bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Event Coreference Resolution
Authors: Bejan Cosmin , Harabagiu Sanda
Published: October 2013

The task of event coreference resolution plays a critical role in many natural language processing applications such as information extraction, question answering, and topic detection and tracking. In this article, we describe a new class of unsupervised, nonparametric Bayesian models with the purpose of probabilistically inferring coreference clusters of event mentions from a collection of unlabeled documents. In order to infer these clusters, we automatically extract various lexical, syntactic, and semantic features for each event mention from the document collection. Extracting a rich set of features for each event mention allows us to cast event coreference resolution as the task of grouping together the mentions that share the same features (they have the same participating entities, share the same location, happen at the same time, etc.).

Some of the most important challenges posed by the resolution of event coreference in an unsupervised way stem from (a) the choice of representing event mentions through a rich set of features and (b) the ability of modeling events described both within the same document and across multiple documents. Our first unsupervised model that addresses these challenges is a generalization of the hierarchical Dirichlet process. This new extension presents the hierarchical Dirichlet process's ability to capture the uncertainty regarding the number of clustering components and, additionally, takes into account any finite number of features associated with each event mention. Furthermore, to overcome some of the limitations of this extension, we devised a new hybrid model, which combines an infinite latent class model with a discrete time series model. The main advantage of this hybrid model stands in its capability to automatically infer the number of features associated with each event mention from data and, at the same time, to perform an automatic selection of the most informative features for the task of event coreference. The evaluation performed for solving both within- and cross-document event coreference shows significant improvements of these models when compared against two baselines for this task.
The Death of David’s Son by Bathsheba (II Sam 12:13-25): A Narrative in Context
Authors: Jacobs Jonathan
Published: October 2013

Abstract

The episode of David’s sin and his punishment (II Sam 11-12) represents a turning point in the description of David’s reign. While this dramatic episode has received extensive attention in biblical exegesis, the final section of the narrative, recording the death of Bathsheba’s son, has been largely neglected, with little attention to its contribution to the story.

In this article I propose that the main contribution of the story is its exposure of his inner world following the revelation of his sin by the prophet Nathan. The biblical narrative conveys its ideas in an indirect manner, through various literary devices. By means of analogies, discrepancies between descriptions, and secondary characters, the text hints at David’s process of repentance for his sin. We might say that David undergoes a process in two stages: Initially, immediately after the speech by the prophet Nathan, he demonstrates a repentance that is quick and spontaneous, but only partial. Thereafter he undergoes a process of slow and gradual repentance, in which he repairs all the levels of his sin.
Shelter availability influences social behavior and habitat choice in crayfish, Orconectes virilis
Authors: Fero Kandice C. , Moore Paul A.
Published: October 2013

Conspecific distribution across differing microhabitats may arise due to individual differences in resource requirements, vulnerability to predation, environmental tolerances, and as a direct result of social interaction. The aim of this study was to examine crayfish distributions across habitats with varying resource availability and to examine whether such distributions are correlated with dominance relationships among individuals. Agonistic interactions, habitat use, and shelter use were observed in mixed-sex populations of eight crayfish, Orconectes virilis. Populations were placed in a semi-natural, 4 × 4 m arena for 20 h that was split into shelter-poor (low), shelter-rich (high) and shelter-free (free) areas. The presence of shelter was associated with a significant increase in crayfish habitat use. Overall agonism also increased in habitats where shelter was present. Status specific differences in shelter and habitat use were observed and were dependent upon environmental context (e.g., day versus night). Lower ranking crayfish were found to occupy and defend shelter less frequently than dominant crayfish and low ranking crayfish were also found more often in shelter-poor habitat. These status-specific differences in behavior were only observed during the day when shelter-related behaviors were increased overall. Distinct shelter use strategies were also apparent between top-ranked (alpha) and bottom-ranked (omega) crayfish. Taken together, these results suggest that shelter use and habitat use are, in part, mediated by social status. Additionally, these results indicate that habitat selection may arise as a consequence of status-specific differences in resource use.
A Different Use of Literacy: The 1676 Witchcraft Allegations against A. S. Matveev
Authors: Berelowitch André
Published: October 2013

Analyzing the case of black magic brought against chancellor Artemon Matveev in 1676-77, this paper endeavors to demonstrate that Matveev’s accusers were controlled by his political opponents. The proceedings are revealing in yet another respect: they involve a number of minor clerks and educated slaves – Muscovite middle class in embryo. The minutes give a vivid picture of the way magical texts were circulated among them, and contribute to outline the standard library of literate witchcraft in seventeenth-century Muscovy.
The Sorcerer’s Stone: Magic of Water and Blood
Authors: Chernetsov Alexey V.
Published: October 2013

The contents of a manuscript text of Byelorussian origin dated to the mid-sixteenth century, discovered by A. Turilov, are discussed in this article. The text is a magical instruction for the invocation of rain, snow, draught, hail and storm with the help of a magical stone taken from a beast or bird, permanently moistened with fresh blood. The text is a part of Prince Semen Belskii’s archive, who re-emigrated back to Poland from Muscovy. The magical motifs of sinking a stone into water and moistening it with blood are analyzed and linked with ancient, pre-Christian customs, as well as with later practices recorded in spell books and trials of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Parallels from manuscript, folkloric and ethnographic materials are discussed. The article concludes with a translation of this unusual text into English in an appendix.
CHARACTERISTICS OF TROCHODENDRON ARALIOIDES TENSION WOOD FORMED AT DIFFERENT INCLINATION ANGLES
Authors: Hiraiwa Tokiko , Toyoizumi Tatsuya , Ishiguri Futoshi , Iizuka Kazuya , Yokota Shinso , Yoshizawa Nobuo
Published: October 2013

To assess the characteristics of tension wood (TW) in Trochodendron aralioides Sieb. et Zucc., seedling stems were artificially inclined at angles of 30° (TW- 30), 50° (TW-50), and 70° (TW-70) from the vertical. At all angles, the growth promotion was pronounced on the upper side of the inclined stems, where excessive tensile growth stress was observed. A gelatinous layer (G-layer) formed in the tracheids of TW. The cell wall structure of the tracheids in TW was S1 + G. The G-layer had a small pit aperture angle <10°. TW-50 showed larger tensile growth stress, a thicker G-layer area, and a smaller pit aperture angle of the Glayer than TW-30 and TW-70. Lower levels of Klason lignin and hemicellulose and higher levels of α-cellulose content were observed in TW-50. In addition, an increase in glucose content and a decrease in xylose content in holocellulose were observed in TW-50. Therefore, it can be concluded that the degree of TW varied with different inclination angles.
XYLEM DYSFUNCTION IN FICUS CARICA INFECTED WITH WILT FUNGUS CERATOCYSTIS FICICOLA AND THE ROLE OF THE VECTOR BEETLE EUWALLACEA INTERJECTUS
Authors: Kajii C. , Morita T. , Jikumaru S. , Kajimura H. , Yamaoka Y. , Kuroda K.
Published: October 2013

Ceratocystis ficicola causes serious wilt disease in many fig orchards in Japan. The transmission of this pathogen is thought to occur via soil to host roots, and an ambrosia beetle, Euwallacea interjectus, has been reported as a vector of the pathogen. Anatomical investigations were made on the disease development process with a particular focus on the responses of host tissue to the activities of the vector beetle and the pathogen. Living 26- and 8-year-old Ficus carica trees that were naturally infected with C. ficicola and had holes excavated by E. interjectus were used for analysis. Dark brown discoloration was observed in the sapwood of specimens with poor shoot elongation and slight leaf wilt at harvest. Discolored sapwood coincided with the distribution of hyphae of the pathogen, which was verified by the presence of conidiophores. Most of the beetle’s gallery was distributed inside the discolored area. In the non-discolored sapwood adjacent to the border of the discolored area, some galleries were elongated and contained living new generation adults and larvae of E. interjectus. Hyphae of the pathogen and colored substances were identified also around those new galleries.

The present study showed that elongation of galleries by E. interjectus in the functional sapwood induces the wide distribution of the pathogen and contributes to the expansion of the discolored area in which vessels were dysfunctional. This process causes a shortage of water supply and wilting in the infected trees. Euwallacea interjectus must be contributing to the symptom development of this wilt disease.
Breaking Glass Ceilings, Ignoring Dirty Floors
Authors: Berrey Ellen
Published: October 2013

Research on workplace inequality focuses largely on gender and racial disparities at work and contributing factors, while those who study diversity interventions tend to ask how these might be remedied. This article takes a different tack, asking the following: What ideals and cultural assumptions about social progress undergird workplace diversity programs, and with what consequences? Drawing from neoinstitutionalism and workplace ethnography, I examine diversity management in a multinational company based on a year of field research. At this company, diversity programs are for high-status women and people of color. Findings advance the study of workplace inequality and, more generally, the relational study of meaning making in real-life institutional contexts. They show that diversity management programs attempt to minimize gender and racial boundaries by codifying egalitarian ideals in organizational structures, and those definitions can reify class-based hierarchies. The findings also push social scientists to conceptualize inequality and equality as cultural constructs and to consider the biases of scientific measurements of inequality.
Role of Polyethylene Glycol in Childhood Constipation
Authors: Phatak Uma Padhye , Pashankar Dinesh S.
Published: October 2013

Constipation is a common and chronic problem in children worldwide. Long-term use of laxatives is necessary for successful treatment of chronic constipation. Commonly used laxatives in children include milk of magnesia, lactulose, mineral oil, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Recent studies report the efficacy and safety of PEG for the long-term treatment of constipation in children. Because of its excellent patient acceptance, PEG is being used widely in children for constipation. In this commentary, we review the recently published pediatric literature on the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptance of PEG. We also assess the role of PEG in childhood constipation by comparing it with other laxatives in terms of efficacy, safety, patient acceptance, and cost.
The Role of Locus of Control in Daily Life
Authors: Ryon Holly S. , Gleason Marci E. J.
Published: October 2013

Conceived of as a stable trait, locus of control has been linked with psychological and physical health outcomes. We investigated whether locus of control operates as a state variable, whether variation in daily locus of control is associated with anxiety and stressful events, and whether it predicts daily health behaviors and symptoms. Using a daily diary study of pregnant couples, we found daily variation in locus of control was predicted by daily hassles and anxiety such that high same-day and previous-day anxiety and hassles were associated with reports of lower levels of control. Furthermore, daily locus of control was positively associated with positive health behaviors and predicted negative health symptoms. These results provide evidence for a social learning perspective on the development and maintenance of individuals’ sense of control and suggest that locus of control should be considered both a state- and trait-level construct in future research.
Influence of Aging on Nitrogen Accretion During Critical Illness
Authors: Dickerson Roland N. , Maish George O. , Croce Martin A. , Minard Gayle , Brown Rex O.
Published: October 2013

Background: Aging adversely affects nitrogen accretion during health, but its effect during critical illness is unknown. Nitrogen balance (NB) response to varying protein intakes was compared between critically ill, older and younger patients. Methods: Adult patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit, given enteral or parenteral nutrition, and who had a NB determination within 5–14 days after injury were evaluated. Patients with renal or hepatic disease were excluded. Patients were categorized as older (≥60 years) or younger (18–59 years of age). Data are given as mean ± SD or median [interquartile range]. Results: Fifty‐four older (69 [65, 77] years) and 195 younger (35 [27, 47] years) patients were evaluated. NB was blunted for the older patients with an observed trending improvement in NB from −13.5 ± 5.5 to −5.6 ± 8.8 g/d (P = NS) noted at 1.5−1.99 g/kg/d. NB improved from −22.2 ± 8.2 to −11.8 ± 9.9 g/d (P = .05) at 1–1.49 g/kg/d and modestly thereafter for each 0.5‐g/kg/d increase in protein intake for the younger patients. Serum urea nitrogen concentration during the NB was highly variable but overall greater for the older patients (20 [14, 33] vs 15 [10, 20] mg/dL, P = .001). Conclusions: Improvement in nitrogen accretion was blunted at lower protein intakes in critically ill, older patients compared with younger patients. Individualization of protein intake is warranted.
Cultural Frames, Qualities of Life, and the Aging Self
Authors: Low Gail , Molzahn Anita , Kalfoss Mary
Published: October 2013

We used the Self-Concept Enhancement Tactician (SCENT) model to explore whether older Norwegians and Canadians would tactically self-enhance on qualities considered significant within their cultures in their self-perceptions of aging. Qualities were measured using the WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD. Self-perceptions of aging were measured by the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire. The study is a secondary analysis of data collected in a larger study; 393 older Norwegians and 202 older Canadians were included. The Norwegian and Canadian group self-enhanced their perceptions of psychosocial loss based on harmonious social relationships and being part of a larger social group. For self-perceptions of physical change, both groups self-enhanced on being self-sufficient and being part of a larger social group. Our findings suggest that Norwegians and Canadians are not highly individualistic people and also provide evidence of a bicultural self-perception of aging. Nurses should consider how cultural and individual perspectives affect the care priorities of older people.
Full-metal jacket: A bad strategy
Authors: Alvarez Jose Rubio , Quiroga Juan Sierra , Lopez Laura Reija , Bauza Angela Granda , Cereijo Jose Manuel Martinez , Taboada Carola Rubio
Published: October 2013

Although drug-eluting stents are increasingly used to treat coronary disease, restenosis remains the major limitation of these devices. We report a case of complete metal jacket using 17 stents for triple-vessel coronary disease in a 73-year-old man, for whom surgery would have been the best choice.
Side-to-side anastomosis using 4 interrupted sutures in small coronary arteries
Authors: Kawahito Koji , Muraoka Arata , Misawa Yoshio
Published: October 2013

Side-to-side anastomosis in sequential bypass grafting of coronary arteries 1.0 mm in diameter or smaller, requires delicate surgical techniques with a high degree of technical difficulty. However, using only 4 interrupted sutures, we have performed side-to-side anastomosis in sequential grafting without difficulty in a short operative duration. We applied this technique in 58 distal anastomosis procedures, achieving an early angiographic graft patency rate of 100%.
Thoracoscopic repair of pectus excavatum using different bar stabilizers versus open repair
Authors: Muhammad Magdi Ibrahim Ahmad
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To identify the preoperative characteristics and compare operative variables and postoperative outcomes in adult patients with pectus excavatum undergoing thoracoscopic repair using different bar stabilizers or open surgical repair.

Methods

31 patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A was 9 patients who underwent a modified Ravitch repair, group B was 11 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic repair using metal stabilizers, and group C was 11 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic repair using absorbable stabilizers. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and mortality were compared among groups.

Results

In all groups, preoperative variables were well-matched for age, sex, and Haller index. Operative time was significantly longer in group A. The postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in group A. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 (22.6%) patients, mostly in groups B and C. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result.

Conclusions

Repair of pectus excavatum in adult patients can be performed effectively either through an open surgical technique or thoracoscopy, with no intraoperative complications and excellent immediate results, but video-assisted thoracoscopic repair using metallic or absorbable bar stabilizers gives a better cosmetic result; however, absorbable bar stabilizers are more vulnerable and break more easily than metal stabilizers.
Discoid lupus and pulmonary blastoma in an elderly patient
Authors: Pavlos Papoulidis , Georgios Tsonis , Andreas Katsanikos , Foteini Renta , Eustathios Karipidis , Emmanouil Diarmisakis
Published: October 2013

Discoid lupus is an autosomal disease that has not been found to predispose to cancer. Pulmonary blastoma is a rare primary lung tumor with a poor prognosis, which commonly presents at a younger age than non-small-cell lung carcinoma. We report a rare case of pulmonary blastoma in a 62-year-old man with discoid lupus who presented with chronic cough and pleuritic pain. The 5.3-cm tumor was located in the left upper lobe, invaded the visceral pleura, and adhered to the parietal pleura. The patient underwent a left upper lobectomy and chest wall excision, with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Coevolution of Political Discussion and Common Ground in Web Discussion Forum
Authors: Liang Hai
Published: October 2013

Common ground is vital for developing deliberative democracy. The current study employs text mining techniques to measure common ground in online political discussions and examines how the structure of political discussions coevolves with common ground over time. The present study collected 175,960 messages over a period of 13 months, from a popular discussion forum on 2012 U.S. presidential election. Common ground is measured by a semantic similarity network and an interpretive framework network. The former emphasizes shared political knowledge, while the latter emphasizes shared interpretations. In addition, this study explores the coevolutionary process of political discussion and common ground. Results were obtained by employing longitudinal network analysis. They suggest that political discussions could facilitate the achievement of common ground that might further serve as a facilitator of political discussion among the participants.
Experimental investigation of a slip-line field model for a worn cutting tool
Authors: Uysal Alper , Altan Erhan
Published: October 2013

In this study, the slip-line field model developed for orthogonal machining with a worn cutting tool was experimentally investigated. Minimum and maximum values of five slip-line angles ( θ1, θ2, δ2, η and ψ) were calculated. The friction forces that were caused by flank wear land, chip up-curl radii and chip thicknesses were calculated by solving the model. It was specified that the friction force increased with increase in flank wear rate and uncut chip thickness and it decreased a little with increase in cutting speed and rake angle. The chip up-curl radius increased with increase in flank wear rate and it decreased with increase in uncut chip thickness. The chip thickness increased with increase in flank wear rate and uncut chip thickness. Besides, the chip thickness increased with increase in rake angle and it decreased with increase in cutting speed.
Shaping Attention With Reward
Authors: Shomstein Sarah , Johnson Jacoba
Published: October 2013

The contribution of rewarded actions to automatic attentional selection remains obscure. We hypothesized that some forms of automatic orienting, such as object-based selection, can be completely abandoned in favor of a reward-maximizing strategy. In the two experiments reported here, we presented identical visual stimuli to observers while manipulating what was being rewarded (targets in different locations from the cue or in random object locations) and the type of reward received (money or points). We found that reward alone, not the objects, guides attentional selection and thus entirely predicts behavior. These results suggest that guidance of selective attention, although automatic, is flexible and can be adjusted in accordance with external nonsensory reward-based factors.
Numerical and experimental analysis of the hydraulic performance of a prototype Pelton turbine
Authors: Xiao Yexiang , Wang Zhengwei , Zhang Jin , Zeng Chongji , Yan Zongguo
Published: October 2013

Unlike the reaction turbines, the hydraulic performance of Pelton turbines varies due to the unsteady flow of the rotating buckets in time and space. This study experimentally and numerically investigates the dynamic performance of a Pelton turbine at five different operating conditions. The unsteady numerical simulations were performed with the SST turbulence model. The three-dimensional unsteady free surface sheet flow behavior in the rotating buckets was modeled by the two-phase homogeneous model. The model was used to analyze the dynamic flow patterns and the torque variations as the buckets rotated. The predicted hydraulic performance at different unit discharge rates are compared with the field test while the free surface flow patterns are compared with previous experimental and numerical results. The predicted relative efficiency agrees well with the field test results. The calculations were used to clarify the hydraulic mechanisms with unsteady free surface sheet flow in the rotating bucket.
Experimental study of the effects of temperature variation on droplet size and wetness fraction in a low-pressure model steam turbine
Authors: Eberle Timo , Schatz Markus , Starzmann Jörg , Grübel Marius , Casey Michael
Published: October 2013

The three-stage low-pressure model steam turbine at the Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery and Machinery Laboratory (ITSM) was used to study the impact of three different steam inlet temperatures on the homogeneous condensation process and the resulting wetness topology. The droplet spectrum as well as the particle number concentration were measured in front of the last stage using an optical-pneumatic probe. At design load, condensation starts inside the stator of the second stage. A change in the steam inlet temperature is able to shift the location of condensation onset within the blade row up- or downstream and even into adjoining blade passages, which leads to significantly different local droplet sizes and wetness fractions due to different local expansion rates. The measured results are compared to steady three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics calculations. The predicted nucleation zones could be largely confirmed by the measurements. Although the trend of measured and calculated droplet size across the span is satisfactory, there are considerable differences between the measured and computed droplet spectrum and wetness fractions.
The value of decreased plasma gelsolin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis in diagnosis and disease activity evaluation
Authors: Hu YL , Li H , Li WH , Meng HX , Fan YZ , Li WJ , Ji YT , Zhao H , Zhang L , Jin XM , Zhang FM
Published: October 2013

Plasma gelsolin, the extracellular gelsolin isoform, circulates in the blood of healthy individuals at a concentration of 200 ± 50 mg/l and plays important roles in the extracellular actin-scavenging system during tissue damage. Decreased plasma gelsolin levels have been observed in many inflammatory diseases. In the present study, the variation and potential clinical application of plasma gelsolin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were analysed. Plasma samples and clinical data were collected from informed and consenting participants: 47 SLE patients, 60 RA patients and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Semiquantitative western blotting was used for measuring plasma gelsolin levels. The plasma gelsolin levels in patients with SLE and RA were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls (145.3 ± 40.4 versus 182.7 ± 38.3 mg/l and 100.8 ± 36 versus 182.7 ± 38.3 mg/l, p < 0.001), and plasma gelsolin levels were especially lower in RA than in SLE patients (100.8 ± 36 versus 145.3 ± 40.4 mg/L, p < 0.001). An analysis of the clinical data showed a significant negative correlation between plasma gelsolin levels and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores ( r = 0.659, p < 0.001) but no correlation between plasma gelsolin levels and RA disease activity score 28 (DAS28) ( r = 0.076, p = 0.569). Different clinical characteristics were also observed in SLE and RA patients with normal and decreased plasma gelsolin levels.This study found significantly lower plasma gelsolin levels in patients with SLE and RA compared with healthy controls and documented a significant negative correlation between plasma gelsolin levels and SLEDAI, which suggested the potential clinical application of plasma gelsolin in SLE diagnosis and disease activity evaluation. The different clinical characteristics in SLE and RA patients with normal and decreased plasma gelsolin levels indicate differences in the basis of the diseases.
Glial Biology in Learning and Cognition
Authors: Fields R. Douglas , Araque Alfonso , Johansen-Berg Heidi , Lim Soo-Siang , Lynch Gary , Nave Klaus-Armin , Nedergaard Maiken , Perez Ray , Sejnowski Terrence , Wake Hiroaki
Published: October 2013

Neurons are exquisitely specialized for rapid electrical transmission of signals, but some properties of glial cells, which do not communicate with electrical impulses, are well suited for participating in complex cognitive functions requiring broad spatial integration and long-term temporal regulation. Astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes all have biological properties that could influence learning and cognition. Myelination by oligodendrocytes increases conduction velocity, affecting spike timing and oscillations in neuronal activity. Astrocytes can modulate synaptic transmission and may couple multiple neurons and synapses into functional assemblies. Microglia can remove synapses in an activity-dependent manner altering neural networks. Incorporating glia into a bicellular mechanism of nervous system function may help answer long-standing questions concerning the cellular mechanisms of learning and cognition.
“Close-Knit” Defines a Healthy Native American Indian Family
Authors: Martin Donna , Yurkovich Eleanor
Published: October 2013

In the United States, the most significant health disparities occur among members of the American Indian and Alaskan Native populations. Because their health beliefs, values, and cultural practices are learned within a family system, this study used a focused ethnography to explore American Indians’ perceptions of a healthy family. Seventeen interviews were performed with 21 adults residing on a reservation on the Northern Plains of the United States. Participant observation was conducted during 100 hr of fieldwork. All informants identified a healthy family as being “close-knit,” indicating that the major defining feature of these families is the degree of connectedness among members, immediate and extended. In this paper, we present adult tribal members’ descriptions of a healthy family. It is evident that culturally appropriate programs, which consider American Indians’ values/beliefs and build on community assets, are urgently needed to reduce health disparities.
Capital Investment and Privatization
Authors: Vedachalam Sridhar , Kay David L. , Riha Susan J.
Published: October 2013

Water and wastewater infrastructure (W&WI) in the United States is in need of immediate capital investments. Support from the federal government has declined significantly in the past two decades, forcing state and local governments to contribute a larger share. With increased decentralization of infrastructure decision making, public opinion is playing an ever greater role. Questions on capital investment, privatization, and concern for W&WI were part of a national omnibus survey of 1,000 respondents in the United States conducted in 2012. Demographic variables explained a small part of the variation in responses but were inconsistently significant across the issues, except for party affiliation, which was a significant explanatory variable for all the three issues. Stated preferences through public opinion surveys, coupled with revealed preferences, can provide policymakers a broad understanding of public support for various W&WI policy alternatives. An informed electorate and a responsive government can together address complex challenges facing the water and wastewater sector in the country.
Aortoesophageal Fistula and Coarctation of the Aorta in a 15-Year-Old Child
Authors: Krieves Michael A. , Merritt Glenn R. , Nichols Christopher S. , Schwartz Lawrence I. , Campbell David N. , Bruny Jennifer L. , Fagan Thomas E. , Thompson Mark E. , Ing Richard J.
Published: October 2013

Delayed presentation of coarctation of the aorta can be associated with severe complications. A challenging case of aortoenteric fistula secondary to an aneurysm from coartation of the aorta presented with massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The clinical management of this patient and a review of the literature are presented.
Chronic myelogenous leukaemia with persistent neutrophilia, eosinophilia and basophilia in a cat
Authors: Mochizuki Hiroyuki , Seki Takahiro , Nakahara Yoshitaka , Tomita Akitada , Takahashi Masashi , Fujino Yasuhito , Ohno Koichi , Tsujimoto Hajime
Published: October 2013

Chronic myelogenous leukaemia was diagnosed in a 7-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat. Leukocytosis (74,900/µl) – mature neutrophilia, eosinophilia and basophilia – was observed. Bone marrow aspiration revealed hypercellularity with proliferation of cells of myeloid lineage. An underlying condition leading to leukocytosis was not identified. The severe leukocytosis did not respond to antibiotic therapy. Based on these findings, chronic myelogenous leukaemia was diagnosed. Because of the absence of clinical signs, the cat was monitored without treatment until 7 months after diagnosis, when it developed pruritic skin lesions. Pruritus was controlled with oral prednisolone. Forty-two months after diagnosis, the cat developed nasal lymphoma, which was treated with radiation therapy, resulting in complete remission. The cat was still in good physical condition 63 months after diagnosis, despite the persistence of marked neutrophilia, eosinophilia and basophilia.
Pericardial lymphoma in seven cats
Authors: Amati Maria , Venco Luigi , Roccabianca Paola , Santagostino Sara Francesca , Bertazzolo Walter
Published: October 2013

A presumed primary pericardial lymphoma was diagnosed in seven cats. Clinical findings at presentation included poor body condition, dehydration and dyspnoea. Thoracic diagnostic imaging was performed in six cases and revealed pleural effusion and a diffuse thickening of the pericardium. A cytological diagnosis of lymphoma was obtained in six cases; in four cases the diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy. Immunophenotyping was performed in six cases: three cases were classified as T-cell and three as B-cell lymphoma. Four cats did not receive any treatment. One cat received only prednisone and two cats received chemotherapy. Six cats lived 7–11 days, except for one cat that received a multi-drug chemotherapy protocol and was still alive at the time of writing (750 days after diagnosis). Primary pericardial lymphoma is a rare extranodal feline lymphoma that has never been described previously.
The dilemma of being English language teachers: Interpreting teachers’ motivation to teach, and professional commitment in China’s hinterland regions
Authors: Gao Xuesong (Andy) , Xu Hao
Published: October 2013

This article reports on an inquiry into a group of English language teachers’ professional experiences that interpreted their motivation to teach and their shifting professional commitment with reference to representations and visions that they had and did not have about themselves in rural secondary schools in China’s hinterland regions. It revealed that the association between the participants’ social mobility and English competence and their visions of the ‘ideal self’ pushed them to join the teaching profession, which they disliked at the very start. Their subsequent association of teaching with their visions of the ‘ideal self’ in teaching paradoxically caused fluctuations in their commitment to teaching, as the pursuit of English competence and idealized professional roles were constrained by contextual realities. Due to the significant roles that these teachers have in improving English language education in China’s hinterland areas, it has become imperative for teacher educators and educational administrators to take measures for retention of English teachers while supporting their professional development efforts.
The effect of temperature and oxygen concentration on auto-ignition at low-load operating conditions in a gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition engine
Authors: Yun Hanho , Guralp Orgun , Grover Ronald O , Najt Paul M
Published: October 2013

Homogenous charge compression ignition combustion offers significant efficiency improvements compared to conventional gasoline engines. However, due to the nature of homogenous charge compression ignition, traditional homogenous charge compression ignition combustion can be realized only in a limited operating range. Homogenous charge compression ignition operation in the high-load range is limited by the trade-off between excessive combustion noise and deteriorated combustion stability. The low-load operation of homogenous charge compression ignition combustion is limited by combustion instability.

In order to understand the auto-ignition characteristics at low-load operation, the effect of negative valve overlap, injection timing and external exhaust gas recirculation was investigated. These parameters have a significant impact on temperature and oxygen concentration of the mixture and thus the auto-ignition characteristics. To help interpret the results, an auto-ignition integral calculation was developed and verified with experimental data. It is confirmed that the newly developed auto-ignition integral predicts well the ignition timing and can be used to interpret experimental observations.

It is found that at a given speed and load, there is an optimum combination of negative valve overlap and injection timing for stable auto-ignition. When the amount of reforming is low, the in-cylinder temperature is not high enough for auto-ignition. This causes delayed auto-ignition phasing (unstable combustion). When the amount of reforming is high, the cyclic variability of reforming increases, which leads to instability of the main combustion event. When exhaust gas recirculation is employed, the amount of reforming does not change, thus the combustion instability is caused by lack of oxygen concentration rather than lower in-cylinder mixture temperature.
The rise of anti-Muslim prejudice
Authors: Ogan Christine , Willnat Lars , Pennington Rosemary , Bashir Manaf
Published: October 2013

The goal of this study is to determine the possible factors leading to increased anti-Muslim sentiment or Islamophobia in a comparative examination of public opinion in the United States and Europe. Secondary analyses of data from the 2008 Pew Global Attitude Project and the 2010 Pew News Interest Index, allow us to assess the role of religious practice, news interest and political affiliation in the attitudes toward Muslim minorities in several countries. Predictors of anti-Muslim attitudes include being politically more conservative and being older in all countries, and paying close attention to news coverage of the Park51 Islamic Community Center in the United States (which was proposed to be built near Ground Zero in New York). In France, but not in the other countries of the study, the importance of the respondents' religion was positively related to anti-Muslim attitudes.
Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in hematopoietic cell transplant patients affecting early recognition of, and response to, endotoxin
Authors: Guinan Eva C , Palmer Christine D , Mancuso Christy J , Brennan Lisa , Stoler-Barak Liat , Kalish Leslie A , Suter Eugenie E , Gallington Leighanne C , Huhtelin David P , Mansilla Maria , Schumann Ralf R , Murray Jeffrey C , Weiss Jerrold , Levy Ofer
Published: October 2013

Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is a life-saving therapy for many malignant and non-malignant bone marrow diseases. Associated morbidities are often due to transplant-related toxicities and infections, exacerbated by regimen-induced immune suppression and systemic incursion of bacterial products. Patients undergoing myeloablative conditioning for HCT become endotoxemic and display blood/plasma changes consistent with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic innate immune activation. Herein, we addressed whether patients scheduled for HCT display differences in recognition/response to LPS ex vivo traceable to specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Two SNPs of LPS binding protein (LBP) were associated with changes in plasma LBP levels, with one LBP SNP also associating with differences in efficiency of extraction and transfer of endotoxin to myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD-2), a step needed for activation of TLR4. None of the examined SNPs of CD14, bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), TLR4 or MD-2 were associated with corresponding protein plasma levels or endotoxin delivery to MD-2, but CD14 and BPI SNPs significantly associated with differences in LPS-induced TNF-α release ex vivo and infection frequency, respectively. These findings suggest that specific LBP, CD14 and BPI SNPs might be contributory assessments in studies where clinical outcome may be affected by host response to endotoxin and bacterial infection.
Pulmonary surfactant protein A-induced changes in the molecular conformation of bacterial deep-rough LPS lead to reduced activity on human macrophages
Authors: Keese Susanne P , Brandenburg Klaus , Roessle Manfred , Schromm Andra B
Published: October 2013

The lung is constantly exposed to immune stimulation by LPS from inhaled microorganisms. A primary mechanism to maintain immune homeostasis is based on anti-inflammatory regulation by surfactant protein A (SP-A), a secreted component of lung innate immunity. The architecture of LPS aggregates is strongly associated with biological activity. We therefore investigated whether SP-A affects the physico-chemical properties of LPS. Determination of the three-dimensional aggregate structure of LPS by small-angle X-ray scattering demonstrated that SP-A induced the formation of multi-lamellar aggregate structures. Determination of the acyl-chain-fluidity of LPS aggregates by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the phase transition temperature of LPS was reduced in the presence of SP-A. The phosphate groups at the diglucosamine backbone of LPS represent important functional groups for the bioactivity of LPS. FTIR analysis revealed changes in the vibrational bands νas[Formula: see text], indicating an interaction of SP-A with the 1-phosphate, but not with the 4’-phosphate. The physico-chemical changes induced by SP-A were associated with up to 90% reduction in LPS-induced TNF-α-production by human macrophages. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the SP-A/LPS interaction induces conformational changes in LPS aggregates leading to biologically less active structures, thereby providing a new molecular mechanism of immune modulation by SP-A.
Comparison of sequentially measured Aloka echo-tracking one-point pulse wave velocity with SphygmoCor carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity
Authors: Vriz Olga , Driussi Caterina , La Carrubba Salvatore , Di Bello Vitantonio , Zito Concetta , Carerj Scipione , Antonini-Canterin Francesco
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

Recently, echo-tracking-derived measures of arterial stiffness have been introduced in clinical practice for the assessment of one-point pulse wave velocity. The purpose of this study was to find a relation between carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and one-point carotid pulse wave velocity, and to find a value of one-point carotid pulse wave velocity that predicts carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity higher than 12 m/s.

Methods:

A total of 160 consecutive subjects (112 male/48 female, mean age = 51.5 ± 14.1 years; 96 healthy, 44 hypertensives, 13 with aortic valve disease, and 7 with left ventricular dysfunction) were studied. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity was measured with the SphygmoCor system and one-point carotid pulse wave velocity with high-definition echo-tracking system (ProSound Alpha10; Aloka, Tokyo, Japan).

Results:

Both carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and one-point carotid pulse wave velocity correlated significantly with each other ( r = 0.539, p < 0.001) and with age (one-point carotid pulse wave velocity r = 0.618, carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity r = 0.617, p < 0.0001 for both). Median value of carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (7.2 m/s, 95% confidence interval = 6.2–8.9) was systematically higher than that of one-point carotid pulse wave velocity (5.8 m/s, 95% confidence interval = 5–6.6). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85, identifying the cutoff for one-point pulse wave velocity of 6.65 m/s as the best predictor of carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity more than 12 m/s (sensitivity = 0.818, specificity = 0.819).

Conclusions:

One-point carotid pulse wave velocity correlates with carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity, and the cutoff of 6.65 m/s was the best predictor of carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity over 12 m/s.
Intimate partner violence influence on deliveries assisted by skilled health personnel
Authors: Refaat Amany
Published: October 2013

Objective:

Millennium Development Goal 5 calls for increasing proportions of deliveries assisted by skilled health personnel to reduce maternal mortality. This study aims to identifying the implication of exposure to intimate partner violence on these proportions.

Methodology:

This study used domestic violence modules data of Demographic and Health Surveys of six countries from 2005 to 2007. Proportions of assisted deliveries were examined by sociodemographic characteristics and exposure to intimate partner violence in the studied countries. Influence on the proportion was examined against exposure to intimate partner violence through odds ratio and 95% of logistic regression analysis after controlling for women age, residence (urban/rural), household wealth level, economic level of country, educational level and working status of women and their husbands/partners.

Results:

Data sets of 18,507 participants over 20 years of age showed that almost three-quarters (73%) of women had deliveries assisted by skilled health personnel. One-third of the women were ever exposed to intimate partner violence (37%) and 9% of them to the severe level. Exposure to intimate partner violence statistically significantly lowered this proportion to 69% (odds ratio: 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.67–0.78) meanwhile severe violence lowered it to 65% (odds ratio 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.58–0.72). When running multiple regression analysis, exposure to intimate partner violence retained its statistically significant decreasing influence on proportions and was not biased by the other stronger socioeconomic characteristics.

Conclusion and recommendations:

Intimate partner violence has an independent influence on reducing assisted deliveries by skilled health personnel. Programs working for increasing proportions of assisted deliveries by skilled health personnel are recommended to integrate protection women from violence.
Aortic Valve Insufficiency in the Teenager and Young Adult
Authors: Bradley Scott M.
Published: October 2013

The contents of this article were presented in the session “Aortic insufficiency in the teenager” at the congenital parallel symposium of the 2013 Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) annual meeting. The accompanying articles detail the approaches of aortic valve repair and the Ross procedure.1,2 The current article focuses on prosthetic valve replacement. For many young patients requiring aortic valve surgery, either aortic valve repair or a Ross procedure provides a good option. The advantages include avoidance of anticoagulation and potential for growth. In other patients, a prosthetic valve is an appropriate alternative. This article discusses the current state of knowledge regarding mechanical and bioprosthetic valve prostheses and their specific advantages relative to valve repair or a Ross procedure. In current practice, young patients requiring aortic valve surgery frequently undergo valve replacement with a prosthetic valve. In STS adult cardiac database, among patients ≤30 years of age undergoing aortic valve surgery, 34% had placement of a mechanical valve, 51% had placement of a bioprosthetic valve, 9% had aortic valve repair, and 2% had a Ross procedure. In the STS congenital database, among patients 12 to 30 years of age undergoing aortic valve surgery, 21% had placement of a mechanical valve, 18% had placement of a bioprosthetic valve, 30% had aortic valve repair, and 24% had a Ross procedure. In the future, the balance among these options may be altered by design improvements in prosthetic valves, alternatives to warfarin, the development of new patch materials for valve repair, and techniques to avoid Ross autograft failure.