bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rap1b in Smooth Muscle and Endothelium Is Required for Maintenance of Vascular Tone and Normal Blood Pressure
Authors: Lakshmikanthan Sribalaji , Zieba Bartosz J. , Ge Zhi-Dong , Momotani Ko , Zheng Xiaodong , Lund Hayley , Artamonov Mykhaylo V. , Maas Jason E. , Szabo Aniko , Zhang David X. , Auchampach John A. , Mattson David L. , Somlyo Avril V. , Chrzanowska-Wodnicka Magdalena
Published: May 2014

Objective—

Small GTPase Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1b) controls several basic cellular phenomena, and its deletion in mice leads to several cardiovascular defects, including impaired adhesion of blood cells and defective angiogenesis. We found that
Rap1b
−/−
mice develop cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension. Therefore, we examined the function of Rap1b in regulation of blood pressure.

Approach and Results—

Rap1b
−/−
mice developed cardiac hypertrophy and elevated blood pressure, but maintained a normal heart rate. Correcting elevated blood pressure with losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, alleviated cardiac hypertrophy in
Rap1b
−/−
mice, suggesting a possibility that cardiac hypertrophy develops secondary to hypertension. The indices of renal function and plasma renin activity were normal in
Rap1b
−/−
mice. Ex vivo, we examined whether the effect of Rap1b deletion on smooth muscle–mediated vessel contraction and endothelium-dependent vessel dilation, 2 major mechanisms controlling basal vascular tone, was the basis for the hypertension. We found increased contractility on stimulation with a thromboxane analog or angiotensin II or phenylephrine along with increased inhibitory phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase under basal conditions consistent with elevated basal tone and the observed hypertension. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent relaxation in response to Rap1 activator, Epac, was decreased in vessels from
Rap1b
−/−
mice. Defective endothelial release of dilatory nitric oxide in response to elevated blood flow leads to hypertension. We found that nitric oxide–dependent vasodilation was significantly inhibited in Rap1b-deficient vessels.

Conclusions—

This is the first report to indicate that Rap1b in both smooth muscle and endothelium plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure by controlling normal vascular tone.
Targeted Delivery of Pulmonary Arterial Endothelial Cells Overexpressing Interleukin-8 Receptors Attenuates Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Fu Jinyan , Chen Yiu-Fai , Zhao Xiangmin , Creighton Judy R. , Guo Yuanyuan , Hage Fadi G. , Oparil Suzanne , Xing Daisy D.
Published: May 2014

Objective—

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) receptors IL8RA and IL8RB (IL8RA/B) on neutrophil membranes bind to IL-8 with high affinity and play a critical role in neutrophil recruitment to sites of injury and inflammation. This study tested the hypothesis that administration of rat pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (ECs) overexpressing IL8RA/B can accelerate the adhesion of ECs to the injured lung and inhibit monocrotaline-induced pulmonary inflammation, arterial thickening and hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Approach and Results—

The treatment groups included 10-week-old ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats that received subcutaneous injection of PBS (vehicle), a single injection of monocrotaline (monocrotaline alone, 60 mg/kg, SC), monocrotaline followed by intravenous transfusion of ECs transduced with the empty adenoviral vector (null-EC), and monocrotaline followed by intravenous transfusion of ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B (1.5×10
6
cells/rat). Two days or 4 weeks after monocrotaline treatment, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-2β (IL-8 equivalent in rat), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration into pulmonary arterioles, and arteriolar and alveolar morphology were measured by histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine protein levels were measured by Multiplex rat-specific magnetic bead–based sandwich immunoassay in total lung homogenates. Transfusion of ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B significantly reduced monocrotaline-induced neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory mediator (IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2) expression in lungs and pulmonary arterioles and alveoli, pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary arterial and right ventricular hypertrophy and remodeling.

Conclusions—

These provocative findings suggest that targeted delivery of ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B is effective in repairing the injured pulmonary vasculature.
Mechanisms of Right Ventricular Electromechanical Dyssynchrony and Mechanical Inefficiency in Children After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Hui Wei , Slorach Cameron , Dragulescu Andreea , Mertens Luc , Bijnens Bart , Friedberg Mark K.
Published: May 2014

Background—

Right bundle branch block and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are common after tetralogy of Fallot repair (rTOF). We hypothesized that right bundle branch block is associated with specific RV mechanical dyssynchrony and inefficient contraction.

Methods and Results—

We studied rTOF children and age-matched controls. QRS duration and morphology were assessed. RV mechanical dyssynchrony, indicated by early septal activation (right-sided septal flash), RV lateral wall prestretch/late contraction, postsystolic shortening, and intraventricular delay were analyzed using 2-dimensional strain echocardiography. Peak oxygen consumption reflected exercise capacity. Pulmonary regurgitation and RV volumes were assessed by MRI. Forty-six rTOF patients and 46 controls were studied. Ninety-three percent of rTOF patients demonstrated a right-sided septal flash with simultaneous RV basal lateral wall prestretch/late activation. The RV basal segment was the most delayed in onset (115 [0–194] versus 35 [0–96] ms) and termination (462 [369–706] versus 412 [325–529] ms) of longitudinal shortening, with postsystolic shortening. QRS duration correlated with RV basal time to onset and peak shortening (
P
<0.05). Intra-RV delay was higher in rTOF (
P
<0.05) in association with RV dilatation (
r
=0.33;
P
=0.04). In rTOF, RV mechanics were inefficient, with prestretch and postsystolic shortening comprising 15±11% and 16±9% of total shortening, respectively. A composite parameter of electric and mechanical dyssynchrony correlated with RV end-diastolic volume (
r
=0.39;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

Typical electromechanical dyssynchrony associated with mechanical inefficiency, regional dysfunction, and RV dilatation is common in rTOF children, possibly contributing to progressive RV dysfunction. The potential of cardiac resynchronization in appropriate patients requires further study.
Activities of Daily Living Is a Critical Factor in Predicting Outcome After Carotid Endarterectomy in Asymptomatic Patients
Authors: Dayama Anand , Pimple Pratik , Badrinathan Barath , Lee Richard , Reeves James G.
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—

Ability to perform basic daily activity represented by functional status (FNS) before surgery can be assessed in the clinic for determining health status of the patient. We sought to study the effect of FNS on postoperative outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in a national data set.

Methods—

National Surgical Quality Improvement Project is a national data set, which includes data from >300 hospitals. Patients who underwent CEA were identified by Current Procedural Terminology code and divided into 3 categories based on FNS: independent, partially dependent, and dependent. Thirty-day postoperative stroke, death, and other postoperative complications were identified as the study end point. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate odds ratio for outcomes while controlling for sex, race, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, smoking, and other confounders.

Results—

Of 19 748 CEAs, 19 348 (97.97%) were functionally independent, 377 (1.99%) were functionally partially dependent, and 23 (0.12%) were functionallydependent. In functionally independent group, there were 196 (1.01%) strokes, 84 (0.43%) deaths, and 1416 (7.17%) other complications, whereas in the functionally partially dependent group, there were 14 (3.71%) strokes, 10 (2.65%) deaths, and 80 (21.22%) other complications. In multivariable risk-adjusted model, using functionally independent as reference, functionally partially dependent was associated with death (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–6.8;
P
<0.001), stroke (odds ratio, 3; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–5.4;
P
<0.001), and other complications (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–3.2;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

In this national data set, patient’s inability to perform basic activities of independent living is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes after CEA. Hence, FNS should be vigilantly assessed in clinic for risk stratification along with other objective factors for gauging risk of adverse outcomes after CEA.
Safety of Thrombolysis in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Erdur Hebun , Scheitz Jan F. , Tütüncü Serdar , Fiebach Jochen B. , Endres Matthias , Werring David J. , Nolte Christian H.
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—

Data on safety of intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke in patients with coexisting cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are scarce. We assessed the risk of thrombolysis-associated hemorrhage in these patients.

Methods—

We searched our tertiary care hospital thrombolysis register for patients with CCM confirmed by MRI (3 T, Siemens, TimTrio) before thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. CCMs were graded into subtypes according to the Zabramski classification on the basis of their MRI appearance. The primary end point was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III (ECASS III) criteria. The secondary end point was any parenchymal hemorrhage.

Results—

In a total of 350 patients (median age, 76 years; interquartile range, 68–84; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 8; interquartile range, 5–14; 51.4% women), CCMs were found in 9 patients (2.6%). Seven patients had a single CCM, and 2 patients had multiple CCMs with a total number of 12 CCMs in all patients. The subtype of CCMs was type III in 9 cases and type I in 3 cases. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 1 of 9 patients with CCM versus 11 of 341 patients without CCM (
P
=0.27). Parenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 2 of 9 patients with CCM versus 27 of 341 patients (
P
=0.17) without CCM.

Conclusions—

Given the limitations of our study (mainly low number of patients with CCM), the risk of thrombolysis-associated hemorrhage in patients with CCM remains uncertain. Although our data do not suggest an increased hazard from thrombolysis in patients with CCM, larger studies are necessary to determine definitively the influence of CCMs on parenchymal hemorrhage and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.
Complex Atheromatous Plaques in the Descending Aorta and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Kosmidou Maria , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Parissis John T. , Kyritsis Athanassios P. , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—

Proximal aortic plaques, especially in the aortic arch, have already been established as an important cause of stroke and peripheral embolism. However, aortic plaques situated in the descending thoracic aorta have recently been postulated as a potential embolic source in patients with cryptogenic cerebral infarction through retrograde aortic flow. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential association of descending aorta atheromatosis with cerebral ischemia.

Methods—

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available prospective observational studies reporting the prevalence of complex atheromatous plaques in the descending aorta in patients with stroke and in unselected populations undergoing examination with transesophageal echocardiography.

Results—

We identified 11 eligible studies including a total of 4000 patients (667 patients with stroke and 3333 unselected individuals; mean age, 65 years; 55% men). On baseline transesophageal echocardiograpic examination, the prevalence of complex atheromatous plaques in the descending aorta was higher (
P
=0.001) in patients with stroke (25.4%; 95% confidence interval, 14.6–40.4%) compared with unselected individuals (6.1%; 95% confidence interval, 3.4–10%). However, no significant difference (
P
=0.059) in the prevalence of complex atheromatous plaques in the descending aorta was found between patients with cryptogenic (21.8%; 95% confidence interval, 17.5–26.9%) and unclassified (28.3%; 95% confidence interval, 23.9–33.1%) cerebral infarction.

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate that the presence of complex plaques in the descending aorta is presumably a marker of generalized atherosclerosis and high vascular risk. The present analyses do not provide any further evidence for a direct causal relationship between descending aorta atherosclerosis and cerebral embolism.
Closing the gap between debate and reality: Cooperation between intelligence oversight bodies
Authors: de Jonge B.
Published: May 2014

Cooperation between intelligence oversight bodies has long been suggested as one of the means to keep the cross-border fight against terrorism in check. This article maps the incentives given to cooperation between oversight bodies, and evaluates the response to these appeals for cooperation by national legislators and the oversight community itself. This account shows that the level of cooperation between oversight bodies remains very limited. In practice several obstacles of a practical and legal nature exist that prevent further cooperation. Nevertheless, the article shows that even within the current legal framework there are several important fields in which the oversight community may still develop its cooperation. This will positively contribute to the quality and acceptance of oversight.
Between ‘sousveillance’ and applied ethics: practical approaches to oversight
Authors: Kowalski Michael
Published: May 2014

The issue of the oversight of intelligence and security services is playing an increasing role in the debate on global security issues both among specialists and the broader public. Beyond theoretical debates on intelligence and surveillance ten practical approaches to advance oversight are being developed. Core ideas address the implications of the political supremacy of oversight, the need for revisiting the focus of oversight as well as the possibilities of the proliferation of best oversight practices. Furthermore, suggestions are made regarding the integration of ethics in security research and the creation of space for applied ethics for intelligence practitioners.
What is the Hizmet Movement? Contending Approaches to the Analysis of Religious Activists In World Politics
Authors: Dreher Sabine
Published: May 2014

The goal of this article is to understand the role of religious activists in world politics from an international relations (IR) perspective. The paper proposes a critical theory of religion and encourages researchers to accept individual religiosity, class, and identity in the study of religious actors. The paper develops three avenues of inquiry. First, a better typology of religious actors in world politics is needed to classify them in their political and social contexts. Second, citing the example of Turkey’s Hizmet Movement of Fethullah Gülen, the central role played by economic engagement is analyzed from a neo-Gramscian perspective in International Political Economy (IPE). In so doing, Hizmet is presented as a non-western expression of neoliberal globalization and as part of the “globalizing elite.” Lastly, Hizmet’s international activities are presented as potentially having unforeseen consequences in the light of its creation and reproduction as a transnational social space.
Atrocalopteryx auco spec. nov. from Vietnam, with taxonomic notes on its congeners (Odonata: Calopterygidae)
Authors: HÄMÄLÄINEN MATTI
Published: May 2014

Atrocalopteryx auco Hämäläinen, spec. nov. (holotype ♂, from Vietnam, Lang Son province, Huu Lien, Tan Lai, alt.      260 m, 9 June 2008, deposited at RMNH, Leiden, The Netherlands) is described and illustrated for both sexes and compared with other species in the genus. The new combination Atrocalopteryx laosica (Fraser, 1933), comb. nov. is made. An annotated list of Atrocalopteryx species and keys to both sexes are presented. Male of A. auco differs from the other two completely opaque-winged species (A. atrata and A. atrocyana) by having yellowish crossveins on the under surface of the wings and by having the underside of abdominal segments 8–10 strikingly yellowish. The female of A. auco can be easily separated from A. atrata  and A. atrocyana  by the presence of whitish pseudopterostigma in both wings. Problems in the definition of the genus Atrocalopteryx are discussed.
Does Rhinoplasty Reduce Nasal Patency?
Authors: Celebi Saban , Caglar Erdem , Yilmaz Baki , Develioglu Omer , Topak Murat , İs Halim , Kulekci Mehmet
Published: May 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rhinoplasty on subjective and objective assessment of nasal patency in patients who underwent rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons only.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Design:

Prospective, clinical study.

Subject and Methods:

A total of 50 adult patients who underwent rhinoplasty were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative photographs of the nasal profile (frontal, lateral, and oblique) were obtained. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for the subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction (0 being the minimum, 10 being the maximum amount of nasal patency). Objective evaluation of nasal obstruction was performed with a peak nasal inspiratory flowmeter (PNIF).

Results:

Preoperative mean VAS scores and PNIF values of the patients were 7.36 ± 0.83 and 115.10 ± 17.45, respectively. Postoperative mean VAS scores and PNIF values of the patients were 7.42 ± 0.73 and 115.30 ± 16.7, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between any of the pre- and postoperative subjective and objective parameters ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Reduction rhinoplasty has been shown not to reduce nasal patency.
Notch1 Overexpression Associates With Poor Prognosis in Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Dawei , Dong Pin , Wu Chunping , Cao Pengyu , Zhou Liang
Published: May 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the expression of Notch1 in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tissues and its relationship to clinicopathologic characteristics as well as their prognostic value in LSCC.

Methods:

Samples from 106 patients with LSCC were analyzed for Notch1 expression by immunohistochemical staining. The relationship between Notch1 expression and clinicopathologic parameters was subsequently analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis of patient survival were examined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model, respectively.

Results:

We found that Notch1 had positive expression in 71 of 106 cases of LSCC (66.98%), which was obviously higher than laryngeal normal tissues ( P < .01) and significantly correlated with the clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and histological grade (all Ps < .05). Univariate analysis revealed that Notch1 expression tended to show an unfavorable influence on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (both Ps < .01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Notch1 was an independent prognostic factor for patients with LSCC ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

These results reveal that Notch1 expression is a potential prognostic factor for malignant progression, metastasis, and survival of LSCC patients. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that high expression of Notch1 was associated with unfavorable OS and DFS in LSCC patients.
Rapid Diagnosis and Discrimination of Bacterial Meningitis in Children Using Gram Probe Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Ao Dong , Wei Li , Hui-Hui Gao , Ran Tao , Shi-Qiang Shang , Yue-Li Rao
Published: May 2014

In this study, we developed a method of simultaneous detection and discrimination of bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with gram probe real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our results showed 25 clinical strains representing 13 gram-positive and 12 gram-negative bacterial species. They were identified correctly with the corresponding gram probe. The standard curve showed that the amplification efficiency of templates with different concentrations of bacteria was almost the same with a potential detection limit of 10 colony-forming units/mL. A total of 482 children who were clinically suspected of bacterial meningitis were included in this study. A total of 1.0 mL of CSF was collected from every child and was subjected to gram probe–based PCR (GP-PCR), CSF culture, and CSF routine analysis. The positive rate of the GP-PCR array was (32/482, 6.64%) significantly higher than that of CSF culture (23/482, 4.77%). GP-PCR was proved to be an excellent technique for rapid and accurate diagnosis and discrimination of bacterial meningitis, and hence its use as a diagnostic tool in future seems very promising.
Reflections on Azawad Crisis and Malian Democracy: The Statehood, its Deficiencies and Inclusion Failure
Authors: Saraceno Francesco
Published: May 2014

The 1992 decentralization reform in Mali failed to address the deficiencies embedded within the state. The resurgence of the Azawad crisis and the coup d’état of March 2012 have made these limits striking. After a brief account of the causes behind the century-long decay of Tuareg people, I will show that the 2013 elections may only represent an ephemeral solution unless strong policies of institution strengthening are deployed and the northern elites are put in condition to exert legitimate authority. The decentralization reform and peace agreements of the 1990s and 2000s have further increased the weakness of security forces. Moreover, they proved unable to provide northern elites with adequate means for securing legitimation and activating a process of institutional anchoring.
Marked Initial Pitch in Questions Signals Marked Communicative Function
Authors: Sicoli Mark A , Stivers Tanya , Enfield NJ , Levinson Stephen C
Published: May 2014

In conversation, the initial pitch of an utterance can provide an early phonetic cue of the communicative function, the speech act, or the social action being implemented. We conducted quantitative acoustic measurements and statistical analyses of pitch in over 10,000 utterances, including 2512 questions, their responses, and about 5000 other utterances by 180 total speakers from a corpus of 70 natural conversations in 10 languages. We measured pitch at first prominence in a speaker’s utterance and discriminated utterances by language, speaker, gender, question form, and what social action is achieved by the speaker’s turn. Through applying multivariate logistic regression we found that initial pitch that significantly deviated from the speaker’s median pitch level was predictive of the social action of the question. In questions designed to solicit agreement with an evaluation rather than information, pitch was divergent from a speaker’s median predictably in the top 10% of a speakers range. This latter finding reveals a kind of iconicity in the relationship between prosody and social action in which a marked pitch correlates with a marked social action. Thus, we argue that speakers rely on pitch to provide an early signal for recipients that the question is not to be interpreted through its literal semantics but rather through an inference.
The Lindsay Administration and the Sanitation Crisis of New York City, 1966–1973
Authors: Chronopoulos Themis
Published: May 2014

This article examines efforts by the John V. Lindsay administration (1966–1973) to deal with the New York City sanitation crisis of the late 1960s and early 1970s. By this period, the Department of Sanitation could barely function in most low-income neighborhoods of New York City, and this resulted in a series of direct and indirect protest actions. The mass media blamed Mayor Lindsay for the situation and characterized him as an ineffectual city manager. This image has persisted with scholars contending that Lindsay never figured out how to run the city government. This article diverges from these accounts and argues that the Lindsay administration actually rebuilt the Department of Sanitation—a city agency that was operationally breaking down before Lindsay became mayor. In fact, the Lindsay administration popularized the notion that a modern city with global aspirations has to meet the basic spatial needs of its residents and that efficient and responsive sanitation delivery can be achieved through the rationalization of resources and services.
Investors’ Reactions to Analysts’ Forecast Revisions and Information Uncertainty
Authors: Hou Tony Chieh-Tse , Hung Weifeng , Gao Simon S.
Published: May 2014

This study examines the relationship among analysts’ earnings forecast revisions, information uncertainty, and stock returns and provides new evidence that stock price drift occurs after analysts’ earnings forecast revisions. Using data from the Australian stock market over the period of 1992 to 2009, we find that the stocks with upward earnings revisions experience positive returns, while stocks with downward revisions have negative returns. The effect is more prominent in stocks with high information uncertainty. The results are robust after controlling for market conditions, seasonality, and risks. Our evidence supports the conservatism bias model that investors tend to underweight the public information, such as analysts’ earnings forecast revisions. Importantly, our evidence provides possible explanations about the violation of the efficient market hypothesis. Our results suggest that the conservative bias causes investors not to sufficiently update their beliefs and eventually results in subsequent return continuation as investors’ underreaction to analysts’ earnings forecast revision is stronger with higher information uncertainty.
Tools of Legitimacy: The Case of the Petrobras Corporate Blog
Authors: Barros Marcos
Published: May 2014

In this paper we explore how organizations are using new social technologies as tools in the discursive struggle over legitimacy. Using critical discourse analysis, we investigate one such struggle between the corporate blog published by Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil company, and traditional local newspapers. In this particular battle, Petrobras used several discursive strategies to challenge the media’s legitimacy and build its own credibility. Furthermore, we suggest that Petrobras, to underline and to support these strategies, employed a meta-discursive strategy based on a discourse of e-democracy that gave it legitimacy as a discourse producer. In addition, this article contributes to the literature on organizational discourse by uncovering the new social media’s characteristic of hyper-intertextuality that was central in transforming the dynamics of power and resistance and the nature of discursive strategies. Our work analyses how organizations can actively and effectively engage these new tools, which embody socially recognized discourses, to create their own discursive arena and legitimate their counter-narratives.
High speed locomotion for a quadrupedal microrobot
Authors: Baisch Andrew T. , Ozcan Onur , Goldberg Benjamin , Ithier Daniel , Wood Robert J.
Published: May 2014

Research over the past several decades has elucidated some of the mechanisms behind high speed, highly efficient, and robust locomotion in insects such as cockroaches. Roboticists have used this information to create biologically inspired machines capable of running, jumping, and climbing robustly over a variety of terrains. To date, little work has been done to develop an at-scale insect-inspired robot capable of similar feats due to challenges in fabrication, actuation, and electronics integration for a centimeter-scale device. This paper addresses these challenges through the design, fabrication, and control of a 1.27 g walking robot, the Harvard Ambulatory MicroRobot (HAMR). The current design is manufactured using a method inspired by pop-up books that enables fast and repeatable assembly of the miniature walking robot. Methods to drive HAMR at low and high speeds are presented, resulting in speeds up to 0.44 m/s (10.1 body lengths per second) and the ability to maneuver and control the robot along desired trajectories.
Hepatic Lesions in 90 Captive Nondomestic Felids Presented for Autopsy
Authors: Bernard J. M. , Newkirk K. M. , McRee A. E. , Whittemore J. C. , Ramsay E. C.
Published: May 2014

Hepatic lesions in nondomestic felids are poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate hepatic lesions in 90 captive, nondomestic felids including tigers, cougars, and lions. Hepatic lesions were histologically characterized as vacuolar change (lipidosis or glycogenosis), biliary cysts, biliary hyperplasia, hepatitis, necrosis, neoplasia, fibrosis, veno-occlusive disease, cholestasis, hematoma, congestion, or hemorrhage. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed for vacuolar change, benign biliary lesions, hepatitis, lipogranulomas, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and hepatic stellate cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, with species as the outcome variable. Ninety cats met the inclusion criteria. Seventy livers (78%) contained 1 or more lesions. Hepatocellular vacuolar change (41/90 [46%]) was the most common lesion overall. Extramedullary hematopoiesis, lipogranulomas, and hepatic stellate cell hyperplasia were also common. One snow leopard had veno-occlusive disease. Tigers were more likely than other felids to have no significant hepatic histologic lesions (odds ratio [OR], 12.687; P = .002), and lions were more likely to have biliary cysts (OR, 5.97; P = .021). Six animals (7%) died of hepatic disease: cholangiocellular carcinoma (n = 2) and 1 each of hepatic lipidosis, hepatocellular necrosis, pyogranulomatous hepatitis, and suppurative cholecystitis. Hepatocellular iron and copper accumulations were present in 72 of 90 (80%) and 10 of 90 (11%) sections, respectively. Sinusoidal fibrosis was common (74/90 [82%]) and primarily centrilobular (65/74 [88%]). Hepatocellular iron, copper, and fibrosis were not significantly associated with hepatic lesions. Primary hepatic disease was not a common cause of death in nondomestic felids in this study.
Long-Term Treatment Outcome of two Patients With Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy Caused byALDH7A1 Mutations
Authors: Nasr Enas , Mamak Eva , Feigenbaum Anette , Donner Elizabeth J. , Mercimek-Mahmutoglu Saadet
Published: May 2014

Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder of lysine catabolism caused by mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene. We report 2 patients with normal neurocognitive outcome (full-scale IQ of 108 and 74) and their more than 10 years’ treatment outcome on pyridoxine monotherapy. Both patients had specific borderline impairments in visual processing speed. More long-term treatment outcome reports will increase our knowledge about the natural history of the disease.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Prognostication in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury
Authors: Bell Emily , Rasmussen Lisa Anne , Mazer Barbara , Shevell Michael , Miller Steven P. , Synnes Anne , Yager Jerome Y. , Majnemer Annette , Muhajarine Nazeem , Chouinard Isabelle , Racine Eric
Published: May 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could improve prognostication in neonatal brain injury; however, factors beyond technical or scientific refinement may impact its use and interpretation. We surveyed Canadian neonatologists and pediatric neurologists using general and vignette-based questions about the use of MRI for prognostication in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic injury. There was inter- and intra-vignette variability in prognosis and in ratings about the usefulness of MRI. Severity of predicted outcome correlated with certainty about the outcome. A majority of physicians endorsed using MRI results in discussing prognosis with families, and most suggested that MRI results contribute to end-of-life decisions. Participating neonatologists, when compared to participating pediatric neurologists, had significantly less confidence in the interpretation of MRI by colleagues in neurology and radiology. Further investigation is needed to understand the complexity of MRI and of its application. Potential gaps relative to our understanding of the ethical importance of these findings should be addressed.
Defective Auditory Processing in a Child With Temporal Epileptic Focus
Authors: Shuper Avinoam , Medvedovsky Mordechai , Kivity Sara
Published: May 2014

A 9-year-old boy presented with intolerance to noise that was a trigger for violent temper tantrums that occasionally resembled complex partial seizures. The condition was also a cause for withdrawal from all activities and settings that could potentially be associated with noise. Both electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography clearly demonstrated a left temporal (T5) epileptic focus, although the child never had convulsive seizures. Genetic studies failed to reveal a GRIN2A mutation. We suggest that the hyperacusis in the reported child is another variation of the Landau-Kleffner spectrum.
Dependence of physical properties of linear low-density polyethylene on the silicon dioxide filler size
Authors: El-Tonsy MM , Fouda IM , Oraby AH , Felfel RM , El-Henawey MI
Published: May 2014

In the current work, the influence of filler particle size on the performance of the composites was studied. Some physical parameters were measured for linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films reinforced with silicon dioxide (SiO2) powder. Samples filled with SiO2 of different particle sizes and concentrations were prepared. It was found that fillers with small size caused an increase in mechanical properties of LLDPE at lower concentration than that of particles with bigger size. This was confirmed experimentally by measuring different physical parameters such as yield strength, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, melting temperature, and structural morphology. Therefore, filler sizes ranged from nano to micro could help in reducing the amount of the usage of filler, which could overcome the recycling problems of the filled polymers without affecting the end-use properties of the composite. Illustrations are given using figures, images, and tables.
How Design of Places Promotes or Inhibits Mobility of Older Adults
Authors: Yen Irene H. , Fandel Flood Johnna , Thompson Hannah , Anderson Lynda A. , Wong Geoff
Published: May 2014

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the environmental features that best support aging in place. Method: We conducted a realist synthesis, a theory-driven interpretive method of evidence synthesis, of 120+ articles (published 1991-2011) that attempts to explain how place may influence older adults’ decisions about mobility (e.g., physical activity). We developed an initial program theory, reviewed the literature, identified outcomes, analyzed and synthesized patterns, and created a final program theory. Results: Safety was a central mechanism, serving as one of the bridges between environmental components (e.g., connectivity, aesthetics, retail and services) and decisions about mobility. Population density, sidewalk presence, and park proximity did not emerge as key factors. Discussion: Safety considerations are one of the most prominent influences of older adults’ decisions about mobility. Street connectivity, pedestrian access and transit, and retail and services were also important. These factors are amenable to change and can help promote mobility for older adults.
Risk Perception of Nuclear Power Plants Among University Students in Northeast Asia After the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
Authors: Ieong Marco Chi Fong , Ho Jung-Chun , Lee Patricia Chiao-Tze , Hokama Tomiko , Gima Tsugiko , Luo Lingling , Sohn Myongsei , Kim So Yoon , Kao Shu-Fen , Hsieh Wanhwa Annie , Chang Hung-Lun , Chang Peter Wu-Shou
Published: May 2014

To examine the perception of nuclear energy risks among Asian university students following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, a standardized questionnaire survey was conducted since July 2011 after the Fukushima disaster. A total of 1814 respondents from 18 universities in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan participated in this survey. It showed that students with the following characteristics had a higher preference for “a clear schedule to phase out nuclear power plant (NPP)”: females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44-2.34), in Japan (aOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.02-3.90), in China (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.04-2.09), and with perceived relative risks of cancer incidence greaterthan 1 (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.07-1.88). “If nuclear energy were phased out,” the opinions on potential electricity shortage were as follows: Japan, aOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.40-0.69; China, aOR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.75-3.45; and associated with academic majors (science/technology, aOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.31-0.59; medicine/health science, aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.49-0.84). The results carried essential messages for nuclear energy policy in East Asia.
At the heart of an early psychosis centre: the core components of the 2014 Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre model for Australian communities
Authors: Hughes Frank , Stavely Heather , Simpson Raelene , Goldstone Sherilyn , Pennell Kerryn , McGorry Patrick
Published: May 2014

Objective:

To describe the core components of the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre service model as the template agreed with the Australian Federal Government for national upscaling. The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre model of early intervention has two main goals: to reduce the period of time between the onset of psychosis and the commencement of treatment and to bring about symptomatic recovery and restore the normal developmental trajectory as early as possible.

Conclusions:

The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre comprises three elements of service provision for young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis: (i) early detection; (ii) acute care during and immediately following a crisis; (iii) recovery-focused continuing care, featuring multimodal interventions to enable the young person to maintain or regain their social, academic and/or career trajectory during the critical first 2–5 years following the onset of a psychotic illness. It does this via a combination of 16 core components, which provide a flexible, comprehensive, integrated service that is able to respond quickly, appropriately and consistently to the individual needs of the young person and their family. Innovative service reforms, such as Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, that recognise the value of early intervention are crucial to reducing the impact of serious mental illness on young people and their families and, ultimately, on our society.
Use of restrictive interventions in a child and adolescent inpatient unit – predictors of use and effect on patient outcomes
Authors: Duke Suzanne G , Scott James , Dean Angela J
Published: May 2014

Objectives:

Restrictive interventions (seclusion, physical restraint, and use of acute/p.r.n. sedation) may have negative effects on patients. Identifying factors associated with use of restrictive interventions and examining their effect on admission outcomes is important for optimising inpatient psychiatric care.

Methods:

This study documented use of restrictive interventions within a child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit for 15 months. Two models examined predictors of use of restrictive interventions: (i) incident characteristics; and (ii) patient characteristics. The relationship between use of restrictive interventions and global clinical outcomes was also examined.

Results:

Of 134 patients admitted during the study period (61.9% female, mean age=13.8±2.9 years), 26.9% received at least one restrictive intervention. Incident factors associated with restrictive interventions were: physical aggression, early admission stage, and occurrence in private space. Patient factors that predicted use of restrictive interventions were developmental disorder and younger age. Use of restrictive interventions was not associated with increased length of stay or diminished improvement in global symptom ratings.

Conclusions:

Further research is needed to identify best practice in children at high risk for receiving restrictive interventions.
Cue-based aggregation with a mobile robot swarm: a novel fuzzy-based method
Authors: Arvin Farshad , Turgut Ali Emre , Bazyari Farhad , Arikan Kutluk Bilge , Bellotto Nicola , Yue Shigang
Published: May 2014

Aggregation in swarm robotics is referred to as the gathering of spatially distributed robots into a single aggregate. Aggregation can be classified as cue-based or self-organized. In cue-based aggregation, there is a cue in the environment that points to the aggregation area, whereas in self-organized aggregation no cue is present. In this paper, we proposed a novel fuzzy-based method for cue-based aggregation based on the state-of-the-art BEECLUST algorithm. In particular, we proposed three different methods: naïve, that uses a deterministic decision-making mechanism; vector-averaging, using a vectorial summation of all perceived inputs; and fuzzy, that uses a fuzzy logic controller. We used different experiment settings: one-source and two-source environments with static and dynamic conditions to compare all the methods. We observed that the fuzzy method outperformed all the other methods and it is the most robust method against noise.
Reversed Thresholds in Partial Credit Models
Authors: Wetzel Eunike , Carstensen Claus H.
Published: May 2014

When questionnaire data with an ordered polytomous response format are analyzed in the framework of item response theory using the partial credit model or the generalized partial credit model, reversed thresholds may occur. This led to the discussion of whether reversed thresholds violate model assumptions and indicate disordering of the response categories. Adams, Wu, and Wilson showed that reversed thresholds are merely a consequence of low frequencies in the categories concerned and that they do not affect the order of the rating scale. This article applies an empirical approach to elucidate the topic of reversed thresholds using data from the Revised NEO Personality Inventory as well as a simulation study. It is shown that categories differentiate between participants with different trait levels despite reversed thresholds and that category disordering can be analyzed independently of the ordering of the thresholds. Furthermore, we show that reversed thresholds often only occur in subgroups of participants. Thus, researchers should think more carefully about collapsing categories due to reversed thresholds.
Transition to Kindergarten for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Starr Elizabeth M. , Martini Tanya S. , Kuo Ben C. H.
Published: May 2014

Despite the stated importance of a successful kindergarten transition (TTK) for future school success, no research has addressed this transition for culturally/ethnically diverse families having children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). To address this gap, six focus groups (three with ethnically diverse parents, one with kindergarten teachers, and one each with early childhood resource teachers and early intervention providers) were conducted to elicit the experiences of these stakeholders regarding TTK for children with ASD generally, and the TTK experience for ethnically diverse families specifically. Four major themes relating to TTK emerged from the focus groups: Relationship Building, Communication, Knowledge, and Support. While these themes were relevant for all groups, parents who were relatively recent immigrants and for whom English was not a first language identified unique difficulties. Results are discussed within the context of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. Recommendations to improve the experience for ethnically diverse families are explored.
Pancreatitis in cats
Authors: Bazelle Julien , Watson Penny
Published: May 2014

Practical relevance:

Pancreatitis is a frequent finding in cats, the chronic form being more common than the acute form. Despite the large number of diseases or conditions that may be associated with feline pancreatitis, in most cases no cause is diagnosed and the pancreatitis is said to be idiopathic. The chronic form can be mild and asymptomatic, and has a high prevalence in apparently healthy cats. This has generated debate concerning the clinical significance of chronic feline pancreatitis. However, several reports have demonstrated the severity of clinical signs in certain forms of acute feline pancreatitis, while other studies have reported a strong association between chronic pancreatitis and the development of comorbidities such as hepatic lipidosis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This suggests that feline pancreatitis should not be overlooked.

Clinical challenges:

Diagnosis of feline pancreatitis is complicated by the non-specific clinical signs and poor diagnostic value of basic biochemistry and haematology or imaging techniques. Development of a feline-specific pancreatic lipase immunoassay has improved our diagnostic ability in the past decade, but may have more limited application for mild and chronic forms of pancreatitis. Moreover, histopathology (the ‘gold standard’ diagnostic test) can be associated with false-negative results due to multifocal distribution of lesions or mild forms of the disease. With respect to treatment, it is important to take into account the idiosyncrasies of the feline species when considering medical therapies.

Evidence base:

This article reviews the literature on feline pancreatitis, focusing on the different forms and their relative clinical significance, while explaining difficulties inherent in the diagnosis of this disease. An overview of current recommendations for the management of cats with pancreatitis is also provided.
What kind of deficit?
Authors: Innerarity Daniel
Published: May 2014

We are still unable to correctly identify the true crisis in Europe: whether it is a question of a lack of a demos or cratos; whether it is the democracy, legitimacy, or justice that is inadequate; whether we are facing a problem of intelligibility or of too little politicization. The article begin the analysis with three hypotheses: (1) none of the attempts to explain the crisis that focus on a single deficit or weakness seems satisfactory, so the discussion should focus on the way these types of deficiencies are expressed and the extent to which each one of them is involved. For this very reason, it makes no sense to entrust the entire solution to the strengthening of one single criterion (participation, effectiveness, or communication, for example). (2) Polarizing the legitimacy framework around two possibilities (input and output) seems to be a simplification that does not do justice to the intricate way in which the results and the procedures, effectiveness and consent are related in a democracy. (3) The resulting description cannot be less complex than that which it is attempting to describe, so the task of repairing EU legitimacy should be carried out through a sophisticated division of labor (between institutions, criteria, and values). The process of European integration may be one of the most interesting manifestations of a general problem in today’s societies: how to reconstruct political authority to confront the new challenges of communal life.