bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Astrocytes Collaborate with Neurons in Spreading the “Infectious” Aβ and Tau Drivers of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Dal Prà Ilaria , Chiarini Anna , Gui Li , Chakravarthy Balu , Pacchiana Raffaella , Gardenal Emanuela , Whitfield James F. , Armato Ubaldo
Published: April 2014

Evidence has begun emerging for the “contagious” and destructive Aβ42 (amyloid-beta42) oligomers and phosphorylated Tau oligomers as drivers of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which advances along a pathway starting from the brainstem or entorhinal cortex and leading to cognition-related upper cerebral cortex regions. Seemingly, Aβ42 oligomers trigger the events generating the neurotoxic Tau oligomers, which may even by themselves spread the characteristic AD neuropathology. It has been assumed that only neurons make and spread these toxic drivers, whereas their associated astrocytes are just janitorial bystanders/scavengers. But this view is likely to radically change since normal human astrocytes freshly isolated from adult cerebral cortex can be induced by exogenous Aβ25-35, an Aβ42 proxy, to make and secrete increased amounts of endogenous Aβ42. Thus, it would seem that the steady slow progression of AD neuropathology along specific cognition-relevant brain networks is driven by both Aβ42 and phosphorylated Tau oligomers that are variously released from increasing numbers of “contagion-stricken” members of tightly coupled neuron–astrocyte teams. Hence, we surmise that stopping the oversecretion and spread of the two kinds of “contagious” oligomers by such team members, perhaps via a specific CaSR (Ca2+-sensing receptor) antagonist like NPS 2143, might effectively treat AD.
Influences of Primary Cilia on Cortical Morphogenesis and Neuronal Subtype Maturation
Authors: Sarkisian Matthew R. , Guadiana Sarah M.
Published: April 2014

Recognition that virtually every neuronal progenitor cell and neuron in the cerebral cortex is ciliated has triggered intense interest in neuronal cilia function. Here, we review recent studies that suggest the primary cilia of cortical progenitor cells are required for establishing and maintaining the organization within pools of proliferative cells. In addition, signaling via primary cilia differentially influence the migration and differentiation of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the developing cortex. Specifically, the primary cilia of excitatory neurons appear to play a significant role in regulating the post-migratory differentiation of these neurons whereas cilia of inhibitory neurons appear to be required for the proper migration and positioning of those cells in cortex. Given the recently discovered functions of cilia in proliferation, neuronal migration, and differentiation, it is likely that further studies of cilia signaling will improve our understanding of how these basic developmental processes are regulated and may provide insight into how mutations in specific cilia genes linked to ciliopathies lead to the many neurological deficits associated with these diseases.
Self-Defense Training as Clinical Intervention for Survivors of Trauma
Authors: Rosenblum Gianine D. , Taska Lynn S.
Published: April 2014

A well-designed self-defense curriculum, congruent with psychophysiologically informed trauma research and treatment, and integrated with input from therapists, can serve as an important adjunctive treatment. We provide a detailed description of such a program modified to be an experiential, psychoeducational intervention for female survivors of trauma. Recent research on the role of blocked motor responses in the development of pathology post-trauma is explored as a potential explanatory mechanism for the therapeutic benefits of self-defense training. Through specific examples and descriptions of teaching methods, we examine how this intervention compliments and augments traditional psychotherapeutic treatment of trauma sequelae.
Self-Defense or Undermining the Self? Exploring the Possibilities and Limitations of a Novel Anti-Rape Technology
Authors: White Deborah , Rees Gethin
Published: April 2014

Despite decades of feminist-inspired law reforms, rape remains highly prevalent. While many continue to fight for broad cultural and institutional changes, some argue that more immediate interventions are required. Self-defense techniques represent a key strategy of resistance to rape, and empirical evidence suggests that women’s active resistance may hold a number of positive benefits. In this essay, we compare the aims and objectives of a novel anti-rape technology, known as the Rape-aXe, with traditional self-defense techniques, focusing upon the potential for both to resist individual acts of sexual aggression and, more broadly, end gendered sexual violence.
Tailoring to Customers’ Needs
Authors: Wilder Kelly M. , Collier Joel E. , Barnes Donald C.
Published: April 2014

For most organizations, the ability to adapt a service experience is the responsibility of frontline employees (FLEs). Previous research on adapting or customizing a service has focused much of its attention on the internal motivations or predispositions of FLEs to adapt a service. However, the ability to adapt a service experience is often a function of management setting expectations and allocating appropriate resources. Regardless of the FLE’s internal motivation, service providers need to educate employees on how and when to adapt a customer’s service experience. Drawing on role theory, our study focuses on how mangers can promote adaptive behaviors with FLEs. Our findings identify two major processes in adapting a service experience: (1) recognition of customer needs through employee empathy and anticipation and (2) creation of alternatives to meet those needs through employee creativity. To further examine the managerial influence on adapting a service, we explore how the perceived service climate of the organization and employee empowerment influences FLEs’ ability to adapt a service. Results of our study indicate that perceived service climate has a larger impact on recognition of customer needs, while empowerment has a stronger influence on the creation of alternatives. From a managerial perspective, this research highlights that adaptive behavior can be fostered in FLEs and is not solely dependent on hiring the “right” people who are predisposed to adapt. The findings of our study have implications for business practice in managing service encounters, employee empowerment, and training.
Biology Ideology and Pastiche Hegemony
Authors: Matthews Christopher R.
Published: April 2014

As knowledge about the biological foundation of the modern patriarchal gender order is increasingly challenged within late-modern social worlds enclaves persist in which men and women can attempt to recreate understandings of the “natural” basis of sex difference. Within “Power Gym,” male boxers were able to symbolize their bodies and behaviors in such a manner. The language and logic of popular scientific discourses authored and authorized notions of an “innate” manhood. The ability to instrumentally deploy one’s manliness in symbolically legitimate ways could then be represented and emotionally experienced as a man’s biological right and obligation. Through scripted performances of “mimetic” violence and self-bullying, the boxers were able to experience this discursive naturalness and carve out a masculinity-validating social enclave. As such, they accessed a “patriarchal dividend” by securing a local pastiche hegemony in which discourses surrounding men’s natural place as physically and psychologically dominant remained largely uncontested. Through the reflexive appropriation of “science,” within appropriate subcultural codes, these men could negotiate taboos and restrictions that are characteristic of late-modern social worlds. When considered in this way, the power of “scientific” truth claims to explain and justify a certain level of violence, aggression, and behaviors coded as masculine, comes to the fore.
Superior lubricity in articular cartilage and artificial hydrogel cartilage
Authors: Murakami Teruo , Yarimitsu Seido , Nakashima Kazuhiro , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Sawae Yoshinori , Sakai Nobuo , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: April 2014

In healthy natural synovial joints, the extremely low friction and minimum wear are maintained by their superior load-carrying capacity and lubricating ability. This superior lubricating performance appears to be actualized not by single lubrication mode but by synergistic combination of multimode mechanisms such as fluid film, biphasic, hydration, gel film and/or boundary lubrication. On the contrary, in most artificial joints composed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene against metal or ceramic-mating material, boundary and/or mixed lubrication modes prevail and thus local direct contact brings down high friction and high-wear problems. To extend the durability of artificial joint, the reduction in friction and wear by improvement in lubrication mechanism is required as an effective design solution. In this paper, at the start, the mechanism of superior lubricity for articular cartilage is examined from the viewpoints of biphasic and boundary lubrication mechanism. Subsequently, the proposal of biomimetic artificial hydrogel cartilage is put forward to improve the lubricating modes in artificial joints. The tribological behaviours in two kinds of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels are compared with that of natural cartilage. The importance in lubrication mechanism in artificial hydrogel cartilage is discussed.
Tribological studies of highly hydrolytically stable N-containing long chain alkyl phenylborate esters in mineral oil
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Zhang Yawen , Ren Tianhui , Zhao Yidong
Published: April 2014

The tribological properties and hydrolytic stabilities of two novel N-containing long chain alkyl phenylborate esters, 2-(4-dodecylphenyl)-6-octadecyl-1,3,6,2-dioxazaborate (DBDB), and bis(2-(2-((E)-heptadec-8-enyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) ethyl)-4-dodecylphenylborate (OMDB), as lubricating additives in mineral oil (HVI WH150) were evaluated. The results confirm that the two additives possess good anti-wear property and excellent hydrolytic stability, which demonstrates that the new approach by introducing long chain alkyl phenyl group is an effective way to improve the hydrolytic stability of borate esters. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was adopted to analyze the thermo-oxidative films and tribofilms generated from the synthesized additives in base oil to further understand their tribological behaviors on the metal surfaces. The XANES spectra reveal that the thermal films are mainly composed of trigonal coordination boron, while the tribofilms consist of trigonal and tetrahedral coordination borons in comparison with the model compounds, which suggests that the additive can generate the tetrahedral boron species or the trigonal boron species partially undergoing transformation to produce tetrahedral boron species during the vigorous condition of rubbing process.
Relationship between super-knock and pre-ignition
Authors: Wang Zhi , Liu Hui , Song Tao , Qi Yunliang , He Xin , Shuai Shijin , Wang JianXin
Published: April 2014

High boost and direct injection are the main tendency of gasoline engine technology. However, pre-ignition/super-knock tends to occur at low-speed high-load conditions, which is the main obstacle for improving power density and fuel economy. This work distinguished the relationship between super-knock and pre-ignition by experimental investigation and numerical simulation. The experiment was conducted on a turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine with compression ratio of 10. The engine was operated at an engine speed of 1750 r/min and the brake mean effective pressure of 2.0 MPa under stoichiometric conditions. Super-knock is the severe engine knock triggered by pre-ignition. Pre-ignition may lead to super-knock, heavy-knock, slight-knock, and non-knock. Significantly advancing spark timing can only simulate pre-ignition, not super-knock. Although knock intensity tends to increase with earlier pre-ignition timing, higher unburned mixture fraction at start of knock, and higher temperature and pressure of the unburned mixture at start of knock, knock intensity cannot be simply correlated to any of the parameters above. A one-dimensional model is set up to numerically simulate the possible combustion process of the end-gas after pre-ignition. Two distinct end-gas combustion modes are identified depending on the pressure and temperature of the mixture: deflagration and detonation. Hot-spot in the mixture at typical near top dead center pressure and temperature condition can only induce deflagration. Hot-spot in the unburned end-gas mixture at temperature and pressure conditions above ’’deto-curve’’ may induce detonation. The mechanism of deto-knock may be described as hot-spot-triggered pre-ignition followed by hotspot- induced deflagration to detonation.
Peer review in higher education: Student perceptions before and after participation
Authors: Mulder Raoul A , Pearce Jon M , Baik Chi
Published: April 2014

Peer review is integral to academic endeavour, but opportunities for students to benefit from peer review in higher education remain limited, and relatively little is known about how student perceptions influence their appreciation of peer review. University student perceptions were examined before and after experiencing student peer review in four university subjects differing in discipline, year level and class size. Prior to engaging in peer review, students had remarkably high expectations of both the process and the competence of their peers as reviewers. Students reported high satisfaction levels with the peer-review process and its positive impact on their learning, and particularly showed an enhanced appreciation of the influence of review writing on learning. However, a modest overall downward shift in positive perceptions was observed following peer review, suggesting that student opinions of peer review became somewhat more polarized as a consequence of their experiences. Drawing on survey response data and student comments, several recommendations are made that may help to improve student perceptions of peer review and ensure that the diverse learning benefits of the peer-review process are achieved.
Smart modular lighting control system with dual-beam luminaires
Authors: Caicedo D , Pandharipande A , Vissenberg MCJM
Published: April 2014

We consider a smart lighting system with multiple dual-beam luminaires, with co-located occupancy and light sensors. A dual-beam luminaire emits a hollow beam and a narrow beam, suitable, respectively, for providing ambient and task lighting both controllable independently. We consider an occupancy- and daylight-adaptive lighting system, wherein the luminaire controller determines the dimming levels of the dual beams such that the lighting system provides a desired illuminance based on local occupancy and light sensor inputs. We present a method for calibrating the light sensors to obtain control set-points and a controller design so that the set-points may be attained. The proposed system performance is compared with a standard-beam lighting system using lighting simulations. We find that the dual-beam lighting system provides higher illumination and power saving in comparison to the standard-beam lighting system, given the additional degree of freedom provided by the two optical beams.
Development of a Culturally Relevant Consumer Health Information Website for Harlem, New York
Authors: Smith Michelle , Morita Haruka , Mateo Katrina F. , Nye Andrea , Hutchinson Carly , Cohall Alwyn T.
Published: April 2014

The process of creating a geographically tailored health information website with ongoing feedback from community members is one of inquiry and discovery, frustration and triumph, and development and reevaluation. This article reviews the development and implementation of GetHealthyHarlem.org , a health literacy level-appropriate consumer health information website tailored to consumers in Harlem, New York City. From 2004 to 2009, the Harlem Health Promotion Center, one of 37 Prevention Research Centers in the United States, sought to determine the use and seeking of online health information in Harlem, New York City in order to further explore the possibility of providing online health information to this community. Specifically, this article details how we sought to identify gaps, concerns, and uses of online health information and health care seeking in this local, predominantly racial and ethnic minority population. We review how we identified and addressed the multitude of variables that play a role in determining the degree of success in finding and using online health information, and include discussions about the genesis of the website and our successes and challenges in the development and implementation stages.
The Intersubjective Ethics of Dialogue
Authors: Stumm Bettina
Published: April 2014

In this article, I take a philosophical and literary approach to collaborative writing as inquiry, examining the intersubjective ethics of dialogue involved in narrative collaboration. I argue that autobiography and cultural studies have not delved deeply enough into the ethical implications of dialogue in collaborative life writing, which has resulted in an impoverished sense of responsibility in practices of writing with vulnerable subjects who have experienced trauma, marginalization, or oppression. Drawing on Paul Ricoeur’s description of dialogue as a process of verbal interaction and an expression of ethical intersubjectivity, I develop two critical aspects of dialogue—the hospitality of reception and the reciprocity of response—to show how both are necessary for collaborative partnerships to flourish and for vulnerable subjects to reconstitute themselves beyond their victimhood. I then examine how these ethical aspects work themselves out in practice through a study of the narrative collaboration, Stolen Life, by Rudy Wiebe and Yvonne Johnson.
Potentiation of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by repeated exposure to diesel exhaust particles: An experimental study in rats
Authors: Nemmar Abderrahim , Beegam Sumaya , Yuvaraju Priya , Yasin Javed , Fahim Mohamed A , Kazzam Elsadig E , Alhaddabi Ibrahim , Ali Badreldin H
Published: April 2014

Several epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with increases in morbidity and mortality, and this is more evident in patients with renal diseases. However, the basis of the possible exacerbating effect of particulate air pollution on animal model of renal injury has received scant attention. Here, we assessed the effect of repeated exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. DEP (0.5 m/kg) was intratracheally (i.t.) instilled every second day for eight days (a total of five exposures). CP, 6 mg/kg was given 1 h before the third exposure to DEP. Two days following the last exposure to either DEP or saline (control), various renal endpoints were measured. Water intake, urine volume, and relative kidney weight were significantly increased in CP + DEP versus DEP and CP + saline versus saline. Plasma creatinine increased and creatinine clearance decreased in CP + DEP versus DEP and CP + saline versus saline. Interestingly, blood urea nitrogen, albumin concentrations, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity in urine were significantly increased in DEP + CP compared with either DEP or saline + CP. The combination of DEP and CP enhanced kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, 8-isoprostane and total nitric oxide in the kidney compared with either saline + CP or DEP. Similarly, systolic blood pressure was increased in CP + DEP versus CP + saline or DEP. The renal tubular necrosis observed in kidneys of CP-treated rats was aggravated by the combination of CP + DEP. We conclude that repeated exposure to DEP potentiated CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Our data provide experimental evidence that patients with kidney injury could be at higher risk than the general population.
Passive wireless pressure sensor fabricated in low-temperature co-fired ceramic technology
Authors: Yang Mingliang , Liu Wei , Xiong Jijun , Li Chao , Luo Tao , Tan Qiulin
Published: April 2014

A passive wireless pressure sensor based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic was investigated. The sensor is equivalent to a LC resonant circuit, which has a planar spiral inductor and an interdigital capacitor electrically connected. The inductor and capacitor are fabricated by screen printing technology. The working principle of the sensor is based on the pressure-sensitive resonant frequency of the LC circuit. Wireless detection can be realized by electromagnetic coupling with two inductor coils. The results show that the resonant frequency of sensor decreases with the increase in pressure, and sensitivity of the sensor is about 412.32 kHz/bar.
Family member accompaniment to routine medical visits is associated with better self-care in heart failure patients
Authors: Cené Crystal W , Haymore Laura Beth , Lin Feng-Chang , Laux Jeffrey , Jones Christine Delong , Wu Jia-Rong , DeWalt Darren , Pignone Mike , Corbie-Smith Giselle
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To examine the association between frequency of family member accompaniment to medical visits and heart failure (HF) self-care maintenance and management and to determine whether associations are mediated through satisfaction with provider communication.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey of 150 HF patients seen in outpatient clinics. HF self-care maintenance and management were assessed using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. Satisfaction with provider communication was assessed using a single question originally included in the American Board of Internal Medicine Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Frequency of family member accompaniment to visits was assessed using a single-item question. We performed regression analyses to examine associations between frequency of accompaniment and outcomes. Mediation analysis was conducted using MacKinnon’s criteria.

Results

Overall, 61% reported accompaniment by family members to some/most/every visit. Accompaniment to some/most/every visit was associated with higher self-care maintenance ( β = 6.4, SE 2.5; p = 0.01) and management ( β = 12.7, SE 4.9; p = 0.01) scores. Satisfaction with provider communication may mediate the association between greater frequency of accompaniment to visits and self-care maintenance (1.092; p = 0.06) and self-care management (1.428; p = 0.13).

Discussion

Accompaniment to medical visits is associated with better HF self-care maintenance and management, and this effect may be mediated through satisfaction with provider communication.
A new horizon in the treatment of biofilm-associated tonsillitis
Authors: Ciftci Zafer , Develioglu Omer , Arbak Serap , Ozdoganoglu Tunis , Gultekin Erdogan
Published: April 2014

Objective:

To demonstrate the efficacy of tonsil brushing in patients with chronic tonsillitis to remove the microbial biofilm on the tonsil surface using an in vitro model.

Design:

Specimens from patients undergoing tonsillectomy were evaluated prior to and following surface cleaning methods, including rinsing and brushing, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Patients:

The study population consisted of 25 randomly selected patients with chronic tonsillitis.

Interventions:

Specimens were collected and divided into four portions. Each portion received distinct surface cleaning methods and was immediately fixed for SEM examination.

Outcome measures:

The biofilm layer on the surface of the tonsils was examined using SEM. The density of the biofilm layer and the degree of persistence of the biofilm after rinsing and brushing were measured.

Results:

The surface biofilm of the tonsils in the first group, which were neither brushed nor rinsed, revealed a thick layer of biofilm on the mucosal surface. The second group of tonsils, which were only rinsed, also showed a thick layer of biofilm. The third group of tonsils, which were rinsed following gentle brushing using a soft toothbrush, showed a reduction in the thickness of the biofilm layer. The fourth group of tonsils, which were brushed with a hard brush, was almost devoid of a biofilm layer.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate that rinsing does not effectively remove the biofilm layer on the tonsil surface. The use of a harder brush was identified as a more powerful means of removing biofilm compared with a soft brush.
The Delphi Technique in Educational Research
Authors: Green Ravonne A.
Published: April 2014

The Delphi Technique has been useful in educational settings in forming guidelines, standards, and in predicting trends. Judd lists these major uses of the Delphi Technique in higher education: (a) cost-effectiveness, (b) cost–benefit analysis, (c) curriculum and campus planning, and (d) university-wide educational goals and objectives. The thorough Delphi researcher seeks to reconcile the Delphi consensus with current literature, institutional research, and the campus environment. This triangle forms a sound base for responsible research practice. This book gives an overview of the Delphi Technique and the primary uses of this technique in research. This article on the Delphi Technique will give the researcher an invaluable resource for learning about the Delphi Technique and for applying this method in educational research projects.
Looking on the Dark Side
Authors: Hertel Paula , Mor Nilly , Ferrari Chiara , Hunt Olivia , Agrawal Nupur
Published: April 2014

To understand cognitive bases of self-reported ruminative tendencies, we examined interpretations and subsequent memories of ambiguous situations depicting opportunities for rumination. In Experiment 1, we recruited students, randomly assigned them to a distracting or ruminative concentration task, and then measured their latencies to complete fragments that resolved situational ambiguity in either a ruminative or a benign direction. Students in the ruminative task condition who previously self-identified as brooders were quicker to complete ruminative fragments. In Experiment 2, we simulated this bias to investigate its possible contribution to rumination; nonbrooding students were trained to make ruminative or benign resolutions of ambiguous situations. Ruminative training led to more negative continuations of new, potentially ruminative situations in a subsequent transfer task. Next, ruminative training also caused more negatively valenced errors in recalling the ambiguous transfer situations. Finally, after reflection about a personal experience, state-rumination scores were higher in the ruminative condition. These results establish the causal role of interpretation biases in ruminative patterns of thought.
Spontaneous Heterotopic Triplet Pregnancy With Tubal Rupture
Authors: Arsala Lima , Danso Dennis
Published: April 2014

The recent increase in heterotopic pregnancies has been largely attributed to the increased use of assisted reproduction technologies. We report the rare case of a multiparous woman with a spontaneous conception resulting in a triplet heterotopic pregnancy: a twin intrauterine pregnancy and a single right tubal ectopic pregnancy. Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in which simultaneous gestations occur at 2 or more implantation sites. It is infrequent in natural conception cycles, occurring in 1:30 000 pregnancies. However, the prevalence is rising with the increased use of assisted reproduction techniques to that of 1:100 to 1:500 in these patient subgroups, highlighting the need to incorporate it into a clinician’s diagnostic algorithm.
African-American Patients’ Preferences for a Health Center Campaign Promoting HIV Testing
Authors: Arya Monisha , Kallen Michael A. , Street Richard L. , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Giordano Thomas P.
Published: April 2014

Objective:

In 2006, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended routine HIV testing in health care settings and called for HIV testing campaigns targeting African Americans. In a 2011 national survey, 63% of African Americans wanted information on HIV testing.

Methods:

In our study, 176 African Americans were surveyed to determine channels and spokespersons for an HIV testing campaign.

Results:

Among 9 media channels, the top 3 ranked as “very likely” to convince them to get HIV tested were television, poster, and brochure. Among 10 spokespersons, the top 3 were doctor, nurse, and “real person like me.”

Conclusion:

The media are a cost-effective strategy to promote HIV prevention. Posters and brochures are inexpensive and easy to reproduce for clinical settings. Television campaigns may be feasible in clinics with closed-circuit televisions. Research is needed on campaign messages. An effective health center HIV testing campaign may help mitigate the disproportionate toll HIV is having on African Americans.
Influence of Rotator Cuff Tear Size and Repair Technique on the Creation and Management of Dog Ear Deformities in a Transosseous-Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair Model
Authors: Redler Lauren H. , Byram Ian R. , Luchetti Timothy J. , Tsui Ying Lai , Moen Todd C. , Gardner Thomas R. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Redundancies in the rotator cuff tissue, commonly referred to as “dog ear” deformities, are frequently encountered during rotator cuff repair. Knowledge of how these deformities are created and their impact on rotator cuff footprint restoration is limited.

Purpose:

The goals of this study were to assess the impact of tear size and repair method on the creation and management of dog ear deformities in a human cadaveric model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Crescent-shaped tears were systematically created in the supraspinatus tendon of 7 cadaveric shoulders with increasing medial to lateral widths (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 cm). Repair of the 1.5-cm tear was performed on each shoulder with 3 methods in a randomized order: suture bridge, double-row repair with 2-mm fiber tape, and fiber tape with peripheral No. 2 nonabsorbable looped sutures. Resulting dog ear deformities were injected with an acrylic resin mixture, digitized 3-dimensionally (3D), and photographed perpendicular to the footprint with calibration. The volume, height, and width of the rotator cuff tissue not in contact with the greater tuberosity footprint were calculated using the volume injected, 3D reconstructions, and calibrated photographs. Comparisons were made between tear size, dog ear measurement technique, and repair method utilizing 2-way analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple-comparison tests.

Results:

Utilizing 3D digitized and injection-derived volumes and dimensions, anterior dog ear volume, height, and width were significantly smaller for rotator cuff repair with peripheral looped sutures compared with a suture bridge ( P < .05) or double-row repair with 2-mm fiber tape alone ( P < .05). Similarly, posterior height and width were significantly smaller for repair with looped peripheral sutures compared with a suture bridge ( P < .05). Dog ear volumes and heights trended larger for the 1.5-cm tear, but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

When combined with a standard transosseous-equivalent repair technique, peripheral No. 2 nonabsorbable looped sutures significantly decreased the volume, height, and width of dog ear deformities, better restoring the anatomic footprint of the rotator cuff.

Clinical Relevance:

Dog ear deformities are commonly encountered during rotator cuff repair. Knowledge of a repair technique that reliably decreases their size, and thus increases contact at the anatomic footprint of the rotator cuff, will aid sports medicine surgeons in the management of these deformities.
Value Chain Restructuring, Work Organization and Labour Outcomes in Football Manufacturing in India
Authors: Khara Navjote , Lund-Thomsen Peter
Published: April 2014

This article seeks to understand why developing country suppliers internalize or outsource labour-intensive aspects of production as well as how these internalization/externalization processes affect working conditions in export-orientated industries in the global South. In order to achieve this aim, the article develops a new analytical framework based upon the global value chain approach. Applying this framework to the football manufacturing industry of Jalandhar, India, the article concludes that value chain restructuring produces both new forms of work organization and highly gendered outcomes for labour in this industry.
Gender and Alternative Start-Up Business Funding
Authors: Jayawarna Dilani , Woodhams Carol , Jones Oswald
Published: April 2014

The broad context for our study is set by discussions of equality of opportunity to start-up business finance. There is an increasing literature which suggests that female entrepreneurs face significant disadvantages compared to their male counterparts in their access to resources from orthodox channels such as banks. The consequence of undercapitalization during the start-up phase is underperformance during the life of the business. Adopting a range of informal ‘bootstrapping’ techniques gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to obtain alternative financial resources without resorting to debt or equity funding. In this article, we draw on a unique sample of 211 nascent entrepreneurs in the early stages of business start-up, contacted through a postal and web-based two-wave longitudinal survey, to examine gender differences with regards to different forms of bootstrapping behaviour. The study demonstrates significant differences in the ways that male and female entrepreneurs access informal financial resources. We discuss explanations drawn from women's studies suggesting that the features of capital markets and business and personal characteristics that limit female business owners from accessing sources of orthodox finance also impede their access to the most effective forms of bootstrapping. We suggest that further explanatory and qualitative research is required to investigate these effects.
Offshoring and Export Performance in the European Automotive Industry
Authors: Chiappini Raphaël
Published: April 2014

This article investigates the impact of offshoring on the export performances of French, German and Italian automotive firms. It is argued that the different offshoring strategies implemented by the main European car-makers are responsible for the discrepancies in export performances of France, Germany and Italy on the world automotive market. Relying on data from auto parts and components, input–output tables and the foreign content of automotive production, it is found that French, German and Italian car-makers have different offshoring strategies. German automotive firms rely more on the international fragmentation of production, while French and Italian ones offshore their production more intensively. Focusing on French and German export performance, it is shown that the relatively low export performance of France in the automotive industry since the end of the 1990s is mainly the result of an increase in offshoring lead by Renault and PSA to Eastern European Countries, coupled with rising labour costs in the French automotive sector.
Modelling of impact behaviour of cold spray particles: review
Authors: Li W. Y. , Zhang D. D. , Huang C. J. , Yin S. , Yu M. , Wang F. F. , Liao H. L.
Published: April 2014

Cold spraying (CS) is a coating technique, which has developed rapidly in the last two decades and shows great potential in the industrial community due to its advantages of low temperature deposition as well as no oxides forming in the coating. This review's focus is on the behaviour of particles impacting and the prediction of critical velocity for particle deposition during CS as calculated by numerical simulations according to the open literature. The first part presents an introduction of CS and its particle bonding mechanism. The second part briefly introduces the typically employed numerical computation methods and compares these methods. The third part discusses the effect of particle parameters on particle deformation behaviour. Finally, the current problems and prospects existing in numerical simulations of the impact of CS particles are explored.
Risk of multiple primary malignancies following treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: van Eggermond Anna M. , Schaapveld Michael , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Krol Augustinus D. G. , de Boer Jan Paul , Zijlstra Josée M. , Raemaekers John M. M. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Roesink Judith M. , Louwman Marieke W. J. , Aleman Berthe M. P. , van Leeuwen Flora E.
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Hodgkin lymphoma survivors who developed a second malignancy remain at high risk of developing subsequent malignancies. Treatment options for these malignancies may be more restricted making early detection especially important to improving outcome.
Oncogenetics and minimal residual disease are independent outcome predictors in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Beldjord Kheira , Chevret Sylvie , Asnafi Vahid , Huguet Françoise , Boulland Marie-Laure , Leguay Thibaut , Thomas Xavier , Cayuela Jean-Michel , Grardel Nathalie , Chalandon Yves , Boissel Nicolas , Schaefer Beat , Delabesse Eric , Cavé Hélène , Chevallier Patrice , Buzyn Agnès , Fest Thierry , Reman Oumedaly , Vernant Jean-Paul , Lhéritier Véronique , Béné Marie C. , Lafage Marina , Macintyre Elizabeth , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé
Published: April 2014

Key Points

In adult ALL, oncogenetic markers and minimal residual disease levels are independent outcome predictors. Both factors should be used for individual treatment stratification.
The role of HTLV-1 clonality, proviral structure, and genomic integration site in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Cook Lucy B. , Melamed Anat , Niederer Heather , Valganon Mikel , Laydon Daniel , Foroni Letizia , Taylor Graham P. , Matsuoka Masao , Bangham Charles R. M.
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) does not, as previously believed, result from the oligoclonal proliferation caused by HTLV-1 infection. In both ATL patients and those with nonmalignant infection, the HTLV-1 provirus preferentially survives in vivo in acrocentric chromosomes.
“It’s alright to ask for help”: findings from a qualitative study exploring the information and support needs of family carers at the end of life
Authors: Harrop Emily , Byrne Anthony , Nelson Annmarie
Published: April 2014

Background

Family carers play an essential role in providing end-of-life care to their relatives but have been found to experience uncertainty and a lack of confidence in fulfilling their caregiving roles, prompting recent calls for educational or information based resources to be developed for carers.

Methods

We carried out four focus groups with Clinical Nurse Specialists, healthcare assistants, former and current carers at a hospice in the UK, to explore the information and support needs of family carers.

Results

Our findings support previous research by highlighting a number of care situations where carers experience uncertainty and could seemingly benefit from greater information or instruction. Three main themes were identified which reflected carer experiences and needs in relation to potential information giving or educational interventions. These have been described as the knowledge and competence of carers; the preparedness of carers and low levels of carer identification with, and confidence in their roles as ‘carers’, which influences help seeking behaviours; and in turn how potential supportive interventions might be received by carers.

Conclusions

Family carers experience multiple needs for information and education, but meeting these needs remains a challenge. Our results suggest three domains which could underpin this type of intervention: developing knowledge and competence; facilitating preparedness; supporting role recognition and confidence building. We recommend an integrated information giving approach which addresses these domains by combining a resource pack for carers with a more explicit acknowledging role for health professionals. Together these could provide key information and also build confidence amongst family carers to ask for further support and advice as needed.
Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation at Zusanli acupoint (ST36) on gastric motility: possible through PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathways
Authors: Yang Qi , Xie Yan-Dong , Zhang Ming-xin , Huang Bo , Zhang Chao , Li Hui-Yan , Zhang Rong , Qin Ming , Huang Yu-Xin , Wang Jing-Jie
Published: April 2014

Background

Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation has been shown to have a great therapeutic potential for treating gastrointestinal motility disorders. However, no evidence has clarified the mechanisms contributing to the effects of EA stimulation at the Zusanli acupoint (ST.36). This study was designed to investigate the regulative effect of EA stimulation at the ST.36 on gastric motility and to explore its possible mechanisms.

Methods

Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the ST.36 group, the non-acupoint group, and the control group. EA stimulation was set at 2 Hz, continuous mode, and 1 V for 30 min. The frequency and average peak amplitude of gastric motility were measured by electrogastrography. The protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reactions. Caldesmon (CaD) and calponin (CaP) protein expression in the gastric antrum were detected on Western blots. A Computed Video Processing System was used to evaluate morphological changes in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the gastric antrum.

Results

EA stimulation at ST.36 had a dual effect on the frequency and average peak amplitude. Additionally, EA stimulation at ST.36 regulated the expression of some genes in the PKC and MAPK signaling pathways, and it regulated the expression of the CaD and CaP proteins. EA serum induced SMC contractility. Promotion of gastric motility may correlate with up-regulation of MAPK6 (ERK3), MAPK13, and Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) gene expression, and the down-regulation of the collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene and CaD and CaP protein expression. Inhibition of gastric motility may correlate with down-regulation of the Interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) genes, and up-regulation of CaD and CaP protein expression.

Conclusions

EA stimulation at ST.36 regulated gastric motility, and the effects were both promoting and inhibiting in rats. The possible mechanisms may correlate with the PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathways.
Body mass index and waist/height ratio for prediction of severity of coronary artery disease
Authors: Sabah Khandker MD Nurus , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Khan HI Luftur Rahman , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Haque Serajul , Ali Shomsher , Kawser Shamima , Alam Nur , Amin Gaffar , Mahabub S M Ear E
Published: April 2014

Background

To determine whether waist-to-height ratio correlates with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity better, than the body mass index (BMI) as assessed by coronary angiography in Bangladeshi population.

Methods

This cross sectional study was done on patients in Department of Cardiology in DMCH and those referred in the cath-lab of the Department of Cardiology for CAG during November 2009 to October 2010 involving 120 patients. They were divided into group-A (with coronary score ≥7) and group-B (coronary score <7) depending on Gensisni score.

Result

There were no statistically significant difference regarding the distribution of age, sex and clinical diagnosis and parameters between the two groups. The mean age of patients was 51.7 ± 8.2 years and 48.8 ± 9.1 years in Group A and Group B respectively with a male predominance in both the groups. Patients in group A had higher BMI ≥25 and waist to height ratio (≥0.55) than Group B which showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.001). Though a significant positive correlation (r = 0.296, p = 0.006) was observed between BMI and Coronary artery disease score in group A patients, scenario was reverse fro group B (r = 0.076, p = 0.659). The statement was also true for Waist-to-height ratio and Waist-to-height ratio with BMI. Multivariate analysis also yeilded that a patient with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and waist-to height ratio of ≥0.55 are 3.06 times and 6.77 times, more likely to develop significant coronary artery disease respectively.

Conclusion

The waist-to-height ratio showed better correlation with the severity of coronary artery disease than the BMI.
Diagnosis of cervical cells based on fractal and Euclidian geometrical measurements: Intrinsic Geometric Cellular Organization
Authors: Prieto Bohórquez Signed E , Velásquez Javier O Rodríguez , Correa Herrera S Catalina , Soracipa Muñoz M Yolanda
Published: April 2014

Background

Fractal geometry has been the basis for the development of a diagnosis of preneoplastic and neoplastic cells that clears up the undetermination of the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS).

Methods

Pictures of 40 cervix cytology samples diagnosed with conventional parameters were taken. A blind study was developed in which the clinic diagnosis of 10 normal cells, 10 ASCUS, 10 L-SIL and 10 H-SIL was masked. Cellular nucleus and cytoplasm were evaluated in the generalized Box-Counting space, calculating the fractal dimension and number of spaces occupied by the frontier of each object. Further, number of pixels occupied by surface of each object was calculated. Later, the mathematical features of the measures were studied to establish differences or equalities useful for diagnostic application. Finally, the sensibility, specificity, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic concordance with Kappa coefficient were calculated.

Results

Simultaneous measures of the nuclear surface and the subtraction between the boundaries of cytoplasm and nucleus, lead to differentiate normality, L-SIL and H-SIL. Normality shows values less than or equal to 735 in nucleus surface and values greater or equal to 161 in cytoplasm-nucleus subtraction. L-SIL cells exhibit a nucleus surface with values greater than or equal to 972 and a subtraction between nucleus-cytoplasm higher to 130. L-SIL cells show cytoplasm-nucleus values less than 120. The rank between 120–130 in cytoplasm-nucleus subtraction corresponds to evolution between L-SIL and H-SIL. Sensibility and specificity values were 100%, the negative likelihood ratio was zero and Kappa coefficient was equal to 1.

Conclusions

A new diagnostic methodology of clinic applicability was developed based on fractal and euclidean geometry, which is useful for evaluation of cervix cytology.
Cross-Correlations and Joint Gaussianity in Multivariate Level Crossing Models
Authors: Di Bernardino Elena , León José , Tchumatchenko Tatjana
Published: April 2014

A variety of phenomena in physical and biological sciences can be mathematically understood by considering the statistical properties of level crossings of random Gaussian processes. Notably, a growing number of these phenomena demand a consideration of correlated level crossings emerging from multiple correlated processes. While many theoretical results have been obtained in the last decades for individual Gaussian level-crossing processes, few results are available for multivariate, jointly correlated threshold crossings. Here, we address bivariate upward crossing processes and derive the corresponding bivariate Central Limit Theorem as well as provide closed-form expressions for their joint level-crossing correlations.