bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheological Characterization of Isabgol Husk, Gum Katira Hydrocolloids, and Their Blends
Authors: Sharma Vipin Kumar , Mazumder Bhaskar , Nautiyal Vinod
Published: August 2014

The rheological parameters of Isabgol husk, gum katira, and their blends were determined in different media such as distilled water, 0.1 N HCl, and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The blend properties of Isabgol husk and gum katira were measured for four different percentage compositions in order to understand their compatibility in dispersion form such as 00 : 100, 25 : 50, 50 : 50, 75 : 25, and 100 : 00 in the gel strength of 1 mass%. The miscibility of blends was determined by calculating Isabgol husk-gum katira interaction parameters by Krigbaum and Wall equation. Other rheological properties were analyzed by Bingham, Power, Casson, Casson chocolate, and IPC paste analysis. The study revealed that the power flow index “p” was less than “1” in all concentrations of Isabgol husk, gum katira, and their blends dispersions indicating the shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior. All blends followed pseudoplastic behavior at thermal conditions as 298.15, 313.15, and 333.15°K and in dispersion media such as distilled water, 0.1 N HCl, and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Moreover, the study indicated the applicability of these blends in the development of drug delivery systems and in industries, for example, ice-cream, paste, nutraceutical, and so forth.
Multimodel Robust Control for Hydraulic Turbine
Authors: Osuský Jakub , Števo Stanislav
Published: August 2014

The paper deals with the multimodel and robust control system design and their combination based on M-Δ structure. Controller design will be done in the frequency domain with nominal performance specified by phase margin. Hydraulic turbine model is analyzed as system with unstructured uncertainty, and robust stability condition is included in controller design. Multimodel and robust control approaches are presented in detail on hydraulic turbine model. Control design approaches are compared and used for derivation of new approaches which combine advantages of both.
Mechanical and Physical Properties of Polyester Polymer Concrete Using Recycled Aggregates from Concrete Sleepers
Authors: Carrión Francisco , Montalbán Laura , Real Julia I. , Real Teresa
Published: August 2014

Currently, reuse of solid waste from disused infrastructures is an important environmental issue to study. In this research, polymer concrete was developed by mixing orthophthalic unsaturated polyester resin, artificial microfillers (calcium carbonate), and waste aggregates (basalt and limestone) coming from the recycling process of concrete sleepers. The variation of the mechanical and physical properties of the polymer concrete (compressive strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, density, and water absorption) was analyzed based on the modification of different variables: nature of the recycled aggregates, resin contents (11 wt%, 12 wt%, and 13 wt%), and particle-size distributions of microfillers used. The results show the influence of these variables on mechanical performance of polymer concrete. Compressive and flexural strength of recycled polymer concrete were improved by increasing amount of polyester resin and by optimizing the particle-size distribution of the microfillers. Besides, the results show the feasibility of developing a polymer concrete with excellent mechanical behavior.
Improving the Efficiency Enhancement of Photonic Crystal Based InGaN Solar Cell by Using a GaN Cap Layer
Authors: Gundogdu T. F. , Gökkavas M. , Ozbay E.
Published: August 2014

We studied a high indium content (0.8) InGaN based solar cell design where the active InGaN layer is sandwiched between a GaN cap layer and a GaN spacer layer. The incorporation of the sacrificial cap layer allows for the etching of the front surface without removing the active InGaN resulting in a 50% enhancement of the short-circuit current density for a 15 nm-thick InGaN layer.
Semiblind Image Deconvolution with Spatially Adaptive Total Variation Regularization
Authors: Ruan Yaduan , Fang Houzhang , Chen Qimei
Published: August 2014

A semiblind image deconvolution algorithm with spatially adaptive total variation (SATV) regularization is introduced. The spatial information in different image regions is incorporated into regularization by using the edge indicator called difference eigenvalue to distinguish flat areas from edges. Meanwhile, the split Bregman method is used to optimize the proposed SATV model. The proposed algorithm integrates the spatial constraint and parametric blur‐kernel and thus effectively reduces the noise in flat regions and preserves the edge information. Comparative results on simulated images and real passive millimeter‐wave (PMMW) images are reported.
Effects of Whole Body Therapeutic Hypothermia on Gastrointestinal Morbidity and Feeding Tolerance in Infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Thornton Kimberly M. , Dai Hongying , Septer Seth , Petrikin Joshua E.
Published: August 2014

Objective. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the effects of whole body therapeutic hypothermia (WBTH) on gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity and feeding tolerance in infants with moderate-to-severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).Study Design. Infants ≥ 35 weeks gestational age and ≥1800 grams birth weight with moderate-to-severe HIE treated from 2000 to 2012 were compared. 68 patients had documented strictly defined criteria for WBTH: 32 historical control patients did not receive WBTH (non-WBTH) and 36 cohort patients received WBTH.Result. More of the non-WBTH group infants never initiated enteral feeds (28% versus 6%;P=0.02), never reached full enteral feeds (38% versus 6%,P=0.002), and never reached full oral feeds (56% versus 19%,P=0.002). Survival analyses demonstrated that the WBTH group reached full enteral feeds (median time: 11 versus 9 days;P=0.02) and full oral feeds (median time: 19 versus 10 days;P=0.01) sooner. The non-WBTH group had higher combined outcomes of death and gastric tube placement (47% versus 11%;P=0.001) and death and gavage feeds at discharge (44% versus 11%;P=0.005).Conclusion. WBTH may have beneficial effects on GI morbidity and feeding tolerance for infants with moderate-to-severe HIE.
Generalized Portrait of Cancer Metabolic Pathways Inferred from a List of Genes Overexpressed in Cancer
Authors: Poliakov Eugenia , Managadze David , Rogozin Igor B.
Published: August 2014

More than half a century from postulated Warburg theory of cancer cells origin, a question of changed metabolism in cancer is again taking the central place. Generalized picture of cancer metabolism was replaced by analysis of signaling and oncogenes in each type of cancer for several decades. However, now empowered with wealth of knowledge about tumor suppressors, oncogenes, and signaling pathways, reprogramming of cellular metabolism (e.g., increased glycolysis to respiration ratio in cancer cells) reemerged as an important element of cancer progression. To analyze level of expression of various proteins including metabolic enzymes across various cancers we used dbEST and Unigene data. We delineated a list of genes that are overexpressed in different types of cancer. We also grouped overexpressed enzymes into KEGG pathways and analyzed adjacent pathways to describe enzymatic reactions that take place in cancer cells and to identify major players that are abundant in cancer protein machinery. Glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation are the most abundant pathways although several other pathways are enriched in genes from our list. Ubiquitously overexpressed genes could be marked as nonspecific cancer-associated genes when analyzing genes that are overexpressed in certain types of cancer. Thus the list of overexpressed genes may be a useful tool for cancer research.
Estimation of Biomass Burning Influence on Air Pollution around Beijing from an Aerosol Retrieval Model
Authors: Mukai Sonoyo , Yasumoto Masayoshi , Nakata Makiko
Published: August 2014

We investigate heavy haze episodes (with dense concentrations of atmospheric aerosols) occurring around Beijing in June, when serious air pollution was detected by both satellite and ground measurements. Aerosol retrieval is achieved by radiative transfer simulation in an Earth atmosphere model. We solve the radiative transfer problem in the case of haze episodes by successive order of scattering. We conclude that air pollution around Beijing in June is mainly due to increased emissions of anthropogenic aerosols and that carbonaceous aerosols from agriculture biomass burning in Southeast Asia also contribute to pollution.
The Management of Near-Fatal Hemoptysis with Left Secondary Carinal Y Stent
Authors: Dalar Levent , Özdemir Cengiz , Sökücü Sinem , Karasulu Levent , Altın Sedat
Published: August 2014

Massive hemoptysis can be a life threatening condition and needs urgent treatment in lung cancer. In the fiberoptic bronchoscopy of a fifty-two-year-old who was admitted with hemoptysis, left upper lobe upper division orifice was seen totally obstructed with a submucosal infiltration. One hour after the mucosal biopsies, massive hemoptysis occurred. Urgent rigid bronchoscopy was performed. The left main bronchus was occluded by sterile gauze. After cleaning of the coagulum patient was intubated and charged to intensive care unit. The next day, rigid bronchoscopy was repeated and the bleeding was observed to continue from the left upper lobe. Removing the gauze, 14 × 10 × 10 mm silicon Y stent was inserted in the left main bronchus after adjustments were made. Bleeding was stopped after insertion of the stent and patient could be extubated. In this case a successful control of hemoptysis was sustained after insertion of a customized silicon stent was presented.
The Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase 3 Gene and Essential Hypertension: The Joint Effect of Polymorphism E158K and Cigarette Smoking on Disease Susceptibility
Authors: Bushueva Olga , Solodilova Maria , Churnosov Mikhail , Ivanov Vladimir , Polonikov Alexey
Published: August 2014

Gene encoding flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3), a microsomal antioxidant defense enzyme, has been suggested to contribute to essential hypertension (EH). The present study was designed to investigate whether common functional polymorphism E158K (rs2266782) of theFMO3gene is associated with EH susceptibility in a Russian population. A total of 2 995 unrelated subjects from Kursk (1 362 EH patients and 843 healthy controls) and Belgorod (357 EH patients and 422 population controls) regions of Central Russia were recruited for this study. DNA samples from all study participants were genotyped for theFMO3gene polymorphism through PCR followed by RFLP analysis. We found that the polymorphism E158K is associated with increased risk of essential hypertension in both discovery population from Kursk region (OR 1.36 95% CI 1.09–1.69,P=0.01) and replication population from Belgorod region (OR 1.54 95% CI 1.07–1.89,P=0.02) after adjustment for gender and age using logistic regression analysis. Further analysis showed that the increased hypertension risk in carriers of genotype 158KK gene occurred in cigarette smokers, whereas nonsmoker carriers of this genotype did not show the disease risk. This is the first study reporting the association of theFMO3gene polymorphism and the risk of essential hypertension.
Probing Electric Field in an Enclosed Field Mapper for Characterizing Metamaterials
Authors: Li Sucheng , Gu Chendong , Xu Yadong , Anwar Shahzad , Lu Weixin , Hang Zhi Hong , Hou Bo , Chen Huanyang
Published: August 2014

Spatially mapping electromagnetic fields in the quasi-two-dimensional field mapper (a parallel plate waveguiding system; Justice et al. (2006)) for characterizing metamaterial devices, especially those integrating the metal boundary, may encounter troubles including electromagnetic leakage caused by the air gap and energy guiding along finitely high metal walls. To eradicate them, a moving contact approach is proposed. The physical air gap between the mobile metal walls and the stationary upper plate of the mapper is closed, while their relative movement is still allowed during the field mapping. We demonstrate the method of closing the gap by mapping the E-field distribution in a rectangular waveguide.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adrenal Medullary Hyperplasia: Experience from 12 Cases
Authors: Yang Lu , Gao Liang , Lv Xiao , Qian Shengqiang , Bu Siyuan , Wei Qiang , Yuan Jiuhong , Fan Tianyong
Published: August 2014

Objective. To dissect the characteristics of adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) and share our experience of diagnosis and treatment of AMH.Methods. From 1999 to 2013, 12 cases of AMH have been pathologically diagnosed after operation in our hospital. The clinical characteristics, process of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis during follow-up of all patients are summarized retrospectively.Results. Four cases were trended to be AMH and 6 cases were trended to be pheochromocytoma before operation; moreover, the other two patients were diagnosed accidentally. All patients, except for the patient with mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of left kidney by open surgery, experienced a smooth laparoscopic adrenalectomy, including 2 with radical nephrectomy, 10 of which experienced unilateral adrenalectomy, 1 was bilaterally partial adrenalectomy, and the remaining one was unilaterally complete removal and then 2/3 partially contralateral excision. After a medium follow-up of 6.5 years, it demonstrated a satisfactory outcome of 8 cured patients and 4 symptomatic improved patients.Conclusions. AMH presents a mimicking morphology and clinical manifestation with pheochromocytoma. Surgery could be the only effective choice for the treatment of AMH and showed a preferable prognosis after a quite long follow-up.
Aluminium Involvement in Neurotoxicity
Authors: Fulgenzi Alessandro , Vietti Daniele , Ferrero Maria Elena
Published: August 2014

The aetiology of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) seems to involve susceptibility genes and environmental factors. Toxic metals are considered major environmental pollutants. Following our study of a case of multiple sclerosis (MS) improvement due to removal of aluminium (Al) and other toxic metals, we have examined the possible relationship between Al intoxication and ND. We used the slow intravenous treatment with the chelating agent EDTA (calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) (chelation test) to remove Al and detected it in the urine collected from the patients for 12 hours. Patients affected by MS represented 85.6% of total ND. Al was present in 44.8% of cases comprehensive of ND and healthy patients. Al levels were significantly higher in ND patients than in healthy subjects. We here show that treatment of patients affected by Al burden with ten EDTA chelation therapies (EDTA intravenous administration once a week) was able to significantly reduce Al intoxication.
Comparison of Zn, Cu, and Fe Content in Hair and Serum in Alopecia Areata Patients with Normal Group
Authors: Dastgheib Ladan , Mostafavi-pour Zohreh , Abdorazagh Ahmad Adnan , Khoshdel Zahra , Sadati Maryam Sadat , Ahrari Iman , Ahrari Sajjad , Ghavipisheh Mahsa
Published: August 2014

Background. Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition, in which hair is lost from some areas of the body. Though its etiopathogenesis is not fully understood, there are claims that imbalance of trace elements may trigger the onset of AA, by distorting immune functions. In this study, we tried to investigate the relationship between AA and iron, zinc, and copper levels of serum and hair.Materials and Methods. Sixteen female patients with AA (14–40 years old) and 27 healthy female controls were enrolled in this study. Serum and hair level of iron, zinc, and copper were measured by flame emission spectroscopy. The resulting data was analyzed with SPSS15.Results. We did not detect a significant difference in the serum and hair level of iron, zinc, and copper between patients and controls. There was a significant correlation between serum and hair level of iron (r=0.504,  P=0.001), zinc (r=0.684,  P=0.0001), and copper (r=0.759,P=0.0001) in patients and controls.Discussion and Conclusion. According to this study, there was no statistically significant difference between trace elements among AA patients and controls. So the trace elements level in hair and serum may not be relevant to the immunologic dysfunction that exists in AA patients.
Mooring Line Damping Estimation for a Floating Wind Turbine
Authors: Qiao Dongsheng , Ou Jinping
Published: August 2014

The dynamic responses of mooring line serve important functions in the station keeping of a floating wind turbine (FWT). Mooring line damping significantly influences the global motions of a FWT. This study investigates the estimation of mooring line damping on the basis of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory 5 MW offshore wind turbine model that is mounted on the ITI Energy barge. A numerical estimation method is derived from the energy absorption of a mooring line resulting from FWT motion. The method is validated by performing a 1/80 scale model test. Different parameter changes are analyzed for mooring line damping induced by horizontal and vertical motions. These parameters include excitation amplitude, excitation period, and drag coefficient. Results suggest that mooring line damping must be carefully considered in the FWT design.
Integrated Analysis for Identifying Radix Astragali and Its Adulterants Based on DNA Barcoding
Authors: Zheng Sihao , Liu Dewang , Ren Weiguang , Fu Juan , Huang Linfang , Chen Shilin
Published: August 2014

Radix Astragali is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for its proimmune and antidiabetic properties. However, methods are needed to help distinguish Radix Astragali from its varied adulterants. DNA barcoding is a widely applicable molecular method used to identify medicinal plants. Yet, its use has been hampered by genetic distance, base variation, and limitations of the bio‐NJ tree. Herein, we report the validation of an integrated analysis method for plant species identification using DNA barcoding that focuses on genetic distance, identification efficiency, inter‐ and intraspecific variation, and barcoding gap. We collected 478 sequences from six candidate DNA barcodes (ITS2, ITS, psbA‐trnH, rbcL, matK, and COI) from 29 species of Radix Astragali and adulterants. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence was demonstrated as the optimal barcode for identifying Radix Astragali and its adulterants. This new analysis method is helpful in identifying Radix Astragali and expedites the utilization and data mining of DNA barcoding.
A Comparison of Central Composite Design and Taguchi Method for Optimizing Fenton Process
Authors: Asghar Anam , Abdul Raman Abdul Aziz , Daud Wan Mohd Ashri Wan
Published: August 2014

In the present study, a comparison of central composite design (CCD) and Taguchi method was established for Fenton oxidation.Dyeini, Dye : Fe+2, H2O2 : Fe+2, and pH were identified control variables while COD and decolorization efficiency were selected responses.L9orthogonal array and face-centered CCD were used for the experimental design. Maximum 99% decolorization and 80% COD removal efficiency were obtained under optimum conditions.Rsquared values of 0.97 and 0.95 for CCD and Taguchi method, respectively, indicate that both models are statistically significant and are in well agreement with each other. Furthermore, Prob >Fless than 0.0500 and ANOVA results indicate the good fitting of selected model with experimental results. Nevertheless, possibility of ranking of input variables in terms of percent contribution to the response value has made Taguchi method a suitable approach for scrutinizing the operating parameters. For present case, pH with percent contribution of 87.62% and 66.2% was ranked as the most contributing and significant factor. This finding of Taguchi method was also verified by 3D contour plots of CCD. Therefore, from this comparative study, it is concluded that Taguchi method with 9 experimental runs and simple interaction plots is a suitable alternative to CCD for several chemical engineering applications.
Application of Hydrothermally Modified Sweet Potato Starch as a Substitute Additive for Soup Mixture
Authors: Senanayake S. A. , Ranaweera K. K. D. S. , Gunaratne A. , Bamunuarachchi A.
Published: August 2014

Potential application of modified sweet potato starch as a substitute thickener for corn starch was studied, by using native starches extracted from five different cultivars of sweet potatoes commonly available in Sri Lanka. Physicochemical properties (swelling power, water solubility index, pasting, and gelatinization) and digestibility of native and modified (heat-moisture treated, 20% moisture, 85°C for 6 hrs) starches were analysed. Modified Swp3 (Wariyapola white), Swp4 (Pallepola), and Swp5 (Malaysian) starches were selected based on the favourable conditions shown in the required physical and chemical properties and applied in a vegetable soup formula as a thickening aid. Corn starch added samples were kept as controls and the viscosity difference and sensory attributes were tested. Viscosity of the reconstituted soup powder and sensory analysis showed that Swp4 and Swp5 had significantly high level (P<0.05) of sensory quality and the average rank for mouth feel (taste), texture and overall acceptability was significantly high (P<0.05) in Swp5 added samples. Shelf life studies ensured 6 months of stability with negligible level of moisture increase and total plate count in air tight polypropylene packages at ambient temperatures (28–31°C). Results of this study revealed a possibility of applying physically modified Swp4 and Swp5 starches as a substituent food ingredient for commercially available corn starch to improve the thickness of food products.
Molecular Cloning and Biochemical Characterization of a Recombinant Sterol 3-O-Glucosyltransferase fromGymnema sylvestreR.Br. Catalyzing Biosynthesis of Steryl Glucosides
Authors: Tiwari Pragya , Sangwan Rajender Singh , Asha  , Mishra B. N. , Sabir Farzana , Sangwan Neelam S.
Published: August 2014

Gymnema sylvestreR.Br., a pharmacologically important herb vernacularly called Gur-Mar (sugar eliminator), is widely known for its antidiabetic action. This property of the herb has been attributed to the presence of bioactive triterpene glycosides. Although some information regarding pharmacology and phytochemical profiles of the plant are available, no attempts have been made so far to decipher the biosynthetic pathway and key enzymes involved in biosynthesis of steryl glucosides. The present report deals with the identification and catalytic characterization of a glucosyltransferase, catalyzing biosynthesis of steryl glycosides. The full length cDNA (2572 bp) contained an open reading frame of 2106 nucleotides that encoded a 701 amino acid protein, falling into GT-B subfamily of glycosyltransferases. The GsSGT was expressed inEscherichia coliand biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme suggested its key role in the biosynthesis of steryl glucosides with catalytic preference for C-3 hydroxyl group of sterols. To our knowledge, this pertains to be the first report on cloning and biochemical characterization of a sterol metabolism gene fromG. sylvestreR.Br. catalyzing glucosylation of a variety of sterols of biological origin from diverse organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plants.
Malignant Extra Renal Rhabdoid Tumour Presenting as Central Airway Obstruction
Authors: Madan Karan , Bal Amanjit , Agarwal Ritesh , Das Ashim
Published: August 2014

Rhabdoid tumours are one of the most aggressive childhood neoplasms associated with high mortality. The commonest age group affected is children less than five years of age. Rhabdoid tumour presenting as an endoluminal tracheal mass leading to central airway obstruction has not been previously reported. We describe the case of a 17-year-old male patient where malignant rhabdoid tumour masqueraded as bronchial asthma leading to a delayed diagnosis of upper airway obstruction by tracheal growth. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of malignant rhabdoid tumour.
Urinary Excretion of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Arellano-Buendía Abraham Said , García-Arroyo Fernando Enrique , Cristóbal-García Magdalena , Loredo-Mendoza María Lilia , Tapia-Rodríguez Edilia , Sánchez-Lozada Laura Gabriela , Osorio-Alonso Horacio
Published: August 2014

Recent studies suggest that tubular damage precedes glomerular damage in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, we evaluated oxidative stress and urinary excretion of tubular proteins as markers of tubular dysfunction.Methods.Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin administration (50 mg/kg). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); additionally, expression levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and oxidized protein (OP) were quantified. Whole glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured. Urinary excretion of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), osteopontin (uOPN), and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (uNAG) was also determined.Results.Diabetic rats showed an increase in uNGAL excretion 7 days following induction of diabetes. Diuresis, proteinuria, albuminuria, creatinine clearance, and GFR were significantly increased by 30 days after induction. Furthermore, there was an increase in both CAT and SOD activity, in addition to 3-NT, 4-HNE, and OP expression levels. However, GPx activity was lower. Serum levels of NGAL and OPN, as well as excretion levels of uNGAL, uOPN, and uNAG, were increased in diabetics. Tubular damage was observed by 7 days after diabetes induction and was further aggravated by 30 days after induction.Conclusion.The tubular dysfunction evidenced by urinary excretion of NGAL precedes oxidative stress during diabetes.
The Length of a Positive Surgical Margin Is of Prognostic Significance in Patients with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Treated with Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Servoll Einar , Vlatkovic Ljiljana , Sæter Thorstein , Nesland Jahn M. , Axcrona Ulrika , Waaler Gudmund , Axcrona Karol
Published: August 2014

Objective: To establish predictors of clinical failure in patients operated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized prostate cancer (PC) by analyzing the pathological characteristics of positive surgical margins (PSM). Patients and Methods: The RP specimens of 303 consecutive patients operated with RP between 1985 and 2009 were reviewed. PSM were analyzed with regard to the PSM length, location and multifocality and the Gleason score (GS) at the PSM. Results: Of the 163 patients with PSM, 79 (48%) progressed to clinical failure compared to 30 (22%) in the negative-margin-status group. In univariate analysis, a GS at the PSM ≥4 + 3 = 7 (p = 0. 013) and a PSM length >3.0 mm (p < 0.005) were significantly associated with higher clinical failure rates compared to a GS at the PSM ≤3 + 4 = 7 and ≤3.0 mm in extent, respectively. A linear extent of the PSM ≤3.0 mm appeared to have the same clinical outcome as in the group with a negative margin status. In multivariate analysis, a PSM length >3.0 mm remained an independent predictor of clinical failure. Conclusions: PSM length is an independent predictor of clinical failure following RP.
Clinical Implications of Local Field Potentials for Understanding and Treating Movement Disorders
Authors: Thompson John A. , Lanctin David , Ince Nuri Firat , Abosch Aviva
Published: August 2014

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of movement disorders has provided researchers with an opportunity to record electrical oscillatory activity from electrodes implanted in deep brain structures. Extracellular activity recorded from a population of neurons, termed local field potentials (LFPs), has shed light on the pathophysiology of movement disorders and holds the potential to lead to refinement in existing treatments. Objective: This paper reviews the clinical significance of LFPs recorded from macroelectrodes implanted in basal ganglia and thalamic targets for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia. Methods: Neural population dynamics and subthreshold events, which are undetectable by single-unit recordings, can be examined with frequency band analysis of LFPs (frequency range: 1-250 Hz). Results: Of clinical relevance, reliable correlations between motor symptoms and components of the LFP power spectrum suggest that LFPs may serve as a biomarker for movement disorders. In particular, Parkinson's rigidity has been shown to correlate with the power of beta oscillations (13-30 Hz), and essential tremor coheres with oscillations of 8-27 Hz. Furthermore, evidence indicates that the optimal contacts for DBS programming can be predicted from the anatomic location of beta and gamma bands (48-200 Hz). Conclusion: LFP analysis has implications for improved electrode targeting and the development of a real-time, individualized, ‘closed-loop' stimulation system.
A 22-Week-Old Fetus with Nager Syndrome and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia due to a Novel SF3B4 Mutation
Authors: Castori Marco , Bottillo Irene , D'Angelantonio Daniela , Morlino Silvia , De Bernardo Carmelilia , Scassellati Sforzolini Giovanna , Silvestri Evelina , Grammatico Paola
Published: August 2014

Nager syndrome, or acrofacial dysostosis type 1 (AFD1), is a rare multiple malformation syndrome characterized by hypoplasia of first and second branchial arches derivatives and appendicular anomalies with variable involvement of the radial/axial ray. In 2012, AFD1 has been associated with dominant mutations in SF3B4. We report a 22-week-old fetus with AFD1 associated with diaphragmatic hernia due to a previously unreported SF3B4 mutation (c.35-2A>G). Defective diaphragmatic development is a rare manifestation in AFD1 as it is described in only 2 previous cases, with molecular confirmation in 1 of them. Our molecular finding adds a novel pathogenic splicing variant to the SF3B4 mutational spectrum and contributes to defining its prenatal/fetal phenotype.
Access to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Under Pay for Performance
Authors: Epstein Arnold M. , Joynt Karen E. , Jha Ashish K. , Orav E. John
Published: August 2014

Background—

Although pay for performance (P4P) has become common, many worry that P4P will lead providers to avoid offering surgical procedures to the sickest patients out of concern that poor outcomes will lead to financial penalties.

Methods and Results—

We used Medicare data to compare change in rates of coronary artery bypass graft surgery between 2002 to 2003 and 2008 to 2009 among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) admitted to 126 hospitals participating in Medicare’s Premier Hospital Quality Incentive Demonstration P4P program with patients in 848 control hospitals participating in public reporting through the Health Quality Alliance. We examined rates for all patients with AMI and those in the top decile of predicted mortality based on demographics, medical comorbidities, and AMI characteristics. We identified 91 393 patients admitted for AMI in Premier hospitals and 502 536 Medicare patients admitted for AMI in control hospitals. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery rates for patients with AMI in Premier decreased from 13.6% in 2002 to 2003 to 10.4% in 2008 to 2009; there was a comparable decrease in non-Premier hospitals (13.6%–10.6%;
P
value for comparison of changes between Premier and non-Premier, 0.67). Coronary artery bypass graft surgery rates for high-risk patients in Premier decreased from 8.4% in FY 2002 to 203 to 8.2% in 2008 to 2009. Patterns were similar in non-Premier hospitals (8.4%–8.3%;
P
value for comparison of changes between Premier and non-Premier, 0.82).

Conclusions—

Our results show no evidence of a deleterious effect of P4P on access to coronary artery bypass graft surgery for high-risk patients with AMI. These results should be reassuring to those concerned about the potential negative effect of P4P on high-risk patients.
In‐Hospital Mortality Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results From the National Inpatient Sample, 2000–2010
Authors: Ahmed Bina , Davis Herbert T. , Laskey Warren K.
Published: August 2014

Background

Case‐fatality rates in acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) have significantly decreased; however, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (
DM
), a risk factor for
AMI
, has increased. The purposes of the present study were to assess the prevalence and clinical impact of
DM
among patients hospitalized with
AMI
and to estimate the impact of important clinical characteristics associated with in‐hospital mortality in patients with
AMI
and
DM
.

Methods and Results

We used the National Inpatient Sample to estimate trends in
DM
prevalence and in‐hospital mortality among 1.5 million patients with
AMI
from 2000 to 2010, using survey data‐analysis methods. Clinical characteristics associated with in‐hospital mortality were identified using multivariable logistic regression. There was a significant increase in
DM
prevalence among
AMI
patients (year 2000, 22.2%; year 2010, 29.6%,
P
trend
<0.0001).
AMI
patients with
DM
tended to be older and female and to have more cardiovascular risk factors. However, age‐standardized mortality decreased significantly from 2000 (8.48%) to 2010 (4.95%) (
P
trend
<0.0001).
DM
remained independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.069, 95%
CI
1.051 to 1.087;
P
<0.0001). The adverse impact of
DM
on in‐hospital mortality was unchanged over time. Decreased death risk over time was greatest among women and elderly patients. Among younger patients of both sexes, there was a leveling off of this decrease in more recent years.

Conclusions

Despite increasing
DM
prevalence and disease burden among
AMI
patients, in‐hospital mortality declined significantly from 2000 to 2010. The adverse impact of
DM
on mortality remained unchanged overall over time but was age and sex dependent.
Paracomesoma minor sp. n. and Microlaimus validus sp. n. (Nematoda) from the coast of Vietnam
Authors: GAGARIN VLADIMIR G. , TU NGUYEN DINH
Published: August 2014

Two nematode species isolated from sediments of the littoral zone of South China Sea on the coast of Vietnam are described and illustrated. Paracomesoma minor sp. n. is closely related to P. elegans Gagarin & Thanh, 2009 and P. lissum Gagarin & Thanh, 2009. It differs from the former species in the shorter body, longer and more slender tail, longer cephalic setae and shorter spicules, and from the latter species in the shorter body, longer cephalic setae, presence of cervical setae and smaller number of precloacal supplements in males. Microlaimus validus sp. n. is morphologically closest to M. citrus Gerlach, 1959 and M. nanus Blome, 1982 and differs from both species in the longer body, relatively shorter pharynx and relatively shorter and thicker tail.
A new genus of trechine beetles, Puertrechus gen. n., with two new species and a new species of Dactylotrechus Belousov et Kabak, 2003 from Southern China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)
Authors: BELOUSOV IGOR A. , KABAK ILYA I.
Published: August 2014

Puertrechus gen. n., related to both Dactylotrechus and Quiennectrechus Deuve, 1992 is established to accommodate two new trechine species: P. mengsaensis sp. n. (type species of the genus, type locality: Mountains East of Mengsa City, Lincang Prefecture, Yunnan, China) and P. daxueshanicus sp. n. (type locality: Daxueshan Mount, the same prefecture). Likewise, the second species of the genus Dactylotrechus Belousov & Kabak, 2003, D. yalongensis sp. n., is described from the right bank of the Yalong River, SW of Mianing, southern Sichuan, China. This species differs from the only known species of the genus in some important characters including the elytral chaetotaxy and the male genitalia structure. Some adjustments of the genus diagnosis are made to embrace the new species. Keys to species of Dactylotrechus and Puertrechus gen. n. are included and their distribution is mapped. A key is provided to differentiate Puertrechus , Dactylotrechus and Quiennectrechus.
Plecoptera from Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil
Authors: NOVAES MARCOS CARNEIRO , BISPO PITÁGORAS DA CONCEIÇÃO
Published: August 2014

Specimens of Plecoptera collected in Minas Gerais State, Brazil were studied. Twelve previously described species were identified, Anacroneuria boraceiensis Froehlich, 2004, A. debilis (Pictet, 1841), A. itatiaiensis Baldin et al., 2013, A. polita (Burmeister, 1839), A. singularis Righi-Cavallaro & Lecci, 2010, A. stanjewetti Froehlich, 2002, A. terere Righi-Cavallaro & Lecci, 2010, A. vanini Froehlich, 2004, Kempnyia neotropica (Jacobson and Bianchi, 1905), K. obtusa Klapálek, 1916, Tupiperla gracilis (Burmeister, 1839) and T. robusta Froehlich, 1998. Additionally, two new species of Anacroneuria are described, A. paprockii n. sp. and A. mineira n. sp., and a list of species from Minas Gerais State is presented.
A new species of wolf-spider (Alopecosa ogorodica sp.n.) from the Russian Mountain Altai with remarks on Arctosa meitanensis Yin et al., 1993 (Araneae: Lycosidae)
Authors: TRILIKAUSKAS LAIMONAS A. , AZARKINA GALINA N.
Published: August 2014

Alopecosa ogorodica sp.n. (♂♀), a new wolf-spider species (Lycosidae) from the Russian Mountain Altai is described. New data, diagnosis, description and drawings on Arctosa meitanensis Yin et al., 1993 are provided.
A new species of Axymyiidae (Diptera) from western North America and a key to the Nearctic species
Authors: FITZGERALD SCOTT J. , WOOD D. MONTY
Published: August 2014

Adult, pupal and larval stages of the western Nearctic axymyiid, Protaxymyia thuja Fitzgerald and Wood n. sp., are described. The generic placement of this taxon is discussed in the context of the world axymyiid fauna and a key to differentiate all known life stages of Nearctic axymyiids is provided.
Discovery of the most ancient member of family Tanyderidae (Diptera) from the Lower Jurassic (Sinemurian) of England
Authors: Skibińska Kornelia , Krzemiński Wiesław , Coram Robert A.
Published: August 2014

Nannotanyderus oliviae sp. nov. from the Lower Jurassic (Sinemurian) of England, the oldest representative of family Tanyderidae, is described and illustrated.
A new species of Arnobia (Orthoptera: Phaneropteridae: Phaneropterinae) from Sakaerat, Thailand
Authors: TAN MING KAI , ARTCHAWAKOM TAKSIN
Published: August 2014

From Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, one new species of Arnobia (Orthoptera: Phaneropterinae) is described: Arnobia tinae sp. n.
Local Wintertime Tropospheric Response to Oceanic Heat Anomalies in the Nordic Seas Area
Authors: Schlichtholz Pawel
Published: August 2014

A regression analysis between observed summertime Atlantic water temperature anomalies at the entrance to the Barents Sea and atmospheric fields in the following winter from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis in the period 1982–2006 is carried out. It shows that the ocean plays a key role in shaping wintertime tropospheric variability in the Nordic seas (Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian and Barents Seas) region. The oceanically driven atmospheric circulation anomaly around the Nordic seas marginal ice zone is intensified at the surface as a result of a thermally direct baroclinic adjustment. Frictional convergence in the cyclonic disturbance corresponding to warm ocean temperature anomalies forces ascending motion at the top of the planetary boundary layer and a compensating divergence aloft, which over the Barents Sea is extreme at the tropopause. A quasi-meridional overturning circulation anomaly is closed by descending motion south of the cyclonic disturbance. In addition, an equivalent barotropic flow anomaly appears in the upper troposphere. It is partly driven by eddy–mean flow interactions, as revealed by anomalies in the vorticity budget. The atmospheric response to oceanic forcing in the Nordic seas area is unique because of the prominent role of surface friction and because of specific profiles of diabatic heating and eddy heat flux convergence over the Barents Sea. As revealed by anomalies in the heat budget, the combined effect of diabatic heating and thermal eddy forcing acts, when the diabatic heating is positive, as a heat sink at the surface and a heat source aloft. The strongest anomalous heating occurs in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere where it counteracts the dynamic cooling owing to anomalous ascending motion.
The Perception of Pacing in a Music Appreciation Class and Its Relationship to Teacher Effectiveness and Teacher Intensity
Authors: Silveira Jason M.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine relationships among pacing, teacher effectiveness, and teacher intensity in the context of a realistic teaching situation. A scripted stimulus video was created in which the teacher demonstrated predefined pacing lapses to measure their effects on observers’ ratings of teacher effectiveness, teacher intensity, teacher pacing, and general perceptions. Participants ( N = 164 college students) were randomly assigned to one of four groups ( n = 41) to evaluate ongoing teacher effectiveness, teacher intensity, teacher pacing, or general perceptions (control group). Participants evaluated the teacher on their assigned construct using both continuous (Continuous Response Digital Interface) and summative measures (Likert-type scale). Results showed that the constructs had strong positive linear correlations with each other. The pacing group evidenced a greater response magnitude than the other three groups (effectiveness, intensity, control), suggesting that participants in the pacing group may have been reacting differently to some aspect of the teaching demonstration compared to the other groups.
Close adult friendships, gender, and the life cycle
Authors: Gillespie Brian Joseph , Lever Janet , Frederick David , Royce Tracy
Published: August 2014

Drawing on 25,185 responses collected via an online news website, our findings extend and update Fischer and Oliker’s (1983) classic study on gender and life cycle differences in friendship. We found no substantial gender differences in number of friends people can count on to celebrate birthdays, discuss intimate matters like one’s sex life, or depend upon when experiencing trouble late at night ( ds = .04–.20); however, number of friendships varied substantially according to marital status, age, and parental status. Residential population size was not associated with number of friendships. We also found that virtually all respondents reported having at least one close friend. Satisfaction with friends was a better predictor of life satisfaction than was number of friends.
Comparing and Explaining Differences in the Magnitude, Content, and Sensitivity of Utilities Predicted by the EQ-5D, SF-6D, HUI 3, 15D, QWB, and AQoL-8D Multiattribute Utility Instruments
Authors: Richardson Jeff , Khan Munir A. , Iezzi Angelo , Maxwell Aimee
Published: August 2014

Background. Cost utility analysis permits the comparison of disparate health services by measuring outcomes in comparable units, namely, quality-adjusted life-years, which equal life-years times the utility of the health state. However, comparability is compromised when different utility instruments predict different utilities for the same health state. The present paper measures the extent of, and reason for, differences between the utilities predicted by the EQ-5D-5L, SF-6D, HUI 3, 15D, QWB, and AQoL-8D. Methods. Data were obtained from patients in seven disease areas and members of the healthy public in six countries. Differences between public and patient utilities were estimated using each of the instruments. To explain discrepancies between the estimates, the measurement scales and content of the instruments were compared. The sensitivity of instruments to independently measured health dimensions was measured in pairwise comparisons of all combinations of the instruments. Results. The difference between public and patient utilities varied with the choice of instrument by more than 50% for every disease group and in four of the seven groups by more than 100%. Discrepancies were associated with differences in both the instrument content and their measurement scales. Pairwise comparisons of instruments found that variation in the sensitivity to physical and psychosocial dimensions of health closely reflected the items in the instrument's descriptive systems. Discussion. Results indicate that instruments measure related but different constructs. They imply that commonly used instruments systematically discriminate against some classes of services, most notably mental health services. Differences in the instrument scales imply the need for transformations between the instruments to increase the comparability of measurement.
The extent of food waste generation across EU-27: Different calculation methods and the reliability of their results
Authors: Bräutigam Klaus-Rainer , Jörissen Juliane , Priefer Carmen
Published: August 2014

The reduction of food waste is seen as an important societal issue with considerable ethical, ecological and economic implications. The European Commission aims at cutting down food waste to one-half by 2020. However, implementing effective prevention measures requires knowledge of the reasons and the scale of food waste generation along the food supply chain. The available data basis for Europe is very heterogeneous and doubts about its reliability are legitimate. This mini-review gives an overview of available data on food waste generation in EU-27 and discusses their reliability against the results of own model calculations. These calculations are based on a methodology developed on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and provide data on food waste generation for each of the EU-27 member states, broken down to the individual stages of the food chain and differentiated by product groups. The analysis shows that the results differ significantly, depending on the data sources chosen and the assumptions made. Further research is much needed in order to improve the data stock, which builds the basis for the monitoring and management of food waste.
Preschool Teachers and the Discourse of Suspicion
Authors: Pruit John C.
Published: August 2014

This article addresses the social construction of gender in a preschool context. The data are from ethnographic participant observation in a Montessori preschool and interviews with its preschool teachers. I identify a discourse of suspicion surrounding male preschool teachers preconstructing them as threats. The dimensions of the discourse of suspicion in early childhood education characterize male preschool teachers as pedophiles, homosexual, effeminate, and/or violent. I also identify several strategies preschool teachers use to minimize suspicion. Minimizing suspicion is a discursive and self-presentation strategy with the goal of avoiding and/or limiting suspicion. This article suggests shifting the focus from the dearth of men in early childhood education to the underlying tensions at the intersection of the social construction of gender and early childhood education.
The politics of flexibility: Employment practices in automotive multinationals in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Drahokoupil Jan , Myant Martin , Domonkos Stefan
Published: August 2014

In this article we investigate the flexibility strategies of foreign automobile producers in three Central and Eastern Europe countries, where employment flexibility has become a major issue and an area of conflict with unions. We focus on nine subsidiaries in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, and argue that flexibility strategies were shaped by parent company practices, the flexibility needs of individual affiliates and the relative strength of labour in negotiating the implementation of these practices. Given the relatively weak industrial relations institutions in the region, the relative strength of labour is conditioned primarily by market factors and parent company contexts. The findings thus highlight the importance of political resources and agency of actors in shaping employment policies.