bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Symplectic Scheme and Generalized Discrete Convolutional Differentiator for Seismic Wave Modeling
Authors: Shao‐Lin LIU , Xiao‐Fan LI , Wen‐Shuai WANG , Ming‐Wen LU , Mei‐Gen ZHANG
Published: December 2013

In this paper, seismic wave equation is transformed into the Hamiltonian system, and a new symplectic numerical scheme is developed, which is called the optimal symplectic algorithm and generalized discrete convolutional differentiator (OSGCD). For temporal discretization, OSGCD introduces Lie operators to construct two‐stage and second‐order symplectic scheme and adopts the optimal symplectic scheme based on the minimum error principle. For the spatial discretization, OSGCD employs the generalized discrete convolution differentiator to approximate the spatial differential operators and uses derivative approximation to obtain stable operator coefficients. We obtain the stability condition for a 2D case. In numerical experiments, OSGCD is compared with different methods, showing advantages in both accuracy and efficiency. The OSGCD also has the ability for modeling long‐term seismic wave propagation and modeling seismic waves in heterogeneous media.
Objective‐Function Behavior in Acoustic Full‐Waveform Inversion
Authors: Liang‐Guo DONG , Ben‐Xin CHI , Ji‐Xia TAO , Yu‐Zhu LIU
Published: December 2013

The main difficulty in seismic full‐waveform inversion is the strong nonlinearity of these waveforms, which is caused by the complexity of seismic wave propagation. Analysis of objective‐function behavior and its variations with the scale of parameter perturbations can help us to choose an appropriate inversion method and strategy. Using Jannane et al.'s method of analyzing objective‐function behavior, we have studied the relationship between the objective functions calculated from different seismic data subsets and the scale of their parameter perturbations, especially their nonlinearity. These analytical results should provide some theoretical guidance for full‐waveform inversion (FWI) to implement a multi‐step and multi‐scale inversion strategy.
Preconcentration and Determination of Endocrine Disruptor Pesticides in Well Water by Solidified Floating Organic Drop Microextraction
Authors: Pelit Füsun Okçu , Pelit Levent , Alaca Ceren , Ertaş Hasan , Ertaş Fatma Nil
Published: December 2013

An effective, rapid, green and simple method for the preconcentration and determination of endocrine disruptor pesticides (aldrin, bromopropylate, penconazole, chlorpyrifos, iprodione, lambda‐cyhalothrin, and procymidone) has been developed by using solidified floating organic drop microextraction. In this technique a free microdrop of 2‐dodecanol which is liquid at the room temperature was used as an extracting solvent. Considering the number of parameters that are likely to affect the signal, extraction solvent type, extraction solvent volume, extraction time and temperature, sample volume, salt effect and rate of mixing on pesticides extraction were optimized. The analytes were extracted from the water samples by using 10 µL of 2‐dodecanol for 20 min at 70°C in the presence of 0.5 g/10 mL NaCl. The separation power of the GC was coupled with the excellent sensitivity of the microextraction technique enabling us to determine the pesticide mixtures simultaneously in the ng/L range with satisfactory relative standard deviation values. The limit of detection levels attained by this method for Iprodione and Procymidone in particular, clearly display the effectiveness and sensitivity of the method over previous methods which include time consuming steps and require high volumes of sample. The developed method was validated for the monitoring of endocrine disruptor pesticides in well water samples.
Optical receiver front end for optically powered smart dust
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhou Yimin , Faulkner Grahame E. , O'Brien Dominic C. , Collins Steve
Published: December 2013

The ability to create and direct beams of light means that optical communications potentially offer a large power advantage over RF communications for sensor networks. This paper presents an optically powered receiver front end for wireless optical communications. A complete optical receiver front end including a photodetector, clock and Manchester data recovery circuits has been fabricated using the UMC 180 nm CMOS process. A novel modulation scheme is described that has been devised so that this front end can recover the clock and Manchester data from an optical beam. Experimental results show that the total current consumption of the optical receiver front end is as low as 18.8 nA for a 0.5 V supply when a 1 kbps Manchester data and 8 kHz clock signal are successfully recovered. This means that photodiodes on the same substrate as the front end circuits extract enough power from the communications beam to allow the front end to work at distances of up to 10 m from the transmitter. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraspecific variation among clones of a naïve rare grass affects competition with a nonnative, invasive forb
Authors: Gibson David J. , Dewey Justin , Goossens Hélène , Dodd Misty M.
Published: December 2013

Intraspecific variation can have a major impact on plant community composition yet there is little information available on the extent that such variation by an already established species affects interspecific interactions of an invading species. The current research examined the competitiveness of clones of a globally rare but locally common native grass, Calamagrostis porteri ssp. insperata to invasion by Alliaria petiolata, a non‐native invasive species. A greenhouse experiment was conducted twice over consecutive years in which 15 clones from three populations of Calamagrostis were paired with rosettes of Alliaria in pots containing native forest soil previously uninvaded by Alliaria. Both species showed a negative response to the presence of the other species, although Alliaria more so than Calamagrostis. Moreover, the effect of Calamagrostis depended upon population, and, to a lesser extent, the individual clone paired with Alliaria. Competitive effects were stronger in the first experiment compared with when the experiment was repeated in the second year. The influence of Calamagrostis clones on the outcome of the experiment varied among populations and among clones, but also between years. Clones from one of the three populations were more influential than clones from the other two populations. Only one of 15 clones, both from the same population, was influential in both experiments. This research supports a growing literature indicating that intraspecific variability among clones of a dominant species can affect interspecific interactions and that such variability in a native species can affect performance of an invading species.
Characterization and separation of semiconductor quantum dots and their conjugates by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Sang Fuming , Huang Xiangyi , Ren Jicun
Published: December 2013

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are very important luminescent nanomaterials with a wide range of potential applications. Currently, QDs as labeling probes are broadly used in bioassays, including immunoassay, DNA hybridization, and bioimaging, due to their excellent physical and chemical properties, such as broad excitation spectra, narrow and size‐dependent emission profiles, long fluorescence life time, and good photostability. The characterization of QDs and their conjugates is crucial for their wide bioapplications. CE has become a powerful tool for the separation and characterization of QDs and their conjugates. In this review, some CE separation models of QDs are first introduced, mainly including CZE, CGE, MEKC, and ITP. And then, some key applications, such as the measurements of size, surface charge, and concentration of QDs and the characterization of QDs conjugates (e.g. QD–protein, QD–DNA, QD–small molecule), are also described. Finally, future perspectives are discussed.
An energy‐preserving spectrum access strategy in mobile cognitive radio networks
Authors: Xiao Yalong , Wang Jianxin , Zhang Shigeng , Cao Jiannong
Published: December 2013

Cognitive radio techniques provide potential solutions to the spectrum crisis problem. In cognitive radio networks, a secondary user (SU) opportunistically accesses the authorised spectrum of a primary user (PU) to transmit its data. In order to avoid collisions with the PU, the SU needs to frequently detect the status of the channel before accessing the spectrum. However, frequent detection of channel status consumes a lot of energy, which is unaffordable for mobile SUs. In this paper, we investigate how to preserve the limited energy of SUs in mobile cognitive networks. Besides the sensing and transmitting actions used in traditional spectrum access policies, we introduce a new sleeping action with which mobile SUs can better exploit the trade‐off between their consumption and data transmission throughput. We define a utility function to characterise the effect of sleeping actions, in which correct sleeping actions are rewarded for preserving energy, and incorrect sleeping actions are penalised for wasting data transmission opportunities. We prove that, in the meaning of maximising the mean benefit, the utility function exhibits a threshold‐based structure. Based on this structure, we design a new spectrum access strategy with which mobile SUs can chose their optimal actions to achieve the best trade‐off between energy consumption and throughput. Simulation results show that our spectrum access strategy greatly reduces energy consumption of mobile SUs by up to 85% and, meanwhile, incurs nearly the same PU collision rate and throughput as in state‐of‐the‐art solutions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of intraoral ranulas with micromarsupialization: Clinical outcomes and safety from a phase II clinical trial
Authors: Woo Seung Hoon , Chi Jun Hyuk , Kim Bo Hae , Kwon Seong Keun
Published: December 2013

Background

Micromarsupialization of an oral ranula has been introduced to clinical practice. However, the technical feasibility, indications, and safety of the procedure were not fully studied. In this study, we report the results of a prospective phase II clinical trial to evaluate the clinical outcomes.

Methods

Twenty patients diagnosed with oral ranula were enrolled in this trial. The ranulas were confirmed by oral examination and CT scans. We implemented micromarsupialization on the patients after receiving their consent. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and complications related to this procedure for longer than a 12‐month period.

Results

All patients showed resolution after the first micromarsupialization, after which 5 patients developed a recurrence that required revision micromarsupialization. Six months later, only 2 patients showed recurrence, requiring resection of the ranula and sublingual gland.

Conclusion

Micromarsupialization can be a very effective and safe approach as an initial treatment for intraoral ranula. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 197‐201, 2015
Prognostic model for distant metastasis in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma after concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chen Chuangzhen , Chen Siqia , Le Quynh‐Thu , Chen Jianzhou , Chen Zhijian , Li Dongsheng , Zhou Mingzhen , Li Derui
Published: December 2013

Background

A prognostic model should be established for distant metastasis in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

Patients with locally advanced NPC who received CCRT were divided into a construction set (230 patients) and a validating set (115 patients). The constructed index was derived on the former and then tested on the latter.

Results

The prognostic score was defined as the number of adverse prognostic factors: age >45, N3 category, hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL and lactate dehydrogenase ≥240 U/L. The score predicted the 5‐year distant metastasis–free survival as follows: 0, 91%; 1, 74%; 2, 51%; and ≥3, 12%. In the validating set, the observed 5‐year distant metastasis‐free survival of these 4 groups with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, or higher were 81%, 68%, 47%, and 15%, respectively.

Conclusion

The established model might be useful for predicting the risk of distant metastasis in patients with locally advanced NPC who underwent CCRT and may identify the patients' need for intensified adjuvant chemotherapy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 209‐214, 2015
Modeling Viral Kinetics and Treatment Outcome During Alisporivir Interferon-Free Treatment in Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2 and 3 Patients
Authors: Guedj Jeremie , Yu Jing , Levi Micha , Li Bin , Kern Steven , Naoumov Nikolai V. , Perelson Alan S.
Published: December 2013

Alisporivir (ALV) is a cyclophilin inhibitor with pan-genotypic activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here, we characterize the viral kinetics observed in 249 patients infected with HCV genotypes 2 or 3 and treated for 6 weeks with different doses of ALV with or without ribavirin (RBV). We use this model to predict the effects of treatment duration and different doses of ALV plus RBV on sustained virologic response (SVR). Continuous viral decline was observed in 214 (86%) patients that could be well described by the model. All doses led to a high level of antiviral effectiveness equal to 0.98, 0.96, and 0.90 in patients treated with 1,000, 800, and 600 mg of ALV once-daily, respectively. Patients that received RBV had a significantly faster rate of viral decline, which was attributed to an enhanced loss rate of infected cells, δ (mean δ = 0.35 d−1 vs. 0.21 d−1 in patients ± RBV, respectively;

P

= 0.0001). The remaining 35 patients (14%) had a suboptimal response with flat or increasing levels of HCV RNA after 1 week of treatment, which was associated with ALV monotherapy, high body weight, and low RBV levels in patients that received ALV plus RBV. Assuming full compliance and the same proportion of suboptimal responders, the model predicted 71% and 79% SVR after ALV 400 mg with RBV 400 mg twice-daily for 24 and 36 weeks, respectively. The model predicted that response-guided treatment could allow a reduction in mean treatment duration to 25.3 weeks and attain a 78.6% SVR rate.

Conclusion:

ALV plus RBV may represent an effective IFN-free treatment that is predicted to achieve high SVR rates in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection. (Hepatology 2014;59:1706–1714)
Chitosan selectively promotes adhesion of myoblasts over fibroblasts
Authors: Iyer Shama R. , Udpa Natasha , Gao Yingxin
Published: December 2013

Treatment of ventral hernias frequently makes use of synthetic and biological meshes, often resulting in scar tissue formation and incomplete muscle regeneration. Chitosan has been shown to promote a regenerative response than a fibrotic response. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of chitosan on myoblast and fibroblast adhesion and the underlying mechanisms. Primary myoblast cells, embryonic fibroblasts, and 1:1 coculture of both cell types were seeded on chitosan‐coated and uncoated tissue culture plates. The number of attached cells was measured at 5, 24, 48, and 72 h after seeding. At 5 h after seeding, expression and structural organization of actin, integrin β3, and integrin β1 were analyzed. With chitosan, primary fibroblasts had 2.7 times smaller F‐actin fraction, and more primary myoblasts with higher expression of integrin β3 were seen. Moreover, a higher ratio of myoblasts to fibroblasts was seen with chitosan, with a ratio higher than one at 48 and 72 h after seeding and greater than a twofold increase in ratio when compared with uncoated plates. A higher organization of actin and integrin β3 network around nucleus of myoblasts was observed with chitosan, whereas reorganization in actin and integrin β1 network was observed in fibroblasts. In conclusion, chitosan promotes myoblast adhesion with higher expression of integrin β3 and inhibits fibroblast adhesion with reorganization of actin and integrin β1 network. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1899–1906, 2015.
Alexithymia and Affect Intensity of Fine Artists
Authors: Botella Marion , Zenasni Franck , Lubart Todd
Published: December 2013

Research on creative artists has examined mainly their personality traits or cognitive abilities. However, it seems important to explore also their emotional traits to complete the profile. This study examines two emotional characteristics: alexithymia and affect intensity. Even if most research suggests that artists are less alexithymic and experience more intensively their emotions, Botella, M., Zenasni, F., and Lubart, T. (Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 5, 251, 2011) observed that art students were as alexithymic as psychology students and more alexithymic than a normative population. The aim of this study was to examine these issues with artists and non‐artists and to compare artists to art students. Results indicate that artists are less alexithymic and present higher affect intensity than non‐artists. Moreover, results show that art students present more difficulties processing their emotions than artists.
‘SKILLS FOR GROWING UP’: SUPPORTING AUTONOMY IN YOUNG PEOPLE WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Sattoe Jane N.T. , Hilberink Sander R. , Peeters Mariëlle A.C. , van Staa AnneLoes
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives

End‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) may interfere with children's developmental task of acquiring autonomy and participation. The Skills for Growing Up tool encourages normal development towards independence and autonomy during paediatric rehabilitation. This study aimed to adapt this self‐management tool for use in paediatric nephrology, and to test whether its use is feasible in daily practice.

Design and Participants

A Delphi study was conducted among patients, their parents, professionals and experts to adjust the tool for use in nephrology. Feasibility was studied through individual and group interviews with professionals in all Dutch paediatric nephrology centres.

Results

Agreement was reached on the areas of social participation and medical management of ESKD. Compared with the original, the new instrument holds considerable more attention for autonomy in the renal healthcare area; for example, dealing with medication and transplantation. Professionals used and appreciated the tool, but the paper form was seen to limit feasibility.

Conclusions

Making the tool available online is important. The challenge for professionals is to move beyond the focus on medical management and to consider developmental tasks when coaching their patients into adulthood.

Application to Practice

The Skills for Growing Up—Nephrology (SGU‐N) tool is a promising instrument for use by professionals in paediatric nephrology. Its use can help young people achieving autonomy and may contribute to their successful transition to adulthood and adult care.
Tillage Effects on Crop Yield and Physicochemical Properties of Sodic Soils
Authors: Singh Kripal , Mishra Ashish Kumar , Singh Bajrang , Singh Rana P. , Patra Dharani Dhar
Published: December 2013

Tillage modifies soil structure and has been suggested as a practice to improve physical, hydrological and chemical properties of compacted soils. But little is known about effect of long‐term tillage on physicochemical soil properties and crop yield on sodic soils in India. Our objective was to investigate the effect of different tillage regimes on crop yield (wheat and paddy rice) and physicochemical properties of sodic soils. Two sodic sites under conventional tillage for 5 (5‐YT; 5‐year tillage) and 9 (9‐YT; 9‐year tillage) years were selected for this study. Changes in crop yield and physicochemical soil properties were compared with a control, sodic land without any till history, that is, 0‐year tillage/untilled (0‐YT). Five replicated samples at 0‐ to 10‐cm and 10‐ to 20‐cm soils depths were analysed from each site. In the top, 0‐ to 10‐cm soil depth 5‐YT and 9‐YT sites had higher particle density (Pd), porosity, water holding capacity, hydraulic conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen (Nt), available nitrogen (Navail), phosphorus (Pavail) and exchangeable calcium (Exch. Ca++) than 0‐YT, whereas bulk density (Bd), C : N ratio and CaCO3 were significantly lower. Bd, pH, EC and CaCO3 increased significantly with depth in all the lands, whereas Pd, porosity, water holding capacity, hydraulic conductivity, organic carbon, Nt, Navail, Pavail and Exch. Ca++ decreased. We conclude that continuous tillage and cropping can be useful for physical and chemical restoration of sodic soils. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catchment Rehabilitation and Hydro‐geomorphic Characteristics of Mountain Streams in the Western Rift Valley Escarpment of Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Asfaha Tesfaalem G. , Frankl Amaury , Haile Mitiku , Nyssen Jan
Published: December 2013

The catchments in the western Rift Valley escarpment of northern Ethiopia are highly responsive in terms of hydro‐geomorphic changes. With deforestation, dense gully and scar networks had developed by the 1980s on the escarpment between the towns of Alamata and Korem, transporting huge amounts of runoff and sediment down to the fertile and densely populated Raya Valley. To reverse this problem, catchment‐scale rehabilitation activities were initiated in the mid‐1980s. In this study, we examine the major hydro‐geomorphic response of streams after catchment rehabilitation. Scar networks in 20 adjacent catchments were mapped on Google Earth imagery of 2005, and their density was explained in terms of its corresponding Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and slope gradient. Soil and water conservation measures and vegetation recovery have reduced discharge and sediment flow which in turn resulted in various hydro‐geomorphic changes. In a multiple regression analysis, scar density was negatively related with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and positively with average gradient of very steep slopes (r2 = 0·53, p < 0·01, n = 20). The size and amount of sediment supply to streams decreased, and various channel adjustments occurred. Notably, previously braided streams have changed to single thread streams, lateral bars have been stabilized and stream channels are narrowing and incising. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations and pH on growth of the chemolithoautotrophic epsilonproteobacterium Sulfurimonas gotlandica GD1T
Authors: Mammitzsch Kerstin , Jost Günter , Jürgens Klaus
Published: December 2013

Epsilonproteobacteria have been found globally distributed in marine anoxic/sulfidic areas mediating relevant transformations within the sulfur and nitrogen cycles. In the Baltic Sea redox zones, chemoautotrophic epsilonproteobacteria mainly belong to the Sulfurimonas gotlandica GD17 cluster for which recently a representative strain, S. gotlandica GD1T, could be established as a model organism. In this study, the potential effects of changes in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pH on S. gotlandica GD1T were examined. Bacterial cell abundance within a broad range of DIC concentrations and pH values were monitored and substrate utilization was determined. The results showed that the DIC saturation concentration for achieving maximal cell numbers was already reached at 800 μmol L−1, which is well below in situ DIC levels. The pH optimum was between 6.6 and 8.0. Within a pH range of 6.6–7.1 there was no significant difference in substrate utilization; however, at lower pH values maximum cell abundance decreased sharply and cell‐specific substrate consumption increased.
Persephin: A potential key component in human oral cancer progression through the RET receptor tyrosine kinase‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Baba Takao , Sakamoto Yosuke , Kasamatsu Atsushi , Minakawa Yasuyuki , Yokota Satoshi , Higo Morihiro , Yokoe Hidetaka , Ogawara Katsunori , Shiiba Masashi , Tanzawa Hideki , Uzawa Katsuhiro
Published: December 2013

Persephin (PSPN) is a neurotrophic factor of the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family that promotes survival of multiple populations of neurons. Little is known about the relevance of PSPN in human malignancy including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study was undertaken to evaluate PSPN mRNA and protein expression by analyzing cellular proliferation and the cell cycle in PSPN knockdown cells in vitro. PSPN mRNA and protein were significantly (P < 0.05) up‐regulated in OSCC‐derived cells compared with human normal oral keratinocytes (n = 7). Cellular proliferation decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in PSPN knockdown cells with reduced receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, and cell‐cycle arrest at the G1 phase resulted from up‐regulation of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors (p21Cip1, p27Kip1, p15INK4B, and p16INK4A). Furthermore, the PSPN protein expression in 101 primary OSCCs was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in normal counterparts. Among the clinical variables analyzed, overexpression of PSPN also was related closely (P < 0.05) to tumoral size. Our results suggested that PSPN is a possible key regulator of OSCC progression via PSPN‐RET‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation and that PSPN overexpression may have diagnostic potential for OSCC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiometabolic risk factors are influenced by Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase (SCD) −1 gene polymorphisms and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation
Authors: Rudkowska Iwona , Julien Pierre , Couture Patrick , Lemieux Simone , Tchernof André , Barbier Olivier , Vohl Marie‐Claude
Published: December 2013

Scope

To determine if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD)‐1 gene that encodes a key enzyme for fatty acid metabolism are associated with the response of cardiometabolic risk factors to n‐3 PUFA supplementation.

Methods and results

Two hundred and ten subjects completed a 2‐week run‐in period followed by 6‐week supplementation with 5 g of fish oil (1.9–2.2 g eicosapentaenoic acid and 1.1 g docosahexaenoic acid). Risk factors were measured pre and post n‐3 supplementation. Fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids was analyzed by GC and the desaturase indices SCD16 (16:1n‐7/16:0) and SCD18 (18:1n‐9/18:0) were calculated. Genotyping of eight SNPs of the SCD1 gene was performed. N‐3 PUFA supplementation decreased plasma triglycerides, as well as SCD16 and SCD18 indices, but increased fasting plasma glucose concentrations. SNPs in SCD1‐modified cardiometabolic risk factors pre and post n‐3 PUFA supplementation: triglyceride (rs508384, p = 0.0086), IL6 (rs3071, p = 0.0485), C‐reactive protein (rs3829160, p = 0.0489), and SCD18 indices (rs2234970, p = 0.0337). A significant interaction effect between the SNP and n‐3 PUFA supplementation was also observed for fasting plasma glucose levels (rs508384, p = 0.0262).

Conclusion

These results suggest that cardiometabolic risk factors are modulated by genetic variations in the SCD1 gene alone or in combination with n‐3 PUFA supplementation.
ROAMER: roadmap for mental health research in Europe
Authors: Haro Josep Maria , Ayuso‐Mateos José Luis , Bitter Istvan , Demotes‐Mainard Jacques , Leboyer Marion , Lewis Shôn W. , Linszen Donald , Maj Mario , Mcdaid David , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andreas , Robbins Trevor W. , Schumann Gunter , Thornicroft Graham , Van Der Feltz‐Cornelis Christina , Van Os Jim , Wahlbeck Kristian , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Wykes Til , Arango Celso , Bickenbach Jerome , Brunn Matthias , Cammarata Pamela , Chevreul Karine , Evans‐Lacko Sara , Finocchiaro Carla , Fiorillo Andrea , Forsman Anna K , Hazo Jean‐Baptiste , Knappe Susanne , Kuepper Rebecca , Luciano Mario , Miret Marta , Obradors‐Tarragó Carla , Pagano Grazia , Papp Szilvia , Walker‐Tilley Tom
Published: December 2013

Despite the high impact of mental disorders in society, European mental health research is at a critical situation with a relatively low level of funding, and few advances been achieved during the last decade. The development of coordinated research policies and integrated research networks in mental health is lagging behind other disciplines in Europe, resulting in lower degree of cooperation and scientific impact.

To reduce more efficiently the burden of mental disorders in Europe, a concerted new research agenda is necessary. The ROAMER (Roadmap for Mental Health Research in Europe) project, funded under the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme, aims to develop a comprehensive and integrated mental health research agenda within the perspective of the European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 programme, with a translational goal, covering basic, clinical and public health research.

ROAMER covers six major domains: infrastructures and capacity building, biomedicine, psychological research and treatments, social and economic issues, public health and well‐being. Within each of them, state‐of‐the‐art and strength, weakness and gap analyses were conducted before building consensus on future research priorities. The process is inclusive and participatory, incorporating a wide diversity of European expert researchers as well as the views of service users, carers, professionals and policy and funding institutions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advancing psychotherapy and evidence‐based psychological interventions
Authors: Emmelkamp Paul M.G. , David Daniel , Beckers Tom , Muris Peter , Cuijpers Pim , Lutz Wolfgang , Andersson Gerhard , Araya Ricardo , Banos Rivera Rosa M. , Barkham Michael , Berking Matthias , Berger Thomas , Botella Christina , Carlbring Per , Colom Francesc , Essau Cecilia , Hermans Dirk , Hofmann Stefan G. , Knappe Susanne , Ollendick Thomas H. , Raes Filip , Rief Winfried , Riper Heleen , Van Der Oord Saskia , Vervliet Bram
Published: December 2013

Psychological models of mental disorders guide research into psychological and environmental factors that elicit and maintain mental disorders as well as interventions to reduce them. This paper addresses four areas. (1) Psychological models of mental disorders have become increasingly transdiagnostic, focusing on core cognitive endophenotypes of psychopathology from an integrative cognitive psychology perspective rather than offering explanations for unitary mental disorders. It is argued that psychological interventions for mental disorders will increasingly target specific cognitive dysfunctions rather than symptom‐based mental disorders as a result. (2) Psychotherapy research still lacks a comprehensive conceptual framework that brings together the wide variety of findings, models and perspectives. Analysing the state‐of‐the‐art in psychotherapy treatment research, “component analyses” aiming at an optimal identification of core ingredients and the mechanisms of change is highlighted as the core need towards improved efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy, and improved translation to routine care. (3) In order to provide more effective psychological interventions to children and adolescents, there is a need to develop new and/or improved psychotherapeutic interventions on the basis of developmental psychopathology research taking into account knowledge of mediators and moderators. Developmental neuroscience research might be instrumental to uncover associated aberrant brain processes in children and adolescents with mental health problems and to better examine mechanisms of their correction by means of psychotherapy and psychological interventions. (4) Psychotherapy research needs to broaden in terms of adoption of large‐scale public health strategies and treatments that can be applied to more patients in a simpler and cost‐effective way. Increased research on efficacy and moderators of Internet‐based treatments and e‐mental health tools (e.g. to support “real time” clinical decision‐making to prevent treatment failure or relapse) might be one promising way forward. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conflict in Pre‐Hispanic Northwest Argentina: Implications Arising From Human Bone Trauma Patterns
Authors: Gheggi M. S.
Published: December 2013

The time span ranging from ca. 900 to 1450 A.D. in the South‐Central Andes has been traditionally posited as a period of social unrest, political disintegration and large‐scale conflict due to, primarily, environmental causes. However, the osteological record of traumatic injuries in a sample of 223 adult and subadult crania from different areas of Northwest Argentina does not clearly correspond to the expected scenario of pervasive and formalized armed attacks. Cranial trauma prevalence in the sample is low (17.48%), and no statistically significant differences were met between the sexes. No differences were found when comparing trauma prevalence between settlements or regions, suggesting that location or function of the sites may not have influenced in trauma frequencies. This information more comfortably agrees with a scenario of conflict where several sources of violence may have caused the record of traumatic injuries (i.e. raids, ambushes, etc). These results serve to problematize how conflict is expected to be expressed in the archaeological record, especially in osseous human remains, what sources of violence may have generated the traumatic patterns observed and the intensity of conflict in this region in particular and in the pre‐Hispanic Andes in general. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters for Patients with Parkinson's Disease Compared with Normal Individuals
Authors: Bovonsunthonchai Sunee , Vachalathiti Roongtiwa , Pisarnpong Apichart , Khobhun Fuengfa , Hiengkaew Vimonwan
Published: December 2013

Background

Gait initiation is a major motor problem for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). To understand the gait initiation in patients with PD, fluctuation on the first three steps of initiation was examined

Methods

Force distribution measurement platform was used to record gait initiation in 10 patients with PD and healthy participants. Step length, step time and step width, as well as its coefficient of variation (CV) were investigated

Results

The findings demonstrated significant main effect of group on step length (p < 0.001), step time (p = 0.034) and step width (p = 0.002), significant main effect of step on step time (p < 0.001) and step width (p < 0.001). No interaction between group and step (p > 0.05) was found on the variables. Compared with healthy participants, patients with PD showed significantly shorter step length in the first (p < 0.001), second (p = 0.001) and third (p = 0.001) steps and longer step time in the second step (p < 0.001). No difference in CV (p > 0.05) of the variables between groups comparison. Both groups had significant longer step time in the first step compared with the second step (PD, p < 0.001; healthy participants, p < 0.001) and the third steps (PD, p < 0.001; healthy participants, p < 0.001). They demonstrated significant wider step width in the first step when compared with the second step (PD, p = 0.043; healthy participants, p < 0.001) and the third steps (PD, p = 0.002; healthy participants, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with PD showed shorter step length of all steps, longer step time in the second step and similar step width when compared with healthy participants. Among the three steps, both groups demonstrated longer step time and wider step width in the first step when compared with other two step. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
C‐terminal β‐strand swapping in a consensus‐derived fibronectin Type III scaffold
Authors: Teplyakov Alexey , Obmolova Galina , Malia Thomas J. , Luo Jinquan , Jacobs Steven A. , Chan Winnie , Domingo Derrick , Baker Audrey , O'Neil Karyn T. , Gilliland Gary L.
Published: December 2013

The crystal structures of six different fibronectin Type III consensus‐derived Tencon domains, whose solution properties exhibit no, to various degrees of, aggregation according to SEC, have been determined. The structures of the five variants showing aggregation reveal 3D domain swapped dimers. In all five cases, the swapping involves the C‐terminal β‐strand resulting in the formation of Tencon dimers in which the target‐binding surface is blocked. All of the variants differ in sequence in the FG loop, which is the hinge loop in the β‐strand‐swapped dimers. The six tencon variants have between 0 and 5 residues inserted between positions 77 and 78 in the FG loop. Analysis of the structures suggests that a non‐glycine residue at position 77 and insertions of <4 residues may destabilize the β‐turn in the FG loop promoting β‐strand swapping. Swapped dimers with an odd number of inserted residues may be less stable, particularly if they contain proline residues, because they cannot form perfect β‐bridges in the FG regions that link the swapped dimers. The Tencon β‐swapped variants with the longest FG sequences are observed to form higher order hexameric or helical oligomeric structures in the crystal correlating well with the aggregation properties of these domains observed in solution. Understanding the structural basis for domain‐swapped dimerization and oligomerization will support engineering efforts of the Tencon domain to produce variants with desired biophysical properties. Proteins 2014; 82:1359–1369. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increasing Diversity Within Increasing Diversity: the Changing Ethnic Composition of London's Neighbourhoods, 2001–2011
Authors: Johnston Ron , Poulsen Michael , Forrest James
Published: December 2013

London has become an ethnically much more diverse city over recent decades but has that growing macro‐scale diversity been replicated in its myriad neighbourhoods? Using recently released 2011 census data and an established methodology for classifying small areas according to the ethnic composition of their populations, this paper explores the extent and nature of change in those areas over the decade 2001–2011. It identifies two main patterns: firstly, in many parts of London where Whites previously predominated neighbourhoods are more mixed ethnically; secondly, in those areas where Whites were in a minority by 2011 there were even fewer Whites but without the development of separate enclaves where one Non‐White group predominates. The result is an ethnic landscape characterised by two types of changing diversity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wavy channel thin film transistor architecture for area efficient, high performance and low power displays
Authors: Hanna Amir N. , Torres Sevilla Galo A. , Ghoneim Mohamed T. , Hussain Aftab M. , Bahabry Rabab R. , Syed Ahad , Hussain Muhammad M.
Published: December 2013

We demonstrate a new thin film transistor (TFT) architecture that allows expansion of the device width using continuous fin features – termed as wavy channel (WC) architecture. This architecture allows expansion of transistor width in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, thus not consuming extra chip area, achieving area efficiency. The devices have shown for a 13% increase in the device width resulting in a maximum 2.5× increase in ‘ON’ current value of the WCTFT, when compared to planar devices consuming the same chip area, while using atomic layer deposition based zinc oxide (ZnO) as the channel material. The WCTFT devices also maintain similar ‘OFF’ current value, ∼100 pA, when compared to planar devices, thus not compromising on power consumption for performance which usually happens with larger width devices. This work offers an interesting opportunity to use WCTFTs as backplane circuitry for large‐area high‐resolution display applications. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Accuracy of screw placement and radiation dose in navigated dorsal instrumentation of the cervical spine: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kraus Michael , von dem Berge Stephanie , Perl Mario , Krischak Gert , Weckbach Sebastian
Published: December 2013

Background

Dorsal cervical spinal fusion is a challenging procedure in fracture fixation. There is limited information in the literature about computer navigation using lateral mass screws in cases of spinal trauma.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database covering an 8 year period. All patients who received a dorsal spinal fusion due to a fracture of the cervical spine were included. Outcome parameters were screw accuracy, duration of surgery, the radiation emitted and intra‐/postoperative complications.

Results

Sixteen patients, who received 67 screws (44 navigated vs 23 conventionally inserted screws) were included. Three‐dimensional (3D)‐based computer navigation prolonged the duration of surgery but helped to reduce the radiation emitted and led to significantly increased accuracy of screw positioning.

Conclusion

Computer navigation can increase the accuracy of lateral mass screws in spinal trauma. It prolongs the surgical procedure but reduces the emission of radiation significantly. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Goffman at Penn: Star Presence, Teacher‐Mentor, Profaning Jester
Authors: Delaney Michael
Published: December 2013

This essay is based on my encounters with Erving Goffman as his student at Penn in the 1970s. It concerns Goffman's largely self‐orchestrated “place” at Penn in various respects: his uneasy relationship with the Penn sociology department despite his academic fame; his disenchantment with “mainstream” sociology; his calibrated interactional style as a “profane jester,” offset by his thoughtful seriousness as a mentor; his classroom deportment and no‐nonsense teaching style. Goffman's casual classroom use of unseemly epithets is discussed as a pedagogical device for demonstrating the stigmatizing power of language. Goffman's suggestions for possible field‐site studies contrast with his commentary on the current state of sociology and, by implication, his place in it.
Fuzzy temporal association rules: combining temporal and quantitative data to increase rule expressiveness
Authors: Cariñena Purificación
Published: December 2013

Data mining for association rules aims to discover interesting relationships among sets of items in a database. Very often these databases include some kind of temporal information, the most common being a temporal label indicating transaction date. Within the field of association rule mining temporal information has been used to obtain sequential association rules, periodic or cyclic association rules, calendric association rules, or event‐driven association rules. The temporal component is also relevant when analyzing how association rules evolve if datasets are evaluated on different time‐slices. On the other hand, in traditional association rules item attributes were usually Boolean, but many attributes in current databases are quantitative in nature. Fuzzy temporal association rules arise from the use of fuzzy sets to describe quantitative temporal and/or not temporal attributes of items in a database, and/or to introduce fuzzy temporal specifications for the rules a user is interested in; the use of fuzzy sets allows a linguistic interpretation of the rules and also provides means to handle the uncertainty present in attribute measurements. Depending on the rule pattern the final user is interested in, different methods for fuzzy temporal association rule mining can be found in the literature, with mining algorithms adapted to the rule model being used. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2014, 4:64–70. doi: 10.1002/widm.1116

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining

Technologies > Association Rules

Technologies > Computational Intelligence
The Path of Public Health Finance, Implementation, and Reform in China: Lessons From the United States Medicaid System
Authors: Randall David , Chen Dongjin
Published: December 2013

Since its creation by the U.S. Congress in 1965, the U.S. Medicaid health care system has been a shared federal‐state financing and health care delivery system for the poor. The implementation and financing of the Medicaid system has had differing paths as a result of a range of policy choices behind which are the states charged with administering the program and policymakers in Washington. The policy choices and institutional structures associated with the U.S. Medicaid system have many similarities to China's provincial and local health‐care system of financing and delivery of health‐care services. Past and recent reform efforts by the central government in Beijing have similarities to the policy path of the development of the U.S. Medicaid system. The policy choices made by U.S. state and federal policymakers have numerous lessons that can be learned as a result of the institutional similarities in the Chinese provincial health care system.
Young Adults' Support for Adult‐Ratings for Movies Depicting Smoking and for Restrictions on Tobacco Magazine Advertising
Authors: Choi Kelvin , Fabian Lindsey , Jansen Jim , Lenk Kathleen , Forster Jean
Published: December 2013

Smoking images in movies and tobacco advertisements in magazines are influential on adolescent smoking behaviors, and restrictions of these advertising strategies can reduce the prevalence of adolescent smoking. We assessed young adults' level of support for adult ratings for movies depicting smoking and for restrictions on tobacco magazine advertising. Young adults from the U.S. Midwest were surveyed between 2010 and 2011 (n = 2,622). We assessed their level of support for (a) adult‐rating all movies depicting smoking, and (b) restrictions on tobacco magazine advertising. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate the characteristics associated with higher level of support for these policies. Overall, 34 percent of the participants favored adult ratings for movies with smoking images, and 68 percent favored restrictions on tobacco magazine advertising. Characteristics associated with higher level of support differed somewhat by policy. Further educating young adults about the influence of smoking images in movies on adolescent smoking may be necessary to gain more support for the policy. With the majority supporting restrictions on tobacco magazine advertising, it may be possible to tighten these restrictions to further protect adolescents. Future research is needed to identify how tobacco control advocates can frame these issues to gain further public support.
Health‐related Quality of Life Scores Changes Significantly within the First Three Months After Hernia Mesh Repair
Authors: Christoffersen Mette W. , Rosenberg Jacob , Jorgensen Lars Nannestad , Bytzer Peter , Bisgaard Thue
Published: December 2013

Background

Patient‐related outcome measures (PROM) such as quality of life (QoL) after hernia repair are important to monitor, since QoL is an important indication of a hernia repair. Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) is a hernia‐specific questionnaire regarding health‐related QoL after a mesh hernia repair. The primary objective of this study was to monitor changes in health‐related QoL over time after different mesh hernia repair procedures using the CCS.

Methods

We performed a prospective study with an exploratory, intraobserver design enrolling consecutive patients who were to undergo elective mesh hernia repair. Four different hernia repair techniques were included and analyzed specifically for each surgical group. Patients scored themselves using CCS preoperatively and at several fixed times postoperatively. Since no gold standard exists for either hernia‐specific QoL questionnaires or change of scores on PROMs as a function of time after hernia repair, we compared the CCS scores with the visual analog scale (VAS) scores reflecting the subdomains of the CCS.

Results

A total of 166 patients completed the study. CCS scores for QoL, pain, sensation of mesh, and activity limitations changed significantly with time during the 90‐day study period. Furthermore, CCS and VAS showed significant agreement and correlation (ρ = 0.52–0.82, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study is the first to demonstrate significant changes over time in health‐related QoL using the CCS after four different types of hernia repair with mesh.