bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postinfusion Phlebitis: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Webster Joan , McGrail Matthew , Marsh Nicole , Wallis Marianne C. , Ray-Barruel Gillian , Rickard Claire M.
Published: April 2015

Objective.To document the incidence of postinfusion phlebitis and to investigate associated risk factors.Design.Analysis of existing data set from a large randomized controlled trial, the primary purpose of which was to compare routine peripheral intravascular catheter changes with changing catheters only on clinical indication.Participants and Setting.Patients admitted to a large, acute general hospital in Queensland, Australia, and who required a peripheral intravenous catheter.Results.5,907 PIVCs from 3,283 patients were studied. Postinfusion phlebitis at 48 hours was diagnosed in 59 (1.8%) patients. Fifteen (25.4%) of these patients had phlebitis at removal and also at 48 hours after removal. When data were analyzed per catheter, the rate was lower, 62/5907 (1.1%). The only variable associated with postinfusion phlebitis was placement of the catheter in the emergency room(P=0.03).Conclusion.Although not a common occurrence, postinfusion phlebitis may be problematic so it is important for health care staff to provide patients with information about what to look for after an intravascular device has been removed. This trial is registered withACTRN12608000445370.
On the Relation between Phase-Type Distributions and Positive Systems
Authors: Kim Kyungsup
Published: April 2015

The relation between phase-type representation and positive system realization in both the discrete and continuous time is discussed. Using the Perron-Frobenius theorem of nonnegative matrix theory, a transformation from positive realization to phase-type realization is derived under the excitability condition. In order to explain the connection, some useful properties and characteristics such as irreducibility, excitability, transparency, and order reduction for positive realization and phase-type representation are discussed. In addition, the connection between the phase-type renewal process and the feedback positive system is discussed in the stabilization concept.
Allergen Immunotherapy in an HIV+ Patient with Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Myles Ian A. , Gada Satyen
Published: April 2015

Patients with HIV/AIDS can present with multiple types of fungal rhinosinusitis, fungal balls, granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, acute or chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, or allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Given the variable spectrum of immune status and susceptibility to severe infection from opportunistic pathogens it is extremely important that clinicians distinguish aggressive fungal invasive fungal disease from the much milder forms such as AFRS. Here we describe a patient with HIV and AFRS to both remind providers of the importance of ruling out invasive fungal disease and outline the other unique features of fungal sinusitis treatment in the HIV-positive population. Additionally we discuss the evidence for and against use of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for fungal disease in general, as well as the evidence for AIT in the HIV population.
Strain US Elastography for the Characterization of Thyroid Nodules: Advantages and Limitation
Authors: Cantisani Vito , Grazhdani Hektor , Drakonaki Elena , D’Andrea Vito , Di Segni Mattia , Kaleshi Erton , Calliada Fabrizio , Catalano Carlo , Redler Adriano , Brunese Luca , Drudi Francesco Maria , Fumarola Angela , Carbotta Giovanni , Frattaroli Fabrizio , Di Leo Nicola , Ciccariello Mauro , Caratozzolo Marcello , D’Ambrosio Ferdinando
Published: April 2015

Thyroid nodules, with their high prevalence in the general population, represent a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Ultrasound (US), although absolutely reliable in detecting thyroid nodules, is still not accurate enough to differentiate them into benign and malignant. A promising novel modality, US elastography, has been introduced in order to further increase US accuracy. The purpose of this review article is to assess the thyroid application of US strain elastography, also known as real-time elastography or quasistatic elastography. We provide a presentation of the technique, and of up-to-date literature, analyzing the most prominent results reported for thyroid nodules differentiation. The practical advantages and limitations of strain elastography are extensively discussed herein.
Fusional Vergence Detected by Prism Bar and Synoptophore in Chinese Childhood Intermittent Exotropia
Authors: Fu Tao , Wang Jing , Levin Moran , Su Qing , Li Dongguo , Li Junfa
Published: April 2015

Purpose. To measure the changes in fusional vergence in Chinese children with intermittent exotropia (IXT) and the association with the control of IXT.Methods. Ninety-two patients with IXT (8–15 years old) were compared with 86 controls. Exodeviation control was evaluated using the Revised Newcastle Control Score. Angle of deviation was measured using prism and alternate cover testing at distance and near. Fusional vergence was measured using prism bar and synoptophore. This study was registered withChiCTR-RCC-13003920.Results. Using prism bar, convergence break points were lower whereas divergence break points were higher in children with IXT at distance (P<0.001) and near (P<0.001) compared with controls. There was no significant difference in mean divergence amplitudes between the two groups when testing using a synoptophore (P=0.53). In children with IXT, the distance between recovery point and break point in both convergence (distance:P=0.02; near:P=0.02) and divergence (distance:P<0.001; near:P<0.001) was larger than controls when detected by prism bar and synoptophore (convergence:P=0.005; divergence:P=0.006).Conclusions. Children with IXT have reduced convergence amplitudes as detected by both prism bar and synoptophore.
Towards Understanding Oral Health
Authors: Zaura Egija , ten Cate Jacob M.
Published: April 2015

During the last century, dental research has focused on unraveling the mechanisms behind various oral pathologies, while oral health was typically described as the mere absence of oral diseases. The term ‘oral microbial homeostasis' is used to describe the capacity of the oral ecosystem to maintain microbial community stability in health. However, the oral ecosystem itself is not stable: throughout life an individual undergoes multiple physiological changes while progressing through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Recent discussions on the definition of general health have led to the proposal that health is the ability of the individual to adapt to physiological changes, a condition known as allostasis. In this paper the allostasis principle is applied to the oral ecosystem. The multidimensionality of the host factors contributing to allostasis in the oral cavity is illustrated with an example on changes occurring in puberty. The complex phenomenon of oral health and the processes that prevent the ecosystem from collapsing during allostatic changes in the entire body are far from being understood. As yet individual components (e.g. hard tissues, microbiome, saliva, host response) have been investigated, while only by consolidating these and assessing their multidimensional interactions should we be able to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem, which in turn could serve to develop rational schemes to maintain health. Adapting such a ‘system approach' comes with major practical challenges for the entire research field and will require vast resources and large-scale multidisciplinary collaborations.
Natural Products and Caries Prevention
Authors: Cheng Lei , Li Jiyao , He Libang , Zhou Xuedong
Published: April 2015

Dental caries is considered as the most common polymicrobial oral disease in the world. With the aim of developing alternative approaches to reduce or prevent the decay, numerous papers showed the potential anticaries activity of a number of natural products. The natural products with anticaries effects are selected from e.g. food, beverages, flowers or traditional herbs. Most of the effective components are proven to be polyphenol compounds. Many of the natural products are studied as antibacterial agents, while some of them are found to be effective in shifting the de-/remineralization balance. However, the mechanisms of the anticaries effects are still unclear for most of the natural products. In the future, more efforts need to be made to seek novel effective natural products via in vitro experiment, animal study and in situ investigations, as well as to enhance their anticaries effects with the help of novel technology like nanotechnology.
Mirroring the Self: Testing Neurophysiological Correlates of Disturbed Self-Experience in Schizophrenia Spectrum
Authors: Sestito Mariateresa , Raballo Andrea , Umiltà Maria Alessandra , Leuci Emanuela , Tonna Matteo , Fortunati Renata , De Paola Giancarlo , Amore Mario , Maggini Carlo , Gallese Vittorio
Published: April 2015

Background: Self-disorders (SDs) have been described as a core schizophrenia spectrum vulnerability phenotype, both in classic and contemporary psychopathological literature. However, such a core phenotype has not yet been investigated adopting a trans-domain approach that combines the phenomenological and the neurophysiological levels of analysis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between SDs and subtle, schizophrenia-specific impairments of emotional resonance that are supposed to reflect abnormalities in the mirror neurons mechanism. Specifically, we tested whether electromyographic response to emotional stimuli (i.e. a proxy for subtle changes in facial mimicry and related motor resonance mechanisms) would predict the occurrence of anomalous subjective experiences (i.e. SDs). Sampling and Methods: Eighteen schizophrenia spectrum (SzSp) patients underwent a comprehensive psychopathological examination and were contextually tested with a multimodal paradigm, recording facial electromyographic activity of muscles in response to positive and negative emotional stimuli. Experiential anomalies were explored with the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms (BSABS) and then condensed into rational subscales mapping SzSp anomalous self-experiences. Results: SzSp patients showed an imbalance in emotional motor resonance with a selective bias toward negative stimuli, as well as a multisensory integration impairment. Multiple regression analysis showed that electromyographic facial reactions in response to negative stimuli presented in auditory modality specifically and strongly correlated with SD subscore. Conclusions: The study confirms the potential of SDs as target phenotype for neurobiological research and encourages research into disturbed motor/emotional resonance as possible body-level correlate of disturbed subjective experiences in SzSp.
Noninvasive Dentistry: A Dream or Reality?
Authors: Clarkson B.H. , Exterkate R.A.M.
Published: April 2015

Various caries prevention and repair strategies are reviewed in this article ranging from the use of fluoride to nanohydroxyapatite particles. Several of the strategies which combine fluoride and calcium and phosphate treatments have both in vitro and in vivo data showing them to be efficacious if the surface integrity of the lesion is not breached. Once this has occurred, the rationale for cutting off the nutrient supplies to the pathogenic bacteria without the removal of the infected dentine, a noninvasive restorative technique, is discussed using existing clinical studies as examples. Finally two novel noninvasive restorative techniques using fluorohydroxyapatite crystals are described. The need for clinical data in support of emerging caries-preventive and restorative strategies is emphasized.
Pediatric Thyroid Carcinoma in Patients with Graves' Disease: The Role of Ultrasound in Selecting Patients for Definitive Therapy
Authors: Kovatch Kevin J. , Bauer Andrew J. , Isaacoff Elizabeth J. , Prickett Kara K. , Adzick N. Scott , Kazahaya Ken , Sullivan Lisa M. , Mostoufi-Moab Sogol
Published: April 2015

Background/Aims: Pediatric Graves' disease (GD) accounts for 10-15% of all thyroid disorders in patients ≤18 years and is treated with antithyroid medication or definitive therapy [radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation vs. surgery]. Patients with GD may have concurrent differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). DTC prevalence in pediatric GD is not well established. We examined the prevalence of DTC in pediatric GD and the role of preoperative thyroid ultrasound (US) in selecting the appropriate definitive therapy. Methods: This is a single-institution, retrospective, cross-sectional study of 32 GD patients with a median age of 11 years (range 3-18) who underwent total thyroidectomy as the definitive treatment between 2005 and 2014. Results: DTC was identified in 22% of the GD patients. A total of 97% completed preoperative thyroid US, and thyroid nodules were identified in 13/32 patients (41%). Preoperative fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy was performed in 6/13 patients, accounting for four preoperative diagnoses of concurrent DTC. Extra-thyroidal extension was present in 4/7 (63%), regional lymph node metastasis in 3/7 (43%), and lung metastasis in 2/7 patients (29%). Conclusions: Concurrent DTC occurs in pediatric GD patients. Thyroid US is an efficient tool for selecting patients for thyroidectomy. For patients with a nodule on US before definitive therapy, FNA should be performed to appropriately select thyroidectomy versus RAI ablation.
Hypoxia and Dysregulated Angiogenesis in Kidney Disease
Authors: Tanaka Shinji , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: April 2015

Background: Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that renal hypoxia has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and AKI-to-CKD transition, ultimately culminating in end-stage kidney disease. Renal hypoxia in progressive CKD is intricately linked to persisting capillary loss, which is mainly due to dysregulated angiogenesis. Summary: In CKD, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) accumulates in the ischemic tubulointerstitium but fails to sufficiently stimulate angiogenic responses, partly because of blunted activation of HIF, which is best exemplified in diabetic kidney disease. In addition, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is downregulated, possibly because injured tubules are not able to express sufficient VEGF and inflammatory circumstances inhibit VEGF expression. The upregulation of antiangiogenic factors and the incompetence of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may also play some roles in the inadequacy of capillary restoration. Administration of VEGF or angiopoietin-1 maintains peritubular capillaries in several kidney diseases; however, administration of a single angiogenic factor may lead to the formation of abnormal vessels and induce inflammation, resulting in worsening of hypoxia and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. HIF stabilization, which aims to achieve the formation of mature and stable vessels by inducing coordinated angiogenesis, is a promising strategy. Given that the effect of systemic HIF activation is highly context-dependent, further studies are needed to elucidate the precise roles of HIF in various kidney diseases. The adoptive transfer of EPCs or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a fascinating alternative strategy to restore the peritubular capillaries. Key Messages: Suppressed HIF activation and VEGF expression may be responsible for the dysregulated angiogenesis in progressive CKD. Administration of a single angiogenic factor can cause abnormal vessel formation and inflammation, leading to a detrimental result. Although further studies are warranted, HIF stabilization and adoptive transfer of EPCs or MSCs appear to be promising strategies to restore normal capillaries.
Editorial
Authors: Almeida Marco Antonio De
Published: April 2015

InCID: Revista de Ciência da Informação e Documentação, Ribeirão Preto, v. 6, n. 1, mar./ago. 2015.
Miguel Ángel Rendón Rojas
Authors: Rendón Rojas Miguel Ángel , Saldanha Gustavo
Published: April 2015

Entrevista: Miguel Ángel Rendón Rojas
A informação, seus personagens e histórias
Authors: Almeida Marco Antonio De
Published: April 2015

Resenha de:
GLEICK, James. A informação: uma história, uma teoria, uma enxurrada. São Paulo: Companhia das Letras, 2013.
O ato colecionador: uma visão a partir das disciplinas de Arquivologia, Biblioteconomia e Museologia
Authors: Renault Leonardo Vasconcelos , Araújo Carlos Alberto Ávila
Published: April 2015

Neste artigo se analisa a relação do conceito de colecionismo com as áreas de Arquivologia, Biblioteconomia e Museologia. Problematiza dessa forma, questões específicas para cada uma delas e ao mesmo tempo similitudes sob a questão do ato colecionador. Nesse sentido visualiza uma possibilidade de diálogo que transponha o escopo das práticas profissionais das áreas e proponha um debate transversal. Assim, introduziu-se o conceito da categorização do colecionismo em três períodos históricos: Renascimento, Iluminismo e Contemporâneo, buscando relacioná-los com as disciplinas apresentadas neste artigo. Dessa forma, o que se propõe é a incorporação do conceito de colecionismo como tema fundamental para a constituição destes campos. Por fim, argumenta sobre a relevância de se pensar a dimensão dos aspectos colecionistas em complemento aos estudos de acesso, pois os temas não estão postos numa relação de superposição (ou superação temporal) e podem ser retomados de forma contemporânea e original sem desconsiderar uma das perspectivas.
Genetic Evidence Supports a Major Role for Akt1 in VSMCs During Atherogenesis
Authors: Rotllan Noemi , Wanschel Amarylis C. , Fernández-Hernando Ana , Salerno Alessandro G. , Offermanns Stefan , Sessa William C. , Fernández-Hernando Carlos
Published: April 2015

Rationale:

Coronary artery disease, the direct result of atherosclerosis, is the most common cause of death in Western societies. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis occurs during the progression of atherosclerosis and in advanced lesions and promotes plaque necrosis, a common feature of high-risk/vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Akt1, a serine/threonine protein kinase, regulates several key endothelial cell and VSMC functions including cell growth, migration, survival, and vascular tone. Although global deficiency of Akt1 results in impaired angiogenesis and massive atherosclerosis, the specific contribution of VSMC Akt1 remains poorly characterized.

Objective:

To investigate the contribution of VSMC Akt1 during atherogenesis and in established atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods and Results:

We generated 2 mouse models in which Akt1 expression can be suppressed specifically in VSCMs before (
Apoe
−/−
Akt1
fl/fl
Sm22α
CRE
) and after (
Apoe
−/−
Akt1
fl/fl
SM-MHC-CreER
T2E
) the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This approach allows us to interrogate the role of Akt1 during the initial and late steps of atherogenesis. The absence of Akt1 in VSMCs during the progression of atherosclerosis results in larger atherosclerotic plaques characterized by bigger necrotic core areas, enhanced VSMC apoptosis, and reduced fibrous cap and collagen content. In contrast, VSMC Akt1 inhibition in established atherosclerotic plaques does not influence lesion size but markedly reduces the relative fibrous cap area in plaques and increases VSMC apoptosis.

Conclusions:

Akt1 expression in VSMCs influences early and late stages of atherosclerosis. The absence of Akt1 in VSMCs induces features of plaque vulnerability including fibrous cap thinning and extensive necrotic core areas. These observations suggest that interventions enhancing Akt1 expression specifically in VSMCs may lessen plaque progression.
Angiotensin II Activates the RhoA Exchange Factor Arhgef1 in Humans
Authors: Carbone Maria Luigia , Brégeon Jérémy , Devos Nabila , Chadeuf Gilliane , Blanchard Anne , Azizi Michel , Pacaud Pierre , Jeunemaître Xavier , Loirand Gervaise
Published: April 2015

Although a causative role for RhoA-Rho kinase has been recognized in the development of human hypertension, the molecular mechanism(s) and the RhoA guanine exchange factor(s) responsible for the overactivation of RhoA remain unknown. Arhgef1 was identified as a RhoA guanine exchange factor involved in angiotensin II (Ang II)–mediated regulation of vascular tone and hypertension in mice. The aim of this study was to determine whether Arhgef1 is activated and involved in the activation of RhoA-Rho kinase signaling by Ang II in humans. In vitro stimulation of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by Ang II (0.1 μmol/L) induced activation of Arhgef1 attested by its increased tyrosine phosphorylation. Silencing of Arhgef1 expression by siRNA inhibited Ang II–induced activation of RhoA-Rho kinase signaling. In normotensive subjects, activation of the renin–angiotensin system by a low-salt diet for 7 days increased RhoA-Rho kinase signaling and stimulated Arhgef1 activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In conclusion, our results strongly suggest that Arhgef1 mediates Ang II–induced RhoA activation in humans. Moreover, they show that measurement of RhoA guanine exchange factor activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells might be a useful method to evaluate RhoA guanine exchange factor activity in humans.
Association Studies Suggest a Key Role for Endothelin-1 in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia and the Accompanying Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Suppression
Authors: Verdonk Koen , Saleh Langeza , Lankhorst Stephanie , Smilde J.E. Ilse , van Ingen Manon M. , Garrelds Ingrid M. , Friesema Edith C.H. , Russcher Henk , van den Meiracker Anton H. , Visser Willy , Danser A.H. Jan
Published: April 2015

Women with preeclampsia display low renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system activity and a high antiangiogenic state, the latter characterized by high levels of soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt)-1 and reduced placental growth factor levels. To investigate whether renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system suppression in preeclampsia is because of this disturbed angiogenic balance, we measured mean arterial pressure, creatinine, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system components in pregnant women with a high (≥85; n=38) or low (<85; n=65) soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio. Plasma ET-1 levels were increased in women with a high ratio, whereas their plasma renin activity and plasma concentrations of renin, angiotensinogen, and aldosterone were decreased. Plasma renin activity–aldosterone relationships were identical in both the groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that plasma renin concentration correlated independently with mean arterial pressure and plasma ET-1. Plasma ET-1 correlated positively with soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and negatively with plasma renin concentration, and urinary protein correlated with plasma ET-1 and mean arterial pressure. Despite the lower plasma levels of renin and angiotensinogen in the high-ratio group, their urinary levels of these components were elevated. Correction for albumin revealed that this was because of increased glomerular filtration. Subcutaneous arteries obtained from patients with preeclampsia displayed an enhanced, AT
2
receptor-mediated response to angiotensin II. In conclusion, a high antiangiogenic state associates with ET-1 activation, which together with the increased mean arterial pressure may underlie the parallel reductions in renin and aldosterone in preeclampsia. Because ET-1 also was a major determinant of urinary protein, our data reveal a key role for ET-1 in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Finally, the enhanced angiotensin responsiveness in preeclampsia involves constrictor AT
2
receptors.
Heidegger’s Reticence: From Contributions to Das Ereignis and toward Gelassenheit
Authors: Vallega-Neu Daniela
Published: April 2015

Using as guiding thread the difference between being (beyng) and beings, this article traces and questions the movement of Heidegger’s thinking in his non-public writings from Contributions to Philosophy (1936–38) to The Event (1941–42) and ends with references to the thought of Gelassenheit (1944/45). In 1941–42 this movement takes the form of a “downgoing” into the abyssal, withdrawing dimension of being. Heidegger rethinks the event in terms of inception (Anfang) as he attempts to let go of any form of representational thinking more radically than in Contributions and seeks to respond in imageless saying to nothing but the silent call of beyng. Heidegger’s downgoing brings with it a transformed relation to history and to what he calls “machination,” as well as a shift from dispositions marked by decision, strife, and endurance to thinking in terms of releasing, following, and thanking.
The Fundamental Imaginary Dimension of the Real in Merleau-Ponty’s Philosophy
Authors: Dufourcq Annabelle
Published: April 2015

The common opposition between the imaginary and the real prevents us from genuinely understanding either one. Indeed, the imaginary embodies a certain intuitive presence of the thing and not an empty signitive intention. Moreover it is able to compete with perception and even to offer an increased presence, a sur-real display, of the things, as shown by Merleau-Ponty’s analyses of art in Eye and Mind. As a result, we have to overcome the conception according to which the imaginary field is a mere figment of my imagination, a mental entity that I could still possess in the very absence of its object. On the other hand, the presence of reality is never complete or solid: “The transcendence of the far-off encroaches upon my present and brings a hint of unreality even into the experiences with which I believe myself to coincide.” Therefore, first, the imaginary (initially regarded as a peculiar field constituted by specific phenomena such as artworks, fantasies, pictures, dreams, and so forth) has to be redefined as a special hovering modality of the presence of the beings themselves. Second and furthermore: is not the imaginary always intertwined with perception? Merleau-Ponty advocates the puzzling thesis that there is an “imaginary texture of the real.” What is the meaning of this assertion? To what extent will it be able to blur the classical categories without arousing confusion? Can we avoid reducing reality to illusion? Lastly, consistently followed, this reflection leads as far as to discover, in the imaginary mode of being, an ontological model (the ontological model?), the canon enabling Merleau-Ponty to think Being, an “Oneiric Being.” Thus we will venture the apparently paradoxical contention that the imaginary is the fundamental dimension of the real. The notion of “fundament” becomes indeed problematic and receives an ironical connotation, however this is precisely what is at stake in a non-positivist ontology. Existence “lies” in a ghost-like, sketchy and unsubstantial (absence of) ground, in a restlessly creative being that is open to creative interpretations. And there it finds the principle of the ever-recurring crisis that both tears it apart and makes it rich in future promise.
Husserl’s Concept of the Vorwelt and the Possible Annihilation of the World
Authors: Bower Matt
Published: April 2015

In this paper I explore a curious phenomenon discussed in Husserl’s later manuscripts under the name “pre-world.” This notion arises in the context of his ongoing development of a genetic phenomenology, i.e., a phenomenology that is concerned with the dynamics of conscious life, concerning both the generation of new meaning for consciousness and new dimensions of conscious life. The pre-world is one such dimension. I explore it here in two stages. First, I consider the initial unsavoriness of the very idea of a pre-world, whose metaphysical implications are suspect, on the surface. Nevertheless, I show that the pre-world puts the subject in contact with reality in a very special sense that should remedy this worry. Second, I show how the notion of the pre-world re-opens Husserl’s thought of the possible annihilation of the world from Ideas i. In fact, it explains the possibility, by revealing its experiential ground.
WHEN DOES PUBLIC INTEREST JUSTIFY GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE AND SURVEILLANCE?
Authors: Robis Leah Angela
Published: April 2015

This article examines the 16 December 2013 opinion of the US District Court for the District of Columbia in Klayman v Obama which intimated that the objective of the PRISM project, that is, the collection of metadata, violates the right to privacy. It assesses whether this opinion finds support in US federal laws, international law and the municipal laws of Hong Kong by surveying recent developments in balancing the conflict between public interest and the right to privacy. Societal attitude towards privacy is likewise accorded weight. The article concludes with the observation that while a handful of municipal legislation contains public interest exceptions to the right to privacy, there is an increasing clamour in international law to protect such right.
Visual–Somatosensory Integration is Linked to Physical Activity Level in Older Adults
Authors: Mahoney Jeannette R. , Dumas Kristina , Holtzer Roee
Published: April 2015

Studies examining multisensory integration (MSI) in aging consistently demonstrate greater reaction time (RT) facilitation in old compared to young adults, but often fail to determine the utility of MSI. The aim of the current experiment was to further elucidate the utility of MSI in aging by determining its relationship to physical activity level. 147 non-demented older adults (mean age 77 years; 57% female) participated. Participants were instructed to make speeded responses to visual, somatosensory, and visual–somatosensory (VS) stimuli. Depending on the magnitude of the individuals’ RT facilitation, participants were classified into a MSI or NO MSI group. Physical activity was assessed using a validated physical activity scale. As predicted, RTs to VS stimuli were significantly shorter than those elicited to constituent unisensory conditions. Multisensory RT facilitation was a significant predictor of total number of physical activity days per month, with individuals in the NO MSI group reporting greater engagement in physical activities compared to those requiring greater RT facilitation.
Multisensory Integration and Calibration in Children and Adults with and without Sensory and Motor Disabilities
Authors: Gori Monica
Published: April 2015

During the first years of life, sensory modalities communicate with each other. This process is fundamental for the development of unisensory and multisensory skills. The absence of one sensory input impacts on the development of other modalities. Since 2008 we have studied these aspects and developed our cross-sensory calibration theory. This theory emerged from the observation that children start to integrate multisensory information (such as vision and touch) only after 8–10 years of age. Before this age the more accurate sense teaches (calibrates) the others; when one calibrating modality is missing, the other modalities result impaired. Children with visual disability have problems in understanding the haptic or auditory perception of space and children with motor disabilities have problems in understanding the visual dimension of objects. This review presents our recent studies on multisensory integration and cross-sensory calibration in children and adults with and without sensory and motor disabilities. The goal of this review is to show the importance of interaction between sensory systems during the early period of life in order to correct perceptual development to occur.
The Crotonia fauna of New Zealand revisited (Acari: Oribatida): taxonomy,
phylogeny, ecological distribution and biogeography
Authors: COLLOFF MATTHEW J.
Published: April 2015

New Zealand contains 13 of the 69 species of Crotonia described globally and is the only place where all three genera of the Crotoniinae—Crotonia, Austronothrus and Holonothrus—have been recorded. Due to the pioneering work of Hammer (1966) and Luxton (1982) it also has the highest number of distribution records of Crotonia spp. anywhere. In the present study I build upon previous work to re-examine the Crotonia fauna of New Zealand in the light of recent taxonomic and biogeographical research. A new species is described, C. ramsayi sp. nov., a member of the Unguifera species group, and supplementary descriptions are provided for C. brachyrostrum (Hammer 1966), C. caudalis (Hammer, 1966), C. cophinaria (Michael, 1908), and C. unguifera (Michael 1908), as well as a key to species. Crotonia spp. from New Zealand occur predominantly in localities with relatively low mean annual temperature and high water balance, reflecting a requirement for cool, moist conditions. In New Zealand Crotonia spp. occur in an extremely wide variety of vegetation communities compared with other regions in its range (Australia, Africa and South America), and this is indicative that water balance requirements are met, regardless of vegetation type. Some elements of the New Zealand Crotonia fauna, notably the Cophinaria species group, are common to Australia, Africa and South America, indicating a shared evolutionary history pre-dating the separation of Africa from Gondwana 110 mya. The high proportion of species that occur west of the Alpine Fault is consistent with a relictual distribution of Gondwanan elements on the Australian Plate. However, it is unclear whether uplift of the Southern Alps formed a barrier to dispersal. A high representation of the morphologically closely-related Obtecta, Flagellata and Unguifera groups, shared only with South America (and, for Unguifera, with Oceania) represents a dramatically different faunal composition compared with other former Gondwanan landmasses and is consistent with submergence of most of New Zealand during the Oligocene (ca. 25 mya). All of these characteristics indicate a distinctive evolutionary pathway for the Crotonia fauna since New Zealand separated from the rest of Gondwana 80 mya.
Tropical Oceanic Rainfall and Sea Surface Temperature Structure: Parsing Causation from Correlation in the MJO
Authors: Carbone R. E. , Li Yanping
Published: April 2015

Based upon on the findings of Y. Li and R. E. Carbone, the association of tropical rainfall with SST structure is further explored, with emphasis on the MJO passband. Analyses include the tropical Indian Ocean, Maritime Continent, and tropical western Pacific regions. The authors examine the anomalies of and correlations between SST structure, the frequency of rainfall events, and rainfall amount. Based on detailed examination of a 49-month time series, all findings are statistical inferences and interpretations consistent with established theory.

The statistical inferences are broadly consistent with a pivotal role played by the convergent Laplacian of SST together with an expected, but somewhat indirect, role of SST itself. The main role of SST in the MJO passband appears limited to production of moist static energy, which is highly correlated with cumulative precipitation, yet bears a decidedly conditional relationship to the occurrence of rainfall. If rain occurs, then more rain is likely over warmer SST. The convergent Laplacian of SST is strongly associated with the onset of rainfall, apparently through its capacity to induce vertical air motion with sufficient kinetic energy to overcome convective inhibition in a conditionally unstable troposphere. The convergent Laplacian of SST is directly associated with the location and the variability of rainfall event frequency while having a less direct relationship to cumulative rainfall. These nuanced interpretations of rainfall forcing by the Laplacian of SST, and conditional modulation of cumulative rainfall by SST, may underlie systematic errors in highly parameterized models as a consequence of variable asymmetry in the field of Laplacian anomalies.
Continental Runoff into the Oceans (1950–2008)
Authors: Clark Elizabeth A. , Sheffield Justin , van Vliet Michelle T. H. , Nijssen Bart , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: April 2015

A common term in the continental and oceanic components of the global water cycle is freshwater discharge to the oceans. Many estimates of the annual average global discharge have been made over the past 100 yr with a surprisingly wide range. As more observations have become available and continental-scale land surface model simulations of runoff have improved, these past estimates are cast in a somewhat different light. In this paper, a combination of observations from 839 river gauging stations near the outlets of large river basins is used in combination with simulated runoff fields from two implementations of the Variable Infiltration Capacity land surface model to estimate continental runoff into the world’s oceans from 1950 to 2008. The gauges used account for ~58% of continental areas draining to the ocean worldwide, excluding Greenland and Antarctica. This study estimates that flows to the world’s oceans globally are 44 200 (±2660) km3 yr−1 (9% from Africa, 37% from Eurasia, 30% from South America, 16% from North America, and 8% from Australia–Oceania). These estimates are generally higher than previous estimates, with the largest differences in South America and Australia–Oceania. Given that roughly 42% of ocean-draining continental areas are ungauged, it is not surprising that estimates are sensitive to the land surface and hydrologic model (LSM) used, even with a correction applied to adjust for model bias. The results show that more and better in situ streamflow measurements would be most useful in reducing uncertainties, in particular in the southern tip of South America, the islands of Oceania, and central Africa.
Mixing, Dissipation Rate, and Their Overturn-Based Estimates in a Near-Bottom Turbulent Flow Driven by Internal Tides
Authors: Chalamalla Vamsi K. , Sarkar Sutanu
Published: April 2015

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large-eddy simulation (LES) are employed to study the mixing brought about by convective overturns in a stratified, oscillatory bottom layer underneath internal tides. The phasing of turbulence, the onset and breakdown of convective overturns, and the pathway to irreversible mixing are quantified. Mixing efficiency shows a systematic dependence on tidal phase, and during the breakdown of large convective overturns it is approximately 0.6, a value that is substantially larger than the commonly assumed value of 0.2 used for calculating scalar mixing from the turbulent dissipation rate. Diapycnal diffusivity is calculated using the irreversible diapycnal flux and, for tall overturns of O(50) m, the diffusivity is found to be almost 1000 times higher than the molecular diffusivity. The Thorpe (overturn) length scale is often used as a proxy for the Ozmidov length scale and thus infers the turbulent dissipation rate from overturns. The accuracy of overturn-based estimates of the dissipation rate is assessed for this flow. The Ozmidov length scale LO and Thorpe length scale LT are found to behave differently during a tidal cycle: LT decreases during the convective instability, while LO increases; there is a significant phase lag between the maxima of LT and LO; and finally LT is not linearly related to LO. Thus, the Thorpe-inferred dissipation rates are quite different from the actual values. Interestingly, the ratio of their cycle-averaged values is found to be O(1), a result explained on the basis of available potential energy.
Organizational Social Capital and Generalized Trust in Korea
Authors: Son Joonmo
Published: April 2015

Engagement in voluntary associations and the organizational social capital their members accumulate in the public arena may grow generalized trust by exposing members to diverse social ties outside the individual social network. Taking Korea as a case and using a nationally representative data set, I test a set of hypotheses to identify the relationship between organizational social capital and generalized trust. Specifically, empirical tests verify that (a) organizational social capital comprises organizational diversity and resources and (b) it has a positive relationship with generalized trust. Apart from the relationship between organizational social capital and generalized trust, the results indicate that political dissatisfaction and corruption in the public service constitutes a political institutional contingency that decreases generalized trust in Korea.
How Do Singaporeans Connect? Ties Among Chinese, Malays, and Indians
Authors: Chua Vincent
Published: April 2015

What social phenomena affect the pattern of intra- and inter-ethnic ties among Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Others in Singapore? I examine group size, ethnic solidarity, ethnic competition, and kinship as plausible explanations of inter-ethnic contact among 1,143 persons linked to 7,414 network members. I find a sizeable amount of inter-ethnic ties between Chinese and Malays. Group size is the major factor: As Chinese outnumber Malays 5.4 to 1 (76% to 14%), Malays have more opportunities for interethnic contact than do Chinese. Once the size of the two ethnic groups is accounted for, no other factor substantially affects Malay-Chinese inter-ethnic contact.
Trend Dynamics and Attention in Chinese Social Media
Authors: Yu Louis Lei , Asur Sitaram , Huberman Bernardo A.
Published: April 2015

We analyzed the temporal aspect of trends and trend-setters in Sina Weibo, contrasting it with earlier observations of Twitter. We found a vast difference in the content shared in China as compared with a global social network such as Twitter. In China, the trends are created almost entirely due to the retweets of media content such as jokes, images, and videos, unlike Twitter where trends have more to do with current global events and news stories. On closer inspection, we observed that most trends in Sina Weibo are due to the continuous retweets of a small percentage of fraudulent accounts, set up to artificially inflate certain posts. This reveals evidence of an “Internet Water Army,” a unique promotional method deployed by public relations companies in China to influence the popular dissemination of information in online social networks.
Cochlear Nerve Stimulation in the Internal Auditory Canal in Ossified Cochlea
Authors: Canale Andrea , Dagna Federico , Lacilla Michelangelo , Montuschi Carla , Di Rosa Rosalba , Albera Roberto
Published: April 2015

Objective:

To present the first reported case of intraneural direct cochlear nerve stimulation in a human being.

Study design:

This is a case report.

Results:

A 23-year-old patient with bilateral progressive hearing loss associated with bilateral complete semicircular canal aplasia and ossified cochleas underwent cochlear implantation. During surgery, a patent cochlear lumen could not be found, and the array was positioned in the internal auditory canal adjacent to the cochlear nerve. Against our expectations, an assiduous rehabilitation and frequent fitting adjustments have led to a word recognition score, in open set speech with lip reading, of 18/25 and acceptable frequency discrimination.

Conclusions:

We are aware that this was an anomalous use of the cochlear implant, and it is not our aim to suggest a new indication for cochlear array positioning. However, this case shows that auditory perception, to some degree, can be obtained with intraneural direct cochlear nerve stimulation.
To be a diplomat abroad: Diplomatic practice at embassies
Authors: Cornut Jérémie
Published: April 2015

This article shows that the simultaneous management of three different social roles – knowledge producer, representative of a government, and bureaucrat – defines the everyday work and practice of contemporary diplomats posted at embassies. This argument rests on an analysis of information gathering in Western embassies before, during and after the eighteen days of the revolt that ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. I first identify various practices influencing diplomatic knowledge and prompting the production of particular interpretations of the revolt in Egypt. I then analyze how actors manage multiple positions and dispositions within overlapping social fields. This point illustrates what practice theorists mean when they assert that agents are always speaking from a position. Overall, the article unravels what being a diplomat posted abroad actually consists of in practice, complementing existing studies on the diplomatic mode of knowledge production. I provide insights on the interactions between diplomats and non-state actors and show that diplomats’ social skills and analytic competence constantly require and support each other.
Diplomatic practices at the United Nations
Authors: Wiseman Geoffrey
Published: April 2015

This article considers the importance of informal, practice-based change as opposed to formal change at the UN. I first evaluate UN reform, showing that diplomacy and institutional change within the UN system are better understood as having evolved less from major, formal reform of the UN Charter (‘the Charter’) than from minor changes in routine practices. I then examine what practice theory and diplomatic studies can learn from each other in terms of how each views the role of leading individuals, illustrating specific practice-based change in relation to the Secretary-General’s role. Next, I show how the appointment process for a new Secretary-General has evolved through informal practice, after which I advance an argument that UN diplomatic practices should be considered not only within the narrow context of a formal diplomatic corps of member state diplomats but also as part of an informal, wider diplomatic community of diplomats and non-state actors. Practice theory helps students of diplomacy think more abstractly and systematically about mundane diplomatic practices. Students of diplomacy can help guide practice theory toward empirical diplomatic activities that are often internalized and taken for granted. I conclude that a dialog between the two fields will promote a better understanding of diplomacy as undervalued practices.
How much is global governance changing? The G20 as international practice
Authors: Cooper Andrew F , Pouliot Vincent
Published: April 2015

Is the G20 transforming global governance, or does it reinforce the status quo? In this article we argue that as innovative as some diplomatic practices of the G20 may be, we should not overstate their potential impact. More specifically, we show that G20 diplomacy often reproduces many oligarchic tendencies in global governance, while also relaxing club dynamics in some ways. On the one hand, the G20 has more inductees who operate along new rules of the game and under a new multilateral ethos of difference. But, on the other hand, the G20 still comprises self-appointed rulers, with arbitrary rules of membership and many processes of cooption and discipline. In overall terms, approaching G20 diplomacy from a practice perspective not only provides us with the necessary analytical granularity to tell the old from the new, it also sheds different light on the dialectics of stability and change on the world stage. Practices are processes and as such they are always subject to evolutionary change. However, because of their structuring effects, diplomatic practices also tend to inhibit global transformation and reproduce the existing order.