bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Angiosarcoma with Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome Responsive to Gemcitabine and Vinorelbine after Failure of Liposomal Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel: A Case Report
Authors: Read William L. , Williams Felicia
Published: March 2016

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS) describes a consumptive coagulopathy associated with certain vascular tumors. It is thought that platelets are destroyed as they circulate through the aberrant endothelial surfaces associated with these tumors. Most published literature describes infants with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, but a similar syndrome can complicate angiosarcoma in adults. This report describes a man with metastatic angiosarcoma arising in the scalp in whom disease progression was complicated by profound thrombocytopenia consistent with KMS. His disease and associated KMS had progressed previously through paclitaxel and then through liposomal doxorubicin. It did not respond to paclitaxel and bevacizumab, but responded almost completely to chemotherapy with gemcitabine and vinorelbine. Six months later, progression through ongoing chemotherapy then responded to chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and sirolimus.
Activity-Regulated Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein Dysfunction May Contribute to Memory Disorder and Earlier Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Alhowikan Abdulrahman Mohammed
Published: March 2016

Objective: To explore a possible role for activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated (Arc/Arg3.1) protein in the clinical identification of children with autism. Subjects and Methods: The plasma levels of Arc/Arg3.1 in 62 boys with autism and 32 healthy boys were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to assess the severity of autism as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons between children with autism and healthy children. The Spearman r correlation coefficient (r) was used to determine the relationship between the CARS scores among patients with autism and different variables. Results: The mean plasma level of Arc/Arg3.1 protein in autism was 1.689 ± 0.917 pg/ml, significantly higher than that of healthy controls, i.e. 0.792 ± 1.056 pg/ml (p < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between plasma levels of Arc/Arg3.1 protein and CARS scores (r = -0.06; p > 0.05) or age (r = -0.27; p > 0.05). Conclusions: The mean plasma level of Arc/Arg3.1 protein was higher in children with autism than in controls, suggesting that Arc/Arg3.1 could be a potential early blood biomarker for diagnosis of autism.
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibition With Anacetrapib Decreases Fractional Clearance Rates of High-Density Lipoprotein Apolipoprotein A-I and Plasma Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein
Authors: Reyes-Soffer Gissette , Millar John S. , Ngai Colleen , Jumes Patricia , Coromilas Ellie , Asztalos Bela , Johnson-Levonas Amy O. , Wagner John A. , Donovan Daniel S. , Karmally Wahida , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Holleran Stephen , Thomas Tiffany , Dunbar Richard L. , deGoma Emil M. , Rafeek Hashmi , Baer Amanda L. , Liu Yang , Lassman Michael E. , Gutstein David E. , Rader Daniel J. , Ginsberg Henry N.
Published: March 2016

Objective—

Anacetrapib (ANA), an inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, increases plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA)-I, apoA-II, and CETP. The mechanisms responsible for these treatment-related increases in apolipoproteins and plasma CETP are unknown. We performed a randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled, double-blind, fixed-sequence study to examine the effects of ANA on the metabolism of HDL apoA-I and apoA-II and plasma CETP.

Approach and Results—

Twenty-nine participants received atorvastatin (ATV) 20 mg/d plus PBO for 4 weeks, followed by ATV plus ANA 100 mg/d for 8 weeks (ATV-ANA). Ten participants received double PBO for 4 weeks followed by PBO plus ANA for 8 weeks (PBO-ANA). At the end of each treatment, we examined the kinetics of HDL apoA-I, HDL apoA-II, and plasma CETP after D3-leucine administration as well as 2D gel analysis of HDL subspecies. In the combined ATV-ANA and PBO-ANA groups, ANA treatment increased plasma HDL-C (63.0%;
P
<0.001) and apoA-I levels (29.5%;
P
<0.001). These increases were associated with reductions in HDL apoA-I fractional clearance rate (18.2%;
P
=0.002) without changes in production rate. Although the apoA-II levels increased by 12.6% (
P
<0.001), we could not discern significant changes in either apoA-II fractional clearance rate or production rate. CETP levels increased 102% (
P
<0.001) on ANA because of a significant reduction in the fractional clearance rate of CETP (57.6%,
P
<0.001) with no change in CETP production rate.

Conclusions—

ANA treatment increases HDL apoA-I and CETP levels by decreasing the fractional clearance rate of each protein.
Leukocyte Calpain Deficiency Reduces Angiotensin II–Induced Inflammation and Atherosclerosis But Not Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Mice
Authors: Howatt Deborah A. , Balakrishnan Anju , Moorleghen Jessica J. , Muniappan Latha , Rateri Debra L. , Uchida Haruhito A. , Takano Jiro , Saido Takaomi C. , Chishti Athar H. , Baud Laurent , Subramanian Venkateswaran
Published: March 2016

Objective—

Angiotensin II (AngII) infusion profoundly increases activity of calpains, calcium-dependent neutral cysteine proteases, in mice. Pharmacological inhibition of calpains attenuates AngII-induced aortic medial macrophage accumulation, atherosclerosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysm in mice. However, the precise functional contribution of leukocyte-derived calpains in AngII-induced vascular pathologies has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether calpains expressed in bone marrow (BM)–derived cells contribute to AngII-induced atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms in hypercholesterolemic mice.

Approach and Results—

To study whether leukocyte calpains contributed to AngII-induced aortic pathologies, irradiated male low-density lipoprotein receptor
−/−
mice were repopulated with BM-derived cells that were either wild-type or overexpressed calpastatin, the endogenous inhibitor of calpains. Mice were fed a fat-enriched diet and infused with AngII (1000 ng/kg per minute) for 4 weeks. Overexpression of calpastatin in BM-derived cells significantly attenuated AngII-induced atherosclerotic lesion formation in aortic arches, but had no effect on aneurysm formation. Using either BM-derived cells from calpain-1-deficient mice or mice with leukocyte-specific calpain-2 deficiency generated using cre-loxP recombination technology, further studies demonstrated that independent deficiency of either calpain-1 or -2 in leukocytes modestly attenuated AngII-induced atherosclerosis. Calpastatin overexpression significantly attenuated AngII-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages and spleen. Furthermore, calpain inhibition suppressed migration and adhesion of macrophages to endothelial cells in vitro. Calpain inhibition also significantly decreased hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis in the absence of AngII.

Conclusions—

The present study demonstrates a pivotal role for BM-derived calpains in mediating AngII-induced atherosclerosis by influencing macrophage function.
Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in Individuals With a p.S358L Mutation in
TMEM43
Following Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy
Authors: Hodgkinson Kathleen A. , Howes A.J. , Boland Paul , Shen Xiou Seegar , Stuckless Susan , Young Terry-Lynn , Curtis Fiona , Collier Ashley , Parfrey Patrick S. , Connors Sean P.
Published: March 2016

Background—

We previously showed a survival benefit of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in males with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy caused by a p.S358L mutation in
TMEM43
. We present long-term data (median follow-up 8.5years) after ICD for primary (PP) and secondary prophylaxis in males and females, determine whether ICD discharges for ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation were equivalent to an aborted death, and assess relevant clinical predictors.

Methods and Results—

We studied 24 multiplex families segregating an autosomal dominant p.S358L mutation in
TMEM43
. We compared survival in 148 mutation carriers with an ICD to 148 controls matched for age, sex, disease status, and family. Of 80 male mutation carriers with ICDs (median age at implantation 31 years), 61 (76%) were for PP; of 68 females (median age at implantation 43 years), 66 (97%) were for PP. In males, irrespective of indication, survival was better in the ICD groups compared with control groups (relative risk 9.3 [95% confidence interval 3.3–26] for PP and 9.7 [95% confidence interval 3.2–29.6] for secondary prophylaxis). For PP females, the relative risk was 3.6 (95% confidence interval 1.3–9.5). ICD discharge-free survival for ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation ≥240 beats per minute was equivalent to the control survival rate. Ectopy (≥1000 premature ventricular complexes/24 hours) was the only independent clinical predictor of ICD discharge in males, and no predictor was identified in females.

Conclusions—

ICD therapy is indicated for PP in postpubertal males and in females ≥30 years with the p.S358L
TMEM43
mutation. ICD termination of rapid ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation can reasonably be considered an aborted death.
Cocaine Use and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults
Authors: Cheng Yu-Ching , Ryan Kathleen A. , Qadwai Saad A. , Shah Jay , Sparks Mary J. , Wozniak Marcella A. , Stern Barney J. , Phipps Michael S. , Cronin Carolyn A. , Magder Laurence S. , Cole John W. , Kittner Steven J.
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—

Although case reports have long identified a temporal association between cocaine use and ischemic stroke (IS), few epidemiological studies have examined the association of cocaine use with IS in young adults, by timing, route, and frequency of use.

Methods—

A population-based case–control study design with 1090 cases and 1154 controls was used to investigate the relationship of cocaine use and young-onset IS. Stroke cases were between the ages of 15 and 49 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between cocaine use and IS with and without adjustment for potential confounders.

Results—

Ever use of cocaine was not associated with stroke with 28% of cases and 26% of controls reporting ever use. In contrast, acute cocaine use in the previous 24 hours was strongly associated with increased risk of stroke (age–sex–race adjusted odds ratio, 6.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–18.6). Among acute users, the smoking route had an adjusted odds ratio of 7.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.8–35.0), whereas the inhalation route had an adjusted odds ratio of 3.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.7–16.9). After additional adjustment for current alcohol, smoking use, and hypertension, the odds ratio for acute cocaine use by any route was 5.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.7–19.7). Of the 26 patients with cocaine use within 24 hours of their stroke, 14 reported use within 6 hours of their event.

Conclusions—

Our data are consistent with a causal association between acute cocaine use and risk of early-onset IS.
Astrocyte-Derived Pentraxin 3 Supports Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity Under Acute Phase of Stroke
Authors: Shindo Akihiro , Maki Takakuni , Mandeville Emiri T. , Liang Anna C. , Egawa Naohiro , Itoh Kanako , Itoh Naoki , Borlongan Mia , Holder Julie C. , Chuang Tsu Tshen , McNeish John D. , Tomimoto Hidekazu , Lok Josephine , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is released on inflammatory responses in many organs. However, roles of PTX3 in brain are still mostly unknown. Here we asked whether and how PTX3 contributes to blood–brain barrier dysfunction during the acute phase of ischemic stroke.

Methods—

In vivo, spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. At day 3, brains were analyzed to evaluate the cellular origin of PTX3 expression. Correlations with blood–brain barrier breakdown were assessed by IgG staining. In vitro, rat primary astrocytes and rat brain endothelial RBE.4 cells were cultured to study the role of astrocyte-derived PTX3 on vascular endothelial growth factor–mediated endothelial permeability.

Results—

During the acute phase of stroke, reactive astrocytes in the peri-infarct area expressed PTX3. There was negative correlation between gradients of IgG leakage and PTX3-positive astrocytes. Cell culture experiments showed that astrocyte-conditioned media increased levels of tight junction proteins and reduced endothelial permeability under normal conditions. Removing PTX3 from astrocyte-conditioned media by immunoprecipitation increased endothelial permeability. PTX3 strongly bound vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro and was able to decrease vascular endothelial growth factor–induced endothelial permeability.

Conclusions—

Astrocytes in peri-infarct areas upregulate PTX3, which may support blood–brain barrier integrity by regulating vascular endothelial growth factor–related mechanisms. This response in astrocytes may comprise a compensatory mechanism for maintaining blood–brain barrier function after ischemic stroke.
Apolipoprotein B-100 Antibody Interaction With Atherosclerotic Plaque Inflammation and Repair Processes
Authors: Asciutto Giuseppe , Wigren Maria , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin , Mattisson Ingrid Yao , Grönberg Caitriona , Alm Ragnar , Björkbacka Harry , Dias Nuno V. , Edsfeldt Andreas , Gonçalves Isabel , Nilsson Jan
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—

Treatment with IgG against the malondialdehyde (MDA)-modified apolipoprotein B-100 epitope p45 reduces atherosclerosis in experimental models. This study investigated the association between p45 IgG autoantibodies and plaque inflammation in subjects with advanced cardiovascular disease.

Methods—

Native and MDA-p45 IgG levels were analyzed by ELISA in 349 carotid endarterectomy patients. In a subcohort of 195 subjects, endarterectomy samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and ELISA to determine plaque constituents and inflammation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy donors.

Results—

Patients with preoperative events of neurological ischemia had lower levels of native p45 IgG. Low levels of MDA-p45 IgG were associated with increased risk of postoperative cardiovascular death during a mean follow-up of 54 months. High plasma levels of native p45 IgG were associated with increased plaque content of collagen and smooth muscle cell growth factors, as well as with lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors to recombinant MDA-p45 IgG in presence of oxidized low-density lipoprotein reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and stimulated release of smooth muscle cell growth factors.

Conclusions—

This study confirms previous experimental findings of anti-inflammatory properties of apolipoprotein B-100 p45 antibodies and provides the first clinical evidence of associations between p45 IgG autoantibody levels and atherosclerotic plaque inflammation, plaque repair as well as prevalent and incident cardiovascular events in carotid endarterectomy patients. These findings suggest the possibility that treatment with anti-p45 antibodies may have beneficial effects in advanced cardiovascular disease.
Effects of Arterial Stiffness on Brain Integrity in Young Adults From the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Maillard Pauline , Mitchell Gary F. , Himali Jayandra J. , Beiser Alexa , Tsao Connie W. , Pase Matthew P. , Satizabal Claudia L. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Seshadri Sudha , DeCarli Charles
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—

Previous work from the Framingham Heart Study suggests that brain changes because of arterial aging may begin in young adulthood and that such changes precede cognitive deficits. The objective of this study was to determine the association of arterial stiffness with measures of white matter and gray matter (GM) integrity in young adults.

Methods—

One thousand nine hundred three participants from the Framingham Heart Study Third Generation (mean age, 46±8.7 years) had complete tonometry measurements and brain magnetic resonance imaging (T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging). Tonometry measures included carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, carotid-brachial pressure amplification, and central pulse pressure. Fractional anisotropy and GM density images were computed from diffusion tensor imaging and T1 images. Registration to a common anatomic template enabled voxel-based linear regressions relating measures of fractional anisotropy and GM to tonometry measures, adjusting for relevant covariables.

Results—

Higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was associated with lower regional fractional anisotropy, including the corpus callosum and the corona radiata (8.7 and 8.6 cc, respectively,
P
<0.001), as well as lower GM density in the thalamus region (0.9 cc,
P
<0.001). Analyses did not reveal significant associations between other tonometry measures and fractional anisotropy or GM.

Conclusions—

Among young healthy adults, higher aortic stiffness was associated with measures of reduced white matter and GM integrity in areas implicated in cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Greater aortic stiffness may result in subclinical vascular brain injury at ages much younger than previously described.
Cue-related Temporal Factors Modulate Movement-related Beta Oscillatory Activity in the Human Motor Circuit
Authors: Heinrichs-Graham Elizabeth , Arpin David J. , Wilson Tony W.
Published: March 2016

In humans, there is a strong beta (15–30 Hz) event-related desynchronization (ERD) that begins before movement, which has been tentatively linked to motor planning operations. The dynamics of this response are strongly modulated by whether a pending movement is cued and the inherent parameters of the cue. However, previous studies have focused on the information content of cues and not on parameters such as the timing of the cue relative to other events. Variations in such timing are critical, as they directly impact the amount of time that participants have to plan pending movements. In this study, participants performed finger-tapping sequences during magnetoencephalography, and we manipulated the amount of time (i.e., “long” vs. “short”) between the presentation of the to-be-executed sequence and the cue to initiate the sequence. We found that the beta ERD was stronger immediately after the cue to move in the contralateral postcentral gyrus and bilateral parietal cortices during the short compared with long planning time condition. During movement execution, the beta ERD was stronger in the premotor cortex and the SMA in the short relative to long condition. Finally, peak latency in the SMA significantly correlated with RT, such that the closer the peak beta ERD was to the cue to move, the quicker the participant responded. The results of this study establish that peri-movement beta ERD activity across the cortical motor circuit is highly sensitive to cue-related temporal factors, with a direct link to motor performance.
“How Did I Make It?”: Uncertainty about Own Motor Performance after Inhibition of the Premotor Cortex
Authors: Bolognini Nadia , Zigiotto Luca , Carneiro Maíra Izzadora Souza , Vallar Giuseppe
Published: March 2016

Optimal motor performance requires the monitoring of sensorimotor input to ensure that the motor output matches current intentions. The brain is thought to be equipped with a “comparator” system, which monitors and detects the congruence between intended and actual movement; results of such a comparison can reach awareness. This study explored in healthy participants whether the cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the right premotor cortex (PM) and right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) can disrupt performance monitoring in a skilled motor task. Before and after tDCS, participants underwent a two-digit sequence motor task; in post-tDCS session, single-pulse TMS (sTMS) was applied to the right motor cortex, contralateral to the performing hand, with the aim of interfering with motor execution. Then, participants rated on a five-item questionnaire their performance at the motor task. Cathodal tDCS of PM (but not sham or PPC tDCS) impaired the participants' ability to evaluate their motor performance reliably, making them unconfident about their judgments. Congruently with the worsened motor performance induced by sTMS, participants reported to have committed more errors after sham and PPC tDCS; such a correlation was not significant after PM tDCS. In line with current computational and neuropsychological models of motor control and awareness, the present results show that a mechanism in the PM monitors and compares intended versus actual movements, evaluating their congruence. Cathodal tDCS of the PM impairs the activity of such a “comparator,” disrupting self-confidence about own motor performance.
Learning Warps Object Representations in the Ventral Temporal Cortex
Authors: Clarke Alex , Pell Philip J. , Ranganath Charan , Tyler Lorraine K.
Published: March 2016

The human ventral temporal cortex (VTC) plays a critical role in object recognition. Although it is well established that visual experience shapes VTC object representations, the impact of semantic and contextual learning is unclear. In this study, we tracked changes in representations of novel visual objects that emerged after learning meaningful information about each object. Over multiple training sessions, participants learned to associate semantic features (e.g., “made of wood,” “floats”) and spatial contextual associations (e.g., “found in gardens”) with novel objects. fMRI was used to examine VTC activity for objects before and after learning. Multivariate pattern similarity analyses revealed that, after learning, VTC activity patterns carried information about the learned contextual associations of the objects, such that objects with contextual associations exhibited higher pattern similarity after learning. Furthermore, these learning-induced increases in pattern information about contextual associations were correlated with reductions in pattern information about the object's visual features. In a second experiment, we validated that these contextual effects translated to real-life objects. Our findings demonstrate that visual object representations in VTC are shaped by the knowledge we have about objects and show that object representations can flexibly adapt as a consequence of learning with the changes related to the specific kind of newly acquired information.
Addiction History Associates with the Propensity to Form Habits
Authors: McKim Theresa H. , Bauer Daniel J. , Boettiger Charlotte A.
Published: March 2016

Learned habitual responses to environmental stimuli allow efficient interaction with the environment, freeing cognitive resources for more demanding tasks. However, when the outcome of such actions is no longer a desired goal, established stimulus–response (S-R) associations or habits must be overcome. Among people with substance use disorders (SUDs), difficulty in overcoming habitual responses to stimuli associated with their addiction in favor of new, goal-directed behaviors contributes to relapse. Animal models of habit learning demonstrate that chronic self-administration of drugs of abuse promotes habitual responding beyond the domain of compulsive drug seeking. However, whether a similar propensity toward domain-general habitual responding occurs in humans with SUDs has remained unclear. To address this question, we used a visuomotor S-R learning and relearning task, the Hidden Association between Images Task, which employs abstract visual stimuli and manual responses. This task allows us to measure new S-R association learning and well-learned S-R association execution and includes a response contingency change manipulation to quantify the degree to which responding is habit-based, rather than goal-directed. We find that people with SUDs learn new S-R associations as well as healthy control participants do. Moreover, people with an SUD history slightly outperform controls in S-R execution. In contrast, people with SUDs are specifically impaired in overcoming well-learned S-R associations; those with SUDs make a significantly greater proportion of perseverative errors during well-learned S-R replacement, indicating the more habitual nature of their responses. Thus, with equivalent training and practice, people with SUDs appear to show enhanced domain-general habit formation.
A new species and new records of Pseudocephennium Reitter in Venezuela, with notes on movable endophallic structures (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: March 2016

Pseudocephennium auriculatum sp. n. is described, based on a male specimen collected in north-western Venezuela. New findings of Pseudocephennium maximum Jałoszyński and P. araguanum Jałoszyński, so far known only from holotypes, are reported. The aedeagi of newly found specimens have the endophallic structures extruded to various extent which makes it possible to identify movable components of the internal aedeagal armature.
The Influence of Acquisition Delay for Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Fu Hongbo , Dong Fengzhong , Ni Zhibo , Wang Jingge
Published: March 2016

Time-resolved spectra of neutral and ionized atomic emissions from slag sample are measured by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Various factors affecting the calibration-free CF-LIBS method are carefully analyzed, and subsequently these factors are either avoided or corrected. Plasma temperature and electron density are calculated by Saha–Boltzmann plot and Stark broadening of Ca, respectively. At the same time, self-absorption and local thermodynamic equilibrium have been carefully studied. An automatic spectral lines elimination algorithm is applied to calculate plasma temperature and element concentration. The calculated element concentrations show marked changes with acquisition time increasing. Due to the influence of continuous spectrum at early times and self-absorption at late times, the large absolute errors sum is obtained in these two periods. The smallest absolute errors sum corresponds to the gate delay time 1.5 μs <  td < 2 μs for our experimental setup.
In-line Monitoring of Monomer and Polymer Content During Microgel Synthesis Using Precipitation Polymerization via Raman Spectroscopy and Indirect Hard Modeling
Authors: Meyer-Kirschner Julian , Kather Michael , Pich Andrij , Engel Dirk , Marquardt Wolfgang , Viell Joern , Mitsos Alexander
Published: March 2016

This contribution presents in-line monitoring of microgel synthesis by precipitation polymerization based on Raman spectroscopy. The spectra are evaluated via multivariate Indirect Hard Modeling (IHM) regression. Therefore, mechanistic models of the pure component spectra for solvent, monomer, and microgel are created by a sum of adaptable parameterized peak functions (Gaussian–Lorentzian). Instead of individual calibrations for each analyte, one comprehensive model is calibrated to predict both the monomer and microgel fraction while ensuring a consistent mass balance. As a novelty, this leads to an in-line microgel quantification based on an interactive spectral model. The results show cross-validation errors (RMSECV) of monomer and microgel fractions as low as 0.028 wt % and 0.084 wt %, respectively. The ability of IHM to account for non-linear spectral changes was found to reduce the microgel RMSECV by a factor of two compared to linear CLS regression. The calibration model allows simultaneous observation of the decrease in monomer content and the formation of microgels. Long as well as short focus immersion optics reveal characteristic vibrations of the turbid microgel suspension, although long focus optics are influenced by scattering particles to a greater extent. Precise examination of the model proves that the prediction is robust against changes in microgel particle size or temperature, which opens up the application of Raman spectroscopy as a comprehensive process analytical technology in microgel synthesis.
Calibration Transfer Between a Bench Scanning and a Submersible Diode Array Spectrophotometer for In Situ Wastewater Quality Monitoring in Sewer Systems
Authors: Brito Rita S. , Pinheiro Helena M. , Ferreira Filipa , Matos José S. , Pinheiro Alexandre , Lourenço Nídia D.
Published: March 2016

Online monitoring programs based on spectroscopy have a high application potential for the detection of hazardous wastewater discharges in sewer systems. Wastewater hydraulics poses a challenge for in situ spectroscopy, especially when the system includes storm water connections leading to rapid changes in water depth, velocity, and in the water quality matrix. Thus, there is a need to optimize and fix the location of in situ instruments, limiting their availability for calibration. In this context, the development of calibration models on bench spectrophotometers to estimate wastewater quality parameters from spectra acquired with in situ instruments could be very useful. However, spectra contain information not only from the samples, but also from the spectrophotometer generally invalidating this approach. The use of calibration transfer methods is a promising solution to this problem. In this study, calibration models were developed using interval partial least squares (iPLS), for the estimation of total suspended solids (TSS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in sewage from Ultraviolet-visible spectra acquired in a bench scanning spectrophotometer. The feasibility of calibration transfer to a submersible, diode array equipment, to be subsequently operated in situ, was assessed using three procedures: slope and bias correction (SBC); single wavelength standardization (SWS) on mean spectra; and local centering (LC). The results showed that SBC was the most adequate for the available data, adding insignificant error to the base model estimates. Single wavelength standardization was a close second best, potentially more robust, and independent of the base iPLS model. Local centering was shown to be inadequate for the samples and instruments used.
High-Pressure Measurements of Temperature and CO2 Concentration Using Tunable Diode Lasers at 2 μm
Authors: Cai Tingdong , Gao Guangzhen , Wang Minrui , Wang Guishi , Liu Ying , Gao Xiaoming
Published: March 2016

A sensor for simultaneous measurements of temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration at elevated pressure is developed using tunable diode lasers at 2 µm. Based on some selection rules, a CO2 line pair at 5006.140 and 5010.725 cm−1 is selected for the TDL sensor. In order to ensure the accuracy and rapidity of the sensor, a quasi-fixed-wavelength WMS is employed. Normalization of the 2 f signal with the 1 f signal magnitude is used to remove the need for calibration and correct for transmission variation due to beam steering, mechanical misalignments, soot, and windows fouling. Temperatures are obtained from comparison of the background-subtracted 1 f-normalized WMS-2 f signals ratio and a 1 f-normalized WMS-2 f peak values ratio model. CO2 concentration is inferred from the 1 f-normalized WMS-2 f peak values of the CO2 transition at 5006.140 cm−1. Measurements of temperature and CO2 concentration are carried out in static cell experiments ( P = 1–10 atm, T = 500–1200 K) to validate the accuracy and ability of the sensor. The results show that accuracy of the sensor for temperature and CO2 concentration are 1.66% temperature and 3.1%, respectively. All the measurements show the potential utility of the sensor for combustion diagnose at elevated pressure.
Application of the Polynomial-Based Least Squares and Total Least Squares Models for the Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of Binary Mixtures of Hydroxyl Compounds
Authors: Shan Peng , Peng Silong , Zhao Yuhui , Tang Liang
Published: March 2016

An analysis of binary mixtures of hydroxyl compound by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) and classical least squares (CLS) yield large model error due to the presence of unmodeled components such as H-bonded components. To accommodate these spectral variations, polynomial-based least squares (LSP) and polynomial-based total least squares (TLSP) are proposed to capture the nonlinear absorbance-concentration relationship. LSP is based on assuming that only absorbance noise exists; while TLSP takes both absorbance noise and concentration noise into consideration. In addition, based on different solving strategy, two optimization algorithms (limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (LBFGS) algorithm and Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm) are combined with TLSP and then two different TLSP versions (termed as TLSP-LBFGS and TLSP-LM) are formed. The optimum order of each nonlinear model is determined by cross-validation. Comparison and analyses of the four models are made from two aspects: absorbance prediction and concentration prediction. The results for water-ethanol solution and ethanol-ethyl lactate solution show that LSP, TLSP-LBFGS, and TLSP-LM can, for both absorbance prediction and concentration prediction, obtain smaller root mean square error of prediction than CLS. Additionally, they can also greatly enhance the accuracy of estimated pure component spectra. However, from the view of concentration prediction, the Wilcoxon signed rank test shows that there is no statistically significant difference between each nonlinear model and CLS.
Study of Spectral Modifications in Acidified Ignitable Liquids by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Martín-Alberca Carlos , Ojeda Fernando Ernesto Ortega , García-Ruiz Carmen
Published: March 2016

In this work, the spectral characteristics of two types of acidified gasoline and acidified diesel fuel are discussed. Neat and acidified ignitable liquids (ILs) infrared absorption spectra obtained by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were compared in order to identify the modifications produced by the reaction of the ILs with sulfuric acid. Several bands crucial for gasoline identification were modified, and new bands appeared over the reaction time. In the case of acidified diesel fuel, no significant modifications were observed. Additionally, the neat and acidified ILs spectra were used to perform a principal components analysis in order to confirm objectively the results. The complete discrimination among samples was successfully achieved, including the complete differentiation among gasoline types. Taking into account the results obtained in this work, it is possible to propose spectral fingerprints for the identification of non-burned acidified ILs in forensic investigations related with arson or the use of improvised incendiary devices (IIDs).
Experiences of Children With Gay Fathers
Authors: Perrin Ellen C. , Pinderhughes Ellen E. , Mattern Kathryn , Hurley Sean M. , Newman Rachel A.
Published: March 2016

An online survey was distributed via snowball sampling and resulted in responses from 61 gay fathers raising children in 2 states. Fathers reported on the barriers they experienced and the pathways they took to becoming parents. They reported also on experiences of stigma directed at them and their children, especially from family members, friends, and people in religious institutions. Despite these difficulties they reported that they engaged actively in parenting activities and that their child(ren)’s well-being was consistent with national samples.
Religious super-diversity and spatial strategies in two European cities
Authors: Becci Irene , Burchardt Marian , Giorda Mariachiara
Published: March 2016

The background to this article is the debate on cities as post-secular and super-diverse. The authors question that the concept of post-secular cities usefully sums up the complex processes currently characterizing religion in contemporary European cities. They propose that different historical memories are layered upon one another and they demonstrate how religious diversity and cities mutually shape one another. Based on empirical illustrations from research in Potsdam and Turin, the authors argue that cities affect religion by casting religious communities and their forms of sociality within particular spatial regimes and contributing to the territorialization of religious categories. Moreover, they state that religious groups shape cities by leaving durable architectural imprints on them. In particular, the article develops the notion of formations of religious super-diversity, which involves forms of religious belonging and identity that historically emerged through religious dissent and innovation, and shows that urban space is the iconic arena in which religious super-diversity becomes visible through the ways in which religious spatial strategies interact with cities’ spatial regimes. The authors identify three types of spatial strategies – place keeping, making and seeking – each of which expresses and responds to communities’ relationship to urban space in different ways. The typology is meant to serve as a tool to read complex processes taking into consideration both historical paths and contemporary religious formations.
Patient-centred communication and provider avoidance: Does body mass index modify the relationship?
Authors: Phibbs Sandi Cleveland , Faith Jennifer , Thorburn Sheryl
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Poor quality communication with healthcare providers has been associated with provider avoidance. Because obesity is stigmatised in healthcare settings, this association may differ for patients who are overweight or obese compared to patients who are normal weight. Our objective was to determine if associations between patient-centred communication and provider avoidance differed by body mass index (BMI) category.

Methods:

We used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 3, a cross-sectional data set that is nationally representative of the USA. We examined adjusted associations between patient-centred communication (measured using a six-item scale) and healthcare provider avoidance, stratified by BMI category (normal weight, overweight or obese).

Results:

The association between patient-centred communication and provider avoidance was similar in normal weight (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = .65; 95% CI, .51–.83), overweight (AOR = .69; 95% CI, .55–.86) and obese (AOR = .55; 95% CI, .43–.70) subgroups. Across all three BMI categories, higher levels of patient-centred communication were significantly associated with lower odds of provider avoidance.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the importance of patient-centred communication for good-quality healthcare and for patients’ healthcare decisions, regardless of patient characteristics such as BMI. Patient-centred communication can positively impact healthcare seeking for diverse groups, even those who may experience stigma and discrimination in healthcare.
‘Wow! That’s so cool!’ The Icehotel as organizational trope
Authors: Pinto Jonathan
Published: March 2016

This article introduces the Icehotel, the world’s first and largest hotel to be constructed entirely of ice and snow, as a unique and generative organizational trope. As a trope (and metaphor, in particular), it both supplements and complements Morgan’s seminal book, The Images of Organization, and generates unique insights with regard to surprise, unifinality, purity, eco-coreness and rebirth. The Icehotel also serves as a lens for examining organizations through each master trope, that is, metaphor, metonymy, synecdoche and irony. Evidence of metonymy in language describing the Icehotel is presented. The case for synecdoche is made by arguing that the Icehotel is a species of two genera, that is, temporary organizations and paradoxical organizations. Also, the Icehotel is not only paradoxical (i.e. a form of irony), but also generates four other paradoxes, namely, the ways that organizations are evolutionary yet revolutionary, negative as well as positive, different yet similar and unsustainably sustainable. The Icehotel also exemplifies serious play – a particular approach for managing paradoxes. Finally, the article discusses implications for research and practice.
Mozambique’s Debt and the International Monetary Fund’s Influence on Poverty, Education, and Health
Authors: Beste Jason , Pfeiffer James
Published: March 2016

For nearly 30 years, Mozambique has been facing austerity measures regulated by the IMF. These austerity measures, grounded in macroeconomic policies, were supposed to lift Mozambique out of poverty, and improve its healthcare and education systems. By taking an in-depth look at the major etiologies of Mozambique’s debt and the conditions which forced the country to accept austerity measures-despite their protests-prior to receiving IMF funding, this paper examines how IMF policies over the past 30 years have affected poverty, health, and the education system. The results of these policies have contributed to Mozambique’s enduring classification as one of the poorest countries in the world. Aside from economic outcomes, Mozambique also has abysmal health and education systems, with one of the lowest life expectancies in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is time to re-evaluate how the current IMF macroeconomic policies negatively affect, health, education and the socioeconomic status of those who live in abject poverty. As short term macroeconomic policies of PARPA have been ineffective at reducing poverty, promoting education and improving health, the IMF should consider using longer term macroeconomic policies which invest in—rather than limit—public services such as health and education.
Extraction and characterization of crystalline cellulose from jute fiber and application as reinforcement in biocomposite: Effect of gamma radiation
Authors: Islam Jahid MM , Hossan Md Altaf , Alom FR , Khan M Iqbal H , Khan Mubarak A
Published: March 2016

In this study, crystalline cellulose was prepared through hydrolysis of jute fiber and was used as reinforcement of gelatin-based biocomposite film. The effects of crystalline celluloses loading on the morphology, mechanical properties and water sensitivity of the biocomposite were investigated by means of Scanning electron microscopy, tensile strength testing and water absorption testing. The developed biocomposite film showed homogeneous dispersion of crystalline celluloses within the gelatin matrix and strong interfacial adherence between matrix and reinforcement. A significant increase in tensile strength and E Modulus was also found (tensile strength was 25.4 MPa for pure gelatin and 48.2 MPa for 2% crystalline celluloses/gelatin film at 45% relative humidity), which was further induced by gamma radiation. The resulting biocomposite film also showed a higher water resistance and excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, crystalline celluloses played an important role in improving the mechanical properties as well as water resistance of the biocomposite film.
Hugh Trevor-Roper and the English Editions of Hitler's Table Talk and Testament
Authors: Nilsson Mikael
Published: March 2016

This article examines the publication of the famous ‘ Hitler’s Table Talk’ and ‘ The Testament of Adolf Hitler’ as well as the role of British historian Hugh Trevor-Roper in this process, including his relationship with the Swiss banker François Genoud – the owner of the ‘original' manuscripts. The article is based on research utilizing Trevor-Roper's personal correspondence and papers; material that has never before been used to investigate this matter. Besides shedding light on many previously unknown details concerning the publication of these documents, the article shows how Trevor-Roper consistently failed to enlighten his readers about central source-critical problems connected to the documents he was validating. He did so on numerous occasions and through several editions of the sources, even though his personal correspondence shows that he was well aware of the problems. The article argues that Trevor-Roper chose not to reveal these problems in public so as not to upset his business relationship with Genoud so that he would gain access to further documents in Genoud's possession.
Three-dimensional Micro-culture System for Tooth Tissue Engineering
Authors: Kuchler-Bopp S. , Bécavin T. , Kökten T. , Weickert J.L. , Keller L. , Lesot H. , Deveaux E. , Benkirane-Jessel N.
Published: March 2016

The arrangement of cells within a tissue plays an essential role in organogenesis, including tooth development. Progress is being made to regenerate teeth by reassociating dissociated embryonic dental cells and implanting them in vivo. In the present study, we tested the hanging drop method to study mixed epithelial-mesenchymal cell reorganization in a liquid instead of semisolid medium to see whether it could lead to tooth histogenesis and organogenesis. This method allowed the control of the proportion and number of cells to be used, and the forming microtissues showed homogeneous size. The liquid environment favored cell migrations as compared with collagen gels. Three protocols were compared. The one that sequentially combined the hanging drop and semisolid medium cultures prior to in vivo implantation gave the best results. Indeed, after implantation, teeth developed, showing a well-formed crown, mineralization of dentin and enamel, and the initiation of root formation. Vascularization and the cellular heterogeneity in the mesenchyme were similar to what was observed in developing molars. Finally, after coimplantation with a trigeminal ganglion, the dental mesenchyme, including the odontoblast layer, became innervated. The real advantage of this technique is the small number of cells required to make a tooth. This experimental model can be employed to study the development, physiology, metabolism, or toxicology in forming teeth and test other cell sources.
Employment relations, the state and transitions in governance in Myanmar
Authors: Gillan Michael , Thein Htwe Htwe
Published: March 2016

Myanmar is undergoing a wide-ranging process of reform which in employment relations has allowed for the formation of a nascent labour movement as well as employer organisations and industrial tribunals. The introduction of reformist labour regulation and official tolerance for worker representation should not be interpreted as constituting a turn towards a state where the interests of labour are a priority: the imperative to extend and reform workers' collective and individual rights, employment conditions and labour standards has stemmed more from external influence than it has internal legitimation pressures. Nevertheless, as this article demonstrates, the boundaries and even the viability of labour regulation and employment relations in Myanmar will be determined by the organisational dynamics of these parties and the strategic choices they make as to how to serve their interests and objectives.