bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital Heart Defects in the United States
Authors: Gilboa Suzanne M. , Devine Owen J. , Kucik James E. , Oster Matthew E. , Riehle-Colarusso Tiffany , Nembhard Wendy N. , Xu Ping , Correa Adolfo , Jenkins Kathy , Marelli Ariane J.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Because of advancements in care, there has been a decline in mortality from congenital heart defects (CHDs) over the past several decades. However, there are no current empirical data documenting the number of people living with CHDs in the United States. Our aim was to estimate the CHD prevalence across all age groups in the United States in the year 2010.

Methods:

The age-, sex-, and severity-specific observed prevalence of CHDs in Québec, Canada, in the year 2010 was assumed to equal the CHD prevalence in the non-Hispanic white population in the United States in 2010. A race-ethnicity adjustment factor, reflecting differential survival between racial-ethnic groups through 5 years of age for individuals with a CHD and that in the general US population, was applied to the estimated non-Hispanic white rates to derive CHD prevalence estimates among US non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. Confidence intervals for the estimated CHD prevalence rates and case counts were derived from a combination of Taylor series approximations and Monte Carlo simulation.

Results:

We estimated that ≈2.4 million people (1.4 million adults, 1 million children) were living with CHDs in the United States in 2010. Nearly 300 000 of these individuals had severe CHDs.

Conclusions:

Our estimates highlight the need for 2 important efforts: planning for health services delivery to meet the needs of the growing population of adults with CHD and the development of surveillance data across the life span to provide empirical estimates of the prevalence of CHD across all age groups in the United States.
Hemoglobin Concentration and Risk of Incident Stroke in Community-Living Adults
Authors: Panwar Bhupesh , Judd Suzanne E. , Warnock David G. , McClellan William M. , Booth John N. , Muntner Paul , Gutiérrez Orlando M.
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose—

In previous observational studies, hemoglobin concentrations have been associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, these studies were limited by a relatively low number of stroke events, making it difficult to determine whether the association of hemoglobin and stroke differed by demographic or clinical factors.

Methods—

Using Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan–Meier plots, we examined the association of baseline hemoglobin concentrations with incident stroke in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a cohort of black and white adults aged ≥45 years.

Results—

A total of 518 participants developed stroke over a mean 7±2 years of follow-up. There was a statistically significant interaction between hemoglobin and sex (
P
=0.05) on the risk of incident stroke. In Cox regression models adjusted for demographic and clinical variables, there was no association of baseline hemoglobin concentration with incident stroke in men, whereas in women, the lowest (<12.4 g/dL) and highest (>14.0 g/dL) quartiles of hemoglobin were associated with higher risk of stroke when compared with the second quartile (12.4–13.2 g/dL; quartile 1: hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–2.31; quartile 2: referent; quartile 3: hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.59–1.38; quartile 4: hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.35). Similar results were observed in models stratified by hemoglobin and sex and when hemoglobin was modeled as a continuous variable using restricted quadratic spline regression.

Conclusions—

Lower and higher hemoglobin concentrations were associated with a higher risk of incident stroke in women. No such associations were found in men.
Christian and Non-Christian Agricultural Deities
Authors: Panegyres Konstantine
Published: July 2016

This article explores a continuity in the use of agricultural deities in rural areas by Christians and non-Christians. Beginning with a discussion of a passage from Arnobius’Adversus nationes, it argues that the same traditions and spells emerge in the agricultural sphere in both non-Christian and Christian times, even though the deities described in the traditions and spells changed. It does so by comparatively analysing different agricultural spells and traditions, with particular attention given to specific examples ranging frombctoad. Ultimately, the article suggests how and why those involved in agriculture so readily worked their non-Christian customs, traditions, and spells into Christianity.
A new species of Holocephalus Hope from Paraguay (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Dichotomiini s. str.)
Authors: NUNES RAFAEL V. , VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z.
Published: July 2016

It came to us from Svatopluk Pokorný a single Scarabaeinae specimen from Paraguay which we promptly diagnosed as belonging to the genus Holocephalus Hope, mainly due to the shape of first labial palpomere, head, cephalic carina, pronotum and other secondary charateristics (Smith & Génier 2001, Vaz-de-Mello et al. 2011). Comparisons with the diagnosis provided in the very fine and comprehensive revision of the genus (Smith & Génier 2001) and with specimens deposited at CEMT (Cuiabá-MT, Brazil) allowed us to confirm that this exemplar belongs to a new species of Holocephalus, which is described here. Besides providing illustrated description and diagnosis of the sixth discovered species of the genus, we differentiate it in a Holocephalus key adapted from Smith & Génier (2001) and also provide additional geographical records for other species in the genus.
Southern Andean Stigmella sinuosa complex (Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae): unraveling problematic taxonomy with a pictorial key of adults?
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , REMEIKIS ANDRIUS
Published: July 2016

On the basis of morphological studies of a collection sample from the southern Andes of Argentina and Chile, we describe and name two new species of Stigmella Schrank (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae): S. sinuosa Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. and S. mevia Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. Other two new species are documented but left unnamed. All treated taxa belong to a newly designated S. sinuosa complex that belongs to the S. salicis group. The S. sinuosa complex contains cryptic species. We also discuss the differentiation of the species of the complex by using morphological characters.
A new species of Zosime (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Zosimeidae) from shallow subtidal habitats in Korea, with notes on the genus
Authors: KIM JONG GUK , JUNG TAE WON , YOON SEONG MYEONG
Published: July 2016

Zosime destituta sp. nov. is described from shallow subtidal habitats in the southern sea of Korea. The new species is similar to Z. valida Sars, 1919, but differs from it primarily by the lack of an inner seta on the third endopodal segment of the fourth swimming leg. Based on morphological comparison of female character states, the genus Zosime can be subdivided into three provisional groups, anneae-, incrassata-, and typica-group. These groups are distinguished from each other by differences in the antennule, antennary exopod, mandibular rami, armature of swimming legs, fifth leg, and caudal rami. In addition, Zosime incrassata bathybia Bodin, 1968 is removed from its synonymy with Z. incrassata Sars, 1910 and upgraded to species level. An amended key to all known species of Zosime Boeck, 1873 is given, along with a table of all major characters. The present study is the first report of the family Zosimeidae Seifried, 2003 from Korean waters.
Meteosat-Based Characterization of the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Warm Convective Cloud Fields over Central Europe
Authors: Bley Sebastian , Deneke Hartwig , Senf Fabian
Published: July 2016

The spatiotemporal evolution of warm convective cloud fields over central Europe is investigated on the basis of 30 cases using observations from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) on board the geostationary Meteosat platforms. Cloud fields are tracked in successive satellite images using cloud motion vectors. The time-lagged autocorrelation is calculated for spectral reflectance and cloud property fields using boxes of 16 × 16 pixels and adopting both Lagrangian and Eulerian perspectives. The 0.6-μm reflectance, cloud optical depth, and water path show a similar characteristic Lagrangian decorrelation time of about 30 min. In contrast, significantly lower decorrelation times are observed for the cloud effective radius and droplet density. It is shown that the Eulerian decorrelation time can be decomposed into an advective component and a convective component using the spatial autocorrelation function. In an Eulerian frame cloud fields generally decorrelate faster than in a Lagrangian one. The Eulerian decorrelation time contains contributions from the spatial decorrelation of the cloud field advected by the horizontal wind. A typical spatial decorrelation length of 7 km is observed, which suggests that sampling of SEVIRI observations is better in the temporal domain than in the spatial domain when investigating small-scale convective clouds. An along-track time series of box-averaged cloud liquid water path is derived and compared with the time series that would be measured at a fixed location. Supported by previous results, it is argued that this makes it possible to discriminate between local changes such as condensation and evaporation on the one hand and advective changes on the other hand.
First Evaluation of the Day-1 IMERG over the Upper Blue Nile Basin
Authors: Sahlu Dejene , Nikolopoulos Efthymios I. , Moges Semu A. , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. , Hailu Dereje
Published: July 2016

This work presents a first evaluation of the performance of the Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) precipitation product over the upper Blue Nile basin of Ethiopia. One of the unique features of this study is the availability of hourly rainfall measurements from an experimental rain gauge network in the area. Both the uncalibrated and calibrated versions of IMERG are evaluated, and their performance is contrasted against another high-resolution satellite product, which is the Kalman filter (KF)-based Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH). The analysis is performed for hourly and daily time scales and at spatial scales that correspond to the nominal resolution of satellite products, which is 0.1° spatial resolution. The period analyzed is focused on a single wet season (May–October 2014). Evaluation is performed using several statistical and categorical error metrics, as well as spatial correlation analysis to assess the ability of satellite products to represent spatial variability of precipitation in the area. Results show that both IMERG products have a better bias ratio and correlation coefficient on both time scales as compared to CMORPH. Comparison statistics show a slight improvement in the skill of detecting rainfall events in IMERG products compared to CMORPH. Results also show a decreasing trend in the detection ability of satellite products for increasing threshold values, highlighting the need to further improve detection during heavy precipitation.
Comparison of In Situ Soil Moisture Measurements: An Examination of the Neutron and Dielectric Measurements within the Illinois Climate Network
Authors: Coopersmith Evan J. , Cosh Michael H. , Jacobs Jennifer M.
Published: July 2016

The continuity of soil moisture time series data is crucial for climatic research. Yet, a common problem for continuous data series is the changing of sensors, not only as replacements are necessary, but as technologies evolve. The Illinois Climate Network has one of the longest data records of soil moisture; yet, it has a discontinuity when the primary sensor (neutron probes) was replaced with a dielectric sensor. Applying a simple model coupled with machine learning, the two time series can be merged into one continuous record by training the model on the latter dielectric model and minimizing errors against the former neutron probe dataset. The model is able to be calibrated to an accuracy of 0.050 m3 m−3 and applying this to the earlier series and applying a gain and offset, an RMSE of 0.055 m3 m−3 is possible. As a result of this work, there is now a singular network data record extending back to the 1980s for the state of Illinois.
Optical Characterization of Parathyroid Tissues
Authors: Brandao Mariana P. , Iwakura Ricardo , Honorato-Sobrinho Abraao A. , Haleplian Kaique , Ito Amando S. , de Freitas Luiz C. Conti , Bachmann Luciano
Published: July 2016

The parathyroid glands are small and often similar to lymph nodes, fat, and thyroid tissue. These glands are difficult to identify during surgery and a biopsy of the parathyroid for identification can lead to damage of the gland. The use of static and time-resolved fluorescence techniques to detect biochemical composition and tissue structure alterations could help to develop a portable, minimally invasive, and nondestructive method to assist medical evaluation of parathyroid tissues. In this study, we investigated 10 human parathyroid samples using absorbance, fluorescence, excitation, and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Moreover, we compared the results of time-resolved fluorescence measurements with 59 samples of thyroid tissues. The fluorescence lifetimes with emission at 340 nm were 1.09 ± 0.10 and 4.46 ± 0.06 ns for healthy tissue, 1.01 ± 0.25 and 4.39 ± 0.36 ns for benign lesions, and 0.67 ± 0.36 and 3.92 ± 0.72 ns for malignant lesions. The lifetimes for benign and malignant lesions were significantly different, as attested by the analysis of variance with confidence levels higher than 87%. For each class of samples (healthy, benign, and malignant) we perceived statistical differences between the thyroid and parathyroid tissue, independently. After further investigations, fluorescence methods could become a tool to identify normal and pathological parathyroid tissues and distinguish thyroid from parathyroid tissues.
‘We haven’t even buried the dead yet’: Ethics of discursive contestation in a crisis situation
Authors: Curato Nicole
Published: July 2016

Disasters are often described as exceptional moments that demand global solidarity. A ‘state of humanitarian exception’ emerges as citizens foreground norms of compassion and cooperation while contestatory discourse – the argumentative, blame-seeking and fault-finding forms of speech – are stigmatized as inappropriate interventions in a society seeking to recover from a distressful crisis situation. This article critically unpacks these representations of post-disaster situations empirically and normatively. By analysing the discussions in the public sphere over the first 100 days after Typhoon Haiyan battered Central Philippines, the article examines the moral force behind the ‘discourse of compassion’ and its ‘ethical boundary work’ that places the ‘discourse of contestation’ outside the scope of acceptable conduct. It proposes that the discourse of compassion’s ethical boundary work is only democratically acceptable when one takes a short view of a crisis situation. Drawing on deliberative democracy theory, the article argues for the importance of contestatory discourse in fostering inclusive discourse formation and ensuring that the state of humanitarian exception does not become the rule.
Correlates of Early Sexual Debut and Its Associated STI/HIV Risk Factors among Sexually Active Youths in Malawi
Authors: Ningpuanyeh Wilson C , Sathiya Susuman A
Published: July 2016

This study explores the correlates of early sexual debut and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the youth in Malawi. Data was obtained from the Malawi Demographic Health Survey 2010. Out of a sample of 2987 males and 9559 females aged 15–24 years, 1405 males and 5217 females were considered. Chi-square and multivariate analysis was performed and findings presented by gender. The results indicate that females aged 15–19 years (OR=4.18), who were Muslims (OR=1.42), with no education (OR=3.99), were significantly more likely to initiate sexual debut early. Meanwhile, males aged 15–19 years (OR=3.50), from the northern region (OR=2.35) and of the Chewa ethnic group (OR=1.45) were significantly more likely to initiate sexual debut early. Muslims males (OR=0.57), from the poorest (OR=0.69) households were significantly less likely to initiate sexual debut early. Females who initiate sex earlier form a distinct risk group in this study. Specific intervention is therefore needed for young females in their early teen years before they initiate sexual debut.
Micro-capacitor with vertically grown silver nanowires and bismuth ferric oxide composite structures on silicon substrates
Authors: Choi Daniel , An Boo Hyun , Mansouri Mariam , Ali Dima , Khalil Malathe , Xu Ke , Nwoke Dominic , Park Jung-Rae , Shankar Akash , Ryu Jong Eun
Published: July 2016

We have designed and demonstrated a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor compatible process for fabricating high capacitance micro-capacitors based on vertically grown silver nanowires on silicon substrates. Array of silver nanowires with high-aspect ratio were electrochemically grown in the pores of anodized aluminum oxide film, which was pre-formed through anodization of aluminum thin film deposited on titanium/silicon oxide/silicon substrates. High dielectric bismuth ferric oxide layer was electrodeposited to fill the gap between silver nanowires after anodized aluminum oxide film was removed. It was found that the micro-capacitor based on the silver nanowires/bismuth ferric oxide composite film possessed higher capacitance by approximately one order of magnitude from the COMSOL simulation results from the flat Ag thin-film capacitor and the silver nanowire capacitor.
Are Domestic Violence Offenders Specialists? Answers from Multiple Analytic Approaches
Authors: Bouffard Leana A. , Zedaker Sara B.
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Existing theory and policy regarding domestic violence (DV) often assume a highly specialized offender. Specialization literature in general, however, holds that specialization is not very common—even in DV. The current study builds on previous work by using multiple analytic methods to assess specialization/versatility among DV offenders, with a focus on gender differences.

Methods:

The sample includes 730 individuals processed through a misdemeanor DV docket. Demographic measures were available, and complete criminal histories were compiled for each defendant. Analyses include the diversity index and offense specialization coefficient, multivariate models predicting those measures, multilevel item response theory analysis, and latent class analysis (LCA).

Results:

Results are generally consistent in finding an effect of gender on DV specialization as well as relationships between the age of onset and the overall offending frequency. Female offenders demonstrate a greater degree of DV specialization than male offenders did. However, gender did not distinguish between the DV specialist group and two more versatile groups derived from the LCA.

Conclusions:

Findings of the overall generality of offending among DV offenders, as well as a greater degree of specialization among female offenders, suggest the need to reevaluate current specialized theory, policy, and practice.
Caecum location in laboratory rats and mice: an anatomical and radiological study
Authors: Uysal Murat , Gül Serdar Savaş , Karaman Serhat , Tas Ufuk , Sapmaz Hilal Irmak , Uysal Funda , Aytekin Kursad , Tümer Mehmet Kemal
Published: July 2016

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection is the most frequently used method for implementing parenteral therapies in rats and mice. Whether the caecum is located in the right caudal quadrant or left caudal quadrant in the abdominal cavity is not clear. For that reason, we have developed a method for identifying the location of the caecum in rats and mice and thus revealed the most reliable location for i.p. injection in these animals. Two hundred Wistar albino rats and 100 BALB/c mice were used. The location of the caecum was determined by revealing the intra-abdominal organs immediately following euthanasia, photographing the organs, and archiving the images. Both digital photographic images and computed tomographic (CT) sections were analysed in terms of caecum morphology and location. In both rats and mice, the caecum was most commonly located on the animal’s left side. It was less frequently located on the right side or in the centre. The caecum was typically comma-shaped, but it was round or S-shaped in some animals. The direction of rotation of the caecum from the basis to the apex was mostly counterclockwise. Additionally, the apex showed a tendency to be evenly centred. This study demonstrated that the caecum was mostly located on the animal’s left side; and for that reason, the most suitable location for i.p. injection in these animals was understood to be the right caudal quadrant. Furthermore, when we compared the CT images and autopsy findings, the caecum did not change location in the abdominal cavity postmortem.
A case of “atypical homicidal” cut-throat injury
Authors: Kumar S Ajay , Kumar MS Vinay , Babu YP Raghavendra , Prasad Mahadeshwara
Published: July 2016

Cut-throats can be of homicidal, suicidal or accidental origin. In cases of death from a cut-throat, distinguishing the cause is one of the important functions in crime investigation. The features that differentiate suicidal and homicidal cut-throat injuries are the presence of hesitation cuts, depth of wound, signs of struggle, edges of the wound, etc. In the case of a suicidal cut-throat, it is not uncommon to find hesitation cuts but in a homicidal cut-throat, it is uncommon. We present a case of a homicidal cut-throat injury but with hesitation cuts and tailing over the neck, unlike the classical description of homicidal cut-throat injury. This resulted from a curved, sharp and moderately heavy weapon.
Personality Characteristics, Job Stressors, and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Zurlo Maria Clelia , Pes Daniela , Capasso Roberto
Published: July 2016

The study proposed an application of the transactional model of stress in teaching elaborated by Travers and Cooper in 1996, and aimed to investigate the influence of personality characteristics (coping strategies, type A behaviors), situational characteristics (sources of pressure), and perceived job satisfaction in the prediction of teachers’ psychophysical health conditions. The Italian version of the Teacher Stress Questionnaire was administered to 621 teachers. Logistic regression was used to evaluate significant main and interaction effects of personality characteristics, situational characteristics, and perceived job satisfaction on teachers’ self-reported psychophysical health conditions. The findings highlighted specific coping strategies (focused on the problem, on innovation, and on hobbies and pastimes) and dimensions of job satisfaction (related to intrinsic aspects of job and to employee relations) buffering the negative effects of several job stressors. Type A behaviors and coping strategies focused on mobilized social support, suppression of stress, and not confronting the situation had main and interactions with negative effects on psychophysical health. Findings confirmed the necessity to run multi-factor research to analyze the different combinations of individual and situational variables implicated in negative health outcomes and to highlight the most significant buffering or increasing associations.
Investigation of the Structural Relationships Between Social Support, Self-Compassion, and Subjective Well-Being in Korean Elite Student Athletes
Authors: Jeon Hyunsoo , Lee Keunchul , Kwon Sungho
Published: July 2016

The study examined whether self-compassion mediates the relationship between social support and subjective well-being, as perceived by athletes. It also investigated the structural relationships between these variables. Participants were 333 athletes attending high school or university. Structural equation analysis showed that self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between social support and subjective well-being. To test the stability of the model, a multiple group analysis was performed according to sex of participant and school level, and this demonstrated that the model had similar fit to the data regardless of group. The confirmation that self-compassion plays an intermediary role in the relationship between social support and subjective well-being demonstrates that self-compassionate attitudes can be fostered by social support, and that, in turn, has a positive effect on an individual’s subjective well-being.
Book Deserts: The Consequences of Income Segregation on Children’s Access to Print
Authors: Neuman Susan B. , Moland Naomi
Published: July 2016

We examine the influence of income segregation on a resource vital to young children’s development: a family’s access to books in early childhood. Income segregation reflects the growing economic segregation of neighborhoods for people living in privilege (1%) compared with those in poverty or near-poverty (20%). After describing recent demographic shifts, we examine access to print for children in six urban neighborhoods. Results indicate stark disparities in access to print for those living in concentrated poverty. We argue that such neighborhoods constitute “book deserts,” which may seriously constrain young children’s opportunities to come to school “ready to learn.”
Migrant place-making in super-diverse neighbourhoods: Moving beyond ethno-national approaches
Authors: Pemberton Simon , Phillimore Jenny
Published: July 2016

Whilst attention has previously focused on the importance of monolithic ethnic identities on migrant place-making, less attention has been paid to how place-making proceeds in super-diverse urban neighbourhoods where no single ethnic group predominates. This paper makes an original contribution by identifying the factors that shape migrants’ affinity with, or alienation from, super-diverse neighbourhoods. Through using and critiquing an analytical framework developed by Gill (2010 Pathologies of migrant place making: The case of Polish migrants to the UK. Environment and Planning A 42(5): 1157–1173) that identifies ‘ideal’ and ‘pathological’ place-making strategies, the paper contrasts two super-diverse neighbourhoods in the UK with different histories of diversity. We show how ‘ideal’ migrant place-making is more likely to occur where there is a common neighbourhood identity based around diversity, difference and/or newness, and where those with ‘visible’ differences can blend in. In contrast, ‘pathologies’ are more likely where the ongoing churn of newcomers, coupled with the speed and recency of change, undermine migrants’ affinity with place and where the diversity of the neighbourhood is not yet embedded. Even where neighbourhood identity based on diversity is established, it may alienate less visible migrants and culminate in a new form of (minority) white flight.
Self-Reported Ageism Across the Lifespan
Authors: Cherry Katie E. , Brigman Susan , Lyon Bethany A. , Blanchard Blakeley , Walker Erin J. , Smitherman Emily A.
Published: July 2016

The authors examined the prevalence of self-reported ageist behaviors in a lifespan sample ranging in age from 13 to 91 years. Participants completed the Relating to Older People Evaluation (Cherry & Palmore). Results indicated that adolescents and young adults reported fewer ageist behaviors overall than did middle-aged and older adults. Positive ageist behaviors were more frequent than negative ageist behaviors for people of all ages. Women endorsed positive ageism items more often than men, although men and women did not differ in frequency of negative ageist behaviors. Follow-up analyses on participants’ responses to two knowledge of aging measures, the Facts on Aging Quiz and the Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire, showed that knowledge of aging was significantly correlated with negative ageist behaviors, after controlling for age and gender. Implications of these findings for current views of ageism (positive and negative) are discussed.
Impact of Repeated Tail Clip and Saphenous Vein Phlebotomy on Rats Used in Toxicology Studies
Authors: Wickremsinhe Enaksha R. , Renninger Matthew , Paulman April , Pritt Michael , Schultze Albert E.
Published: July 2016

Sampling blood for toxicokinetic (TK) evaluation in rodents is typically performed using a satellite group of animals to avoid depleting the blood volume and inducing an additional stressor in the main study animals. This practice does not allow for direct comparison of individual animal toxicity to exposure. These studies evaluated serial collection of twelve, 40-µl blood samples from each rat from either a tail clip or a saphenous vein bleed and its impact on toxicologic parameters over 4- and 14-day periods. The results show the feasibility of successfully collecting TK samples from main study animals, using either of the two techniques. Both procedures were amenable to execution by a single technician using dried blood spot sampling. Any changes observed in the primary markers of erythroid mass between the nonbled control rats and repeat sampled rats were minimal and the range of values often overlapped. This technique would improve the quality of data generated from toxicology studies by allowing a direct comparison of systemic exposure to toxicity while at the same time reducing the number of rats by obviating the need for satellite groups.
The Kuomintang in India with Special Reference to Calcutta (1900–1962)
Authors: Bose Arpita
Published: July 2016

The present article intends to throw light on the activities of the Kuomintang operating in India as well as in Calcutta since the early decades of twentieth century. Kuomintang was the National People’s Party, which basically performed as a secret revolutionary party under Dr Sun Yat-sen in 1894. Before discussing the activities of the Kuomintang, we shall delve into an overview of how and in what ways the Chinese settled in various parts of India, especially in Calcutta.
Book Review: Jaya Tyagi, Contestation and Compliance: Retrieving Women’s Agency from Puranic Traditions
Authors: Roy Kumkum
Published: July 2016

Jaya Tyagi, Contestation and Compliance: Retrieving Women’s Agency from Puranic Traditions, Oxford University Press , New Delhi, 2014, xx + 284 pp., ₹950.
Meaningful Objects or Costly Symbols? A Veblenian Approach to Brands
Authors: Yuran Noam
Published: July 2016

Long before the emergence of the modern brand economy, Thorstein Veblen elaborated an economic theory centered on symbolic entities. Based on his thought, this article pursues a view of the brand which escapes both sociological and economic approaches to the phenomenon. Views of the brand as a meaningful object and of the trademark as a signal of product quality omit the simple possibility that the brand, to some extent, is a symbol turned into a commodity. The article develops this possibility using Veblen’s economic theory of display, which can be read as revolving around the notion of a ‘costly symbol’. Things which necessitate waste, and thus materially attest to wealth, enter Veblen’s economy of display insofar as they become valued for their own sake. His theory thus foretells the basic transformation that characterizes the emergence of modern brand economy, where symbols which ostensibly qualified commodities became by themselves economic objects.
Acute anxiety and social inference: An experimental manipulation with 7.5% carbon dioxide inhalation
Authors: Button Katherine S , Karwatowska Lucy , Kounali Daphne , Munafò Marcus R , Attwood Angela S
Published: July 2016

Background:

Positive self-bias is thought to be protective for mental health. We previously found that the degree of positive bias when learning self-referential social evaluation decreases with increasing social anxiety. It is unclear whether this reduction is driven by differences in state or trait anxiety, as both are elevated in social anxiety; therefore, we examined the effects on the state of anxiety induced by the 7.5% carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation model of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) on social evaluation learning.

Methods:

For our study, 48 (24 of female gender) healthy volunteers took two inhalations (medical air and 7.5% CO2, counterbalanced) whilst learning social rules (self-like, self-dislike, other-like and other-dislike) in an instrumental social evaluation learning task. We analysed the outcomes (number of positive responses and errors to criterion) using the random effects Poisson regression.

Results:

Participants made fewer and more positive responses when breathing 7.5% CO2 in the other-like and other-dislike rules, respectively (gas × condition × rule interaction p = 0.03). Individuals made fewer errors learning self-like than self-dislike, and this positive self-bias was unaffected by CO2. Breathing 7.5% CO2 increased errors, but only in the other-referential rules (gas × condition × rule interaction p = 0.003).

Conclusions:

Positive self-bias (i.e. fewer errors learning self-like than self-dislike) seemed robust to changes in state anxiety. In contrast, learning other-referential evaluation was impaired as state anxiety increased. This suggested that the previously observed variations in self-bias arise due to trait, rather than state, characteristics.
Sestrin2, as a negative feedback regulator of mTOR, provides neuroprotection by activation AMPK phosphorylation in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in rat pups
Authors: Shi Xudan , Xu Liang , Doycheva Desislava Met , Tang Jiping , Yan Min , Zhang John H
Published: July 2016

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a condition caused by reduced oxygen and cerebral blood flow to the brain resulting in neurological impairments. Effective therapeutic treatments to ameliorate these disabilities are still lacking. We sought to investigate the role of sestrin2, a highly conserved stress-inducible protein, in a neonatal rat hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy model. Ten-day-old rat pups underwent right common carotid artery ligation followed by 2.5 h hypoxia. At 1 h post hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, rats were intranasally administered with recombinant human sestrin2 and sacrificed for brain infarct area measurement, Fluoro-Jade C, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, and neurological function testing. rh-sestrin2 reduced brain infarct area, brain atrophy, apoptosis, ventricular area enlargement, and improved neurological function. Western blot showed that sestrin2 expression levels were increased after treatment with rh-sestrin2, and sestrin2 exerts neuroprotective effects via activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway which in turn inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin signaling resulting in the attenuation of apoptosis. In conclusions: Sestrin2 plays an important neuroprotective role after hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and serves as a negative feedback regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin. Administration of rh-sestrin2 not only reduced infarct area and brain atrophy, but also significantly improved neurological function.
Embryonic lethal abnormal vision proteins and adenine and uridine-rich element mRNAs after global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in the rat
Authors: Wang Haihui , Tri Anggraini Fika , Chen Xuequn , DeGracia Donald J
Published: July 2016

Prolonged translation arrest correlates with delayed neuronal death of hippocampal CA1 neurons following global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Many previous studies investigated ribosome molecular biology, but mRNA regulatory mechanisms after brain ischemia have been less studied. Here we investigated the embryonic lethal abnormal vision/Hu isoforms HuR, HuB, HuC, and HuD, as well as expression of mRNAs containing adenine and rich uridine elements following global ischemia in rat brain. Proteomics of embryonic lethal abnormal vision immunoprecipitations or polysomes isolated from rat hippocampal CA1 and CA3 from controls or following 10 min ischemia plus 8 h of reperfusion showed distinct sets of mRNA-binding proteins, suggesting differential mRNA regulation in each condition. Notably, HuB, HuC, and HuD were undetectable in NIC CA1. At 8 h reperfusion, polysome-associated mRNAs contained 46.1% of ischemia-upregulated mRNAs containing adenine and rich uridine elements in CA3, but only 18.7% in CA1. Since mRNAs containing adenine and rich uridine elements regulation are important to several cellular stress responses, our results suggest CA1 is disadvantaged compared to CA3 in coping with ischemic stress, and this is expected to be an important contributing factor to CA1 selective vulnerability. (Data are available via ProteomeXchange identifier PXD004078 and GEO Series accession number GSE82146).
Evaluation of a corrected implementation of a method of simulating pulmonary nodules in chest tomosynthesis
Authors: Svensson Frida , Söderman Christina , Svalkvist Angelica , Rossi Norrlund Rauni , Vikgren Jenny , Johnsson Åse Allansdotter , Båth Magnus
Published: July 2016

Background

A method of simulating pulmonary nodules in tomosynthesis images has previously been developed and evaluated. An unknown feature of a rounding function included in the computer code was later found to introduce an artifact, affecting simulated nodules in low-signal regions of the images. The computer code has now been corrected.

Purpose

To perform a thorough evaluation of the corrected nodule-simulation method, comparing the detection rate and visual appearance of artificial nodules with those of real nodules in an observer performance experiment.

Material and Methods

A cohort of 64 patients with a total of 129 pulmonary nodules was used in the study. Artificial nodules, each matching a corresponding real nodule by size, attenuation, and anatomical location, were generated and simulated into the tomosynthesis images of the different patients. The detection rate and visual appearance of artificial nodules generated using both the corrected and uncorrected computer code were compared to those of real nodules. The results were evaluated using modified receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

The difference in detection rate between artificial and real nodules slightly increased using the corrected computer code (uncorrected code: area under the curve [AUC], 0.47; 95% CI, 0.43–0.51; corrected code: AUC, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.38–0.46). The visual appearance was however substantially improved using the corrected computer code (uncorrected code: AUC, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.63–0.76; corrected code: AUC, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29–0.65).

Conclusion

The computer code including a correct rounding function generates simulated nodules that are more visually realistic than simulated nodules generated using the uncorrected computer code, but have a slightly different detection rate compared to real nodules.
Inclusive growth? The relationship between economic growth and poverty in British cities
Authors: Lee Neil , Sissons Paul
Published: July 2016

There is growing concern in many developed economies that the benefits of economic growth are not shared equitably. This is particularly the case in the UK, where economic growth has been geographically uneven and often biased towards already affluent cities. Yet there is relatively little evidence on the relationship between growth and poverty in the UK. This article addresses this gap with an analysis of the links between economic growth and poverty in British cities between 2000 and 2008. We find little evidence that output growth reduced poverty. While growth was associated with wage increases at the top of the distribution, it was not associated with wage growth below the median. And there was no relationship between economic growth and the low skilled employment rate. These results suggest that growth in this period was far from inclusive.
Longitudinal changes in cerebral blood flow velocities in different clinical courses of migraine
Authors: Lee Mi Ji , Chu Min Kyung , Choi Hanna , Choi Hyun Ah , Lee Chungbin , Chung Chin-Sang
Published: July 2016

Objective

To assess longitudinal changes in cerebral blood flow velocities (ΔCBFVs) according to the clinical course of migraine.

Methods

We retrospectively included migraine patients with two or more attacks per month at baseline who were followed up within 2 years with transcranial Doppler in a tertiary headache clinic. ΔCBFVs were analyzed in relation to clinical courses, defined as remission (0–1 headache days/month), persistence (2–14/month), or progression (≥15/month) in episodic migraine (EM), and conversion to EM (<15/month) and persistence (≥15/month) in chronic migraine (CM).

Results

A total of 166 patients (90 EM and 76 CM) were included. In EM, the remission group ( n = 30) showed a decrease in CBFV in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the basilar artery (BA). The progression group ( n = 10) showed increasing CBFVs in the bilateral MCAs. Patients with the persistence course ( n = 50) showed generally unchanged CBFVs. In CM, ΔCBFVs decreased in the BA and increased in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) after conversion to EM ( n = 61), whereas they remained unchanged in the persistence group ( n = 15). In all patients, % change in headache days was positively correlated with the %ΔCBFVs of the bilateral MCAs and the BA.

Conclusions

CBFV changes are associated with the different clinical courses of migraine. The association is more prominent in EM than CM.
Pregnancy Discrimination and the Law
Authors: Palley Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

This article makes the case that social workers and social welfare advocates need to be aware of pregnancy discrimination law to better advocate for individual clients and for changes in the existing law. It is one piece of gender discrimination and inequity. This article reviews the current law around the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, including the recent holding in Young v. UPS and other relevant case law. It also reviews recent changes made by the Affordable Care Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as related state laws designed to address pregnancy discrimination.
Self-Referent and Other-Referent Career Successes, Career Satisfaction, and Turnover Intention Among Chinese Employees
Authors: Guan Yanjun , Jiang Peng , Wang Zhen , Mo Zichuan , Zhu Fei
Published: July 2016

Based on the social comparison theory, this research examined how self-referent and other-referent career successes predict career satisfaction and turnover intention among a sample of Chinese employees ( N = 299). It was found that both self-referent and other-referent career successes played unique roles in predicting career satisfaction, which, in turn, predicted turnover intention. In addition, this research examined the role of achievement motivation in this process and revealed a moderated mediation model for the relations among these variables. Specifically, the indirect effect of self-referent career success on turnover intention through career satisfaction was stronger among employees with a higher level of individual-orientated achievement motivation, and the indirect effect of other-referent career success on turnover intention through career satisfaction was stronger among employees with a lower level of individual-orientated achievement motivation. These findings carry implications for research on career success and turnover intention.
An experimental investigation of the oil film distribution in an oil–gas cyclone separator
Authors: Wang Lingzi , Feng Jianmei , Xu Shijing , Gao Xiang , Peng Xueyuan
Published: July 2016

The film flow behavior in an oil–gas cyclone separator was experimentally studied to improve the separation efficiency in terms of the effect of the oil film on the cylinder wall. The oil film flow pattern was captured using a high-speed camera, and the cylinder wall was divided into seven regions to analyze according to the different oil film flow patterns. Along the cyclone cylinder height, the central part of the cylinder was the main flow area, in which droplet–wall collisions and oil film splashing were severe. Additionally, the oil film’s distribution characteristics under inlet velocities of 14.0, 16.0, and 18.0 m/s were compared, and the results showed that more splashing oil droplets were generated under higher inlet velocity. Moreover, changing the structure of the central channel and outer cylinder slightly changed the oil film’s area and flow pattern but exhibited a weak effect on the oil film thickness and re-entrainment. Then, an improved structure was proposed by adding a porous cylinder to the outer cyclone to avoid the generation of small splashing droplets from the oil film. The performance of the modified separator was measured in a real oil-injected compressor system, which demonstrated higher separation efficiency with no increase in static pressure loss. The separation efficiency increased by up to 2.7%, while the pressure loss decreased by up to 10%. Thus, the improved structure can improve the performance of oil–gas separators by changing the distribution and thickness of the oil film on the cylinder wall.
Nonlinear cooperative UAV maneuvers in pitch plane
Authors: Ashokkumar Chimpalthradi R , York George WP , Gruber Scott F
Published: July 2016

Flight formations of unmanned aerial vehicles may require coordinated motion in pitch for such tasks as terrain tracking. They maintain a constant altitude over varying terrain elevations and may assist collision avoidance where an altitude change is needed rather than a lateral change. In these maneuvers, controller ability to adjust relative altitude positions (as attractions and repulsions) of the aircraft subject to stability constraints that ends up in a formation shape should be demonstrated. The ascent and descent flight control mode combinations of each unmanned aerial vehicle participating in the formation generally offer the attractions and repulsions. In this paper, centralized and decentralized controller abilities to develop a cooperative formation with flight control modes made of transients and steady states are presented by using two and more than two homogenous unmanned aerial vehicles. A challenge in presenting such a formation by using a centralized controller is its design itself. Generally, eigenstructure properties depict flight control mode variations. That is, variations in closed-loop poles offered by a structurally varying centralized controller compatible to its reconfigurable communication patterns are sufficient to capture the flight control mode options. Hence, a procedure to design such a controller using real parameters is presented.