileva-Seitz Viara R. , Jansen Pauline W. , Verhulst Frank C. , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , de Jongste Johan C. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Duijts Liesbeth , Tiemeier Henning
Published: December 2014

Household crowding can place young children at risk for respiratory infections which subsequently provoke asthma symptoms. However, crowding might also protect against asthma, in accordance with the hygiene hypothesis. We tested if parent–infant bed-sharing, an important dimension of household crowding, increases or decreases the risk for asthma.

In a population-based prospective cohort (N = 6160) we assessed bed-sharing at 2 and 24 months; wheezing between 1 and 6 years of age; and asthma at 6 years of age. Generalised estimating equation models were used to assess repeated measures of wheezing and asthma.

We found no association between bed-sharing in early infancy and wheezing or diagnosis of asthma. By contrast, we found a positive association between bed-sharing in toddlerhood and both wheezing (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.15–1.74) and asthma (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.03–2.38). Wheezing was not associated with bed-sharing when using cross-lagged modelling.

This study suggests that bed-sharing in toddlerhood is associated with an increased risk of asthma at later ages, and notvice versa. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying causal mechanisms.
Right ventricular reserve in a piglet model of chronic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Guihaire Julien , Haddad François , Noly Pierre-Emmanuel , Boulate David , Decante Benoit , Dartevelle Philippe , Humbert Marc , Verhoye Jean-Philippe , Mercier Olaf , Fadel Elie
Published: December 2014

Right ventricular (RV) response to exercise or pharmacological stress is not well documented in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We investigated the relationship between RV reserve and ventricular–arterial coupling.

Surgical ligation of the left pulmonary artery was performed in 13 Large White piglets (PH group), thereafter weekly embolisations of the right lower lobe were performed for 5 weeks. A control group of six piglets underwent sham procedures. Right heart catheterisation and echocardiography were performed at week 6. Pressure–volume loops were recorded before and after dobutamine infusion.

Induction of experimental PH resulted in a higher mean±sdpulmonary artery pressure (34±9versus14±2 mmHg; p<0.01) and in a lower ventricular–arterial coupling efficiency (0.66±0.18versus1.24±0.17; p<0.01) compared with controls at 6 weeks. Dobutamine-induced relative changes in RV stroke volume index (SVI) and end-systolic elastance were lower in the PH group (mean±sd47±5%versus20±5%, p<0.01, and 81±37%versus32±14%, p<0.01, respectively). Change in SVI was strongly associated with resting ventricular–arterial coupling (R2=0.74; p<0.01).

RV reserve was associated with ventricular–arterial coupling in a porcine model of chronic pressure overload.
Asthma inhaler adherence determinants in adults: systematic review of observational data
Authors: Dima Alexandra L. , Hernandez Gimena , Cunillera Oriol , Ferrer Montserrat , de Bruin Marijn ,   the ASTRO-LAB group
Published: December 2014

Nonadherence to inhaled medication leads to poor asthma control and increased healthcare utilisation. Many studies exploring adherence determinants have been conducted, but summaries of the evidence are scarce. We performed a systematic review of observational research on determinants of asthma inhaler adherence among adults.

We searched for articles in English reporting quantitative observational studies on inhaler adherence correlates among adults in developed countries, published in EMBASE, Medline, PsychInfo and PsychArticles in 1990–2014. Two coders independently assessed eligibility and extracted data, and assessed study quality. Results were summarised qualitatively into social and economic, and healthcare-, therapy-, condition- and patient-related factors.

The 51 studies included mainly examined patient-related factors and found consistent links between adherence and stronger inhaler-necessity beliefs, and possibly older age. There was limited evidence on the relevance of other determinants, partly due to study heterogeneity regarding the types of determinants examined. Methodological quality varied considerably and studies performed generally poorly on their definitions of variables and measures, risk of bias, sample size and data analysis.

A broader adoption of common methodological standards and health behaviour theories is needed before cumulative science on the determinants of adherence to asthma inhalers among adults can develop further.
Some results for demimartingales and N-demimartingales
Authors: Dai Pingping , Shen Yan , Hu Shuhe , Yang Wenzhi
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we obtain some results such as maximal and minimal type inequalities for demisubmartingales and demimartingales. Meanwhile, by giving an example, we point out that the Chow type maximal inequality of N-demimartingales is not true, which affects some maximal type inequalities for N-demimartingales.

MSC:60E15, 60F15.
Regularized hybrid iterative algorithms for triple hierarchical variational inequalities
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Wong Ngai-Ching , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we introduce and study a triple hierarchical variational inequality (THVI) with constraints of minimization and equilibrium problems. More precisely, letFix(T)be the fixed point set of a nonexpansive mapping, letMEP(Θ,φ)be the solution set of a mixed equilibrium problem (MEP), and letΓbe the solution set of a minimization problem (MP) for a convex and continuously Frechet differential functional in Hilbert spaces. We want to find a solutionx∗∈Fix(T)∩MEP(Θ,φ)∩Γof a variational inequality with a variational inequality constraint over the intersection ofFix(T),MEP(Θ,φ), andΓ. We propose a hybrid iterative algorithm with regularization to compute approximate solutions of the THVI, and we present the convergence analysis of the proposed iterative algorithm.

MSC:49J40, 47J20, 47H10, 65K05, 47H09.
Forced oscillation of second-order differential equations with mixed nonlinearities
Authors: Wang Yongfang , Li Tongxing , Thandapani Ethiraju
Published: December 2014

We study oscillatory behavior of a class of second-order forced differential equations with mixed nonlinearities. Some new oscillation theorems are presented that improve and complement those related results given in the literature. An example is provided to illustrate the main results.

MSC:34K11.
Doping concentration dependence of microstructure and magnetic behaviours in Co-doped TiO2 nanorods
Authors: Tseng Li-Ting , Luo Xi , Tan Thiam Teck , Li Sean , Yi Jiabao
Published: December 2014

Co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods with different doping concentrations were fabricated by a molten salt method. It is found that the morphology of TiO2 changes from nanorods to nanoparticles with increasing doping concentration. The mechanism for the structure and phase evolution is investigated in detail. Undoped TiO2 nanorods show strong ferromagnetism at room temperature, whereas incorporating of Co deteriorates the ferromagnetic ordering. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron spin resonance (ESR) results demonstrate that the ferromagnetism is associated with Ti vacancy.
Electrophysical behavior of ion-conductive organic-inorganic polymer system based on aliphatic epoxy resin and salt of lithium perchlorate
Authors: Matkovska Liubov , Iurzhenko Maksym , Mamunya Yevgen , Matkovska Olga , Demchenko Valeriy , Lebedev Eugene , Boiteux Gisele , Serghei Anatoli
Published: December 2014

In the present work, ion-conductive hybrid organic-inorganic polymers based on epoxy oligomer of diglycide aliphatic ester of polyethylene glycol (DEG) and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) were synthesized. The effect of LiClO4content on the electrophysical properties of epoxy polymers has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). The effect of LiClO4content on the structure has been studied by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). It was found that LiClO4impacts on the structure of the synthesized hybrid epoxy polymers, probably, by formation of coordinative complexes {ether oxygen-lithium cations-ether oxygen} as evidenced from a significant increase in their glass transition temperatures with increasing LiClO4concentration and WAXS studies. The presence of ether oxygen in DEG macromolecules provides a transfer mechanism of the lithium cations with the ether oxygen similar to polyethylene oxide (PEO). Thus, the obtained hybrid polymers have high values of ionic conductivityσ'(approximately 10−3S/cm) and permittivityϵ'(6 × 105) at elevated temperatures (200°С). On the other hand, DEG has higher heat resistance compared to PEO that makes these systems perspective as solid polymer electrolytes able to operate at high temperature.

PACS

81.07.Pr; 62.23.St; 66.30.hk
Nonlinear fractional Caputo-Langevin equation with nonlocal Riemann-Liouville fractional integral conditions
Authors: Yukunthorn Weera , Ntouyas Sotiris K , Tariboon Jessada
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we study the existence and uniqueness of solution for a problem consisting of a sequential nonlinear fractional Caputo-Langevin equation with nonlocal Riemann-Liouville fractional integral conditions. A variety of fixed point theorems, such as Banach’s fixed point theorem, Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, Leray-Schauder’s nonlinear alternative and Leray-Schauder degree theory, are used. Examples illustrating the obtained results are also presented.

MSC:26A33, 34A08, 34B10.
More on recent evidence on the effects of minimum wages in the United States
Authors: Neumark David , Salas JM Ian , Wascher William
Published: December 2014

A central issue in estimating the employment effects of minimum wages is the appropriate comparison group for states (or other regions) that adopt or increase the minimum wage. In recent research, Dube et al. (Rev Econ Stat 92:945-964, 2010) and Allegretto et al. (Ind Relat 50:205-240, 2011) argue that past U.S. research is flawed because it does not restrict comparison areas to those that are geographically proximate and fails to control for changes in low-skill labor markets that are correlated with minimum wage increases. They argue that using “local controls” establishes that higher minimum wages do not reduce employment of less-skilled workers. In Neumark et al. (Ind Labor Relat Rev 67:608-648, 2014), we present evidence that their methods fail to isolate more reliable identifying information and lead to incorrect conclusions. Moreover, for subsets of treatment groups where the identifying variation they use is supported by the data, the evidence is consistent with past findings of disemployment effects. Allegretto SA, Dube A, Reich M, Zipperer B (2013a) Credible research designs for minimum wage studies. IZA Discussion Paper No. 7638, Bonn, Germany have challenged our conclusions, continuing the debate regarding some key issues regarding choosing comparison groups for estimating minimum wage effects. We explain these issues and evaluate the evidence. In general, we find little basis for their analyses and conclusions and argue that the best evidence still points to job loss from minimum wages for very low-skilled workers – in particular, for teens.

JEL codes

J23; J38
Use of nano gold obtained by laser ablation for SEIRA analyses of colorants
Authors: Prati Silvia , Quaranta Marta , Sciutto Giorgia , Bonacini Irene , Litti Lucio , Meneghetti Moreno , Mazzeo Rocco
Published: December 2014

The analysis of dyes in cultural heritage samples is a well-known challenging task, due to their inherent high tinting strength and consequent low concentration in the carrying matrix a fact that severely limits the number of analytical techniques that can be efficiently and micro-destructively employed for their detection and unambiguous identification.

In the present study, an advanced and alternative SEIRA based analytical protocol for the analysis of small quantities of synthetic colorants has been proposed.

The method has been set up for the identification of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) using Au nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation in solution (LASiS). Analyses have been performed applying a drop containing a mixture between the colorant and the Au colloidal solution in its unaggregated state on a gold coated glass slide for RAS (Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy) analysis. The first results showed that, thanks to the enhancement produced by the nanoparticles, it is possible to analyze small amount of diluted solutions containing the colorant. Thus, the method has been successfully applied for the analysis of few pieces of dyed wool, after the development of a suitable micro extraction procedure.