bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salt Restriction Leads to Activation of Adult Renal Mesenchymal Stromal Cell–Like Cells via Prostaglandin E2 and E-Prostanoid Receptor 4
Authors: Yang Yanqiang , Gomez Jose A. , Herrera Marcela , Perez-Marco Romelia , Repenning Peter , Zhang Zhiping , Payne Alan , Pratt Richard E. , Koller Beverly , Beierwaltes William H. , Coffman Thomas , Mirotsou Maria , Dzau Victor J.
Published: March 2015

Despite the importance of juxtaglomerular cell recruitment in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, the mechanisms that underlie renin production under conditions of chronic stimulation remain elusive. We have previously shown that CD44+ mesenchymal-like cells (CD44+ cells) exist in the adult kidney. Under chronic sodium deprivation, these cells are recruited to the juxtaglomerular area and differentiate to new renin-expressing cells. Given the proximity of macula densa to the juxtaglomerular area and the importance of macula densa released prostanoids in renin synthesis and release, we hypothesized that chronic sodium deprivation induces macula densa release of prostanoids, stimulating renal CD44+ cell activation and differentiation. CD44+ cells were isolated from adult kidneys and cocultured with the macula densa cell line, MMDD1, in normal or low-sodium medium. Low sodium stimulated prostaglandin E2 production by MMDD1 and induced migration of CD44+ cells. These effects were inhibited by addition of a cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor (NS398) or an E-prostanoid receptor 4 antagonist (AH23848) to MMDD1 or CD44+ cells, respectively. Addition of prostaglandin E2 to CD44+ cells increased cell migration and induced renin expression. In vivo activation of renal CD44+ cells during juxtaglomerular recruitment was attenuated in wild-type mice subjected to salt restriction in the presence of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor rofecoxib. Similar results were observed in E-prostanoid receptor 4 knockout mice subjected to salt restriction. These results show that the prostaglandin E2/E-prostanoid receptor 4 pathway plays a key role in the activation of renal CD44+ mesenchymal stromal cell–like cells during conditions of juxtaglomerular recruitment; highlighting the importance of this pathway as a key regulatory mechanism of juxtaglomerular recruitment.
Evolution of Aortic Wall Thickness and Stiffness With Atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Chia-Ying , Chen Doris , Bluemke David A. , Wu Colin O. , Teixido-Tura Gisela , Chugh Atul , Vasu Sujethra , Lima João A.C. , Hundley W. Gregory
Published: March 2015

The study was performed to determine age, sex, and time-dependent changes in aortic wall thickness (AWT) and to evaluate cross-sectional associations between AWT and arterial stiffness in older adults. Three hundred seventy-one longitudinal and 426 cross-sectional measurements of AWT from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging studies conducted within the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis were analyzed at 2 points in time, in 2000 to 2002 and then again from follow-up examinations in 2010 to 2012. Aortic wall thickness was determined from a double inversion recovery black-blood fast spin-echo sequence, and aortic stiffness was measured from a phase-contrast cine gradient echo sequence. The thickness of the midthoracic descending aortic wall was measured and correlated to distensibility of the ascending aorta and aortic pulse wave velocity. The average rate of AWT change was 0.032 mm/y. The increase in AWT was greater for those aged 45 to 54 years relative to individuals older than 55 years (
P
trend<0.001). Ascending aortic distensibility was lower (
P
<0.001) and pulse wave velocity was higher (
P
=0.012) for hypertensive subjects. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, distensibility of the ascending aorta was significantly related to AWT in participants without hypertension. Hypertension was associated with increased aortic stiffness independent of aortic wall thickness.
The Triangle that could Square the Circle? The Un International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Eu and the Universal Periodic Review
Authors: Desmond Alan
Published: March 2015

Even before it had been fully drafted, the un International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was blighted by a debilitating lack of support from States. Described by one of the participants in the drafting process as the un’s best-kept secret, it remains the least popular of the ten core international human rights instruments and has not been signed or ratified by any of the 28 eu Member States. This article is the first substantive examination of the Convention in the context of the un’s universal periodic review. It suggests that the universal periodic review may give the kiss of eu life to the Convention by raising awareness of it, re-energising civil society to more actively advocate for its ratification and forcing Member States to once again justify non-ratification.
Suppletion Replication in Grammaticalization and Its Triggering Factors
Authors: Hill Eugen
Published: March 2015

The paper tries to account for several instances of emerging suppletion by establishing a cross-linguistic tendency of suppletion replication in grammaticalization. It can be shown that words which acquire new grammatical functions and therefore enter a different class of lexemes tend to copy suppletion patterns already present in other members of this class. This development can be triggered by factors of different nature, either internal to the language in question or rooted in contact between different languages or dialects of the same language. The suppletion replication tendency is demonstrated on several cases of grammaticalization of demonstrative or relative pronouns into 3rd person pronouns. This typologically common development is known to have led to the creation of new suppletion in several languages of Europe. In the present paper, three particularly telling cases from Slavonic, dialects of Lithuanian and early West Germanic dialects spoken on the continent are discussed in detail.
Does Structural-Typological Similarity Affect Borrowability?
Authors: Seifart Frank
Published: March 2015

This study addresses the question whether the borrowability of linguistic forms, in particular affixes, is constrained by structural properties of the donor and recipient languages involved. According to some claims, structural similarity favors affix borrowing. On some accounts, structural compatibility of a certain kind is even a precondition for affix borrowing. This study tests these claims using data from a set of 78 languages that borrowed between one and 50 affixes, taken from the AfBo database (Seifart, 2013a). The extent of affix borrowing in this set of languages is compared with structural similarity scores for the donor and recipient languages involved, obtained from morphosyntactic features provided in the World Atlas of Language Structures (Dryer and Haspelmath, 2011). Results suggest that structural similarity between a (potential) donor and recipient language plays at best a minor role in determining the extent of affix borrowing. This supports the view that bilingual speakers are not—at least not strongly—constrained by structural factors of the languages they speak when creating mixed varieties of these languages, resulting in contact-induced language change.
Putting His Materials to Use: Experiencing a Li Bai Yuefu in Manuscript and Early Print Documents
Authors: Nugent Christopher M. B.
Published: March 2015

This essay discusses Li Bai’s yuefu poem “Qiangjin jiu” 將進酒 as it appears in three different manuscripts from Dunhuang and a Northern Song printed edition. By analyzing the work on the levels of document, text, and meaning, I argue that its varied instantiations result in meaningfully different experiences of the poem for readers and listeners. Not only do these documents differ physically, the texts of the work they contain vary considerably as well (including that of best known line in the poem). Finally, I argue that although the poetic corpus found at Dunhuang may not accurately represent the content of the full poetic output of the Tang period, it provides a much more accurate sense of the material forms poetry took in the Tang than do Song and later printed editions and thus merits more attention than it typically receives from scholars.
Who Gets What, When and How? Housing and Informal Institutions in the Soviet Union and Post-Soviet Kazakhstan
Authors: Sharipova Dina
Published: March 2015

Informal reciprocal exchanges continue to shape people’s interactions in post-Soviet Kazakhstan. State retrenchment from the social sphere and growing inequality has markedly limited citizens’, access to scarce resources including housing. This has stimulated people’s involvement in informal exchanges. The article analyzes housing policy during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods taking a closer look at the process of housing allocation. It claims that despite formalization of housing distribution, citizens continue using informal networks to gain access to that scarce commodity in the post-Soviet period. The article draws on data collected from interviews, textual analysis, and original surveys conducted in Kazakhstan in 2011 and 2013.
What It Takes to Avert a Regional Crisis: Understanding the Uzbek Government’s Responses to the June 2010 Violence in South Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Khamidov Alisher
Published: March 2015

Uzbekistan played an important role during the June 2010 interethnic violence in South Kyrgyzstan by tightly controlling borders, allowing thousands of Kyrgyzstani refugees to cross into Uzbek territory, assisting in the shipment of international humanitarian assistance to Kyrgyzstan, and collaborating with the osce in the investigation of the causes of the violence. What explains Uzbekistan’s approach to the unrest in South Kyrgyzstan? Some scholars suggest that Uzbekistan’s response was shaped largely by external actors such as Russia. Others posit that domestic pressures account for the response. This article advances an alternative explanation: Tashkent’s response was largely a result of a consensus achieved at two levels: international and domestic. In explaining the impact of domestic level, the article emphasizes the role of bureaucratic politics—competition among various government agencies.
Taxonomic revision of the American spider genus Arachosia (Araneae: Anyphaenidae)
Authors: RUBIO GONZALO D. , RAMÍREZ MARTÍN J.
Published: March 2015

We review the American spider genus Arachosia O.P.-Cambridge, and present a descriptive taxonomic study with a comparative dichotomous key including 21 species, of which seven are newly described (A. avalosi sp. nov., A. carancho sp. nov., A. kapiipeoi sp. nov., A. magna sp. nov., A. monserrate sp. nov., A. pinhalito sp. nov. and A. tungurahua sp. nov.). Four species names are considered nomina dubia: Oxysoma dubium Berland, Gayenna duplovittata Mello-Leitão, Oxysoma polytrichium Mello-Leitão, and Arachosia sulfurea Mello-Leitão. Arachosia bonneti (Mello-Leitão) is newly synonymized with A. albiventris Mello-Leitão, and A. mezenioides Mello-Leitão with A. freiburgensis Keyserling. Previous problems with the identification of species in a species complex including A. cubana (Banks) are resolved. A disjunct distributional pattern is reported for A. kapiipeoi sp. nov.; a preliminary phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI sequences shows that these may correspond with two cryptic species. In this contribution, grassland and forests are discussed as the two main habitats inhabited by species of Arachosia. Finally, we propose a hypothesis of matching sexes based on functionality of some genital structures, involving sclerites of the male copulatory organ with structures of the epigyne: the prolateral projection on the primary conductor of the male would have a direct interaction with the lateral projections of the anterior pouch on the median epigynal field of females.
The tropical talitrid genus Floresorchestia (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae)
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , SPRINGTHORPE R. T.
Published: March 2015

Floresorchestia floresiana (Weber, 1892) from Flores, F. anomala (Chevreux, 1901) from the Seychelles, F. malayensis (Tattersall, 1922) from Singapore and F. thienemanni (Schellenberg, 1931) from Java are redescribed based on original type material or newly collected material from near the type locality. Nine new species are described, in the widespread Indo-West Pacific and Caribbean talitrid genus Floresorchestia: F. andrevo sp. nov. and F. itampolo sp. nov. from Madagascar; F. kalili sp. nov. from the Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea; F. laurenae sp. nov. from Timor-Leste; F. oluanpi sp. nov. from southern Taiwan; F. papeari sp. nov. from Tahiti; F. serejoae sp. nov. from far north Queensland, Australia; F. seringat sp. nov. from Singapore; and F. yap sp. nov. from Micronesia; plus Floresorchestia sp. 1 from Hainan Island, South China Sea, Floresorchestia sp. 2 from Kilakarai and other sites in south-eastern India and Floresorchestia sp. 3 from Phuket Island, Thailand. Floresorchestia contains 28 species. In this paper all are catalogued and diagnosed.
A Dynamically Computed Convective Time Scale for the Kain–Fritsch Convective Parameterization Scheme
Authors: Bullock O. Russell , Alapaty Kiran , Herwehe Jerold A. , Kain John S.
Published: March 2015

Many convective parameterization schemes define a convective adjustment time scale τ as the time allowed for dissipation of convective available potential energy (CAPE). The Kain–Fritsch scheme defines τ based on an estimate of the advective time period for deep convective clouds within a grid cell, with limits of 1800 and 3600 s, based on practical cloud-lifetime considerations. In simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model using 12-km grid spacing, the value of τ often defaults to the lower limit, resulting in relatively rapid thermodynamics adjustments and high precipitation rates. Herein, a new computation for τ in the Kain–Fritsch scheme is implemented based on the depth of the buoyant layer and the convective velocity scale. This new τ formulation is applied using 12- and 36-km model grid spacing in conjunction with a previous modification that takes into account the radiation effects of parameterized convective clouds. The dynamically computed convective adjustment time scale is shown to reduce the precipitation bias by approximately 15% while also providing improved simulations of inland rainfall from tropical storms.
The Impact of Supplemental Dropwindsonde Data on the Structure and Intensity of Tropical Storm Karen (2013) in the NCEP Global Forecast System
Authors: Brennan Michael J. , Kleist Daryl T. , Howard Kate , Majumdar Sharanya J.
Published: March 2015

The impact of assimilating synoptic surveillance dropwindsonde data on the analysis and forecast of the structure and intensity of Tropical Storm Karen (2013) was examined. Data-denial experiments were conducted using the NCEP hybrid 3D ensemble–variational GSI and forecasts were made using the NCEP GFS model. The assimilation of dropwindsonde data resulted in a slightly more tilted tropical cyclone vortex, stronger vertical wind shear, and more upper-tropospheric dry air west of Karen in the initial conditions. These differences grew with time in the GFS forecasts, and resulted in a weaker and more sheared vortex by 24 h in the forecast that included the dropwindsonde data. After 24 h, the cyclone reintensified in the experiment where dropwindsonde data were excluded, likely because of moist processes in a favorable region for synoptic-scale ascent ahead of a baroclinic trough. In contrast, the forecast including the dropwindsonde data kept Karen weak and also did a better job forecasting the structure and track of Karen. These results suggest that differences in the analysis and short-term evolution of Karen and the environment due to the dropwindsonde data played a role in the longer-term structure and intensity of the cyclone, including the distribution and magnitude of associated diabatic heating. These results strongly suggest that a systematic study be undertaken to examine the impact of these data on tropical cyclone structure and intensity, since previous work has focused largely on the impact on track.
Detailed Hearing and Vestibular Profiles in the Patients with COCH Mutations
Authors: Tsukada Keita , Ichinose Aya , Miyagawa Maiko , Mori Kentaro , Hattori Mitsuru , Nishio Shin-ya , Naito Yasushi , Kitajiri Shin-ichiro , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

To evaluate the clinical features of Japanese DFNA9 families with mutations of the COCH gene.

Methods:

Mutation screening was performed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) for 63 previously reported deafness genes. The progression of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction were evaluated by pure-tone audiometry, caloric testing, cVEMP, and computed dynamic posturography.

Results:

We detected 1 reported mutation of p.G88E and 2 novel mutations of p.I372T and p.C542R. The patients with the novel mutations of p.I372T and p.C542R within the vWFA2 domain showed early onset progressive hearing loss, and the patients with the p.G88E mutation showed late onset hearing loss and acute hearing deterioration over a short period. Vestibular symptoms were reported in the patients with p.G88E and p.C542R. Vestibular testing was performed for the family with the p.G88E mutation. Severe vestibular dysfunction was observed in the proband, and the proband’s son showed unilateral semicircular canal dysfunction with mild hearing loss.

Conclusions:

Targeted exon resequencing of selected genes using NGS successfully identified mutations in the relatively rare deafness gene, COCH, in the Japanese population. The phenotype is compatible with that described in previous reports. Additional supporting evidence concerning progressive hearing loss and deterioration of vestibular function was obtained from our study.
Non-ocular Stickler Syndrome With a Novel Mutation in COL11A2 Diagnosed by Massively Parallel Sequencing in Japanese Hearing Loss Patients
Authors: Iwasa Yoh-ichiro , Moteki Hideaki , Hattori Mitsuru , Sato Ririko , Nishio Shin-ya , Takumi Yutaka , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

This study aims to document the clinical features of patients with COL11A2 mutations and to describe the usefulness of massively parallel sequencing.

Methods:

One thousand one hundred twenty (1120) Japanese hearing loss patients from 53 ENT departments nationwide participated in this study. Massively parallel sequencing of 63 genes implicated in hearing loss was performed to identify the genetic causes in the Japanese hearing loss patients.

Results:

A novel mutation in COL11A2 (c.3937_3948delCCCCCAGGGCCA) was detected in an affected family, and it was segregated in all hearing loss individuals. The clinical findings of this family were compatible with non-ocular Stickler syndrome. Orofacial features of mid-facial hypoplasia and slowly progressive mild to moderate hearing loss were also presented. Audiological examinations showed favorable auditory performance with hearing aid(s).

Conclusion:

This is the first case report of the genetic diagnosis of a non-ocular Stickler syndrome family in the Japanese population. We suggest that it is important to take both genetic analysis data and clinical symptoms into consideration to make an accurate diagnosis.
Germinal Mosaicism in a Family With BO Syndrome
Authors: Miyagawa Maiko , Nishio Shin-ya , Hattori Mitsuru , Takumi Yutaka , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

To clarify the existence of germinal mosaicism, we performed a genetic analysis of 2 siblings identified with an EYA1 mutation associated with branchiooto (BO) syndrome but who were born from normal parents.

Methods:

Detailed data from the 2 affected siblings were collected for clinical diagnosis, with haplotype analysis also performed to prove germinal mosaicism.

Results:

The 2 sisters showed characteristic clinical features of BO syndrome (middle and inner ear anomalies, microtia, and auditory canal stenosis/atresia). Haplotype analysis confirmed the genetic relationship between the affected sisters and their parents. The younger sister with auditory canal atresia received a bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha), a transcutaneous bone conduction hearing device, resulting in a good hearing outcome.

Conclusions:

Based on the results of haplotype analysis, we proved that the BO syndrome in these cases was caused by germinal mosaicism of the EYA1 gene in either the mother or father. We also demonstrated that the bone-conduction hearing implant is a good option for BO patients with complex outer, middle, and inner ear anomalies.
Infliximab and adalimumab are stable in whole blood clotted samples for seven days at room temperature
Authors: Perry Mandy , Bewshea Claire , Brown Richard , So Kenji , Ahmad Tariq , McDonald Timothy
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The biologic anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) agents infliximab and adalimumab are monoclonal antibodies with binding specificity to TNFα, which are used for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Clinical response is varied from complete with mucosal healing, to primary non-response, loss of response and adverse drug reactions. Measuring trough blood levels of infliximab and adalimumab may guide clinical management. The sample handling requirements for infliximab and adalimumab were previously unknown.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro stability of infliximab and adalimumab in samples stored for up to seven days at room temperature.

Methods

Samples were stored as clotted whole blood or serum at room temperature for up to seven days, before being frozen (−20℃) and analysed as a batch for either infliximab or adalimumab.

Results

No significant difference between the concentration of infliximab and adalimumab measured in samples stored as serum or whole blood for seven days at room temperature, as compared to baseline was found ( t-test; infliximab: P = .35 [serum], P = .38 [whole blood]; adalimumab: P = .12 [serum], P = .49 [whole blood]).

Conclusion

The stability of infliximab and adalimumab at room temperature for seven days allows samples to be posted direct from clinics and research centres to the analysing laboratory.
Requirement for specific gravity and creatinine adjustments for urinary steroids and luteinizing hormone concentrations in adolescents
Authors: Singh Gurmeet KS , Balzer Ben WR , Desai Reena , Jimenez Mark , Steinbeck Katharine S , Handelsman David J
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Urinary hormone concentrations are often adjusted to correct for hydration status. We aimed to determine whether first morning void urine hormones in growing adolescents require adjustments and, if so, whether urinary creatinine or specific gravity are better adjustments.

Design and methods

The study population was adolescents aged 10.1 to 14.3 years initially who provided fasting morning blood samples at 0 and 12 months ( n = 343) and first morning urine every three months ( n = 644). Unadjusted, creatinine and specific gravity-adjusted hormonal concentrations were compared by Deming regression and Bland–Altman analysis and grouped according to self-rated Tanner stage or chronological age. F-ratios for self-rated Tanner stages and age groups were used to compare unadjusted and adjusted hormonal changes in growing young adolescents. Correlations of paired serum and urinary hormonal concentration of unadjusted and creatinine and specific gravity-adjusted were also compared.

Results

Fasting first morning void hormone concentrations correlated well and were unbiased between unadjusted or adjusted by either creatinine or specific gravity. Urine creatinine concentration increases with Tanner stages, age and male gender whereas urine specific gravity was not influenced by Tanner stage, age or gender. Adjustment by creatinine or specific gravity of urinary luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations did not improve correlation with paired serum concentrations.

Conclusions

Urine steroid and luteinizing hormone concentrations in first morning void samples of adolescents are not significantly influenced by hydration status and may not require adjustments; however, if desired, both creatinine and specific gravity adjustments are equally suitable.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases
Authors: Hernandez-Trujillo Vivian P. , Scalchunes Chris , Hernandez-Trujillo Hillary S. , Boyle John , Williams Paul , Boyle Marcia , Orange Jordan S.
Published: March 2015

Objectives. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) are caused by inherent deficits in immune defenses that result in abnormal susceptibility to infection. In most cases, early and appropriate diagnosis can improve patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate understanding, recognition, and diagnosis of PIDD among pediatricians. Methods. A mail survey sent to a sample of pediatricians obtained from the American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association. Results were compared with a similar survey of specialists who are members of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology. Results. More than a third (35%) of pediatricians were uncomfortable with the recognition and diagnosis of PIDD despite 95% having ordered screening tests or referring patients to specialists to be evaluated for PIDD, and 77% having followed at leastone patient with PIDD. In all, 84% of pediatricians were unaware that professional guidelines for PIDD exist. Conclusions. Patients with PIDD would benefit from improved recognition of the diseases by pediatricians in order to facilitate earlier diagnosis and optimize ongoing therapy.
A new opera house: combining entrepreneurship, garbage can features and windows of opportunity
Authors: Christensen Tom
Published: March 2015

This study looks at the decision-making that culminated in the building of a new opera house in Oslo. The decision was finally taken in 1999 and the new opera house was finished in 2008. To analyse the decision-making process we use a ‘revised garbage can model’, as presented by Kingdon, which combines the concept of political entrepreneurship through instrumental coalition-building with garbage can features. The winning coalition included actors from parliament and local government but also local private business interests, and it succeeded because it managed to capitalize on a window of opportunity opened by other actors. The main reasons for this were that the opera project was temporarily decoupled from a large road-building project and managed to bring on board interests connected to a more extensive city development in Oslo's inner east city. The relative weakness of the cultural arguments for building an new opera house were evident during the whole process, making the decision to build it a side effect or spin-off from other concerns and interests. The study, which is a single embedded case, is based on a wide range of public documents, interviews and newspaper articles.

Points for practitioners

Decisions on major public projects may not follow a strict rational trajectory because of imbalances between sectors, side effects and coalition features. This means that ‘weak sectors’ may either accept decision premises from other sectors or engage in coalitions with them to get large projects decided on. The broader actors are able to anchor such large projects, i.e. the more different interests they can fulfil, the larger probability of reaching a decision on them. Such a pragmatic approach may be both crucial in realizing the projects at all and also move the projects away from the original ideas behind them.
“Write Me a Better Story”: Writing Stories as a Diagnostic and Repair Practice for Automotive Technicians
Authors: Cushman Jeremy
Published: March 2015

Although storytelling research is rarely applied to technical communication, I approach it as one way of technical communication practitioners and teachers might account for the social, creative, knowledge-intensive ways technical service work gets done. In particular, I look to the technical service work of automotive technicians at a repair shop in the Northwest. These technicians not only tell each other stories, but they also write stories about their diagnostic practices, or what they do to determine problems, and about their processes for addressing those problems—their actual repair work. But writing stories is more than instrumental. I argue that acts of storytelling are inseparably entangled with acts of accessing technical breakdowns, determining possible problems, and then producing acceptable solutions. For these technicians, writing stories and fixing cars intertwine. My central question, then, is how can technical communication researchers and teachers approach acts of storytelling in ways that offer us richer, more precise articulations of the relationship between writing and technical service work like that of fixing cars?
Local Governments and Climate Change in the United States
Authors: Gerber Brian J.
Published: March 2015

Local governments in the United States have become central actors in addressing climate change as a hazard management challenge. Using evidence from a purposive sample of 10 U.S. cities, this article examines how local government officials view climate change in hazard vulnerability terms, what motivates local efforts in this area, and how officials initiate internal collaboration and external stakeholder outreach. The findings suggest level of hazard risk does influence a city’s efforts to address climate change, as does resource availability. In contrast, geographic location and associated hazard type (drought vs. flooding) does not appear to be a key driver of a municipality’s actions in this domain. Further, the results point to how addressing the climate hazard and improving commitment to emergency management is relevant to increasing community resilience for future emergencies and disasters.
Is volunteering in later life impeded or stimulated by other activities?
Authors: Dury Sarah , De Donder Liesbeth , De Witte Nico , Brosens Dorien , Smetcoren An-Sofie , Van Regenmortel Sofie , Verté Dominique
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

Volunteering among older adults has received increasing attention from researchers, policy makers, and associations. However, there remains a lack of knowledge in how volunteering is impacted by other activities in the lives of older adults. In order to understand activity engagement in later life, insights into the extent to which activities compete with or complement each other are necessary.

Methods:

Data for the present research were derived from the Belgian Aging Studies ( N = 23,768). The main objective is to uncover the activities that impede or stimulate actual volunteering and/or the likeliness to volunteer at an older age.

Results:

Structural equation models indicate a strong positive correlation between altruistic types of activities and actual volunteering. Furthermore, older adults active in personal leisure activities are more drawn to be potential volunteers.

Implications:

The article demonstrates that the activity level of older people is not sufficient to understand volunteering, that is, a distinction between the types of activities is essential.
The Effect of Radiotherapy on Gentamicin Ototoxicity
Authors: Bezdjian Aren , Mujica‐Mota Mario A. , Devic Slobodan , Daniel Sam J.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) often present with serious bacterial infections requiring the use of antibiotic treatment. Gentamicin is a commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic, whose ototoxicity remains a major problem in clinical use. The objective of this study was to determine whether radiation exposure can influence gentamicin‐induced ototoxicity.

Study Design

Prospective animal study.

Setting

Animal care facilities of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Research Institute.

Methods

Sixteen guinea pigs received low‐dose RT unilaterally for 4 weeks (total: 48 Gy). Animals then received low or high doses of gentamicin (40 mg/kg/d and 80 mg/kg/d) for 10 days. The ears were divided into 4 groups: gentamicin 40 mg, gentamicin 80 mg, gentamicin 40 mg + RT, and gentamicin 80 + RT. Auditory brainstem responses and distortion products otoacoustic emissions were assessed at baseline and before and after gentamicin treatment. Cochlear morphology using light and scanning electron microscopy were evaluated.

Results

High‐dose gentamicin caused significant auditory brainstem response threshold shifts (P =. 020), with greater hearing loss in the irradiated ear (difference of 23.6 + 7.5 dB). All animals exposed to high‐dose gentamicin had head tilts toward the radiated side. Cochlear morphology revealed the greatest hair cell damage in the gentamicin 80 + RT group followed by gentamicin 80.

Conclusion

Results suggest that radiation can exacerbate the ototoxicity of gentamicin at high doses.
Development and Characterization of Chemical Cochleostomy in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Alyono Jennifer C. , Corrales C. Eduardo , Huth Markus E. , Blevins Nikolas H. , Ricci Anthony J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Creation of an atraumatic, hearing‐preservation cochleostomy is integral to the future of minimally invasive inner ear surgery. The goal of this study was to develop and characterize a novel chemical approach to cochleostomy.

Study Design

Prospective animal study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Methods

Experimental animal study in which phosphoric acid gel (PAG) was used to decalcify the otic capsule in 25 Hartley guinea pigs. Five animals in each of 5 surgical groups were studied: (1) mechanically opening the auditory bulla alone, (2) PAG thinning of the basal turn otic capsule, leaving endosteum covered by a layer of bone, (3) micro‐pick manual cochleostomy, (4) PAG chemical cochleostomy, exposing the endosteum, and (5) combined PAG/micro‐pick cochleostomy, with initial chemical thinning and subsequent manual removal of the last osseous layer. Preoperative and postoperative auditory brainstem responses and otoacoustic emissions were obtained at 2, 6, 10, and 16 kHz. Hematoxylin and eosin–stained paraffin sections were compared.

Results

Surgical and histologic findings confirmed that application of PAG provided reproducible local bone removal, and cochlear access was enabled. Statistically significant auditory threshold shifts were observed at 10 kHz (P =. 048) and 16 kHz (P =. 0013) following cochleostomy using PAG alone (group 4) and at 16 kHz using manual cochleostomy (group 3) (P =. 028). No statistically significant, postoperative auditory threshold shifts were observed in the other groups, including PAG thinning with manual completion cochleostomy (group 5).

Conclusion

Hearing preservation cochleostomy can be performed in an animal model using a novel technique of thinning cochlear bone with PAG and manually completing cochleostomy.
A Study on Socio-economic Impact of Retrenchment on Workers—with Special Reference to Allahabad
Authors: Chandra Deepti
Published: March 2015

The present study aims to discover the social–economic impact of an unanticipated and involuntary loss of employment retrenchment of workers, evaluating the efficacy of the law in this regard and tries to assess as to how persons who have lost their employment owing to retrenchment cope with the situation. The results or consequences of job loss have been studied by a number of psychologists and social sciences researchers. Their findings have shown that retrenchment has traumatic effects on a person’s life and his or her family. Even the employees who manage to survive, the company, the organization and the whole society experience the ill-effects of retrenchment. The situation in case of retrenchment is impetuous and unalterable. Employees who experience involuntary retrenchment react more negatively to unemployment and are more likely to perceive retrenchment as a one-sided breach of psychological contract with the organization. Some authors have coined the phrase ‘chain of adversity’ to express the downward spiral of misfortune that some workers experience after retrenchment. The psychology literature describes the event (shock of job loss due to retrenchment) as ‘illness’ and the change in personal and career front it initiates as ‘recovery’ from the ‘illness’.
Impact of Service Quality, Service Convenience and Perceived Price Fairness on Customer Satisfaction in Indian Retail Banking Sector
Authors: Kaura Vinita , Prasad Chalasani S. Durga , Sharma Sourabh
Published: March 2015

This study examines the extent to which service quality, perceived price fairness and service convenience (antecedents of customer satisfaction) influence customer satisfaction for Indian retail banking sector. Dimensions of service quality are human behaviour, tangibility and information technology. Dimensions of service convenience are decision convenience, access convenience, transaction convenience, benefit convenience and post-benefit convenience. A cross-sectional research on 445 retail banking customers through structured questionnaire is conducted. Population of study is valued retail urban customers of public and private sector banks in Rajasthan, who frequently visit bank premises for transactions, have accounts in at least two banks and have availed of at least one information technology-based services. Results indicate that except tangibility, all antecedents of customer satisfaction have positive impact on customer satisfaction. Human behaviour contributes maximum in explaining customer satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of service quality, service convenience and price in satisfying customers. With this knowledge, bank managers can focus on these factors to satisfy customers and to retain them.
The efficacy of three-dimensional Schroth exercises in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kuru Tuğba , Yeldan İpek , Dereli E Elçin , Özdinçler Arzu R , Dikici Fatih , Çolak İlker
Published: March 2015

Objective:

To compare the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) Schroth exercises in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Design:

A randomised-controlled study.

Setting:

An outpatient exercise-unit and in a home setting.

Subjects:

Fifty-one patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Interventions:

Forty-five patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups. Schroth’s 3D exercises were applied to the first group in the clinic and were given as a home program for the second group; the third group was the control.

Main Measures:

Scoliosis angle (Cobb method), angle of rotation (scoliometer), waist asymmetry (waist – elbow distance), maximum hump height of the patients and quality of life (QoL) (SRS-23) were assessed pre-treatment and, at the 6th, 12th and 24th weeks.

Results:

The Cobb (-2.53°; P=0.003) and rotation angles (-4.23°; P=0.000) significantly decreased, which indicated an improvement in the clinic exercise group compared to the other groups. The gibbosity (-68.66mm; P=0.000) and waist asymmetry improved only in the clinic exercise group, whereas the results of the other groups worsened. QoL did not change significantly in either group.

Conclusion:

According to the results of this study the Schroth exercise program applied in the clinic under physiotherapist supervision was superior to the home exercise and control groups; additionally, we observed that scoliosis progressed in the control group, which received no treatment.
Does wearing unstable shoes reduce low back pain and disability in nurses? A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Vieira Edgar R , Brunt Denis
Published: March 2015

Objective:

To evaluate if wearing unstable shoes reduces low back pain and disability in nurses.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Hospitals and homecare.

Subjects:

A total of 20 matched female registered nurses with low back pain. The mean (standard deviation) age was 31 years (5) for the control and 34 years (6) for the intervention group; height was 161 cm (5) and 165 cm (7), respectively.

Interventions:

The intervention group received unstable shoes at Week 2 to wear for at least 36 h/week for a month.

Main measures:

The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and a visual analogue pain scale.

Results:

The mean (standard deviation) pain level was 6 (1) at baseline vs. 6 (2) at Week 6 for the control group, and 5 (1) vs. 1 (1) for the intervention group. The mean (standard deviation) disability level was 31% (9) at baseline vs. 28% (7) at Week 6 for the control, and 27% (12) vs. 13% (5) for the intervention group. There were no significant changes over time on pain or disability levels for the control group. The intervention group reported lower levels of pain on Weeks 4 (mean difference ⩾–1.4, p ⩽ 0.009) and 6 (mean difference ⩾–3.1, p < 0.001). Disability levels were also lower on Weeks 4 (mean difference = −4.5%, p NS) and 6 (mean difference = −14.1%, p = 0.020).

Conclusions:

Wearing unstable shoes reduced low back pain and disability in nurses and might be helpful as part of the back pain rehabilitation process.
Should Law Keep Pace With Technology? Law as Katechon
Authors: Drechsler Wolfgang , Kostakis Vasilis
Published: March 2015

It is a commonly held belief that the law is unable to keep up with the fierce technological development and innovation that denote our times. The current essay attempts to show that this characteristic of the law should not necessarily be considered a disadvantage. Using the Biblical concept of the katechon, we argue that the law fulfills a katechontic function vis-a-vis technological progress. That is to say, its retarding effect might create positive spillovers that open spaces for debate, discussion, contestation, resistance, and reconstruction.
M-Width: Stability, noise characterization, and accuracy of rendering virtual mass
Authors: Colonnese Nick , Okamura Allison M.
Published: March 2015

In certain robot control and physical human–robot interaction scenarios, it is desirable to carefully control the apparent mass of a robot. Manipulating the apparent mass can be accomplished through virtual mass rendering, where the actuators of the robot produce forces proportional to measured acceleration. Many factors influence mass rendering, including device mechanical properties, sample rate, control structure, filtering, environment dynamic coupling parameters, and delay. Inspired by the “Z-Width” approach to sampled-data robotic system passivity, which represents the infinite-dimensional passive impedances of a robotic haptic display, we establish “M-Width”: the passive range of pure virtual mass. In this paper, we identify important parameters for system passivity and stability, present passivity and stability boundaries, predict noise limit cycles and establish conditions for their existence, and describe the expected accuracy of rendered virtual mass. We construct explicit parameter regions to describe the three-way trade-off that occurs between passivity/stability, noise, and accuracy. Experimental data gathered with a Phantom Premium 1.5 robot validates the theoretical analysis. These results serve as a general design tool for manipulating the effective mass of a robot, which is particularly relevant for rehabilitation robotics, robotic exoskeletons, and haptic display applications.
Teaching the history of geography
Authors: Keighren Innes M. , Crampton Jeremy W. , Ginn Franklin , Kirsch Scott , Kobayashi Audrey , Naylor Simon N , Seemann Jörn
Published: March 2015

Drawing upon the personal reflections of geographical educators in Brazil, Canada, the UK, and the US, this Forum provides a state-of-the-discipline review of teaching in the history of geography; identifies the practical and pedagogical challenges associated with that teaching; and offers suggestions and provocations as to future innovation. The Forum shows how teaching in the history of geography is valued – as a tool of identity making, as a device for cohort building and professionalization, and as a means of interrogating the disciplinary present – but also how it is challenged by neoliberal educational policies, competing priorities in curriculum design, and sub-disciplinary divisions.
Sleep Disturbance Associated With Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Austin Luke , Pepe Matthew , Tucker Bradford , Ong Alvin , Nugent Robert , Eck Brandon , Tjoumakaris Fotios
Published: March 2015

Background:

Sleep disturbance is a common complaint of patients with a rotator cuff tear. Inadequate and restless sleep, along with pain, is often a driving symptom for patients to proceed with rotator cuff repair. To date, no studies have examined sleep disturbance in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair, and there is no evidence that surgery improves sleep disturbance.

Hypothesis:

Sleep disturbance is prevalent in patients with a symptomatic rotator cuff tear, and sleep disturbance improves after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 56 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for full-thickness tears were enrolled in a prospective study. Patients were surveyed preoperatively and postoperatively at intervals of 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks. Patient outcomes were scored using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), visual analog scale for pain (VAS), and single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE). Demographic and surgical factors were also collected for analysis.

Results:

Preoperative PSQI scores indicative of sleep disturbance were reported in 89% of patients. After surgery, a statistically significant improvement in PSQI was achieved at 3 months ( P = .0012; 91% follow-up) and continued through 6 months ( P = .0179; 93% follow-up). Six months after surgery, only 38% of patients continued to have sleep disturbance. Multivariable linear regression of all surgical and demographic factors versus PSQI was performed and demonstrated that preoperative and prolonged postoperative narcotic use negatively affected sleep.

Conclusion:

Sleep disturbance is common in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair. After surgery, sleep disturbance improves to levels comparable with those of the general public. Preoperative and prolonged postoperative use of narcotic pain medication negatively affects sleep.
Emerging Updates on the Posterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: LaPrade Christopher M. , Civitarese David M. , Rasmussen Matthew T. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: March 2015

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is recognized as an essential stabilizer of the knee. However, the complexity of the ligament has generated controversy about its definitive role and the recommended treatment after injury. A proper understanding of the functional role of the PCL is necessary to minimize residual instability, osteoarthritic progression, and failure of additional concomitant ligament graft reconstructions or meniscal repairs after treatment. Recent anatomic and biomechanical studies have elucidated the surgically relevant quantitative anatomy and confirmed the codominant role of the anterolateral and posteromedial bundles of the PCL. Although nonoperative treatment has historically been the initial treatment of choice for isolated PCL injury, possibly biased by the historically poorer objective outcomes postoperatively compared with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, surgical intervention has been increasingly used for isolated and combined PCL injuries. Recent studies have more clearly elucidated the biomechanical and clinical effects after PCL tears and resultant treatments. This article presents a thorough review of updates on the clinically relevant anatomy, epidemiology, biomechanical function, diagnosis, and current treatments for the PCL, with an emphasis on the emerging clinical and biomechanical evidence regarding each of the treatment choices for PCL reconstruction surgery. It is recommended that future outcomes studies use PCL stress radiographs to determine objective outcomes and that evidence level 1 and 2 studies be performed to assess outcomes between transtibial and tibial inlay reconstructions and also between single- and double-bundle PCL reconstructions.