bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Resonance in a Bacterium Growth System with Time Delay and Colored Noise
Authors: Li Shenghong , Wu Jiancheng
Published: April 2015

The phenomenon of stochastic resonance in a bacterium growth system that is with two different kinds of time delays and is driven by colored noises is investigated. Based on the extended unified colored noise theory and the method of the probability density approximation, the Fokker–Planck equation and the stationary probability density function are derived. Then via the theory of adiabatic limit, the analytical expression of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is obtained. The different effects of the time delays existed in the nonlinear system and the noise correlation times on the stationary probability density and the signal-to-noise rate are discussed respectively. Finally, numerical simulations are offered and are consistent with approximate analytical results.
Simple Form of MMSE Estimator for Super-Gaussian Prior Densities
Authors: Kittisuwan Pichid
Published: April 2015

The denoising method that become popular in recent years for additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) are Bayesian estimation techniques e.g., maximum a posteriori (MAP) and minimum mean square error (MMSE). In super-Gaussian prior densities, it is well known that the MMSE estimator in such a case has a complicated form. In this work, we derive the MMSE estimation with Taylor series. We show that the proposed estimator also leads to a simple formula. An extension of this estimator to Pearson type VII prior density is also offered. The experimental result shows that the proposed estimator to the original MMSE nonlinearity is reasonably good.
Plasmonic Diodes THz Response to Impulse Train and Stochastic Optical Excitations
Authors: Karishy S. , Ajaka J. , Varani L. , Palermo C.
Published: April 2015

Terahertz (THz) plasma oscillation in n+nn+  InGaAs vertical diodes is studied by using a numerical approach based on the hydrodynamic (HD) equations. The 1D HD model is coupled to 1D Poisson equation. We simulate the diode response to the optical excitation of plasma waves at room temperature. Our results clearly show the presence of 3D plasma resonances in the THz frequency domain. The selection of appropriately shaped optical excitation pulses helps in the realization of the detected frequency. The investigation is completed by introducing stochastic perturbations according to the Langevin equation.
Sensing the Pulse of Urban Refueling Behavior
Authors: Zhang Fuzheng , Yuan Nicholas Jing , Wilkie David , Zheng Yu , Xie Xing
Published: April 2015

Urban transportation is an important factor in energy consumption and pollution, and is of increasing concern due to its complexity and economic significance. Its importance will only increase as urbanization continues around the world. In this article, we explore drivers’ refueling behavior in urban areas. Compared to questionnaire-based methods of the past, we propose a complete data-driven system that pushes towards real-time sensing of individual refueling behavior and citywide petrol consumption. Our system provides the following: detection of individual refueling events (REs) from which refueling preference can be analyzed; estimates of gas station wait times from which recommendations can be made; an indication of overall fuel demand from which macroscale economic decisions can be made, and a spatial, temporal, and economic view of urban refueling characteristics. For individual behavior, we use reported trajectories from a fleet of GPS-equipped taxicabs to detect gas station visits. For time spent estimates, to solve the sparsity issue along time and stations, we propose context-aware tensor factorization (CATF), a factorization model that considers a variety of contextual factors (e.g., price, brand, and weather condition) that affect consumers’ refueling decision. For fuel demand estimates, we apply a queue model to calculate the overall visits based on the time spent inside the station. We evaluated our system on large-scale and real-world datasets, which contain 4-month trajectories of 32,476 taxicabs, 689 gas stations, and the self-reported refueling details of 8,326 online users. The results show that our system can determine REs with an accuracy of more than 90%, estimate time spent with less than 2 minutes of error, and measure overall visits in the same order of magnitude with the records in the field study.
Significant Correlation Pattern Mining in Smart Homes
Authors: Chen Yi-Cheng , Peng Wen-Chih , Huang Jiun-Long , Lee Wang-Chien
Published: April 2015

Owing to the great advent of sensor technology, the usage data of appliances in a house can be logged and collected easily today. However, it is a challenge for the residents to visualize how these appliances are used. Thus, mining algorithms are much needed to discover appliance usage patterns. Most previous studies on usage pattern discovery are mainly focused on analyzing the patterns of single appliance rather than mining the usage correlation among appliances. In this article, a novel algorithm, namely Correlation Pattern Miner (CoPMiner), is developed to capture the usage patterns and correlations among appliances probabilistically. CoPMiner also employs four pruning techniques and a statistical model to reduce the search space and filter out insignificant patterns, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is applied on a real-world dataset to show the practicability of correlation pattern mining.
Two-Variable Separation Logic and Its Inner Circle
Authors: Demri Stéphane , Deters Morgan
Published: April 2015

Separation logic is a well-known assertion language for Hoare-style proof systems. We show that first-order separation logic with a unique record field restricted to two quantified variables and no program variables is undecidable. This is among the smallest fragments of separation logic known to be undecidable, and this contrasts with the decidability of two-variable first-order logic. We also investigate its restriction by dropping the magic wand connective, known to be decidable with nonelementary complexity, and we show that the satisfiability problem with only two quantified variables is not yet elementary recursive. Furthermore, we establish insightful and concrete relationships between two-variable separation logic and propositional interval temporal logic (PITL), data logics, and modal logics, providing an inner circle of closely related logics.
Cooperative interaction between leptin and amylin signaling in the ventral tegmental area for the control of food intake
Authors: Mietlicki-Baase Elizabeth G. , Olivos Diana R. , Jeffrey Brianne A. , Hayes Matthew R.
Published: April 2015

Peripheral coadministration of amylin and leptin produces enhanced suppression of food intake and body weight, but the central nuclei mediating these effects remain unclear. Because each of these peptides controls feeding via actions at the ventral tegmental area (VTA), we tested the hypothesis that the VTA is a site of action for the cooperative effects of leptin and amylin on energy balance control. First, we show that intra-VTA injection of amylin and leptin at doses of each peptide that are effective in reducing food intake and body weight when administered separately produces an enhanced suppression of feeding when administered in combination. We also demonstrate that subthreshold doses of both amylin and leptin cause significant hypophagia and body weight loss when coadministered into the VTA. Additionally, we provide evidence that VTA amylin receptor blockade significantly attenuates the ability of intra-VTA leptin to reduce feeding and body weight gain. Together, these data provide the first evidence that the VTA mediates the interaction of amylin and leptin to cooperatively promote negative energy balance.
New insights into the nutritional regulation of gluconeogenesis in carnivorous rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): a gene duplication trail
Authors: Marandel Lucie , Seiliez Iban , Véron Vincent , Skiba-Cassy Sandrine , Panserat Stéphane
Published: April 2015

The rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) is considered to be a strictly carnivorous fish species that is metabolically adapted for high catabolism of proteins and low utilization of dietary carbohydrates. This species consequently has a “glucose-intolerant” phenotype manifested by persistent hyperglycemia when fed a high-carbohydrate diet. Gluconeogenesis in adult fish is also poorly, if ever, regulated by carbohydrates, suggesting that this metabolic pathway is involved in this specific phenotype. In this study, we hypothesized that the fate of duplicated genes after the salmonid-specific 4th whole genome duplication (Ss4R) may have led to adaptive innovation and that their study might provide new elements to enhance our understanding of gluconeogenesis and poor dietary carbohydrate use in this species. Our evolutionary analysis of gluconeogenic genes revealed that pck1, pck2, fbp1a, and g6pca were retained as singletons after Ss4r, while g6pcb1, g6pcb2, and fbp1b ohnolog pairs were maintained. For all genes, duplication may have led to sub- or neofunctionalization. Expression profiles suggest that the gluconeogenesis pathway remained active in trout fed a no-carbohydrate diet. When trout were fed a high-carbohydrate diet (30%), most of the gluconeogenic genes were non- or downregulated, except for g6pbc2 ohnologs, whose RNA levels were surprisingly increased. This study demonstrates that Ss4R in trout involved adaptive innovation via gene duplication and via the outcome of the resulting ohnologs. Indeed, maintenance of ohnologous g6pcb2 pair may contribute in a significant way to the glucose-intolerant phenotype of trout and may partially explain its poor use of dietary carbohydrates.
A Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Based Study on Urine Metabolomics in Rats Chronically Poisoned with Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Deng Mingjie , Zhang Meiling , Sun Fa , Ma Jianshe , Hu Lufeng , Yang Xuezhi , Lin Guanyang , Wang Xianqin
Published: April 2015

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS-MS) in combination with multivariate statistical analysis was applied to explore the metabolic variability in urine of chronically hydrogen sulfide- (H2S-) poisoned rats relative to control ones. The changes in endogenous metabolites were studied by partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) and independent-samplest-test. The metabolic patterns of H2S-poisoned group are separated from the control, suggesting that the metabolic profiles of H2S-poisoned rats were markedly different from the controls. Moreover, compared to the control group, the level of alanine, d-ribose, tetradecanoic acid, L-aspartic acid, pentanedioic acid, cholesterol, acetate, and oleic acid in rat urine of the poisoning group decreased, while the level of glycine, d-mannose, arabinofuranose, and propanoic acid increased. These metabolites are related to amino acid metabolism as well as energy and lipid metabolismin vivo. Studying metabolomics using GC-MS allows for a comprehensive overview of the metabolism of the living body. This technique can be employed to decipher the mechanism of chronic H2S poisoning, thus promoting the use of metabolomics in clinical toxicology.
D-Lactic Acidosis: An Underrecognized Complication of Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Kowlgi N. Gurukripa , Chhabra Lovely
Published: April 2015

D-lactic acidosis or D-lactate encephalopathy is a rare condition that occurs primarily in individuals who have a history of short bowel syndrome. The unabsorbed carbohydrates act as a substrate for colonic bacteria to form D-lactic acid among other organic acids. The acidic pH generated as a result of D-lactate production further propagates production of D-lactic acid, hence giving rise to a vicious cycle. D-lactic acid accumulation in the blood can cause neurologic symptoms such as delirium, ataxia, and slurred speech. Diagnosis is made by a combination of clinical and laboratory data including special assays for D-lactate. Treatment includes correcting the acidosis and decreasing substrate for D-lactate such as carbohydrates in meals. In addition, antibiotics can be used to clear colonic flora. Although newer techniques for diagnosis and treatment are being developed, clinical diagnosis still holds paramount importance, as there can be many confounders in the diagnosis as will be discussed subsequently.
Heat Shock Protein 70 and 90 Genes in the Harmful DinoflagellateCochlodinium polykrikoides: Genomic Structures and Transcriptional Responses to Environmental Stresses
Authors: Guo Ruoyu , Youn Seok Hyun , Ki Jang-Seu
Published: April 2015

The marine dinoflagellateCochlodinium polykrikoidesis responsible for harmful algal blooms in aquatic environments and has spread into the world’s oceans. As a microeukaryote, it seems to have distinct genomic characteristics, like gene structure and regulation. In the present study, we characterized heat shock protein (HSP) 70/90 ofC. polykrikoidesand evaluated their transcriptional responses to environmental stresses. Both HSPs contained the conserved motif patterns, showing the highest homology with those of other dinoflagellates. Genomic analysis showed that theCpHSP70had no intron but was encoded by tandem arrangement manner with separation of intergenic spacers. However,CpHSP90had one intron in the coding genomic regions, and no intergenic region was found. Phylogenetic analyses of separate HSPs showed that CpHSP70 was closely related with the dinoflagellateCrypthecodinium cohniiand CpHSP90 with other Gymnodiniales in dinoflagellates. Gene expression analyses showed that bothHSPgenes were upregulated by the treatments of separate algicides CuSO4and NaOCl; however, they displayed downregulation pattern with PCB treatment. The transcription ofCpHSP90andCpHSP70showed similar expression patterns under the same toxicant treatment, suggesting that both genes might have cooperative functions for the toxicant induced gene regulation in the dinoflagellate.
Generalized Fractional Integral Operators on Generalized Local Morrey Spaces
Authors: Guliyev V. S. , Ismayilova A. F. , Kucukaslan A. , Serbetci A.
Published: April 2015

We study the continuity properties of the generalized fractional integral operatorIρon the generalized local Morrey spacesLMp,φ{x0}and generalized Morrey spacesMp,φ. We find conditions on the triple(φ1,φ2,ρ)which ensure the Spanne-type boundedness ofIρfrom one generalized local Morrey spaceLMp,φ1{x0}to anotherLMq,φ2{x0},1<p<q<∞, and fromLM1,φ1{x0}to the weak spaceWLMq,φ2{x0},1<q<∞. We also find conditions on the pair(φ,ρ)which ensure the Adams-type boundedness ofIρfromMp,φ1/ptoMq,φ1/qfor1<p<q<∞and fromM1,φtoWMq,φ1/qfor1<q<∞. In all cases the conditions for the boundedness ofIρare given in terms of Zygmund-type integral inequalities on(φ1,φ2,ρ)and(φ,ρ), which do not assume any assumption on monotonicity ofφ1(x,r),φ2(x,r), andφ(x,r)inr.
The Impact of Abnormal Glucose Tolerance and Obesity on Fetal Growth
Authors: Graves Erin , Hill David J. , Evers Susan , Van Aarsen Kristine , Yama Brie , Yuan Su , Campbell M. Karen
Published: April 2015

Objective. Factors linked with insulin resistance were examined for their association with large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant birth weight and gestational diabetes.Study Design. Data came from a longitudinal cohort study of 2,305 subjects without overt diabetes, analyzed using multinomial logistic and linear regression.Results. High maternal BMI (OR=1.53(1.11, 2.12)), height (1.98 (1.62, 2.42)), antidepressant use (1.71 (1.20, 2.44)), pregnancy weight-gain exceeding 40 pounds (1.79 (1.25, 2.57)), and high blood sugar (2.68, (1.53, 5.27)) were all positively associated with LGA birth. Strikingly, the difference in risk from diagnosed and treated gestational diabetes compared to women with a single abnormal glucose tolerance test (but no diagnosis of gestational diabetes) was significant (OR=0.65,p=0.12versusOR=2.84,p<0.01). When weight/length ratio was used instead, different factors were found to be significant. BMI and pregnancy weight-gain were found to influence the development of gestational diabetes, through an additive interaction.Conclusions. High prepregnancy BM, height, antidepressant use, pregnancy weight-gain exceeding 40 pounds, and high blood sugar were associated with LGA birth, but not necessarily infant weight/length ratio. An additive interaction between BMI and pregnancy weight-gain influenced gestational diabetes development.
Association Analysis of COQ2 Variant in Dementia and Essential Tremor
Authors: Chao Yin Xia , Ng Ebonne Yu Lin , Li Huihua , Nagaendran Kandiah , Yih Yuen , Chong Mei Sian , Prakash Kumar M. , Tan Louis , Au Wing Lok , Zhao Yi , Zhou Zhi Dong , Tio Murni , Pavanni Ratnagopal , Tan Eng King
Published: April 2015

Objective. COQ2 mutations have been reported in Japanese multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients. We examined the role of COQ2 in patients with dementia and essential tremor (ET), two common neurodegenerative conditions.Materials & Methods. A total of 2064 subjects, including 560 patients with dementia, 466 patients with ET, and 1038 healthy controls, were included. Genotyping for the COQ2 V393A (T>C) was carried out. Odds ratio (OR) adjusted by age and gender, together with 95% confidence interval (CI), was reported by means of logistic regression.Results. The frequency of the polymorphic variant V393A heterozygous (T/C) was 2.7% in dementia, 1.1% in ET, and 2.5% in controls (OR = 0.70, 95% confidence interval is 0.29–1.72 for dementia, and OR = 0.47, 95% confidence interval is 0.17–1.31,p=0.1217for ET). There was no significant association between V393A variant with dementia and ET.Conclusion. There was no significant association between V393A variant with dementia and ET. COQ2 gene is unlikely to play a significant role in patients with dementia or ET in our population.
Assessment of Tamsulosin 0.2 mg for Symptomatic Bladder Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Benign Prostatic Enlargement: Data from a Korean Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Choi Hoon , Sim Ji Sung , Park Jae Young , Bae Jae Hyun
Published: April 2015

Aims: To estimate efficacy and treatment satisfaction with tamsulosin 0.2 mg in patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms in relation to personal satisfaction. Methods: The study was conducted in 1,260 subjects who were asked to fill in detailed questionnaires designed to evaluate their satisfaction with the treatment and symptom improvement 8 weeks after receiving tamsulosin 0.2 mg. Results: After being treated with tamsulosin 0.2 mg for 8 weeks, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score improved significantly. Among the 1,260 patients, 813 (64.52%) were satisfied, while 447 (35.48%) were dissatisfied with tamsulosin 0.2 mg. The reasons for patient dissatisfaction were efficacy problems (79.87%) and side effects (4.25%). Treatment satisfaction was affected by age, underlying medical disease and baseline IPSS severity (p = 0.020, 0.0427 and <0.001, respectively), but only age and baseline IPSS were risk factors for dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Tamsulosin 0.2 mg was effective in symptomatic improvement, but a relatively high proportion of patients were dissatisfied with the treatment. Efficacy problems were selected by patients as the main reason for dissatisfaction. It is also significant to note that the degree of satisfaction was related to age and baseline IPSS severity.
Complete Response and Long-Term Survival (>20 Years) of a Child with Tectal Glioma: A Case Report
Authors: Burzynski Stanislaw R. , Burzynski Gregory S. , Janicki Tomasz J. , Marszalek Ania
Published: April 2015

Tectal glioma is a midbrain tumor. The patient generally presents with symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure and requires treatment for hydrocephalus. No effective pharmacological treatments have yet been introduced. This report discusses a case of a 13-year-old male diagnosed with tectal glioma who obtained a complete response and long-term survival after the treatment with antineoplastons (ANP) in phase II trial. Prior treatment consisted of placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. After 6 years of stabilization there had been an increase in tumor size with signs of malignant transformation. The patient received treatment with ANP A10 and AS2-1 infusions for 20 months, obtained a complete response, and was switched to maintenance with ANP capsules. All treatments were discontinued in December 2003. Adverse events according to CTCAE v3.0 included: hypernatremia (two events of grade 3, one event of grade 2, four events of grade 1), one case of fatigue (grade 2), and one allergic reaction (grade 1). Currently, over 20 years from his diagnosis and over 13 years from treatment start he is symptom-free and leads a normal life. This report indicates that it is possible to obtain long-term survival of a child with tectal glioma with currently available investigational treatment.
Patient Perception of Imiquimod Treatment for Actinic Keratosis and Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma in 202 Patients
Authors: Waalboer-Spuij Rick , Holterhues Cynthia , van Hattem Simone , Schuttelaar Marie Louise A. , Gaastra Menno T.W. , Kuijpers Daniëlle I.M. , Hollestein Loes M. , Nijsten Tamar E.C.
Published: April 2015

Objective: To document the impact on patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of treatment with imiquimod cream in patients with actinic keratosis (AK) and superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Methods: This open-label, multicenter study included AK and sBCC patients eligible for treatment with imiquimod 5% cream. HRQoL was measured by the Skindex-17 and the Skin Cancer Index (SCI) and treatment satisfaction by the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication. Results: 118 AK patients and 84 patients with sBCC were included. Low baseline HRQoL impairment was found on both questionnaires, which remained low after treatment, except for a small dip at the end of the application period. Conclusion: Imiquimod 5% cream treatment has no clinically relevant HRQoL impact in AK and sBCC patients according to the Skindex-17 and SCI. The effect of imiquimod treatment on HRQoL may be limited or these questionnaires do not fully capture relevant issues, such as fear of recurrence.
Prevalence of Thyroid Autoantibodies in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Khawari M. , Shaltout A. , Qabazard M. , Al-Sane H. , Elkum N.
Published: April 2015

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: In a mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal study, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) were measured in 232 subjects (118 males and 114 females) with type 1 diabetes. Results: The mean age of the total study population was 10.9 ± 3.6 years (range 1-21), and the median diabetes duration was 3.9 years (range 0-16). At the initial screening, 57 out of 232 (24.6%) patients had positive antibodies, and of the remaining 175 patients, who were antibody negative,131 (74.3%) were followed up for 4-9 years. 23 out of these 131 (17.7%) patients became antibody positive, with a cumulative prevalence of elevated antibodies of 34.5%. Anti-TPO was present in 34 (14.7%), anti-TG in 23 (9.9%) and both antibodies in 23 (9.9%) patients. Thyroid antibodies presented early within the first 5 years of the onset of diabetes (63.2 vs. 36.8%, p < 0.05). The prevalence of elevated thyroid antibodies increased after the onset of puberty in both females and males (p < 0.0001). A total of 58.7% of the patients with positive antibodies were females compared to 41% males (p < 0.0001). The basal thyroid-stimulating hormone was higher in subjects with positive antibodies (5.1 ± 10.7 mIU/l) compared to those who were antibody negative (1.79 ± 0.87 mIU/l, p < 0.001). Furthermore, 30 out of 232 (12.9%) patients developed thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: In this study, a high prevalence of thyroid autoimmune antibodies was found in patients either at the onset of type 1 diabetes or within the 4-9 years of follow-up.
Hypercalciuria in Familial Hyperkalemia and Hypertension with KLHL3 Mutations
Authors: Mayan Haim , Carmon Vered , Oleinikov Kira , London Shira , Halevy Raphael , Holtzman Eliezer J. , Tenenbaum-Rakover Yardena , Farfel Zvi , Hanukoglu Aaron
Published: April 2015

Background: Familial hyperkalemia and hypertension (FHHt) is a rare genetic disorder manifested by hyperkalemia and early hypertension. Hypercalciuria is another accompanying feature. Mutations in WNK4 and WNK1 were found initially, and recently additional mutations were found in two genes, KLHL3 and CUL3, which are components of the Ubiquitin system. It was not reported whether these latter mutations are accompanied by hypercalciuria. Methods: We compared urinary calcium excretion (UCa) in affected subjects with FHHt and KLHL3 mutations, and in their unaffected family members, and in affected subjects with FHHt and WNK4 Q565E mutation. Results: Two new families with FHHt including a total number of 23 subjects, 10 of them affected, in whom previously described mutations in KLHL3 (Q309R and R528H) were identified. Presenting features were short stature in the first family, and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) in the second. Affected subjects had hypercalciuria. UCa levels in affected subjects in the two families were significantly higher than in unaffected subjects (0.608 ± 0.196 vs. 0.236 ± 0.053 mmol Ca per mmol creatinine, respectively (p < 0.0001)). Hypercalciuria in FHHt with KLHL3 mutations is less severe than that observed in FHHt with the Q565E WNK4 mutation (0.608 ± 0.196 (n = 10) mmol Ca per mmol creatinine versus 0.860 ± 0.295 (n = 29), respectively (p = 0.0168)). Conclusions: FHHt caused by KLHL3 mutations is accompanied by hypercalciuria as well as hyperkalemia and hypertension. The similar phenomena observed for FHHt caused by WNK4 mutations fits the other evidence that WNK4 mutations are activating, and the aberrant mechanism of calcium handling by the kidney in FHHt.
The Genetics of IgA Nephropathy: An Overview from China
Authors: Zhu Li , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2015

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common type of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Highly variable data for disease prevalence and reports of familial clustering suggest the involvement of genetic factors in IgAN. As China is an area with a high prevalence of IgAN, Chinese scholars have made a considerable effort to reveal the underlying genetic architecture of IgAN. Summary: In this review, we summarize recent achievements in the genetic studies of IgAN, focusing mainly on studies undertaken in China. Early association studies followed a population-based design and focused on a single variant or single gene. Subsequently, family-based designs and genetic interactions applied by Chinese scholars revealed an association of variants in MEGSIN and glycosyltransferase genes with IgAN. Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used to identify multiple susceptibility loci for IgAN, and they have, for the most part, been validated in Chinese populations. Key Messages: More efforts should be made to explore the underlying genetic mechanisms of GWAS-identified variants. In future studies in IgAN, the application of a systems genetics approach would be helpful and productive. Facts from East and West: The reported prevalence of IgAN is higher in Asia than in Europe and North America. However, differences in use of biopsy for the diagnosis of IgAN should be taken into account in analyzing data from both East and West. In Europe, IgAN affects men more frequently than women; this is not the case in Asia. Familial IgAN has been more frequently reported in Europe than in Asia. Within Europe, familial IgAN is more evident in southern than in northern populations. Changes in the pattern of serum IgA1 O-glycosylation is a common finding in IgAN patients in the East and West. SNPs within the gene coding for the enzyme C1GALT1 have been reported in Chinese and European patients. However, there is no evidence for a role of gene polymorphism of the C1GALT1 chaperone cosmc in Europeans. Genetic variants in the HLA gene family have been observed in populations from the East and West. Associations between IgAN and variants of the TAP1/PSMB and DEFA genes were observed in Asian but not in Western patients. Association with the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene was seen only in Asian patients.
Clinical Characteristics of Concomitant Nephrotic IgA Nephropathy and Minimal Change Disease in Children
Authors: Shen Huijun , Gu Weizhong , Mao Jianhua , Zhu Xiujuan , Jin Xia , Fu Haidong , Liu Aimin , Shu Qiang , Du Lizhong
Published: April 2015

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis in children and adolescents worldwide. Meanwhile, minimal change disease (MCD) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. Recently, several case reports have revealed that IgAN can be complicated by MCD in adults. Here, we report our experience concerning the features of such patients in pediatrics. Methods: The clinical manifestations and pathological features of 197 children who presented with IgAN from December 2007 to November 2013 were analyzed retrospectively based on the criteria for nephrotic syndrome and MCD. Results: Among the 197 children diagnosed with primary IgAN, 25 (12.7%) patients presented with nephrotic syndrome, and 7 patients (2.8%) presented with MCD-like pathological features and nephrotic syndrome simultaneously. The cohort of 7 patients included 5 boys, and the median age was 8.9. All of the patients who were diagnosed with primary nephrotic syndrome were treated initially with corticosteroids. Except for 1 patient with steroid resistance who was lost to follow-up, the other 6 cases presented were steroid sensitive and remained in complete remission for the last follow-up, with median and mean follow-up durations of 30.5 and 34.5 months, respectively (range 10-65 months). Conclusions: This study revealed that IgAN and MCD may also coexist in children. Moreover, most of these patients who presented with nephrotic syndrome responded well to steroids and had a favorable prognosis. Large-scale studies are required, and careful attention should be paid to such complicated cases.
β-Blockers, Pneumonia, and Outcome After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sykora Marek , Siarnik Pavel , Diedler Jennifer ,   VISTA Acute Collaborators, Lees K.R. , Alexandrov A. , Bath P.M. , Bluhmki E. , Bornstein N. , Claesson L. , Davis S.M. , Donnan G. , Diener H. C. , Fisher M. , Ginsberg M. , Gregson B. , Grotta J. , Hacke W. , Hennerici M.G. , Hommel M. , Kaste M. , Lyden P. , Marler J. , Muir K. , Sacco R. , Shuaib A. , Teal P. , Wahlgren N.G. , Warach S. , Weimar C.
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose—

Increased sympathetic drive after stroke is involved in the pathophysiology of several complications including poststroke immunudepression. β-Blocker (BB) therapy has been suggested to have neuroprotective properties and to decrease infectious complications after stroke. We aimed to examine the effects of random pre- and on-stroke BB exposure on mortality, functional outcome, and occurrence of pneumonia after ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Data including standard demographic and clinical variables as well as prestroke and on-stroke antihypertensive medication, incidence of pneumonia, functional outcome defined using modified Rankin Scale and mortality at 3 months were extracted from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive. For statistical analysis multivariable Poisson regression was used.

Results—

In total, 5212 patients were analyzed. A total of 1155 (22.2%) patients were treated with BB before stroke onset and 244 (4.7%) patients were newly started with BB in the acute phase of stroke. Mortality was 17.5%, favorable outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale, 0–2) occurred in 58.2% and pneumonia in 8.2% of patients. Prestroke BB showed no association with mortality. On-stroke BB was associated with reduced mortality (adjusted risk ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.96). Neither prestroke BB nor on-stroke BB showed an association with functional outcome. Both prestroke and on-stroke BB were associated with reduced frequency of pneumonia (adjusted risk ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–0.98 and risk ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.95).

Conclusions—

In this large nonrandomized comparison, on-stroke BB was associated with reduced mortality. Prestroke and on-stroke BB were inversely associated with incidence of nosocomial pneumonia. Randomized trials investigating the potential of β-blockade in acute stroke may be warranted.
The Past Tense Debate Revisited: Electrophysiological Evidence for Subregularities of Irregular Verb Inflection
Authors: Regel Stefanie , Opitz Andreas , Müller Gereon , Friederici Angela D.
Published: April 2015

Neuropsychological research investigating mental grammar and lexicon has largely been based on the processing of regular and irregular inflection. Past tense inflection of regular verbs is assumed to be generated by a syntactic rule (e.g., show-ed), whereas irregular verbs consist of rather unsystematic alternations (e.g., caught) represented as lexical entries. Recent morphological accounts, however, hold that irregular inflection is not entirely rule-free but relies on morphological principles. These subregularities are computed by the syntactic system. We tested this latter hypothesis by examining alternations of irregular German verbs as well as pseudowords using ERPs. Participants read series of irregular verb inflection including present tense, past participle, and past tense forms embedded in minimal syntactic contexts. The critical past tense form was correct (e.g., er sang [he sang]) or incorrect by being either partially consistent (e.g., *er sung [*he sung]) or inconsistent (e.g., *er sing [*he sing]) with the proposed morphological principles. Correspondingly, in a second experimental block, pseudowords (e.g., tang/*tung/*ting) were presented. ERPs for real words revealed a biphasic ERP pattern consisting of a negativity and P600 for both incorrect forms in comparison to the correct equivalents. Most interestingly, the P600 amplitude for the incorrect forms was gradually modulated by the type of anomaly with medium amplitude for consistent past tense forms and largest amplitude for inconsistent past tense forms. ERPs for pseudoword past tense forms showed a similar gradual modulation of N400. The findings support the assumption that irregular verbs are processed by rule-based mechanisms because of subregularities of their past tense inflection.
Ptenidium pusillum (Gyllenhal, 1808) from egg to pupa (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: April 2015

Eggs, larvae and pupae of Ptenidium pusillum obtained by rearing adults are described. Larval chaetotaxy is treated in detail. Two larval instars are identified, differing in minor chaetotaxic characters, pigmentation and measurements. The lack of urogomphi, confirmed in Ptenidium, is discussed in the context of current systematics of Ptiliidae. Serial chaetotaxic homology and between-instar homology are discussed. Observations related to biology of P. pusillum and associations with phoretic mites and nematodes are given.
Embodied Multi-Discursivity
Authors: Poldner Kim , Shrivastava Paul , Branzei Oana
Published: April 2015

Sustainable entrepreneurship is a vital and growing area of entrepreneurship studies. Although charged with multiple potentially conflicting discourses, sustainable entrepreneurship is usually viewed from a binary logic of business versus sustainability. This article uses an aesthetic process approach to sustainable entrepreneurship to move beyond this binary logic and unearth the tensions between multiple discourses. The authors introduce the construct of embodied multi-discursivity that addresses this issue methodologically as well as conceptually. By combining discourse analysis with aesthetic inquiry, the article pushes the boundaries of “traditional” qualitative methods. The aim is to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship scholars to expand their methodological horizon to capture the emotionally charged, value-laden processes they study. Embodied multi-discursivity shows how multi-discursive processes of entrepreneurship come into being, how they are disrupted, and how they can break into a duality that ignores the variety of discourses. The authors conclude by drawing some implications for sustainable entrepreneurship.
Accuracy of Revised and Traditional Parallel Analyses for Assessing Dimensionality with Binary Data
Authors: Green Samuel B. , Redell Nickalus , Thompson Marilyn S. , Levy Roy
Published: April 2015

Parallel analysis (PA) is a useful empirical tool for assessing the number of factors in exploratory factor analysis. On conceptual and empirical grounds, we argue for a revision to PA that makes it more consistent with hypothesis testing. Using Monte Carlo methods, we evaluated the relative accuracy of the revised PA (R-PA) and traditional PA (T-PA) methods for factor analysis of tetrachoric correlations between items with binary responses. We manipulated five data generation factors: number of observations, type of factor model, factor loadings, correlation between factors, and distribution of thresholds. The R-PA method tended to be more accurate than T-PA, although not uniformly across conditions. R-PA tended to perform better relative to T-PA if the underlying model (a) was unidimensional but had some unique items, (b) had highly correlated factors, or (c) had a general factor as well as a group factor. In addition, R-PA tended to outperform T-PA if items had higher factor loadings and sample size was large. A major disadvantage of the T-PA method was that it frequently yielded inflated Type I error rates.
The Experience of Empathy
Authors: Meneses Rita W. , Larkin Michael
Published: April 2015

Empathy is fundamental for interpersonal relationships, and therapy. There is some theoretical dissensus about its underlying process. This study investigated the lived experience of understanding another person through an innovative combination of qualitative methods. The design involved making video recordings of interpersonal interactions between pairs of volunteers. The recordings were then used for a same-day cued-recall interview. During the interview, both volunteers were asked to discuss their interaction experiences. Four in-depth case studies, involving eight participants, were conducted using this technique. The interviews were then subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The results illuminate the multi-dimensional characteristics of interpersonal understanding. Namely, understanding another person was experienced as a phenomenon with three main aspects to it: 1) intuitive; 2) shared/sympathetic; and 3) imaginative/intellectual. Interestingly, shared/sympathetic and imaginative/intellectual understandings were more strongly connected with insights accessed via verbal communication, and with more self-based understandings. On the other hand, intuitive understandings were typically linked to the nonverbal communication domain, and with more other-based, intersubjective or pre-reflective forms of understanding. We argue that intuitive understandings have been under-represented in the empathy literature, and should be acknowledged as an important experiential component of this phenomenon, to be distinguished from intellectual and sympathetic understandings.
Specifying and testing idealized bust surrogates for testing of female stab-resistant body armor
Authors: Forster Amanda L , Rice Kirk D , Riley Michael A , Chan-Ou-Teung Anthony , Guigues Emilien , Forster Aaron M
Published: April 2015

Manufacturers of stab-resistant body armor continually strive to improve the comfort of the armor wearer and maximize protection. As female officers make up a larger portion of the law enforcement and corrections workplace, armor manufacturers have begun to offer designs that accommodate contoured body shapes, such as the female bust region, which results in non-planar armor. Conventional test methodologies for body armor were designed for armor to be tested flat and do not accommodate contoured armor. This work reviews the available literature concerning common bust sizes and discusses the research performed to specify bust surrogate size, shape, and materials for testing stab-resistant female body armor. Two standard cup sizes, B and D, modeled as a paraboloid with a modified base, are recommended to meet breast volume requirements. Recommendations for manufacture of these surrogates for incorporation into standardized test methods are provided. Instrumented stab testing of these surrogates shows that impact location on a structured armor and the type of backing material increase the maximum deceleration of a spike impact.
Effects of moisture content and clothing fit on clothing apparent ‘wet’ thermal insulation: A thermal manikin study
Authors: Wang Faming , Shi Wen , Lu Yehu , Song Guowen , Rossi Rene Michel , Anaheim Simon
Published: April 2015

‘Wet’ thermal insulation, defined as the thermal insulation when clothing gets partially or fully wet, is an important physical parameter to quantify clothing thermal comfort. As the water/sweat gradually occupies the intra-yarn and inter-yarn air voids of the clothing material, the clothing intrinsic thermal insulation will be diminished and, hence, contribute to the loss of total insulation. In cold conditions, a loss in total thermal insulation caused by sweating may result in an inadequate thermal insulation to keep thermal balance and eventually leads to the development of hypothermia and cold injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the effect of clothing fit and moisture content on clothing ‘wet’ insulation. In this study, the ‘wet’ thermal insulation of three two-layer clothing ensembles was determined using a Newton thermal manikin. Four levels of moisture content were added to the underwear: 100, 200, 500 and 700 g. The clothing apparent ‘wet’ thermal insulation under different testing scenarios was calculated and compared. A third-degree polynomial relationship between the reduction in ‘wet’ thermal insulation and the moisture content added to underwear was obtained. Further, it was evident that the clothing fit has a minimal effect on the apparent ‘wet’ thermal insulation. The findings may have important applications in designing and engineering functional cold weather clothing and immersion suits.
Taking on power: Women leaders in evangelical mission organizations
Authors: Dzubinski Leanne M.
Published: April 2015

Women leaders are scarce in evangelical mission organizations. Part of the reason may be gender-role stereotypes, which function very strongly in much of evangelicalism. This article presents the stories of two women who worked at executive-level leadership positions in evangelical mission organizations. Using narrative analysis and a critical feminist lens, I examine their stories to understand how these women describe their leadership and how they portray their use of power. The strength of gender-role stereotypes and evangelical gender roles appeared to define and limit the power they were able to use. As long as they stayed within prescribed norms, they experienced some success. Deviations from the gender-role stereotypes led to sanctions from their organizations. Conclusions and implications are that the stereotypes may limit women’s leadership and that both women and organizations need to become aware of how these unspoken assumptions may be functioning. Recommendations for women leaders and for organizations seeking to incorporate women into leadership are offered.
Seven Gay Texts: Biblical Passages Used to Condemn Homosexuality
Authors: Gnuse Robert K.
Published: April 2015

There are seven texts often cited by Christians to condemn homosexuality: Noah and Ham (Genesis 9:20–27), Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1–11), Levitical laws condemning same-sex relationships (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13), two words in two Second Testament vice lists (1 Corinthians 6:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:10), and Paul's letter to the Romans (Romans 1:26–27). The author believes that these do not refer to homosexual relationships between two free, adult, and loving individuals. They describe rape or attempted rape (Genesis 9:20–27, 19:1–11), cultic prostitution (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13), male prostitution and pederasty (1 Corinthians 6:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:10), and the Isis cult in Rome (Romans 1:26–27). If the biblical authors did assume homosexuality was evil, we do not theologize off of their cultural assumptions, we theologize off of the texts we have in the canon. The author attempts to introduce some new arguments into this long-standing and passionate debate.
Developing a Registry for Complications in Otorhinolaryngologic Surgery
Authors: Ruohoalho Johanna , Mäkitie Antti A. , Atula Timo , Takala Annika , Keski‐Säntti Harri , Aro Katri , Haapaniemi Aaro , Markkanen‐Leppänen Mari , Bäck Leif J.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To find a suitable method to prospectively register all tonsil surgery–related complications.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

From September 2011 to February 2012, patients undergoing tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy were enrolled. A wide range of demographic and clinical data including incidents of postoperative complications was recorded prospectively, and patient records were reviewed 9 months after the end of study period. We evaluated the coverage of prospective data recording, analyzed the complication rates, and assessed the process of registration.

Results

A total of 573 patients were recruited. The study registry including 57 variables required the completion of missing data before analysis. Of all 79 patients with a complication, 69.6% were captured prospectively at the emergency department, and the rest were found when reviewing the patient records. The proportion of prospectively captured complications was highest for the most common complications (eg, 81.1% for secondary hemorrhage). The overall complication rate was 13.8%. Secondary hemorrhage was the most common complication, with the incidence of 9.6%.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated the initial feasibility of a prospective complication registry for otorhinolaryngology procedures, and the results can be applied accordingly. We also present 5 practical recommendations when initiating a functional registry. Particular attention should be paid to recognition and registration of both rare and serious events. Regular analysis of the results is required in order to respond to possible changes in the incidence or nature of complications.
Discrimination and Potential Housemates With Mental or Substance Abuse Problems
Authors: Tuffin Keith , Clark Vicky
Published: April 2015

The rationale for this study was to contribute to the surprising paucity of research on the topic of shared housing among young adults and particularly the explanations and justifications involved in selecting new flatmates. The study aimed to develop greater understanding of the required discrimination involved in choosing acceptable people for the intimacy of shared living, which conflicts with current taboos against openly discussing prejudice. Data were drawn from interviews with experienced house sharers in New Zealand, recently involved in the selection of new housemates. The analysis examines how people with mental or substance abuse problems are discursively constructed as acceptable or unsuitable. Stigma, stereotyping, and discrimination were evident but rejection was framed in terms of safety, economic concerns, social harmony, and past bad experiences. Mental illness was acceptable providing it was unproblematic and invisible. While recreational soft drug use was condoned, hard drugs and frequent use were not.