bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Significance of IDH1 Mutations in Tumor‐Associated Seizure in 60 Chinese Patients with Low‐Grade Gliomas
Authors: Liang Ruofei , Fan Yingjun , Wang Xiang , Mao Qing , Liu Yanhui
Published: November 2013

Background. Seizure is a common clinical presentation in patients suffering from primary brain tumors, especially from low‐grade gliomas (LGGs). However, the genetic factors of tumor‐associated seizure, at present, are still very poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between tumor‐associated epilepsy and IDH1 mutations in a Chinese population with LGGs. Materials and Methods. This study reviewed 60 patients with histologically confirmed low‐grade gliomas, and the status of IDH1 was detected after the operation at our institution. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to explore the potential risk factors for tumor‐related seizures. Results. IDH1 mutation was detected in 46 (76.7%) patients, among which 14 patients had no epilepsies and 32 patients had epilepsies (P = 0.023, chi‐square test). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the mutation of IDH1 seems to be the strongest predictor for preoperative seizure (OR, 6.130; 95% CI, 1.523–24.669; P = 0.011). Conclusions. IDH1 mutation was frequently detected in LGGs, and it may result in tumor‐related seizures.
Hierarchical Spatial Clustering in Multihop Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Zhidan , Xing Wei , Wang Yongchao , Lu Dongming
Published: November 2013

Wireless sensor networks have been widely deployed for environment monitoring. The resource-limited sensor nodes usually transmit the sensing readings to Sink node collaboratively in a multihop manner to conserve energy. In this paper, we consider the problem of spatial clustering for approximate data collection that is feasible and energy-efficient for environment monitoring applications. Spatial clustering aims to group the highly correlated sensor nodes into the same cluster for rotatively reporting representative data later. Through a thorough investigation of a real-world environmental data set, we observe strong temporal-spatial correlation and define a novel similarity measure metric to inspect the similarity between any two sensor nodes, which take both magnitude and trend of their sensing readings into consideration. With such metric, we propose a clustering algorithm named as HSC to group the most similar sensor nodes in a distributed way. HSC runs on a prebuilt data collection tree, and thus gets rid of some extra requirements such as global network topology information and rigorous time synchronization. Extensive simulations based on realworld and synthetic data sets demonstrate that HSC performs superiorly in clustering quality when compared with the alternative algorithms. Furthermore, approximate data collection scheme combined with HSC can reduce much more communication overhead while incurring modest data error than with other algorithms.
Novel Natural Structure Corrector of ApoE4 for Checking Alzheimer’s Disease: Benefits from High Throughput Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Goyal Manisha , Grover Sonam , Dhanjal Jaspreet Kaur , Goyal Sukriti , Tyagi Chetna , Chacko Sajeev , Grover Abhinav
Published: November 2013

A major genetic suspect for Alzheimer’s disease is the pathological conformation assumed by apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) through intramolecular interaction. In the present study, a large library of natural compounds was screened against ApoE4 to identify novel therapeutic molecules that can prevent ApoE4 from being converted to its pathological conformation. We report two such natural compounds PHC and IAH that bound to the active site of ApoE4 during the docking process. The binding analysis suggested that they have a strong mechanistic ability to correct the pathological structural orientation of ApoE4 by preventing repulsion between Arg 61 and Arg 112, thus inhibiting the formation of a salt bridge between Arg 61 and Glu 255. However, when the molecular dynamics simulations were carried out, structural changes in the PHC-bound complex forced PHC to move out of the cavity thus destabilizing the complex. However, IAH was structurally stable inside the binding pocket throughout the simulations trajectory. Our simulations results indicate that the initial receptor-ligand interaction observed after docking could be limited due to the receptor rigid docking algorithm and that the conformations and interactions observed after simulation runs are more energetically favored and should be better representations of derivative poses in the receptor.
Performance Evolution of Phytic Acid Conversion Film in the Forming Process
Authors: Cui Xiufang , Lin Lili , Liu Erbao , Jin Guo , Jin Jie
Published: November 2013

To improve conversion film techniques, control film properties and improve quality of following techniques, in this study, the environment-friendly phytic conversion films were deposited on AZ91D magnesium alloy. The performance evolution of the film during the forming process such as mechanical property, residual stress, corrosion resistance, micromorphology, composition, and roughness was investigated by nanomechanical testing system, electrochemical workstation, scanning electron microscope, Auger electron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope. The results indicate that, in the forming process, the changes of micromorphology, roughness, mechanical property, and corrosion property are closely related to the variation of elements and residual stress. With the prolonging of film formation time, the difference between film elements and substrate elements gradually increases, and the residual stress first increases then decreases. When the film formation time is about 30 min, the film begins to crack and the residual stress is released, which leads to the decrease of mechanical property and corrosion resistance of the film.
AKT Kinase Pathway: A Leading Target in Cancer Research
Authors: Kumar Ambuj , Rajendran Vidya , Sethumadhavan Rao , Purohit Rituraj
Published: November 2013

AKT1, a serine/threonine‐protein kinase also known as AKT kinase, is involved in the regulation of various signalling downstream pathways including metabolism, cell proliferation, survival, growth, and angiogenesis. The AKT kinases pathway stands among the most important components of cell proliferation mechanism. Several approaches have been implemented to design an efficient drug molecule to target AKT kinases, although the promising results have not been confirmed. In this paper we have documented the detailed molecular insight of AKT kinase protein and proposed a probable doxorubicin based approach in inhibiting miR‐21 based cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, the inhibition of miR‐21 activation by raising the FOXO3A concentration seems promising in reducing miR‐21 mediated cancer activation in cell. Furthermore, the use of next generation sequencing and computational drug design approaches will greatly assist in designing a potent drug molecule against the associated cancer cases.
Design of Peptide Immunotherapies for MHC Class-II-Associated Autoimmune Disorders
Authors: Fridkis-Hareli Masha
Published: November 2013

Autoimmune disorders, that occur when autoreactive immune cells are induced to activate their responses against self-tissues, affect one percent of the world population and represent one of the top 10 leading causes of death. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a principal susceptibility locus for many human autoimmune diseases, in which self-tissue antigens providing targets for pathogenic lymphocytes are bound to HLA molecules encoded by disease-associated alleles. In spite of the attempts to design strategies for inhibition of antigen presentation targeting the MHC-peptide/TCR complex via generation of blocking antibodies, altered peptide ligands (APL), or inhibitors of costimulatory molecules, potent therapies with minimal side effects have yet to be developed. Copaxone (glatiramer acetate, GA) is a random synthetic amino acid copolymer that reduces the relapse rate by about 30% in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Based on the elucidated binding motifs of Copaxone and of the anchor residues of the immunogenic myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide to HLA-DR molecules, novel copolymers have been designed and proved to be more effective in suppressing MS-like disease in mice. In this report, we describe the rationale for design of second-generation synthetic random copolymers as candidate drugs for a number of MHC class-II-associated autoimmune disorders.
Acute Idiopathic Scrotal Edema
Authors: Breen Micheál , Murphy Kevin , Chow Jeanne , Kiely Eamon , O’Regan Kevin
Published: November 2013

We report a case of acute idiopathic scrotal edema (AISE) in a 4-year-old boy who presented with acute scrotal pain and erythema. The clinical features, ultrasound appearance, and natural history of this rare diagnosis are reviewed. In this report, we highlight the importance of good ultrasound technique in differentiating the etiology of the acute scrotum and demonstrate the color Doppler “Fountain Sign” that is highly suggestive of AISE.
Sub‐15 nm Silicon Lines Fabrication via PS‐b‐PDMS Block Copolymer Lithography
Authors: Rasappa Sozaraj , Schulte Lars , Borah Dipu , Morris Michael A. , Ndoni Sokol
Published: November 2013

This paper describes the fabrication of nanodimensioned silicon structures on silicon wafers from thin films of a poly(styrene)‐block‐poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PS‐b‐PDMS) block copolymer (BCP) precursor self‐assembling into cylindrical morphology in the bulk. The structure alignment of the PS‐b‐PDMS (33 k–17 k) was conditioned by applying solvent and solvothermal annealing techniques. BCP nanopatterns formed after the annealing process have been confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) after removal of upper PDMS wetting layer by plasma etching. Silicon nanostructures were obtained by subsequent plasma etching to the underlying substrate by an anisotropic dry etching process. SEM images reveal the formation of silicon nanostructures, notably of sub‐15 nm dimensions.
Intracranial Hypotension with Multiple Complications: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Ade Swetha , Moonis Majaz
Published: November 2013

Background. Undiagnosed intracranial hypotension can result in several complications including subdural hematoma (SDH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), dural venous sinuses thrombosis (CVT), cranial nerve palsies, and stupor resulting from sagging of the brain. It is rare to see all the complications in one patient. Furthermore, imaging of the brain vasculature may reveal incidental asymptomatic small aneurysms. Given the combination of these imaging findings and a severe headache, the patients are often confused to have a primary subarachnoid hemorrhage.Case Report. We present a patient with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) who had an incidental ophthalmic artery aneurysm on MR imaging, and this presentation led to coiling of the aneurysm. The key aspect in the history “postural headaches” was missed, and this led to life threatening complications and unnecessary interventions. Revisiting the history and significant improvement in symptoms following an epidural blood patch resulted in the diagnosis of SIH.Conclusion. We strongly emphasize that appropriate history taking is the key in the diagnosis of SIH and providing timely treatment with an epidural blood patch could prevent potentially life threatening complications.
Aging Effect on Electrical Conductivity of Pure and Al-Doped YBa2Cu3O7−δSingle Crystals with a Given Topology of Planar Defects
Authors: Vovk Ruslan V. , Vovk Nikolaj R. , Dobrovolskiy Oleksandr V.
Published: November 2013

The conducting properties in the basalabplane of pure and Al-dopedYBa2Cu3O7-δsingle crystals before and after long-time exposure in air atmosphere are investigated. It is shown that prolonged aging leads to an increase of the density of effective scattering centers for the normal carriers. The aluminum doping has been revealed to partially slowdown the degradation of the conducting properties in process of aging. The excess conductivity,Δσ(T), has been found to obey exponential dependence in the broad temperature rangeTc<T<T*. In the pseudogap regime, the mean-field transition temperatureT*and the 3D-2D crossover point in the excess conductivity have been quantified. Near the critical temperature,Δσ(T)is described well within the Aslamazov-Larkin theoretical model. Herewith, both aluminum doping and prolonged aging have been found to essentially expand the temperature interval of implementation of the pseudogap state, thus narrowing the linear section in the dependenceρab(T).
Phosphorescent Molecularly Doped Light‐Emitting Diodes with Blended Polymer Host and Wide Emission Spectra
Authors: Wang Jun , Gou Jun , Li Weizhi
Published: November 2013

Stable green light emission and high efficiency organic devices with three polymer layers were fabricated using bis[2‐(4′‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzoimidazole‐N,C2′] iridium(III) (acetylacetonate) doped in blended host materials. The 1 wt% doping concentration showed maximum luminance of 7841 cd/cm2 at 25.6 V and maximum current efficiency of 9.95 cd/A at 17.2 V. The electroluminescence spectra of devices indicated two main peaks at 522 nm and 554 nm coming from phosphor dye and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 116 nm. The characteristics of using blended host, doping iridium complex, emission spectrum, and power efficiency of organic devices were investigated.
Rotational Transport of Islets: The Best Way for Islets to Get around?
Authors: Oberhuber Rupert , Mittermair Christof , Zelger Bettina , Pirkebner Daniela , Draxl Anna , Weissenbacher Annemarie , Resch Thomas , Margreiter Christian , Sucher Robert , Margreiter Raimund , Pratschke Johann , Hengster Paul , Hermann Martin
Published: November 2013

Islet transplantation is a valid treatment option for patients suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus. To assure optimal islet cell quality, specialized islet isolation facilities have been developed. Utilization of such facilities necessitates transportation of islet cells to distant institutions for transplantation. Despite its importance, a clinically feasible solution for the transport of islets has still not been established. We here compare the functionality of isolated islets from C57BL/6 mice directly after the isolation procedure as well as after two simulated transport conditions, static versus rotation. Islet cell quality was assessed using real-time live confocal microscopy.In vivoislet function after syngeneic transplantation was determined by weight and blood sugar measurements as well as by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests. Vascularization of islets was documented by fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry. All viability parameters documented comparable cell viability in the rotary group and the group transplanted immediately after isolation. Functional parameters assessedin vivodisplayed no significant difference between these two groups. Moreover, vascularization of islets was similar in both groups. In conclusion, rotary culture conditions allows the maintenance of highest islet quality for at least 15 h, which is comparable to that of freshly isolated islets.
Differential Expression of Host Biomarkers in Saliva and Serum Samples from Individuals with Suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Phalane Khutso G. , Kriel Magdalena , Loxton Andre G. , Menezes Angela , Stanley Kim , van der Spuy Gian D. , Walzl Gerhard , Chegou Novel N.
Published: November 2013

The diagnosis of tuberculosis remains challenging in individuals with difficulty in providing good quality sputum samples such as children. Host biosignatures of inflammatory markers may be valuable in such cases, especially if they are based on more easily obtainable samples such as saliva. To explore the potential of saliva as an alternative sample in tuberculosis diagnostic/biomarker investigations, we evaluated the levels of 33 host markers in saliva samples from individuals presenting with pulmonary tuberculosis symptoms and compared them to those obtained in serum. Of the 38 individuals included in the study, tuberculosis disease was confirmed in 11 (28.9%) by sputum culture. In both the tuberculosis cases and noncases, the levels of most markers were above the minimum detectable limit in both sample types, but there was no consistent pattern regarding the ratio of markers in serum/saliva. Fractalkine, IL-17, IL-6, IL-9, MIP-1β, CRP, VEGF, and IL-5 levels in saliva and IL-6, IL-2, SAP, and SAA levels in serum were significantly higher in tuberculosis patients (P<0.05). These preliminary data indicate that there are significant differences in the levels of host markers expressed in saliva in comparison to those expressed in serum and that inflammatory markers in both sample types are potential diagnostic candidates for tuberculosis disease.
Integrin-Free Tetraspanin CD151 Can Inhibit Tumor Cell Motility upon Clustering and Is a Clinical Indicator of Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Palmer Trenis D. , Martínez Carlos H. , Vasquez Catalina , Hebron Katie E. , Jones-Paris Celestial , Arnold Shanna A. , Chan Susanne M. , Chalasani Venu , Gomez-Lemus Jose A. , Williams Andrew K. , Chin Joseph L. , Giannico Giovanna A. , Ketova Tatiana , Lewis John D. , Zijlstra Andries
Published: November 2013

Normal physiology relies on the organization of transmembrane proteins by molecular scaffolds, such as tetraspanins. Oncogenesis frequently involves changes in their organization or expression. The tetraspanin CD151 is thought to contribute to cancer progression through direct interaction with the laminin-binding integrins α3β1 and α6β1. However, this interaction cannot explain the ability of CD151 to control migration in the absence of these integrins or on non-laminin substrates. We demonstrate that CD151 can regulate tumor cell migration without direct integrin binding and that integrin-free CD151 (CD151free) correlates clinically with tumor progression and metastasis. Clustering CD151free through its integrin-binding domain promotes accumulation in areas of cell–cell contact, leading to enhanced adhesion and inhibition of tumor cell motility in vitro and in vivo. CD151free clustering is a strong regulator of motility even in the absence of α3 expression but requires PKCα, suggesting that CD151 can control migration independent of its integrin associations. The histologic detection of CD151free in prostate cancer correlates with poor patient outcome. When CD151free is present, patients are more likely to recur after radical prostatectomy and progression to metastatic disease is accelerated. Multivariable analysis identifies CD151free as an independent predictor of survival. Moreover, the detection of CD151free can stratify survival among patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels. Cumulatively, these studies demonstrate that a subpopulation of CD151 exists on the surface of tumor cells that can regulate migration independent of its integrin partner. The clinical correlation of CD151free with prostate cancer progression suggests that it may contribute to the disease and predict cancer progression. Cancer Res; 74(1); 173–87. ©2013 AACR.
The Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using a Prospectively Developed and Validated Model Based on Serological Biomarkers
Authors: Johnson Philip J. , Pirrie Sarah J. , Cox Trevor F. , Berhane Sarah , Teng Mabel , Palmer Daniel , Morse Janet , Hull Diana , Patman Gillian , Kagebayashi Chiaki , Hussain Syed , Graham Janine , Reeves Helen , Satomura Shinji
Published: November 2013

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common complication of chronic liver disease (CLD), and is conventionally diagnosed by radiological means. We aimed to build a statistical model that could determine the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in individual patients with CLD using objective measures, particularly serological tumor markers.

Methods: A total of 670 patients with either CLD alone or hepatocellular carcinoma were recruited from a single UK center into a case–control study. Sera were collected prospectively and specifically for this study. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent factors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and a model built and assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and proportion of correct diagnoses.

Results: The final model involving gender, age, AFP-L3, α fetoprotein (AFP), and des-carboxy-prothrombin (“GALAD”) was developed in a “discovery” data set and validated in independent data sets both from the same institution and from an external institution. When optimized for sensitivity and specificity, the model gave values of more than 0.88 irrespective of the disease stage.

Conclusions: The presence of hepatocellular carcinoma can be detected in patients with CLD on the basis of a model involving objective clinical and serological factors. It is now necessary to test the model's performance in a prospective manner and in a routine clinical practice setting, to determine if it may replace or, more likely, enhance current radiological approaches.

Impact: Our data provide evidence that an entirely objective serum biomarker–based model may facilitate the detection and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and form the basis for a prospective study comparing this approach with the standard radiological approaches. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 144–53. ©2013 AACR.
Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein in Tumor Stroma with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Can Inhibit Tumor Growth and Augment Host Immunity without Severe Toxicity
Authors: Wang Liang-Chuan S. , Lo Albert , Scholler John , Sun Jing , Majumdar Rajrupa S. , Kapoor Veena , Antzis Michael , Cotner Cody E. , Johnson Laura A. , Durham Amy C. , Solomides Charalambos C. , June Carl H. , Puré Ellen , Albelda Steven M.
Published: November 2013

The majority of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell research has focused on attacking cancer cells. Here, we show that targeting the tumor-promoting, nontransformed stromal cells using CAR T cells may offer several advantages. We developed a retroviral CAR construct specific for the mouse fibroblast activation protein (FAP), comprising a single-chain Fv FAP [monoclonal antibody (mAb) 73.3] with the CD8α hinge and transmembrane regions, and the human CD3ζ and 4-1BB activation domains. The transduced muFAP-CAR mouse T cells secreted IFN-γ and killed FAP-expressing 3T3 target cells specifically. Adoptively transferred 73.3-FAP-CAR mouse T cells selectively reduced FAPhi stromal cells and inhibited the growth of multiple types of subcutaneously transplanted tumors in wild-type, but not FAP-null immune-competent syngeneic mice. The antitumor effects could be augmented by multiple injections of the CAR T cells, by using CAR T cells with a deficiency in diacylglycerol kinase, or by combination with a vaccine. A major mechanism of action of the muFAP-CAR T cells was the augmentation of the endogenous CD8+ T-cell antitumor responses. Off-tumor toxicity in our models was minimal following muFAP-CAR T-cell therapy. In summary, inhibiting tumor growth by targeting tumor stroma with adoptively transferred CAR T cells directed to FAP can be safe and effective, suggesting that further clinical development of anti-human FAP-CAR is warranted. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(2); 154–66. ©2013 AACR.
Azelaic Acid: Properties and Mode of Action
Authors: Sieber M.A. , Hegel J.K.E.
Published: November 2013

Acne is a common skin disorder that can be problematic for adults as well as for adolescents. It has several key pathophysiological features such as follicular hyperkeratosis, elevated Propionibacterium acnes proliferation, and reactive inflammation, all of which should be targeted for an optimal outcome. Azelaic acid (AzA) has profound anti-inflammatory, antioxidative effects, and is bactericidal against a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms as well, including antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. In addition, AzA's antikeratinizing effects are inhibitory toward comedones. AzA is effective overall in targeting multiple causes of acne and has been proven to be well tolerated in numerous clinical trials.
Quantitative Psychomotor Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: A Loss of Drive, Impaired Movement Execution or Both?
Authors: Docx Lise , Sabbe Bernard , Provinciael Pieter , Merckx Niel , Morrens Manuel
Published: November 2013

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of qualitative psychomotor performance levels and subaspects of the negative syndrome for quantitative motor activity levels in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Twenty-seven stabilized patients with schizophrenia and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. An extensive battery of psychomotor performance tests (Finger Tapping Test, Purdue Pegboard Test, Line Copying Test, Neurological Evaluation Scale, Salpêtrière Retardation Rating Scale), clinical rating scales (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and 24-hour actigraphy were administered to all participants. Results: Correlational analyses showed that motor activity levels were associated with avolition as well as clinically assessed psychomotor slowing. However, in a regression model, only avolition was found to be a significant predictor for motor activity levels in patients with schizophrenia; none of the psychomotor performance tests nor the severity of emotional expressivity deficits contributed to the model. Conclusion: Qualitative and quantitative psychomotor deficits seem to be independent phenomena in stabilized patients with schizophrenia. The diminishing in motor activity in patients with schizophrenia is related to a loss of drive and not to problems in the quality of movement execution.
Significance of Histological Crescent Formation in Patients with Diffuse Proliferative Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Chen Shasha , Tang Zheng , Zhang Yiyan , Liu Zhengzhao , Zhang Haitao , Hu Weixin , Liu Zhihong
Published: November 2013

Background: Although crescentic nephritis is not rare in diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (DPLN), little is known about the clinicopathological features in DPLN with crescents worldwide. This study was undertaken to investigate the clinicopathological features and outcome of Chinese DPLN patients with different degrees of crescents. Methods: 520 DPLN patients with more than 10% histological crescents (cDPLN) were enrolled in this retrospective study. They were divided into three groups: group 1 (10%≤ crescents <25%, n = 240), group 2 (25%≤ crescents <50%, n = 160), and group 3 (crescents ≥50%, n = 120). Another 100 patients without histological crescents were enrolled as a control group. Clinicopathological features, treatment responses, and outcomes were compared among the four groups. Results: There were 450 (86.6%) females and 70 (13.4%) males with an average age of 31.7 ± 11.4 years. Compared with the control group, cDPLN patients had shorter lupus nephritis duration (20.7 ± 34.1 vs. 30.4 ± 48.9 months), higher prevalence of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis syndrome (21.8%), and gross hematuria (26.7%). Laboratory findings indicated more severe hypoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, and renal insufficiency; heavier proteinuria and microscopic hematuria; higher tubular injury parameters, and lower serological activity in crescentic groups. Histologically, cDPLN patients have severe glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions as well as extensive leukocyte infiltration together with a lesser degree of immune complex deposition. The proportion of death, end-stage renal disease, and treatment failure correlates positively with the degree of histological crescents. Conclusions: cDPLN patients with acute onset and short disease duration mostly show severe renal manifestations, less extrarenal organ involvement, lower serological activity, serious capillary necrosis, severe tubulointerstitial inflammation, atrophy and fibrosis, prominent leukocyte infiltration, less glomerular immune complex deposition, poor treatment response, and worse renal outcome.
Two new genera and species of Tingidae from Cretaceous amber from Myanmar (Burma) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: HEISS ERNST , GUILBERT ERIC
Published: November 2013

From the Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber, the first known genera of Tingidae, Spinitingis n. gen. and Burmacader n. gen. with the species Spinitingis ellenbergeri n. sp. and Burmacader multivenosus n. sp., are described and figured. Their systematic placement and relationship to fossil and extant taxa are discussed.
Regional Climate Modeling over the Maritime Continent. Part II: New Parameterization for Autoconversion of Convective Rainfall
Authors: Gianotti Rebecca L. , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: November 2013

This paper describes a new method for parameterizing the conversion of convective cloud liquid water to rainfall (“autoconversion”) that can be used within large-scale climate models, and evaluates the new method using the Regional Climate Model, version 3 (RegCM3), coupled to the land surface scheme Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS). The new method is derived from observed distributions of cloud water content and is constrained by observations of cloud droplet characteristics and climatological rainfall intensity. This new method explicitly accounts for subgrid variability with respect to cloud water density and is independent of model resolution, making it generally applicable for large-scale climate models. This work builds on the development of a new parameterization method for convective cloud fraction, which was described in Part I.

Simulations over the Maritime Continent using the Emanuel convection scheme show significant improvement in model performance, not only with respect to convective rainfall but also in shortwave radiation, net radiation, and turbulent surface fluxes of latent and sensible heat, without any additional modifications made to the simulation of those variables. Model improvements are demonstrated over a 19-yr validation period as well as a shorter 4-yr evaluation. Model performance with the Grell convection scheme is not similarly improved and reasons for this outcome are discussed. This work illustrates the importance of representing observed subgrid-scale variability in diurnally varying convective processes for simulations of the Maritime Continent region.
Have Rates of Behavioral Health Assessment and Treatment Increased for Massachusetts Children Since the Rosie D. Decision? A Report From Two Primary Care Practices
Authors: Romano-Clarke Giusy , Tang Michael H. , Xerras Dean C. , Egan Harwood S. , Pasinski Roger C. , Kamin Hayley S. , McCarthy Alyssa E. , Newman Jennifer , Jellinek Michael S. , Murphy J. Michael
Published: November 2013

Following a court decision ( Rosie D. v. Romney), the Medicaid program in Massachusetts launched the statewide Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative in 2008 to increase the recognition and treatment of behavioral health problems in pediatrics. We reviewed billing data (n = 64,194) and electronic medical records (n = 600) for well child visits in pediatrics in 2 practices to examine rates of behavioral health screening, problem identification, and treatment among children seen during the year before and 2 years after the program’s implementation. According to electronic medical records, the percentage of well child visits that included any form of behavioral health assessment increased significantly during the first 2 years of the program, and pediatricians significantly increased their use of standardized screens. According to billing data, behavioral health treatment increased significantly. These findings suggest that behavioral health screening and treatment have increased following the Rosie D. decision.
My Encounters With Chinua Achebe
Authors: Thiong’o Ngũgĩ wa
Published: November 2013

A tribute or eulogy by one writer to another is always an invitation to the audience or readers to sit back and share in some of their moments or encounters, as the case may be. Chinua Achebe’s transition in March 2013 triggered one such response from Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
Meta-analysis on Brain Representation of Experimental Dental Pain
Authors: Lin C.-S. , Niddam D.M. , Hsu M.-L.
Published: November 2013

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely used for investigating the brain representation associated with dental pain evoked by pulpal electrical stimulation. However, because of the heterogeneity of experimental designs and the small sample size of individual studies, the common brain representation regarding dental pain has remained elusive. We used imaging meta-analysis to investigate six dental pain-related fMRI studies (n = 87) and tested 3 hypotheses: (1) Dental pain is associated with the ‘core’ pain-related network; (2) pain-related brain activation is somatotopically organized in the somatosensory cortex; and (3) dental pain is associated with the cognitive-affective network related to pain. Qualitative and quantitative meta-analyses revealed: (1) common activation of the core pain-related network, including the somatosensory cortex, the insula, and the cingulate cortex; (2) inconsistency in somatotopically organized activation of the primary somatosensory cortex; and (3) common activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, suggesting a role of re-appraisal and coping in the experience of dental pain. In conclusion, fMRI combined with pulpal stimulation can effectively evoke activity in the pain-related network. The dental pain-related brain representation disclosed the mechanisms of how sensory and cognitive-affective factors shape dental pain, which will help in the development of more effective customized methods for central pain control.
The Representation of Roots in the Spelling of Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Deacon S. Hélène , Cleave Patricia L. , Baylis Julia , Fraser Jillian , Ingram Elizabeth , Perlmutter Signy
Published: November 2013

Children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) have demonstrated general spelling and writing difficulties. We investigated the sensitivity of children with SLI to the consistent spelling of root morphemes, a feature to which young typically developing children demonstrate sensitivity. We asked children with SLI and two groups of typically developing children ( n = 17 in each group) to spell the same letter-sound sequence (e.g., win) as a root, and as a component of inflected, derived, and control words (e.g., win, wins, winner, wink). Children with SLI and spelling-age-matched children (mean age of 9 and 7 years, respectively) were more accurate and more consistent in spelling the initial sections of the inflected and derived words than of the control words, a pattern that suggests sensitivity to the representation of roots in spelling. The absence of a group-level interaction suggests comparable sensitivity in the two groups. Our results suggest that elementary-school-aged children with SLI are sensitive to the consistent spelling of roots, at least to the extent predicted by their general spelling abilities.
Morphological Awareness and Reading Difficulties in Adolescent Spanish-Speaking Language Minority Learners and Their Classmates
Authors: Kieffer Michael J.
Published: November 2013

This study investigated the role of morphological awareness weaknesses in the reading difficulties encountered by Spanish-speaking language minority learners and their native English-speaking peers in sixth grade. One hundred and thirty-eight students (82 language minority learners; 56 native English speakers) were assessed on English measures of reading comprehension, silent word reading fluency, and derivational morphological awareness. Students with specific reading comprehension difficulties, specific word reading difficulties, and combined difficulties were identified using categorical cut-scores. Findings indicated that morphological awareness differentiated skilled readers from students with reading difficulties. Substantial proportions of students with reading difficulties (38%–63%, depending on reading difficulty subtype) demonstrated weaknesses in morphological awareness. Language minority learners with reading difficulties were particularly likely to demonstrate weaknesses in morphological awareness (55%–64%), compared to native English speakers with similar reading difficulties (13%–50%). Findings suggest the diagnostic potential of morphological awareness for adolescent learners with reading difficulties, especially those from language minority backgrounds.
Deliberative Culture and Politics
Authors: He Baogang
Published: November 2013

The very thought of deliberative politics in contemporary China may seem surprising. Indeed, there are questions over its veracity. Analyses of scholarship on deliberative democracy in China to date might be said to fall into two camps: one sees the emergence of deliberative democracy in China as a real prospect for democracy; the other dismisses it outright. This essay offers an alternative evaluation to these two camps. It proposes a theoretical reconstruction of deliberative culture that accounts for a proliferation of contemporary deliberative practices in China and the CCP’s sponsorship of deliberative experiments and institutions. The theoretical reconstruction of contemporary deliberative practices bears traces of the Confucian moral code of deliberation and the institutionalization of deliberation throughout the history of the Chinese imperial states. The upshot in taking this theoretical approach is that we can confirm that the practice of deliberation in contemporary China is well and truly alive, but it does not readily map with Western theoretical models of deliberative democracy. This essay sets up a contrast between an authoritarian deliberation—the use of actual deliberative practices by the authoritarian state to improve governance and enhance its authority— and the “western” idealized version of democratic deliberation. It considers the limitations of the Chinese model of authoritarian deliberation and explains why and how it may constitute, at least partially, a defensible normative account of the contributions of deliberation to political legitimacy, and in doing so hopes to illustrate some important historical lessons for Western deliberative democracy.
Activating the Centerfold Syndrome: Recency of Exposure, Sexual Explicitness, Past Exposure to Objectifying Media
Authors: Wright Paul J. , Tokunaga Robert S.
Published: November 2013

This experimental study tested whether exposure to female centerfold images causes young adult males to believe more strongly in a set of beliefs clinical psychologist Gary Brooks terms “the centerfold syndrome.” The centerfold syndrome consists of five beliefs: voyeurism, sexual reductionism, masculinity validation, trophyism, and nonrelational sex. Past exposure to objectifying media was positively correlated with all five centerfold syndrome beliefs. Recent exposure to centerfolds interacted with past exposure to predict three of the five centerfold syndrome beliefs. Recent exposure to centerfolds had immediate strengthening effects on the sexual reductionism, masculinity validation, and nonrelational sex beliefs of males who view objectifying media less frequently. These effects persisted for approximately 48 hours.
Channel Complementarity Theory and the Health Information-Seeking Process
Authors: Rains Stephen A. , Ruppel Erin K.
Published: November 2013

The contemporary information-seeking environment is marked by the presence of more information sources than perhaps ever before. Moreover, in the context of health information, evidence suggests that information seekers utilize multiple sources—such as health care providers, print media, and online support groups—in the process of acquiring information. Two studies were conducted to investigate the role of information sources in the health information-seeking process and test Ruppel and Rains’s (2012) extension of channel complementarity theory. Four complementarity characteristics of sources, which are argued to serve as a basis for source use during information seeking, were examined: access to medical expertise, tailorability, anonymity, and convenience. Taken together, the results from both studies offer some evidence that sources are used systematically during health information seeking based on each of the four complementarity characteristics.
Beyond Rationality
Authors: Kim Nuri
Published: November 2013

The effects of anger and information were experimentally tested in a small group deliberation setting. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions varying in the level of induced anger and amount of information they received. After reading about a controversial local issue, they engaged in a group discussion about the topic. Content analysis revealed each individual’s level of participation. More informed participants expressed more opinions during deliberation than less informed participants. Participants made to feel angry were also more active than those in the control condition, but to a lesser degree than the more informed participants. Structural equation modeling suggested that the effect of anger on postdeliberation argument repertoire and knowledge was more direct, whereas the effect of information was mediated by active participation during deliberation.
Associations between school-related factors and depressive symptoms among children: A comparative study, Finland and Norway
Authors: Minkkinen Jaana
Published: November 2013

This study compares school-related associations in depressive symptoms among children aged between 9–13 years from four schools in Finland and Norway. A total of 523 pupils participated in the cross-sectional survey. The connections between depressive symptoms and school factors were analysed using hierarchical regression analyses. School variables were self-perceived peer victimization, teacher and peer social support, school performance, and teachers’ reports on competence in core subjects; these variables explain 30% of the variance of the children’s depressive symptoms in Norway and 26% in Finland beyond that afforded by differences in the background characteristics and protective factors in the family. A trend was found in the Norwegian data which showed that poor relationships at school are connected more strongly with depressive symptoms than poor school performance, but the Finnish data did not confirm this. The results support the importance of taking various school factors into account with children suffering depressive symptoms, and not merely a dysfunctional domestic situation. The implications for school psychology practice are also discussed.
Feeling Both Victim and Perpetrator
Authors: SimanTov-Nachlieli Ilanit , Shnabel Nurit
Published: November 2013

Victimized versus perpetrating individuals or groups are known to experience enhanced needs for empowerment or acceptance, respectively. The present research examined the emotional needs and consequent anti- and prosocial behaviors (e.g., vengefulness vs. helpfulness) of individuals or groups serving both as victims and perpetrators simultaneously (“duals”). Focusing on interpersonal transgressions, Study 1 used variations of the dictator game to induce participants with victimization, perpetration, duality, or none (control). Duals showed heightened needs for both empowerment and acceptance and equal willingness to reconcile following either empowering or accepting messages from their adversaries. However, duals’ need for empowerment overrode their need for acceptance in determining behavior. Similar to victims, and unlike perpetrators, duals showed greater antisocial (rather than prosocial) behavior. Study 2 replicated this pattern on the intergroup level, inducing Israeli Jews with victimization, perpetration, or duality using a recall task referring to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Coronary-pulmonary artery fistula in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Anderson Robert H , Keshri Vikas Kumar , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Gulati Gurpreet Singh , Airan Balram
Published: November 2013

Surgical correction of patients with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia is now one of the routine procedures performed by pediatric cardiac surgeons. In one variant, the pulmonary arterial supply is derived from a fistulous communication from the coronary arteries. This rare and interesting situation poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma, as well as providing specific management challenges to the surgical team. Here, we discuss important aspects of this rare variant, specifically its morphology, presentation, evaluation and management.
Bilateral thoracoscopic thymectomy using a novel positioning system
Authors: Caronia Francesco , Fiorelli Alfonso , Monte Attilio Lo
Published: November 2013

Several techniques of bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy have been proposed, and each has its own proponents. We summarize our experience in 20 patients who underwent bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy, using a new patient positioning that amplifies the thoracoscopic view of the cardiophrenic regions which are often difficult to visualize with standard techniques. In all cases, en-bloc thymectomy with complete dissection of the mediastinal fatty tissue was achieved without sternal retractors or additional incisions.
Management of Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Posterolateral Corner Tears
Authors: Bonanzinga Tommaso , Zaffagnini Stefano , Grassi Alberto , Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio Maria , Neri Maria Pia , Marcacci Maurilio
Published: November 2013

Background:

A consensus on the treatment of combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries is still lacking.

Purpose:

To review the available literature on the management of these combined lesions to investigate the influence that injuries of knee posterolateral structures play in the outcome of an ACL lesion.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases using various combinations of the following keywords: “posterolateral corner,” “plc,” “posterolateral instability,” “posterolateral injury,” “anterior cruciate ligament,” and “acl.”

Results:

A total of 6 studies involving 95 patients were included. For those with PLC lesions, 14 patients were treated nonoperatively, 9 underwent an early anatomic repair, while the remaining 72 underwent a reconstruction. In all 95 patients, an ACL reconstruction was performed. Sixty-seven of the 72 patients who underwent a PLC reconstruction were assessed for anteroposterior laxity, with a mean side-to-side difference of 1.5 ± 1.1 mm. Evaluated by the objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Knee Form, 88% of the patients who underwent a PLC reconstruction were graded as good/excellent (A/B). The 9 patients who underwent an early surgical repair of the PLC lesion were evaluated by means of the objective IKDC score, with 3 patients (33%) graded as good/excellent (A/B), and by means of a clinical evaluation, with 5 of 9 patients (56%) graded as 1+ for varus laxity. For the 14 patients who were managed nonoperatively for PLC injuries, the only clinical score available was the subjective IKDC score, with a mean value of 80.5 (87.8 for the 6 patients with type A PLC injuries and 75.0 for type B PLC injuries).

Conclusion:

There is a paucity of literature focused on the management of combined ACL and PLC injuries. Combined ACL and PLC reconstruction seems to be the most effective approach to these combined lesions. However, future work is needed to explore the long-term outcome of the different treatment options.