bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptivity and Phenomenal Self-Knowledge
Authors: McClelland Tom ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2014

In this article, I argue that an epistemic question about knowledge of our own phenomenal states encourages a certain metaphysical picture of consciousness according to which phenomenal states are reflexive mental representations. Section 1 describes and motivates the thesis that phenomenal self-knowledge is ‘receptive’: that is, the view that a subject has knowledge of their phenomenal states only insofar as they are inwardly affected by those states. In Sections 2 and 3, I argue that this model of phenomenal self-knowledge is unable to accommodate knowledge of our own phenomenology or knowledge of our own awareness. In Section 4, I seek a non-receptive model of phenomenal self-knowledge. I argue that Kriegel’s (2009) Self-Representationalist theory of consciousness is uniquely equipped to show how phenomenal self-knowledge is possible.
Dealing with Wicked Problems: Conducting a Causal Layered Analysis of Complex Social Psychological Issues
Authors: Bishop Brian J. , Dzidic Peta L.
Published: January 2014

Causal layered analysis (CLA) is an emerging qualitative methodology adopted in the discipline of planning as an approach to deconstruct complex social issues. With psychologists increasingly confronted with complex, and “wicked” social and community issues, we argue that the discipline of psychology would benefit from adopting CLA as an analytical method. Until now, the application of CLA for data interpretation has generally been poorly defined and overwhelming for the novice. In this paper we propose an approach to CLA that provides a method for the deconstruction and analysis of complex social psychological issues. We introduce CLA as a qualitative methodology well suited for psychology, introduce the epistemological foundations of CLA, define a space for it adoption within the discipline, and, outline the steps for conducting a CLA using an applied example.
Importance of Proximal A2 and A4 Pulleys to Maintaining Kinematics in the Hand: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Chow James C. , Sensinger Jon , McNeal David , Chow Bettina , Amirouche Farid , Gonzalez Mark
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The A2 and A4 pulleys have been shown to be important in finger flexor tendon function. Other authors have suggested either reconstruction or venting of portions of these pulleys in an attempt to preserve finger function in certain clinical situations. This study examines the effects of partial incision of these pulleys on finger flexion kinematics and biomechanics.

Methods

The index and ring fingers of 16 cadaveric hands were studied. The flexor digitorum profundus tendon was isolated and attached to a computer driven servo-motor. Micro-potentiometers measured flexion angles of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal inter-phalangeal and distal inter-phalangeal joints. Joint inertial torques were calculated making use of this experimental kinematic data.

Results

Proximal 50 % incisions of either the A2 or the A4 pulleys resulted in a statistically significant decrease in overall finger motion. This effect was greatest in the proximal interphalangeal joint, with a decrease in joint motion, as well as an earlier time to initiation of motion. These changes in finger motion were more pronounced with A2 pulley incision than they were with A4 pulley incision, but the changes were statistically significant in either case. No significant changes in joint inertial torques were shown.

Conclusions

Our data provides evidence to the importance of the proximal portions of the A2 and A4 pulleys, and may support partial distal incision of these pulleys in certain clinical situations.
Pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) involving peroral endoscopic salpingo‐oophorectomy (POESY)
Authors: Hornemann Amadeus , Suetterlin Marc , Trunk Marcus J. , Gerhardt Axel , Kaehler Georg
Published: January 2014

Objective

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a surgical approach that uses natural orifices to gain access to areas of the body. In the present article, we describe the first transgastric pure NOTES salpingo‐oophorectomy, which we call peroral endoscopic salpingo‐oophorectomy (POESY).

Methods

A woman with BRCA1 mutation presented for prophylactic bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. We offered her the transgastric approach, having performed more than 25 transgastric appendectomies. After gastroscopic incision in the corpus wall, we advanced the gastroscope into the abdominal cavity. Salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed with the help of an intrauterine manipulator and a transvaginally introduced 5‐mm trocar. The posterior colpotomy was dilated and the specimens were extracted. The gastrotomy was closed with an over‐the‐scope clip, and the colpotomy with a running suture.

Results

The gastroscope provided excellent optical control and good tissue preparation. Prophylactic bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed successfully via POESY. The patient recovered quickly and was discharged on the third day, with an uneventful follow‐up.

Conclusion

The present case demonstrates the feasibility of transgastric access. The gastroscope provided excellent optical control and good tissue preparation. Therefore, we expect an increasing role of transgastric procedures for diseases in the pelvic region, particularly if new endoscopic platforms with better means of instrumentation and tissue management become available.
Longitudinal health outcome and wellbeing of mother–infant pairs after adolescent pregnancy in Reunion Island, Indian Ocean
Authors: Iacobelli Silvia , Robillard Pierre‐Yves , Gouyon Jean‐Bernard , Nichols Marine , Boukerrou Malik , Barau Georges , Bonsante Francesco
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate longitudinal care needs and health service access among mother–infant pairs after adolescent pregnancy.

Methods

In a case–control study, data were analyzed from primiparous adolescent and adult mother–infant pairs who delivered at Reunion Island University Hospital, France, between January 2004 and December 2006, and were followed‐up from maternity discharge until December 2011. Infant outcomes were hospitalization during the first 2 years of life, hospital access for “non‐medical” reasons, and neuropsychiatric care. Maternal outcomes were number of pregnancies and childbirths, rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP) rate, pregnancy morbidities, and use of health services.

Results

Data from 476 cases and 476 controls were analyzed. Adolescent and control offspring did not differ in the measured outcomes. Adolescent and control mothers had, respectively, 2.4 ± 1.3 and 1.9 ± 1.1 pregnancies; 1.9 ± 0.8 and 1.6 ± 0.7 childbirths; and RRP rates of 7.6% and 2.7% (all P < 0.001). Adolescents had less pregnancy‐related pathologies at the index pregnancy and more frequently had natural deliveries (P < 0.05). Younger mothers exhibited higher rates (19.7% versus 6.9%, P = 0.001) of care for psychosocial reasons (suicide attempt, acute alcohol or drug intoxication, road accident, psychiatric problems, physical abuse).

Conclusion

Concerns arise from the long‐term psychosocial risk among adolescent mothers.
Facilitating women's access to misoprostol through community‐based advocacy in Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Coeytaux Francine , Hessini Leila , Ejano Nondo , Obbuyi Albert , Oguttu Monica , Osur Joachim , Shuken Kristen
Published: January 2014

Objective

To explore the feasibility of educating communities about gynecologic uses for misoprostol at the community level through community‐based organizations in countries with restrictive abortion laws.

Methods

In 2012, the Public Health Institute and Ipas conducted an operations research study, providing small grants to 28 community‐based organizations in Kenya and Tanzania to disseminate information on the correct use of misoprostol for both abortion and postpartum hemorrhage. These groups were connected to pharmacies selling misoprostol. The primary outcomes of the intervention were reports from the community‐based organizations regarding the health education strategies that they had developed and implemented to educate their communities.

Results

The groups developed numerous creative strategies to reach diverse audiences and ensure access to misoprostol pills. Given the restrictive environment, the groups attributed their success to having addressed the use of misoprostol for both indications (abortion and postpartum hemorrhage) and to using a harm reduction approach to frame the advocacy.

Conclusion

This initiative proves that, even where abortion is legally restricted and socially stigmatized, community‐based organizations can publicly and openly share information about misoprostol and refer it to women by using innovative and effective strategies, without political backlash. Furthermore, it shows that communities are eager for this information.
Libration-driven multipolar instabilities
Authors: Cébron D. , Vantieghem S. , Herreman W.
Published: January 2014

We consider rotating flows in non-axisymmetric enclosures that are driven by libration, i.e. by a small periodic modulation of the rotation rate. Thanks to its simplicity, this model is relevant to various contexts, from industrial containers (with small oscillations of the rotation rate) to fluid layers of terrestrial planets (with length-of-day variations). Assuming a multipolar$n$-fold boundary deformation, we first obtain the two-dimensional basic flow. We then perform a short-wavelength local stability analysis of the basic flow, showing that an instability may occur in three dimensions. We christen it the libration-driven multipolar instability (LDMI). The growth rates of the LDMI are computed by a Floquet analysis in a systematic way, and compared to analytical expressions obtained by perturbation methods. We then focus on the simplest geometry allowing the LDMI, a librating deformed cylinder. To take into account viscous and confinement effects, we perform a global stability analysis, which shows that the LDMI results from a parametric resonance of inertial modes. Performing numerical simulations of this librating cylinder, we confirm that the basic flow is indeed established and report the first numerical evidence of the LDMI. Numerical results, in excellent agreement with the stability results, are used to explore the nonlinear regime of the instability (amplitude and viscous dissipation of the driven flow). We finally provide an example of LDMI in a deformed spherical container to show that the instability mechanism is generic. Our results show that the previously studied libration-driven elliptical instability simply corresponds to the particular case$n= 2$of a wider class of instabilities. Summarizing, this work shows that any oscillating non-axisymmetric container in rotation may excite intermittent, space-filling LDMI flows, and this instability should thus be easy to observe experimentally.
Effects of roughness on particle dynamics in turbulent channel flows: a DNS analysis
Authors: Milici Barbara , De Marchis Mauro , Sardina Gaetano , Napoli Enrico
Published: January 2014

Deposition and resuspension mechanisms in particle-laden turbulent flows are dominated by the coherent structures arising in the wall region. These turbulent structures, which control the turbulent regeneration cycles, are affected by the roughness of the wall. The particle-laden turbulent flow in a channel bounded by irregular two-dimensional rough surfaces is analysed. The behaviour of dilute dispersions of heavy particles is analysed using direct numerical simulations (DNS) to calculate the three-dimensional turbulent flow and Lagrangian tracking to describe the turbophoretic effect associated with two-phase turbulent flows in a complex wall-bounded domain. Turbophoresis is investigated in a quantitative way as a function of the particle inertia. The analysis of the particle statistics, in term of mean particle concentration and probability density function (p.d.f.) of wall-normal particle velocity, shows that the wall roughness produces a completely different scenario compared to the classical smooth wall. The effect of the wall roughness on the particle mass flux is shown for six particle populations having different inertia.
The Adequacy of the Mauritian Biosafety Framework
Authors: Lim Tung Odile Juliette
Published: January 2014

This article analyses the Mauritian regulatory framework on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and highlights its shortcomings, with the aim of improving the regulation of the approval and monitoring of the use of GMOs in Mauritius. It examines key issues regarding the application for a GMO permit, risk assessment requirements, identification and labelling obligations, post-market monitoring, and liability and redress in the case of damages. There is a need for greater public participation in decision-making on the approval of GMO permits and the monitoring stage procedure, specific civil liability provisions for damage as well as regulation of the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops in the Mauritian biosafety framework. Pending the proclamation of the entire Mauritian GMO Act 2004, relevant transitional provisions should also be provided. Beyond legal provisions on biosafety, a national policy on GM products and GMO-related activities should be elaborated.
Investor Horizons and Corporate Policies
Authors: Derrien François , Kecskés Ambrus , Thesmar David
Published: January 2014

We study the effect of investor horizons on corporate behavior. We argue that longer investor horizons attenuate the effect of stock mispricing on corporate policies. Consistent with our argument, we find that when a firm is undervalued, greater long-term investor ownership is associated with more investment, more equity financing, and less payouts to shareholders. Our results do not appear to be explained by long-term investor self-selection, monitoring (corporate governance), or concentration (blockholdings). Our results are consistent with a version of market timing in which mispriced firms cater to the tastes of their short-term investors rather than their long-term investors.
Threshold and subthreshold generalized anxiety disorder among US adolescents: prevalence, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics
Authors: Burstein M. , Beesdo-Baum K. , He J.-P. , Merikangas K. R.
Published: January 2014

Background

Threshold and subthreshold forms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are highly prevalent and impairing conditions among adults. However, there are few general population studies that have examined these conditions during the early life course. The primary objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the prevalence, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of threshold and subthreshold forms of GAD in a nationally representative sample of US youth; and (2) test differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between threshold and subthreshold forms of the disorder.

Method

The National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement is a nationally representative face-to-face survey of 10 123 adolescents 13 to 18 years of age in the continental USA.

Results

Approximately 3% of adolescents met criteria for threshold GAD. Reducing the required duration from 6 months to 3 months resulted in a 65.7% increase in prevalence (5.0%); further relaxing the uncontrollability criterion led to an additional 20.7% increase in prevalence (6.1%). Adolescents with all forms of GAD displayed a recurrent clinical course marked by substantial impairment and co-morbidity with other psychiatric disorders. There were few significant differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between threshold and subthreshold cases of GAD. Results also revealed age-related differences in the associated symptoms and clinical course of GAD.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate the clinical significance of subthreshold forms of GAD among adolescent youth, highlighting the continuous nature of the GAD construct. Age-related differences in the associated symptoms and clinical course of GAD provide further support for criteria that capture variation in clinical features across development.
The structure of genetic and environmental risk factors for fears and phobias
Authors: Loken E. K. , Hettema J. M. , Aggen S. H. , Kendler K. S.
Published: January 2014

Background

Although prior genetic studies of interview-assessed fears and phobias have shown that genetic factors predispose individuals to fears and phobias, they have been restricted to the DSM-III to DSM-IV aggregated subtypes of phobias rather than to individual fearful and phobic stimuli.

Method

We examined the lifetime history of fears and/or phobias in response to 21 individual phobic stimuli in 4067 personally interviewed twins from same-sex pairs from the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Disorders (VATSPSUD). We performed multivariate statistical analyses using Mx and Mplus.

Results

The best-fitting model for the 21 phobic stimuli included four genetic factors (agora-social-acrophobia, animal phobia, blood-injection-illness phobia and claustrophobia) and three environmental factors (agora-social-hospital phobia, animal phobia, and situational phobia).

Conclusions

This study provides the first view of the architecture of genetic and environmental risk factors for phobic disorders and their subtypes. The genetic factors of the phobias support the DSM-IV and DSM-5 constructs of animal and blood-injection-injury phobias but do not support the separation of agoraphobia from social phobia. The results also do not show a coherent genetic factor for the DSM-IV and DSM-5 situational phobia. Finally, the patterns of co-morbidity across individual fears and phobias produced by genetic and environmental influences differ appreciably.
Spatiotemporal variation in phyllostomid bat assemblages over a successional gradient in a tropical dry forest in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Falcão Luiz Alberto Dolabela , do Espírito-Santo Mário Marcos , Leite Lemuel Olívio , Garro Raphael Neiva Souza Lima , Avila-Cabadilla Luis Daniel , Stoner Kathryn Elizabeth
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal variation in richness, abundance, structure and composition of phyllostomid bats over a successional gradient in a tropical dry forest in south-eastern Brazil. Four successional stages (pasture, early, intermediate and late) were sampled in the northern part of the state of Minas Gerais. Bats were sampled using mist nets at three sites for each of the four successional stages (12 sites in total) during eight periods between 2007 and 2009. A total of 537 individuals were captured (29 recaptured), distributed among four families and 22 species. Bat abundance and richness varied in space, being higher in the late-successional stage, and over time, being significantly lower during the dry season. When compared between guilds, only the abundance of omnivores varied significantly during the sampled months. Our results demonstrate that areas of late-successional stages showed higher bat richness and abundance in comparison with areas undergoing secondary succession. Our results also suggest the use of early-successional areas as flying routes by bats can lead to failure to detect differences in bat composition within successional gradients. We suggest future studies should assimilate landscape-level analyses into their studies to better evaluate the effects of successional gradients on bat assemblages.
Future ant invasions in France
Authors: BERTELSMEIER CLEO , COURCHAMP FRANCK
Published: January 2014

Ants are among the worst invasive species, and can have tremendous negative impacts on native biodiversity, agriculture, estates, property and human health. Invasive ants are extremely difficult to control, and thus early detection is essential to prevent ant invasions, in particular through surveillance efforts at ports of entry. This paper assesses the potential distribution of 14 of the worst invasive ant species in France, under current and future climatic conditions. Consensus species distribution models, using five different modelling techniques, three global climate models and two CO2 emission scenarios, indicated that France presented suitable areas for 10/14 species, including five listed on the Invasive Species Specialist Group's selection of the world's 100 worst invasive species. Among these 10 species, eight were predicted to increase their potential range with climate change. Areas with the highest concentration of potential invaders were mainly located along the coastline, especially in the south-west of France, but all departments appeared to be climatically suitable for at least two invasive species. A ranking of climatic suitability per species for 17 major airports and 14 maritime ports indicated that the ports of entry with the highest suitability were located in Biarritz, Toulon and Nice, and the species with the greatest potential distribution in France were Lasius neglectus and Linepithema humile, followed by Solenopsis richteri, Pheidole megacephala and Wasmannia auropunctata.
High infection rate of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) with Puumala virus is associated with a winter outbreak of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Croatia
Authors: TADIN A. , BJEDOV L. , MARGALETIC J. , ZIBRAT B. , KRAJINOVIC L. CVETKO , SVOBODA P. , KUROLT I. C. , MAJETIC Z. STRITOF , TURK N. , RODE O. DAKOVIC , CIVLJAK R. , KUZMAN I. , MARKOTIC A.
Published: January 2014

An outbreak of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) started on Medvednica mountain near Zagreb in January 2012. In order to detect the aetiological agent of the disease in small rodents and to make the link with the human outbreak, rodents were trapped at four different altitudes. Using nested RT–PCR, Puumala virus (PUUV) RNA was detected in 41/53 (77·4%) bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and Dobrava virus (DOBV) RNA was found in 6/61 (9·8%) yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis). Sequence analysis of a 341-nucleotide region of the PUUV S segment, obtained from all infected bank voles and five HFRS patients, showed 98·8–100% sequence similarity, indicating that the patients were probably exposed to PUUV on Medvednica mountain. A very large bank-vole population combined with an extremely high infection rate of PUUV was responsible for this unusual winter outbreak of HFRS in Croatia.
Against the Yuck Factor: On the Ideal Role of Disgust in Society
Authors: KELLY DANIEL , MORAR NICOLAE
Published: January 2014

The view we defend is that in virtue of its nature, disgust is not fit to do any moral or social work whatsoever, and that there are no defensible uses for disgust in legal or political institutions. We first describe our favoured empirical theory of the nature of disgust. Turning from descriptive to normative issues, we address the best arguments in favour of granting disgust the power to justify certain judgements, and to serve as a social tool, respectively. Daniel Kahan advances a pair of theses that suggest disgust is indispensable (Moral Indispensability Thesis), and so has an important part to play in the functioning of a just, well-ordered society (Conservation Thesis). We develop responses and show how they rebut the arguments given in support of each thesis. We conclude that any society free of social disgust would be more just, reasonable and compassionate.
Shell beds from the Low Head Member (Polonez Cove Formation, early Oligocene) at King George Island, west Antarctica: new insights on facies analysis, taphonomy and environmental significance
Authors: Quaglio Fernanda , Warren Lucas Veríssimo , Anelli Luiz Eduardo , Dos Santos Paulo Roberto , Rocha-Campos Antonio Carlos , Gaździcki Andrzej , Strikis Pedro Carlos , Ghilardi Renato Pirani , Tiossi Andressa Barraviera , Simões Marcello Guimarães
Published: January 2014

Shell bed levels in the Low Head Member of the early Oligocene Polonez Cove Formation at King George Island, West Antarctica, are re-interpreted based on sedimentological and taphonomic data. The highly fossiliferous Polonez Cove Formation is characterized by basal coastal marine sandstones, overlain by conglomerates and breccias deposited in fan-delta systems. The shell beds are mainly composed of pectinid bivalve shells of Leoclunipecten gazdzickii and occur in the basal portion of the Low Head Member. Three main episodes of bioclastic deposition are recorded. Although these shell beds were previously interpreted as shelly tempestites, we present an alternative explanation: the low fragmentation rates and low size sorting of the bioclasts resulted from winnowing due to tidal currents (background or diurnal condition) in the original bivalve habitat. The final deposition (episodic condition) was associated with subaqueous gravity driven flows. This new interpretation fits with the scenario of a prograding fan-delta front, which transported shell accumulations for short distances near the depositional site, possibly between fair-weather and storm wave bases. This work raises the notion that not every shell bed with similar sedimentological and taphonomic features (such as geometry, basal contact, degree of packing and shell orientation in the matrix) is made in the same way.
Invariant Measure Under the Affine Group Over
Authors: MUNDICI DANIELE
Published: January 2014

A rational polyhedron$P\subseteq {\mathbb{R^n}}$ is a finite union of simplexes in ${\mathbb{R^n}}$ with rational vertices. P is said to be $\mathbb Z$-homeomorphic to the rational polyhedron $Q\subseteq {\mathbb{R^{\it m}}}$ if there is a piecewise linear homeomorphism η of P onto Q such that each linear piece of η and η−1 has integer coefficients. When n=m, $\mathbb Z$-homeomorphism amounts to continuous $\mathcal{G}_n$-equidissectability, where $\mathcal{G}_n=GL(n,\mathbb Z) \ltimes \mathbb Z^{n}$ is the affine group over the integers, i.e., the group of all affinities on $\mathbb{R^{n}}$ that leave the lattice $\mathbb Z^{n}$ invariant. $\mathcal{G}_n$ yields a geometry on the set of rational polyhedra. For each d=0,1,2,. . ., we define a rational measure λd on the set of rational polyhedra, and show that any two $\mathbb Z$-homeomorphic rational polyhedra $$P\subseteq {\mathbb{R^n}}$$ and $Q\subseteq {\mathbb{R^{\it m}}}$ satisfy $\lambda_d(P)=\lambda_d(Q)$. $\lambda_n(P)$ coincides with the n-dimensional Lebesgue measure of P. If 0 ≤ dim P=d < n then λd(P)>0. For rational d-simplexes T lying in the same d-dimensional affine subspace of ${\mathbb{R^{\it n}}, $\lambda_d(T)$$ is proportional to the d-dimensional Hausdorff measure of T. We characterize λd among all unimodular invariant valuations.
Effects of sorbitol on porcine oocyte maturation and embryo development in vitro
Authors: Lin Tao , Zhang Jin Yu , Diao Yun Fei , Kang Jung Won , Jin Dong-Il
Published: January 2014

In the present study, a porcine system was supplemented with sorbitol during in vitro maturation (IVM) or in vitro culture (IVC), and the effects of sorbitol on oocyte maturation and embryonic development following parthenogenetic activation were assessed. Porcine immature oocytes were treated with different concentrations of sorbitol during IVM, and the resultant metaphase II stage oocytes were activated and cultured in porcine zygote medium-3 (PZM-3) for 7 days. No significant difference was observed in cumulus expansion and the nuclear maturation between the control and sorbitol-treated groups, with the exception of the 100 mM group, which showed significantly decreased nuclear maturation and cumulus expansion. There was no significant difference in the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels between oocytes matured with 10 or 20 mM sorbitol and control groups, but 50 and 100 mM groups had significantly higher ROS levels than other groups. The 20 mM group showed significant increases in intracellular glutathione and subsequent blastocyst formation rates following parthenogenetic activation compared with the other groups. During IVC, supplementation with sorbitol significantly reduced blastocyst formation and increased the apoptotic index compared with the control. The apoptotic index of blastocysts from the sorbitol-treated group for entire culture period was significantly higher than those of the partially sorbitol-exposed groups. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the addition of a low concentration of sorbitol (20 mM) during IVM of porcine oocytes benefits subsequent blastocyst development and improves embryo quality, whereas sorbitol supplement during IVC has a negative effect on blastocyst formation.
Cerebral blood flow of children with vasovagal syncope
Authors: Tugba Barsan , Zubeyir Kilic , Nevzat Uzuner , Ali Yildirim , Birsen Ucar , Tevfik Demir
Published: January 2014

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate changes in the cerebral blood supply in children during vasovagal syncope and to clarify the diagnostic value of transcranial Doppler for vasovagal syncope. Materials and methods: Patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 31 patients who were symptomatic and whose head-up tilt test was positive. Group 2 comprised 21 patients who were symptomatic but whose tilt test was negative. Group 3 included 22 healthy children. For the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope, the tilt test was applied. For the subjects of the patient and control groups, the tilt test was repeated. The flow rates of bilateral middle cerebral arteries were continuously and simultaneously recorded with temporal window transcranial Doppler. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups with respect to age and gender distribution (p>0.05). When the bed was at an upright position, the maximum blood flow rate of the right middle cerebral artery was lower in Group 1 than in Group 2, although the decrease was more significant in comparison to the healthy control group (p<0.05). The minimum blood flow rate of the right middle cerebral artery was lower in Group 1 than the Group 2, although the decrease was more significant in comparison with the healthy control group (p<0.05). The maximum blood flow rate of the left middle cerebral artery was significantly lower in Group 1 than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Minimum and maximum blood flow rates are significantly decreased in patients tilt test (+) patients with vasovagal syncope during orthostatic stress.
Telepsychiatry: new perspectives and open issues
Authors: Valdagno Marta , Goracci Arianna , di Volo Silvia , Fagiolini Andrea
Published: January 2014

Telepsychiatry, thanks to the continuous advance of technologies, is an area with excellent prospects to become an effective tool for assistance in psychiatry. Many studies evaluated the effectiveness of telepsychiatry in different psychiatric disorders like anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders and depression. Results showed that telepsychiatry seems to be promising in anxiety and depressive disorders, especially in the maintenance phase, and also for psychotic disorders, especially for these cases with a poor compliance. We reviewed the literature to evaluate the feasibility of telepsychiatry in Italy in terms of satisfaction, costs and cultural acceptability and considering ethical and legal aspects. In Italy the development of telemedicine still presents a high level of fragmentation. A potential integration of these new types of services with the health care system is a very challenging task and poses many legal and ethical challenges. Therefore the creation of legal instruments and formal professional ethical guidelines are needed.
Preliminary Evaluation of Culturally Adapted CBT for Psychosis (CA-CBTp): Findings from Developing Culturally-Sensitive CBT Project (DCCP)
Authors: Habib Nazish , Dawood Saima , Kingdon David , Naeem Farooq
Published: January 2014

Background: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) has a strong evidence base and is practised widely in the Western World. Psycho-social interventions, on the other hand, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) are hardly used in the low and middle income countries for psychosis. It has been suggested that adaptations in content, format and delivery are needed before CBT can be used outside the Western cultures. We describe preliminary evaluation of Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis (CaCBTp) in in-patient settings in Lahore, Pakistan. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of culturally adapted CBT for psychosis (CaCBTp) in Pakistan in a pilot project. Method: In a randomized controlled trial we tested CaCBTp against treatment as usual (TAU) in in-patient settings in Pakistan. Those diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM-IV-TR, and who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were recruited into the study. Patients (n = 42) were randomized into two equal groups, i.e. CaCBTp and TAU. Assessments were carried out both at the baseline and then at the end of the therapy by raters blind to the groupings. Psychopathology was measured using PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale of Schizophrenia), PSYRATS (Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales), and the Insight Scale. Results: Patients receiving CaCBTp showed statistically significant improvement on measures of positive symptoms (p = .000), negative symptoms (p = .000), overall psychotic symptoms (p = .000), hallucinations (p = .000), delusions (p = .000) and insight (p = .000) at the end of the therapy. Conclusions: The CaCBTp was effective in reducing symptoms of psychosis and in improving insight in in-inpatient settings in Pakistan.
CONSUMPTION AND EXPECTED ASSET RETURNS: AN UNOBSERVED-COMPONENT APPROACH
Authors: Kishor Narayan K. , Kumari Swati
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes an unobserved-component approach to estimate expected returns on household assets and expected growth rates of excess consumption (consumption in excess of labor income) within a present-value model of consumption. The present-value model of consumption implies that the excess-consumption–assets ratio can be expressed as a function of the present discounted value of expected excess-consumption growth rate and expected asset returns. Because expected returns and expected excess-consumption growth rate are unobserved variables, we use an unobserved-component approach to extract them from the observed history of realized returns and excess-consumption growth rate. Our results suggest that both filtered returns and filtered excess-consumption growth rate are significant and better predictors of realized returns and realized excess-consumption growth rate than the one obtained by the lagged excess-consumption–assets ratio.
Waist-to-height ratio, inflammation and CVD risk in obese children
Authors: Olza Josune , Aguilera Concepcion M , Gil-Campos Mercedes , Leis Rosaura , Bueno Gloria , Valle Miguel , Cañete Ramon , Tojo Rafael , Moreno Luis A , Gil Angel
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and specific biomarkers of inflammation, CVD risk and endothelial dysfunction in prepubertal obese children.

Design

Prospective, multicentre case–control study matched by age and sex.

Setting

Children were recruited between May 2007 and May 2010 from primary-care centres and schools in three cities in Spain (Cordoba, Santiago de Compostela and Zaragoza).

Subjects

Four hundred and forty-six (223 normal weight and 223 obese) Caucasian prepubertal children aged 6–12 years.

Results

WHtR was higher in the obese than in the normal-weight children. Blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, height, insulin, plasma lipids, leptin, resistin, abnormal neutrophil and monocyte counts, C-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, myeloperoxidase, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, selectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were higher in the obese than in the normal-weight group. Adiponectin and HDL-cholesterol were lower and glucose and metalloproteinase-9 showed no differences. Resistin, TNF-α and active plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were associated with WHtR, a sensitive indicator of central obesity.

Conclusions

Our results lead to the hypothesis that changes in biomarker levels of insulin resistance, inflammation and CVD risk before puberty might induce metabolic consequences of obesity in obese children before reaching adulthood.
Infinite presentability of groups and condensation
Authors: Bieri Robert , Cornulier Yves , Guyot Luc , Strebel Ralph
Published: January 2014

We describe various classes of infinitely presented groups that are condensation points in the space of marked groups. A well-known class of such groups consists of finitely generated groups admitting an infinite minimal presentation. We introduce here a larger class of condensation groups, called infinitely independently presentable groups, and establish criteria which allow one to infer that a group is infinitely independently presentable. In addition, we construct examples of finitely generated groups with no minimal presentation, among them infinitely presented groups with Cantor–Bendixson rank 1, and we prove that every infinitely presented metabelian group is a condensation group.
Basic Concepts in Population Modeling, Simulation, and Model‐Based Drug Development: Part 3—Introduction to Pharmacodynamic Modeling Methods
Authors: Upton RN , Mould DR
Published: January 2014

Population pharmacodynamic (PD) models describe the time course of drug effects, relating exposure to response, and providing a more robust understanding of drug action than single assessments. PD models can test alternative dose regimens through simulation, allowing for informed assessment of potential dose regimens and study designs. This is the third paper in a three‐part series, providing an introduction into methods for developing and evaluating population PD models. Example files are available in the Supplementary Data.

CPT Pharmacometrics Syst. Pharmacol. (2014) 3, e88; doi:10.1038/psp.2013.71; published online 2 January 2014
Mechanical mapping with chemical specificity by confocal Brillouin and Raman microscopy
Authors: Palombo F. , Madami M. , Stone N. , Fioretto D.
Published: January 2014

Confocal Brillouin and Raman microscopies provide non-contact label-free mechanochemical mapping of epithelial tissue, Barrett's oesophagus at high spatial resolution.
Application of the Stern–Volmer equation for studying the spectrofluorimetric quenching reaction of eosin with clindamycin hydrochloride in its pure form and pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Wahba M. E. K. , El-Enany N. , Belal F.
Published: January 2014

A sensitive, selective, economic, and validated spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of clindamycin hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations, depending on the reaction of its tertiary amino group with eosin Y.
pH-responsive single-chain polymer nanoparticles utilising dynamic covalent enamine bonds
Authors: Sanchez-Sanchez Ana , Fulton David A. , Pomposo José A.
Published: January 2014

Dynamic covalent enamine cross-links facilitate the reversible structural interconversion of dynamic single-chain polymer nanoparticles into linear polymer chains using pH as a trigger.
A combined experimental and theoretical study of reactions between the hydroxyl radical and oxygenated hydrocarbons relevant to astrochemical environments
Authors: Shannon R. J. , Caravan R. L. , Blitz M. A. , Heard D. E.
Published: January 2014

Rate coefficients for the reactions of the hydroxyl radical with acetone and dimethyl ether increase dramatically at very low temperatures.
A proteomic approach to investigate the effects of cadmium and lead on human primary renal cells
Authors: Galano Eugenio , Arciello Angela , Piccoli Renata , Monti Daria Maria , Amoresano Angela
Published: January 2014

Cadmium and lead affect the viability of primary human renal cells, inducing alterations in the cellular proteome.
Tröger's base-based copolymers with intrinsic microporosity for CO2 separation and effect of Tröger's base on separation performance
Authors: Wang Zheng Gong , Liu Xia , Wang Dong , Jin Jian
Published: January 2014

“Polymers of intrinsic microporosity” (PIMs) have recently received considerable attention as powerful and promising membrane materials for gas separation, especially for CO2 separation.
Submerged liquid plasma – low energy synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene for electrochemical applications
Authors: Senthilnathan Jaganathan , Rao Kodepelly Sanjeeva , Yoshimura Masahiro
Published: January 2014

In this study, micro-plasma discharge is produced by applying a high electric potential between graphite and Pt electrodes in acetonitrile solvent.
Tailored biological retention and efficient clearance of pegylated ultra-small MnO nanoparticles as positive MRI contrast agents for molecular imaging
Authors: Chevallier P. , Walter A. , Garofalo A. , Veksler I. , Lagueux J. , Bégin-Colin S. , Felder-Flesch D. , Fortin M.-A.
Published: January 2014

Ultra-small MnO nanoparticles pegylated with bis-phosphonate dendrons are efficient positive MRI contrast agents. They show prolonged vascular signal enhancement, followed by efficient excretion through the hepatobiliairy and urinary pathways. This considerably decreases the potential toxicity of MnO NPs.
An electroless-plating-like solution deposition approach for large-area flexible thin films of transition metal oxide nanocrystals
Authors: Wu Liangzhuan , Yu Yuan , Han Xianying , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Yang , Li Yuzhen , Zhi Jinfang
Published: January 2014

We report an electroless-plating-like solution deposition approach for large-area flexible thin films of crystalline transition metal oxides.
Effect of low-temperature annealing on the electronic- and band-structures of (Ga,Mn)As epitaxial layers
Authors: Yastrubchak O. , Wosinski T. , Gluba L. , Andrearczyk T. , Domagala J. Z. , Żuk J. , Sadowski J.
Published: January 2014

The effect of outdiffusion of Mn interstitials from (Ga,Mn)As epitaxial layers, caused by post-growth low-temperature annealing, on their electronic- and band-structure properties has been investigated by modulation photoreflectance (PR) spectroscopy. The annealing-induced changes in structural and magnetic properties of the layers were examined with high-resolution X-ray diffractometry and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, respectively. They confirmed an outdiffusion of Mn interstitials from the layers and an enhancement in their hole concentration, which were more efficient for the layer covered with a Sb cap acting as a sink for diffusing Mn interstitials. The PR results demonstrating a decrease in the band-gap-transition energy in the as-grown (Ga,Mn)As layers, with respect to that in the reference GaAs one, are interpreted by assuming a merging of the Mn-related impurity band with the GaAs valence band. Whereas an increase in the band-gap-transition energy caused by the annealing treatment of the (Ga,Mn)As layers is interpreted as a result of annealing-induced enhancement of the free-hole concentration and the Fermi level location within the valence band. The experimental results are consistent with the valence-band origin of itinerant holes mediating ferromagnetic ordering in (Ga,Mn)As, in agreement with the Zener model for ferromagnetic semiconductors.
Introducing constricted variational density functional theory in its relaxed self-consistent formulation (RSCF-CV-DFT) as an alternative to adiabatic time dependent density functional theory for studies of charge transfer transitions
Authors: Krykunov Mykhaylo , Seth Mike , Ziegler Tom
Published: January 2014

We have applied the relaxed and self-consistent extension of constricted variational density functional theory (RSCF-CV-DFT) for the calculation of the lowest charge transfer transitions in the molecular complex X-TCNE between X = benzene and TCNE = tetracyanoethylene. Use was made of functionals with a fixed fraction (α) of Hartree-Fock exchange ranging from α = 0 to α = 0.5 as well as functionals with a long range correction (LC) that introduces Hartree-Fock exchange for longer inter-electronic distances. A detailed comparison and analysis is given for each functional between the performance of RSCF-CV-DFT and adiabatic time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) within the Tamm-Dancoff approximation. It is shown that in this particular case, all functionals afford the same reasonable agreement with experiment for RSCF-CV-DFT whereas only the LC-functionals afford a fair agreement with experiment using TDDFT. We have in addition calculated the CT transition energy for X-TCNE with X = toluene, o-xylene, and naphthalene employing the same functionals as for X = benzene. It is shown that the calculated charge transfer excitation energies are in as good agreement with experiment as those obtained from highly optimized LC-functionals using adiabatic TDDFT. We finally discuss the relation between the optimization of length separation parameters and orbital relaxation in the RSCF-CV-DFT scheme.
Plasma immersion ion charge state and mass spectrometer
Authors: Stepanov Igor B. , Ryabchikov Alexander I. , Ananin Petr. S. , Dektyarev Sergej. V. , Sivin Denis O. , Verigin Dan A.
Published: January 2014

Investigation results of charge state of monocomponent plasma of Ti, Zr, W, and N, as well as that of multicomponent metal plasma of Ti/Zr (50/50 at.%) using plasma-immersion time-of-flight spectrometer are presented in the paper. The case of pressure impact in the working chamber on the ion charge state of combined metal (Ti) and gas-discharge (N) plasma is considered.
Perspective: Tipping the scales: Search for drifting constants from molecular spectra
Authors: Jansen Paul , Bethlem Hendrick L. , Ubachs Wim
Published: January 2014

Transitions in atoms and molecules provide an ideal test ground for constraining or detecting a possible variation of the fundamental constants of nature. In this perspective, we review molecular species that are of specific interest in the search for a drifting proton-to-electron mass ratio μ. In particular, we outline the procedures that are used to calculate the sensitivity coefficients for transitions in these molecules and discuss current searches. These methods have led to a rate of change in μ bounded to 6 × 10−14/yr from a laboratory experiment performed in the present epoch. On a cosmological time scale, the variation is limited to |Δμ/μ| < 10−5 for look-back times of 10–12× 109 years and to |Δμ/μ| < 10−7 for look-back times of 7× 109 years. The last result, obtained from high-redshift observation of methanol, translates into μ̇/μ=(1.4±1.4)×10−17/yr if a linear rate of change is assumed.
Ionization efficiency studies with charge breeder and conventional electron cyclotron resonance ion source
Authors: Koivisto H. , Tarvainen O. , Toivanen V. , Komppula J. , Kronholm R. , Lamy T. , Angot J. , Delahaye P. , Maunoury L. , Galata A. , Patti G. , Standylo L. , Steczkiewicz O. , Choinski J.
Published: January 2014

Radioactive Ion Beams play an increasingly important role in several European research facility programs such as SPES, SPIRAL1 Upgrade, and SPIRAL2, but even more for those such as EURISOL. Although remarkable advances of ECRIS charge breeders (CBs) have been achieved, further studies are needed to gain insight on the physics of the charge breeding process. The fundamental plasma processes of charge breeders are studied in the frame of the European collaboration project, EMILIE, for optimizing the charge breeding. Important information on the charge breeding can be obtained by conducting similar experiments using the gas mixing and 2-frequency heating techniques with a conventional JYFL 14 GHz ECRIS and the LPSC-PHOENIX charge breeder. The first experiments were carried out with noble gases and they revealed, for example, that the effects of the gas mixing and 2-frequency heating on the production of high charge states appear to be additive for the conventional ECRIS. The results also indicate that at least in the case of noble gases the differences between the conventional ECRIS and the charge breeder cause only minor impact on the production efficiency of ion beams.