bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing of Models of Flow‐Induced Hemolysis in Blood Flow Through Hypodermic Needles
Authors: Chen Yangsheng , Kent Timothy L. , Sharp M. Keith
Published: February 2013

Hemolysis caused by flow in hypodermic needles interferes with a number of tests on blood samples drawn by venipuncture, including assays for metabolites, electrolytes, and enzymes, causes discomfort during dialysis sessions, and limits transfusion flow rates. To evaluate design modifications to address this problem, as well as hemolysis issues in other cardiovascular devices, computational fluid dynamics (CFD)‐based prediction of hemolysis has potential for reducing the time and expense for testing of prototypes. In this project, three CFD‐integrated blood damage models were applied to flow‐induced hemolysis in 16‐G needles and compared with experimental results, which demonstrated that a modified needle with chamfered entrance increased hemolysis, while a rounded entrance decreased hemolysis, compared with a standard needle with sharp entrance. After CFD simulation of the steady‐state velocity field, the time histories of scalar stress along a grid of streamlines were calculated. A strain‐based cell membrane failure model and two empirical power‐law blood damage models were used to predict hemolysis on each streamline. Total hemolysis was calculated by weighting the predicted hemolysis along each streamline by the flow rate along each streamline. The results showed that only the strain‐based blood damage model correctly predicted increased hemolysis in the beveled needle and decreased hemolysis in the rounded needle, while the power‐law models predicted the opposite trends.
MGuard Mesh‐Covered Stent for Treatment of ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction with High Thrombus Burden Despite Manual Aspiration
Authors: ROMAGUERA RAFAEL , GÓMEZ‐HOSPITAL JOAN A. , SÁNCHEZ‐ELVIRA GUILLERMO , GÓMEZ‐LARA JOSEP , FERREIRO JOSÉ L. , ROURA GERARD , GRACIDA MONTSERRAT , HOMS SILVIA , TERUEL LUIS , CEQUIER ÁNGEL
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To assess the usefulness of the MGuard stent in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in whom a high thrombus burden persists after manual aspiration.

Background

In some patients with STEMI, a high thrombus burden may persist after manual aspiration. These patients may be at high risk of distal embolization and therefore impaired myocardial reperfusion. The MGuard is a novel mesh‐covered stent designed to minimize thrombus embolization.

Methods

Single‐arm, prospective registry of patients with STEMI and high thrombus burden after aggressive thrombus aspiration treated with the MGuard stent. High thrombus burden was defined as thrombus burden grade 4 or 5 according to the TIMI score. Lesions with a side branch ≥2 mm and patients with cardiogenic shock were not included. The study end‐points were proportion of final TIMI 3 flow, normal myocardial blush, and complete ST‐segment resolution.

Results

Fifty‐six patients were included. After MGuard stent implantation >85% of cases had thrombus score = 0. Final TIMI 3 flow was achieved in 82% of cases, normal myocardial blush in 55%, and complete ST‐segment resolution in 59%. Occlusion of a side branch (<2 mm) occurred in 2 cases (3.5%), embolization to a distal branch in 5 cases (8.9%), and transient no‐reflow in 4 cases (7.1%). Major adverse cardiac events rate at 9 months was 3.6%, including 1 definite acute stent thrombosis and 1 target‐vessel revascularization.

Conclusions

The MGuard stent may be useful to prevent distal embolization in patients with STEMI and high thrombus burden despite mechanical aspiration.
A psychological predictor of elders' driving performance: social‐comparisons on the road
Authors: Levy Becca R. , Ng Reuben , Myers Lindsey M. , Marottoli Richard A.
Published: February 2013

Older individuals often believe they can drive better than their contemporaries. This belief is an example of downward social‐comparisons; they can be self‐enhancing tools that lead to beneficial outcomes. As predicted, we found that drivers who engaged in downward social‐comparisons were significantly less likely to have adverse driving events over time, after controlling for relevant factors (p = .02). This effect was particularly strong among women, who tend to experience more negative driving stereotypes (p = .01). The study was based on 897 interviews of 117 elder drivers, aged 70–89 years, over 2 years. Our findings suggest that interventions to reduce adverse driving events among elders could benefit from including a psychological component.
Geographical partitioning of marine macrophyte assemblages in the tropical Pacific: a result of local and regional diversity processes
Authors: Schils Tom , Vroom Peter S. , Tribollet Aline D.
Published: February 2013

Aim

Various coral reef organisms display distinct gradients in taxonomic turnover throughout the tropical Pacific Ocean. Marine macrophytes are one of the most dominant and ecologically important benthic components of tropical reefs, yet little is known about the ecological biogeography of the macrophyte assemblages throughout this biodiverse region. This study assessed: (1) the geographical clustering of macrophyte assemblages in the tropical Pacific; (2) the environmental/geographical factors that best explain the observed patterns in taxon richness and taxon composition; and (3) the validity of large‐scale biogeographical hypotheses with respect to the distribution of macrophyte assemblages.

Location

Coral reefs of 39 US Pacific islands.

Methods

Surveys of reef macrophytes for all 39 Pacific islands were conducted from 2004 to 2007. Rank‐order data of quadrats were transformed to proportional abundance data in order to compute site averages for each of the 84 macrophyte categories. Further data analysis employed taxon accumulation curves, generalized additive models, and multivariate techniques.

Results

Pacific macrophyte assemblages displayed consistently higher within‐archipelago similarities than between‐archipelago similarities, which is reflected in pronounced differences in functional group composition between archipelagos. The maximum land elevation, maximum seasonal sea surface temperature, reef extent, and longitude of the investigated islands were the predictor variables that best described the similarities in macrophyte assemblage structure among islands. Maximum land elevation and reef extent, however, were the two predictor variables that best explained macrophyte richness per island.

Main conclusions

Macrophyte assemblages of the Pacific Islands cluster in geographical groups, indicative of the importance of evolutionary factors related to dispersal and speciation. Whereas macrophyte assemblage structure is governed by both local (habitat diversity and availability) and regional (geographical and environmental descriptors related to oceanic isolation and latitude) variables, the macrophyte richness of these islands is defined primarily by local habitat diversity and availability. Biogeographical patterns of marine macrophyte assemblages in the tropical Pacific deviate from those of other well‐studied marine organisms.
Expression and regulation of α‐transducin in the pig gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Mazzoni Maurizio , De Giorgio Roberto , Latorre Rocco , Vallorani Claudia , Bosi Paolo , Trevisi Paolo , Barbara Giovanni , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Corinaldesi Roberto , Forni Monica , Faussone‐Pellegrini Maria S. , Sternini Catia , Clavenzani Paolo
Published: February 2013

Taste signalling molecules are found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract suggesting that they participate to chemosensing. We tested whether fasting and refeeding affect the expression of the taste signalling molecule, α‐transducin (Gαtran), throughout the pig GI tract and the peptide content of Gαtran cells. The highest density of Gαtran‐immunoreactive (IR) cells was in the pylorus, followed by the cardiac mucosa, duodenum, rectum, descending colon, jejunum, caecum, ascending colon and ileum. Most Gαtran‐IR cells contained chromogranin A. In the stomach, many Gαtran‐IR cells contained ghrelin, whereas in the upper small intestine many were gastrin/cholecystokinin‐IR and a few somatostatin‐IR. Gαtran‐IR and Gαgust‐IR colocalized in some cells. Fasting (24 h) resulted in a significant decrease in Gαtran‐IR cells in the cardiac mucosa (29.3 ± 0.8 versus 64.8 ± 1.3, P < 0.05), pylorus (98.8 ± 1.7 versus 190.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.0 l), caecum (8 ± 0.01 versus 15.5 ± 0.5, P < 0.01), descending colon (17.8 ± 0.3 versus 23 ± 0.6, P < 0.05) and rectum (15.3 ± 0.3 versus 27.5 ± 0.7, P < 0.05). Refeeding restored the control level of Gαtran‐IR cells in the cardiac mucosa. In contrast, in the duodenum and jejunum, Gαtran‐IR cells were significantly reduced after refeeding, whereas Gαtran‐IR cells density in the ileum was not changed by fasting/refeeding. These findings provide further support to the concept that taste receptors contribute to luminal chemosensing in the GI tract and suggest they are involved in modulation of food intake and GI function induced by feeding and fasting.
Investigating the relationship between observed mood and emotions in people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities
Authors: Vos P. , De Cock P. , Petry K. , Van Den Noortgate W. , Maes B.
Published: February 2013

Background

The measurement of subjective well‐being in people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities (ID) is a difficult challenge. As they cannot self‐report about their life satisfaction, because of severe communicative and cognitive limitations, behavioural observations of their emotions and moods are important in the measurement of their subjective well‐being. It is, however, not known if observations of mood and emotion can be differentiated in people with severe and profound ID and if mood and emotions can give unique information about their affect. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the relationship between mood and emotions in people with severe and profound ID, using behavioural observations. As recommended in the literature, we investigated the frequency and intensity of the emotion separately.

Method

In a period of 3 weeks 27 participants with severe and profound ID were presented with four staff‐selected negative and four staff‐selected positive stimuli. During the presentation participants were videotaped using the observational method of Petry & Maes where each behaviour is coded on a 5‐point scale, ranging from indicating a very negative emotion to indicating a very positive emotion. As a measure of mood, the staff completed the MIPQ in the beginning of the 3 weeks.

Results

We found a positive relationship between mood and respectively the total emotion score and the frequency of the emotion when the stimuli were positive but not when the stimuli were negative. There was no relationship between mood and the intensity of the emotion.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that mood and emotions can be distinguished from each other using behavioural observations. Both can give specific information about the affective life of people with severe or profound ID. Moreover, if further research could replicate the results of this study, an implication is that the direct support workers should be aware of a decline in the frequency of their clients reactions to positive stimuli as this could indicate a decline in their mood.
Effects of nonuniform lighting on the evaluation of spaces: A comparison between the situations with and without conversation
Authors: Barazawa Natsuki , Hanyu Kazunori
Published: February 2013

The prospect‐refuge theory is a theory of landscape aesthetics and has recently been applied to interior design. The purposes of this article were to apply the prospect‐refuge theory to the interior lighting environment and to examine the effects of nonuniform lighting on the evaluations of a room shared with another person. Two experiments were conducted: Experiment 1 focused on the situation without conversation, and Experiment 2 on the situation with conversation. The results showed that nonuniform lighting influences the features of prospect and refuge in rooms. The results also showed that the features of prospect and refuge are important when the space is shared with people having no interaction. However, when people have an interaction, a sense of unity, which is formed by illumination wrapping them together, is important to make an adequate environment.
Peyronie's Disease and Mechanotransduction: An In Vitro Analysis of the Cellular Changes to Peyronie's Disease in a Cell-Culture Strain System
Authors: Chung Eric , De Young Ling , Solomon Matthew , Brock Gerald B.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Penile traction therapy (PTT) has gained considerable popularity as a noninvasive treatment option in Peyronie's disease (PD) to improve penile curvature and length. However the exact mechanism of action of PTT is unknown and as yet unproven.

Aim

Using a cyclic strain culture system, we investigate the cellular changes to the tunical tissues following equibiaxial tractional forces. The observed protein alteration following mechanical traction should replicate the changes observed in tunical tissue following PTT.

Methods

Flexcell™ FX-5000™ Tension Plus system (Flexcell™ International Corporation, McKee-sport, PA, USA) is a pressurized chamber system that allows for sustained and dynamic application of hydrostatic pressure to cellular culture. Primary cell cultures from PD and normal tunical tissue (control) were sub-cultured on BioFlex-ProNectin plate 1 × 106 (Flexcell International Corporation, Hillsborough, NC, USA) for 24 hours and exposed to Flexcell™ sinusoidal strain of 18% at 1 Hz (strained group) on the biaxial plates for 24 hours under 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere.

Main Outcomes Measures

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains and Western blot assays between strained and nonstrained (control) cells.

Results

Significant increase in smooth muscle α-actin, β-catenin, and Hsp 47 proteins were measured in the PD group compared with control group. IHC staining revealed a decrease in α-actin staining while Western blot assay showed an increase in metalloproteinase-8 expression with no measured change in β-catenin level in the strained PD group.

Conclusions

This novel study of cells derived from diseased and normal human tunica albuginea cultured in a mechanical strained environment provides good scientific evidence for the use of penile traction device in Peyronie's plaque remodeling.
Flibanserin Treatment Increases Appetitive Sexual Motivation in the Female Rat
Authors: Gelez Hélène , Greggain-Mohr Jonathan , Pfaus James G. , Allers Kelly A. , Giuliano François
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Flibanserin is a mixed 5-HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist that has been developed for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women.

Aim

To assess the acute and chronic dose–response effects of flibanserin on measures of sexual desire and copulation in ovariectomized rats primed with estradiol benzoate (EB) alone or in combination with progesterone (P).

Methods

In Experiment 1, sexually experienced ovariectomized (OVX) rats at one testing site were rendered fully sexually receptive with EB + P priming and tested weekly with a sexually active male in bi-level pacing chambers following daily flibanserin treatment for 28 days. In Experiment 2, sexually experienced OVX rats at a different testing site received EB alone and were tested weekly with sexually active males following daily flibanserin treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Female appetitive behaviors (solicitations, hops and darts, anogenital investigations), defensive behaviors, pacing, lordosis, and male copulatory responses (intromissions and ejaculations) were measured during each 30-minute copulation test.

Results

Acute flibanserin or 1 week of chronic flibanserin treatment did not modify sexual responses in fully (EB + P) or partially (EB-alone) primed females. After 2 weeks of chronic treatment, fully primed females displayed significantly more solicitations than the three other groups. After 3 weeks of chronic treatment, a significant increase in female solicitations was observed in both hormone-treatment groups.

Conclusion

This study shows the first evidence that chronic, but not acute, flibanserin treatment augments appetitive sexual behaviors in OVX female rats primed with EB + P or EB alone. Given the positive effect of flibanserin in clinical trials, these results confirm previous reports that solicitations in the female rat are a predictive animal model of human female sexual desire.
Gender Commonalities and Differences in the Neural Processing of Visual Sexual Stimuli
Authors: Wehrum Sina , Klucken Tim , Kagerer Sabine , Walter Bertram , Hermann Andrea , Vaitl Dieter , Stark Rudolf
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Few studies so far have directly compared the neural processing of visual sexual stimuli in men and women. Also, most of these studies only compared sexual with neutral stimuli, making it difficult to disentangle sexual stimulus processing from general emotional processing.

Aim

The current study aimed to explore gender commonalities and differences in neural activity associated with the processing of visual sexual stimuli in a large sample of 50 men and 50 women. In order to disentangle effects of sexual processing from those of general emotional processing, we employed sexual, neutral, positive, and negative emotional pictures.

Methods

Subjects passively viewed sexual, neutral, positive, and negative emotional pictures during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) session. Pictures were presented in 24 blocks of five pictures each. Every block was rated immediately after its presentation with respect to valence, arousal, and sexual arousal.

Main Outcome Measures

Blood oxygen level dependent responses measured by fMRI and subjective ratings.

Results

fMRI analysis revealed a distributed network for the neural processing of sexual stimuli comprising the hypothalamus, the nucleus accumbens, as well as orbitofrontal, occipital, and parietal areas. This network could be identified (i) for both men and women, with men showing overall stronger activations than women and (ii) independent of general emotional arousal or valence effects.

Conclusion

Our data speak in favor of a common neural network associated with the processing of visual sexual stimuli in men and women. Apart from the observed gender commonalities, overall stronger responses in men were observed that might indicate stronger sexual responsivity in men
The Common Core State Standards and Reading: Interpretations and Implications for Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Haager Diane , Vaughn Sharon
Published: February 2013

The K‐5 reading standards within the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards provide guidance to teachers about grade level expectations for students. Though the authors of the standards acknowledge that some students may experience difficulty reaching the rigorous expectations, they explain that the standards outline a pathway to proficiency for all students, including those who struggle with literacy. Students with learning disabilities, who often have significant literacy difficulties, may face particular challenges when their instruction is framed by these standards. This article unpacks the complex K‐5 reading standards and provides a discussion of the implications for students with learning disabilities and their general and special education teachers. Examples from K‐5 lessons and recommendations for teachers and researchers are provided.
Literacy Challenges and Opportunities for Students with Learning Disabilities in Social Studies and History
Authors: Bulgren Janis A. , Sampson Graner Patricia , Deshler Donald D.
Published: February 2013

The Common Core State Standards for literacy in history and social studies present opportunities and challenges for teachers of and adolescents with learning disabilities (LD). In addition to reading challenges, students must engage in higher order thinking and reasoning. To provide opportunities for students to successfully respond to such challenges, teachers must have an understanding of the expectations in the Standards, and of the learning needs of students with LD. Teachers can assure success for adolescents with LD by selecting proven instructional procedures and engaging in collaboration to provide students with the supports they need. Examples of one evidence‐based practice, Content Enhancement, are provided to illustrate instructional protocols for teachers of diverse classes that include adolescents with LD.
Psychological, lifestyle and social predictors of hepatitis C treatment response: a systematic review
Authors: Sublette Victoria A. , Douglas Mark W. , McCaffery Kirsten , George Jacob , Perry Kathryn Nicholson
Published: February 2013

Background

To increase cure rates for Hepatitis C, barriers to treatment adherence and completion must be identified and overcome.

Aims

This study systematically reviewed evidence on the psychological, lifestyle and social determinants of achieving viral eradication with antiviral therapy.

Methods

An electronic search strategy was used to identify relevant studies that examined psychological, lifestyle and social factors related to achieving a sustained virological response (SVR).

Results

Thirty‐four studies that matched our criteria were identified. Of the factors that predict response to treatment, Asian ethnicity was an independent predictor of SVR. We found an indirect relationship between diet and SVR, with non‐responders to treatment consuming more polyunsaturated fatty acids, fats and carbohydrates than those who attained SVR. The effect of alcohol consumption relied on the amount consumed; fewer than 30 grams daily had no effect on SVR, whereas >70 grams daily had an adverse impact on a patient's ability to achieve SVR, with termination rates up to 44% in those who drank >2 drinks a day. Patients with psychiatric illnesses had comparable SVR rates to controls if they continued psychological therapy (average 42%), although discontinuation rates were high with 11 studies reporting rates from 14 to 48%.

Conclusions

There are major gaps in current knowledge of the impact of variables such as diet, exercise, attitudes and coping skills on cure rates in chronic Hepatitis C. Those who drink limited amounts of alcohol or have psychiatric disorders should be offered treatment for their disease, with adjunctive education and support to improve treatment completion.
RISK MEASURES ON AND VALUE AT RISK WITH PROBABILITY/LOSS FUNCTION
Authors: Frittelli Marco , Maggis Marco , Peri Ilaria
Published: February 2013

We propose a generalization of the classical notion of the V@Rλ that takes into account not only the probability of the losses, but the balance between such probability and the amount of the loss. This is obtained by defining a new class of law invariant risk measures based on an appropriate family of acceptance sets. The V@Rλ and other known law invariant risk measures turn out to be special cases of our proposal. We further prove the dual representation of Risk Measures on .
Homogeneous distribution of Fe isotopes in the early solar nebula
Authors: Wang Kun , Moynier Frédéric , Barrat Jean‐Alix , Zanda Brigitte , Paniello Randal C. , Savage Paul S.
Published: February 2013

To examine the iron (Fe) isotopic heterogeneities ofCIand ordinary chondrites, we have analyzed several large chips (approximately 1 g) from threeCIchondrites and three ordinary chondrites (LL5, L5, and H5). The Fe isotope compositions of five different samples of Orgueil, one from Ivuna and one from Alais (CIchondrites), are highly homogeneous. This new dataset provides a δ56Fe average of 0.02 ± 0.04‰ (2SE,n = 7), which represents the best available value for the Fe isotopic composition ofCIchondrites and probably the best estimate of the bulk solar system. We conclude that the homogeneity ofCIchondrites reflects the initial Fe isotopic homogeneity of the well‐mixed solar nebula. In contrast, larger (up to 0.26‰ in δ56Fe) isotopic variations have been found between separate approximately 1 g pieces of the same ordinary chondrite sample. The Fe isotope heterogeneities in ordinary chondrites appear to be controlled by the abundances of chondritic components, specifically chondrules, whose Fe isotope compositions have been fractionated by evaporation and recondensation during multiple heating events.
Muscle atrophy in Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2A: a morphometric and molecular study
Authors: Fanin M. , Nascimbeni A. C. , Angelini C.
Published: February 2013

Aims

The peculiar clinical features and the pathogenic mechanism related to calpain‐3 deficiency (impaired sarcomere remodelling) suggest that the ubiquitin‐proteasome degradation pathway may have a crucial role in Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2A (LGMD2A). We therefore investigated muscle atrophy and the role of the ubiquitin‐proteasome and lysosomal‐autophagic degradation pathways.

Methods

We selected 25 adult male LGMD2A patients (and seven controls), classified them using clinical severity score, analysed muscle fibre size by morphometry and protein and/or transcriptional expression levels of the most important atrophy‐ and autophagy‐related genes (MuRF1, atrogin1, LC3, p62, Bnip3).

Results

Muscle fibre size was significantly lower in LGMD2A than in controls and it was significantly correlated with patients' clinical disability score recorded at the time of biopsy, suggesting that functional and structural muscle impairment are dependent. The large majority of atrophic fibres originate from a mechanism different from regeneration, as assessed by neonatal myosin immunolabelling. As compared with controls, LGMD2A muscles have higher MuRF1 (but not atrogin1) protein and MuRF1 gene expression levels, and MuRF1 protein levels significantly correlated with both muscle fibre size and clinical disability score. LGMD2A muscles have slightly increased levels of LC3‐II and p62 proteins and a significant up‐regulation of p62 and Bnip3 gene expression.

Conclusions

In LGMD2A muscles the activation of the atrophy programme appeared to depend mainly upon induction of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system and, to a lesser extent, the autophagic‐lysosomal degradation pathway.
How to Rule Out Disjunctive Properties
Authors: Audi Paul
Published: February 2013

Are there disjunctive properties? This question is important for at least two reasons. First, disjunctive properties are invoked in defense of certain philosophical theories, especially in the philosophy of mind. Second, the question raises the prior issue of what counts as a genuine property, a central concern in the metaphysics of properties. I argue here, on the basis of general considerations in the metaphysics of properties, that there are no disjunctive properties. Specifically, I argue that genuine properties must guaranteesimilarity‐in‐a‐respectamong their instances, and mustinherein their bearers (two notions to be clarified). Disjunctive properties would fail both requirements. I compare the case of disjunctive properties with “mere Cambridge properties,” determinable properties, and functional properties, and show how my conception of properties remains compatible with determinables and functional properties while ruling out disjunctive and mere Cambridge properties.
Nonunion of Distal Femoral Fractures: a Systematic Review
Authors: Ebraheim Nabil A. , Martin Adam , Sochacki Kyle R. , Liu Jiayong
Published: February 2013

Nonunions of the distal femur are inherently difficult to treat and associated with significant patient disability. An extensive search of published reports was conducted and identified articles reviewed to determine the prevalence of various fracture patterns, initial treatment methods, reported risk factors, and definitive treatment methods. The definitive treatment modalities for distal femoral nonunions were then analyzed according to union rate, time to union and complications. The purpose of this review was to determine the risk factors that predispose to nonunion of the distal femur and the most effective treatment methods to implement after nonunion has occurred. The current review assesses 19 studies published over the last 12 years in which there were patients with nonunion of the distal femur and treatment specific to those patients was described. It was found that the most common fracture pattern involved metaphyseal comminution, most common initial treatment was open reduction and internal fixation with plating, most common reported risk factor was an open fracture, and most common definitive treatment was fixed angle plating combined with cancellous autografting. Taken together, the reviewed reports suggest that this form of treatment has a successful union rate of 97.4% and average time to heal of 7.8 months.
Re‐alignment‐procedures for Skeletal Dysplasia in Three Patients with Genetically Diverse Syndromes
Authors: Al Kaissi Ali , Ganger Rudolf , Roetzer Katharina M. , Schwarzbraun Thomas , Klaushofer Klaus , Grill Franz
Published: February 2013

Objective

Disruption to endochondral ossification leads to delayed and irregular bone formation and can result in a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders known as osteochondrodysplasias. These genetic disorders arise through disturbances in the complex processes of skeletal growth causing development of unsightly skeletal deformities.

Methods 

Each syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of detailed clinical and radiographic assessment. Lower limb deformities were the prime presenting feature.

Results

Here are presented three patients with diverse genetic syndromes, namely Wolcott–Rallison syndrome (WRS), Kniest dysplasia (KD) and Desbuquois dysplasia (DS). Genetic testing was performed in the patients with WRS and DS. The diagnosis of KD was made purely on a clinical and radiographic basis. Variable orthopaedic interventions to realign these patients' lower limbs were implemented with the aim of improving their balance and gait.

Conclusions

The aim of this paper is twofold. The first part is to outline the importance of diagnosing the causes of various skeletal abnormalities in patients with osteochondrodysplasias by phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The second part is to demonstrate our techniques for surgical corrections in patients with joint laxity and malalignment and show how far techniques for growth modulation, re‐alignment and ligament reconstruction have advanced.
Threat and Right‐Wing Attitudes: A Cross‐National Approach
Authors: Onraet Emma , van Hiel Alain , Cornelis Ilse
Published: February 2013

Threat relates to right‐wing ideological attitudes at the individual level. The present study aims to extend this relationship to the national level. More specifically, in a sample of 91 nations, we collected country‐level indicators of threat (including inflation, unemployment, gross national product, homicide rate, and life expectancy). Moreover, we analyzed data from the European and World Value Survey (total N = 134,516) to obtain aggregated country‐level indicators for social‐cultural and economic‐hierarchical right‐wing attitudes for each of these countries. In accordance with previous findings based on the individual level, a positive relationship between threat indicators and right‐wing attitudes emerged. This relationship was stronger than what was usually reported at the individual level. In the discussion, we focus on the mutually reinforcing influence at the individual and national levels in terms of right‐wing attitudes.
Victim and Perpetrator Groups' Responses to the Canadian Government's Apology for the Head Tax on Chinese Immigrants and the Moderating Influence of Collective Guilt
Authors: Wohl Michael J. A , Matheson Kimberly , Branscombe Nyla R. , Anisman Hymie
Published: February 2013

European and Chinese Canadians' perceptions and expectations of the Canadian government's apology for the head tax placed on Chinese immigrants during the early twentieth century were examined, along with Chinese Canadians' willingness to forgive the transgression. Among both European and Chinese Canadians, beliefs about the importance attributed to the event and perception of the apology as deserved and sincere heightened expectations of improved intergroup relations. Collective guilt acceptance among European Canadians heightened the relation between perceived sincerity and positive expectations, whereas collective guilt assignment by Chinese Canadians heightened the relation between sincerity and forgiveness. A one‐year follow‐up of whether Chinese Canadians were equally satisfied with the apology indicated that their willingness to grant forgiveness had waned, and although on the whole expectations of improved relations were met, those who assigned more collective guilt were less convinced. Intergroup apologies and their effectiveness at facilitating intergroup relations are discussed.
The Public Presidency and Disciplinary Presumptions
Authors: Jacobs Lawrence R.
Published: February 2013

The tendency of well‐developed research fields to overtill is well known; a corresponding challenge is the tendency to misunderstand or misapply that research by scholars plowing different plots. The mistaken or incomplete interpretation of research on the public presidency presents a particularly egregious case of poor harvesting. Although political observers and scholars outside the public presidency field project “going public” as a highly influential weapon, scholars in the field converge on modest expectations in which presidential promotions have limited, selective, and conditional effects. This pattern is illustrated through content analyses of Barack Obama's speeches and the media's coverage of them. The findings correspond with the expectations of the public presidency field:Obama conducted extensive public promotions of his signature legislative accomplishment—health reform—and his efforts failed to move media coverage, public opinion, or the legislative process. As research on the public presidency expands its scope and reach, there is a growing opportunity to correct its misapplications and, more positively, to build an unusually diverse research community that spans political theory and the social sciences.
The Paradox of President Reagan's Leadership
Authors: Pfiffner James P.
Published: February 2013

Ronald Reagan was a larger‐than‐life individual, a formidable politician, and an important president. But as in all presidents, his character was complex, resulting in a presidency of paradoxes, marked by some great successes and some unfortunate failures. Both Reagan's successes and failures stemmed from his character and style of political leadership. Reagan's broad vision and clear direction made his political ideals appealing. But paradoxically, what made his policy victories possible was his willingness, when faced with political reality, to make pragmatic compromises without seeming to abandon his ideals. This article will examine these paradoxes by analyzing the Reagan administration's transition into office, the contrasting White House staffs of his two terms, and the high and low points of his national security policies.
School context and health in adolescence: The role of sense of coherence
Authors: García‐Moya I. , Rivera F. , Moreno C.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the role of school variables and sense of coherence (SOC) in the explanation of health. For this purpose, data were collected from a representative sample of adolescents, aged 13 to 18 years, selected for the Health Behavior in School‐aged Children survey in Spain. Using Structural Equation Modelling, three nested models were tested that represented different hypothesized models of the relationships among school factors, SOC and health. According to goodness‐of‐fit indices, in the best model, school‐related stress and SOC mediated the influence of support from classmates and teachers on health, and SOC had a direct effect on stress. The results supported the idea that a supportive school climate and SOC are relevant to adolescents' health. Furthermore, SOC was the most influential variable; apart from its direct positive effect on health, SOC seemed to condition the degree to which students perceived school demands to be stressful. Specifically, students with a high SOC were less likely to suffer from high levels of school‐related stress.
Bourdieu and the Sociology of Music Consumption: A Critical Assessment of Recent Developments
Authors: Prior Nick
Published: February 2013

The French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu has been an extraordinarily influential figure in the sociology of music. For over three decades, his concepts have helped to generate both empirical and theoretical interventions in the field of study. His impact on the sociology of music taste, in particular, has been profound, his ideas directly informing our understandings of how musical preferences reflect and reproduce inequalities between social classes. But, recently his legacy has been under question and newer approaches to the music/society problematic have emerged. These have made important claims about the nature of the sociological enterprise when confronted with the specificity of cultural works, as well as how social change impacts on our relations with musical forms. This paper takes stock of the impact of Bourdieu’s ideas on the sociology of music, the debates sparked in their wake and the attempt at something like a “post‐Bourdieusian” sociology more faithful to music’s material properties. It will ask to what extent Bourdieu’s claims about social stratification and music consumption are still relevant and whether they are sophisticated enough to deal with the specific ways that we interact with musical forms.
Regrounding Youth Cultural Theory (in Post‐Socialist Youth Cultural Practice)
Authors: Pilkington Hilary , Omel’chenko Elena
Published: February 2013

This article considers how the study of youth cultural practice in Eastern Europe informs theoretical and empirical debate about youth culture. It charts the trajectory of academic writing on East European youth cultures and suggests the region’s state socialist past (which made social inequalities relatively insignificant at a time when, elsewhere, youth cultural studies were dominated by class‐based readings) combined with the explosion of inequality in the post‐socialist period (by which time class‐resistant post‐subcultural theories led anglophone academic discussion), makes it an interesting vantage point from which to reconsider academic paradigms. Drawing on empirical examples of youth cultural practice in (post)‐socialist Eastern Europe, it argues for a perspective that integrates structural and cultural factors shaping young people’s lives. It suggests moving forward western theoretical debates – often stymied in arguments over nomenclature (‘subculture’, ‘postsubculture’, ‘neo‐tribe’) – by shifting the focus of study from ‘form’ (‘subculture’ etc.) to ‘substance’ (concrete cultural practices) and attending to everyday communicative, musical, sporting, educational, informal economy, and territorial practices. Since such practices are embedded in the ‘whole’ rather than ‘subcultural’ lives of young people, this renders visible how cultural practices are enabled and constrained by the same social divisions and inequalities that structure society at large.
Eco‐Friendly Laminates: From the Indentation to Non‐Destructive Evaluation by Optical and Infrared Monitoring Techniques
Authors: Sfarra S. , Ibarra‐Castanedo C. , Santulli C. , Sarasini F. , Ambrosini D. , Paoletti D. , Maldague X.
Published: February 2013

Abstract:  In this work, the combined effect of indentation damage and of manufacturing defects of a hybrid laminate including jute hessian cloth (plain weave) and hemp fibres in an epoxy matrix has been investigated. With this aim, various non‐destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques have been employed, such as near‐infrared (NIR) reflectography, infrared thermography (IRT), holographic interferometry (HI) and digital speckle photography (DSP). In particular, two different methods of heating were applied during IRT data collection: pulse thermography and square pulse thermography (SPT). The first one using a mid‐wave infrared (IR) camera, while the second one using a long‐wave IR camera. In the same way, two different cameras working into the near‐ and short‐wave IR spectra were used, to compare different results from ∼ 0.74 to 14 μm. Data were processed applying principal component thermography (PCT), correlation and the robust second‐order blind identification (SOBI‐RO) algorithms. The latter is used for the first time to our knowledge in this work. The defects found were enhanced by image subtraction between the reflectogram and the transmittogram, distance transform and image fusion. In particular, data fusion from IRT and DPS images allowed clearly defining the extension of the indentation damage.
Canine oral fibrosarcomas: a retrospective analysis of 65 cases (1998–2010)
Authors: Gardner H. , Fidel J. , Haldorson G. , Dernell W. , Wheeler B.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this retrospective study was to report the outcome of treatment of canine oral fibrosarcomas (FSA) in relation to median survival and progression‐free survival (PFS), and to report whether grade was prognostic in relation to median survival. Sixty‐five dogs with oralFSApresented to theWSU VTHbetween June 1998 and March 2010. Significant predictors of median survival were location (P = 0.0099), tumour size or oral stage (P = 0.0312), type of surgery (P = 0.0182), margins (P = 0.0329) and grade (P = 0.0251). Significant predictors ofPFSwere location (P = 0.0177), and radiation protocol (P = 0.0343). A combination of surgery and radiation was the strongest predictor of prolonged median survival (P = 0.0183) andPFS(P = 0.0263) at 505 and 301 days, respectively. Treatment of canine oralFSAwith a combination of surgery and radiation therapy provided the longest median survivals.
Clinical and histological characterization of hair coat and glandular tissue of Chinese crested dogs
Authors: Wiener Dominique J. , Gurtner Corinne , Panakova Lucia , Mausberg Theresa‐Bernadette , Müller Eliane J. , Drögemüller Cord , Leeb Tosso , Welle Monika M.
Published: February 2013

Background

Two varieties exist in the Chinese crested dog breed, namely hairless Chinese crested dogs presenting with hypotrichosis and dentition abnormalities, and the coated powderpuffs. Hairless Chinese crested dogs are obligate heterozygotes for a FOXI3 mutation, and this phenotype is classified as a form of canine ectodermal dysplasia.

Objectives

We provide a detailed histological description of hair follicles and their density for the three subphenotypes (true hairless, semi‐coated and powderpuffs) of Chinese crested dogs. Apocrine and exocrine glands of the skin and other tissues were compared with findings reported from dogs with X‐linked ectodermal dysplasia.

Animals

Skin biopsies were collected from 22 Chinese crested dogs. Additionally, the glands of the skin and other tissues were examined from another two dogs available for postmortem examination.

Methods

Skin biopsies and tissues were processed, stained and evaluated in a blinded fashion.

Results

Hair follicular anomalies decreased with increasing number of hairs in the different phenotypes. The FOXI3 mutants had only simple primary hair follicles, whereas the nonmutant powderpuffs had compound follicles identical to other dog breeds. All Chinese crested dogs had an anagen‐dominated hair cycle. Furthermore, apocrine glands in the skin and respiratory mucous glands of the mutant Chinese crested dogs were present and normal.

Conclusions and clinical importance

We have identified striking histopathological differences between the three subphenotypes of Chinese crested dogs. We clearly demonstrated distinct differences between the canine ectodermal dysplasia in Chinese crested dogs and dogs with X‐linked ectodermal dysplasia.
The amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex: partners in the fear circuit
Authors: Marek Roger , Strobel Cornelia , Bredy Timothy W. , Sah Pankaj
Published: February 2013

Abstract  Fear conditioning and fear extinction are Pavlovian conditioning paradigms extensively used to study the mechanisms that underlie learning and memory formation. The neural circuits that mediate this learning are evolutionarily conserved, and seen in virtually all species from flies to humans. In mammals, the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex are two structures that play a key role in the acquisition, consolidation and retrieval of fear memory, as well extinction of fear. These two regions have extensive bidirectional connections, and in recent years, the neural circuits that mediate fear learning and fear extinction are beginning to be elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of the neural architecture within the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. We describe how sensory information is processed in these two structures and the neural circuits between them thought to mediate different aspects of fear learning. Finally, we discuss how changes in circuits within these structures may mediate fear responses following fear conditioning and extinction.
Quantum simulation of thermionic emission from diamond films
Authors: Musho Terence D. , Paxton William F. , Davidson Jim L. , Walker D. Greg
Published: February 2013

Recent advances in wide-band gap thermionic materials have brought to question the applicability of well accepted theories for thermionic emission from metallic surfaces. The authors developed a nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) self-consistent model based on quantum mechanics to investigate thermionic emission from nitrogen-incorporated diamond cathodes. The model allows us to relax several assumptions typical of Richardson's equation. The NEGF method is a self-consistent Schrödinger–Poisson formalism where the transport is calculated from an effective mass description and Fermi-Dirac statistics. The predictions were validated against experimental measurements from nitrogen-incorporated diamond cathodes. The model captures key emission characteristics such as the onset temperature of emission and the emission from low or negative electron-affinity materials. The results indicate that Richardson's equation overestimates emission for many cases, especially in low electron affinity materials. In addition, the model allowed them to estimate the heat flux at the cathode using the spectral emission as opposed to the mean velocity approximation, which under-predicts the cooling potential. Finally, they developed a relation between Richardson's constant, work function, and electron affinity to aid in identifying a range of Richardson's parameters applicable to experimental characterization of materials.
Assessing gender differences in response system questions for an introductory physics course
Authors: Richardson Chris T. , O'Shea Brian W.
Published: February 2013

In this work, we investigate whether gender differences are present in the iClicker student response system during introductory physics lectures in an engaged environment. We find that men and women are equally likely to respond to questions correctly and in the same amount of time. We also find that both genders make use of multiple responses in the same timescale, however, the average number of responses for a given question is significantly higher for men than women. Upon analyzing these responses, we also find men are slightly more likely than women to change their response, while the response base station is open. Both genders benefit from peer instruction by answering more quickly and correctly. The connection between previously documented timescale differences, differences in ungraded responses, and their implications for the classroom environment are discussed.
The Homeobox Transcription Factor Cut Coordinates Patterning and Growth During
Drosophila
Airway Remodeling
Authors: Pitsouli Chrysoula , Perrimon Norbert
Published: February 2013

Signals converge on the transcription factor Cut to orchestrate tracheal development.