bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S100A6 and c-Kit-Positive Spindle Cell Melanoma of the Dorsal Foot
Authors: Mitamura Yasutaka , Ito Takamichi , Nakano-Nakamura Misa , Uchi Hiroshi , Furue Masutaka
Published: May 2014

Spindle cell melanoma, which is a rare form of melanoma, is clinically and histopathologically difficult to diagnose from a variety of nonmelanocytic spindle cell tumors. We describe a 42-year-old Japanese woman with amelanotic melanoma that comprised spindle cells with positive c-kit and S100A6 staining. The use of c-kit and S100A6 might be useful for improving the diagnosis.
Epithelioid Myoepithelioma of the Accessory Parotid Gland: Pathological and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Iguchi Hiroyoshi , Yamada Kei , Yamane Hideo , Hashimoto Shigeo
Published: May 2014

Tumors of the accessory parotid gland (APG) are rare, and pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign APG tumor subtype. Myoepithelioma of the APG is much rarer than PA, and to date, only 5 cases have been sporadically reported in the English literature. We describe the clinicopathological and MRI findings of an epithelioid myoepithelioma of the APG that was treated in our hospital. The patient's only clinical symptom was a slow-growing and painless mid-cheek mass. The tumor was suspected to be PA before surgery based on the following MRI findings: (1) a well-circumscribed and lobulated contour, (2) isointensity and hyperintensity relative to the muscle on T1- and T2-weighted images (WIs), respectively, (3) good enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-WIs, (4) peripheral hypointensity on T2-WIs, and (5) a gradual time-signal intensity curve enhancement pattern on gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MRI. The tumor was completely resected via a standard parotidectomy approach, and the postoperative pathological examination of the tumor, including immunohistochemistry, confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid myoepithelioma. As it is hardly possible to distinguish myoepithelioma from PA and low-grade malignant tumors preoperatively, a pathological examination using frozen sections is helpful for surgical strategy-related decisions.
Effect of Mental Challenge Induced by Movie Clips on Action Potential Duration in Normal Human Subjects Independent of Heart Rate
Authors: Child Nicholas , Hanson Ben , Bishop Martin , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Bostock Julian , Western David , Cooklin Michael , O’Neil Mark , Wright Matthew , Razavi Reza , Gill Jaswinder , Taggart Peter
Published: May 2014

Background—

Mental stress and emotion have long been associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in animal models and humans. The effect of mental challenge on ventricular action potential duration (APD) in conscious healthy humans has not been reported.

Methods and Results—

Activation recovery intervals measured from unipolar electrograms as a surrogate for APD (n=19) were recorded from right and left ventricular endocardium during steady-state pacing, whilst subjects watched an emotionally charged film clip. To assess the possible modulating role of altered respiration on APD, the subjects then repeated the same breathing pattern they had during the stress, but without the movie clip. Hemodynamic parameters (mean, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, and rate of pressure increase) and respiration rate increased during the stressful part of the film clip (
P
=0.001). APD decreased during the stressful parts of the film clip, for example, for global right ventricular activation recovery interval at end of film clip 193.8 ms (SD, 14) versus 198.0 ms (SD, 13) during the matched breathing control (end film left ventricle 199.8 ms [SD, 16] versus control 201.6 ms [SD, 15];
P
=0.004). Respiration rate increased during the stressful part of the film clip (by 2 breaths per minute) and was well matched in the respective control period without any hemodynamic or activation recovery interval changes.

Conclusions—

Our results document for the first time direct recordings of the effect of a mental challenge protocol on ventricular APD in conscious humans. The effect of mental challenge on APD was not secondary to emotionally induced altered respiration or heart rate.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Left Atrial Electroanatomical Remodeling and Outcomes After Radiofrequency Ablation of Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Dinov Borislav , Kosiuk Jedrzej , Kircher Simon , Bollmann Andreas , Acou Willem-Jan , Arya Arash , Hindricks Gerhard , Rolf Sascha
Published: May 2014

Background—

Recent studies reported worse outcomes after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, mechanisms of AF recurrence in MetS remain unclear.

Method and Results—

We performed pulmonary vein isolation and voltage mapping in 236 patients with AF (age 61±9.6 years; persistent AF 64%; MetS 54%). Left atrial (LA) low voltage areas were semiquantitatively estimated and presented as low voltage index. MetS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Follow-up for AF recurrence ≤12 months was performed. LA low voltage areas were observed in 46% of patients with MetS versus 8.2% patients without MetS ;
P
<0.0001. MetS was an independent predictor of LA low voltage areas: odds ratio, 11.64; 95% confidence interval, 4.381–30.903;
P
<0.0001. Observed AF recurrence at 12 months was 42.7% in MetS versus 36.1% in the non-MetS group (
P
=0.303). The presence of LA low voltage areas was a predictor of 12-month AF recurrence: odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–6.56;
P
=0.006. Probability of 12-month AF recurrence increased with 84.5% for every unit of low voltage Index.

Conclusions—

MetS was not associated with worse outcomes after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF, but LA low voltage areas were more frequently observed in patients with MetS. The presence and extent of LA low voltage areas may influence the long-term outcomes after catheter ablation.
Noninducibility and Late Potential Abolition
Authors: Silberbauer John , Oloriz Teresa , Maccabelli Giuseppe , Tsiachris Dimitris , Baratto Francesca , Vergara Pasquale , Mizuno Hiroya , Bisceglia Caterina , Marzi Alessandra , Sora Nicoleta , Guarracini Fabrizio , Radinovic Andrea , Cireddu Manuela , Sala Simone , Gulletta Simone , Paglino Gabriele , Mazzone Patrizio , Trevisi Nicola , Bella Paolo Della
Published: May 2014

Background—

Successful late potential (LP) abolition and postprocedural ventricular tachycardia (VT) noninducibility constitute significant end points after catheter ablation for VT. We investigated the prognostic impact of a combined procedural end point of VT noninducibility and LP abolition in a large series of post–myocardial infarction patients with VT.

Methods and Results—

A total of 160 (154 men, 94% with implantable cardioverter defibrillators) consecutive post–myocardial infarction patients undergoing first-time ablation procedures from 2010 to 2012 were included. Of the 159 patients surviving the procedure, 137 (86%) were either inducible or in VT at baseline and 103 (65%) had baseline LP presence, of which 79 (77%) underwent successful LP abolition. The combined end point was assessable in 155 (97%) patients. There were 50 (32%) patients with VT recurrences and 17 (11%) cardiac deaths during follow-up. Patients who fulfilled the combined end point of VT noninducibility and LP abolition compared with inducible patients exhibited a significantly lower incidence of VT recurrence (16.4% versus 47.4%; log-rank
P
<0.001) and cardiac death (4.1% versus 42.1%; log-rank
P
<0.001). Among noninducible patients, those with additional LP abolition also had a lower incidence of VT recurrence (16.4% versus 46.0%; log-rank
P
<0.001). After multivariate analysis, the combined end point of VT noninducibility and LP abolition (hazard ratio, 0.205,
P
<0.001) was independently associated with VT recurrence and cardiac death (hazard ratio, 0.106;
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

Achieving a combined catheter ablation procedural end point of VT noninducibility and LP abolition reduces VT recurrence rates to low levels (16%). The overall strategy was associated with a significant impact on cardiac survival.
A Helmet from Filippovka-1 Burial-Ground
Authors: Frizen (Kurinskikh) Olga I. , Shemakhanskaya Marina S. , Yablonsky Leonid T.
Published: May 2014

Abstract

This article is devoted to the find of a unique forged iron helmet from the Filippovka-1 Burial-ground of the Early Sarmatian culture, in the steppe near the southern foothills of the Urals. The helmet was found in a fragmentary state and was later restored. Analysis of the shape, manufacturing technology and specific features of its construction was carried out. Like the other finds from the burial, the helmet was dated to the 4th century bc. It is most probable that it was made by a craftsman who belonged to a nomadic population and was ordered so as to resemble bronze specimens.
Women in the Genealogy of Matthew
Authors: Hakh Samuel B.
Published: May 2014

Abstract

The author of the gospel of Matthew has interpolated women’s names in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, the wife of Uriah (Bathsheba) and Mary. He interpolated those women’s names in order to convey to his community the image that Jesus has a genealogical relationship not only with Israel as the elected people of God but with all nations throughout the world. In other words, he endeavours to describe Jesus as the Saviour of all nations. This image was imparted by presenting the situation of his community as consisting not only of Jewish Christians but of non-Jews as well.
A Comparative Study of Bilingual Verb Phrases in Ewe-English and Gengbe-French Codeswitching
Authors: Amuzu Evershed Kwasi
Published: May 2014

This article describes contact phenomena between two closely related varieties of the Gbe language cluster Ewe and Gengbe each with a Germanic and a Romance language. The focus is on a comparison of verb phrases in Ewe-English codeswitching, spoken in Ghana, and Gengbe-French codeswitching, spoken in Togo. It is the first qualitative comparative study of this kind although quite a number of local (West African) languages are in contact with English and French. It finds that because the two varieties of Gbe are morphosyntactically similar, there are remarkable morphosyntactic similarities between bilingual clauses containing English verbs and those containing French verbs. English/French verbs with the same transitivity value which assign the same set of thematic roles to their arguments occur in slots in Ewe/Gengbe-based clauses where Ewe/Gengbe verbs with those subcategorization features also occur. The explanation for this pattern, from the perspective of the Matrix Language Frame model, is that during codeswitching English and French verbs are treated as if they belong to the class of Ewe and Gengbe verbs which share their subcategorization features. Assuming language production to be modular (in the sense of Myers-Scotton 1993, 2002), it is argued that the pattern is illustrative of a kind of composite codeswitching (Amuzu 2005a, 2010, and in print) by which abstract grammatical information from one language about verbs from that language—here English or French—is consistently mapped onto surface structure through the grammatical resources of another language, here Ewe or Gengbe.
From Language Contact to Language Variation
Authors: Cerruti Massimo
Published: May 2014

This paper falls within the line of research dealing with the role of intralinguistic variation in contact-induced language change. Two constructions are compared in terms of their respective degrees of grammaticalization: the progressive periphrasis ese lì c/a+Verb, which is widespread in some Northern Italo-Romance dialects, and the corresponding Italian construction essere lì che/a+Verb. The study focuses on the presence of such constructions in Turin, the capital of the north-western Italian region of Piedmont, in which the former periphrasis is less grammaticalized than the latter. It contends that the grammaticalization process of essere lì che/a+Verb was triggered by the contact between Piedmontese dialect and Italian, whereas the pace of grammaticalization of this periphrasis is affected by the contact between different varieties of Italian. The paper points out that the case study may provide insight into more general issues concerning not only the interplay of contact and variation in language change but also the role of sociolinguistic factors in shaping contact-induced grammaticalization phenomena.
What Motivates Morphological Copying?
Authors: Frajzyngier Zygmunt
Published: May 2014

Based on the papers included in the reviewed volume, this article puts forward a number of questions that are important for the theory of language change under contact. While there exist reliable methodologies to determine whether a given form represents the effect of language contact or not, and a slightly less reliable methodologies to establish whether a given function is a product of language contact, there is a relative paucity of studies discussing the motivation for language change under contact with respect to the functions encoded in the language.
China College Student Survey (ccss): Breaking Open the Black Box of the Process of Learning
Authors: Jinghuan Shi , Wen Wen , Yifei Li , Jing Chu
Published: May 2014

The paper uses macro-causal analysis combined with empirical data analysis to illustrate how Chinese scholars in higher education (he) have adapted the concept of “student engagement” and indigenize the instrument of the National Survey of Student Engagement (nsse), with the aim of revealing college teaching/learning activities and understanding the learning processes of Chinese students in he. The paper explains why and how the China College Student Survey (ccss) was developed by the research team in the Institute of Education (ioe), Tsinghua University, using the nsse as a basis, with the help of both domestic and foreign scholars. The paper analyzes data collected nationwide in 2012, under the framework of four trends influencing he in China. Cases are also studied in the paper illustrating the learning behaviors of college students, as well as the macro-level driving forces in a more general context.
The Right to a Public Trial under Maltese Criminal Law
Authors: Aquilina Kevin
Published: May 2014

This paper attempts to answer whether section 24(2) of the Maltese Official Secrets Act conforms, or is in conflict, with the right to a public hearing under section 39(3) of the Constitution of Malta and Article 10(1) of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. It reviews case law of the European Court of Human Rights on the right to a public hearing and concludes that Strasbourg case law has developed to allow restrictions upon this right even if they are not written down in this Convention. On the other hand, from a comparative exercise carried out with seven similar laws to the Maltese Official Secrets Act, it transpires that the Maltese provision is unique, does not find any counterpart in these seven laws surveyed and, worse still, appears to conflict with Article 6, paragraph 1, of the European Convention.
Does the Regulation of Medical Research in the Netherlands Adequately Protect Privacy Rights After Death?
Authors: van der Hart-Zwart Petra
Published: May 2014

There is a growing interest in scientific research using data and bodily material for medical purposes. In 2007 and 2011, results were published of studies on the genetic properties of the DNA of a deceased person. This case raises the question whether a deceased is entitled to legal protection, more specifically privacy protection in scientific research in the Netherlands. This article outlines the Dutch legal framework for scientific research involving historical data and bodily material as well as bodily material and parts of the deceased. These considerations do indicate that further legislation will be required, specifically with respect to the proper use of bodily material of the deceased and subsequent publication of the results.
Reflections on the Use of Data and Bodily Material of Deceased Persons for Medical Research Under Belgian, Dutch and English Law
Authors: Bonnici Jeanne Pia Mifsud
Published: May 2014

This paper provides a brief comparative comment on the three contributions of van der Hart-Zwart, Boddez & Nys, and Choong & Mifsud Bonnici included in the present volume. The three contributions reflect on the use of medical information and/or human bodily material obtained before or after death and used for medical research purposes after the death. The present reflective note first looks at the legal shortcomings pointed out in the three contributions, primarily the lack of clarity on whether medical confidentiality survives after death, the non-applicability of the right to private life and data protection after death and the incomplete rules on the use of bodily material of deceased persons for medical purposes. The paper then gradually reflects on the way the three jurisdictions combine attempts at legal certainty and pragmatism to deal with these shortcomings.
Laticifers of Ficus Carica and Their Potential Role in Plant Defense
Authors: Kajii C. , Morita T. , Kuroda K.
Published: May 2014

The distribution and structure of laticifers in Ficus carica L. were investigated in a current-year branch and an 8-year-old trunk, using serial sections stained with safranin-fast green or nile blue. In the 8-year-old trunk, laticifers were found not only in the cortex, secondary phloem, and pith, but also in the secondary xylem. The laticifers in the phloem and xylem were of the branched, non-articulated type. In addition, horizontal laticifers extending from the phloem through the cambium to the xylem were found in some rays. Laticifers penetrating the cambial initial layer elongated in the cambial zone without cell division. Activation of latex production occurred after wounding of cortex and phloem, and the latex exuded from the cut site of laticifers into the surrounding wounded tissue and broken cells. The potential role of laticifers in defense of F. carica against certain pathogens is discussed.
Cell wall ultrastructure of palm leaf fibers
Authors: Zhai Shengcheng , Horikawa Yoshiki , Imai Tomoya , Sugiyama Junji
Published: May 2014

The cell wall organization of leaf sheath fibers in different palm species was studied with polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The secondary wall of the fibers consisted of only two layers, S1 and S2. The thickness of the S1 layer in leaf sheath fibers from the different palm species ranged from 0.31 to 0.90 μm, with a mean value of 0.57 μm, which was thicker than that of tracheids and fibers in secondary xylem of conifers and dicotyledons. The thickness of the S2 layer ranged from 0.44 to 3.43 μm, with a mean value of 1.86 μm. The ratio of S1 thickness to the whole cell wall thickness in palm fibers appears to be higher than in secondary xylem fibers and tracheids. The lignin in the fiber walls is very electron dense which makes it difficult to obtain high contrast of the different layers in the secondary wall. To clarify the cell wall layering with cellulose microfibrils in different orientations, the fibrovascular bundles of the windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) were delignified with different reaction time intervals. The treated fibers were surveyed using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis and TEM. The secondary fiber walls of windmill palm clearly showed only two layers at different reaction intervals with different lignin contents, even after almost all lignin was removed. We suggest that the two-layered structure in the secondary wall of palm leaf fibers, which presumably also applies to the homologous fibers in palm stems, is a specific character different from the fibers in other monocotyledons (such as bamboo and rattan) and dicot wood.
Comparative wood anatomy of Juniperus from Macaronesia
Authors: de Palacios Paloma , Esteban Luis G. , Fernández Francisco G. , García-Iruela Alberto , Conde María , Román-Jordán Elena
Published: May 2014

The wood anatomy of the three species of Juniperus occurring in Macaronesia is compared for the first time using representative samples of each species collected in its natural region of provenance: J. cedrus Webb & Berthel and J. phoenicea L. var. canariensis Guyot, in the Canary Islands, and J. brevifolia (Seub.) Antoine, in the Azores. The three species are anatomically similar, although some qualitative differences were observed: distribution of axial parenchyma very scarce in J. phoenicea compared with the other two species, presence of crassulae only in J. phoenicea, presence of torus extensions and notches on pit borders in the radial walls of J. brevifolia, and ray parenchyma end walls slightly nodular in J. cedrus as opposed to very nodular in J. phoenicea and J. brevifolia. In addition, the biometry of tracheid pit diameter in the radial walls, ray height in number of cells, and largest and smallest diameters of cross-field pits shows differences for a significance level of 95%.
A new fossil wood of Peltophoroxylon (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from the El Palmar Formation (late Pleistocene), Entre Ríos, Argentina
Authors: Ramos R. Soledad , Brea Mariana , Pardo Romina
Published: May 2014

This paper describes the first record of Peltophoroxylon (Ramanujam) Müller-Stoll et Mädel 1967 from the late Pleistocene of Argentina. The fossil specimens were recovered from the Colonia Ayuí and Punta Viracho fossil localities of the El Palmar Formation, located in the middle part of the Uruguay Basin, eastern Argentina. The diagnostic features are: growth ring boundaries demarcated by marginal parenchyma, medium-sized vestured intervessel pits, vessel-ray parenchyma pits similar in size and shape to intervessel pits, vasicentric to lozenge type aliform axial parenchyma, biseriate (70%) and uniseriate (30%) homocellular rays, non-septate and septate fibers, and long chains (10+) of prismatic crystals in chambered axial parenchyma cells. These features suggest a relationship with Peltophorum (Vogel) Benth. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae). The vessel diameter and vessel density of the El Palmar woods are consistent with the temperate-warm, humid-semiarid climate inferred for this region during the late Pleistocene.
Re-description of Medetera glaucella Kowarz, 1878 (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) based on type material
Authors: NAGLIS STEFAN , NEGROBOV OLEG P.
Published: May 2014

In his monograph of the genus Medetera, Kowarz (1878) described Medeterus glaucellus based on specimens from Italy and Austria collected by Mik, and from Romania collected by himself. He noted the resemblance to M. muralis Meigen, 1824, since both species lack dorsal setae on the mid tibia, and distinguished his new species by the white lower postocular setae and the white setae on the propleura and coxae. In the revision of the Palaearctic Medeterinae (Negrobov & Stackelberg 1971–77) the re-description of M. glaucella was not based on type specimens and the male hypopygium was not examined and figured. We have examined syntypes of M. glaucella from the Kowarz collection of the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien and have designated a lectotype in order to preserve stability of nomenclature. In addition, we give a re-description of M. glaucella based on the type material and provide figures of the male hypopygium for the first time.
Retrieval Models of Water Vapor and Wet Tropospheric Path Delay for the HY-2A Calibration Microwave Radiometer
Authors: Zheng Gang , Yang Jingsong , Ren Lin
Published: May 2014

This paper focuses on the development and validation of retrieval models of water vapor (WV) and wet tropospheric path delay (PD) for the calibration microwave radiometer (CMR) on board the first ocean dynamic environment satellite of China—Haiyang-2A (HY-2A). The reference data are those of Jason-1 microwave radiometer (JMR) and Jason-2 advanced microwave radiometer (AMR). The crossover points of the HY-2A and Jason-1/2 satellite tracks are extracted, and the data pairs at these points are divided into fitting and validation datasets. The retrieval models of WV and PD are built for the CMR using the fitting dataset and genetic algorithm, and validated using the validation dataset. The validation shows that the results of the retrieval models are consistent with the JMR and AMR data, and the root-mean-square differences of WV and PD are 1.86 kg m−2 and 11.4 mm, respectively. Finally, the retrieved results from the CMR brightness temperature along-track data using the retrieval models and the AMR along-track data are gridded by the inverse distance weighted method. Their monthly-mean spatial distributions are compared in order to investigate the applicability of the retrieval models globally, namely, beyond locations of the data pairs in the validation dataset. The comparison shows that the retrieval models are applicable in most open ocean areas, and that the latitude and temporal inhomogeneity of the crossover point distribution in the fitting dataset does not lead to obvious latitude and temporal inhomogeneity in the gridded data.
Pubertal Timing, Peer Victimization, and Body Esteem Differentially Predict Depressive Symptoms in African American and Caucasian Girls
Authors: Hamlat Elissa J. , Shapero Benjamin G. , Hamilton Jessica L. , Stange Jonathan P. , Abramson Lyn Y. , Alloy Lauren B.
Published: May 2014

This study prospectively examined pubertal timing and peer victimization as interactive predictors of depressive symptoms in a racially diverse community sample of adolescents. We also expanded on past research by assessing body esteem as a mechanism by which pubertal timing and peer victimization confer risk for depression. In all, 218 adolescents (53.4% female, 49.3% African American, 50.7% Caucasian) completed both a baseline assessment and a follow-up assessment approximately 8 months later. Early maturing Caucasian girls and late maturing African American girls experienced the greatest increases in depressive symptoms at follow-up if they experienced higher levels of peer victimization between baseline and follow-up. Furthermore, body esteem significantly mediated the relationship between pubertal timing, peer victimization, and depressive symptoms for girls of both races. The interaction of pubertal timing and peer victimization did not predict depressive symptoms for boys of either race. These results support body esteem as a mechanism that contributes to increased depression among girls in adolescence—despite a differential impact of pubertal timing for Caucasian and African American girls.
A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Associated With Walking and Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Latino Adults
Authors: Marquez David X. , Aguiñaga Susan , Campa Jeanine , Pinsker Eve C. , Bustamante Eduardo E. , Hernandez Rosalba
Published: May 2014

Background: Ethnic/racial minorities often live in neighborhoods that are not conducive to physical activity (PA) participation. We examined perceived factors related to walking/PA among Spanish- and English-speaking older Latinos in a low-income, multi-ethnic neighborhood. Method: Exploratory focus group study was conducted with Latinos stratified by preferred language and gender: English-speaking women ( n = 7, M age = 74.6); English-speaking men ( n = 3, M age = 69.3); Spanish-speaking women ( n = 5, M age = 66.4); Spanish-speaking men ( n = 5, M age = 74.0). Focus group audio files were transcribed, and qualitative research software was used to code and analyze documents. Results: At the individual level, reasons for exercising (improved health) and positive health outcome expectancies (weight loss and decreased knee pain) were discussed. Neighborhood/environmental factors of safety (fear of crime), neighborhood changes (lack of jobs and decreased social networks), weather, and destination walking were discussed. Discussion: Individual and environmental factors influence PA of older, urban Latinos, and should be taken into consideration in health promotion efforts.
Tourette Syndrome and Comorbid Conditions
Authors: Rizzo Renata , Gulisano Mariangela , Pellico Alessandra , Calì Paola Valeria , Curatolo Paolo
Published: May 2014

To investigate clinical correlates of Tourette syndrome and to identify the impact of comorbidities, we retrospectively recruited 92 young people affected by Tourette syndrome compared with 102 healthy controls. Neuropsychological assessment included: Youth Quality of Life–Research, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, Children’s Depression Inventory, and Conner’s and Child Behavior Checklist; moreover, Tourette syndrome patients completed the Yale Global Tic Severity Rating Scale and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Four clinical subgroups were identified: pure Tourette syndrome (49.8%), Tourette syndrome plus attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (22.2%), Tourette syndrome plus obsessive-compulsive disorder (21.5%), and Tourette syndrome plus ADHD plus obsessive-compulsive disorder (6.5%). Our findings suggested that emotional lability appeared in all Tourette syndrome subgroups, independently from comorbidities, representing a clinical feature of Tourette syndrome itself. Moreover, our data suggested that all 4 clinical subgroups had higher statistically significant behavioral problems compared with the healthy controls ( P = .000), whereas affective and anxiety symptoms were overrepresented in Tourette syndrome plus comorbidities subgroups. Finally, Tourette syndrome patients had a lower quality of life compared with the healthy controls. These differences were statistically significant between the pure Tourette syndrome subgroups and Tourette syndrome plus comorbidities subgroups, as well as Tourette syndrome plus comorbidities subgroups and healthy controls.
Migraine and Quality of Life in High School Students
Authors: Abdollahpour Ibrahim , Salimi Yahya , Shushtari Zahra Jorjoran
Published: May 2014

The aim of the study was to estimate quality of life and determine the adjusted association of migraine with the quality of life in a sample of students. This population-based study was performed among 857 high school students in Boukan City (with a Kurdish language–speaking population, about 600 km west of the city of Tehran, Iran). The World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire was used along with International Headache Society criteria. Multiple linear regression models were applied. The mean scores of quality of life domains of physical health, psychological, environmental, and social relationships were 69.1 (standard deviation = 16.5), 61.5 (standard deviation = 18. 1), 66.3 (standard deviation = 20. 8), and 65.2 (standard deviation = 17. 8) out of 100, respectively. Migraine after adjusting for the other factors was associated significantly with the scores in the physical ( P = .002), social ( P = .002), and environmental ( P = .033) domains. Migraine is associated with reducing the physical, environmental, and social aspects of the students’ quality of life.
Knowing public services: Cross-sector intermediaries and algorithmic governance in public sector reform
Authors: Williamson Ben
Published: May 2014

Discourses of public sector reform in the UK have been shaped in recent years by the participation of new kinds of hybrid cross-sector intermediaries such as think tanks, social enterprises and other third sector organisations. This article provides a documentary analysis of Demos, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts and the Innovation Unit as intermediary organisations in public sector reform, exploring their promotion of modes of digital governance and their mobilisation of new software technologies as models for new kinds of governing practices. These intermediary organisations are generating a model of knowing public services that operates through collecting and analysing big data, consisting of personal information and behavioural data on individual service users, in order to co-produce personalised services. Their objective is a new style of political governance based on human–computer interaction and machine learning techniques in which citizens are to be governed as co-producers of personalised services interacting with the algorithms of database software.
Harnessing Natural Resources for Diversification
Authors: Bond James , Fajgenbaum Jose
Published: May 2014

This article outlines a vision for Africa in 2050 in which the continent narrows the gap in per capita income and development outcomes that it has with middle- and high-income countries. Specifically, this article describes the challenges of building on Africa’s endowment of natural resources to become a supplier of intermediate and finished goods and agricultural products, with a diversified private sector, a growing service sector, and a high degree of economic integration on the continent and in the world. First, the article outlines Africa’s resource endowment. Africa has a fairly modest global reserve position, with the exception of gemstones, titanium, and bauxite. Second, the article evaluates African countries’ track record in terms of extraction and processing, including a classification of countries according to their reliance on resource rents. Next, the authors present a vision for Africa’s extractive industries that has the ultimate goal of macroeconomic stability. The article suggests that stabilization/liquidity funds and wealth funds contribute to an increase in the quality of public investment and monetary policy. Finally, the authors suggest that African governments should encourage the growth of an ecosystem of supportive industries around the natural resource sector to increase the number of positive spinoffs from the extractive industries.
Application of single unit impact dampers to harvest energy and suppress vibrations
Authors: Afsharfard Aref , Farshidianfar Anooshiravan
Published: May 2014

In this study, ongoing investigations to apply piezoelectric materials as an energy harvester are extended. In doing so, effectiveness of single unit impact dampers is increased using piezoelectric materials. For this reason, barriers of the impact damper are replaced with cantilever beams, which are equipped with the piezoelectric patches. For convenience, this kind of impact dampers is named as “piezo-impact dampers.” The piezo-impact damper is not only a vibration suppressor but also it is an energy harvester. An analytical approach is presented to formulate the voltage and power generation in the barriers of the piezo-impact dampers. Variation in output voltage is studied with changing the main parameters of the piezo-impact damper. Furthermore, damping inclination, which presents the ability of vibration suppressing in impact dampers, is calculated with varying the main parameters of the impact damper. Regarding calculated output voltage and damping inclination in the piezo-impact dampers, two “energy-based” and “vibratory-based” design methods are presented. Finally, using several user-oriented charts, the discussed design methods are combined to provide a powerful piezo-impact damper.
Synergistic effect of self-assembled carbon nanofibers and hexagonal boron nitride for improved electro-activated polymeric shape memory nanocomposite
Authors: Lu Haibao , Liang Fei , Gou Jihua , Leng Jinsong
Published: May 2014

This work studies the synergistic effect of self-assembled carbon nanofiber nanopaper and hexagonal boron nitrides on the electrical and thermal properties and the electro-activated shape recovery behavior of shape memory polymer nanocomposites. The combination of the carbon nanofiber nanopaper and hexagonal boron nitrides results in improved electrical and thermal conductivities of the shape memory polymer nanocomposites. The carbon nanofiber nanopaper was coated on the surface of the shape memory polymer nanocomposite in order to achieve the shape recovery induced by electrical Joule heating. The hexagonal boron nitrides were blended into the shape memory polymer resin to improve the thermal conductivity and decrease their thermal dissimilarity with carbon nanofiber nanopaper, which enhanced the heat transfer from the nanopaper to the underlying shape memory polymer nanocomposite to accelerate the actuation.
Inequalities in Scientific Understanding
Authors: Su Leona Yi-Fan , Cacciatore Michael A. , Scheufele Dietram A. , Brossard Dominique , Xenos Michael A.
Published: May 2014

This study assesses two key types of knowledge assessments, factual and perceived knowledge, in the study of knowledge gaps. In addition, we distinguish between communication channels in exploring the phenomenon, examining nanotechnology knowledge gaps based on levels of attention to traditional media, science blog use, and the frequency of interpersonal discussion. Using regression analysis, we find that how researchers measure knowledge can significantly affect the discovery of gaps. We also find differential effects based on communication channels, including evidence that the direction of perceived gaps in knowledge can be reversed as media consumption increases. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Steady state and dynamic characteristics for guide bearings of a hydro-electric unit
Authors: Simmons Gregory F , Cha Matthew , Aidanpää Jan-Olov , Cervantes Michel J , Glavatskih Sergei
Published: May 2014

Experiments are conducted using a 10-MW Kaplan hydropower machine which is outfitted with an extensive array of sensors to determine oil film thickness, pad load and oil temperature in all three guide bearings as well as motion of the shaft in relation to both the bearing housings and the concrete foundation. Test results for all journal bearings are compared to a commercial rotor dynamics model and results for the central journal bearing are compared to a multi-physics model to provide insight into the machine's steady state and dynamic characteristics and their variations during normal operation.
Experimental research on the indoor environment control of natural insulation materials: Carbonized rice hull and straw bales
Authors: Lee Kyu-In , Yeom Dongwoo
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this research was to assess the performance of straw bales and carbonized rice hulls when used as natural insulation to regulate the indoor environment. Toward that end, specimens of straw bales and carbonized rice hulls were tested in the Korea Conformity Laboratories. Based on the results, real-scale mockup rooms insulated with these natural materials were constructed for cost analysis and performance evaluation. The cost analysis results showed that carbonized rice hulls are relatively cost effective and economically feasible. The thermal conductivity of carbonized rice hulls is lower than that of straw bales, and no difference in thermal performance was shown in relation to the different construction method used for each material. With regard to humidity, both mockup rooms built with each of the natural materials exhibited stable variations compared to the outside weather, and both materials sustained a general humidity within a comfortable 40–60% range. The straw bales mockup room was shown to produce a higher CO2 emission possibly due to the bio-metabolism (anaerobic fermentation), suggesting that this material should be used with caution. Carbonized rice hulls were proven to be a good natural insulation material and a good regulator of indoor humidity and would not yield CO2 due to bio-metabolism.
Lack of RAAS inhibition by high-salt intake is associated with arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients
Authors: Kotliar Carol , Kempny Pablo , Gonzalez Sergio , Castellaro Carlos , Forcada Pedro , Obregon Sebastián , Cavanagh Elena , Chiabaut Svane Jorge , Casarini Maria Jesus , Rojas Mercedes , Inserra Felipe
Published: May 2014

Hypothesis/introduction:

The relationship between salt intake, blood pressure and RAAS activation is still controversial, being that both high- and low-salt intakes are associated with cardiovascular events in a J-shaped curve pattern. We hypothesized that different patterns of RAAS response to dietary salt intake among hypertensives could be identified, while vascular damage would be related to high-salt intake plus absence of expected RAAS inhibition.

Objective:

We aim to assess the relationship between sodium intake, RAAS and vascular stiffness in hypertension.

Materials and methods:

We screened 681 hypertensive patients for urinary/plasma electrolytes, renin, aldosterone and pulse wave velocity (PWV) under their usual salt intake level.

Results:

After applying exclusion criteria, an inverse relation between urinary sodium and RAAS was observed in the 300 remaining subjects. Additionally, four types of response were identified: 1) Low (L) sodium (S)-Low RAAS, 2) LS-High (H) SRAAS, 3) HS-Low RAAS, 4) HS-High RAAS. We found no differences in age/BP among groups, but type 4 response individuals included more females and a higher pulse wave velocity.

Conclusions:

We showed a) an inverse salt-RAAS relation, b) an association between HS plus high RAAS with increased PWV that could identify a higher-risk hypertensive condition.
Transforming Trauma Through Reflection and Praxis
Authors: Sasser Jennifer R.
Published: May 2014

What happens when the issues of the human condition one has been teaching and theorizing about become issues in one’s life-world, even become a totalizing force that seeps through the boundaries around and between the “personal” and the “professional?” What happens when one is not only teaching about the challenges of grown-up-hood, balancing adult relationships, family caregiving, work responsibilities, and personal development but is suddenly faced with an event which forces one to confront competing responsibilities and make meaning of an existential emergency? In this hybrid essay—a combination of mini-memoir, testimony, and scholarly discourse—my central preoccupation is an unexpected crisis and how I engaged the possibilities and limitations of my professional knowledge as an educational gerontologist with a commitment to Critical Theory and came to more fully embrace the principles of Critical Gerontology, intentionally dissolving the boundaries between “work” and “life.”
Hilgardite polytype distribution in Sussex, New Brunswick evaporite deposits
Authors: Grice J. D. , Rowe R.
Published: May 2014

Hilgardite, Ca2B5O9Cl·H2O, has a zeolite-type framework structure consisting of cross-linked (010) layers of borate sheets having the fundamental building block (FBB) = 2Δ3☐:<Δ2☐>-<Δ2☐>. These layers are polar and the orientation, plus the number of layers in a sequence, determine the polytype. To date three hilgardite polytypes have been described: hilgardite-1A, -3A and -4M. A reliable means of polytype identification by micro X-ray powder diffraction (mXRPD) is outlined. Two polytypes are identified in the Sussex New Brunswick potash deposits: hilgardite-1A and -3A. Both cells are refined with XRPD data: hilgardite-1A, a 6.456(1), b 6.558(1), c 6.295(1) Å, α 61.62(1), β 118.76(1), γ 108.82(2)°, V 205.23(4) Å3 and hilgardite-3A, a 17.484(6), b 6.487(3), c 6.321(3) Å, α 60.78(3), β 79.58(3), γ 84.16(3)°, V 615.3(3) Å3. Hilgardite polytype assemblages are determined for 24 Millstream deposit core samples and 43 Penobsquis deposit core samples. The Millstream deposit occurs as an isolated, inner basin during evaporite formation. Borate formation from this marine environment was during the last stages of evaporation. Simple Mg-Ca borates precipitated from this highly saline brine. It underwent subsequent minor folding and all hilgardite samples are the hilgardite-1A polytype. The Penobsquis deposit occurs as an open fore-basin. This larger, less saline basin also precipitated borate minerals during the final stages of evaporation. The borate assemblage here is much more complex with borate minerals that have essential Ca, K, Fe, Mg and Sr. This deposit was subjected to major folding and recrystallization. Both hilgardite-1A and -3A occur here. Polytype-3A is concentrated in areas of maximum folding and it is proposed that pressure is the main control of hilgardite polytypes. Strontium substitution has no effect on polytype formation.
Leukocytes require ADAM10 but not ADAM17 for their migration and inflammatory recruitment into the alveolar space
Authors: Pruessmeyer Jessica , Hess Franz Martin , Alert Henriette , Groth Esther , Pasqualon Tobias , Schwarz Nicole , Nyamoya Stella , Kollert Jos , van der Vorst Emiel , Donners Marjo , Martin Christian , Uhlig Stefan , Saftig Paul , Dreymueller Daniela , Ludwig Andreas
Published: May 2014

Key Points

ADAM10 but not ADAM17 on leukocytes is essential for chemokine-induced signaling, adhesion, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and migration. Leukocyte-expressed ADAM10 promotes leukocyte recruitment and edema formation in a murine model of acute pulmonary inflammation.
Phase 2 randomized study of bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone with or without siltuximab (anti–IL-6) in multiple myeloma
Authors: San-Miguel Jesús , Bladé Joan , Shpilberg Ofer , Grosicki Sebastian , Maloisel Frédéric , Min Chang-Ki , Polo Zarzuela Marta , Robak Tadeusz , Prasad Sripada V. S. S. , Tee Goh Yeow , Laubach Jacob , Spencer Andrew , Mateos María-Victoria , Palumbo Antonio , Puchalski Tom , Reddy Manjula , Uhlar Clarissa , Qin Xiang , van de Velde Helgi , Xie Hong , Orlowski Robert Z.
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Adding siltuximab to VMP did not improve CR, progression-free survival, or overall survival but improved very good partial response in MM. This suggests that the association of less than CR with long-term outcomes and the role of IL-6 in MM should be reassessed.
How I treat sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
Authors: Chao Nelson
Published: May 2014

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), previously called veno-occlusive disease (VOD) can be a difficult problem after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The overall incidence has changed since the early days of allogeneic HCT. Prophylaxis and treatment remain important components of supportive care. As the indication and the comorbidities for HCT continue to change, especially with older and more infirm patients, SOS remains an important area for clinicians. I discuss how SOS could be addressed, from prophylaxis to diagnosis and potential therapy.
Obstructive sleep apnoea treatment and fasting lipids: a comparative effectiveness study
Authors: Keenan Brendan T. , Maislin Greg , Sunwoo Bernie Y. , Arnardottir Erna Sif , Jackson Nicholas , Olafsson Isleifur , Juliusson Sigurdur , Schwab Richard J. , Gislason Thorarinn , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Pack Allan I.
Published: May 2014

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidaemia has been implicated as a mechanism linking OSA with atherosclerosis, but no consistent associations with lipids exist for OSA or positive airway pressure treatment. We assessed the relationships between fasting lipid levels and obesity and OSA severity, and explored the impact of positive airway pressure treatment on 2-year fasting lipid level changes.

Analyses included moderate-to-severe OSA patients from the Icelandic Sleep Apnoea Cohort. Fasting morning lipids were analysed in 613 untreated participants not on lipid-lowering medications at baseline. Patients were then initiated on positive airway pressure and followed for 2 years. Sub-classification using propensity score quintiles, which aimed to replicate covariate balance associated with randomised trials and, therefore, minimise selection bias and allow causal inference, was used to design the treatment group comparisons. 199 positive airway pressure adherent patients and 118 non-users were identified.

At baseline, obesity was positively correlated with triglycerides and negatively correlated with total cholesterol, and low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A small correlation was observed between the apnoea/hypopnoea index and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. No effect of positive airway pressure adherence on 2-year fasting lipid changes was observed.

Results do not support the concept of changes in fasting lipids as a primary mechanism for the increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in OSA.