bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapidly Progressive Lupus Nephritis with Extremely High Levels of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies
Authors: Koenig Katrin F. , Kalbermatter Stefan A. , Menter Thomas , Mayr Michael , Kiss Denes
Published: January 2014

A 43-year-old woman, with a 3-month history of fatigue, anaemia and swollen lymph nodes, underwent biopsy of a lymph node, which revealed reactive lymphadenopathy. Due to an increased serum creatinine concentration and severe proteinuria, a kidney biopsy was preformed, which revealed diffuse, segmental, proliferative, immune-complex glomerulonephritis with crescents. Electron microscopy showed tubulo-reticular structures within one endothelial cell. These were a typical clinical presentation and compatible histopathological findings for systemic lupus erythematosus; however, the anti-myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) level was extraordinarily high. In spite of treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone pulse therapy, the patient's kidney function declined. Starting plasma exchange improved her renal function and removed MPO-ANCAs, which were suspected to play the major role in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. These findings indicate that in addition to lupus nephritis, MPO-ANCAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis and that the coincidence of systemic lupus erythematosus and ANCA may be responsible for the severe clinical course in our patient.
Effect of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on the Mitral Valve Apparatus and Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Shibayama Kentaro , Harada Kenji , Berdejo Javier , Mihara Hirotsugu , Tanaka Jun , Gurudevan Swaminatha V. , Siegel Robert , Jilaihawi Hasan , Makkar Raj R. , Shiota Takahiro
Published: January 2014

Background—

The effect of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on the mitral valve apparatus and factors influencing the reduction of mitral regurgitation with or without mitral leaflet tethering after TAVR are poorly understood. The present 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography study aimed to elucidate early changes further in the structure and function of the mitral valve apparatus after TAVR.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed 90 patients (nontenting group, 56 patients and tenting group, 34 patients) who underwent TAVR using the Edwards SAPIEN and had intraprocedural 3D transesophageal echocardiography evaluation of the mitral valve. Of all patients, mitral regurgitation improved in 54%, remained the same in 38%, and worsened in 8% 1 day after TAVR. There were no statistically significant differences in mitral annular 3D parameters before and after TAVR in both groups. In the tenting group, tenting area (
P
<0.01) and tenting height (
P
<0.01) were decreased, and coaptation length was increased (
P
<0.05) after TAVR. In a multivariable analysis, the predictors of improved mitral regurgitation were the decrease of tenting area (odds ratio, 8.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–50.7;
P
<0.05) and the decrease of valvuloarterial impedance (odds ratio, 7.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–49.9;
P
<0.05) in the tenting group and the decrease of valvuloarterial impedance (odds ratio, 6.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–39.2;
P
<0.05) in the nontenting group.

Conclusions—

Mitral leaflet tethering was improved immediately by TAVR in patients with mitral leaflet tenting regardless of mitral annular geometry. Acute improvement in mitral regurgitation after TAVR is predominantly related to global left ventricular hemodynamics and mitral leaflet tethering change.
Aldose Reductase–Mediated Phosphorylation of p53 Leads to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Damage in Diabetic Platelets
Authors: Tang Wai Ho , Stitham Jeremiah , Jin Yu , Liu Renjing , Lee Seung Hee , Du Jing , Atteya Gourg , Gleim Scott , Spollett Geralyn , Martin Kathleen , Hwa John
Published: January 2014

Background—

Platelet abnormalities are well-recognized complications of diabetes mellitus. Mitochondria play a central role in platelet metabolism and activation. Mitochondrial dysfunction is evident in diabetes mellitus. The molecular pathway for hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in platelets in diabetes mellitus is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Using both human and humanized mouse models, we report that hyperglycemia-induced aldose reductase activation and subsequent reactive oxygen species production lead to increased p53 phosphorylation (Ser15), which promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, damage, and rupture by sequestration of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-x
L
. In a glucose dose–dependent manner, severe mitochondrial damage leads to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and platelet apoptosis (cytochrome c release, caspase 3 activation, and phosphatidylserine exposure). Although platelet hyperactivation, mitochondrial dysfunction, aldose reductase activation, reactive oxygen species production, and p53 phosphorylation are all induced by hyperglycemia, we demonstrate that platelet apoptosis and hyperactivation are 2 distinct states that depend on the severity of the hyperglycemia and mitochondrial damage. Combined, both lead to increased thrombus formation in a mouse blood stasis model.

Conclusions—

Aldose reductase contributes to diabetes-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and damage through the activation of p53. The degree of mitochondrial dysfunction and damage determines whether hyperactivity (mild damage) or apoptosis (severe damage) will ensue. These signaling components provide novel therapeutic targets for thrombotic complications in diabetes mellitus.
Direct Renin Inhibition With Aliskiren Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Activating Nitric Oxide Synthase Signaling in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Zhang Wen , Han Yi , Meng Guoliang , Bai Wenli , Xie Liping , Lu Hui , Shao Yongfeng , Wei Lei , Pan Shiyang , Zhou Suming , Chen Qi , Ferro Albert , Ji Yong
Published: January 2014

Background

We tested the hypothesis that direct renin inhibition with aliskiren protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats (
SHR
), and examined the mechanism by which this occurs.

Methods and Results

Male
SHR
were treated (orally, 4 weeks) with saline or aliskiren (30 or 60 mg kg
−1
 day
−1
) and subjected to 30 minutes of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 6 or 24 hours of reperfusion. Only the higher dose significantly lowered systolic blood pressure, the lower dose causing a smaller apparent lowering that was nonsignificant. Despite this difference in blood pressure‐lowering effect, both doses increased the ejection fraction and fractional shortening and reduced myocardial infarct size equally. I/R decreased cardiac expression of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), phospho‐Akt and phospho‐endothelial nitric oxide synthase (phospho‐
eNOS
), but increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (
iNOS
); these changes were all abrogated by aliskiren. Moreover, aliskiren decreased superoxide anion generation and increased cyclic guanosine‐3′,5′‐monophosphate, an index of bioactive nitric oxide, in myocardium. It also decreased the expression of myocardial matrix metalloproteinase‐2, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (
TIMP
‐1) following I/R. In a
L
angendorff heart preparation, the detrimental cardiac effects of I/R were abrogated by aliskiren, and these protective effects were abolished by
NOS
or PI3K inhibition. In a parallel study, although specific
iNOS
inhibition reduced plasma malondialdehyde and myocardial superoxide anion generation, it did not affect the deleterious effects of I/R on myocardial structure and function.

Conclusions

Direct renin inhibition protects against myocardial I/R injury through activation of the PI3K‐Akt‐
eNOS
pathway.
Sildenafil Mediates Blood-Flow Redistribution and Neuroprotection After Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia
Authors: Charriaut-Marlangue Christiane , Nguyen Thao , Bonnin Philippe , Duy An Phan , Leger Pierre-Louis , Csaba Zsolt , Pansiot Julien , Bourgeois Thomas , Renolleau Sylvain , Baud Olivier
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

The best conceivable treatment for hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is the restoration of blood flow to the hypoxic-ischemic region(s). Our objective was to examine whether boosting NO-cGMP signaling using sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-type 5 inhibitor, could modify cerebral blood flow and reduce lesions in the developing brain.

Methods—

HI was induced in P7 Sprague–Dawley rats by unilateral carotid artery occlusion and hypoxia, and followed by either PBS or sildenafil. Blood-flow velocities were measured by ultrasound imaging with sequential Doppler recordings to evaluate collateral recruitment. Cell death, blood–brain barrier integrity, and glial activation were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Motor behavior was evaluated using an open-field device adapted to neonatal animals.

Results—

Sildenafil citrate (10 mg/kg) induced collateral patency, reduced terminal dUTP nick-end labeling–positive cells, reactive astrogliosis, and macrophage/microglial activation at 72 hours and 7 days post-HI. Sildenafil also reduced the number of terminal dUTP nick-end labeling–positive endothelial cells within lesion site. Seven days after HI and sildenafil treatment, tissue loss was significantly reduced, and animals recovered motor coordination.

Conclusions—

Our findings strongly indicate that sildenafil citrate treatment, associated with a significant increase in cerebral blood flow, reduces HI damage and improves motor locomotion in neonatal rats. Sildenafil may represent an interesting therapeutic strategy for neonatal neuroprotection.
Collaterals at Angiography and Outcomes in the Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) III Trial
Authors: Liebeskind David S. , Tomsick Thomas A. , Foster Lydia D. , Yeatts Sharon D. , Carrozzella Janice , Demchuk Andrew M. , Jovin Tudor G. , Khatri Pooja , von Kummer Ruediger , Sugg Rebecca M. , Zaidat Osama O. , Hussain Syed I. , Goyal Mayank , Menon Bijoy K. , Al Ali Firas , Yan Bernard , Palesch Yuko Y. , Broderick Joseph P.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

Endovascular strategies provide unique opportunity to correlate angiographic measures of collateral circulation at the time of endovascular therapy. We conducted systematic analyses of collaterals at conventional angiography on recanalization, reperfusion, and clinical outcomes in the endovascular treatment arm of the Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) III trial.

Methods—

Prospective evaluation of angiographic collaterals was conducted via central review of subjects treated with endovascular therapy in IMS III (n=331). Collateral grade before endovascular therapy was assessed with the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology scale, blinded to all other data. Statistical analyses investigated the association between collaterals with baseline clinical variables, angiographic measures of recanalization, reperfusion and clinical outcomes.

Results—

Adequate views of collateral circulation to the ischemic territory were available in 276 of 331 (83%) subjects. Collateral grade was strongly related to both recanalization of the occluded arterial segment (
P
=0.0016) and downstream reperfusion (
P
<0.0001). Multivariable analyses confirmed that robust angiographic collateral grade was a significant predictor of good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) at 90 days (
P
=0.0353), adjusted for age, history of diabetes mellitus, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale strata, and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. The relationship between collateral flow and clinical outcome may depend on the degree of reperfusion.

Conclusions—

More robust collateral grade was associated with better recanalization, reperfusion, and subsequent better clinical outcomes. These data, from the largest endovascular trial to date, suggest that collaterals are an important consideration in future trial design.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00359424.
Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Argatroban Reduces Stroke Damage in 2 Different Models
Authors: Lyden Patrick , Pereira Benedict , Chen Bo , Zhao Lifu , Lamb Jessica , Lei I-farn , Rajput Padmesh
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

We showed previously robust neuroprotection with the thrombin inhibitor argatroban and now sought additional support for its neuroprotective potential.

Methods—

We used behavioral and histological end points; rigorously blinded the study groups; extended the treatment window to 3 hours after ischemia onset; and used 2 separate models. First, 2-hour filament middle cerebral artery occlusion in 64 male Sprague-Dawley rats was followed by learning and memory testing and quantitative histomorphometry. Randomly assigned treatment was 0.45 mg argatroban, saline, or 0.4 U thrombin. Second, we used the quantal bioassay (n=272) after 2-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion to detect the longest time delay after which therapy failed.

Results—

Argatroban powerfully and significantly reversed learning and memory deficits because of focal ischemia compared with saline or thrombin (
P
<0.03; ANOVA). Argatroban was significantly (
P
<0.05;
t
test with Bonferroni) protective when given immediately or after 1, 2, 3, but not 4 hours delay.

Conclusions—

We obtained supportive evidence for argatroban protection of the neurovascular unit using behavioral and histological measurements at realistic therapeutic time windows.
Revision of the genus Tulipa L. (Liliaceae) in Turkey
Authors: EKER İSMAİL , BABAÇ MEHMET TEKİN , KOYUNCU MEHMET
Published: January 2014

To address taxonomic problems stemming from treatments in the Flora of Turkey and other publications, Tulipa is revised for Turkey. Following detailed morphological and cytotaxonomic studies of the taxa, Tulipa in Turkey has been found to be represented by 17 species, two subspecies and two varieties (in total 19 taxa). A new key for the species and detailed descriptions of taxa are provided, as are synonyms and typification as far as possible, distribution, habitat types, localities and conservation status of all taxa. These studies are based on approximately 1000 fresh and 2000 herbarium specimens. Adopting the classification of Van Raamsdonk & De Vries, Tulipa is divided into two subgenera, Eriostemones and Tulipa, which were previously treated as sections by Marais in Flora of Turkey following Boissier’s classification. Tulipa subgenus Eriostemones is divided into two sections following Baker's treatment: Sylvestres and Saxatiles. However, section Sylvestres is again divided into two subsections following Baker and Hall's treatments: Sylvestres and Biflores (here described). Section Saxatiles is further divided into three subsections, with the addition of two new subsections: Saxatiles, Orphanidetes and Humiles. The type subgenus Tulipa is divided into two sections: Tulipa and Clusianae. In subsection Humiles, T. pulchella is accepted at species rank, having usually been placed as a synonym of T. humilis. Some previously uncollected species (T. raddii and T. saxatilis) and a doubtful record (T. clusiana), after the first collection of material in Turkey, have been recollected and verified.
Lactarius subgenus Russularia (Russulaceae) in Southeast Asia: 1. Species with very distant gills
Authors: Wisitrassameewong Komsit , NUYTINCK JORINDE , HYDE KEVIN D , VERBEKEN ANNEMIEKE
Published: January 2014

This article introduces four new species of Lactarius subgenus Russularia from Southeast Asia with descriptions and illustrations of macromorphological and microscopic characters. Lactarius laccarioides and L. sublaccarioides were discovered in Northern Thailand, and L. pasohensis and L. stubbei in Malaysia. These four species share some striking macroscopic features that are unique in the subgenus: distant gills and a very thin-fleshed and deeply striate to sulcate pileus, which gives them the aspect of Laccaria species in the field. Molecular analysis of the ITS gene region shows that these four species are not as closely related within Lactarius subgenus Russularia as their similar appearance in the field would suggest.
Transfer of Fragilaria atomus Hust. to the genus Stauroforma (Bacillariophyta) based on observation of type and newly collected material
Authors: Talgatti Dávia , Wetzel Carlos E. , Morales Eduardo A. , Ector Luc , Torgan Lezilda Carvalho
Published: January 2014

Fragilaria atomus was described from a brackish water lagoon in southern Finland and has subsequently been reported from several localities worldwide. However, due to its small size, it can be easily mistaken with other small, morphologically similar araphid diatoms. To clarify the morphological, metric and structural features of the species, lectotype material from BRM (Hustedt’s diatom collection) and specimens from salt marshes in Brazil were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Fragilaria atomus is compared to seven morphologically similar taxa belonging to Fragilaria, Stauroforma and Psammoneis. The results revealed that some important features of Fragilaria (discoid closing plates, rimoportulae and spines) are not present in F. atomus. The absence of these structures, together with the opposite striation pattern, round areolae, features of the apical pore field, and reduced or absent sternum, suggest that a transfer of F. atomus to Stauroforma is appropriate. The distribution and ecology of F. atomus is discussed.
CMIP5 Model Intercomparison of Freshwater Budget and Circulation in the North Atlantic
Authors: Deshayes Julie , Curry Ruth , Msadek Rym
Published: January 2014

The subpolar North Atlantic is a center of variability of ocean properties, wind stress curl, and air–sea exchanges. Observations and hindcast simulations suggest that from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s the subpolar gyre became fresher while the gyre and meridional circulations intensified. This is opposite to the relationship of freshening causing a weakened circulation, most often reproduced by climate models. The authors hypothesize that both these configurations exist but dominate on different time scales: a fresher subpolar gyre when the circulation is more intense, at interannual frequencies (configuration A), and a saltier subpolar gyre when the circulation is more intense, at longer periods (configuration B). Rather than going into the detail of the mechanisms sustaining each configuration, the authors’ objective is to identify which configuration dominates and to test whether this depends on frequency, in preindustrial control runs of five climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). To this end, the authors have developed a novel intercomparison method that enables analysis of freshwater budget and circulation changes in a physical perspective that overcomes model specificities. Lag correlations and a cross-spectral analysis between freshwater content changes and circulation indices validate the authors’ hypothesis, as configuration A is only visible at interannual frequencies while configuration B is mostly visible at decadal and longer periods, suggesting that the driving role of salinity on the circulation depends on frequency. Overall, this analysis underscores the large differences among state-of-the-art climate models in their representations of the North Atlantic freshwater budget.
Northern Eurasian Heat Waves and Droughts
Authors: Schubert Siegfried D. , Wang Hailan , Koster Randal D. , Suarez Max J. , Groisman Pavel Ya.
Published: January 2014

This article reviews the understanding of the characteristics and causes of northern Eurasian summertime heat waves and droughts. Additional insights into the nature of temperature and precipitation variability in Eurasia on monthly to decadal time scales and into the causes and predictability of the most extreme events are gained from the latest generation of reanalyses and from supplemental simulations with the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System model, version 5 (GEOS-5). Key new results are 1) the identification of the important role of summertime stationary Rossby waves in the development of the leading patterns of monthly Eurasian surface temperature and precipitation variability (including the development of extreme events such as the 2010 Russian heat wave); 2) an assessment of the mean temperature and precipitation changes that have occurred over northern Eurasia in the last three decades and their connections to decadal variability and global trends in SST; and 3) the quantification (via a case study) of the predictability of the most extreme simulated heat wave/drought events, with some focus on the role of soil moisture in the development and maintenance of such events. A literature survey indicates a general consensus that the future holds an enhanced probability of heat waves across northern Eurasia, while there is less agreement regarding future drought, reflecting a greater uncertainty in soil moisture and precipitation projections. Substantial uncertainties remain in the understanding of heat waves and drought, including the nature of the interactions between the short-term atmospheric variability associated with such extremes and the longer-term variability and trends associated with soil moisture feedbacks, SST anomalies, and an overall warming world.
Improving WSR-88D Radar QPE for Orographic Precipitation Using Profiler Observations
Authors: Qi Youcun , Zhang Jian , Kaney Brian , Langston Carrie , Howard Kenneth
Published: January 2014

Quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) in the West Coast region of the United States has been a big challenge for Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) because of severe blockages caused by the complex terrain. The majority of the heavy precipitation in the West Coast region is associated with strong moisture flux from the Pacific that interacts with the coastal mountains. Such orographic enhancement of precipitation occurs at low levels and cannot be observed well by WSR-88D because of severe blockages. Specifically, the radar beam either samples too high above the ground or misses the orographic enhancement at lower levels, or the beam broadens with range and cannot adequately resolve vertical variations of the reflectivity structure. The current study developed an algorithm that uses S-band Precipitation Profiler (S-PROF) radar observations in northern California to improve WSR-88D QPEs in the area. The profiler data are used to calculate two sets of reference vertical profiles of reflectivity (RVPRs), one for the coastal mountains and another for the Sierra Nevada. The RVPRs are then used to correct the WSR-88D QPEs in the corresponding areas. The S-PROF–based VPR correction methodology (S-PROF-VPR) has taken into account orographic processes and radar beam broadenings with range. It is tested using three heavy rain events and is found to provide significant improvements over the operational radar QPE.
Unfiltering Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) Scanner Radiances Using the CERES Algorithm and Its Evaluation with Nonscanner Observations
Authors: Shrestha Alok K. , Kato Seiji , Wong Takmeng , Rutan David A. , Miller Walter F. , Rose Fred G. , Smith G. Louis , Bedka Kristopher M. , Minnis Patrick , Fernandez Jose R.
Published: January 2014

The NOAA-9 Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) scanner measured broadband shortwave, longwave, and total radiances from February 1985 through January 1987. These scanner radiances are reprocessed using the more recent Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) unfiltering algorithm. The scene information, including cloud properties, required for reprocessing is derived using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data on board NOAA-9, while no imager data were used in the original ERBE unfiltering. The reprocessing increases the NOAA-9 ERBE scanner unfiltered longwave radiances by 1.4%–2.0% during daytime and 0.2%–0.3% during nighttime relative to those derived from the ERBE unfiltering algorithm. Similarly, the scanner unfiltered shortwave radiances increase by ~1% for clear ocean and land and decrease for all-sky ocean, land, and snow/ice by ~1%. The resulting NOAA-9 ERBE scanner unfiltered radiances are then compared with NOAA-9 nonscanner irradiances by integrating the ERBE scanner radiance over the nonscanner field of view. The comparison indicates that the integrated scanner radiances are larger by 0.9% for shortwave and 0.7% smaller for longwave. A sensitivity study shows that the one-standard-deviation uncertainties in the agreement are ±2.5%, ±1.2%, and ±1.8% for the shortwave, nighttime longwave, and daytime longwave irradiances, respectively. The NOAA-9 and ERBS nonscanner irradiances are also compared using 2 years of data. The comparison indicates that the NOAA-9 nonscanner shortwave, nighttime longwave, and daytime longwave irradiances are 0.3% larger, 0.6% smaller, and 0.4% larger, respectively. The longer observational record provided by the ERBS nonscanner plays a critical role in tying the CERES-like NOAA-9 ERBE scanner dataset from the mid-1980s to the present-day CERES scanner data record.
Searching for evidence: a guide to finding the evidence in laboratory medicine
Authors: Roberts Nia W , Christenson Robert H , Price Christopher P
Published: January 2014

Laboratory medicine is strong in the basic scientific background that underpins the pathological rationale for considering the use of a test, as well as characterising analytical performance of laboratory procedures. Evidence of the impact of test utilisation on health outcomes and adding value to the patient’s care pathway is more limited. However, purchasers and commissioners of laboratory services, as well as clinicians, are bombarded with a burgeoning literature on new biomarkers and devices, against a backdrop of fiscal constraints. This increasingly critical appraisal of both current practice, as well as new developments, demands that all health professionals are up-to-date in the knowledge of their subject, as well as being able to access and impart this knowledge in real time to their colleagues in the clinical team. This requirement for knowledge means that the laboratory medicine professional can be asked to provide information at any time, from a host of differing scenarios, and with a considerable variation in the depth of response being required. Thus, the biochemist may need to respond to a query from the Emergency Department on the one hand, to preparing the justification for a new test – or disinvestment in an old (and now inappropriate) test, to writing the case for a research grant proposal. All of these scenarios require clarity in the question being asked, and the ability to search for the evidence across a wide range of resources. This review takes the reader through the steps to efficient retrieval of good quality information.
Buying War Not Peace
Authors: Neudorfer Natascha S. , Theuerkauf Ulrike G.
Published: January 2014

This article presents robust findings for the positive effect of corruption on the risk of ethnic civil war, using binary time-series-cross-section data that cover 87 to 121 countries (per year) between 1984 and 2007. Following a grievance-based explanation of violent intrastate conflict, we argue that corruption increases the risk of large-scale ethnic violence, as it creates distortions in the political decision-making process which lead to a deepening of political and economic inequalities between different ethnic groups. The positive effect of corruption on the risk of ethnic civil war is robust to various model specifications, including the interaction between corruption and natural resource wealth.
Peripheral accumulation in the world economy: A cross-national analysis of the informal economy
Authors: Roberts Anthony
Published: January 2014

The persistence and growth of the informal economy have puzzled researchers and challenged mainstream explanations of the development of the informal economy. This study utilizes a world-systems approach for explaining cross-national variation in the size of the informal economy for a sample of 74 developing and developed countries observed over a recent 8-year period (1999–2007). According to this approach, the informal economy is a characteristic of peripheral accumulation in the world economy and its development is driven by unequal exchange in international trade and foreign capital penetration. Based on estimates from random and fixed-effects regression models using multiple measures of world-system position, countries in the periphery and semi-periphery of the world economy have larger informal economies than core countries. More importantly, this difference in the development of the informal economy between the core, semi-periphery, and periphery is partially explained by the effects of international trade and foreign direct investment. Overall, the findings indicate that the development and persistence of the informal economy are driven by the structure of the world economy and processes of economic globalization.
Fatigue failure and electrical resistance behaviors of carbon nanotube-based polymer composites under uniaxial tension–tension loading in a cryogenic environment
Authors: Takeda Tomo , Shindo Yasuhide , Wei Zhijuan , Kuronuma Yu , Narita Fumio
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates the fatigue failure and electrical resistance behaviors of carbon nanotube-based polymer composites at cryogenic temperatures. Tension–tension fatigue tests were performed on carbon nanotube /polycarbonate composites at room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K), and the electrical resistance of the specimens was monitored during the tests. Based on the obtained results, the dependence of the mechanical and electrical responses of the nanocomposites on the temperature and the nanotube content was studied. Microscopic examinations were also carried out on the specimen fracture surfaces, and the failure mechanisms of the nanocomposites were discussed.
Particle-based modeling of the compaction of fiber yarns and woven textiles
Authors: Samadi Reza , Robitaille François
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes a particle-based modeling method for predicting the constitutive behavior of textiles when subjected to various compressive loading conditions. The method, which is demonstrated for stacked layers of plain woven textiles, utilizes discrete mechanics as an alternative to traditional continuum mechanics. Fibers are modeled as a series of conjoined points, and their configurations are determined mechanistically using a modified Metropolis algorithm and inter-particle strain energy terms. The implementation presented in this paper enables intricate geometric modeling of textiles at microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic scales. It also enables extensive mechanical modeling of the textiles, from first principles, as they are loaded upon manufacturing of typical technical textile structures. While this paper focuses on the compaction behavior of weaves, the modeling method is readily adaptable to the analysis of shear, bending, buckling, punching, relaxation and other loading scenarios applied on a wide array of different textile types. These scenarios will be demonstrated in forthcoming publications.

Comparative data from in silico and in situ testing shows excellent agreement. Results demonstrate an improvement in simulation accuracy over prior comparable modeling techniques. The method presented here successfully predicts the actual behavior of yarns, single-layer and double-layer textile stacks in compaction.
Beyond Assimilation
Authors: Leonardo Jennifer Braga
Published: January 2014

This study investigated the contribution of assimilation, sociodemographic factors, and social supports to depressive symptoms in immigrant adolescents, using Waves I and II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( N = 4,263). Immigrant adolescents reported more risk factors and higher levels of depressive symptoms than native peers. However, generational status ceased to be a correlate of depressive symptoms when sociodemographic variables were controlled. Findings challenge assimilation theories premised on the assumption that immigrants face unique migration-related challenges. Immigrant adolescents are vulnerable due to greater likelihood of increased age, a racial/ethnic minority status, and lower socioeconomic status. They are also at a comparative disadvantage for social supports. Stress and supports were identified as mediators with unique relationships to sociodemographic factors. Assimilation theory, social network theory, and an ecological perspective informed the study.
Zinc Deficiency in a Parenteral Nutrition–Dependent Patient During a Parenteral Trace Element Product Shortage
Authors: Franck Andrew J.
Published: January 2014

Parenteral nutrition product shortages are common and place vulnerable patients at risk for nutrient deficiencies. This case report describes a parenteral nutrition–dependent patient who was found to have zinc deficiency during a parenteral nutrition product shortage. The management of the patient's zinc deficiency is described.
Classical to slang conversion for retrieving Arabic documents using slang queries
Authors: Shatnawi Mohammed Q. , Abuein Qusai , Mahafza Reem
Published: January 2014

In the Arabic world, people speak two languages fluently: classical Arabic and slang Arabic. Being able to use slang Arabic terms in Web search queries will be considered a huge leap in modern research on Arabic information retrieval. It would be more comfortable to Arab Web users to obtain the required information available on the Web using slang Arabic queries. This research paper completes the work that was started a year ago in which the ultimate goal of this ongoing project is to design and build a system that is fully capable of replacing Arabic slang-based queries with their equivalent classical terms. The work that has been done in this paper aims to simplify the task for Arab Web users via enabling them to use their slang Arabic to make Web queries. This work provides promising results and shows that people who do not know how to write classical queries can use their slang language directly.
The Temporality of Power and the Power of Temporality: Imaginary Future Selves in Professional Service Firms
Authors: Costas Jana , Grey Christopher
Published: January 2014

This paper extends existing understandings of power, resistance and subjectivity in professional service organizations by developing an analysis of how these relate to temporality. Drawing in particular on Hoy’s reading of the Foucauldian account of temporality, we conceive of disciplinary power regimes and resistance as inherently future-oriented, or, to use Ybema’s term, postalgic. In moving beyond the extant research focus on self-disciplined and/or counter-resistant professional selves, we draw attention to the imaginary future self as an employee response to disciplinary power. In contrast to the future orientation of disciplinary power, this response envisages the future as a discontinuous break with the present which we examine as a form of resistant postalgia. Building on in-depth qualitative data gathered at two professional service firms, we explain how imaginary future selves can shed new light on the interplay of power, resistance and subjectivity.
In Harmony: A technology-based music education model to enhance musical understanding and general learning skills
Authors: Portowitz Adena , Peppler Kylie A. , Downton Mike
Published: January 2014

This article reports on the practice and evaluation of a music education model, In Harmony, which utilizes new technologies and current theories of learning to mediate the music learning experience. In response to the needs of twenty-first century learners, the educational software programs Teach, Learn, Evaluate! and Impromptu served as central components of the program’s curriculum. Moreover, drawing on educational theories that value general learning skills as prerequisites to scholastic achievement, the In Harmony program provided a context in which students could improve their working memory, self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility. The model was adopted internationally in Bloomington, IN and Jaffa, Israel, and featured individual tasks administered through computer software, as well as group music composition activities. By incorporating computer technology within the program’s design, and targeting the above-mentioned learning skills, we sought to strengthen the impact of the music lessons and deepen our understanding of the mechanisms linking music education and enhanced cognitive development. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the children’s working memory, self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility, as well as qualitative analyses of data collected during the intervention, indicated that the In Harmony model and the educational software used successfully scaffold musical instruction, with beneficial outcomes in fostering working memory, self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility.
The What Works Clearinghouse Single-Case Design Pilot Standards
Authors: Hitchcock John H. , Horner Robert H. , Kratochwill Thomas R. , Levin Joel R. , Odom Samuel L. , Rindskopf David M. , Shadish William R.
Published: January 2014

In this article, we respond to Wolery’s critique of the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) pilot Standards, which were developed by the current authors. We do so to provide additional information and clarify some points previously summarized in this journal. We also respond to several concerns raised by Maggin, Briesch, and Chafouleas after they applied the Standards to a single-case design synthesis published in this journal. The overall purpose of this response is to clarify what the Standards are designed to accomplish and to offer our views about future revisions.
An Assessment of the Health Care Safety Net
Authors: VanderWielen Lynn M. , Ozcan Yasar A.
Published: January 2014

Free Clinics (FCs) in the United States contribute to the healthcare safety net by providing care to a variety of populations including the uninsured. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used to evaluate FC performance by examining clinic funding sources and the number of visits and prescriptions provided on an annual basis. Cross-sectional data including 48 Virginia FCs in 2010 are analyzed to distinguish efficient and inefficient FCs. In all, 30 clinics (62.5%) were found to be top performers and defined the efficiency frontier, whereas 18 clinics (37.5%) were evaluated as inefficient. On average, to obtain efficiency, inefficient clinics would annually need to increase the number of provided general medical visits by 2,183, specialty visits by 1,969, other visits by 1,495, and dispensed prescriptions by 7,305. These findings have implications for healthcare policy and FC management.
Combining ideological and policy distances with valence for a model of party competition in Germany 2009
Authors: Kurella Anna-Sophie , Pappi Franz Urban
Published: January 2014

This paper addresses two problems: how can we identify a verisimilar policy space and how can we detect Nash equilibria in this space for parties’ policy positions? We argue that the ideological party positions that voters perceive are fixed during the time span of one electoral campaign and that they constrain the policies parties offer the electorate in search of optimal vote shares. We apply the valence model developed by Schofield to party competition during the German federal election campaign 2009. First three issue scales are combined with a left–right scale to form one homogeneous space in which equilibrium locations of parties are sought. The results show that local Nash equilibria in this combined space depend heavily on the start values and are implausible. Fixing the ideological dimension leads to a stable and meaningful equilibrium configuration in which large parties move to more central positions and smaller parties move to more peripheral positions in the policy space.
Nonaccidental Properties Underlie Human Categorization of Complex Natural Scenes
Authors: Walther Dirk B. , Shen Dandan
Published: January 2014

Humans can categorize complex natural scenes quickly and accurately. Which scene properties enable people to do this with such apparent ease? We extracted structural properties of contours (orientation, length, curvature) and contour junctions (types and angles) from line drawings of natural scenes. All of these properties contain information about scene categories that can be exploited computationally. However, when we compared error patterns from computational scene categorization with those from a six-alternative forced-choice scene-categorization experiment, we found that only junctions and curvature made significant contributions to human behavior. To further test the critical role of these properties, we perturbed junctions in line drawings by randomly shifting contours and found a significant decrease in human categorization accuracy. We conclude that scene categorization by humans relies on curvature as well as the same nonaccidental junction properties used for object recognition. These properties correspond to the visual features represented in area V2.
The Ontogeny of the Motivation That Underlies In-Group Bias
Authors: Buttelmann David , Böhm Robert
Published: January 2014

Humans demonstrate a clear bias toward members of their own group over members of other groups in a variety of ways. It has been argued that the motivation underlying this in-group bias in adults may be favoritism toward one’s own group (in-group love), derogation of the out-group (out-group hate), or both. Although some studies have demonstrated in-group bias among children and infants, nothing is known about the underlying motivations of this bias. Using a novel game, we found that in-group love is already present in children of preschool age and can motivate in-group-biased behavior across childhood. In contrast, out-group hate develops only after a child’s sixth birthday and is a sufficient motivation for in-group-biased behavior from school age onward. These results help to better identify the motivation that underlies in-group-biased behavior in children.
Optimisation and control of a hydraulic power take-off unit for a wave energy converter in irregular waves
Authors: Cargo CJ , Hillis AJ , Plummer AR
Published: January 2014

The optimisation of a wave energy converter hydraulic power take-off for sea states of varying wave amplitude, direction and frequency is a significant problem. Sub-optimal configuration can result in very inefficient energy conversion, so understanding the design trade-offs is key to the success of the technology. This work focuses on a generic point absorber type wave energy converter. Previous work by the authors has considered the optimisation of this device for regular waves to gain an understanding of the fundamental issues. This work extends the analysis to the more realistic case of irregular waves. Simulations are performed using an irregular wave input to predict how the power take-off will operate in real sea conditions. Work is also presented on a motor speed control strategy to maintain the maximum flow of electrical power to the grid, assuming the use of a doubly fed induction generator. Finally, the sizing of key components in the power take-off is considered in an attempt to maximise power take-off efficiency and generated power.
Different expression patterns and clinical significance of mAxl and sAxl in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhu H , Sun X , Zhu L , Hu F , Shi L , Fan C , Li Z , Su Y
Published: January 2014

Axl is one of the TAM family members that downregulates activated immune responses to maintain immune homeostasis. We analyzed the expression and clinical relevance of Axl on the surface of CD14+ monocytes/macrophages (mAxl, membrane Axl) and in the plasma (sAxl, soluble Axl) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Compared to healthy subjects, the concentrations of sAxl were significantly elevated in plasma from SLE patients, while the mAxl expression on CD14+ monocytes/macrophages from SLE patients was significantly downregulated. A series of severe disease clinical manifestations and laboratory features such as presence of autoantibodies, 24-hour proteinuria excretion or SLEDAI ≥10 were associated with decreased mAxl expression on monocytes/macrophages but elevated sAxl levels in plasma. The plasma level of Gas6, the main ligand of Axl, was slightly decreased in SLE patients, and was negatively correlated with anti-dsDNA antibodies and C-reactive protein. SLE patients with SLEDAI ≥10 showed significantly lower Gas6 levels. Our study suggests that abnormal mAxl and sAxl expression may be involved in the imbalance of immune regulation in SLE.
Plasma CD147 reflects histological features in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Maeda-Hori M , Kosugi T , Kojima H , Sato W , Inaba S , Maeda K , Nagaya H , Sato Y , Ishimoto T , Ozaki T , Tsuboi N , Muro Y , Yuzawa Y , Imai E , Johnson RJ , Matsuo S , Kadomatsu K , Maruyama S
Published: January 2014

Objective

A glycosylated transmembrane protein, CD147, has been implicated in regulating lymphocyte responsiveness and leukocyte recruitment. As lupus nephritis (LN) often follows a relapsing-remitting disease course, accurate understanding of the disease activity would be extremely helpful in improving prognosis. Unfortunately, neither clinical nor serological data can accurately reflect the histological features of LN. The present study investigated whether CD147 can accurately predict pathological features of LN.

Methods

Plasma and spot urine samples were collected from 64 patients who underwent renal biopsy between 2008 and 2011. Disease activity for LN tissues was evaluated using the biopsy activity index, and compared to levels of biomarkers including CD147.

Results

In LN tissues, CD147 induction was striking in injured glomeruli and infiltrating inflammatory cells, but not in damaged tubules representing atrophy. Plasma CD147 levels accurately reflected the histological disease activity. However, prediction using a single molecule would be quite difficult because of the complex pathogenesis of LN. The diagnostic accuracy of multiplex parameters indicated that the combination including plasma CD147 might yield excellent diagnostic abilities for guiding ideal LN therapy.

Conclusion

Plasma CD147 levels might offer useful insights into disease activity as a crucial biomarker in patients with LN.
Exploring Stewardship as an Antecedent Behavioural Trait of Social Entrepreneurs
Authors: Basu Shubhabrata , Sharma Anita
Published: January 2014

We explored stewardship behaviour as a possible antecedent to the activities of a social entrepreneur towards providing desired sustainable solutions. Extant literature posits that social entrepreneurs are predominantly guided in their sustainable solutions by ex-ante and ex-post resource positions. Resource availability guides the social entrepreneur’s behaviour which per se is not different from the behaviour of a profit-seeking entrepreneur. We contend that apart from resource considerations, stewardship is also an important behavioural consideration for social entrepreneurial activities. We used a single embedded inductive case study to establish the linkage between stewardship behaviour and social entrepreneur leading to desired sustainable solutions in the context of the health care sector in institutionally weak economies like India.