bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knee Flexion Contractures in Patients with Osteoarthritis: Clinical Features and Histologic Characterization of the Posterior Capsule
Authors: Campbell Thomas Mark , Trudel Guy , Laneuville Odette 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo (1) identify demographic and clinical factors associated with knee flexion contracture (KFlC) in the setting of osteoarthritis (OA) and (2) histologically compare the posterior knee capsule of patients with OA with and without KFlC.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingPrimary care, including private and institutional practice.PatientsThirteen patients with primary OA and KFlC and 8 patients with primary OA without KFlC.MethodsWe compared the KFlC and non‐KFlC groups to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with KFlC. We examined the histology of the posterior knee capsules of 9 patients with KFlC and 6 without.Main Outcome MeasurementsPatient demographic and clinical factors. For histology we measured the proportional composition of collagenous, adipose, and synovial tissues; fibroblast and adipocyte cellularity; and synovial thickness.ResultsPatients with contracture had longer duration of OA, reduced flexion of the surgical knee, and reduced extension of the contralateral knee (P = .04, <.01, and <.01 respectively). Histologically, there was a greater proportion of collagenous tissue and a lower proportion of adipose and synovial tissues in the contracture group than in the noncontracture group; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Cellularity was similar between the 2 groups.ConclusionsLonger duration of knee OA, reduced surgical knee flexion, and reduced contralateral, nonsurgical knee extension were associated with KFlC in the OA knee undergoing total arthroplasty. Monitoring bilateral knee range of motion in patients with longer‐duration OA could allow earlier intervention, reducing functional loss. Capsular tissue composition analysis may indicate a fibrotic disease process. Further research in which a larger sample size is used will help clarify these novel findings.
A numerical study on the energy transfer from surface waves to interfacial waves in a two-layer fluid system
Authors: Tanaka Mitsuhiro , Wakayama Kyoichi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInteraction between surface and interfacial waves with continuous energy spectra in a two-layer density stratified fluid system is investigated numerically. For an initial wave field which consists only of the surface waves all propagating in the same direction, it is confirmed that the spectra $S_{s}(k)$ of the surface waves and $S_{i}(k)$ of the interfacial waves change significantly due to the recently found class 3 triad resonance. When the bulk of the surface wave spectrum $S_{s}(k)$ is initially located well above the critical wavenumber $k_{crit}$, below which the class 3 triad resonance is prohibited, $S_{s}(k)$ downshifts gradually toward the lower wavenumber during the initial stage of evolution. However, this downshift halts when the peak of $S_{s}(k)$ reaches around $k_{crit}$, and after that a steep peak forms in $S_{s}(k)$ around $k_{crit}$. It is confirmed that the timescale of the spectral evolution is of $O(1/{\it\epsilon}^{2})$ (${\it\epsilon}$ is a characteristic non-dimensional wave amplitude) in most of the $k$ space, consistent with the prediction of the wave turbulence theory for a system with a decay-type dispersion relation. However, it is also found that the timescale of the formation and growth of the sharp peak in $S_{s}(k)$ around $k_{crit}$ is of $O(1/{\it\epsilon})$, i.e. the timescale of the deterministic three-wave resonance.
DICHOTOMY RESULT FOR INDEPENDENCE-FRIENDLY PREFIXES OF GENERALIZED QUANTIFIERS
Authors: SEVENSTER MERLIJN 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe study the expressive power of independence-friendly quantifier prefixes composed of universal$\left( {\forall x/X} \right)$, existential$\left( {\exists x/X} \right)$, and majority quantifiers$\left( {Mx/X} \right)$. We provide four quantifier prefixes that can express NP hard properties and show that all quantifier prefixes capable of expressing NP-hard properties embed at least one of these four quantifier prefixes. As for the quantifier prefixes that do not embed any of these four quantifier prefixes, we show that they are equivalent to a first-order quantifier prefix composed of$\forall x$,$\exists x$, and Mx. In unison, our results imply a dichotomy result: every independence-friendly quantifier prefix is either decidable in LOGSPACE or NP hard.
ON SEQUENCES GENERIC IN THE SENSE OF MAGIDOR
Authors: FUCHS GUNTER 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe main result of this paper is a combinatorial characterization of Magidor-generic sequences. Using this characterization, I show that the critical sequences of certain iterations are Magidor-generic over the target model. I then employ these results in order to analyze which other Magidor sequences exist in a Magidor extension. One result in this direction is that if we temporarily identify Magidor sequences with their ranges, then Magidor sequences are maximal, in the sense that they contain any other Magidor sequence that is present in their forcing extension, even if the other sequence is generic for a different Magidor forcing. A stronger result holds if both sequences come from the same forcing: I show that a Magidor sequence is almost unique in its forcing extension, in the sense that any other sequence generic for the same forcing which is present in the same forcing extension coincides with the original sequence at all but finitely many coordinates, and at all limit coordinates. Further, I ask the question: If d ε V[c], where c and d are Magidor-generic over V, then which Magidor forcing can d be generic for? It turns out that it must essentially be a collapsed version of the Magidor forcing for which c was generic. I treat several related questions as well. Finally, I introduce a special case of Magidor forcing which I call minimal Magidor forcing. This approach simplifies the forcing, and I prove that it doesn’t restrict the class of possible Magidor sequences. That is, if c is generic for a Magidor forcing over V, then it is generic for a minimal Magidor forcing over V.
ALGEBRAIC GEOMETRY FOR MV-ALGEBRAS
Authors: BELLUCE LAWRENCE P. , NOLA ANTONIO DI , LENZI GIACOMO 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this paper we try to apply universal algebraic geometry to MV algebras, that is, we study “MV algebraic sets” given by zeros of MV polynomials, and their “coordinate MV algebras”. We also relate algebraic and geometric objects with theories and models taken in Łukasiewicz many valued logic with constants. In particular we focus on the structure of MV polynomials and MV polynomial functions on a given MV algebra.
The evolution and structure of social networks
Authors: RICHARDS WHITMAN , WORMALD NICHOLAS 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAs social networks evolve, new nodes are linked to the large-scale organization already in place. We show that the combination of two simple algorithms, one the Barabasi-Albert preferential attachment proposal and the other a neighbor attachment rule, successfully generate networks exhibiting both the local and global characteristics of empirical data on social network structures. Ideally, one might hope that some coarse features of this linking process and the form of the local patterns might enable the prediction of large-scale properties. We show that this is generally not the case. This might help explain the variety of local and global patterns in empirical networks.
Foraminifera on the Demerara Rise offshore Surinam: crustal subsidence or shallowing of an oxygen minimum zone?
Authors: WILSON BRENT , HAYEK LEE-ANN C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe lower bathyal Ocean Drilling Program Hole 1261A was sampled near an upper Quaternary oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Glauconite, the percentage of the foraminiferal assemblage as benthic specimens and assemblage composition were used to investigate the behaviour of the OMZ. Benthic foraminifera and glauconite were comparable with the upper margin of the modern OMZ off California. The percentage abundances ofU. peregrinaandC. laevigatawere on the Demerara Rise negatively correlated, the proportional abundance ofU. peregrinaincreasing upwards through the section. This reflects variations in proximity to the upper margin of the OMZ. This might reflect either crustal subsidence or long-term shallowing of the OMZ during the earlier late Quaternary. Neither hypothesis can be accepted unequivocally. The purported subsidence can be ascribed to crustal loading by the Amazon and Orinoco deep-sea fans, but this would require that the palaeodepth to the top of the OMZ remains constant across several glacial–interglacial cycles. In contrast, it is difficult to envisage any mechanism that could have caused progressive shallowing of the OMZ across several glacial–interglacial cycles. The epifaunalPlanulina wuellerstorfiis related to more oxic waters and enhanced current action. This suggests that intervals with more abundantP. wuellerstorfiwere somewhat less dysoxic than those with few. These intervals approximate to those with more abundantC. laevigata. Superimposed on this low-frequency signal is a higher-frequency signal, indicated by a between-sample assemblage turnover index (ATIs) that might prove useful for long-range sequence stratigraphic correlation at bathyal depths.
Migration, Minorities, and Radical Networks: Labour Movements and Opposition Groups in Saudi Arabia, 1950–1975
Authors: Matthiesen Toby 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article shows how ideas of Arab nationalism, socialism, and communism spread to the Arab Gulf states. It outlines how migrant workers, teachers, students returning from abroad, and the emergence of a print culture filled with Arab nationalist and leftist ideas in the 1940s created the basis for widespread political mobilization in the oil-rich Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. After major strikes in 1953 and 1956 and a harsh crackdown, leftist activists moved underground and into exile. They continued to be active clandestinely and gathered in various capitals in the region. Members of the Shia Muslim minority in the Eastern Province played a special role in the labour movement and secular opposition groups. The latter promised the Shia inclusion in a larger political project and thus they were seen as an antidote to sectarian discrimination against this minority. The article emphasizes the importance of transnational networks, organizational resources such as libraries and social clubs, and a radicalized public sphere for political mobilization.
Heat-induced changes in the properties of modified skim milks with different casein to whey protein ratios
Authors: Jeswan Singh Mandeep , Chandrapala Jayani , Udabage Punsandani , McKinnon Ian , Augustin Mary Ann 
Published: December 2014

The heat-induced changes in pH, Ca activity and viscosity after heating at 90 °C for 10 min of five modified skim milks were studied as a function of the initial pH of the milks at 25 °C. The milks had (i) different ratios of casein : whey protein (0·03, 1·74, 3·97, 5·27 and 7·25), (ii) the same total solids concentration (9% w/w) and (iii) prior to the adjustment of the pH, similar values of pH (6·67–6·74), concentration of serum calcium, and calcium activity, suggesting that the sera have similar mineral composition. The total protein concentrations of the milks differ (2·8–4·0%, w/w). The pH decrease in situ upon heating from 25–90 °C was similar for all the modified skim milks with the same starting pH, suggesting that the pH changes to milk on heating were primarily mediated by the initial mineral composition of the serum and were unaffected by the casein : whey protein ratio or the total protein content of the milk. The heat-induced changes in pH and calcium activity were largely reversible on cooling. The two milks with the lowest ratios of casein to whey protein gelled on heating to 90 °C for 10 min and cooling to 25 °C when the pH was adjusted to pH = 6·2 prior to heating. The viscosities of all other milks with casein to whey protein ratio of 3·97, 5·27 and 7·25 and/or pH ≥6·7 prior to heating did not change significantly. The effect of casein : whey protein ratio and the pH are the dominant factors in controlling the susceptibility to thickening of the milks on heating in this study.
The structure and short-term stability of the emotional disorders: a dimensional approach
Authors: Kotov R. , Perlman G. , Gámez W. , Watson D. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundFactor-analytic studies have found that depressive, bipolar, post-traumatic, obsessive–compulsive, and anxiety disorders – jointly referred to as the emotional disorders – form an internalizing spectrum that includes distress and fear subfactors. However, placement of some disorders is uncertain. Also, prior research analysed dichotomous interview-based diagnoses or dimensional self-report measures. We investigated this structure using a third-generation measure – the Interview for Mood and Anxiety Symptoms (IMAS) – that combines strengths of a clinical interview with dimensional assessment.MethodThe interview was administered to 385 students and 288 psychiatric out-patients. Participants were reinterviewed 2 months later.ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified three factors: distress (depression, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress, irritability, and panic syndrome); fear (social anxiety, agoraphobia, specific phobia, and obsessive–compulsive); and bipolar (mania and obsessive–compulsive). The structure was consistent over time and across samples, except that panic and agoraphobia had higher factor loadings in patients. Longitudinal analyses revealed high temporal stability of the factors (test–retest r = 0.72 to 0.87), but also substantial disorder-specific stability.ConclusionsThis investigation – which bridges diagnostic and self-report studies – found three subfactors of internalizing psychopathology. It provided support for a new subfactor, clarified the placement of obsessive–compulsive and bipolar disorders, and demonstrated that this model generalizes across populations. The accumulating research suggests the need to recognize formally the close links among the emotional disorders, as well as empirical clusters within this spectrum. The IMAS demonstrated strong psychometric properties and can be useful for various research and clinical applications by providing dimensional, interview-based assessment of the emotional disorders.
Plastic sheets: a new method for collecting faecal samples with seeds dispersed by birds
Authors: Hernández-Dávila O. A. , Galindo-González J. , Castro-Luna A. A. , Sosa V. J. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract:For birds, we tested the efficacy of a technique used to obtain faecal samples and their seed content from bats by placing plastic sheets below mist nets. This method was compared with that of collecting faecal samples using cotton bags. Plastic sheets were placed below each of eight mist nets to obtain faecal samples from birds caught in cloud forest remnants. Each bird was then placed separately in a cotton bag to catch any other seeds excreted. There were 84 faecal samples in total: 64 with no seeds and 20 with seeds; of the latter 65% were obtained from the plastic sheets. A total of 407 seeds were collected, 317 from 11 plant species were collected on the plastic sheets and 90 belonging to six plant species in the bags. Seed richness and abundance were significantly greater for samples obtained using the plastic sheets than with the cotton bags. Although the number of bird faecal samples obtained did not differ between methods (13 vs 7), with the plastic sheets the number of faecal samples with seeds increased. Thus, to obtain more representative faecal samples from frugivorous birds, we strongly recommend the use of plastic sheets as part of the technique.
Burden of Epilepsy: The Ontario Health Survey
Authors: Wiebe Samuel , Eliasziw Michael , Bellhouse David R. , Fallahay Christine 
Published: December 2014

Background:Few data exist on the frequency and burden of epilepsy in Canada and on the impact of self-reported epilepsy in the general population. We assess the frequency, general health, psychosocial function, and health care resource use among self-identified epileptic persons in the general population.Method:The 1990 Ontario Health Survey is an omnibus, extensive health survey of 61,239 subjects representing the Ontario population. Self-reported epileptic subjects are compared with three groups, ie., those with ≥1 other chronic illnesses, the general population, and those with no health problems.Results:The point prevalence of self-reported epilepsy was 5.8 per 1,000 population, a figure similar to that of active epilepsy in other studies. Quality of life, family function and social support were worse in epileptic than in other chronically ill subjects. Similarly, the epilepsy population had more disability days and limitations in activities, and lower annual income than all other groups, including the chronically ill. Accidents were no more common among epileptic subjects than among controls. Epileptic persons were high users of health care resources, including hospitalization, emergency room, psychological/social work, nursing services and telephone contact with health professionals. Barriers to health care were experienced infrequently. Small area variations in health status and care are explored.Conclusion:The health profile of self-reported epileptic subjects is similar to that obtained in studies involving defined epilepsy patients. In the general population, self-identification as having epilepsy carries a significant burden of illness, reflected in poorer health, psychosocial function, and quality of life, and higher health care resource use.
MR Characteristics of Malignant Spinal Cord Astrocytomas in Children
Authors: Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Armstrong Derek C. , Drake James M. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:Malignant spinal cord astrocytomas are rare tumors and their specific MR characteristics have not been previously described. We present a detailed MR analysis of four children with malignant astrocytoma.Methods:A review of the clinical database at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto revealed four patients with histologically-verified malignant spinal cord astrocytomas (WHO Grade 3 or 4) with pre-operative MR available for retrospective review.Results:There were three boys and one girl with a mean age at presentation of four years (range 7 months - 12 years). Mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation was six weeks (range 3 days - 5 months). Pre-operative MR analysis revealed that all tumors were located in the cervical or cervico-thoracic regions and expanded the cord over an average of 6.5 vertebral levels. The signal was usually hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense or mixed intensity on T2-weighted images. In the three cases where gadolinium was given, all demonstrated enhancement (one rim enhancement with a discrete border and two with inhomogeneous central enhancement). One tumor appeared to be exophytic, one had a significant cystic component, and none showed evidence of hemorrhage. Pre-operative leptomeningeal spread of tumor was documented in two of four cases and involved intracranial spread in both cases.Conclusion:There did not appear to be any specific MR characteristics to help differentiate a malignant astrocytoma from a low-grade tumor, except for the high rate of leptomeningeal spread at presentation. It is recommended that full neuraxis MR imaging be performed pre-operatively in children in whom a rapidly progressive clinical course suggests a malignant lesion. This will likely have a high positive yield and provide valuable information prior to surgical intervention.
EMG Related Anxiety and Pain: A Prospective Study
Authors: Jan Mohammed M.S. , Schwartz Murray , Benstead Timothy J. 
Published: December 2014

Background:Electromyography (EMG) is a useful test, but unfortunately also painful. We frequently encounter patients who worry about its painful nature, but tolerate it very well. Objectives: We evaluated anxiety levels of patients referred for EMG to explore the possible correlating and contributing factors to high anxiety.Methods:A structured questionnaire, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was completed by patients immediately before EMG testing. Emergency, hospitalized, and seriously ill patients were excluded.Results:Seventy-nine cases with ages ranging from 19-72 years (mean 43) were included. Thirty-five (44%) patients had a high pre-test anxiety level. The likelihood of high anxiety was increased if the patient was worried about the test (p<0.001) or about other issues unrelated to the test or underlying diagnosis (p<0.001), or was taking an anti-psychotic or anxiolytic drug (p=0.008). The degree or source of knowledge regarding the test procedure, did not affect the pre-test anxiety level.Conclusion:The information about EMG testing received by patients in this group did not affect pre-test anxiety levels. The patient's expectations regarding the test did influence anxiety levels and this may reflect generalized anxiety regarding testing procedures or misinformation regarding the nature of the test, as patients in general reported a better than anticipated experience following the test.
Biphasic Opening of the Blood-Brain Barrier Following Transient Focal Ischemia: Effects of Hypothermia
Authors: Huang Z. Gao , Xue Dong , Karbalai Hasneen , Buchan Alastair M. , Huang Z. Gao , Xue Dong , Preston Edward 
Published: December 2014

Objective:Tracer constants (Ki) for blood-to-brain diffusion of sucrose were measured in the rat to profile the time course of blood-brain barrier injury after temporary focal ischemia, and to determine the influence of post-ischemic hypothermia.Methods:Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to transient (2 hours) clip occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Reperfusion times ranged from 1.5 min to 46 hours, and i.v. 3H-sucrose was circulated for 30 min prior to each time point (1h, 4h, 22h, and 46h; n=5-7 per time point). Ki was calculated from the ratio of parenchymal tracer uptake and the time-integrated plasma concentration. Additional groups of rats (n=7-8) were maintained either normothermic (37.5oC) or hypothermic (32.5oC or 28.5oC) for the first 6 hours of reperfusion, and Ki was measured at 46 hours.Results:Rats injected after 1.5 - 2 min exhibited a 10-fold increase in Ki for cortical regions supplied by the right middle cerebral artery (p<0.01). This barrier opening had closed within 1 to 4 hours post-reperfusion. By 22 hours, the blood-brain barrier had re-opened, with further opening 22 and 46 hours (p<0.01), resulting in edema. Whole body hypothermia (28oC-29oC) during the first six hours of reperfusion prevented opening, reducing Ki by over 50% (p<0.05).Conclusion:Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion evokes a marked biphasic opening of the cortical blood-brain barrier, the second phase of which causes vasogenic edema. Hypothermic treatment reduced infarct volume and the late opening of the blood-brain barrier. This opening of the blood-brain barrier may enhance delivery of low permeability neuroprotective agents.