bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light Particle Tracking Model for Simulating Bed Sediment Transport Load in River Areas
Authors: Herrera-Díaz Israel E. , Torres-Bejarano Franklin M. , Moreno-Martínez Jatziri Y. , Rodriguez-Cuevas C. , Couder-Castañeda C.
Published: March 2017

In this work a fast computational particles tracer model is developed based on Particle‐In‐Cell method to estimate the sediment transport in the access zone of a river port area. To apply the particles tracer method, first it is necessary to calculate the hydrodynamic fields of the study zone to determine the velocity fields in the three directions. The particle transport is governed mainly by the velocity fields and the turbulent dispersion. The mechanisms of dispersion and resuspension of particles are based in stochastic models, which describes the movement through a probability function. The developed code was validated using two well known cases with a discrete transformation obtaining a max relative error around 4.8% in both cases. The simulations were carried out with 350,000 particles allowing us to determine under certain circumstances different hydrodynamic scenarios where the zones are susceptible to present erosion and siltation at the entrance of the port.
Detection of Cu2+in Water Based on Histidine-Gold Labeled Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Zhu Rilong , Zhou Gangqiang , Tang Fengxia , Tong Chunyi , Wang Yeyao , Wang Jinsheng
Published: March 2017

Based on the strong interaction between histidine and copper ions and the signal enhancement effect of gold-labeling carbon nanotubes, an electrochemical sensor is established and used to measure copper ions in river water. In this study the results show that the concentrations of copper ion have well linear relationship with the peak current in the range of 10−11–10−7 mol/L, and the limit of detection is 10−12 mol/L. When using this method to detect copper ions in the Xiangjiang River, the test results are consistent with the atomic absorption method. This study shows that the sensor is convenient to be used in daily monitoring of copper ions in river water.
Joint Covariate Detection on Expression Profiles for Selecting Prognostic miRNAs in Glioblastoma
Authors: Sun Chengqi , Zhao Xudong
Published: March 2017

An important application of expression profiles is to stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups using limited but key covariates associated with survival outcomes. Prior to that, variables considered to be associated with survival outcomes are selected. A combination of single variables, each of which is significantly related to survival outcomes, is always regarded to be candidates for posterior patient stratification. Instead of individually significant variables, a combination that contains not only significant but also insignificant variables is supposed to be concentrated on. By means of bottom-up enumeration on each pair of variables, we propose a joint covariate detection strategy to select candidates that not only correspond to close association with survival outcomes but also help to make a clear stratification of patients. Experimental results on a publicly available dataset of glioblastoma multiforme indicate that the selected pair composed of an individually significant and an insignificant miRNA keeps a better performance than the combination of significant single variables. The selected miRNA pair is ultimately regarded to be associated with the prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme by further pathway analysis.
Nonorthogonality andκ-Dependence Eccentricity of Polarized Electromagnetic Waves in CPT-Even Lorentz Violation
Authors: Prudêncio Thiago , Belich Humberto
Published: March 2017

We discuss the modified Maxwell action of aKF-type Lorentz symmetry breaking theory and present a solution of Maxwell equations derived in the cases of linear and elliptically polarized electromagnetic waves in the vacuum of CPT-even Lorentz violation. We show in this case that the Lorentz violation has the effect of changing the amplitude of one component of the magnetic field, while leaving the electric field unchanged, leading to nonorthogonal propagation of electromagnetic fields and dependence of the eccentricity onκ-term. Further, we exhibit numerically the consequences of this effect in the cases of linear and elliptical polarization, in particular, the regimes of nonorthogonality of the electromagnetic wave fields and the eccentricity of the elliptical polarization of the magnetic field with dependence on theκ-term.
DC Electrical Ageing of XLPE under Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Benlizidia Lalam Fadila , Djemmal Faouzi
Published: March 2017

The experimental electrical ageing, of cross-linked polyethylene films 100 μm thick, was investigated under high hydrostatic pressure of 300 bar and at atmospheric pressure. The tests are conducted on direct current (dc) for up to 1000 h ageing and at temperature of 70°C. The use of the Weibull statistic, with the estimation of confidence bounds at 90%, has shown that the hydrostatic pressure has a real effect on the lifetime. These lifetime data are qualitatively analyzed with the inverse power model. It was found that thermally activated process is able to describe the pressure effect on the electrical ageing of XLPE.
Tissue Distribution oftrans-Resveratrol and Its Metabolites after Oral Administration in Human Eyes
Authors: Wang Shuaishuai , Wang Zheng , Yang Shuo , Yin Tiemei , Zhang Yaoli , Qin Yuanjun , Weinreb Robert N. , Sun Xufang
Published: March 2017

Purpose.This study was performed to measure the concentration oftrans-resveratrol and its three metabolites in human eyes.Methods.The patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were included. The participants were orally giventrans-resveratrol-based supplement (Longevinex®). A suitable amount of conjunctiva, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor were obtained during the operation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was used to detect the concentration oftrans-resveratrol and its three metabolites in the various samples.Results.The average concentration of resveratrol in the conjunctiva was 17.19 ± 15.32 nmol/g (mean ± SD). The concentration of resveratrol in the aqueous humor was close to the limit of detection, but its metabolites could be quantified. The concentrations of resveratrol metabolites in the aqueous humor can be detected. In the vitreous humor, the average concentration of resveratrol-3-O-sulfate was 62.95 ± 41.97 nmol/L. The sulfate conjugations of resveratrol were recovered in the conjunctiva, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor.Conclusions.Resveratrol and its three metabolites can be detected in the ocular tissues after oral administration. Although the concentration of parent resveratrol was low in the eyes, its metabolites could be detected and may have a role in the treatment of ocular diseases.
Tunable SnO2 Nanoribbon by Electric Fields and Hydrogen Passivation
Authors: Chen Xin-Lian , Huang Bao-Jun , Zhang Chang-Wen , Li Ping , Wang Pei-Ji
Published: March 2017

Under external transverse electronic fields and hydrogen passivation, the electronic structure and band gap of tin dioxide nanoribbons (SnO2NRs) with both zigzag and armchair shaped edges are studied by using the first-principles projector augmented wave (PAW) potential with the density function theory (DFT) framework. The results showed that the electronic structures of zigzag and armchair edge SnO2NRs exhibit an indirect semiconducting nature and the band gaps demonstrate a remarkable reduction with the increase of external transverse electronic field intensity, which demonstrate a giant Stark effect. The value of the critical electric field for bare Z-SnO2NRs is smaller than A-SnO2NRs. In addition, the different hydrogen passivation nanoribbons (Z-SnO2NRs-2H and A-SnO2NRs-OH) show different band gaps and a slightly weaker Stark effect. The band gap of A-SnO2NRs-OH obviously is enhanced while the Z-SnO2NRs-2H reduce. Interestingly, the Z-SnO2NRs-OH presented the convert of metal-semiconductor-metal under external transverse electronic fields. In the end, the electronic transport properties of the different edges SnO2NRs are studied. These findings provide useful ways in nanomaterial design and band engineering for spintronics.
Numerical Simulations of the Square Lid Driven Cavity Flow of Bingham Fluids Using Nonconforming Finite Elements Coupled with a Direct Solver
Authors: Mahmood R. , Kousar N. , Yaqub M. , Jabeen K.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, numerical simulations are performed in a single and double lid driven square cavity to study the flow of a Bingham viscoplastic fluid. The governing equations are discretized with the help of finite element method in space and the nonconforming Stokes elementQ~1/Q0is utilized which gives 2nd-order accuracy for velocity and 1st-order accuracy for pressure. The discretized systems of nonlinear equations are treated by using the Newton method and the inner linear subproablems are solved by the direct solver UMFPACK. A qualitative comparison is done with the results reported in the literature. In addition to these comparisons, some new reference data for the kinetic energy is generated. All these implementations are done in the open source software package FEATFLOW which is a general purpose finite element based solver package for solving partial differential equations.
Ferulic Acid Suppresses AmyloidβProduction in the Human Lens Epithelial Cell Stimulated with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Nagai Noriaki , Kotani Sachiyo , Mano Yu , Ueno Akina , Ito Yoshimasa , Kitaba Toshio , Takata Takumi , Fujii Noriko
Published: March 2017

It is well known that oxidative stresses induce the production of amyloidβ(Aβ) in the brain, lens, and retina, leading to age-related diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ferulic acid on the Aβlevels in H2O2-stimulated human lens epithelial (HLE) SRA 01/04 cells. Three types of Aβpeptides (Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and Aβ1-43) were measured by ELISA, and the levels of mRNA for the expressed proteins related to Aβproduction (APP, BACE1, and PS proteins) and degradation (ADAM10, NEP, and ECE1 proteins) were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. H2O2stimulation augmented gene expression of the proteins related to Aβproduction, resulting in the production of three types of Aβpeptides. Treatment with 0.1 μM ferulic acid attenuated the augmentations of gene expression and production of the proteins related to the secretion of three types of Aβpeptides in the H2O2-stimulated HLE cells. These results provided evidence of antioxidative functions of ferulic acid for lens epithelial cells.
Synergistic Effect of the MTHFR C677T and EPHX2 G860A Polymorphism on the Increased Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Ma Liang , Jiang Yongwei , Kong Xiaomu , Yan Meihua , Zhao Tingting , Zhao Hailing , Liu Qian , Zhang Haojun , Cao Yongtong , Li Ping
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the combined effect of MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and EPHX2 G860A (rs751141) polymorphism and ischemic stroke in Chinese T2DM patients. This case-control study included a total of 626 Chinese T2DM patients (236 T2DM patients with ischemic stroke and 390 T2DM patients without ischemic stroke). The rs1801133 and rs751141 were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0. Results showed that the combined effect of MTHFR TT and EPHX2 GG or GA + AA genotype has a higher risk of ischemic stroke compared with the control group (combined effect of MTHFR CC and EPHX2 GA + AA genotypes; OR = 3.46 and OR = 3.42, resp.; P=.001 and P=.002, resp.). The A allele showed marked association with a lower risk of ischemic stroke in patients with the lowest Hcy levels under additive, recessive, and dominant genetic models (OR = 0.45, OR = 0.11, and OR = 0.44, resp.; P=.002, P=.035, and P=.008, resp.), which was not observed in medium or high Hcy level groups. In conclusion, the T allele of rs1801133 and the G allele of rs751141 may be risk factors of ischemic stroke in the Chinese T2DM population.
Identification of Tengfu Jiangya Tablet Target Biomarkers with Quantitative Proteomic Technique
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Li Yunlun , Zhang Shijun , Jiang Haiqiang , Wang Nan , Lin Haiqing
Published: March 2017

Tengfu Jiangya Tablet (TJT) is a well accepted antihypertension drug in China and its major active components were Uncaria total alkaloids and Semen Raphani soluble alkaloid. To further explore treatment effects mechanism of TJT on essential hypertension, a serum proteomic study was performed. Potential biomarkers were quantified in serum of hypertension individuals before and after taking TJT with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled two‐dimensional liquid chromatography followed electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC‐MS/MS) proteomics technique. Among 391 identified proteins with high confidence, 70 proteins were differentially expressed (fold variation criteria, >1.2 or <0.83) between two groups (39 upregulated and 31 downregulated). Combining with Gene Ontology annotation, KEGG pathway analysis, and literature retrieval, 5 proteins were chosen as key target biomarkers during TJT therapeutic process. And the alteration profiles of these 5 proteins were verified by ELISA and Western Blot. Proteins Kininogen 1 and Keratin 1 are members of Kallikrein system, while Myeloperoxidase, Serum Amyloid protein A, and Retinol binding protein 4 had been reported closely related to vascular endothelial injury. Our study discovered 5 target biomarkers of the compound Chinese medicine TJT. Secondly, this research initially revealed the antihypertension therapeutic mechanism of this drug from a brand‐new aspect.
Adsorption Behaviors of Cobalt on the Graphite and SiC Surface: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Wang Wenyi , Li Chuan , Cao Jianzhu , Fang Chao
Published: March 2017

Graphite and silicon carbide (SiC) are important materials of fuel elements in High Temperature Reactor-Pebble-bed Modules (HTR-PM) and it is essential to analyze the source term about the radioactive products adsorbed on graphite and SiC surface in HTR-PM. In this article, the adsorption behaviors of activation product Cobalt (Co) on graphite and SiC surface have been studied with the first-principle calculation, including the adsorption energy, charge density difference, density of states, and adsorption ratios. It shows that the adsorption behaviors of Co on graphite and SiC both belong to chemisorption, with an adsorption energy 2.971 eV located at the Hollow site and 6.677 eV located at the hcp-Hollow site, respectively. Combining the charge density difference and density of states, it indicates that the interaction of Co-SiC system is stronger than Co-graphite system. Furthermore, the variation of adsorption ratios of Co on different substrate is obtained by a model of grand canonical ensemble, and it is found that when the temperature is close to 650 K and 1700 K for graphite surface and SiC surface, respectively, the Co adatom on the substrate will desorb dramatically. These results show that SiC layer in fuel element could obstruct the diffusion of Co effectively in normal and accidental operation conditions, but the graphite may become a carrier of Co radioactivity nuclide in the primary circuit of HTR-PM.
Lanthanum-Based Perovskite-Type Oxides La1−xCexBO3(B = Mn and Co) as Catalysts: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Erdenee Nyamdavaa , Enkhnaran Uyanga , Galsan Sevjidsuren , Pagvajav Altantsog
Published: March 2017

La1−xCexCoO3(x= 0, 0.2, 0.4) and La1−xCexMnO3(x= 0, 0.2) perovskite-type oxides were prepared by sol-gel process. Characterization techniques EDS, FTIR, XRD, BET, and XPS experiments were performed to survey the composition, bulk structure, and the surface properties of perovskites. The reduction behavior, thermal stability, and catalytic activity were studied by H2-TPR and catalytic performance. All synthesized samples showed well crystalline perovskite structure, 8–22 nm crystallite sizes, and SSA with 2–27 m2 g−1. The XRD results showed that the Ce substitution promoted the structural transformation for LaCoO3from rhombohedral into cubic and for LaMnO3no change in lattice geometry. Substitution with cerium (x= 0.2) showed smaller crystallite size, higher SSA, and the highest reducibility and catalytic activity for LaCoO3.
Radiation Transfer Calculations and Assessment of Global Warming by CO2
Authors: Harde Hermann
Published: March 2017

We present detailed line-by-line radiation transfer calculations, which were performed under different atmospheric conditions for the most important greenhouse gases water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone. Particularly cloud effects, surface temperature variations, and humidity changes as well as molecular lineshape effects are investigated to examine their specific influence on some basic climatologic parameters like the radiative forcing, the long wave absorptivity, and back-radiation as a function of an increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. These calculations are used to assess the CO2 global warming by means of an advanced two-layer climate model and to disclose some larger discrepancies in calculating the climate sensitivity. Including solar and cloud effects as well as all relevant feedback processes our simulations give an equilibrium climate sensitivity of CS = 0.7°C (temperature increase at doubled CO2) and a solar sensitivity of SS = 0.17°C (at 0.1% increase of the total solar irradiance). Then CO2 contributes 40% and the Sun 60% to global warming over the last century.
Nephrologists Hate the Dialysis Catheters: A Systemic Review of Dialysis Catheter Associated Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Janga Kalyana C. , Sinha Ankur , Greenberg Sheldon , Sharma Kavita
Published: March 2017

A 53-year-old Egyptian female with end stage renal disease, one month after start of hemodialysis via an internal jugular catheter, presented with fever and shortness of breath. She developed desquamating vesiculobullous lesions, widespread on her body. She was in profound septic shock and broad spectrum antibiotics were started with appropriate fluid replenishment. An echocardiogram revealed bulky leaflets of the mitral valve with a highly mobile vegetation about 2.3 cm long attached to the anterior leaflet. CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed bilateral pleural effusions in the chest, with triangular opacities in the lungs suggestive of infarcts. There was splenomegaly with triangular hypodensities consistent with splenic infarcts. Blood cultures repeatedly grewCandida albicans. Despite parenteral antifungal therapy, the patient deteriorated over the course of 5 days. She died due to a subsequent cardiac arrest. Systemic review of literature revealed that the rate of infection varies amongst the various types of accesses, and it is well documented that AV fistulas have a much less rate of infection in comparison to temporary catheters. All dialysis units should strive to make a multidisciplinary effort to have a referral process early on, for access creation, and to avoid catheters associated morbidity.
Radical-Scavenging Activity of a Sunscreen Enriched by Antioxidants Providing Protection in the Whole Solar Spectral Range
Authors: Souza Carla , Maia Campos Patrícia , Schanzer Sabine , Albrecht Stephanie , Lohan Silke B. , Lademann Jürgen , Darvin Maxim E. , Meinke Martina C.
Published: March 2017

Background/Aim: The main reason for extrinsic skin aging is the negative action of free radicals. The formation of free radicals in the skin has been associated with ultraviolet (UV) exposure and also to visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) irradiations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sunscreen in the whole solar range. Methods: The radical-scavenging activity of a sunscreen in the UV, VIS, and NIR ranges was evaluated using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ex vivo penetration profiles were determined using confocal Raman microscopy on porcine ear skin at different time points after application. Results: Compared to the untreated skin, the sunscreen decreased the skin radical formation in the UV and VIS regions. Additional protection in the VIS and NIR ranges was observed for the sunscreen containing antioxidants (AO). The penetration depth of the cream was less than 11.2 ± 3.0 µm for all time points. Conclusion: A sunscreen containing AO improved the photoprotection in the VIS and NIR ranges. The sunscreen was retained in the stratum corneum. Therefore, these results show the possibility of the development of effective and safer sunscreen products.
Effects of Capsaicin on Older Patients with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Nakato Rui , Manabe Noriaki , Shimizu Sayako , Hanayama Kozo , Shiotani Akiko , Hata Jiro , Haruma Ken
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: The standard of care for older patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is poor. Stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 might become a pharmacological strategy for these patients. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effect of film food containing 0.75 µg of capsaicin in these patients. Methods: In a crossover, randomized trial, 49 patients with OD were provided capsaicin or identical placebo at least 7 days apart. Patients' reported symptoms during repeated swallowing, the volume, pH and substance P (SP) concentrations in saliva, and cervical esophageal wall motion evaluated by ultrasonographic tissue Doppler imaging were obtained before and after capsaicin or placebo administration. Results: Significantly more patients with OD who took capsaicin experienced improvement in symptoms than those who took placebo. Salivary SP levels were significantly increased after capsaicin administration compared with placebo in the effective group. The duration of cervical esophageal wall opening was significantly shorter in capsaicin administration in the effective group. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was found between the duration of cervical esophageal wall opening and salivary SP levels. Conclusion: Elevated salivary SP concentrations stimulated by capsaicin greatly improve the safety and efficacy of swallowing, and shorten the swallow response in older patients with OD.
Literatur- und Fremdsprachendidaktik: Zur Rolle des Theaters im Deutschunterricht in Burkina Faso
Authors: Bationo Jean-Claude
Published: March 2017

Die Verwendung der Belletristik im Fremdsprachenunterricht trägt dazu bei, sprachliche und kulturelle Kompetenzen zu erwerben. Da die Sprechfertigkeit eine der sechs Grundkompetenzen im DaF-Unterricht ist, ist ihr Erlernen eine grundlegende und unverzichtbare Aufgabe im Fach „Deutsch als Fremdsprache“ in und außerhalb Deutschlands. Deshalb versucht dieser Aufsatz, die Potenziale des Theaters auszuloten, um diese Grundkompetenz bei den Deutschlernenden in Burkina Faso zu entwickeln. Es geht also darum, die Möglichkeiten des Theaters als literarische fiktionale Gattung beim Spracherwerb der burkinischen Deutschlernenden zu bestimmen. Darüber hinaus wird dargestellt, inwiefern ein Theaterstück in einer „classe de première“ bzw. einer 11. Klasse Unterrichtsgegenstand sein sollte und literaturdidaktisch aufbereitet werden kann. Dafür werden Theorien und Methoden der Theaterdidaktik sowie der rezeptionsästhetischen Literaturdidaktik verwendet und an einem Beispiel illustriert
Introducing Russia’s Media Aristocracy
Authors: Schimpfössl Elisabeth , Yablokov Ilya
Published: March 2017

This collection of articles deals with the history and the current state of Russia’s media elite. It defines three groups of media elites; owners of media outlets, media managers and prominent journalists. All those groups are under pressure of being agreeable to the Kremlin and pleasing their audiences with their products and output. The Kremlin’s tightened control over the media forced some media professionals out, losing their jobs or emigrating. The majority, however, have kept their positions. They are reasonably well networked and integrated into the political system and successfully employ strategies partly inherited from Soviet times. The collection of articles provides insights into the inner working of Russian media, delivering a nuanced understanding of media control, censorship and self-censorship.
From Soviet to Russian Media Managers
Authors: Gatov Vasily , Schimpfössl Elisabeth , Yablokov Ilya
Published: March 2017

Smashing initial hopes for more radical and speedier changes in Russia, elements of the Soviet system of managerial and ideological control proved to be obstinately persistent. Certain practices reminiscent of the informal functioning of the Soviet nomenklatura continue unabated primarily in politics, but also in Russian media. This article argues that nomenklatura practices are still a fixed part in organization management in Russian media today, securing the loyalty of journalists and controlling the output of the news media. The analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews and three case studies, scrutinizing media managers’ professional biographies, directs to a non-intuitive development; namely, that it is not necessarily those who have experienced the Soviet nomenklatura closely and in person who were most active in applying and perpetuating nomenklatura practices, but also those who were either remote from these power structures or too young.
The Impact of International Sanctions on Russia’s Media Economy
Authors: Kiriya Ilya
Published: March 2017

To punish Russia for the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, the United States and the European Union introduced a set of economic sanctions against Russian state companies and individuals closely affiliated with the Kremlin. The goal of this article is to look at the sanctions in relation to the process of the current consolidation of media assets and revenues in the hands of Russia’s biggest media empires, most of whom are close to the Kremlin. It questions whether the sanctions achieved the intended goal of undermining economic stability inside Russia or if, rather, they benefitted major state-aligned media corporations.

The main conclusion drawn from the study is that the international sanctions have radically changed the structure of Russia’s media in a manner contrary to their intention. The sanctions unwittingly favored the biggest players to the detriment of the smaller, protecting state-aligned media and their financial incomes. In the climate of sanctions, media tycoons close to the Kremlin used their lobbying capacity in parliament to acquire advantages, primarily in terms of advertisement. Thus, smaller competitors were pushed out of the market and their shares were redistributed among a few major stakeholders.
Ituglanis compactus, a new species of catfish (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the rio Jari drainage, lower Amazon, Brazil
Authors: CASTRO ÍTHALO DA SILVA , WOSIACKI WOLMAR BENJAMIN
Published: March 2017

A new species of Ituglanis is described from rio Iratapuru, near the rio Jari, Amapá, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the reduced number of post-Weberian apparatus vertebrae (36 or 37); the low number of paired ribs (2); the low number of interopercular odontodes (12–15); the number of branchiostegal rays (7 or 8); the presence of elongated fontanel in parieto-supraoccipital; the pectoral-fin rays (i,5); head length (18.9–25.0); and the presence of pores supraorbital s1, infraorbitals i1 and i3 of the laterosensory system. The new taxon has a reduced body size and fully ossified skeleton, but does not display a large number of paedomorphic traits compared to congeners. Comments about taxonomy and intrageneric comparisons are made, and paedomorphic in Ituglanis is discussed. Thoughts about conservation of the new species are presented.
A new species of velvet skate, Notoraja sereti n.sp. (Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: WHITE WILLIAM T. , LAST PETER R. , MANA RALPH R.
Published: March 2017

A new arhynchobatin skate, Notoraja sereti n. sp., is described based on three specimens collected from off Madang (Papua New Guinea) at depths of 800–980 m. This medium-size Notoraja skate shares with other velcro skates from the Western Pacific, N. alisae, N. fijiensis, N. inusitata and N. longiventralis, a ventral surface covering of fine denticles giving the skin a velvety feel. Notoraja sereti differs from all of these species in having a shorter snout (preorbital length 10.1–11.1 vs. 11.5–14.5% TL, prenasal length 8.2–8.9 vs, 9.8–12.1% TL), shorter head (dorsal head length 15.2–16.2 vs. 17.1–19.3% TL, ventral head length 21.6–22.9 vs. 22.9–25.9% TL), fewer pectoral-fin radials (total radials 58–60 vs. 61–74), and fewer vertebrae (predorsal diplospondylous centra 66–71 vs. 72–82, predorsal centra 90–95 vs. 98–107, total centra 126–131 vs. 135–152).
A new species of Otothyropsis (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper Río Paraná basin, Paraguay, with a discussion of the limits between Otothyropsis and Hisonotus
Authors: CALEGARI BÁRBARA B. , MORLIS WALTER GILL , REIS ROBERTO E.
Published: March 2017

Otothyropsis dialeukos is described from Itá creek, tributary to the upper Río Paraná basin, Paraguay. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by having a unique caudal-fin coloration pattern composed of a brown to almost black background with roundish hyaline blotches in the middle of the outermost branched rays and a hyaline posterior border interrupted in middle rays; abdomen entirely covered by enlarged plates, without naked areas; longer pectoral- and dorsal-fin spines; absence of a raised crest of enlarged odontodes on the posterior portion of the parieto-supraoccipital, and other morphometric and meristic features. Morphological traits and geographic distributions of all species of Otothyropsis and Hisonotus are analyzed and a discussion on the limits between those genera is presented.
La réinvention des pratiques rituelles dans le néo-druidisme
Authors: Boissière Nicolas
Published: March 2017

Développé au 18ème siècle en Grande-Bretagne et présent aujourd’hui dans l’ensemble des pays occidentaux, le néo-druidisme est une vaste mouvance dont l’objet central est la restauration de l’ancienne religion des peuples celtes. Pour ses pratiquants, les druidisants et les druidisantes, il s’agit de remettre au goût du jour les croyances et les rituels des druides de l’Antiquité, perçus comme les personnages centraux de cet ancien système religieux. Néanmoins, si les divinités et le calendrier liturgique celtiques ont fait l’objet d’attentives réhabilitations, une pratique rituelle antique est, elle, sujette à de vives condamnations de nos jours : le sacrifice animal et humain. Les quelques sources anciennes concernant les druides mentionnent en effet que ces derniers immolaient lors de populaires rassemblements des offrandes animales et plus rarement des offrandes humaines. À partir des données ethnographiques issues d’une enquête de terrain au Québec, l’objet de cet article est ainsi d’analyser le processus de réinvention qu’a connu cette pratique rituelle, largement transformée pour être adaptée au contexte actuel.
Effects of Condensation on Peri-implant Bone Density and Remodeling
Authors: Wang L. , Wu Y. , Perez K.C. , Hyman S. , Brunski J.B. , Tulu U. , Bao C. , Salmon B. , Helms J.A.
Published: March 2017

Bone condensation is thought to densify interfacial bone and thus improve implant primary stability, but scant data substantiate either claim. We developed a murine oral implant model to test these hypotheses. Osteotomies were created in healed maxillary extraction sites 1) by drilling or 2) by drilling followed by stepwise condensation with tapered osteotomes. Condensation increased interfacial bone density, as measured by a significant change in bone volume/total volume and trabecular spacing, but it simultaneously damaged the bone. On postimplant day 1, the condensed bone interface exhibited microfractures and osteoclast activity. Finite element modeling, mechanical testing, and immunohistochemical analyses at multiple time points throughout the osseointegration period demonstrated that condensation caused very high interfacial strains, marginal bone resorption, and no improvement in implant stability. Collectively, these multiscale analyses demonstrate that condensation does not positively contribute to implant stability.
Organotypic Spheroid Culture to Mimic Radiation-Induced Salivary Hypofunction
Authors: Shin H.S. , An H.Y , Choi J.S. , Kim H.J. , Lim J.Y.
Published: March 2017

Radiation treatment often leads to irreversible damage to normal salivary glands (SGs) because of their proximity to head and neck cancers. Optimization of the in vitro model of irradiation (IR)–induced SG damage is warranted to investigate pathophysiology and monitor treatment outcome. Here, we present an organotypic spheroid culture model to investigate the impact of IR on SGs and the mechanisms underlying IR-induced structural and functional changes. Human parotid epithelial cells were obtained from human parotid glands and plated on either plastic plates or Matrigel. A number of 3-dimensional (3D) spheroids were assembled on Matrigel. After IR at 10 and 20 Gy, morphologic changes in cells in 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids were observed. As the structural integrity of the 3D spheroids was destroyed by IR, the expression levels of salivary epithelial and structural proteins and genes decreased proportionally with radiation dosage. Furthermore, the spheroid culture allowed better measurement of functional alterations following IR relative to the monolayer culture, in which IR-inflicted spheroids exhibited a loss of acinar-specific cellular functions that enable Ca2+ influx or secretion of α-amylase in response to cholinergic or β-adrenergic agonists. p53-mediated apoptotic cell death was observed under both culture conditions, and its downstream signals increased, such as p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3. These results suggest that the organotypic spheroid culture could provide a useful alternative model for exploration of radiobiology and mode of action of new therapies for prevention of radiation-induced salivary hypofunction.
Numerical simulation of size effects of gas explosions in spherical vessels
Authors: Yan Chen , Wang Zhirong , Liu Kai , Zuo Qingqing , Zhen Yaya , Zhang Shangfeng
Published: March 2017

To study the law of sizes on gas explosions, numerical simulations of methane–air mixture explosions in spherical vessels were performed. The law of sizes on gas explosions is studied using FLUENT simulations with the [Formula: see text] two-equation turbulent model, the eddy-dissipation-concept model, thermal dissipation at a wall boundary, the P1 model, and the SIMPLE algorithm. The experimental results suggest that under an adiabatic condition without energy loss, the maximum explosion pressures in different spherical vessels are all 0.82 MPa, and the effect on the explosion intensity in spherical vessels is small. Under the condition of heat dissipation at the wall boundary, the maximum explosion pressure increases with volume of the spherical vessel. However, the explosion intensity in this condition is lower than that in adiabatic condition. Also, the size effect is not obvious. The size effect on the explosion intensity is significant under the combined effects of heat dissipation at the wall boundary and thermal radiation, where the maximum explosion pressure increases with volume of spherical vessels. On the contrary, the maximum pressure rising rate decreases with the volume of the spherical vessels; this rule coincides with the “cube” law. The studies on the size effects of methane–air mixture explosions in a spherical vessel provide an important reference for establishing a model system that can be used to test and design industrial vessels.
Epilogue: Towards a technical-scientific reconfiguration of religious narratives?
Authors: Servais Olivier , Liogier Raphaël
Published: March 2017

In this Afterword, we propose lines of convergence between all the articles of this double special issue and, beyond this, hermeneutic keys to read these techno-scientific mutations and their impact on religious narratives.
Parental Involvement in High Choice Deindustrialized Cities: A Comparison of Charter and Public Schools in Detroit
Authors: Hamlin Daniel
Published: March 2017

Spurring parental involvement has been a core objective of charter school reform. This study compares for-profit-managed and nonprofit-managed charter schools and their public school peers in Detroit on two indicators of parental involvement. Nonprofit-managed charter schools generated higher rates of general parental involvement, net of demographic, school, and self-selection controls. Public schools, however, elicited greater parent participation in school decision making, using the same controls. Although differences in school strategies may be underlying these results, self-selection mechanisms also appear to be salient, underscoring variation in school choice participation among demographically similar families in high choice deindustrialized cities.
Being beyond: The Black Legend and how we got over it
Authors: Slater John , López-Terrada Maríaluz
Published: March 2017

We used to think it was the job of a historian of Spanish science to combat the negative evaluations of Hispanic cultures that came to be known as the Black Legend. Paradoxically, attempts to amend dominant narratives of the history of science (such as the Scientific Revolution) so that they might accommodate Spain bolstered the very stories we meant to dismantle. Caring about the Black Legend deformed the history we were trying to write and never convinced the people we hoped to sway. In this article, we provide an overview of the historiographic tendencies that most shaped our careers – responses to the Black Legend, such as contributionist history and bibliometrics – and explain why we have chosen to move on.
Creating Preemptive Suspects: National Security, Border Defense, and Immigration Policy, 1980–Present
Authors: Stephen Lynn
Published: March 2017

Analysis of U.S. immigration, border defense, and national security policies and their impact on individuals, families, and communities from Mexico and Central America who have migrated or fled to the United States as refugees since the mid-1980s suggests that through immigration programs such as Prevention through Deterrence, the United States has crafted a set of policies that creates “preemptive suspects”—categories of people from Central America and Mexico that may be systematically excluded as dangerous, criminal, undeserving, and less valuable than U.S. citizens.

Un análisis de las políticas de inmigración, defensa fronteriza y seguridad nacional y su impacto en individuos, familias y comunidades de México y Centroamérica que residen en los Estados Unidos como inmigrantes o refugiados desde mediados de la década de 1980 sugiere que los Estados Unidos ha creado, a través de programas migratorios como la Prevención por Disuasión, un conjunto de políticas que generan “sospechosos preventivos,” es decir, categorías de personas de América Central y México que pueden ser sistemáticamente excluidas como peligrosas, criminales, indignas y de menos valor que los ciudadanos estadunidenses.
Exploring the relationship between mentoring and doctors’ health and wellbeing: a narrative review
Authors: Wilson Gemma , Larkin Valerie , Redfern Nancy , Stewart Jane , Steven Alison
Published: March 2017

The health and wellbeing of doctors are crucial, both for the individuals themselves and their ability to deliver optimum patient care. With increased pressures on healthcare, support mechanisms that attend to doctors’ health and wellbeing may require greater emphasis to safeguard those working in frontline services. To inform future developments, this systematic narrative review aimed to identify, explore and map empirical and anecdotal evidence indicating the relationships between mentoring activities and the health and wellbeing of doctors. Twelve databases were searched for publications printed between January 2006 and January 2016. Articles were included if they involved doctors’ engagement in mentoring activities and, either health or wellbeing, or the benefits, barriers or impact of mentoring. The initial search returned 4669 papers, after exclusions a full-text analysis of 37 papers was conducted. Reference lists and citations of each retrieved paper were also searched. Thirteen papers were accepted for review. The Business in the Community model was used as a theoretical framework for analysis. Mentoring influenced collegiate relationships, networking and aspects of personal wellbeing, such as confidence and stress management, and was valued by doctors as a specialist support mechanism. This review contributes to the evidence base concerning mentoring and doctors’ health and wellbeing. However, it highlights that focused research is required to explore the relationship between mentoring, and health and wellbeing.
Constructing Shared “Space”: Meaningfulness in Long-Distance Romantic Relationship Communication Formats
Authors: Janning Michelle , Gao Wenjun , Snyder Emma
Published: March 2017

Via analysis of online survey data of 262 people aged 18 to 70 in the United States who have been involved in a long-distance romantic relationship (LDR) since 2005, we investigate how paper, audio, visual, and digital communication formats may be used and viewed as differentially meaningful. While in most intimate relationships, digital formats such as e-mail, messaging, and texts are frequently used, LDR couples are more likely to use and find most meaningful video chat and audio platforms compared with paper or digital formats. The reason for each platform’s meaningfulness varies according to survey respondents’ subjective understandings. Audio and visual formats are seen as meaningful because they offer intimacy, paper formats offer thoughtfulness, and digital formats offer ease as well as thoughtfulness. This research contributes to understanding the subjectively constructed meaning of ever-changing communication platforms, as well as definitions of shared sociomental spaces, for couples who are geographically separated.
Otolaryngology Education: Recent Trends in Publication
Authors: Cass Nathan D. , Okland Tyler S. , Rodriguez Kenny , Mann Scott E.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

(1) Evaluate peer‐reviewed publications regarding education in otolaryngology since 2000. (2) Analyze publication trends as compared with overall otolaryngology publications.

Study Design

Bibliometric analysis.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

A search for articles regarding education in otolaryngology from 2000 to 2015 was performed with MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, yielding 1220 articles; 362 relevant publications were categorized by topic, subspecialty, subject, article type, and funding source. Impact factors for each journal by year were obtained, and trends of each category over time were analyzed. These were then compared with publication numbers and impact factors for all otolaryngology journals.

Results

From 2000 to 2015, publications in otolaryngology education increased more rapidly than the field of otolaryngology overall. The most published topics included operative skills training, surgical simulation, and professionalism/career development. Recently there has been a decline in publications related to residency administration and duty hours relative to other topics. Only 12.2% of publications reported a funding source, and only 12.2% of studies were controlled.

Conclusion

Recent trends in otolaryngology literature reflect an increasing focus on education; however, this work is underfunded and often lacks high‐quality evidence.
Adsorption of gold from thiosulfate solutions with chemically modified activated carbon
Authors: Yu Hong , Zi Futing , Hu Xianzhi , Nie Yanhe , Chen Yunlong , Cheng Huiling
Published: March 2017

Adsorption of the gold–thiosulfate complex ion ([Formula: see text]) on silver ferrocyanide (AgFC)-impregnated activated carbon in aqueous solution has been studied in order to find an effectual adsorbent for the thiosulfate extracting gold from ores. This study was performed using AgFC-impregnated activated carbon (AC-Ag-R-FC: AC: activated carbon, Ag: silver nitrate, R: heating, FC: potassium ferrocyanide) and an artificial aqueous solution of [Formula: see text]. Gold–thiosulfate complex adsorption kinetics and isotherm studies were carried out at pH = 9.0 on modified materials. It has been also found that the adsorption fits the intraparticle diffusion and Freundlich isotherm well. In order to understand the adsorption mechanism, raw and modified materials were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption measurements at 77 K, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The maximum adsorption capability of [Formula: see text]on AC-Ag-R-FC is 3.55 kgt−1. Clearly, the extraordinary adsorption capacity of AC for [Formula: see text] offers a new approach to address challenging gold–thiosulfate complex separation and could promote the future development of thiosulfate leaching gold process.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for Kawasaki disease: two case reports and the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization experience 1999–2015
Authors: Best Derek , Millar Johnny , Kornilov Igor , Sinelnikov Yury , Chiletti Roberto , Rycus Peter , Butt Warwick
Published: March 2017

Kawasaki disease is usually a limited illness of early childhood. However, life-threatening cardiac manifestations can occur, either at acute presentation or as a consequence of coronary arterial involvement. We report the successful use of veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiac support in two children with Kawasaki disease: one with acute Kawasaki disease shock syndrome, the other with complications of coronary arteritis and subsequent surgery. We also reviewed the reported experience in the ELSO database and available literature.
Optimal frequency/time combination of whole body vibration training for developing physical performance of people with sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wei Ning , Pang Marco YC , Ng Shamay SM , Ng Gabriel YF
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To determine whether frequency and exposure time to whole body vibration influenced its effects on physical performance in seniors with sarcopenia.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial

Setting:

A university sports training laboratory.

Subjects:

Eighty community dwelling seniors with sarcopenia were recruited.

Interventions:

Participants were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely, low-frequency (LG: 20Hz x 720s), medium-frequency (MG: 40Hz x 360s), high-frequency (HG: 60Hz x 240s) and control (CG: no extra training) for 12 weeks of whole body vibration training and 12 weeks of follow-up.

Main measures:

Assessments were done at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, mid-follow-up, and final follow-up for five-repetition sit-to-stand, 10-meter walking test with self-preferred speed and timed-up-and-go test.

Results:

There was significant time × group interaction effect in timed-up-and-go test (F12, 304 = 3.333, effect size = 0.116, p < 0.001). Between-group differences in percentage change from baseline were significant between medium-frequency group and control group on all outcome variables after 12-week whole body vibration training (Five-repetition sit-to-stand test: 10.46 ± 2.28 (–16.12%), p = 0.008; 10-meter walking test: 1.05 ± 0.16 (11.18%), p = 0.04; Timed-up-and-go test: 11.32 ± 1.72 (–15.08%), p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

With the total number of vibrations controlled, the combination of 40Hz and 360s of whole body vibration has the best outcome on physical performance of people with sarcopenia.