bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening mental health problems during adolescence: Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Authors: Ortuño‐Sierra Javier , Fonseca‐Pedrero Eduardo , Paino Mercedes , Sastre i Riba Sylvia , Muñiz José 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe main purpose of the present study was to test the psychometric properties of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), self‐reported version, in Spanish adolescents, introducing a five‐point Likert response scale. The sample consisted of 1474 adolescents with a mean age of 15.92 years (SD = 1.18). The level of internal consistency of the SDQ Total score was .75, ranging from .56 to .71 for the subscales. Results from exploratory factor analysis revealed a three‐factor structure as the most satisfactory. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the five‐factor model (with modifications) displayed better goodness of‐fit indices than the other hypothetical dimensional models tested. Furthermore, strong measurement invariance by age and partial measurement invariance by gender was supported. The study of the psychometric properties confirms that the Spanish version of the SDQ, self‐reported form, is a useful tool for the screening of emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents.
Visualization of the radiofrequency lesion after pulmonary vein isolation using delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging fused with magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Kiuchi Kunihiko , Okajima Katsunori , Shimane Akira , Yokoi Kiminobu , Teranishi Jin , Aoki Kousuke , Chimura Misato , Tsubata Hideo , Miyata Taishi , Matsuoka Yuuki , Toba Takayoshi , Ohishi Shogo , Sawada Takahiro , Tsukishiro Yasue , Onishi Tetsuari , Kobayashi Seiichi , Yamada Shinichiro , Taniguchi Yasuyo , Yasaka Yoshinori , Kawai Hiroya , Ikeuchi Kazushi , Shigenaga Yutaka , Ikeda Takayuki 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe radiofrequency (RF) lesions for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can be visualized by delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI). However, the quality of anatomical information provided by DE‐MRI is not adequate due to its spatial resolution. In contrast, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides similar information regarding the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) as computed tomography angiography. We hypothesized that DE‐MRI fused with MRA will compensate for the inadequate image quality provided by DE‐MRI.MethodsDE‐MRI and MRA were performed in 18 patients who underwent AF ablation (age, 60±9 years; LA diameter, 42±6 mm). Two observers independently assessed the DE‐MRI and DE‐MRI fused with MRA for visualization of the RF lesion (score 0–2; where 0: not visualized and 2: excellent in all 14 segments of the circular RF lesion).ResultsDE‐MRI fused with MRA was successfully performed in all patients. The image quality score was significantly higher in DE‐MRI fused with MRA compared to DE‐MRI alone (observer 1: 22 (18, 25) vs 28 (28, 28), p<0.001; observer 2: 24 (23, 25) vs 28 (28, 28), p<0.001).ConclusionsDE‐MRI fused with MRA was superior to DE‐MRI for visualization of the RF lesion owing to the precise information on LA and PV anatomy provided by DE‐MRI.
MiR‐Score: A novel 6‐microRNA signature that predicts survival outcomes in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Kirschner Michaela B. , Cheng Yuen Yee , Armstrong Nicola J. , Lin Ruby C.Y. , Kao Steven C. , Linton Anthony , Klebe Sonja , McCaughan Brian C. , van Zandwijk Nico , Reid Glen 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundPrognosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is poor, and predicting the outcomes of treatment is difficult. Here we investigate the potential of microRNA expression to estimate prognosis of MPM patients.MethodsCandidate microRNAs from microarray profiling of tumor samples from 8 long (median: 53.7 months) and 8 short (median: 6.4 months) survivors following extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) were validated by RT‐qPCR in 48 additional EPP samples. Kaplan–Meier log ranking was used to further explore the association between microRNA expression and overall survival (OS). Binary logistic regression was used to construct a microRNA signature (miR‐Score) that was able to predict an OS of ≥20 months. Performance of the miR‐Score was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and validated in a series of 43 tumor samples from patients who underwent palliative surgery [pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)].ResultsThe miR‐Score, using expression data of six microRNAs (miR‐21‐5p, ‐23a‐3p, ‐30e‐5p, ‐221‐3p, ‐222‐3p, and ‐31‐5p), enabled prediction of long survival with an accuracy of 92.3% for EPP and 71.9% for palliative P/D. Hazard ratios for score‐negative patients were 4.12 (95% CI: 2.03–8.37) for EPP and 1.93 (95% CI: 1.01–3.69) for P/D. Importantly, adding the miR‐Score to a set of clinical selection criteria (histology, age, gender) increased predictive accuracy in the independent validation set from 76.3% for clinical factors only to 87.3%.ConclusionsThis study has identified a novel 6‐microRNA signature (miR‐Score) that can accurately predict prognosis of MPM patients.
Informal Institutions and Personal Rule in Urban Ghana
Authors: Paller Jeffrey W. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract:Contrary to expectations of modern democratic development, the establishment of liberal-democratic institutions in Ghana has not led to the demise of political clientelism. Instead, the underlying informal institutions of leadership—friendship, capitalist entrepreneurship, family, and religion—contribute to the persistence of personal rule in urban Ghana. Leaders amass political power by accumulating followers in daily life. The article provides empirical evidence to substantiate these theoretical claims in the form of two ethnographic case studies—a politician’s primary campaign and the screening of a football match in an urban slum. It proposes an alternative model for the study of democracy and political accountability that extends beyond the formal institutional realm to include informal mechanisms that shape political clientelism in a democratic environment.
Comparing the SPLA’s Role in Sudan’s 1997 and 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreements: To Spoil or Not to Spoil
Authors: Haywood Keisha S. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract:In 2012, of the ten ongoing intrastate conflicts in Africa, half had seen at least one relapse into violence after an agreement had been signed between warring parties. This statistic tells the story of stalled and failed peace processes on the continent, but it does not point to potential causes for these failures. By comparing the Sudan People’s Liberation Army’s divergent decisions during different peace processes in 1997 and 2005, this article finds that changes in the group’s grievances and cost–benefit analysis influenced its leaders’ decision to participate in or spoil a peace process.
Independent and continuous third-order dispersion compensation using a pair of prisms
Authors: Yang Qingwei , Xie Xinglong , Kang Jun , Zhu Haidong , Guo Ailin , Gao Qi 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The dispersion of a pair of prisms is analyzed by means of a ray-tracing method operating at other than tip-to-tip propagation of the prisms, taking into consideration the limited spectral bandwidth. The variations of the group delay dispersion and the third-order dispersion for a pair of prisms are calculated with respect to the incident position and the separation between the prisms. The pair of prisms can provide a wide range of independent and continuous third-order dispersion compensation. The effect of residual third-order dispersion on the pulse contrast ratio and pulse duration is also calculated. The residual third-order dispersion not only worsens the pulse contrast ratio, but also increases the pulse duration to the hundreds of femtosecond range for a tens of femtosecond pulse, even when the residual third-order dispersion is small. These phenomena are helpful in compensating for the residual high-order dispersion and in understanding its effect on pulse contrast ratios and pulse durations in ultrashort laser systems.
Instabilities in a fluid overlying an inclined anisotropic and inhomogeneous porous layer
Authors: Deepu P. , Dawande Sameer , Basu Saptarshi 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this paper, linear stability analysis on a Newtonian fluid film flowing under the effect of gravity over an inclined porous medium saturated with the same fluid in isothermal condition is carried out. The focus is placed on the effect of the anisotropic and inhomogeneous variations in the permeability of the porous medium on the shear mode and surface mode instabilities. The fluid–porous system is modelled by a coupled two-dimensional Navier–Stokes/Darcy problem. The perturbation equations are solved numerically using the Chebyshev collocation method. Detailed stability characteristics as a function of the depth ratio (the ratio of the depth of the fluid layer to that of the porous layer), the anisotropic parameter (the ratio of the permeability in the direction of the basic flow to that in the direction transverse to the basic flow) and the inhomogeneity functions are presented.
Sediment-laden fresh water above salt water: nonlinear simulations
Authors: Burns P. , Meiburg E. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWhen a layer of particle-laden fresh water is placed above clear, saline water, both double-diffusive and Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities may arise. The present investigation extends the linear stability analysis of Burns & Meiburg (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 691, 2012, pp. 279–314) into the nonlinear regime, by means of two- and three-dimensional direct numerical simulations (DNS). The initial instability growth in the DNS is seen to be consistent with the dominant modes predicted by the linear stability analysis. The subsequent vigorous growth of individual fingers gives rise to a secondary instability, and eventually to the formation of intense plumes that become detached from the interfacial region. The simulations show that the presence of particles with a Stokes settling velocity modifies the traditional double-diffusive fingering by creating an unstable ‘nose region’ in the horizontally averaged profiles, located between the upward-moving salinity and the downward-moving sediment interface. The effective thickness $l_{s}$ ($l_{c}$) of the salinity (sediment) interface grows diffusively, as does the height $H$ of the nose region. The ratio $H/l_{s}$ initially grows and then plateaus, at a value that is determined by the balance between the flux of sediment into the rose region from above, the double-diffusive/Rayleigh–Taylor flux out of the nose region below, and the rate of sediment accumulation within the nose region. For small values of $H/l_{s}\leqslant O(0.1)$, double-diffusive fingering dominates, while for larger values $H/l_{s}\geqslant O(0.1)$ the sediment and salinity interfaces become increasingly separated in space and the dominant instability mode becomes Rayleigh–Taylor like. A scaling analysis based on the results of a parametric study indicates that $H/l_{s}$ is a linear function of a single dimensionless grouping that can be interpreted as the ratio of inflow and outflow of sediment into the nose region. The simulation results furthermore indicate that double-diffusive and Rayleigh–Taylor instability mechanisms cause the effective settling velocity of the sediment to scale with the overall buoyancy velocity of the system, which can be orders of magnitude larger than the Stokes settling velocity. While the power spectra of double-diffusive and Rayleigh–Taylor-dominated flows are qualitatively similar, the difference between flows dominated by fingering and leaking is clearly seen when analysing the spectral phase shift. For leaking-dominated flows a phase-locking mechanism is observed, which intensifies with time. Hence, the leaking mode can be interpreted as a fingering mode which has become phase-locked due to large-scale overturning events in the nose region, as a result of a Rayleigh–Taylor instability.
On the thermodynamic boundary conditions of a solidifying mushy layer with outflow
Authors: Rees Jones David W. , Worster M. Grae 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe free-boundary problem between a liquid region and a mushy layer (a reactive porous medium) must respect both thermodynamic and fluid dynamical considerations. We develop a steady two-dimensional forced-flow configuration to investigate the thermodynamic condition of marginal equilibrium that applies to a solidifying mushy layer with outflow and requires that streamlines are tangent to isotherms at the interface. We show that a ‘two-domain’ approach in which the mushy layer and liquid region are distinct domains is consistent with marginal equilibrium by extending the Stokes equations in a narrow transition region within the mushy layer. We show that the tangential fluid velocity changes rapidly in the transition region to satisfy marginal equilibrium. In convecting mushy layers with liquid channels, a buoyancy gradient can drive this tangential flow. We use asymptotic analysis in the limit of small Darcy number to derive a regime diagram for the existence of steady solutions. Thus we show that marginal equilibrium is a robust boundary condition and can be used without precise knowledge of the fluid flow near the interface.
‘For the sake of science and country’: the Ross Sea party 1914–1917
Authors: Harrowfield David L. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIn December 1913 Sir Ernest Shackleton released a prospectus and announced The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. His goal was to undertake the first crossing of Antarctica from the Weddell Sea via the polar plateau to McMurdo Sound on the Ross Sea. The journey had already been attempted by Wilhelm Filchner whose shipDeutschland, had become beset in the Weddell Sea ice for nine months in 1912. Shackleton aimed ‘to make all possible scientific observations on [the Trans-Antarctic] journey; to carry on similar work by parties operating from the two bases on the Weddell and Ross Seas [and] to carry on scientific work, and travel unknown portions of the coastline, by the two ships of the expedition’(Shackleton 1913: 3). WithEndurancea continental crossing party of six led by Shackleton would begin from the Weddell Sea and a supporting depot laying party led byNimrodveteran Lieutenant Aeneas L.A. Mackintosh RNR, with the auxiliary barquentineAurorabased in McMurdo Sound. Unbeknown to each party, both experienced problems beyond their control.Endurancewas holed and sank in the Weddell Sea andAuroralocked in ice, although damaged, reached New Zealand. Here the ship was repaired and then undertook a relief expedition with Shackleton as a passenger, to McMurdo Sound. In spite of these major setbacks each party conducted valuable scientific observations.When Shackleton published his bookSouth(Shackleton 1919) on the expedition, compiled with New Zealand journalist and friend Edward Saunders, with exception of accounts on the Ross Sea party sledging and drift of the shipAurora, no recognition was given to work undertaken by the four Ross Sea party scientists and an assistant. Later publications have focused on the depot-laying, while books on Antarctic science have largely overlooked the science undertaken.The purpose of this paper is to make this better known, and to give credit to the four scientists involved. The science conducted although primarily concerned with meteorological observations, also covers limited glaciological observations including the ablation of lake ice, solution of glacier ice in salt water, tidal recordings, collection of zoological and other specimens, along with the use of improvised equipment to undertake observations. The science achieved was secondary to the field work. The Ross Sea party science was done however, under conditions not normally conducive for such field work with health issues a major contributing factor. A lack of funding, equipment, personality problems, concern forAuroraand crew, uncertainty of Shackleton's Antarctic crossing and their own relief, led to depression, sleeplessness and insomnia.
Pseudoprogression Following Chemoradiotherapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Sanghera Paul , Perry James , Sahgal Arjun , Symons Sean , Aviv Richard , Morrison Meredith , Lam Kelvin , Davey Phillip , Tsao May N. 
Published: December 2014

Purpose:Pseudoprogression (psPD) is now recognised following radiotherapy with concurrent temozolomide (RT/TMZ) for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of psPD following RT/TMZ and the effect of psPD on prognosis.Materials/Methods:All patients receiving RT/TMZ for newly diagnosed GBM were identified from a prospective database. Clinical and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Early progression was defined as radiological progression (RECIST criteria) during or within eight weeks of completing RT/TMZ. Pseudoprogression was defined as early progression with subsequent disease stabilization, without salvage therapy, for at least six months from completion of RT/TMZ. The primary outcome was overall survival (Kaplan-Meier) and log rank analysis was used to compare groups.Results:Out of 111 patients analyzed, 104 were evaluable for radiological response. Median age was 58 years and median follow-up 55 weeks. Early progression was confirmed in 26% and within this group 32% had psPD. Median survival for the whole cohort was 56.7 weeks [95% CI (51.0, 71.3)]. Median survival for patients with psPD was significantly higher than for patients with true early progression (124.9 weeks versus 36.0 weeks, p=0.0286).Conclusions:Approximately one third of patients with early progression were found to have psPD which was associated with a favourable prognosis. Maintenance TMZ should not be abandoned on the basis of seemingly discouraging imaging features identified within the first three months after RT/TMZ.
Admission and Acute Complication Rate for Outpatient Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Authors: Fallah Aria , Massicotte Eric M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Lewis Stephen J. , Rampersaud Yoga Raja , Ebrahim Shanil , Bernstein Mark 
Published: December 2014

Objective:Specialization is generally independently associated with improved outcomes for most types of surgery. This is the first study comparing the immediate success of outpatient lumbar microdiscectomy with respect to acute complication and conversion to inpatient rate. Long term pain relief is not examined in this study.Methods:Two separate prospective databases (one belonging to a neurosurgeon and brain tumor specialist, not specializing in spine (NS) and one belonging to four spine surgeons (SS)) were retrospectively reviewed. All acute complications as well as admission data of patients scheduled for outpatient lumbar microdiscectomy were extracted.Results:In total, 269 patients were in the NS group and 137 patients were in the SS group. The NS group averaged 24 cases per year while the SS group averaged 50 cases per year. Chi-square tests revealed no difference in acute complication rate [NS(6.7%), SS(7.3%)] (p>0.5) and admission rate [NS(4.1%), SS(5.8%)] (p=0.4) while the SS group had a significantly higher proportion of patients undergoing repeat microdiscectomy [NS(4.1%), SS(37.2%)] (p<0.0001). Excluding revision operations, there was no statistically significant difference in acute complication [NS(5.4%), SS(1.2%)] (p=0.09) and conversion to inpatient [NS(4.3%), SS(4.6%)] (p>0.5) rate. The combined acute complication and conversion to inpatient rate was 6.9% and 4.7% respectively.Conclusion:Based on this limited study, outpatient lumbar microdiscectomy can be apparently performed safely with similar immediate complication rates by both non-spine specialized neurosurgeons and spine surgeons, even though the trend favored the latter group for both outcome measures.
A Novel PS1 Gene Mutation in a Large Aboriginal Kindred
Authors: Butler Rachel , Beattie B. Lynn , Thong Umamon Puang , Dwosh Emily , Guimond Colleen , Feldman Howard H. , Hsiung Ging-Yuek Robin , Rogaeva Ekaterina , St. George-Hyslop Peter , Sadovnick A. Dessa 
Published: December 2014

Background:There is currently little information on the genetic epidemiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) among North American Aboriginal populations. No cases of familialAD (FAD) in these populations have been published to date.Methods:Here, we describe a large North American Aboriginal kindred with early onset FAD (EOFAD) in which genetic testing was done.Results and Conclusions:A novel Presenilin 1 (PS1) gene mutation (L250F) has been identified. In contrast to the three previously reported families with PS1 codon 250 mutations, affected members of this kindred demonstrate neither myoclonus nor seizures. Furthermore, the identification of a PS1 mutation in a North American Aboriginal kindred presents several unique challenges with respect to knowledge transfer and continuity of care in a geographically remote and culturally distinct community.
Long-Term Efficacy of Botulinum A Toxin for Blepharospasm and Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Gill Harmeet S. , Kraft Stephen P. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:To determine whether the duration of relief from symptoms in patients with essential blepharospasm (EB) or hemifacial spasm (HFS) who receive serial treatments with botulinum toxin type A (BtA) changes over the long-term.Methods:Retrospective longitudinal comparative analysis. The main outcome measure is the mean duration of relief from symptoms after an injection with BtA. Participants included 34 patients who received 30 or more serial BtA treatments for facial dyskinesia (EB or HFS). Repeated measures and linear regression analyses were used to determine trends and the mean duration of relief from symptoms was compared between early (first ten effective treatments) and late (last ten treatments) sessions in each group.Results:In the EB group (18 patients), the mean duration of relief was 13.5 weeks for the early and 11.4 weeks for the late sessions (P=0.04). In the HFS group (16 patients) the mean duration of relief was 12.4 weeks in both treatment periods (P=0.91). The duration of relief had a small negative correlation with mean late session BtA dose in the EB group (P=0.03) but no correlation in the HFS group (P=0.12).Conclusions:There was a trend towards a decreased duration of relief from symptoms in patients with EB over the long-term, but no changes for HFS. The treatment remains effective in relieving symptoms and signs for both conditions.