bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial Hemodialysis with a Temporary Catheter Is Associated with Complications of a Later Permanent Vascular Access
Authors: Zhu Mingli , Zhang Weiming , Zhou Wenyan , Zhou Yijun , Fang Yan , Wang Yongmei , Zhang Haifen , Yan Yucheng , Ni Zhaohui , Qian Jiaqi
Published: April 2014

The aim was to identify the risk factors of long-term vascular access complications. The study cohort consisted of 239 incident hemodialysis (HD) patients from 1998 to 2010 in a single center. Among these patients, 59.8% had initially been dialyzing with a temporary catheter. Within 3 months after starting dialysis, all catheters had been converted into permanent accesses. 45 patients incurred long-term access complications after the first 2 years of dialysis, and 34 (75.6%) had used a temporary catheter starting HD. Complication occurrence was associated with age, initiation dialysis with a catheter and heart failure by logistic regression (odds ratios were 1.04, 2.77 and 2.23, respectively; p < 0.05). The 2-year primary patency rates of arteriovenous fistulae were significantly higher than those of arteriovenous grafts (79.5 vs. 50%, p = 0.002). We concluded that age, using a catheter and heart failure in HD initiation had a strong impact on long-term access complications.
Maternal Dexamethasone Exposure Inhibits the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuronal Movement in the Preoptic Area of Rat Offspring
Authors: Lim Wei Ling , Soga Tomoko , Parhar Ishwar S.
Published: April 2014

Migration and final positioning of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the preoptic area (POA) is critical for reproduction. It is known that maternal dexamethasone (DEX) exposure impairs reproductive function and behaviour in the offspring. However, it is still not known whether maternal DEX exposure affects the postnatal GnRH neurons in the offspring. This study determined the neuronal movement of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged GnRH neurons in slice culture of postnatal day 0 (P0), P5 and P50-60 transgenic male rats. Effect of maternal DEX treatment on EGFP-GnRH neuronal movement and F-actin distribution on GnRH neurons at P0 stage were studied. Time-lapse analysis of P0 and P5 EGFP-GnRH neurons displayed active cellular movement within the POA compared to young adult P50-60 stages, suggesting possible fine-tuning movement for positioning of early postnatal GnRH neurons. The DEX-treated EGFP-GnRH neurons demonstrated decreased motility in the POA and reduced F-actin distribution in the GnRH neurons at 60 h culture compared to the vehicle-treated. These results suggest that the P0 GnRH neuronal movement in the POA is altered by maternal DEX exposure, which possibly disrupts the fine-tuning process for positioning and development of early postnatal GnRH neurons in the brain, potentially linked to reproductive dysfunction in adulthood.
Increased mean platelet volume is associated with non-responsiveness to clopidogrel
Authors: Asher Elad , Fefer Paul , Shechter Michael , Beigel Roy , Varon David , Shenkman Boris , Savion Naphtali , Hod Hanoch , Matetzky Shlomi
Published: April 2014

Prior studies have demonstrated significant individual variability of platelet response to clopidogrel, which affects clinical outcome. In patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) smoking, diabetes mellitus, elevated body mass index and renal insufficiency, significantly impact response to clopidogrel. The determinants of platelet response to clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome are unknown. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation (PA), hs C-reactive protein, platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) were determined 72 hours post clopidogrel loading in 276 consecutive acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Patients with ADP-platelet aggregation ≥ 70% were considered to be clopidogrel non-responders. Eighty-four patients (30%) were clopidogrel non-responders and 192 (70%) were responders (ADP-induced PA: 81 ± 17% vs 49 ± 17%, respectively, p<0.001). Both study groups were comparable with respect to age, gender, prior cardiovascular history, prior aspirin use and risk factors for CAD, including smoking (42% for both groups) and diabetes mellitus (26% vs 22%, respectively, p=0.4). Responders and non-responders had similar angiographic characteristics, indices of infarct size, and similar hs-CRP (29 ± 34 vs 28 ± 34 mg/l, p=0.7) and creatinine (1.08 ± 0.4 mg% vs 1.07 ± 0.4, p=0.9) levels. On the contrary non-responders had significantly larger mean MPV (9 ± 1.2 fl vs 8 ± 1 fl, respectively, p=0.0018), and when patients were stratified into quartiles based on MPV, ADP-induced PA increased gradually and significantly across the quartiles of MPV (p<0.001). In conclusion, increased MPV associated with platelet activation, predicts non-responsiveness to clopidogrel among patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Identification and characterisation of a novel aberrant pattern of intron 1 inversion with concomitant large insertion and deletion within the F8 gene
Authors: You Guoling , Chi Kun , Lu Yeling , Ding Qiulan , Dai Jing , Xi Xiaodong , Wang Hongli , Wang Xuefeng
Published: April 2014

Intron 1 inversion (Inv1) is a recurrent causative mutation of haemophilia A (HA) and is responsible for 1–5% of severe HA. Inv1 occurs as a result of intra-chromosomal homologous recombination between int1h-1 within intron 1 and int1h-2 located in approximately 125 kb telomeric to the F8 gene. In this report, we presented a previously undescribed aberrant type of Inv1 with complex genomic rearrangement in a pedigree with severe HA. The breakpoints of the rearrangement were identified by the genome walking technique; copy number variations (CNVs) of the F8 gene and X chromosome were detected by AccuCopy technique, Affymetrix CytoScan HD CNV assay and quantitative PCR (qPCR); the F8 transcripts related to the aberrant Inv1 were analysed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). We have characterised the exact breakpoints of the complex rearrangement, and determined the location and size of the insertion and deletion. The rearrangements can be summarised as an aberrant pattern of Inv1 with a deletion of 2.56 kb and a duplication of 227.3 kb inserted in the rejoining junction within the F8 gene. Our results suggested that this complex genomic rearrangement was generated by two distinct repair mechanisms of fork stalling and template switching/microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (FoSTeS/MMBIR) and nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR).
Platelet function alterations in dengue are associated with plasma leakage
Authors: Alisjahbana Bachti , de Groot Philip G. , Indrati Agnes R. , Fijnheer Rob , Puspita Mita , Dewi Intan M. W. , van de Wijer Lisa , de Boer Ellen M. S. , Roest Mark , van der Ven André J. A. M. , de Mast Quirijn , Michels Meta
Published: April 2014

Severe dengue is characterised by thrombocytopenia, plasma leakage and bleeding. Platelets are important for preservation of endothelial integrity. We hypothesised that platelet activation with secondary platelet dysfunction contribute to plasma leakage. In adult Indonesian patients with acute dengue, we measured platelet activation status and the response to the platelet agonist TRAP using flow cytometerbased assays. Patients were monitored daily for plasma leakage by ultrasonography. Acute dengue was associated with platelet activation with an increased expression of the activated fibrinogen receptor (αIIbβ3), the lysosomal marker CD63 and the alpha-granule marker CD62P (P-selectin). Upon maximal platelet activation by TRAP, platelet function defects were observed with a significantly reduced maximal activated αIIbβ3 and CD63 expression and reduced platelet-monocyte and platelet-neutrophil complexes. Patients in the lowest tertile of activated αIIbβ3 and CD63 expression had an odds ratio for plasma leakage of 5.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–22.7) and 3.9 (95% CI 1.1–13.7), respectively, compared to the highest tertile. Platelet-derived serotonin has previously been related to plasma leakage and we found increased intra-platelet serotonin concentrations in our patients. In conclusion, platelet activation with platelet function alterations can be found in patients with acute dengue and this may contribute to dengue-associated plasma leakage.
Genetic Loci Associated With Atrial Fibrillation: Relation to Left Atrial Structure in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Magnani Jared W. , Yin Xiaoyan , McManus David D. , Chuang Michael L. , Cheng Susan , Lubitz Steven A. , Arora Garima , Manning Warren J. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Benjamin Emelia J.
Published: April 2014

Background

Atrial fibrillation (
AF
) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Genome‐wide association studies (
GWAS
) have identified genetic variants associated with
AF
. Whether genetic variants associated with
AF
are also associated with atrial structure, an intermediate phenotype for
AF
, has had limited investigation. We sought to investigate associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (
SNP
s) and atrial structure obtained by cardiovascular imaging in the Framingham Heart Study.

Methods and Results

We selected 11
SNP
s that have been associated with
AF
in
GWAS
. We examined the
SNP
s' relations to cross‐sectional left atrial (
LA
) dimensions (determined by transthoracic echocardiography) and
LA
volume (determined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance [
CMR
]) employing linear regression. The total sample included 1555 participants with
CMR LA
volume (age 60±9 years, 53% women) and 6861 participants with echocardiographic
LA
diameter (age 48±13 years, 52% women) measured. We employed a significance threshold of
P<
0.0023 to account for multiple testing of the 11
SNP
s and 2
LA
measures. In a primary analysis, no
SNP
s were significantly related to the
LA
measures. Likewise, in secondary analyses excluding individuals with prevalent
AF
(n=77,
CMR
sample; n=105, echocardiography sample) no
SNP
s were related to
LA
volume or diameter.

Conclusion

In a community‐based cohort, we did not identify a statistically significant association between selected
SNP
s associated with
AF
and measures of
LA
anatomy. Further investigations with larger longitudinally assessed samples and a broader array of
SNP
s may be necessary to determine the relation between genetic loci associated with
AF
and atrial structure.
Computation as Material in Live Coding
Authors: Bovermann Till , Griffiths Dave
Published: April 2014

What does computation sound like, and how can computational processing be integrated into live-coding practice along with code? This article gives insights into three years of artistic research and performance practice with Betablocker, an imaginary central processing unit architecture, specifically designed and implemented for live-coding purposes. It covers the themes of algorithmic composition, sound generation, genetic programming, and autonomous coding in the light of self-manipulating code and artistic research practice.
Pareto Front Estimation for Decision Making
Authors: Giagkiozis Ioannis , Fleming Peter J.
Published: April 2014

The set of available multi-objective optimisation algorithms continues to grow. This fact can be partially attributed to their widespread use and applicability. However, this increase also suggests several issues remain to be addressed satisfactorily. One such issue is the diversity and the number of solutions available to the decision maker (DM). Even for algorithms very well suited for a particular problem, it is difficult—mainly due to the computational cost—to use a population large enough to ensure the likelihood of obtaining a solution close to the DM's preferences. In this paper we present a novel methodology that produces additional Pareto optimal solutions from a Pareto optimal set obtained at the end run of any multi-objective optimisation algorithm for two-objective and three-objective problem instances.
My Child Deus
Authors: Schwemmer Patrick
Published: April 2014

Manoel Barreto’s Japanese miscellany contains “Dialogues on the Instruments of the Passion,” which show how closely complex cultural structures are intertwined with the machinery of grammar. Featuring the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, the dialogue sublimates maternal and erotic energies in turn while contemplating the usual series of violent instruments. The speeches display not only linguistic competence but literary skill in their use of the personless poetic flow of renga linked verse and the noh theatre. However, the Latinate double-entendre on filho [son (of God and of Mary)] misfires because the Japanese language uses honorifics to maintain stable intersubjective reference and so cannot simultaneously refer to Jesus as both a superior and an inferior. This failure is supplemented with Portuguese marginalia and bold catachresms. Mary Magdalene’s erotic sublimation is presented with less success as excessive literalism frequently produces comedy. Then, an appendix entitled “The Meaning of the Passion” repeats the exercise in halting, clinical prose marred by occasional errors of grammar and style, cataloguing the instruments as dōgu (implements), the word used for art objects in the tea ceremony, and outlining their theological function with attention to precise doctrinal formulations. Frequent use of Portuguese loanwords conveys a (justified) anxiety with regard to the ability of the Japanese language to transmit (European) truth. I identify the dueling Zeami and Aquinas of this piece as a Japanese convert and his or her European mentor, then venture a hypothesis as to the precise historical figures behind these voices in tension.
Ten new records of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) for Vietnam and lectotypification of Polystichum atroviridissimum and P. fimbriatum
Authors: Lu Ngan Thi , Zhang Liang , Zhang Li-Bing
Published: April 2014

Ten new records of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae; pteridophyta) for Vietnam, P. auriculum, P. dangii, P. excellens, P. fimbriatum, P. liboense, P. minimum, P. mucronifolium, P. nepalense, P. subacutidens, and P. xichouense, are reported from new collections, incorrectly attributed past collections, or unidentified material. Color images are provided for newly collected species. Type information is given for all related names. We also lectotypified two names of Polystichum: P. atroviridissimum and P. fimbriatum.
The typification of Cotoneaster symondsii (Rosaceae)
Authors: Fryer Jeanette , Zika Peter
Published: April 2014

The binomial Cotoneaster symondsii was published eight years earlier than Cotoneaster simonsii. Some authors have argued that Cotoneaster simonsii should be synonymized under Cotoneaster symondsii, based on priority. Foliar characters provided in the protologue of Cotoneaster symondsii are not a good match for Cotoneaster simonsii. In the absence of original material, a neotype is chosen for Cotoneaster symondsii, in accordance with its protologue, which places it in synonymy with Cotoneaster marginatus.
Revision of the subfamily Onychalginae Fain, 1988 (Acariformes: Pyroglyphidae)—ectoparasites of passerine birds
Authors: BOCHKOV ANDRE V , KLIMOV PAVEL B , GROOTAERT PATRICK
Published: April 2014

The subfamily Onychalginae Fain, 1988 (Acariformes: Pyroglyphidae) is a monophyletic lineage comprising the closest parasitic relatives of the free-living pyroglyphid house dust mites. Onychalgine mites parasitize passerine birds of the families Estrildidae, Passeridae, and Ploceidae in Africa and South America (a single record of Onychalges spinitarsis from a piciform bird requires confirmation). We revise this subfamily based on external morphology of adults and immature stages using light and scanning electron microscopy and give a key to species. Onychalginae includes 2 genera: Onychalges Gaud and Mouchet, 1959 (6 species) and Paramealia Gaud, 1968 (1 species). The genus Kivuicola Fain, 1971 syn. nov. is synonymized with Onychalges, and its single species K. kivuana Fain, 1971 syn. nov. is considered as a putative synonym of O. odonturus Gaud, 1968. Onychalges spinitarsis (Fain and Gaud, 1984) is considered as a species inquirenda.
Description of Tingis americana nymphs (Hemiptera: Tingidae), with emphasis on integumentary structures
Authors: MOREIRA DAIANE C. , GUIDOTI MARCUS , BARCELLOS ALINE , REDAELLI LUIZA R.
Published: April 2014

The five instars of Tingis (Tingis) americana Drake are described and illustrated, with emphasis on the ontogenetic changes of integumentary structures. The study was performed using scanning electron microscopy.
Two new species and one new record of larvae of the family Johnstonianidae (Acari: Prostigmata) from Iran with a key to species of the genus Diplothrombium
Authors: NOEI JAVAD , SABOORI ALIREZA , HAJIZADEH JALIL
Published: April 2014

Diplothrombium sahragardi sp. nov. and Diplothrombium ostovani sp. nov. (Acari: Johnstonianidae) collected from soil samples (off host) in a forest near Asalem city (Iran) are described. Another species of this family Johnstoniana parva Wendt, Wohltmann, Eggers and Otto, 1994 is reported for the first time from Iran. A larva-based key to Diplothrombium is provided.
The fossil land and freshwater snails of Gündlkofen (Middle Miocene, Germany)
Authors: SALVADOR RODRIGO B.
Published: April 2014

The molluscan fauna from the Middle Miocene (MN 5–6) fossil site of Gündlkofen in southern Germany was first reported by Gall (1980: Mitt. Bayer. Staatssaml. Paläont. hist. Geol., 20, 51–77). He listed 34 continental gastropod species, which were neither figured nor properly described in many cases. Here a revision of his identifications is presented, with a full description of the material and illustration of the best preserved specimens. Following this revision, 20 species are listed for Gündlkofen. Unfortunately, part of the original material was missing and the record of a few species could not be confirmed. The depositional environment seems to have been a temporary water body, like an oxbow lake, surrounded by a humid and warm forest and scrubland.
The East African Long Rains in Observations and Models
Authors: Yang Wenchang , Seager Richard , Cane Mark A. , Lyon Bradfield
Published: April 2014

Decadal variability of the East African precipitation during the season of March–May (long rains) is examined and the performance of a series of models in simulating the observed features is assessed. Observational results show that the drying trend of the long rains is associated with decadal natural variability associated with sea surface temperature (SST) variations over the Pacific Ocean. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF), linear regression, and composite analyses all show the spatial pattern of the associated SST field to be La Niña like. The SST-forced International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) forecast models are able to capture the East African precipitation climatology, the decadal variability of the long rains, and the associated SST anomaly pattern but are not consistent with observations from the 1970s. The multimodel mean of the SST-forced models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) experiment captures the climatology and the drying trend in recent decades. The fully coupled models from the CMIP5 historical experiment, however, have systematic errors in simulating the East African precipitation climatology by underestimating the long rains while overestimating the short rains. The multimodel mean of the historical simulations of the long rains anomalies, which is the best estimate of the radiatively forced change, shows a weak wetting trend associated with anthropogenic forcing. The SST anomaly pattern associated with the long rains has large discrepancies with the observations. The results herein suggest caution in projections of East African precipitation from CMIP5 or the relationship between the East African precipitation and the SST spatial pattern found in paleoclimate studies with coupled climate models.
Resolved Snowball Earth Clouds
Authors: Abbot Dorian S.
Published: April 2014

Recent general circulation model (GCM) simulations have challenged the idea that a snowball Earth would be nearly entirely cloudless. This is important because clouds would provide a strong warming to a high-albedo snowball Earth. GCM results suggest that clouds could lower the threshold CO2 needed to deglaciate a snowball by a factor of 10–100, enough to allow consistency with geochemical data. Here a cloud-resolving model is used to investigate cloud and convection behavior in a snowball Earth climate. The model produces convection that extends vertically to a similar temperature as modern tropical convection. This convection produces clouds that resemble stratocumulus clouds under an inversion on modern Earth, which slowly dissipate by sedimentation of cloud ice. There is enough cloud ice for the clouds to be optically thick in the longwave, and the resulting cloud radiative forcing is similar to that produced in GCMs run in snowball conditions. This result is robust to large changes in the cloud microphysics scheme because the cloud longwave forcing, which dominates the total forcing, is relatively insensitive to cloud amount and particle size. The cloud-resolving model results are therefore consistent with the idea that clouds would provide a large warming to a snowball Earth, helping to allow snowball deglaciation.
Ranking of Tornado Outbreaks across the United States and Their Climatological Characteristics
Authors: Fuhrmann Christopher M. , Konrad Charles E. , Kovach Margaret M. , McLeod Jordan T. , Schmitz William G. , Dixon P. Grady
Published: April 2014

The calendar year 2011 was an extraordinary year for tornadoes across the United States, as it marked the second highest annual number of tornadoes since 1950 and was the deadliest tornado year since 1936. Most of the fatalities in 2011 occurred in a series of outbreaks, highlighted by a particularly strong outbreak across the southeastern United States in late April and a series of outbreaks over the Great Plains and Midwest regions in late May, which included a tornado rated as a category 5 event on the enhanced Fujita scale (EF5) that devastated the town of Joplin, Missouri. While most tornado-related fatalities often occur in outbreaks, very few studies have examined the climatological characteristics of outbreaks, particularly those of varying strength. In this study a straightforward metric to assess the strength, or physical magnitude, of tornado outbreaks east of the Rocky Mountains from 1973 to 2010 is developed. This measure of outbreak strength, which integrates the intensity of tornadoes [Fujita (F)/EF-scale rating] over their distance traveled (pathlength), is more highly correlated with injuries and fatalities than other commonly used variables, such as the number of significant tornadoes, and is therefore more reflective of the potential threat of outbreaks to human life. All outbreaks are then ranked according to this metric and their climatological characteristics are examined, with comparisons made to all other tornadoes not associated with outbreaks. The results of the ranking scheme are also compared to those of previous studies, while the strongest outbreaks from 2011 are ranked among other outbreaks in the modern record, including the April 1974 Super Outbreak.
Development of a high-resolution melting genotyping assay for the angiotensin I converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and establishment of genotype-specific reference intervals in a Danish population
Authors: Nissen Peter H , Campbell Nina Buntzen , Højskov Carsten S , Fløe Andreas , Hoffmann Hans Jürgen , Hilberg Ole , Ladefoged Søren A , Møller Holger J
Published: April 2014

Background:

The serum-angiotensin I converting enzyme (s-ACE) activity is influenced by a genetic insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the ACE gene, and the resulting large interindividual variation in s-ACE limits the use of normal reference intervals in the evaluation of sarcoidosis. In this study, we developed a new method for genotyping the I/D polymorphism in ACE and established genotype-specific reference intervals in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy and the value for treatment of sarcoidosis.

Methods:

The new genotyping assay is based on high-resolution melting (HRM) using LCGreen + and was used to genotype 400 healthy Danish individuals. The assay was compared to a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay in a validation set of 86 samples. Enzyme activity in serum was measured using the Infinity™ ACE Liquid Stable Reagent from Thermo adapted for the ABX Pentra analyzer.

Results:

There was full concordance between genotyping assays. The three genotypes II, ID and DD were present with a frequency of 0.23, 0.51 and 0.26. The distribution of s-ACE values in the total population was non-Gaussian (non-parametric 95% reference interval 12.0–60.0 U/L). The median activities of the genotypes differed significantly ( P<0.0001). Ninety-five per cent non-parametric reference intervals for the subpopulations were determined to 6.3–38.5, 14.0–56.0 and 23.3–71.2 U/L for II, ID and DD, respectively.

Conclusion:

We have developed a simple and robust method for ACE genotyping and determined genotype-specific reference intervals for s-ACE concentrations in the Danish population. The new reference intervals may increase the value of s-ACE measurements.
Preanalytical study of fetuin-A: effect of sample type, processing speed and freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: McArthur Lisa , Johnston Lisa , Sattar Naveed , Logue Jennifer , Welsh Paul
Published: April 2014

Background

It has been suggested that fetuin-A may be a potential biomarker of cardiometabolic disease. However, few studies have investigated preanalytical factors that might impact the measurement of fetuin-A in the circulation. This pilot study aimed to investigate the preanalytical variables of sample type, timing of sample centrifugation and the impact of freeze–thaw cycles on the concentration of fetuin-A in serum or EDTA-plasma.

Methods

Blood samples were taken from 19 male or female healthy volunteers, aged 18–70 years, and left at ambient room temperature for 2 h or 48 h. The tubes were then centrifuged, serum and EDTA-plasma separated, and fetuin-A concentrations measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

There was no significant difference between the concentrations of fetuin-A in EDTA-plasma and serum following separation from whole blood at 2 h postcollection ( P = 0.78). The median (interquartile range) concentrations of fetuin-A in EDTA-plasma separated at 2 h and 48 h postcollection were 589  µg/mL (484–703  µg/mL) and 767  µg/mL (687–942  µg/mL), respectively ( P < 0.0005). For serum, equivalent concentrations were 606  µg/mL (501–669  µg/mL) at 2 h and 607  µg/mL (564–757  µg/mL) at 48 h postcollection ( P = 0.06). Fetuin-A concentrations measured in EDTA-plasma and serum showed no significant change following three freeze–thaw cycles in samples separated at 2 h postcollection (EDTA-plasma P = 0.16; serum P = 0.89).

Conclusion

This small pilot study has shown that serum is preferable to EDTA-plasma for the measurement of fetuin-A. It has also shown that fetuin-A appears to be as stable after three freeze–thaw cycles as it is after one.
Degrees of difference? A preliminary study of criminology degrees at Australian universities
Authors: Bartels Lorana , McGovern Alyce , Richards Kelly
Published: April 2014

While the discipline of ‘criminology’ has existed within Australian universities for more than half a century, the introduction of discrete ‘criminology’ and justice programmes is much more recent. Little is known, however, about the current state of play when it comes to what a degree in ‘criminology’ actually entails. With growing student enrolments in such programmes, reflecting on the status of these programmes is important in the context of student and employer requirements and expectations. Drawing on the findings of a preliminary study, this paper will explore what it means to study for an undergraduate degree in ‘criminology’ in Australia. Specifically, we will focus on the content, availability and range of ‘criminology’ and justice degrees available in Australia, in order to gain a better understanding of the convergences and divergences across degree programmes, and make some recommendations for future research.
On the Factorial Structure of the SAT and Implications for Next-Generation College Readiness Assessments
Authors: Wiley Edward W. , Shavelson Richard J. , Kurpius Amy A.
Published: April 2014

The name “SAT” has become synonymous with college admissions testing; it has been dubbed “the gold standard.” Numerous studies on its reliability and predictive validity show that the SAT predicts college performance beyond high school grade point average. Surprisingly, studies of the factorial structure of the current version of today’s SAT, revised in 2005, have not been reported, if conducted. One purpose of this study was to examine the factorial structure of two administrations of the SAT (October 2010 and May 2011), testing competing models (e.g., one-factor—general ability; two factor—mathematics and “literacy”; three factor—mathematics, critical reading, and writing). We found support for the two-factor model with revise-in-context writing items loading on (and bridging) a reading and writing factor equally, thereby bridging these factors into a literacy factor. A second purpose was to draw tentative implications of our finding for the “next generation” SAT or other college readiness exams in light of Common Core State Standards Consortia efforts, suggesting that combining critical reading and writing (including the essay) would offer unique revision opportunities. More specifically, a reading and writing (combined) construct might pose a relevant problem or issue with multiple documents to be used to answer questions about the issue(s) (multiple-choice, short answer) and to write an argumentative/analytical essay based on the documents provided. In this way, there may not only be an opportunity to measure students’ literacy but also perhaps students’ critical thinking—key factors in assessing college readiness.
The transition in Canadian foreign policy through an English School lens
Authors: Keating Tom
Published: April 2014

In a discussion of English School approaches to international politics, Barry Buzan suggests that one should look at “how particular states and peoples encounter and adapt to international society.” This essay examines how Canadian governments through their foreign policy practices have encountered and adapted to international society. It starts from a premise that Canadian foreign policy has been integrally linked with international society since the early part of the twentieth century and that international society has done much to influence Canadian foreign policy practice through the years. In turn, this paper discusses how Canadian foreign policy, at times in a very direct and conscientious manner, contributed to the development of international society and how that contribution has changed over time. Finally, this essay argues that an English School lens can provide a constructive interpretation of the significant transition that has occurred in Canadian foreign policy over the past two decades.
Id1 Expression Level Determines the Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Maciejewska I. , Sakowicz-Burkiewicz M. , Pawelczyk T.
Published: April 2014

TWIST1 plays a crucial role in dentinogenesis, and its activity depends on both a dimerization partner selection and phosphorylation. Other factors, like Id proteins, can affect the availability of dimerization partners for TWIST1, subsequently leading to diverse biological outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an impact of Id1 expression on differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The altered expression of Id1 was achieved by transfection of human DPSCs with lentiviral vectors either driving an entire sequence of Id1, hence leading to Id1 overexpression, or carrying the Id1 silencing sequence. We observed that both overexpression and silencing of Id1 modulated human DPSC differentiation. Id1 overexpression resulted in a prevailing formation of TWIST1 homodimer and increased expression of genes encoding dentin sialophosphoprotein and dentin matrix protein 1, which confirm an enhanced odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Concurrently, Id1 silencing produced an opposite effect, slowing DPSC differentiation. These results highlight Id1 as an important modulator of molecular events during DPSC commitment and differentiation, which should be considered in dental research on tissue engineering. Moreover, we assume that the balance between TWIST1 dimerization forms in DPSCs might function in a cell-type-specific manner.
Proteomic Analysis of RBP4/Vitamin A in Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhou S. , Zhang Q. , Feng S. , Chen Y. , Zheng H. , Wang X. , Zhao W. , Zhang T. , Zhou Y. , Deng H. , Lin J. , Chen F.
Published: April 2014

Cleft of the lip and/or palate (CLP) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial defects. Non-syndromic CLP (NSCLP) is a multifactorial disease influenced by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. However, there are few studies reporting on the developmental or metabolic status of babies with NSCLP after birth. In our study, we sought to identify and evaluate the differential expression of serum protein profiles in NSCLP children and unaffected babies. Thus, a ‘shotgun proteomics’ approach was first used to analyze the plasma proteome of 13 children with NSCLP and 10 control children, aged 2 to 3.5 years. In total, more than 300 proteins were identified in the serum sample. With gene ontology (GO) analysis, we detected many differentially expressed proteins that could be related to NSCLP, including those involved in lipoprotein metabolism, insulin-like growth-factor-related processes, and so on, especially the proteins involved in retinol transport. Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), one protein of the retinol transport category, was significantly decreased in the NSCLP group. Thus, serum vitamin A levels were further determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A significant difference ( p < .01) was also found in vitamin A concentrations, consistent with the trend of RBP4. Our results indicated that reduced levels of RBP4 and vitamin A were related to newborns with NSCLP and should thus receive more attention. These results also suggest that vitamin A supplementation might be necessary at an early stage.
Safety and efficacy of forefoot surgery under ankle block anaesthesia
Authors: Russell DF , Pillai A , Kumar CS
Published: April 2014

Background

Ankle block as the sole anaesthetic for forefoot surgery is not used uniformly throughout the UK despite obvious advantages and widespread use internationally.

Aim

Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of performing elective forefoot surgery under ankle block anaesthesia alone in a pilot cohort of patients in a Scottish unit.

Methods

Data were collected from 81 consecutive forefoot procedures (71 patients) using a standardised questionnaire including incremental pain assessment (0–10; 0 no pain, 10 severe pain).

Results

Seven patients reported pain during surgery; average score 0.17. Average pain scores 6, 12, 24 and 48 h following surgery were 1.5, 3.09, 2.3 and 1.9, respectively. All patients were discharged home and walking on the same day.

Conclusion

Forefoot surgery under ankle block alone may be safe and effective. Anaesthesia obtained permitted routine forefoot procedures and provided lasting post-operative analgesia. Combined with intra-operative sedation, use of ankle tourniquet and same day discharge, it had very high patient acceptance and satisfaction.
On uncertainties in simulations in engineering design: A statistical tolerance analysis application
Authors: Walter Michael , Storch Markus , Wartzack Sandro
Published: April 2014

Simulations not only facilitate new and unprecedented insights in highly sophisticated science areas, but also support product design in engineering in terms of improved functionality, cost and time issues. However, as a matter of fact, simulations examine limited excerpts of real systems with accompanying simplifications, abstractions and idealizations. Hence, there is a distinct need to be aware of upcoming risks in simulation outcomes caused by uncertainties. These influence every step of forward-thinking simulation design which is not only restrained by modeling practice but begins with reality perception itself.

The intention of the paper is to embed an awareness of uncertainty in the context of simulation by linking major classes of uncertainty with uncertainties within simulations in engineering design. Besides the decisive inclusion of reality as the starting point, mathematic approaches are also used to understand how those uncertainty classes evolve through exponential knowledge creation of systems. The transfer to statistical tolerance analysis shall finally put emphasis on the practical classification of uncertainty, starting from data preparation via concept design and mathematical implementation to result depiction. In the end, the reader’s conception of possible uncertainties in special simulation cases shall be sharpened which, vice versa, shall lead to even better and well-thought-out simulation outcomes.
The Hidden Internationalism of Elite English Schools
Authors: Brooks Rachel , Waters Johanna
Published: April 2014

Analyses of UK higher education have provided compelling evidence of the way in which this sector has been affected by globalisation. There is now a large literature documenting the internationalisation of British universities, and the strategic and economic importance attached to attracting students from abroad. Within the schools sector, it has been argued that parents are increasingly concerned about the acquisition of valuable multicultural ‘global capital’. Nevertheless, we know little about whether ‘internationalism’ and/or the inculcation of ‘global capital’ is an explicit focus of UK schools. To start to redress this gap, this article draws on an analysis of websites, prospectuses and other publicly available documents to explore the extent to which internationalism is addressed within the public face that schools present to prospective pupils, and the nature of any such messages that are conveyed.
State-sponsored Vigilantism: Jewish Settlers’ Violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Authors: Gazit Nir
Published: April 2014

This article examines the patterns and political implications of Jewish settler violence and vigilantism in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Rather than viewing these attacks as deviant social behaviour and a by-product of the political chaos in the West Bank, this article sees settler violence as an informal political mechanism that structures and reproduces political control in the service of the state. The analysis presents the structural and agential dimensions of this mechanism, and evaluates its political significance in the overall Israeli control system in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It concludes that the informal cooperation between the settlers and the Israeli soldiers represents a unique instance of state collusion and vigilantism, wherein the very same structural forces that undermine state authority also generate casual mechanisms that compensate it.
Analyzing the Value Types and Factors That Influence Military Cadets in Taiwan to Determine the Appropriate Candidate
Authors: Yu Yi-Ming
Published: April 2014

Previous studies have unanimously agreed that despite the challenges of postmodernism, militaries should not and cannot be governed using an occupational model. However, what the notion of the value type of a postmodern army is should be clarified. This study investigates the changing values of postmodern militaries caused by external economic factors. For this research, a questionnaire and long-term investigation method were adopted to collect 262 cadet samples from the Taiwanese military, navy, and air force. The results of a cluster analysis showed that the cadets primarily comprised 3 types, that is, the devotion (DE) type, socially competent (SC) type, and the comfortable (CO) type. This study shows that the socially competent type best satisfies the value demands of the military. In addition, the enlistment motivations of this type of cadet are generally to alleviate family financial burdens, non-economic-related reasons, self-actualization, and patriotism.
Needs and Concerns of Family Caregivers of Persons With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Scarton Lisa J. , Bakas Tamilyn , Miller Wendy R. , Poe G. Doug , Huber Lesa L.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The purposes of this review were to identify the needs and concerns of family caregivers of persons with type 2 diabetes and to develop recommendations for future research on family caregivers of American Indians with type 2 diabetes. Searching the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Ovid, and PubMed, an extensive literature review was conducted using 10 search terms for articles published from 1990 to 2013. References of retrieved studies were also searched.

Conclusions

On the basis of the search criteria, 6 studies exploring the needs and concerns of family caregivers of persons with type 2 diabetes were identified. Findings were placed in 5 predetermined categories derived from Bakas et al’s needs and concerns framework: (1) finding information and resources related to type 2 diabetes, (2) dealing with the emotions and behaviors of the care recipient, (3) providing physical care, (4) providing instrumental care, and (5) dealing with one’s own personal responses to caregiving. The cross-cultural literature helped identify common ground and specific literature about the experiences of American Indian caregivers. Further research is needed on the needs of caregivers of persons with type 2 diabetes, particularly those in the Native American and other minority populations. Findings can be used to develop interventions to improve outcomes for these caregivers.
Physical Compatibility of Sodium Glycerophosphate and Calcium Gluconate in Pediatric Parenteral Nutrition Solutions
Authors: MacKay Mark , Anderson Collin
Published: April 2014

Background: The solubility of inorganic calcium and phosphate in parenteral solutions can be complicated in pediatrics due to the dosing of calcium and phosphorus at the saturation point. The purpose of this study was to test the solubility of sodium glycerophosphate (NaGP) with calcium gluconate in pediatric parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions. Methods: Five PN solutions were compounded by adding calcium gluconate at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mEq/L and corresponding concentrations of NaGP at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mmol/L. Each of the 5 solutions was compounded using 1.5% and 4% amino acids, cysteines, and lipids. Compatibility was evaluated by visual inspection (precipitation, haze, and color change). Solutions were evaluated microscopically for any microcrystals and measured by a turbidimeter for changes in turbidity. Solutions were further analyzed using United States Pharmacopeia 788 standards. Six hundred seventy‐one PN solutions were compounded at various concentrations and evaluated for visual stability. Results: Compatibility testing showed no changes in the PN solution in any of the concentrations tested. Microscopically, no microcrystals were detected. The turbidimeter measurements had changes of ≤0.14 nephelometric turbidity units for all test solutions. There were no visual changes in any of the 671 PN solutions. Conclusion: It is recommended that NaGP replace sodium phosphate in PN solutions. This would eliminate the concern of calcium and phosphorus precipitation and the need of any saturation curves.
Behavioral Therapies for Treatment-Seeking Cannabis Users
Authors: Davis Michelle L. , Powers Mark B. , Handelsman Pamela , Medina Johnna L. , Zvolensky Michael , Smits Jasper A. J.
Published: April 2014

Narrative reviews conclude that behavioral therapies (BTs) produce better outcomes than control conditions for cannabis use disorders (CUDs). However, the strength and consistency of this effect has not been directly empirically examined. The present meta-analysis combined multiple well-controlled studies to help clarify the overall impact of behavioral interventions in the treatment of CUDs. A comprehensive literature search produced 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 2,027) that were included in the final analyses. Analyses indicated an effect of BTs (including contingency management, relapse prevention, and motivational interviewing, and combinations of these strategies with cognitive behavioral therapy) over control conditions (including waitlist [WL], psychological placebo, and treatment as usual) across pooled outcomes and time points (Hedges’ g = 0.44). These results suggest that the average patient receiving a behavioral intervention fared better than 66% of those in the control conditions. BT also outperformed control conditions when examining primary outcomes alone (frequency and severity of use) and secondary outcomes alone (psychosocial functioning). Effect sizes were not moderated by inclusion of a diagnosis (RCTs including treatment-seeking cannabis users who were not assessed for abuse or dependence vs. RCTs including individuals diagnosed as dependent), dose (number of treatment sessions), treatment format (either group vs. individual treatment or in-person vs. non-in-person treatment), sample size, or publication year. Effect sizes were significantly larger for studies that included a WL control comparison versus those including active control comparisons, such that BT significantly outperformed WL controls but not active control comparisons.
The impact of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on social capital in Japan: Trust before and after the disaster
Authors: Veszteg Róbert Ferenc , Funaki Yukihiko , Tanaka Aiji
Published: April 2014

We report empirical results related to trust and trustworthiness based on a representative web survey carried out in March 2011 in Japan. Although it initially was intended as a pilot, our survey is unique and unrepeatable because the massive Tohoku earthquake that hit Japan in spring 2011 occurred during the data-collection process and created a natural experiment. Apart from exploring changes originated by the disaster, the novelty of our approach lies in using a multipurpose questionnaire assembled by researchers with diverse interests from different academic areas that allows for exploring political and other social correlates of the economic concepts of trust and trustworthiness as measured by the game-theoretical trust game.
Media framing in religious–secular conflict in Turkey and Israel
Authors: Evans Matt , Kaynak M. Selcan
Published: April 2014

The functioning of the media as a public watchdog and as a neutral forum for society’s different perspectives is a model that is seen as vital in modern democracies. However, in societies with major social rifts these functions may conflict with one another and alter the media’s role. This work contributes to the theoretical discussion of the role of the media, through a study of the media in religious–secular conflict in Turkey and Israel. In recent years, religious parties’ electoral gains have challenged secular communities’ hold on the countries’ decision-making institutions. With the increase in religious–secular political tensions, the media on both sides have taken a central role, highlighting perceived dangers presented by the other side. As the media come to function as the vanguard of the opposing sides, the impact is twofold: loss of an important public watchdog and a deepening of societal rifts.