bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of New Thiophene Derivatives and Their Use as Photostabilizers for Rigid Poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Balakit Asim A. , Ahmed Ahmed , El-Hiti Gamal A. , Smith Keith , Yousif Emad
Published: January 2015

Five new thiophenes, namely,N-[(3-bromo-2-methylthiophen-5-yl)methylene]-4-methoxyaniline (4a),N-[(3-bromo-2-methylthiophen-5-yl)methylene]-3,4-dimethoxyaniline (4b),N-[(3-bromo-2-methylthiophen-5-yl)methylene]-3,4-dimethylaniline (4c), 3-[(3-bromo-2-methylthiophen-5-yl)methyleneamino]-2-methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (4d), and 3-[(3-bromo-2-methylthiophen-5-yl)methyleneamino]-2-isopropylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (4e), have been synthesized. All of these materials brought about a reduction in the level of photodegradation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films containing the synthesized thiophenes (0.5%; by weight). The results obtained showed that the extent of photostabilization of PVC in the presence of an additive was in the order4e > 4d > 4b > 4a > 4c. For the most favorable additive (4e), the rate of appearance of infrared absorption bands of degradation products was reduced by around two-thirds, while the quantum yield of chain scission was calculated to be reduced by a factor of more than one thousand. It is suggested that the additives may help stabilize PVC by direct absorption of UV radiation and dissipation of the energy as heat or that electrostatic attraction between the additives and PVC may assist transfer of energy from excited state PVC to the additive, from where it can be dissipated.
Salmonella enterica: Survival, Colonization, and Virulence Differences among Serovars
Authors: Andino A. , Hanning I.
Published: January 2015

Data indicate that prevalence of specific serovars of Salmonella enterica in human foodborne illness is not correlated with their prevalence in feed. Given that feed is a suboptimal environment for S. enterica, it appears that survival in poultry feed may be an independent factor unrelated to virulence of specific serovars of Salmonella. Additionally, S. enterica serovars appear to have different host specificity and the ability to cause disease in those hosts is also serovar dependent. These differences among the serovars may be related to gene presence or absence and expression levels of those genes. With a better understanding of serovar specificity, mitigation methods can be implemented to control Salmonella at preharvest and postharvest levels.
A Whole-Genome Microarray Study ofArabidopsis thalianaSemisolid Callus Cultures Exposed to Microgravity and Nonmicrogravity Related Spaceflight Conditions for 5 Days on Board of Shenzhou 8
Authors: Fengler Svenja , Spirer Ina , Neef Maren , Ecke Margret , Nieselt Kay , Hampp Rüdiger
Published: January 2015

The Simbox mission was the first joint space project between Germany and China in November 2011. Eleven-day-oldArabidopsis thalianawild type semisolid callus cultures were integrated into fully automated plant cultivation containers and exposed to spaceflight conditions within the Simbox hardware on board of the spacecraft Shenzhou 8. The related ground experiment was conducted under similar conditions. The use of an in-flight centrifuge provided a 1 g gravitational field in space. The cells were metabolically quenched after 5 days via RNAlaterinjection. The impact on theArabidopsistranscriptome was investigated by means of whole-genome gene expression analysis. The results show a major impact of nonmicrogravity related spaceflight conditions. Genes that were significantly altered in transcript abundance are mainly involved in protein phosphorylation and MAPK cascade-related signaling processes, as well as in the cellular defense and stress responses. In contrast to short-term effects of microgravity (seconds, minutes), this mission identified only minor changes after 5 days of microgravity. These concerned genes coding for proteins involved in the plastid-associated translation machinery, mitochondrial electron transport, and energy production.
Chronic Renal Failure Presenting for the First Time as Pulmonary Mucormycosis with a Fatal Outcome
Authors: Jayakrishnan B. , Al Aghbari Jamal , Rizavi Dawar , Srinivasan Sinnakirouchenan , Lakhtakia Ritu , Al Riyami Dawood
Published: January 2015

Pulmonary mucormycosis is an uncommon, but important, opportunistic fungal pneumonia which is often diagnosed late. Renal failure as the predominant presenting feature is not common in mucormycosis. Moreover, sudden, massive hemoptysis is not a usual complication. In this report we describe fatal pulmonary mucormycosis in a young patient with a previously undiagnosed chronic renal failure.
Thermographic Patterns of the Upper and Lower Limbs: Baseline Data
Authors: Gatt Alfred , Formosa Cynthia , Cassar Kevin , Camilleri Kenneth P. , De Raffaele Clifford , Mizzi Anabelle , Azzopardi Carl , Mizzi Stephen , Falzon Owen , Cristina Stefania , Chockalingam Nachiappan
Published: January 2015

Objectives. To collect normative baseline data and identify any significant differences between hand and foot thermographic distribution patterns in a healthy adult population.Design. A single-centre, randomized, prospective study.Methods. Thermographic data was acquired using a FLIR camera for the data acquisition of both plantar and dorsal aspects of the feet, volar aspects of the hands, and anterior aspects of the lower limbs under controlled climate conditions.Results. There is general symmetry in skin temperature between the same regions in contralateral limbs, in terms of both magnitude and pattern. There was also minimal intersubject temperature variation with a consistent temperature pattern in toes and fingers. The thumb is the warmest digit with the temperature falling gradually between the 2nd and the 5th fingers. The big toe and the 5th toe are the warmest digits with the 2nd to the 4th toes being cooler.Conclusion. Measurement of skin temperature of the limbs using a thermal camera is feasible and reproducible. Temperature patterns in fingers and toes are consistent with similar temperatures in contralateral limbs in healthy subjects. This study provides the basis for further research to assess the clinical usefulness of thermography in the diagnosis of vascular insufficiency.
Analysis of 31 Hydrazones of Carbonyl Compounds by RRLC-UV and RRLC-MS(/MS): A Comparison of Methods
Authors: Ochs Soraya de M. , Fasciotti Maíra , Netto Annibal D. Pereira
Published: January 2015

Aldehydes and ketones are volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted into the atmosphere by a large number of natural and anthropogenic sources. Carbonyl compounds (CC) are atmospheric pollutants with known damaging effects for the human’s health. In this work, the separation of 31 carbonyl compounds (CC) in their 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones form was optimized by rapid resolution liquid chromatography in 9 minutes and simultaneously detected by ultraviolet and mass spectrometry with an APCI(−) as ionization source. The mass spectra of hydrazones presented the [M-H]−ions as base peak, but the MS/MS spectra showed fragments related to different structural classes of aldehydes and ketones, representing an important tool to assist structure elucidation of unknown CC in real samples. Multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) improved the sensitivity and selectivity for the quantitation method. Analytical parameters using both UV and MS (linearity, determination coefficients, detection limits, and sensitivity) were compared. The detection methods are complementary and a powerful analytical tool for the detection and quantitation of CC in complex environmental samples.
Visible Light‐Assisted Photoreduction of Graphene Oxide Using CdS Nanoparticles and Gas Sensing Properties
Authors: Hasani Amirhossein , Sharifi Dehsari Hamed , Amiri Zarandi Ali , Salehi Alireza , Taromi Faramarz Afshar , Kazeroni Hanif
Published: January 2015

Graphene oxide sheets suspended in ethanol interact with excited CdS nanoparticles and contributed to photocatalytic reduction by accepting electron from nanoparticle. The UV‐Vis measurement showed that electrical absorbance of the CdS/graphene oxide sheets increased by decreasing the irradiation time and after 2 h it remained constant which indicates the optimum reduction time. Furthermore, the direct interaction between CdS nanoparticles and graphene sheets hinders the collapse of exfoliated sheets of graphene. The 4‐point probe measurement of nanocomposite with different ratios of graphene oxide in CdS solution after irradiation shows that the conductivity of them increased by increasing the amount of GO, but further increasing causes incomplete photo reduction process due to exorbitance increasing GO sheets which contribute to decreasing the conductivity. The CdS/RGO composite material can be used as a gas sensor for CO2 based on its electrocatalytic behavior. The low‐cost and easy fabrication sensor shows rapid response and high sensitivity. By varying the amount of GO the optimum concentration which shows high sensitivity is found and its good performance compared with other is attributed to its higher conductivity due to complete reduction. Moreover, the effects of thermal annealing on the conductivity of CdS/RGO film and the performance of devices are researched.
An Epidemiologic Review of Marijuana and Cancer: An Update
Authors: Huang Yu-Hui Jenny , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Tashkin Donald P. , Feng Bingjian , Straif Kurt , Hashibe Mia
Published: January 2015

Marijuana use is legal in two states and additional states are considering legalization. Approximately 18 million Americans are current marijuana users. There is currently no consensus on whether marijuana use is associated with cancer risk. Our objective is to review the epidemiologic studies on this possible association. We identified 34 epidemiologic studies on upper aerodigestive tract cancers (n = 11), lung cancer (n = 6), testicular cancer (n = 3), childhood cancers (n = 6), all cancers (n = 1), anal cancer (n = 1), penile cancer (n = 1), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 2), malignant primary gliomas (n = 1), bladder cancer (n = 1), and Kaposi sarcoma (n = 1). Studies on head and neck cancer reported increased and decreased risks, possibly because there is no association, or because risks differ by human papillomavirus status or geographic differences. The lung cancer studies largely appear not to support an association with marijuana use, possibly because of the smaller amounts of marijuana regularly smoked compared with tobacco. Three testicular cancer case–control studies reported increased risks with marijuana use [summary ORs, 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–2.23 for higher frequency and 1.50 (95% CI, 1.08–2.09) for ≥10 years]. For other cancer sites, there is still insufficient data to make any conclusions. Considering that marijuana use may change due to legalization, well-designed studies on marijuana use and cancer are warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 15–31. ©2015 AACR.
A Mechanism for Asymmetric Cell Division Resulting in Proliferative Asynchronicity
Authors: Dey-Guha Ipsita , Alves Cleidson P. , Yeh Albert C. , Salony  , Sole Xavier , Darp Revati , Ramaswamy Sridhar
Published: January 2015

All cancers contain an admixture of rapidly and slowly proliferating cancer cells. This proliferative heterogeneity complicates the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer because slow proliferators are hard to eradicate, can be difficult to detect, and may cause disease relapse sometimes years after apparently curative treatment. While clonal selection theory explains the presence and evolution of rapid proliferators within cancer cell populations, the circumstances and molecular details of how slow proliferators are produced is not well understood. Here, a β1-integrin/FAK/mTORC2/AKT1–associated signaling pathway is discovered that can be triggered for rapidly proliferating cancer cells to undergo asymmetric cell division and produce slowly proliferating AKT1low daughter cells. In addition, evidence indicates that the proliferative output of this signaling cascade involves a proteasome-dependent degradation process mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase TTC3. These findings reveal that proliferative heterogeneity within cancer cell populations, in part, is produced through a targetable signaling mechanism, with potential implications for understanding cancer progression, dormancy, and therapeutic resistance.

Implications: These findings provide a deeper understanding of the proliferative heterogeneity that exists in the tumor environment and highlight the importance of designing future therapies against multiple proliferative contexts.

Visual Overview. A proposed mechanism for producing slowly proliferating cancer cells. http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2015/01/09/1541-7786.MCR-14-0474/F1.large.jpg.

Mol Cancer Res; 13(2); 223–30. ©2015 AACR.
Biogeographic Variation in the Diet and Behaviour of Cercopithecus mitis
Authors: Coleman Ben T. , Hill Russell A.
Published: January 2015

Primate species are characterised by variation in foraging behaviour and dietary composition across their geographic range. Here we examine how ecological conditions account for variation in the behavioural ecology of a widespread arboreal guenon, Cercopithecus mitis. Although substantial variation existed in time budgets, group size, home range and day journey length, clear biogeographic patterns were not apparent. In contrast, dietary variation was correlated with underlying climatic conditions. Temperature seasonality, which tends to increase with latitude, was significantly positively related to the proportion of fruit in the diet and negatively related to the proportion of animal matter. Both dietary components were ‘preferred' foods, with the variability between populations reflecting the availability of different food types across their geographic range. Although we found no significant relationships between climate and the proportion of leaves in the diet, the ability for C. mitis to vary its diet to include a diversity of food types, and to incorporate a significant proportion of leaves when preferred sources are scarce, likely underpins its ability to survive across such a large distribution.
Rare Pathologies in the Posterior Third Ventricular Region in Children: Case Series and Review
Authors: Maiti Tanmoy Kumar , Arimappamagan Arivazhagan , Mahadevan Anita , Yasha T.C. , Pandey Paritosh , Santosh Vani
Published: January 2015

Tumors of the pineal region in children often belong to 2 categories, namely germ cell tumors and pineal parenchymal tumors. Very rare pathologies have previously been reported in this region. Most of these tumors may be similar radiologically, while their management differs. The present series reports 2 children with pineal region tumors, each one being a rare pathological entity by itself, namely an embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR) and a rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT). Very few such cases in each pathology have been reported in the literature for the pediatric age group up to now. Our series consists of 2 children, both presenting with a raised intracranial pressure of short duration. Imaging revealed lesions in the pineal region with similar radiological features. Both ETANTR and RGNT demonstrated mild enhancement. The 2 patients underwent surgical decompression either by Poppen's approach (n = 1) or a supracerebellar infratentorial approach (n = 1). The patient with ETANTR was advised radiotherapy, while the child with RGNT was advised a regular follow-up. This series presents some rare pathologies which can occur in the posterior third ventricular region with similar radiological features. Management differs based on the histology of the case.
Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Gene Sequence-Based Reclassification of Human Parainfluenza Virus 3 Variants
Authors: Almajhdi Fahad N.
Published: January 2015

The most comprehensive phylogenetic classification of human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV-3) was recently developed [PLoS One 2012;7:e43893]. This classification included three distinct clusters (A, B and C) with subdivision of cluster C into four subclusters (C1-4). In the present report, the classification of HPIV-3 was refined by inclusion of 27 overlooked beside newly characterized Saudi variants. The new phylogram was developed and included the same clusters described before, in which cluster A remained unchanged and cluster B contained more recent isolates. The organization of cluster C was altered through inclusion of a new subcluster (C5), subdivision of C1 into two lineages C1a and C1b and subdivision of C3 into three lineages C3a, C3b and C3c. The majority of Saudi variants were classified as members of subcluster C1b, whereas only one variant was placed in each of subclusters C2 and C5. This study illustrates an up-to-date phylogenetic classification of HPIV-3 variants.
Timing of Neurological Improvement after Acute Ischemic Stroke and Functional Outcome
Authors: Song Young-Mok , Lee Geun Ho , Kim Jae Il
Published: January 2015

Background: The time of neurological improvement (TNI) after acute ischemic stroke may have a predictive value. Methods: We evaluated 410 consecutive patients who were admitted within 12 hours of stroke onset. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was measured on admission and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Neurological improvement was defined as an improvement in the NIHSS score by ≥2 points (NI2) or ≥4 points (NI4) or an NIHSS score of 0. Patients with a Modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of ≤2 were considered to have a good outcome. Results: Patients with earlier TNIs had a lower 3-month mRS score and a higher probability for a good outcome. In the binary and ordinal regression analyses, age, NIHSS score, atrial fibrillation and TNI were independently associated with a good outcome. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that TNI2 had higher sensitivity and lower specificity than TNI4. The best threshold for predicting outcome was day 3 for TNI2 and day 14 for TNI4. Conclusions: These results suggest that TNI is independently associated with functional outcome at 90 days. TNI2 may be more useful than TNI4 for early prediction of stroke outcome.
Systolic Blood Pressure Variation and Mean Heart Rate Is Associated With Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With High Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Böhm Michael , Schumacher Helmut , Leong Darryl , Mancia Giuseppe , Unger Thomas , Schmieder Roland , Custodis Florian , Diener Hans-Christoph , Laufs Ulrich , Lonn Eva , Sliwa Karen , Teo Koon , Fagard Robert , Redon Josep , Sleight Peter , Anderson Craig , O’Donnell Martin , Yusuf Salim
Published: January 2015

Abstract—

Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) correlates to cognitive decline and incident dementia. The effects of heart rate (HR), visit to visit HR variation, and visit to visit SBP variation are less well established. Patients without preexisting cognitive dysfunction (N=24 593) were evaluated according to mean SBP, SBP visit to visit variation (coefficient of variation [standard deviation/mean×100%], CV), mean HR, and visit to visit HR variation (HR-CV) in the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial and the Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACE Intolerant Subjects with Cardiovascular Disease. Cognitive function was assessed with mini mental state examination. Cognitive dysfunction (fall in mini mental state examination ≤24 points), important cognitive decline (drop of ≥5 points), and cognitive deterioration (drop of >1 point per year or decline to
<
24 points) were assessed. SBP and HR were measured over 10.7±2.2 (mean±SD) visits. Mean SBP, mean HR, and SBP-CV were associated with cognitive decline, dysfunction, and deterioration (all
P
<0.01, unadjusted). After adjustment, only SBP-CV (
P
=0.0030) and mean HR (
P
=0.0008) remained predictors for cognitive dysfunction (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals], 1.32 [1.10–1.58] for 5th versus 1st quintile of SBP-CV and 1.40 [1.18–1.66] for 5th versus 1st quintile of mean HR). Similar effects were observed for cognitive decline and deterioration. SBP-CV and mean HR showed additive effects. In conclusion, SBP-CV and mean HR are independent predictors of cognitive decline and cognitive dysfunction in patients at high CV risk.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT 00153101.
Rotylenchus dalikhaniensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae), a monosexual species recovered from the rhizosphere of Ruscus hyrcanus Woronow in Mazandaran province, northern Iran
Authors: Aliramaji Farzad , Pourjam Ebrahim , Álvarez-Ortega Sergio , Pedram Majid , Atighi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2015

A new monosexual species ofRotylenchusis described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular studies from northern Iran.Rotylenchus dalikhaniensisn. sp. is characterised by having a continuous, conoid lip region with four, rarely three, annuli, lateral fields regularly areolated in pharyngeal region and irregularly throughout the body except in tail region, rarely with anastomoses at mid-body, body without longitudinal striations, stylet 34-36 μm long, vulva located at 59-64%, tail with 16-19 annuli and ventral projection, and having no males in population. The differences of the new species with five known species, namelyR. breviglans,R. alii,R. pakistanensis,R. echelimaeandR. provincialis, are discussed. Phylogenetic analyses using 681 bp partial sequences of D2-D3 expansion region of the 28S and 383 bp ITS1-rRNA genes revealed that the new species formed a clade with some species ofHelicotylenchusandRotylenchus, respectively.
Attractant and repellent effects of sweet potato root exudates on the potato rot nematode, Ditylenchus destructor
Authors: Xu Zhen , Zhao Yong-Qiang , Yang Dong-Jing , Sun Hou-Jun , Zhang Cheng-Ling , Xie Yi-Ping
Published: January 2015

Potato rot nematode (Ditylenchus destructor) is one of the most damaging pests of sweet potato in the northern region of China. Glasshouse and field experiments were conducted to explore the main invasion route used by potato rot nematodes during infection of sweet potato plants. The nematode’s host location behaviour was also investigated. Results suggested that substantial yield losses of sweet potato caused by D. destructor parasitism depend upon the existence of wounds on seedling roots. Therefore, reducing the number of nematodes that invade through such wounds would be an effective control method. We found that root exudates and extracts from underground stems of both resistant (cv. Zhenghong 22) and susceptible (cv. Lizixiang) sweet potato cultivars attracted potato rot nematodes. In addition, a strong repellent effect of latex against these nematodes was observed in both cultivars. Interestingly, octadecyl-(Z)-p-coumarate, a component of sweet potato latex, acted as a repellent for potato rot nematodes, while hexadecyl- and eicosyl-(Z)-p-coumarates did not. These findings provide a basis for understanding the mechanism underlying the host location behaviour of potato rot nematodes and can help in designing new nematode control methods.
Bad Medicine
Authors: Murtazashvili Jennifer Brick
Published: January 2015

By all accounts, the post-2001 state-building effort in Afghanistan failed to deliver on its promise. Rather than blame politicians, insurgency, or obdurate customary authority, this article suggests the constitutional principles upon which the state was constructed ultimately undermined the state itself. In an attempt to address the enormous human suffering in Afghanistan, the 2004 Constitution proclaimed a vast array of positive rights to be implemented by an extremely centralized state apparatus. Yet this vision, in which individuals should look to the state as a source of individual and community well-being, is dramatically out of step with a reality in which individuals neither trusts the centralized state, nor relies on it for many public goods. For many Afghans, the notion of well-being is tied to independence from the state. An alternative state-building vision, one that appreciates a constitutional order stressing negative rights and recognizes the virtues of self-governance, would have resonated much more deeply with a society that has been served by chronically weak governments. This article uses evidence from an original nationally-representative survey and field interviews to illustrate the disjuncture between a self-governing society in which individuals strive for limited government and a state-building ‘antidote’ that offers up a very different medicine. The essay concludes by explaining why a more limited and politically bounded state-building approach, especially in rural areas, may be an important alternative to promote citizen well-being.
Contributions to the herpetofauna of the Albertine Rift: Two new species of chameleon (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae) from an isolated montane forest, south eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: TILBURY COLIN R. , TOLLEY KRYSTAL A.
Published: January 2015

Two new species of chameleons from the genera Rhampholeon and Kinyongia are described from an isolated montane forest remnant situated toward the southern end of the Albertine Rift bordering Lake Tanganyika. The closest known localities of species from these genera are 200km and 400km to the north respectively, separated by large intervening tracts of lowland savannah and Brachystegia (Miombo) woodland - habitats not normally inhabited by species of these genera. Rhampholeon hattinghi sp. nov. and Kinyongia mulyai sp. nov. bear superficial resemblances to previously described species (Rh. boulengeri Steindachner and K. adolfifriderici  (Sternfeld)). Rhampholeon hattinghi sp. nov. has a relatively smooth supra-orbital ridge, deep axillary but absent inguinal mite pockets, prominent white spots on the base of the tail and a uniquely derived hemipenal morphology with billowing parasulcal evaginations. Like K. adolfifriderici, Kinyongia mulyai sp. nov. is devoid of a rostral appendage but differs in having a longer and narrower head, a higher upper labial scale count and by the absence of a dorsal crest in the male. To place these new chameleons within the context of their respective genera, Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses were carried out utilising two mitochondrial (ND2 and 16S) and one nuclear marker (RAG1).  Both chameleons were found to have morphological features that distinguish them from other congeners. Based on phylogenetic analysis they are clearly separate evolutionary lineages and are described as new species.
Clouds, Precipitation, and Marine Boundary Layer Structure during the MAGIC Field Campaign
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Kollias Pavlos , Lewis Ernie R.
Published: January 2015

The recent ship-based Marine ARM GCSS Pacific Cross-Section Intercomparison (GPCI) Investigation of Clouds (MAGIC) field campaign with the marine-capable Second ARM Mobile Facility (AMF2) deployed on the Horizon Lines cargo container M/V Spirit provided nearly 200 days of intraseasonal high-resolution observations of clouds, precipitation, and marine boundary layer (MBL) structure on multiple legs between Los Angeles, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii. During the deployment, MBL clouds exhibited a much higher frequency of occurrence than other cloud types and occurred more often in the warm season than in the cold season. MBL clouds demonstrated a propensity to produce precipitation, which often evaporated before reaching the ocean surface. The formation of stratocumulus is strongly correlated to a shallow MBL with a strong inversion and a weak transition, while cumulus formation is associated with a much weaker inversion and stronger transition. The estimated inversion strength is shown to depend seasonally on the potential temperature at 700 hPa. The location of the commencement of systematic MBL decoupling always occurred eastward of the locations of cloud breakup, and the systematic decoupling showed a strong moisture stratification. The entrainment of the dry warm air above the inversion appears to be the dominant factor triggering the systematic decoupling, while surface latent heat flux, precipitation, and diurnal circulation did not play major roles. MBL clouds broke up over a short spatial region due to the changes in the synoptic conditions, implying that in real atmospheric conditions the MBL clouds do not have enough time to evolve as in the idealized models.
Examining ‘Postmulticultural’ and Civic Turns in the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, and Denmark
Authors: Meer Nasar , Mouritsen Per , Faas Daniel , de Witte Nynke
Published: January 2015

There is a widely shared view that the appeal of multiculturalism as a public policy has suffered considerable political damage. In many European states the turn to “civic” measures and discourses has been deemed more suitable for the objectives of minority integration and the promotion of preferred modes of social and political unity. It is therefore said that the first decade of the new century has been characterized by a reorientation in immigrant integration policies—from liberal culturalist to the “return of assimilation” (Brubaker, 2001), on route to a broader “retreat from multiculturalism” (Joppke, 2004). In this article, we argue that such portrayals mask a tendency that is more complicated in some cases and much less evident in others. To elaborate this, we offer a detailed account of the inception and then alleged movement away from positions in favor of multiculturalism in two countries that have adopted different versions of it, namely the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and two countries that have historically rejected multiculturalism, namely Denmark and Germany. We argue that while there is undoubtedly a rhetorical separation between multiculturalism and civic integration, the latter is in some cases building on the former, and broadly needs to be understood as more than a retreat of multiculturalism. Taking seriously Banting and Kymlicka’s argument that understanding the evolution of integration requires the “the mind-set of an archaeologist,” we offer a policy genealogy that allows us to set the backlash against multiculturalism in context, in manner that explicates its provenance, permutations, and implications.
Entrepreneurship Amid Concurrent Institutional Constraints in Less Developed Countries
Authors: Khoury Theodore A. , Prasad Ajnesh
Published: January 2015

To encourage new research on the role of institutions in the entrepreneurial process in less developed countries (LDCs), the authors propose a conceptual framework to investigate concurrent institutional constraints. The authors define these constraints as geopolitical contexts that encounter simultaneous challenges to well functioning formal and informal institutions. Systems of stronger institutions compensating for weaker institutions are hampered in these settings and such systems weigh heavier on local entrepreneurs and further challenge their ability to mobilize resources and access market opportunities. By investigating the extreme operating conditions of these settings, scholars gain a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurs confront operational dilemmas and express agency through engaging with bricolage and cultural entrepreneurship. To animate these proposals, the authors consider a case illustration of a venture operating under such constraints.
The Cultural Adjustment of Saudi Women International Students
Authors: Lefdahl-Davis Erin M. , Perrone-McGovern Kristin M.
Published: January 2015

The current study is a qualitative exploration of the adjustment experiences of Saudi women students in the United States, using quotes of the participants to demonstrate the variety and complexity of responses. Participants included 25 Saudi women international students who were attending colleges and universities across the United States. Grounded theory was used to explore the adjustment experience of these Saudi women international students. Participant responses were grouped into the following themes: expectations about the United States versus the reality, acculturative stress or cultural adjustment, cultural differences between the United States and Saudi Arabia, experiences of discrimination and/or curiosity, English language proficiency, relationships, social support and help-seeking behavior, and being a Saudi woman in the United States. The adjustment of Saudi women students was affected by their proficiency in English, their relationships and social support, and their ability to successfully navigate the cultural differences found in the United States, including public gender integration, increased mobility, greater acceptance of diversity, and more freedom and decision-making opportunities. Many of the Saudi women in this study reported being changed by their time of study in the United States, and reported increased confidence, independence, intellectual growth, and acceptance of others as some of the results of their academic sojourn.
RAGE Gene Polymorphism and Environmental Factor in the Risk of Oral Cancer
Authors: Su S. , Chien M. , Lin C. , Chen M. , Yang S.
Published: January 2015

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a common neoplasm that is known to be causally associated with genetic factors and environmental carcinogens. The receptor for advanced glycosylation endproducts (RAGE) is a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily with broad specificity for multiple ligands, and it has been shown to play vital roles in several pathophysiologic processes, including diabetes, Alzheimer disease, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The present study aimed to assess the influences of RAGE gene polymorphisms, combined with environmental carcinogens on the predisposition to oral tumorigenesis. Five polymorphisms of the RAGE gene—including −374T>A (rs1800624), −429T>C (rs1800625), 1704G>T (rs184003), Gly82Ser (rs2070600), and a 63-bp deletion allele (−407 to −345)—were examined from 592 controls and 618 patients with oral cancer. We found that individuals carrying the polymorphic allele of rs1800625 are more susceptible to oral cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.899; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.355 to 2.661; adjusted OR [AOR], 2.053; 95% CI, 1.269 to 3.345) after adjustment for age, sex, betel nut chewing, and tobacco consumption. Moreover, we observed a significant association of rs1800625 variants with late-stage tumors (stage III/IV, OR, 1.736; 95% CI, 1.126 to 2.677; AOR, 1.771; 95% CI, 1.101 to 2.851) and large-size tumors (>2 cm in the greatest dimension; OR, 1.644; 95% CI, 1.083 to 2.493; AOR, 1.728; 95% CI, 1.089 to 2.741). Based on behavioral exposure of environmental carcinogens, the presence of 4 RAGE single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), combined with betel quid chewing and/or tobacco use, greatly augmented the risk of oral cancer. In addition, carriers of particular haplotypes of the 4 RAGE SNPs examined are more prone to develop oral cancer. These results indicate an involvement of RAGE SNP rs1800625 in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma and implicate the interaction between RAGE gene polymorphisms and environmental mutagens as a predisposing factor of oral carcinogenesis.
Asking or Telling – Real-time Processing of Prosodically Distinguished Questions and Statements
Authors: Heeren Willemijn F.L. , Bibyk Sarah A. , Gunlogson Christine , Tanenhaus Michael K.
Published: January 2015

We introduce a targeted language game approach using the visual world, eye-movement paradigm to assess when and how certain intonational contours affect the interpretation of utterances. We created a computer-based card game in which elliptical utterances such as “ Got a candy” occurred with a nuclear contour most consistent with a yes–no question (H* H-H%) or a statement (L* L-L%). In Experiment 1 we explored how such contours are integrated online. In Experiment 2 we studied the expectations listeners have for how intonational contours signal intentions: do these reflect linguistic categories or rapid adaptation to the paradigm? Prosody had an immediate effect on interpretation, as indexed by the pattern and timing of fixations. Moreover, the association between different contours and intentions was quite robust in the absence of clear syntactic cues to sentence type, and was not due to rapid adaptation. Prosody had immediate effects on interpretation even though there was a construction-based bias to interpret “ got a” as a question. Taken together, we believe this paradigm will provide further insights into how intonational contours and their phonetic realization interact with other cues to sentence type in online comprehension.
The Neglected Topic
Authors: Blumenthal-Barby J. S. , Robinson Emily , Cantor Scott B. , Naik Aanand D. , Russell Heidi Voelker , Volk Robert J.
Published: January 2015

Costs are an important component of patients’ decision making, but a comparatively underemphasized aspect of formal shared decision making. We hypothesized that decision aids also avoid discussion of costs, despite their being tools designed to facilitate shared decision making about patient-centered outcomes. We sought to define the frequency of cost-related information and identify the common modes of presenting cost and cost-related information in the 290 decision aids catalogued in the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute’s Decision Aid Library Inventory (DALI) system. We found that 56% ( n = 161) of the decision aids mentioned cost in some way, but only 13% ( n = 37) gave a specific price or range of prices. We identified 9 different ways in which cost was mentioned. The most common approach was as a “pro” of one of the treatment options (e.g., “you avoid the cost of medication”). Of the 37 decision aids that gave specific prices or ranges of prices for treatment options, only 2 were about surgery decisions despite the fact that surgery decision aids were the most common. Our findings suggest that presentation of cost information in decision aids is highly variable. Evidence-based guidelines should be developed by the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) Collaboration.
Managed Not Missing
Authors: Brown-Bowers Amy , Gurevich Maria , Vasilovsky Alexander T. , Cosma Stephanie , Matti Sarde
Published: January 2015

Our article describes findings from a project exploring sexual agency and desire among young women, focusing on the negotiation of sexuality within relationship contexts. Adopting a social constructionist framework, we used discourse analysis to examine semi-structured, audio-taped interviews with 39 Canadian young women (aged 18–26). Three related interpretive repertoires were identified, namely, (a) Sex as Relationship Hygiene (i.e., beneficial to the health of one’s relationship), (b) Sex as Exercise-esque (i.e., part of a wellness regime), and (c) Sex as Economy Exchange (i.e., a commodifiable practice within the heterosexual marketplace). Desire was not absent from participants’ accounts, however, it was channeled into specific forms of sexual expression and mediated by multiple and competing cultural imperatives. The interpretive repertoires provided spaces for agentic sex within which subjective sexual desire was not the primary motive but rather was subordinate to a rhetoric of self- and relationship improvement as a key register of sexuality. We discuss these findings in the context of postfeminist directives about sexual desirability and proficiency that young women must traverse as they develop ideas about successful female sexuality within heterosexual relationships.
Sports Participation 2 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Athletes Who Had Not Returned to Sport at 1 Year
Authors: Ardern Clare L. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Feller Julian A. , Whitehead Timothy S. , Webster Kate E.
Published: January 2015

Background:

A return to their preinjury level of sport is frequently expected within 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, yet up to two-thirds of athletes may not have achieved this milestone. The subsequent sports participation outcomes of athletes who have not returned to their preinjury level sport by 1 year after surgery have not previously been investigated.

Purpose:

To investigate return-to-sport rates at 2 years after surgery in athletes who had not returned to their preinjury level sport at 1 year after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A consecutive cohort of competitive- and recreational-level athletes was recruited prospectively before undergoing ACL reconstruction at a private orthopaedic clinic. Participants were followed up at 1 and 2 years after surgery with a sports activity questionnaire that collected information regarding returning to sport, sports participation, and psychological responses. An independent physical therapist evaluated physical function at 1 year using hop tests and the International Knee Documentation Committee knee examination form and subjective knee evaluation.

Results:

A group of 122 competitive- and recreational-level athletes who had not returned to their preinjury level sport at 1 year after ACL reconstruction participated. Ninety-one percent of the athletes returned to some form of sport after surgery. At 2 years after surgery, 66% were playing sport, with 41% playing their preinjury level of sport and 25% playing a lower level of sport. Having a previous ACL reconstruction to either knee, poorer hop-test symmetry and subjective knee function, and more negative psychological responses were associated with not playing the preinjury level sport at 2 years.

Conclusion:

Most athletes who were not playing sport at 1 year had returned to some form of sport within 2 years after ACL reconstruction, which may suggest that athletes can take longer than the clinically expected time of 1 year to return to sport. However, only 2 of every 5 athletes were playing their preinjury level of sport at 2 years after surgery. When the results of the current study were combined with the results of athletes who had returned to sport at 1 year, the overall rate of return to the preinjury level sport at 2 years was 60%. Demographics, physical function, and psychological factors were related to playing the preinjury level sport at 2 years after surgery, supporting the notion that returning to sport after surgery is multifactorial.
Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Resection in Symptomatic Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis Combined With Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Park Yong Bok , Koh Kyoung Hwan , Shon Min Soo , Park Young Eun , Yoo Jae Chul
Published: January 2015

Background:

The treatment of symptomatic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injury in the rotator cuff (RC) tear has not been well clarified.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical results between patients who had distal clavicle resection (DCR) and those who did not during RC repair.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

From August 2008 to December 2009, a total of 56 consecutive patients (58 shoulders) were included. All patients had either a full-thickness or high-grade (>50%) RC tear, ACJ tenderness, arthritic change visible on plain radiographs, and a positive ACJ lidocaine injection test the day before surgery. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: DCR and RC repair (DCR+RCR group) and RC repair only (isolated RCR). Evaluation was performed preoperatively, at 6 months postoperatively, and at a final follow-up a minimum of 24 months postoperatively using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant shoulder score, range of motion examination, and pain visual analog scale (VAS).

Results:

After simple randomization, 26 shoulders were allocated in the DCR+RCR group, and 32 were placed in the isolated RCR group. Five shoulders in the DCR+RCR group and 6 in the isolated RCR group were excluded from analysis due to loss of follow-up. Therefore, the evaluation was performed for 21 shoulders in the DCR+RCR group and 26 shoulders in the isolated RCR group. The mean follow-up period was 44.2 months in the DCR+RCR group and 44.0 months in the isolated RCR group. There were no differences in age, sex, symptom duration, RC tear size, or preoperative ASES, Constant, and VAS scores between the 2 groups ( P > .05). At final follow-up, the ASES, Constant, and VAS scores were significantly improved in both groups ( P < .001). There were no differences in ASES, Constant, and VAS scores between the 2 groups at final follow-up ( P > .05), and there was no difference in residual ACJ tenderness (7 in the DCR+RCR group and 5 in the isolated RCR group) between the 2 groups ( P = .270).

Conclusion:

There was no difference in the clinical evaluations between the combined arthroscopic DCR and RCR group and the isolated RCR group at a minimum 24-month follow-up. Arthroscopic DCR should be carefully considered in patients who have symptomatic ACJ arthritis with RC tears.
Dynamic shop floor re-scheduling approach inspired by a neuroendocrine regulation mechanism
Authors: Zheng Kun , Tang Dunbing , Giret Adriana , Gu Wenbin , Wu Xing
Published: January 2015

With the development of the market globalisation trend and increasing customer orientation, many uncertainties have entered into the manufacturing context. To create an agile response to the emergence of and change in conditions, this article presents a dynamic shop floor re-scheduling approach inspired by a neuroendocrine regulation mechanism. The dynamic re-scheduling function is the result of cooperation among several autonomous bio-inspired manufacturing cells with computing power and optimisation capabilities. The dynamic re-scheduling model is designed based on hormone regulation principles to agilely respond to the frequent occurrence of unexpected disturbances at the shop floor level. The cooperation mechanisms of the dynamic re-scheduling model are described in detail, and a test bed is set up to simulate and verify the dynamic re-scheduling approach. The results verify that the proposed method is able to improve the performances and enhance the stability of a manufacturing system.
Numerical and experimental investigation on the effects of submerged arc welding sequence on the residual distortion of the fillet welded plates
Authors: Zargar Setayesh Hakkak , Farahani Mohammadreza , Givi Mohamad Kazem Besharati
Published: January 2015

In this study, in order to estimate the residual distortions of the fillet welded plates, three-dimensional finite element simulation was employed. The simulation included the uncoupled thermal and structural analyses which used the element birth and death technique to simulate the addition of weld metal to the workpiece. The accuracy of the finite element model was assessed by comparing the distortion results with experimental measurements. The effects of five different welding sequences on the residual distortion in fillet welded plates were investigated. The residual welding distortion in different positions for fillet welded plates was studied. It is obtained that by choosing the appropriate welding sequence, the maximum vertical residual distortion could be decreased significantly.