bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cicada genus Pomponia Stål, 1866 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Vietnam and Cambodia, with a new species, a new record, and a key to the species
Authors: PHAM HONG-THAI , LEE YOUNG JUNE , CONSTANT JEROME
Published: March 2015

The genus Pomponia Stål, 1866 from Vietnam and Cambodia is reviewed . Pomponia brevialata Lee & Pham, sp. nov. is described from Vietnam. Pomponia backanensis Pham & Yang, 2009 is added to the Cambodian cicada fauna. A key to the seven Vietnamese and Cambodian species of the genus Pomponia Stål, 1866 is provided: P. linearis (Walker, 1850), P. backanensis Pham & Yang, 2009, P. brevialata Lee & Pham, sp. nov., P. subtilita Lee, 2009, P. piceata Distant, 1905, P. daklakensis Sanborn, 2009, and P. orientalis (Distant, 1912). Synonymic lists, information on geographical distributions, and material examined for the Vietnamese and Cambodian species of Pomponia are provided.
A new species of the enigmatic genus Osphyoplesius from Sicily (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea: Pythidae)
Authors: MAGRINI PAOLO , ULIANA MARCO
Published: March 2015

Osphyoplesius is an obscure Palearctic genus tentatively placed in Pythidae, comprising one species from Crimea and one from Greece, each of them collected only once. A third species is here described from Sicily, based on recently collected specimens. Despite the poor sample, statistic analysis of morphometrical data allowed to confirm the differentiation between the new species and its closest relative, and revealed the existence of sexual dimorphism in the genus.
A new species, Poecilocampa deqina (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), from China
Authors: Saldaitis Aidas , PEKARSKY OLEG
Published: March 2015

A new lappet moth, Poecilocampa deqina sp. n., from southwest China is described. Previously the genus Poecilocampa Stephens included three species (Poecilocampa tenera O. Bang-Haas, 1927, Poecilocampa nilsinjaevi Zolotuhin, 2005 and Poecilocampa morandinii Zolotuhin & Saldaitis, 2010) from China territory. The new species differs in appearance, genitalia and DNA from its closest congener, P. morandinii.
Gender differences in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Naji-Esfahani H , Vaseghi G , Safaeian L , Pilehvarian A-A , Abed A , Rafieian-Kopaei M
Published: March 2015

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain is one of the major problems for cancer patients. Although paclitaxel and cisplatin are widely used in women, most laboratory studies of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain have been conducted on male animals. The current study examined the gender differences in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in mice. Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) for five consecutive days and cisplatin (1 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days. Cold allodynia was evaluated by measuring the paw withdrawal frequency and duration of paw licking in mice; however, mechanical allodynia was assessed by von Frey filaments. Neuropathic pain began to manifest after a few days ( P < 0.001). Cold allodynia was more robust in female mice ( P < 0.001) treated with paclitaxel, while no differences were observed between the two genders in the manifestation of paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia. Interestingly, no gender differences were observed in cisplatin-induced cold and mechanical allodynia tests. In conclusion, gender differences play a major role in neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel. The differences between male and female animals should be considered in future studies and the findings should be generalized to humans with caution.
Quality of Life and Coping With Chronic Illness and Disability
Authors: Livneh Hanoch
Published: March 2015

Quality of life (QOL) has been one of the most commonly used constructs in the field of rehabilitation. More specifically, it has been viewed and studied as a process, measure, goal, and outcome in the domain of psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability (CID). However, it has seldom been discussed in the contexts of community-level clinical interventive strategies or personal-level coping strategies. This article seeks to provide the reader with a better appreciation and understanding of (a) the temporal nature of QOL within both the community-level and personal-level contexts of interventions, (b) the temporal-oriented parallel nature of managing life stresses as viewed from both community- and personal-level perspectives, (c) the intricate nature of anticipating, managing, and coping with CID as viewed from three distinct temporal vantage points, and (d) the psychosocial benefits accrued from future-oriented, positively valenced, post-CID coping efforts and their salutary influence on QOL among people with CID. The article concludes with a brief review of several theoretical, clinical, and research implications, informed by the temporal nature of coping strategies and their effect on psychosocial adaptation to CID.
The Acquisition of Problem Behavior in Individuals With Developmental Disabilities as a Behavioral Cusp
Authors: Robertson Rachel E.
Published: March 2015

A behavioral cusp has been defined as a behavior change that produces contact with new contingencies with important and far-reaching consequences. The concept of behavioral cusps has most frequently been used to select target skills taught to learners and to evaluate the importance of those skills; however, the concept is equally applicable to behavior changes that bring about important and far-reaching negative consequences. Although it has been acknowledged that socially undesirable behavior change can also qualify as a behavioral cusp, this area of the cusp concept has been under-examined. In this article, an undesirable behavior change, the acquisition of problem behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities, is compared with criteria for behavioral cusps previously identified in the literature. The advantages of viewing problem behavior as a behavioral cusp are outlined, and implications for practice and research from a behavioral cusp approach to problem behavior are provided.
Persons With Multiple Disabilities Engage in Stimulus Choice and Postural Control With the Support of a Technology-Aided Program
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Perilli Viviana , Campodonico Francesca , Marchiani Paola , Lang Russell
Published: March 2015

Technology-aided programs have been reported to help persons with disabilities develop adaptive responding and control problem behavior/posture. This study assessed one such program in which choice of stimulus events was used as adaptive responding for three adults with multiple disabilities. A computer system presented the participants stimulus samples. For each sample, they could perform a choice response (gaining access to the related stimulus whose length they could extend) or abstain from responding (making the system proceed to the next sample). Once choice responding had strengthened, the program also targeted the participants’ problem posture (i.e., head and trunk forward bending). The stimulus exposure gained with a choice response was interrupted if the problem posture occurred. All three participants successfully (a) managed choice responses and access to preferred stimuli and (b) gained postural control (i.e., reducing the problem posture to very low levels). The practical implications of those results are discussed.
Evaluation of Interventions to Reduce Multiply Controlled Vocal Stereotypy
Authors: Scalzo Rachel , Henry Kelsey , Davis Tonya N. , Amos Kally , Zoch Tamara , Turchan Sarah , Wagner Tara
Published: March 2015

This study examined four interventions targeted at decreasing multiply controlled vocal stereotypy for a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and a severe intellectual disability. These interventions included Noncontingent Music, Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors, Self-Recording, and Functional Communication Training (FCT). In addition to measuring vocal stereotypy during each condition, task engagement and challenging behavior were also monitored. Across conditions, vocal stereotypy did not vary significantly from baseline except in FCT, when it decreased significantly. Task engagement was higher in this condition as well. It is hypothesized that FCT provided an enriched environment by increasing social interaction and access to desired items as well as removal of less preferred activities. For these reasons, there was a decrease in the need for the participant to engage in vocal stereotypy and challenging behavior and increase in his ability to engage in a task.
Impact of Process Optimization and Quality Improvement Measures on Neonatal Feeding Outcomes at an All‐Referral Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Jadcherla Sudarshan R. , Dail James , Malkar Manish B. , McClead Richard , Kelleher Kelly , Nelin Leif
Published: March 2015

Aim: We hypothesized that the implementation of a feeding quality improvement (QI) program among premature neonates accelerates feeding milestones, safely lowering hospital length of stay (LOS) compared with the baseline period. Methods: Baseline data were collected for 15 months (N = 92) prior to initiating the program, which involved development and implementation of a standardized feeding strategy in eligible premature neonates. Process optimization, implementation of feeding strategy, monitoring compliance, multidisciplinary feeding rounds, and continuous education strategies were employed. The main outcomes included the ability and duration to reach enteral feeds–120 (mL/kg/d), oral feeds–120 (mL/kg/d), and ad lib oral feeding. Balancing measures included growth velocities, comorbidities, and LOS. Results: Comparing baseline versus feeding program (N = 92) groups, respectively, the feeding program improved the number of infants receiving trophic feeds (34% vs 80%, P < .002), trophic feeding duration (14.8 ± 10.3 days vs 7.6 ± 8.1 days, P < .0001), time to enteral feeds–120 (16.3 ± 15.4 days vs 11.4 ± 10.4 days, P < .04), time from oral feeding onset to oral feeds–120 (13.2 ± 16.7 days vs 19.5 ± 15.3 days, P < .0001), time from oral feeds–120 to ad lib feeds at discharge (22.4 ± 27.2 days vs 18.6 ± 21.3 days, P < .01), weight velocity (24 ± 6 g/d vs 27 ± 11 g/d, P < .03), and LOS (104.2 ± 51.8 vs 89.3 ± 46.0, P = .02). Mortality, readmissions within 30 days, and comorbidities were similar. Conclusions: Process optimization and the implementation of a standardized feeding strategy minimize practice variability, accelerating the attainment of enteral and oral feeding milestones and decreasing LOS without increasing adverse morbidities.
Assessing the effectiveness of parent–child interaction therapy with language delayed children: A clinical investigation
Authors: Falkus Gila , Tilley Ciara , Thomas Catherine , Hockey Hannah , Kennedy Anna , Arnold Tina , Thorburn Blair , Jones Katie , Patel Bhavika , Pimenta Claire , Shah Rena , Tweedie Fiona , O’Brien Felicity , Leahy Ruth , Pring Tim
Published: March 2015

Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) is widely used by speech and language therapists to improve the interactions between children with delayed language development and their parents/carers. Despite favourable reports of the therapy from clinicians, little evidence of its effectiveness is available. We investigated the effects of PCIT as practised by clinicians within a clinical setting. Eighteen consecutive children referred for speech and language therapy because of their delayed language were entered in the study. A within-participants design was used, and the procedure was similar to that used clinically. Blind assessments were conducted twice before therapy to monitor change without therapy and once after completing PCIT. Significant changes in a parent rating scale, the children’s mean length of utterance and the ratio of time of child to parent speech were found after the therapy. No changes were detected prior to therapy. The similarity of the design to clinical practice and the use of several clinicians suggest that the findings can be generalized to other settings and clinicians. These findings are a first step in evaluating PCIT; we now need to show that parents can maintain their newly acquired skills in interaction, and that this benefits their children’s communication.
Shared Decision Making in Senior Medical Students
Authors: Zeballos-Palacios Claudia , Quispe Renato , Mongilardi Nicole , Diaz-Arocutipa Carlos , Mendez-Davalos Carlos , Lizarraga Natalia , Paz Aldo , Montori Victor M. , Malaga German
Published: March 2015

Purpose. To explore perceptions and experiences of Peruvian medical students about observed, preferred, and feasible decision-making approaches. Methods. We surveyed senior medical students from 19 teaching hospitals in 4 major cities in Peru. The self-administered questionnaire collected demographic information, current approach, exposure to role models for and training in shared decision making, and perceptions of the pertinence and feasibility of the different decision-making approaches in general as well as in challenging scenarios. Results. A total of 327 senior medical students (51% female) were included. The mean age was 25 years. Among all respondents, 2% reported receiving both theoretical and practical training in shared decision making. While 46% of students identified their current decision-making approach as clinician-as-perfect-agent, 50% of students identified their teachers with the paternalistic approach. Remarkably, 53% of students thought shared decision making should be the preferred approach and 50% considered it feasible in Peru. Among the 10 challenging scenarios, shared decision making reached a plurality (40%) in only one scenario (terminally ill patients). Conclusion. Despite limited exposure and training, Peruvian medical students aspire to practice shared decision making but their current attitude reflects the less participatory approaches they see role modeled by their teachers.
F344/NTac Rats Chronically Exposed to Bromodichloroacetic Acid Develop Mammary Adenocarcinomas With Mixed Luminal/Basal Phenotype and Tgfβ Dysregulation
Authors: Harvey J. B. , Hong H.-H. L. , Bhusari S. , Ton T.-V. , Wang Y. , Foley J. F. , Peddada S. D. , Hooth M. , DeVito M. , Nyska A. , Pandiri A. R. , Hoenerhoff M. J.
Published: March 2015

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer mortality in women in the United States. A recent 2-year National Toxicology Program carcinogenicity study showed an increased incidence of proliferative mammary lesions (hyperplasia, fibroadenoma, adenocarcinoma) in F344/NTac rats exposed to bromodichloroacetic acid (BDCA), a disinfection by-product in finished drinking water with widespread human exposure. We hypothesized that the increase in mammary tumors observed in BDCA-exposed F344/NTac rats may be due to underlying molecular changes relevant for human breast cancer. The objective of the study was to compare (1) gene and protein expression and (2) mutation spectra of relevant human breast cancer genes between normal untreated mammary gland and mammary tumors from control and BDCA-exposed animals to identify molecular changes relevant for human cancer. Histologically, adenocarcinomas from control and BDCA-exposed animals were morphologically very similar, were estrogen/progesterone receptor positive, and displayed a mixed luminal/basal phenotype. Gene expression analysis showed a positive trend in the number of genes associated with human breast cancer, with proportionally more genes represented in the BDCA-treated tumor group. Additionally, a 5-gene signature representing possible Tgfβ pathway activation in BDCA-treated adenocarcinomas was observed, suggesting that this pathway may be involved in the increased incidence of mammary tumors in BDCA-exposed animals.
Lost and/or left behind in a Malagasy outpost of the ‘underworld of gemstones’
Authors: Walsh Andrew
Published: March 2015

In the once booming, but now slumping, northern Malagasy sapphire mining town of Ambondromifehy, people make do in the face of uncertainty. As a place of internal migrants organized around the mining and trade of a commodity destined for complex and fickle foreign markets, this town features a wide range of distinctive arrangements and compromises. Of special concern here are the arrangements through which people strive to live responsibly – in accordance with traditional Malagasy norms of sociality – while still managing to make a living through work that can lead them astray. I argue that such distinctive arrangements owe a great deal to the particular articulations of place and mobility one finds problematized in a context like this one. The first articulation is well encapsulated in the experience of what Malagasy people term being very or “lost”, a condition of mobile people who either don’t know or have no hope of returning to the places from which they have come. The second articulation is apparent in the experience of being tavela or “left behind”, the condition of people who find themselves staying put while the things, people and possibilities they value flow away from them. For the many people in Ambondromifehy who are managing either or both of these conditions and the circumstances that come with them, idealized systems of social and moral exchange – systems of responsibility – are inevitably forums for compromise.
Effect of N-acetylcysteine administration on homocysteine level, oxidative damage to proteins, and levels of iron (Fe) and Fe-related proteins in lead-exposed workers
Authors: Kasperczyk Sławomir , Dobrakowski Michał , Kasperczyk Aleksandra , Romuk Ewa , Rykaczewska-Czerwińska Monika , Pawlas Natalia , Birkner Ewa
Published: March 2015

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) could be included in protocols designed for the treatment of lead toxicity. Therefore, in this study, we decided to investigate the influence of NAC administration on homocysteine (Hcy) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, and the levels of iron (Fe), transferrin (TRF), and haptoglobin (HPG) in lead (Pb)-exposed workers. The examined population ( n = 171) was composed of male employees who worked with Pb. They were randomized into four groups. Workers who were not administered any antioxidants, drugs, vitamins, or dietary supplements were classified as the reference group ( n = 49). The remaining three groups consisted of workers who were treated orally with NAC at three different doses (1 × 200, 2 × 200, or 2 × 400 mg) for 12 weeks. After the treatment, blood Pb levels significantly decreased in the groups receiving NAC compared with the reference group. The protein concentration was not affected by NAC administration. In contrast, Hcy levels significantly decreased or showed a strong tendency toward lower values depending on the NAC dose. Levels of the protein carbonyl groups were significantly decreased in all of the groups receiving NAC. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase activity was significantly elevated in all of the groups receiving NAC, while the level of protein thiol groups was significantly elevated only in the group receiving 200 mg of NAC. Treatment with NAC did not significantly affect Fe and TRF levels, whereas HPG levels showed a tendency toward lower values. Treatment with NAC normalized the level of Hcy and decreased oxidative stress as measured by the protein carbonyl content; this effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small doses of NAC elevated the levels of protein thiol groups. Therefore, NAC could be introduced as an alternative therapy for chronic Pb toxicity in humans.
Czechoslovak shipping in the inter-war period: The maritime transport operations of the Baťa Shoe Company, 1932–1935
Authors: Herman Jan
Published: March 2015

This article documents the Baťa Shoe Company’s maritime transport operations between 1932 and 1935, a period in which the Baťa Company was engaged in 35 fields of industry, trade and services other than shoe production. The opening section focuses on the contracts that guaranteed the newly formed Czechoslovakia the right to engage in sea transport, followed by a brief description of maritime transportation developments. The core of the article deals with the efforts of the Baťa Company to operate two former naval vessels to ship its raw materials. The larger vessel, Morava, was intended to deliver goods from Europe to Southeast Asia. On the return leg, she was to haul raw material for footwear manufacturing, mainly rubber and leather. However, Morava only made one trip to Asia, and then transported goods among European ports before being sold just one year later. The smaller vessel, Little Evy, was purchased to transport freight on the Hamburg–Gdynia–Hamburg route. She did so for a year and a half before being sold after a collision, bringing to an end the new nation’s most important maritime transport endeavour of the 1930s. It would be two decades after the Second World War before another naval vessel flew the Czechoslovak flag.
Class, resistance, and the psychologization of development in South Africa
Authors: Barnes Brendon R. , Milovanovic Minja
Published: March 2015

This paper focuses on the psychologization of development in South Africa, one of the most unequal countries in the world, through a critical analysis of a discussion on a national radio programme about the meaning of Mandela Day. We demonstrate how speakers draw on common sense notions of race, class, and party politics that (re)produce subject positions from within a rights-based interpretive repertoire that emphasizes structural reform and class resistance, and an agency interpretive repertoire that emphasizes individualism, responsibility, and volunteerism. We further demonstrate how the agency subject position serves to stifle and resist the rights subject position by drawing on common sense “psychological truths” about what it means to be a good citizen.
Culture and English Language Teaching in the Arab World
Authors: Mahmoud Montasser Mohamed AbdelWahab
Published: March 2015

This article discusses the relationship between culture and English language teaching (ELT) in the Arab World. A critical question arises in terms of ELT, that is, whether to teach culture along with English. To answer such a bewildering question, this article presents related literature and studies and discusses a theoretical frame based on experts’ insights and opinions. The article displays various viewpoints concerning this topic, offers different empirical studies in this field, and reaches some valuable conclusions.
Examining Cultural, Social, and Self-Related Aspects of Stigma in Relation to Sexual Assault and Trauma Symptoms
Authors: Deitz Mandi F. , Williams Stacey L. , Rife Sean C. , Cantrell Peggy
Published: March 2015

The current study investigated a model explaining sexual assault victims’ severity of trauma symptoms that incorporated multiple stigma constructs. Integrating the sexual assault literature with the stigma literature, this study sought to better understand trauma-related outcomes of sexual assault by examining three levels of stigma—cultural, social, and self. Results showed self-stigma was significantly and positively related to trauma symptom severity. Thus, results revealed that the internalized aspect of stigma served as a mechanism in the relation between sexual assault severity and increased levels of trauma symptom severity, highlighting the importance of assessing self-stigma in women reporting sexual assault experiences.
Continuous Right Radial Arterial Pressure Monitoring as a Guide to Dissection of a Thoracic Inlet Neurofibroma
Authors: Ravindra Madhavi Nishtala
Published: March 2015

Excision of tumors in the thoracic inlet entail a risk of injury to subclavian vessels due to their close proximity. A right radial artery line can sensitively and continuously monitor the occurrence of right subclavian artery compression and warn the surgeon of its proximity and prevent injury. We describe a case of thoracic inlet tumor in a 12-year-old child, wherein the use of radial artery pressure monitoring guided the surgeon to separate the subclavian artery from the tumor to which it was adherent.
A Systematic Evidence Review of the Check-In/Check-Out Program for Reducing Student Challenging Behaviors
Authors: Maggin Daniel M. , Zurheide Jamie , Pickett Kayci C. , Baillie Sara J.
Published: March 2015

Three-tiered models of prevention are increasingly being adopted by schools to address the behavioral needs of students. A critical component of multitiered systems are secondary interventions used with students in need of behavioral support but who are not candidates for individualized interventions. Despite the importance of secondary interventions, questions remain regarding which approaches have sufficient empirical support to warrant their use. The purpose of this review was, therefore, to examine the research underlying the Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) program, a widely used secondary intervention, to determine the strengths, limitations, and generality of the accumulated research. The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) procedures for evaluating single-case and group-based research were applied with results indicating mixed support for the program. Specifically, there were a sufficient number of single-case research studies to deem the CICO program as evidence-based, while the group-based research had no demonstrated effects. These findings are discussed in terms of future research on the CICO program and the broader implications for selecting and implementing secondary interventions in school settings.
Rewriting stress: Toward a cultural psychology of collective stress at work
Authors: Kirkegaard Tanja , Brinkmann Svend
Published: March 2015

The aim of this article is to contribute theoretically to the development of a cultural psychological, i.e. dialogical and distributed, understanding of stress. First we challenge established cognitivist notions of stress and discuss philosophical and epistemological implications tied to this perspective. Then we introduce a dialogical, distributed and situated understanding of stress and rewrite central concepts from cognitive stress research such as appraisal and coping. This new orientation is related to a recent metaphysics of mind, according to which mental states and processes are embedded in and possibly even extend into the environment. This philosophical position is known as externalism and holds that the mind needs to be understood not just by intrinsic mental features such as physiological or cognitive processes, but also in light of what either occurs or exists outside the organism. With reference to empirical examples, we argue that this framework can contribute to a new understanding of the situated and distributed nature of stress.
Causal inference methods to assess safety upper bounds in randomized trials with noncompliance
Authors: Wang Yiting , Berlin Jesse A , Pinheiro José , Wilcox Marsha A
Published: March 2015

Background

Premature discontinuation and other forms of noncompliance with treatment assignment can complicate causal inference of treatment effects in randomized trials. The intent-to-treat analysis gives unbiased estimates for causal effects of treatment assignment on outcome, but may understate potential benefit or harm of actual treatment. The corresponding upper confidence limit can also be underestimated.

Purpose

To compare estimates of the hazard ratio and upper bound of the two-sided 95% confidence interval from causal inference methods that account for noncompliance with those from the intent-to-treat analysis.

Methods

We used simulations with parameters chosen to reflect cardiovascular safety trials of diabetes drugs, with a focus on upper bound estimates relative to 1.3, based on regulatory guidelines. A total of 1000 simulations were run under each parameter combination for a hypothetical trial of 10,000 total subjects randomly assigned to active treatment or control at 1:1 ratio. Noncompliance was considered in the form of treatment discontinuation and cross-over at specified proportions, with an assumed true hazard ratio of 0.9, 1, and 1.3, respectively. Various levels of risk associated with being a non-complier (independent of treatment status) were evaluated. Hazard ratio and upper bound estimates from causal survival analysis and intent-to-treat were obtained from each simulation and summarized under each parameter setting.

Results

Causal analysis estimated the true hazard ratio with little bias in almost all settings examined. Intent-to-treat was unbiased only when the true hazard ratio = 1; otherwise it underestimated both benefit and harm. When upper bound estimates from intent-to-treat were ≥1.3, corresponding estimates from causal analysis were also ≥1.3 in almost 100% of the simulations, regardless of the true hazard ratio. When upper bound estimates from intent-to-treat were <1.3 and the true hazard ratio = 1, corresponding upper bound estimates from causal analysis were ≥1.3 in up to 66% of the simulations under some settings.

Limitations

Simulations cannot cover all scenarios for noncompliance in real randomized trials.

Conclusion

Causal survival analysis was superior to intent-to-treat in estimating the true hazard ratio with respect to bias in the presence of noncompliance. However, its large variance should be considered for safety upper bound exclusion especially when the true hazard ratio = 1. Our simulations provided a broad reference for practical considerations of bias–variance trade-off in dealing with noncompliance in cardiovascular safety trials of diabetes drugs. Further research is warranted for the development and application of causal inference methods in the evaluation of safety upper bounds.
Sectarianism and the Arab Spring: Framing the popular protests in Bahrain
Authors: Al-Rawi Ahmed K
Published: March 2015

Inspired by the events of the Arab Spring, political activists in Bahrain organized an anti-government demonstration on 14 February 2011, which resulted in the death of one protestor. Hundreds of other protests followed, and popular anger against the Sunni monarchy is still a vital issue in the Kingdom. From the earliest stages, the Bahraini government, which is closely aided by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, framed the protests as an Iran-backed conspiracy against the Gulf in an attempt to spread Shiism and infiltrate into the region. This sectarian dimension became the dominant frame in order to discredit the cause of the mostly Shiite protestors who were asking for equal rights and job opportunities. This study investigates the different issues and sentiments framed by the commentators as well as the main online communities that were present. Despite its importance in providing a vital venue for the online public sphere and in documenting popular protests, YouTube is also a platform for schism as flaming and highly sectarian exchanges of comments are frequently made.
Endomyocardial biopsy-integrating electrode at the bioptome tip
Authors: Konecny Tomas , Noseworthy Peter A. , Kapa Suraj , Cooper Leslie T. , Mulpuru Siva K. , Sandhu Gurpreet S. , Asirvatham Samuel
Published: March 2015

Background:

The addition of electroanatomic mapping to a standard echo-guided endomyocardial biopsy could identify areas of abnormal pathology and increase the diagnostic yield of the procedure.

Methods and results:

In this demonstration of a novel technique, a 45-year-old woman with clinical suspicion for cardiac sarcoidosis underwent right ventricular bipolar electroanatomical mapping with identification of areas of signal fractionation and low voltage. A bioptome, configured to record an electrogram from the tip, was then visualized on the three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping (3DEAM) system, and directed to these areas. The biopsy was assisted by the use of a steerable introducer sheath, and by recording unipolar and extended bipolar signals from the bioptome tip. A prominent change in the signal was detected by the electrode at the bioptome tip when the jaws closed on the endomyocardial tissue. Patient tolerated the procedure without complications, and the biopsied samples were appropriate for pathological analysis.

Conclusions:

Using existing technology, the 3DEAM, which integrates unipolar and bipolar signal from the bioptome tip, is feasible, and can be safely added to a standard echocardiographically guided endomyocardial biopsy. Future studies should investigate whether such a technique could increase the safety and diagnostic yield of endomyocardial biopsies in patients with suspected cardiomyopathies.
Multiple Arousal Theory and Daily-Life Electrodermal Activity Asymmetry
Authors: Picard Rosalind W. , Fedor Szymon , Ayzenberg Yadid
Published: March 2015

Using “big data” from sensors worn continuously outside the lab, researchers have observed patterns of objective physiology that challenge some of the long-standing theoretical concepts of emotion and its measurement. One challenge is that emotional arousal, when measured as sympathetic nervous system activation through electrodermal activity, can sometimes differ significantly across the two halves of the upper body. We show that traditional measures on only one side may lead to misjudgment of arousal. This article presents daily life and controlled study data, as well as existing evidence from neuroscience, supporting the influence of multiple emotional substrates in the brain causing innervation on different sides of the body. We describe how a theory of multiple arousals explains the asymmetric EDA findings.
Comment: The Methodological and Conceptual Utility of Differentiating Emotional Arousal
Authors: Sabatinelli Dean
Published: March 2015

The concept of psychophysiological arousal as a component of emotional behavior has a long history, but has not attracted the research attention paid to valence in the burgeoning field of affective neuroscience. The potency of emotional stimuli is often poorly balanced in studies designed to assess appetitive and aversive stimulus processing, and thus I applaud Picard and colleagues’ choice to highlight the arousal dimension of emotional behavior. Any attempt to understand the nature of human emotion must carefully balance the evocative impact of appetitive and aversive processes. By focusing on the contribution of arousal to emotional processing, Picard advances this goal. In this comment I suggest methodological and conceptual refinements that may help to strengthen the multiple arousal theory perspective.
EPCR-dependent PAR2 activation by the blood coagulation initiation complex regulates LPS-triggered interferon responses in mice
Authors: Liang Hai Po H. , Kerschen Edward J. , Hernandez Irene , Basu Sreemanti , Zogg Mark , Botros Fady , Jia Shuang , Hessner Martin J. , Griffin John H. , Ruf Wolfram , Weiler Hartmut
Published: March 2015

Infection and inflammation are invariably associated with activation of the blood coagulation mechanism, secondary to the inflammation-induced expression of the coagulation initiator tissue factor (TF) on innate immune cells. By investigating the role of cell-surface receptors for coagulation factors in mouse endotoxemia, we found that the protein C receptor (ProcR; EPCR) was required for the normal in vivo and in vitro induction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-regulated gene expression. In cultured bone marrow–derived myeloid cells and in monocytic RAW264.7 cells, the LPS-induced expression of functionally active TF, assembly of the ternary TF-VIIa-Xa initiation complex of blood coagulation, and the EPCR-dependent activation of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) by the ternary TF-VIIa-Xa complex were required for the normal LPS induction of messenger RNAs encoding the TLR3/4 signaling adaptor protein Pellino-1 and the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 8. In response to in vivo challenge with LPS, mice lacking EPCR or PAR2 failed to fully initiate an interferon-regulated gene expression program that included the Irf8 target genes Lif, Iigp1, Gbp2, Gbp3, and Gbp6. The inflammation-induced expression of TF and crosstalk with EPCR, PAR2, and TLR4 therefore appear necessary for the normal evolution of interferon-regulated host responses.
AlGaN/GaN MISHEMTs with AlN gate dielectric grown by thermal ALD technique
Authors: Liu Xiao-Yong , Zhao Sheng-Xun , Zhang Lin-Qing , Huang Hong-Fan , Shi Jin-Shan , Zhang Chun-Min , Lu Hong-Liang , Wang Peng-Fei , Zhang David Wei
Published: March 2015

Recently, AlN plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) passivation technique had been proposed and investigated for suppressing the dynamic on-resistance degradation behavior of high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs). In this paper, a novel gate dielectric and passivation technique for GaN-on-Si AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MISHEMTs) is presented. This technique features the AlN thin film grown by thermal ALD at 400°C without plasma enhancement. A 10.6-nm AlN thin film was grown upon the surface of the HEMT serving as the gate dielectric under the gate electrode and as the passivation layer in the access region at the same time. The MISHEMTs with thermal ALD AlN exhibit enhanced on/off ratio, reduced channel sheet resistance, reduction of gate leakage by three orders of magnitude at a bias of 4 V, reduced threshold voltage hysteresis of 60 mV, and suppressed current collapse degradation.
Prolonged Infusion of Estradiol Benzoate Into the Stalk Median Eminence Stimulates Release of GnRH and Kisspeptin in Ovariectomized Female Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Kenealy Brian P. , Keen Kim L. , Garcia James P. , Richter Dustin J. , Terasawa Ei
Published: March 2015

Our recent study indicates that a brief infusion (20 min) of estradiol (E2) benzoate (EB) into the stalk-median eminence (S-ME) stimulates GnRH release with a latency of approximately 10 minutes. In contrast to the effect induced by a brief infusion of EB, it has previously been shown that systemic EB administration suppresses release of GnRH, kisspeptin, and LH with a latency of several hours, which is known as the negative feedback action of E2. We speculated that the differential results by these 2 modes of EB administration are due to the length of E2 exposure. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of EB infusion for periods of 20 minutes, 4 hours, or 7 hours into the S-ME of ovariectomized female monkeys on the release of GnRH and kisspeptin were examined using a microdialysis method. To assess the effects of the EB infusion on LH release, serum samples were also collected. The results show that similar to the results with 20-minute infusion, both 4- and 7-hour infusions of EB consistently stimulated release of GnRH and kisspeptin from the S-ME accompanied by LH release in the general circulation. In contrast, sc injection of EB suppressed all 3 hormones (GnRH, kisspeptin, and LH) measured. It is concluded that regardless of the exposure period, direct E2 action on GnRH and kisspeptin neurons in the S-ME, where their neuroterminals are present, is stimulatory, and the E2-negative feedback effects do not occur at the S-ME level.
The Virtues of Hesitation: Optimal Timing in a Non-Stationary World
Authors: Khan Urmee , Stinchcombe Maxwell B.
Published: March 2015

In many economic, political, and social situations, circumstances change at random points in time, reacting is costly, and reactions appropriate to present circumstances may become inappropriate upon future changes, requiring further costly reaction. Waiting is informative if arrival of the next change has non-constant hazard rate. We identify two classes of situations: in the first, delayed reaction is optimal only when the hazard rate of further changes is decreasing; in the second, it is optimal only when the hazard rate of further changes is increasing. These results in semi-Markovian decision theory provide motivations for building delay into decision systems. (JEL C61, D72, D82, D83, K10, M11)
New Trade Models, New Welfare Implications
Authors: Melitz Marc J. , Redding Stephen J.
Published: March 2015

We show that endogenous firm selection provides a new welfare margin for heterogeneous firm models of trade (relative to homo geneous firm models). Under some parameter restrictions, the trade elasticity is constant and is a sufficient statistic for welfare, along with the domestic trade share. However, even small deviations from these restrictions imply that trade elasticities are variable and differ across markets and levels of trade costs. In this more general setting, the domestic trade share and endogenous trade elasticity are no longer sufficient statistics for welfare. Additional empirically observable moments of the micro structure also matter for welfare. (JEL F12, F13, F41)
Sound Generated by Fan Wakes and Validation with Experiments
Authors: Atassi H.M. , Kozlov A. V. , Logue M. M.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a validation of the rotor-wake/stator interaction code, CAAT-S, with NASA Source Diagnostic Test (SDT) experiments. CAAT-S is a computationally efficient three-dimensional code based on the Euler equations linearized about a nonlinear rotational mean flow. It accounts for the flow swirl, the blade and fan 3D geometry and loading, and yields directly the radiated sound in terms of the duct acoustic modes. Two exit guide vane configurations, three power levels, and three blade passing frequencies (BPF) are considered. The power levels presented are taken at approach, cutback, and takeoff conditions for (a) the SDT low vane count (LVC) stator and (b) the SDT low noise (LN) stator. The mean flow and wake profiles are taken from the SDT experiments and exhibit strong radial dependencies. The reduced frequencies, based on the blade tip and speed of sound, associated with SDT data range from 15 for the 1BPF at approach power to 72 for 3 BPF at takeoff power. This produces a large number of propagating acoustic modes and makes the prediction of the vane forces and the radiated sound power a real computational challenge. Improved nonreflecting boundary conditions are developed extending the capability of CAAT-S to resolve the large number of high frequency modes, and making it suitable for turbofan engine noise prediction. CAAT-S calculated sound power level (PWL) underpredicts data by about 3 dB for both LVC and LN configurations. However, CAAT-S trend predictions are within the scatter of the experimental data. These results validate CAAT-S for moderate to high subsonic Mach numbers and over a broad range of blade passing frequencies.
Higher Education’s External Effects in Modern Russia’s Economy
Authors: Басовский  , Basovskiy Leonid , Басовская  , Basovskaya Elena
Published: March 2015

Econometric models of GDP’s crisis growth rates and factors of GDP’s recession

rates have been received. The models allow predict the recession in Russia’s

economy in 2015–2019. Decline in production during the crisis can reach

16–17%. Production decline duration can make 4–5 years. The crisis phenomena

in economy at the level up to 80,7% have been caused by formation of

adverse institutional environment under the influence of the laws adopted in

2003–2014. A new paradigm of economic policy is necessary for overcoming

the crisis phenomena in economy, this policy is the one related to formation of

institutions favoring to the economic growth and economic development, the

policy aimed at the business development, at investment attraction, at domestic

demand expansion.
Arranging Extracurricular Activities for Primary School Students: Drama Hobby-Group Projects
Authors: Алимова  , Alimova E.
Published: March 2015

The paper considers the role of extracurricular activities in the educational and pedagogical process as a whole and shows how extracurricular

activities can help primary school children to develop their creative abilities. Various forms of participation and involvement of school children in

the activities of drama groups in terms of their personal interests and abilities are described.
Effect of one-year post-operative alendronate treatment on periprosthetic bone after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Jaroma A. V. J. , Soininvaara T. A. , Kröger H.
Published: March 2015

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is known to lead to a reduction in periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD). In theory, this may lead to migration, instability and aseptic loosening of the prosthetic components. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and may reduce this loss in BMD. We hypothesised that treatment with bisphosphonates and calcium would lead to improved BMD and clinical outcomes compared with treatment with calcium supplementation alone following TKA. A total of 26 patients, (nine male and 17 female, mean age 67 years) were prospectively randomised into two study groups: alendronate and calcium (bisphosphonate group, n = 14) or calcium only (control group, n = 12). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurements were performed post-operatively, and at three months, six months, one, two, four, and seven years post-operatively.

Mean femoral metaphyseal BMD was significantly higher in the bisphosphonate group compared with controls, up to four years following surgery in some areas of the femur (p = 0.045). BMD was observed to increase in the lateral tibial metaphysis in the bisphosphonate group until seven years (p = 0.002), and was significantly higher than that observed in the control group throughout (p = 0.024). There were no significant differences between the groups in the central femoral metaphyseal, tibial medial metaphyseal or diaphyseal regions of interest (ROI) of either the femur or tibia.

Bisphosphonate treatment after TKA may be of benefit for patients with poor bone quality. However, further studies with a larger number of patients are necessary to assess whether this is clinically beneficial.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:337–45.
A positive bacterial culture from allograft bone at implantation does not correlate with subsequent surgical site infection
Authors: Wu C. , Hsieh P. , Fan Jiang J. , Shih H. , Chen C. , Hu C.
Published: March 2015

Fresh-frozen allograft bone is frequently used in orthopaedic surgery. We investigated the incidence of allograft-related infection and analysed the outcomes of recipients of bacterial culture-positive allografts from our single-institute bone bank during bone transplantation. The fresh-frozen allografts were harvested in a strict sterile environment during total joint arthroplasty surgery and immediately stored in a freezer at -78º to -68º C after packing. Between January 2007 and December 2012, 2024 patients received 2083 allografts with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. The overall allograft-associated infection rate was 1.2% (24/2024). Swab cultures of 2083 allografts taken before implantation revealed 21 (1.0%) positive findings. The 21 recipients were given various antibiotics at the individual orthopaedic surgeon’s discretion. At the latest follow-up, none of these 21 recipients displayed clinical signs of infection following treatment. Based on these findings, we conclude that an incidental positive culture finding for allografts does not correlate with subsequent surgical site infection. Additional prolonged post-operative antibiotic therapy may not be necessary for recipients of fresh-frozen bone allograft with positive culture findings.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:427–31.