bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Complications from Radical Cystectomy between Old-Old versus Oldest-Old Patients
Authors: Comploj Evi , West Jeremy , Mian Michael , Kluth Luis Alex , Karl Alexander , Dechet Christopher , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Stief Christian G. , Trenti Emanuela , Palermo Salvatore , Lodde Michele , Horninger Wolfgang , Madersbacher Stephan , Pycha Armin
Published: June 2014

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare complications after radical cystectomy in patients aged ≥75 years. Materials and Methods: 251 patients aged 75-95 years (median 79) underwent radical cystectomy between 2000 and 2012 at four institutions. The patients were divided into two groups: ≥75-84 years of age (group 1) versus ≥85 years of age (group 2). Comorbidities, body mass index, and complications were obtained retrospectively, except at the Central Hospital of Bolzano and Weill Cornell Medical Center, which collected data prospectively. Cancer-specific survival, overall mortality, hospital stay, clinical outcome and complications were assessed. Complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo classification reporting system. The mean follow-up was 21 months. Results: The median hospital stay was 17 (2-91) days. Perioperative Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III complications were seen in 24.1% (48/199) of group 1 patients and 19.2% (10/52) of group 2 patients (p = 0.045). 30- and 90-day mortality was 4.5 and 13.5% in group 1 and 6.5 and 32.3% in group 2, respectively. Only the 90-day mortality rate was statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the two groups. The 3-year overall survival was 40% in group 1 and 34% in group 2. The 3-year cancer-specific survival was 52% in group 1 and 50% in group 2. Conclusions: We evaluated a large series of elderly (≥75 years) patients undergoing radical cystectomy at four institutions. Comparing patients aged ≥75-84 and ≥85 years revealed no significant difference in complications, 30-day mortality, overall and cancer-specific survival rates. Only 90-day mortality rates were significantly higher in the ≥85-year-old patients.
Neurocognitive Functioning after Carotid Revascularization: A Systematic Review
Authors: Plessers Maarten , Van Herzeele Isabelle , Vermassen Frank , Vingerhoets Guy
Published: June 2014

Background: The objective of this study was to review the recent literature regarding the neurocognitive consequences of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting (CAS). Methods and Results: A PubMed and Web of Science search was conducted using the key words ‘carotid' in combination with ‘cognitive', ‘cognition', ‘neurocognition', ‘neurocognitive', ‘neuropsychology', and ‘neuropsychological'. Bibliographies of relevant articles were cross-referenced. We included 37 studies published since 2007 of which 18 examined CEA, 12 CAS, and 7 compared CEA to CAS. There is a wide variability in the reported neurocognitive outcome following CEA and CAS. Nonetheless, none of the included studies unveiled significant differences between CEA and CAS on postoperative neurocognitive functioning. Postoperative changes observed for CEA and CAS separately seem limited to a small percentage (around 10-15%) of patients and can either present as an improvement or impairment. Key Messages: The available data seem to suggest that no obvious cognitive differences between CAS and CEA can be observed after intervention. Both improvement and deterioration in cognitive functioning can be observed following CAS or CEA. Methodological differences such as patient heterogeneity, implementation and type of control groups, type of psychometric tests used, statistical analyses, or timing of the assessments play an important role in explaining the sometimes divergent results of the included studies. Large-scale and methodologically solid studies comparing CEA and CAS on neurocognitive outcome remain warranted. Future studies should implement adequate control groups to correct for practice effects in the target groups.
Complement Activation and Kidney Injury Molecule-1–Associated Proximal Tubule Injury in Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Burwick Richard M. , Easter Sarah Rae , Dawood Hassan Y. , Yamamoto Hidemi S. , Fichorova Raina N. , Feinberg Bruce B.
Published: June 2014

Kidney injury with proteinuria is a characteristic feature of preeclampsia, yet the nature of injury in specific regions of the nephron is incompletely understood. Our study aimed to use existing urinary biomarkers to describe the pattern of kidney injury and proteinuria in pregnancies affected by severe preeclampsia. We performed a case–control study of pregnant women from Brigham and Women’s Hospital from 2012 to 2013. We matched cases of severe preeclampsia (n=25) 1:1 by parity and gestational age to 2 control groups with and without chronic hypertension. Urinary levels of kidney injury molecule-1 and complement components (C3a, C5a, and C5b-9) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and other markers (albumin, β2 microglobulin, cystatin C, epithelial growth factor, neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, osteopontin, and uromodulin) were measured simultaneously with a multiplex electrochemiluminescence assay. Median values between groups were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and correlations with Spearman correlation coefficient. Analysis of urinary markers revealed higher excretion of albumin and kidney injury molecule-1 and lower excretion of neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin and epithelial growth factor in severe preeclampsia compared with chronic hypertension and healthy controls. Among subjects with severe preeclampsia, urinary excretion of complement activation products correlated most closely with kidney injury molecule-1, a specific marker of proximal tubule injury (C5a:
r
=0.60;
P
=0.001; and C5b-9:
r
=0.75;
P
<0.0001). Taken together, we describe a pattern of kidney injury in severe preeclampsia that is characterized by glomerular impairment and complement-mediated inflammation and injury, possibly localized to the proximal tubule in association with kidney injury molecule-1.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Silent Brain Infarcts in a Mediterranean Cohort of Hypertensives
Authors: Delgado Pilar , Riba-Llena Iolanda , Tovar José L. , Jarca Carmen I. , Mundet Xavier , López-Rueda Antonio , Orfila Francesc , Llussà Judit , Manresa Josep M. , Álvarez-Sabín José , Nafría Cristina , Fernández José L. , Maisterra Olga , Montaner Joan
Published: June 2014

Silent brain infarcts (SBIs) are detected by neuroimaging in approximately 20% of elderly patients in population-based studies. Limited evidence is available for hypertensives at low cardiovascular risk countries. Investigating Silent Strokes in Hypertensives: a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study (ISSYS) is aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of SBIs in a hypertensive Mediterranean population. This is a cohort study in randomly selected hypertensives, aged 50 to 70 years old, and free of clinical stroke and dementia. On baseline, all participants underwent a brain magnetic resonance imaging to assess prevalence and location of silent infarcts, and data on vascular risk factors, comorbidities, and the presence of subclinical cardiorenal damage (left ventricular hypertrophy and microalbuminuria) were collected. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine SBIs associated factors. A total of 976 patients (49.4% men, mean age 64 years) were enrolled, and 163 SBIs were detected in 99 participants (prevalence 10.1%; 95% CI, 8.4%–12.2%), most of them (64.4%) located in the basal ganglia and subcortical white matter. After adjustment, besides age and sex, microalbuminuria and increasing total cardiovascular risk (assessed by the Framingham-calibrated for Spanish population risk function) were independently associated with SBIs. Male sex increased the odds of having SBIs in 2.5 as compared with females. Our results highlight the importance of considering both global risk assessment and sex differences in hypertension and may be useful to design future preventive interventions of stroke and dementia.
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia and Hypercapnia Inhibit the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Neurotransmission to Parasympathetic Cardiac Neurons in the Brain Stem
Authors: Dergacheva Olga , Dyavanapalli Jhansi , Piñol Ramón A. , Mendelowitz David
Published: June 2014

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with chronic intermittent hypoxia/hypercapnia (CIHH) episodes during sleep that heighten sympathetic and diminish parasympathetic activity to the heart. Although one population of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus strongly influences sympathetic tone and has increased activity after CIHH, little is known about the role of this pathway to parasympathetic neurons and how this network is altered in CIHH. We hypothesized that CIHH inhibits the excitatory pathway from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to parasympathetic cardiac vagal neurons in the brain stem. To test this hypothesis, channelrhodopsin was selectively expressed, using viral vectors, in neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and channelrhodopsin-expressing fibers were photoactivated to evoke postsynaptic currents in cardiac vagal neurons in brain stem slices. Excitatory postsynaptic currents were diminished in animals exposed to CIHH. The paired-pulse and prolonged facilitation of the postsynaptic current amplitudes and frequencies evoked by paired and bursts of photoactivation of channelrhodopsin fibers, respectively, occurred in unexposed rats but were blunted in CIHH animals. In response to an acute challenge of hypoxia/hypercapnia, the amplitude of postsynaptic events was unchanged during, but increased after hypoxia/hypercapnia in unexposed animals. In contrast, postsynaptic currents were inhibited during hypoxia/hypercapnia in rats exposed to CIHH. In conclusion, the excitatory pathway to cardiac vagal neurons is diminished in response to both acute and chronic exposures to hypoxia/hypercapnia. This could elicit a reduced cardioprotective parasympathetic activity and an enhanced risk of adverse cardiovascular events in episodes of apnea and chronic obstructive sleep apnea.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Sensor Protein Kinase R–Like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK) Protects Against Pressure Overload–Induced Heart Failure and Lung Remodeling
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Kwak Dongmin , Lu Zhongbing , Xu Xin , Fassett John , Wang Huan , Wei Yidong , Cavener Douglas R. , Hu Xinli , Hall Jennifer , Bache Robert J. , Chen Yingjie
Published: June 2014

Studies have reported that development of congestive heart failure is associated with increased endoplasmic reticulum stress. Double stranded RNA-activated protein kinase R–like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) is a major transducer of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and directly phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, resulting in translational attenuation. However, the physiological effect of PERK on congestive heart failure development is unknown. To study the effect of PERK on ventricular structure and function, we generated inducible cardiac-specific PERK knockout mice. Under unstressed conditions, cardiac PERK knockout had no effect on left ventricular mass, or its ratio to body weight, cardiomyocyte size, fibrosis, or left ventricular function. However, in response to chronic transverse aortic constriction, PERK knockout mice exhibited decreased ejection fraction, increased left ventricular fibrosis, enhanced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and exacerbated lung remodeling in comparison with wild-type mice. PERK knockout also dramatically attenuated cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase expression in response to aortic constriction. Our findings suggest that PERK is required to protect the heart from pressure overload–induced congestive heart failure.
Calpain‐Dependent Cleavage of Junctophilin‐2 and T‐Tubule Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Reversible Heart Failure
Authors: Wu Chia‐Yen C. , Chen Biyi , Jiang Ya‐Ping , Jia Zhiheng , Martin Dwight W. , Liu Shengnan , Entcheva Emilia , Song Long‐Sheng , Lin Richard Z.
Published: June 2014

Background

A highly organized transverse tubule (T‐tubule) network is necessary for efficient Ca
2+
‐induced Ca
2+
release and synchronized contraction of ventricular myocytes. Increasing evidence suggests that T‐tubule remodeling due to junctophilin‐2 (
JP
‐2) downregulation plays a critical role in the progression of heart failure. However, the mechanisms underlying
JP
‐2 dysregulation remain incompletely understood.

Methods and Results

A mouse model of reversible heart failure that is driven by conditional activation of the heterotrimeric G protein Gα
q
in cardiac myocytes was used in this study. Mice with activated Gα
q
exhibited disruption of the T‐tubule network and defects in Ca
2+
handling that culminated in heart failure compared with wild‐type mice. Activation of Gα
q
/phospholipase Cβ signaling increased the activity of the Ca
2+
‐dependent protease calpain, leading to the proteolytic cleavage of
JP
‐2. A novel calpain cleavage fragment of
JP
‐2 is detected only in hearts with constitutive Gαq signaling to phospholipase Cβ. Termination of the Gα
q
signal was followed by normalization of the
JP
‐2 protein level, repair of the T‐tubule network, improvements in Ca
2+
handling, and reversal of heart failure. Treatment of mice with a calpain inhibitor prevented Gα
q
‐dependent
JP
‐2 cleavage, T‐tubule disruption, and the development of heart failure.

Conclusions

Disruption of the T‐tubule network in heart failure is a reversible process. Gα
q
‐dependent activation of calpain and subsequent proteolysis of
JP
‐2 appear to be the molecular mechanism that leads to T‐tubule remodeling, Ca
2+
handling dysfunction, and progression to heart failure in this mouse model.
Plasma Levels of the Proinflammatory Chitin‐Binding Glycoprotein YKL‐40, Variation in the Chitinase 3‐Like 1 Gene (
CHI3L1
), and Incident Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Ridker Paul M , Chasman Daniel I. , Rose Lynda , Loscalzo Joseph , Elias Jack A.
Published: June 2014

Background

YKL
‐40, encoded by the chitinase 3‐like 1 (

CHI
3L1

) gene, is a chitinase‐like protein involved in innate immune function hypothesized to play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis that may have differential roles in myocardial infarction (
MI
), as compared to stroke.

Methods and Results

In a nested case‐control study conducted within a prospective cohort of 23 294 initially healthy women of European ancestry, we (1) measured plasma concentration of
YKL
‐40 among 359 participants who subsequently developed cardiovascular events and among 359 age‐, smoking‐, and hormone replacement therapy–matched participants who remained free of disease during 17 years of follow‐up, (2) compared effects of
YKL
‐40 on vascular risk to that associated with 3 alternative inflammatory biomarkers (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) ([hs
CRP
], soluble intracellular adhesion molecule 1, and fibrinogen), and (3) evaluated the role of 41 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (
SNP
s) in the chitinase 3‐like 1 gene (

CHI
3L1

) as determinants of
YKL
‐40 levels and incident vascular events.
YKL
‐40 levels were higher in women with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity and correlated modestly with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and hs
CRP
, but not with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Baseline
YKL
‐40 level was significantly associated with incident thromboembolic stroke with a magnitude of effect (a 40% per quartile increase in odds ratio [
OR
],
P
=0.019) comparable to that of hs
CRP
(a 52% per quartile increase in
OR
,
P
=0.006). By contrast, no significant association was observed between
YKL
‐40 and incident
MI
. Genetic variation in

CHI
3L1

was strongly associated with
YKL
‐40 levels; however, in this sample set, we did not observe a statistically significant association between genotype and future vascular events.

Conclusions

Among initially healthy U.S. women, plasma levels of the proinflammatory chitenase‐like protein,
YKL
‐40, were influenced by environmental as well as genetic factors and predicted incident thromboembolic stroke, but not
MI
, a differential effect consistent with limited previous data.
Functional and Histological Assessment of an Experimental Model of Takotsubo's Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sachdeva Jaspreet , Dai Wangde , Kloner Robert A.
Published: June 2014

Background

Our objectives were to characterize functional and structural features of an experimental model of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and its response to beta‐blockers.

Methods and Results

In protocol 1, a dose‐finding study: 69 rats received various doses of isoproterenol (
ISO
) and echocardiographic and histologic parameters were measured on days 2 to 3 or day 8. There were no dose‐dependent effects and, out of 69
ISO
‐treated rats, 40 (58.0%) survived and 29 (42.0%) died within 24 hours. Of survivors, 30 had apical akinesis averaging 12.1±1.6% of the long axis
LV
circumference. Out of the 40 survivors, 32.5% showed apical akinesis ≥10%, 42.5% showed akinesis<10% and 25% showed no apical akinesis. The basal portion of the
LV
was always preserved. At 24 hours, histology and ultrastructure showed necrosis, vacuolization, lipid droplets, mononuclear cell infiltration, damaged mitochondria, and edema. On day 8, apical akinesis fully resolved but histologic abnormalities were still present. In protocol 2, rats were randomized to Control;
ISO
100 mg/kg; propranolol+
ISO
; and metoprolol+
ISO
groups. Pretreatment with propranolol and metoprolol improved survival to 90% and 100% respectively, compared with 60% in the
ISO
group, but did not reduce the incidence and extent of akinesis or the structural damage.

Conclusion

TC
can be mimicked in a rat model of
ISO
exposure that demonstrates apical akinesis on days 2 to 3 with full recovery of systolic regional wall motion abnormality despite the presence of persistent foci of necrosis and fibrosis on day 8. Pretreatment with beta‐blockers improved survival but did not affect structural and functional alterations.
Decreased Myocardial Injury and Improved Contractility After Administration of a Peptide Derived Against the Alpha‐Interacting Domain of the L‐Type Calcium Channel
Authors: Viola Helena M. , Jordan Maria C. , Roos Kenneth P. , Hool Livia C.
Published: June 2014

Background

Myocardial infarction remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality associated with coronary artery disease. The L‐type calcium channel (

I
C

a‐L
) is critical to excitation and contraction. Activation of the channel also alters mitochondrial function. Here, we investigated whether application of a alpha‐interacting domain/transactivator of transcription (
AID
‐
TAT)
peptide, which immobilizes the auxiliary β
2
subunit of the channel and decreases metabolic demand, could alter mitochondrial function and myocardial injury.

Methods and Results

Treatment with
AID
‐
TAT
peptide decreased ischemia‐reperfusion injury in guinea‐pig hearts ex vivo (n=11) and in rats in vivo (n=9) assessed with uptake of nitroblue tetrazolium, release of creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Contractility (assessed with catheterization of the left ventricle) was improved after application of
AID
‐
TAT
peptide in hearts ex vivo (n=6) and in vivo (n=8) up to 12 weeks before sacrifice. In search of the mechanism for the effect, we found that intracellular calcium ([Ca
2+
]
i
, Fura‐2), superoxide production (dihydroethidium fluorescence), mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψ
m
,
JC
‐1 fluorescence), reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide production, and flavoprotein oxidation (autofluorescence) are decreased after application of
AID
‐
TAT
peptide.

Conclusions

Application of
AID
‐
TAT
peptide significantly decreased infarct size and supported contractility up to 12 weeks postcoronary artery occlusion as a result of a decrease in metabolic demand during reperfusion.
The Neural Basis of Temporal Order Processing in Past and Future Thought
Authors: D'Argembeau Arnaud , Jeunehomme Olivier , Majerus Steve , Bastin Christine , Salmon Eric
Published: June 2014

Although growing evidence has shown that remembering the past and imagining the future recruit a common core network of frontal-parietal-temporal regions, the extent to which these regions contribute to the temporal dimension of autobiographical thought remains unclear. In this fMRI study, we focused on the event-sequencing aspect of time and examined whether ordering past and future events involve common neural substrates. Participants had to determine which of two past (or future) events occurred (or would occur) before the other, and these order judgments were compared with a task requiring to think about the content of the same past or future events. For both past and future events, we found that the left posterior hippocampus was more activated when establishing the order of events, whereas the anterior hippocampus was more activated when representing their content. Aside from the hippocampus, most of the brain regions that were activated when thinking about temporal order (notably the intraparietal sulcus, dorsolateral pFC, dorsal anterior cingulate, and visual cortex) lied outside the core network and may reflect the involvement of controlled processes and visuospatial imagery to locate events in time. Collectively, these findings suggest (a) that the same processing operations are engaged for ordering past events and planned future events in time, (b) that anterior and posterior portions of the hippocampus are involved in processing different aspects of autobiographical thought, and (c) that temporal order is not necessarily an intrinsic property of memory or future thought but instead requires additional, controlled processes.
Co-Creator or Creative Predator?
Authors: Scheid Daniel P.
Published: June 2014

While the Catholic Church’s official teaching on the environment presents a hopeful and comprehensive ecological ethic rooted in the goodness of creation and humanity’s privileged role as co-creator, it does not sufficiently account for the violence of predation and humanity’s necessary participation in it. James Nash’s understanding of humans as altruistic, creative predators can further Catholic ecological ethics because it strikes a better balance between humanity’s call to love creation and the moral ambiguity of the evolutionary process. Humans as creative predators suggests three new understandings of what ecological sacrifice could entail: 1) to see the death of every creature, even if a morally justifiable death, as a kind of sacrifice; 2) to recognize that ecological sustainability may demand dramatic and subversive shifts in behavior; and 3) to sacrifice our tendency to view nonhumans instrumentally by advocating a Biotic Bill of Rights.
Soaking Prayer and the Mission of Catch the Fire
Authors: Wilkinson Michael , Althouse Peter
Published: June 2014

Charismatics who practice soaking prayer claim that the experience of God’s love leads to loving others. In this article we offer a detailed description of soaking prayer as taught and practiced at Catch the Fire. Findings are based on three years of research that included participant observation, face-to-face interviews, and a survey of participants. Theoretically we draw upon theories of ritual and embodiment to explain how participants engage in acts of benevolence.
A new species of lowland skink (genus Lipinia Gray, 1845) from northeastern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , ISMAIL LUKMAN H.B. , AWANG MUHAMMAD TAUFIK , RIZAL SYED A. , AHMAD AMIRRUDIN B.
Published: June 2014

A new species of scincid lizard, Lipinia sekayuensis sp. nov. from Hutan Lipur Sekayu, Terengganu State in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia is most similar to L. surda (Boulenger) but differentiated from it and all other species of Lipinia by having the combination of an adult SVL of 42.3 mm; six supralabials; five infralabials; four supraoculars; prefrontals widely separated; two loreals; fused frontoparietals; lower eyelids bearing a large, transparent disc; 21 midbody scale rows; 56 paravertertebral scale rows; 65 ventral scale rows; enlarged, precloacal scales; 10 subdigital lamellae on the third finger; 11, 15, and seven lamellae on the third, fourth, and fifth toes, respectively; distal subdigital lamellae keeled; a median row of slightly enlarged, subcaudal scales present; a generally unicolor, dark-brown dorsum bearing nine very faint, diffuse, darker stripes; and an external ear opening replaced by a scaly, auditory depression.
Correct date and authorship of taxa of Middle American freshwater crabs described by Rodríguez & Smalley (1972) (not 1969) and included in Smalley (1970) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae)
Authors: GUINOT DANIÈLE , HENDRICKX MICHEL E.
Published: June 2014

One subgenus and one genus of Pseudothelphusidae described by Gilberto Rodríguez and Alfred E. Smalley from Mexico have been erroneously referred to for over 40 years as variously described in 1968 and 1969. The review of the original publication indicates that these taxa were published in a journal dated 1969 that became available for distribution only in 1972. Smalley (1970), who believed that the original manuscript had been previously published, referred to some of these new taxa (i.e., Epithelphusa, E. mixtepensis, Tehuana and T. veracruzana) and provided sufficient information to make these names available in 1970, thus becoming the correct authorship for these four taxa. Therefore they must be referred to as “Rodríguez & Smalley in Smalley 1970”. A list of all affected taxa with the correct publication date and authorship is given. A list of publications in which the taxa authored by Rodríguez and Smalley were erroneously referred to as published in 1969 is also provided.
Cicerina debrae n. sp. (Platyhelminthes: Kalyptorhynchia, Cicerinidae) from the Southern Atlantic Coast, USA
Authors: TUCKER KEA
Published: June 2014

Cicerina debrae is described as a new species of kalyptorhynch flatworm belonging to the Cicerinidae. This species was found in surface sediment from the lower half of the beach at two sites in North Carolina and is identical to museum material previously collected from North Carolina and from the Atlantic coast of Florida. C. debrae differs from its congeners in the shape of the ductus spermatici and the copulatory cirrus.
Asprothrips bimaculatus sp.n. (Thripidae, Dendrothripinae)
Authors: MICHEL BRUNO , RYCKEWAERT PHILIPPE
Published: June 2014

According to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature Article 16.4.2 the description of a new species must be accompanied by a statement of intent that the holotype will be deposited in a collection and a statement indicating the name and location of that collection. Unfortunately this requirement of the Code was not complied with in our recent Zootaxa paper (Michel & Ryckewaert 2014). This brief note is to rectify the situation, and to make the name available.
The Effects of Q-Matrix Design on Classification Accuracy in the Log-Linear Cognitive Diagnosis Model
Authors: Madison Matthew J. , Bradshaw Laine P.
Published: June 2014

Diagnostic classification models are psychometric models that aim to classify examinees according to their mastery or non-mastery of specified latent characteristics. These models are well-suited for providing diagnostic feedback on educational assessments because of their practical efficiency and increased reliability when compared with other multidimensional measurement models. A priori specifications of which latent characteristics or attributes are measured by each item are a core element of the diagnostic assessment design. This item–attribute alignment, expressed in a Q-matrix, precedes and supports any inference resulting from the application of the diagnostic classification model. This study investigates the effects of Q-matrix design on classification accuracy for the log-linear cognitive diagnosis model. Results indicate that classification accuracy, reliability, and convergence rates improve when the Q-matrix contains isolated information from each measured attribute.
Trends in Classroom Observation Scores
Authors: Casabianca Jodi M. , Lockwood J. R. , McCaffrey Daniel F.
Published: June 2014

Observations and ratings of classroom teaching and interactions collected over time are susceptible to trends in both the quality of instruction and rater behavior. These trends have potential implications for inferences about teaching and for study design. We use scores on the Classroom Assessment Scoring System–Secondary (CLASS-S) protocol from 458 middle school teachers over a 2-year period to study changes over time in (a) the average quality of teaching for the population of teachers, (b) the average severity of the population of raters, and (c) the severity of individual raters. To obtain these estimates and assess them in the context of other factors that contribute to the variability in scores, we develop an augmented G study model that is broadly applicable for modeling sources of variability in classroom observation ratings data collected over time. In our data, we found that trends in teaching quality were small. Rater drift was very large during raters’ initial days of observation and persisted throughout nearly 2 years of scoring. Raters did not converge to a common level of severity; using our model we estimate that variability among raters actually increases over the course of the study. Variance decompositions based on the model find that trends are a modest source of variance relative to overall rater effects, rater errors on specific lessons, and residual error. The discussion provides possible explanations for trends and rater divergence as well as implications for designs collecting ratings over time.
Suggested avenues to reduce the stigma of mental illness in the Middle East
Authors: Sewilam Ahmed M , Watson Annie MM , Kassem Ahmed M , Clifton Sue , McDonald Margaret C , Lipski Rebecca , Deshpande Smita , Mansour Hader , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L
Published: June 2014

Background:

Stigma toward mentally ill individuals acts as a barrier to accessing care and receiving treatment.

Aim:

To review current evidence pertaining to stigma toward mental illness in the Middle East in order to inform effective and sustainable interventions in this region.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic literature search using the PubMed database and evaluated all identified studies according to specific inclusion criteria.

Results:

Stigma toward individuals with mental illness does exist in the Middle East. Stigmatizing attitudes are particularly high toward culturally proscribed mental illnesses like alcohol abuse and lower for other disorders such as depression and psychosis.

Conclusions:

We propose the following initiatives to reduce stigma toward mental illness in the Middle East: (a) educate families to enable them to support their affected relatives, (b) increase cooperation between psychiatrists and faith healers and (c) educate young people in schools to increase their awareness and understanding of mental illnesses and to combat negative stereotypes.
Female Juvenile Offenders with HEART: Preliminary Findings of an Intervention Model for Female Juvenile Offenders with Substance Use Problems
Authors: Roberts-Lewis Amelia C. , Welch-Brewer Chiquitia L. , Jackson Mary S. , Pharr O. Martin , Parker Sharon
Published: June 2014

This pilot study examined the effectiveness of an intensive, gender specific substance abuse treatment program, Holistic Enrichment for At-Risk Teens (HEART), on the psychosocial functioning of 30 incarcerated girls. A single-group multiple repeated measures design method was used to determine the effectiveness of the HEART program in reducing psychosocial problems associated with the behaviors of problem substance use and delinquency. The results showed that participants in the HEART program displayed significant improvement in eight of ten areas of psychosocial functioning: mental health, family relation, peer relations, educational status, vocational, leisure and recreational skills, and decreases in aggressive behaviors. The conclusion is that it is critical for juvenile correctional facilities to become sites where effective, empirically based treatment is provided.
The Impact of Race and Youth Cohort Size: An Analysis of Juvenile Drug Possession Arrest Rates
Authors: Lee Chang-Bae , Schulenberg Jennifer L.
Published: June 2014

Statistics indicate that blacks are overrepresented in the juvenile drug-related arrest rates. Based on Easterlin's (1978) youth cohort size theory, this study examines whether there is a positive relationship between the black youth cohort size and juvenile drug possession arrest rates controlling for the infl uence of social disorganization. Using cluster regression analyzing city-level juvenile arrest rates (N = 525), the current study found that the black youth cohort size had a negative relationship with juvenile arrest rates for drug possession, and social disorganization theory provided only a partial explanation. Findings are discussed in the context of theoretical and practical implications and areas for future research.
A Synthesis of Research on Informational Text Reading Interventions for Elementary Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Ciullo Stephen , Lo Yu-Ling Sabrina , Wanzek Jeanne , Reed Deborah K.
Published: June 2014

This research synthesis was conducted to understand the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve learning from informational text for students with learning disabilities in elementary school (K–5). The authors identified 18 studies through a comprehensive search. The interventions were evaluated to determine treatment effects and to understand implementation and methodological variables that influenced outcomes. Moderate to large effect sizes on researcher-developed measures for cognitive strategy interventions were reported. Interventions that utilized graphic organizers as study guides to support social studies learning were also associated with improved outcomes. The findings are considered within the context of limited implementation of standardized measures. The authors extend findings from previous research by reporting a paucity of interventions to enhance higher-level cognitive and comprehension skills. The majority of reviewed studies targeted fact acquisition and main idea identification, and overall encouraging findings were noted for these skills. Implications for future research are discussed.
Factors Affecting Minority Students’ College Readiness in Mathematics
Authors: Houser Latisha Cheree-Square , An Shuhua
Published: June 2014

This study examined how gender; race/ethnicity; language; socioeconomic status; California Standards Test (CST) scores in mathematics, science, and ELA; and California High School Exit Exam mathematics predict college-ready results on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) in mathematics in urban areas of southern California. Approximately 1,700 high school students with nearly 45 teachers participated in this study. Logistic regression and discriminant analysis were used for this research, and the results showed that most variables were not significant predictors to students’ passing the EAP, except the CST science exam. However, discriminant analysis shows that CST science and CST mathematics contribute most to distinguishing those who are college ready, using these predictors.
No right to the street: Motorcycle taxis, discourse production and the regulation of unruly mobility
Authors: Qian Junxi
Published: June 2014

This article investigates the state regulation of motorcycle taxis in Guangzhou, China. Motorcycle taxis play an important role in sustaining the livelihood of a subgroup of urban migrants. However, this urban informality has become the object of strict state regulation after the use of motorcycle was outlawed by the Guangzhou Municipal Government. This article examines how dominant representations and discourses of motorcycle mobility are implicated in the right to urban streets. On the one hand it argues that both motorcycle mobility and the motorcycle taxi are socially-produced categories made visible and intelligible through the state-led programmes to ground them in a terrain of constructed knowledge. On the other hand, it is contended that the production of ideologically charged representations and knowledge catalyzes and constitutes the spatialisation of state regulatory power. In particular, this article examines the street-level regulatory practices and how these practices restructure both social relations and state power. It indicates that the local police’s regulation of motorcycle taxis cannot be sufficiently explained merely in terms of state domination and oppression. Instead, it is anchored in the highly moralised imperative of defending the ‘good’, the ‘ordered’ and the ‘respectable’.
Robust H∞ reliable control for delta operator switched systems with time-varying delays under asynchronous switching
Authors: Qin Chen , Xiang Zhengrong , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: June 2014

The problem of robust H∞ reliable control for a class of delta operator switched systems with time-varying delays and actuator faults under asynchronous switching is considered in this paper. Asynchronous switching means that the switches between the candidate controllers and system modes are asynchronous. Based on the average dwell time approach and delta operator theory, a state feedback controller is designed such that the closed-loop system is exponentially stable with H∞ performance in the presence of actuator faults. The obtained results are formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate explicitly the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Fuzzy fault-detection filtering for uncertain stochastic time-delay systems with randomly missing data
Authors: Zhuang Guangming , Li Yongmin , Lu Junwei
Published: June 2014

This paper is concerned with the robust H∞ fault-detection problem for a class of uncertain discrete stochastic Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time-varying delays, parameter uncertainties and randomly missing data in a network environment. We deal with the fault detection by designing fuzzy-rule-independent and fuzzy-rule-dependent fault detection filters, which guarantee the fault detection system is not only robustly stochastically stable, but also satisfies a prescribed H∞ performance level for all admissible uncertainties. Lyapunov stability theory and the linear matrix inequality technique are utilized to derive novel conditions for the desired fault detection filters. The residual evaluation function and detection threshold are also discussed in order to detect the occurrence of faults. A numerical example and a nonlinear mass-spring-damper mechanical system are provided to demonstrate that our fault-detection system is sensitive to faults and simultaneously robust to disturbances.
A robust impact angle constraint guidance law with seeker’s field-of-view limit
Authors: He Shaoming , Lin Defu
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a new robust guidance law is designed to satisfy both impact angle constraint and the seeker’s field-of-view limit for missiles with strapdown seekers. Since the impact angle guidance law needs a highly curved trajectory and most strapdown seekers have a very narrow field-of-view, maintaining the seeker’s lock-on is the key issue for these missiles. To address this problem, a switching logic is adopted, which adds an additional term in the original guidance law when the look angle exceeds the pre-designed boundary value to maintain the seeker’s lock-on. An impact angle guidance law is designed based on terminal sliding mode control theory and the finite time convergence characteristic of the line-of-sight angle, as well as its derivative is proved through the Lyapunov method. Numerical simulations are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed guidance law. Some intuitive tunings of the design parameters are also offered in the simulation results to achieve large impact angles.
Hispanic Inpatient Pain Intensity
Authors: McDonald Deborah Dillon , Ambrose Margaret , Morey Barbara
Published: June 2014

Hispanic adults experience significant pain, but little is known about their pain during hospitalization. The purpose of this research was to describe Hispanic inpatients’ pain intensity and compare their pain intensity with that of non-Hispanic patients. A post hoc descriptive design was used to examine 1,466 Hispanic inpatients’ medical records (63.2% English speakers) and 12,977 non-Hispanic inpatients’ medical records from one hospital for 2012. Mean documented pain intensity was mild for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic inpatients. Pain intensity was greater for English-speaking Hispanic patients than Spanish speakers. The odds of being documented with moderate or greater pain intensity decreased 30% for Spanish-speaking patients. Greater pain intensity documented for English-speaking Hispanic inpatients suggests underreporting of pain intensity by Spanish-speaking patients. Practitioners should use interpreter services when assessing and treating pain with patients who speak languages different from the practitioners’ language(s).
In situ microtensile testing and X-ray microtomography-based finite element modelling of open-cell metal foam struts and sandwich panels
Authors: Betts Charles , Balint Daniel , Lee Junyi , Lin Jianguo , Lee Peter
Published: June 2014

Microtensile testing was used to determine the mechanical properties of individual aluminium alloy foam struts. Finite element modelling of as-tested struts was carried out using X-ray microtomography scans of the undeformed struts to define the geometry. Strut deformation was described by continuum viscoplastic damage constitutive equations calibrated by microtensile test data of the aluminium alloy in its optimally aged condition. The as-tested strut finite element model was used to develop a procedure that compensates for the effect of grip slippage inherent in the microtensile testing of metal foam struts, which results in a considerable reduction in observed elastic stiffness compared to the typical value of 70 GPa for aluminium alloys. The calibrated constitutive equations were then implemented in finite element models of sandwich panels with the aluminium metal foam as its core material. The finite element models were used in simulations of cases of low energy impact to represent tool drop conditions in order to investigate the suitability of new wing skin designs using metal foam core sandwich panels. An optimal strut aspect ratio was identified through simulation that provides the greatest energy absorption per unit mass while ensuring core damage is accurately reflected by facesheet deformation, which is necessary for detection and repair.
Corticosteroids alter CGRP and melatonin release in cluster headache episodes
Authors: Neeb Lars , Anders Linn , Euskirchen Philipp , Hoffmann Jan , Israel Heike , Reuter Uwe
Published: June 2014

Background

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a marker of trigeminal activation in acute cluster headache (CH). Melatonin production is altered in CH patients and may reflect hypothalamic dysfunction. We assessed the effects of short-term CH prevention with corticosteroids on CGRP and melatonin release in a prospective observational cohort study hypothesizing that corticosteroids influence the interictal activity of both systems indicated by the change of these biomarkers.

Methods

Episodic CH subjects ( n = 9) in the bout and controls with multiple sclerosis ( n = 6) received 1000 mg/d methylprednisolone (MPD) i.v. for three days followed by oral tapering with prednisone. We determined CGRP plasma levels in external jugular vein blood outside an attack and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) – the stable metabolite of melatonin – in 12-hour day- and nighttime urine collection prior to and several times after MPD therapy and again when CH subjects were outside the bout in complete remission. CH patients recorded the frequency of attacks.

Results

In parallel to the reduction of headache frequency, administration of corticosteroids resulted in significantly decreased CGRP plasma levels and increased nocturnal aMT6s urine excretion in CH subjects. No significant changes were observed in controls.

Conclusion

Corticosteroids alter CGRP plasma and aMT6s urine levels in a cluster bout. These changes may indicate an effect of corticosteroids on trigeminal activation and hypothalamic dysfunction.
Evidence-Based Diagnosis, Health Care, and Rehabilitation for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Novak Iona
Published: June 2014

Safer and more effective interventions have been invented for children with cerebral palsy, but the rapid expansion of the evidence base has made keeping up-to-date difficult. Unfortunately, outdated care is being provided. The aims were to survey the questions parents asked neurologists and provide evidence-based answers, using knowledge translation techniques. Parents asked the following questions: (1) what’s wrong with my baby? An algorithm for early diagnosis was proposed. (2) What is cerebral palsy and what online resources are current? Reputable information websites were sourced and hyperlinks provided. (3) The prognosis? Prognostic data from meta-analyses were summarized in an infographic. (4) What interventions offer the most evidence-supported results? Systematic review data about the most effective interventions was mapped into a bubble chart infographic. Finally, (5) What can we expect? Predictors and facilitators of good outcomes were summarized. This article provides an overview of the most up-to-date diagnostic practices and evidence-based intervention options.
Does Nephrotoxicity Exist in Pediatric Epileptic Patients on Valproate or Carbamazepine Therapy?
Authors: Havali Cengiz , Gücüyener Kıvılcım , Buyan Necla , Yılmaz Ünsal , Gürkaş Esra , Gülbahar Özlem , Demir Ercan , Serdaroğlu Ayşe
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of valproate and carbamazepine, on renal glomerular and tubular functions. The patient group comprised 54 children with new-onset epilepsy treated with valproate (n = 30) and carbamazepine (n = 24). Twenty-six healthy children were in the control group. The serum creatinine and cystatin C levels and urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) levels were measured and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated. Serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations were not different between patients and controls. The glomerular filtration rate of the patient groups were higher than those of the control group. Thus, both drugs probably lead to glomerular hyperfiltration and toxicity for glomerular functions. However, urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase/creatinine levels were significantly higher in patients receiving only valproate (6.1 ± 5). The difference between carbamazepine and control groups was not significant for urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase/creatinine levels. Our data suggest that valproate has adverse effects on renal tubular functions.
Using Instructional Technology to Improve Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge of Phonological Awareness
Authors: Driver Melissa K. , Pullen Paige C. , Kennedy Michael J. , Williams Mira Cole , Ely Emily
Published: June 2014

Teacher understanding of phonological awareness (PA) and how to teach PA is related to student outcomes; however, many teachers have an inadequate understanding of PA. The purpose of this study is to describe an intervention intended to improve preservice teachers’ understanding of PA, using an example of instructional technology called Content Acquisition Podcasts (CAPs). In this study, teacher candidates randomly assigned to watch a CAP on PA significantly outperformed matched peers who read a practitioner-friendly article on the same topic. Findings hold important implications for the field of teacher education, support, and development in reading pedagogy.