bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social acceleration and the network effect: a defence of social ‘science fiction’ and network determinism
Authors: Hassan Robert 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis essay is a response to Judy Wajcman's essay ‘Life in the fast lane? Towards a sociology of technology and time’ (2008: 59–77). In that article Wajcman argued that recent developments in the sociology of temporal change had been marked by a tendency in social theory towards a form of ‘science fiction’– a sociological theorizing, she maintains, that bears no real relation to actual, empirically provable developments in the field and should therefore be viewed as not contributing to ‘a richer analysis of the relationship between technology and time’ (2008: 61). This reply argues that as Wajcman suggests in her essay, there is indeed an ‘urgent need for increased dialogue to connect social theory with detailed empirical studies’ (2008: 59) but that the most fruitful way to proceed would not be through a constraining of ‘science fiction’ social theorizing but, rather, through its expansion – and more, that ‘science fiction’ should take the lead in the process. This essay suggests that the connection between social theory and empirical studies would be strengthened by a wider understanding of the function of knowledge and research in the context of what is termed ‘true originality’ and ‘routine originality’. The former is the domain of social theory and the latter resides within traditional sociological disciplines. It is argued that both need each other to advance our understanding of society, especially in the context of the fast‐changing processes of technological development. The example of ‘technological determinism’ is discussed as illustrative of how ‘routine originality’ can harden into dogma without the application of ‘true originality’ to continually question (sometimes through ideas that may appear to border on ‘science fiction’) comfortable assumptions that may have become ‘routine’ and shorn of their initial ‘originality’.
Measuring fractional forest canopy element cover and openness – definitions and methodologies revisited
Authors: Gonsamo Alemu , D’odorico Petra , Pellikka Petri 
Published: June 2013

Canopy structural parameters are often used to give adequate representation of vegetated ecosystems for various purposes including primary productivity, climate system, water and carbon gas exchanges, and radiation extinction. Canopy structural parameters are usually described using several pseudo‐synonymous terms, often measuring different components of vegetation canopies. Standardization in the definitions has fallen short, leading to confusion of terms even in standard text books making the comparison of historic measures futile. Here we clarify concepts that have been used for fractional canopy element cover and openness measures. The fractional canopy element cover and openness concepts considered are canopy closure, canopy cover, canopy openness, crown closure, crown completeness, crown cover, crown porosity, site openness and tilt openness. New methodologies are presented to obtain large scale fractional canopy element cover and openness measures using hemispherical photography. The new methodologies and variations in definitions of fractional canopy element cover and openness concepts are demonstrated using photographic measurements in complex topography. The results indicate that both fractional canopy element cover and openness parameters can be estimated with a few point‐based measurements using hemispherical photography. Hemispherical photography is therefore less time, labour and resource intensive, as compared to point based measuring techniques of canopy element cover and openness.Most of the commonly and interchangeably used concepts of fractional canopy element cover and openness measures represent physically different structural properties of a vegetated ecosystem.
Detection of human herpesvirus‐8 DNA in oral ulcer tissues of HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Di Alberti L , Porter SR , Speight PM , Scully CM , Zakrzewska JM , Williams IG , Artese L , Piattelli A , Ngui SL , Teo CG 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of detection of human herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8) in HIV‐related oral ulcers. DESIGN: Analysis of archived biopsy material.METHODS: Nested polymerase chain reaction of DNA extracts.RESULTS: HHV‐8 DNA was detected in six of 10 oral ulcers of HIV‐positive patients without oral Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions and five of 11 oral KS lesions. The positive non‐KS samples were derived from various oral sites.CONCLUSIONS: In HIV‐positive people, HHV‐8 can infect oral tissues that are not affected by KS.
Synthesis of Fluid Inclusion Reference Materials in the H2O–NaCl–CH4 System
Authors: Faulstich Fabiano R. L. , Neumann Reiner , Pironon Jacques , Randi Aurelien 
Published: June 2013

In this study, we detail procedures to synthesise inclusions of fluids of known composition under diagenetic conditions – low temperatures (50–180 °C) and pressures (2–25 MPa) – hosted by quartz. Pre‐existing microcavities in polished quartz chips were used, decrepitated and rinsed before being healed in an autoclave. Each synthesis required around 4 weeks. A range of biphase liquid–vapour inclusions in the H2O–CH4–NaCl system, similar to natural ones, were synthesised in quartz, varying the content of all three components. The quartz chips were checked before and after synthesis by optical microscopy, microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy. The method was used to build a series of calibration curves relating methane‐to‐water count ratios to the methane content of aqueous fluid inclusions. Good correlation was obtained between Raman band area ratios and the expected CH4 solubilities from equations of state. The chosen procedure's main advantages, compared with other published methods, are as follows: quicker healing of the microfractures at lower temperatures, larger inclusions, simple quartz sample preparation, control of fluid inclusion composition and the use of commercial reactors. Such reference material inclusions allow the calibration of Raman microspectrometers with the objective of PTX reconstruction of palaeofluid migration in petroleum reservoirs.
Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of (1−x)K0.5Bi0.5TiO3–xBa(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Zeb Aurang , Milne Steven J. 
Published: June 2013

The properties of relaxor ceramics in the compositional series (1−x)K0.5Bi0.5TiO3–xBa(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O3 have been investigated. Values of Tm, the temperature of maximum relative permittivity, decreased from 380°C at x = 0.0 to below room temperature for x > 0.7. Compositions x = 0.1 and 0.2 were piezoelectric and ferroelectric. The maximum value of d33 piezoelectric charge coefficient, 130 pC/N, and strain, 0.14%, occurred at x = 0.1. Piezoelectric properties of x = 0.1 were retained after thermal cycling from room temperature to 220°C, consistent with results from high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction indicating a transition to single‐phase cubic at ~300°C.
The aesthetic and cultural interests of patients attending an acute hospital – a phenomenological study
Authors: Moss Hilary , O'Neill Desmond 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimTo describe the aesthetic and cultural pursuits of older patients in hospital.BackgroundAlthough there is much discussion of the importance of arts – used in this paper to refer to all art forms, as currently listed by the Arts Council of Ireland www.artscouncil.ie – in health, little is known about the salience of aesthetic and cultural pursuits of hospital patients.DesignA qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study examined artistic and cultural interests and experiences of older hospital patients and their perceptions of aesthetics of hospital.MethodsA phenomenological study was carried out in 2011, using purposeful sampling with 20 inpatients aged over 65. Patients were selected from the geriatric medicine day hospital of a university teaching hospital, 10 had experience of the hospital arts programme.ResultsSeven themes identified: loss and the impact of illness on leisure activities; patients' interests and passions; a lack of expectation of arts in hospital; the positive impact of arts in hospital for those who had experienced them; varying preference between receptive and participative arts activity according to phase of illness; aesthetic aspects of the hospital experience; recommendations for changes to improve arts in hospital.ConclusionsAesthetic and cultural interests are important in the lives of older patients admitted to hospital. Illness can create barriers to artistic engagement. Participation in arts activities may be more important during recovery and rehabilitation, with receptive arts being more popular during the acute phase of illness in hospital. Further research recommended on the role of the aesthetic environment for patients' health and well‐being as well as receptive arts in hospital.
Sweating under pressure: skin conductance level reactivity moderates the association between peer victimization and externalizing behavior
Authors: Gregson Kim D. , Tu Kelly M. , Erath Stephen A. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundThis study examined whether the association between peer victimization and externalizing behavior may be illuminated by individual differences in skin conductance level reactivity (SCLR) in the context of peer stress.MethodsParticipants included 123 fifth and sixth graders (Mean age = 12.03 years, 50% females; 42% ethnic minorities). SCLR was assessed in the context of an ecologically relevant, lab‐based peer‐evaluative stress experience in preadolescence.ResultsAs hypothesized, self‐reported peer victimization was linked with parent‐ and teacher‐reported externalizing behavior, and SCLR consistently moderated these associations. Peer victimization was associated with parent‐ and teacher‐reported externalizing behavior among preadolescents who exhibited lower SCLR, but not among preadolescents who exhibited higher SCLR.ConclusionsResults suggest that promoting engagement with peer stress experiences and enhancing inhibitory control are potential intervention targets that may reduce externalizing behavior in the context of peer victimization (or reduce peer victimization among preadolescents who exhibit externalizing behavior).
Comparable effects of capsaicin‐containing red pepper sauce and hydrochloric acid on secondary peristalsis in humans
Authors: Chen Chien‐Lin , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Liu Tso‐Tsai 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and AimWe aimed to evaluate whether acute esophageal instillation of capsaicin and hydrochloric acid had different effects on distension‐induced secondary peristalsis.MethodsSecondary peristalsis was induced by slow and rapid air injections into the mid‐esophagus after the evaluation of baseline motility in 16 healthy subjects. The effects on secondary peristalsis were determined by esophageal instillation with capsaicin‐containing red pepper sauce (pure capsaicin, 0.84 mg) and hydrochloric acid (0.1 N).ResultsThe administration of capsaicin induced a significant increase in the visual analogue scale score for heartburn as compared with hydrochloric acid (P = 0.002). The threshold volume for generating secondary peristalsis during slow and rapid air distensions did not differ between capsaicin and hydrochloric acid infusions. Hydrochloric acid significantly increased the frequency of secondary peristalsis in response to rapid air distension compared with capsaicin infusion (P = 0.03). Pressure wave amplitude during slow air distension was greater with the infusion of hydrochloric acid than capsaicin infusion (P = 0.001). The pressure wave duration during rapid air distension was longer after capsaicin infusion than hydrochloric acid infusion (P = 0.01). The pressure wave amplitude during rapid air distension was similar between capsaicin and hydrochloric acid infusions.ConclusionsDespite subtle differences in physiological characteristics of secondary peristalsis, acute esophageal instillation of capsaicin and hydrochloric acid produced comparable effects on distension‐induced secondary peristalsis. Our data suggest the coexistence of both acid‐ and capsaicin‐sensitive afferents in human esophagus which produce similar physiological alterations in secondary peristalsis.
Normative data of high‐resolution impedance manometry in the Chinese population
Authors: Shi Yinan , Xiao Yinglian , Peng Sui , Lin Jinkun , Xiong Lishou , Chen Minhu 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and AimCurrent normative data of high‐resolution manometry have been obtained from Western populations, and esophageal motility disorders have been categorized using Chicago classification. However, the utility of high‐resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) in the Chinese population has not been evaluated. The study aimed to investigate the normal reference of esophageal motility in healthy volunteers (as defined by Chicago classification) using HRiM.MethodsHealthy, fasted volunteers underwent HRiM in a supine position with 10 liquid swallows and 10 viscous swallows. Integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal contractile integral (DCI), contractile front velocity (CFV), and distal latency were calculated. The interquartile ranges and the 95th percentile range for each metric were obtained.ResultsForty‐two healthy volunteers were enrolled with 411 total liquid swallows and 398 viscous swallows available for analysis. A 20.5 mmHg of IRP and a 3195 mmHg·s·cm of DCI as the 95th percentile for liquid swallows were established. Using the reference range defined by Chicago classification, 6.3% (26/411) weak peristalsis and 0.7% (3/411) failed peristalsis for liquid swallows were observed; 12 (28.6%, 12/42) and 2 (4.7%, 2/42) individuals were diagnosed as esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction and weak peristalsis for liquid swallows. Compared with liquid swallows, viscous swallows had a decreased IRP (P = 0.000) and CFV (P = 0.000), and an unchanged DCI (P = 0.211).ConclusionsHRiM normative data of both liquid and viscous swallows from healthy Chinese volunteers were established. The IRP and CFV were significantly decreased in the viscous swallows compared with those of the liquid swallows.
Endoscopic closure of experimental iatrogenic gastric fundus perforation using over‐the‐scope clips in a surviving canine model
Authors: Zhang Xiu Li , Sun Gang , Tang Ping , Zhang Ru Gang , Yang Yun Sheng 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and AimTo evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of endoscopic closure of a gastric fundus perforation using over‐the‐scope clips (OTSCs) system in a surviving canine model.MethodsGastric fundus perforations (20‐mm diameter) were created by an endoscopic needle‐knife in six dogs. The perforations then were closed by the OTSC system. Gastroscopy was performed to evaluate the postoperative perforation healing every week. The animals were sacrificed 4 weeks later to examine the possible intraperitoneal complications, and the healing of the perforation was examined histopathologically.ResultsThe gastric fundus perforations could primarily be closed using one OTSC in each experimental dog, and the mean time of the procedure was 17.3 ± 7.6 min (9–26 min). All animals survived without postoperative complications. The OTSC retention was observed in one dog at the end of 4 weeks, and the apparent foreign‐body reaction was examined pathologically.ConclusionsOur surviving animal study demonstrated that the OTSC clip system could reliably close gastric fundus perforations without complications.
Metabolic syndrome profiles, obesity measures and intake of dietary fatty acids in adults: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Shab‐Bidar S. , Hosseini‐Esfahani F. , Mirmiran P. , Hosseinpour‐Niazi S. , Azizi F. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the association between fatty acid intake and the prevalence of risk factors for the metabolic syndrome.MethodsIn this population‐based cross‐sectional study, a sample of 2750 Tehranian subjects (44% men and 56% women) aged 20–74 years, who completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, was studied. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined in accordance with the modified guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adults Treatment Panel III, and waist circumference was coded according to the newly‐introduced cut‐off points for Iranian adults (≥95 cm for both sexes). Metabolic risk factors across quartile categories of each type of dietary fat [total fat intake, total poly‐unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake, total MUFA intake, total saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake expressed as percentage of energy and quartiles of the ratio of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat (P : S)] were compared.ResultsThe mean (SD) ages of participants were 40.8 (14.6) and 38.6 (12.9) years, respectively, for men and women. The mean contribution of fat to energy intake was approximately 26% in men and women. A positive trend over successive quartiles of SFA intake with low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and triglyceride, as well as P/S ratio intake with high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), was found.An inverse association between HDL‐C with SFA and PUFA intake and a positive association with MUFA and the P/S ratio was found. A significant association of fatty acid consumption and risk of the MetS in this population was observed, except for total PUFA intake.ConclusionsSpecial dietary fatty acids are associated with metabolic risk factors among the Iranian population. Because of the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and MetS, national nutrition policies must be developed accordingly for the modification of dietary fatty acid intake with respect to causation and prevention.
Evaluation of Four Point‐Of‐Care Glucose Meters in Alpacas
Authors: Beemer O. , Byers S. , Bohn A. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeHospitalized alpacas are often hyperglycemic requiring frequent blood glucose testing.ObjectivesTo compare the performance of 4 brands of glucometers with a laboratory‐based analyzer (LCA) over a range of glucose concentrations in alpacas.AnimalsFour healthy male alpacas.MethodsA 2‐treatment cross‐over study was utilized. The alpacas were given 0.4 U/kg of regular insulin intravenously and then 500 mg/kg of dextrose intravenously with a 1 week washout period between treatments. Blood samples were collected from 10 minutes before until 6 hours after drug administration. Glucose concentrations were measured in whole blood and plasma samples on 4 glucometers, and serum glucose was measured on an LCA.ResultsGlucometer performance varied depending on whether glucose concentrations were measured in plasma or whole blood. Based on error grid analysis, the Precision Xtra and One Touch Ultra 2 glucometers were clinically acceptable for testing whole blood samples, whereas the Accu‐Chek Aviva and Nova StatStrip Xpress glucometers were clinically acceptable for testing plasma samples in comparison with serum glucose concentrations determined by the LCA. All glucometers had systematic and proportional biases that varied based on sample type.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceHuman‐based glucometers in alpacas should be used cautiously, particularly at higher blood glucose concentrations. The blood sample type (plasma or whole blood) can alter meter performance when compared with serum glucose concentrations and potentially lead to errors in clinical decisions.
Association between Absolute Tumor Burden and Serum Bone‐Specific Alkaline Phosphatase in Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma
Authors: Sternberg R.A. , Pondenis H.C. , Yang X. , Mitchell M.A. , O'Brien R.T. , Garrett L.D. , Helferich W.G. , Hoffmann W.E. , Fan T.M. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundIn dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA), increased pretreatment serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity is a negative prognostic factor, associated with shorter disease‐free intervals and survival times, but a biologic basis for observed differential serumBALPactivities in canineOSApatients remains incompletely defined.ObjectiveSerumBALPactivity will correlate with absolute tumor burden in dogs withOSA.AnimalsThis study included 96 client‐owned dogs with appendicularOSA.MethodsIn canineOSAcell lines, the expression and membranous release ofBALPwas evaluated in vitro. The correlation between serumBALPactivity and radiographic primary tumor size was evaluated inOSA‐bearing dogs. In dogs developing visceralOSAmetastases, serial changes in serumBALPactivities were evaluated in relation to progression of macroscopic metastases, and visceral metastaticOSAcells were evaluated forBALPexpression.ResultsIn vitro,BALPexpression was not associated with either tumorigenic or metastatic phenotype, rather the quantity of membranousBALPreleased was proportional with cell density. In dogs devoid of macroscopic metastases, there was a positive correlation between serumBALPactivity and absolute primary tumor size. In dogs with progressiveOSAmetastases, serum BALP activity increased and coincided with the development of macroscopic metastases.OSAcells derived from visceral metastatic lesions retainedBALPexpression.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTumor burden is a determinant of serumBALPactivity in dogs with appendicularOSA. The association between increased pretreatmentBALPactivity and negative clinical prognosis may simply be attributed to greater initial tumor burden, and consequently more advanced tumor stage.
MMP‐2 is a disease‐modifying gene in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Sebib Korkmaz Kerem , de Rooij Bert‐Jan F. , van Hoek Bart , Janse Marcel , Coenraad Minneke J. , van der Reijden Johan J. , Weersma Rinse K. , Porte Robert J. , Voorneveld Philip W. , Baranski Andrzej G. , Verspaget Hein W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bile ducts, frequently necessitating orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), often accompanied by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with fibrotic diseases caused by the involvement in tissue remodelling.AimTo evaluate the contribution of MMP‐2 and ‐9 promoter polymorphisms to disease severity in PSC, as assessed by death or need for OLT.MethodsMatrix metalloproteinase‐2 (−1306 C/T) and ‐9 (−1562 C/T) gene promoter polymorphisms were analyzed in 132 PSC patients. Follow‐up was from onset PSC until death, OLT or end of follow‐up.ResultsTwenty‐year cumulative incidence (CI) of death or OLT for PSC patients with MMP‐2 CT genotype was 86.5% compared to 52.8% for CC genotype (P = 0.030) and reached 100% at 11.3 years for TT genotype. In patients with IBD, CIs were similar: 20‐years CI of death or OLT for MMP‐2 CT genotype was 86.0% compared to 49.0% for CC genotype and 100% at 11.3 years for TT genotype. Patients without IBD showed a similar trend in 20 years CI for MMP‐2 CT (77.8%) compared to CC (57.8%) and CI for TT genotype reached 100% at 9.3 years. Multivariate analysis showed, along with age at diagnosis, a stepwise increase in hazard ratio for MMP‐2 T‐allele polymorphism for death or OLT. MMP‐9 genotype was not associated with disease severity in PSC.ConclusionMatrix metalloproteinase‐2 C to T‐1306 gene promoter polymorphism in PSC is an independent risk factor for disease severity as reflected by the need for OLT or disease progression leading to mortality.