bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of acute transfusion reactions to platelets in hospitalized pediatric patients based on the US hemovigilance reporting system
Authors: Li Ning , Williams Lawrence , Zhou Zhiming , Wu YanYun
Published: January 2014

Background

Transfusion reactions in pediatric populations have not been well studied. We investigated the incidence and type of transfusion reactions to platelets (PLTs) in a pediatric inpatient population.

Study Design and Methods

Over 1 year, a retrospective review of all PLT transfusions given to pediatric inpatients (≤18 years old) was performed at a single institution with application of the US hemovigilance reporting definitions. Intraoperative transfusions were excluded. Any signs or symptoms that could represent an acute transfusion reaction (ATR) within 24 hours after PLT transfusion were reviewed and classified based on the US hemovigilance reporting definitions.

Results

Between June 1, 2010, and May 31, 2011, a total of 805 PLT transfusions to 126 patients were identified as appropriate for inclusion. Of these 805 transfusions, 116 (14.4%) met the reporting criteria for ATRs. Some PLT transfusions were associated with multiple types of ATRs leading to 120 ATRs overall, as defined by the US hemovigilance reporting system. Of these 120 reportable ATRs, 54 (45.0%) transfusion‐associated dyspnea (TAD) reactions, 38 (31.7%) febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, 15 (12.5%) allergic transfusion reactions, eight (6.7%) hypotensive transfusion reactions, and five (4.2%) transfusion‐associated cardiac overload reactions were identified. No resultant deaths associated with ATRs were observed. Of these reportable ATRs, only four (3.34%) were reported to the hospital transfusion service.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that reportable ATRs in the pediatric populations may be more prevalent than previously reported and were underreported to our transfusion service. TAD encompassed the majority of reportable ATRs and is the main contributor to the increased rate of reportable ATRs.
Born to be Global and the Globalisation Process
Authors: Norbäck Pehr‐Johan , Persson Lars
Published: January 2014

During the last decades, we have witnessed a large number of entrepreneurial firms that reach the world market at a fast pace (‘born global firms’). Our analysis suggests that the ongoing globalisation process indeed implies that born to be global firms would be more prominent in the world economy due to the reduction in the cost of exploiting good business ideas globally. However, our analysis also suggests that entrepreneurial firms have incentives to sell their business to incumbents. Indeed, we show that ‘born to be sold global firms’ can be even more frequent as a result of trade liberalisation and the international deregulation of the market for corporate control.
An unusual association of autosomal polycystic kidney disease and multiple myeloma
Authors: Mandal Sanjay Kumar , Ganguly Jacky , Mondal Soumya Sarathi , Sil Koelina
Published: January 2014

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is well known for its different renal and extrarenal complications. Chronic renal failure (CRF) from ADPKD is also reported in older patients. On the other hand, multiple myeloma (MM) can also cause renal damage by different mechanisms. A 38-year-old man presented with dull aching abdominal pain, recent onset respiratory distress along with bilateral pedal swelling. Initial investigations revealed polycystic kidney disease but subsequently it was found that the patient was also suffering from MM. This rare association of ADPKD and MM was responsible for aggravating the renal damage and perhaps resulted in early age of presentation with CRF. The patient was managed symptomatically but unfortunately succumbed before starting specific treatment for MM.
Pancytopenia secondary to cytomegalovirus reactivation
Authors: Tse Justin Ruey , Ng Gan Xon
Published: January 2014

A 64-year-old woman with a 1-year history of microscopic polyangiitis developed isolated pancytopenia secondary to cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. The patient was originally admitted to the medical service for the management of a rapidly progressing 10 cm ulcer on her left lower extremity. Prior to admission, the patient had been on several immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of microscopic polyangiitis, including prednisone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab. Her hospital course was notable for pancytopenia and after a very thorough diagnostic work-up, the aetiology was found to be secondary to CMV reactivation. This was confirmed by blood analysis that revealed a highly elevated CMV level at 899 100 copies/mL by quantitative PCR. The patient was promptly treated with intravenous ganciclovir for a total course of 14 days before transitioning to an oral regimen. She had a pronounced response to the anti-CMV therapy with complete recovery of her white cell count, haemoglobin and platelet count to baseline.
Maternal micronutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and placental PPARγ expression
Authors: Meher Akshaya P. , Joshi Asmita A. , Joshi Sadhana R.
Published: January 2014

An altered one-carbon cycle is known to influence placental and fetal development. We hypothesize that deficiency of maternal micronutrients such as folic acid and vitamin B12will lead to increased oxidative stress, reduced long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and altered expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPARγ) in the placenta, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to these diets will increase the expression of PPARγ. Female rats were divided into 5 groups: control, folic acid deficient, vitamin B12deficient, folic acid deficient + omega-3 fatty acid supplemented, and vitamin B12deficient + omega-3 fatty acid supplemented. Dams were dissected on gestational day 20. Maternal micronutrient deficiency leads to lower (p < 0.05) levels of placental docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, PPARγ expression and higher (p < 0.05) levels of plasma malonidialdehyde, placental IL-6, and TNF-α. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to a vitamin B12deficient diet normalized the expression of PPARγ and lowered the levels of placental TNF-α. In the case of supplementation to a folic acid deficient diet it lowered the levels of malonidialdehyde and placental IL-6 and TNF-α. This study has implications for fetal growth as oxidative stress, inflammation, and PPARγ are known to play a key role in the placental development.
Forecasting the deployment of short-rotation intensive culture of willow or hybrid poplar: Insights from a Delphi study
Authors: Masse Sylvain , Marchand Pierre P. , Bernier-Cardou Michèle
Published: January 2014

Short-rotation intensive culture (SRIC) of willow (Salix spp.) or hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) is currently at a precommercial stage with a potential to be applied economically across important areas to produce lignocellulosic biomass and environmental services in Canada. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted among 50 experts to assess the future deployment of SRIC in this country. The total area in 10 years (2011 base year) was forecasted as 1330, 4100, and 11 400 ha under pessimistic, realistic, and optimistic scenarios, respectively. The deployment of SRIC in the next decade depends mainly on the development of the demand for SRIC biomass and services, that of production technologies, and the establishment of policies and programs promoting its application. In the short term, research and development (R&D) and policy initiatives should be funded or implemented by various stakeholders to facilitate the deployment of the system. On average, respondents deemed that the potential for long-term (20 years) deployment of SRIC in Canada was good. Some of the conclusions and the methodological approach of this study could apply to short-rotation woody crop systems and to agroforestry systems in Canada and elsewhere.
Variations of estradiol-17β and testosterone levels correlated with gametogenesis in the gonad of Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) during annual reproductive cycle
Authors: Liu J. , Zhang Z. , Zhang L. , Liu X. , Yang D. , Ma X.
Published: January 2014

To assess the potential roles of sex steroids in modulating reproductive processes in the Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri (Jones and Preston, 1904)), variations in estradiol-17β (E2) and testosterone (T) levels in gonads were examined monthly from January to December 2012 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean concentrations of E2 and T in gonads ranged from 75.07 to 666.24 pg/g and from 91.09 to 506.28 pg/g, respectively. Concentrations of E2 were significantly higher in ovaries than in testes, while T concentrations were higher in testes than in ovaries during gametogenesis. Concentrations of E2 in females and T in males increased with development and maturation of gonad, attained the highest value before spawning, and decreased rapidly after spawning. A positive correlation between E2 levels and oocyte diameters (r = 0.743, P < 0.05, n = 25) was observed, suggesting that E2 may play a role in oogenesis. These findings indicate that E2 and T, which are highly correlated with the reproductive cycle, may play an important role in sex determination, sex differentiation, gametogenesis, and spawning in C. farreri.
CASIMIR EFFECT UNDER QUASI-PERIODIC BOUNDARY CONDITION INSPIRED BY NANOTUBES
Authors: FENG CHAO-JUN , LI XIN-ZHOU , ZHAI XIANG-HUA
Published: January 2014

When one studies the Casimir effect, the periodic (anti-periodic) boundary condition is usually taken to mimic a periodic (anti-periodic) structure for a scalar field living in a flat space with a non-Euclidean topology. However, there could be an arbitrary phase difference between the value of the scalar field on one endpoint of the unit structure and that on the other endpoint, such as the structure of nanotubes. Then, in this paper, a periodic condition on the ends of the system with an additional phase factor, which is called the "quasi-periodic" condition, is imposed to investigate the corresponding Casimir effect. And an attractive or repulsive Casimir force is found, whose properties depend on the phase angle value. Especially, the Casimir effect disappears when the phase angle takes a particular value. High dimensional spacetime case is also investigated.
N*'s AND Δ's GENERATED IN VECTOR, PSEUDOSCALAR MESON-BARYON SYSTEMS
Authors: KHEMCHANDANI K. P. , MARTÍNEZ TORRES A. , NAGAHIRO H. , HOSAKA A.
Published: January 2014

We have recently studied coupled channel interactions of vector and pseudoscalar mesons with octet baryons having total strangeness null and spin-parity 1/2-. We, thus, considered πN, ηN, KΛ, KΣ, ρN, ωN, ϕN, K*Λ, and K*Σ with total isospin 1/2 and 3/2. The interactions between pseudoscalar mesons and baryons are obtained by using the Weinberg-Tomozawa theorem. For the case of vector mesons, we calculate s-, t-, u-exchange diagrams and a contact term. The subtraction constants, required to calculate the loop-function in the scattering equations, are constrained by fitting the available experimental data on some of the reactions with pseudoscalar meson-baryon final states. We end up finding resonances which can be related to N*(1535), N*(1650) (with a double pole structure), N*(1895) and Δ(1620). We conclude that these resonances can be, at least partly, interpreted as dynamically generated resonances and that the vector mesons play an important role in determining the dynamical origin of the low-lying N* and Δ states.
EXCLUSIVE MEASUREMENTS OF OMEGA ELECTROPRODUCTION OFF THE PROTON IN THE RESONANCE REGION
Authors:   (for the CLAS Collaboration), PHELPS EVAN
Published: January 2014

A complete theory of strong interactions must describe the excited baryon spectrum as well as the structure of prominent states, which reflects the dynamics of nonperturbative QCD. Beyond the discriminating power of exclusive single- and double-pion electroproduction, the ω channel provides an additional probe of high-mass excited states. The current analysis provides preliminary differential and integrated cross sections of ω electroproduction off the proton from W = 1.7 to 3.2 GeV and Q2 = 1.5 to 5.5 GeV2. The data was collected by JLab's CLAS detector during two run periods and comprises the largest sample of exclusive resonance-region ω electroproduction ever analyzed. Preliminary Legendre decomposition of the cross sections supports previous indications of s-channel contributions to cross sections in the resonance region.
TWO PION PRODUCTION IN THE RESONANCE ENERGY REGION
Authors: SHKLYAR VITALY , LENSKE HORST , MOSEL ULRICH
Published: January 2014

The coupled-channel unitary Lagrangian (Giessen) model is extended to study two pion production within the isobar approximation. The effect from the t-channel pion exchange to the πN → σN reaction is found to be small which is in line with the previous conclusions by the Crystal Ball collaboration. The calculations with the genuine Roper resonance are found to be in nice agreement with both the Crystal Ball measurements of the 2πN production and the GWU single energy solutions in the elastic πN channel.
BARYONS IN A HYBRID QUARK-DIQUARK MODEL
Authors: GALATÀ GIUSEPPE
Published: January 2014

One of the main problems in baryon spectroscopy is the presence of many so-called "missing resonances". A possible solution to this problem is to describe two correlated quarks inside the baryons by means of the diquark effective degree of freedom. Three different quark-diquark model are developed and compared. Some theoretical predictions are given and compared with the available experimental data.
PION PHOTOPRODUCTION IN A GAUGE-INVARIANT CHIRAL UNITARY FRAMEWORK
Authors: MAI MAXIM , BRUNS PETER C. , MEIßNER ULF-G.
Published: January 2014

We investigate pion photoproduction off the proton in a manifestly gauge-invariant chiral unitary extension of chiral perturbation theory. In a first step, we consider meson-baryon scattering taking into account all next-to-leading order contact interactions. The resulting low-energy constants are determined by a fit to s-wave pion-nucleon scattering and the low-energy data for the reaction π-p → ηn. Having determined the low-energy constants, we then analyse the data on the s-wave multipole amplitudes E0+ of pion and eta photoproduction. These are parameter-free predictions, as the two new low-energy constants are determined by the neutron and proton magnetic moments.
MEASUREMENT OF EXCITED HYPERONS IN PHOTOPRODUCTION AT CLAS
Authors:   (for the CLAS Collaboration), MORIYA KEI , SCHUMACHER REINHARD A.
Published: January 2014

Measurement results of photoproduced excited hyperon states using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab are shown. The invariant mass distribution of the Λ(1405) has recently been shown to be different for each of the three Σπ channels that it decays to, showing that there is prominent interference between the isospin I = 0 and I = 1 isospin amplitudes. Measurements of the differential and total cross sections of the three hyperons Λ(1405), Σ0(1385), and Λ(1520) are presented and compared. Prospects of future studies using a 12 GeV beam with the GlueX detector are briefly given.
KSΛ PHOTOPRODUCTION ON THE NEUTRON WITHIN THE RESONANCE REGION
Authors:   (for the CLAS Collaboration), TAYLOR CHARLES , COLE PHILIP
Published: January 2014

We report some preliminary differential cross section results for the γ d → KSΛ(p) reaction using a circularly-polarized photon beam and an unpolarized LD2 target. The data was collected at the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab. For this study the photon energy ranged from 1.3 to 2.53 GeV, which covers from the reaction threshold through the nucleon resonance regimes. The acceptance- and flux-corrected yields show peaks at the center-of mass energies W = 1.7 and W = 1.9 GeV. These first-time results will aid in unraveling the spectrum of non-strange excited baryons.
K*(892)0Λ & K+Σ*(1385)- PHOTOPRODUCTION ON THE DEUTERON
Authors:   (for the CLAS Collaboration), MATTIONE PAUL
Published: January 2014

Preliminary measurements of the differential cross sections of the γn → K*(892)0Λ and γn → K+Σ*(1385)- reactions are shown using data from the Jefferson Lab Hall B CLAS g13 experiment. No experimental cross section data have yet been published on the γn → K*(892)0Λ reaction, and the only published cross section data on the γn → K+Σ*(1385)- reaction are at forward angles, where t-channel K+ and K*+ exchanges are predicted to dominate. These data can be used to contribute to the search for the "missing" N* resonances, some of which are predicted to have non-negligible couplings to the excited strangeness channels.
Tobacco Use in the Oncology Setting: Advancing Clinical Practice and Research
Authors: Gritz Ellen R. , Toll Benjamin A. , Warren Graham W.
Published: January 2014

Although tobacco is a well-established causal agent for many human cancers, less emphasis has been placed on translating this evidence by evaluating the effects of continued tobacco use after a cancer diagnosis. A broad assessment of the effects of continued tobacco use demonstrates that tobacco increases cancer treatment toxicity, recurrence, second primary tumors, and mortality in patients with cancer. Few studies report the potential benefits of cessation after a cancer diagnosis, but data suggest improved treatment outcomes in patients with cancer who quit smoking. Improving tobacco cessation treatment efficacy and access to cessation support has been sparsely researched in the oncology setting compared with the general population; however, patients with cancer are receptive to standard evidence-based tobacco cessation guidelines. Several studies demonstrate moderate tobacco cessation success in patients with cancer using the general principles of evidence-based tobacco cessation support. Several systems-level issues and research efforts are needed to standardize tobacco use definitions, increase access to tobacco cessation support, improve tobacco cessation efficacy, understand the time-dependent effects of tobacco and cessation on cancer biology, and realize the potential benefits of tobacco cessation for patients with cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 3–9. ©2014 AACR.
Laboratory Investigation of Platelet Function in Patients with Thalassaemia
Authors: Theodoridou S. , Economou M. , Vyzantiadis T.-A. , Teli A. , Vlachaki E. , Neokleous N. , Kargioti A. , Vakalopoulou S. , Garypidou V. , Gombakis N. , Papachristou F.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate platelet function in patients with thalassaemia and to detect any relation to chelation treatment (deferasirox or deferiprone/deferiprone plus desferioxamine). Thirty-three transfusion-dependent patients with thalassaemia were included. The investigation consisted of aggregation testing of platelet-rich plasma by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) with the use of 5 agonists as well as the global test of haemostasis by means of the PFA-100 platelet function analyser. In 66.67% of the patients, there was reduced LTA to at least one agonist and in 18.18% there was reduced LTA to two or more agonists. The PFA-100 test was prolonged in 60.6% of the cases. An abnormal LTA and a prolonged PFA-100 time were recorded in 33.3% of the patients and 27.4% had a normal aggregation and PFA-100 test. No correlation between chelation regimen and either LTA or PFA-100 test was found. The abnormal LTA can be explained either by the release of ADP from the haemolysed red blood cells, which leads to defective platelet aggregation, or by the presence of two platelet populations. An in vitro effect without an in vivo impact could be an alternative explanation. In patients with thalassaemia, the reduced LTA and the prolonged PFA-100 closure time could be an in vitro effect and has a close correlation to the bleeding phenotype of each patient.
Effect of Intensive Atorvastatin Therapy on Periprocedural PDCD4 Expression in CD4+ T Lymphocytes of Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Su Qiang , Li Lang , Liu Yang , Zhou You , Wang Jiangyou , Sun Yuhan
Published: January 2014

Objective: To investigate the effects of intensive atorvastatin therapy on programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) expression by CD4+ T lymphocytes in patients with unstable angina who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Patients with unstable angina were randomized to pretreatment with either an intensive dose (80 mg/day, n = 33) or a conventional dose (20 mg/day, n = 33) of atorvastatin. Circulating CD4+ T cells were subsequently obtained prior to PCI, and also 18-24 h after PCI, using a magnetic cell sorting system. Fluorescence-based quantitative real-time PCR was then used to measure levels of PDCD4 mRNA in the isolated CD4+ T lymphocytes, and Western blot analysis was used to detect levels of PDCD4. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and TNF-α were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Of the 66 patients with unstable angina that were examined, levels of PDCD4 mRNA and protein were found to dramatically decrease in patients who received an intensive dose of atorvastatin following PCI (p < 0.05). In contrast, serum levels of TNF-α significantly increased following PCI in both the intensive dose group and the conventional dose group, with the latter being higher than the former (p < 0.05). Serum IL-10 levels also markedly increased following PCI for the two groups. However, higher values were associated with the intensive dose group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intensive atorvastatin treatment reduced the post-PCI myocardial inflammatory response in patients with unstable angina, possibly by inhibiting PDCD4 expression in CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Extraneural Metastases of Primary Central Nervous System Tumors Identified by Fine Needle Aspiration: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: VandenBussche Christopher J. , Ho Cheng-Ying , Nugent Summer L. , Ali Syed Z.
Published: January 2014

Objective: Extraneural metastasis (EM) of primary central nervous system (PCNS) neoplasms is rare and signifies a poor clinical outcome. Due to its infrequent occurrence, relatively few reports on the cytomorphology of these neoplasms have been published. We describe a series of 19 cases from 16 patients at a single, large tertiary care center. Study design: A retrospective analysis of 19 cases of metastases from PCNS neoplasms identified on fine needle aspiration (FNA) in 8 male and 8 female patients aged 14-72 years (mean age 39.6) from 1989 to 2013 was conducted to further characterize the cytomorphologic features identified at metastatic sites. Results: Six different PCNS neoplasms were identified: meningioma, glioblastoma, hemangiopericytoma (HPC), oligodendroglioma, medulloblastoma, and retinoblastoma. The mean latency period between the diagnoses of the primary and first metastatic tumors was 7.4 years (range 0-15). The most common PCNS malignancy responsible for EM was HPC. The most common metastatic sites were the lung (31%) and soft tissue/bone (31%). Conclusions: EM of PCNS tumors is extremely rare. FNA allows for quick, safe and accurate diagnosis. Cytomorphologic features are characteristic, and in conjunction with the clinical history and immunohistochemistry, an accurate diagnosis was obtained in 100% of the cases.
Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Gisondi Paolo , Sala Francesca , Alessandrini Franco , Avesani Virginia , Zoccatelli Giada , Beltramello Alberto , Moretto Giuseppe , Gambina Giuseppe , Girolomoni Giampiero
Published: January 2014

Background: Psoriasis is frequently associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities and depression that are risk factors for cognitive impairment. Objective: To investigate cognitive performance in psoriatic patients. Method: Cognitive performances were assessed by neuropsychological tests in 41 patients with psoriasis and 37 controls. Diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were (1) subjective complaint of a memory deficit, confirmed by a relative or caregiver, (2) pathological performance on neuropsychological tests investigating cognitive domains, (3) normal performance of daily living activities and (4) no dementia. Neuroimaging was studied by high-field magnetic resonance imaging and cortical thickness analysis. Results: MCI was found in 18 out of 41 (44%) patients with psoriasis compared to 4 out of 37 (11%) controls (p = 0.002). In particular, patients with psoriasis had lower scores in the delayed recall of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (p = 0.04), Backwards Digit Span Test (p = 0.002), Weigl's Sorting Test (p = 0.01) and Trail Making Test B (p = 0.008). In the 7 patients submitted to cortical thickness analysis, a reduction in brain thickness in parahippocampal, superior temporal and frontal gyri of the left hemisphere was observed. Conclusions: Patients with psoriasis may have a precocious impairment of long-term verbal memory, executive functions and attention.
Characterizing Spatiotemporal Variations of Hourly Rainfall by Gauge and Radar in the Mountainous Three Gorges Region
Authors: Li Zhe , Yang Dawen , Hong Yang , Zhang Jian , Qi Youcun
Published: January 2014

Understanding spatiotemporal rainfall patterns in mountainous areas is of great importance for prevention of natural disasters such as flash floods and landslides. There is little knowledge about rainfall variability over historically underobserved complex terrains, however, and especially about the variations of hourly rainfall. In this study, the spatiotemporal variations of hourly rainfall in the Three Gorges region (TGR) of China are investigated with gauge and newly available radar data. The spatial pattern of hourly rainfall has been examined by a number of statistics, and they all show that the rainfall variations are time-scale and location dependent. In general, the northern TGR receives more-intense and longer-duration rainfall than do other parts of the TGR, and short-duration storms could occur in most of the TGR. For temporal variations, the summer diurnal cycle shifts from a morning peak in the west to a late-afternoon peak in the east while a mixed pattern of two peaks exists in the middle. In statistical terms, empirical model–based estimation indicates that the correlation scale of hourly rainfall is about 40 km. Further investigation shows that the correlation distance varies with season, from 30 km in the warm season to 60 km in the cold season. In addition, summer rainstorms extracted from radar rainfall data are characterized by short duration (6–8 h) and highly localized patterns (5–17 and 13–36 km in the minor and major directions, respectively). Overall, this research provides quantitative information about the rainfall regime in the TGR and shows that the combination of gauge and radar data is useful for characterizing the spatiotemporal pattern of storm rainfall over complex terrain.
Shore-Based Video Observations of Nonlinear Internal Waves across the Inner Shelf *,+
Authors: Suanda Sutara H. , Barth John A. , Holman Rob A. , Stanley John
Published: January 2014

Shore-based video remote sensing is used to observe and continually monitor nonlinear internal waves propagating across the inner shelf. Month-long measurements of velocity from bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profilers and temperature from thermistor chains at the 10- and 20-m isobaths are combined with sea surface imagery from a suite of cameras (Argus) to provide a kinematic description of 11 borelike internal waves as they propagate across the central Oregon inner shelf. The surface expression of these waves, commonly seen by eye as alternating rough and smooth bands, are identified by increased pixel intensity in Argus imagery (average width 39 ± 6 m), caused by the convergence of internal wave-driven surface currents. These features are tracked through time and space using 2-min time exposure images and then compared to wave propagation speed and direction from in situ measurements. Internal waves are refracted by bathymetry, and the measured wave speed (~0.15 m s−1) is higher than predicted by linear theory (<0.1 m s−1). Propagating internal waves are also visible in subsampled Argus pixel time series (hourly collections of 17 min worth of 2-Hz pixel intensity from a subset of locations), thus extending the observational record to times without an in situ presence. Results from this 5-month record show that the preferred sea state for successful video observations occurs for wind speeds of 2–5 m s−1. Continued video measurements and analysis of extensive existing Argus data will allow a statistical estimate of internal wave occurrence at a variety of inner-shelf locations.
The Metaphysics of Holiness: Created Participation in the Divine Nature
Authors: Ormerod Neil
Published: January 2014

Drawing on Lonergan’s systematic theology of the Trinity and his conception of four created participations in the divine nature, this article argues that these created participations should result in four ‘types’ of holiness. The article explains the nature of Lonergan’s proposal in relation to the more traditional approach of Thomas Aquinas and draws out the implication of the proposal through a description of the four types of holiness. Further implications are drawn in relation to interreligious dialogue. The conclusion is that the four types constitute a form of supernatural vestigia trinitatis, allowing for an approach to the doctrine of the Trinity based on religious experience.
Single, Safe, and Sorry?
Authors: De Moor Tine
Published: January 2014

The beguine movement is a most remarkable movement in the history of the Low Countries but still remains to be explained. The skewed sex ratio, diminished access to convents, and the religious revival of the late Middle Ages seem insufficient to explain the movement in the long run. I argue that the specific attitude toward women in the Low Countries that originated with the emergence of the European Marriage Pattern created a fertile and unique basis for the beguinages to develop: the beguinages may have offered women in the Low Countries safety and security in case they chose to remain single.
Le traitement de faveur comme outil de recrutement de clientèle: le problème de la résistance du consommateur
Authors: Butori Raphaëlle , Pez Virginie
Published: January 2014

De plus en plus d'entreprises accordent des traitements de faveur aux consommateurs lors de leur toute première interaction avec eux, dans une optique de recrutement. Prenant appui sur les concepts de légitimité, de réciprocité et d'inférence, nous montrons, à travers une étude quantitative (N=301) et une étude qualitative, que cette pratique peut être à l'origine d'un phénomène de résistance se traduisant par le rejet de la marque, ou au contraire l'adoption de comportements opportunistes. Nos résultats permettent de formuler des recommandations en vue d'une meilleure utilisation de cet outil de CRM.
Répertoires de critiques et conflits des mondes: une approche conventionnaliste des programmes de fidélisation
Authors: El Euch Maalej Mariem , Roux Dominique
Published: January 2014

Prenant appui sur le modèle conventionnaliste des « Économies de la Grandeur » de Boltanski et Thévenot (1991), cette recherche fournit une nouvelle approche théorique des difficultés de la fidélisation. Une étude qualitative conduite auprès de 40 consommateurs révèle qu'ils fondent leurs justifications sur une critique des logiques marchande et industrielle, à partir d'autres « mondes » qui soutiennent leurs référentiels de jugement.
Piloter la relation client dans I'e-commerce: quels leviers et quelles incidences sur les comportements d'achat ?
Authors: N'Goala Gilles , Cases Anne-Sophie
Published: January 2014

La fidélisation des clients est devenue un objectif majeur pour les e-commerçants. Croisant des données attitudinales et comportementales sur deux sites marchands ( N = 1796), cette recherche (1) identifie puis mesure huit leviers relationnels (design, choix, contact, vie privée, customisation, respect des engagements, interactivité et communauté), (2) souligne leurs impacts différenciés sur les deux facettes clés de la confiance (crédibilité et bienveillance perçue du site marchand), et (3) montre le rôle médiateur total de l'engagement dans la relation entre les leviers relationnels et les comportements d'achat réels des clients.
Sleep disorders and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Palagini L , Tani C , Mauri M , Carli L , Vagnani S , Bombardieri S , Gemignani A , Mosca M
Published: January 2014

Objective

Sleep disturbances are often seen in rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the prevalence of sleep disorders in SLE as well as the contributing factors to their occurrence remain poorly understood. The aim of this paper is to review the clinical and psychobiological data on the relationship between sleep disturbances and SLE.

Method

We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO, using MeSH headings and keywords for “sleep disorders” and “SLE.”

Results

Nine studies reporting the relationship between sleep disorders and SLE were found. Prevalence rates of sleep disorders ranged between 55% and 85%; differences in assessment techniques appeared to be a major source of this variability. In the majority of the studies an association between sleep disorders and disease activity, pain and fatigue has been reported. Psychosocial variables, depression, steroid use, and the role that sleep disruption has on pain, inflammation and cytokines, have been hypothesized as possible psychobiological factors.

Conclusions

Sleep disorders appear to occur in more than half of patients with SLE and appear to be associated with disease activity. Pain and fatigue are also related to sleep disorders. Among the hypotheses on the possible mechanisms underlining the association between sleep disorders and SLE, psychosocial/psychological factors, especially depression, were the most frequently reported.
Regulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and High-Density Lipoprotein Quality by Estradiol in Cardiovascular Pathology
Authors: Kypreos Kyriakos E. , Zafirovic Sonja , Petropoulou Peristera-Ioanna , Bjelogrlic Predrag , Resanovic Ivana , Traish Abdul , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: January 2014

Estrogens have been recognized, in the last 3 decades, as important hormones in direct and indirect modulation of vascular health. In addition to their direct benefit on cardiovascular health, the presence of esterified estrogen in the lipid core of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles indirectly contributes to atheroprotection by significantly improving HDL quality and functionality. Estrogens modulate their physiological activity via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. Genomic mechanisms are thought to be mediated directly by interaction of the hormone receptor complex with the hormone response elements that regulate gene expression. Nongenomic mechanisms are thought to occur via interaction of the estrogen with membrane-bound receptors, which rapidly activate intracellular signaling without binding of the hormone receptor complex to its hormone response elements. Estradiol in particular mediates early and late endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation via interaction with estrogen receptors through both nongenomic and genomic mechanisms. In the vascular system, the primary endogenous source of nitric oxide (NO) generation is eNOS. Nitric oxide primarily influences blood vessel relaxation, the heart rate, and myocyte contractility. The abnormalities in expression and/or functions of eNOS lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, both in animals and in humans. Although considerable research efforts have been dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of action of estradiol in regulating cardiac eNOS, more research is needed to fully understand the details of such mechanisms. This review focuses on recent findings from animal and human studies on the regulation of eNOS and HDL quality by estradiol in cardiovascular pathology.
Radical Transparency?
Authors: Birchall Clare
Published: January 2014

This article considers the cultural positioning of transparency as a superior form of disclosure through a comparative analysis with other forms. One, as yet under-examined appeal of transparency lies in its promise to circumvent the need for, and usurp the role of, narrative-interpretive forms of disclosure such as scandal, gossip, and conspiracy theories. This growing preference for transparency as a more enlightening, honorable mode of disclosure is not just a result of the positive qualities that are seen to be intrinsic to transparency (particularly e-transparency) itself, but a response to the perceived negative characteristics of other forms of disclosure. After questioning the opposition between transparency and narrative-interpretive disclosures, we can see the preference for the former to be, at least partly, ideological: Transparency reinforces neoliberal tenets as much as democratic ideals. WikiLeaks is invoked in this article as a case which draws on both e-transparency and narrative-interpretive forms of disclosure in a move that wrests transparency from the clutches of neoliberalism and refuses the traditional hierarchy between forms of disclosure. This hybrid form helps us explore the possibility and implications of non-ascendant, radical forms of transparency or, in other words, disclosure without political foreclosure.
The Convincing Ground, Portland Bay, Victoria, Australia: An Exploration of the Controversy Surrounding its Onomastic History
Authors: Clark Ian D.
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a case study into the historiography of the Convincing Ground toponym at Portland Bay, Victoria, Australia. This study shows that research by into the usage of the phrase “convincing ground” in nineteenth-century Australia is superficial, and his preference for one explanation of the origin of the Convincing Ground toponym that relates to intra-whaler conflict resolution is superficial and inadequate. This analysis supports the alternative narrative that the toponym has its origin in a dispute between whalers and Aborigines over possession of a beached whale. Furthermore, Connor failed to consider the possibility that the phrase “convincing ground” is polysemous, which means that we should not expect to find a singular homogenous explanation or application in the literature. He also failed to discuss the real possibility that the Convincing Ground may also be a onomastic palimpsest and that both the Aboriginal-whaler dispute narrative and the intra-whaler dispute narrative may be legitimate explanations relevant at particular moments in the place’s history.
Investigation of thermal conductivity and rheological properties of nanofluids containing graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Mehrali Mohammad , Sadeghinezhad Emad , Latibari Sara Tahan , Kazi Salim Newaz , Mehrali Mehdi , Zubir Mohd Nashrul Bin Mohd , Metselaar Hendrik Simon Cornelis
Published: January 2014

In the present study, stable homogeneous graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) nanofluids were prepared without any surfactant by high-power ultrasonic (probe) dispersion of GNPs in distilled water. The concentrations of nanofluids were maintained at 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 wt.% for three different specific surface areas of 300, 500, and 750 m2/g. Transmission electron microscopy image shows that the suspensions are homogeneous and most of the materials have been well dispersed. The stability of nanofluid was investigated using a UV-visible spectrophotometer in a time span of 600 h, and zeta potential after dispersion had been investigated to elucidate its role on dispersion characteristics. The rheological properties of GNP nanofluids approach Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviors where viscosity decreases linearly with the rise of temperature. The thermal conductivity results show that the dispersed nanoparticles can always enhance the thermal conductivity of the base fluid, and the highest enhancement was obtained to be 27.64% in the concentration of 0.1 wt.% of GNPs with a specific surface area of 750 m2/g. Electrical conductivity of the GNP nanofluids shows a significant enhancement by dispersion of GNPs in distilled water. This novel type of nanofluids shows outstanding potential for replacements as advanced heat transfer fluids in medium temperature applications including solar collectors and heat exchanger systems.
A new method for measuring wetness of flowing steam based on surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Li Xinjiang , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Chinhua
Published: January 2014

A novel method for real-time and inline wetness measurement based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is presented in this paper. The Kretschmann geometry is adopted to excite surface plasmon waves in our measurement system. In order to prevent water coating, an ultrathin layer of hydrophobic coating is formed on the surface of Au layer. The experimental results show that the level of steam wetness can be obtained via the area ratio of water and air on the prism, which is determined by analyzing the SPR spectrum of wet steam based on a Gaussian model. In addition, during the online measurement of flowing wet steam wetness, significant shifts in the resonant position of the SPR spectrum occurred, which can be attributed to the strong interaction of the adjacent water droplets.
Tunable blue-green-emitting wurtzite ZnS:Mg nanosheet-assembled hierarchical spheres for near-UV white LEDs
Authors: Reddy Devulapalli Amaranatha , Kim Deok Hyeon , Rhee Seuk Joo , Lee Bo Wha , Liu Chunli
Published: January 2014

Mg-doped ZnS hierarchical spheres have been synthesized via hydrothermal method using mixed solvents of ethylenediamine and DI water without any surface-active agent. The surface morphology and microstructure studies revealed that the hierarchical spheres were consisted of many well-aligned nanosheets with width 10 nm and length about 50 ~ 100 nm. X-Ray diffraction results show that the ZnS:Mg hierarchical spheres have wurtzite structure with high crystallinity. The absorption edge in the diffuse reflection spectra shifts towards lower wavelength with increasing Mg concentration, indicating an expansion in the bandgap energy that is estimated to be in the range of 3.28 to 3.47 eV. Blue-green photoluminescence with tunable intensity and peak position was observed depending on the Mg content. The Mg2+-activated ZnS phosphor can be good candidates for blue-green components in near-UV white light-emitting diodes.
Estimation of sexual behavior in the 18-to-24-years-old Iranian youth based on a crosswise model study
Authors: Vakilian Katayon , Mousavi Seyed Abbas , Keramat Afsaneh
Published: January 2014

Background

In many countries, negative social attitude towards sensitive issues such as sexual behavior has resulted in false and invalid data concerning this issue.

This is an analytical cross-sectional study, in which a total number of 1500 single students from universities of Shahroud City were sampled using a multi stage technique. The students were assured that their information disclosed for the researcher will be treated as private and confidential. The results were analyzed using crosswise model, Crosswise Regression, T-test and Chi-square tests.

Findings

It seems that the prevalence of sexual behavior among Iranian youth is 41% (CI = 36-53).

Conclusion

Findings showed that estimation sexual relationship in Iranian single youth is high. Thus, devising training models according to the Islamic-Iranian culture is necessary in order to prevent risky sexual behavior.
Fast selection of miRNA candidates based on large-scale pre-computed MFE sets of randomized sequences
Authors: Warris Sven , Boymans Sander , Muiser Iwe , Noback Michiel , Krijnen Wim , Nap Jan-Peter
Published: January 2014

Background

Small RNAs are important regulators of genome function, yet their prediction in genomes is still a major computational challenge. Statistical analyses of pre-miRNA sequences indicated that their 2D structure tends to have a minimal free energy (MFE) significantly lower than MFE values of equivalently randomized sequences with the same nucleotide composition, in contrast to other classes of non-coding RNA. The computation of many MFEs is, however, too intensive to allow for genome-wide screenings.

Results

Using a local grid infrastructure, MFE distributions of random sequences were pre-calculated on a large scale. These distributions follow a normal distribution and can be used to determine the MFE distribution for any given sequence composition by interpolation. It allows on-the-fly calculation of the normal distribution for any candidate sequence composition.

Conclusion

The speedup achieved makes genome-wide screening with this characteristic of a pre-miRNA sequence practical. Although this particular property alone will not be able to distinguish miRNAs from other sequences sufficiently discriminative, the MFE-based P-value should be added to the parameters of choice to be included in the selection of potential miRNA candidates for experimental verification.
Comparative analysis of the activation of unfolded protein response by spike proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and human coronavirus HKU1
Authors: Siu Kam-Leung , Chan Ching-Ping , Kok Kin-Hang , C-Y Woo Patrick , Jin Dong-Yan
Published: January 2014

Background

Whereas severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is associated with severe disease, human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1) commonly circulates in the human populations causing generally milder illness. Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). It is not understood whether HCoV-HKU1 S protein has similar activity. In addition, the UPR-activating domain in SARS-CoV S protein remains to be identified.

Results

In this study we compared S proteins of SARS-CoV and HCoV-HKU1 for their ability to activate the UPR. Both S proteins were found in the endoplasmic reticulum. Transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2 catalyzed the cleavage of SARS-CoV S protein, but not the counterpart in HCoV-HKU1. Both S proteins showed a similar pattern of UPR-activating activity. Through PERK kinase they activated the transcription of UPR effector genes such as Grp78, Grp94 and CHOP. N-linked glycosylation was not required for the activation of the UPR by S proteins. S1 subunit of SARS-CoV but not its counterpart in HCoV-HKU1 was capable of activating the UPR. A central region (amino acids 201–400) of SARS-CoV S1 was required for this activity.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV and HCoV-HKU1 S proteins use distinct UPR-activating domains to exert the same modulatory effects on UPR signaling.