bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Initial Stroke Severity Between Mexican Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites Vary by Age: The Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) Project
Authors: Wing Jeffrey J. , Baek Jonggyu , Sánchez Brisa N. , Lisabeth Lynda D. , Smith Melinda A. , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Zahuranec Darin B.
Published: November 2014

Background: A wide variety of racial and ethnic disparities in stroke epidemiology and treatment have been reported. Race-ethnic differences in initial stroke severity may be one important determinant of differences in the outcome after stroke. The overall goal of this study was to move beyond ethnic comparisons in the mean or median severity, and instead investigate ethnic differences in the entire distribution of initial stroke severity. Additionally, we investigated whether age modifies the relationship between ethnicity and initial stroke severity as this may be an important determinant of racial differences in the outcome after stroke. Methods: Ischemic stroke cases were identified from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was determined from the medical record or abstracted from the chart. Ethnicity was reported as Mexican American (MA) or non-Hispanic white (NHW). Quantile regression was used to model the distribution of NIHSS score by age category (45-59, 60-74, 75+) to test whether ethnic differences exist over different quantiles of NIHSS (5 percentile increments). Crude models examined the interaction between age category and ethnicity; models were then adjusted for history of stroke/transient ischemic attack, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. Results were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results: There were 4,366 ischemic strokes, with median age 72 (IQR: 61-81), 55% MA, and median NIHSS of 4 (IQR: 2-8). MAs were younger, more likely to have a history of hypertension and diabetes, but less likely to have atrial fibrillation compared to NHWs. In the crude model, the ethnicity-age interaction was not statistically significant. After adjustment, the ethnicity-age interaction became significant at the 85th and 95th percentiles of NIHSS distribution. MAs in the younger age category (45-59) were significantly less severe by 3 and 6 points on the initial NIHSS than NHWs, at the 85th and 95th percentiles, respectively. However, in the older age category (75+), there was a reversal of this pattern; MAs had more severe strokes than NHWs by about 2 points, though not reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: There was no overall ethnic difference in stroke severity by age in our crude model. However, several potentially important ethnic differences among individuals with the most severe strokes were seen in younger and older stroke patients that were not explained by traditional risk factors. Age should be considered in future studies when looking at the complex distributional relationship between ethnicity and stroke severity.
Lack of an Association between a Functional Polymorphism in the Neuropeptide Y Gene Promoter and the Presence of Coronary Artery Disease in an Iranian Population
Authors: Parizadeh Seyed Alireza , Jamialahmadi Khadijeh , Rooki Hassan , Mirhafez Seyed Reza , Moohebati Mohsen , Hosseini Nedasadat , Zaim-Kohan Houshang , Mohiti-Ardakani Javad , Masoudi Ali , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims: Several genetic factors have been identified that may contribute to the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Variants of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene, whose products play an important role in regulating several physiological functions, have been associated with the risk of CAD in some populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the NPY gene rs16147 polymorphism and the presence of CAD in an Iranian population. Methods: DNA samples of 922 subjects, including 433 with angiographically defined CAD (CAD+), 196 without angiographically defined significant CAD (CAD-) and 293 controls, were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction based on the amplification-refractory mutation system. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of rs16147 genotypes with the presence of significant CAD. Results: Although logistic regression analysis indicated that the NPY polymorphism rs16147 was nominally associated with an increased risk of CAD (p < 0.05), after adjustment for confounding factors, there was no evidence for any signiﬁcantly increased or decreased risk of CAD with this polymorphism. However, in stratiﬁed analyses, the C allele was signiﬁcantly associated with a reduced risk of CAD in males and subjects who were <50 years of age. Conclusions: This study suggests that the rs16147 polymorphism in the NPY gene may not be a potential contributor to the risk of CAD in an Iranian population.
Recent Surgery or Invasive Procedures and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Urbanek Christian , Palm Frederick , Buggle Florian , Wolf Joachim , Safer Anton , Becher Heiko , Grau Armin J.
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose: A recent surgery may be one of the trigger factors precipitating stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). While stroke in cardiac and carotid surgery has been well studied, less is known on stroke risk after surgery outside the heart and brain supplying arteries. We tested the hypothesis that preceding non-neurosurgical, non-cardiothoracic, and non-carotid surgery and other interventions temporarily increase the risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) and investigated the risk related to different time periods between interventions and stroke/TIA. Methods: In the Ludwigshafen Stroke Study, a population-based stroke registry, we assessed surgery and other interventions within the year preceding stroke and TIA. The risk factor profiles of patients with and without prior intervention were compared and rate ratios (RR) were calculated for different time periods with 91-365 days before stroke and TIA serving as reference period. Results: In 2006 and 2007, 803 patients without and 116 patients with non-neurosurgical, non-cardiothoracic, and non-carotid intervention within the preceding year were identified. Elective (n = 21) and posttraumatic orthopedic (n = 14), eye (n = 14), and visceral surgery (n = 11) dominated. Interventions within 0-30 days (n = 34; RR 4.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.70-8.26) but not within 31-60 or 61-90 days before stroke/TIA were observed more often than in the reference period. Interventions were more common within day 8-30 before stroke/TIA (RR 3.26; 95% CI 1.66-6.39), particularly common within the preceding week (RR 9.52; 95% CI 3.77-24.1) and most common in the preceding 2 days (RR 27.1; 95% CI 5.97-123) as compared to the reference period. Atrial fibrillation (AF) but not other risk factors was more common in patients with interventions within 30 days (n = 15; 44.1%) as compared to patients with more antecedent interventions (n = 19; 23.2%, p = 0.022) and those without surgery (n = 222; 27.6%, p = 0.031). Interventions within 30 days before stroke/TIA, were associated with total ischemic stroke (RR 6.11; 95% CI 3.32-11.2), first-ever in a lifetime ischemic stroke (RR 5.62; 95% CI 2.83-11.1) and recurrent ischemic stroke (RR 7.50; 95% CI 2.88-19.6). Conclusion: Recent non-cardiothoracic, non-carotid, and non-neurosurgical interventions are associated with an increased risk of stroke lasting for about 1 month and being particularly high within the first days. AF may be among the mechanisms linking interventions and stroke besides induction of a procoagulant state and interruption of medication.
Novel Deletion of SERPINF1 Causes Autosomal Recessive Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type VI in Two Brazilian Families
Authors: Moldenhauer Minillo Renata , Sobreira Nara , de Fatima de Faria Soares Maria , Jurgens Julie , Ling Hua , Hetrick Kurt N. , Doheny Kimberly F. , Valle David , Brunoni Decio , Alvarez Perez Ana B.
Published: November 2014

Autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) accounts for 10% of all OI cases, and, currently, mutations in 10 genes (CRTAP, LEPRE1, PPIB, SERPINH1, FKBP10, SERPINF1, SP7, BMP1, TMEM38B, and WNT1) are known to be responsible for this form of the disease. PEDF is a secreted glycoprotein of the serpin superfamily that maintains bone homeostasis and regulates osteoid mineralization, and it is encoded by SERPINF1, currently associated with OI type VI (MIM 172860). Here, we report a consanguineous Brazilian family in which multiple individuals from at least 4 generations are affected with a severe form of OI, and we also report an unrelated individual from the same small city in Brazil with a similar but more severe phenotype. In both families the same homozygous SERPINF1 19-bp deletion was identified which is not known in the literature yet. We described intra- and interfamilial clinical and radiological phenotypic variability of OI type VI caused by the same homozygous SERPINF1 19-bp deletion and suggest a founder effect. Furthermore, the SERPINF1 genotypes/phenotypes reported so far in the literature are reviewed.
The Implementation of Liquid-Based Cytology for Lung and Pleural-Based Diseases
Authors: Michael Claire W. , Bedrossian Carlos C.W.M.
Published: November 2014

Objective: First introduced for the processing of cervico-vaginal samples, liquid-based cytology (LBC) soon found application in nongynecological specimens, including bronchoscopic brushings, washings and transcutaneous and transbronchial aspiration biopsy of the lung as well as pleural effusions. This article reviews the existing literature related to these specimens along with the authors' own experience. Study Design: A literature review was conducted through Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed search engines using several key words. Results: Most of the literature is based on data collected through the use of split samples. The data confirms that the use of LBC is an acceptable, and sometimes superior, alternative to the conventional preparations (CP). LBC offers several advantages, including the ability to transport in a stable collecting media, elimination of obscuring elements, ease of screening, excellent preservation, random representative sample, and application of ancillary techniques on additional preparations. Some diagnostic pitfalls related to the introduced artifacts were reported. Conclusion: The utilization of LBC offers many advantages over CP and has a diagnostic accuracy that is equal to or surpasses that of CP. LBC affords a bridge to the future application of molecular and other ancillary techniques to cytology. Knowledge of the morphological artifacts is useful at the early stages of implementation.
Pattern of Variation in the Mono- and Dinucleotide Repeat Microsatellites Associated with Lynch Syndrome in an Indian Population
Authors: Vaniawala Salil , Acharya Arpan , Parekh Harsh , Bapat Anuja , Mukhopadhyaya Pratap N.
Published: November 2014

Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) is associated with Lynch syndrome and hence is a surrogate marker for defective mismatch repair genes. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of instability associated with each of the 5 microsatellite (MS) loci recommended by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA within an Indian population of mixed ethnicity and suffering from Lynch syndrome. Methods: DNA from clinical samples originating from the study population (n = 130) were subjected to automated fragment analysis for all 5 MS loci, and data generated were analyzed to determine the frequency of variation of each of the MS in the resource population. Results: Out of 130, 116 samples responded to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for all 5 MS loci. 21 (16.15%) were MSI-high (MSI-H) while 27 (20.76%) and 68 (52.30%) were MSI-low (MSI-L) and microsatellite stable (MSS), respectively. D5S346 exhibited the highest instability (27 out of a total of 82 cases of instability recorded for all 5 MS in all 116 patients tested) followed by D2S123 (23/82), BAT26 (14/82), BAT25 (11/82), and D17S250 (7/82). Conclusion: MS D17S250 and BAT25 of the 5 MS panel recommended by the NCI are not informative enough and hence should be avoided for diagnosing Lynch syndrome in the Indian population.
Representativeness of Participants in a Lifestyle Intervention Study in Obese Pregnant Women - the Difference between Study Participants and Non-Participants
Authors: Gesche Joanna , Renault Kristina , Nørgaard Kirsten , Nilas Lisbeth
Published: November 2014

Objective: To examine the representativeness of participants attending a lifestyle intervention study addressing obese pregnant women. Methods: Retrospective comparison of baseline data, attendance to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcome in eligible women stratified according to study participation. Of 750 eligible women with a self-reported BMI > 30 kg/m2, and a live singleton pregnancy, 510 were eligible for inclusion and 425 were randomized to either active intervention (n= 284) or to standard obstetric care (n= 141) including two standard OGTT. The 85 women who declined participation or were excluded due to competing diseases and 240 women who did not respond to the initial invitation received the same standard care. Results: The randomized women had similar BMI but a lower parity and age, and were more frequently non-smokers, born in Denmark and married or cohabitating with their partner than the non-participants. Women participating in the trial had a higher compliance to the second OGTT compared to non-participants, also after correcting for age and nationality. There was no difference in pregnancy outcome, i.e., fetal weight and length, gestational age as well as mode of delivery. Conclusion: Women declining participation in a randomized lifestyle intervention study in pregnancy have characteristics indicating they are those who might benefit the most from lifestyle intervention.
Simultaneous Consideration of Multiple Candidate Protein Biomarkers for Long-Term Risk for Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Halim Sharif A. , Neely Megan L. , Pieper Karen S. , Shah Svati H. , Kraus William E. , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Califf Robert M. , Granger Christopher B. , Newby L. Kristin
Published: November 2014

Background—

Although individual protein biomarkers are associated with cardiovascular risk, rarely have multiple proteins been considered simultaneously to identify which set of proteins best predicts risk.

Methods and Results—

In a nested case–control study of 273 death/myocardial infarction (MI) cases and 273 age- (within 10 years), sex-, and race-matched and event-free controls from among 2023 consecutive patients (median follow-up 2.5 years) with suspected coronary disease, plasma levels of 53 previously reported biomarkers of cardiovascular risk were determined in a core laboratory. Three penalized logistic regression models were fit using the elastic net to identify panels of proteins independently associated with death/MI: proteins alone (Model 1); proteins in a model constrained to retain clinical variables (Model 2); and proteins and clinical variables available for selection (Model 3). Model 1 identified 6 biomarkers strongly associated with death/MI: intercellular adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinase-3, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, interleukin-6, soluble CD40 ligand, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2. In Model 2, only soluble CD40 ligand remained strongly associated with death/MI when all clinical risk predictors were retained. Model 3 identified a set of 6 biomarkers (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinase-3, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, interleukin-6, soluble CD40 ligand, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2) and 5 clinical variables (age, red-cell distribution width, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin, and New York Heart Association class) strongly associated with death/MI.

Conclusions—

Simultaneously assessing the association between multiple putative protein biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and clinical outcomes is useful in identifying relevant biomarker panels for further assessment.
Inactive Matrix Gla Protein Is Causally Related to Adverse Health Outcomes
Authors: Liu Yan-Ping , Gu Yu-Mei , Thijs Lutgarde , Knapen Marjo H.J. , Salvi Erika , Citterio Lorena , Petit Thibault , Carpini Simona Delli , Zhang Zhenyu , Jacobs Lotte , Jin Yu , Barlassina Cristina , Manunta Paolo , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Verhamme Peter , Struijker-Boudier Harry A. , Cusi Daniele , Vermeer Cees , Staessen Jan A.
Published: November 2014

Matrix Gla-protein is a vitamin K–dependent protein that strongly inhibits arterial calcification. Vitamin K deficiency leads to production of inactive nonphosphorylated and uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp–ucMGP). The risk associated with dp–ucMGP in the population is unknown. In a Flemish population study, we measured circulating dp–ucMGP at baseline (1996–2011), genotyped
MGP
, recorded adverse health outcomes until December 31, 2012, and assessed the multivariable-adjusted associations of adverse health outcomes with dp–ucMGP. We applied a Mendelian randomization analysis using
MGP
genotypes as instrumental variables. Among 2318 participants, baseline dp–ucMGP averaged 3.61 μg/L. Over 14.1 years (median), 197 deaths occurred, 58 from cancer and 70 from cardiovascular disease; 85 participants experienced a coronary event. The risk of death and non-cancer mortality curvilinearly increased (
P
≤0.008) by 15.0% (95% confidence interval, 6.9–25.3) and by 21.5% (11.1–32.9) for a doubling of the nadir (1.43 and 0.97 μg/L, respectively). With higher dp–ucMGP, cardiovascular mortality log-linearly increased (hazard ratio for dp–ucMGP doubling, 1.14 [1.01–1.28];
P
=0.027), but coronary events log-linearly decreased (0.93 [0.88–0.99];
P
=0.021). dp–ucMGP levels were associated (
P
≤0.001) with
MGP
variants
rs2098435
,
rs4236
, and
rs2430692.
For non-cancer mortality and coronary events (
P
≤0.022), but not for total and cardiovascular mortality (
P
≥0.13), the Mendelian randomization analysis suggested causality. Higher dp–ucMGP predicts total, non-cancer and cardiovascular mortality, but lower coronary risk. For non-cancer mortality and coronary events, these associations are likely causal.
Dietary Nitrate Provides Sustained Blood Pressure Lowering in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Kapil Vikas , Khambata Rayomand S. , Robertson Amy , Caulfield Mark J. , Ahluwalia Amrita
Published: November 2014

Abstract—

Single dose administration of dietary inorganic nitrate acutely reduces blood pressure (BP) in normotensive healthy volunteers, via bioconversion to the vasodilator nitric oxide. We assessed whether dietary nitrate might provide sustained BP lowering in patients with hypertension. We randomly assigned 68 patients with hypertension in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to receive daily dietary supplementation for 4 weeks with either dietary nitrate (250 mL daily, as beetroot juice) or a placebo (250 mL daily, as nitrate-free beetroot juice) after a 2-week run-in period and followed by a 2-week washout. We performed stratified randomization of drug-naive (n=34) and treated (n=34) patients with hypertension aged 18 to 85 years. The primary end point was change in clinic, ambulatory, and home BP compared with placebo. Daily supplementation with dietary nitrate was associated with reduction in BP measured by 3 different methods. Mean (95% confidence interval) reduction in clinic BP was 7.7/2.4 mm Hg (3.6–11.8/0.0–4.9,
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.050). Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP was reduced by 7.7/5.2 mm Hg (4.1–11.2/2.7–7.7,
P
<0.001 for both). Home BP was reduced by 8.1/3.8 mm Hg (3.8–12.4/0.7–6.9,
P
<0.001 and
P
<0.01) with no evidence of tachyphylaxis over the 4-week intervention period. Endothelial function improved by ≈20% (
P
<0.001), and arterial stiffness was reduced by 0.59 m/s (0.24–0.93;
P
<0.01) after dietary nitrate consumption with no change after placebo. The intervention was well tolerated. This is the first evidence of durable BP reduction with dietary nitrate supplementation in a relevant patient group. These findings suggest a role for dietary nitrate as an affordable, readily-available, adjunctive treatment in the management of patients with hypertension (funded by The British Heart Foundation).

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01405898.
Attitudes of Australian and Turkish Students of Veterinary Medicine toward Nonhuman Animals and Their Careers
Authors: Izmirli Serdar , Yigit Ali , Phillips Clive Julian Christie
Published: November 2014

We examined attitudes toward nonhuman animal welfare and rights and career aspirations in Australian and Turkish veterinary students. A representative university was selected in each country, with 190 first- and third-year students sampled in each. Survey questions addressed attitudes toward nonhuman animal welfare/rights, and intended career. Australian and Turkish students were predominately female and male, respectively, but attitudes were similar between sexes. Australian students rated keeping companion animals and hormonal desexing more acceptable, and food and rest deprivation, pain during slaughter, and using animals in experiments less acceptable than Turkish students. Keeping companion animals related strongly with students’ moral values, their decision to study veterinary medicine, and program satisfaction. More Australian than Turkish students wanted to enter clinical practice. Thus veterinary students of these two culturally contrasting countries demonstrated both differences and universalities, such as companion animal keeping, which influenced their attitudes toward animals and career aspirations.
Princely Companion or Object of Offense? The Dog’s Ambiguous Status in Islam
Authors: Berglund Jenny
Published: November 2014

Negative attitudes toward dogs are common in Muslim societies. Thus, in studying both past and present Muslim writings on dogs, a contradictory picture emerges, indicating that Muslim attitudes toward dogs have had their ambiguities. At times the dog has been presented as the lowest, filthiest, and vilest of creatures, and at times the dog appears as a perfect role model, exemplifying qualities like loyalty, devotion, and self-sacrifice. There are signs that attitudes toward dogs are changing in some Muslim societies. One such sign is that an increasing number of people in Muslim countries are now keeping dogs as companion animals. The following research will be used to highlight ambiguities as well as changes in order to not only better understand the position of the dog within Islam, but also to provide a very concrete example of how interpretations of religions are not isolated or single but are dependent on context.
Hermeneutics and the Provisional Character of Dialogue
Authors: Vedder Ben , van der Heiden Gert-Jan
Published: November 2014

The model of dialogue has been of crucial importance for the philosophical-hermeneutic account of interpretation ever since Schleiermacher. In this essay we investigate how contemporary hermeneutics accounts for this model in terms of provisionality and how the attention to provisionality marks the contemporary hermeneutic conception of interpretation. We will do so by first exploring how the theme of provisionality arises in Martin Heidegger’s work on interpretation: provisionality appears out of Heidegger’s concern with the primacy of anticipation in interpretation. Subsequently, we will show how Hans-Georg Gadamer’s attention to dialogue incorporates the theme of provisionality: since no dialogue ever truly comes to an end, every dialogue invites its own continuation. Finally, we will discuss how Jacques Derrida’s account of dialogue radicalizes the conception of this provisionality: despite its invitation for continuation, dialogues are radically interrupted; consequently, an additional work of interpretation is needed to continue a dialogue beyond these interruptions.
Gadamer’s Logic of Question and Answer and the Difference Between the History of Philosophy and the History of Ideas
Authors: Vessey David
Published: November 2014

The key difference between the history of ideas and the history of philosophy is that philosophers always consider their historical studies as potentially contributing to contemporary philosophical practice. Such presentism risks anachronistic readings of texts, but a too narrow focus on the historical context of the text risks limiting its ability to contribute to contemporary philosophizing. The current discussion of the history of philosophy focus entirely on how to understand, and what we can learn from, a philosopher’s claims and arguments. Hans-Georg Gadamer offers a different focus, arguing instead that it is the questions that the text answers that generate insights for contemporary philosophical practice. His focus on questions cuts across the standard ways of thinking about the relation between the history of philosophy and the history of ideas and provides novel answers to some central issues in the philosophy of history, for example how to best articulate a principle of charity.
Descriptions of the immature stages of Dampfomyia (Coromyia) beltrani (Vargas & Díaz-Nájera) (Diptera: Psychodidae), with notes on morphology and chaetotaxy nomenclature
Authors: OCA-AGUILAR ANA CELIA MONTES DE , REBOLLAR-TÉLLEZ EDUARDO , IBÁÑEZ-BERNAL SERGIO
Published: November 2014

All immature stages of the phlebotomine sandfly Dampfomyia (Coromyia) beltrani (Vargas & Díaz-Nájera) [= Lutzomyia (Coromyia) beltrani, sensu Young & Duncan 1994] are described and illustrated based on reared specimens from founder females collected from the type-locality in Veracruz, Mexico. These represent the first description of egg, and the third of larva instars and pupa of a species of the subgenus Coromyia, only preceded by Da. vespertilionis (Fairchild & Hertig) and Da. isovespertilionis (Fairchild & Hertig). Some morphological nomenclature clarifications are suggested toward the standardization of immature descriptions, which, in turn, would allow detection of homologies for future integration of these developmental stages characters into a phylogenetic analyses.
Ten new species from the Patagonian Andes (Argentina and Chile), mostly belonging to a newly designated Stigmella purpurimaculae group (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae)
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , REMEIKIS ANDRIUS , DAVIS DONALD R.
Published: November 2014

Ten new Stigmella Schrank species are described: Stigmella purpurimaculae Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. cana Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. truncata Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. sceptra Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. concreta Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. pseudoconcreta Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. quadrata Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. (all belonging to the newly designated S. purpurimaculae group), and S. semilactea Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. brutea Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. pseudodigitata Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. (not attributed to a species group) are described from the Andes (Patagonia: Argentina and Chile). For the species of the purpurimaculae group, a partial reduction of phallus, dentate cornuti, and strong development of utriculus (which can be equal or longer of the corpus bursae) are characteristic. Some of the species of the purpurimaculae group were collected near Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. & Endl.) Krasser, Nothofagaceae, but there is still no confirmation that Nothofagus is a host-plant. All new Stigmella species are illustrated with photographs and drawings of the adults and genitalia.
Synopsis of the Japanese species of Aleocharinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), with review of the type specimens I. Tribes Himalusini and Leucocraspedini
Authors: MARUYAMA MUNETOSHI , YAMAMOTO SHÛHEI , ELDREDGE TARO K.
Published: November 2014

The Japanese species of the tribes Himalusini and Leucocraspedini are reviewed. The tribe Sinanarchusini Pace, 2013 is synonymized with Himalusini in which the genera Protinodes Sharp, 1888, Himalusa Pace, 2006 and Sinanarchusa Pace, 2013 are recognized. Protinodes and Sinanarchusa have been placed in Hygronomini and Sinanarchusini respectively. Only a single species Leucocraspedum rufotestaceum Bernhauer, 1927 is recognized in Japanese fauna of Leucocraspedini. Two other known species, Leucocraspedum pallidum Cameron, 1933 and L. parvum Cameron, 1949 are synonymized with L. rufotestaceum.
Use of Specific Attenuation for Rainfall Measurement at X-Band Radar Wavelengths. Part II: Rainfall Estimates and Comparison with Rain Gauges
Authors: Diederich Malte , Ryzhkov Alexander , Simmer Clemens , Zhang Pengfei , Trömel Silke
Published: November 2014

In a series of two papers, rain-rate retrievals based on specific attenuation A at radar X-band wavelength using the R(A) method presented by Ryzhkov et al. are thoroughly investigated. Continuous time series of overlapping measurements from two polarimetric X-band weather radars in Germany during the summers of 2011–13 are used to analyze various aspects of the method, like miscalibration correction, ground clutter contamination, partial beam blockage (PBB), sensitivity to precipitation characteristics, and sensitivity to temperature assumptions in the retrievals. In Part I of the series, the relations inherent to the R(A) method were used to calculate radar reflectivity Z from specific attenuation and it was compared with measured reflectivity to estimate PBB and calibration errors for both radars. In this paper, R(A) rain estimates are compared to R(Z) and R(KDP) retrievals using specific phase shift KDP. PBB and calibration corrections derived in Part I made the R(Z) rainfall estimates almost perfectly consistent. Accumulated over five summer months, rainfall maps showed strong effects of clutter contamination if R(KDP) is used and weaker impact on R(A). These effects could be reduced by processing the phase shift measurements with more resilience toward ground clutter contamination and by substituting problematic R(KDP) or R(A) estimates with R(Z). Hourly and daily accumulations from rain estimators are compared with rain gauge measurements; the results show that R(A) complemented by R(Z) in segments with low total differential phase shift correlates best with gauges and has the lowest bias and RMSE, followed by R(KDP) substituted with R(Z) at rain rates below 8 mm h−1.
Key Points of China’s Economic Programme after the Third Plenum of the CPC
Authors: Brødsgaard Kjeld Erik , Grünberg Nis
Published: November 2014

At the Third Plenum held in November 2013, the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted a comprehensive reform programme containing no less than 300 reform proposals. It is potentially the most important reform document to have been passed by the CPC since the landmark Third Plenum in December 1978. Entitled ‘The Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Some Important Questions Concerning Comprehensively Deepening Reform’, the programme upgrades the role of the market in the general economic system from ‘basic’ to ‘decisive’. It also stipulates a number of reform measures within finance, banking, tax, real estate, hukou, urbanisation, government administration, family planning, etc., and establishes two new important leading bodies. One is The Central Leading Group on Comprehensively Deepening Reform and the other is the National Security Council. Xi Jinping is named chairman of both of these new powerful institutions. This indicates his increasingly dominant role in Chinese politics. The reform programme aims to create a more open and market-regulated Chinese economy by 2020, although without dismantling the guiding role of the state-owned economy. The article argues that implementation of the new ambitious goals will be met by resistance from entrenched vested interests. In the state-owned enterprise (SOE) sector powerful actors and interests will try to preserve the status quo. Some private investment will be allowed in publicly-owned entities in order to create enterprises characterised by mixed ownership. However, in key sectors of the economy SOEs will still enjoy a monopoly and will not be exposed to free market competition.
Development of a Conservative Protocol to Return Children and Youth to Activity Following Concussive Injury
Authors: DeMatteo Carol , Stazyk Kathy , Singh Sheila K. , Giglia Lucy , Hollenberg Robert , Malcolmson Charles H. , Mahoney William , Harper Jessica A. , Missiuna Cheryl , Law Mary , McCauley Dayle
Published: November 2014

Background. Consensus-based guidelines exist for adult athletes returning to play after concussion, but there are no protocols developed specifically for children. The goal of this knowledge translation research was to develop evidence-based materials to inform physicians about pediatric concussion. Methods. A pediatric concussion protocol was developed based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence procedures. Results. This return to activity protocol was developed to guide management when children/youth sustain a concussion. The protocol incorporated 3 main themes: ( a) a protocol must include return to all activity, including sport and school; ( b) existing consensus-based adult protocols are not appropriate for children; and ( c) a more conservative protocol is needed. After pilot testing, the developed protocol is being used across Ontario. Conclusion. Implementation of these new pediatric recommendations is an important addition to prevention of subsequent concussions during vulnerable recovery periods, with potential to facilitate recovery by preventing prolonged symptomatology, and secondary sequelae.
A User-Developed 3-D Hand Gesture Set for Human–Computer Interaction
Authors: Pereira Anna , Wachs Juan P. , Park Kunwoo , Rempel David
Published: November 2014

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to develop a lexicon for 3-D hand gestures for common human–computer interaction (HCI) tasks by considering usability and effort ratings.

Background:

Recent technologies create an opportunity for developing a free-form 3-D hand gesture lexicon for HCI.

Method:

Subjects ( N = 30) with prior experience using 2-D gestures on touch screens performed 3-D gestures of their choice for 34 common HCI tasks and rated their gestures on preference, match, ease, and effort. Videos of the 1,300 generated gestures were analyzed for gesture popularity, order, and response times. Gesture hand postures were rated by the authors on biomechanical risk and fatigue.

Results:

A final task gesture set is proposed based primarily on subjective ratings and hand posture risk. The different dimensions used for evaluating task gestures were not highly correlated and, therefore, measured different properties of the task–gesture match.

Application:

A method is proposed for generating a user-developed 3-D gesture lexicon for common HCIs that involves subjective ratings and a posture risk rating for minimizing arm and hand fatigue.
The Clustering Effects of Surfaces within the Tooth and Teeth within Individuals
Authors: Masood M. , Masood Y. , Newton J.T.
Published: November 2014

The objectives of this study were 1) to provide an estimate of the value of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for dental caries data at tooth and surface level, 2) to provide an estimate of the design effect (DE) to be used in the determination of sample size estimates for future dental surveys, and 3) to explore the usefulness of multilevel modeling of cross-sectional survey data by comparing the model estimates derived from multilevel and single-level models. Using data from the United Kingdom Adult Dental Health Survey 2009, the ICC and DE were calculated for surfaces within a tooth, teeth within the individual, and surfaces within the individual. Simple and multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed with the outcome variables carious tooth or surface. ICC estimated that 10% of the variance in surface caries is attributable to the individual level and 30% of the variance in surfaces caries is attributable to variation between teeth within individuals. When comparing multilevel with simple logistic models, β values were 4 to 5 times lower and the standard error 2 to 3 times lower in multilevel models. All the fit indices showed multilevel models were a better fit than simple models. The DE was 1.4 for the clustering of carious surfaces within teeth, 6.0 for carious teeth within an individual, and 38.0 for carious surfaces within the individual. The ICC for dental caries data was 0.21 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.204–0.220) at the tooth level and 0.30 (95% CI, 0.284–0.305) at the surface level. The DE used for sample size calculation for future dental surveys will vary on the level of clustering, which is important in the analysis—the DE is greatest when exploring the clustering of surfaces within individuals. Failure to consider the effect of clustering on the design and analysis of epidemiological trials leads to an overestimation of the impact of interventions and the importance of risk factors in predicting caries outcome.
Mapping Poverty to Reach the Urban Poor
Authors: Singh Kulwant
Published: November 2014

Inclusive urban planning requires comprehensive and sufficiently detailed information about urban areas. In the absence of such information, many informal settlements are left out in the city-wide planning process. In the metros as well as in many big cities in particular, large proportion of the urban population lives in slums in India. The urban projects undertaken in these cities tend to ignore significant slum improvement interventions. The development plans have really not addressed the issue of the marginalisation of the poor in the cities, often leading to their spatial exclusion. They are pushed out of the city, where services are poor and investments are low.

Slum Environmental Sanitation Initiative (SESI) of UN-HABITAT in the cities of Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur in the State of Madhya Pradesh has resulted in significant improvements in the lives of slum communities through creating open defecation free slums, improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices and mobilising men and women for community action.

Poverty Pocket Situation Analysis (PPSA) has been used as an instrument to prioritise the slums for investments based on poverty and environmental infrastructure deficiency matrix. The process involved spatial mapping of infrastructural deficiencies in the slums. The outcome helped in the selection of the most vulnerable slums for water and sanitation intervention under SESI.
Accuracy of Self-Reported Drug Use Among Offenders
Authors: Peters Roger H. , Kremling Janine , Hunt Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

The study examined data from the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring–II (ADAM-II) program from 2007 until 2010 at 10 U.S. metropolitan jails to determine factors influencing the accuracy of self-reported drug use. The overall kappa coefficient for self-report data and urinalysis results of any type of drug use in the past 72 hr was .52, indicating a moderate level of agreement. Greater accuracy in self-reported drug use was found among arrestees who tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana, although these results differed by age and race/ethnicity. African Americans provided less accurate self-reports of drug use than Caucasians, and younger arrestees less accurately self-reported all types of drug use except for marijuana. Persons with no prior arrests had higher accuracy of self-reported drug use than those with a history of frequent arrests, and prior involvement in substance abuse treatment was associated with more accurate self-reporting of drug use. Findings indicate moderate accuracy of self-reported drug use among new arrestees, with the accuracy influenced by demographic factors, arrest history, and substance abuse treatment history.
Does Mark Narrate the Pauline Kerygma of ‘Christ Cruciﬁed’? Challenging an Emerging Consensus on Mark as a Pauline Gospel
Authors: Kok Michael
Published: November 2014

An increasing number of scholars situate the Gospel of Mark within the Pauline sphere of inﬂuence. The centrality of Mark’s Passion story may lend itself to this interpretation, and Mark’s Gospel is frequently read as a narrativization of the Pauline kerygma on the vicarious death of Jesus. I intend to challenge this academic paradigm, drawing attention to the areas where the similarities have been exaggerated or the major differences overlooked in comparisons between Paul and Mark on this theme. Against the supposition that Mark’s emphasis on the soteriological signiﬁcance of the cruciﬁxion of Jesus can only be explained with reference to Paul, I will argue that the evangelist’s social location on the margins may account for the preoccupation with the redemptive value of Jesus’ suffering.
The range of toleration
Authors: Galeotti Anna Elisabetta
Published: November 2014

This article aims to provide a critical map of toleration as it is displayed in contemporary democracy. It does so by presenting three conceptions of toleration to which current practices of toleration can be traced, and, precisely, these are the standard notion, the political conception based on the neutrality principle, and toleration as recognition. The author argues that the latter is the appropriate conception to address the politically relevant issues of toleration arising in pluralistic democracy, while the first is adequate only for social relations. In order to illustrate this argument, she presents a case of a contested and never solved request for a place of worship by the Muslims of Vercelli which represents an example of a very restricted and minimal interpretation of the standard notion, labeled ‘disrespectful tolerance’. The case is meant to show that unacceptable forms of toleration are still practised, and that the standard notion, here interpreted in the most minimal and negative way, is inappropriate for democratic politics.
Bone‐Anchored Hearing Device Placement with Translabyrinthine Tumor Removal
Authors: McRackan Theodore R. , Goddard John C. , Wilkinson Eric P. , Slattery William H. , Brackmann Derald E.
Published: November 2014

Objective

Translabyrinthine resection of intracranial tumors results in single‐sided deafness, which can be treated by surgical and nonsurgical means. Here we describe the first series examining complication and device usage rates among patients receiving a surgically implanted bone‐anchored hearing device (BAHD) at the time of translabyrinthine tumor removal.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Private tertiary neurotologic referral center.

Patients

Patients (N = 154) undergoing concurrent BAHD placement and translabyrinthine tumor resection.

Intervention

Concurrent BAHD placement and translabyrinthine tumor removal.

Main Outcome Measures

Postoperative complication rates and BAHD usage.

Results

Of the 154 patients, 121 (78.6%) had no device‐related complications. The most common device‐related complications were skin overgrowth (8.4%), acute infection (5.2%), and chronic infection (3.2%). The overall and specific complication rates did not differ from published BAHD complication rates. One patient (0.6%) developed a cerebrospinal leak through the surgical site for the device. At the time of last follow‐up (mean, 39.8 months), 151 patients (95.0%) were still using their devices.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing concurrent translabyrinthine tumor removal and BAHD placement exhibit similar device‐related complication profiles as patients undergoing standard device placement. Based on these outcomes and the high long‐term usage rates, BAHD insertion at the time of translabyrinthine intracranial surgery can be considered a safe and useful procedure.
The small foramina of the orbit and periorbital region: assessment with multi detector computed tomography
Authors: Gufler Hubert , Preiss Markus , Koesling Sabrina
Published: November 2014

Background

Familiarity with the variants of the foramina of the orbit and periorbital region is important in planning anesthesiological blocks and during orbital and maxillofacial surgery to avoid damage to nerves and vessels.

Purpose

To assess the visibility and the incidence of variants of the small foramina of the orbit by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Material and Methods

The MDCT scans of 400 orbits from 200 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Slice thickness of the reconstructed images were in the range of 0.5–1.0 mm. The visibility and the variants of the foramen supraorbitale, the foramen infraorbitale, the foramen zygomaticofaciale, the foramen ethmoidale anterius et posterius, and the foramen cranio-orbitale were assessed using three-dimensional reconstruction tools.

Results

The foramen infraorbitale (100%; n = 400), foramen supraorbitale (99.5%, n = 398), foramen zygomaticofaciale (76.5%; n = 307), and foramen zygomatico-orbitale (74.5%; n = 298) were most reliably detected by MDCT, while the foramen ethmoidale anterius (58.7%; n = 235) et posterius (56.7%; n = 225) were depicted less frequently. The foramen cranio-orbitale could not be identified in any case. Doubling was found for the foramen supraorbitale in 3.25% ( n = 13), the foramen infraorbitale in 1.75% ( n = 7), the foramen zygomaticofaciale in 16% ( n = 64), and the foramen zygomatico-orbitale 14% ( n = 56). Three foramina zygomatico-orbitale and foramina infraorbitale were found in 1.5% ( n = 6) and in 0.5% ( n = 2) of orbits, respectively.

Conclusion

The foramina supraorbitale, infraorbitale, zygomatico-orbitale, and zygomaticiofaciale and their variants are well visible on MDCT. Knowledge of the exact number of these small foramina is relevant for preoperative evaluation.
Muscle hardness of the triceps brachii before and after a resistance exercise session: a shear wave ultrasound elastography study
Authors: Akagi Ryota , Tanaka Jun , Shikiba Tomofumi , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: November 2014

Background

Muscle hardness indicates muscle condition, and its measurement before and after resistance exercise is essential for preventing resistance training-induced muscle injury.

Purpose

To investigate muscle hardness of the triceps brachii (TB) before and immediately after a resistance exercise session involving the elbow extensors.

Material and Methods

In 18 young men, muscle hardness of the long head of TB was measured at 50%, 60%, and 70% point along the length of the upper arm from the acromial process of the scapula to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus by using shear wave ultrasound elastography. At the same sites, muscle thickness of the long head of TB was also measured by ultrasonography. Resistance exercise was performed using a dumbbell with a mass adjusted to 80% of the one-repetition maximum.

Results

Although the exercise-induced increase in muscle hardness was significant at all the regions, muscle hardness was significantly higher at 70% of the upper arm length than at the other regions before and after resistance exercise. The exercise-induced increase in muscle thickness was also significant, but the relative changes in muscle hardness before and after resistance exercise were not correlated with the corresponding relative changes in muscle thickness at each region. These results indicate the small effect of exercise-induced muscle swelling on exercise-induced changes in muscle hardness.

Conclusion

We suggest that muscle damage and/or injury, particularly at the distal region of TB, should be carefully considered to safely perform resistance exercise.