bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Periampullary Tumor from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presenting as Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Kashani Amir , Nissen Nicholas N. , Guindi Maha , Jamil Laith H.
Published: April 2015

Periampullary tumors constitute a number of diverse neoplastic lesions located within 2 cm of the major duodenal papilla; among these, metastatic lesions account for only a small proportion of the periampullary tumors. To our knowledge, a metastatic periampullary tumor from hepatocellular carcinoma has never been reported. A 62-year-old male reported to our institute for fatigue and low hemoglobin. His medical history was remarkable for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with selective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed which revealed a periampullary mass. Histopathology was consistent with metastatic moderately differentiated HCC. Two endoloops were deployed around the base of the mass one month apart. The mass eventually sloughed off and patient’s hemoglobin level stabilized. We postulated that periampullary metastasis in this patient was the result of tumor fragments migration through the biliary tracts and that TACE which increases tumor fragments burden might have played a contributory role. Metastasis of HCC to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract should be considered as a cause of GI bleeding.
Seasonal Temperature and Pin Site Care Regimen Affect the Incidence of Pin Site Infection in Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures
Authors: Kao Hsuan-Kai , Chen Mei-Chuan , Lee Wei-Chun , Yang Wen-E , Chang Chia-Hsieh
Published: April 2015

Pin site infection is a common complication after fracture fixation and bone lengthening, and daily pin site care is recommended. Weather is a strong environmental factor of infection, but few articles studied the issue of weather and pin site infection. We performed a prospective comparative study of 61 children with supracondylar humeral fractures treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The patients were divided into high-temperature season or low-temperature season by the months they received surgery. The patients within each season were further allocated to 2 groups by the different postoperative pin site care methods of daily care or noncare. The infection rate per patient was significantly higher in the high-temperature season compared to low-temperature season (45% versus 19%,P= 0.045). In the high-temperature season, the infection rate per patient was significantly higher in the daily care group versus the noncare group (70% versus 20%,P= 0.001). In the low-temperature season, the infection rate per patient was not significantly different in the daily care group versus the noncare group (10% versus 27.3%,P= 0.33). We recommend that careful monitoring of infection signs, rather than pin site cleaning, would be appropriate in the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures, especially during the summer months.
Does Self-Efficacy Affect Cognitive Performance in Persons with Clinically Isolated Syndrome and Early Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis?
Authors: Jongen Peter Joseph , Wesnes Keith , van Geel Björn , Pop Paul , Schrijver Hans , Visser Leo H. , Gilhuis H. Jacobus , Sinnige Ludovicus G. , Brands Augustina M.
Published: April 2015

In persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) a lowered self-efficacy negatively affects physical activities. Against this background we studied the relationship between self-efficacy and cognitive performance in the early stages of MS. Thirty-three patients with Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) and early Relapsing Remitting MS (eRRMS) were assessed for self-efficacy (MSSES-18), cognition (CDR System), fatigue (MFIS-5), depressive symptoms (BDI), disease impact (MSIS-29), and disability (EDSS). Correlative analyses were performed between self-efficacy and cognitive scores, and stepwise regression analyses identified predictors of cognition and self-efficacy. Good correlations existed between total self-efficacy and Power of Attention (r= 0.65;P< 0.001), Reaction Time Variability (r= 0.57;P< 0.001), and Speed of Memory (r= 0.53;P< 0.01), and between control self-efficacy and Reaction Time Variability (r= 0.55;P< 0.01). Total self-efficacy predicted 40% of Power of Attention, 34% of Reaction Time Variability, and 40% of Speed of Memory variabilities. Disease impact predicted 65% of total self-efficacy and 58% of control self-efficacy variabilities. The findings may suggest that in persons with CIS and eRRMS self-efficacy may positively affect cognitive performance and that prevention of disease activity may preserve self-efficacy.
Genome Medicine in Cancer: What's in a Name?
Authors: Schott Anne F. , Perou Charles M. , Hayes Daniel F.
Published: April 2015

This is an exciting time to be in cancer medicine. New technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have increased our understanding of the molecular aberrations that define cancer. This, in turn, has led to the identification of cancer-specific molecular targets and potential drugs to confront these targets. As these new technologies move toward clinical application, a new vocabulary of “genome medicine” has been introduced to the field of oncology. Unfortunately, unclear or incorrect use of the new terminology has led to semantic misunderstandings that impair communication between the basic research and clinical practice arenas. These misunderstandings have led to assumptions regarding the clinical application of NGS and other technologies that may or may not be true. For example, some organizations that perform NGS testing on clinical samples have endorsed use of the results of such tests to direct specific therapies based on laboratory hypotheses, but without clinical testing of the hypotheses to show utility for these potential predictive claims. Here, we review some simple, and hopefully universally acceptable, definitions, concepts, and trial designs so that laboratory researchers and clinicians can move closer toward speaking the same language. Cancer Res; 75(10); 1930–5. ©2015 AACR.
Disordered Ripples Are a Common Feature of Genetically Distinct Mouse Models Relevant to Schizophrenia
Authors: Altimus Cara , Harrold Jon , Jaaro-Peled Hanna , Sawa Akira , Foster David J.
Published: April 2015

We present results from a novel comparative approach to the study of the mechanisms of psychiatric disease. Previous work has examined neural activity patterns in the hippocampus of a freely behaving mouse model associated with schizophrenia, the calcineurin knockout mouse. Here, we examined a genetically distinct mouse model that exhibits a similar set of behavioral phenotypes associated with schizophrenia, a transgenic model expressing a putative dominant-negative DISC1 (DN-DISC1). Strikingly, the principal finding of the earlier work is replicated in the DN-DISC1 mice, that is, a selective increase in the numbers of sharp-wave ripple (SWR) events in the hippocampal local field potential (LFP), while at the same time other LFP patterns such as theta and gamma are unaffected. SWRs are thought to arise from hippocampal circuits and reflect the coordinated activity of the principal excitatory cells of the hippocampus in specific patterns that represent reactivated memories of previous experiences and imagined future experiences that predict behavior. These findings suggest that multiple genetic alterations could converge on distinct patterns of aberrant neurophysiological function to give rise to common behavioral phenotypes in psychiatric disease.
Mitochondrial Crisis in Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells Opens the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Doll Danielle N. , Hu Heng , Sun Jiahong , Lewis Sara E. , Simpkins James W. , Ren Xuefang
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose—

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a selectively permeable cerebrovascular endothelial barrier that maintains homeostasis between the periphery and the central nervous system. BBB disruption is a consequence of ischemic stroke and BBB permeability can be altered by infection/inflammation, but the complex cellular and molecular changes that result in this BBB alteration need to be elucidated to determine mechanisms.

Methods—

Infection mimic (lipopolysaccharide) challenge on infarct volume, BBB permeability, infiltrated neutrophils, and functional outcomes after murine transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in vivo; mitochondrial evaluation of cerebrovascular endothelial cells challenged by lipopolysaccharide in vitro; pharmacological inhibition of mitochondria on BBB permeability in vitro and in vivo; the effects of mitochondrial inhibitor on BBB permeability, infarct volume, and functional outcomes after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Results—

We report here that lipopolysaccharide worsens ischemic stroke outcome and increases BBB permeability after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Furthermore, we elucidate a novel mechanism that compromised mitochondrial function accounts for increased BBB permeability as evidenced by: lipopolysaccharide-induced reductions in oxidative phosphorylation and subunit expression of respiratory chain complexes in cerebrovascular endothelial cells, a compromised BBB permeability induced by pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial function in cerebrovascular endothelial cells in vitro and in an in vivo animal model, and worsened stroke outcomes in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion mice after inhibition of mitochondrial function.

Conclusions—

We concluded that mitochondria are key players in BBB permeability. These novel findings suggest a potential new therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke by endothelial cell mitochondrial regulation.
Radical Defectivity: Implications of Xhosa Expletive Constructions
Authors: Carstens Vicki , Mletshe Loyiso
Published: April 2015

In Xhosa VSO clauses, subject agreement exhibits default features, objects cannot be pronominalized, a subject focus reading is obligatory, and experiencer verbs with two DP arguments are precluded. We argue that impoverished versions of T and v* in VSO clauses lack the probe features involved in subject agreement, EPP, object shift, and nominative/accusative valuation within Xhosa SVO sentences. Only an unusual focus-linked strategy can Case-license full DPs in VSO clauses, but this is incompatible with inherent Cases borne by arguments of experiencer verbs. We show that CPs and augmentless NPs appear in positions where DPs cannot surface because uCase is a feature of D. Given the striking evidence for abstract Case in Xhosa, we propose Case-friendly analyses for Bantu Case-theoretic anomalies that Xhosa shares.
How Much Context Is Enough? Two Cases of Span-Conditioned Stem Allomorphy
Authors: Merchant Jason
Published: April 2015

Greek voice and aspect jointly condition verbal stem allomorphy, including suppletion. Negation and tense in English do likewise. These cases show that stem allomorphy cannot be restricted to cases where the conditioning element is structurally adjacent to the element that displays allomorphic variation. But neither is contextual allomorphy entirely free from locality constraints: allomorphy can be conditioned only by a span, a contiguous set of heads in an extended projection.
Heavenly Law (Tiandao) and Its Change by Time (Shibian): The Revival of Confucianism in the North Song Dynasty and Its Philosophy of History Based on the Interpretations of Yijing
Authors: Zhang Weiwen
Published: April 2015

The Neo-Confucians in the North Song dynasty pursued the GreatDaoin Confucian Classics and conceptualized it as the highest rational principle and cultural spirit, which is known asTiandao天道 (the Heavenly Law) orTianli天理 (the Heavenly Principle), so as to restrain imperial authority and to provide guidance for political and economic decision-making.1 This was one of the fundamental reasons for the revival of Confucianism in the North Song period. Confucianism has a profound historical and cultural consciousness; it acknowledges the reasons for the changing nature of human social life, and it discourages people from abandoning this worldly life for a heavenly paradise. InYijing(The Book of Changes), the emphasis on the idea ofSheng Sheng生生 (ceaseless/creative creativity), morality and social norms coincides with the ethos of Confucianism. The Confucians’ effort in interpretingYijingcontributed to he revival of Confucianism in the North Song dynasty. By outlining the blueprint of an ideal world, they hoped to bring social development back on track. As a result, they had in-depth discussions on a number of philosophical questions, such as the end goal of history, social structure, social change, momentum, and laws of historical development. The neo-Confucianism in the North Song dynasty can be regarded as including a philosophy of history.
Microphysics of Aerodynamic Contrail Formation Processes
Authors: Jansen Joachim , Heymsfield Andrew J.
Published: April 2015

Aerodynamic condensation is a result of intense adiabatic cooling in the airflow over aircraft wings and behind propeller blades. Out of cloud, condensation appears as a burstlike fog (jet aircraft during takeoff and landing, propellers) or as an iridescent trail visible from the ground behind the trailing edge of the wing (jet aircraft in subsonic cruise flight) consisting of a monodisperse population of ice particles that grow to sizes comparable to the wavelength of light in ambient humidities above ice saturation.

In this paper, the authors focus on aerodynamic contrail ice particle formation processes over jet aircraft wings. A 2D compressible flow model is used to evaluate two likely processes considered for the initial ice particle formation: homogeneous droplet nucleation (HDN) followed by homogeneous ice nucleation (HIN) and condensational growth of ambient condensation nuclei followed by their homogenous freezing. The model shows that the more numerous HDN particles outcompete frozen solution droplets for water vapor in a 0.5–1-m layer directly above the wing surface and are the only ice particles that become visible. Experimentally verified temperature and relative humidity–dependent parameterizations of rates of homogeneous droplet nucleation, growth, and freezing indicate that visible aerodynamic contrails form between T = −20° and −50°C and RH ≥ 80%. By contrast, combustion contrails require temperatures below −38°C and ice-saturated conditions to persist. Therefore, aerodynamic and combustion contrails can be observed simultaneously.
Predictable Components in Australian Daily Temperature Data*
Authors: Fischer Matt J.
Published: April 2015

Dynamical components of Earth’s ice–ocean–atmosphere system evolve along characteristic trajectories, which make these components partly predictable. This paper reviews several methods for extracting these predictable components from space–time fields. These methods are optimal persistence analysis (OPA), slow feature analysis (SFA), principal trend analysis (PTA), average predictability time decomposition (APTD), and forecastable components analysis (ForeCA). These methods generally find a set of components that are ordered by their predictability, but each method uses a different measure of predictability. Also, a new bootstrap test for investigating the type of predictability exhibited by these components is introduced. This new test is based on an “integrated red noise” hypothesis. The five methods and new test are applied to a dataset of Australian daily near-surface minimum air temperature, spanning 1910–2013. For all five methods, the two leading predictable components are a long-term trend and a low-frequency pattern that decreased in the first half of the twentieth century and increased after that. The third predictable component differs between the methods based on persistence (e.g., OPA) and those based on more general measures of predictability (APTD and ForeCA). In addition, the use of spectral entropy for analyzing time-dependent predictability is investigated. Further research is needed into the application of predictable component methods to specific problems, such as to fields that require regularization (i.e., using ridge regression), to fields with missing values, and to fields with propagating predictable components.
Quantifying Precipitation Uncertainty for Land Data Assimilation Applications
Authors: Alemohammad Seyed Hamed , McLaughlin Dennis B. , Entekhabi Dara
Published: April 2015

Ensemble-based data assimilation techniques are often applied to land surface models in order to estimate components of terrestrial water and energy balance. Precipitation forcing uncertainty is the principal source of spread among the ensembles that is required for utilizing information in observations to correct model priors. Precipitation fields may have both position and magnitude errors. However, current uncertainty characterizations of precipitation forcing in land data assimilation systems often do no more than applying multiplicative errors to precipitation fields. In this paper, an ensemble-based Bayesian method for characterization of uncertainties associated with precipitation retrievals from spaceborne instruments is introduced. This method is used to produce stochastic replicates of precipitation fields that are conditioned on precipitation observations. Unlike previous studies, the error likelihood is derived using an archive of historical measurements. The ensemble replicates are generated using a stochastic method, and they are intermittent in space and time. The replicates are first projected in a low-dimension subspace using a problem-specific set of attributes. The attributes are derived using a dimensionality reduction scheme that takes advantage of singular value decomposition. A nonparametric importance sampling technique is formulated in terms of the attribute vectors to solve the Bayesian sampling problem. Examples are presented using retrievals from operational passive microwave instruments, and performance of the method is assessed using ground validation measurements from a surface weather radar network. Results indicate that this ensemble characterization approach provides a useful description of precipitation uncertainties with a posterior ensemble that is narrower in distribution than its prior while containing both precipitation position and magnitude errors.
Management commitment to the ecological environment and employees: Implications for employee attitudes and citizenship behaviors
Authors: Erdogan Berrin , Bauer Talya N , Taylor Sully
Published: April 2015

In this article, we examine the implications of perceived management commitment to the ecological environment for employee attitudes and behaviors. Following deontic justice theory, which suggests that individuals are capable of feeling and expressing moral outrage when others are treated poorly, even if such treatment has no direct implications for themselves, we expected that employee attitudes and behaviors would be related to perceived organizational treatment of the environment. At the same time, we expected that these reactions would be moderated by how employees themselves were treated by the organization, in the form of perceived organizational support. In a study of employees and supervisors in a textile firm in Turkey, the results indicate that perceived organizational support moderated the effects of management commitment to the environment on organizational justice, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviors targeting the environment.
The Syrian refugee challenge and Turkey’s quest for normative power in the Middle East
Authors: Oktav Özden Zeynep , Çelikaksoy Aycan
Published: April 2015

This article examines the Syrian refugee challenge as a case study in order to understand the inherent contradictions evident in Turkey’s efforts to exert normative power in the Middle East. The article is divided into two sections. The first part examines how Turkey has attempted to transform itself from a country that has in the past been accused by elements in the West of “lacking [the] standards of [a] civilization” into a candidate for full European Union (EU) membership. The second part assesses the three main challenges to Ankara’s efforts as they are revealed through its response to the Syrian refugee crisis.
Doubly Disadvantaged? Bullying Experiences among Disabled Children and Young People in England
Authors: Chatzitheochari Stella , Parsons Samantha , Platt Lucinda
Published: April 2015

Bullying among school-aged children and adolescents is recognised as an important social problem, and the adverse consequences for victims are well established. However, despite growing interest in the socio-demographic profile of victims, there is limited evidence on the relationship between bullying victimisation and childhood disability. This article enhances our understanding of bullying experiences among disabled children in both early and later childhood, drawing on nationally representative longitudinal data from the Millennium Cohort Study and the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England. We model the association of disability measured in two different ways with the probability of being bullied at ages seven and 15, controlling for a wide range of known risk factors that vary with childhood disability. Results reveal an independent association of disability with bullying victimisation, suggesting a potential pathway to cumulative disability-related disadvantage, and drawing attention to the school as a site of reproduction of social inequalities.
The effects of inter-state conflicts on foreign investment flows to the developing world: Enduring vs ephemeral risk of conflicts
Authors: Kim Dongkyu
Published: April 2015

How do inter-state conflicts affect foreign investment flows to developing countries? Conventional wisdom says conflicts disrupt economic interactions. This article develops and tests two competing causal mechanisms of the wisdom by focusing on foreign investment flows to developing countries. The first hypothesis states that conflicts carry enduring risk to foreign investors, making conflict-prone countries persistently less attractive. The second hypothesis says that the risk of conflict is ephemeral, allowing foreign investment to recover during peace-time. A monadic analysis of 95 developing countries from 1980 to 2000 provides strong evidence for the enduring risk hypothesis. However, the finding is limited by both the level of conflict hostility and the ex post immobility of foreign investment. The enduring risk of conflicts is significant for both actual warfare rather than use of force, and foreign direct investment (FDI) rather than foreign portfolio investment (FPI). The finding is robust in a series of subsample analyses, which reflect the distinctive experiences of developing countries in the late 20th century.
Entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance in Indian SMEs: Universal and contingency perspectives
Authors: Gupta Vishal K , Batra Safal
Published: April 2015

This article explores entrepreneurial orientation (EO); this notion has received considerable theoretical and empirical attention in organizational research, emerging as one of the most widely accepted firm-level constructs in the literature. As knowledge in this area has expanded, researchers have delved into the contextual factors that influence the relationship between EO and organizational performance. With the goal of better understanding the circumstances under which pursuing entrepreneurial strategies result in favourable performance outcomes, this article investigates the EO–performance relationship among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India. Data collected from 198 Indian SMEs revealed a strong positive linkage between EO and firm performance. Environmental contingencies – demand growth and competitive intensity – were theorized and found to have a moderating influence on the EO–performance relationship. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Can production precede comprehension in L2 acquisition?
Authors: Tasseva-Kurktchieva Mila
Published: April 2015

So far, the comprehension and production language modes have typically been studied separately in generative second language acquisition research, with the focus shifting from one to the other. This article revisits the asymmetric relationship between comprehension and production by examining the second language (L2) acquisition of the noun phrase in Bulgarian by speakers of English. Drawing on data from a forced choice comprehension task and elicited production task, I show that in some cases production of certain grammatical features may precede the full comprehension of their relevance to the morpho-syntax of the target language. An explanation is sought based on (1) Jackendoff’s (2002) parallel architecture of the linguistics modules, and (2) feature differentiation based on their relevance to syntax proper and semantics. Structural features with no semantic bearing (e.g. [gender]) are argued to be overlooked by the parser in comprehension. Conversely, features with a semantic load (e.g. [number]) are argued to cause an overload in the semantic tier in production. This, in turn, prevents their overt realization. This study sets the stage for future investigations into the phenomenon exploiting more refined methodology, which will allow for teasing apart the theoretical proposal from task effects.
Difficult decisions: An interpretative phenomenological analysis study of healthcare professionals’ perceptions of oxygen therapy in palliative care
Authors: Kelly Carol Ann , O’Brien Mary R
Published: April 2015

Background:

The role of oxygen therapy to palliate dyspnoea is controversial. Without a clear evidence base oxygen is commonly prescribed, sometimes to the detriment of patients. This use of oxygen appears to be an entrenched culture, the roots of which remain obscure.

Aim:

To explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions of oxygen therapy in palliative care.

Design:

Interpretative phenomenological analysis study utilising semi-structured interviews to explore beliefs and behaviours of healthcare professionals regarding palliative oxygen therapy. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Setting/participants:

A total of 34 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics in the United Kingdom, who were involved in prescribing, or administering, oxygen therapy to palliate dyspnoea.

Results:

Most healthcare professionals in this study were well informed about oxygen therapy; all recognised the role of oxygen in palliative care setting as important. The overarching theme of compassion identified sub-themes of ‘ comfort’, ‘ do anything and everything’ and ‘ family benefit’. However, the use of oxygen in the palliative care setting was not without its dilemmas, as additional sub-themes of ‘ controversy’, ‘ doubt’ and ‘ dependency’ illustrated.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that oxygen therapy in palliative care poses an on-going dilemma for healthcare professionals striving to provide optimum care. It seems patients and families often expect and welcome oxygen, but the perception of oxygen as a solution to dyspnoea can conflict with healthcare professionals’ own doubt and experiences. There appears to be an emotional cost associated with this dilemma and the choices that need to be made.
The reinforcing effects of ethanol within the nucleus accumbens shell involve activation of local GABA and serotonin receptors
Authors: Ding Zheng-Ming , Ingraham Cynthia M , Rodd Zachary A , McBride William J
Published: April 2015

Ethanol is reinforcing within the nucleus accumbens shell (NACsh), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Ethanol can potentiate the function of the GABAA, GABAB, and serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptors. Therefore, the current study tested the hypothesis that activation of these receptors would be involved in the reinforcing effects of ethanol in the NACsh. An intracranial self-administration (ICSA) procedure was used to assess the reinforcing effects of ethanol in the NACsh of alcohol preferring (P) rats. The ICSA consisted of seven sessions: four sessions to establish 150 mg% ethanol self-infusion into the NACsh; sessions 5 and 6 with co-infusion of ethanol plus one concentration of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline (10 or 100 µM), the GABAB antagonist SCH 50911 (50, 75 or 100 µM), or the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist zacopride (10 or 100 µM); and session 7 with 150 mg% ethanol alone. All groups self-infused ethanol into the NACsh and readily discriminated the active from inactive lever during the acquisition sessions. Co-infusion of 100 µM, but not 10 µM, bicuculline or zacopride significantly decreased active responses during sessions 5 and 6. Co-infusion of 75 µM, but not 50 or 100 µM, SCH 50911 significantly attenuated responses for ethanol. Overall, the results suggest that the reinforcing effects of ethanol in the NACsh may be modulated by activation of local GABAA, GABAB and 5-HT3 receptors.
Blockade of CXCR6 reduces invasive potential of gastric cancer cells through inhibition of AKT signaling
Authors: Li Ya , Fu Li-Xia , Zhu Wan-Lin , Shi Hua , Chen Li-Jian , Ye Bin
Published: April 2015

Chemokines and their receptors have been implicated in cell migration and metastasis of multiple malignant tumors. But the function of CXCR6 signaling in gastric cancer is not comprehensively understood. In the present study, we hypothesized that CXCR6 signaling might play an essential role in the progression of gastric cancer. The expression of CXCR6 was examined by immunohistochemical assay in human gastric cancer, and lentivirus-mediated CXCR6 knockdown by shRNA (Lv-shCXCR6) was used for investigating cell migration and invasion indicated by Wound-healing and Transwell assays. Consequently, the expression level of CXCR6 was increased in gastric cancer compared with the adjacent non-tumor tissues (54.2% vs. 27.1%, P = 0.006), and was closely associated with the metastatic lymph node in gastric cancer ( P = 0.021). Furthermore, blockade of the CXCR6 signaling reduced the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells followed by decreased expression of AKT, MMP-2, and MMP-9. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that CXCR6 may promote the development of gastric cancer cells through regulation of AKT signaling.
Mechanical properties of hybrid glass/kenaf fibre-reinforced epoxy composite with matrix modification using liquid epoxidised natural rubber
Authors: Muhammad Yusri H , Ahmad Sahrim , Abu Bakar Mimi A , Mamun Abdullah A , Heim Hans P
Published: April 2015

The hybridisation of natural fibre with glass fibre provides a method to improve the mechanical properties instead of using the natural fibres alone. This research is focused on the hybridisation of glass/kenaf fibre with the addition of liquid epoxidised natural rubber to enhance the desired mechanical properties of the composite by reducing the synthetic fibre usage and encourage the natural fibre consumption. Liquid epoxidised natural rubber was added to the epoxy matrix in order to improve its mechanical properties whilst E-glass fibre and kenaf bast fibre were used as the reinforcement in the composite. Liquid epoxidised natural rubber (3%) was added as a toughening agent. Two types of kenaf fibre were prepared – untreated and treated with 6% NaOH – whilst the glass fibre was treated using a silane coupling agent. The flexural test, Izod impact test, environmental stress cracking resistance analysis and scanning electron microscopy analysis were performed to determine the effect of fibre treatment and liquid epoxidised natural rubber addition on the mechanical properties of the hybrid fibre-reinforced composite. It was found that the treatment and the addition of liquid epoxidised natural rubber contribute to the increment of the impact strength by 40% whilst the flexural properties recorded a 13% and 15% increment for both flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively. The environmental stress cracking resistance analysis showed that the composites are more affected in acid medium followed by base medium and then with the control medium (air). The addition of liquid epoxidised natural rubber seems to improve the stability of the samples in the medium initially but tends to decrease rapidly over time due to debonding of the rubber particles.
On the Prevalence of Veteran Deaths in State Prisons
Authors: Luallen Jeremy , Corry Nida
Published: April 2015

This article presents the first look at the prevalence of veteran deaths in state prisons using data from the National Corrections Reporting Program (NCRP). We find that overall veterans are not statistically more likely than nonveterans to die in prison, but that differences exist between age groups based on age at admission to prison. Age-adjusted estimates of risk of death show that veterans admitted to prison above 44 years of age are statistically less likely to die in prison, suggesting veterans are healthier than their nonveteran counterparts. In terms of predicted probability of death, veterans admitted between ages 40 and 59 have a 1.3 to 2.1 percentage point lower probability of death over a 20-year period, or between 13 and 21 fewer deaths per 1,000 admissions. Estimates for the youngest ages also suggest the possibility of generational differences, though more research is needed.
Study on variable nucleation efficiency of N,N ′-Dicyclohexyl-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxamide on isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Shi Yaoqi , Xin Zhong
Published: April 2015

N, N′-Dicyclohexyl-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxamide (NU100), a commercial β-nucleating agent (NA) for isotactic polypropylene (iPP), is found dissolvable in iPP melt. Various heating temperatures ( Ths) of iPP/NU100 cause different solubilities of NA, resulting in various aggregation morphologies of NU100 in the melt. Moreover, nucleation efficiency of NA NU100 on iPP changes with the Th of iPP/NU100. In this article, the effects of Th on nucleation behaviors of iPP nucleated with different concentrations of NU100 were systematically studied. The results indicated nucleation efficiency of NU100 depended not only on concentration of NA but also on Th of nucleated iPP. With the increase of Th, crystallization peak temperature ( Tcp) of nucleated iPP decreased remarkably. The whole process that Tcp shifted from 126.8°C to 120.8°C was obtained by investigating the nucleation behavior of iPP/0.1 wt% NU100. Polarized optical microscopy observation confirmed lower Tcp, representing the crystallization of iPP nucleated by dissolved–recrystallized NA NU100. Further, diverse aggregation morphologies of NA in iPP melt during crystallization were observed. A schematic diagram was proposed illustrating the morphologies formed during recrystallization process of NU100 melted at different Ths.
‘Wushu belongs to the world’. But the gold goes to China…: The international development of the Chinese martial arts
Authors: Theeboom Marc , Zhu Dong , Vertonghen Jikkemien
Published: April 2015

Since the mid-1980s, China has been promoting wushu (also known as kung fu) as an international competitive sport towards Olympic recognition. But despite the efforts of the International Wushu Federation, to date, wushu has not entered the Olympics. Data were collected of countries’ medal winning performances at the World Wushu Championships since 1991. The findings of this study clearly showed China’s unchanged dominant position, thereby making it questionable if wushu has really turned into an international sport. This paper discusses two discourses that have been used to describe wushu’s international position: an enrichment discourse to emphasise the potential of wushu to deliver added value to global sports; and a compromise discourse highlighting the dangers of detraditionalisation in order to internationalise. It further attempts to analyse underlying mechanisms that may account for wushu’s current international status.
Advance statements in the new Victorian Mental Health Act
Authors: Saraf Sudeep
Published: April 2015

Objective:

There is growing recognition of the utility of advance statements in the area of mental health. The definition of advance statements and procedure for making and varying advance statements under the Victorian legislation is described. The implications for psychiatrists, mental health tribunals and the process should the psychiatrist vary their decision from that made in the advance statement are discussed.

Conclusion:

Advance statements being enshrined in legislation is another step in the direction of recovery-oriented service provision for persons with mental illness. The challenge for services will be to develop systems and processes that promote increased uptake of these instruments to empower persons with mental illness to participate in their treatment.
Seeds of Collaboration
Authors: Malm Aili , Bichler Gisela
Published: April 2015

This introduction to the JCCJ special issue on illicit networks seeks to accomplish three objectives. First, we offer a brief explanation of the network paradigm and its importance to criminology; our purpose is to convince readers of the utility of social network analysis (SNA). Second, we summarize the benefits of working groups with the aim of providing readers with the context from which they can understand why these informal collectives are critical to the advancement of science. And finally, the remainder of the article introduces the research assembled for this special issue.
The Relations Between Temperament, Character, and Executive Functions in Children With ADHD and Clinical Controls
Authors: Drechsler Renate , Zulauf Logoz Marina , Walitza Susanne , Steinhausen Hans-Christoph
Published: April 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the overlap between executive functions and temperament as measured by two questionnaires and to examine characteristic profiles in children with ADHD and clinical controls. Method: Parents of 111 clinically referred children, half of whom were diagnosed with ADHD and half with other or no diagnoses, completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Cloninger Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI). Results: Factor analysis of both instruments resulted in three common factors representing aspects of (1) cognitive regulation, (2) behavioral regulation, and (3) anxious/rigid tendencies. Factor (4) represented strengths and positive resources and loaded on JTCI scales only. Both instruments discriminated significantly between ADHD and non-ADHD children. Conduct disorder/oppositional defiant disorder (CD/ODD) but not ADHD accounted for problems in BRIEF Emotional Control and Self-Monitor and JTCI low Cooperativeness. Conclusion: The two instruments only partially overlap and may complement each other.
High-frequency ultrasound of Peyer’s patches in the small intestine of young cats
Authors: Nielsen Tove , Lindström Lisa , Ingman Jessica , Uhlhorn Margareta , Hansson Kerstin
Published: April 2015

Objectives

A previously unreported, asymmetrically positioned hypoechoic extra layer (APHEL) in the submucosa of the feline distal jejunum and ileum has been recognised using high-frequency ultrasound. The objectives of this study were to characterise the APHEL histologically, and to describe the prevalence and ultrasonographic features of the APHEL in a population of clinically healthy young cats.

Methods

In an anatomical study, two cats were autopsied and histopathology of the small intestine was performed. An APHEL was detected with ultrasound in the distal jejunum and ileum ante-mortem in the first cat and post mortem in the second cat. Samples for histopathology were obtained from these areas. In the second, prospective part of the study, to document the presence or absence of an APHEL, high-frequency (18 MHz) ultrasound was performed of the intestinal tract in 20 other cats. These cats were client-owned cats aged 6–18 months presented for neutering. The cats were included in the study based on a normal clinical examination, lack of previous or concurrent signs of disease, and having no abnormalities detected at abdominal ultrasound.

Results

Histopathology from the distal jejunum and ileum in the two cats in the anatomical part of the study showed that the APHEL represented asymmetrically positioned normal lymphatic tissue (Peyer’s patches) in the lamina propria and submucosa. In the second part of the study, an APHEL was identified in the submucosa of the distal part of the jejunum and ileum in all 20 cats. Additionally, a similar layer could also be seen further proximally in the jejunum in 10 (50%) of the cats. The thickness of the APHEL was 1.0 mm in both jejunum and ileum.

Conclusions and relevance

Presumed normal lymphatic tissue in the small intestinal submucosa can be seen with high-frequency ultrasound and is a common finding in young cats.
Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 5: Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sapijaszko Mariusz , Zloty David , Bourcier Marc , Poulin Yves , Janiszewski Peter , Ashkenas John
Published: April 2015

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second-most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

Objective

To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding management of SCCs.

Methods

Literature searches and development of graded recommendations were carried out as discussed in the accompanying introduction (chapter 1 of the NMSC guidelines).

Results

SCCs are sometimes confined to the epidermis, but they can also invade nearby tissues and, in some cases, metastasize to neighbouring lymph nodes or other organs. This chapter discusses the natural history, staging, prognosis, and management of SCC—a tumour type that is less common but typically more aggressive than BCC. For this reason, margin control is strongly preferred in treating SCCs.

Conclusions

Although approaches such as cryosurgery and radiation therapy may be considered for some patients, surgical excision—sometimes coupled with radiation—remains the cornerstone of SCC management. Patients with high-risk SCC may also be considered for referral to an appropriate multidisciplinary clinic.
Comparative analysis of first-year fingolimod and natalizumab drug discontinuation among Swedish patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Frisell T , Forsberg L , Nordin N , Kiesel C , Alfredsson L , Askling J , Hillert J , Olsson T , Piehl F
Published: April 2015

Background:

Natalizumab (NTZ) and fingolimod (FGL) are mainly used second line in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), although pivotal trials included mainly treatment-naïve patients.

Objective:

This study aims to provide real-world data on safety and discontinuation rates.

Methods:

Using IMSE, a drug monitoring registry for all newer MS drugs in Sweden, we analysed differences in baseline characteristics and 1-year drug survival for patients registered 2011–2013, initiating treatment with NTZ ( n=640) or FGL ( n=876). Among FGL initiators, n=383 (44%) had previously used NTZ (FGLafterNTZ).

Results:

Compared with NTZ, the FGL cohort was older and more often male (36/38 years, 24%/33% males). Baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale was similar across groups, but MS Severity Score was higher in NTZ patients, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test and MS Impact Scale (MSIS-29) was higher in FGLafterNTZ versus FGLNTZ-naïve patients. Proportion on drug after 1 year was high, NTZ=87%, FGLNTZ-naïve=83% and FGLafterNTZ=76%. Adverse events was the most frequent reason for discontinuing FGL (FGLNTZ-naïve=9%, FGLafterNTZ=12%), and was significantly higher than on NTZ (3%). In contrast, the proportion of patients stopping treatment due to lack of effect was more similar: NTZ=4%, FGLNTZ-naïve=3%, FGLafterNTZ=8%.

Conclusion:

FGL and NTZ were both well tolerated, but FGL less so than NTZ, especially in patients switching to FGL from NTZ. Group differences were not explained by differences in recorded baseline characteristics.
Effects of a home-based step training programme on balance, stepping, cognition and functional performance in people with multiple sclerosis – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hoang Phu , Schoene Daniel , Gandevia Simon , Smith Stuart , Lord Stephen R
Published: April 2015

Background:

Stepping impairments increase fall risk in people with MS. No studies have evaluated step training for reducing fall risk in this population.

Objectives:

To determine if step training can improve physical and neuropsychological measures associated with falls in MS.

Methods:

50 PwMS with moderate disability participated in a randomized controlled trial in which intervention group participants ( n = 28) performed step training for 12 weeks while controls ( n = 22) continued usual physical activity. The primary outcomes were choice stepping reaction time (CSRT) and Stroop stepping test (SST) time. Secondary outcomes included balance test (postural sway, CSRT components), gait speed and cognitive tests, nine-hole peg test (9-HPT) and MS functional composite (MSFC) score.

Results:

44 participants completed the study and no adverse events were reported. Compared with the control group, the intervention group performed significantly better at retest in CSRT and SST times, and tests of sway with eyes open, 9-HPT, single and dual task gait speed and MSFC score. There was a non-significant trend for fewer falls in the intervention group.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that the step training programme is feasible, safe and effective in improving stepping, standing balance, coordination and functional performance in people with MS.
Temporal lobe cortical pathology and inhibitory GABA interneuron cell loss are associated with seizures in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nicholas Richard , Magliozzi Roberta , Campbell Graham , Mahad Don , Reynolds Richard
Published: April 2015

Background:

Seizures are recognised in multiple sclerosis (MS), but their true incidence and the mechanism by which they are associated with MS is unclear.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to determine the lifetime frequency of seizures in the United Kingdom MS Tissue Bank (UKMSTB) population and any pathological features associated with seizures.

Methods:

We evaluated 255 individuals from the UKMSTB. A subset underwent analysis of cortical thickness, grey matter lesion (GML) (type and number) and cortical neuronal numbers (total and GABAergic).

Results:

A total of 37/255 patients had seizures (14.5% lifetime incidence); in 47% they were associated with concurrent infection. In those with seizures, death and wheelchair use occurred earlier and in 59% seizures developed after 15 years of disease. Seizures were associated with Type 1 GMLs and reduced cortical thickness in the middle temporal gyrus. Localised selective GABAergic interneuron loss in layers IV and VI was related to GMLs but was not explained by the presence of inflammation or by mitochondrial dysfunction within Type I GMLs.

Conclusion:

We confirm that seizure frequency rises in MS. Type I GMLs in the temporal lobe underlie a loss of inhibitory interneurons in cortical layers IV and VI and these changes could together with concurrent infection enhance susceptibility to seizures.