bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is it then, this Grammaticalization?
Authors: Mengden Ferdinand von , Simon Horst J.
Published: November 2014

So. . . what is it then, this grammaticalization? Probably every linguist who is interested in language change will have raised this question at some point. And many of them will also have some answer more or less at hand. The problem is that these answers may all differ in one detail or other. A likely reason for this is the great success (or, for that matter, popularity) that the concept of grammaticalization has enjoyed in historical linguistics to date. Therefore, maybe inevitably, the proliferation of analyses within the domain of grammaticalization studies has also led to a proliferation of terms and notions, not all of them sharply defined. This, in turn, has produced a certain dissatisfaction with the state of the field among many more sceptical (or maybe just more cautious) linguists. Hence, the most important aim of the present collection of articles (which presents a selection of the papers presented at the workshop “Refining Grammaticalization” at Freie Universität Berlin in February 2012) is to try to come to grips with the notion of grammaticalization and related concepts in the light of recent theorizing in historical linguistics.
Quo vadis grammaticalization theory? Why complex language change is like words
Authors: Wiemer Björn
Published: November 2014

The article addresses structural aspects of language change which have been ascribed to grammaticalization and have tacitly been presupposed by diverse accounts (i) of the motives of complex changes, (ii) of the role of language contact, and (iii) by attempts to create areal profiles of language types and zones of convergence. We discuss some of the preconditions for a comprehensive and yet unified treatment of changes in which grammaticalization would not become an anythinggoes concept of grammatical change. Starting from a reconsideration of Lehmann’s parameters and their treatment in the literature, we first address problems connected to accounts based on prototypes (or checklists). Parameters belonging to the syntagmatic axis are analyzed in more detail. Even though parameters may be ranked within prototype-based approaches, such an approach is shown to be insufficient in articulating a coherent theory. An alternative might consist in the application of a superordinate principle based on relative discourse prominence (together with conventionalization). The advantages and drawbacks of both approaches are investigated, and it is argued that they should be employed as complementary parts of a coherent grammaticalization theory that is yet to be detailed.
What is secondary grammaticalization? Trying to see the wood for the trees in a confusion of interpretations
Authors: Breban Tine
Published: November 2014

Over the years, several studies on grammaticalization have used the contrasting terms primary and secondary grammaticalization for, roughly speaking, changes from lexical to grammatical and from grammatical to (more) grammatical. Primary grammaticalization has been treated as instantiating prototypical grammaticalization. This article scrutinizes the concept of secondary grammaticalization with the goal of assessing whether it has explanatory power and encompasses processes of grammaticalization that are sufficiently different from primary grammaticalization to justify distinct terminology. In the first part of the article, I take stock of the different definitions and interpretations of the concept of secondary grammaticalization in the literature. I conclude from this review that there is no unified definition and that the concept has in fact been applied to an array of widely differing changes. In the second part, I take a closer look at five distinct interpretations, which together cover the spectrum of phenomena featuring in the literature, in order to assess their explanatory power and relevance. The conclusion from this exercise is that the changes identified in each of the five definitions can be captured within a general definition of grammaticalization, and neither of them necessitates the addition of secondary grammaticalization as a separate notion.
Difference in mental state between Internet-addicted and non-addicted Japanese undergraduates
Authors: Hirao Kazuki
Published: November 2014

Background: Internet addiction (IA) is a common disorder among adolescents throughout most of the industrialized world. The purpose of this study was to compare mental states between Japanese undergraduates with IA and those without IA.

Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 165 healthy participants were assessed for IA using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), for the frequency and quality of flow experiences in daily life using the Flow Experience Checklist (FEC), and for depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).

Results: The results showed that the prevalence of IA in the participants of this study was 15% and the frequencies of flow experience and depressive symptoms were significantly higher in the IA group.

Conclusion: The results indicate that IA affects a significant number of Japanese university students and is associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms, suggesting a need for intervention programs as part of student mental health services.
Multiple sexual partnerships among female adolescents in rural Uganda: the effects of family structure and school attendance
Authors: Pilgrim Nanlesta A. , Ahmed Saifuddin , Gray Ronald H. , Sekasanvu Joseph , Lutalo Tom , Nalugoda Fred , Serwadda David , Wawer Maria J.
Published: November 2014

Background: A better understanding is needed of the contextual factors that influence HIV risk behaviors among female adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of family structure on lifetime sexual partners and on the number of sexual partners in the last year among female adolescents in rural Rakai, Uganda. In addition, the study assessed whether the influence of family structure on these outcomes differed by the school attendance status of the adolescents.

Methods: The sample consisted of 2337 unmarried adolescent girls, aged 15–19, enrolled in the Rakai Community Cohort Study. The last survey interview within the time period of 2001–2008 available for each girl was used. Analyses were stratified by age (15–17 year olds and 18–19 year olds) and school status. Multinomial logistic and poisson regressions were used.

Results: Living in a household with a biological father was protective against both outcomes. Family structure was not associated with the outcomes among in-school adolescents but it was significantly associated with the outcomes among out-of-school adolescents.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that understanding the familial context in which female adolescents develop, as well as its interaction with school attendance, is important for HIV prevention efforts. Both research and programmatic initiatives must consider the interplay between the family and school domains when considering ways to reduce HIV acquisition among adolescent women.
The Wartime Origins of the Wirtschaftswunder: The Growth of West German Industry, 1938-55
Authors: Vonyó Tamás
Published: November 2014

The paper offers a detailed quantitative account of industrial development in West Germany between 1938 and 1955. It presents value-added, labour and capital input, labour productivity and TFP at industry level. Even though productivity growth was rapid by historical standards in the reconstruction phase after 1948, the expansion of industrial production between 1938 and 1955 was entirely input-driven. The resulting backlog in productivity growth allowed German industry to retain remarkably high growth rates until the end of the Golden Age. The post-war productivity gap took a decade to close after 1945 because the economy remained dislocated for much longer than previously thought. The main dislocating factors besides labour misallocation resulting from the war-induced urban housing shortage were structural disproportions in industrial production caused by the division of Germany. During the Wirtschaftswunder, industrial recovery could tap into surplus capacity and increased market potential.
How did the Capital Market Evaluate Germany’s Prospects for Winning World War I? Evidence from the Amsterdam Market for Government Bonds
Authors: Jopp Tobias A.
Published: November 2014

This study uses prices for the German 3 percent imperial loan issued in several tranches since 1890 and still traded during World War I to measure capital market players’ real-time perceptions of the prospects for Germany as the war proceeded. Price data are gathered from the Amsterdam market for government bonds; the Netherlands remained neutral throughout war. Focusing on the window from August 24th 1915 to August 11th 1919, ten (twelve) turning points are identified in a baseline (extended) model. Each implies a significant adjustment of lenders’ confidence in Germany being able, or willing, to service its debts in the future. Two turning points stand out. In early January 1916, the price plummeted by 14.3 percent between the first and eleventh of the month, which was most likely due to the Military Service Act discussed in the British parliament. On September 19th 1918, the price dropped by 17.5 percent compared to the last available price quote from the end of July. This coincides with the Allied Powers’ revival on all fronts since the summer, leading to the ultimate collapse of the German lines.
Status of Prison Library and Information Resources and Facilities in Nigeria: A Focus at the East
Authors: Eze Jacintha Ukamaka , Dike Virginia W.
Published: November 2014

Considering the need for sound library and information services to be provided to all in the society of today, this research examined the status of prison library and information resources and facilities in Nigeria with a focus on the southeast geopolitical zone. Seven prison libraries in five States in the zone were used for the study. An observation checklist/ guide was used to collect the required data about the availability, adequacy and functionality of the human and material resources and facilities in these prison libraries. Data generated from the survey was quantitatively analyzed and interpreted in relation to the population of prisoners using the American Library Association’s ASCLA Standards for Adult Correctional Institution and Prison Libraries as a “bench mark”. Findings showed that although the different prisons had apartments for library and had some resources and facilities in place, these resources and facilities were grossly inadequate considering the population of prisoners being served. Facilities like library buildings in these prisons were not to standard, and reading tables and chairs, shelves and library collections (books, periodicals) were all very inadequate. Further findings showed gross inadequacy in number and qualifications of their human resources - librarians and other library workers. Recommendations were made towards enhancing the prison library resources and facilities.
Uranium determination in groundwater using laser spectroscopy
Authors: Jung Euo Chang , Cho Hye-Ryun , Cha Wansik , Park Jong-Ho , Baik Min Hoon
Published: November 2014

The aim of this work is to review the laser-based analytical techniques for the quantitative determination of uranium in aqueous solutions. Among the various types of laser-based analytical techniques, two different spectroscopic techniques based on the measurement of laser-induced luminescence of hexavalent uranium ions [U(VI)] in groundwater are reviewed in detail. In the first technique, called time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy, the time-resolved laser-induced luminescence intensities of U(VI) as a function of uranium concentration are measured to obtain the calibration curve. In the second technique, which is based on the simultaneous measurement of the U(VI) luminescence and Raman scattering of water, the calibration curve is obtained by measuring the ratio of the luminescence intensity of U(VI) to the Raman scattering intensity of water for the quantitative determination of uranium. A limit of detection of 0.03 μg/l was achieved at an excitation wavelength of 266 nm using these laser spectroscopic techniques. The results determined using these techniques are in good agreement with the results determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Thus, these laser-based analytical techniques will be useful to personnel requiring a rapid determination of uranium before the shipment of samples to an accredited laboratory, where relatively intricate and expensive apparatuses, such as ICPMS and radiochemical spectrometry, are used.
A structure's deflection measurement and monitoring
system supported by a vision system
Authors: Kohut Piotr , Ga̧ska Adam , Holak Krzysztof , Ostrowska Ksenia , Sładek Jerzy , Uhl Tadeusz , Dworakowski Ziemowit
Published: November 2014

In this paper a vision-based method for measuring vertical
deflection of large engineering structures under load is presented in
example of crane working arm deflection measurements. The deflection is
computed by means of a digital image correlation technique embedded in the
vision-based system. The results of measurements performed on the vision
system were compared with data obtained using a Leica Laser Tracker system.
The comparison revealed proper functioning of the developed vision system in
industrial conditions.
Design Optimization of a Centrifugal Fan with Splitter Blades
Authors: Heo Man-Woong , Kim Jin-Hyuk , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: November 2014

Multi-objective optimization of a centrifugal fan with additionally installed splitter blades was performed to simultaneously maximize the efficiency and pressure rise using three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and hybrid multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. Two design variables defining the location of splitter, and the height ratio between inlet and outlet of impeller were selected for the optimization. In addition, the aerodynamic characteristics of the centrifugal fan were investigated with the variation of design variables in the design space. Latin hypercube sampling was used to select the training points, and response surface approximation models were constructed as surrogate models of the objective functions. With the optimization, both the efficiency and pressure rise of the centrifugal fan with splitter blades were improved considerably compared to the reference model.
Kinetic Evaluation of Spin Trapping Rate Constants of New CYPMPO-type Spin Traps for
Superoxide and Other Free Radicals
Authors: Sueishi Yoshimi , Kamogawa Erisa , Nakamura Hideo , Ukai Mitsuko , Kunieda Michio , Okada Taiichi , Shimmei Masashi , Kotake Yashige
Published: November 2014

CYPMPO (5-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propoxyl
cyclophosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) is a phosphorus
containing spin trap that has been useful in aqueous media. Using
a kinetic ESR spin trapping technique, we evaluated free radical
trapping rate constants of two newly synthesized CYPMPO-type spin
traps, including 2,2-dibutyl-substituted CYPMPO (DBCYP) and
5-phenyl-substituted CYPMPO (PhCYP). We investigated the spin trapping
of five free radical species, i. e., superoxide, hydroxyl radical,
alkoxyl radical, alkyl peroxyl radical and methyl radical. Other than
superoxide, spin trapping rate constants of DBCYP and PhCYP are
comparable to CYPMPO, ranging from 43.9% to 101% of
CYPMPO's corresponding rate constants. However, PhCYP's spin-trapping
rate constant against superoxide was 44% higher than that of
CYPMPO. The results indicate that DBCYP and PhCYP may be the spin
traps as useful as CYPMPO either in aqueous or non-aqueous medium.
Stakeholders as Subjects
Authors: Swain Shurlee
Published: November 2014

This paper reflects on the methodological, academic, and ultimately personal challenges involved in constructing the Find & Connect web resource, a public history project funded by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in response to the 2009 apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. Central to these challenges is the relationship between the researchers and the key stakeholders: the Care Leavers and the organizations that ran the institutions in which they spent their childhoods. The paper explores the use of collaborative history in negotiating the conflicting hopes and expectations of the various parties to the project.
Assembly of a Versatile Micro Dispenser Using Off-The-Shelf Components for Applications in Microfluidics
Authors: Mohar Harjyot , O Annie , Jimenez Steven , Munoz Leonel , Hernandez Victor , Estrada Arturo , Fan Sewan , Fatuzzo Laura
Published: November 2014

We designed and constructed a drop-on-demand (DOD) droplet dispenser using the piezo inkjet technique that is simple to construct and operate and makes use of readily available components. The droplet dispenser can be easily fitted with cost effective glass nozzles and can be readily tuned to produce consistent drop sizes. The dynamics of the droplet motion are obtained using a calibrated analog video imaging system. We observed very high accelerations for the ejected droplets that corroborate with the applied drive pulse amplitudes. The acceleration measured, near the ejection nozzle, was many times the acceleration of gravity with the largest value of 34g’s. We successfully dispensed glycol water solutions and aqueous suspensions of titanium oxide nanoparticles, with values greater than 10 in the measured pH. For the inkjet droplets deposited on smooth gold/chromium substrates (±3nm surface roughness variation), we observed the well-known coffee ring effect using optical microscopy and nanoparticle morphology using an atomic force microscope.
A Europa e a Ásia: histórias e historiografias comparadas
Authors: Curto Diogo Ramada , Domingos Nuno , Jerónimo Miguel Bandeira
Published: November 2014

Basendo-se na interpretação dos principais debates suscitados pela obra seminal de Kenneth Pomeranz A grande divergência, recentemente traduzida para o português, este artigo procura reconstituir as dinâmicas historiográficas que nas últimas décadas têm discutido comparativamente o desenvolvimento da Europa e da Ásia. Neste artigo, procura-se, por um lado, realçar a relevância de um conjunto de estudos na reformulação da história das sociedades asiáticas desde a Idade Moderna, entre as quais se destaca o trabalho de Pomeranz. Por outro lado, este artigo identifica e analisa criticamente os principais temas e problemas que decorrem desse movimento historiográfico.
Terminal remission is possible in some patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy without therapy
Authors: Jovic Nebojsa , Kosac Ana , Babic Milos
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is considered to be a chronic
disease requiring lifelong antiepileptic treatment. The aim of this study was
both to identify factors predicting the kind of seizure control and to
investigate the outcome in patients after therapy withdrawal. Material and
Methods. The study included 87 patients (49 female, 38 male), aged from 17.5
to 43.5 years, referred to our Department between 1987 and 2008, with the
seizure onset at the age of 14.3+2.9, and followed up for 13.3+5.8 years on
average (from 5 to 23 years). Results. Sixty seven (77.0%) patients were
fully controlled; whereas 13.8% had persistent seizures and 9.2% showed
pseudoresistance. The combination of three seizure types and focal
electroencephalogram features were independent factors of poor seizure
control. Therapy was discontinued in 34 patients either by the treating
physician (in 21 patients) or by the patients themselves (in 13 cases). In 18
subjects, all seizure types relapsed after 1.1 year on average (from 7 days
to 4 years) and therapy was resumed in them. All patients but three (10/13),
who stopped the treatment themselves, experienced recurrences. Seizure
freedom off drugs was recorded in 10.3% patients. Nonintrusive myoclonic
seizures recurred in 0.5-3 years as their only seizure type in four patients,
but without reintroducing medication in three patients. Conclusion
Combination of seizure types and focal electroencephalogram features are
significant factors of pharmacoresistancy. Continuous pharmacotherapy is
required in majority of patients, although about 10% of them appear to have
permanent remission without therapy in adolescence.
Influence of hemodialysis duration per week on parameters of dialysis adequacy and cardiovascular morbidity
Authors: Djuric Petar , Djuric Zivka , Jankovic Aleksandar , Tosic Jelena , Popovic Jovan , Dimkovic Nada
Published: November 2014

Introduction. The optimal length of dialysis is still under debate and
current regimen of 12 hours a week is medically acceptable. The aim of this
observational study was to confirm the relationship between different length
of dialysis per week and the parameters of dialysis adequacy and
cardiovascular morbidity. Material and Methods. The study included 206
patients (128 man and 78 females) who were on maintenance hemodialysis for
more than 6 months. They were classified into three groups according to the
length of dialysis per week: group I (12 hours), group II (15 hours) and
group III (?17.5 hours). Results. Index of dyalysis adequacy values did not
differ among the groups (group I, II, III = 1.32 vs. 1.51 vs. 1.42; p>0.05);
however, the patients from group III had the best bicarbonate level (group I,
II and III= 22.7; 21.4; 17.6 mmol/L; p<0.001). In comparison with group I (12
hours), longer dialysis duration was associated with significantly higher
hemoglobin values (12.2 vs. 11.4 vs. 10.5 g/dL), less frequent use of
erythropoietin stimulating agents (26.9% vs. 65% vs. 86.3%), lower
stimulating agents weekly dose (median in group I, II, III=2000 vs. 5000 vs.
4000 I.J.), lower stimulating agents resistance index (4.9 vs. 7.8 vs. 8.8),
significantly higher level of serum albumin (42.3 vs. 40.7 vs. 38.2 g/dL),
total cholesterol (5.1 vs. 4.7 vs. 4.5 mmol/L) and serum calcium level (2.38
vs. 2.42 vs. 2.28 mmol/L), less frequent use of phosphate binders (53.8% vs.
85% vs. 84.4%) and calcitriol (19.2% vs. 65% vs. 50.6%) and lower intact
parathyroid hormone level (336 vs. 363 vs. 446 pg/ml). In addition, longer
dialysis duration was associated with lower cardiovascular morbidity score
(0.52 vs. 1.05 vs. 1.26). Conclusion. Duration of dialysis per week above the
current standard positively correlates with parameters of hemodialysis
adequacy.
Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver in adults: Case report
Authors: Lakic Tanja , Zivojinov Mirjana , Vukovic Milivoje , Ilic-Sabo Jelena , Boskovic Tamara
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver is a benign lesion
presenting as an enlarging abdominal mass in children less than 2 years of
age. Fewer than 5% cases are present in individuals over 5 years of age, and
this lesion is extremely rare in adults. It may affect the left or the right
lobe of liver as a cystic or solid mass or both components may be present.
The pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, but these lesions have
generally been considered to represent a development abnormality in the bile
duct plate formation. Case Report. In this report, we present a case of a
44-year-old man who was surgically treated at the Department of Abdominal,
Endocrine and Transplantation Surgery of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina due
to cystic lesion in the liver segment IV that had been verified by computed
tomography imaging diagnostics. The patient was sent from a smaller health
center with the diagnosis of echinococcosis. After the adequate preparation
of the patient, surgical excision of the liver cystic lesion was done. Once a
thorough histological examination had been performed, the diagnosis of
mesenchymal hamartoma was made. Conclusion. Mesenchymal hamartoma of the
liver is a benign tumor resulting from abnormal, intra-uterine development of
bile ducts and has a delayed clinical manifestation, thus this lesion appears
to be related to the processes of maturation. It is potentially premalignant
lesion presenting as a solid and/or cystic neoplasm. Symptoms, laboratory
results and radiographic imaging are nonspecific and inconclusive, so
surgical excision of the whole lesion is the imperative for the definitive
diagnosis.
Ghrelin Is a Novel Regulator of GLP-1 Secretion
Authors: Gagnon Jeffrey , Baggio Laurie L. , Drucker Daniel J. , Brubaker Patricia L.
Published: November 2014

GLP-1 is a gastrointestinal L-cell hormone that enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Hence, strategies that prevent GLP-1 degradation or activate the GLP-1 receptor are used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 secretion occurs after a meal and is partly regulated by other circulating hormones. Ghrelin is a stomach-derived hormone that plays a key role in whole-body energy metabolism. Because ghrelin levels peak immediately before mealtimes, we hypothesized that ghrelin plays a role in priming the intestinal L-cell for nutrient-induced GLP-1 release. The intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin into mice 15 min before the administration of oral glucose enhanced glucose-stimulated GLP-1 release and improved glucose tolerance, whereas the ghrelin receptor antagonist D-Lys GHRP-6 reduced plasma levels of GLP-1 and insulin and diminished oral glucose tolerance. The ghrelin-mediated improvement in glucose tolerance was lost in mice coinjected with a GLP-1 receptor antagonist as well as in Glp1r−/− mice lacking the GLP-1 receptor. The impaired oral glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese mice was also improved by ghrelin preadministration. Importantly, ghrelin directly stimulated GLP-1 release from L-cell lines (murine GLUTag, human NCI-H716) through an extracellular signal–related kinase 1/2–dependent pathway. These studies demonstrate a novel role for ghrelin in enhancing the GLP-1 secretory response to ingested nutrients.
An extremely large group index via electromagnetically induced transparency in metamaterials
Authors: Sayahian Jahromi A. , Askari M.
Published: November 2014

We numerically demonstrate a planar design of a metamaterial exhibiting electromagnetically induced transparency at gigahertz frequencies. The design is based on the coupling of two oppositely oriented semi split-rings in the same plane. A very large transmission contrast of about 60 dB between the peak of the EIT window and the dips of the transmission gaps is calculated. An extremely large group index associated with the resonant response in the transmission window is demonstrated, rendering the design suitable for slow light applications.
Effect of Different Distractions on Driving Performance for Drivers Using a Touch Screen
Authors: Hagiwara Toru , Sakakima Ryo , Kamada Takumi , Suzuki Yutaro
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the effects of various task loadings on driving performance for drivers who used a touch screen. The objectives were to evaluate the influence of three secondary tasks on the primary task, to clarify the effects of the task loadings in combination on driving performance, and to determine effective measures for minimizing the effect of touch screen tasks on driving performance. To achieve these objectives, a field experiment was conducted on a test track with 16 participants. There were three secondary tasks: viewing numbers on the touch screen and reading them aloud in ascending order, viewing numbers on the touch screen and tapping them in ascending order on the touch screen, and tapping the four corners of the touch screen. Vehicle motions, the duration of the driver's glance at the screen, and the duration of the driver's tapping the screen were measured. The driving performance indicators were speed, headway distance, and lateral distance from the center of the lane. When drivers operated the touch screen while driving, each task loading was found to have a different effect on each driving performance indicator. The analysis found that measures that were effective in maintaining high driving performance decreased the individual duration of each secondary behavior and reduced the variety of task loadings and their combinations. Driving style also influenced the degree to which each task loading affected driving performance.
Automatic Generation and Population of a Graphics-Based Driving Simulator
Authors: Brogan Michael , Kaneswaran David , Commins Sean , Markham Charles , Deegan Catherine
Published: November 2014

A stereo image and high-accuracy positional data were used to generate and populate a low-fidelity graphics model. The data were acquired by a simple mobile mapping system. The use of positional data made it possible to generate automatically a sparse model consisting of a road, central road marking, a green area, and a skybox. This allowed for several applications, such as the synchronization of the model with the video and the semiautomatic population of road signs into the model data. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the model and the video as viable sources for behavioral testing of drivers. The correlations between driver speed in response to the model and the video are presented; this presentation allows for an examination of the effect of the fidelity of the driving simulator's visual cue stream. The study results were used to compare driver speed in a real vehicle with driver speeds in the video and model roads, with correlations of 84.6% (between video and ground truth), 87.3% (between model and ground truth), and 92.8% (between video and model).
Examination of Limitations Associated with Observing Driver Distraction
Authors: Wenners Keith E. , Knodler Michael A.
Published: November 2014

Studies that use direct observation to investigate drivers’ cell phone use have been conducted by NHTSA since 2002. The limitations of these studies were identified in a naturalistic driving study conducted at the University of Michigan. In direct observation studies of drivers’ cell phone use, observations are typically conducted at intersections, providing the observer with enough time to accurately observe the behavior but limiting data to one location along the roadway. This may be a limitation of large-scale observation usage studies, which, in turn, translates into a research hypothesis that when stopped at intersections, drivers use their cell phones more frequently. Through a combination of in-field observers and video data collection, more than 3,500 vehicles were observed to determine the difference in cell phone use between drivers upstream and those at the intersection. Signalized intersections were found to have a higher rate of text messaging cell phone use, with the highest percentage observed at red lights. Drivers’ text messaging rates increase with the amount of time spent in stopped conditions, such as red lights. The presence of an observer was also found to have an insignificant impact on drivers’ cell phone use. Effective observation of drivers’ cell phone use is essential for understanding the magnitude of the problem and measuring the effectiveness of campaigns. This study confirms the current methods used while providing recommendations on ways to improve the data quality of future observations.
Fixed and dilated: the history of a classic pupil abnormality
Authors: Koehler Peter J. , Wijdicks Eelco F. M.
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the development of ideas about the nature and mechanism of the fixed dilated pupil, paying particular attention to experimental conditions and clinical observations in the 19th century. Starting from Kocher's standard review in 1901, the authors studied German, English, and French texts for historical information. Medical and neurological textbooks from the 19th and 20th centuries were reviewed to investigate when and how this information percolated through neurological and neurosurgical practices. Cooper experimented with intracranial pressure (ICP) in a dog in the 1830s, but did not mention the pupils. He described dilated pupils in clinical cases without referring to the effect of light. Bright demonstrated to have some knowledge of the pupil sign (clinical observations). Realizing the unreliability of the pupil sign, Hutchinson in 1867–1868 tried to reason in which cases trepanation would be advisable. Von Leyden's 1866 animal experiments, in which he increased CSF volume by injecting protein solutions intracranially, was the first observation in which the association between fixed dilated pupils and increased ICP was established. Along with bradycardia and motor and respiratory effects, he noticed wide pupils were usually present in a comatose state. Asymmetrical dilation could not always be attributed to increased ICP, but to an oculomotor nerve lesion. Pagenstecher in 1871 extended knowledge by meticulously studying consecutive pupil phenomena with increasing pressure. In 1880, von Bergmann emphasized the significance of the ipsilateral dilation in experiments as well as in clinical cases. He distinguished the extent of pressure increase and its duration. Probably confusing irritation (epileptic head turning to the other side with pupil dilation) and lesion effects, he suggested a cortical area responsible for oculomotor phenomena, indicating what is now known as the frontal eye field. Naunyn and Schreiber (1881) understood the relationship between increased ICP with pupil dilation and decreased pulse frequency and blood pressure, warning not to decrease the latter. Concentrating on experimental traumatic effects, Duret (1878) investigated compression and commotion, in which he distinguished two phases, notably pupil constriction by bulbar lesions, due to CSF shock, followed by dilation from congestion and inflammation, due to blood around the oculomotor nerve. The key observation of a fixed dilated pupil as a sign of acute mass effect came gradually and after some localization stumbles. Following the period of extensive experimental research in ICP, the results of which were translated to clinical observations, the prognostic significance was gradually acknowledged by authors of neurological textbooks. It is well known that Cushing did similar experiments in Berne (1900–1901), and later suggested he would not have done so if he had studied the literature.
Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the hypoglossal canal: systematic review on imaging anatomy, clinical findings, and endovascular management
Authors: Spittau Björn , Millán Diego San , El-Sherifi Saad , Hader Claudia , Singh Tejinder Pal , Motschall Edith , Vach Werner , Urbach Horst , Meckel Stephan
Published: November 2014

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the hypoglossal canal (HCDAVFs) are rare and display a complex angiographic anatomy. Hitherto, they have been referred to as various entities (for example, “marginal sinus DAVFs”) solely described in case reports or small series. In this in-depth review of HCDAVF, the authors describe clinical and imaging findings, as well as treatment strategies and subsequent outcomes, based on a systematic literature review supplemented by their own cases (120 cases total). Further, the involved craniocervical venous anatomy with variable venous anastomoses is summarized. Hypoglossal canal DAVFs consist of a fistulous pouch involving the anterior condylar confluence and/or anterior condylar vein with a variable intraosseous component. Three major types of venous drainage are associated with distinct clinical patterns: Type 1, with anterograde drainage (62.5%), mostly presents with pulsatile tinnitus; Type 2, with retrograde drainage to the cavernous sinus and/or orbital veins (23.3%), is associated with ocular symptoms and may mimic cavernous sinus DAVF; and Type 3, with cortical and/or perimedullary drainage (14.2%), presents with either hemorrhage or cervical myelopathy. For Types 1 and 2 HCDAVF, transvenous embolization demonstrates high safety and efficacy (2.9% morbidity, 92.7% total occlusion). Understanding the complex venous anatomy is crucial for planning alternative approaches if standard transjugular access is impossible. Transarterial embolization or surgical disconnection (morbidity 13.3%–16.7%) should be reserved for Type 3 HCDAVFs or lesions with poor venous access. A conservative strategy could be appropriate in Type 1 HCDAVF for which spontaneous regression (5.8%) may be observed.
Operative management of traumatic cervical spine distraction and complete cord transection in a 3-year-old patient
Authors: Davern Monica Salazar , Garg Sumeet , Hankinson Todd C.
Published: November 2014

This report describes the presentation and operative treatment of a 3-year-old boy who survived a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a C6–7 distraction injury, complete avulsion of the spinal cord, and gross spinal instability. Only 5%–10% of all spinal cord and vertebral column injuries occur in children. Survival after such an injury is exceptionally rare in very young patients and is associated with severe neurological deficits. The authors discuss the substantial ethical challenges involved in the care of a patient with this injury. To their knowledge, only two other cases of survival have been reported in pediatric patients following motor vehicle trauma resulting in complete injury to the lower cervical spinal cord.
Assessing health-related quality of life in children with spina bifida
Authors: Rocque Brandon G. , Bishop E. Ralee' , Scogin Mallory A. , Hopson Betsy D. , Arynchyna Anastasia A. , Boddiford Christina J. , Shannon Chevis N. , Blount Jeffrey P.
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

The purpose of this study is to explore various aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with spinal dysraphism.

METHODS

The authors enrolled a prospective cohort of 159 patients from the multidisciplinary spina bifida clinic. Surveys were distributed to caregivers of patients with spina bifida who were 5 years old and older. Data were collected using the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 focusing on vision, speech, hearing, dexterity, ambulation, cognition, emotions, and pain. Each participant received an overall HRQOL utility score and individual domain subscores. These were correlated with demographic and treatment variables. Analysis was done using SPSS statistics (version 21).

RESULTS

There were 125 patients with myelomeningocele, 25 with lipomyelomeningocele, and 9 with other dysraphisms. Among patients with myelomeningocele, 107 (86%) had CSF shunts in place, 14 (11%) had undergone Chiari malformation Type II decompression, 59 (47%) were community ambulators, and 45 (36%) were nonambulatory. Patients with myelomeningocele had significantly lower overall HRQOL scores than patients with closed spinal dysraphism. Among patients with myelomeningocele, younger patients had higher HRQOL scores. Patients with impaired bowel continence had lower overall HRQOL scores. History of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was associated with worse HRQOL (overall score, ambulation, and cognition subscores). History of Chiari malformation Type II decompression was associated with worse overall, speech, and cognition scores. Patients who could ambulate in the community had higher overall and ambulation scores. A history of tethered cord release was correlated with lower pain subscore. No association was found between sex, race, insurance type, or bladder continence and HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with myelomeningocele have significantly lower HRQOL scores than those with other spinal dysraphisms. History of shunt treatment and Chiari decompression correlate with lower HRQOL scores.
A Combined Experimental and Natural Bonding Orbital Charges Study on the One-pot Regioselective Synthesis of 4-Chloropyrazoles
Authors: Li Yi , Liu Yuanyuan , Xu Guanghui , Chen Kai , He Guangke , Huang Bin
Published: November 2014

The mechanism of a DMF-catalysed electrophilic/nucleophilic chlorination of pyrazole is illustrated with the aid of calculations of the natural bonding orbital charges. Its high regioselectivity and good functionality tolerance of nine pyrazole substrates have been experimentally demonstrated.
Three-component One-pot Reactions of 1,10-phenanthroline Hydrate with Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates in the Presence of Pyridine Carboxaldehydes
Authors: Niknam Najmeh , Hassanabadi Alireza
Published: November 2014

The reaction between 1,10-phenanthroline hydrate with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates have been trapped by pyridine carboxaldehydes to produce highly functionalised oxazines in good yield.
Synthesis of new 3-phenyl Substituted Dibenzo-1,4-diazepin-1-one Derivatives
Authors: Wang Fang-Ming , Bao Dan , Wang Ming , Li Ming-Jun , Chen Li-Zhuang , Han Guang-Fan
Published: November 2014

A new series of 3-phenyl substituted dibenzo-1,4-diazepin-1-one derivatives were synthesised by condensation of 5-phenylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, o-phenylenediamine and benzaldehydes. All the compounds were characterised by IR, MS, 1H NMR and elemental analysis. The crystal structure of 3-phenyl-11-(2-chlorophenyl)-2,3,4,5,10,11-hexahydro-1H-dibenzo[b,e] [1,4]diazepin-1-one was determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction.
On the Contribution of Protein Spatial Organization to the Physicochemical Interconnection between Proteins and Their Cognate mRNAs
Authors: Beier Andreas , Zagrovic Bojan , Polyansky Anton
Published: November 2014

Early-stage evolutionary development of the universal genetic code remains a fundamental, open problem. One of the possible scenarios suggests that the code evolved in response to direct interactions between peptides and RNA oligonucleotides in the primordial environment. Recently, we have revealed a strong matching between base-binding preferences of modern protein sequences and the composition of their cognate mRNA coding sequences. These results point directly at the physicochemical foundation behind the code’s origin, but also support the possibility of direct complementary interactions between proteins and their cognate mRNAs, especially if the two are unstructured. Here, we analyze molecular-surface mapping of knowledge-based amino-acid/nucleobase interaction preferences for a set of complete, high-resolution protein structures and show that the connection between the two biopolymers could remain relevant even for structured, folded proteins. Specifically, protein surface loops are strongly enriched in residues with a high binding propensity for guanine and cytosine, while adenine- and uracil-preferring residues are uniformly distributed throughout protein structures. Moreover, compositional complementarity of cognate protein and mRNA sequences remains strong even after weighting protein sequence profiles by residue solvent exposure. Our results support the possibility that protein/mRNA sequence complementarity may also translate to cognate interactions between structured biopolymers.
Polymer-Derived Boron Nitride: A Review on the Chemistry, Shaping and Ceramic Conversion of Borazine Derivatives
Authors: Bernard Samuel , Miele Philippe
Published: November 2014

Boron nitride (BN) is a III-V compound which is the focus of important research since its discovery in the early 19th century. BN is electronic to carbon and thus, in the same way that carbon exists as graphite, BN exists in the hexagonal phase. The latter offers an unusual combination of properties that cannot be found in any other ceramics. However, these properties closely depend on the synthesis processes. This review states the recent developments in the preparation of BN through the chemistry, shaping and ceramic conversion of borazine derivatives. This concept denoted as Polymer-Derived Ceramics (PDCs) route allows tailoring the chemistry of precursors to elaborate complex BN shapes which cannot be obtained by conventional process. The effect of the chemistry of the molecular precursors, i.e., borazine and trichloroborazine, and their polymeric derivatives i.e., polyborazylene and poly[tri(methylamino)borazine], in which the specific functional groups and structural motifs determine the shaping potential by conventional liquid-phase process and plastic-forming techniques is discussed. Nanotubes, nano-fibers, coatings, monoliths and fiber-reinforced matrix composites are especially described. This leads to materials which are of significant engineering interest.
Antioxidant and Antifatigue Activities of Polygonatum Alte-lobatum Hayata Rhizomes in Rats
Authors: Horng Chi-Ting , Huang Jon-Kway , Wang Hui-Yun , Huang Chi-Chang , Chen Fu-An
Published: November 2014

Polygonatum alte-lobatum Hayata, a rhizomatous perennial herb, belongs to the Liliaceae family and is endemic to Taiwan. We investigated the antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities of P. alte-lobatum in exercised rats. Levels of polyphenols, flavonoids and polysaccharides and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity were measured in extracts of P. alte-lobatum (EPA). Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups for 8-week treatment with vehicle (control) and low-, medium-, and high-dose EPA (LEPA, MEPA, HEPA; 0, 75, 150, and 375 mg/kg/day, respectively). Exercise performance was evaluated by exhaustive treadmill exercise time and by changes in body composition and biochemical variables at the end of the experiment. EPA contained polyphenols, flavonoids and polysaccharides, with polysaccharide content at least 26 times greater than that of polyphenols and flavonoids. Trend analysis revealed that EPA dose-dependently scavenged DPPH free radicals. EPA treatment dose-dependently increased endurance running time to exhaustion and superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant ability of blood. EPA dose-dependently decreased serum urea nitrogen and malondialdehyde levels after exercise. Hepatic glycogen content, an important energy source for exercise, was significantly increased with EPA treatment. EPA could be a potential agent with an anti-fatigue pharmacological function.