bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis of the ion channelome of human platelets and megakaryocytic cell lines
Authors: Wright Joy R. , Amisten Stefan , Goodall Alison H. , Mahaut-Smith Martyn P.
Published: June 2016

Ion channels have crucial roles in all cell types and represent important therapeutic targets. Approximately 20 ion channels have been reported in human platelets; however, no systematic study has been undertaken to define the platelet channelome. These membrane proteins need only be expressed at low copy number to influence function and may not be detected using proteomic or transcriptomic microarray approaches. In our recent work, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) provided key evidence that Kv1.3 is responsible for the voltage-dependent K+ conductance of platelets and megakaryocytes. The present study has expanded this approach to assess relative expression of 402 ion channels and channel regulatory genes in human platelets and three megakaryoblastic/erythroleukaemic cell lines. mRNA levels in platelets are low compared to other blood cells, therefore an improved method of isolating platelets was developed. This used a cocktail of inhibitors to prevent formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates, and a combination of positive and negative immunomagnetic cell separation, followed by rapid extraction of mRNA. Expression of 34 channel-related transcripts was quantified in platelets, including 24 with unknown roles in platelet function, but that were detected at levels comparable to ion channels with established roles in haemostasis or thrombosis. Trace expression of a further 50 ion channel genes was also detected. More extensive channelomes were detected in MEG-01, CHRF-288–11 and HEL cells (195, 185 and 197 transcripts, respectively), but lacked several channels observed in the platelet. These “channelome” datasets provide an important resource for further studies of ion channel function in the platelet and megakaryocyte.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Identification of polymorphisms in Apolipoprotein M gene and their relationship with risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism
Authors: Sundquist Kristina , Zöller Bengt , Dahlbäck Björn , Svensson Peter J. , Sundquist Jan , Memon Ashfaque A. , Ahmad Abrar
Published: June 2016

Apolipoprotein M (ApoM) plasma levels have been reported to be associated with risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence. However, the role of genetic alterations in the ApoM gene in VTE recurrence remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify genetic aberrations in ApoM gene in VTE recurrence and their role in prediction of VTE recurrence in a prospective follow-up study of 1465 VTE patients. During follow-up, 156 (10.6 %) patients had VTE recurrence. First screening of whole ApoM gene was performed by Sanger’s sequencing in selected age and sex matched non-recurrent and recurrent patients (n=95). In total six polymorphisms were identified and two polymorphisms (rs805297 and rs9404941) with minor allele frequency (MAF) ≥5 % were further genotyped in the whole cohort by Taqman PCR. ApoM rs805297 polymorphism was significantly associated with higher risk of VTE recurrence in males but not in females on both univariate (p= 0.038, hazard ratio = 1.72, confidence interval = 1.03–2.88) and on multivariate analysis adjusted with mild and severe thrombophilia, family history, location and acquired risk factors for VTE. However, ApoM rs9404941 polymorphism showed no significant association with risk of VTE recurrence in all patients as well as in different gender groups. Moreover, ApoM rs805297 and rs9404941 polymorphisms were not associated with the ApoM plasma levels. In conclusion, for the first time we have sequenced whole ApoM gene in VTE and identified six polymorphisms. ApoM rs805297 was significantly associated with higher risk of VTE recurrence in male but not in female patients.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
First report of, and additional information on, Meloidogyne konaensis (Nematoda: Meloidogyninae) parasitising various crops in Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Jessica M.S. , Cares Juvenil E. , Gomes Ana Cristina M.M. , Correa Valdir R. , Mattos Vanessa S. , Santos Marcilene F.A. , Almeida Maria Ritta A. , Santos Carmem D.G. , Castagnone-Sereno Philippe , Carneiro Regina M.D.G.
Published: June 2016

In a survey for Meloidogyne spp. in different crops from 11 regions in Ceará State, Brazil, using esterase isozyme electrophoresis as a specific identification method, four atypical populations were characterised from cabbage, papaya, noni and canapum plants, all of which showed an esterase profile different from those previously detected in Brazil. Morphological studies showed typical characteristics of Meloidogyne konaensis. Perineal patterns of females were variable, similar to M. arenaria and M. incognita, stylet length 14-20 μm. In females, the knobs gradually merged with the shaft and the dorsal pharyngeal gland orifice (DGO) ranged from 4 to 7 μm. Although males are not frequently found, the stylet morphology provides the most useful source of diagnostic character for the species, having 6-12 large projections protruding from the shaft. The esterase pattern K3 is unique and species-specific with three major bands Rm 1.0, 1.17, 1.27 and a secondary band Rm 1.10. Some confusion about the true identity of this species was clarified in this study, including differentiation from M. paranaensis. A species-specific SCAR marker developed for M. paranaensis was tested and no amplification products were observed. In Neighbour-Joining analyses of ITS and D2-D3 rRNA sequences, M. konaensis from Brazil appeared clearly separated from M. paranaensis. Pathological tests indicated that coffee is not a host of M. konaensis as previously reported in the original description of this species.
Philo in Byzantium
Authors: Runia David T.
Published: June 2016

This article gives the first comprehensive overview of the fate of the writings and thought of the Jewish exegete and philosopher Philo of Alexandria in the Byzantine period from 500 to 1500 ce. It sets out the evidence, based primarily on named references in a wide range of Byzantine sources, for the questions (1) who read Philo and wrote about him; (2) what part of his legacy did they utilise; (3) why did they refer to him; (4) and what was their attitude to him as a Jewish author.
Takeshima/Dokdo Problem in the San Francisco System
Authors: Hara Kimie
Published: June 2016

Various issues were left unresolved in the San Francisco Peace Treaty with Japan. The Takeshima/Dokdo problem is no exception. A close examination of the post-war territorial disposition of Japan suggests that these issues were left unresolved under the strong influence of the Cold War. The treaty was prepared and signed in a multilateral framework, in which several issues were linked together. However, their historical and political linkages have been neglected or overlaid by other features over the years. Remembering its Cold War origin and multilateral linkages, settlement of the Takeshima/Dokdo problem may be considered together with other outstanding issues in a broader multilateral framework. There are important lessons to learn from the European experiences, including the 1975 Helsinki Declaration (Accords). A workable settlement formula would include mutual concessions and collective gains among the concerned parties in East Asia.
Reconciliation within the Frame of International Law and Feminist Perspectives
Authors: Nah Yoonkyeong
Published: June 2016

Unlike law that seeks to determine the legality of behaviors, feminists endeavor to ask whose voices remain un/heard. This is because the voices of the weaker, the poorer, and the have-nots are usually unheard in ‘objective’ law. Regarding the ‘present’ conflicts between Korea and Japan that stem from Japan’s annexation of Korea, international law seeks to determine the legality of the annexation; accordingly Japan’s position is that her predatory behavior was within then-existing international law. International law back then however was not signed onto by most weaker states and the law was unilaterally applied to rationalize the predatory behaviors of stronger states, in which neither were heard the voices of weaker states nor conflicts formulated. In this regard, feminist perspectives suggest that when dealing with conflicts between unequal states in that era, international justice is realized when the law pursues the voices of the unheard, rather than legality.
Thinking the Unthinkable
Authors: McDorman Ted L.
Published: June 2016

In the context of reconciliation, this article looks at the “unthinkable” option of international adjudication to resolve the territorial sovereignty and maritime boundary disputes between China, Japan and Korea in the East China Sea/Yellow Sea and East Sea/Sea of Japan. While understanding that such an eventuality is unlikely, the article suggests certain political conditions that could increase the likelihood of this approach being adopted.
Sustainable and Sound: First Principles for Addressing Maritime Jurisdictional Issues and Disputes
Authors: Townsend-Gault Ian
Published: June 2016

This paper explores a number of diverse but closely inter-related topics relating to maritime jurisdiction. Assuming that two or more states which are party to such a dispute, certain inflexible principles apply. The point is made that the law of the sea is a part of international law, not an autonomous subject. Its cornerstone, the un Convention of 1982, must therefore be read, interpreted and applied like any other international agreement. Parties to the Convention are bound by its provisions, and, in general, it is not up to them to insert words or meanings to suit themselves. Similarly, international law has rules on treaty interpretation, which should guide states in designing their marine policies. The paper considers reliance on history in the context of international law, and associated issues. It concludes with a number of propositions based on principle, general and specific. Throughout, maintaining law and order at sea as the optimum means of advancing the sustainable development of the oceans and all their resources, as well as the preservation and protection of the marine environment is a constant theme.
A synoptic review and new infrageneric classification for the genus Haworthiopsis (Xanthorrhoeaceae: Asphodeloideae)
Authors: GILDENHUYS SEAN D. , KLOPPER RONELL R.
Published: June 2016

Haworthiopsis was established in 2013 to accommodate the species formerly classified under the subgenus Hexangulares of the genus Haworthia. This new genus is near-endemic to South Africa and found in most of the provinces of the country. It is also known from southern Namibia, Swaziland and possibly Mozambique. A total of 18 species are currently recognised in Haworthiopsis. However, this circumscription renders the genus paraphyletic with H. koelmaniorum sister to a polytomy comprising the rest of the Haworthiopsis taxa and Gasteria. In this contribution, seven new combinations are published (H. fasciata var. browniana, H. reinwardtii var. reinwardtii f. chalumnensis, H. reinwardtii var. reinwardtii f. kaffirdriftensis, H. reinwardtii var. reinwardtii f. olivacea, H. tessellata var. crausii, H. viscosa, H. scabra var. smitii) and two changes of status (H. koelmaniorum var. mcmurtryi, H. viscosa var. variabilis). An amplified description of the genus is provided. Six sections formerly recognised under Haworthia (subg. Hexangulares) are applied and adapted to Haworthiopsis, with some amendments. A new section, H. sect. Koelmaniorum, is described here. New combinations for hybrid taxa in Haworthiopsis that were previously described as species of Haworthia are given.
Thelephora dominicana (Basidiomycota, Thelephorales), a new species from the Dominican Republic, and preliminary notes on thelephoroid genera
Authors: VIZZINI ALFREDO , ANGELINI CLAUDIO , LOSI CRISTIANO , ERCOLE ENRICO
Published: June 2016

A new species of Thelephora, characterized by more or less infundibuliform basidiomes and globose to subglobose strongly echinulate basidiospores, is described from the Dominican Republic based on morphological and molecular data (analyses of LSU and ITS sequences). Phylogenetic insights on genera in the Thelephorales are also provided.
Catalogue and Bibliography of the Hong Kong Carabidae Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera: Adephaga), with notes on the historic boundaries of Hong Kong as related to zoological collections
Authors: ASTON PAUL
Published: June 2016

A complete list of Carabidae species historically collected in Hong Kong combined with more recent records and notes on their biology is given. Notes on the historic boundaries of Hong Kong through the colonial period are given, as this is an important element relating to our understanding of the origins of historic zoological collections made in the region. Likewise a list of collectors in Hong Kong up to the outbreak of hostilities in the Second World War is given. A full bibliography of Hong Kong Carabidae is included.
A new genus and species of cricket from the Chapada Diamantina National Park, northeastern Brazil (Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae; Luzarinae)
Authors: DIAS PEDRO G. B. SOUZA , MELLO FRANCISCO DE ASSIS GANEO DE , VIEIRA LELISBERTO BALDO
Published: June 2016

A new genus and species of Luzarinae cricket (Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae) is described from the Chapada Diamantina National Park, Bahia State, northeast Brazil. Sishiniheia diamantina, n. gen. n. sp. is described based in characters of external morphology and male genitalia and is characterized by the reduced FWs, absence of stridulatory file, thick longitudinal venation and the thin, pointed and curved pseudepiphallic arms.
Petrocephalus leo, a new species of African electric fish (Osteoglossomorpha: Mormyridae) from the Oubangui River basin (Congo basin)
Authors: LAVOUÉ SÉBASTIEN
Published: June 2016

A new species of the African weakly electric fish genus Petrocephalus (Osteoglossomorpha: Mormyridae: Petrocephalinae) is described from the Oubangui (Ubangi) River basin, the principal right-bank tributary of the Congo River. Petrocephalus leo sp. nov. is one of the most distinctive species of Petrocephalus as it combines (among other characteristics) the absence of electroreceptive rosettes on the head with a unique melanin pattern. Only four other species of Petrocephalus lack all electroreceptive rosettes: Petrocephalus microphthalmus, Petrocephalus haullevillii, Petrocephalus schoutedeni, and Petrocephalus zakoni. Petrocephalus leo sp. nov. can be distinguished from these four species in having a distinctive black mark at the base of the pectoral fins (versus absent in P. microphthalmus, P. haullevillii and P. schoutedeni) and no subdorsal black mark (versus present in P. zakoni). A phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences shows haplotypes of P. leo sp. nov. are distinct, but are unexpectedly nested within P. zakoni haplotypes, making this latter species paraphyletic. To investigate this conflict between morphology and mitochondrial cytochrome b, a nuclear marker, the first intron of the gene coding for the S7 ribosomal protein, was sequenced. The presence of four diagnostic indels between P. zakoni and P. leo sp. nov. sequences supports the reciprocal monophyly of these two species. This is the first reported case of conflict between morphology and mitochondrial phylogeny within the genus Petrocephalus. Finally, three species of Petrocephalus are reported for the first time from the Oubangui region bringing the total of Petrocephalus species in this region to 12.
Discovery of a new millipede species in northern Vietnam, and the proposal of a new genus, Parariukiaria (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Xystodesmidae)
Authors: NGUYEN ANH D.
Published: June 2016

A survey in Cuc Phuong National Park has revealed the first record of a xystodesmid millipede in Vietnam and also the southernmost locality for the family in Asia. A new genus and species, Parariukiaria cucfuongensis gen. nov, sp. nov. is proposed and described. In addition, three former Riukiaria species from Sichuan Province (China) are reallocated to the new genus, Parariukiaria belousovi (Golovatch, 2014) comb. nov., P. korolevi (Golovatch, 2014) comb. nov., P. kabaki (Golovatch, 2014) comb. nov.. A key to species of the new genus is also provided.
Resurrection of Pseudorabdion torquatum (A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron & A.H.A. Duméril, 1854), a former synonym of P. longiceps (Cantor, 1847)
(Colubridae: Calamariinae) from Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: VOGEL GERNOT , AMARASINGHE A. A. THASUN , INEICH IVAN
Published: June 2016

The colubrid snake species Pseudorabdion torquatum is resurrected from the synonymy of P. longiceps. Out of the three syntypes, only two were located and examined at Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France (MNHN-RA). Pseudorabdion torquatum differs from P. longiceps in having a larger SVL (227.0 mm vs. 132.0–193.0 mm in males); higher number of ventral in males, 141 (vs. 127–139); lower number of ventrals in females, 137 (vs. 139–145); lower number of subcaudals in both sexes, 12–17 (vs. 17–30); and six supralabials (vs. five). Pseudorabdion torquatum is thus regarded as a valid and endemic species to Sulawesi. The species is here redescribed and a lectotype is designated. Furthermore we provide an English translation of the original description of Rabdion torquatum which was originally written in French. Thus, besides unconfirmed records of P. longiceps from Sulawesi, there is a single known congener from that island, P. sarasinorum
The Impact of GCM Dynamical Cores on Idealized Sudden Stratospheric Warmings and Their QBO Interactions
Authors: Yao Weiye , Jablonowski Christiane
Published: June 2016

The paper demonstrates that sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) can be simulated in an ensemble of dry dynamical cores that miss the typical SSW forcing mechanisms like moist processes, land–sea contrasts, or topography. These idealized general circulation model (GCM) simulations are driven by a simple Held–Suarez–Williamson (HSW) temperature relaxation and low-level Rayleigh friction. In particular, the four dynamical cores of NCAR’s Community Atmosphere Model, version 5 (CAM5), are used, which are the semi-Lagrangian (SLD) and Eulerian (EUL) spectral-transform models and the finite-volume (FV) and the spectral element (SE) models.

Three research themes are discussed. First, it is shown that SSW events in such idealized simulations have very realistic flow characteristics that are analyzed via the SLD model. A single vortex-split event is highlighted that is driven by wavenumber-1 and -2 wave–mean flow interactions. Second, the SLD simulations are compared to the EUL, FV, and SE dynamical cores, which sheds light on the impact of the numerical schemes on the circulation. Only SLD produces major SSWs, while others only exhibit minor stratospheric warmings. These differences are caused by SLD’s more vigorous wave–mean flow interactions in addition to a warm pole bias, which leads to relatively weak polar jets in SLD. Third, it is shown that tropical quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO)–like oscillations and SSWs can coexist in such idealized HSW simulations. They are present in the SLD dynamical core that is used to analyze the QBO–SSW interactions via a transformed Eulerian-mean (TEM) analysis. The TEM results provide support for the Holton–Tan effect.
Local Oceanic Precursors for the Summer Monsoon Onset over the Bay of Bengal and the Underlying Processes
Authors: Xing Nan , Li Jianping , Jiang Xingwen , Wang Lanning
Published: June 2016

Local sea surface temperature (SST) plays an important role in the onset of the Bay of Bengal (BoB) summer monsoon (BoBSM). Previous study indicated that the meridionally warmest SST axis (WSSTA) appears in mid-April in the central BoB, which may be a precursor for the BoBSM onset. In this study, it is found that a warm but not the meridionally warmest center, which is defined as the secondary WSSTA (SWSSTA), occurs in early April in the central BoB, leading the BoBSM onset by five pentads. Dates of the SWSSTA occurrence are significantly positively correlated with dates of the WSSTA occurrence in the central BoB and the BoBSM onset on an interannual time scale. The SWSSTA is an earlier precursor for the BoBSM onset. The formation of the oceanic precursor and its impact on the BoBSM onset are as follows. Before the BoBSM onset, resulting from more surface heat input and shallower mixed layer affected by the low-level anticyclone and subtropical high in the central BoB, local SST shows the most rapid increase. Meanwhile, the situation is adverse to the rapid increase of SST in the equatorial BoB. For this reason, the SWSSTA occurs, and the WSSTA subsequently appears in the central BoB. The WSSTA in turn enhances local convection, eliminates the low-level anticyclone, and moves the subtropical high outward away from the BoB by inducing atmospheric instability, thus developing a heating center. Convectional heating further strengthens southwesterlies in the BoB by exciting mixed planetary–gravity waves, resulting in the BoBSM onset.
Using Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict the Mechanical Properties of Thermally Modified Southern Pine Wood
Authors: Tong Li , Zhang Wenbo
Published: June 2016

This study seeks to estimate the mechanical properties of thermally modified wood (TMW) using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to measure 80 samples in three-point bending tests. Near-infrared spectra collected from the transverse, radial, and tangential sections of wood, coupled with chemometric techniques, were used to predict the mechanical properties of southern pine wood, from which NIR models were constructed based on partial least squares and corresponding cross-validation. The coefficient of determination between NIR transverse section spectra, as well as two mechanical properties of wood samples, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE), were above 0.92 and greater than values for other sections. Spectral data from the transverse sections were richer than data from other sections, and thus, a model based on transverse sections better predicts the mechanical properties of wood. A close relationship between the values for mechanical properties (MOE and MOR) and the NIR spectra of thermally modified southern pine wood can be demonstrated, which provides the potential to predict the mechanical properties of untreated and thermally modified wood.
Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism: the under-recognized value of inhibins
Authors: Shearer Jasmin L , Salmons Nabeel , Murphy Damian J , Gama Rousseau
Published: June 2016

We report a 70-year-old female presenting with increased libido and mild but rapid onset virilism. Investigations showed markedly elevated androstenedione and 17 hydroxyprogesterone misdirecting to possible late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia. High serum testosterone and oestrogens with suppressed gonadotrophins, however, indicated an androgen-secreting tumour. A normal dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and elevated inhibins A and B indicated the tumour was ovarian in origin, which was confirmed on pelvic examination and imaging. At laparotomy, a right ovarian sertoliform endometrioid carcinoma was removed, following which the patient developed menopausal vasomotor symptoms and improvement of her virilism. Serum testosterone, oestradiol, inhibins A and B became undetectable, gonadotrophins appropriately increased and 17 hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione normalized. We propose that inhibins may be of diagnostic value and should be included in investigative algorithms of females with virilization and hyperandrogenaemia, especially if postmenopausal. Androgen-secreting tumours must be excluded before raised 17 hydroxyprogesterone concentrations are used to diagnose late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia in females with new-onset virilization.
“I’m Not Mentally Ill”
Authors: Thoits Peggy A.
Published: June 2016

Mental illness identity deflection refers to rebuffing the idea that one is mentally ill. Predictors of identity deflection and its consequences for well-being were examined for individuals with mental disorders in the National Comorbidity Study–Replication ( N = 1,368). Respondents more often deflected a mental illness identity if they had a nonsevere disorder, had low impairment in functioning, had no treatment experience, viewed possible treatment as undesirable, and held multiple social roles, consistent with theory about stigma resistance. Persons who deflected a mental illness identity had lower distress and more positive affect than those who accepted it, even net of disorder severity, impairment level, and treatment experience. Among those who had ever been in treatment, deflection buffered the negative effects of serious impairment but exacerbated the effects of having a severe disorder on well-being, suggesting more complex consequences of formal labeling (greater stigma but helpful services), consistent with previous research.
Using Multiple-hierarchy Stratification and Life Course Approaches to Understand Health Inequalities
Authors: Brown Tyson H. , Richardson Liana J. , Hargrove Taylor W. , Thomas Courtney S.
Published: June 2016

This study examines how the intersecting consequences of race-ethnicity, gender, socioeconomics status (SES), and age influence health inequality. We draw on multiple-hierarchy stratification and life course perspectives to address two main research questions. First, does racial-ethnic stratification of health vary by gender and/or SES? More specifically, are the joint health consequences of racial-ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic stratification additive or multiplicative? Second, does this combined inequality in health decrease, remain stable, or increase between middle and late life? We use panel data from the Health and Retirement Study ( N = 12,976) to investigate between- and within-group differences in in self-rated health among whites, blacks, and Mexican Americans. Findings indicate that the effects of racial-ethnic, gender, and SES stratification are interactive, resulting in the greatest racial-ethnic inequalities in health among women and those with higher levels of SES. Furthermore, racial-ethnic/gender/SES inequalities in health tend to decline with age. These results are broadly consistent with intersectionality and aging-as-leveler hypotheses.
Cumulative Advantage in an Egalitarian Country? Socioeconomic Health Disparities over the Life Course in Sweden
Authors: Leopold Liliya
Published: June 2016

According to the cumulative advantage hypothesis, health gaps between socioeconomic groups widen with age. In the United States, studies have supported this hypothesis. Outside this context, evidence remains scarce. The present study tests the cumulative advantage hypothesis in Sweden, a society that contrasts sharply with the United States in terms of policies designed to reduce social disparities in health-related resources. I draw on longitudinal data from the Swedish Level of Living Survey ( N = 9,412 person-years), spanning the period between 1991 and 2010. The results show that gaps in self-rated health increase from early to middle adulthood. This applies to differences between educational groups and between occupational classes. In older age, health gaps remain constant. Cross-cohort analyses reveal a rising importance of cumulative advantage between educational groups but not between occupational classes. I conclude that the forces of accumulation prevail even in one of the most egalitarian welfare states.
A pilot study examining garment severance damage caused by a trained sharp-weapon user
Authors: Cowper EJ , Mahoney PF , Godhania K , Carr DJ , Harrison K
Published: June 2016

The pilot study summarized in this paper aimed to raise awareness of a gap that exists in the forensic textile science literature about damage caused to clothing by trained sharp-weapon users. A male trained in the Filipino martial arts discipline of Eskrima performed attack techniques on a physical model of a male torso covered with a 97% cotton/3% elastane knitted T-shirt, that is, a garment commonly worn by males. Fabric severance appearance created by three different, but commonly available, knives was evaluated. High-speed video was used to capture each attack. After each attack the resulting damage to the garment was assessed. This pilot study highlighted differences in severances associated with weapon selection, that is, not all knives resulted in similar patterns of textile damage. In addition, a mixture of stab and slash severances were observed. The findings demonstrated the possible misinterpretation of textile damage under these circumstances compared to damage patterns reported in the existing forensic textile science literature for more commonly occurring knife attacks (i.e. stabbings).
The effects of cognitive remediation therapy using the frontal/executive program for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Miyajima Maki , Omiya Hidetoshi , Yamashita Kiyoko , Miyata Tomoki , Yambe Kenji , Matsui Mie , Denda Kenzo
Published: June 2016

Objective

The cognitive features and treatment of autism spectrum disorder have been the subject of much debate in recent years. Therapeutic approaches to date have focused on skills acquisition, support tailored to the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, and interventions in social cognitive functioning; there have been few reports describing interventions aimed at neurocognitive dysfunction. In this study, we focus on impairment of executive functioning in autism spectrum disorder patients and investigate improvements in executive functioning and their generalization to social functioning.

Method

The intervention adopted for this study was cognitive remediation therapy using the frontal/executive program. To investigate the effectiveness of frontal/executive program, 15 subjects who consented to participate in the study were randomly assigned to an intervention group or control group. Frontal/executive program was administered to the intervention group for about six months. Both groups were evaluated using the same scales: BACS-J, WCST, and CPT for cognitive assessment; SCoRS-J, GAF, and LASMI for social functioning; and GSE for self-efficacy.

Results

Both groups had lower scores for cognitive functioning than normal individuals at baseline. After completion of frontal/executive program, the intervention group showed improved performance on BACS-J for overall score, digit sequencing, verbal fluency, and Tower of London tasks. Improvements were also seen on SCoRS-J and LASMI scales of social functioning.

Conclusions

This was the first study to use frontal/executive program to focus on neurocognitive dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder patients. Frontal/executive program is effective in improving impaired executive functioning in autism spectrum disorder patients and may also lead to improvements in some aspects of social functioning.
A case of galactorrhea during paroxetine treatment
Authors: Evrensel Alper , Önen Ünsalver Barış , Akyol Aslı , Ceylan Mehmet Emin
Published: June 2016

Paroxetine is one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant drugs. Galactorrhea can be seen during antidepressant treatments. There are a few reports in literature on paroxetine use and related prolactin level changes. We present a case that was receiving paroxetine in whom despite low blood levels of the drug, hyperprolactinemia, and galactorrhea was found. We present a case that was receiving paroxetine despite low drug blood levels, hyperprolactinemia, and galactorrhea was found in this article.
Decline of common mental disorders over time in public primary care tuberculosis patients in South Africa
Authors: Peltzer Karl
Published: June 2016

Objective

The relationship between tuberculosis and common mental disorders over time is under researched. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders and its predictors among tuberculosis patients over a period of six months.

Methods

A longitudinal investigation was carried out with new tuberculosis and tuberculosis retreatment patients systematically selected from 40 primary health care facilities and had screened positive for hazardous or harmful alcohol use in South Africa. Common mental disorders were measured with the Kessler-10 scale and the Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screen at baseline and at six months.

Results

At six months, 710 tuberculosis patients had completed the follow up. At baseline, 34.1% had severe psychological distress with a higher cut-off score (≥28), 81.1% had moderate psychological distress with a lower cut-off score (≥16), and 29.4% had posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (two or more). At the six-month follow-up, severe psychological stress significantly reduced by 12.3%, moderate psychological distress reduced by 24.9%, and PTSD reduced by 20.0%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using generalized estimation equation modeling across the three mental conditions found that moderate psychological distress and PTSD symptoms but not severe psychological distress significantly reduced over time. Having chronic conditions, including HIV, and sociodemographic factors (lower education and poverty) were associated with common mental disorders.

Conclusion

The prevalence of moderate psychological distress and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms significantly reduced over a period of six months. Mental health services should be integrated into tuberculosis treatment programs.
Tibia stress fracture secondary to obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Guler Gulen , Kutuk Meryem Ozlem , Yildirim Veli , Celik Gonca Gül , Toros Fevziye , Milcan Abtullah
Published: June 2016

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Early-onset OCD is one of the most common mental illnesses of children and adolescents, with a prevalence of 1% to 3%. It is related to worse lifespan symptoms and prognosis. Therefore, the treatment of OCD in children and adolescent has gained importance. If it is not treated successfully, the compulsive behaviors may cause extreme stress for children and their parents. Although minor complications of OCD are commonly observed, major complications are considerably rare due to the nature of compulsive behaviors. Apparently, loss of vision, autocastration, rectal prolapse are examples of major complications secondary to OCD. As far as we know, it is the first case of tibia stress fracture secondary to OCD. In the present case report, we will discuss tibia stress fracture developing secondary to compulsive behavior due to OCD.
Biologic effects of stress and bonding in mother–infant pairs
Authors: Spratt Eve G , Marsh Courtney , Wahlquist Amy E , Papa Carrie E , Nietert Paul J , Brady Kathleen T , Herbert Teri Lynn , Wagner Carol
Published: June 2016

Objective

Maternal stress in humans influences behavior of children and can be assessed using biological markers. Mothers and their one-month-old infants were recruited from an existing study to examine baseline maternal serum oxytocin and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to infant blood heel stick stress as measured by salivary cortisol in the dyads. Objectives were to explore (1) relationships between mother and infant cortisol levels, (2) gender differences in infant biologic cortisol response, and (3) the association of cortisol levels in the dyads and maternal oxytocin levels

Methods

Forty-two mother–infant dyads provided biologic samples and self-report data. Maternal oxytocin samples were obtained. Initial salivary cortisol was assessed in both the mother and infant, followed by a heel stick blood draw. Twenty minutes later, salivary cortisol was collected again from dyads.

Results

Self-report measures were negative for depression and risk for childhood neglect. Although oxytocin and baseline cortisol in the infants was higher in mothers that did some breast-feeding, there was no statistically significant difference ( p = 0.2 and p = 0.1, respectively). Analyses showed (a) higher baseline cortisol in mothers was related to higher baseline cortisol in infants ( p ≤ 0.0001), (b) following the stressor, female infants had a larger positive change in cortisol, after adjusting for baseline cortisol ( p = 0.045), and (c) there was no relationship between dyad cortisol levels and maternal oxytocin.

Conclusions

Maternal and infant biologic stress measures are related. Female infants have a larger hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to a blood draw stressor as measured by salivary cortisol than male infants.
Validating screening tools for depression in stroke and transient ischemic attack patients
Authors: Prisnie Joey C , Fiest Kirsten M , Coutts Shelagh B , Patten Scott B , Atta Callie AM , Blaikie Laura , Bulloch Andrew GM , Demchuk Andrew , Hill Michael D , Smith Eric E , Jetté Nathalie
Published: June 2016

Objective

The best screening questionnaires for detecting post-stroke depression have not been identified. We aimed to validate four commonly used depression screening tools in stroke and transient ischemic attack patients.

Methods

Consecutive stroke and transient ischemic attack patients visiting an outpatient stroke clinic in Calgary, Alberta (Canada) completed a demographic questionnaire and four depression screening tools: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, PHQ-2, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Participants then completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID), the gold-standard for diagnosing major depression. The questionnaires were validated against the SCID and sensitivity and specificity were calculated at various cut-points. Optimal cut-points for each questionnaire were determined using receiver-operating curve analyses.

Results

Among 122 participants, 59.5% were diagnosed with stroke and 40.5% with transient ischemic attack. The point prevalence of SCID-diagnosed current major depression was 9.8%. At the optimal cut-points, the sensitivity and specificity for each screening tool were as follows: PHQ-9 (sensitivity: 81.8%, specificity: 97.1%), PHQ-2 (sensitivity: 75.0%, specificity: 96.3%), HADS-D (sensitivity: 63.6%, specificity: 98.1%), and GDS-15 (sensitivity: 45.5%, specificity: 84.8%). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were as follows: PHQ-9 86.6%, PHQ-2 86.7%, HADS-D 85.9%, and GDS-15 66.3%.

Conclusions

The PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 are both suitable depression screening tools, taking less than 5 minutes to complete. The HADS-D does not appear to have any advantage over the PHQ-based scales, even though it was designed specifically for medically ill populations. The GDS-15 cannot be recommended for general use in a stroke clinic based on this study as it had worse discrimination due to low sensitivity.
Diversionary Theory of War and the Case Study Design
Authors: Blomdahl Mikael
Published: June 2016

This article examines President Clinton’s decisions to launch military actions against Iraq in June 1993 and Kosovo in 1999. This study represents an attempt to test the descriptive accuracy and further developing the diversionary theory of war. Using a qualitative framework for diversionary use of force developed by another researcher, Ryan C. Hendrickson, this research examines and compares the two cases in order to determine whether or not these strikes appear to be diversionary in nature. This article generally suggests that empirical support for the diversionary argument in these cases is “mixed” but has more validity in the actions against Iraq. Two proposals to further develop qualitative tests for diversionary use of force are advanced.
A Comparison of Cost and Reward Procedures With Interdependent Group Contingencies
Authors: Lee Kathryn , Penrod Becky , Price Jenifer N.
Published: June 2016

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of two variations of a token economy for reducing disruptive behavior within a general education classroom. One variation involved a group contingency in which tokens were removed contingent on disruptive behavior (response cost), and the other variation involved a group contingency in which tokens were gained according to a differential reinforcement of other behavior schedule. Two elementary school teachers and their students participated. Results indicated that both procedures were effective in reducing the overall number of students disrupting; however, both teachers and students indicated a greater preference for the response cost condition. Implications for the use of these behavior management strategies in the classroom are discussed in terms of effectiveness and ease of implementation.
Pleasure From Another’s Pain
Authors: Gromet Dena M. , Goodwin Geoffrey P. , Goodman Rebecca A.
Published: June 2016

Can people’s feelings about harm (i.e., their hedonic reactions) lead them to be morally condemned, even if they do not cause the harm themselves? We show that individuals who experience pleasure at serious harm that has befallen another person are judged both immoral and evil. This effect occurs for harm-causing actors, and for observers who play no role in causing the harm; actors can also be judged as immoral and evil when they experience mere indifference (Study 1). Observers are more likely to be similarly judged when they experience direct rather than indirect pleasure from harm caused to another (Study 2). The effects of pleasure are dissociable from those of malevolent desires (Study 3). Targets’ experience of pleasure at the harm caused to another person leads to the social exclusion of observers (Studies 1-3) and the harsh punishment of actors, including the death penalty (Studies 1, 4a, and 4b).
Signal and Noise in the Perception of Facial Emotion Expressions
Authors: Hess Ursula , Kafetsios Konstantinos , Mauersberger Heidi , Blaison Christophe , Kessler Carolin-Louisa
Published: June 2016

Human interactions are replete with emotional exchanges, and hence, the ability to decode others’ emotional expressions is of great importance. The present research distinguishes between the emotional signal (the intended emotion) and noise (perception of secondary emotions) in social emotion perception and investigates whether these predict the quality of social interactions. In three studies, participants completed laboratory-based assessments of emotion recognition ability and later reported their perceptions of naturally occurring social interactions. Overall, noise perception in the recognition task was associated with perceiving more negative emotions in others and perceiving interactions more negatively. Conversely, signal perception of facial emotion expressions was associated with higher quality in social interactions. These effects were moderated by relationship closeness in Greece but not in Germany. These findings suggest that emotion recognition as assessed in the laboratory is a valid predictor of social interaction quality. Thus, emotion recognition generalizes from the laboratory to everyday life.
Generalizability Theory With One-Facet Nonadditive Models
Authors: Zhang Jinming , Lin Chih-Kai (Cary)
Published: June 2016

In generalizability theory (G theory), one-facet models are specified to be additive, which is equivalent to the assumption that subject-by-facet interaction effects are absent. In this article, the authors first derive estimators of variance components (VCs) for nonadditive models and show that, in some cases, they are different from their counterparts in additive models. The authors then demonstrate and later confirm with a simulation study that when the subject-by-facet interaction exists, but the additive-model formulas are used, the VC of subjects is underestimated. Consequently, generalizability coefficients are also underestimated. Thus, depending on the nature of interaction effects, an appropriate model, either additive or nonadditive, should be used in applications of G theory. The nonadditive G theory developed in this article generalizes current G theory and uses data at hand to determine when additive or nonadditive models should be used to estimate VCs. Finally, the implications of the findings are discussed in light of an analysis of real data.
Studying Governors over Five Decades
Authors: Bernick E. Lee
Published: June 2016

Governors are the most prominent political actor in state politics and a subject of continuous study by scholars. An analysis of the research produced over the past five decades reveals a pattern of topics investigated as well as trends in interest level of those topics. A brief review of some of the findings is presented as well as suggestions for additional research. Finally, a proposal to rethink how we study and evaluate governors is offered.
Political socialization of young children in intractable conflicts
Authors: Bar-Tal Daniel , Diamond Aurel Harrison , Nasie Meytal
Published: June 2016

This article examines the political socialization of young children who live under conditions of intractable conflict. We present four premises: First, we argue that, within the context of intractable conflict, political socialization begins earlier and faster than previously suspected, and is evident among young children. Second, we propose that the agents of political socialization impart narratives of the ethos of conflict and of collective memory in young children that support continuation of the conflict. Third, we maintain that the great majority of the young children form systematic and coherent systems of beliefs, attitudes, and emotions that support the conflict as a result of political socialization and direct exposure to conflict. Finally, we suggest that the conflict-related contents absorbed by children have lasting effects on the solidification of children’s later socio-psychological repertoire. Our arguments highlight the serious consequences of political socialization processes on very young children in societies involved in intractable conflict.
Lipid microbubbles as a vehicle for targeted drug delivery using focused ultrasound-induced blood–brain barrier opening
Authors: Sierra Carlos , Acosta Camilo , Chen Cherry , Wu Shih-Ying , Karakatsani Maria E , Bernal Manuel , Konofagou Elisa E
Published: June 2016

Focused ultrasound in conjunction with lipid microbubbles has fully demonstrated its ability to induce non-invasive, transient, and reversible blood–brain barrier opening. This study was aimed at testing the feasibility of our lipid-coated microbubbles as a vector for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of central nervous system diseases. These microbubbles were labeled with the fluorophore 5-dodecanoylaminfluorescein. Focused ultrasound targeted mouse brains in vivo in the presence of these microbubbles for trans-blood–brain barrier delivery of 5-dodecanoylaminfluorescein. This new approach, compared to previously studies of our group, where fluorescently labeled dextrans and microbubbles were co-administered, represents an appreciable improvement in safety outcome and targeted drug delivery. This novel technique allows the delivery of 5-dodecanoylaminfluorescein at the region of interest unlike the alternative of systemic exposure. 5-dodecanoylaminfluorescein delivery was assessed by ex vivo fluorescence imaging and by in vivo transcranial passive cavitation detection. Stable and inertial cavitation doses were quantified. The cavitation dose thresholds for estimating, a priori, successful targeted drug delivery were, for the first time, identified with inertial cavitation were concluded to be necessary for successful delivery. The findings presented herein indicate the feasibility and safety of the proposed microbubble-based targeted drug delivery and that, if successful, can be predicted by cavitation detection in vivo.