bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic Sclerosis with Normal or Nonspecific Nailfold Capillaroscopy
Authors: Fichel Fanny , Baudot Nathalie , Gaitz Jean-Pierre , Trad Salim , Barbe Coralie , Francès Camille , Senet Patricia
Published: April 2014

Background: In systemic sclerosis (SSc), a specific nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) pattern is observed in 90% of cases and seems to be associated with severity and progression of the disease. Objective: To describe the characteristics of SSc patients with normal or nonspecific (normal/nonspecific) NVC. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, clinical features and visceral involvements of 25 SSc cases with normal/nonspecific NVC were compared to 63 SSc controls with the SSc-specific NVC pattern. Results: Normal/nonspecific NVC versus SSc-specific NVC pattern was significantly associated with absence of skin sclerosis (32 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.004), absence of telangiectasia (47.8 vs. 17.3%, p = 0.006) and absence of sclerodactyly (60 vs. 25.4%, p = 0.002), and less frequent severe pulmonary involvement (26.3 vs. 58.2%, p = 0.017). Conclusion: Normal/nonspecific NVC in SSc patients appears to be associated with less severe skin involvement and less frequent severe pulmonary involvement.
Epigenetic Analyses and the Distribution of Repetitive DNA and Resistance Genes Reveal the Complexity of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) Heterochromatin
Authors: Fonsêca Artur , Richard Manon M.S. , Geffroy Valérie , Pedrosa-Harand Andrea
Published: April 2014

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the main representative of its genus and one of most important sources of proteins in African and Latin American countries. Although it is a species with a small genome, its pericentromeric and subtelomeric heterochromatin fractions are interspersed with single-copy sequences and active genes, suggesting a less compartmentalized genome organization. The present study characterized its chromatin fractions, associating the distribution of repetitive sequences and resistance genes with histone and DNA epigenetic modifications with and without biotic stress. Immunostaining with H3K4me3 and H4K5ac were generally associated with euchromatic regions, whereas H3K9me2, H3K27me1, and 5mC preferentially labeled the pericentromeric heterochromatin. The 45S rDNA and centromeric DNA sequences were hypomethylated as were most of the terminal heterochromatic blocks. The largest of them, which is associated with resistance genes, was also hypomethylated after the plants were infected with virulent and avirulent strains of the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, suggesting no correlation with control of resistance gene expression. The results highlighted the differences between subtelomeric and pericentromeric heterochromatin as well as variation within the pericentromeric heterochromatin.
Widespread Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis in a Nonimmunocompromised Patient
Authors: Almodovar-Real Ana , Molina-Leyva Alejandro , Espiñeira-Carmona María Jose , Ríos-Pelegrina Rosa , Naranjo-Sintes Ramón , Husein El-Ahmed Husein
Published: April 2014

Objective: We present a case of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, a rare dermatosis which is often associated with HIV infection or internal malignancies. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: We report the case of a 66-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension. Histopathological examination showed a dense follicular inflammatory infiltrate with abundant eosinophils. The clinical response to indomethacin was excellent with no recurrence during the follow-up. Conclusion: The patient responded well to indomethacin treatment.
Knowing What We Do and Doing What We Should: Quality Assurance in Hemodialysis
Authors: Alquist Maria , Bosch Juan P. , Barth Claudia , Combe Christian , Daugirdas John T. , Hegbrant Jörgen B.A. , Martin Georges , McIntyre Christopher W. , O'Donoghue Donal J. , Rodriguez Hector J. , Santoro Antonio , Tattersall James E. , Vantard Georges , Van Wyck David B. , Canaud Bernard
Published: April 2014

An international group of around 50 nephrologists and scientists, including representatives from large dialysis provider organisations, formulated recommendations on how to develop and implement quality assurance measures to improve individual hemodialysis patient care, population health and cost effectiveness. Discussed were methods thought to be of highest priority, those clinical indicators which might be most related to meaningful patient outcomes, tools to control treatment delivery and the role of facilitating computerized expert systems. Emphasis was given to the use of new technologies such as measurement of online dialysance and ways of assessing fluid status. The current evidence linking achievement of quality criteria with patient outcomes was reviewed. This paper summarizes useful processes and quality measures supporting quality assurance that have been agreed across the expert panel. It also notes areas where more understanding is required.
Pure Trisomy 2p Syndrome in Two Siblings with an Unbalanced Translocation and Minimal Terminal 12q Monosomy Characterized by High-Density Microarray
Authors: Martínez-Juárez Alejandro , Uribe-Figueroa Laura , Quintana-Palma Mónica , Razo-Aguilera Guadalupe , Sevilla-Montoya Rosalba
Published: April 2014

Pure partial trisomy 2p patients have rarely been reported. Oligonucleotide array analysis has proved to be important for examining 2p rearrangements to delineate the involved segment and to rule out additional imbalances modifying the phenotype. Here, we report 2 siblings with an unbalanced translocation that led to a partial trisomy 2p (p22.3pter) and a terminal deletion of 12q (q24.33qter). This finding was characterized by the molecular karyotyping of both siblings. The 12q loss spanned approximately 300 kb and did not yield clinical features in our patients. The trisomic region in the short arm of chromosome 2 spanned 32.8 Mb and yielded phenotypic features of pure distal 2p trisomy, notably facial anomalies, growth failure, and psychomotor delay. The clinical features of our patients help to delineate the phenotype of the pure trisomy 2p syndrome. Patient 2 also showed a horseshoe kidney which is a previously unrecognized defect associated with this syndrome.
Identification of Functional Modules by Integration of Multiple Data Sources Using a Bayesian Network Classifier
Authors: Wang Jinlian , Zuo Yiming , Liu Lun , Man Yangao , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Ressom Habtom W.
Published: April 2014

Background—

Prediction of functional modules is indispensable for detecting protein deregulation in human complex diseases such as cancer. Bayesian network is one of the most commonly used models to integrate heterogeneous data from multiple sources such as protein domain, interactome, functional annotation, genome-wide gene expression, and the literature.

Methods and Results—

In this article, we present a Bayesian network classifier that is customized to (1) increase the ability to integrate diverse information from different sources, (2) effectively predict protein–protein interactions, (3) infer aberrant networks with scale-free and small-world properties, and (4) group molecules into functional modules or pathways based on the primary function and biological features. Application of this model in discovering protein biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma leads to the identification of functional modules that provide insights into the mechanism of the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. These functional modules include cell cycle deregulation, increased angiogenesis (eg, vascular endothelial growth factor, blood vessel morphogenesis), oxidative metabolic alterations, and aberrant activation of signaling pathways involved in cellular proliferation, survival, and differentiation.

Conclusions—

The discoveries and conclusions derived from our customized Bayesian network classifier are consistent with previously published results. The proposed approach for determining Bayesian network structure facilitates the integration of heterogeneous data from multiple sources to elucidate the mechanisms of complex diseases.
Endothelial Apoptosis in Pulmonary Hypertension Is Controlled by a microRNA/Programmed Cell Death 4/Caspase-3 Axis
Authors: White Kevin , Dempsie Yvonne , Caruso Paola , Wallace Emma , McDonald Robert A. , Stevens Hannah , Hatley Mark E. , Van Rooij Eva , Morrell Nicholas W. , MacLean Margaret R. , Baker Andrew H.
Published: April 2014

Pulmonary endothelial cell apoptosis is a transient, yet defining pathogenic event integral to the onset of many pulmonary vascular diseases such as pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, there is a paucity of information concerning the molecular pathway(s) that control pulmonary arterial endothelial cell apoptosis. Here, we introduce a molecular axis that when functionally active seems to induce pulmonary arterial endothelial cell apoptosis in vitro and PH in vivo. In response to apoptotic stimuli, human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells exhibited robust induction of a programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4)/caspase-3/apoptotic pathway that was reversible by direct PDCD4 silencing. Indirectly, this pathway was also repressed by delivery of a microRNA-21 mimic. In vivo, genetic deletion of microRNA-21 in mice (
miR-21
−/−
mice) resulted in functional activation of the PDCD4/caspase-3 axis in the pulmonary tissues, leading to the onset of progressive PH. Conversely, microRNA-21–overexpressing mice (
CAG-microRNA-21
mice) exhibited reduced PDCD4 expression in pulmonary tissues and were partially resistant to PH in response to chronic hypoxia plus SU 5416 injury. Furthermore, direct PDCD4 knockout in mice (
PDCD4
−/−
mice) potently blocked pulmonary caspase-3 activation and the development of chronic hypoxia plus SU 5416 PH, confirming its importance in disease onset. Broadly, these findings support the existence of a microRNA-21–responsive PDCD4/caspase-3 pathway in the pulmonary tissues that when active serves to promote endothelial apoptosis in vitro and PH in vivo.
Tetanus Toxoid‐Pulsed Monocyte Vaccination for Augmentation of Collateral Vessel Growth
Authors: Herold Joerg , Francke Alexander , Weinert Soenke , Schmeisser Alexander , Hebel Katrin , Schraven Burkhart , Roehl Friedich‐Wilhelm , Strasser Ruth H. , Braun‐Dullaeus Ruediger C.
Published: April 2014

Background

The pathogenesis of collateral growth (arteriogenesis) has been linked to both the innate and adaptive immune systems. While therapeutic approaches for the augmentation of arteriogenesis have focused on innate immunity, exploiting both innate and adaptive immune responses has not been examined. We hypothesized that tetanus toxoid (tt) immunization of mice followed by transplantation of monocytes (Mo) exposed ex vivo to tt augments arteriogenesis after ligation of the hind limb.

Methods and Results

Mo were generated from nonimmunized
BALB
/c mice, exposed ex vivo to tt for 24 hours and intravenously injected (ttMo, 2.5×10
6
) into the tail veins of tt‐immunized syngeneic mice whose hind limbs had been ligated 24 hours prior to transplantation. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was applied, and a perfusion index (
PI
) was calculated (ratio ligated/unligated). Twenty‐one days after ligation, the arteriogenesis of untreated
BALB
/c mice was limited (
PI
=0.49±0.09). Hind limb function was impaired in 80% of animals. Injection of non‐engineered Mo insignificantly increased the
PI
to 0.56±0.07. However, ttMo transplantation resulted in a strong increase of the
PI
to 0.82±0.08 (n=7;
P
<0.001), with no (0%) detectable functional impairment. ttMo injected into nonimmunized mice had no effect. The strong arteriogenic response of ttMo transplantation into immunized mice was prevented when mice had been depleted of T‐helper cells by
CD
4‐antibody pretreatment (
PI
=0.50±0.08; n=17;
P
<0.001), supporting the hypothesis that transplanted cells interact with recipient lymphocytes.

Conclusions

Transplantation of ttMo into pre‐immunized mice strongly promotes arteriogenesis. This therapeutic approach is feasible and highly attractive for the alleviation of morbidity associated with vascular occlusive disease.
Euromissiles as the Ultimate Evolution of Theater Nuclear Forces in Europe
Authors: Gaffney Henry H.
Published: April 2014

This article builds on the analysis published by Kristina Spohr-Readman in the Fall 2012 issue of the JCWS about the decision in December 1979 by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to deploy intermediate-range nuclear forces in Europe. Spohr-Readman's article drew heavily on declassified documents from NATO countries, but information from those who took part in the deliberations (of whom Gaffney was one) sheds further light on the matter and changes a few aspects of the story, particularly regarding U.S. officials' views of the utility (or lack thereof) of battlefield nuclear weapons.
Understanding Variations in Gulf Migration and Labor Practices
Authors: Roper Steven D. , Barria Lilian A.
Published: April 2014

This article examines labor and migration in the Gulf and variations in the legal provisions for workers. Since the 1970s, there has been a significant increase in South and Southeast Asian worker migration to the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). Over the last four decades, these migrant workers have replaced Arab migrants throughout the Gulf. In order to deal with the massive influx of these workers, Gulf States have instituted a sponsorship system (kafala) which becomes the legal basis for residency and employment. This article analyzes the kafala system used in each Gulf State and explores the factors which account for differences in the structure and legal basis of the sponsor-employee relationship as well as variations in the application of the system to Arab and non-Arab migrant workers. We find that the economy of the GCC country heavily influences the type of kafala system used.
The Study of Democratization and the Arab Spring*
Authors: Ahmed Amel , Capoccia Giovanni
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes and illustrates a framework for analysis of the recent events in Middle Eastern and North African countries (the so-called Arab Spring) by bringing into dialogue recent theoretical advances in democratization theory with the comparative-historical literature on the political development of the MENA region. We advocate two analytical shifts from conventional approaches in the analysis of the Arab Spring: first, reconsider the temporalities of democratization processes; second, focus on struggles over specific institutional arenas rather than over the regime as a whole. The former recommendation draws attention both to the strategies used by key actors in the political, economic, and civil society spheres, and to the historical legacies that built the influence and resources of these actors over time. The latter allows us to consider the institutional safeguards for old elites that are likely to be included in the post-authoritarian regimes emerging in the region. Even though some of these safeguards are clearly anti-democratic, historical examples show that they do not necessarily preclude democratization. Indeed, in some cases, their introduction might be necessary to achieve democratic openings in other arenas. We illustrate these theoretical points with reference to the case of Egypt.
Impacts of Autumn Arctic Sea Ice Concentration Changes on the East Asian Winter Monsoon Variability
Authors: Chen Zhang , Wu Renguang , Chen Wen
Published: April 2014

The present study investigated the impacts of autumn Arctic sea ice concentration (SIC) changes on the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and associated climate and circulation on the interannual time scale. It is found that the Arctic SIC anomalies have little impact on the southern mode of EAWM, but the northern mode is significantly associated with both western and eastern Arctic SIC anomalies. When there is less (more) SIC in eastern (western) Arctic, the EAWM tends to be stronger. The concurrent surface air temperature anomalies are induced both locally due to the direct effect of ice cover and in remote regions through anomalous wind advection. Analysis showed that eastern Arctic SIC anomalies have a larger effect on local atmospheric stability of the lower troposphere than western Arctic SIC anomalies. Winter temperature over the midlatitudes of East Asia is lower when there is more (less) SIC in the western (eastern) Arctic. The atmospheric response to the Arctic SIC anomalies is dominantly barotropic in autumn, and changes to baroclinic over the midlatitudes of Asia, but remains barotropic in other regions in winter. The mid- to high-latitude circulation systems, including the Siberian high, the East Asian trough, and the East Asian westerly jet stream, play important roles in connecting autumn Arctic SIC anomalies and the northern mode of the EAWM variability. No obvious concurrent sea surface temperature anomalies accompany Arctic SIC variations on the interannual time scale, indicating that the Arctic SIC anomalies have independent impacts on the East Asian winter climate.
Can Polar Lows be Objectively Identified and Tracked in the ECMWF Operational Analysis and the ERA-Interim Reanalysis?
Authors: Zappa Giuseppe , Shaffrey Len , Hodges Kevin
Published: April 2014

Polar lows are maritime mesocyclones associated with intense surface wind speeds and oceanic heat fluxes at high latitudes. The ability of the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim, hereafter ERAI) to represent polar lows in the North Atlantic is assessed by comparing ERAI and the ECMWF operational analysis for the period 2008–11. First, the representation of a set of satellite-observed polar lows over the Norwegian and Barents Seas in the operational analysis and ERAI is analyzed. Then, the possibility of directly identifying and tracking the polar lows in the operational analysis and ERAI is explored using a tracking algorithm based on 850-hPa vorticity with objective identification criteria on cyclone dynamical intensity and atmospheric static stability. All but one of the satellite-observed polar lows with a lifetime of at least 6 h have an 850-hPa vorticity signature of a collocated mesocyclone in both the operational analysis and ERAI for most of their life cycles. However, the operational analysis has vorticity structures that better resemble the observed cloud patterns and stronger surface wind speed intensities compared to those in ERAI. By applying the objective identification criteria, about 55% of the satellite-observed polar lows are identified and tracked in ERAI, while this fraction increases to about 70% in the operational analysis. Particularly in ERAI, the remaining observed polar lows are mainly not identified because they have too weak wind speed and vorticity intensity compared to the tested criteria. The implication of the tendency of ERAI to underestimate the polar low dynamical intensity for future studies of polar lows is discussed.
Teaching Emancipatory Postcolonial Knowledge
Authors: Arukwe Nnanna Onuoha
Published: April 2014

This article discusses the experience of an up-coming African University lecturer engaged in teaching “emancipatory postcolonial knowledge” to young African minds for over 8 years. The young Africans that the lecturer has interacted with are in the age range of 19 to 31, they are fairly distributed between both genders, and are all university undergraduates taking the courses: Sociology of Decolonization and Contemporary African Social Thought. In addition to firsthand interaction in and out of classroom between the lecturer and the students, the article, among others, relies on course evaluation data obtained from course evaluation questionnaires given to the students at the end of the courses. The article notes a significant difference in the preference of course topics, among others, by gender among the students—a difference which qualitative data show to derive from the implications for gender equality that knowledge of such topics has for the students. The article thus concludes that the designing and teaching of social science courses in Africa generally will be more beneficial for African decolonization and contemporary civilization, as well as meaningful and exciting for the students thereby awakening their latent abilities, if knowledge that inspires thinking in postcolonial and gender equality terms is built in at every level as a matter of principle.
Caregiver Quality of Life and Daily Functioning in Relation to Ventilating Tube Treatment
Authors: Heidemann Christian Hamilton , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , Kjeldsen Anette Drøhse , Faber Christian Emil , Johansen Eva Charlotte Jung , Godballe Christian
Published: April 2014

Objective

Caregiver quality of life and daily functioning may improve after ventilating tube treatment in children with otitis media. The aims of this study are to assess possible changes in caregiver quality of life and daily functioning in relation to ventilating tube treatment and to investigate possible predictors for clinical success.

Study Design

Longitudinal observational study.

Setting

Secondary care units.

Methods

Four hundred ninety‐one families were enrolled in the study. The Caregiver Impact Questionnaire was applied in the assessment of caregiver quality of life. Caregivers completed questionnaires at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months’ follow‐up. Variables on caregiver daily functioning comprised 4 weeks’ history of number of interrupted nights, absenteeism, cancelled social activities, and doctor visits as a result of otitis media in the child.

Results

Response rates ranged from 96% to 79%. Significant improvements in disease‐specific quality of life were seen after treatment. The poorest baseline quality of life was found in caregivers of children with recurrent acute otitis media. Significant improvements were found on all variables on daily functioning. Predictors for caregiver‐perceived clinical success included child sex, number of interrupted nights, doctor visits, absenteeism, and cancelled social activities.

Conclusion

Results of this study support the notion that caregivers of children with otitis media with defined surgical indications improve their quality of life and daily functioning after ventilating tube treatment. Factors related to caregiver functioning and disease severity were found to be associated with caregivers experiencing important improvements after treatment.
Ultrasound‐Guided Needle Localization during Open Parotid Sialolithotomy
Authors: Joshi Arjun S. , Sood Amit J.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Our objective is to describe a novel operative technique for localization of parotid sialolithiasis, demonstrate the feasibility of the technique, and discuss its indications.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Tertiary‐level academic center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with symptomatic parotid sialolithiasis who had failed prior sialendoscopic extraction underwent ultrasound needle localization and open sialolithotomy. Data were prospectively collected. Independent variables included size of and location of sialoliths.

Results

Eleven patients were treated using transcutaneous ultrasound‐guided needle placement and injection of methylene blue prior to external sialolithotomy. Follow‐up ranged from 6 to 12 months. Ten (91.9%) patients had stones within the proximal one‐third of the ductal lumen, and 1 (9.1%) had stones present within both the proximal one‐third and middle one‐third of the ductal lumen. The average surgical time was 53 ± 10.8 minutes. The average sialolith length was 7.6 ± 2 mm. The average sialolith width was 6 ± 1.9 mm. All 11 (100%) cases were successful for stone retrieval. Ten (91%) patients had complete symptom resolution, and 1 (9.1%) patient had partial resolution of symptoms. No patients had major complications. Three (27.3%) patients had minor complications.

Conclusion

After failing a purely endoscopic approach, sialoliths of the parotid gland pose a problem for precise localization and treatment. Ultrasound has been demonstrated to be reliable for identifying sialoliths. We propose a novel technique and assert that ultrasound‐guided needle localization is a reliable aid to effective external parotid sialolithotomy, especially for larger stones >4 mm that are not amenable to sialendoscopic retrieval.
Bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement on a mechanical valve ring
Authors: Ashraf Omer , Yadav Sumit
Published: April 2014

Mechanical valve failure is a known but rare occurrence in cardiac surgery. A 71-year-old lady underwent surgery for failure of her mechanical aortic valve. It was replaced with another mechanical valve. However, during operative manipulation, both leaflets fractured, resulting in a prolonged operative time. Under these circumstances, a novel approach was adopted and a bioprosthetic valve was implanted on the mechanical valve sewing ring as a final resort. The intervention was successful. This illustrates a case of the need for innovative approaches in cardiac surgery.
Framing Options as Choice or Opportunity
Authors: Abhyankar Purva , Summers Barbara A. , Velikova Galina , Bekker Hilary L.
Published: April 2014

Objective. Health professionals must enable patients to make informed decisions about health care choices through unbiased presentation of all options. This study examined whether presenting the decision as “opportunity” rather than “choice” biased individuals’ preferences in the context of trial participation for cancer treatment. Methods. Self-selecting healthy women ( N = 124) were randomly assigned to the following decision frames: opportunity to take part in the trial (opt-in), opportunity to be removed from the trial (opt-out), and choice to have standard treatment or take part in the trial (choice). The computer-based task required women to make a hypothetical choice about a real-world cancer treatment trial. The software presented the framed scenario, recorded initial preference, presented comprehensive and balanced information, traced participants’ use of information during decision making, and recorded final decision. A posttask paper questionnaire assessed perceived risk, attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and satisfaction with decision. Results. Framing influenced women’s immediate preferences. Opportunity frames, whether opt-in or opt-out, introduced a bias as they discouraged women from choosing standard treatment. Using the choice frame avoided this bias. The opt-out opportunity frame also affected women’s perceived social norm; women felt that others endorsed the trial option. The framing bias was not present once participants had had the opportunity to view detailed information on the options within a patient decision aid format. There were no group differences in information acquisition and final decisions. Sixteen percent changed their initial preference after receiving full information. Conclusions. A “choice” frame, where all treatment options are explicit, is less likely to bias preferences. Presentation of full information in parallel, option-by-attribute format is likely to “de-bias” the decision frame. Tailoring of information to initial preferences would be ill-advised as preferences may change following detailed information.
Arthroscopic Repair of Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears With and Without Acromioplasty
Authors: Abrams Geoffrey D. , Gupta Anil K. , Hussey Kristen E. , Tetteh Elizabeth S. , Karas Vasili , Bach Bernard R. , Cole Brian J. , Romeo Anthony A. , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Acromioplasty is commonly performed during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but its effect on short-term outcomes is debated.

Purpose:

To report the short-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears with and without acromioplasty.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears were randomized into acromioplasty or nonacromioplasty groups. The Simple Shoulder Test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Short Form–12 (SF-12) health assessment were collected along with physical examination including range of motion and dynamometer strength testing. Intraoperative data including tear size, repair configuration, and concomitant procedures were recorded. Follow-up examination was performed at regular intervals up to 2 years. Preoperative imaging was reviewed to classify the acromial morphologic type, acromial angle, and lateral acromial angulation.

Results:

A total of 114 patients were initially enrolled in the study, and 95 (83%; 43 nonacromioplasty, 52 acromioplasty) were available for a minimum 2-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including number of tendons torn, repair configuration, concomitant procedures, and acromion type and angles. Within groups, there was a significant ( P < .001) improvement in all functional outcome scores from preoperatively to all follow-up time points, including 2 years, for the nonacromioplasty and acromioplasty groups (ASES score: 55.1-91.5, 48.8-89.0; Constant score: 48.3-75.0, 51.9-78.7, respectively). There were no significant differences in functional outcomes between nonacromioplasty and acromioplasty groups or between subjects with different acromial features at any time point.

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrate no difference in clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty at 2 years postoperatively.
Low-carbon scheduling and estimating for a flexible job shop based on carbon footprint and carbon efficiency of multi-job processing
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang , Gu Peihua , Jiang Pingyu
Published: April 2014

With the enhancement of people’s environmental awareness, low-carbon and energy efficiency in manufacturing industry have been drawing much attention due to the huge consumption of raw materials and energy during machining processes. But as one of the approaches to reduce carbon emission, manufacturing shop scheduling strategies have historically emphasized the makespan, machine workload, and so on and neglected energy and environmental factors in most cases. This article presents a model of low-carbon scheduling of the flexible job shop, which considers both factors of production (i.e. makespan and machine workload) and environmental influence (i.e. carbon emission). A carbon footprint model of multi-job processing is established to quantify the carbon emission of different scheduling plans, and three carbon efficiency indicators are put forward to estimate the carbon emission of parts and machine tools, that is, processing carbon efficiency, part carbon efficiency, and machine tool carbon efficiency. To solve the proposed model, a hybrid non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II which combines the original non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II with a local search algorithm based on neighborhood search is proposed. Finally, test of some well-known benchmark instances is carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, and an actual case is studied to demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model.
Selection of the optimum tooth profile for plastic cycloidal gears
Authors: Biernacki Krzysztof
Published: April 2014

Cycloidal gears make up the main working unit of hydraulic gerotor machines. In the article, a question of a more efficient application of plastics in building the gears is discussed. The discussion is based on a numerical strain analysis which was done by means of the finite elements method. The stress and deformation values in the operating cycloidal gears were specified. The numerical analysis was carried out in two stages in order to determine the optimum gear tooth profile. The profile depends on the tooth height and on the tooth correction coefficient. At the first stage, the optimum tooth height coefficient λ was calculated. Having determined the optimum value λ, the analysis was continued, and at the second stage, the optimum correction coefficient v for the gears at an earlier selected constant value λ was defined. The analysis results were useful in selecting parameters for determining the geometrical characteristics of the cycloidal gears. The parameters were then used in defining the most suitable tooth profile for the hydraulic machine featuring the cycloidal gears.
Investigation of the relationship between engine valve leakage and acoustic emission measured on the cylinder head ignoring combustion effects
Authors: Jafari SM , Mehdigholi H , Behzad M
Published: April 2014

Finding leakage in valves is important to troubleshoot performance of internal combustion engines. Leakage can lead to a reduction in engine power and an increase in emissions. The main objective of the present study is to investigate relationship between valve leakage and the acoustic emission generated from the steady flow in the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. The test rig is the cylinder head for a spark-ignited engine. The test rig simulates the valve leakage due to valve clearance. The valve clearance fault was artificially simulated by a very small lift in valve. The acoustic emission method was used to measure acoustic emission signals generated by valve flow. Characteristics of acoustic emission signals in the time and frequency domains are presented and explained. The effects of air pressure level, valve lift, and valve type on the acoustic emission signals are investigated. It is shown that acoustic emission energy and valve leakage parameters have a linear correlation. The results demonstrate the potential of the acoustic emission source identification in the practical situation of detecting valve leakage using the investigated relationship.
Towards transformative adaptation in cities: the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment
Authors: Revi Aromar , Satterthwaite David , Aragón-Durand Fernando , Corfee-Morlot Jan , Kiunsi Robert B R , Pelling Mark , Roberts Debra , Solecki William , Gajjar Sumetee Pahwa , Sverdlik Alice
Published: April 2014

This paper considers the very large differences in adaptive capacity among the world’s urban centres. It then discusses how risk levels may change for a range of climatic drivers of impacts in the near term (2030–2040) and the long term (2080–2100) with a 2°C and a 4°C warming for Dar es Salaam, Durban, London and New York City. The paper is drawn directly from Chapter 8 of Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, the IPCC Working Group II contribution to the Fifth Assessment Report. It includes the complete text of this chapter’s Executive Summary. The paper highlights the limits to what adaptation can do to protect urban areas and their economies and populations without the needed global agreement and action on mitigation; this is the case even for cities with high adaptive capacities. It ends with a discussion of transformative adaptation and where learning on how to achieve this needs to come from.
Pension fund vulnerability to the financial market crisis: The role of trade unions
Authors: Wiß Tobias
Published: April 2014

Restricted public pension schemes and cuts in earnings-related pensions have increased the role of pension funds. However, it is unclear from previous studies how far financial market crises affect pension funds mediated by trade unions and employee participation. This article draws on institutionalist arguments to link different mechanisms of coordination of market economies to differences in pension systems, corporate and pension fund governance, investment strategies and thus the vulnerability of pension funds to financial market risks. There is higher vulnerability to financial market crises in liberal market economies with weak trade union influence and high equity exposure.
Vitamin D levels in children, adolescents, and young adults with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Stagi S , Cavalli L , Bertini F , Martino M de , Cerinic M Matucci , Brandi ML , Falcini F
Published: April 2014

Background

SS and LC contributed equally to this manuscript. Hypovitaminosis D is common in the general population. Although many studies on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are available on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), few data are reported in juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE) patients.

Design

This study aimed to assess serum 25(OH)D levels in JSLE patients and to identify risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in this population.

Methods

Forty-five Caucasian JSLE patients (36 females, nine males; mean age 18.9 ± 6.3 years) and 109 age- and sex-matched healthy controls entered the study. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the lumbar spine, serum calcium and phosphate, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25(OH)D were assessed. The data were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group including 109 Caucasian healthy subjects.

Results

JSLE patients exhibited lower 25(OH)D levels than controls ( p < 0.005), with the lower values observed in patients with active vs. inactive disease ( p < 0.05). JSLE patients exhibited reduced total calcium levels ( p < 0.001) and higher phosphate levels ( p < 0.001), BSAP ( p < 0.001) and PTH ( p < 0.001) than controls. In addition, JSLE patients exhibited lower spine bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) SDS values than controls ( p < 0.001), with higher values in patients with 25(OH)D sufficiency and insufficiency than in those with 25(OH)D deficiency ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with JSLE have significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than controls. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation may be useful to normalize bone mass and quality in subjects with JSLE.
Translating between social worlds of policy and everyday life: The development of a group-based method to support policymaking by exploring behavioural aspects of sustainable consumption
Authors: Horlick-Jones Tom , Prades Ana
Published: April 2014

A large international literature on how lay citizens make sense of various aspects of science and technology has been generated by investigations which utilise small group methods. Within that literature, focus group and other group-based methods have come to co-exist, and to some extent, hybridise, with the use of small groups in citizen engagement initiatives. In this article, we report on how we drew upon these methodological developments in the design and operationalisation of a policymaking support tool (STAVE). This tool has been developed to gain insight, in a relatively speedy and cost-effective way, into practical details of the everyday lived experience of people’s lives, as relating to the sustainability of corresponding practices. An important challenge we faced was how, in Kuhn’s terms, to ‘translate’ between the forms of life corresponding to the world of policymaking and the world of everyday domestic life. We examine conceptual and methodological aspects of how the tool was designed and assembled, and then trialled in the context of active real-world collaborations with policymaking organisations. These trials were implemented in six European countries, where they were used to support work on live policy issues concerned with sustainable consumption.
Emulated or National? Contemporary India’s ‘Great Power’ Discourse
Authors: Mishra Atul
Published: April 2014

Its ubiquity notwithstanding, contemporary India’s ‘great power’ discourse does not appear to reflect the concerns of the Indian multitude. Recognizing this condition and approaching the discourse as a political phenomenon that has real effects, this article makes the following suggestions. First, India’s great power discourse comes into existence through a pedagogical project wherein the discourse’s core assumptions about India’s role and purpose in world affairs appear uncritically emulated from the historical experience of other great powers, primarily the United States. Second, even though the discourse is rooted in a historical experience external to the nation, it would be misleading to term the discourse as a ‘wholly emulated’ one. The agential participation of at least some Indian nationals in carrying out the emulation makes it a ‘more emulated and less national’ discourse. Third, though it is ‘more emulated and less national,’ the project normalizes the discourse by erasing the signs of its emulation; so that it can be passed off as a ‘wholly national’ discourse. This allows the discourse to appropriate the entire imaginative space of the Indian nation and, therefore, of India’s international relations. Fourth, once aware of these workings of the pedagogical project, we can wonder how a democratic—that is, a ‘more national and less emulated’—idea of India’s role and purpose in world affairs could look like.
India in Afghanistan
Authors: Pant Harsh V.
Published: April 2014

Ever since the declaration of the ‘war on terror’ in Afghanistan in 2001, New Delhi has heavily invested in humanitarian assistance, development projects and nation-building activities in that country with a view to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship with Kabul and thereby enhance its own regional security. However, its reliance on the ‘soft power’ approach made it a ‘secondary player’ in Afghanistan; its views and concerns were not adequately taken into account by the international community while reaching crucial decisions regarding the endgame in Afghanistan—phasing out of international forces and handing over the charge to the Afghan National Army; and the United States seemed more inclined to rely on Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) to engage the Taliban leadership in the ensuing political process. This quite expectedly generated domestic resentment in India as well as calls for adoption of a more robust approach to protect its interests in Afghanistan. This article explores the new policy course New Delhi has embarked on—which included conclusion of a comprehensive security agreement with Kabul and policy coordination with Russia and Iran—and also evaluates the policy options available to India in post-2014 Afghanistan.
Book Review: Pushpa Sundar, Foreign Aid for Indian NGOs—Problem or Solution?
Authors: Mukherjee Siuli
Published: April 2014

Pushpa Sundar, Foreign Aid for Indian NGOs—Problem or Solution? New Delhi: Routledge, 2010, pp. 363. Rs 795.
A Logistic Regression Model for Estimating Transport Accident Deaths Using Verbal Autopsy Data
Authors: Klinjun Nuntaporn , Lim Apiradee , Bundhamcharoen Kanitta
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to create an appropriate model using verbal autopsy (VA) data to estimate transport accident deaths from vital registration data in Thailand. A sample of 9644 VA deaths was obtained from the Thai Ministry of Public Health. VA assessed transport accidents accounted for 546 deaths (5.7% of sample). Logistic regression was used to model transport accident deaths classified by 9 provinces, 16 gender–age groups, 14 combinations of vital reported cause groups, and place of death (in or outside hospital). The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to match the number of reported transport accident deaths to the number predicted by the model with sensitivity 73.8% and false positive rate 1.6%. The estimated transport accident deaths ranged from 1.68 to 2.65 times higher than the vital registration data reported according to gender–age groups.
Community treatment orders in New Zealand: regional variability and international comparisons
Authors: O’Brien Anthony J
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

Community treatment orders (CTOs) have been used in New Zealand since 1992 and are now used in most Commonwealth countries. There is little research on the rate of use of CTOs in New Zealand. This study compares the prevalence of CTO use across New Zealand’s 20 health districts and makes comparisons with international prevalence rates.

Methods:

New Zealand Ministry of Health reports provided data on rates of CTO use in New Zealand between 2005 and 2011. International rates were obtained from published reports and academic literature on CTO use.

Results:

Rates of CTO use in New Zealand show marked and persistent regional variation over the period of data collection. National average rates increased from 58 per 100,000 in 2005 to 84 per 100,000 in 2011. Rates of use of CTOs are increasing internationally. New Zealand’s CTO use is high by international comparisons.

Conclusions:

New Zealand’s high and increasing rate of CTO use by international standards raises questions about the delivery and functioning of mental health services, and about mental health service users’ experience of mental health care. The high rate of CTO use needs to be addressed as a human rights issue as well as a clinical issue.
Linearized equations of motion in multibody dynamics
Authors: Lidström P
Published: April 2014

In this paper the linearized equations of motion in multibody dynamics are derived. Explicit expressions for the coefficient matrices are presented and given their physical interpretations. The equations of motion are presented in terms of the mechanical stiffness, its adjoint and the associated differential operators. It is demonstrated how the adjoint matrix may be used to find solutions to the associated algebraic eigenvalue problem. The case of multiple roots of the characteristic equation will result in a generalized eigenvalue problem involving the notion of a Jordan chain. Qualitative properties of the spectrum are derived without explicitly solving the characteristic equation. Finally, the mechanical admittance and its spectral representations are discussed.
The Positive Consequences of Pain
Authors: Bastian Brock , Jetten Jolanda , Hornsey Matthew J. , Leknes Siri
Published: April 2014

Pain is mostly thought of as a problem—as debilitating or harmful. Despite its unpleasantness, however, under some conditions pain can be associated with positive consequences. In this review, we explore these positive biological, psychological, and social consequences of pain. We highlight three different domains in which pain may be considered to have positive consequences. First, pain facilitates pleasure by providing an important contrast for pleasurable experiences, increasing sensitivity to sensory input, and facilitating self-rewarding behavior. Second, pain augments self-regulation and enhancement by increasing cognitive control, reducing rumination, and demonstrating virtue. Third, pain promotes affiliation by arousing empathy from others, motivating social connection, and enhancing group formation. Drawing on evidence scattered across a range of academic fields, we provide for reflection on how pain is represented, generate insights into pain-seeking behavior, and draw attention to the role of painful experiences in maximizing positive outcomes.
Changes in Adult Attachment Styles in American College Students Over Time
Authors: Konrath Sara H. , Chopik William J. , Hsing Courtney K. , O’Brien Ed
Published: April 2014

The current article examines changes over time in a commonly used measure of adult attachment style. A cross-temporal meta-analysis was conducted on 94 samples of American college students (total N = 25,243, between 1988 and 2011) who chose the most representative description of four possible attachment styles (Secure, Dismissing, Preoccupied, and Fearful) on the Relationship Questionnaire. The percentage of students with Secure attachment styles has decreased in recent years (1988: 48.98%; 2011: 41.62%), whereas the percentage of students with Insecure attachment styles (sum of Dismissing, Preoccupied, Fearful) has increased in recent years (1988: 51.02%; 2011: 58.38%). The percentage of students with Dismissing attachment styles has increased over time (1988: 11.93%; 2011: 18.62%), even after controlling for age, gender, race, and publication status. Positive views of others have declined across the same time period. We discuss possible implications and explanations for these changes.