bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jupiter’s Unearthly Jets: A New Turbulent Model Exhibiting Statistical Steadiness without Large-Scale Dissipation*
Authors: Thomson Stephen I. , McIntyre Michael E.
Published: October 2015

A longstanding mystery about Jupiter has been the straightness and steadiness of its weather-layer jets, quite unlike terrestrial strong jets with their characteristic unsteadiness and long-wavelength meandering. The problem is addressed in two steps. The first is to take seriously the classic Dowling–Ingersoll (DI) 1½-layer scenario and its supporting observational evidence, pointing toward deep, massive, zonally symmetric zonal jets in the underlying dry-convective layer. The second is to improve the realism of the model stochastic forcing used to represent the effects of Jupiter’s moist convection, as far as possible within the 1½-layer dynamics of the DI scenario. The real moist convection should be strongest in the belts where the interface to the deep flow is highest and coldest and should generate cyclones as well as anticyclones, with the anticyclones systematically stronger. The new model forcing reflects these insights. Also, it acts quasi frictionally on large scales to produce statistically steady turbulent weather-layer regimes without any need for explicit large-scale dissipation, and with weather-layer jets that are approximately straight thanks to the influence of the deep jets, allowing shear stability despite nonmonotonic potential vorticity gradients when the Rossby deformation length scale is not too large. Moderately strong forcing produces chaotic vortex dynamics and realistic belt–zone contrasts in the model’s convective activity, through an eddy-induced sharpening and strengthening of the weather-layer jets relative to the deep jets, tilting the interface between them. Weak forcing, for which the only jet-sharpening mechanism is the passive, Kelvin shearing of vortices (as in the zonostrophic instability mechanism), produces unrealistic belt–zone contrasts.
A Localized Particle Filter for High-Dimensional Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Poterjoy Jonathan
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a new data assimilation approach based on the particle filter (PF) that has potential for nonlinear/non-Gaussian applications in geoscience. Particle filters provide a Monte Carlo approximation of a system’s probability density, while making no assumptions regarding the underlying error distribution. The proposed method is similar to the PF in that particles—also referred to as ensemble members—are weighted based on the likelihood of observations in order to approximate posterior probabilities of the system state. The new approach, denoted the local PF, extends the particle weights into vector quantities to reduce the influence of distant observations on the weight calculations via a localization function. While the number of particles required for standard PFs scales exponentially with the dimension of the system, the local PF provides accurate results using relatively few particles. In sensitivity experiments performed with a 40-variable dynamical system, the local PF requires only five particles to prevent filter divergence for both dense and sparse observation networks. Comparisons of the local PF and ensemble Kalman filters (EnKFs) reveal advantages of the new method in situations resembling geophysical data assimilation applications. In particular, the new filter demonstrates substantial benefits over EnKFs when observation networks consist of densely spaced measurements that relate nonlinearly to the model state—analogous to remotely sensed data used frequently in weather analyses.
Antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools: A systematic review
Authors: Stomski Norman Jay , Morrison Paul , Meyer Amanda
Published: October 2015

Objective:

The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the psychometric properties of antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools.

Methods:

Systematic searches were undertaken in PubMed, CINAHL and CENTRAL from inception to October 2014. Studies were included if they detailed the evaluation of psychometric properties of antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools in mental health populations. Studies were excluded if they examined the use of antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools in non-mental health populations, including people suffering from dementia, Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s. Narrative reviews and studies published in any language other than English were also excluded.

Results:

Content validity was appropriately established for only one of the tools, reliability was inappropriately evaluated for all but one tool, and the assessment of responsiveness was not acceptable for any tool.

Conclusion:

Further psychometric studies are warranted to consolidate the psychometric properties of the included antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools before any of these tools can be confidently recommended for either research or clinical purposes.
Adult Children’s Problems and Mothers’ Well-Being
Authors: Pillemer Karl , Suitor J. Jill , Riffin Catherine , Gilligan Megan
Published: October 2015

This article explores whether understanding of the effects of children’s problems on older parents’ well-being can be advanced by exploring differences in parent–child relationships within families. Using data from a study in which mothers reported on all adult children, we addressed the question: Do patterns of maternal favoritism moderate the impact of children’s problems on psychological well-being? Based on the literature on the effects of children’s problems and on parental favoritism, we hypothesized that problems in the lives of favored adult children will have a more detrimental impact than when they affect unfavored offspring. Results revealed strong and detrimental effects of any offspring’s problems on mothers’ well-being; these effects occurred, however, regardless of parental preference for an adult child. The findings suggest that the well-documented effects of parental preference may be limited in domains such as problems and difficult transitions in adult children’s lives.
Precise assembly of 3D truss structures using MLE-based error prediction and correction
Authors: Komendera Erik , Correll Nikolaus
Published: October 2015

We describe a method to construct precise truss structures from non-precise commodity parts. Trusses with precision in the order of micrometers, such as the truss of a space telescope, have previously been built using precisely machined truss connection systems. This approach is expensive, heavy, and prone to failure, e.g. when a single element is lost. In the past, we have proposed a novel concept in which non-precise commodity parts can be aligned using intelligent precision jigging robots and then welded in place. Even when using highly precise sensors and actuators, this approach can still lead to errors due to thermal expansion and structural deformation. In this paper, we describe and evaluate algorithms for generating truss assembly sequences that reduce the expected error by (1) using a heuristic to generate build sequences that reduce the expected variance, and (2) during assembly, estimating the structure’s pose using maximum likelihood estimation that combines local measurements by different intelligent precision jigging robots, improves this estimate during loop closures in the construction process, and uses this estimate to correct for errors during construction. We show through simulation and physical experiment that this combined approach reduces assembly error, enabling precision construction with commodity materials. While the model herein is based on truss structures, the proposed methods generalize to a larger class of incremental assembly problems, which exhibit continuous rather than discrete errors.
Online collision prediction among 2D polygonal and articulated obstacles
Authors: Lu Yanyan , Xi Zhonghua , Lien Jyh-Ming
Published: October 2015

Collision prediction is a fundamental operation for planning motion in dynamic environments. Existing methods usually exploit complex behavior models or use dynamic constraints in collision prediction. However, these methods all assume simple geometry, such as a disc, which significantly limits their applicability. This paper proposes a new approach that advances collision prediction beyond disc robots and handles arbitrary polygons and articulated objects. Our new tool predicts collision by assuming that obstacles are adversarial. Comparing to an online motion planner that replans periodically at fixed time intervals and a planner that approximates obstacle with discs, our experimental results provide strong evidence that the new method significantly reduces the number of replans while maintaining a higher success rate of finding a valid path. Our geometric-based collision prediction method provides a tool for handling highly complex shapes and provides an approach complementary to those methods that consider behavior and dynamic constraints of objects with simple shapes.
Quantitative Methodologies Reveal a Diversity of Nutrition, Infection/Illness, and Psychosocial Stressors During Pregnancy and Lactation in Rural Mam-Mayan Mother–Infant Dyads From the Western Highlands of Guatemala
Authors: Chomat Anne Marie , Solomons Noel W. , Koski Kristine G. , Wren Hilary M. , Vossenaar Marieke , Scott Marilyn E.
Published: October 2015

Background:

The nature and severity of 3 categories of maternal stressors (nutritional, infectious, and psychosocial) that may impact maternal health and early infant growth are not often considered together.

Objectives:

To describe quantitative methodologies; assess construct validity of questionnaires; report variability in sociodemographic, obstetric, nutritional, infectious, and psychosocial characteristics; and compare characteristics between pregnancy and lactation and between study cohorts of Mam-Mayan mother–infant dyads.

Methods:

Grounded in participatory action research and a socioecological framework, this observational study enrolled a longitudinal cohort of 155 women, followed during pregnancy (6-9 months), early (0-6 weeks), and later (4-6 months) postpartum, and 2 cross-sectional cohorts (60 early and 56 later postpartum). Household and social factors; obstetric history; nutritional, infectious, and psychosocial stressors; and infant characteristics were explored.

Results:

Diet diversity (3.4 ± 1.3) and adult food security (38%) were low. Urinary and gastrointestinal infections were rare (<5%), whereas experience of local idioms of distress was frequent (20%-50%). Participants reported low maternal autonomy (81%), high paternal support (70%), small social support networks (2.7 ± 1.3 individuals), and high trust in family (88%) and community-based institutions (61%-65%) but low trust in government services (6%). Domestic violence was commonly reported (22%). Infant stunting was common (36% early postpartum and 43% later postpartum) despite frequent antenatal care visits (7.5 ± 3.8). Participant engagement with the research team did not influence study outcomes based on comparisons between longitudinal and cross-sectional cohorts.

Conclusions:

The variability in sociodemographic, nutritional, and psychosocial variables, will allow exploration of factors that promote resilience or increase vulnerability of the mother–infant dyad.
Synergism and antagonism of phosphorus-containing epoxy resin combined with different metal hydroxides
Authors: Liao Honghui , Liu Yuansen , Jiang Jun , Li Jiang , Liu Yuan
Published: October 2015

Phosphorus-containing epoxy resin is an intrinsic flame-retardant thermoset polymer with P element chemically grafted on the backbone of the macromolecular chains. In this article, two inorganic metal hydroxide flame retardants, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide possessing similar flame retardance mechanism, show completely opposite effects, that is, synergism and antagonism when combined with phosphorus-containing epoxy resin, respectively. The corresponding mechanisms were investigated by comparing their theoretical releasing water ratio, the difference of their decomposition temperature and that of phosphorus-containing epoxy resin, and the chemical properties of their metal oxides. It revealed that the different alkalinity of their metal oxides is the main factor leading to the opposite effects. As an alkaline metal oxide, the decomposition product MgO of magnesium hydroxide has higher acid-combination capacity than amphoteric oxide Al2O3 of aluminum hydroxide. The former easily dissolves and reacts with the produced phosphorus acids from phosphorus-containing epoxy resin and is finally converted into magnesium phosphate with chemical inertness, thus greatly consuming the charring catalyst H3PO4; hence, the amount and quality of the formed char decreased. In contrast, Al2O3 hardly reacts with the H3PO4, which keeps enough concentration of the acid to catalyze the resin into more dense and continuous char; meanwhile, the insoluble Al2O3 particles imbedded in the residues further increase the barrier properties of the char layer.
Genome-Wide Screen Reveals Rhythmic Regulation of Genes Involved in Odor Processing in the Olfactory Epithelium
Authors: Saleh Manjana , Jürchott Karsten , Oberland Sonja , Neuhaus Eva M. , Kramer Achim , Abraham Ute
Published: October 2015

Odor discrimination behavior displays circadian fluctuations in mice, indicating that mammalian olfactory function is under control of the circadian system. This is further supported by the facts that odor discrimination rhythms depend on the presence of clock genes and that olfactory tissues contain autonomous circadian clocks. However, the molecular link between circadian function and olfactory processing is still unknown. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this link, we focused on the olfactory epithelium (OE), the primary target of odors and the site of the initial events in olfactory processing. We asked whether olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) within the OE possess an autonomous circadian clock and whether olfactory pathways are under circadian control. Employing clock gene–driven bioluminescence reporter assays and time-dependent immunohistochemistry on OE samples, we found robust circadian rhythms of core clock genes and their proteins in OSNs, suggesting that the OE indeed contains an autonomous circadian clock. Furthermore, we performed a circadian transcriptome analysis and identified several OSN-specific components that are under circadian control, including those with putative roles in circadian olfactory processing, such as KIRREL2—an established factor involved in short-term OSN activation. The spatiotemporal expression patterns of our candidate proteins suggest that they are involved in short-term anabolic processes to rhythmically prepare the cell for peak performances and to promote circadian function of OSNs.
Direct transformation of tree-ring measurements into palaeoclimate reconstructions in three-dimensional space
Authors: Matskovsky Vladimir , Helama Samuli
Published: October 2015

Here we propose a new method for dendroclimatic reconstructions. This DIrect REConstruction Technique (DIRECT) performs modelling of the age-dependent association between climate and growth in three-dimensional space and directly transforms the raw tree-ring values (on the scale of original growth units) into climate variability while considering the effect of age in this relationship. DIRECT was applied to maximum latewood density (MXD) data from Finnish/Swedish Lapland. The new DIRECT reconstruction was compared with a reconstruction produced using regional curve standardization (RCS), a method that is often used to preserve the low-frequency variability in tree-ring proxy data. Comparison of the DIRECT and RCS methods showed that both produced summer temperature reconstructions with approximately equal amounts of low-frequency palaeoclimate information. The DIRECT method avoids traditional detrending techniques by considering the cambial age of each tree when building the statistical climate–proxy model and identifying non-linear relationships between climate and tree growth. DIRECT provides objective consideration and removal of differential growth rates and age-related noise without losing the low-frequency portion of palaeoclimate variability. It is anticipated that DIRECT will prove to be a useful tool in regions where strong climate control enables the use of tree rings for palaeoclimate reconstructions.
Communication and Culture in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Conn Lesley Gotlib , Haas Barbara , Cuthbertson Brian H. , Amaral Andre C. , Coburn Natalie , Nathens Avery B.
Published: October 2015

This ethnography explores communication around critically ill surgical patients in three surgical intensive care units (ICUs) in Canada. A boundary framework is used to articulate how surgeons’, intensivists’, and nurses’ communication practices shape and are shaped by their respective disciplinary perspectives and experiences. Through 50 hours of observations and 43 interviews, these health care providers are found to engage in seven communication behaviors that either mitigate or magnify three contested symbolic boundaries: expertise, patient ownership, and decisional authority. Where these boundaries are successfully mitigated, experiences of collaborative, high-quality patient care are produced; by contrast, boundary magnification produces conflict and perceptions of unsafe patient care. Findings reveal that high quality and safe patient care are produced through complex social and cultural interactions among surgeons, intensivists, and nurses that are also expressions of knowledge and power. This enhances our understanding of why current quality improvement efforts targeting communication may be ineffective.
Numerical modeling of deformation and fracture of reinforcing fibers in ceramic–metal composites
Authors: Poniżnik Z , Nowak Z , Basista M
Published: October 2015

This paper is concerned with numerical modeling of deformation and fracture of a metal ligament bridging the crack faces in ceramic–metal composites, as a prerequisite for the determination of the J integral for composites with interpenetrating microstructure. A finite element model is proposed of an elasto-plastic crack-reinforcing fiber undergoing large plastic deformations and progressive debonding from the elastic matrix through a cohesive matrix–fiber interface. The σ-u relationships are derived first in the case of pullout of an elasto-plastic fiber embedded in an elastic matrix and then in uniaxial tension of the elasto-plastic fiber bridging the crack faces in elastic matrix. The obtained numerical results are discussed and compared with the theoretical predictions reported by other authors.
Effects superposition under imposed deterioration and simultaneous fatigue in different regimes
Authors: Jinescu Valeriu V , Nicolof Vali-Ifigenia , Terodorescu Nicoleta
Published: October 2015

The problems of loading superposition of low cycle fatigue, finite cycle fatigue and high cycle fatigue on cracked structure are analyzed. The nonlinear power law behavior of the structure material has been considered. A strength criterion was established for a cracked structure under low cycle fatigue, finite cycle fatigue, and high cycle fatigue loading taking into account the deterioration. On the basis of concept of the specific energy participation and using Basquin’s law and Coffin–Manson’s law, a general relationship of fatigue life was established in the case of superposition of low cycle fatigue, finite cycle fatigue, and high cycle fatigue loadings on a mechanical structure deteriorated due to cracks. The derived relationships depend on the high cycle fatigue and finite cycle fatigue mean stress and on the low cycle fatigue mean strain, as well as on deterioration. Relationships for the deterioration calculation were established. Experimental work was performed for specimens with cracks, made of steel, statically and cyclically loaded. A numerical example shows how the established relationships may be used.
Moral Truth and Compounded Trauma
Authors: Thiel Darren
Published: October 2015

This article examines the impact of acquittal of homicide defendants on the families of the homicide victim(s), illustrating how the families’ trauma was framed and complicated by the criminal justice process. Homicide trials had particularly compounded their trauma because to manage and partially repair the shattered reality wrought by the homicide, the families were compelled to construct moral and causal narratives about the event. Yet, defense counter-narratives conflicted with those of the families, and the acquittal validated those as truth. This fractured the families’ repair work, denied their claims to victimhood, and prolonged their bereavement indefinitely.
Inhalation of Talc Induces Infiltration of Macrophages and Upregulation of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Rats
Authors: Shim Ilseob , Kim Hyun-mi , Yang Sangyoung , Choi Min , Seo Gyun-baek , Lee Byung-Woo , Yoon Byung-Il , Kim Pilje , Choi Kyunghee
Published: October 2015

Talc is a mineral that is widely used in cosmetic products, antiseptics, paints, and rubber manufacturing. Although the toxicological effects of talc have been studied extensively, until now no detailed inhalation study of talc focusing on oxidative stress has been done. This repeated 4 weeks whole-body inhalation toxicity study of talc involved Sprague-Dawley rats. Male and female groups of rats were exposed to inhaled talc at 0, 5, 50, and 100 mg/m3 for 6 hours daily, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. The objective was to identify the 4-week inhalation toxicity of talc and investigate antioxidant activity after exposure to talc. There were no treatment-related symptoms or mortality in rats treated with talc. Glucose (GLU) was decreased significantly in male rats exposed to 50 and 100 mg/m3 of talc. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of macrophages on the alveolar walls and spaces near the terminal and respiratory bronchioles. In male and female rats exposed to 100 mg/m3 talc, expression of superoxide dismutase 2, a typical biological indicator of oxidative damage, was significantly increased. Thus, inhalation of talc induces macrophage aggregations and oxidative damage in the lung.
A hybrid method for fast and efficient rough surface generation
Authors: Francisco Arthur , Brunetière Noël
Published: October 2015

Since many years, the pioneering work of Hu and Tonder is used to generate rough surfaces with prescribed statistical moments (skewness and kurtosis) along with spatial properties (correlation lengths). The present work enlightens the drawbacks of this method and it proposes an original approach based on a hybrid analytical/numerical method. Simulations are conducted on very different surface specimens and the method is validated over a wide range of statistical moments. The results are obtained with high accuracy (beyond what is usually needed) and very short computing times (the order of a second).
The transformation of partisan rhetoric in American presidential campaigns, 1952–2012
Authors: Rhodes Jesse H , Albert Zachary
Published: October 2015

What are the dynamics of partisan rhetoric in presidential campaigns? (How) has presidential candidate partisanship changed over time? Analyzing a comprehensive dataset of party-related statements in presidential campaign speeches over the 1952–2012 period, we show that Democratic and Republican candidates have taken distinctive approaches to partisanship. Overall, Democratic candidates have been partisans, while Republicans have largely refrained from partisan rhetoric on the campaign trail. However, this difference has narrowed substantially over time, due to a dramatic decline in the partisanship of Democratic presidential candidates. We argue that Democratic and Republican candidates have adopted different campaign strategies that reflect both enduring party differences and changing political contexts. Though naturally inclined to partisanship, Democratic candidates have adopted more conciliatory strategies primarily in response to growing public antipathy toward partisan rancor. In contrast, Republicans’ tendency toward more conciliatory rhetoric has been reinforced by political developments discouraging partisan campaigning.
Party nomination strategies in flexible-list systems
Authors: André Audrey , Depauw Sam , Shugart Matthew S , Chytilek Roman
Published: October 2015

A paradox in the comparative literature on electoral systems is that one of the most common systems in Europe – flexible-list proportional representation systems – may be the least understood. Any study of flexible-list systems must start by acknowledging a puzzle: why candidates spend time and effort striving to win preference votes when typically these votes make no difference between election and defeat. Offering the first comprehensive multi-country test of this key puzzle, we provide evidence from Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia that parties will promote to better list ranks in the next election those candidates who are successful at winning preference votes, thereby improving their prospects of election in the longer term and incentivizing them to cultivate personal reputations. Our findings have important implications for party scholars and practitioners when designing, or reforming, political institutions.
Triggering change – How investigative journalists in Sub-Saharan Africa contribute to solving problems in society
Authors: Lublinski Jan , Spurk Christoph , Fleury Jean-Marc , Labassi Olfa , Mbarga Gervais , Nicolas Marie Lou , Rizk Tilda Abou
Published: October 2015

This article analyses 12 cases of investigative journalism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The reporters all claimed to have contributed to change processes by influencing government policy, action by state administration, supporting the uptake of scientific solutions or provoking public debate. An assessment of these processes shows that in 10 cases, the journalists indeed helped to trigger change and in two cases they failed to do so. The cases are evaluated through an explorative approach inspired by the dynamic models for communication on public issues developed by Rucht and Peters. Different types of investigative stories in Sub-Saharan Africa are identified and hypotheses are developed on key factors that were important in investigating and publishing the stories as well as in achieving change. A decisive element of investigative journalism in Sub-Saharan Africa seems to be the involvement of and the interaction with other societal non-journalist actors.
Cross-cultural responses to performance appraisals in Germany and France
Authors: Bacouel-Jentjens Sabine , Brandl Julia
Published: October 2015

This article examines the responses of subsidiaries in France and Germany to the performance appraisal system from their US parent company. In addition to existing research, we base our results on employee perception (and not human resources-specialist opinion) and analyse in detail cross-cultural differences with regards to the specific phases of a performance appraisal. Our results show that the taken-for-granted features of to the US-style performance evaluation process are not reflected in the same way in different cultural settings. Employee expectations in the French subsidiary focused strongly on the performance criteria and the evaluation process, whilst their German counterparts were more preoccupied by appraisal outcomes.
It Just Didn’t Work Out
Authors: Martin Jason M.
Published: October 2015

First-year college student retention is important to colleges and universities, as well as beyond academia. An analysis was conduced of emergent themes and subthemes from 144 nonreturning students’ stories about school and about home throughout their first-year experience. These students wrote more negative stories about school-related events than they did positive ones and exhibited low levels of campus involvement or engagement. Also, they seemed to struggle with their college living experience, including socially and financially, and dealing with trouble at home. Three of the study’s demographic groups—women, students of color, and first-generation students—represented notable percentages of nonreturners. Researchers should focus more on what goes on during students’ first year of college both on- and off campus to better understand reasons for withdrawing. In doing so, college and university personnel can work more effectively with high school officials, parents, and students to achieve academic and personal success.
Modeling, validation and firing-on-the-move control of armored vehicles using active front-wheel steering
Authors: Abd Kadir Zulkiffli , Hudha Khisbullah , Zamzuri Hairi , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Murrad Muhamad , Imaduddin Fitrian
Published: October 2015

It is a well-known fact that an armored vehicle will lose its directional stability when firing a large-caliber gun while moving. The instability is caused by the impulse force from firing, acting at the center of a weapons platform that produces a yaw moment at the center of gravity of the armored vehicle. In order to improve the stability, this paper introduces a firing-on-the-move technology for armored vehicles using an active front-wheel steering (AFS) system. The AFS system is proposed to maintain the directional stability of the armored vehicle by providing an electronically controlled correction to the steering mechanism. The steering correction is designed to reject the unwanted yaw motion and bring the vehicle back to its intended direction of travel after firing. The proposed control strategy of the AFS system in this study consists of yaw rate feedback with lateral force rejection control. The AFS system controller is developed on a validated 10-degrees-of-freedom armored vehicle. The results indicate that the developed control strategy can effectively maintain the directional stability, in terms of yaw and lateral motions, of the armored vehicle after firing. The superiority of the proposed AFS system controller is also evaluated by comparing its performance to an AFS system without lateral force rejection control as well as to a conventional armored vehicle without AFS.
Osteomyelitis of the hand
Authors: Pinder R. , Barlow G.
Published: October 2015

Osteomyelitis of the hand is uncommon, but if not adequately and promptly treated the detrimental effects on hand function can be devastating. The majority of literature on osteomyelitis relates to the lower limb, but the principles of management are applicable to the hand, with good surgical debridement and culture-guided antimicrobial therapy. For osteomyelitis in general, antibiotic therapy of 4–6 weeks’ duration (intravenous and/or oral) is typically recommended. In the hand, length and mode of antibiotic administration are still under study.

Level of Evidence: V
A case of Epstein–Barr encephalitis with some curiosities
Authors: Pinto Joana , Carvalho Sílvia , Pereira Cristina , Figueira Carolina , Robalo Conceição
Published: October 2015

We present the magnetic resonance imaging findings of an eight-year-old boy with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) encephalitis, with special attention to lesion neuroanatomic distribution, diffusion-weighted images, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). T2 and FLAIR-weighted images showed bilateral and symmetric basal nuclei lesions, with diffusion facilitation. MRS of the lesions demonstrated elevated lactate/lipid and excitatory neurotransmitters. The purpose of this report is to alert to this imagiologic pattern of EBV infection, and in particular to the fact that facilitated diffusion does occur on EBV encephalitis.
Single, Divorced, or Separated? Factors That Impact the Lives of Women Who Are Heads of Household in Lima, Peru
Authors: Alvarado Beatriz , del Carmen Vilchez Rosa
Published: October 2015

The rupture of a conjugal relationship has both a positive and negative impact on the lives of immediate family members. Although for many women terminating marriage may signal freedom from an oppressive, even violent conjugal relationship, it is undeniable that this separation also results in strong social pressure and discrimination in certain contexts, a situation which limits the woman’s freedom of action in and outside of the home. The purpose of this descriptive, phenomenological study is to explore the experiences of 15 Peruvian, urban-based mothers, all of whom made the decision to exchange marriage for single parenthood within the confines of a strong patriarchal system. The study follows the actions of the women as they seek to overcome obstacles related to parenting and the management of their respective households. Three emerging themes are identified in this study: (a) the development of the woman’s relationship as wife and mother, (b) impact of the separation/divorce on the maternal role, and (c) experiences in the single parent household. Implications for social research studies and practice are discussed.
Trends and Disparities in Infant and Child Mortality in Nigeria Using Pooled 2003 and 2008 Demographic and Health Survey Data
Authors: Anyamele Okechukwu D. , Akanegbu Benedict N. , Ukawuilulu John O.
Published: October 2015

We analyze infant and under-5 mortality trends in Nigeria using data from the demographic and health surveys (DHS) of 2003 and 2008. We use pooled data to enable us carry out logistic regression analysis at the state level and allow for robustness of our results. Our analysis shows wide disparities in both infant and under-5 mortality rates in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Furthermore, the results show highly significant differences in infant and under-5 mortality rates among the six geopolitical zones and among the 36 states of Nigeria. Our result shows that urban advantage over rural areas in under-5 mortality rate only exist among the richest quintiles in Nigeria. We find no evidence of statistically significant difference between the urban poorest and poorer quintiles and the rural poorest and poorer quintiles in both infant and under-5 mortality in Nigeria. We find wealth, educational attainment of the mother, the use of health facility, religion, gender of a child, and number of births in the last 3 years to be highly correlated with infant and under-5 mortality in Nigeria. Both infant and under-5 mortality rates declined between 2003 and 2008 in Nigeria.
Hydration Deficit in 9- to 11-Year-Old Egyptian Children
Authors: Gouda Zaghloul , Zarea Mohamed , El-Hennawy Usama , Viltard Mélanie , Lepicard Eve , Hawili Nasrine , Constant Florence
Published: October 2015

Background. Children who drink too little to meet their daily water requirements are likely to become dehydrated, and even mild dehydration can negatively affect health. This is even more important in Middle-Eastern countries where high temperatures increase the risk of dehydration. We assessed morning hydration status in a sample of 519 Egyptian schoolchildren (9-11 years old). Methods. Children completed a questionnaire on breakfast intakes and collected a urine sample after breakfast. Breakfast food and fluid nutritional composition was analyzed and urine osmolality was measured using osmometry. Results. The mean urine osmolality of children was 814 mOsmol/kg: >800 mOsmol/kg (57%) and >1000 mOsmol/kg (24.7%). Furthermore, the results showed that a total water intake of less than 400 mL was associated with a significant higher risk of dehydration. Surprisingly, 63% of the children skipped breakfast. Conclusions. The results showed that a majority of Egyptian schoolchildren arrive at school with a hydration deficit. These results highlight the fact that there is a need to educate schoolchildren about the importance of having a breakfast and adequate hydration.
Clinical and molecular response to interferon-α therapy in essential thrombocythemia patients with CALR mutations
Authors: Verger Emmanuelle , Cassinat Bruno , Chauveau Aurélie , Dosquet Christine , Giraudier Stephane , Schlageter Marie-Hélène , Ianotto Jean-Christophe , Yassin Mohammed A. , Al-Dewik Nader , Carillo Serge , Legouffe Eric , Ugo Valerie , Chomienne Christine , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques
Published: October 2015

Key Points

Pegylated IFNα induces hematologic and molecular remission in CALR-mutated ET patients. The analysis of additional mutations highlights the presence of subclones with variable evolutions during IFNα therapy.
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans: a sugar code for vertebrate development?
Authors: Poulain Fabienne E. , Yost H. Joseph
Published: October 2015

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) have long been implicated in a wide range of cell-cell signaling and cell-matrix interactions, both in vitro and in vivo in invertebrate models. Although many of the genes that encode HSPG core proteins and the biosynthetic enzymes that generate and modify HSPG sugar chains have not yet been analyzed by genetics in vertebrates, recent studies have shown that HSPGs do indeed mediate a wide range of functions in early vertebrate development, for example during left-right patterning and in cardiovascular and neural development. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the various roles of HSPGs in these systems and explore the concept of an instructive heparan sulfate sugar code for modulating vertebrate development.
Epigenetic regulation of Atoh1 guides hair cell development in the mammalian cochlea
Authors: Stojanova Zlatka P. , Kwan Tao , Segil Neil
Published: October 2015

In the developing cochlea, sensory hair cell differentiation depends on the regulated expression of the bHLH transcription factor Atoh1. In mammals, if hair cells die they do not regenerate, leading to permanent deafness. By contrast, in non-mammalian vertebrates robust regeneration occurs through upregulation of Atoh1 in the surviving supporting cells that surround hair cells, leading to functional recovery. Investigation of crucial transcriptional events in the developing organ of Corti, including those involving Atoh1, has been hampered by limited accessibility to purified populations of the small number of cells present in the inner ear. We used µChIP and qPCR assays of FACS-purified cells to track changes in the epigenetic status of the Atoh1 locus during sensory epithelia development in the mouse. Dynamic changes in the histone modifications H3K4me3/H3K27me3, H3K9ac and H3K9me3 reveal a progression from poised, to active, to repressive marks, correlating with the onset of Atoh1 expression and its subsequent silencing during the perinatal (P1 to P6) period. Inhibition of acetylation blocked the increase in Atoh1 mRNA in nascent hair cells, as well as ongoing hair cell differentiation during embryonic organ of Corti development ex vivo. These results reveal an epigenetic mechanism of Atoh1 regulation underlying hair cell differentiation and subsequent maturation. Interestingly, the H3K4me3/H3K27me3 bivalent chromatin structure observed in progenitors persists at the Atoh1 locus in perinatal supporting cells, suggesting an explanation for the latent capacity of these cells to transdifferentiate into hair cells, and highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets in hair cell regeneration.
Carcinoma cells induce lumen filling and EMT in epithelial cells by soluble E-cadherin-mediated activation of EGFR
Authors: Patil Pratima U. , D'Ambrosio Julia , Inge Landon J. , Mason Robert W. , Rajasekaran Ayyappan K.
Published: October 2015

In epithelial cancers, carcinoma cells coexist with normal cells. While it is known that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression it is not completely understood how the tumor influences adjacent normal epithelial cells. In this study, a 3D co-culture system comprising of non-transformed epithelial cells (MDCK) and transformed carcinoma cells (MSV-MDCK) was used to demonstrate that carcinoma cells sequentially induced preneoplastic lumen filling and EMT in epithelial cysts. MMP-9 secreted by carcinoma cells cleaves cellular E-cadherin from epithelial cells to generate soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad), a pro-oncogenic protein. We show that sE-cad induces EGFR activation resulting in lumen filling in MDCK cysts. Long-term sE-cad treatment induced EMT. sE-cad caused lumen filling by induction of the ERK signaling pathway, whereas EMT by the sustained activation of AKT pathway. While it is known that sE-cad induces MMP-9 release and consequent EGFR activation in tumor cells, our results for the first time demonstrate that carcinoma cells can induce sE-cad shedding in adjacent epithelial cells which leads to EGFR activation and the eventual transdifferentiation of the normal epithelial cells.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion with high dose oxaliplatin: Influence of perfusion temperature on postoperative outcome and survival
Authors: Verhulst Johanna
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is becoming a standard therapy in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). Compared to systemic chemotherapy, HIPEC improves survival in patients with PC. This therapy has high morbidity rates (up to 41%). In vitro it has been demonstrated that hyperthermia has a toxic effect on malign cells. However, hyperthermia also affects normal tissue. To my knowledge, any additional effect of hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy has never been demonstrated in a clinical setting. In this study, the effects of hyperthermia on outcome and survival were analyzed.

Methods: Patients with PC from any origin who were treated with HIPEC were included in this retrospective, non-randomized study. Data on patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, features of the surgery and postoperative complications were extracted from patient files. Models predicting time to removal of nasogastric tube (TRNT), post-operative major complications, the occurrence of anastomotic leaks and post-operative survival were built, using negative binomial regression, logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards regression as appropriate.

Results: 138 patients treated with HIPEC were included. Maximal temperature during the operation was not statistically significantly associated with anastomotic leaks or post-operative major complications. Maximal temperature during the operation was negatively associated with post-operative survival (P=0.01).

Conclusion: The results suggest that hyperthermia may negatively affect survival in patients who are treated with HIPEC for PC of various origins. This study has the classical limitations of a retrospective study. Therefore, randomized trials are required to confirm the results.
Neuroimaging and genetic correlates of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Guenter Wojciech , Jabłońska Joanna , Bieliński Maciej , Borkowska Alina
Published: October 2015

Zaburzenia funkcji poznawczych występują u 40-70% chorych w przebiegu stwardnienia rozsianego (multiple sclerosis – MS). Obserwuje się je już we wczesnym stadium choroby, również po przebytym klinicznie izolowanym zespole (clinically isolated syndrome – CIS). Dysfunkcje poznawcze rozwijają się niezależnie od niesprawności fizykalnej. Deficyty dotyczą przede wszystkim szybkości przetwarzania informacji, zdolności wzrokowo-przestrzennych, uwagi, pamięci werbalnej oraz funkcji wykonawczych. Dysfunkcje te mają istotne znaczenie m.in. ze względu na wpływ na codzienne funkcjonowanie, jakość życia oraz ryzyko konwersji z CIS do MS. Zagadnienie zaburzeń funkcji poznawczych w przebiegu MS stało się w ostatnich latach istotnym problemem badawczym. Zasadniczym celem jest zrozumienie neurobiologicznego podłoża tych deficytów. Istotną rolę przypisuje się procesowi neurodegeneracyjnemu związanemu z chorobą oraz patologii w zakresie kory mózgowej i niezmienionej tkanki mózgowej. Dokładniejsza ocena tych zmian jest możliwa dzięki rozwojowi w dziedzinie obrazowania metodą rezonansu magnetycznego. Poszukuje się również wpływu profilu genetycznego na przebieg stwardnienia rozsianego, w tym na objawy poznawcze. Mimo zastosowania nowych technik neuroobrazowania, podłoże zaburzeń funkcji poznawczych w MS nie zostało do tej pory jednoznacznie określone. Zrozumienie mechanizmów leżących u podstaw objawów kognitywnych może poszerzyć naszą wiedzę o patofizjologii choroby, a także przyczynić się do rozwoju nowych strategii i celów leczenia. Artykuł ten stanowi podsumowanie dostępnych badań, w których wykorzystano konwencjonalne oraz nowoczesne metody obrazowania metodą rezonansu magnetycznego do oceny patologii strukturalnych występujących w przebiegu MS oraz czynników genetycznych i ich związku z dysfunkcjami poznawczymi.
Obstructive sleep apnea in severe mental disorders.
Authors: Szaulińska Katarzyna , Pływaczewski Robert , Sikorska Olga , Holka-Pokorska Justyna , Wierzbicka Aleksandra , Wichniak Adam , Śliwiński Paweł
Published: October 2015

Streszczenie
Częstość występowania obturacyjnego bezdechu sennego (OBS) ocenia się na 3-7,5% u mężczyzn i 2-3% u kobiet. U osób chorujących psychicznie jest ona jeszcze wyższa, ponieważ pacjenci ci stanowią grupę z wysokim ryzykiem występowania OBS. Celem opracowania jest przegląd piśmiennictwa na temat występowania bezdechu sennego u chorych na schizofrenię, chorobę afektywną dwubiegunową (CHAD) oraz zaburzenia depresyjne nawracające.
Dostępne dane wskazują, że OBS występuje u 15-48% chorych na schizofrenię, 21-43% chorych na chorobę afektywną dwubiegunową i 11-18% pacjentów z zaburzeniami depresyjnymi nawracającymi. Brak rozpoznania OBS u osób chorujących psychicznie ma liczne negatywne konsekwencje. Objawy bezdechu sennego mogą imitować objawy zaburzeń psychicznych np. objawy depresji lub negatywne objawy schizofrenii, a także przyczyniać się do pogłębienia zaburzeń poznawczych. Część z leków stosowanych w leczeniu zaburzeń psychicznych może nasilać objawy OBS. OBS jest również czynnikiem ryzyka schorzeń sercowo-naczyniowych oraz zaburzeń metabolicznych, które są istotnym problem u osób chorujących psychicznie i przyczyniają się do skrócenia ich oczekiwanego czasu życia. Z punktu widzenia lekarzy zajmujących się leczeniem OBS, ważne jest zwrócenie uwagi na to, że objawy depresyjne są najczęstszą przyczyną tłumaczącą brak ustępowania nadmiernej senność u pacjentów skutecznie leczonych stałym dodatnim ciśnieniem oddechowym (CPAP). Terapia CPAP prowadzi do istotnej poprawy samopoczucia psychicznego, u chorych na schizofrenię i CHAD w nielicznych przypadkach może jednak prowadzić do nagłego pogorszenia stanu psychicznego, do zaostrzenia objawów psychotycznych w przebiegu schizofrenii lub zmiany fazy z depresyjnej na maniakalną w przebiegu CHAD.
The Impact of Huntington Disease on Family Carers: a Literature Overview
Authors: Domaradzki Jan
Published: October 2015

Opieka nad pacjentem chronicznie chorym spoczywa najczęściej na jego rodzinie. Większość badań nad potrzebami, jakością życia i obciążeniem opiekunów opisuje przy tym przypadki różnych form demencji, w tym choroby Alzheimera i Parkinsona, udaru, nowotworu czy chorób psychicznych. Znacznie mniej uwagi poświęca się zaś opiekunom osób z chorobą Huntingtona (HD). Tymczasem, psychospołeczne konsekwencje HD są znacznie poważniejsze i dalekosiężne. Stąd celem tekstu jest dokonanie przeglądu literatury na temat problemów, jakie stwarza dla opiekunów rodzinnych sprawowanie opieki nad pacjentem z HD. Na podstawie dostępnych badań zidentyfikowano następujące aspekty opieki, które są najbardziej obciążające dla opiekunów: negatywne doświadczenia z opieką medyczną i społeczną, niezadowolenie z pełnienia roli opiekuna, lęk o dzieci, utrata więzi emocjonalnej z chorym krewnym, rozpad rodziny i utrata kontaktów społecznych oraz pogorszenie zdrowia. Artykuł opisuje również strategie radzenia sobie z HD. Choć dokonana analiza ukazuje pewne podobieństwa między opieką nad osobą z HD a pacjentem cierpiącym na inne choroby neurodegeneracyjne, to wskazuje zarazem na pewne aspekty HD, które są nieobecne w przypadku innych chorób: wczesny początek choroby, powaga objawów, wydłużony okres chorowania, genetyczny, a więc dziedziczny charakter HD oraz brak wiedzy społeczeństwa na temat HD. Podsumowując rozważania, stwierdza się, że choć w kontekście klinicznym to pacjent z HD jest głównym obiektem uwagi personelu medycznego, niejednokrotnie to rodzinni opiekunowie potrzebują szczególnej uwagi, wsparcia i pomocy.