bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Potential Role for Felbamate in TSC- and NF1-Related Epilepsy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mishal Natanya M. , Arkilo Dimitrios , Tang Ju , Crawford John R. , Wang Sonya G.
Published: October 2015

A 15-year-old girl with maternal inheritance of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and paternal inheritance of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) developed intractable epilepsy at age 5. Her seizures were refractory to adequate doses of four antiepileptic medications until felbamate was initiated at age 7. She has since remained seizure-free on felbamate monotherapy. Although felbamate has multiple mechanisms of action, it is thought to have its most potent antiepileptic effects through inhibition of theN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Previous studies have shown that the NMDAR is altered in varying epilepsy syndromes and notably in the cortical tubers found in TSC. The aim of this paper is to examine how felbamate monotherapy was able to achieve such robust antiepileptic effects in a unique patient and possibly offer a novel therapeutic approach to patients suffering from TSC- and NF-related epilepsy.
Loss of Glycogen Debranching Enzyme AGL Drives Bladder Tumor Growth via Induction of Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis
Authors: Guin Sunny , Ru Yuanbin , Agarwal Neeraj , Lew Carolyn R. , Owens Charles , Comi Giacomo P. , Theodorescu Dan
Published: October 2015

Purpose: We demonstrated that amylo-alpha-1-6-glucosidase-4-alpha-glucanotransferase (AGL) is a tumor growth suppressor and prognostic marker in human bladder cancer. Here we determine how AGL loss enhances tumor growth, hoping to find therapeutically tractable targets/pathways that could be used in patients with low AGL–expressing tumors.

Experimental Design: We transcriptionally profiled bladder cell lines with different AGL expression. By focusing on transcripts overexpressed as a function of low AGL and associated with adverse clinicopathologic variables in human bladder tumors, we sought to increase the chances of discovering novel therapeutic opportunities.

Results: One such transcript was hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2), an enzyme responsible for hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis. HAS2 expression was inversely proportional to that of AGL in bladder cancer cells and immortalized and normal urothelium. HAS2-driven HA synthesis was enhanced in bladder cancer cells with low AGL, and this drove anchorage-dependent and independent growth. siRNA-mediated depletion of HAS2 or inhibition of HA synthesis by 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) abrogated in vitro and xenograft growth of bladder cancer cells with low AGL. AGL and HAS2 mRNA expression in human tumors was inversely correlated in patient datasets. Patients with high HAS2 and low AGL tumor mRNA expression had poor survival, lending clinical support to xenograft findings that HAS2 drives growth of tumors with low AGL.

Conclusions: Our study establishes HAS2-mediated HA synthesis as a driver of growth of bladder cancer with low AGL and provides preclinical rationale for personalized targeting of HAS2/HA signaling in patients with low AGL–expressing tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 22(5); 1274–83. ©2015 AACR.
Characteristics of Hypovascular versus Hypervascular Well-Differentiated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Smaller Than 2 cm - Focus on Tumor Size, Markers and Imaging Detectability
Authors: Sugimoto Kayo , Kim Soo Ryang , Imoto Susumu , Tohyama Madoka , Kim Soo Ki , Matsuoka Toshiyuki , Yano Yoshihiko , Kudo Masatoshi , Hayashi Yoshitake
Published: October 2015

Objectives: The characteristics of hypovascular and hypervascular well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) were compared in terms of tumor size, tumor markers and detectability by imaging modalities. Methods: Well-differentiated HCC nodules that are smaller than 2 cm (n = 27) were evaluated in 27 patients using histopathology and divided into 2 groups: hypovascular (n = 10) and hypervascular (n = 17). The diagnostic sensitivity of imaging modalities was then evaluated for efficiency in disclosing tumor size and tumor markers in the 2 types. Results: No difference was observed in tumor size and tumor markers between the 2 types; however, the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced CT, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and arterioportal angiography was significantly different between the 2 types, whereas that by Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI) demonstrated no difference. Conclusion: Hypovascular HCC could be diagnosed by Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI in the hepatobiliary phase.
Cholangiocarcinoma in Cirrhosis: Value of Hepatocyte Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Piscaglia Fabio , Iavarone Massimo , Galassi Marzia , Vavassori Sara , Renzulli Matteo , Forzenigo Laura Virginia , Granito Alessandro , Salvatore Veronica , Sangiovanni Angelo , Golfieri Rita , Colombo Massimo , Bolondi Luigi
Published: October 2015

Background: The diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (ICC) remains elusive at imaging, which is a critical issue in cirrhotic patients in whom a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be established only by imaging. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of MRI in the diagnosis of ICC in cirrhosis using ‘hepatocyte-specific' Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents. Methods: Sixteen histologically proven and retrospectively identified ICCs on cirrhosis were investigated with hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance contrast agents (6 in Bologna with Gd-EOB-DTPA and 10 in Milan with Gd-BOPTA). The control group consisted of 41 consecutively and prospectively collected nodules (31 HCCs) imaged with Gd-EOB-DTPA. Results: Fifteen ICC nodules (94%) displayed hypointensity in the hepatobiliary phase, suggesting malignancy. Thirteen cholangiocarcinomas (81%) showed hyperenhancement in the venous phase. Only 2 cholangiocarcinoma nodules showed hypoenhancement in the venous phase, corresponding to washout, in both cases preceded by rim enhancement in arterial phase. All the hepatocarcinomas showed hypointensity in hepatobiliary phase, but was always preceded by hypointensity in the venous phase; arterial rim enhancement was never observed in any hepatocarcinoma or regenerative nodule. Conclusions: MRI with hepatocyte-specific Gd-based contrast agents showed a pattern of malignancy in almost all the ICCs, concurrently avoiding misdiagnosis with hepatocarcinoma. These findings suggest a greater diagnostic capacity for this technique compared with the results of MRI with conventional contrast agents reported in the literature in this setting.
General Rules for the Clinical and Pathological Study of Primary Liver Cancer, Nationwide Follow-Up Survey and Clinical Practice Guidelines: The Outstanding Achievements of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Kitano Masayuki , Sakurai Toshiharu , Nishida Naoshi
Published: October 2015

This review outlines the significance of establishing general rules, a nationwide follow-up survey, and clinical practice guidelines for liver cancer in Japan. The general rules are an essential part of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, enabling a ‘common language' to be used in daily clinical practice and for the nationwide follow-up survey. The Japanese General Rules for the Clinical and Pathological Study of Primary Liver Cancer, which provide detailed descriptions of HCC, are excellent and are unique to Japan. Items in the General Rules for the Clinical and Pathological Study of Primary Liver Cancer are used substantially in another important project, the Nationwide Follow-Up Survey of Primary Liver Cancer, which has been rigorously undertaken with great effort by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan biannually since 1969. Both evidence-based and consensus-based treatment algorithms for HCC are used to complement each other in clinical practice in Japan.
Challenges of Clinical Research on Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Kitano Masayuki , Sakurai Toshiharu , Nishida Naoshi
Published: October 2015

Challenges of clinical practice and research on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were reviewed. There are several differences in clinical practice between Japan and the Western countries such as tumor markers, understanding of pathological early HCC, imaging diagnosis, treatment strategy, staging system and subclassification of HCC. Further studies are warranted for the clinical practices of Japan to be adopted in the rest of the world.
Phase I Dose-Escalation and Pharmacokinetic Study of Intravenous Aflibercept in Combination with Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil in Patients with Advanced Solid Malignancies
Authors: Bahleda Rastislav , Baker Jackie , Massard Christophe , Gadgeel Sirish M. , Rogers Jane E. , Izzedine Hassan , Deutsch Eric , Garris Jeana L. , Khan Akbar , Boelle Emmanuelle , Assadourian Sylvie , Soria Jean-Charles , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: October 2015

Purpose: This phase I study (EudraCT No. 2006-001177-25) investigated aflibercept, a vascular endothelial growth factor decoy receptor protein (VEGF Trap), in combination with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients and Methods: Patients received 2, 4, or 6 mg/kg of intravenous aflibercept with docetaxel 75 mg/m2, cisplatin 75 mg/m2, and 5-fluorouracil 750 mg/m2 in 3-week cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary objectives were to evaluate dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during cycle 1 and to determine the recommended phase II dose. Pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and antitumor activity were also investigated. Results: Forty-four patients were enrolled and treated (29 patients in a dose-escalation phase and 15 patients in an expansion cohort). Following three cases of febrile neutropenia in patients receiving aflibercept at 4 mg/kg, the protocol was amended to allow earlier granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support (from day 6) and prophylactic use of ciprofloxacin. Subsequently, there were two DLTs: febrile neutropenia (2 mg/kg) and grade 4 pulmonary embolism (6 mg/kg). An excess of free over VEGF-bound aflibercept was observed at 6 mg/kg. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (54.5%), lymphopenia (47.7%), and stomatitis (38.6%). AEs associated with VEGF blockade (any grade) included epistaxis (61.4%), dysphonia (40.9%), hypertension (38.6%), and proteinuria (11.4%). There were 15 partial responses, including 9 in patients with gastroesophageal cancers. Thirteen patients had stable disease. Conclusion: Aflibercept 6 mg/kg administered every 3 weeks in combination with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5- fluorouracil is the recommended dose for further clinical development based on tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-Specific Drug Therapy in COPD Patients with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension and Mild-to-Moderate Airflow Limitation
Authors: Calcaianu George , Canuet Matthieu , Schuller Armelle , Enache Irina , Chaouat Ari , Kessler Romain
Published: October 2015

Background: Patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present a poor outcome. Specific PH treatment could improve the clinical and hemodynamic status of these patients but may worsen arterial blood gases. Objectives: Our study retrospectively included 28 patients with severe precapillary PH (mean pulmonary arterial pressure >35 mm Hg) associated with mild-to-moderate COPD [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) >50% predicted]. All patients underwent specific pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment as mono-, bi- or triple therapy. Methods: Our single-center study was conducted based on retrospective data of 537 right heart catheterizations (RHCs) performed on patients with COPD from January 2004 to June 2014. An echocardiography, comprehensive blood tests, pulmonary function tests, and a high-resolution computed tomography were performed before the RHCs. All patients underwent RHC with a Swan-Ganz catheter. Results: Compared to baseline, patients treated with specific PAH drugs showed a significant increase in cardiac index at long term (2.5 ± 0.7 liters/min/m2 at baseline vs. 3.2 ± 0.6 liters/min/m2 at 6/12 months; p = 0.003) as well as a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance in the long term (8.4 ± 4.2 Wood units at baseline vs. 5 ± 1.7 Wood units at 6/12 months; p = 0.008). There was a slight decrease in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) after 3 months of treatment (-2.4 ± 7.21 mm Hg; p = 0.066). During a median follow-up of 3 years, 12 patients (42.8%) died (including all causes of death). Conclusions: This preliminary report suggests that the use of specific PH therapy in severe PH associated with mild-to-moderate COPD can improve pulmonary hemodynamic parameters, with worsening of PaO2, which had no clinical significance and did not lead to specific PAH therapy withdrawal in any patient.
Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Mandible: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bugshan Amr , Kassolis James , Basile John
Published: October 2015

In the oral cavity, extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur in the periapical region either in the maxilla or mandible. Also, it can mimic inflammatory lesions that arise around the teeth apices such as periapical granuloma, radicular cyst and osteomyelitis. Misdiagnosis of lymphomas in the jaws may reduce the chance of successful treatment and worsen the prognosis. Therefore, any growth of periapical tissue must be submitted for histopathological evaluation to avoid a delay in the diagnosis. We present a case of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of a 53-year-old male in the right posterior mandible that was initially misdiagnosed as a reactive periapical lesion. This case illustrates the importance for both the pathologist and the clinician of considering malignant lesions such as lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of periapical radiolucency.
Which Direction Is up for a High Pitch?
Authors: Carnevale Michael J. , Harris Laurence R.
Published: October 2015

Low- and high-pitched sounds are perceptually associated with low and high visuospatial elevations, respectively. The spatial properties of this association are not well understood. Here we report two experiments that investigated whether low and high tones can be used as spatial cues to upright for self-orientation and identified the spatial frame(s) of reference used in perceptually binding auditory pitch to visuospatial ‘up’ and ‘down’. In experiment 1, participants’ perceptual upright (PU) was measured while lying on their right side with and without high- and low-pitched sounds played through speakers above their left ear and below their right ear. The sounds were ineffective in moving the perceived upright from a direction intermediate between the body and gravity towards the direction indicated by the sounds. In experiment 2, we measured the biasing effects of ascending and descending tones played through headphones on ambiguous vertical or horizontal visual motion created by combining gratings drifting in opposite directions while participants either sat upright or laid on their right side. Ascending and descending tones biased the interpretation of ambiguous motion along both the gravitational vertical and the long-axis of the body with the strongest effect along the body axis. The combination of these two effects showed that axis of maximum effect of sound corresponded approximately to the direction of the perceptual upright, compatible with the idea that ‘high’ and ‘low’ sounds are defined along this axis.
Selaginella chuweimingii (Selaginellaceae) sp. nov. from Yunnan, China
Authors: ZHOU XIN-MAO , HE ZHAO-RONG , ZHANG LIANG , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: October 2015

A new lycophyte species, Selaginella chuweimingii, from central Yunnan, China is described and illustrated. Selaginella chuweimingii is similar to S. sinensis in the habit and the morphology of strobili and sporophylls, but the new species can easily be distinguished from the latter by having ovate or oblong-ovate ventral leaves, extremely asymmetrically dorsal leaves, and oblong-ovate to ovate-lanceolate axillary leaves. Also the new species has lamellate ornamentation on megaspore surfaces and less prominent verrucae and ridges on microspore surfaces. The two species are further separated in geographical distribution with the new species occurring in central Yunnan Province while S. sinensis in northern and eastern China.
A new species of Aspidistra (Asparagaceae) from Guizhou, China
Authors: Xu Wen-fen , Wang Yong , He Shun-Zhi
Published: October 2015

In September 2007, an investigation at the Guizhou province, Yanhe country, Wujiang vally found some plants of Aspidistra Ker-Gawler (1822: 628) with narrowly oblanceolate leaves under the shrub beside the limestone valley. This species was identified as new for science after studying relevant literature (Li 2004, He et al. 2011, Tillich 2014, Vislobokov 2014, Lin et al. 2015, Liu et al. 2015, Xu et al. 2015).
Shallow and deep-sea chitons of the genus Leptochiton Gray, 1847 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Lepidopleurida) from Peruvian and Chilean waters
Authors: SIRENKO BORIS
Published: October 2015

The Southeast region off Chile and Peru has yielded a very rich diverse fauna of basal chitons of the genus Leptochiton. The present contribution is based on the study of 1055 specimens of chitons. Thirteen leptochitonid species are reported of which seven species are new, namely Leptochiton lascrusesi n. sp., L. linseae n. sp., L. longibranchiae n. sp., L. peruvianus n. sp., L. macleani n. sp., L. sigwartae n. sp., and L. mutschkeae n. sp. Five species were found on the shelf, but only one of those is limited to this zone. The other eight species live in bathyal or abyssal depths. Thus, 12 of 13 species were found deeper than 200 m. The genus Leptochiton originated in the late Palaeozoic in shallow waters. It probably shifted to deep-waters because of competition by more advanced genera of chitons. The leptochitonid fauna of the Peru-Chile Trench turned out to be rich. Five species were studied from this trench system. Two of them—L. longibranchiae n. sp. and L. peruvianus n. sp.—are characterized by an unusually high number of gills and an accordingly wider distribution in the mantle cavity, reaching in an anterior direction to valves V and III. This morphological peculiarity is unusual for Lepidopleurida and resembles the conditions found in the order Chitonida.
Revision of the genus Devadatta Kirby, 1890 in Borneo based on molecular and morphological methods, with descriptions of four new species (Odonata: Zygoptera: Devadattidae)
Authors: DOW RORY A. , HÄMÄLÄINEN MATTI , STOKVIS FRANK R.
Published: October 2015

Species of Devadatta from Borneo are studied using both morphological and molecular methods. As well as D. podolestoides Laidlaw, four new species are recognised from the island: D. aran spec. nov. (holotype ♂, from Pulong Tau National Park, Miri division, Sarawak, Malaysia, deposited in RMNH), D. clavicauda spec. nov. (holotype ♂, from Bukit Mina, Bukit Mina Wildlife Corridor, Sarawak Planted Forest Project, Bintulu division, Sarawak, Malaysia, deposited in RMNH), D. somoh spec. nov. (holotype ♂, from the Sungai Kahei area, Ulu Balui, Kapit division, Sarawak, Malaysia, deposited in RMNH) and D. tanduk spec. nov. (holotype ♂, from Poring Hot Springs, Kinabalu National Park, West Coast division, Sabah, Malaysia, deposited in RMNH). The Philippine taxon D. basilanensis Laidlaw is considered a good species rather than a subspecies of D. podolestoides. The Bornean species plus D. basilanensis are provisionally considered to form a species group, the podolestoides-group, within Devadatta. The species of the podolestoides-group are so similar in morphology and colouration that they are close to truly cryptic species. Two species appear to exhibit character displacement where their ranges overlap with other Devadatta species. A molecular analysis using four markers (COI, 16S, ITS and 28S) is presented. This analysis includes specimens of all species from the podolestoides-group and two Devadatta species from mainland Asia.
The Tribe Anisoscelini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera, Coreidae) in Argentina
Authors: COSCARÓN MARÍA DEL CARMEN , PALL JOSÉ LUIS
Published: October 2015

Eight genera and 21 species of the tribe Anisoscelini (Coreidae, Coreinae) are recorded in Argentina: Anisoscelis foliaceus (Fabricius); Coribergia declivicollis (Berg); Dalmatomammurius vandoesburgi (Brailovsky); Holymenia hystrio (Fabricius); Leptoglossus chilensis (Spinola); L. cinctus (Herrich-Schaeffer); L. concolor Walker; L. crassicornis (Dallas); L. dentatus Berg; L. fasciatus (Westwood); L. gonagra (Fabricius); L. impictus (Stål); L. ingens (Mayr); L. neovexillatus Allen; L. quadricollis (Westwood); L. stigma (Herbst); L. vexillatus (Stål); L. zonatus (Dallas); Phthia lunata (Fabricius); Phthiacnemia picta (Drury) and Ugnius kermesinus (Linnaeus). A key to genera belonging to the tribe is provided. L. stigma is recorded for the first time in Argentina with new locality records for La Rioja, Salta and San Juan.
New taxa of Cryphocricinae (Heteroptera: Naucoridae) from the Guiana Shield: Hygropetrocoris Sites, n. gen. and two new species of Ambrysus Stål
Authors: SITES ROBERT W.
Published: October 2015

A new genus and species of Naucoridae are described from two male specimens that inhabited an algae-covered granite rock seep in Guyana. Hygropetrocoris Sites NEW GENUS is diagnosed by a nearly vertical and apparently freely movable head, bulbous eyes, hair lines and hair patches on the hemelytra, profemur with anterior excavation that can receive a prominent tooth on the opposable protibia, and stout marginal tufts of setae on the pronotum, embolium, and connexiva. H. guyana Sites NEW SPECIES is further diagnosed by pseudoparameres that are wide, black, directed posterolaterally, and bluntly produced laterally. Character states of this genus are compared with those of the other genera of Cryphocricinae. Two new species of Ambrysus Stål from the region also are described. Ambrysus brunneus Sites NEW SPECIES is described from a single female specimen and diagnosed by a digitate lobe on laterosternite VI, shape of the subgenital plate, and concolorous dark brown dorsal coloration; Ambrysus shorti Sites NEW SPECIES is described from a single male specimen and diagnosed by its small size, narrow body form, and tentacular setae of the parameres.
The fieldwork and control engineering studies on thermal comfort of occupants in a conventional office building in the tropics
Authors: Yau YH , Chang CP
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the fieldwork and the control system studies to examine and improve the thermal comfort of the occupants in a typical office building in Malaysia. The proposed control system works as the basis of adjusting the thermostat setting at a certain period of time with the degree of using the fuzzy logic. The thermostat of the central AC system has its set point fixed between 21℃ and 22℃, slightly below the range of 23–26℃ as recommended by Malaysian Standard MS1525. In order to maintain the room comfort, the occupants choose to switch OFF the central AC system for a certain period of time before it is switched back ON. It has been repeated at least once per working days. Therefore, the proposed control system is designed to overcome this practice. Pre- and post-comfort surveys have been conducted where the thermal comfort level of the occupants throughout this study is investigated. The air temperature ( Ta), globe temperature ( Tg), air velocity ( V) and relative humidity ( RH) in the occupied area were data-logged for continuous five working days. These data are used to compute the operative temperature ( Top) before new thermostat set points are generated, which indicates possible adjustment from the recommended set-point (24℃). The proposed thermostat setting has an error tolerance of 2.9% or less. As a result, the simulation results show an adjustment of the thermostat setting from 24℃ to 25.5℃, which successfully maintained the room temperature of the main office between 23.3℃ and 25℃. The relative humidity is maintained between 54.3% and 59.8%. Also, these outcomes have indirectly promoted an average increase of 22.6% in the thermal comfort satisfactory level of the occupants.

Practical application: The new conclusions from the simplified thermostat control strategy, which can be customised according to the environment variables in the air-conditioned space (in this case the operative temperature and the relative humidity) or based on the preferences of the occupants, such as the level of thermal comfort that suits the current thermal environment in tropical climates, could be applied as an important guide for building services engineers and researchers. Their aims are to reduce energy usage in HVAC systems in the non-green office buildings in tropical climates while maintaining an adequate thermal comfort level, and thus, the performance and well-being of the office workers are improved.
A Multilevel Analysis of the Use of Individual Pay-for-Performance Systems
Authors: Gooderham Paul , Fenton-O’Creevy Mark , Croucher Richard , Brookes Michael
Published: October 2015

Compensation systems, such as individualized pay-for-performance (I-PFP) schemes for employees, represent an important approach to aligning employer-employee interests. However, the adoption of I-PFP is much less common in many countries than in the United States. Employing a multilevel analysis of over 4,000 firms in 26 countries, we explore determinants of its adoption. At the country level, we distinguish between cultural and institutional (labor regulation institutions) influences. At the firm level, we distinguish firms that view human resources as strategically important and firms that are foreign owned. On the one hand, our findings indicate that both cultural and institutional effects at the country level significantly influence the adoption of I-PFP. On the other hand, senior managers’ agency counts. We find the effect of labor regulation on I-PFP to be mediated by its effects on labor union influence, and we find the effects of culture on I-PFP to be entirely mediated by labor regulation and (country-level) union influence.
Fleck the Public Health Expert
Authors: Löwy Ilana
Published: October 2015

Ludwik Fleck is known mainly for his pioneering studies of science as a social activity. This text investigates a different aspect of Fleck’s epistemological thought—his engagement with normative aspects of medicine and public health and their political underpinnings. In his sinuous professional trajectory, Fleck navigated between two distinct thought styles: fundamental microbiological research and practice-oriented investigations of infectious diseases. Fleck’s awareness of tensions between these two approaches favored the genesis of his theoretical reflections. At the same time, his close observation of medical and epidemiological practices led him to the conclusion that collectively produced scientific facts are situated and fragile. Thought collectives, Fleck explained, can err or yield to external pressures, with potentially disastrous consequences. While Fleck the reflexive experimental scientist has been creatively translated into the science studies idiom, Fleck the reflexive practical microbiologist and public health expert still awaits inspired translation.
Counting the countless: Statistics on homelessness and the spatial ontology of political numbers
Authors: Marquardt Nadine
Published: October 2015

This paper focuses on the controversy over nationwide homeless statistics in Germany and uses the conflict as a window through which to explore the spatial and historical ontology of political numbers. Since the 1980s, the German national government's refusal to collect statistical data on homelessness has pushed homeless advocates to fight for quantitative assessments of homelessness as a crucial form of recognition. The conflict has produced a series of studies concerned with the practicability of homeless statistics. These studies offer an insight into the critical relations between space and calculation and the governmental problematizations of calculable territory and populations. Problematizations of space in feasibility studies reflect how the phenomenon of homelessness is not only a social issue ignored by governmental knowledge production, but a real obstacle to conventional ways of data collection on the population. To analyse the controversy and the difficulties of establishing homeless statistics, the paper combines theoretical reflections on the relations between numbers and politics and on spaces of calculation with more recent attempts to highlight the political nature of ignorance. The paper argues that the difficulties to count homeless people represent a case of ‘ontological ignorance’ connected to modern sedentariness.
Developing and Re-Developing Volunteer Roles
Authors: Kramer Michael W. , Danielson Mary Ann
Published: October 2015

This study explored the process by which volunteers learned and developed their roles as part of their initial organizational entrance and then re-developed them during ongoing assimilation in response to an organizational change. Based on interviews of 41 zoo docents, this study analyzes the process by which they initially learned and developed their roles as new volunteers through the interaction of the socialization efforts of the organization and their own attempts at individualization. Then the study explores how those role expectations were modified as docents were re-socialized after changes occurred in the zoo and how those changes impacted their attitudes and further role development. The results have theoretical implications and practical applications for individuals working with volunteers.
Combining Big Data and Survey Techniques to Model Effects of Political Content Flows in Facebook
Authors: Wells Chris , Thorson Kjerstin
Published: October 2015

This article introduces a novel method that combines a “big data” measurement of the content of individuals’ Facebook (FB) news feeds with traditional survey measures to explore the antecedents and effects of exposure to news and politics content on the site. Drawing on recent theoretical and methodological advances, we demonstrate how such a hybrid approach can be used to (a) untangle distinct channels of public affairs content within respondents’ FB news feeds, (b) explore why respondents vary in the extent to which they encounter public affairs content on the site, and (c) examine whether the amount and type of public affairs content flows in one’s FB is associated with political knowledge and participation above and beyond self-report measures of news media use.
Health Expectancies in Adults Aged 50 Years or Older in China
Authors: Luo Hao , Wong Gloria H. Y. , Lum Terry Y. S. , Luo Minxia , Gong Cathy H. , Kendig Hal
Published: October 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand the functional health of older adults in China and to assess the potential for advancing healthy and active aging. Method: Data of 13,739 older adults aged 50 years and older from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011 were analyzed. Life expectancy in good perceived health, chronic-disease-free life expectancy, active life expectancy, and severe impairment-free life expectancy were calculated using Sullivan’s method. Results: At age 50 years, older adults had a life expectancy in good perceived health of 7.0 and 6.7 years in men and women, respectively. They would remain chronic-disease-free for 8.4 and 8.6 years, without activity limitation for 23.6 and 26.0 years, and severe impairment-free for 21.4 and 24.2 years. Discussion: The world’s largest aging population was spending a substantial proportion of remaining life years in suboptimal health and well-being, while remaining largely independent in basic self-care without severe impairments.
Interphase effects on the thermo-mechanical properties of three-phase composites
Authors: Hassanzadeh-Aghdam Mohammad K , Mahmoodi Mohammad J , Ansari Reza
Published: October 2015

A three-dimensional micromechanics-based analytical model is developed to investigate the influence of interphase on the thermo-mechanical properties of three-phase composites. The representative volume element (RVE) of composites is extended to c × r × h cells in three dimensions and the RVE consists of three phases including filler, matrix and interphase. The arrangement state of filler within the matrix materials is assumed to be random with uniform distribution. Fillers are surrounded by the interphase in the whole composite. The effects of interphase such as its thickness and stiffness on the thermo-mechanical properties of composite with various aspect ratios of filler are studied. The results illustrate that while the effects of interphase is significant for composites with randomly distributed spherical particles, it turns to be less effective as the aspect ratio of filler of composite increases. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the effect of interphase on the thermo-mechanical properties of fibrous composites in the transverse direction is more significant than that of fiber composites in the longitudinal direction.
Minimum vehicle slip path planning for automated driving using a direct element method
Authors: Kanarachos Stratis , Blundell Mike , Kanarachos Andreas
Published: October 2015

In the UK, the number of fatal accidents on rural roads is approximately double that on urban roads. Statistics have also shown that accidents on rural roads decreased less than on other road types. The narrow width and complex geometry are less forgiving to drivers’ mistakes. A potential remedy for this problem is automated driving in which the ability to plan -in real time- safe and feasible paths is essential. The literature review of recently proposed path planning methods has revealed that most of them utilise either forward simulations of a vehicle dynamics model or describe a priori mathematically a reference path. In this paper, the weaknesses of the reviewed methods are discussed and a new path planning method that belongs to the latter category is presented. The method is based on a direct element concept and as shown and discussed is extremely versatile. It is unique in the sense that for the first time it facilitates the prediction of the maximum vehicle slip angle and the definition of a reference path that minimises it. Contrary to other methods it is very flexible in defining arbitrary boundary and intermediate conditions. The overall computational cost as analysed is very small. Simulations illustrate its performance and comparisons with other methods highlight its strengths.
Security spheres: A phenomenology of maritime spatial practices
Authors: Ryan Barry J
Published: October 2015

This article explores maritime protection zones (MPZ), which are being created in the territorial waters of a number of European states. Through the work of Gaston Bachelard and Peter Sloterdijk, the article analyses maritime zonation as a paradigmatic global security mechanism. It examines how maritime spatial planning seeks to reconfigure sea-space into multi-dimensional spheres of predictability and rationality. These processes, it proposes, seek to routinize the use of sea-space and reconcile tensions between the governance of land and sea, and between fixed infrastructure and mobile capital flows. The political and economic redistribution at stake in the construction of a global network of vast maritime zones, which act as hubs of wealth creation and environmental management, creates further tensions where commercial and military security imaginaries meet local and ecological interests. The article traces the ontology of multi-dimensional zonation and concludes that space which emerges from a pluralist and less anthropocentric understanding of the maritime would provide more effective security.
Smart aggregate-based seismic stress monitoring system using a specially designed charge amplifier
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Hou Shuang , Ou Jinping
Published: October 2015

The potential of smart aggregate for seismic stress monitoring has been identified, but only moderate dynamic stress of relatively high frequency can be measured reliably due to the limitations of conventional charge amplifiers. To improve the performance of smart aggregate-based monitoring systems, a charge amplifier was designed especially for the demands of seismic stress monitoring. Its performance was tested in the low frequency range down to 0.05 Hz with high charge input up to 2 × 107 pC representing stress up to 100 MPa by feeding it frequency-sweep charge signals. With the specially designed amplifier, the performance of the smart aggregate-based monitoring system was tested in both frequency-sweep and amplitude-sweep loading tests, and the influence of lead zirconate titanate depolarization was evaluated at static loads of 4.8, 14.4, and 24 MPa. The results show that the demands of seismic monitoring with a smart aggregate-based system can be satisfied, and that the sensitivity of the system remains constant under dynamic loads up to at least 45 MPa.
Gendered Processes in Hospice Palliative Home Care for Seniors With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Sutherland Nisha , Ward-Griffin Catherine , McWilliam Carol , Stajduhar Kelli
Published: October 2015

There has been limited investigation into the processes that shape gender (in)equities in hospice palliative home care. As part of a larger critical ethnographic study, we examined how and why gender relations occur in this context. Using a critical feminist lens, we conducted in-depth interviews with clients living with terminal cancer, their family caregivers and primary nurses; observations of agency home visits; and review of institutional documents. A gender-based analysis revealed that gender enactments of Regulating Gender Relations were legitimized through ideological processes of Normalizing Gender Relations and Equalizing Gender Relations. (Re)produced through institutional discourses of individualism and egalitarianism, these gendered processes both advantaged and disadvantaged men and women in hospice palliative home care. Findings suggest that to promote equity, health care providers and policy makers must attend to gender as a prevalent social determinant of health and health care. Implications for policy, practice, education, and research are discussed.
“It’s in the Cards”
Authors: Karnieli-Miller Orit , Nissim Geffen , Goldberg Miriam
Published: October 2015

In this article, we present the use of illustrated metaphorical cards as a technique to enrich the qualitative narrative interview. We examine the advantages of incorporating a projective tool to assist in constructing and understanding personal narratives of people living with severe mental illness. We interviewed 25 participants—staff and members of a clubhouse in Israel (an international community model of rehabilitation in mental health)—and sought to understand their stories focused on personal and organizational values. The findings revealed that, in most cases, the cards contributed to data collection by enhancing the interviewees’ ability for expression and by facilitating richer, more comprehensive stories and descriptions. This in turn enhanced the researcher’s ability to understand the messages and stories presented. The research conclusions discuss the cards’ potential contribution to improving data collection and analysis. The cards became an additional channel for expressing participants’ experiences, emotions, and unique voice.
Improved manoeuvring of autonomous passenger vehicles: Simulations and field results
Authors: Elbanhawi M , Simic M , Jazar R
Published: October 2015

This paper describes a novel manoeuvre planning method to attenuate disturbances acting on occupants of autonomous cars as a result of driving behaviour. New research findings suggested that the passengers in autonomous cars might be more prone to motion sickness and thus overall discomfort. The proposed approach is based on a recently developed novel continuous B-spline path smoothing algorithm for car-like steered robots. Two algorithms are designed for urban driving scenarios and steering between two predefined poses. The resulting paths avoid abrupt changes in steering and longitudinal velocity, by maintaining curvature and its high order continuity. We show that this lead to reduced high frequency disturbances in steering and resulting load disturbances on passengers. The presented novel B-spline manoeuvres outperform other planning methods by reducing lateral acceleration and yaw disturbances. New approach was verified by rigorous simulations, numerical and field experimentation. Tests were repeated for a number of different paths and velocities. The reported results are the first spline based parameterisation methods practically applied for autonomous cars planning and re-planning, then validated using both noisy actuation simulations and field experiments.
The second strain gradient theory-based Timoshenko beam model
Authors: Asghari M , Momeni SA , Vatankhah R
Published: October 2015

The governing equations of motion, together with the associated boundary conditions, are derived for the second strain gradient Timoshenko micro- and nano-beams. The second strain gradient theory is a highly powerful nonclassical continuum theory, capable of capturing the size effects in micro- and nano-scale structures. In case studies, the static and free-vibration behaviors of a hinged–hinged beam are investigated utilizing the presented second strain gradient theory-based Timoshenko beam model. The obtained results are compared with those of the available models in the literature, which are based on the (first) strain gradient theory, the modified couple stress theory, and the classical continuum theory.
Predicting Rape Victim Empathy Based on Rape Victimization and Acknowledgment Labeling
Authors: Osman Suzanne L.
Published: October 2015

Two studies examined rape victim empathy based on personal rape victimization and acknowledgment labeling. Female undergraduates (Study 1, n = 267; Study 2, n = 381) from a Northeast U.S. midsize public university completed the Rape-Victim Empathy Scale and Sexual Experiences Survey. As predicted, both studies found that acknowledged “rape” victims reported greater empathy than unacknowledged victims and nonvictims. Unexpectedly, these latter two groups did not differ. Study 1 also found that acknowledged “rape” victims reported greater empathy than victims who acknowledged being “sexually victimized.” Findings suggest that being raped and acknowledging “rape” together may facilitate rape victim empathy.
Volunteers in Circles of Support and Accountability Job Demands, Job Resources, and Outcome
Authors: Höing Mechtild , Bogaerts Stefan , Vogelvang Bas
Published: October 2015

In Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA), volunteers support a medium- to high-risk sex offender in his process toward desistance by developing a long-term empathic relationship. More knowledge is needed about the impact of this work on volunteers themselves. In a sample of 40 Dutch CoSA volunteers—at the time constituting 37% of the national population of 108 then active CoSA volunteers—we measured outcome in terms of volunteer satisfaction, determination to continue, compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary stress, vicarious growth, civic capacities, and professional skills. We explored theoretically derived predictors of positive and negative outcome, and conceptualized them within the Job Demands-Resources model (JD-R). Volunteers reported mainly positive effects, especially high levels of volunteer satisfaction, compassion satisfaction, and determination to continue. Results indicated that job demands and most of the internal job resources were of minor importance. External job resources, especially social support and connectedness, were associated with positive outcome. Connectedness mediated the effect of social support on compassion satisfaction.
Optimizing and validating the technical infrastructure of a novel tele-cystoscopy system
Authors: Hougen Helen Y , Lobo Jennifer M , Corey Thomas , Jones Randy , Rheuban Karen , Schenkman Noah S , Krupski Tracey L
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Bladder cancer is the most costly malignancy to manage per capita due to the technical nature and intensity of follow-up. There are few urologists in rural areas, often necessitating that patients travel hours to receive follow-up care multiple times per year. We plan to train registered nurses and allied health professionals to perform cystoscopies which are monitored and interpreted in real-time by board-certified urologists. The key is to ensure optimal picture resolution to guarantee this technology is not inferior to traditional cystoscopy. Our objective was to develop the technical infrastructure needed for a tele-cystoscopy system through assessment of the transmitted video quality using expert reviewers and crowd-sourcing.

Methods

All combinations of the tele-cystoscopy system were systematically tested using a single Thiel cadaver. The videos were reviewed by expert urologists and general reviewers using a crowd-sourcing website. The video quality responses were assessed to determine concordance between each set of reviewers, and to determine the optimal equipment that should be selected for the tele-cystoscopy system.

Results

Of eight equipment combinations, only two were of high enough quality to be appropriate for medical use. We found there to be strong concordance of responses between the expert and crowd-sourced responses. The trade-offs between cost and tele-cystoscopy system component quality were compared with efficiency frontiers to elucidate the optimal system.

Discussion

We created and tested the feasibility of a tele-cystoscopy system that was deemed suitable for medical diagnosis by a group of experts. We further validated tele-cystoscopy video quality using both experts and recently validated crowd-sourcing.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may explain poor mental health in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Toussaint Loren L , Whipple Mary O , Vincent Ann
Published: October 2015

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are common in fibromyalgia patients. This study compared post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls and determined whether patient-control differences in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms mediated differences in mental health. In all, 30 patients and 30 healthy controls completed questionnaires assessing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health. Fibromyalgia patients had greater symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health than controls. Patient-control differences in mental health symptoms were fully or partially mediated by differences in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Healthcare providers should understand the role of trauma as management of trauma symptoms may be one strategy for improving mental health.