bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Blood Signature of Vasodilator-Responsive Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hemnes Anna R. , Trammell Aaron W. , Archer Stephen L. , Rich Stuart , Yu Chang , Nian Hui , Penner Niki , Funke Mitchell , Wheeler Lisa , Robbins Ivan M. , Austin Eric D. , Newman John H. , West James
Published: November 2014

Background—

Heterogeneity in response to treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major challenge to improving outcome in this disease. Although vasodilator-responsive PAH (VR-PAH) accounts for a minority of cases, VR-PAH has a pronounced response to calcium channel blockers and better survival than vasodilator-nonresponsive PAH (VN-PAH). We hypothesized that VR-PAH has a different molecular cause from VN-PAH that can be detected in the peripheral blood.

Methods and Results—

Microarrays of cultured lymphocytes from VR-PAH and VN-PAH patients followed at Vanderbilt University were performed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction performed on peripheral blood for the 25 most different genes. We developed a decision tree to identify VR-PAH patients on the basis of the results with validation in a second VR-PAH cohort from the University of Chicago. We found broad differences in gene expression patterns on microarray analysis including cell-cell adhesion factors and cytoskeletal and rho-GTPase genes. Thirteen of 25 genes tested in whole blood were significantly different:
EPDR1
,
DSG2
,
SCD5
,
P2RY5
,
MGAT5
,
RHOQ
,
UCHL1
,
ZNF652
,
RALGPS2
,
TPD52
,
MKNL1
,
RAPGEF2
, and
PIAS1.
Seven decision trees were built with the use of expression levels of 2 genes as the primary genes:
DSG2
, a desmosomal cadherin involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and
RHOQ
, which encodes a cytoskeletal protein involved in insulin-mediated signaling. These trees correctly identified 5 of 5 VR-PAH patients in the validation cohort.

Conclusions—

VR-PAH and VN-PAH can be differentiated with the use of RNA expression patterns in peripheral blood. These differences may reflect different molecular causes of the 2 PAH phenotypes. This biomarker methodology may identify PAH patients who have a favorable treatment response.
The IITM Earth System Model: Transformation of a Seasonal Prediction Model to a Long-Term Climate Model
Authors: Swapna P. , Roxy M. K. , Aparna K. , Kulkarni K. , Prajeesh A. G. , Ashok K. , Krishnan R. , Moorthi S. , Kumar A. , Goswami B. N.
Published: November 2014

With the goal of building an Earth system model appropriate for detection, attribution, and projection of changes in the South Asian monsoon, a state-of-the-art seasonal prediction model, namely the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) has been adapted to a climate model suitable for extended climate simulations at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, India. While the CFSv2 model has been skillful in predicting the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) on seasonal time scales, a century-long simulation with it shows biases in the ocean mixed layer, resulting in a 1.5°C cold bias in the global mean surface air temperature, a cold bias in the sea surface temperature (SST), and a cooler-than-observed troposphere. These biases limit the utility of CFSv2 to study climate change issues. To address biases, and to develop an Indian Earth System Model (IITM ESMv1), the ocean component in CFSv2 was replaced at IITM with an improved version, having better physics and interactive ocean biogeochemistry. A 100-yr simulation with the new coupled model (with biogeochemistry switched off) shows substantial improvements, particularly in global mean surface temperature, tropical SST, and mixed layer depth. The model demonstrates fidelity in capturing the dominant modes of climate variability such as the ENSO and Pacific decadal oscillation. The ENSO–ISM teleconnections and the seasonal leads and lags are also well simulated. The model, a successful result of Indo–U.S. collaboration, will contribute to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) simulations, a first for India.
Lesbian and Queer Women Professors Disclosing in the Classroom
Authors: Nielsen Elly-Jean , Alderson Kevin G.
Published: November 2014

Lesbian and queer women professors are faced with the personal decision of whether to disclose their sexual identities in the classroom. The experiences of 10 participants in Calgary, Canada were explored through semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. The analysis revealed one overarching category: enacting authenticity. The sub-themes within this major finding include fighting for one’s identity, modeling authenticity, and the freedom and connection felt by self-disclosing. Three supplementary findings and the sub-themes within are also expanded and discussed: classroom structure factors, self-disclosure timing, and negative impacts of disclosure. The findings imply that despite the potential negative impacts of disclosing in the classroom, this pedagogical technique can be used as a means of demonstrating genuineness and praxis toward social justice. The professors’ collective emphasis on the role of authenticity in disclosing in the classroom offers prospects for subsequent research efforts regarding the visibility of marginalized identities in academic settings.
Créolisation, Créolité, Martinique, and the Dangerous Intellectual Deception of “Tous Créoles!”
Authors: Vété-Congolo Hanétha
Published: November 2014

Glissant’s approach to créolisation does pose pivotal questions especially when considered from the perspective of the Martiniquan experience. Privileging a pragmatic posture, it evidently does not account for the climactic symbolic discrepancy and unavoidable moral pressure that powerfully define the conscious and unconscious outlook on the respective African and European identity constituents as they are related to culture and race, which in turn determine the ethics of the said créolisation. The latter is unbendingly advocated as a process in which all parts are proportionally and “categorially” analogous. Glissant proposed a project aiming at reshaping the way one does Relation in the world. He did so from the model elaborated by the epistemological work of the African, a party that is constantly disparaged. However, he does not do this party justice by making first and unembiguously explicit the particularizing nature of its work. The African critical philosophical contribution is not earnestly rendered. It is this African philosophical input that provides the process and its result, their substantial meaning and distinguishing specificity. I would therefore like to discuss the axiological implications of Glissant’s pragmatic assertion to show how, carrying this pitfall, the formalization and systematization of créolisation sow confusion and exacerbate negationism as well as the everlasting sets of prejudice held against Africa as evidenced in Martinique.
Effect of electrical current on the intermetallics formation in Al–Ti laminate system
Authors: Sinchuk Alla V , Vasianovich Mykola А , Polishchuk Sergey S
Published: November 2014

Layered packages consisting of 50 µm thick Al and Ti foils were used for producing metal-intermetallic laminate composites by a reactive sintering. The sintering was conducted at 630℃ and at a pressure of 25 MPa under the action of pulsed or direct current, which allowed the accelerated production of Ti /TiAl3 metal-intermetallic laminate composites without melting Al layers. Optimal characteristics of the electrical current flow through the 1–3 mm thick packages enabling the sintering time reduction by the factor of 1.5–2 as compared to the static hot pressing have been found. Possible mechanisms of the electrical current influence on solid-phase reactions in the laminate systems include Joule heating, the grain boundary electromigration, and the electroplastic effect.
Effect of statistical correlation between ply mechanical properties on reliability of fibre reinforced plastic composite structures
Authors: Zhang Shufeng , Zhang Chunhua , Chen Xun
Published: November 2014

The reliability evaluation of fibre reinforced plastic composite structures are currently receiving more attention in industry. However, possible statistical correlation between ply mechanical properties has not been comprehensively concerned. The present study conducts an investigation on the effect of statistical correlation between ply mechanical properties on reliability of fibre reinforced plastic composite structures. The statistics of the ply mechanical properties are derived based on micro-mechanical model, and significant statistical correlation between ply mechanical properties is observed. Then, the failure probability of laminate plates is calculated in cases considering and not considering the statistical correlation, using the Monte Carlo and Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, respectively. The results highlight the importance of accounting for the statistical correlation between ply mechanical properties to achieve accurate failure probability of laminate plates. Furthermore, it is found that for the multi-layer laminate plate, the statistical correlation between the ply stiffness (including the Poisson’s ratio) significantly affects the laminate reliability while the effect of statistical correlation between the ply strength is minimal.
Acculturation and Parenting in First-Generation Chinese Immigrants in the United Kingdom
Authors: Huang Ching-Yu , Lamb Michael E.
Published: November 2014

This study examined acculturation and parenting among 37 first-generation Chinese immigrant parents in the United Kingdom. The findings showed that these parents still felt stronger affiliation with the Chinese than with the English culture. There were also significant positive associations between their affiliation to Chinese culture and their Chinese-specific parenting as well as between their affiliation to English culture and authoritative parenting. However, the length of their U.K. residence did not affect their Chinese cultural identity or affiliation. These findings showed the strong cultural identity of Chinese immigrants to Britain and suggested that the parenting of Chinese immigrant parents may be modified in the course of acculturation.
The Impact of Mixing Modes on Reliability in Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Cernat Alexandru
Published: November 2014

Mixed-mode designs are increasingly important in surveys, and large longitudinal studies are progressively moving to or considering such a design. In this context, our knowledge regarding the impact of mixing modes on data quality indicators in longitudinal studies is sparse. This study tries to ameliorate this situation by taking advantage of a quasi-experimental design in a longitudinal survey. Using models that estimate reliability for repeated measures, quasi-simplex models, 33 variables are analyzed by comparing a single-mode CAPI design to a sequential CATI-CAPI design. Results show no differences in reliabilities and stabilities across mixed modes either in the wave when the switch was made or in the subsequent waves. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Increasing Cognitive Readiness Through Computer and Videogame–Based Training
Authors: Peña Jorge , Brody Nicholas
Published: November 2014

In order to examine the cognitive readiness effects of training technologies, 123 participants watched emotional or tactical military training videos and then played a training videogame in a pre-post test between-subjects experiment. Emotional training video exposure reduced participants’ ability to suppress emotion and need to control one’s thoughts. After playing the videogame, participants exposed to the emotional video had higher metacognitive self-consciousness scores. Nationalism was negatively associated with emotion reappraisal for participants exposed to the emotional training video. However, patriotism was linked to higher emotion suppression scores. The results illustrate how media priming connects to short-term cognitive readiness outcomes and how trainee nationalism and patriotism modulate exposure effects.
Morality and Law in China, Past and Present
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: November 2014

This article focuses on the combining of morality and law in China’s past and present, and in theory and in practice, to analyze both its positive and negative dimensions. The point is to make clear not only that such a combination is both historically true and currently necessary but also that it need not be fuzzy, but rather can be made precise and clear, with definable, rational principles. The intent here is to search for an approach to law that would be both Chinese and modern, consistent both with the fundamental predilections of Chinese civilization and with the practical needs of a “modern” China.
The ‘integrative approach’ and labour regulation and Indonesia: Prospects and challenges
Authors: Miles Lilian
Published: November 2014

In contrast to theories of regulation which bypass the state and cede regulatory authority to private regimes, the scholar Kevin Kolben makes a cogent argument for the state to be brought back to centre stage in labour regulation, but envisages that private actors can develop and strengthen its capacity. This article considers the utility of what he terms an integrative approach for Indonesia. In line with what the approach advocates, the article examines the relationships between private actors and the state and considers the extent to which the former can communicate, interact with and incentivise the latter in ways which strengthen its regulatory capacity. Several challenges are identified. Finally, the potential of the Better Work Programme in Indonesia to further the goals of the approach is assessed.
The evolving model of capitalism in Ireland: An insight into enterprise development and policy
Authors: Andreosso-O’Callaghan Bernadette , Lenihan Helena , McDonough Terrence
Published: November 2014

Contemporary capitalism in Ireland took off in the late 1950s and affirmed itself as an inward investment-focused model of development. With enterprise development at the core of the policy (as a way of developing the economy and society and ending emigration), all other policy domains – financial, governance, industrial relations, welfare and education – became subservient to the ‘industrialization-by-invitation’ strategy. This article examines and characterizes the Irish model of development, using the lens of the varieties of capitalism literature (VoC) as a starting point. The article also examines whether a stage theory of capitalism perspective can capture changes which the VoC perspective might obscure. The collapse of the Irish banking system since 2008 and the subsequent recession raises major challenges for Ireland’s variety of capitalism and may represent a critical juncture.
How Contracts Influence Trust and Distrust
Authors: Lumineau Fabrice
Published: November 2014

Despite the scholarly interest in contracts and trust governing interorganizational relationships, an understanding of how contracts influence trust remains limited by the way in which the interaction between the two constructs is conceptualized. By bringing together recent advances in the literature on interorganizational governance, I consider (a) the controlling and the coordinating dimensions of formal contracts, (b) trust and distrust as two distinct constructs, and (c) both the calculative and noncalculative aspects behind the development of trust and distrust. Drawing upon information-processing theory, I develop a series of propositions about how each contractual dimension influences the development of trust and distrust by inducing specific information-processing and decision-making mechanisms. My theoretical analysis leads me to discuss the trade-offs inherent in governance choices, and I discuss the implications of my propositions for the literature on interorganizational governance mechanisms.
Why do small business taxpayers stay with their practitioners? Trust, competence and aggressive advice
Authors: Tan Lin Mei , Braithwaite Valerie , Reinhart Monika
Published: November 2014

This article draws upon self-report survey data to examine the commitment of 181 small business taxpayers to their tax practitioners. Using hierarchical regression modelling, commitment was associated with a local chartered accountant; having a letter of engagement; receiving cautious, competent and aggressive advice (once expectations were controlled) and believing the tax practitioner trustworthy. Trust was related to receiving competent and cautious advice. Receiving aggressive advice contributed to commitment independently of being considered professionally competent and trustworthy.
Nanotechnology researchers’ collaboration relationships: A gender analysis of access to scientific information
Authors: Villanueva-Felez Africa , Woolley Richard , Cañibano Carolina
Published: November 2014

Women are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, particularly at higher levels of organizations. This article investigates the impact of this underrepresentation on the processes of interpersonal collaboration in nanotechnology. Analyses are conducted to assess: (1) the comparative tie strength of women’s and men’s collaborations, (2) whether women and men gain equal access to scientific information through collaborators, (3) which tie characteristics are associated with access to information for women and men, and (4) whether women and men acquire equivalent amounts of information by strengthening ties. Our results show that the overall tie strength is less for women’s collaborations and that women acquire less strategic information through collaborators. Women and men rely on different tie characteristics in accessing information, but are equally effective in acquiring additional information resources by strengthening ties. This article demonstrates that the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has an impact on the interpersonal processes of scientific collaboration, to the disadvantage of women scientists.
Consequences of Tibial Tunnel Reaming on the Meniscal Roots During Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Cadaveric Model, Part 1
Authors: LaPrade Christopher M. , Smith Sean D. , Rasmussen Matthew T. , Hamming Mark G. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Engebretsen Lars , Feagin John A. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: November 2014

Background:

The current standard for treating complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is reconstruction, which requires reaming a tibial tunnel. Based on recent anatomic and biomechanical studies, this reconstruction tunnel may cause injuries to the anterior meniscal root attachments.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine if injuries occurred to the anteromedial (AM) and anterolateral (AL) meniscal root attachments because of reaming a tibial reconstruction tunnel in the anatomic center of the ACL footprint. It was hypothesized that tibial tunnel reaming for ACL reconstruction would result in significant decreases in the attachment area and in ultimate failure strength for the AL root.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve matched pairs of human cadaveric knees were tested. One knee from each pair remained intact, while the contralateral knee was reamed with a tibial tunnel for an anatomic ACL reconstruction. The attachment areas of the anterior meniscal roots were measured with a coordinate measuring device before and after tunnel reaming. The anterior meniscal roots were then pulled to failure with a dynamic tensile testing machine.

Results:

There was a significant mean decrease in the attachment area for the AL root (%Δ, 38%; 95% CI, 25-51) after ACL tunnel reaming compared with the intact state ( P = .003). The mean ultimate failure strength of the native AL root (mean, 610 N; 95% CI, 470-751) was significantly stronger ( P = .015) than that of the AL root with a reamed ACL reconstruction tunnel (mean, 506 N; 95% CI, 353-659). Tunnel reaming did not significantly affect the AM root attachment area or ultimate failure strength.

Conclusion:

Tibial tunnel reaming during anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction significantly decreased the AL meniscal root attachment area and ultimate failure strength. The AM root was not significantly affected by reaming of the ACL reconstruction tunnel. Future studies should investigate the clinical importance of these iatrogenic injuries to the AL root.

Clinical Relevance:

The ACL reconstruction tunnels reamed in the center of the ACL tibial footprint caused a significant decrease in the attachment area and ultimate strength of the AL meniscal root attachment. Clinically, repositioning guide pins placed in the lateral aspect of the ACL attachment before tibial tunnel reaming may minimize iatrogenic injuries to the AL meniscal root attachment.
A new approach for optimum selection of a turbocharger using a genetic algorithm
Authors: Sanaye Sepehr , Sedghi Ghadikolaee Shahram , Ghasemi Mohammad Mehdi , Rahimi Golandam
Published: November 2014

A new method of selecting an optimum turbocharger for a specific engine using thermodynamic and turbomachinery analyses is presented in this paper. The optimum turbocharger was selected for enhancing the power output of the engine by minimizing an objective function (the sum of the compressor losses and the turbine losses). Constraints in the optimization process were used to locate the operating points of the turbocharged engine at the appropriate position on the compressor map (with a sufficiently large distance from the surge line and the choke line) as well as to satisfy a few parameter values. The design parameters in the optimization procedure were the geometric and aerodynamic parameters of the compressor and the turbine. The proposed method was used to specify the geometry of an optimum turbocharger for an engine (the OM 457 LA diesel engine in our case study) or to select a turbocharger from the vendor list. On applying the above procedure for selecting a turbocharger, the compressor efficiency of the selected turbocharger at various engine speeds was between 0.67 and 0.76, the turbine efficiency was between 0.68 and 0.74, and the index for the appropriate distance from the surge line and the choke line on the compressor map was between 0.2 and 0.72.
Effect of the pilot quantity on the ultrafine particle emissions and the combustion characteristics of a biodiesel pilot-ignited natural-gas dual-fuel engine
Authors: Liu Yifu , Sun Lu , Yang Bo , Zhou Lei , Zeng Ke , Huang Zuohua
Published: November 2014

Natural gas has been widely utilized in urban transportation and power generation owing to its relatively low price and large abundance. One typical application of natural gas is as the primary fuel with dual-fuelling operation in compression ignition engines. In this study, biodiesel was used as the pilot fuel in a natural-gas dual-fuel engine, and the effect of the pilot quantity on the performance, the combustion and the emissions (especially the ultrafine particle emissions) were analysed. The test results show that, with increasing pilot quantity, the peak particle number concentration shifts from 29 nm to 100 nm while the peak particle mass concentration is stable and remains at 200 nm. Also, increasing the pilot quantity improves the brake’s thermal efficiency at low and medium loads, but this improvement is not obvious at high loads. With increasing pilot quantity, the first-stage heat release appears earlier and its peak value is also increased, accompanied by a decrease in the peak value of the second-stage heat release. The increase in the pilot quantity reduces the carbon monoxide emissions and the hydrocarbon emissions but increases the nitrogen oxide emissions. In comparison with the diesel pilot case, the size distribution of the ultrafine particle emissions from biodiesel pilot operation changes little, but both the number concentration and the mass concentration are reduced.
Economic Intervention and Parenting
Authors: Nam Yunju , Wikoff Nora , Sherraden Michael
Published: November 2014

Objective:

We examine the effects of Child Development Accounts (CDAs) on parenting stress and practices.

Methods:

We use data from the SEED for Oklahoma Kids (SEED OK) experiment. SEED OK selected caregivers of infants from Oklahoma birth certificates using a probability sampling method, randomly assigned caregivers to the treatment ( n = 1,132) or control group ( n = 1,098), and provided college savings incentives only to the treatment group. We run regression analyses on a parenting stress scale and six continuous measures of parenting practices.

Results:

There were no significant differences in parenting outcomes between treatment and control groups, with the exception of frequency of screaming at the child. CDAs have more salient effects on American Indians than on other groups.

Conclusions:

We present weak evidence for CDAs’ positive impacts on parenting outcomes. Further research is needed to determine whether these initial results change over time.
Assessing Patients’ Palliative Care Needs in the Final Stages of Illness During Hospitalization
Authors: Buzgova Radka , Sikorova Lucie , Jarosova Darja
Published: November 2014

This study aimed to explore the palliative care needs of inpatients in the final stages of illness and to analyze the factors that influence them. The survey comprised 349 inpatients in the terminal stage of disease. Needs were assessed with the Patient Needs Assessment in Palliative Care (PNAP) questionnaire; mental status was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. The importance of needs varied with respect to patients’ diagnosis, age, gender, religion, and their levels of anxiety and depression. Most frequently, predictors of needs importance were lower age, poorer functional status, higher anxiety, and lower depression scores. Unmet needs were more likely to be indicated by nonreligious patients with better functional status and higher anxiety and depression scores.
Prothrombotic SERPINC1 Gene Polymorphism may Affect Heparin Sensitivity Among Different Ethnicities of Chinese Patients Receiving Heart Surgery
Authors: Wang Jiang , Ma Hai-Ping , Ti Ai Lai Ti Ta Lai , Zhang Yong-Qiang , Zheng Hong
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible correlation between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the antithrombin (gene, SERPINC1, and perioperative sensitivity to heparin in patients receiving heart surgery. The SERPINC1 genotype and allele frequency, coagulation parameters 24 hours before and after surgery, and clinical findings were compared among 3 ethnic groups, Han, Uighur, and Kazakh, patientswho received heart surgery. In Han patients, longer coagulation time as well as higher heparin and protamine dosage was observed. SERPINC1 gene sequencing identified 2 mutations in exon 5, g.981A>G (rs5877) and g.1011A>G (rs5878). The minor allele frequency of allele (A>G) for rs5877 and rs5878 was higher in the Han patients and was significantly different among the ethnic groups ( P = .004 and P = .006, respectively). The increased SERPINC1 SNP frequency among Han patients receiving heart surgery might contribute to the differences in their perioperative sensitivity to heparin.
Three-dimensional vibration analysis of functionally graded sandwich deep open spherical and cylindrical shells with general restraints
Authors: Ye Tiangui , Jin Guoyong , Su Zhu
Published: November 2014

This paper presents three-dimensional (3D) vibration analysis of functionally graded (FG) sandwich deep open shells with general boundary restraints, including open spherical shells and the cylindrical ones. FG sandwich deep open shells composed of homogeneous cores and functionally graded material face sheets with material properties vary continuously through the thickness direction are considered in the present work. The 3D theory of elasticity in conjunction with an energy-based improved Fourier series method are combined to develop the theoretical formulation, in which each displacement of a deep open shell is approximated in terms of a triplicate product of the cosine Fourier series with the addition of certain supplementary terms introduced to remove the potential discontinuities associated with the original displacement and its relevant derivatives at the boundary faces. By using the present method, FG sandwich deep open shells with general boundary restraints, arbitrary geometry parameters, different material distributions and lamination schemes can be solved in a unified form. The accuracy and reliability of the present formulation are validated by comparisons with FEM solutions and those in the literature, and excellent agreements are obtained. Several 3D vibration results of FG sandwich deep open cylindrical and spherical shells with different dimensions in the meridional, circumferential and normal directions are presented for various types of boundary conditions and many representative lamination schemes, which may serve as benchmark solutions for future researchers in assessing two-dimensional approximate theories.
All Things in Moderation, Including Tests of Mediation (at Least Some of the Time)
Authors: Vancouver Jeffrey B. , Carlson Bruce W.
Published: November 2014

Seeking to explain the processes by which one construct causes another is a staple of psychological research. This is typically done with statistical procedures using observations of the hypothesized cause, mediator, and effect. Unfortunately, interpretations of mediation are generally weak on internal validity when using this approach. As an alternative, a causal chain approach has been advocated, but that approach is often impractical. In this article, a third method that involves measuring or manipulating a moderator is described. The core of the argument for a moderation approach hinges on the recognition that mediation refers to a mechanism or process that might be blocked or enhanced via a moderator. Thus, finding interactions with manipulations, variables, or constructs that might affect the efficiency, rate, or operation of a mechanism, or the links to or from the mechanism, implies that mechanism is involved in determining the relationship between a cause and an effect. Examples and implications regarding the potential use as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the approach for applied researchers are described.
Testing the role of convergence in language acquisition, with implications for creole genesis
Authors: Baptista Marlyse , Gelman Susan A. , Beck Erica
Published: November 2014

The main objective of this paper is to test experimentally the role of convergence in language acquisition (second language acquisition specifically), with implications for creole genesis. Although there is ample evidence that similar features in languages in contact are enhanced both in second language acquisition and the creation of new languages, scholars are rarely explicit about the exact nature of that similarity and have not been in a position to observe convergence in progress. Our experiment is unique on two fronts as it is the first to use an artificial language to test the convergence hypothesis by making it observable, and it is also the first experimental study to clarify the notion of similarity by varying the levels and types of similarity that are expressed. We report an experiment with 94 English-speaking adults, designed to test how language learners acquire a new language in which the form and function (meaning) of linguistic items are either similar to or distinct from those in their L1. A miniature artificial language was created that included morphological elements to express negation and pluralization. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: congruent (form and function of novel grammatical morphemes were highly similar to those in English), reversed (negative grammatical morpheme was highly similar to that of English plural, and plural grammatical morpheme was highly similar to that of English negation), and novel (form and function were highly dissimilar to those of English). For each task, scores were entered into a one-way ANOVA with condition as the between-subjects factor. Participants in the congruent condition performed best, indicating that features that converge across form and function are learned most fully. More surprisingly, results showed that participants in the reversed condition acquired the language more readily than those in the novel condition, contrary to expectation. This experiment contributes to a more fine-grained understanding of what degree of similarity promotes acquisition and language creation and provides evidence that form-function mapping promotes learning over form or function alone; crucially, the study challenges the received assumption that acquiring features that are totally novel may be easier than acquiring “reversed” features whose form maps onto L1 but whose function is distinct from it.
Assessment and treatment strategies for rotator cuff tears
Authors: Al-Hakim Wisam , Noorani Ali , Lambert Simon
Published: November 2014

Tears of the rotator cuff are common and becoming an increasingly frequent problem. There is a vast amount of literature on the merits and limitations of the various methods of clinical and radiological assessment of rotator cuff tears. This is also the case with regard to treatment strategies. Certain popular beliefs and principles practiced widely and the basis upon which they are derived may be prone to inaccuracy. We provide an overview of the historical management of rotator cuff tears, as well as an explanation for how and why rotator cuff tears should be managed, and propose a structured methodology for their assessment and treatment.
Case series of pectoralis major rupture requiring operative intervention sustained on the Royal Marines ‘Tarzan’ assault course
Authors: Evans Jonathan , Smith Chris , Guyver Paul Michael
Published: November 2014

We present (with intra-operative imaging) four patients who sustained pectoralis major (PM) ruptures on the same piece of equipment of the ‘Tarzan’ assault course at the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines (CTCRM). Recruits jump at running pace, carrying 21 lbs of equipment and a weapon (8 lbs) across a 6-feet gap onto a vertical cargo-net. The recruits punch horizontally through the net, before adducting their arm to catch themselves, and all weight, on their axilla. All patients presented with immediate pain and reduced function. Two had ruptures demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging, one on an ultrasound scan and one via clinical examination. All four patients were found, at operation, to have sustained type IIIE injuries. All patients underwent PM repair using a unicortical button fixation and had an uneventful immediate postoperative course. Patient 1 left Royal Marines training after the injury (out of choice; not because of failure to rehabilitate). All other patients are under active rehabilitation, hoping to return to training. Review of 10 years of records at CTCRM reveal no documented PM rupture prior to our first case in October 2013. There has been no change to the obstacle or technique used and all patients deny the use of steroids.
Music and Hearing Aids
Authors: Madsen Sara M. K. , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: November 2014

The signal processing and fitting methods used for hearing aids have mainly been designed to optimize the intelligibility of speech. Little attention has been paid to the effectiveness of hearing aids for listening to music. Perhaps as a consequence, many hearing-aid users complain that they are not satisfied with their hearing aids when listening to music. This issue inspired the Internet-based survey presented here. The survey was designed to identify the nature and prevalence of problems associated with listening to live and reproduced music with hearing aids. Responses from 523 hearing-aid users to 21 multiple-choice questions are presented and analyzed, and the relationships between responses to questions regarding music and questions concerned with information about the respondents, their hearing aids, and their hearing loss are described. Large proportions of the respondents reported that they found their hearing aids to be helpful for listening to both live and reproduced music, although less so for the former. The survey also identified problems such as distortion, acoustic feedback, insufficient or excessive gain, unbalanced frequency response, and reduced tone quality. The results indicate that the enjoyment of listening to music with hearing aids could be improved by an increase of the input and output dynamic range, extension of the low-frequency response, and improvement of feedback cancellation and automatic gain control systems.
The Demands of Human Dignity: Sexuality in the Young Person with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Fernandes Earl K. , Fernandes Ashley K.
Published: November 2014

The topic of sexuality among the disabled is often ignored within Catholic seminaries; within pediatrics, it is treated as a “problem” where the best solution is contraception or sterilization. In this article, the authors argue for an approach to sexuality in disabled youth that is grounded in the inherent dignity of the person, borne out of Christ's own humanity. Because sexuality is a part of the human person in his or her totality, it cannot be ignored or obscured; on the other hand, it cannot also be the overriding “problem” which defines them. Rather, by friendship, love, and covenantal solidarity with the disabled person, we can begin to set an example for them and for society that there are goods to be strived for beyond the physical. The demands of dignity require practical changes in seminary and medical education and practice.
ACTN1-related thrombocytopenia: identification of novel families for phenotypic characterization
Authors: Bottega Roberta , Marconi Caterina , Faleschini Michela , Baj Gabriele , Cagioni Claudia , Pecci Alessandro , Pippucci Tommaso , Ramenghi Ugo , Pardini Simonetta , Ngu Loretta , Baronci Carlo , Kunishima Shinji , Balduini Carlo L. , Seri Marco , Savoia Anna , Noris Patrizia
Published: November 2014

Key Points

ACTN1 mutations were identified in 10 of 239 families with inherited thrombocytopenia of unknown origin. ACTN1-related thrombocytopenia is characterized by mild thrombocytopenia with platelet macrocytosis and low risk for bleeding.
Type-1 pericytes accumulate after tissue injury and produce collagen in an organ-dependent manner
Authors: Birbrair Alexander , Zhang Tan , Files Daniel Clark , Mannava Sandeep , Smith Thomas , Wang Zhong-Min , Messi Maria Laura , Mintz Akiva , Delbono Osvaldo
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Fibrosis, or scar formation, is a pathological condition characterized by excessive production and accumulation of collagen, loss of tissue architecture, and organ failure in response to uncontrolled wound healing. Several cellular populations have been implicated, including bone marrow-derived circulating fibrocytes, endothelial cells, resident fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and recently, perivascular cells called pericytes. We previously demonstrated pericyte functional heterogeneity in skeletal muscle. Whether pericyte subtypes are present in other tissues and whether a specific pericyte subset contributes to organ fibrosis are unknown.

Methods

Here, we report the presence of two pericyte subtypes, type-1 (Nestin-GFP-/NG2-DsRed+) and type-2 (Nestin-GFP+/NG2-DsRed+), surrounding blood vessels in lungs, kidneys, heart, spinal cord, and brain. Using Nestin-GFP/NG2-DsRed transgenic mice, we induced pulmonary, renal, cardiac, spinal cord, and cortical injuries to investigate the contributions of pericyte subtypes to fibrous tissue formation in vivo.

Results

A fraction of the lung’s collagen-producing cells corresponds to type-1 pericytes and kidney and heart pericytes do not produce collagen in pathological fibrosis. Note that type-1, but not type-2, pericytes increase and accumulate near the fibrotic tissue in all organs analyzed. Surprisingly, after CNS injury, type-1 pericytes differ from scar-forming PDGFRβ + cells.

Conclusions

Pericyte subpopulations respond differentially to tissue injury, and the production of collagen by type-1 pericytes is organ-dependent. Characterization of the mechanisms underlying scar formation generates cellular targets for future anti-fibrotic therapeutics.
Oxygen-atom-transfer Reactions of a Palladium(II) Peroxocarbonate Complex
Authors: Sase Shohei , Hashimoto Maki , Goto Kei
Published: November 2014

Reactivity of a palladium(II) peroxocarbonate complex was investigated. It was found that a bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) palladium(II) peroxocarbonate acts as an oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) reagent toward a phosphine and a sulfoxide. In these OAT reactions, the peroxocarbonate was converted to the corresponding palladium(II) carbonate. While the OAT reaction toward triphenylphosphine proceeded only sluggishly, addition of lithium chloride remarkably facilitated the reaction. It was proposed that the chloride ion induces the liberation of the peroxocarbonate moiety from the coordination sphere of palladium.
Gold Nanorods Functionalized with Self-assembled Glycopolymers for Ultrasensitive Detection of Proteins
Authors: Otsuka Hidenori , Muramatsu Yuki , Matsukuma Daisuke
Published: November 2014

New, stable, and glyoco-derivatized gold nanorods (GNRs) were prepared using developed amphiphilic block glycopolymers poly[(lactose)m-b-(pyridine)n] to engineer self-organized, densely packed glycopolymeric recognition layers and generate a multivalent binding cavity onto the gold surface. We report a rapid and ultrasensitive biosensing for the weak affinity of protein–carbohydrate binding employing a combination of the longitudinal SPR of GNRs and the cluster glycoside effect. Thus, a very small amount of lectin (100 pg mL−1 = 8.3 × 10−13 M) was detected by the aggregation of GNRs.
Fabrication and Metal-enhanced Fluorescence of Plasmonic Hybrid Nanotubes Consisting of Polythiophene and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Yoshida Ryusuke , Matsumura Takuya , Nakahodo Tsukasa , Fujihara Hisashi
Published: November 2014

The template-based electropolymerization of terthiophene-modified silver nanoparticles (NPs), 1-AgNP, produced AgNP–polythiophene hybrid nanotubes, which were found to enhance fluorescence in solution and are stable under UV irradiation. The combination of plasmonic activity and chemical stability may allow for a variety of new applications.
Limits and Technique of Concretization of Legal Rules in Lawmaking
Authors: Zaloilo Maksim
Published: November 2014

The article is devoted to the analysis of concretization of legal norms in lawmaking as the means of juridical technique, and also to the exposure of the limits of lawmaking juridical concretization. The objective-subjective nature of the concretization of legal norms is argued. The cases of obligatory use of the means of concretization of legal norms in lawmaking are revealed. The author identifies hierarchical, spatial, substantive and competence limits of juridical concretization in lawmaking. The author formulates a conclusion that the main limitation of lawmaking juridical concretization is unacceptability of formulating too casuistic rules and of creation of excessive legal regulation. Further concretization of legal norms should be carried out with consideration of specific social relations in the process of realization of law.
Legal Status of Local Self-Government:Changes and Expectations
Authors: Vasilev Vsevolod
Published: November 2014

In the article the sense and value of the Federal law of 27 may 2014 No. 136-FZ are revealed, the changes made by it in system of local government, and also the competentional status of municipal bodies are analyzed. In particular, the Law assigned to rural settlements the minimum list of questions of local value. It is underlined dual character of the document, restrictions of organizational independence of bodies of local authorities are critically estimated. On the one hand, the Law approaches municipal authority to the population, optimizes the functional maintenance of various levels of this power, and on the other hand, weakens an intrinsic basis of local government, limits its organizational independence, strengthens in it the state beginning. It is underlined that in application of the new law a lot of things will depend on public authorities of subjects of the Russian Federation. Expansion of legal possibilities of the regional authorities in the solution of questions of the organization of local government simultaneously leads to narrowing in this sphere of possibilities of municipalities.
Clinical evaluation of a thin absorbent skin adhesive dressing for wound management
Authors: Stephen-Haynes J. , Callaghan R. , Wibaux A. , Johnson P. , Carty N.
Published: November 2014

Objective:

This article assesses the use of BeneHold Thin Absorbent Skin Adhesive (TASA) wound dressings in a large UK primary care organisation. These wound dressings are thin (0.12mm), breathable, transparent, and are able to absorb and retain wound exudate. This non-comparative evaluation was undertaken to explore the clinical advantages this differentiated combination of physical properties offered.

Method:

The dressings are CE-marked medical devices, and were used on patients with acute and chronic wounds that were assessed and classified as light to moderately exuding. Clinical performance was evaluated with respect to the dressing's ease of use (application and removal, conformability, mould-ability, rolling and edge-lift), debridement, protection of the peri-wound, wear time, fluid handling, wound bed residue, visibility of the wound, and clinical acceptability. The evaluating clinicians used an agreed audit tool to collect data from case reports to document the progression of wounds of various aetiologies, including chronic and acute, for a maximum period of four weeks. Qualitative feedback on dressing performance was also collected at the evaluation's end, both from the clinicians’ and patients’ perspectives

Results:

Some 15 patients were assessed. The wear time was up to seven days in many cases, and on average was 3.9 days longer than their previous dressings. Clinicians perceived that wounds progressed toward healing in all but two cases, where the wounds remained unchanged. Out of five cases where wounds presented with necrosis, all underwent significant autolytic debridement underneath the new dressings. Transparency was a noted benefit from both the clinicians’ and patients’ perspectives because it enabled continuous monitoring of the full wound bed and peri-wound skin without the need to disrupt the dressing.

Conclusion:

The dressing was well-received by both clinicians and patients in all fifteen cases. The thin absorbent skin adhesive dressing was found to be a promising new technology that could offer significant advantages to improve the quality, cost, and convenience of wound care. Further work is underway to validate these findings in larger and more homogeneous patient groups.

Declaration of interest:

N.C., A.W., and P.J. are employees of Vancive Medical Technologies, an Avery Dennison business, which has a financial interest in the product that was evaluated. This study was funded by an educational grant from Vancive Medical Technologies, an Avery Dennison business.