bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineralogy, geochemistry and geotectonic significance of harzburgites from the southern Dramala upper mantle suite, Pindos ophiolite complex, NW Greece
Authors: Kapsiotis Argyrios N.
Published: November 2014

The Dramala massif, located in the Dinarides–Hellenides orogenic belt, forms the mantle section of the Neotethyan Pindos ophiolite complex in NW continental Greece. Its southern domain is comprised mainly of voluminous harzburgite masses with variable clinopyroxene and olivine modal abundances, ranging from clinopyroxene‐bearing to typical and olivine‐rich harzburgites. The harzburgite varieties are characterized by elevated Cr# [Cr/(Cr + Al)] in Cr‐spinel (0.43–0.79), high forsterite (Fo) content in olivine (0.90–0.93), low Al2O3 content in clinopyroxene (≤1.77 wt.%) and poor whole‐rock abundances of Al2O3 (≤0.68 wt.%), CaO (≤0.68 wt.%), Sc (≤11 ppm) and REE, which are indicative of their refractory nature. In terms of fO2 values, the southern Pindos harzburgites plot between the FMQ‐2 (Fayalite–Magnetite–Quartz) and FMQ + 2 buffers. Simple batch and fractional melting models are not sufficient to explain their depleted composition. Their Ni/Yb ratios vs. Yb bulk‐rock abundances can be reproduced by up to 22–31% closed‐system non‐modal dynamic melting of an assumed spinel‐bearing lherzolite source. Cr‐spinel chemistry data suggest that the southern Dramala harzburgites were formed in an oceanic centre and then were reworked in the mantle wedge above a subducted slab. Combined petrographic and compositional data indicate that the studied harzburgites interacted with arc‐derived tholeiitic melts. This interaction resulted in substantial olivine and minor Cr‐spinel addition to the studied harzburgites, thus enhancing their refractoriness. Cryptic metasomatism was plausibly responsible for the demolition of any strong geochemical signatures suggestive of a previous melting event in a spreading centre. Comparable observations from the neighbouring Vourinos suite imply that the southern Dramala harzburgites probably represent an arc/fore‐arc mantle region within the mutual Pindos–Vourinos, Mesohellenic lithospheric mantle. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PKC/MEK inhibitors suppress oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy and potentiate the antitumor effects
Authors: Tsubaki Masanobu , Takeda Tomoya , Tani Tadahumi , Shimaoka Hirotaka , Suzuyama Naohiro , Sakamoto Kotaro , Fujita Arisa , Ogawa Naoki , Itoh Tatsuki , Imano Motohiro , Funakami Yoshinori , Ichida Seiji , Satou Takao , Nishida Shozo
Published: November 2014

Oxaliplatin is a key drug commonly used in colorectal cancer treatment. Despite high clinical efficacy, its therapeutic application is limited by common, dose‐limiting occurrence of neuropathy. As usual symptomatic neuropathy treatments fail to improve the patients' condition, there is an urgent need to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of neuropathy to propose effective therapy and ensure adequate pain management. Oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy was recently reported to be associated with protein kinase C (PKC) activation. It is unclear, however, whether PKC inhibition can prevent neuropathy. In our current studies, we found that a PKC inhibitor, tamoxifen, inhibited oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy via the PKC/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/c‐Fos pathway in lumbar spinal cords (lumbar segments 4–6). Additionally, tamoxifen was shown to act in synergy with oxaliplatin to inhibit growth in tumor cells‐implanted mice. Moreover, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor, PD0325901, suppressed oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy and enhanced oxaliplatin efficacy. Our results indicate that oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy is associated with PKC/ERK/c‐Fos pathway in lumbar spinal cord. Additionally, we demonstrate that disruption of this pathway by PKC and MEK inhibitors suppresses oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy, thereby suggesting that PKC and MEK inhibitors may be therapeutically useful in preventing oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy and could aid in combination antitumor pharmacotherapy.
Adjustment and Long‐Run Economic Performance in 18 African Countries
Authors: Gebregziabher Fiseha
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the link between IMF‐World Bank stabilisation‐cum‐structural adjustment programs and long‐run economic performance in 18 African countries on a country‐specific basis for the period 1960–2009. We employ a structural break approach to study the impact on long‐run growth trajectories of the introduction of adjustment programs. The analysis reveals that only few countries have shown positive and sustained results. The traditional (first‐generation) Fund‐Bank adjustment package is linked with sustained increase in Gross Domestic Product, export and investment growth rates only in two countries (Ghana and Uganda). Many African economies remained on theirpre‐reform growth paths whereas some others experienced growth deceleration, despite more‐than‐a‐decade‐long adjustment. Taken as a whole, countries in the CFA franc currency zone fared much worse than their non‐CFA counterparts because of the different adjustment strategies pursued. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate change effects on crop yields in Serbia and related shifts of Köppen climate zones under the SRES‐A1B and SRES‐A2
Authors: Mihailović D. T. , Lalić B. , Drešković N. , Mimić G. , Djurdjević V. , Jančić M.
Published: November 2014

We considered shifts in the Köppen climate zones and the corresponding impact on the crop yields in Serbia by comparing (1) the results of downscaling with the ECMWF Hamburg Atmospheric Model 5 (ECHAM5) and regional Eta Belgrade University (EBU)‐Princeton Ocean Model (POM) model for the A1B and A2 scenarios over 2001–2030 and 2071–2100 and (2) the present climate simulations for the period 1961−1990. We analyzed the EBU‐POM regional climate model complexity by calculating the corresponding metrics. The yields of winter wheat, maize and soybeans were evaluated with the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model.

In the future, the Köppen climate zones of Serbia will shift in coverage percentage and altitude from the present climate simulations toward warmer and drier climate zones. The calculated climate indices feature changes in the following parameters: increases in the mean annual temperature, growing season temperature, number of growing degree days (higher than 5 °C) and the frequency of tropical days; and decreases in the mean annual precipitation, growing season precipitation and frequency of frost days. Yields of crops (winter wheat, maize and soybeans) will increase on average under both scenarios, with the exception of maize in non‐irrigated conditions and under the A2 scenario.
Raman microspectroscopic analysis of pigments of the Gothic wall painting from the Dominican Monastery in Ptuj (Slovenia)
Authors: Gutman Maja , Lesar‐Kikelj Martina , Mladenovič Ajda , Čobal‐Sedmak Vlasta , Križnar Anabelle , Kramar Sabina
Published: November 2014

The study deals with the characterization of pigments from the newly discovered wall painting at the Dominican Monastery in Ptuj (Slovenia) in order to acquire detailed information about the technology used, as well as to identify the deterioration products. The uncovered wall painting, depicting a vivid procession of riders, is dated to the late 14thcentury. Painting techniques and pigments were analysed by optical microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. The optical microscope revealed that the wall painting was executed in a lime technique characteristic of the Central‐European artistic expression. Several natural and synthetic inorganic pigments, such as azurite, red and yellow ochres, cinnabar, red lead, lead white, lime white, lead–tin yellow type I and carbon black were identified. Surprising identification of the type I of lead–tin yellow used already in the 14thcentury is of high importance, since, until now, it was considered that it appeared on the market only in the first half of the 15thcentury. Plattnerite was observed as a result of degradation of lead pigments. The use of expensive azurite and cinnabar could indicate a wealthy client. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐modified silicone T‐tubes for prevention of tracheal stenosis in a rabbit model
Authors: Choi Jeong‐Seok , Lim Jae‐Yol , Park In S. , Seo Si Y. , Joung Yoon K. , Han Dong K. , Kim Young‐Mo
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study was conducted to determine whether a surface‐modified tracheal T‐tube can prevent tracheal stenosis in a rabbit model.

Study Design

Animal model study.

Methods

We designed surface‐modified tracheal T‐tubes in which silicone rubber was modified by coating it with hyaluronic acid (HA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Sixteen rabbits were divided into four insertion groups: normal, silicone tube, silicone tube coated with HA, and silicone tube coated with PEG. Surface‐modified tubes were inserted into the tracheal lumen after a scraping injury on the inner tracheal mucosa around the preformed tracheostoma. Laryngoscopy was performed to evaluate formation of stenosis in the trachea. Histological examinations were performed to evaluate epithelial thickness, inflammatory response, and fibrosis.

Results

Endoscopic finding showed that the HA‐ and PEG‐coated tube groups had less granulation tissue in the trachea than the noncoated tube group. Greater epithelialization was observed in the noncoated tube group than in the normal group. HA‐ and PEG‐coated tube groups showed a tendency to decreasing epithelialization compared with the noncoated tube group. More inflammatory cells were observed in the noncoated tube group than in the normal group, and fewer inflammatory cells were observed in the HA‐ and PEG‐coated tube groups than in the noncoated tube group. The noncoated tube group showed a greater area of fibrosis than the HA‐ and PEG‐coated tube groups.

Conclusions

A surface‐modified tracheal T‐tube may have a favorable effect on reducing tracheal stenosis in a rabbit model. We suggest that local application of HA and PEG should be further researched for prevention of tracheal stenosis. Our rabbit model could be helpful in providing an additional scenario for evaluating new strategies to prevent tracheal stenosis.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:1465–1471, 2015
Treatment of epilepsy by stimulation of the vagus nerve from Head‐and‐Neck surgical point of view
Authors: Lotan Gad , Vaiman Michael
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The current article is dedicated to the surgical aspect of the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and our efforts to improve the surgical technique. The aim was to reduce the side effect/surgical complication rate as well as the time needed for this surgery.

Study Design

A case series.

Methods

The surgical data of 72 consecutive patients (age 4–14) who were operated for VNS device implantation from 2007 to 2014 were collected and analyzed. We designed the new surgical protocol that was implemented in all 72 cases and analyzed postsurgical side effects/complication rates. This protocol suggests low neck incision, detecting the vagus between the heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, a submuscular pocket for the device, and a short tunnel between it and the vagus electrodes.

Results

The implantation took about 40 minutes; 4.2% of the patients (n = 3) were afflicted by complications related to surgery; and one patient (1.4%) suffered from hardware malfunctions. Side effects related to VNS therapy itself occurred in seven cases (6.9%).

Conclusion

To minimize laryngeal complications in implantation surgery for VNS devices, the surgical technique should be significantly modified, and lower neck incision could be implemented together with a submuscular pocket for the battery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1352–1355, 2015
An objective comparison regarding rate of fistula and stricture among anterolateral thigh, radial forearm, and jejunal free tissue transfers in circumferential pharyngo‐esophageal reconstruction
Authors: Tan Ngian Chye , Lin Pao‐Yuan , Kuo Pao‐Jen , Tsai Yun‐Ta , Chen Yen‐Chou , Nguyen Khanh Thien , Kuo Yur‐Ren
Published: November 2014

Background

The three commonly used free flaps for circumferential pharyngeal reconstruction after total pharyngo‐laryngectomy are the radial forearm flap (RFF), the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, and the jejunum flap. This study was to objectively compare three different flaps for pharyngeal reconstruction during the past 10 years. Stricture and fistula were assessed using esophagogram and esophagoscopy.

Methods

Forty‐five patients with pharyngeal reconstructions had esophagram and esophagoscopy done postoperatively to assess for strictures and fistulas. These patients were divided into three groups based on pharyngeal reconstruction by ALT, RFF, and jejunal flaps. From the results of the esophagogram and esophagoscope, the presence of a fistula or stricture was compared and analyzed.

Results

There was only one ALT flap failure. The rate of fistula was 33%, 50%, and 30% in the ALT, RFF, and jejunal flap group respectively. The fistula rate revealed no significant difference between ALT, RFF, jejunal flap groups (P = 0.63). The rate of stricture was 38.1%, 57.1%, and 0% in the ALT, RFA, jejunal flap groups respectively. The stricture rate in jejunal flap group revealed significant decrease (P = 0.0093).

Conclusion

Jejunal flap has a significantly lower rate of stricture for reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects when compared with RFF or ALT flaps. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:345–349, 2015.
Mathematical analysis of the transmission dynamics of brucellosis among bison
Authors: Abatih Emmanuel , Ron Lenin , Speybroeck Niko , Williams Brian , Berkvens Dirk
Published: November 2014

In this study, a mathematical model previously proposed for the transmission dynamics of brucellosis among bison was mathematically analyzed. Our qualitative and quantitative findings support the general hypothesis that the infection will vanish from the herd when the basic reproduction number R0<1 and will persist otherwise. A global sensitivity analysis was conducted, and the results of the Sobol indices indicated that the rate of loss of resistance (δ) and the recovery rate (v) were responsible for most of the variability in the expected number of infectious bison. On the other hand, according to the partial ranked correlation coefficients, the density‐dependent reduction in birth (φ), the mortality rate (m), the transmission coefficient (β), and the recovery rate (v) exerted very high (and negative) correlations with the number of infectious bison, whereas the rate of loss of resistance (δ) and the calving rate (a) exerted very high (and positive) correlations with the number of infectious bison. Control measures should therefore aim at increasing the magnitude of φ, m, and v and reducing those of δ and a. In addition, experimental studies are needed to precisely estimate the rate of loss of resistance and the recovery rate in order to increase the accuracy of the expected number of infectious bison. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Core outcomes and definitions for pediatric fever and neutropenia research: A consensus statement from an international panel
Authors: Haeusler Gabrielle M. , Phillips Robert S. , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Thursky Karin A. , Sung Lillian , Ammann Roland A.
Published: November 2014

Background

There are no specific recommendations for the design and reporting of studies of children with fever and neutropenia (FN). As a result, there is marked heterogeneity in the variables and outcomes that are reported and new definitions continue to emerge. These inconsistencies hinder the ability of researchers and clinicians to compare, contrast and combine results. The objective was to achieve expert consensus on a core set of variables and outcomes that should be measured and reported, as a minimum, in pediatric FN studies.

Procedure

The Delphi method was used to achieve consensus among an international group of clinicians, pharmacists, researchers, and patient representatives. Four surveys focusing on (i) the identification of a core set of variables and outcomes; and (ii) definitions of these variables and outcomes, were administered electronically. Consensus was predefined as more than 80% agreement on any statement.

Results

There were forty‐five survey participants and the response rate ranged between 84 and 96%. There was consensus on eight core variables and 10 core outcomes that should be collected and reported in all studies of children with FN. Consensus definitions were identified for all of the core outcomes.

Conclusion

Using the Delphi method, expert consensus on a set of core variables and outcomes, and their corresponding definitions, was achieved. These core sets represent the minimum that should be collected and reported in all studies of children with FN. This will promote collaboration and ensure consistency and comparability between studies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:483–489. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of the viscoelastic response of high temperature AS4‐12K/RP46 composites using a micromechanical approach
Authors: Sayyidmousavi Alireza , Bougherara Habiba , El Sawi Ihab , Fawaz Zouheir
Published: November 2014

The viscoelastic behavior of a RP46 polyimide resin is characterized at high temperature and the results are used within a micromechanical model to predict the viscoelastic response of a RP46 based carbon fiber composite. The creep master curve of the neat resin is obtained using the time temperature superposition principle (TTSP) from creep tests at three different temperatures, namely 180, 220, and 270°C. The viscoelastic behavior of RP46 is modeled based on Schapery's single integral constitutive equation whose Prony Series coefficients are obtained from the master curve. The acquired properties are then incorporated into a Simplified Unit Cell Micromechanical model to study the creep response of a RP46 resin based composite system. The advantage of this particular micromechanical model lies in its ability to give closed form expressions for the effective viscoelastic response of unidirectional composites as well as each of their constituents. Two types of nonlinearities were observed, one due to stress and the other due to temperature. Both of these nonlinearities can be modeled through the use of proper coefficients in the constitutive equation of the matrix material. The model predictions are found to be in good agreement with experimental results obtained from tests conducted on the RP46 resin based composite system. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1407–1414, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of the addition of a cover mold on resin flow and the quality of the finished product in vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding
Authors: Chen Dingding , Arakawa Kazuo , Uchino Masakazu
Published: November 2014

For vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), we propose adding a cover mold, inserted between the distribution medium and the peel ply, to achieve a higher fiber volume fraction in the final product. As the conventional VARTM process does not use a cover mold, improved processes using different rigid covers were explored. A three‐dimensional digital image correlation system was developed to monitor the thickness evolution of the vacuum package during the infusion stage. This system was validated as a full‐field displacement test. The results demonstrate that there are three advantages to using a cover mold. First, in the filling stage, a rigid cover mold can prevent shrinkage of the part at the resin flow front, and even cause slight expansion of the unsaturated part. This improves the resin flow and shortens the time required for complete infusion. Second, a cover mold can limit the amount of excess resin needed to infuse the saturated part. Third, in the postfilling stage, the cover mold can be used to accelerate extrusion of the excess resin in the package. The overall effect is to increase the fiber volume fraction in the final product. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1435–1442, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of nanocrystalline cellulose on morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of Nylon 6 composites
Authors: Yousefian Hajar , Rodrigue Denis
Published: November 2014

In this study, nanocomposites based on Nylon 6 and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) were prepared by melt compounding. Then, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties were analyzed for NCC content between 0 and 7 wt%. Morphological analyses showed different roughness in fractured surface of neat Nylon and its nanocomposites caused by the presence of NCC. Mechanical results showed that the optimum properties were obtained at 3% NCC which could be related to relatively good NCC dispersion at low concentrations with good Nylon‐NCC bonding. Overall, flexural (41%) and tensile (23%) moduli, as well as tensile strength (11%) were increased up to 3% of NCC. However, elongation at break and impact strength decreased with NCC addition. Finally, density and hardness showed only a small increase of 5 and 3%, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1473–1479, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
High performance graphene oxide‐modified polybenzoxazine resin
Authors: Xu Peijun , Cong Peiliang , Gao Zhao , Du Min , Wang Zhipeng , Su Xu , Zhao Xueqi
Published: November 2014

High performance polybenzoxazine resin can be obtained by introducing partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) into bis‐benzoxazine (B‐BOZ) resin to overcome the defects such as low char yield, weak mechanical properties, and poor toughness of B‐BOZ resin. By virtue of the good thermal resistance and graphitization acceleration of PRGO, thermal resistance especially char yield of B‐BOZ resin can be greatly improved to 62.1% at 800°C in nitrogen. Moreover, with the folds deformation and the crack deflection of PRGO in B‐BOZ resin, the mechanical properties such as flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the carbon fiber reinforced B‐BOZ composite, could be greatly increased by PRGO without a decrease on modulus of B‐BOZ composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1507–1514, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reinforcement of irradiated waste polyamide/reclaimed rubber powder composites with glass fiber
Authors: Hassan Medhat M. , Badway Nagwa A. , Elnaggar Mona Y. , Hegazy El‐Sayed A.
Published: November 2014

This article presents a preliminary investigation on the effects of gamma radiation and incorporating glass fiber (GF) into recycled polyamide/waste rubber powder (50/50) on mechanical, thermal properties. The samples were characterized by mechanical and thermal behaviors of the composites in different proportions. The incorporation of GF was found to improve the elastic modulus, tensile, and thermal properties and also improved by irradiation. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1539–1548, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and tribological behavior of alumina and alumina‐CNT reinforced hybrid unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Chakraborty Himel , Ray Dipa , Chattopadhyay Partha Protim
Published: November 2014

Micro‐ and nano‐scale wear behavior of alumina vis‐á‐vis alumina‐carbon nanotube‐reinforced hybrid composites has been studied. In comparison to the pristine alumina, the alumina‐carbon nanotube hybrid reinforcement resulted in reduced scratch depth and lower frictional coefficient. Addition of carbon nanotube has effectively modified the pristine alumina into a superior wear resistant filler. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1577–1586, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of surface modification of rice straw on mechanical and flow properties of TPU‐based green composites
Authors: Tayfun Umit , Dogan Mehmet , Bayramli Erdal
Published: November 2014

In this study, rice straw (RS) which was one of the major agricultural residues was used as filler in bio‐based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Several treatments including hot water, alkali, permanganate, peroxide and silane were applied for modifying the surface of RS. The effects of surface modifications on mechanical, flow, morphological, and water absorption properties of green composites were investigated at a constant 30 wt% RS loading. Silane treatment performed after alkaline treatment gave the highest tensile strength, elastic and storage modulus in mechanical tests and gave the lowest water uptake properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1596–1602, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Recent advances and challenges in plant phosphoproteomics
Authors: Silva‐Sanchez Cecilia , Li Haiying , Chen Sixue
Published: November 2014

Plants are sessile organisms that need to respond to environmental changes quickly and efficiently. They can accomplish this by triggering specialized signaling pathways often mediated by protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Phosphorylation is a fast response that can switch on or off a myriad of biological pathways and processes. Proteomics and MS are the main tools employed in the study of protein phosphorylation. Advances in the technologies allow simultaneous identification and quantification of thousands of phosphopeptides and proteins that are essential to understanding the sophisticated biological systems and regulations. In this review, we summarize the advances in phosphopeptide enrichment and quantitation, MS for phosphorylation site mapping and new data acquisition methods, databases and informatics, interpretation of biological insights and crosstalk with other PTMs, as well as future directions and challenges in the field of phosphoproteomics.
Potential biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma: Proteomics discovery and clinical validation
Authors: Ni Yan‐hong , Ding Liang , Hu Qin‐gang , Hua Zi‐Chun
Published: November 2014

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the worldwide concerned cancer. In spite of the advances in treatment, the 5‐year survival rate has only increased subtly during the past two decades, which is largely due to the advanced stages of disease at diagnosis and the frequent development of relapse and second primary tumors. Therefore, the identification of underlying OSCC protein biomarker during cancer initiation and progression could aid the diagnosis and treatment of OSCC. In this review, recent researches on proteomics analysis of tissue, saliva, and serum for early detection and evaluation aggressiveness and occurrence of OSCC were summarized. The emphasis is placed on early detection by tissues, saliva, and serum of patients with histologically defined OSCC patients. Although lots of researches for searching OSCC protein biomarker have done, few common protein biomarkers have been detected. Low‐redundant protein in tissues, saliva, and serum from OSCC may more accurately reflected the progression of OSCC, so novel approach for the depth research strategy and the sample choice for proteomics are of importance in OSCC biomarker discovery.
Consistency in Administration and Response for the Backward Push and Release Test: A Clinical Assessment of Postural Responses
Authors: Smith Beth A. , Carlson‐Kuhta Patricia , Horak Fay B.
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose

The backward push and release test (PRT) is a standardized clinical test of postural responses elicited by perturbations. Our goal was to determine reliability of administration and response. This will inform clinical administration and determine whether to develop an instrumented version.

Methods

One examiner administered 10 backward PRT trials to adults with Parkinson disease (12), multiple sclerosis (14) and controls (12). We used three‐dimensional motion analysis, force plates and instrumented gloves to measure administration and response. Administration variables were angle of posterior trunk lean and the distance of the centre of mass (CoM) behind the ankle. Postural response variables were latency of postural response from release to step initiation and first compensatory step length. Reliability was measured using the range of variables across trials, comparison of first and later trials, intraclass correlations (ICCs) to measure consistency and correlations between administration and response.

Results

There was inherent variability in administration, which affected postural response characteristics. Larger trunk angle and greater CoM–ankle distance were correlated with shorter postural response latencies and larger step lengths. Participant height also had an effect; taller participants had larger trunk angles prior to release resulting in longer latencies and larger step lengths. Using ICCs, consistency of trunk angle was likely acceptable and CoM–ankle distance was high. Consistency of latency was low, while step length was likely acceptable.

Discussion

Despite variability in administration and inconsistency in response, different postural response characteristics were detected between patients with different disease states. Based on these results, we will create algorithms to instrument the PRT using inertial movement sensors to collect more sensitive measures of postural responses than observational clinical rating scales. Feedback for appropriate lean angle and calibration for participant height will improve consistency and usefulness of the instrumented PRT. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alogliptin – a new DPP‐4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Farooqi Azhar
Published: November 2014

Alogliptin (Vipidia), the latest DPP‐4 inhibitor, is licensed as second‐line therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Steve Chaplin presents the data relating to its efficacy and adverse events and Azhar Farooqi outlines its place in therapy.
Face recognition under varying illumination based on gradientface and local features
Authors: Song Tao , Xiang Ke , Wang Xuan‐Yin
Published: November 2014

Illumination variation is among the several bottlenecks in a practical face recognition system. Extracting illumination‐invariant features, such as the gradient‐based descriptor, is an effective method to deal with this problem and shows outstanding performance. In this paper, a novel illumination‐invariant, histogram‐based descriptor, namely local Gradientface XOR and binary pattern (LGXBP), is proposed to enhance the recognition performance of gradient‐based method under varying lighting conditions. To this end, first, this approach transforms a face image into the logarithm domain and obtains a pair of illumination‐insensitive components. Then the two components are encoded further by local XOR patterns and local binary patterns, respectively, to get compact descriptors and histogram representations, which not only preserve illumination invariance but also gain more discriminating power. Finally, the complementary histograms are integrated for face recognition. Comparative experimental results verify the effectiveness of our approach and show that LGXBP achieves superior recognition rates and a high degree of stability under varying illumination conditions, outperforming most of the state‐of‐the‐art methods. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Men and alcohol: benefits and hazards
Authors: Chick Jonathan
Published: November 2014

Alcohol is a clever molecule. It can act as catalyst in male bonding but as a solvent in many other relationships, being responsible for dissolving men's partnerships, both personal and commercial. Business deals and marriages are toasted in alcohol, but ethanol conspires in many ruptures.
Management of incontinence after prostate surgery
Authors: Veeratterapillay Rajan , Lavin Victoria , Garthwaite Mary
Published: November 2014

In this article, the authors summarise the evaluation of the incontinent male and provide an overview of treatment strategies, particularly focusing on post‐prostatectomy incontinence.
Severe mental illness and the GP Quality and Outcomes Framework
Authors: Kendrick Tony
Published: November 2014

Tony Kendrick outlines the rationale for the inclusion of performance targets and indicators for the care of people with severe mental illness in the Quality and Outcomes Framework, and discusses the impact this has had on unplanned hospital admissions for both mental and physical health problems.
Bayesian models of child development
Authors: Gopnik Alison , Bonawitz Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Bayesian models have been applied to many areas of cognitive science including vision, language, and motor learning. We discuss the implications of this framework for cognitive development. We first present a brief introduction to the Bayesian framework. Bayesian models make assumptions about representation explicit, and provide a detailed account of learning. Furthermore, they can provide an account of developmental transitions and other phenomena in development, such as curiosity and exploration. Drawing on recent work bridging empirical developmental data and modeling, we show that these features of the Bayesian approach provide solutions to problems that elude traditional accounts of learning and raise new areas of investigation.WIREs Cogn Sci2015, 6:75–86. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1330

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Development and Aging

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making
Associations of dietary patterns with the risk of all-cause, CVD and stroke mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Li Fei , Hou Li-na , Chen Wei , Chen Peng-liang , Lei Chen-yong , Wei Qiang , Tan Wan-long , Zheng Shao-bin
Published: November 2014

Considerable controversy exists regarding the associations of dietary patterns with the risk of all-cause, CVD and stroke mortality. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential associations between dietary patterns and the risk of all-cause, CVD and stroke mortality. The PubMed database was searched for prospective cohort studies on the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of all-cause, CVD and stroke mortality published until February 2014. Random-effects models were used to calculate the summary relative risk estimates (SRRE) based on the highest v. the lowest category of dietary pattern scores. Stratified analyses were conducted based on sex, geographical region, follow-up duration, and adjustment/non-adjustment for energy intake. A total of thirteen prospective cohort studies involving 338 787 participants were included in the meta-analysis. There was evidence of inverse associations between the prudent/healthy dietary pattern and the risk of all-cause (SRRE = 0·76, 95 % CI 0·68, 0·86) and CVD (SRRE = 0·81, 95 % CI 0·75, 0·87) mortality and an absence of association between this dietary pattern and stroke mortality (SRRE = 0·89, 95 % CI 0·77, 1·02). However, no significant associations were observed between the Western/unhealthy dietary pattern and the risk of all-cause (SRRE = 1·07, 95 % CI 0·96, 1·20), CVD (SRRE = 0·99, 95 % CI 0·91, 1·08) and stroke (SRRE = 0·94, 95 % CI 0·81, 1·10) mortality. In conclusion, the findings provide evidence that greater adherence to a prudent/healthy dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality and not significantly associated with stroke mortality and that the Western/unhealthy dietary pattern is not associated with all-cause, CVD and stroke mortality. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Design of the Exercise in Plato’sParmenides
Authors: GILL MARY LOUISE
Published: November 2014

In Part I ofParmenides, Socrates introduces a Theory of Forms to explain opposites compresent in ordinary things, and claims that Forms cannot have opposite features. In Part II, Parmenides relies on Socrates’ claim and derives unacceptable consequences—that the Form of Oneness does not exist, and if that is so, then nothing exists: a clearly false conclusion. To avoid it, Socrates must give up his thesis in Part I and find a way to preserve the explanatory role of Forms. This paper aims to articulate the structure of the exercise in Part II.
Le Parménide de Platon et le Parménide de l’histoire
Authors: CASTELNÉRAC BENOÎT
Published: November 2014

Cette étude se consacre à l’exergue méthodologique duParménideoù Parménide explique comment fonctionne l’enquête dialectique. Cette méthode reprend les indications que le Parménide historique prêtait à la déesse, une méthode d’enquête qui se déploie en «pensant la voie de l’être et la voie du non-être». Dans leParménide, ces voies de la recherche sont présentées comme la manière d’examiner une hypothèse. Cette démarche prend des aspects d’exhaustivité : il faut se demander, en alternance et un grand nombre de fois, ce qu’il en découle si la chose en question existe ou si elle n’existe pas. Elle peut enfin se distinguer des autres pratiques de la dialectique chez Platon.
How Does Plato’s Exercise Work?
Authors: MEINWALD CONSTANCE
Published: November 2014

I analyse thepros ta alla/pros heautodistinction in Plato’sParmenidesas a contrast between ordinary predication (corresponding to an individual’s display of a feature or, more technically, instantiation) and tree predication (based on a nature X being involved in a nature Y). I engage with my critics and argue that this interpretation vindicates Plato’s methodological remarks and maximizes his argumentative success. My interpretation shows how theParmenidesbridges the gap between Plato’s Middle Dialogues and the outstanding technical developments of the Late Dialogues.
Les arguments de Zénon d’après leParménidede Platon
Authors: MARION MATHIEU
Published: November 2014

Après avoir présenté les règles de l’antilogique (ou dialectique) éléatique, je soutiens que Zénon pratiquait celle-ci et, à partir de l’étude de passages duParménidede Platon (127e-128e et 135d-136c), que ses paradoxes sur la divisibilité et le mouvement ne sont pas des réfutations par l’absurde, mais plutôt de simples dérivations d’impossibilités (adunaton) employées pour ridiculiser les adversaires de Parménide. Zénon ne cherchait donc pas à prouver l’inexistence du mouvement, mais simplement à l’inférer des prémisses de ses adversaires. Je montre en outre que ces paradoxes sont conçus, conformément à la tradition de l’antilogique éléatique, à partir d’hypothèses et de leurs contradictoires, où le sujet est traité par «rapport à lui-même» et «en relation avec les autres choses».
Ion and electron heating during magnetic reconnection in weakly collisional plasmas
Authors: Numata Ryusuke , Loureiro N. F.
Published: November 2014

Magnetic reconnection and associated heating of ions and electrons in strongly magnetized, weakly collisional plasmas are studied by means of gyrokinetic simulations. It is shown that an appreciable amount of the released magnetic energy is dissipated to yield (irreversible) electron and ion heating via phase mixing. Electron heating is mostly localized to the magnetic island, not the current sheet, and occurs after the dynamical reconnection stage. Ion heating is comparable to electron heating only in high-β plasmas, and results from both parallel and perpendicular phase mixing due to finite Larmor radius (FLR) effects; in space, ion heating is mostly localized to the interior of a secondary island (plasmoid) that arises from the instability of the current sheet.
Sediment preference, salinity tolerance and COX-1 genetic differences in two purportive species ofLuidia(Echinodermata: Asteroidea)
Authors: Cortes M.P. , Chung H.-M. , Pomory C.M.
Published: November 2014

Specimens collected in or near Pensacola Bay, Florida matching the descriptions ofLuidia lawrenceiandLuidia clathrata(the congener from whichL. lawrenceiwas recently split) were compared to determine whether their recent taxonomic separation is supported by differences in sediment preference, salinity tolerance andCOX-1mtDNA sequences.Luidia clathratahas a preference for smaller grain sizes, while no statistically significant preference was found forLuidia lawrencei, and no significant difference was found between the species.Luidia clathratais more tolerant of lower salinity based on the righting response thanLuidia lawrencei, especially at salinities lower than 25 g kg−1. TheCOX-1comparison returned over 99% homology among individuals of the two species. While sediment preference and salinity tolerance results indicate differences in response to habitat dissimilarities, theCOX-1genetic result is strong evidence against the recently proposed separation of the species. In light of theCOX-1result, we interpret the sediment and salinity results as long-term acclimation responses.
Dietary differences have contrasting effects on the seed dispersal potential of the titi monkeyCallicebus coimbraiin north-eastern Brazil
Authors: Baião Sirley A.A. , Correia Fernanda B.A. , Ferrari Stephen F.
Published: November 2014

Gut transit times and dispersal distances of seeds ingested byCallicebus coimbraiat two localities were estimated by tracing seeds found in faeces to feeding sites. Feeding events and faecal samples were recorded/collected and mapped by GPS between April and July, 2012. Junco group fed almost exclusively on fruit, whereas Trapsa group fed on fruit and leaves/flowers in similar proportions. A much higher proportion of faecal samples from Junco contained seeds (47.9%, n = 244,vs. 33.6%, n = 177), and contained more seeds, on average (3.0 ± 2.8vs. 2.1 ± 2.1) than those from Trapsa. However, gut transit times were absolutely longer at Trapsa (mean = 4.87 ± 1.48 h, n = 6,vs. 2.85 ± 0.53 h, n = 13 daytime events), and dispersal distances were significantly longer (200 ± 81.0 mvs. 126 ± 53.4 m). The evidence indicates that, while the more folivorous diet at Trapsa was reflected in a much lower faecal seed count, it was also associated with longer gut transit times, and significantly longer dispersal distances, i.e. while dispersing approximately half the seeds dispersed by Junco group, Trapsa group dispersed these seeds over almost twice the distance.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on the diversity of epiphytic orchids from a montane forest of southern Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Ezequiel , Solano Eloy
Published: November 2014

Epiphytic orchids are very diverse in montane forests, but fragmentation modifies this diversity. Twenty fragments were quantified to evaluate the effects of fragmentation on the alpha and beta diversities of epiphytic orchids in a montane forest located in southern Mexico. The following factors were evaluated: area, core area, shape, edge density, Euclidean nearest-neighbour distance fragment and contrast index. In each fragment, two transects of 2 × 50 m were drawn, and the trees with a diameter at breast height ≥ 20 cm were recorded. In each tree, the orchid species present were identified and quantified. Twenty-three species of epiphytic orchid in 234 phorophytes corresponding to 20 species were recorded. The epiphytic orchid richness per tree and species turnover was different between the phorophytes. The edge density and the contrast index had significant effects on the alpha diversity, while the isolation of the fragments significantly affected the beta diversity. The edge density positively affected the alpha diversity of the epiphytic orchids, likely through microclimatic changes caused by fragmentation. Drought-tolerant species were common on the edges of the fragments, and shade-tolerant species established on the core area of the fragments. This pattern most likely depends on the ecological range of the taxa, which is crucial to their development and persistence in fragmented habitats.
The Pitfalls of Using Foreign Direct Investment Data to Measure Chinese Multinational Enterprise Activity
Authors: Sutherland Dylan , Anderson John
Published: November 2014

The growth of Chinese multinational enterprises (MNE) has stimulated great interest in their outward foreign direct investment (FDI) strategies, particularly among academics in business and management studies. To date, however, serious methodological shortcomings plague empirical studies in these disciplines. Specifically, the vital issue of how Chinese MNEs use and route FDI via tax havens and offshore financial centres is not adequately dealt with. These practices have created large geographical, industrial composition and volume biases in Chinese outward FDI data. Using a sample of 100 Chinese MNEs, we illustrate how the use of tax havens and offshore financial centres has created these biases, and examine the implications for understanding Chinese MNE activity.
A Survey of Attitudes towards Computerized Self-Help for Eating Disorders within a Community-Based Sample
Authors: McClay Carrie-Anne , Waters Louise , Schmidt Ulrike , Williams Christopher
Published: November 2014

Background: Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder with many physical, psychological and social consequences. Guided self-help (GSH) is recommended in the treatment of BN (NICE, 2004). One of the ways in which to provide GSH is via the internet using evidence-based packages with regular support from a clinician or trained support worker. Aims: The aim of this community-based survey was to investigate attitudes towards online self-help for eating disorders and the support required whilst using such an approach. Method: Two-hundred and fifty-three participants with bulimic symptoms completed the survey. The sample was recruited primarily online. The mean age was 29.11 years (SD = 8.67; min = 16, max = 64). Results: Attitudes towards online self-help (SH) for eating disorders were very positive. The inclusion of some form of support to accompany such an intervention was important to the majority of participants. Remote mediums of support such as e-mail, a forum and text messaging were most often selected as helpful. Most participants expressed a preference for weekly support contacts and for flexible support lengths that could respond to support needs as required. Conclusions: Online self-help for eating disorders is a desirable treatment option for many individuals. The information gathered regarding preferences in the type, medium, duration and frequency of support could be used in the development of future self-help strategies in order to maximize uptake, retention and outcomes.
HUME AS ANAMI DE LA LIBERTÉ: THE RECEPTION OF HIS “IDEA OF A PERFECT COMMONWEALTH”
Authors: SUSATO RYU
Published: November 2014

Despite the recent boom in research on the reception and influence of Hume's writings, most scholars have overlooked the fact that his enigmatic essay “Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth,” published in thePolitical Discoursesin 1752, not only attracted the attention of some French intellectuals before and after the Revolution, but was also taken seriously by a significant number of radicals—such as Paine, Price, Godwin, Wollstonecraft—and other reform-minded Whigs—such as James Mackintosh. Although the influence of Hume's plan onThe Federalist, No 10, has been much discussed, what is more important is that these British reformers often associated his plan with the National Assembly after the Revolution in France. This essay demonstrates that Hume's plan of a large republic with a bicameral system through a two-tier election was an important intellectual resource for his contemporaries and for later generations.
Tracing the selection bias in roll call votes: party group cohesion in the European Parliament
Authors: Yordanova Nikoleta , Mühlböck Monika
Published: November 2014

Legislative politics scholars rely heavily on roll call vote (RCV) data. However, it has been claimed that strategic motives behind RCV requests lead to overestimating party group cohesion and, thus, biased findings on legislative behaviour. To explore this claim, we distinguish between two types of bias, a ‘behavioural bias’ and a ‘selection bias’. A recent rule change in the European Parliament, making RCVs mandatory on all final legislative votes, presents the unique opportunity to evaluate the latter. We compare party group cohesion in requested and mandatory RCVs by examining final legislative votes before and after the rule adoption using amendment RCVs (which still need to be requested) as a benchmark. The analysis shows that group cohesion is higher whenever RCVs are not just requested onsomebut mandatory onallvotes. Hence, there is indeed a ‘selection bias’ in RCV data. Yet, somewhat contrary to former claims, relying on requested RCVs leads to underestimation of the cohesion party groups would have had were all votes automatically roll called. We argue that this is mainly because requests occur on more contentious votes.