bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 Is Associated with Glomerular Filtration Rate Progression and Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Two Community-Based Cohorts of Elderly Individuals
Authors: Carlsson Axel C. , Nordquist Lina , Larsson Tobias E. , Carrero Juan-Jesús , Larsson Anders , Lind Lars , Ärnlöv Johan
Published: July 2015

Objective: We aimed to explore and validate the longitudinal associations between soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) progression, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence in two independent community-based cohorts of elderly individuals with prespecified subgroup analyses in individuals without prevalent diabetes. Research Design and Methods: Two community-based cohorts of elderly individuals were used with 5-year follow-up data on estimated GFR: the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM; n = 437 men; mean age: 78 years) and the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS; n = 703; mean age: 70 years; 51% women). GFR categories were defined as ≥60, 30-60, and <30 ml/min/1.73 m2. Results: In longitudinal multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for inflammatory markers and established cardiovascular risk factors, higher serum sTNFR1 was significantly associated with an increased risk to progress to a lower GFR category in both ULSAM and PIVUS [odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation (SD) increase 1.28 (95% CI 1.03-1.60) and OR 1.56 (95% CI 1.30-1.87), respectively]. Also, in subgroup analyses in individuals with a GFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at baseline, higher sTNFRs were associated with incident CKD after 5 years in both cohorts [ULSAM: OR per SD increase 1.49 (95% CI 1.16-1.9) and PIVUS: OR 1.84 (95% CI 1.50-2.26)]. Associations were similar in individuals without diabetes. Conclusions: Higher circulating sTNFR1 independently predicts the progression to a worse GFR category and CKD incidence in elderly individuals even in the absence of diabetes. Further studies are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms, and to evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings.
Non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients with none or one additional risk factor of the CHA2DS2-VASc score
Authors: Skjøth Flemming , Nielsen Peter , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard , Lip Gregory
Published: July 2015

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) to prevent stroke has to be balanced against the potential harm of serious bleeding, especially intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). We determined the net clinical benefit (NCB) balancing effectiveness and safety of no antithrombotic therapy, aspirin and warfarin in AF patients with none or one stroke risk factor. Using Danish registries, we determined NCB using various definitions intrinsic to our cohort (Danish weights at 1 and 5 year follow-up), with risk weights which were derived from the hazard ratio (HR) of death following an event, relative to HR of death after ischaemic stroke. When aspirin was compared to no treatment, NCB was neutral or negative for both risk strata. For warfarin vs no treatment, NCB using Danish weights was neutral where no risk factors were present and using five years follow-up. For one stroke risk factor, NCB was positive for warfarin vs no treatment, for one year and five year follow-up. For warfarin vs aspirin use in patients with no risk factors, NCB was positive with one year follow-up, but neutral with five year follow-up. With one risk factor, NCB was generally positive for warfarin vs aspirin. In conclusion, we show a positive overall advantage (i.e. positive NCB) of effective stroke prevention with OAC, compared to no therapy or aspirin with one additional stroke risk factor, using Danish weights. ‘Low risk’ AF patients with no additional stroke risk factors (i.e. CHA2DS2-VASc 0 in males, 1 in females) do not derive any advantage (neutral or negative NCB) with aspirin, nor with warfarin therapy in the long run.

Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.
Dietary Sodium Consumption Predicts Future Blood Pressure and Incident Hypertension in the Japanese Normotensive General Population
Authors: Takase Hiroyuki , Sugiura Tomonori , Kimura Genjiro , Ohte Nobuyuki , Dohi Yasuaki
Published: July 2015

Background

Although there is a close relationship between dietary sodium and hypertension, the concept that persons with relatively high dietary sodium are at increased risk of developing hypertension compared with those with relatively low dietary sodium has not been studied intensively in a cohort.

Methods and Results

We conducted an observational study to investigate whether dietary sodium intake predicts future blood pressure and the onset of hypertension in the general population. Individual sodium intake was estimated by calculating 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion from spot urine in 4523 normotensive participants who visited our hospital for a health checkup. After a baseline examination, they were followed for a median of 1143 days, with the end point being development of hypertension. During the follow‐up period, hypertension developed in 1027 participants (22.7%). The risk of developing hypertension was higher in those with higher rather than lower sodium intake (hazard ratio 1.25, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.50). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, baseline sodium intake and the yearly change in sodium intake during the follow‐up period (as continuous variables) correlated with the incidence of hypertension. Furthermore, both the yearly increase in sodium intake and baseline sodium intake showed significant correlations with the yearly increase in systolic blood pressure in multivariate regression analysis after adjustment for possible risk factors.

Conclusions

Both relatively high levels of dietary sodium intake and gradual increases in dietary sodium are associated with future increases in blood pressure and the incidence of hypertension in the Japanese general population.
Premotor Cortex Activation Elicited during Word Comprehension Relies on Access of Specific Action Concepts
Authors: Lin Nan , Wang Xiaoying , Zhao Ying , Liu Yanping , Li Xingshan , Bi Yanchao
Published: July 2015

The relationship between the lexical-semantic and sensory-motor systems is an important topic in cognitive neuroscience. An important finding indicating that these two systems interact is that reading action verbs activates the motor system of the human brain. Two constraints have been proposed to modulate this activation: the effector information associated with the action concepts and statistical regularities between sublexical features and grammatical classes. Using fMRI, we examined whether these two types of information can activate the motor system in the absence of specific motor-semantic content by manipulating the existence of a sublexical cue, called the hand radical, which strongly indicates the semantic feature “hand-related” and grammatical class “verb.” Although hand radical characters referring to specific manual actions evoked stronger activation in the premotor cortex than the control characters, hand radical pseudocharacters did not evoke specific activation within the motor system. These results indicated that activation of the premotor cortex during word reading relies on the access of specific action concepts.
Visual Awareness Is Limited by the Representational Architecture of the Visual System
Authors: Cohen Michael A. , Nakayama Ken , Konkle Talia , Stantić Mirta , Alvarez George A.
Published: July 2015

Visual perception and awareness have strict limitations. We suggest that one source of these limitations is the representational architecture of the visual system. Under this view, the extent to which items activate the same neural channels constrains the amount of information that can be processed by the visual system and ultimately reach awareness. Here, we measured how well stimuli from different categories (e.g., faces and cars) blocked one another from reaching awareness using two distinct paradigms that render stimuli invisible: visual masking and continuous flash suppression. Next, we used fMRI to measure the similarity of the neural responses elicited by these categories across the entire visual hierarchy. Overall, we found strong brain–behavior correlations within the ventral pathway, weaker correlations in the dorsal pathway, and no correlations in early visual cortex (V1–V3). These results suggest that the organization of higher level visual cortex constrains visual awareness and the overall processing capacity of visual cognition.
Lost in Edition: Did Leonardo da Vinci Slip Up?
Authors: Huylebrouck Dirk
Published: July 2015

Leonardo da Vinci committed mistakes in geometry, analytical mechanics and arithmetic. The publication of his work was not always done carefully. These revelations have opened up the mystery surrounding the genius artist-scientist’s alleged errors. In this paper, the author explores these errors and their possible sources and potential implications.
Typification of names in the genus Thymus (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Bartolucci Fabrizio , WALTER JOHANNES
Published: July 2015

Nomenclatural types for 30 names of the genus Thymus are designated here. The following names are lectotypified: Th. adriaticus, Th. albanus subsp. magellensis, Th. alsarensis, Th. alsarensis var. paucisetus, Th. belgradiensis, Th. benacensis, Th. boissieri var. ciliatopubescens, Th. brevicalyx, Th. britannicus, Th. chaubardii subsp. subisophyllus, Th. collivagus, Th. drucei, Th. istriacus, Th. froelichianus subsp. allionii, Th. lanicaulis, Th. lanuginosus var. pannonicus f. nicaeensis, Th. longicaulis var. freynii, Th. longicaulis var. salonitanus, Th. longidens var. drabiscensis, Th. moesiacus var. turcicus, Th. neglectus, Th. poliothrix, Th. pseudoatticus, Th. pseudolanuginosus, Th. sarntheinii, Th. serpyllum var. arcticus, Th. sepyllum var. ligusticus, Th. serpyllum var. vallesiacus, Th. thracicus var. byzantinus and Th. zetlandicus. Furthermore the new combination Thymus zygiformis var. magellensis is proposed.
Inocybe griseorubida, a new species of Pseudosperma clade from tropical India
Authors: Latha K. P. Deepna , Manimohan Patinjareveettil
Published: July 2015

Inocybe griseorubida sp. nov. is described from Kerala State, India. A comprehensive description, photographs, and comparisons with phenetically similar species are provided. The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), a portion of the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nLSU) and a portion of the nuclear second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2) gene of this species were sequenced and analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis of rpb2 sequences confirmed both the novelty of the species and its placement within the Pseudosperma clade.
Augmentations to the Noah Model Physics for Application to the Yellow River Source Area. Part II: Turbulent Heat Fluxes and Soil Heat Transport
Authors: Zheng Donghai , van der Velde Rogier , Su Zhongbo , Wang Xin , Wen Jun , Booij Martijn J. , Hoekstra Arjen Y. , Chen Yingying
Published: July 2015

This is the second part of a study on the assessment of the Noah land surface model (LSM) in simulating surface water and energy budgets in the high-elevation source region of the Yellow River. Here, there is a focus on turbulent heat fluxes and heat transport through the soil column during the monsoon season, whereas the first part of this study deals with the soil water flow. Four augmentations are studied for mitigating the overestimation of turbulent heat flux and underestimation of soil temperature measurements: 1) the muting effect of vegetation on the thermal heat conductivity is removed from the transport of heat from the first to the second soil layer, 2) the exponential decay factor imposed on is calculated using the ratio of the leaf area index (LAI) over the green vegetation fraction (GVF), 3) Zilitinkevich’s empirical coefficient for turbulent heat transport is computed as a function of the momentum roughness length , and 4) the impact of organic matter is considered in the parameterization of the thermal heat properties. Although usage of organic matter for calculating improves the correspondence between the estimates and laboratory measurements of heat conductivities, it is shown to have a relatively small impact on the Noah LSM performance even for large organic matter contents. In contrast, the removal of the muting effect of vegetation on and the parameterization of greatly enhances the soil temperature profile simulations, whereas turbulent heat flux and surface temperature computations mostly benefit from the modified formulation. Further, the nighttime surface temperature overestimation is resolved from a coupled land–atmosphere perspective.
Calcium Metabolism Profile in Rat Inner Ear Indicated by MRI After Tympanic Medial Wall Administration of Manganese Chloride
Authors: Zou Jing , Pyykkö Ilmari
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy of the novel method for the targeted delivery of Mn++ to the inner ear and monitor calcium metabolism activity in the inner ear.

Materials and Methods:

Dynamic signal changes of Mn++ in the rat inner ear were followed using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after administration of 2.5 µl MnCl2 (500 mM) to the medial wall of the middle ear cavity.

Results:

Mn++ passed through both the oval and round windows and distributed in the perilymphatic compartments, where it formed bright sharp lines along the fluid-cellular borders 12 minutes post administration and entered the endolymph sufficiently after 45 minutes. After 6 hours, the distribution of Mn++ shifted from a fluid-dominant pattern to a cell-dominant pattern. Mn++ concentrated in the area of the basilar membrane, periphery process, and soma of the spiral ganglion on day 2; became more distinguishable on day 4; declined on day 8; and remained detectable for 16 days post administration.

Conclusions:

The novel targeted delivery method efficiently introduced Mn++ into the inner ear. The dynamic distribution pattern of Mn++ in the inner ear shown by MRI indicates that this method can be used to monitor calcium metabolism activity in the inner ear.
Attachment, Social Support Satisfaction, and Well-Being During Life Transition in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Lane Joel A. , Fink Robert S.
Published: July 2015

The present study was designed to investigate the relations among attachment, social support satisfaction, and well-being in a cross-sectional sample of emerging adults ( N = 213) experiencing one or more normative life transitions. The sample represented a range of educational and vocational backgrounds. The primary hypotheses were that social support satisfaction would mediate the associations between each attachment dimension and well-being. A corresponding theoretical model was tested using structural equation modeling. The model provided an excellent fit to the sample data. Social support satisfaction mediated the association between attachment anxiety and well-being, but not the association between attachment avoidance and well-being. That is, attachment anxiety was indirectly associated with well-being through social support satisfaction, whereas attachment avoidance was directly associated with well-being. Alternative model testing provided mixed support for the variable ordering in the theoretical model. Implications are provided for future research and for counseling emerging adult clients experiencing transition.
Ductility enhancement of geopolymer concrete columns using fibre-reinforced polymer confinement
Authors: Lokuge Weena , Karunasena Warna
Published: July 2015

Geopolymer concrete is an environmentally friendly, green construction material. However, its use is constrained by its increased brittleness and lack of understanding of its behaviour under multi-axial loadings. Similar to ordinary portland cement concrete (OPC), the ductility of geopolymer concrete columns can be increased by lateral confinement and using fibre-reinforced polymers is one option in doing that. This research paper aims at investigating the effect of different confinements on the ductility of geopolymer concrete. Three different mixes with varying binder (fly ash and slag) and different curing conditions together with different levels of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) confinement were investigated in this research paper. FRP confined normal strength geopolymer concrete shows similar stress–strain behaviour when compared to that of high-strength OPC concrete When compared with the same level of confinement, CFRP confined geopolymer concrete marginally outperforms GFRP confined geopolymer concrete in 28-day compressive strength. However, ductility levels with GFRP confinement are better than those with CFRP confinement.
Wind velocity effects on the quality and efficiency of ventilation in the modelling of outdoor spaces. Case studies
Authors: Padilla-Marcos Miguel Ángel , Feijó-Muñoz Jesús , Meiss Alberto
Published: July 2015

Outdoor spaces are air volumes between buildings that are open to atmospheric air. Surrounding buildings hinder and alter airflow, which affect the exchange process and its quality. Given that this outdoor air is captured to ventilate a building’s interior, the geometric characteristics and wind exposure of these outdoor spaces are vital to optimising these processes. One of the parameters under study is the variable wind speed. The goal of this article is to ascertain whether different wind velocities affect airflow patterns in these spaces. To this end, eight archetypal shape/volumetric cases of urban buildings are examined from an air exchange efficiency perspective.

Practical application: The result is described by a mathematical expression that links the exchange efficiency with a range of wind velocities (0.75–6.00 m/s), which confirmed that this wind velocity range implies variations of only ±1.0% in interior courtyards, ±1.6% in adjacent exterior spaces between buildings, and ±2.4% in the considered control volume.
Acute Effects of a Glucagon‐Like Peptide 2 Analogue, Teduglutide, on Gastrointestinal Motor Function and Permeability in Adult Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome on Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Iturrino Johanna , Camilleri Michael , Acosta Andres , O'Neill Jessica , Burton Duane , Edakkanambeth Varayil Jithinraj , Carlson Paula J. , Zinsmeister Alan R. , Hurt Ryan
Published: July 2015

Background: Glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2) agonists decrease the need for parenteral nutrition (PN) in short bowel syndrome (SBS); mechanisms evaluated to date have focused on the intestinotrophic effect of GLP‐2 agonists such as increased absorptive capacity of the remnant intestine and increased citrulline levels. Other mechanisms may also play a role in effects of GLP‐2 agonists. Aim: To measure effects of a GLP‐2 agonist, teduglutide (TED), compared with placebo (PLA) on gastric emptying (GE), overall gut transit, fluid balance, intestinal monosaccharide absorption, and permeability in patients with SBS on home PN (HPN). Materials and Methods: In 8 adults with SBS on HPN, we compared daily subcutaneous TED (0.05 mg/kg) and PLA (crossover design, each treatment 7 days with a 14‐day washout) on gut transit, intestinal absorption, and permeability after oral mannitol (200 mg) and lactulose (1 g), as well as stool weight and urine volume over 8 hours. Analysis used the paired t test. Results: Of 8 patients, 4 were men, with a mean ± SD age of 54 ± 1 years, body mass index of 25 ± 4 kg/m2, residual small intestine of 63 ± 12 cm, and 25% ± 15% of residual colon. The overall gut transit (% emptied at 6 hours) was 53.4% ± 15% for TED vs 62.4% ± 15.2% for PLA (P = .075), with no effect on GE (P = .74). TED increased urine mannitol excretion at 0–2 hours (16.2 ± 3.6 mg TED vs 11.3 ± 2.2 mg PLA, P = .20) and 0–8 hours (32.7 ± 5.9 mg PLA vs 48.8 ± 8.9 mg TED, P = .17). There were no differences in urine lactulose excretion or lactulose/mannitol ratio (0.024 ± 0.005 TED vs 0.021 ± 0.005 PLA). Over 8 hours, TED (vs PLA) numerically reduced stool weight (mean ± SEM, 77 ± 18 g TED vs 106 ± 43 g PLA, P = .42) and increased urine volume (408.9 ± 52.2 mL TED vs 365.7 ± 57.3 mL PLA, P = .34). Conclusion: Seven‐day TED treatment in 8 participants suggests beneficial effects on fluid balance and monosaccharide absorption, and it retarded overall gut transit with no effects on GE or mucosal permeability. Larger, longer, mechanistic studies of TED in SBS are warranted. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02099084.
Exploitation and Exploration Climates’ Influence on Performance and Creativity: Diminishing Returns as Function of Self-Efficacy
Authors: Hirst Giles , van Knippenberg Daan , Zhou Qin , Zhu Cherrie Jiuhua , Tsai Philip Cheng-Fei
Published: July 2015

In response to calls for multilevel research examining individual and meso-level processes to understand how exploitation and exploration dynamics play out in teams, we propose that individual in-role performance (cf. exploitation) and creativity (cf. exploration) are associated with team exploitation and exploration climate respectively, and this influence is moderated by domain specific performance and creative self-efficacy respectively. Studying 317 engineers in 70 teams across three national regions, we theorize and find domain-specific evidence that when individual self-efficacy is high, team climate has diminishing performance (exploitation climate × performance self-efficacy) and creative (exploration climate × creative self-efficacy) benefits. By simultaneously studying creativity and performance, our study helps understand the differences and communalities in the drivers of those outcomes in identifying both the domain-specific character of these influences and the similarity in how these influences play out.
Structuralism’s Afters: Tracing Transdisciplinarity through Guattari and Latour
Authors: Alliez Éric
Published: July 2015

This article analyses Guattari's and Latour's bodies of work as radical developers of a processual and ontological transdisciplinarity. These works impose a definitive break from the history that, in the 1960s, had drawn upon structuralism in order to oppose philosophy with an epistemological revolution from the perspective of a scientific problematization and first transdisciplinary reconfiguration of the sciences de l'homme. It is shown that the second anti-structuralist transdisciplinarity affirms as its raison dêtre “the necessity to return to Pragmatics” (Guattari), to enact the new significance of the transversal constructions liberated by the rhizomatic monism of a hybrid social ontology (Latour). Between Guattari, Latour, and the ecologization they share, a total de-epistemologization and re-ontologization is engaged. It leads to the fall of the 'Ontological Iron Curtain' erected by the philosophical tradition between mind and matter, nature and society. The article concludes by critically addressing the final statements of both Guattari and Latour towards a new aesthetic paradigm and a new diplomacy of institutional forms respectively.
Longitudinal Predictors of Child Sexual Abuse in a Large Community-Based Sample of South African Youth
Authors: Meinck Franziska , Cluver Lucie Dale , Boyes Mark Edward
Published: July 2015

Sexual abuse has severe negative impacts on children’s lives, but little is known about risk factors for sexual abuse victimization in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined prospective predictors of contact sexual abuse in a random community-based sample of children aged 10 to 17 years ( N = 3,515, 56.6% female) in South Africa. Self-report questionnaires using validated scales were completed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up (96.8% retention rate). Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between hypothesized factors and sexual abuse were examined. For girls, previous sexual abuse (odds ratio [OR] = 3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.03, 5.60]), baseline school dropout (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = [1.00, 6.19]), and physical assault in the community (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = [1.29, 3.48]) predicted sexual abuse at follow-up. Peer social support (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = [0.74, 0.98]) acted as a protective factor. Previous contact sexual abuse was the strongest predictor of subsequent sexual abuse victimization. In addition, peer support moderated the relationship between baseline assault and subsequent sexual abuse. For boys, no longitudinal predictors for sexual abuse victimization were identified. These results indicate that the most vulnerable girls—those not in school and with a history of victimization—are at higher risk for sexual abuse victimization. High levels of peer support reduced the risk of sexual abuse victimization and acted as a moderator for those who had experienced physical assault within the community. Interventions to reduce school drop-out rates and revictimization may help prevent contact sexual abuse of girls in South Africa.
Assessment of anti-Müllerian hormone levels in premenopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gasparin A A , Souza L , Siebert M , Xavier R M , Chakr R M S , Palominos P E , Brenol J C T , Monticielo O A
Published: July 2015

Objective

The ovarian reserve of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be affected by disease activity and medication use. Studies have found that patients with SLE have similar fertility rates as healthy women of the same age. The goal of the present study was to investigate the ovarian reserve of patients with SLE by measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, and compare it to that of healthy controls.

Method

This was a case-control study performed on 80 premenopausal women, of whom 40 fulfilled the 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE and 40 healthy controls paired by oral contraceptive use. Serum concentrations of AMH in peripheral venous blood were measured using a human AMH ELISA kit (CUSABIO, Wuhan, China).

Results

AMH serum levels did not differ between patients with SLE and controls (22.79 ± 17.32 ng/ml versus 21.41 ± 16.22 ng/ml, respectively, p = 0.7), even after adjusting for age (21.03 ± 2.074 ng/ml versus 23.97 ± 2.71 ng/ml; p = 0.5 ). AHM levels were not significantly correlated with disease duration ( r = 0.2; p = 0.3), body mass index ( r = 0.2; p = 0.2) and disease activity (SLEDAI ( r = 0.1; p = 0.7)) and damage indices (SLICC ( r = 0.1; p = 0.7)). No associations were found between AMH and ethnicity, current smoking, as well as current or prior use of cyclophosphamide and other immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

In this cross-sectional study, women with SLE demonstrated similar AMH levels as healthy controls, suggesting preserved ovarian reserve in this population.
Police Mental Health Partnership project: Police Ambulance Crisis Emergency Response (PACER) model development
Authors: Huppert David , Griffiths Matthew
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

To review internationally recognized models of police interactions with people experiencing mental health crises that are sometimes complex and associated with adverse experience for the person in crisis, their family and emergency service personnel. To develop, implement and review a partnership model trial between mental health and emergency services that offers alternative response pathways with improved outcomes in care.

Methods:

Three unique models of police and mental health partnership in the USA were reviewed and used to develop the PACER (Police Ambulance Crisis Emergency Response) model. A three month trial of the model was implemented and evaluated.

Results:

Significant improvements in response times, the interactions with and the outcomes for people in crisis were some of the benefits shown when compared with usual services.

Conclusions:

The pilot showed that a partnership involving mental health and police services in Melbourne, Australia could be replicated based on international models. Initial data supported improvements compared with usual care. Further data collection regarding usual care and this new model is required to confirm observed benefits.
ADHD and the QbTest: Diagnostic Validity of QbTest
Authors: Hult Nicklas , Kadesjö Josefin , Kadesjö Björn , Gillberg Christopher , Billstedt Eva
Published: July 2015

Objective: We assess the diagnostic accuracy of the QbTest, which measures the cardinal symptoms of ADHD. Method: The study group comprised 182 children (mean age about 10 years), of whom 124 had ADHD and 58 had other clinical diagnosis of which 81% had ASD. Results: Only QbTest parameters for inattention and hyperactivity differentiated between ADHD and other clinical diagnoses at the p ≤ .01 level, not for measures of impulsivity. Sensitivity ranged from 47% to 67% and specificity from 72% to 84%. Positive predictive value ranged from 41% to 86%, and negative predictive value from 43% to 86%. Area under the curve varied from .70 to .80. Conclusion: The ability of the individual QbTest parameters to identify ADHD was moderate. The test’s ability to discriminate between ADHD subtypes was unsatisfactory.
The effectiveness of a short-term training program on child protection among Sri Lankan police officers
Authors: Pathirana Buddhiprabha , de Zoysa Piyanjali
Published: July 2015

Child abuse is a complex problem. It is sensitive in nature and requires a comprehensive police investigation. Police officers are at the forefront of this issue and hence it is important that they have optimal skills when investigating cases of suspected child abuse. This article evaluates the effectiveness of a short-term, 6-hour, child protection training provided to 39 Sri Lankan police officers (37 female). The effectiveness of the program was assessed using a scale at pre- and post-program. The results indicated that the training significantly increased participants’ knowledge on aspects of child abuse. However, the program did not significantly affect their attitudes about child abuse or their perceived skill in managing cases of abuse. Qualitative feedback from the participants and their superior officers, obtained during a group discussion, indicated that the training had been effective and the learning outcomes had been achieved. This article makes recommendations for improving the child protection services in middle-income countries such as Sri Lanka, in terms of multiphasic and comprehensive training for police officers.
Traveling for a cause: Critical examinations of volunteer tourism and social justice
Authors: Luh Sin Harng , Oakes Tim , Mostafanezhad Mary
Published: July 2015

Over the last decade there has been a rise in ‘volunteer tourism’ or ‘voluntourism,’ which is characterized by the combination of travel and volunteering, typically in social or economic development or conversation oriented projects. The papers in this special issue theoretically and empirically examine the dynamic interplay between volunteer tourism and the broader expansion of market-mediated social justice campaigns. Also examined is the potential for volunteer tourism experiences to facilitate myriad implications for the volunteer tourists, volunteer tourism coordinators, and host community members. Positioned against larger transnational trends such as ethical consumerism in tourism, religious mission travel, work and study immersion programs, and academic fieldwork as “volunteer tourism,” this issue examines the various implications of volunteer tourism and its supposed benefits to social, charitable, or environmental causes. As such, it provides a theoretically rich analysis of emerging critical research agendas at the intersection of volunteer tourism and social justice. In this introduction, we consider these agendas – focusing on the theoretical themes of neoliberal development, governmentality, geographies of care and responsibility, and the dilemmas found at the frequently encountered intersection of ethics and aesthetics.
Educational differentiation policies and the performance of disadvantaged students across OECD countries
Authors: Castejón Alba , Zancajo Adrián
Published: July 2015

This article focuses on analysing the effect of educational differentiation policies of OECD educational systems on socioeconomically disadvantaged students, based on data from PISA 2009. The analysis is conducted on the basis of a definition of two subgroups of disadvantaged students: those that achieve high scores, and those obtaining scores that are significantly below the average for their country. Educational systems are classified in four models following the classification proposed by N. Mons. Results show that the more integrated the educational system, the greater the number of disadvantaged high achievers, and the lower the number of disadvantaged low achievers.
Narrative Tools for Games
Authors: Arjoranta Jonne
Published: July 2015

This article looks at three narratological concepts—focalization, granularity, and the mode of narration—and explores how these concepts apply to games. It is shown how these concepts can be used as tools for creating meaning-effects, which are understood here as cognitive responses from the player. Focalization is shown to have a hybrid form in games. This article also explores the different types of narrators and granularities in games, and how these three concepts can be used to create meaning-effects. This is done by discussing examples from several games, for example, Assassin’s Creed III, Skyrim, Fallout: New Vegas, and Civilization.
Adult degenerative scoliosis associated with increased aortic diameter and plaque burden and composition
Authors: Ayça Burak , Rakıcı Taşkın , Atıcı Yunus , Avsar Murat , Yuksel Yasin , Akın Fatih , Okuyan Ertugrul , Hakan Dinckal M
Published: July 2015

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) and the aortic plaques and diameters.

Method

We included 219 patients with ADS and 100 control patients without ADS. Diameters of ascending, arch, descending and abdominal aorta and number, localization and types of the aortic plaques, and the Cobb angles of all patients were measured from computed tomography (CT) images. We divided the patients with ADS into three groups according to the Cobb angle, and divided them into four groups according to level of spine deformity.

Results

The patients with ADS had a larger aorta and more aortic plaques (both, p < 0.001). The patients with ADS had more fibro-fatty and mix plaques (both, p < 0.001). The patients with severe ADS had larger diameters of the ascending and arch of the aorta ( p = 0.026 and p = 0.027, respectively). The patients with the main thoracic curve had a larger ascending aorta and the patients with a thoracolumbar curve had more aortic plaques ( p = 0.035 and p = 0.029, respectively). In multivariate regression analysis, the ADS was an independent risk factor for both aortic dilatation (>3.6 cm) and aortic plaque build-up (both, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ADS may be a risk factor for aortic dilatation and aortic atherosclerosis.
TGF-β1 inhibits the production of IFN in response to CpG DNA via ubiquitination of TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6
Authors: Naiki Yoshikazu , Komatsu Takayuki , Koide Naoki , Dagvadorj Jargalsaikhan , Yoshida Tomoaki , Arditi Moshe , Yokochi Takashi
Published: July 2015

The effect of TGF-β1 on CpG DNA-induced type I IFN production was examined by reconstituting a series of signaling molecules in TLR 3 signaling. TGF-β1 inhibited CpG DNA-induced IFN-α4 productivity in HeLa cells. Transfection of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)7 but not TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)6 and TRAF3 into cells triggered IFN-α4 productivity, and TGF-β1 inhibited IRF7-mediated type I IFN production in the presence of TRAF6. TGF-β1 induced ubiquitination of TRAF6, although CpG DNA did not induce it. Moreover, TGF-β1 accelerated the ubiquitination of TRAF6 in the presence of CpG DNA. TGF-β1 ubiquitinated TRAF6 at K63 but not K48. TGF-β1 also induced ubiquitination of IRF7. Further, TGF-β1 did not impair the interaction of IRF7 and TRAF6. CpG DNA induced the phosphorylation of IRF7 in the presence of TRAF6, whereas TGF-β1 inhibited the IRF7 phosphorylation. Blocking of TRAF6 ubiquitination abolished the inhibition of CpG DNA-induced type I IFN production by TGF-β. Taken together, TGF-β was suggested to inhibit CpG DNA-induced type I IFN production transcriptionally via ubiquitination of TRAF6.
Frailty
Authors: Gorman Thomas James
Published: July 2015

In an ageing society, with a continued increase in longevity, primary care is vital to improve the health of this subset of the population and identify the best use of available resources. Frailty is a loose concept, but is closely associated with increasing age, and has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. The increasing prevalence of frailty has implications for patients, their support networks, and the health and social care systems. Research is increasingly attempting to identify how frailty can be diagnosed, or even predicted, in an attempt to holistically assess the individual to minimise the effects. Primary care has an important role to play in identifying frailty, and implementing interventions for individuals to improve outcomes for them, their carers and communities.
Managing teenage pregnancy
Authors: Cantlay Anna
Published: July 2015

Teenage pregnancy costs the NHS an estimated £63 000 000 a year, and can result in significant physical and psychosocial problems in both mother and baby. Becoming pregnant at a young age can be associated with an adverse impact on educational achievement, social isolation, poverty, and physical and mental health. The resultant child can have an increased risk of developmental and behavioural disorders, as well as poorer educational outcomes. Given the gravity of these issues on a teenager’s life, teenage pregnancy is a priority for Public Health in the UK. The UK Government has included the under-18’s conception rate as one of the three sexual health indicators in the Public Health Outcomes Framework 2013–2016. This article aims to outline the risk factors and problems of teenage pregnancy, as well providing the GP with guidance to manage a young mother in a sensitive and holistic manner.
The Futurum Instans and the Translation of Two Hebrew Participles in Genesis 38.29 and 40.10
Authors: Makujina John
Published: July 2015

This article argues against a proposal by Theophile J. Meek that the futurum instans (the imminent future, “about to”) represents the correct verbal aspect for כמשיב in Gen 38.29 and כפרחת in Gen 40.10. The reasons for rejecting the futurum instans in these constructions include Meek’s rigid view of aspect as it applies to the participle and the existence of less ambiguous constructions to communicate the imminent future. This article concludes by recommending that כמשיב ידו be translated as “as soon as he drew back his hand” and כפרחת as “as soon as it put forth its leaves.”
No Small Difference? Galatians 4.1 and the Translation of Διαφέρει
Authors: Smit Peter-Ben
Published: July 2015

This article argues on the basis of semantic and syntactical observations that the verb διαφέρω in Gal 4.1 is best translated as “be superior to” (rather than “be different from”). An alternative is proposed for the most prevalent translation of the verb in contemporary editions of the Bible and commentaries on Galatians alike.
Deconstructing the cloud: Responses to Big Data phenomena from social sciences, humanities and the arts
Authors: Niederer Sabine , Taudin Chabot Raymond
Published: July 2015

The era of Big Data comes with the omnipresent metaphor of the Cloud, a term suggesting an ephemeral and seemingly endless storage space, unhindered by time and place. Similar to the satellite image of the Whole Earth, which was the icon of technological progress in the late 60s, the Cloud as a metaphor breathes the promise of technology, whilst obfuscating the hardware reality of server farms and software infrastructure necessary to enable the proliferation of (big) data. This article presents projects from the fields of humanities, social sciences and the arts that formulate a response to Big Data and its human and automated practices, from data analytics dashboards to critical reflections on smart technologies and objects.
Nasofacial infection in a cat due to a novel bacterium in Neisseriaceae
Authors: Carr Susan V , Martin Patricia A , Keyes Samantha L , Tong Lydia J , Talbot Jessica J , Muscatello Gary , Barrs Vanessa R
Published: July 2015

Case summary

A 2-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for a progressive subcutaneous nasofacial swelling. Histology of biopsy tissue revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation and large numbers of gram-negative capsulated bacterial coccobacilli within macrophages. The isolate was fastidious and grew after 6 days under microaerophilic conditions in a candle jar. The molecular identity of the isolate, from comparative sequence analysis of the 16s rRNA gene, is an as yet to be classified bacterial species within a novel genus of Neisseria. Infection resolved after 7 months of antimicrobial therapy with doxycycline and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. There has been no further recurrence of clinical signs in a 3 year follow-up period.

Relevance and novel information

Cats are susceptible to nasofacial infections as a result of traumatic inoculation of environmental bacteria, fungi and protozoa. We report a novel pathogen in the Neisseriaceae family, identified by 16 sRNA comparative sequence analysis, as a cause of nasofacial infection in a cat, and its subsequent successful treatment with combination antimicrobial therapy.
An Investigation of Organizational and Regulatory Discourses of Workplace Bullying
Authors: Johnson Susan L. , Boutain Doris M. , Tsai Jenny H.-C. , de Castro Arnold B.
Published: July 2015

Organizations use policies to set standards for employee behaviors. Although many organizations have policies that address workplace bullying, previous studies have found that these policies affect neither workplace bullying for targets who are seeking assistance in ending the behaviors nor managers who must address incidents of bullying. This article presents the findings of a study that used critical discourse analysis to examine the language used in policies written by health care organizations and regulatory agencies to regulate workplace bullying. The findings suggest that the discussion of workplace bullying overlaps with discussions of disruptive behaviors and harassment. This lack of conceptual clarity can create difficulty for managers in identifying, naming, and disciplining incidents of workplace bullying. The documents also primarily discussed workplace bullying as a patient safety concern. This language is in conflict with organizations attending to worker well-being with regard to workplace bullying.
Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Stanley Parker , Stanley Charles , Ciambotti Jon , LeGallo Robin , Altes Talissa
Published: July 2015

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas, with low malignant potential, that usually occurs in young women. With advancing diagnostic imaging techniques and technology, the number of documented SPN cases has increased. Due to a varying morphologic appearance, SPNs often fail to show typical imaging findings, making it difficult to establish a definitive diagnosis. A case is reported of a SPN discovered on a routine abdominal sonogram, further characterized with magnetic resonance imaging, and confirmed with surgical pathology analysis. Sonographers should be aware of this rare pathology and should consider SPN in the differential diagnosis when encountering an indeterminate pancreatic neoplasm, especially in a young female patient.
Crack restriction mechanism of thin wall metal parts fabricated by laser direct deposition shaping
Authors: Long R.-S. , Sun S.-N. , Lian Z.-S.
Published: July 2015

In order to restrict the generation and propagation of cracks in thin wall metal parts fabricated by laser direct deposition shaping method, using ‘element birth and death’ technique, a three-dimensional multitrack and multilayer thin wall model was developed, and the deposition process was simulated. Different scanning methods, including long edge parallel reciprocating scanning, short edge parallel reciprocating scanning and interlayer orthogonal parallel reciprocating scanning, were introduced. The effects of different substrate preheating temperatures were also researched. The von Mises equivalent stress and its X-, Y- and Z-directional principal stresses were analysed in detail. Under the same conditions used in the simulations, the deposition experiments were conducted, and the crack generation and restriction mechanism of thin wall metal parts were further discussed.
Low temperature synthesis and photocatalytic performance of tungsten trioxide film
Authors: Zhu Y. F. , Yu C. F. , Ni C. Y.
Published: July 2015

The synthesis of three-dimensional tungsten trioxide hydrate (WO3.H2O) films assembled by two-dimensional nanosheets has been realised through a seed assisted process at low temperature. The morphology of the film was observed with a field emission scanning electron microscope. The results indicate that the morphology of the film can be controlled by changing the concentration of chemicals used in the deposition process and the reaction time. Based on the experimental observations, a formation mechanism has been proposed. X-ray diffraction study indicates that these films have orthorhombic structure and are well crystallised. After heat treatment, the films transform to monoclinic WO3. In order to investigate the photocatalytic activity, the WO3 films were coated with stearic acid (SA), and their water contact angle was found to be 64° after coating. With the decomposition of SA molecules, the WO3 film switched to their initial hydrophilic state, accompanied by a reversible change of the film colour.
An incarcerated appendix and the ileocecum within a left inguinal hernia in an infant
Authors: Yoneyama Fumiya , Tanaka Hideaki , Ono Kentaro , Sasaki Takato , Jimbo Takahiro , Gotoh Chikashi , Uesugi Toru , Urita Yasuhisa , Shinkai Toko , Takayasu Hajime , Imoto Natsuki , Masumoto Kouji
Published: July 2015

An 8-month-old boy with a left-sided incarcerated inguinal hernia involving the appendix, cecum, and terminal ileum was successfully managed via an inguinal approach during an emergency operation. A mobile cecum seemed to have contributed to the left-sided incarceration. Only 13 similar cases with the left-sided Amyand’s hernia have been reported in the literature.
The lysine demethylase LSD1 is required for nuclear envelope formation at the end of mitosis
Authors: Schooley Allana , Moreno-Andrés Daniel , De Magistris Paola , Vollmer Benjamin , Antonin Wolfram
Published: July 2015

The metazoan nucleus breaks down and reassembles during each cell division. Upon mitotic exit, the successful reestablishment of an interphase nucleus requires the coordinated reorganization of chromatin and formation of a functional nuclear envelope. Here we report that the histone demethylase LSD1 plays a crucial role in nuclear assembly at the end of mitosis. Downregulation of LSD1 in cells extends telophase and impairs nuclear pore complex assembly. In vitro, LSD1 demethylase activity is required for the recruitment of MEL28/ELYS and nuclear envelope precursor vesicles to chromatin, crucial steps in nuclear reassembly. Accordingly, the formation of a closed nuclear envelope and nuclear pore complex assembly are impaired upon depletion of LSD1 or inhibition of its activity. Our results identify histone demethylation by LSD1 as a novel regulatory mechanism linking the chromatin state and nuclear envelope formation at the end of mitosis.