bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dark Side of Subcortical Diffusion-Weighted Lesions?
Authors: Kvistad Christopher Elnan , Oygarden Halvor , Logallo Nicola , Moen Gunnar , Thomassen Lars , Waje-Andreassen Ulrike , Naess Halvor
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is highly accurate in identifying and locating ischemic stroke injury. Few studies using DWI have investigated large subcortical infarctions (LSIs). We aimed to study clinical characteristics, cause, and outcome in patients with ischemic stroke with LSI diagnosed on DWI and compare these with those who had lacunar DWI lesions or DWI lesions located elsewhere.

Methods—

Patients with stroke admitted between February 2006 and July 2013 were prospectively registered in a stroke database and examined with DWI. Patients with DWI lesions classified as LSI (subcortical, ≥15 mm) were compared with those with lacunar lesions (subcortical, <15 mm, lacunar infarction [LI]), cortical lesions (cortical infarction [CI]), or no LSI, which included LI, CI, mixed cortical–subcortical, cerebellar, brain stem, and combined lesion locations.

Results—

A total of 1886 patients with ischemic stroke were included, of which 128 patients (6.8%) had LSI, 317 (16.8%) LI, and 544 (28.8%) CI. The no LSI group included 1758 patients. Occlusive pathology in the proximal middle cerebral artery was more frequent in patients with acute stroke with LSI. Lacunar syndrome was associated with LSI when compared with CI and no LSI. Unknown cause was frequent in the LSI group (60.4%) and independently associated with LSI in the LSI versus LI (
P
<0.001), LSI versus CI (
P
=0.002), and LSI versus no LSI population (
P
<0.001). LSI was independently associated with unfavorable outcome, whether compared with LI (
P
=0.002), CI (
P
<0.001), or no LSI (
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—

LSI is associated with distinct clinical characteristics, unknown cause, and unfavorable outcome, which separates this stroke entity from patients with lacunar subcortical DWI lesions or DWI lesions located elsewhere.
A Search for Causality
Authors: Reeves Jeffrey
Published: July 2014

This article examines China’s non-traditional security (NTS) relations with its neighbouring states through the lens of state weakness. Building on existing Chinese language literature on the NTS situation in China, the article demonstrates how weak institutions, political illegitimacy and poor state–society relations in six of China’s periphery states—Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Mongolia—negatively impact China’s domestic NTS environment.
Access to Justice in Environmental Matters
Authors: Benvenuti Simone
Published: July 2014

Judicial networking is an ever-expanding phenomenon in European governance. This paper focuses on the role judicial networks may have in shaping environmental legal policies and in the implementation of European environmental legislation. In particular, it looks at the debates happening between three main networks of judges with regard to the issue of the legal standing of associations, which is a heated topic that has also a political relevance. The author suggests that the building of a European judicial community within a broader European legal field is currently in progress, where national judges have an important role to play.
Should We Stay or Should We Go?
Authors: Weterings Tom
Published: July 2014

The colonial map of the Americas during the seventeenth century was ever-changing. Near-constant warfare meant that colonies could change hands several times in a matter of decades, and that European settlers could at any time find themselves under “new management”. A takeover posed a potential threat to the colonists’ way of life, but the newcomers could be faced with a potentially hostile population as well. Differences in religion, language, political practice, as well as the question of loyalty could all pose serious obstacles for a good relationship between the new rulers and the old colonial population. This article addresses this issue from the perspective of the settlers. Taking the colony of Suriname as the main case, and by comparing it to other colonies such as Brazil and New Netherland, I conclude that most settlers were content to stay, with exceptions due to pressures by governments or incompatible religious differences.
Elatostema arcuatobracteatum (Urticaceae), a new species from Vietnam
Authors: FU LONG-FEI , DO VAN TRUONG , WEN FANG , Cheng-xin He
Published: July 2014

Elatostema arcuatobracteatum a new species from Ha Giang, Vietnam is described and illustrated and a Global Species Conservation Assessment presented. Elatostema arcuatobracteatum is most similar to E. xanthophyllum.
Tropospheric Rossby Wave Breaking and Variability of the Latitude of the Eddy-Driven Jet
Authors: Garfinkel Chaim I. , Waugh Darryn W.
Published: July 2014

A dry general circulation model is used to investigate the connections between Rossby wave breaking and the latitude of the midlatitude tropospheric eddy-driven jet. An ensemble of experiments is constructed in which the jet latitude is influenced by a midlatitude tropospheric temperature anomaly that resembles observed climate change and by the imposition of a stratospheric polar vortex, and the distribution of Rossby wave breaking frequency is examined for each experiment. The shift in wave breaking per degree latitude of jet shift is then compared for three different sources of jet movement: the tropospheric baroclinic forcing imposed in midlatitudes, the imposition of a stratospheric polar vortex, and the internal variability of the midlatitude eddy-driven jet. It is demonstrated that all three sources of jet movement produce a similar change in Rossby wave breaking frequency per degree of jet shift. Hence, it is difficult (if not impossible) to isolate the ultimate cause behind the shift in Rossby wave breaking in response to the two external forcings.
Making Me Feel Comfortable
Authors: Jones Sharon M.
Published: July 2014

Trust ( confianza) is an important component of patient-centered care and culturally competent care and a major element in the Hispanic culture. The aim of this study was to conceptualize the process of the development of interpersonal trust by hospitalized patients in their nurses. Using the grounded theory method, English-speaking Mexican American patients ( N = 22) were interviewed. The core category was Making Me Feel Comfortable. The cyclical process included a beginning stage (Having Needs, Relying on the Nurse), middle stage (Coming Across to Me, Taking Care of Me, Connecting), and end point (Feeling Confianza) with two outcomes (Confiding in the Nurse, Taking Away the Negative). Anytime there was a negative element during the middle stage, this element halted any further development of trust with the nurse. Unique findings were related to Hispanic cultural values of familism and personalismo. The findings have implications which impact patient safety and quality care.
Variability explained by strength, body composition and gait impairment in activity and participation measures for children with cerebral palsy: a multicentre study
Authors: Oeffinger Donna , Gorton George , Hassani Sahar , Sison-Williamson Mitell , Johnson Barbara , Whitmer Megan , Romness Mark , Kryscio Dick , Tylkowski Chester , Bagley Anita
Published: July 2014

Objective:

To determine the amount of variability in scores on activity and participation measures used to assess ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy explained by strength, body composition, gait impairment and participant characteristics.

Design:

Multicentre prospective cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Seven paediatric–orthopaedic specialty hospitals.

Participants:

Three hundred and seventy-seven ambulatory individuals (241 males, 136 females) with cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–III (I = 148, II = 153, III = 76), ages 8–18 years (mean 12 years 9 months, SD 2 years 8 months).

Methods:

Participants completed assessments of GMFCS level, patient history, lower extremity muscle strength, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), instrumented gait analysis, 1 minute walk test, Timed Up-and-Go and body composition. Multiple linear regression and bootstrap analyses were performed for each outcome measure, stratified by GMFCS level.

Results:

The amount of variability in outcome measures explained by participant characteristics, strength, and gait impairment ranged from 11% to 50%. Gait impairment was the most common predictor variable and frequently explained the greatest variance across all outcome measures and GMFCS levels. As gait impairment increased, scores on outcome measures decreased. Strength findings were inconsistent and not a primary factor. Body composition contributed minimally (<4%) in explaining variability. Participant characteristics (cerebral palsy type, gestational age and age at walking onset), were significant predictor variables in several models.

Conclusions:

Variability in outcome measure scores is multifaceted and only partially explained by strength and gait impairment illustrating the challenges of attempting to explain variation within this heterogeneous population. Clinicians treating individuals with cerebral palsy should consider this when developing treatment paradigms.
A Multidimensional Screening Tool for Preschoolers With Externalizing Behavior
Authors: Vancraeyveldt Caroline , Verschueren Karine , Wouters Sofie , Van Craeyevelt Sanne , Colpin Hilde
Published: July 2014

Externalizing behavior (EB) in preschool has been found to predict maladjustment later in life. Therefore, it is important to identify children most at risk for continuing EB beyond preschool. To date, a number of questionnaires are available for teachers to assist in identifying those children. A frequently overlooked aspect in this screening process is the consideration of different dimensions of EB instead of the use of broadband scales. Therefore, a brief, user-friendly teacher questionnaire was adapted to capture different dimensions of EB (hyperactivity, opposition, and physical aggression). First, the a priori three-factor structure of this questionnaire was assessed in a large sample of preschoolers ( N = 3,610). Second, factorial invariance of the questionnaire over child gender and child home language was investigated. Results confirmed the three-factor structure of the questionnaire. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance was found for child gender and child home language, which indicates that teachers assigned the same meaning to the three EB-dimensions across these groups.
Testing the Woman Abuse Screening Tool to Identify Intimate Partner Violence in Indonesia
Authors: Iskandar Livia , Braun Kathryn L. , Katz Alan R.
Published: July 2014

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global public health problem. IPV prevalence in Indonesia has been estimated to be less than 1%, based on reported cases. It is likely that IPV prevalence is underreported in Indonesia, as it is in many other countries. Screening for IPV has been found to increase IPV identification, but no screening tools are in use in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to test the translated Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) for detecting IPV in Indonesia. The WAST was tested against a diagnostic interview by a trained psychologist on 240 women attending two Primary Health Centers in Jakarta. IPV prevalence and the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of the WAST were estimated. Prevalence of IPV by diagnostic interview was 36.3%, much higher than published estimates. The most common forms of IPV identified were psychological (85%) and physical abuse (24%). Internal reliability of the WAST was high (α = .801). A WAST score of 13 (out of 24) is the recommended cutoff for identifying IPV, but only 17% of the Indonesian sample scored 13 or higher. Test sensitivity of the WAST with a cutoff score of 13 was only 41.9%, with a specificity of 96.8%. With a cutoff score of 10, the sensitivity improved to 84.9%, while the specificity decreased to 61.0%. Use of the WAST with a cutoff score of 10 provides good sensitivity and reasonable specificity and would provide a much-needed screening tool for use in Indonesia. Although a lower cutoff would yield a greater proportion of false positives, most of the true cases would be identified, increasing the possibility that women experiencing abuse would receive needed assistance.
Analytical modelling of cutting forces in near-orthogonal cutting of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V
Authors: Chen Yun , Li Huaizhong , Wang Jun
Published: July 2014

Titanium and its alloys are difficult to machine due to their high chemical reactivity with tool materials and low thermal conductivity. Chip segmentation caused by the thermoplastic instability is always observed in titanium machining processes, which leads to varied cutting forces and chip thickness, etc. This paper presents an analytical modelling approach for cutting forces in near-orthogonal cutting of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. The catastrophic shear instability in the primary shear plane is assumed as a semi-static process. An analytical approach is used to evaluate chip thicknesses and forces in the near-orthogonal cutting process. The shear flow stress of the material is modelled by using the Johnson–Cook constitutive material law where the strain hardening, strain rate sensitivity and thermal softening behaviours are coupled. The thermal equations with non-uniform heat partitions along the tool–chip interface are solved by a finite difference method. The model prediction is verified with experimental data, where a good agreement in terms of the average cutting forces and chip thickness is shown. A comparison of the predicted temperatures with published data obtained by using the finite element method is also presented.
Lichenoid drug reaction to isoniazid presenting as exfoliative dermatitis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Thakur BK , Verma S , Mishra J
Published: July 2014

Human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients are at increased risk of drug reactions because of immune dysregulation and multiple drug intake. Lichenoid drug reactions to isoniazid have been reported previously in the literature. However, for lichenoid drug reaction to isoniazid to be so extensive to present as exfoliative dermatitis is rare. We report here a rare case of lichenoid drug reaction to isoniazid presenting as exfoliative dermatitis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Searching for Resilience in Sustainable Development: Learning Journeys in Conservation
Authors: El Zoghbi Mona Betour
Published: July 2014

John Blewitt and Daniella Tilbury, Routledge, London, Studies in Sustainable Development Series, 2014, 188 pages, £26.99 (paperback)
“A Day in My life” Photography Project
Authors: Breitwieser Carrie L. , Vaughn Lisa M.
Published: July 2014

A photovoice project was conducted with pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients to examine their coping skills and interpretation of their experience during a BMT, especially when hospitalized. We also wanted to determine how photovoice could be used within a pediatric BMT unit. Sixteen children (ages 4-14) and 2 young adults (ages 22 and 25) from a pediatric BMT unit participated in the project. Six BMT outpatients participated in the data analysis and evaluation phase. Fourteen clinical staff evaluated the impact of the project on their practice. Three primary themes emerged from the pre- and post-BMT photos, accompanying detailed notes, and BMT outpatient analysis of the photos: ( a) BMT is “torture,” ( b) BMT is “time slipping away,” and ( c) BMT requires normalization, comfort, distraction, and support. BMT patients and staff concluded that photovoice helped express and release emotions regarding the challenges of BMT. BMT staff noted that the results of this project reminded them of the importance of being patient-centered and mindful of patient experience and the therapeutic relationship.
Political Opportunity Structures in Dictatorships? Explaining ENGO Existence in Autocratic Regimes
Authors: Böhmelt Tobias
Published: July 2014

Which factors make it more likely that environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) exist in autocracies? Several studies addressed this question before but might suffer from two shortcomings. First, the more general literature on social movements treats nonstate actors as a closely related characteristic of democracies. This neglects, however, that ENGOs might exist in autocracies as well. Second, the more specialized literature on comparative environmental politics examines ENGOs in autocratic regimes but rather focuses on single case studies. Despite fascinating insights, we thus lack a comprehensive theory on why ENGOs might exist in different types of dictatorships. In light of this, the following research adds to this by developing a theory that is based on the political opportunity structures (i.e., degrees of repression) in different autocratic typologies. The empirical analysis using data on 71 autocracies from 1973 to 2003 emphasizes that ENGO existence strongly differs across single-party regimes, monarchies, military regimes, and personalist dictatorships.
Predicting Recidivism in Sex Offenders With the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS)
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Deming Adam , Casbon Todd
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) was capable of predicting recidivism in 322 male sex offenders released from prison-based sex offender programs in a Midwestern state. The Static-99R and PICTS General Criminal Thinking (GCT), Reactive (R), and Entitlement (En) scores all correlated significantly with general recidivism, the Static-99R correlated significantly with violent recidivism, and the Static-99R score and PICTS GCT, Proactive (P), and En scores correlated significantly with failure to register as a sex offender (FTR) recidivism. Area under the curve effect size estimates varied from small to large, and Cox regression analyses revealed that the PICTS En score achieved incremental validity relative to the Static-99R in predicting general recidivism and the PICTS GCT, P, and En scores achieved incremental validity relative to the Static-99R in predicting FTR recidivism. It is speculated that the PICTS in general and the En scale in particular may have utility in risk management and treatment planning for sex offenders by virtue of their focus on antisocial thinking.
Reduced information processing speed as primum movens for cognitive decline in MS
Authors: Van Schependom Jeroen , D’hooghe Marie B , Cleynhens Krista , D’hooge Mieke , Haelewyck Marie-Claire , De Keyser Jacques , Nagels Guy
Published: July 2014

Background:

Cognitive impairment affects half of the multiple sclerosis (MS) patient population and is an important contributor to patients’ daily activities. Most cognitive impairment studies in MS are, however, cross-sectional or/and focused on the early disease stages.

Objective:

We aim to assess the time course of decline of different cognitive domains.

Methods:

We collected neuropsychological data on 514 MS patients to construct Kaplan-Meier survival curves of the tests included in the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for MS (NSBMS) and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Cox-proportional hazard models were constructed to examine the influence of MS onset type, age at onset, gender, depression and level of education on the time course, expressed as age or disease.

Results:

Survival curves of tests focusing on information processing speed (IPS) declined significantly faster than tests with less specific demands of IPS. Median age for pathological decline was 56.2 years (95% CI: 54.4–58.2) on the SDMT and 63.9 years (95% CI: 60–66.9) on the CLTR, a memory task.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, IPS is the cognitive domain not only most widely affected by MS but it is also the first cognitive deficit to emerge in MS.
Anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive dorsal midbrain syndrome
Authors: Lee Juyoun , Jeong Seong-Hae , Park Sang Min , Sohn Eun Hee , Lee Ae Young , Kim Jae-Moon , Jo Hyun-Jin , Lee Yeon-Hee , Kim Ji-Soo
Published: July 2014

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) can cause various ocular motor disorders in addition to optic neuritis. Ocular motor findings associated with NMOSD include spontaneous vertical and gaze-evoked nystagmus, wall-eyed bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and trochlear nerve palsy. The association between dorsal midbrain syndrome and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody seropositivity has not been reported. Here, we report a patient displaying typical dorsal midbrain syndrome and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody seropositivity.
The visual pathway as a model to understand brain damage in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Martínez-Lapiscina E H , Sanchez-Dalmau B , Fraga-Pumar E , Ortiz-Perez S , Tercero-Uribe A I , Torres-Torres R , Villoslada P
Published: July 2014

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) almost always experience effects in the visual pathway; and thus, visual dysfunction is not only common but also highly relevant. The visual pathway represents a model of acute focal central nervous system (CNS) damage, through acute optic neuritis and retinal periphlebitis, as well as a model of chronic, diffuse CNS damage through chronic retinopathy and optic neuropathy. The optic pathway can be accurately evaluated in detail, due to the availability of highly sensitive imaging techniques (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging or optical coherent tomography) or electrophysiological tests (multifocal visual evoked potentials or electroretinography). These techniques allow the interactions between the different processes at play to be evaluated, such as inflammation, demyelination, axonal damage and neurodegeneration. Moreover, these features mean that the visual pathway can be used as a model to test new neuroprotective or regenerative therapies.
Europe, crisis, and critique
Authors: O’Mahony Patrick
Published: July 2014

The article begins with a selective outline of social theories of crisis. Such crisis diagnosis is important for general, societal argumentation. The current article positions normative-critical theories and Luhmann’s own version of system theory on opposite sides of the societal argument about the future of Europe and, generally, postnational society. The former supports moral and ethical visions of egalitarian pluralism, and the latter emphasizes the need to conform to the functional, communication logics of self-organizing social systems. It is then proposed that if rival social theoretical traditions, the above named and others, are to engage in meaningful normative argument with one another, they must develop a minimal, shared understanding of what should constitute the theory of society. In pursuit of this goal, the article advances a shared, minimal, theoretical framework that addresses both the full spectrum of the normative culture of modernity and its critique, no matter from which social standpoint or theoretical tradition the latter is advanced. In conclusion, asserting its own normative standpoint, it is argued that both a European cultural model and a constitutional order based on cosmopolitan solidarity are needed. Such a model should assert moral principles of justice, equality, responsibility, and legitimacy that would adequately respect and include the full variety of milieus and associational forms in contemporary European society, not just those of the present elite. Such a model should not simply be abstractly asserted, though that is an essential first step, but its conditions of possibility should be supported by appropriate social research that would investigate capacities for transnational democratic innovation and the formation of substantive moral principles among European publics.
Differences between the quality of the printed version and online editions of the European reference press
Authors: Ramírez de la Piscina Txema , González Gorosarri Maria , Aiestaran Alazne , Zabalondo Beatriz , Agirre Antxoka
Published: July 2014

This article deals with a key question for the future of journalism: the repercussion which new technologies are having on news quality. The authors compared digital and printed versions of five major European reference newspapers, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Financial Times, Le Monde, Corriere della Sera and El País throughout the first 3 months of 2013. The study provides specific data about the quality indices of each of these versions and confirms that there is a deterioration in news quality online. The average index obtained by the printed version is 6.06 out of 10, against 5.66 for the digital version, a difference of 40 hundredths. Finally, the work compares the 2013 results with those registered in the period 2001–2012 by these newspapers in their printed versions. Printed news quality shows greater stability.
Prolonged grief in caregivers of community-dwelling dementia patients
Authors: Passoni Serena , Toraldo Alessio , Villa Barbara , Bottini Gabriella
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

To estimate the frequency of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) in 90 primary caregivers of patients with dementia who live in the community dwelling in Milan and to identify the relationship between grief intensity (GI) and other caregiver variables; another aim was to clarify the role of the objective cognitive and functional impairment of the patients and the level of deterioration perceived by caregivers.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Results:

In all, 16.7% of caregivers had PGD. Caregiver variables increasing GI and the risk of developing PGD were burden, anxiety, and some sociodemographic features. The objective level of patient’s deterioration was irrelevant for PGD probability/GI, while the deterioration level perceived by the caregiver increased PGD probability and GI.

Conclusions:

Caregivers of patients with dementia may experience grief symptoms that are associated with low educational level, high level of burden and anxiety, and high perceived deterioration of their demented relatives’ cognitive and functional abilities.
The reduced autophagic response by oxidative stress in angiotensin II-induced hypertrophic H9C2 cells causes more apoptotic cell death
Authors: Chen Ching-Yi , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Chen Ming-Fong
Published: July 2014

Autophagy is an important process in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, and angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a causative role in the induction of cardiomyocyte autophagy. The purpose of this study was to explore whether, under conditions of oxidative stress, levels and types of cell death were different in untreated and Ang II-treated cardiomyocytes (H9C2 cells). Treatment with 20 µM Ang II induced cardiac hypertrophy in H9C2 cells, with increased expression of the hypertrophic markers c-Fos, ß-myosin heavy chain, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), and brain natriuretic factor (BNF). Under normal conditions, there was no difference in the levels of autophagic vacuoles and apoptotic bodies in untreated and Ang II-treated H9C2 cells. However, oxidative stress generated by 100 µM H2O2 triggered autophagy in untreated control cells, but had a reduced effect in Ang II-induced hypertrophic cells, resulting in more cell death, and this was associated with a decrease in connexin 43 expression. Blocking this autophagic response with 3-methyladenine resulted in a significant increase in cell death and apoptosis of H9C2 cells but did not significantly affect the response of Ang II-treated cells. The autophagic response to 100 µM H2O2 provides a survival advantage for cells and this is reduced by Ang II treatment.
The Effects of Attachment and Acculturation on Latino College Students’ Relationship Satisfaction With a Close Friend
Authors: Rodriguez Adrian , Ratanasiripong Paul , Hayashino Diane , Locks Angela
Published: July 2014

This study explored the effects of attachment and acculturation on relationship satisfaction for Latino college students in their current close friendships. Results indicated that attachment but not acculturation predicts relationship satisfaction. Women were more satisfied than men with friends of the same and opposite sex. High-quality close friendships and secure attachment mutually lead to positive health and mental health outcomes for young adults. The implications, limitations, and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Beyond the Aesthetic
Authors: Ashley Amanda Johnson
Published: July 2014

This study debunks the myth that arts economic development (AED) is a recent phenomenon. Although marked by piecemeal policies, different motivations, and scattered implementation, AED has played a strategic role in modern city planning over the past hundred years. This research unveils AED’s trajectory through seven forms: (1) aesthetics, (2) cultural agglomeration, (3) workforce investments, (4) city building, (5) amenities and livability, (6) creative regions, and (7) community development. The article outlines central motivations, program character and proponents, accomplishments, shortcomings, and planning legacy for each approach. The examination shows how modern AED, with roots in the City Beautiful era, adapted over time to address changes in urban problems. This century-long quest has resulted in variations on a general strategy to refocus attention and resources on forgotten or challenged places. A cacophony of interventions emerged while a comprehensive narrative came up short, creating confusion about AED’s purpose and use. This article provides the first historical treatment of local AED and explains how and why art is used today as an instrument in urban life.
Fostering Transformative Learning Through Cocreative Artmaking Processes and Emerging Artful Forms
Authors: Mantas Kathy , Schwind Jasna K.
Published: July 2014

In this article, we take a retrospective look at a workshop where Jasna, a nurse educator, was a participant, and Kathy, a preservice teacher educator, was both a participant and the facilitator of an artful inquiry process she calls co-creative writing. By putting forward our stories, we share our experiences as well as contribute to ongoing discussions on the value of engaging in cocreative arts-based approaches to enhancing transformative learning. More specifically, we engage in a critical reflective dialogue to illustrate how the process of making art together can create space for transformative learning and thus help to deepen our understanding of our teaching–learning relationships. Particular attention is given to organic collaborative artistic processes and how they support dialogue, encourage critical reflection, nurture authentic relationships, and foster creative and expressive ways of knowing and being, as well as a more holistic orientation toward transformative learning.
Transient liquid phase diffusion bonding of Al/Al2O3 nanostructured metal matrix composites
Authors: Yarahmadi M. , Shamanian M. , Salimi Jazi H. R. , Hoshyarmanesh H. R.
Published: July 2014

Transient liquid phase (TLP) diffusion bonding was carried out on nanostructured metal matrix composite sheets of Al-1100 alloy with 5 wt-% alumina particles at various bonding temperatures and process durations. A thin layer of 5 μm pure copper was electrodeposited as an interlayer. Joint formation was first attributed to the solid state diffusion of copper into the aluminium metal matrix followed by eutectic formation; then, base metal dissolution and isothermal solidification was completed at the joint interface. Joint area was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Diffraction patterns showed the formation of intermetallic phases like CuAl2. The concentration of Al2O3 particles increases across the interface as the bonding temperature increases. As a result, the highest bond strength of 123 MPa was achieved after a bonding duration of 30 min at 590°C.
Quantitative 3D characterisation of porous NiTi fabricated by self-propagating high temperature synthesis using X-ray microtomography
Authors: Gupta C. , van de Casteele E. , Wevers M. , Hoshino H. , Kobayashi M. , Biswas A.
Published: July 2014

A porous NiTi specimen prepared by self-propagating high temperature synthesis for bone implant applications has been characterised by a laboratory X-ray microtomography instrument to reveal the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the internal porosity. The reconstructed slices obtained from the tomography scan showed open porosity as well as micropores in the matrix. The 3D renderings revealed that the open porosity is highly interconnected, tortuous structure. 3D quantitative estimates of the micropores in terms of their volume fraction, number density and size have been evaluated. Metrics have been developed based on skeletonised idealisation of the complex architecture of interconnected pores that reflect its structural properties.
The relationship between timely delivery of vocational rehabilitation services and subsequent federal disability benefit application and receipt
Authors: Schimmel Hyde Jody , Honeycutt Todd , Stapleton David
Published: July 2014

Federal/state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies offer services to individuals with disabilities that may help them remain in the labor force and avoid entering Social Security Administration (SSA) disability programs. We assess how the availability of VR services within an agency at the time an individual applies to receive VR services is related to subsequent application and receipt of SSA disability benefits. We find that individuals have a higher likelihood of subsequently applying for and receiving disability benefits when they apply in months that the VR agency serves a lower percentage of applicants or has a longer average wait for services.

JEL codes

H55, H75, J29
Comparison of clinical outcome variables in patients with and without etomidate-facilitated anesthesia induction ahead of major cardiac surgery: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Heinrich Sebastian , Schmidt Joachim , Ackermann Andreas , Moritz Andreas , Harig Frank , Castellanos Ixchel
Published: July 2014

Introduction

It is well known that etomidate may cause adrenal insufficiency. However, the clinical relevance of adrenal suppression after a single dose of etomidate remains vague. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the administration of a single dose of etomidate or an alternative induction regime ahead of major cardiac surgery and clinical outcome parameters associated with adrenal suppression and onset of sepsis.

Methods

The anesthesia and intensive care unit (ICU) records from patients undergoing cardiac surgery over five consecutive years (2008 to 2012) were retrospectively analyzed. The focus of the analysis was on clinical parameters like mortality, ventilation hours, renal failure, and sepsis-linked serum parameters. Multivariate analysis and Cox regression were applied to derive the results.

Results

In total, 3,054 patient records were analyzed. A group of 1,775 (58%) patients received a single dose of etomidate; 1,279 (42%) patients did not receive etomidate at any time. There was no difference in distribution of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical score, duration of surgery, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. Postoperative data showed no significant differences between the two groups in regard to mortality (6.8% versus 6.4%), mean of mechanical ventilation hours (21.2 versus 19.7), days in the ICU (2.6 versus 2.5), hospital days (18.7 versus 17.4), sepsis-associated parameters, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and incidence of renal failure. Administration of etomidate showed no significant influence (P = 0.6) on hospital mortality in the multivariate Cox analysis.

Conclusions

This study found no evidence for differences in key clinical outcome parameters based on anesthesia induction with or without administration of a single dose of etomidate. In consequence, etomidate might remain an acceptable option for single-dose anesthesia induction.
Below-Knee Arterial Calcification in Type 2 Diabetes: Association With Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κB Ligand, Osteoprotegerin, and Neuropathy
Authors: Bourron Olivier , Aubert Carole Elodie , Liabeuf Sophie , Cluzel Philippe , Lajat-Kiss Frédérique , Dadon Michel , Komajda Michel , Mentaverri Romuald , Brazier Michel , Pierucci Antoine , Morel Florence , Jacqueminet Sophie , Massy Ziad A. , Hartemann Agnès
Published: July 2014

Context:

Calcification of the arterial wall in diabetes contributes to the arterial occlusive process occurring below the knee. The osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) system is suspected to be involved in the calcification process.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate whether there is a link between arterial calcification in type 2 diabetes and 1) conventional cardiovascular risk factors, 2) serum RANKL and OPG levels, and 3) neuropathy.

Patients and Methods:

We objectively scored, in a cross-sectional study, infrapopliteal vascular calcification using computed tomography scanning in 198 patients with type 2 diabetes, a high cardiovascular risk, and a glomerular filtration rate >30 mL/min. Color duplex ultrasonography was performed to assess peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and mediacalcosis. Peripheral neuropathy was defined by a neuropathy disability score >6. RANKL and OPG were measured in the serum by routine chemistry.

Results:

Below-knee arterial calcification was associated with arterial occlusive disease. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the variables significantly and independently associated with the calcification score were age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.13; P < .0001), male gender (OR = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.54–8.08; P = .003), previous cardiovascular disease (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.39–5.59; P = .005), and neuropathy disability score (per 1 point, OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.05–1.38; P = .006). The association with ln OPG, significantly associated with calcification score in univariate analysis (OR = 3.14; 95% CI = 1.05–9.40; P = .045), was no longer significant in multivariate analysis. RANKL and OPG/RANKL were not significantly associated with the calcification score.

Conclusions:

Below-knee arterial calcification severity is clearly correlated with peripheral neuropathy severity and with several usual cardiovascular risk factors, but not with serum RANKL level.
A Reversible Albumin-Binding Growth Hormone Derivative is Well Tolerated and Possesses a Potential Once-Weekly Treatment Profile
Authors: Rasmussen Michael Højby , Olsen Minna W. Brændholt , Alifrangis Lene , Klim Søren , Suntum Mette
Published: July 2014

Context:

Human growth hormone (hGH) replacement therapy currently requires daily sc injections for years/lifetime, which may be both inconvenient and distressing for patients. NNC0195–0092 is a novel hGH derivative intended for once-weekly treatment of GH deficiency.

A noncovalent albumin binding moiety is attached to the hGH backbone. Clearance is reduced as a consequence of a reversible binding to circulating serum albumin, which prolongs the pharmacodynamic (PD) effect.

Objective:

To evaluate safety, local tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of a single dose (SD) and multiple doses (MD) of NNC0195–0092.

Setting and Design:

Randomized, single-center, placebo-controlled, double-blind, SD/MD, dose-escalation trial of 105 healthy male subjects. NNC0195–0092 sc administration: Five cohorts of eight subjects received one dose of NNC0195–0092 (0.01–0.32 mg/kg) (n = 6) or placebo (n = 2). Sixteen subjects (equal numbers of Japanese and non-Asian) received once-weekly doses of NNC0195–0092 (0.02–0.24 mg/kg; n=12) or placebo (n=4) for 4 weeks. Blood samples were drawn for assessment of safety, PK, IGF-1, and IGF binding protein 3 profiles and anti-drug antibodies.

Results:

SD and MD of NNC0195–0092 were well tolerated at all dose levels. No safety concerns or local tolerability issues were identified. A dose-dependent IGF-1 response was observed. IGF-1 profiles suggest that NNC0195–0092 may be suitable for once-weekly dosing, with a clinically relevant dose ≤0.08 mg/kg/week. No differences in PK and PD were observed between Japanese and non-Asian subjects.

Conclusions:

SD and MD of NNC0195–0092 administered to healthy Japanese and non-Asian male subjects were well tolerated at all doses. The present trial suggests that NNC0195–0092 has the potential for an efficacious, well-tolerated, once-weekly GH treatment.
Krebs Cycle Metabolite Profiling for Identification and Stratification of Pheochromocytomas/Paragangliomas due to Succinate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Richter Susan , Peitzsch Mirko , Rapizzi Elena , Lenders Jacques W. , Qin Nan , de Cubas Aguirre A. , Schiavi Francesca , Rao Jyotsna U. , Beuschlein Felix , Quinkler Marcus , Timmers Henri J. , Opocher Giuseppe , Mannelli Massimo , Pacak Karel , Robledo Mercedes , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: July 2014

Context:

Mutations of succinate dehydrogenase A/B/C/D genes (SDHx) increase susceptibility to development of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), with particularly high rates of malignancy associated with SDHB mutations.

Objective:

We assessed whether altered succinate dehydrogenase product-precursor relationships, manifested by differences in tumor ratios of succinate to fumarate or other metabolites, might aid in identifying and stratifying patients with SDHx mutations.

Design, Setting, and Patients:

PPGL tumor specimens from 233 patients, including 45 with SDHx mutations, were provided from eight tertiary referral centers for mass spectrometric analyses of Krebs cycle metabolites.

Main Outcome Measure:

Diagnostic performance of the succinate:fumarate ratio for identification of pathogenic SDHx mutations.

Results:

SDH-deficient PPGLs were characterized by 25-fold higher succinate and 80% lower fumarate, cis-aconitate, and isocitrate tissue levels than PPGLs without SDHx mutations. Receiver-operating characteristic curves for use of ratios of succinate to fumarate or to cis-aconitate and isocitrate to identify SDHx mutations indicated areas under curves of 0.94 to 0.96; an optimal cut-off of 97.7 for the succinate:fumarate ratio provided a diagnostic sensitivity of 93% at a specificity of 97% to identify SDHX-mutated PPGLs. Succinate:fumarate ratios were higher in both SDHB-mutated and metastatic tumors than in those due to SDHD/C mutations or without metastases.

Conclusions:

Mass spectrometric-based measurements of ratios of succinate:fumarate and other metabolites in PPGLs offer a useful method to identify patients for testing of SDHx mutations, with additional utility to quantitatively assess functionality of mutations and metabolic factors responsible for malignant risk.
Gaze characteristics of freely walking blowflies in a goal-directed task
Authors: Kress Daniel , Egelhaaf Martin
Published: July 2014

In contrast to flying flies, walking flies experience relatively strong rotational gaze shifts, even during overall straight phases of locomotion. These gaze shifts are caused by the walking apparatus and modulated by the stride frequency. Accordingly, even during straight walking phases, the retinal image flow is composed of both translational and rotational optic flow, which might affect spatial vision as well as fixation behavior. We addressed this issue for an orientation task where walking blowflies approached a black vertical bar. The visual stimulus was stationary, or either the bar or the background moved horizontally. The stride-coupled gaze shifts of flies walking towards the bar had similar amplitudes under all visual conditions tested. This finding indicates that these shifts are an inherent feature of walking, which are not even compensated during a visual goal fixation task. By contrast, approaching flies showed a frequent stop-and-go behavior that was affected by the stimulus conditions. As sustained image rotations may impair distance estimation during walking, we propose a hypothesis which explains how rotation-independent translatory image flow containing distance information can be determined. The algorithm proposed works without requiring that the rotational and translational flow components are differentiated at the behavioral level. By contrast, disentangling both has been proposed to be necessary during flight. By comparing the retinal velocities of the edges of the goal, its rotational image motion component can be removed. Consequently, the goal's expansion velocity and, thus, its proximity can be extracted, irrespective of distance-independent stride-coupled rotational image shifts.
K+ absorption by locust gut and inhibition of ileal K+ and water transport by FGLamide allatostatins.
Authors: Robertson Lisa , Donini Andrew , Lange Angela B.
Published: July 2014

The Scanning Ion-Selective Electrode Technique (SIET) was utilized for the first time in Locusta migratoria to characterize K+ transport along the digestive tract and to determine the effect of two locust FGLamide allatostatins (FGLa/ASTs) on K+ transport: a previously sequenced FGLa/AST from Schistocerca gregaria (Scg-AST-6; ARPYSFGL-NH2) and a newly sequenced FGLa/AST from L. migratoria (Locmi-FGLa/AST-2; LPVYNFGL-NH2). Regional differences in K+ fluxes along the gut were evident, where K+ efflux in vitro (or absorption into the hemolymph in vivo) was greatest at the anterior ileum, and lowest at the colon. Ileal K+ efflux was inhibited by both Scg-AST-6 and Locmi-FGLa/AST-2, with maximal inhibition at 10-10 and 10-11 M, respectively. Both FGLa/ASTs also inhibited cAMP-stimulated K+ efflux from the ileum. Locmi-FGLa/AST-2 also inhibited efflux of water across the ileum. Locusts are terrestrial insects living in dry climates, risking desiccation and making water conservation a necessity. The results suggest that FGLa/ASTs may be acting as diuretics by increasing K+ excretion and therefore increasing water excretion. Thus, it is likely that FGLa/ASTs are involved in the control of hemolymph water and ion levels during feeding and digestion, to help the locust deal with the excess K+ load (and subsequently fluid) when the meal is processed.
Social regulation of cortisol receptor gene expression
Authors: Korzan Wayne J. , Fernald Russell D. , Grone Brian P.
Published: July 2014

In many social species, individuals influence the reproductive capacity of conspecifics. In a well-studied African cichlid fish species, Astatotilapia burtoni, males are either dominant (D) and reproductively competent or non-dominant (ND) and reproductively suppressed as evidenced by reduced gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH1) release, regressed gonads, lower levels of androgens and elevated levels of cortisol. Here, we asked whether androgen and cortisol levels might regulate this reproductive suppression. A. burtoni has four glucocorticoid receptors (GR1a, GR1b, GR2 and MR) encoded by three genes, and two androgen receptor (ARα and ARβ) encoded by two genes. We previously showed that ARα and ARβ are expressed in GnRH1 neurons in the preoptic area (POA) that regulates reproduction and that the mRNA levels of these receptors are regulated by social status. Here we show that GR1, GR2 and MR mRNAs are also expressed in GnRH1 neurons in the POA, revealing potential mechanisms for both androgens and cortisol to influence reproductive capacity. We measured AR, MR and GR mRNA expression levels in the microdissected region of POA containing GnRH1 neurons, comparing D and ND males. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), we found D males had higher mRNA levels of ARα, MR, total GR1a and GR2 in the POA compared to ND males. In contrast, ND males had significantly higher levels of GR1b mRNA, a receptor subtype with reduced transcriptional response to cortisol. Through this novel regulation of receptor type, neurons in the POA of an ND male will be less affected by the higher levels of cortisol typical of low status suggesting GR receptor type change as a potential adaptive mechanism to mediate high cortisol levels during social suppression.