bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravascular versus surface cooling speed and stability after cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: de Waard M C , Banwarie R P , Jewbali L S D , Struijs A , Girbes A R J , Groeneveld A B J
Published: December 2014

Background and objective

Mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) is used to limit neurological injury and improve survival after cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but the optimal mode of cooling is controversial. We therefore compared the effectiveness of MTH using invasive intravascular or non-invasive surface cooling with temperature feedback control.

Methods

This retrospective study in post-CA patients studied the effects of intravascular cooling (CoolGard, Zoll, n=97), applied on the intensive care unit (ICU) in one university hospital compared with those of surface cooling (Medi-Therm, Gaymar, n=76) applied in another university hospital.

Results

Time to reach target temperature and cooling speeds did not differ between groups. During the maintenance phase, mean core temperature was 33.1°C (range 32.7–33.7°C) versus 32.5°C (range 31.7–33.4°C) at targets of 33.0 and 32.5°C in intravascularly versus surface cooled patients, respectively. The variation coefficient for temperature during maintenance was higher in the surface than the intravascular cooling group (mean 0.85% vs 0.35%, p<0.0001). ICU survival was 60% and 50% in the intravascularly and surface cooled groups, respectively (NS). Lower age (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.93 to 0.98; p<0.0001), ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia as presenting rhythm (OR 7.6; 95% CI 1.8 to 8.9; p<0.0001) and lower mean temperature during the maintenance phase (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.25 to 1.08; p=0.081) might be independent determinants of ICU survival, while cooling technique and temperature variability did not contribute.

Conclusions

In post-CA patients, intravascular cooling systems result in equal cooling speed, but less variation in temperature during the maintenance phase, as surface cooling. This may not affect the outcome.
Cold and Controlled Molecular Beams: Production and Applications
Authors: Jankunas Justin , Osterwalder Andreas
Published: December 2014

The field of cold molecules has become an important source of new insight in fundamental chemistry and molecular physics. High-resolution spectroscopy benefits from translationally and internally cold molecules by increased interaction times and reduced spectral congestion. Completely new effects in scattering dynamics become accessible with cold and controlled molecules. Many of these experiments use molecular beams as a starting point for the generation of molecular samples. This review gives an overview of methods to produce beams of cold molecules, starting from supersonic expansions or effusive sources, and provides examples of applications in spectroscopy and molecular dynamics studies.
Menstrual cycle and sex effects on sympathetic responses to acute chemoreflex stress
Authors: Usselman Charlotte W. , Gimon Tamara I. , Nielson Chantelle A. , Luchyshyn Torri A. , Coverdale Nicole S. , Van Uum Stan H. M. , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: December 2014

This study aimed to examine the effects of sex (males vs. females) and sex hormones (menstrual cycle phases in women) on sympathetic responsiveness to severe chemoreflex activation in young, healthy individuals. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was measured at baseline and during rebreathing followed by a maximal end-inspiratory apnea. In women, baseline MSNA was greater in the midluteal (ML) than early-follicular (EF) phase of the menstrual cycle. Baseline MSNA burst incidence was greater in men than women, while burst frequency and total MSNA were similar between men and women only in the ML phase. Chemoreflex activation evoked graded increases in MSNA burst frequency, amplitude, and total activity in all participants. In women, this sympathoexcitation was greater in the EF than ML phase. The sympathoexcitatory response to chemoreflex stimulation of the EF phase in women was also greater than in men. Nonetheless, changes in total peripheral resistance were similar between sexes and menstrual cycle phases. This indicates that neurovascular transduction was attenuated during the EF phase during chemoreflex activation, thereby offsetting the exaggerated sympathoexcitation. Chemoreflex-induced increases in mean arterial pressure were similar across sexes and menstrual cycle phases. During acute chemoreflex stimulation, reduced neurovascular transduction could provide a mechanism by which apnea-associated morbidity might be attenuated in women relative to men.
Activation of SIRT3 by resveratrol ameliorates cardiac fibrosis and improves cardiac function via the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway
Authors: Chen Tongshuai , Li Jingyuan , Liu Junni , Li Na , Wang Shujian , Liu Hui , Zeng Mei , Zhang Yun , Bu Peili
Published: December 2014

Sirtuins [sirtuin (SIRT)1–SIRT7] mediate the longevity-promoting effects of calorie restriction in yeast, worms, flies, and mice. Additionally, SIRT3 is the only SIRT analog whose increased expression has been shown to be associated with longevity in humans. The polyphenol resveratrol (RSV) is the first compound discovered able to mimic calorie restriction by stimulating SIRTs. In the present study, we report that RSV activated SIRT3 in cardiac fibroblasts both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, in wild-type mice, RSV prevented cardiac hypertrophy in response to hypertrophic stimuli. However, this protective effect was not observed in SIRT3 knockout mice. Additionally, the activation of SIRT3 by RSV ameliorated collagen deposition and improved cardiac function. In isolated cardiac fibroblasts, pretreatment with RSV suppressed fibroblast-to-myoblast transformation by inhibiting the transforming growth factor-β/Smad3 pathway. Therefore, these data indicate that the activation of SIRT3 by RSV could ameliorate cardiac fibrosis and improve cardiac function via the transforming growth factor-β/Smad3 pathway.
Caveolin-1 prevents sustained angiotensin II-induced resistance artery constriction and obesity-induced high blood pressure
Authors: Czikora Istvan , Feher Attila , Lucas Rudolf , Fulton David J. R. , Bagi Zsolt
Published: December 2014

The type 1 angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor (AT1R) undergoes internalization following stimulation by ANG II. Internalization reduces cell surface AT1Rs, and it is required for AT1R resensitization. In this process AT1R may interact with caveolin-1 (Cav1), the main scaffolding protein of caveolae. We hypothesized that the interaction between Cav1 and AT1R delays AT1R resensitization and thereby prevents sustained ANG II-induced resistance artery (RA) constriction under normal conditions and in experimental obesity. In rat and mouse skeletal muscle RA (diameter: ∼90–120 μm) ANG II-induced constrictions were reduced upon repeated (30-min apart) administrations. Upon disruption of caveolae with methyl-β-cyclodextrin or in RA of Cav1 knockout mice, repeated ANG II applications resulted in essentially maintained constrictions. In vascular smooth muscle cells, AT1R interacted with Cav1, and the degree of cell surface interactions was reduced by long-term (15-min), but not short-term (2-min), exposure to ANG II. When Cav1 was silenced, the amount of membrane-associated AT1R was significantly reduced by a short-term ANG II exposure. Moreover, Cav1 knockout mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited augmented and sustained RA constriction to ANG II and had elevated systemic blood pressure, when compared with normal or high-fat fed wild-type mice. Thus, Cav1, through a direct interaction, delays internalization and subsequent resensitization of AT1R. We suggest that this mechanism prevents sustained ANG II-induced RA constriction and elevated systemic blood pressure in diet-induced obesity.
A computational model of unresolved allergic inflammation in chronic asthma
Authors: Pothen Joshua J. , Poynter Matthew E. , Bates Jason H. T.
Published: December 2014

We have previously developed an agent-based computational model to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel hypothesis we term the inflammatory twitch. This hypothesis potentially explains the dynamics of the normal response to allergic inflammation in the lung (Pothen JJ, Poynter ME, Bates JH. J Immunol 190: 3510–3516, 2013) on the basis that antigenic stimulation sets in motion both the onset of inflammation and its subsequent resolution. The result is a self-limited inflammatory event that is similar in a formal sense to a skeletal muscle twitch. We hypothesize here that the chronic airway inflammation characteristic of asthma may represent the failure of the inflammatory twitch to resolve back to baseline. Our model provides a platform with which to perform virtual experiments aimed at investigating possible mechanisms leading to accentuation and/or prolongation of the inflammatory twitch. We used our model to determine how the inflammatory twitch is modified by knocking out certain cell types, interfering with cell activity, and altering cell lifetimes. Increasing the duration of activation of proinflammatory cells (considered to be chiefly neutrophils and eosinophils) markedly accentuated and prolonged the inflammatory twitch. This aberrant twitch behavior was largely abrogated by knocking out T-helper cells (simulating the effect of corticosteroids). The aberrant inflammatory twitch was also normalized by reducing the lifetime of the proinflammatory cells, suggesting that increasing apoptosis of these cells may be a therapeutic target in asthma.
Serum Leptin Levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Relationship with Metabolic and Hormonal Profile in Pakistani Females
Authors: Baig Mukhtiar , Rehman Rehana , Tariq Saba , Fatima Syeda Sadia
Published: December 2014

The study aimed to investigate the levels of serum leptin in PCOS females and to correlate it with metabolic and hormonal parameters. Sixty-two PCOS and ninety normal cycling (NC) females with matched age and body mass index (BMI) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Serum leptin, FSH, LH, E2, free testosterone, progesterone, thyroid profile, and FBG levels were measured. The mean leptin levels in PCOS and NC were not significantly different (45.56 ng/mL ± 1.49 vs 41.78 ± 1.31 ng/mL,P>0.05); however, leptin levels showed a strong correlation with BMI in PCOS and NC group (r=0.77,P<0.0001;r=0.82,P<0.0001, resp.). High E2 levels in NC had a significant correlation with leptin whereas FBG correlated with leptin in PCOS (r=0.51,P=0.005). TSH had a substantial correlation (r=0.49,P<0.005;r=0.69,P<0.005) in PCOS and NC, respectively. There was no significant difference found in circulating leptin concentration between PCOS and NC subjects. Leptin levels in PCOS were related with metabolic impairments manifested by disturbance in FBG levels and impairment of reproductive functions in terms of reduced E2 secretion.
On the Octonionic Inclined Curves in the 8‐Dimensional Euclidean Space
Authors: Bektaş Özcan , Yüce Salim
Published: December 2014

We describe octonionic inclined curves and harmonic curvatures for the octonionic curves. We give characterizations for an octonionic curve to be an octonionic inclined curve. And finally, we obtain some characterisations for the octonionic inclined curves in terms of the harmonic curvatures.
New Indices for Refining Multiple Choice Questions
Authors: Amo-Salas Mariano , Arroyo-Jimenez María del Mar , Bustos-Escribano David , Fairén-Jiménez Eva , López-Fidalgo Jesús
Published: December 2014

Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are one of the most popular tools to evaluate learning and knowledge in higher education. Nowadays, there are a few indices to measure reliability and validity of these questions, for instance, to check the difficulty of a particular question (item) or the ability to discriminate from less to more knowledge. In this work two new indices have been constructed: (i) the no answer index measures the relationship between the number of errors and the number of no answers; (ii) the homogeneity index measures homogeneity of the wrong responses (distractors). The indices are based on the lack-of-fit statistic, whose distribution is approximated by a chi-square distribution for a large number of errors. An algorithm combining several traditional and new indices has been developed to refine continuously a database of MCQs. The final objective of this work is the classification of MCQs from a large database of items in order to produce an automated-supervised system of generating tests with specific characteristics, such as more or less difficulty or capacity of discriminating knowledge of the topic.
The Drop That Spilled the Cup: Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Young Woman with Underlying Thrombophilic Polymorphisms and Oral Contraceptive Use
Authors: Russo Nunzio , Franzì Enrico , Capilli Gianfranco , Patané Anella Antonietta , Russo Silvia Paola , Evola Rosario
Published: December 2014

We present the case of a 28-year-old woman who was admitted to our cardiology unit for acute coronary syndrome. Her history was notable for cardiovascular disease familiarity, active smoking, and oral contraceptive use. On further analysis, she was noted to have thrombophilic polymorphisms involving the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genes. We discuss the implications that these cofactors may have had in the genesis of the disease.
Chemical Attributes of Soil Fertilized with Cassava Mill Wastewater and Cultivated with Sunflower
Authors: Dantas Mara Suyane Marques , Monteiro Rolim Mário , Duarte Anamaria de Sousa , Silva Ênio Farias de França de , Maria Regis Pedrosa Elvira , Dantas Daniel da Costa
Published: December 2014

The use of waste arising from agroindustrial activities, such as cassava wastewater, has been steadily implemented in order to reduce environmental pollution and nutrient utilization. The aim of this study is that the changes in chemical properties of dystrophic red-yellow latosol (oxisol) were evaluated at different sampling times after reuse of cassava wastewater as an alternative to mineral fertilizer in the cultivation of sunflower, hybrid Helio 250. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station of the Agricultural Research Company of Pernambuco (IPA), located in Vitória de Santo Antão. The experimental design was randomized blocks with6×5subplots; six doses of cassava wastewater (0; 8.5; 17.0; 34.0; 68.0; and 136 m3 ha−1); and five sampling times (21, 42, 63, 84, and 105 days after applying the cassava wastewater), with four replications. Concentrations of available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium, pH, and electrical conductivity of the soil saturation extract were evaluated. Results indicate that cassava wastewater is an efficient provider of nutrients to the soil and thus to the plants, making it an alternative to mineral fertilizers.
The First Described Case of Occupational Anthracofibrosis in the USA
Authors: Rangelov Kamen , Sethi Sanjay
Published: December 2014

Anthracofibrosis is a newly recognized disease that was first described in association with tuberculosis in 1998 in Korea. However, recent reports suggest strong association with biomass fuel smoke exposure, and exposure to mineral dusts, coal, silica, and mica. Most of the reported cases to date are in patients from Asia or in immigrants of Asian origin. There are no published reports of anthracofibrosis in the USA. We present the first case of a USA born African American male patient with anthracofibrosis.
A Validated HPLC-DAD Method for Simultaneous Determination of Etodolac and Pantoprazole in Rat Plasma
Authors: Abdelhameed Ali S. , Afifi Samar A.
Published: December 2014

A simple, sensitive, and accurate HPLC-DAD method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of pantoprazole and etodolac in rat plasma as a tool for therapeutic drug monitoring. Optimal chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved on a Waters Symmetry C18 column using a mobile phase that consisted of phosphate buffer pH~4.0 as eluent A and acetonitrile as eluent B in a ratio of A : B, 55 : 45 v/v for 6 min, pumped isocratically at a flow rate of 0.8 mL min−1. The eluted analytes were monitored using photodiode array detector set to quantify samples at 254 nm. The method was linear withr2=0.9999for PTZ andr2=0.9995for ETD at a concentration range of 0.1–15 and 5–50 μgmL−1for PTZ and ETD, respectively. The limits of detection were found to be 0.033 and 0.918 μgmL−1for PTZ and ETD, respectively. The method was statistically validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, and selectivity following the International Conference for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The reproducibility of the method was reliable with the intra- and interday precision (% RSD) <7.76% for PTZ and <7.58 % for ETD.
Structural Stability of Planar Bimodal Linear Systems
Authors: Ferrer Josep , Peña Marta , Susín Antoni
Published: December 2014

Structural stability ensures that the qualitative behavior of a system is preserved under small perturbations. We study it for planar bimodal linear dynamical systems, that is, systems consisting of two linear dynamics acting on each side of a given hyperplane and assuming continuity along the separating hyperplane. We describe which one of these systems is structurally stable when (real) spiral does not appear and when it does we give necessary and sufficient conditions concerning finite periodic orbits and saddle connections. In particular, we study the finite periodic orbits and the homoclinic orbits in the saddle/spiral case.
Measuring Hemoglobin Levels in the Optic Disc of Parkinson’s Disease Patients Using New Colorimetric Analysis Software
Authors: Bambo Maria Pilar , Garcia-Martin Elena , Satue Maria , Perez-Olivan Susana , Alayon Silvia , Gonzalez-Hernandez Marta , Polo Vicente , Larrosa Jose Manuel , Gonzalez-De la Rosa Manuel
Published: December 2014

Objective.To evaluate a new method of measuring hemoglobin (Hb) levels and quantifying the color changes in the optic nerve head of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. We also compared differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) device between PD group and healthy group.Methods.One hundred and fifty-five PD patients and 91 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. OCT examinations and one photograph of the optic disc were performed. The Laguna ONhE (“optic nerve hemoglobin”; Insoft SL, Tenerife, Spain) software was used to analyze the Hb level on the acquired optic disc photographs.Results.PD patients exhibited significantly reduced mean optic disc Hb percentages (57.56% in PD, 67.63% in healthy subjects;P=0.001) as well as reduced Hb in almost all analyzed sectors, with the largest differences detected in the inferior and nasal sectors. RNFL parameters were significantly reduced in PD patients compared with healthy subjects, especially in the inferior quadrant.Conclusions.Measurements of optic disc Hb levels obtained with the Laguna ONhE software had good ability to detect optic nerve color changes (more papillary paleness and consequently this could suggest optic atrophy and axonal loss) in PD patients.
Modification of PCR Conditions and Design of Exon-Specific Primers for the Efficient Molecular Diagnosis of PKD1 Mutations
Authors: Liu WeiQiang , Chen Min , Wei Jun , He WenYin , Li ZhiHua , Sun XiaoFang , Shi YuLing
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder caused by mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes. Currently, long-range PCR followed by nested PCR and sequencing (LRNS) is the gold standard approach for PKD1 testing. However, LRNS is complicated by the high structural and sequence complexity of PKD1, which makes the procedure for amplification and analysis of PKD1 difficult. Methods: Here in, we modified the PCR conditions and designed primers for efficient and specific amplification of both the long-range and individual exons of PKD1. Results: Using the modified system, seven long-range fragments were specifically amplified using two distinct sets of conditions, and all individual exon PCR assays were easily performed using a touch-down PCR method. Seven pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, including two novel truncated frameshift indels and two novel likely pathogenic missense mutations, were identified in eight unrelated patients with or without histories of ADPKD disease (one variant was observed in two unrelated patients). Using combined bioinformatics tools, two indeterminate missense variants were identified in two sporadic patients. Conclusion: Four novel PKD1 variants were identified in this study. We demonstrated that the modified LRNS method achieves high sensitivity and specificity for detecting pathogenic variants of ADPKD.
Traumatic Brain Injury Disrupts Cerebrovascular Tone Through Endothelial Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Nitric Oxide Gain of Function
Authors: Villalba Nuria , Sonkusare Swapnil K. , Longden Thomas A. , Tran Tram L. , Sackheim Adrian M. , Nelson Mark T. , Wellman George C. , Freeman Kalev
Published: December 2014

Background

Traumatic brain injury (
TBI
) has been reported to increase the concentration of nitric oxide (
NO
) in the brain and can lead to loss of cerebrovascular tone; however, the sources, amounts, and consequences of excess
NO
on the cerebral vasculature are unknown. Our objective was to elucidate the mechanism of decreased cerebral artery tone after
TBI
.

Methods and Results

Cerebral arteries were isolated from rats 24 hours after moderate fluid‐percussion
TBI
. Pressure‐induced increases in vasoconstriction (myogenic tone) and smooth muscle Ca
2+
were severely blunted in cerebral arteries after
TBI
. However, myogenic tone and smooth muscle Ca
2+
were restored by inhibition of
NO
synthesis or endothelium removal, suggesting that
TBI
increased endothelial
NO
levels. Live native cell
NO
, indexed by 4,5‐diaminofluorescein (DAF‐2 DA) fluorescence, was increased in endothelium and smooth muscle of cerebral arteries after
TBI
. Clamped concentrations of 20 to 30 nmol/L
NO
were required to simulate the loss of myogenic tone and increased (DAF‐2T) fluorescence observed following
TBI
. In comparison, basal
NO
in control arteries was estimated as 0.4 nmol/L. Consistent with
TBI
causing enhanced
NO
‐mediated vasodilation, inhibitors of guanylyl cyclase, protein kinase G, and large‐conductance Ca
2+
‐activated potassium (
BK
) channel restored function of arteries from animals with TBI. Expression of the inducible isoform of
NO
synthase was upregulated in cerebral arteries isolated from animals with TBI, and the
inducible isoform of NO synthase
inhibitor 1400W restored myogenic responses following
TBI
.

Conclusions

The mechanism of profound cerebral artery vasodilation after
TBI
is a gain of function in vascular
NO
production by 60‐fold over controls, resulting from upregulation of the inducible isoform of NO synthase in the endothelium.
An Intuitive Synthesizer of Continuous-Interaction Sounds: Rubbing, Scratching, and Rolling
Authors: Conan Simon , Thoret Etienne , Aramaki Mitsuko , Derrien Olivier , Gondre Charles , Ystad Sølvi , Kronland-Martinet Richard
Published: December 2014

In this article, we propose a control strategy for synthesized continuous-interaction sounds. The framework of our research is based on the action–object paradigm that describes the sound as the result of an action on an object and that presumes the existence of sound invariants (i.e., perceptually relevant signal morphologies that carry information about the action's or the object's attributes). Auditory cues are investigated here for the evocations of rubbing, scratching, and rolling interactions. A generic sound-synthesis model that simulates these interactions is detailed. We then suggest an intuitive control strategy that enables users to navigate continuously from one interaction to another in an “action space,” thereby offering the possibility to simulate morphed interactions—for instance, ones that morph between rubbing and rolling.
Can Ratings Have Indirect Effects? Evidence from the Organizational Response to Peers’ Environmental Ratings
Authors: Sharkey Amanda J. , Bromley Patricia
Published: December 2014

Organizations are increasingly subject to rating and ranking by third-party evaluators. Research in this area tends to emphasize the direct effects of ratings systems that occur when ratings give key audiences, such as consumers or investors, more information about a rated firm. Yet, ratings systems may also indirectly influence organizations when the collective presence of more rated peers alters the broader institutional and competitive milieu. Rated firms may be more responsive to ratings systems when surrounded by more rated peers, and ratings may generate diffuse or spillover effects even among unrated firms. We test these arguments by analyzing how rated and unrated firms change their pollution behavior when more firms in their peer group are rated on environmental performance. Results indicate that the presence of more rated peers is often associated with emissions reductions. This relationship varies, however, by whether a firm was rated, whether the rating was positive or negative (if rated), and, often, features of the competitive and regulatory environment.
Future moves: Forward-oriented studies of culture, society, and technology
Authors: Schulz Markus S
Published: December 2014

This article introduces the monograph on Future Moves. It discusses sociology’s re-emerging concern for the future and the general approach on which the contributors converge despite diverse theoretical provenances, thematic focuses, and social settings. It explains how the studies in this publication contribute to the strengthening of a future-oriented sociology and studies of culture, society, and technology.
Building on anticipation: Dystopia as empowerment
Authors: Claisse Frédéric , Delvenne Pierre
Published: December 2014

A dystopia is the depiction of a dark future based on the systematic amplification of current trends and features. It relates to a complex narrative posture that relies on the critical observation of a threatening present that would lead to an apocalyptic future ‘if nothing was done’. Yet, however inescapable this future may be described as, the very existence of such a narrative presupposes that the political community it tries to reach is actually able to do something to thwart it. Oddly enough, a successful dystopia aims at making itself obsolete: once the world it depicts is identified as a possible future, it seems to empower its readers again, restoring a ‘sense of possibilities’ that eventually makes alternative pathways thinkable. The authors of this article propose to add to the range of commonly accepted dystopian novelists such as George Orwell or Aldous Huxley sociologists such as Ulrich Beck or scientists such as Eric Drexler. Through various examples, the article defends the notion that the dystopian posture can be used to characterize both fiction and non-fiction writers: a common ability, based on the same set of inextricably cognitive and normative patterns, to anticipate the future and eventually empower political communities to engage in further action.
MERS and global health governance
Authors: Youde Jeremy
Published: December 2014

The contemporary global health governance system has evolved over 150 years to facilitate cooperation among states in dealing with cross-border health concerns. This article uses the current outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) to examine global health governance’s history, evolution, and status within the political science literature. In particular, the article focuses on the International Health Regulations and the World Health Organization as leading elements of the global health governance system in order to examine both how the system operates and what its shortcomings are.
Cultural dislocation in Monica Ali’s Brick Lane: Freedom or anomie?
Authors: Rezaie Ali
Published: December 2014

Underlying Monica Ali’s endorsement of liberalism in her novel Brick Lane is a critique of the culturally relativistic views promoted by advocates of postcolonialism and multiculturalism in the West. Stressing the universality of the desire for freedom and autonomy, Ali’s liberal point of view seeks to shed light on the predicament of less powerful members of non-Western cultures, such as women, who are oppressed by the customs and traditions of their cultures. By employing a liberal perspective, however, Ali not only oversimplifies the cultural concerns of the Bangladeshi immigrants in England but also reproduces a problematic and stereotypical picture of Bangladesh. Thus, she vindicates postcolonial arguments regarding the inadequacies of liberal perspectives in understanding non-Western societies and cultures. Espousing different perceptions of cultures and individual agency, Ali and her postcolonial critics also stand for two distinct sets of concerns, experiences, and aspirations. In opposing one another, these two perspectives serve to complicate our overall conceptions of non-Western societies and cultures.
Traumatic and Mystical Experiences
Authors: Ataria Yochai
Published: December 2014

This article examines the similarity between the mystical experience and the traumatic experience, the latter involving a fundamental threat to life or bodily integrity. Despite the necessary caution and reservations, there are many similarities between these two kinds of experience. Indeed, the resemblance is not restricted to a phenomenological description but is far more deeply rooted: a result of the subject’s encounter with nothingness. This comparison provides us with an opportunity to improve our understanding of both the traumatic and the mystical experience as well as phenomena such as Posttraumatic Growth and Spiritual Crisis.
Untangling the Dynamics of Judicial Decision Making and Inmates’ Free Exercise Claims
Authors: Meade Benjamin , Burrow John D.
Published: December 2014

The federal courts have played a central role in establishing important rights for inmates, including the Free Exercise of religion. However, there is little empirical research on the nexus between court decision making, inmates’ Free Exercise claims, and correctional policies/practices. This research is an attempt to understand this decision-making dynamic by using a sample of 330 federal cases from 2000 to 2007 to examine legal and nonlegal factors that are suspected to affect Free Exercise claims. Importantly, security concerns and legal precedents are among the strongest predictors of whether courts will find in favor of inmates who make Free Exercise claims.
Barriers, Blinders, and Unbeknownst Experts
Authors: Myers Randolph R.
Published: December 2014

This article details the various access barriers negotiated by the author in conducting qualitative interviews with young women in a county-level juvenile justice system. After discussing how these obstacles shaped and delayed this particular project, the importance of qualitative research for understanding the more nuanced facets and consequences of juvenile justice is demonstrated by analyzing one young woman’s reflections on how youth justice shaped her life. Reflecting on the insights of this “unbeknownst expert,” it is argued that one of the clearest windows into the larger social forces that condition whether or not a program or set of policies “works”—the words of young people—remains covered, in large part because of the access barriers analyzed here. The importance of creating an alternative to such a partial criminology of juvenile justice is discussed.
Modelling the dynamics of regional employment–population ratios and their commonality
Authors: Dixon Robert , Lim Guay
Published: December 2014

This paper looks at movements over time in regional employment–population ratios, an important and much neglected determinant of regional performance. We utilise data on gross flows into and out of employment and focus on information contained in the transition rates. The paper applies an unobserved components econometric model to a panel of Australian data to identify and explain the evolution of regional employment–population ratios over time. The approach identifies a common (i.e. nationwide) factor while allowing for region-specific effects, including region-specific impacts of the common factor. The contribution of the common factor to changes in regional employment–population ratios ranges between 38% and 80%. Conversely, regional elements explain between 20% and 62% of changes. The findings highlight the importance of adopting explicit regional employment policies as a complement to national policy.
The way towards land consumption: Soil sealing and polycentric development in Barcelona
Authors: Salvati Luca , Carlucci Margherita
Published: December 2014

This paper concerns the debate on polycentric development and land consumption in growing urban regions. The aim of this study is to verify if urban morphology reflects the transition from a mono-centric and hyper-compact form centred on Barcelona (Spain) towards a polycentric agglomeration based on subcentres functionally distinct from the head city. The spatial distribution of impervious land by municipal unit has been investigated under three spatial domains (province, metropolitan region and metropolitan area of Barcelona). Soil sealing indicators have been analysed using descriptive, inferential and multivariate statistical techniques. Sealing intensity and diversification decreased with the distance from the centre of Barcelona, while per-capita sealed land was low in the central city and much higher and stable in peripheral municipalities. Our results shed light on Barcelona’s long-term expansion, providing evidence in favour of settlement scattering instead of a genuine polycentric structure. The article finally debates the use of soil sealing indicators for the assessment of polycentric or scattered urban development in the Mediterranean region.
Does Government Oversight Improve Access to Nursing Home Care? Longitudinal Evidence From US Counties
Authors: Howard Larry L.
Published: December 2014

Gains in life expectancy around the world have increasingly placed pressure on governments to ensure that the elderly receive assistance with activities of daily living. This research examines the impact of government oversight of Medicaid payment policies on access to nursing home care services in the United States. Variation in price levels induced by a federal policy shift in 1997 is used to identify the effect of Medicaid reimbursements on the number of nursing homes and beds available. Court rulings prior to the policy change are used to categorically define a range of oversight treatments at the state level. Difference-in-differences estimates indicate a significant decline in access to nursing home care services for individuals living in states in which courts consistently ruled that Medicaid reimbursements did not meet the minimum standard implied by federal law. The findings suggest that nursing home care services were made more accessible through a combination of legislative and judicial oversight of Medicaid payment policies.
Security and citizenship in the global South: In/securing citizens in early republican Turkey (1923–1946)
Authors: Bilgin Pinar , Ince Basak
Published: December 2014

The relationship between security and citizenship is more complex than media portrayals based on binary oppositions seem to suggest (included/excluded, security/insecurity), or mainstream approaches to International Relations (IR) and security seem to acknowledge. This is particularly the case in the post-imperial and/or postcolonial contexts of global South where the transition of people from subjecthood to citizenship is better understood as a process of in/securing. For, people were secured domestically as they became citizens with access to a regime of rights and duties. People were also secured internationally as citizens of newly independent ‘nation-states’ who were protected against interventions and/or ‘indirect rule’ by the (European) International Society, whose practices were often justified on grounds of the former’s ‘failings’ in meeting the so-called ‘standards of civilization’. Yet, people were also rendered insecure as they sought to approximate and/or resist the citizen imaginaries of the newly established ‘nation-states’. The article illustrates this argument by looking at the case of Turkey in the early Republican era (1923–1946).
What Drives Perceived Fairness of Performance Appraisal? Exploring the Effects of Psychological Contract Fulfillment on Employees’ Perceived Fairness of Performance Appraisal in U.S. Federal Agencies
Authors: Harrington James R. , Lee Ji Han
Published: December 2014

While the recent literature acknowledges the importance of performance appraisal fairness in high-performing organizations, one of the major challenges facing human resource management (HRM) is establishing both an effective and a fair performance appraisal system; yet little is known about the key organizational and psychological factors that affect employees’ perception of performance appraisal fairness, especially in public organizations. In regards to employees’ perception of performance appraisal fairness, most studies have focused on the structural factors rather than the cognitive or psychological perspectives. Particularly, one of the key overlooked factors driving employees’ perceived fairness of performance appraisal is psychological contract fulfillment, which describes the expectations between an employee and the employer and what each gives and expects in return from the other. This study examines whether psychological contract fulfillments are associated with employees’ perceived fairness of performance appraisals in U.S. federal agencies. Using the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, this study finds that psychological contract fulfillments have a positive impact on federal employees’ perceived fairness of performance appraisals.
This Old Thing? Using Old Laboratory Equipment to Enhance Student Learning
Authors: Elcoro Mirari , McCarley Nancy
Published: December 2014

Using a surplus of older laboratory instruments, 48 students in a learning and behavior course completed an assignment designed to provide an introduction to the history and use of some instruments in psychology. Students worked in pairs, were assigned one instrument, and created labels in which they identified several keys characteristics of an instrument. Assessments indicated that students learned from and also enjoyed this assignment. Sixteen of the 48 students presented and demonstrated each instrument to 19 students enrolled in a history and systems class. Pre- and posttest assessments in the history and systems class indicated significant increases in knowledge about these instruments. This is a simple, versatile activity than can be used in a variety of psychology courses.
A novel nonlinear model predictive control design based on a hybrid particle swarm optimization-sequential quadratic programming algorithm: application to an evaporator system
Authors: Rajabi Farshad , Rezaie Behrooz , Rahmani Zahra
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a hybrid algorithm by combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) with sequential quadratic programming (SQP) to handle the optimization part of the nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC). In the proposed method, a nonlinear model of the plant is directly applied to predict the future behaviour of the system for a certain horizon. In each sampling time a constrained nonlinear optimization (CNO) problem has to be solved in order to find the optimizing input sequence with predefined length. These solutions minimize the errors between the predicted states and the desired ones of the system. Only the first optimizing input is applied to the system and the rest of the sequence is discarded. The whole prediction and optimization must be repeated for the next upcoming steps. The evolutionary and heuristic PSO algorithm in cooperation with the powerful local minimizing SQP algorithm can quickly find these optimizing solutions and also can satisfy the constrains. The evaporation process due to its nonlinear dynamics and the existence of disturbances affecting the evaporator is considered to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The simulation results show that the controller designed via the proposed approach can make the system track the reference commands and satisfy the restrictions properly. Moreover, based on the simulation results it can be seen that this approach is more efficient in comparison with the NMPC method, in which only the SQP algorithm has been utilized for optimization, and also the linear model predictive control method.
Study of dynamics of structured knowledge: Qualitative analysis of different mapping approaches
Authors: Osinska Veslava , Bala Piotr
Published: December 2014

The authors compared three methods of mapping, considering the maps as a visual interface for the exploration of scientific articles related to computer science. Data were classified according to the original Computing Classification System (CCS) classification and co-categories were used for similarity metrics calculation. The authors’ approach based on MDS was enriched by algorithm mapping to spherical topology. Three other methods were based on VOS, VxOrd and SOM mapping techniques. Visualization of the classified collection was done for three different decades. Tracking the changes in visualization patterns, the authors sought the method that would reveal the real evolution of the CCS scheme, which is still being updated by the editorial board. Comparative analysis is based on qualitative methods. Changes in those properties over two decades were evaluated for the benefit of the authors’ method of mapping. The qualitative analysis shows clustering of proper categories and overlapping of other ones in the authors’ approach, which corresponds to the current changes in the classification scheme and computer science literature.
Keyword-based mobile semantic search using mobile ontology
Authors: Shin Sangjin , Ko Jihoon , Eom Sungkwang , Song Minjae , Shin Dong-Hoon , Lee Kyong-Ho
Published: December 2014

A large volume of mobile data is being generated and shared among mobile devices such as smartphones. Most of the mobile platforms provide a user with a keyword-based full text search (FTS) in order to search for mobile data. However, FTS only returns the data corresponding to the keywords given by users as results without considering a user’s query intention. To overcome this limitation, we propose a semantically enhanced keyword-based search method. Although there are various semantic search techniques, it is hard to apply existing methods to mobile devices just as they are. This is caused by the characteristics of mobile devices such as isolated database structures and limited computing resources. To enable semantic search on mobile devices, we also propose a lightweight mobile ontology. Experimental results from the prototype implementation of the proposed method show that the proposed method provides a better user experience than the conventional FTS and returns accurate search results in an acceptable response time.
Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Leptin Levels in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Chen Xiong , Niu Xun , Xiao Ying , Dong Jiaqi , Lu Meixia , Kong Weijia
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), but previous studies assessing the effect of CPAP on leptin in patients with OSAHS yielded conflicting results. In this study, we conducted a meta‐analysis to determine whether CPAP therapy could reduce serum leptin levels.

Data Sources

Databases of PubMed, Elsevier, and SCI were thoroughly searched by 2 independent reviewers.

Methods

RevMan (version 5.2) was used for data synthesis. Weighted mean difference (WMD) before and after CPAP therapy was calculated to estimate the effects of CPAP therapy.

Results

A total of 11 studies involving 413 participants were included. Meta‐analysis showed that the total WMD for leptin levels was 1.44 units (95% confidence interval: 1.11‐1.77, P <. 01) before and after CPAP therapy. Subgroup analysis exhibited that leptin was decreased within 3 days after the therapy, and it was further reduced within 1 to 3 months and beyond.

Conclusions

The results of our meta‐analysis showed that CPAP could significantly reduce leptin levels in OSAHS patients without concomitant weight loss.
We ought to be here: Historicizing space and mobilization in Tahrir Square
Authors: Said Atef
Published: December 2014

This article explores the role of space in social movements, through an examination of the case of Tahrir Square in the Egyptian revolution of 2011. The author argues that the pre-existing, historically specific understanding of Tahrir Square as a politicized space of protest drew people there in January 2011 and shaped their participation in the revolution. Specifically, the author suggests that earlier mobilizations that took place in Tahrir Square contributed to the events of the revolution in three ways: (1) provided protesters with an idea about Tahrir as a target of protests, (2) provided protesters with the idea of occupation of Tahrir, and (3) provided protesters with an inspiration in the revolution. The article contributes to the literature in sociology of space and social movements by proposing that the history of space in social movements and previous mobilization matters, but also these may shape the new movement and the role of space in protest. This article is part of the author’s research about the Egyptian revolution of 2011. It is based on two phases of historical and ethnographic research in Egypt conducted in 2011 and 2012.
Association of goals of care meetings for hospitalized cancer patients at risk for critical care with patient outcomes
Authors: Apostol Colleen C , Waldfogel Julie M , Pfoh Elizabeth R , List Donald , Billing Lynn S , Nesbit Suzanne A , Dy Sydney Morss
Published: December 2014

Background:

Caring for cancer patients with advanced and refractory disease requires communication about care preferences, particularly when patients become ill enough to be at risk for critical care interventions potentially inconsistent with their preferences.

Aim:

To describe the use of goals of care discussions in patients with advanced/refractory cancer at risk for critical care interventions and evaluate associations between these discussions and outcomes.

Design:

Cohort study describing patients/families’ perceptions of goals of care meetings and comparing health care utilization outcomes of patients who did and did not have discussions.

Setting/participants:

Inpatient units of an academic cancer center. Included patients had metastatic solid tumors or relapsed/refractory lymphoma or leukemia and were at risk for critical care, defined as requiring supplemental oxygen and/or cardiac monitor.

Results:

Of 86 patients enrolled, 34 (39%) had a reported goals of care discussion (study group). Patients/families reported their needs and goals were addressed moderately to quite a bit during the meetings. Patients in the study group were less likely to receive critical care (0% vs 22%, p = 0.003) and more likely to be discharged to hospice (48% vs 30%, p = 0.04) than the control group. Only one patient in the study group died during the index hospitalization (on comfort care) (3%) compared with 9(17%) in the control group ( p = 0.08).

Conclusion:

Goals of care meetings for advanced/refractory cancer inpatients at risk for critical care interventions can address patient and family goals and needs and improve health care utilization. These meetings should be part of routine care for these patients.