bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Karyotype Divergence and Spreading of 5S rDNA Sequences between Genomes of Two Species: Darter and Emerald Gobies (Ctenogobius, Gobiidae)
Authors: Lima-Filho P.A. , Bertollo L.A.C. , Cioffi M.B. , Costa G.W.W.F. , Molina W.F.
Published: March 2014

Karyotype analyses of the cryptobenthic marine species Ctenogobius boleosoma and C. smaragdus were performed by means of classical and molecular cytogenetics, including physical mapping of the multigene 18S and 5S rDNA families. C. boleosoma has 2n = 44 chromosomes (2 submetacentrics + 42 acrocentrics; FN = 46) with a single chromosome pair each carrying 18S and 5S ribosomal sites; whereas C. smaragdus has 2n = 48 chromosomes (2 submetacentrics + 46 acrocentrics; FN = 50), also with a single pair bearing 18S rDNA, but an extensive increase in the number of GC-rich 5S rDNA sites in 21 chromosome pairs. The highly divergent karyotypes among Ctenogobius species contrast with observations in several other marine fish groups, demonstrating an accelerated rate of chromosomal evolution mediated by both chromosomal rearrangements and the extensive dispersion of 5S rDNA sequences in the genome.
Homenagem a Paim
Authors: Lima Yone Soares de
Published: March 2014

Com o falecimento do artista e professor Antônio Paim Vieira (1895-1988), perdemos um amigo e um mestre. Fica aqui nosso preito ao rememorar alguns aspectos de sua obra que tanto enriqueceu a arte brasileira, desde a primeira década de 1900, além de seu empenho pela inclusão e valorização do desenho nas escolas de formação profissional, na década de vinte. Sobre sua carreira de artista e decorador, por demais abrangente, ressaltamos sua atividade como ilustrador, a versatilidade em técnicas artesanais e a refinada arte das iluminuras. Sua formação cultural aliada a uma grande sensibilidade levaram-no a realizações também no campo da heráldica.
FTO
Genotype, Physical Activity, and Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Swedish Men and Women
Authors: Gustavsson Jaana , Mehlig Kirsten , Leander Karin , Lissner Lauren , Björck Lena , Rosengren Annika , Nyberg Fredrik
Published: March 2014

Background—

Variants in the fat mass– and obesity-associated gene (
FTO
) predisposing to obesity and diabetes mellitus have also been associated with cardiovascular disease. Physical activity has been suggested to attenuate the
FTO
effect on obesity, but it is unknown whether this is also true for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we explored whether physical activity modifies the
FTO
association with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods and Results—

FTO
rs9939609 (T>A) polymorphism was genotyped in 2 Swedish population–based case–control studies with 1743 CHD cases and 4402 population controls (25–74 years of age; 41% women). Leisure time physical activity was assessed by questionnaires, and 3 levels were defined: low, medium, and high. Overall, carriers of the
FTO
A allele had an increased risk of CHD (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.37) adjusted for age, sex, study, and body mass index. Although A-allele carriers with low physical activity had the highest CHD risk (odds ratio, 3.30; 95% confidence interval, 2.44–4.46) compared with those with TT genotype and high activity, the effects of
FTO
genotype and physical activity on CHD risk were approximately additive, indicating the absence of additive interaction. The stratum-specific relative risks of CHD from the A allele in subjects with low, medium, and high physical activity were odds ratio 1.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–1.60), 1.22 (1.04–1.44), and 1.38 (1.06–1.80), respectively, but the suggested multiplicative interaction was not significant.

Conclusions—

FTO
rs9939609 A-allele carriers have an increased CHD risk, and the association is not counteracted by increased physical activity.
Multiancestral Analysis of Inflammation-Related Genetic Variants and C-Reactive Protein in the Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology Study
Authors: Kocarnik Jonathan M. , Pendergrass Sarah A. , Carty Cara L. , Pankow James S. , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Cheng Iona , Durda Peter , Ambite José Luis , Deelman Ewa , Cook Nancy R. , Liu Simin , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Hutter Carolyn , Brown-Gentry Kristin , Wilson Sarah , Best Lyle G. , Pankratz Nathan , Hong Ching-Ping , Cole Shelley A. , Voruganti V. Saroja , Bůžková Petra , Jorgensen Neal W. , Jenny Nancy S. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Haiman Christopher A. , Kolonel Laurence N. , LaCroix Andrea , North Kari , Jackson Rebecca , Le Marchand Loic , Hindorff Lucia A. , Crawford Dana C. , Gross Myron , Peters Ulrike
Published: March 2014

Background—

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CRP concentrations and inflammation-related traits such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity. We aimed to replicate previous CRP–SNP associations, assess whether these associations generalize to additional race/ethnicity groups, and evaluate inflammation-related SNPs for a potentially pleiotropic association with CRP.

Methods and Results—

We selected and analyzed 16 CRP-associated and 250 inflammation-related GWAS SNPs among 40 473 African American, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, European American, and Hispanic participants from 7 studies collaborating in the Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) study. Fixed-effect meta-analyses combined study-specific race/ethnicity-stratified linear regression estimates to evaluate the association between each SNP and high-sensitivity CRP. Overall, 18 SNPs in 8 loci were significantly associated with CRP (Bonferroni-corrected
P
<3.1×10
−3
for replication,
P
<2.0×10
−4
for pleiotropy): Seven of these were specific to European Americans, while 9 additionally generalized to African Americans (1), Hispanics (5), or both (3); 1 SNP was seen only in African Americans and Hispanics. Two SNPs in the
CELSR2/PSRC1/SORT1
locus showed a potentially novel association with CRP: rs599839 (
P
=2.0×10
−6
) and rs646776 (
P
=3.1×10
−5
).

Conclusions—

We replicated 16 SNP–CRP associations, 10 of which generalized to African Americans and/or Hispanics. We also identified potentially novel pleiotropic associations with CRP for two SNPs previously associated with coronary artery disease and/or low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol. These findings demonstrate the benefit of evaluating genotype–phenotype associations in multiple race/ethnicity groups and looking for pleiotropic relationships among SNPs previously associated with related phenotypes.
NOS1
Methylation and Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Children
Authors: Breton Carrie V. , Park Caron , Siegmund Kim , Gauderman W. James , Whitfield-Maxwell Lora , Hodis Howard N. , Avol Ed , Gilliland Frank D.
Published: March 2014

Background—

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in cardiovascular health by maintaining and regulating vascular tone and blood flow. Epigenetic regulation of NO synthase (NOS), the genes responsible for NO production, may affect cardiovascular disease, including the development of atherosclerosis in children.

Methods and Results—

We measured percentage DNA methylation using bisulfite conversion and pyrosequencing assays on DNA from buccal cells provided by 377 participants of the Children’s Health Study on whom carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements were also collected. We examined a total of 16 CpG loci located within
NOS1
,
NOS2A
,
NOS3
,
ARG1
, and
ARG2
genes responsible for NO production. CIMT was measured using high-resolution B-mode carotid ultrasound. The association between percentage DNA methylation in
ARG
and
NOS
genes with CIMT was evaluated using linear regression adjusted for sex, ethnicity, body mass index, age at CIMT, town of residence, and experimental plate for pyrosequencing reactions. Differences in the association by ethnicity and ancestral group were also evaluated. For a 1% increase in average DNA methylation of
NOS1
, CIMT increased by 1.2 μm (
P
=0.02). This association was greater in Hispanic children of Native American descent (β=2.3;
P
=0.004) than in non-Hispanic whites (β=0.3;
P
=0.71) or Hispanic whites (β=1.0;
P
=0.35).

Conclusions—

DNA methylation of
NOS1
has a plausible role in atherogenesis through regulation of NO production, although ancestry may alter the magnitude of this association.
Novel Protective Role of Endogenous Cardiac Myocyte P2X4 Receptors in Heart Failure
Authors: Yang Tiehong , Shen Jian-bing , Yang Ronghua , Redden John , Dodge-Kafka Kimberly , Grady James , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Liang Bruce T.
Published: March 2014

Background—

Heart failure (HF), despite continuing progress, remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. P2X4 receptors (P2X4R) have emerged as potentially important molecules in regulating cardiac function and as potential targets for HF therapy. Transgenic P2X4R overexpression can protect against HF, but this does not explain the role of native cardiac P2X4R. Our goal is to define the physiological role of endogenous cardiac myocyte P2X4R under basal conditions and during HF induced by myocardial infarction or pressure overload.

Methods and Results—

Mice established with conditional cardiac-specific P2X4R knockout were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation–induced postinfarct or transverse aorta constriction–induced pressure overload HF. Knockout cardiac myocytes did not show P2X4R by immunoblotting or by any response to the P2X4R-specific allosteric enhancer ivermectin. Knockout hearts showed normal basal cardiac function but depressed contractile performance in postinfarct and pressure overload models of HF by in vivo echocardiography and ex vivo isolated working heart parameters. P2X4R coimmunoprecipitated and colocalized with nitric oxide synthase 3 (eNOS) in wild-type cardiac myocytes. Mice with cardiac-specific P2X4R overexpression had increased S-nitrosylation, cyclic GMP, NO formation, and were protected from postinfarct and pressure overload HF. Inhibitor of eNOS, L-N
5
-(1-iminoethyl)ornithine hydrochloride, blocked the salutary effect of cardiac P2X4R overexpression in postinfarct and pressure overload HF as did eNOS knockout.

Conclusions—

This study establishes a new protective role for endogenous cardiac myocyte P2X4R in HF and is the first to demonstrate a physical interaction between the myocyte receptor and eNOS, a mediator of HF protection.
Gigantic Business
Authors: Linke Wolfgang A. , Hamdani Nazha
Published: March 2014

The giant protein titin forms a unique filament network in cardiomyocytes, which engages in both mechanical and signaling functions of the heart.
TTN
, which encodes titin, is also a major human disease gene. In this review, we cover the roles of cardiac titin in normal and failing hearts, with a special emphasis on the contribution of titin to diastolic stiffness. We provide an update on disease-associated titin mutations in cardiac and skeletal muscles and summarize what is known about the impact of protein–protein interactions on titin properties and functions. We discuss the importance of titin-isoform shifts and titin phosphorylation, as well as titin modifications related to oxidative stress, in adjusting the diastolic stiffness of the healthy and the failing heart. Along the way we distinguish among titin alterations in systolic and in diastolic heart failure and ponder the evidence for titin stiffness as a potential target for pharmacological intervention in heart disease.
Lipidomics Profiling and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in the Prospective Population-Based Bruneck Study
Authors: Stegemann Christin , Pechlaner Raimund , Willeit Peter , Langley Sarah R. , Mangino Massimo , Mayr Ursula , Menni Cristina , Moayyeri Alireza , Santer Peter , Rungger Gregor , Spector Tim D. , Willeit Johann , Kiechl Stefan , Mayr Manuel
Published: March 2014

Background—

The bulk of cardiovascular disease risk is not explained by traditional risk factors. Recent advances in mass spectrometry allow the identification and quantification of hundreds of lipid species. Molecular lipid profiling by mass spectrometry may improve cardiovascular risk prediction.

Methods and Results—

Lipids were extracted from 685 plasma samples of the prospective population-based Bruneck Study (baseline evaluation in 2000). One hundred thirty-five lipid species from 8 different lipid classes were profiled by shotgun lipidomics with the use of a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. Levels of individual species of cholesterol esters (CEs), lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), sphingomyelins, and triacylglycerols (TAGs) were associated with cardiovascular disease over a 10-year observation period (2000–2010, 90 incident events). Among the lipid species with the strongest predictive value were TAGs and CEs with a low carbon number and double-bond content, including TAG(54:2) and CE(16:1), as well as PE(36:5) (
P
=5.1×10
−7
, 2.2×10
−4
, and 2.5×10
−3
, respectively). Consideration of these 3 lipid species on top of traditional risk factors resulted in improved risk discrimination and classification for cardiovascular disease (cross-validated ΔC index, 0.0210 [95% confidence interval, 0.0010-0.0422]; integrated discrimination improvement, 0.0212 [95% confidence interval, 0.0031-0.0406]; and continuous net reclassification index, 0.398 [95% confidence interval, 0.175-0.619]). A similar shift in the plasma fatty acid composition was associated with cardiovascular disease in the UK Twin Registry (n=1453, 45 cases).

Conclusions—

This study applied mass spectrometry-based lipidomics profiling to population-based cohorts and identified molecular lipid signatures for cardiovascular disease. Molecular lipid species constitute promising new biomarkers that outperform the conventional biochemical measurements of lipid classes currently used in clinics.
Echocardiographic Screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease in High and Low Risk Australian Children
Authors: Roberts Kathryn , Maguire Graeme , Brown Alex , Atkinson David , Reményi Bo , Wheaton Gavin , Kelly Andrew , Kumar Raman K. , Su Jiunn-Yih , Carapetis Jonathan R.
Published: March 2014

Background—

Echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is becoming more widespread, but screening studies to date have used different echocardiographic definitions. The World Heart Federation has recently published new criteria for the echocardiographic diagnosis of RHD. We aimed to establish the prevalence of RHD in high-risk Indigenous Australian children using these criteria and to compare the findings with a group of Australian children at low risk for RHD.

Methods and Results—

Portable echocardiography was performed on high-risk Indigenous children aged 5 to15 years living in remote communities of northern Australia. A comparison group of low-risk, non-Indigenous children living in urban centers was also screened. Echocardiograms were reported in a standardized, blinded fashion. Of 3946 high-risk children, 34 met World Heart Federation criteria for definite RHD (prevalence, 8.6 per 1000 [95% confidence interval, 6.0–12.0]) and 66 for borderline RHD (prevalence, 16.7 per 1000 [95% confidence interval, 13.0–21.2]). Of 1053 low-risk children, none met the criteria for definite RHD, and 5 met the criteria for borderline RHD. High-risk children were more likely to have definite or borderline RHD than low-risk children (adjusted odds ratio, 5.7 [95% confidence interval, 2.3–14.1];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

The prevalence of definite RHD in high-risk Indigenous Australian children approximates what we expected in our population, and no definite RHD was identified in the low-risk group. This study suggests that definite RHD, as defined by the World Heart Federation criteria, is likely to represent true disease. Borderline RHD was identified in children at both low and high risk, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies to evaluate the clinical significance of this finding.
Western International Law and China's Confucianism in the 19th Century. Collision and Integration
Authors: Zewei Yang
Published: March 2014

The Confucian world view in China was based on the concept of the Celestial Empire of China and embodied in the Tributary System. The Chinese view could not fit into the equal international relationship asserted among European countries. In the mid-19th century, especially after the Opium Wars, international law embarked on a furious collision with Chinese traditional Confucianism. Threatened by forces of Western powers, the Qing government had no choice but to come to compromise with the Western powers. Consequently, the Confucian world order based on the Celestial Empire of China collapsed and Chinese officials and scholars began to learn, accept and apply international law.
‘Before It Is Too Late’: Land Reform in South Vietnam, 1956–1968
Authors: Conrad David A.
Published: March 2014

Attempts by the U.S. government to enact land redistribution in the Republic of Vietnam began in the mid-1950s. At that time. land reform was a linchpin of U.S. foreign policy in Asia. Wolf Ladejinsky, author of the legislation that had virtually eliminated tenancy in occupied Japan, encountered political controversy in Washington and administrative challenges in Saigon in his attempt to bring about greater equality of land ownership in South Vietnam. This initial attempt to modify land tenure arrangements failed when redistribution stalled, far from complete, during 1961. Although new land reform legislation did not appear until 1970, the 1960s were by no means years of inaction on land reform. Years of behind-the-scenes efforts by American policymakers in Washington and Saigon culminated in the Land-to-the-Tiller Law, an ambitious but doomed attempt to complete the work that Ladejinsky had begun over a decade earlier. Documents from the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, many newly declassified, suggest that bureaucratic intrigue and political infighting within the Johnson administration and Congress both hindered and facilitated the emergence of a new land reform program in war-ravaged South Vietnam.
Electronic publication in zoological nomenclature and taxonomy: problems, responses and solutions
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: March 2014

In September 2012, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 2012) published an amendment of Articles 8, 9, 10, 21 and 78 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999) to allow electronic publication in zoological nomenclature and taxonomy (see also Zhang 2012). Late last year, a paper in Zootaxa (Dubois et al. 2013) reviewed some of the problems related to electronic publication of zoological nomenclature and taxonomy, and in turn evoked rapid reactions from Nature (Anonymous 2013) and BMC (Harold et al. 2013). This issue of Zootaxa contains a response to Dubois et al. (2013) from the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 2014), and a formal response from the editors of BMC (Moylan et al. 2014). Zootaxa is pleased to provide a forum for discussions of this type, and encourages debate on issues important in zoological nomenclature and taxonomy (Zhang 2007).
Zoological Nomenclature and Electronic Publication—a reply to Dubois et al. (2013)
Authors: ICZN ICZN
Published: March 2014

A group of 19 authors (Dubois et al. 2013) recently raised concerns about the latest Amendment to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 2012a,b,c), that allows new names and other nomenclatural acts to gain legislative acceptance (become “available”) from publications issued and distributed electronically. Two editorials by publishers have already responded to some of the concerns (Anonymous 2013, Harold et al. 2013); some others will be dealt with here.  Technological advances in electronic scientific communication have had a dramatic effect on scientific research and publication in recent years.  Addressing this, and following a four-year period of public discussion, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) voted to accept an Amendment to the 4th edition of the Code, thereby adapting the rules of zoological nomenclature to new realities of publication media and methods (ICZN 2012a,b,c). The Amendment dealt with the most important issues of publishing in an electronic world, but in all transitional times new regulatory guidelines may have difficulties keeping up with the rate of change. As mentioned by Harold et al. 2013, the “devil may be in the detail”, but it is a process that must nevertheless be started.  The ICZN encourages all interested individuals and groups to participate in the discussion leading up to the 5th edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, whether by the ICZN e-mail discussion list, the 5th edition Wiki, Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature or through other media, to help make the next edition satisfy the needs of the community.
Online-only publishers are here to stay, and will continue to work closely with the ICZN
Authors: MOYLAN ELIZABETH , HAROLD SIMON , HARRIS PHILIPPA , FOOTE CHRISTOPHER , ARME CHRIS , MINELLI ALESSANDRO , KOWALCZUK MARIA , BLACK CAROLINE
Published: March 2014

BioMed Central is a Science, Technology and Medical publisher of online, open access journals. We have always endeavoured to ensure that our journals adhere to the norms of the research communities we serve (Knapp et al., 2011; Krell 2012; Sands & Moylan 2012). We were therefore somewhat bewildered by the tone of the piece from Dubois et al. (2013) criticising online-only journals, specifically our interpretation of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (the Code) on criteria for publication for nomenclatural purposes (ICZN 1999) prior to the 2012 Amendment to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 2012a,b,c). We responded to this in our recent blog (Harold et al., 2013).
Alafrasca sticta, a new genus and species of the tribe Empoascini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) with a checklist of the tribe from China
Authors: LU SI-HAN , QIN DAO-ZHENG
Published: March 2014

A new monotypic genus of empoascine leafhopper, Alafrasca gen. nov. is described and illustrated for A. sticta sp. nov. from Sichuan, China as its type species. Habitus photos and illustrations of male genitalia of the new species are given. A checklist of the tribe in China is also provided.
The genus Triozocera Pierce, 1909 (Insecta: Strepsiptera: Corioxenidae) in South America
Authors: KOGAN MARCOS , COOK JERRY L.
Published: March 2014

A new species of Triozocera from the Brazilian Amazon basin was found in a sample of male Strepsiptera from the collection of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia (INPA—Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil). Triozocera buehrheimi sp.n. is described and the status of T. paulistana Kogan, 1958, the first strepsipteran described from Brazil, is reviewed, with additional diagnostic characters used to reinstate the species based on comparative analyses to the other three species occurring in southern US, Mexico, and Central America: T. mexicana Pierce, 1909, T. tecpanensis Brailowsky and Márquez, 1974, and T. vernalis Kifune and Brailowsky, 1987. A key to those species is included.
Hemangioblastoma Arising From the Submandibular Gland
Authors: Ayala Marco A. , Morawiecki Peter A. , Yencha Myron W.
Published: March 2014

Objective:

The objective was to document and describe the clinical features of a hemangioblastoma arising from a submandibular gland.

Methods:

A case report of a 63-year-old man with a right submandibular gland hemangioblastoma.

Results:

Submandibular gland excision and histological examination revealed a hemangioblastoma. Subsequent evaluation with imaging studies found no association with von Hippel–Lindau disease.

Conclusion:

We report the first presentation of a hemangioblastoma arising in a salivary gland. Further evaluation of patients with a hemangioblastoma is recommended given the neoplasms’ association with von Hippel–Lindau disease.
Paradiplomatic policing and relocating Canadian foreign policy
Authors: Dunton Caroline , Kitchen Veronica
Published: March 2014

Even though they claim to recognize that the boundaries between domestic and international security have eroded, scholars of Canadian paradiplomacy have tended to ignore the security-oriented paradiplomatic activities undertaken by sub-national actors in Canada. However, policing paradiplomacy is, in our view, a perfect case for understanding how paradiplomacy in security can change the relationship between the state and its citizens. Through an examination of the paradiplomatic activities of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Sûreté du Québec, and the Vancouver Police, we show how the role of the informal, the danger of mission creep, and the shaping of foreign policy from the margins work to shift how we think about where foreign policy happens.
Prosthetic Abutment Height is a Key Factor in Peri-implant Marginal Bone Loss
Authors: Galindo-Moreno P. , León-Cano A. , Ortega-Oller I. , Monje A. , Suárez F. , ÓValle F. , Spinato S. , Catena A.
Published: March 2014

In this study, we analyzed the influence of prosthetic abutment height on marginal bone loss (MBL) around implants in the posterior maxilla. In this retrospective cohort study, the radiographically determined MBL was related to the height of the abutments of internal conical connection implants at 6 and 18 months post-loading. Data were gathered on age, sex, bone substratum, smoking habit, history of periodontitis, and prosthetic features, among other variables. A linear mixed model was used for statistical analysis. The study included 131 patients receiving 315 implants. MBL rates at 6 and 18 months were mainly affected by the abutment height but were also significantly influenced by the bone substratum, periodontitis, and smoking habit. MBL rates were higher for prosthetic abutment < 2 mm vs. ≥ 2 mm, for periodontal vs. non-periodontal patients, for grafted vs. pristine bone, and for a heavier smoking habit. The abutment height is a key factor in MBL. MBL rates followed a non-linear trend, with a greater MBL rate during the first 6 months post-loading than during the next 12 months.
Texas Latino Prison Gangs
Authors: Tapia Mike , Sparks Corey S. , Miller J. Mitchell
Published: March 2014

This article addresses what many observers of Texas’ prison gangs perceive as significant changes in the hierarchical structure of various Latino groups. Focusing on the state’s central and eastern regions, we provide a brief historical context and overview of contemporaneous gang factions. We attempt to understand gang dynamics as a function of emerging demographic patterns in the prison population. Examining prison admissions trends for males from Texas’ four largest counties, we illustrate ongoing changes in race-age composition for these metropolitan areas that reinforce depictions of changing gang structure in unofficial reports, print media, and prison documentaries. We emphasize the need for multimethod approaches and analyses of the United States–Mexico Border region for a more complete view of the Texas gang landscape.
The emergence of portable private-personal territory: Smartphones, social conduct and public spaces
Authors: Hatuka Tali , Toch Eran
Published: March 2014

This paper underscores the centrality of individual technological devices, particularly mobile phones, in structuring contemporary social interaction in public spaces. It illustrates the need to re-think the relationship between information and communications technologies and practices of sociability in public spaces. Based on surveys of users of mobile phones (basic mobile phones and smartphones), we explore the practices and actions of subjects in public spaces. Empirical analysis shows that the use of mobile phones and, particularly, smartphones, is gradually modifying the normative constraints associated with place and social codes, simultaneously enhancing both a sense of freedom and estrangement. Based on our findings, the paper suggests the concept of portable private-personal territory to better understand the personal space individuals develop with the support of technology. Finally, the paper concludes with a reflection on the future implications of portable private-personal territories for public spaces and cities.
Preparation and properties of the copper calcium titanate–modified poly(vinylidene fluoride)
Authors: Peng Guirong , Li Feng , Wang Lingsheng , Luo Peng , Ci Shengzong , Liang Yanjuan , Zheng Xuying
Published: March 2014

This article described the preparation of copper calcium titanate (CCTO)-modified poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) by solution casting, and its dielectric properties, breakdown strength and tensile properties. The phase structure, crystal type and surface morphology of the membrane were determined using the methods of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the comprehensive performance of the CCTO/PVDF membrane treated with a coupling agent with a quality ratio of 2% was better than that of the membrane without coupling agent treatment. When the content of CCTO was increased to 20%, the surface structure of the membrane was compacted, and the membrane’s breakdown strength and dielectric properties were high.
Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with acquired valve disease
Authors: Hamamoto Masaki , Kobayashi Taira , Kodama Hiroshi
Published: March 2014

We describe the rare case of a 76-year-old man with left partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with intact atrial septum. He experienced dyspnea due to significant aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation, and required valve repair. Preoperative computed tomography revealed connection of the left upper pulmonary vein to the innominate vein. Although right heart overload was not recognized, we repaired the left partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with concomitant aortic valve replacement and mitral annuloplasty, because of the potential for unpredictable harmful effects of a residual left-to-right shunt. The patient recovered well with no signs of left upper lung congestion.
‘It is not what you give that matters but what matters is that you give’: The One Percent Difference campaign in Ireland
Authors: Neville Patricia
Published: March 2014

This commentary concerns itself with ‘The One Percent Difference’ campaign that was recently launched in Dublin, Ireland. The purpose of this media campaign is to increase, by one percent, the amount of time and/or money that Irish people give to charitable organisations. While the author is not against the principle of raising awareness around volunteering and increasing charitable giving in Irish society, an ideological analysis of this campaign reveals the prevalence of a number of noted neo-liberal assumptions which in their sum, promote an individualistic and depoliticised construction of volunteering. Furthermore, by placing its focus on the actions of private citizens the campaign fails to acknowledge how the austerity measures adopted by the Irish state have effectively crippled the Irish voluntary and community sector.
Using Value-Added Models to Measure Teacher Effects on Students’ Motivation and Achievement
Authors: Ruzek Erik A. , Domina Thurston , Conley AnneMarie M. , Duncan Greg J. , Karabenick Stuart A.
Published: March 2014

Value-added (VA) models measure teacher contributions to student learning and are increasingly employed in educational reform efforts. Using data from 35 seventh-grade teachers and 2,026 students across seven schools, we employ VA methods to measure teacher contributions to students’ motivational orientations (mastery and performance achievement goals) and their mathematics performance. The analysis suggests less variation in teachers’ contributions to students’ achievement goals than mathematics achievement. However, during a time when most students’ mastery motivation is declining sharply, a one standard deviation increase in teacher contributions to student mastery orientation is associated with a 40% smaller decline in student mastery goals. Teacher mastery contributions are also associated with gains in a student’s seventh-grade mathematics achievement ( d = .11). In addition to using VA measures to focus on improving student achievement, these measures can be used to orient teachers, schools, and districts on the enhancement of students’ motivation to learn.
Work-Related Stressors and Health-Related Outcomes in Public Service
Authors: Liu Bangcheng , Yang Kaifeng , Yu Wei
Published: March 2014

While business and psychology researchers have strived to identify effective strategies to reduce occupational stress, public administration scholars have paid insufficient attention to this issue. This article examines the role of motivational bases in the stressor–wellbeing relationship, a nascent research area in business and psychology, focusing on a particular type of motivation that is salient in public organizations: public service motivation (PSM). Based on a survey of 412 police officers from a large metropolitan city in eastern China, this study finds that PSM moderates the relationship between work stressors and individual wellbeing. Respondents with higher levels of PSM can better handle the increase of stressors so that their physical and mental wellbeing will decrease more slowly. Overall, respondents with higher levels of PSM tend to experience higher mental wellbeing but lower physical wellbeing than their low-PSM colleagues.
Evidence for the use of dry needling and physiotherapy in the management of cervicogenic or tension-type headache: A systematic review
Authors: France Stacey , Bown Jenna , Nowosilskyj Matthew , Mott Megan , Rand Stephanie , Walters Julie
Published: March 2014

Background:

There is good evidence in the literature supporting physiotherapy in the management of some forms of headache. Dry needling of myofascial trigger points is becoming an increasingly common approach despite a paucity of research evidence supporting its use. The purpose of this review was to determine the evidence supporting the use of dry needling in addition to conventional physiotherapy in the management of tension-type and cervicogenic headache.

Methods:

Ten databases were searched for evidence of the effect of dry needling on the severity and frequency of tension and cervicogenic headache based ICHD classifications.

Results:

Three relevant studies were identified and all three showed statistically significant improvements following dry needling, but no significant differences between groups. Only one study reported on headache frequency or intensity, reporting a 45 mm improvement in VAS score following the addition of dry needling to conventional physiotherapy. Two studies showed significant improvements with dry needling over 4–5 weeks of treatment. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

The literature suggests that while there is insufficient evidence to strongly advocate for the use of dry needling, it may be a useful addition to conventional physiotherapy in headache management. Further research with a stronger methodological design is required.
Can Curriculum-Embedded Measures Predict the Later Reading Achievement of Kindergarteners at Risk of Reading Disability?
Authors: Oslund Eric L. , Simmons Deborah C. , Hagan-Burke Shanna , Kwok Oi-Man , Simmons Leslie E. , Taylor Aaron B. , Coyne Michael D.
Published: March 2014

This study examined the changing role and longitudinal predictive validity of curriculum-embedded progress-monitoring measures (CEMs ) for kindergarten students receiving Tier 2 intervention and identified as at risk of developing reading difficulties. Multiple measures were examined to determine whether they could predict comprehensive latent first- and second-grade reading outcomes and whether their predictive validity changed concurrent with reading development. CEMs of phonemic, alphabetic, and integrated tasks were given 3 times during the kindergarten year to 299 students. Structural equation modeling indicates that CEMs explained a significant amount of variance on first- (54%–63%) and second-grade (34%–41%) outcomes. The predictive validity of specific measures varied over the kindergarten year with sound and letter identification measures being predictive early and segmenting and word reading becoming important as reading abilities progressed. Findings suggest that CEMs may be viable and helpful tools for making data-driven instructional decisions in a response to intervention framework.
Effect of interface modification on mechanical and thermal properties of high-density polyethylene/silvergrass composites
Authors: Xue Dong , Lei Wen , Deng Yuhe , Jing Lu , Liu Qin
Published: March 2014

This study is aimed at utilizing the gramineae to reinforced polyethylene (PE). The interface modification was performed by treatment of silvergrass (SV) fibers with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and polymeric methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (PMDI). The modified fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Composites were fabricated with different fiber loadings (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%) of SV fibers by injection molding. The properties of the composites were studied by mechanical property, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical properties of the treated composites were compared well with those of untreated composites. A marked improvement of 49.0% in tensile strength and 47.35% in flexural strength for 40% SV fibers-reinforced high-density PE composites was noticed. It is also found that the treated fiber is acting as a nucleating agent. It can be deduced that the thermal stability of the wood–plastic composites can be improved when SV fibers were treated by NaOH and PMDI.
The use of memoranda of understanding in fostering inter-agency collaboration: A qualitative study of health services agencies serving vulnerable populations in Baltimore, USA
Authors: Khosla Nidhi , Marsteller Jill A , Holtgrave David R
Published: March 2014

Introduction:

We examined whether mandated collaboration reflected in memoranda of understanding (MOUs) developed by health agencies to meet funder expectations is effective in fostering inter-agency collaboration.

Methods:

We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews from late 2010 to early 2012 in Baltimore, USA, with representatives of 17 HIV service agencies, three local health department units, and one agency that closed in 2008 (two interviews).

Results:

While there was no consensus, most respondents perceived MOUs negatively, mainly because the process of obtaining signed MOUs was time consuming; frontline staff was mostly unaware of MOUs, agencies did not necessarily work with agencies they signed MOUs with and MOUs were rarely evaluated after being signed. A few agencies reported that MOUs could keep agencies focused and set mutual expectations. The local health department acknowledged shortcomings in MOUs but emphasized that MOUs could help agencies plan for referring clients when their own capacity was full.

Conclusions:

Although many agencies acknowledged the importance of collaboration, most respondents found that MOUs lacked practical utility. Grant-makers should consult sub-grantees to develop alternative means of fostering collaboration that would be perceived as relevant by both parties.
Nanocomposites based on thermoplastic polyurethane, millable polyurethane, and organoclay: effect of organoclay content
Authors: Barick Aruna Kumar , Chang Young-Wook
Published: March 2014

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic polyurethane/millable polyurethane blend and its organoclay-based nanocomposites with co-agent assisted peroxide curative system were prepared by melt intercalation technique using batch mixer followed by compression molding to make sheets. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of interfacial interactions due to hydrogen bonding of PUs with organoclays. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses qualitatively established the uniform dispersion of organoclays within the PU matrix up to 5 phr Cloisite 30B (C30B) content and exhibited small aggregates at higher C30B loading. Mechanical testing reported significant improvement in tensile strength with addition of C30B up to 5 phr loading and then reduced a little but tensile modulus continuously increased with increase in C30B loading. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) evaluated that the storage modulus ( E′) and glass transition temperature ( Tg) of both hard and soft segments of PU matrix substantially enhanced by incorporation of C30B. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the thermal stability of the PU matrix noticeably increased with C30B loading. Melt rheological characterization reported that all samples showed a strong shear thinning behavior within the scanned frequency range.
Acoustic attenuation performance of a perforated resonator with a multi-chamber and its optimal design
Authors: Guo Rong , Zhu Wei-wei
Published: March 2014

A perforated resonator can attenuate the broadband noise generated by the air intake system of a turbocharged engine. This paper mainly focuses on the sound transmission theory of a perforated resonator with a multi-chamber. The numerical decoupling method for a perforated resonator with a single chamber is extended to a perforated resonator with a multi-chamber in order to calculate the transmission loss. To verify the modified algorithm, a two-microphone method is adopted to measure the transmission loss of the resonator. The measurement uncertainty of the experiment is discussed further. The experimental and analytical results on the resonator are presented, and good agreement is found. To determine the optimal structural parameters of the resonator in order to match the given target, a modified algorithm obtained by using the non-linear least-squares method is proposed for the resonator, and a detailed analysis of the selection of the design variables and optimization modes with different design variables is carried out. The optimized results show that all optimization modes can meet the target curve. Therefore, it provides multiple solutions for researchers to determine flexibly the best solution. Finally, a robustness analysis is carried out to show that the variations in the structural parameters have little effect on the transmission loss. It is expected that the research methods and conclusions of the study can provide theoretical support and application guidance for the sound design of a turbocharged engine air intake system.
Steady-state characteristics of skid steering for wheeled vehicles
Authors: Zhang Yu , Hu Jibin , Li Xueyuan
Published: March 2014

Skid steering has been applied to various electric vehicles and unmanned vehicles because of its advantages in mobility and layout flexibility. This paper proposes an analytical lateral dynamic model of skid steering for a wheeled vehicle that could be applied to its design and control. The model is described by second-order ordinary differential equations in an explicit form. The steady-state characteristics of skid steering for wheeled vehicles are analysed on the basis of differential equations. The results of the steady-state analysis show that the steady-state response of the skid-steered wheeled vehicle is determined by the stability factor. When the vehicle has a neutral steer property, the neutral yaw rate gain is positively related to the velocity difference, and the neutral turning radius is inversely related to the velocity difference rate.
Deformation invariant bounding spheres for dynamic active constraints in surgery
Authors: Bowyer Stuart A , Rodriguez y Baena Ferdinando
Published: March 2014

Active constraints are collaborative robot control strategies, which can be used to guide a surgeon or protect delicate tissue structures during robot-assisted surgery. Tissue structures of interest often move and deform throughout a surgical intervention, and therefore, dynamic active constraints, which adapt and conform to these changes, are required. A fundamental element of an active constraint controller is the computation of the geometric relationship between the constraint geometry and the surgical instrument. For a static active constraint, there are a variety of computationally efficient methods for computing this relative configuration; however, for a dynamic active constraint, it becomes significantly more challenging. Deformation invariant bounding spheres are a novel bounding volume formulation, which can be used within a hierarchy to allow efficient proximity queries within dynamic active constraints. These bounding spheres are constructed in such a way that as the surface deforms, they do not require time-consuming rebuilds or updates, rather they are implicitly updated and continue to represent the underlying geometry as it changes. Experimental results show that performing proximity queries with deformation invariant bounding sphere hierarchies is faster than common methods from the literature when the deformation rate is within the range expected from conventional imaging systems.
Three-dimensional geometric analysis of the talus for designing talar prosthetics
Authors: Islam Kamrul , Dobbe Ashlee , Duke Kajsa , El-Rich Marwan , Dhillon Sukhvinder , Adeeb Samer , Jomha Nadr M
Published: March 2014

Proper understanding of the complex geometric shape of the talus bone is important for the design of generic talar body prosthetics and restoration of the proper ankle joint function after surgery. To date, all talus implants have been patient-specific with the limitation that complex computer modeling is required to produce a mirrored image from the unaffected opposite side followed by machining a patient-specific prosthesis. To develop an “off-the-shelf” non-custom talar prosthesis, it is important to perform a thorough investigation of the geometric shape of the talus bone. This article addresses the applicability of a scaling approach for investigating the geometric shape and similarity of talus bones. This study used computed tomography scan images of the ankle joints of 27 different subjects to perform the analysis. Results of the deviation analyses showed that the deviation in the articulating surfaces of the talus bones was not excessive in terms of talus size. These results suggest that a proposed range of five implant sizes is possible. Finally, it is concluded that the talus bones of the ankle joints are geometrically similar, and a proposed range of five implant sizes will fit a wide range of subjects. This information may help to develop generic talus implants that might be applicable to patients with a severe talus injury.
Genital schistosomiasis and its unacknowledged role on HIV transmission in the STD intervention studies
Authors: Kjetland Eyrun F , Hegertun Ingrid EA , Baay Marc FD , Onsrud Mathias , Ndhlovu Patricia D , Taylor Myra
Published: March 2014

Treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been hypothesised to decrease HIV transmission. Although observational studies show an association between STIs and HIV, only one prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT) has confirmed this. Female genital schistosomiasis can cause genital lesions, accompanied by bloody discharge, ulcers or malodorous discharge. Genital schistosomiasis is common, starts before puberty and symptoms can be mistaken for STIs. Three observational studies have found an association between schistosomiasis and HIV. Genital lesions that develop in childhood are chronic. This paper sought to explore the possible effects of schistosomiasis on the RCTs of STI treatment for HIV prevention.

In the study sites, schistosomiasis was a likely cause of genital lesions. The studies recruited women that may have had genital schistosomal lesions established in childhood. Schistosomiasis endemic areas with different prevalence levels may have influenced HIV incidence in intervention and control sites differently, and some control group interventions may have influenced the impact of schistosomiasis on the study results. Schistosomiasis is a neglected cause of genital tract disease. It may have been an independent cause of HIV incidence in the RCTs of STI treatment for HIV prevention and may have obscured the findings of these trials.