bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AUV-Based Plume Tracking: A Simulation Study
Authors: Jayasiri Awantha , Gosine Raymond G. , Mann George K. I. , McGuire Peter
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a simulation study of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) navigation system operating in a GPS-denied environment. The AUV navigation method makes use of underwater transponder positioning and requires only one transponder. A multirate unscented Kalman filter is used to determine the AUV orientation and position by fusing high-rate sensor data and low-rate information. The paper also proposes a gradient-based, efficient, and adaptive novel algorithm for plume boundary tracking missions. The algorithm follows a centralized approach and it includes path optimization features based on gradient information. The proposed algorithm is implemented in simulation on the AUV-based navigation system and successful boundary tracking results are obtained.
Wireless Sensor Networks Formation: Approaches and Techniques
Authors: Carlos-Mancilla Miriam , López-Mellado Ernesto , Siller Mario
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) emerge as an active research area in which challenging topics involve energy consumption, routing algorithms, selection of sensors location according to a given premise, robustness, efficiency, and so forth. Despite the open problems in WSNs, there are already a high number of applications available. In all cases for the design of any application, one of the main objectives is to keep the WSN alive and functional as long as possible. A key factor in this is the way the network is formed. This survey presents most recent formation techniques and mechanisms for the WSNs. In this paper, the reviewed works are classified into distributed and centralized techniques. The analysis is focused on whether a single or multiple sinks are employed, nodes are static or mobile, the formation is event detection based or not, and network backbone is formed or not. We focus on recent works and present a discussion of their advantages and drawbacks. Finally, the paper overviews a series of open issues which drive further research in the area.
Biosensors in Health Care: The Milestones Achieved in Their Development towards Lab-on-Chip-Analysis
Authors: Patel Suprava , Nanda Rachita , Sahoo Sibasish , Mohapatra Eli
Published: March 2016

Immense potentiality of biosensors in medical diagnostics has driven scientists in evolution of biosensor technologies and innovating newer tools in time. The cornerstone of the popularity of biosensors in sensing wide range of biomolecules in medical diagnostics is due to their simplicity in operation, higher sensitivity, ability to perform multiplex analysis, and capability to be integrated with different function by the same chip. There remains a huge challenge to meet the demands of performance and yield to its simplicity and affordability. Ultimate goal stands for providing point-of-care testing facility to the remote areas worldwide, particularly the developing countries. It entails continuous development in technology towards multiplexing ability, fabrication, and miniaturization of biosensor devices so that they can provide lab-on-chip-analysis systems to the community.
Medicinal Plants from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Used as Immunostimulants
Authors: Alonso-Castro Angel Josabad , Juárez-Vázquez María del Carmen , Campos-Xolalpa Nimsi
Published: March 2016

A literature review was undertaken by analyzing distinguished books, undergraduate and postgraduate theses, and peer‐reviewed scientific articles and by consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases, such as SCOPUS, Web of Science, SCIELO, Medline, and Google Scholar. Medicinal plants used as immunostimulants were classified into two categories: (1) plants with pharmacological studies and (2) plants without pharmacological research. Medicinal plants with pharmacological studies of their immunostimulatory properties were subclassified into four groups as follows: (a) plant extracts evaluated for in vitro effects, (b) plant extracts with documented in vivo effects, (c) active compounds tested on in vitro studies, and (d) active compounds assayed in animal models. Pharmacological studies have been conducted on 29 of the plants, including extracts and compounds, whereas 75 plants lack pharmacological studies regarding their immunostimulatory activity. Medicinal plants were experimentally studied in vitro (19 plants) and in vivo (8 plants). A total of 12 compounds isolated from medicinal plants used as immunostimulants have been tested using in vitro (11 compounds) and in vivo (2 compounds) assays. This review clearly indicates the need to perform scientific studies with medicinal flora from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, to obtain new immunostimulatory agents.
Experimental Research of Reliability of Plant Stress State Detection by Laser-Induced Fluorescence Method
Authors: Fedotov Yury , Bullo Olga , Belov Michael , Gorodnichev Viktor
Published: March 2016

Experimental laboratory investigations of the laser-induced fluorescence spectra of watercress and lawn grass were conducted. The fluorescence spectra were excited by YAG:Nd laser emitting at 532 nm. It was established that the influence of stress caused by mechanical damage, overwatering, and soil pollution is manifested in changes of the spectra shapes. The mean values and confidence intervals for the ratio of two fluorescence maxima near 685 and 740 nm were estimated. It is presented that the fluorescence ratio could be considered a reliable characteristic of plant stress state.
Impact of Forage Fertilization with Urea and Composted Cattle Manure on Soil Fertility in Sandy Soils of South-Central Vietnam
Authors: McRoberts Keenan C. , Ketterings Quirine M. , Parsons David , Hai Tran Thanh , Quan Nguyen Hai , Ba Nguyen Xuan , Nicholson Charles F. , Cherney Debbie J. R.
Published: March 2016

Increased production in smallholder beef systems requires improved forage management. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of composted cattle manure and mineral nitrogen (urea) application on soil fertility and partial nutrient balances in plots established toBrachiariacv. Mulato II in south-central coastal Vietnam from 2010 to 2013. A randomized complete block design was implemented on six farms (blocks), with five rates of composted cattle manure (0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 Mg DM/ha per yr) and three urea rates (0, 60, and 120 kg N/ha per yr) in a factorial design. Soil was analyzed before and after the experiment. Compost increased soil pH, organic matter, Ca, Mg, and Mn. The effect of compost and urea applications on postexperiment soil fertility depended on preexperiment soil fertility for K, P, S, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, and organic matter, suggesting that the ability to maintain soil fertility depends on the interaction between soil organic and inorganic amendments and existing soil fertility. Highest farm yields were also achieved on farms with higher preexperiment soil fertility levels. Negative partial nutrient balances for N, P, and K suggest that yields will not be sustainable over time even for the highest fertilization inputs used in this experiment.
Response of Pea Varieties to Damage Degree of Pea Weevil,Bruchus pisorumL.
Authors: Nikolova Ivelina Mitkova
Published: March 2016

A study was conducted to determine the response of five pea varieties (Pisum sativumL.) to damage degree ofBruchus pisorum: Glyans, Modus, Kamerton, and Svit (Ukrainian cultivars) and Pleven 4 (Bulgarian cultivar). The seeds were classified into three types: healthy seeds (type 1), damaged seeds with parasitoid emergence hole (type 2), and damaged seeds with bruchid emergence hole (type 3) and they were sown. It was found that the weight of 1000 seeds did not affect the field germination of the pea varieties. Healthy and damaged seeds with parasitoid emergence holes (first and second seed types) provide a very good opportunity for growth and development while plants from damaged seeds with bruchid emergence holes had poor germination and vigor and low productivity. These seeds cannot provide the creation of well-garnished seeding and stable crop yields. Among tested varieties, the Ukrainian variety Glyans had considerably higher seed weight, field germination, and index germination and weak egg-laying activity ofB. pisorumcompared to others. Use of spring pea cultivars that are weakly preferred by the pea weevil in breeding programs would reduce losses due to pea weevil and provide an environmentally safer option to its control.
Inhibition of Notch Signaling Ameliorates Acute Kidney Failure and Downregulates Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor β in the Mouse Model
Authors: Kramer Jan , Schwanbeck Ralf , Pagel Horst , Cakiroglu Figen , Rohwedel Jürgen , Just Ursula
Published: March 2016

Ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high morbidity and frequent complications. Repeated episodes of AKI may lead to end-stage renal failure. The pathobiology of regeneration in AKI is not well understood and there is no effective clinical therapy that improves regeneration. The Notch signaling pathway plays an essential role in kidney development and has been implicated in tissue repair in the adult kidney. Here, we found that kidneys after experimental AKI in mice showed increased expression of Notch receptors, specifically Notch1-3, of the Notch ligands Jagged-1 (Jag1), Jag2 and Delta-like-4 (Dll4) and of the Notch target genes Hes1, Hey2, HeyL, Sox9 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (Pdgfrb). Treatment of ischemic mice with the γ-secretase inhibitor DBZ blocked Notch signaling and specifically downregulated the expression of Notch3 and the Notch target genes Hes1, Hey2, HeyL and Pdgfrb. After DBZ treatment, the mice developed less interstitial edema and displayed altered interstitial inflammation patterns. Furthermore, serum urea and creatinine levels were significantly decreased from 6 h onwards when compared to control mice treated with DMSO only. Our data are consistent with an amelioration of the severity of kidney injury by blocking Notch activation following AKI, and suggest an involvement of Notch-regulated Pdgfrb in AKI pathogenesis.
Aplasia Cutis Congenita of the Scalp, Composite Type: The Criticality and Inseparability of Neurosurgical and Plastic Surgical Management
Authors: Winston Ken R. , Ketch Lawrence L.
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: The object of this report is to review the management of patients having the composite type of aplasia cutis congenita in the context of the relevant literature on this condition. Methods: Clinical records, neuroimaging and photographic documentation of identified cases of composite type aplasia cutis congenita, with a comprehensive review of the literature, are the material basis of this report. Results: Two neonates with composite type aplasia cutis congenita are described as examples of this disorder, and their management, including complications, is discussed. Both had satisfactory outcomes. Conclusions: Early aggressive surgical management with scalp rotation flaps has a low rate of complications, provides satisfactory functional and esthetic outcome, minimizes hospital stays, and should provide cost-effective care by reduction of the time to secure wound closure. Most bony defects, even large ones, commonly ossify completely. Optimal case management requires a synchronized neurosurgical and plastic surgical team. Intuitive nonsurgical and surgical approaches by the inexperienced can be hazardous.
Blood-Based Circulating MicroRNAs are Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Leukemia: Result from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Li-hua , Guo Yang , Zhang Xue-Li , Chen Jia-jia , Hu Shao-yan
Published: March 2016

Aims: Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for leukemia have been validated by emerging studies. This meta-analysis aims to estimate the overall diagnostic accuracy of blood-based circulating miRNAs for leukemia. Methods: We searched multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang Data and CQVIP) up to June 18, 2015. Results: 32 studies from 10 publications were included in this meta-analysis. Diagnostic capacity was evaluated by pooled sensitivity, specifIcity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) through random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses were sequentially performed to find potential sources of heterogeneity. The quality of included studies was assessed by QUADAS (quality assessment for studies of diagnostic accuracy). Meta-Disc 1.4 and Stata 12.0 software were used to perform the meta-analysis. A high diagnostic accuracy was displayed, with a sensitivity of 0.84, a specificity of 0.88, a PLR of 7.20, a NLR of 0.18, a DOR of 52, and an AUC of 0.94. Subgroup analyses revealed better performance for combined miRNAs, acute myeloid leukemia patients and Asian population than other subgroups. Conclusion: Our analyses suggested that blood-based circulating miRNAs are promising diagnostic biomarkers for leukemia, especially combined miRNAs. Its clinical application awaits further study.
Chronic Exposure to Water-Pipe Smoke Induces Alveolar Enlargement, DNA Damage and Impairment of Lung Function
Authors: Nemmar Abderrahim , Al-Salam Suhail , Yuvaraju Priya , Beegam Sumaya , Yasin Javed , Ali Badreldin H.
Published: March 2016

Background/Aim: Epidemiological evidence indicates that water-pipe smoking (WPS) adversely affects the respiratory system. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects are not well understood. Recent experimental studies reported the occurrence of lung inflammation and oxidative stress following acute and subacute exposure to WPS. Here, we wanted to verify the extent of inflammation and oxidative stress in mice chronically-exposed to WPS and to evaluate, for the first time, its effect on alveolar injury and DNA damage and their association with impairment of lung function. Methods: Mice were nose-only exposed to mainstream WPS (30 min/day; 5 days/week for 6 consecutive months). Control mice were exposed using the same protocol to atmospheric air only. At the end of the exposure period, several respiratory parameters were assessed. Results: In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, WPS increased neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers, lactate dehydrogenase, myeloperoxidase and matrix metallopeptidase 9 activities, as well as several proinflammatory cytokines. In lung tissue, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione were all increased by WPS exposure. Along with oxidative stress, WPS exposure significantly increased lung DNA damage index. Histologically the lungs of WPS-exposed mice had foci of mixed inflammatory cells infiltration in the interalveolar interstitium which consisted of neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages. Interestingly, we found dilated alveolar spaces and alveolar ducts with damaged interalveolar septae, and impairment of lung function following WPS exposure. Conclusion: We show the persistence of lung inflammation and oxidative stress in mice chronically-exposed to WPS and demonstrate, for the first time, the occurrence of DNA damage and enlargement of alveolar spaces and ducts associated with impairment of lung function. Our findings provide novel mechanistic elucidation for the long-term effects of WPS on the respiratory system.
ACE2 Antagonizes VEGFa to Reduce Vascular Permeability During Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Yu Xiaobo , Lin Qiang , Qin Xiong , Ruan Zheng , Zhou Jianhua , Lin Zhifeng , Su Yijiang , Zheng Jian , Liu Zhenwei
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) treatment suppresses the severity of acute lung injury (ALI), through antagonizing hydrolyzing angiotensin II (AngII) and the ALI-induced apoptosis of pulmonary endothelial cells. Nevertheless, the effects of ACE2 on vessel permeability and its relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGFa) remain ill-defined. In the current study, we examined the relationship between ACE2 and VEGFa in ALI model in mice. Methods: Here, we used a previously published bleomycin method to induce ALI in mice, and treated the mice with ACE2. We analyzed the levels of VEGFa in these mice. The mouse lung vessel permeability was determined by a fluorescence pharmacokinetic assay following i.v. injection of 62.5µg/kg Visudyne. VEGFa pump or SU5416 pump was given to increase or decrease VEGFa effects, respectively. The long-term effects on lung function were determined by measurement of lung resistance using methacholine. Results: ACE2 treatment did not alter VEGFa levels in lung, but antagonized the effects of VEGFa on increases of lung vessel permeability. Ectogenic VEGFa abolished the antagonizing effects of ACE2 on the vessel permeability against VEGFa. On the other hand, suppression of VEGF signaling mimicked the effects of ACE2 on the vessel permeability against VEGFa. The suppression of vessel permeability resulted in improvement of lung function after ALI. Conclusion: ACE2 may antagonize the VEGFa-mediated increases in lung vessel permeability during ALI, resulting in improvement of lung function after ALI.
Feasibility, Safety and Long-Term Follow-Up of Transcatheter Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defects with Deficient Rims
Authors: Cao Chunhui , Wang Zhonghua , Huang Jun , Fan Lingxia , Li Ren , Wang Shushui , Li Yufen , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: March 2016

Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transcatheter closure procedures for the treatment of atrial septal defects (ASDs) with insufficient rims. Methods: A total of 507 secondary ASDs were divided into two groups based on whether they had deficient rims or not (152 vs. 355 cases, respectively). Any complications, including residual shunt, heart arrhythmia, occluder translocation, etc., were followed up for 1-3 years. Results: There were no differences in gender, weight, exposure time, ECG states, pulmonary pressure, the intervention success rate, occurrence of residual shunt, the operation time and occurrence of residual shunt during follow-up between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the occurrence of rhythm disorders was significantly different between the two groups; ASDs with deficient rims were at an elevated risk (p < 0.05). Specifically, there was a significantly higher incidence in the occurrence of arrhythmia in the deficient rims group at 24 h postoperation, but no differences in arrhythmia incidence at any of the other follow-up time points (1, 3, 6, 12 and 36 months; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with deficient rims experience a high success rate of ASD intervention and low rate of complications when the procedures are performed by experienced operators.
The Behavioural Contexts of Red Langur (Presbytis rubicunda) Loud Calls in the Wehea Forest, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: D’Agostino Justin , Spehar Stephanie N. , Delgado Roberto
Published: March 2016

Researchers hypothesize that male loud calls play several roles in primate societies including in the context of intergroup spacing and spatial coordination. Field studies examining the behavioural correlates of vocalizations are essential to evaluate the function of these calls. This preliminary study, from July 2011 to January 2012, explores the behavioural contexts and correlates of male loud calls in a habituated group of red langurs (Presbytis rubicunda) in the Wehea Forest, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. In analysing 418 h of data collection, we find a total of 87 vocal behaviours, including bouts of multiple calls in rapid succession (i.e. calling events) and individual loud calls. In this sample, most vocal behaviour takes place in the morning with 59% of calling events occurring before 8.00 h. The mean rate of calling events is 0.12 events/h, and the mean rate of individual loud calls is 0.20 calls/h. The mean number of calling events per day is 1.31 (range: 0-4), and the mean number of individual loud calls per day is 2.81 (range: 0-13). The rate of calling events is highest in the context of intragroup conflict, followed by intergroup encounters, predator threat, group travel, and the highest number of individual loud calls occurred during intergroup encounters. Although these results are preliminary, they suggest that adult male loud calls among red langurs at Wehea may play a role in both intergroup spacing and social coordination, supporting the hypothesis that these calls can serve different functions.
Sichuan Snub-Nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) Consume Cicadas in the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Yang Bin , Zhang Peng , Garber Paul A. , Hedley Richard , Li Baoguo
Published: March 2016

There is limited information on insectivory in folivorous primates. Here, we report that wild Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) consume cicadas (Karenia caelatata) in the Qinling Mountains of China. Our research suggests that snub-nosed monkeys expand their diet and prey on cicadas during summer and early autumn, possibly in response to increased availability of these insects and their relatively high protein and fat content relative to leaves.
Empowering Adult Stem Cells for Myocardial Regeneration V2.0
Authors: Broughton Kathleen M. , Sussman Mark A.
Published: March 2016

Much has changed since our survey of the landscape for myocardial regeneration powered by adult stem cells 4 years ago.
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The intervening years since that first review has witnessed an explosive expansion of studies that advance both understanding and implementation of adult stem cells in promoting myocardial repair. Painstaking research from innumerable laboratories throughout the world is prying open doors that may lead to restoration of myocardial structure and function in the wake of pathological injury. This global effort has produced deeper mechanistic comprehension coupled with an evolving appreciation for the complexity of myocardial regeneration in the adult context. Undaunted by both known and (as yet) unknown challenges, pursuit of myocardial regenerative medicine mediated by adult stem cell therapy has gathered momentum fueled by tantalizing clues and visionary goals. This concise review takes a somewhat different perspective than our initial treatise, taking stock of the business sector that has become an integral part of the field while concurrently updating state of affairs in cutting edge research. Looking retrospectively at advancement over the years as all reviews eventually must, the fundamental lesson to be learned is best explained by Jonatan Mårtensson: “Success will never be a big step in the future. Success is a small step taken just now.”
Moving Forwards by Blocking Back-Flow
Authors: Pell Victoria R. , Chouchani Edward T. , Murphy Michael P. , Brookes Paul S. , Krieg Thomas
Published: March 2016

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production has emerged as an important pathological mechanism in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Attempts at targeting reactive oxygen species by scavenging using antioxidants have, however, been clinically disappointing. This review will provide an overview of the current understanding of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in ischemia/reperfusion injury. We will outline novel therapeutic approaches designed to directly target the mitochondrial respiratory chain and prevent excessive reactive oxygen species production and its associated pathology. This approach could lead to more effective interventions in an area where there is an urgent need for new treatments.
Captivating the Captive Mind: Challenges Facing Theological Education in Post-Communist Society
Authors: Garrett Stephen M.
Published: March 2016

The Lithuanian born, Polish poet and 1980 Nobel laureate, Czeław Miłosz, penned a classic work, The Captive Mind (1951), detailing the allurement and existential crises the intelligentsia faced under Soviet totalitarianism. For many in post-communist societies, social realism fits well with varying forms of democratic capitalism’s privatization of faith. Consequently, little room remains for theological education beyond the limits of institutional religion. Reductionistic accounts of human personhood and views of God as absent are central to this social imaginary. The challenge for Christian theology is to address these matters creatively yet critically, communicating with charity an alternative narrative of human ontology. Hans Urs von Balthasar is one voice that does so through his theological personalism, rooted in the economic missio of Christ’s trinitarian life. He offers a creative way of envisioning humanity as captivated and constituted by its dialogical encounter with God, being drawn into the theodrama of human society.
The ‘Neoplatonic’ Interpretation of Plato’s Parmenides
Authors: Gerson Lloyd P.
Published: March 2016

In his highly influential 1928 article ‘TheParmenidesof Plato and the Origin of the Neoplatonic “One”,’ E.R. Dodds argued,inter alia, that among the so-called Neoplatonists Plotinus was the first to interpret Plato’sParmenidesin terms of the distinctive three ‘hypostases’, One, Intellect, and Soul. Dodds argued that this interpretation was embraced and extensively developed by Proclus, among others. In this paper, I argue that although Plotinus tookParmenidesto contain a sort of outline of the true metaphysical principles, he understood the One of the first hypothesis of the second part of the dialogue in a way importantly different from the way that Proclus understood it. The characterization of this One, especially its identity with the Idea of the Good ofRepublic, has significant ramification for Plotinus’ philosophy that set it apart from Proclus’ philosophy in ways hitherto infrequently noted. The widely accepted reasons for rejecting Proclus’ interpretation do not apply to the interpretation of Plotinus. The two different interpretations help explain why Proclus’ notorious proliferation of entities in the intelligible realm is not found in Plotinus.
Joshua Stopping the Sun and Ignatius of Loyola at Il Gesù in Rome
Authors: Nayyar Reshma
Published: March 2016

In 1672, the Jesuit superior general Gian Paolo Oliva commissioned from Baciccio a lavish cycle of ceiling frescoes for Rome’s Il Gesù after earmarking the tribune vault for Giacomo Cortese to decorate with a representation of Joshua Stopping the Sun. Oliva also planned to translate Ignatius of Loyola’s remains to the high altar. Pope Gregory xv had explicitly likened Ignatius to the Old Testament general Joshua during the Jesuit founder’s canonization in 1622, and it may be inferred that Oliva intended to promote a hagiographic connection between the two figures through the prominent juxtaposition of Cortese’s fresco with the saint’s relics. However, the Ignatius-Joshua connection remained uncelebrated: the plan to translate the relics did not come to fruition, Cortese passed away in 1676, and the apse vault was eventually decorated by Baciccio with the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Cortese’s demise has heretofore been considered the decisive factor leading to the change in subject of the tribune fresco, but the clandestine correspondence of Lazzero Sorba, S.J., indicates another important factor was at play. These documents evidence an unusually strained relationship between the Society and Pope Innocent xi Odescalchi, elected in 1676. They suggest that the Society’s discomfiture vis-à-vis Innocent xi influenced its decision to replace the self-aggrandizing Joshua Stopping the Sun with the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
Antenna Pattern Measurements of Weather Radars Using the Sun and a Point Source
Authors: Reimann Jens , Hagen Martin
Published: March 2016

The sun is known to be a good target for weather radar calibration. In this paper high-resolution raster scans of the sun at high elevations will be used to derive the antenna pattern of weather radar, without being affected by beam propagation effects and reflections close to the earth’s surface. It is shown that this pattern matches well to pattern measurements using a point source. Hence, a good estimation of the real antenna pattern can be derived using the sun.

Furthermore, formulas to extract undistorted antenna patterns from the sun, even at high-elevation angles, are derived. The signal processing required to achieve high sensitivity for the antenna pattern measurements will be described. Important parts of the antenna pattern—for example, sidelobes—become visible when using long integration times.

The polarimetric receiver channel cross-correlation coefficient is proposed as a figure of merit of the cross-polar isolation of the antenna and hence the cross-polar pattern. The results are also compared to point source measurements. This illustrates how an unpolarized signal source like the sun can be used to derive polarimetric variables.
Levels of Candidate Periodontal Pathogens in Subgingival Biofilm
Authors: Oliveira R.R.D.S. , Fermiano D. , Feres M. , Figueiredo L.C. , Teles F.R.F. , Soares G.M.S. , Faveri M.
Published: March 2016

In recent years, several new periodontal taxa have been associated with the etiology of periodontitis. A recent systematic review provides further support for the pathogenic role of 17 species/phylotypes. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and levels of these species in subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis (GChP; n = 30), generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP; n = 30), and periodontal health (PH; n = 30). All subjects underwent clinical and microbiological assessment. Nine subgingival plaque samples were collected from each subject and analyzed for their content of 20 bacterial species/phylotypes through the RNA-oligonucleotide quantification technique. Subjects from the GChP and GAgP groups presented the highest mean values for all clinical parameters in comparison with the PH group ( P < 0.05). Subjects with GChP and GAgP showed significantly higher mean levels of Bacteroidetes sp. human oral taxon (HOT) 274, Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360, and TM7 sp. HOT 356 phylotypes, as well as higher mean levels of Filifactor alocis, Fretibacterium fastidiosum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Selenomonas sputigena species than PH subjects ( P < 0.05). GAgP subjects presented higher mean levels of TM7 sp. HOT 356 and F. alocis than GChP subjects ( P < 0.05). A significantly higher mean prevalence of Bacteroidales sp. HOT 274, Desulfobulbus sp. HOT 041, Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360, and Fretibacterium sp. HOT 362 was found in subjects with GChP and GAgP than in PH subjects. Mean levels of P. gingivalis ( r = 0.68), T. forsythia ( r = 0.62), F. alocis ( r = 0.51, P = 0.001), and Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360 ( r = 0.41) were correlated with pocket depth ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, Bacteroidales sp. HOT 274, Desulfobulbus sp. HOT 041, Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360, Fretibacterium sp. HOT 362, and TM7 sp. HOT 356 phylotypes, in addition to F. alocis, F. fastidiosum, and S. sputigena, seem to be associated with periodontitis, and their role in periodontal pathogenesis should be further investigated.
Farewell to flexicurity? Austerity and labour policies in the European Union
Authors: Hastings Thomas , Heyes Jason
Published: March 2016

For the past decade the European Commission has urged EU member states to pursue ‘flexicurity’ policies aimed at achieving employment growth and social inclusion. However, the economic crisis and turn to austerity across the EU has presented the flexicurity model with a substantial challenge. This article argues that since 2008 labour policies across the EU have exhibited shared tendencies, but support for measures that might contribute to the achievement of the security aspects of flexicurity has been substantially weakened. In developing this argument, the article presents findings from a cluster analysis and detailed investigations of labour policies in EU member countries. The article also discusses the implications of the findings for comparative institutional analysis. It highlights differences in the approaches of countries that are commonly treated as members of the same institutional family, as well as similarities in the policies adopted by countries commonly associated with different ‘varieties’ of capitalism.
‘We don’t need no stinking smartphones!’ Live stadium sports events, mediatization, and the non-use of mobile media
Authors: Hutchins Brett
Published: March 2016

The continuing institutional interpenetration of the sports, media, and digital technology industries makes professional sports an unlikely setting for protest against the use of media. Yet, major stadiums and arenas are serving as sites where the deepening reach and influence of media in lived social and cultural experiences are reflected upon and debated. Drawing upon the concept of mediatization, this article analyzes conflicts over the spread and use of smartphones by spectators during games, showing how the saturation of social spaces by mobile media is cause for objection by selected fans and sports powerbrokers. Strident calls to cease using smartphones are a response to intensifying levels of connectivity, enabled by the installation of sophisticated wireless communications networks and telecommunications services in stadiums and arenas. This situation is indicative of concerns about the link between the use of constantly connected mobile devices and an uneasy sense of being ‘alone together’ in social life, with live stadium sports events idealized as moments where social connection can be forged through the non-use of mobile media and disconnection from telecommunications networks.
Improvements still needed for transgender coverage
Authors: Capuzza Jamie Colette
Published: March 2016

This article examines contemporary newspaper coverage of transgender citizens. Findings indicate journalistic practices accommodate transgender identity and expression, but efforts to provide more multi-dimensional representations of this marginalized community are still needed.
Health Outcomes and Patient Empowerment
Authors: Adinolfi Paola , Starace Fabrizio , Palumbo Rocco
Published: March 2016

Scholars claim that the outcomes of health interventions are the products of three factors: the size, the penetration and the sustainability of their effects. Nonetheless, the prevailing biomedical ethic of care engenders a mere ‘fix-it’ approach, which focuses on the clinical treatment of the disease and neglects the role of patients in the process of care. This approach undermines both the size and the penetration of health interventions. From this standpoint, the authors examine different health interventions aimed at improving the size and the penetration of their effects through the empowerment of the patients and their involvement in the provision of care. They are confronted in terms of two different criteria: the ‘intensity’ of the health care co-production and the ‘breadth’ of the health-related needs contemplated. Besides, their outcomes—in terms of health status improvement, patients’ satisfaction and cost savings—have been contrasted. A detailed case study dealing with a pilot project launched in Italy, which involved full-fledged empowerment of the patient, is presented. It is compared with similar initiatives carried out in other European and non-European countries, with the purpose of stressing the peculiarities of the former and explaining the reasons for its success. The findings of this study support the exploratory hypothesis that the higher the intensity of co-production and the wider the breadth of health-related needs considered, the better the outcomes of health interventions.
Risky bodies, risky spaces, maternal ‘instincts’: Swimming and motherhood
Authors: Evans Adam B , Allen-Collinson Jacquelyn , Williams Rachel
Published: March 2016

Swimming and aquatic activity are fields in which gendered, embodied identities are brought to the fore, and the co-presence of other bodies can have a significant impact upon lived experiences. To date, however, there has been little research on sport and physical cultures that investigates how meanings associated with space impact upon women’s embodied experiences of participating in swimming, specifically in the presence of their young children. Using semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations, this qualitative study employed a Foucauldian-feminist framework to explore self-perceptions and embodied experiences of aquatic activity amongst 20 women, who were swimming with children aged under four. Results highlight that through ‘felt’ maternal responsibilities, the co-presence of babies’ and children’s bodies shifted women’s intentionality away from the self towards their child. Mothers’ embodied experiences were grounded in perceptions of space-specific ‘maternal instincts’ and focused upon disciplining their children’s bodies in the lived-space of the swimming pool. Key findings cohere around mothers’ felt concerns about hygiene, water temperature and safety, and elements of intercorporeality and ‘somatic empathy’.
Portraying Reflexivity in Health Services Research
Authors: Rae John , Green Bill
Published: March 2016

A model is proposed for supporting reflexivity in qualitative health research, informed by arguments from Bourdieu and Finlay. Bourdieu refers to mastering the subjective relation to the object at three levels—the overall social space, the field of specialists, and the scholastic universe. The model overlays Bourdieu’s levels of objectivation with Finlay’s three stages of research (pre-research, data collection, and data analysis). The intersections of these two ways of considering reflexivity, displayed as cells of a matrix, pose questions and offer prompts to productively challenge health researchers’ reflexivity. Portraiture is used to show how these challenges and prompts can facilitate such reflexivity, as illustrated in a research project.
Nicotine Dependence Measures for Perinatal Women
Authors: Yang Irene , Hall Lynne A.
Published: March 2016

This integrative review provides an overview of nicotine dependence measures used with perinatal women and an evaluation of their psychometric properties. Fifty-five articles that met inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified from five different databases. Most of the studies used the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Other approaches included diagnostic tests, the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM), the Tobacco Dependence Screener, and single-item measures. This review indicated that the FTND may not be the best option for measuring nicotine dependence in this population. The WISDM is a newer instrument that has excellent psychometric properties and captures nonnicotinic dimensions of nicotine dependence relevant to women. Future research is needed to assess its reliability in the perinatal population. Other recommendations from this review include the use of biomarker validation, thorough psychometric reporting on nicotine dependence instruments, and the use of multiple instruments to maximize comparability between nicotine dependence instruments.
Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Arising in a Lymph Node Metastasis of a Testicular Teratoma
Authors: Ozturk Sari Sule , Ozluk Yasemin , Taskin Orhun Cig , Polat Beldan , Ozturk Ilker , Ekenel Meltem , Kilicaslan Isin , Bilgic Bilge
Published: March 2016

We present a case of a teratoma with somatic type malignancy (TSM) in the form of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) within supraclavicular and retroperitoneal lymph node metastases of a testicular pure teratoma. Resection of both masses revealed a teratoma without any other germ cell tumor component. A papillary carcinoma component was also detected intermingled with the teratomatous elements. The carcinoma cells displayed eosinophilic cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli. Groups of foamy histiocytes in the fibrovascular cores was a striking finding that brought pRCC to mind. Immunoreactivity for CK7, PAX8, AMACR, CD10, napsin, and vimentin along with morphologic findings confirmed renal cell differentiation. No radiological evidence of a primary renal cell carcinoma was found in the kidney. Consequently, pRCC arising in a teratoma was diagnosed. TSM is described as teratoma with a malignant component that is typically encountered in other organs and tissues. TSM in the form of pRCC is an extremely rare entity. Our case is the second example of a testicular germ cell tumor metastasis with a somatic malignancy in the form of pRCC. In conclusion, carcinomas of renal cell differentiation should be kept in mind as a rare form of TSM, especially in metastatic germ cell tumors.
Clinical assessment and management of general surgery patients via synchronous telehealth
Authors: Cain Steven M , Moore Robert , Sturm Lauren , Mason Travis , Fuhrman Caitlin , Smith Robin , Bojicic Irfan , Carter Brandon
Published: March 2016

Objective

This paper describes how a clinical team at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) successfully integrated synchronous telehealth (TH) into their routine clinical practice.

Methods and materials

Synchronous TH encounters were performed using Polycom® software on surgeons’ computers with high-definition (HD) cameras on monitors at distant sites and PolyCom HDX9000® Telehealth Practitioner Carts at originating sites. Patients provided consented and were presented to general surgeons by nurses and medical technicians at Army health clinics throughout the European Theater.

Results

In calendar year (CY) 2014, five general surgeons and two surgical physician assistants (PAs) at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center along with registered nurses (RNs) at six originating clinic sites throughout Europe completed 130 synchronous TH encounters for 101 general surgery patients resulting in 73 completed and 16 recommended surgeries. Eighty-eight percent of patients had a completed or recommended surgery. No surgeries or procedures planned after initial TH evaluation were cancelled. Originating site clinics ranged in distance from 68 miles to 517 miles. Acceptance by providers, patients and clinic staff was high.

Conclusion

Synchronous TH was effective and safe in evaluating common general surgical conditions. We excluded sensitive and complex conditions requiring a nuanced physical examination. The TH efforts of the general surgery staff have resulted in high-quality, seamless and predictable TH activities that continue to expand into other surgical and medical specialties beyond general surgery. Seven surgeons and two PAs use synchronous TH regularly serving patients over a broad geographic area.
Insights and directions for sociological approaches to saving: The case of a Financial Education Programme for children in Portugal
Authors: Ribeiro Raquel Barbosa , Soares Isabel
Published: March 2016

The recent contexts of financial and economic crises have fostered discourses and initiatives for encouraging people to save. Despite there being, for the sake of sustainability, a generalized support to educational measures for increasing savings from early childhood, a complete understanding of why and how people save has not yet been attained. The absence of sociological attention to the engagement of consumers in such financial decisions is particularly scant. This article takes the case-study of a financial education programme for children to suggest future directions for the sociological investigation of savings. Literature review and the analysis of a Portuguese programme revealed a clear absence of sociological insights in financial education programmes’ contents and procedures. However, sociological research has already come to relevant findings about social aspects and processes of financial decisions that allow for a better understanding of how consumers, and children in particular, learn about and behave in relation to money, consumption and savings. In our view, the study of savings should pay more attention to several adjoining, concurrent and complimentary practices encompassed in the consumption process. This article contributes not only to fill in the literature gaps identified by the study, but also to counter-offer non-judgemental research regarding current literature on the subject.
A knotless bidirectional-barbed tendon repair is inferior to conventional 4-strand repairs in cyclic loading
Authors: O’Brien F. P. , Parks B. G. , Tsai M. A. , Means K. R.
Published: March 2016

We divided 21 flexor digitorum profundus tendons in the index, middle and ring fingers in seven cadaver hands into three groups. The tendons were cut in zone 2 and repaired using a 4-strand cruciate core suture repair with one of the following three materials in each group: (1) a knotless repair with a 2-0 bidirectional-barbed suture, which has similar tensile strength as a 4-0 non-barbed suture used in the other two groups; (2) a knotted locking repair with a non-barbed 4-0 conventional suture; and (3) a non-locking repair with a non-barbed 4-0 knotless suture. The repaired fingers were cyclically loaded through a simulated active range of motion to a 5 N load. We monitored and recorded the gap sizes at regular intervals during the test. The 2-0 bidirectional-barbed suture group and non-barbed suture groups developed gaps of 2.2 mm after 10 cycles and 2.4 mm after 20 cycles, respectively. Over 1000 cycles, the mean gaps were 3.2 mm in the 4-0 conventional suture group and 9.1 mm in the 2-0 bidirectional-barbed group. The tendons in the 2-0 bidirectional-barbed group gapped earlier, with statistically significant differences compared with those in the locking repair with a non-barbed 4-0 knotless suture group. The repair strength of the barbed suture technique was inferior to the cruciate repairs using a conventional 4-0 non-barbed suture tested in this cyclic-loading model.

Level of evidence: Level V
Infant Mortality and Race in Kansas
Authors: Keene Woods Nikki , Reyes Jared , Chesser Amy
Published: March 2016

Background: Racial and ethnic minority infants and mothers have worse birth outcomes than Caucasian infants and mothers, specifically infant mortality. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare infant mortality rates from vital statistic data between mothers who participated in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program and the general population in Kansas. Methods: A retrospective secondary analysis of data received from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) was conducted. Data were provided on all mothers who delivered a child in the state of Kansas from 2009 to 2011. The data received from KDHE included maternal demographics, infant deaths, infant gestational age, infant weight at birth, and WIC program participation. Results: The overall infant mortality rate was 6.4 per 1000 births. Infant mortality for Caucasians was lower than for non-Caucasians. Infant mortality for blacks was greater than for non-blacks. Being Hispanic was not statistically associated with a difference in infant mortality. WIC program participation was associated with lower infant mortality in both blacks and Hispanics. After adjusting for WIC, infants born to black mothers were still more than twice as likely to die when compared with Caucasian infants. WIC services were not statistically associated with a reduction in infant mortality. Mother’s education showed a significant protective effect on the likelihood of infant death. Conclusion: The WIC program is associated with positive outcomes at the national level. However, widespread reductions in health disparities have not been reported. Differences in education levels between mothers affected infant mortality to a greater degree than WIC program participation alone in the analysis. The infant mortality rate for black and Hispanic mothers was lower for WIC program participants. The WIC program may be beneficial for reducing infant mortality racial disparities but program participation should be expanded to affect maternal health disparities at the population level.