bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Hormone Kisspeptin on Reproductive Hormone Release in Humans
Authors: Calley Joanne L. , Dhillo Waljit S.
Published: August 2014

The kisspeptins are a family of neuropeptides which act as upstream stimulators of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Kisspeptin signalling is prerequisite to establishing the normal human reproductive phenotype; loss of function mutations in the KISS1 or KISS1R gene produces normosmic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in humans and mice, whilst increased activation of KISS1R causes precocious puberty. Administration of exogenous kisspeptin to human subjects stimulates an acute gonadotrophin rise. Serum kisspeptin levels also markedly increase during pregnancy. The identification of kisspeptin has been one of the biggest discoveries in the field of reproductive endocrinology, since the isolation and sequencing of GnRH in 1977, and has generated a novel research avenue which has received much attention over the past decade. This research has delineated many properties of the KISS1-KISS1R system, but there is still further work to do. Understanding kisspeptin’s role throughout our reproductive lifetime should help us better understand—and therefore treat—disorders of reproductive function. Promisingly, the current data supports the potential to develop kisspeptin based therapies. As an outlook article this paper focusses predominantly on our groups recent investigations into the effects of kisspeptin administration to humans and the potential therapeutic role of kisspeptin.
A Novel Scheduling Index Rule Proposal for QoE Maximization in Wireless Networks
Authors: Taboada Ianire , Liberal Fidel
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with the resource allocation problem aimed at maximizing users’ perception of quality in wireless channels with time-varying capacity. First of all, we model the subjective quality-aware scheduling problem in the framework of Markovian decision processes. Then, given that the obtaining of the optimal solution of this model is unachievable, we propose a simple scheduling index rule with closed-form expression by using a methodology based on Whittle approach. Finally, we analyze the performance of the achieved scheduling proposal in several relevant scenarios, concluding that it outperforms the most popular existing resource allocation strategies.
Scientific Review on the Ionospheric Absorption and Research Prospects of a Complex Eikonal Model for One-Layer Ionosphere
Authors: Settimi Alessandro , Ippolito Alessandro , Cesaroni Claudio , Scotto Carlo
Published: August 2014

The present paper conducts a scientific review on ionospheric absorption, extrapolating the research prospects of a complex eikonal model for one-layer ionosphere. As regards the scientific review, here a quasi-longitudinal (QL) approximation for nondeviative absorption is deduced which is more refined than the corresponding equation reported by Davies (1990). As regards the research prospects, a complex eikonal model for one-layer ionosphere is analyzed in depth here, already discussed by Settimi et al. (2013). A simple formula is deduced for a simplified problem. A flat, layered ionospheric medium is considered, without any horizontal gradient. The authors prove that the QL nondeviative amplitude absorption according to the complex eikonal model is more accurate than Rawer’s theory (1976) in the range of middle critical frequencies.
Histopathological Diagnostic Discrepancies in Soft Tissue Tumours Referred to a Specialist Centre: Reassessment in the Era of Ancillary Molecular Diagnosis
Authors: Thway Khin , Wang Jayson , Mubako Taka , Fisher Cyril
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Soft tissue tumour pathology is a highly specialised area of surgical pathology, but soft tissue neoplasms can occur at virtually all sites and are therefore encountered by a wide population of surgical pathologists. Potential sarcomas require referral to specialist centres for review by pathologists who see a large number of soft tissue lesions and where appropriate ancillary investigations can be performed. We have previously assessed the types of diagnostic discrepancies between referring and final diagnosis for soft tissue lesions referred to our tertiary centre. We now reaudit this 6 years later, assessing changes in discrepancy patterns, particularly in relation to the now widespread use of ancillary molecular diagnostic techniques which were not prevalent in our original study.Materials and Methods. We compared the sarcoma unit's histopathology reports with referring reports on 348 specimens from 286 patients with suspected or proven soft tissue tumours in a one-year period.Results. Diagnostic agreement was seen in 250 cases (71.8%), with 57 (16.4%) major and 41 (11.8%) minor discrepancies. There were 23 cases of benign/malignant discrepancies (23.5% of all discrepancies). 50 ancillary molecular tests were performed, 33 for aiding diagnosis and 17 mutational analyses for gastrointestinal stromal tumour to guide therapy. Findings from ancillary techniques contributed to 3 major and 4 minor discrepancies. While the results were broadly similar to those of the previous study, there was an increase in frequency of major discrepancies.Conclusion. Six years following our previous study and notably now in an era of widespread ancillary molecular diagnosis, the overall discrepancy rate between referral and tertiary centre diagnosis remains similar, but there is an increase in frequency of major discrepancies likely to alter patient management. A possible reason for the increase in major discrepancies is the increasing lack of exposure to soft tissue cases in nonspecialist centres in a time of subspecialisation. The findings support the national guidelines in which all suspected soft tissue tumour pathology specimens should be referred to a specialist sarcoma unit.
The Effect of Salinity on Membrane Fouling Characteristics in an Intermittently Aerated Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Xie Kang , Xia Siqing , Song Jing , Li Jixiang , Qiu Liping , Wang Jiabin , Zhang Shoubin
Published: August 2014

The effect of salinity on the membrane fouling characteristics was investigated in the intermittently aerated membrane bioreactor (IAMBR). Five different salinity loadings were set from 0 to 35 g·L−1(referring to NaCl), respectively. The removal of total organic carbon (TOC) and ammonia-nitrogen (NH4+-N) was gradually decreased with increasing salinity. The variation of membrane filtration resistance, particle size distribution (PSD), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), soluble microbial products (SMP), and relative hydrophobicity (RH) analysis revealed that salinity has a significant effect on sludge characteristics in IAMBR. The results also indicated that the membrane fouling is often caused by the integration of sludge characteristics in saline wastewater.
Predicting Postoperative Vomiting for Orthopedic Patients Receiving Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia with the Application of an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Gong Cihun-Siyong Alex , Yu Lu , Ting Chien-Kun , Tsou Mei-Yung , Chang Kuang-Yi , Shen Chih-Long , Lin Shih-Pin
Published: August 2014

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) was used in many patients receiving orthopedic surgery to reduce postoperative pain but is accompanied with certain incidence of vomiting. Predictions of the vomiting event, however, were addressed by only a few authors using logistic regression (LR) models. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are pattern-recognition tools that can be used to detect complex patterns within data sets. The purpose of this study was to develop the ANN based predictive model to identify patients with high risk of vomiting during PCEA used. From January to March 2007, the PCEA records of 195 patients receiving PCEA after orthopedic surgery were used to develop the two predicting models. The ANN model had a largest area under curve (AUC) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The areas under ROC curves of ANN and LR models were 0.900 and 0.761, respectively. The computer-based predictive model should be useful in increasing vigilance in those patients most at risk for vomiting while PCEA is used, allowing for patient-specific therapeutic intervention, or even in suggesting the use of alternative methods of analgesia.
Metabolic Acidosis and Strong Ion Gap in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Zheng Cai-Mei , Liu Wen-Chih , Zheng Jing-Quan , Liao Min-Tser , Ma Wen-Ya , Hung Kuo-Chin , Lu Chien-Lin , Wu Chia-Chao , Lu Kuo-Cheng
Published: August 2014

Purpose. To determine the influence of physicochemical parameters on survival in metabolic acidosis (MA) and acute kidney injury (AKI) patients.Materials and Methods. Seventy-eight MA patients were collected and assigned to AKI or non-AKI group. We analyzed the physiochemical parameters on survival at 24 h, 72 h, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after AKI.Results. Mortality rate was higher in the AKI group. AKI group had higher anion gap (AG), strong ion gap (SIG), and apparent strong ion difference (SIDa) values than non-AKI group. SIG value was higher in the AKI survivors than nonsurvivors and this value was correlated serum creatinine, phosphate, albumin, and chloride levels. SIG and serum albumin are negatively correlated with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV scores. AG was associated with mortality at 1 and 3 months post-AKI, whereas SIG value was associated with mortality at 24 h, 72 h, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-AKI.Conclusions. Whether high or low SIG values correlate with mortality in MA patients with AKI depends on its correlation with serum creatinine, chloride, albumin, and phosphate (P) levels. AG predicts short-term mortality and SIG value predicts both short- and long-term mortality among MA patients with AKI.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Caudal Block as Compared to Noncaudal Regional Techniques for Inguinal Surgeries in Children
Authors: Shanthanna Harsha , Singh Balpreet , Guyatt Gordon
Published: August 2014

This systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to compare the analgesic effectiveness and adverse effects with the use of caudal analgesia as compared to noncaudal regional analgesia techniques in children undergoing inguinal surgeries. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane) databases were searched for randomized control trials published in English language from 1946 up to 2013. Use of rescue analgesia and adverse effects were considered as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Outcomes were pooled using random effects model and reported as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. Out of 3240 hits and 24 reports for final selection, 17 were included in this review. Caudal analgesia was found to be better in both early (RR = 0.81 [0.66, 0.99],P=0.04) and late (RR = 0.81 [0.69, 0.96],P=0.01) periods, but with a significant risk of motor block and urinary retention. According to GRADE, the quality of evidence was moderate. Although potentially superior, caudal analgesia increases the chance of motor block and urinary retention. There are limited studies to demonstrate that the technical superiority using ultrasound translates into better clinical success with the inguinal nerve blocks.
Deep Endometriosis Induced Spontaneous Colon Rectal Perforation in Pregnancy: Laparoscopy Is Advanced Tool to Confirm Diagnosis
Authors: Costa Aurelio , Sartini Annalisa , Garibaldi Silvia , Cencini Marco
Published: August 2014

Endometriosis causes rare complications in pregnancy, such as obstetrical bleeding, preterm birth, spontaneous haemoperitoneum, and intestinal perforation. The prevalence of spontaneous perforation due to intestinal endometriosis is unknown in pregnancy. A recent review of the literature indicated 15 bowel complications caused by endometriosis during pregnancy or at the immediate postpartum period. The diagnosis of a bowel perforation can be difficult and in all of the cases reported necessitates an exploratory laparotomy. Anyway, in the majority of cases bowel perforation is not diagnosed during this laparotomy, and a repeat laparotomy is needed. Laparoscopy is being used increasingly in the diagnosis and operative management of acute abdomen. Laparoscopy can be a useful means of diagnosis and in addition a therapeutic tool in selected pregnant patients with abdominal pain. We report the first case of a pregnant woman with spontaneous double sigmoid and rectal perforation from decidualized endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopy.
Elizabethkingia meningosepticumin a Patient with Six-Year Bilateral Perma-Catheters
Authors: Boroda Konstantin , Li Li
Published: August 2014

Elizabethkingia meningosepticum(EM) is a saprophyte which is ubiquitous in nature, but not normally present in the human flora. Instances of infection are rare in the USA, but EM may be an emerging pathogen among immune-compromised patients. EM can cause a variety of infections, but nosocomial pneumonia and bacteremia have been the most commonly reported among immune-compromised adults. EM has proven difficult to treat with a mortality rate of 23%–41% in adult bacteremia. This is likely due to its resistance to commonly used empiric antibiotics for Gram-negative infections. A review of the literature suggests that there has been a shift EM’s susceptibility profile over time along with a great variability in antibiotic susceptibilities reported. This signifies the importance of close monitoring of these changes. In this report we present a case of a 64-year-old male with end stage renal disease and bilateral subclavian perma-catheters, who was admitted with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. While initial peripheral blood cultures were negative, cultures later drawn from his perma-catheters revealedCorneybacteriumspecies and EM. The patient was initially treated with empiric vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam. After antibiotics susceptibilities became available, he was treated with levofloxacin and ceftazidime. The patient improved, was culture negative, and later had perma-catheter removal.
Uncontrolled Inflammation Induced by AEG-1 Promotes Gastric Cancer and Poor Prognosis
Authors: Li Guanghua , Wang Zhao , Ye Jinning , Zhang Xinhua , Wu Hui , Peng Jianjun , Song Wu , Chen Chuangqi , Cai Shirong , He Yulong , Xu Jianbo
Published: August 2014

Gastric cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Helicobacter pylori infection plays an important role in the development and progression of gastric cancer. The expression of astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is increased in gastric cancer tissues, thereby contributing to the inflammatory response. We investigated whether and how AEG-1 regulated proinflammatory signaling in gastric cancer cells. We used human gastric cancer cell lines and athymic nude mice to investigate the role of AEG-1 in the regulation of the TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and cancer invasion and compared the expression of AEG-1 and related proteins in 93 patients with gastric cancer by immunohistochemistry. In human gastric cancer cells, both AEG-1 and TLR4 could be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. AEG-1 was upregulated via LPS-TLR4 signaling and in turn promoted nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit. At the same time, AEG-1 overexpression decreased the levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) protein SOCS-1, a negative regulator of the TLR4 pathway. Furthermore, nude mice engrafted with AEG-1/TLR4-expressing cells demonstrated larger tumor volumes than control animals. In patients with gastric cancer, the expression of AEG-1 correlated with that of TLR4, SOCS-1, and NF-κB and was higher in tumors compared with noncancerous adjacent tissues. Overall survival in patients with gastric cancer with simultaneous expression of AEG-1 and TLR4 was poor. Our results demonstrate that AEG-1 can promote gastric cancer progression by a positive feedback TLR4/NF-κB signaling-related mechanism, thus providing new mechanistic explanation for the role of inflammation in cancer progression. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5541–52. ©2014 AACR.
Molecular Markers of Carcinogenesis for Risk Stratification of Individuals with Colorectal Polyps: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Gupta Samir , Sun Han , Yi Sang , Storm Joy , Xiao Guanghua , Balasubramanian Bijal A. , Zhang Song , Ashfaq Raheela , Rockey Don C.
Published: August 2014

Risk stratification using number, size, and histology of colorectal adenomas is currently suboptimal for identifying patients at increased risk for future colorectal cancer. We hypothesized that molecular markers of carcinogenesis in adenomas, measured via immunohistochemistry, may help identify high-risk patients. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a retrospective, 1:1 matched case–control study (n = 216; 46% female) in which cases were patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous adenoma and controls were patients with adenoma but no colorectal cancer at baseline or within 5 years of follow-up. In phase I of analyses, we compared expression of molecular markers of carcinogenesis in case and control adenomas, blind to case status. In phase II of analyses, patients were randomly divided into independent training and validation groups to develop a model for predicting case status. We found that seven markers [p53, p21, Cox-2, β-catenin (BCAT), DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNApkcs), survivin, and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)] were significantly associated with case status on unadjusted analyses, as well as analyses adjusted for age and advanced adenoma status (P < 0.01 for at least one marker component). When applied to the validation set, a predictive model using these seven markers showed substantial accuracy for identifying cases [area under the receiver operation characteristic curve (AUC), 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74–0.92]. A parsimonious model using three markers performed similarly to the seven-marker model (AUC, 0.84). In summary, we found that molecular markers of carcinogenesis distinguished adenomas from patients with and without colorectal cancer. Furthermore, we speculate that prospective studies using molecular markers to identify individuals with polyps at risk for future neoplasia are warranted. Cancer Prev Res; 7(10); 1023–34. ©2014 AACR.
Reflection Magnitude as a Predictor of Mortality
Authors: Zamani Payman , Jacobs David R. , Segers Patrick , Duprez Daniel A. , Brumback Lyndia , Kronmal Richard A. , Lilly Scott M. , Townsend Raymond R. , Budoff Matthew , Lima Joao A. , Hannan Peter , Chirinos Julio A.
Published: August 2014

Arterial wave reflections have been associated with mortality in an ethnically homogenous Asian population. It is unknown whether this association is present in a multiethnic population or whether it is independent of subclinical atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that reflection magnitude (defined as the ratio of the amplitude of the backward wave [P
b
] to that of the forward wave [P
f
]) is associated with all-cause mortality in a large multiethnic adult community-based sample. We studied 5984 participants enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who had analyzable arterial tonometry waveforms. During 9.8±1.7 years of follow-up, 617 deaths occurred, of which 134 (22%) were adjudicated cardiovascular deaths. In Cox proportional hazards models, each 10% increase in reflection magnitude was associated with a 31% increased risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.11–1.55;
P
=0.001). This relationship persisted after adjustment for various confounders and for markers of subclinical atherosclerosis (HR=1.23; 95% CI=1.01–1.51;
P
=0.04), including the coronary calcium score, ankle–brachial index, common carotid intima–media thickness, and ascending thoracic aortic Agatston score. P
b
was independently associated with all-cause mortality in a similarly adjusted model (HR per 10 mm Hg increase in P
b
=2.18; 95% CI=1.21–3.92;
P
=0.009). Reflection magnitude (HR=1.71; 95% CI=1.06–2.77;
P
=0.03) and P
b
(HR=5.02; 95% CI=1.29–19.42;
P
=0.02) were mainly associated with cardiovascular mortality. In conclusion, reflection magnitude is independently associated with all-cause mortality in a multiethnic population initially free of clinically evident cardiovascular disease. This relationship persists after adjustment for a comprehensive set of markers of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Early Activation of the Kynurenine Pathway Predicts Early Death and Long‐term Outcome in Patients Resuscitated From Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ristagno Giuseppe , Latini Roberto , Vaahersalo Jukka , Masson Serge , Kurola Jouni , Varpula Tero , Lucchetti Jacopo , Fracasso Claudia , Guiso Giovanna , Montanelli Alessandro , Barlera Simona , Gobbi Marco , Tiainen Marjaana , Pettilä Ville , Skrifvars Markus B. ,   the FINNRESUSCI Investigators
Published: August 2014

Background

The kynurenine pathway (
KP
) is the major route of tryptophan (
TRP
) catabolism and is activated by inflammation and after cardiac arrest in animals. We hypothesized that the
KP
activation level correlates with severity of post–cardiac arrest shock, early death, and long‐term outcome.

Methods and Results

Plasma was obtained from 245 patients enrolled in a prospective multicenter observational study in 21 intensive care units in Finland. Time to return of spontaneous circulation, lowest systolic arterial pressure, and bicarbonate during the first 24 hours were collected. A cerebral performance category of 3 to 5 defined 12‐month poor outcome. Plasma
TRP
and
KP
metabolites, kynurenine (
KYN
), kynurenic acid, 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid, and the ratio of
KYN
to
TRP
were measured by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. All
KP
metabolites at intensive care unit admission were significantly higher in cardiac arrest patients with a nonshockable rhythm compared to those with a shockable rhythm, and
kynurenic acid
and 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid correlated with time to
return of spontaneous circulation
. Patients with higher levels of
KYN
,
KYN
to
TRP
,
kynurenic acid
, and 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid had lower 24‐hour systolic arterial pressure and bicarbonate. All
KP
metabolites and the ratio of
KYN
to
TRP
, but not
TRP
, were significantly higher in patients who died in the intensive care unit in comparison to those who survived. Multivariable logistic regression showed that high
kynurenic acid
(odds ratio: 1.004; 95% confidence interval: 1.001 to 1.008;
P
=0.014), and 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid (
odds ratio:
1.011; 95% confidence interval: 1.001 to 1.022;
P
=0.03) were independently associated with 12‐month poor outcome and significantly improved risk reclassification.

Conclusions

KP
is activated early after cardiac arrest and is associated with severity of post–
cardiac arrest
shock, early death, and poor long‐term outcome.
Everything Is Water
Authors: Rojcewicz Richard
Published: August 2014

On the theme of “the elemental,” this paper delves into the element of water. Specifically, the paper interprets the statement inaugurating philosophy, Thales’ claim that everything is water. This is seen not as any sort of atomism and not as opposed to mythology. Instead, it is a claim expressing what the myths themselves are trying to say: there is a mystery to the presence of things, their unconcealment is bestowed on them from a hidden source. This paper shows that Socrates and Heidegger make a similar claim, and so, by generalizing from these three preeminent philosophers, the basic outlook of philosophy as such crystallizes in the view that everything is water.
The Elemental Past
Authors: Toadvine Ted
Published: August 2014

In a 1951 debate that marked the beginnings of the analytic-continental divide, Maurice Merleau-Ponty sided with Georges Bataille in rejecting A. J. Ayer’s claim that “the sun existed before human beings.” This rejection is already anticipated in a controversial passage from Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception, where he claims that “there is no world without an Existence that bears its structure.” I defend Merleau-Ponty’s counterintuitive position against naturalistic and anti-subjectivist critics by arguing that the world emerges in the exchange between perceiver and perceived. A deeper challenge is posed, however, by Quentin Meillassoux, who argues that the “correlationism” of contemporary philosophy rules out any account of the “ancestral” time that antedates all subjectivity. Against Meillassoux, and taking an encounter with fossils as my guide, I hold that the past prior to subjectivity can only be approached phenomenologically. The paradoxical character of this immemorial past, as a memory of the world rather than of the subject, opens the way toward a phenomenology of the “elemental” past. Drawing on Merleau-Ponty’s descriptions of the absolute past of nature and the anonymity of the body, as well as Levinas’ account of the elements at the end of the world, I argue that our own materiality and organic lives participate in the differential rhythms of the elements, opening us to a memory of the world that binds the cosmic past and the apocalyptic future.
Assessing Functional Relations in Single-Case Designs
Authors: Manolov Rumen , Sierra Vicenta , Solanas Antonio , Botella Juan
Published: August 2014

In the context of the evidence-based practices movement, the emphasis on computing effect sizes and combining them via meta-analysis does not preclude the demonstration of functional relations. For the latter aim, we propose to augment the visual analysis to add consistency to the decisions made on the existence of a functional relation without losing sight of the need for a methodological evaluation of what stimuli and reinforcement or punishment are used to control the behavior. Four options for quantification are reviewed, illustrated, and tested with simulated data. These quantifications include comparing the projected baseline with the actual treatment measurements, on the basis of either parametric or nonparametric statistics. The simulated data used to test the quantifications include nine data patterns in terms of the presence and type of effect and comprise ABAB and multiple-baseline designs. Although none of the techniques is completely flawless in terms of detecting a functional relation only when it is present but not when it is absent, an option based on projecting split-middle trend and considering data variability as in exploratory data analysis proves to be the best performer for most data patterns. We suggest that the information on whether a functional relation has been demonstrated should be included in meta-analyses. It is also possible to use as a weight the inverse of the data variability measure used in the quantification for assessing the functional relation. We offer an easy to use code for open-source software for implementing some of the quantifications.
A Model of Three Cities
Authors: Colombo Stefano
Published: August 2014

We develop a spatial model representing three cities of different size and connected by a road. We study two versions of a two-stage game where firms first decide where to locate and then set quantities or prices. We show that, in the case of quantity competition, maximal dispersion or agglomeration arises. Also, multiple equilibria are possible. In the case of price competition, maximal dispersion or partial dispersion arises. An asymmetric spatial equilibrium is possible even if the model is completely symmetric ex ante. A number of results are also derived when comparing the Cournot and the Bertrand locational equilibria in terms of profits, consumer surplus, and total welfare, and with respect to the welfare-maximizing locations.
Molecular Resonance Tonsillectomy in Children: Comparative Study over Standard Techniques in an 11‐Year Study
Authors: D'Eredità Riccardo
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Learn the molecular resonance (MR) technology for tonsillectomy. An analysis of outcomes of MR compared to standard cold‐knife (CK) and monopolar cautery (MPC) for pediatric tonsillectomy offers new possibilities, lowering postoperative morbidity.

Study Design

Eleven‐year, prospective, randomized, 3‐group trial.

Setting

Tertiary care pediatric institution.

Subjects and Methods

Eight hundred and seventy‐three children undergoing adenotonsillectomy were randomly assigned to MR (n = 283), CK (n = 279), or MPC (n = 279) techniques. Outcome measures included intraoperative time, blood loss, postoperative pain, weight loss, and histopathologic examination on excised tonsils.

Results

Histopathologic evaluation revealed reduced thermal injury with MR over MPC (43 µm vs 186, P <. 001), statistically associated with reduced muscular, blood vessel, and nerve fiber damage compared to CK (P <. 001). Blood loss was minimal in MR. Significant reduced pain scores were related to MR (P <. 002). Two MR, 15 CK, and 12 MPC patients experienced delayed bleeding.

Conclusion

MR for pediatric tonsillectomy resulted in reduced histopathologic thermal injury, lower pain scores, and reduced postoperative morbidity compared with CK and MPC techniques in an 11‐year study.
Effect of genre on the generalizability of writing scores
Authors: Bouwer Renske , Béguin Anton , Sanders Ted , van den Bergh Huub
Published: August 2014

In the present study, aspects of the measurement of writing are disentangled in order to investigate the validity of inferences made on the basis of writing performance and to describe implications for the assessment of writing. To include genre as a facet in the measurement, we obtained writing scores of 12 texts in four different genres for each participating student. Results indicate that across raters, tasks and genres, only 10% of the variance in writing scores is related to individual writing skill. In order to draw conclusions about writing proficiency, students should therefore write at least three different texts in each of four genres rated by at least two raters. Moreover, when writing scores are obtained through highly similar tasks, generalization across genres is not warranted. Inferences based on text quality scores should, in this case, be limited to genre-specific writing. These findings replicate the large task variance in writing assessment as consistently found in earlier research and emphasize the effect of genre on the generalizability of writing scores. This research has important implications for writing research and writing education, in which writing proficiency is quite often assessed by only one task rated by one rater.
The clinical value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0T to detect prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Xuhui , Quan Xianyue , Lu Shilong , Huang Fanheng , Yang Jianming , Chan Queenie , Lin Ting
Published: August 2014

Objective

To compare dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) at 3.0T for detection of prostate cancer.

Methods

Patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen underwent T2WI and DCE-MRI prior to prostate needle biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of T2WI and DCE-MRI to diagnose prostate cancer were evaluated. The relationship between Gleason score and prostate cancer detection by DCE-MRI was evaluated.

Results

Prostate adenocarcinoma was histopathologically confirmed in 44/75 patients. DCE-MRI had significantly higher sensitivity, accuracy and NPV than T2WI. The detection rate of prostate cancer by DCE-MRI was significantly better for tumours with Gleason score 7–9 than for those Gleason score 4–6.

Conclusion

DCE-MRI at 3.0T can significantly improve prostate cancer detection using simple visual diagnostic criteria, compared with T2WI.
To Rethink Standards of Civilisation, Start with the End
Authors: Bowden Brett
Published: August 2014

Many people recognise that there is a need to distinguish between states in the international system, such as on the basis of legitimacy. For much of the system’s history the means of drawing such distinctions have been standards of civilisation. For some, the need to divide and separate is unavoidable; others are more critical of standards of civilisation because of the consequences that come with exclusion or the pressure to conform. On both sides it is often downplayed that standards of civilisation are, by and large, a means to an end. If we want to rethink the way standards of civilisation work and mitigate some of their more unsavoury consequences, then we need to rethink the end they are designed to achieve, which is best captured in Kant’s title ‘Idea for a Universal History from a Cosmopolitan Point of View’.
From Metropolis to Microcosmos: The EU’s New Standards of Civilisation
Authors: Nicolaidis Kalypso , Vergerio Claire , Fisher Onar Nora , Viehoff Juri
Published: August 2014

While some denounce the legacies of colonialism they discern in the EU’s practices and discourse, others believe these accusations to be unfounded, raising the question: how apt is the analogy between the 19th-century standard of civilisation and the EU’s narratives and modes of actions today? In this essay, we address the question by developing a ‘new standards typology’ articulated around two axes: agency denial and hierarchy. These refer respectively to the unilateral shaping of standards applicable to others, and to the salience of Eurocentricism in the way the standards are enforced and structure the international system. Ultimately, we argue that in transforming their ‘continent’ from a metropolis to a microcosmos – from a cluster of colonial capitals to an EU that contains many of the world’s tensions within itself – Europeans have only partially succeeded in transcending their colonial impulses. We conclude by suggesting that the EU’s relevance is grounded in its ability to become a post-colonial power, and that to achieve this, those acting in its name need to remember historical legacies and reflect upon the ‘standards’ that inspire their action.
Republic and Empire in Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Laws
Authors: Ramgotra Manjeet Kaur
Published: August 2014

In The Spirit of the Laws Montesquieu claims that commerce brings peace. His ideas on the separation and balance of powers and commerce form the cornerstones of liberal democratic theory. Yet it is often overlooked that they were conceived in the context of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. Most scholars interpret his constitutional theory as promoting freedom against the absolutist French monarchy and most argue that he rejects imperialism and despotism in favour of international and democratic peace that advances trade relations between republics. By contrast, I present a new reading that interprets his theory in the light of commerce and colonialism. Montesquieu’s constitutional theory provides the conditions for the republic to pursue empire without collapsing. It further underlies the development of democratic institutions that incorporate a greater number of people and support a market economy, as the benefits of international trade transformed both global and domestic orders. Montesquieu’s ‘fundamental constitution’ establishes a strong central executive power and a distinct legislative power that incorporates the landed nobility and the upwardly mobile portion of the popular social classes on a hierarchical basis. Executive power mediates social conflict and facilitates expansion. This paper examines the institutions that constitute this expansive republic as well as Montesquieu’s arguments on climate, orientalism and commerce that justify 18th-century colonial empire. It is important to understand the elements of Montesquieu’s argument since these inform contemporary understandings of the standard of civilisation and the international order seen to be comprised of moderate democratic republics, developing states and immoderate despotic states.
Verbal Functions in Psychopathy
Authors: de Almeida Brites José , Ladera Valentina , Perea Victoria , García Ricardo
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the verbal functions and language skills of male psychopathic individuals (in prison and outside) with non-psychopaths. The purpose was therefore to analyze phonological processing, reading and writing skills, the meaning of words and images, and the understanding of sentences. Ninety individuals with an average age of 38.19 ( SD = 7.67) voluntarily participated in this study. The data were collected in different settings: prisons, a private charitable organization, and private clinics and health centers. All participants completed the Psychopathy Checklist Revised and the Psycholinguistic Assessment of Language Processing in Aphasia, to assess psychopathy traits and language skills, respectively. Participants were allocated into four different groups: incarcerated psychopathic offenders ( n = 13), non-incarcerated psychopathic non-offenders living in the community ( n = 13), incarcerated non-psychopathic offenders ( n = 25), and non-psychopathic non-offenders living in the community ( n = 39). The results showed that the verbal functions and language skills between psychopaths and non-psychopaths are very similar, showing a common profile. The data presented indicate the need for more specific work opportunities for both groups within the correctional setting, with the use of appropriate language and individualized programs as necessary.
Biomethane production and dynamics of microflora in response to copper treatments during mesophilic anaerobic digestion
Authors: Ke Xin , Wang Chunyong , Li Rundong , Zhang Yun , Zhang Haijun , Gui Shaofeng
Published: August 2014

This study discussed the effects of different concentrations (0.625, 1.875 and 3.125 mM) of copper (Cu) in the form of CuSO4 on biomethane production and on the dynamics of microbial communities during the mesophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) of cow manure. The effects on biomethane production were found to depend on CuSO4 concentrations. After 50 days of AD, treatment A3 (3.125 mM) had lower cumulative biomethane production than the no-Cu control. The maximum value of cumulative biomethane production was detected under treatment A2 (1.875 mM). These results suggested that the stimulation or inhibition to biomethane production might be related to the concentration and chemical forms of Cu. Moreover, polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) was used to discuss the dynamics of microbial communities. Results revealed that different concentrations of CuSO4 had effects on the richness and diversity of bacterial and archaeal communities. The predominance of Bacteroidetes bacterium (GU339485.1) was verified through the sequencing of the dominant DGGE bands. Furthermore, Bacteroidetes bacterium could be detected during the whole AD process and is adaptable to a certain concentration range of CuSO4.
The Rural Economic Capacity Index (RECI)
Authors: Simms Alvin , Freshwater David , Ward Jamie
Published: August 2014

Economic development practitioners and theorists recognize that community-based strategies offer the best opportunity for rural economic development. But, rural communities also need assistance in identifying and implementing their strategies. Two key needs are financial support and technical assistance. In this article, the authors describe a benchmarking tool that provides rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada with a means to identify their individual strengths and weaknesses, and how they compare with immediate peers. This is the typical benchmarking function, but the tool also provides a way to show individual communities the benefits of regional agglomerations at different levels of geography. Unlike most benchmarking exercises that simply provide lists of indicators, the authors link the indicators through a simplified structural model of the local economy. By focusing on composite indicators, the Rural Economic Capacity Index provides community leaders with a sense of the “big picture” that can help them in the process of framing a development strategy.
Preferential Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors as a Nonhormonal Method of Emergency Contraception
Authors: Weiss Erich A. , Gandhi Mona
Published: August 2014

Objective:

To review the literature surrounding the use of preferential cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors as an alternative form of emergency contraception.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE (1950 to February 2014) was searched using the key words cyclooxygenase or COX-2 combined with contraception, emergency contraception, or ovulation. Results were limited to randomized control trials, controlled clinical trials, and clinical trials.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Human trials that measured the effects of COX inhibition on female reproductive potential were included for review.

Data Synthesis:

The effects of the COX-2 inhibitors rofecoxib, celecoxib, and meloxicam were evaluated in 6 trials. Each of which was small in scope, enrolled women of variable fertility status, used different dosing regimens, included multiple end points, and had variable results.

Conclusions:

Insufficient evidence exists to fully support the use of preferential COX-2 inhibitors as a form of emergency contraception. Although all trials resulted in a decrease in ovulatory cycles, outcomes varied between dosing strategies and agents used. A lack of homogeneity in these studies makes comparisons difficult. However, success of meloxicam in multiple trials warrants further study. Larger human trials are necessary before the clinical utility of this method of emergency contraception can be fully appreciated.
Functional synthesis of mechanisms under cost consideration
Authors: He Bin , Huang Shan
Published: August 2014

Functional synthesis of mechanisms plays a crucial role in mechanical product design, which has an essential effect on the product innovation and cost. However, current functional synthesis algorithms of mechanisms are either inextensible to achieve complex mechanism solutions or prone to a loss of optimal solutions without consideration of cost. This article proposed a systematic kinematic state-based methodology for functional synthesis of mechanisms under cost consideration. After a general functional representation model based on the kinematic state pair is proposed with a result of the kinematic state space, an exhaustive functional synthesis of the kinematic state pair with the lowest cost algorithm is then proposed to produce solutions with K-lowest cost. The functional synthesis of a feeding mechanism device for cold heading machine is given as an example, which demonstrates that the methodology is obviously helpful to produce valuable functional chain solutions with low cost.
Study on the giant magnetostrictive vibration-power generation method for battery-less tire pressure monitoring system
Authors: Liu Huifang , Wang Shijie , Zhang Yu , Wang Wenguo
Published: August 2014

At present, the most convenient and effective method for ensuring air pressure inside automobile tires being kept in normal state is using a tire pressure monitoring system to monitor the tire’s interior pressure and temperature in real time. Aiming at the power supply problem of direct tire pressure monitoring system in automobile industry commonly, a new giant magnetostrictive vibration-power generation technology which generates electricity through collecting vibration energy in automobile is proposed. Based on the coupling effect of inverse magnetostrictive effect and Faraday electromagnetic effect, a power generation device prototype which uses giant magnetostrictive material as the core element is developed. It may be a prototype of giant magnetostrictive vibration-power generation module used to provide electricity to tire pressure monitoring system instead of button battery power supply mode. In order to accurately describe the relationship between vibration force (stress) and output voltage in the giant magnetostrictive vibration-power generation process, a mathematical model is established from the essence of inverse magnetostrictive effect. According to energy conversion process generated in the process of power generation using giant magnetostrictive material, the modeling process is divided into two parts. Moreover, in order to derive the energy conversion efficiency of giant magnetostrictive vibration-power generation device, a computing method of power generation efficiency is proposed. Experiment results show that the model can accurately describe the relationship between vibration force (stress) and output voltage. Amplitude of the output voltage generated by giant magnetostrictive vibration-power generator is proportional to the amplitude or frequency of vibration force approximately. For the giant magnetostrictive vibration-power generation prototype developed in this paper, its energy conversion efficiency reaches 32.6%. Research result provides an effective method for solving the power supply issue of tire pressure monitoring system. It plays a certain promoting role for the realization of battery-less tire pressure monitoring system.
Improving the gearshifts events in automated manual transmission by using an electromagnetic actuator
Authors: Lin Shusen , Chang Siqin , Li Bo
Published: August 2014

The existing electrically automated manual transmission employs DC motors to carry out gearshift events. It is relatively complicated and has potential to be improved both in structure and transmission efficiency. A novel gearshift system that utilizes a 2-DOF electromagnetic actuator to realize the automation of gearshift is proposed. The structure and working principle are introduced, and the coupling system model of the actuator is developed to investigate its characteristics. The results show that the utilization of the electromagnetic actuator in automated manual transmission gearshift system is appropriate. Multi-stage control strategy including PID algorithm and optimal control is introduced to improve the gearshift quality. A look-up table is developed to adjust the peak force of synchronization process according to the working condition. Finally, the conceptual gearshift system and the control strategy are verified on a test bench. The results show that the controller can adjust the peak force of the synchronization process timely and the designed control strategy achieves the compromise of indexes of gearshift quality. The novel gearshift system is technically feasible.