bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
microRNA Regulation of Peritoneal Cavity Homeostasis in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Lopez-Anton Melisa , Bowen Timothy , Jenkins Robert H.
Published: October 2015

Preservation of peritoneal cavity homeostasis and peritoneal membrane function is critical for long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the regulation of key molecular pathways driving peritoneal membrane alterations leading to PD failure. miRNAs regulate the expression of the majority of protein coding genes in the human genome, thereby affecting most biochemical pathways implicated in cellular homeostasis. In this review, we report published findings on miRNAs and PD therapy, with emphasis on evidence for changes in peritoneal miRNA expression during long-term PD treatment. Recent work indicates that PD effluent- (PDE-) derived cells change their miRNA expression throughout the course of PD therapy, contributing to the loss of peritoneal cavity homeostasis and peritoneal membrane function. Changes in miRNA expression profiles will alter regulation of key molecular pathways, with the potential to cause profound effects on peritoneal cavity homeostasis during PD treatment. However, research to date has mainly adopted a literature-based miRNA-candidate methodology drawing conclusions from modest numbers of patient-derived samples. Therefore, the study of miRNA expression during PD therapy remains a promising field of research to understand the mechanisms involved in basic peritoneal cell homeostasis and PD failure.
Rejection of Organic Micropollutants by Clean and Fouled Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Zhu Lifang
Published: October 2015

The rejection of organic micropollutants, including three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and three phthalic acid esters (PAEs), by clean and fouled nanofiltration membranes was investigated in the present study. The rejection of organic micropollutants by clean NF90 membranes varied from 87.9 to more than 99.9%, while that of NF270 membranes ranged from 32.1 to 92.3%. Clear time-dependence was observed for the rejection of hydrophobic micropollutants, which was attributed to the adsorption of micropollutants on the membrane. Fouling with humic acid had a negligible influence on the rejection of organic micropollutants by NF90 membranes, while considerable effects were observed with NF270 membranes, which are significantly looser than NF90 membranes. The observed enhancement in the rejection of organic micropollutants by fouled NF270 membranes was attributed to pore blocking, which was a dominating fouling mechanism for loose NF membranes. Changes in the ionic strength (from 10 to 20 mM) reduced micropollutant rejection by both fouled NF membranes, especially for the rejection of dimethyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate by NF270 membranes (from 65.8 to 25.0% for dimethyl phthalate and 75.6 to 33.3% for diethyl phthalate).
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for the Evaluation of Anesthetic Depth
Authors: Hernandez-Meza Gabriela , Izzetoglu Meltem , Osbakken Mary , Green Michael , Izzetoglu Kurtulus
Published: October 2015

The standard-of-care guidelines published by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommend monitoring of pulse oximetry, blood pressure, heart rate, and end tidal CO2during the use of anesthesia and sedation. This information can help to identify adverse events that may occur during procedures. However, these parameters are not specific to the effects of anesthetics or sedatives, and therefore they offer little, to no, real time information regarding the effects of those agents and do not give the clinician the lead-time necessary to prevent patient “awareness.” Since no “gold-standard” method is available to continuously, reliably, and effectively monitor the effects of sedatives and anesthetics, such a method is greatly needed. Investigation of the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a method for anesthesia or sedation monitoring and for the assessment of the effects of various anesthetic drugs on cerebral oxygenation has started to be conducted. The objective of this paper is to provide a thorough review of the currently available published scientific studies regarding the use of fNIRS in the fields of anesthesia and sedation monitoring, comment on their findings, and discuss the future work required for the translation of this technology to the clinical setting.
Detecting Disease in Radiographs with Intuitive Confidence
Authors: Jaeger Stefan
Published: October 2015

This paper argues in favor of a specific type of confidence for use in computer‐aided diagnosis and disease classification, namely, sine/cosine values of angles represented by points on the unit circle. The paper shows how this confidence is motivated by Chinese medicine and how sine/cosine values are directly related with the two forces Yin and Yang. The angle for which sine and cosine are equal (45°) represents the state of equilibrium between Yin and Yang, which is a state of nonduality that indicates neither normality nor abnormality in terms of disease classification. The paper claims that the proposed confidence is intuitive and can be readily understood by physicians. The paper underpins this thesis with theoretical results in neural signal processing, stating that a sine/cosine relationship between the actual input signal and the perceived (learned) input is key to neural learning processes. As a practical example, the paper shows how to use the proposed confidence values to highlight manifestations of tuberculosis in frontal chest X‐rays.
Epidemiology of Hypertension Stages in Two Countries in Sub-Sahara Africa: Factors Associated with Hypertension Stages
Authors: Gebreselassie Kirubel Zemedkun , Padyab Mojgan
Published: October 2015

Studies using the revised hypertension classification are needed to better understand epidemiology of hypertension across full distribution. The sociodemographic, biological, and health behavior characteristics associated with different stages of hypertension in Ghana and South Africa (SA) were studied using global ageing and adult health (SAGE), WAVE 1 dataset. Blood pressure was assessed for a total of 7545 respondents, 2980 from SA and 4565 from Ghana. Hypertension was defined using JNC7 blood pressure classification considering previous diagnosis and treatment. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis using Stata version 12 statistical software was done to identify independent predictors. The weighted prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in Ghana was 30.7% and 42.4%, respectively, and that of SA was 29.4% and 46%, respectively, showing high burden. After adjusting for the independent variables, only age (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.14–1.53), income (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.04–3.47), and BMI (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.1–1.22) remained independent predictors for stage 1 hypertension in Ghana, while, for SA, age (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.53–3.36), sex (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08–1), and BMI (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07–1.25) were found to be independent predictors of stage 1 hypertension. Healthy lifestyle changes and policy measures are needed to promptly address these predictors.
First Evaluation of the Biologically Active Substances and Antioxidant Potential of Regrowth Velvet Antler by means of Multiple Biochemical Assays
Authors: Tang Yujiao , Jeon Byong-Tae , Wang Yanmei , Choi Eun-Ju , Park Pyo-Jam , Seong Hye-Jin , Moon Sang Ho , Kim Eun-Kyung
Published: October 2015

We investigated the biologically active substances contained in RVA (regrowth velvet antler) by comparing the composition of biologically active substances and antioxidant potential of different antler segments. RVA was subjected to extraction using DW (distilled water). RVA was divided into 3 segments: T-RVA (top RVA), M-RVA (middle RVA), and B-RVA (base RVA). The T-RVA section possessed the greatest amounts of uronic acid (36.251 mg/g), sulfated GAGs (sulfated glycosaminoglycans) (555.76 mg/g), sialic acid (111.276 mg/g), uridine (0.957 mg/g), uracil (1.084 mg/g), and hypoxanthine (1.2631 mg/g). In addition, the T-RVA section possessed the strongest antioxidant capacity as determined by DPPH, H2O2(hydrogen peroxide), hydroxyl, and ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical scavenging activity as well as FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). The values of those were 53.44, 23.09, 34.12, 60.31, and 35.81 TE/μM at 1 mg/mL and 113.57 TE/μM at 20 μg/mL. These results indicate that the T-RVA section possesses the greatest amount of biologically active substances and highest antioxidant potential. This is the first report on the biologically active substances and antioxidant potential of RVA.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Al2O3‐Coated MoS2 Spheres for Photocatalysis Applications
Authors: Vattikuti S. V. Prabhakar , Byon Chan
Published: October 2015

This paper reports the synthesis of novel monodisperse Al2O3‐coated molybdenum disulfide nanospheres (i.e., core‐shell structures) using a one‐step facile hydrothermal method. XPS analysis confirmed the purity and stable structure of the Al2O3‐coated MoS2 nanospheres. A possible growth mechanism of the core‐shell structure is also reported, along with their influence on the photodegradation process of rhodamine B (RhB). The Al2O3‐coated MoS2 nanospheres demonstrate good photocatalytic activity and chemical stability compared to MoS2 spheres. TG‐DTA analysis provided insight into the decomposition process of the precursor solution and the stability of the nanoparticles. The enhanced photocatalytic activity makes the Al2O3‐coated MoS2 nanospheres a promising candidate as a photocatalyst that could be used in place of traditional Al2O3/MoS2 photocatalyst for the removal of pollutants from waste water.
Framing a Knowledge Base for a Legal Expert System Dealing with Indeterminate Concepts
Authors: Araszkiewicz Michał , Łopatkiewicz Agata , Zienkiewicz Adam , Zurek Tomasz
Published: October 2015

Despite decades of development of formal tools for modelling legal knowledge and reasoning, the creation of a fully fledged legal decision support system remains challenging. Among those challenges, such system requires an enormous amount of commonsense knowledge to derive legal expertise. This paper describes the development of a negotiation decision support system (the Parenting Plan Support System or PPSS) to support parents in drafting an agreement (the parenting plan) for the exercise of parental custody of minor children after a divorce is granted. The main objective here is to discuss problems of framing an intuitively appealing and computationally efficient knowledge base that can adequately represent the indeterminate legal concept of the well‐being of the child in the context of continental legal culture and of Polish law in particular. In addition to commonsense reasoning, interpretation of such a concept demands both legal expertise and significant professional knowledge from other domains.
Shaped 3D Singular Spectrum Analysis for Quantifying Gene Expression, with Application to the Early Zebrafish Embryo
Authors: Shlemov Alex , Golyandina Nina , Holloway David , Spirov Alexander
Published: October 2015

Recent progress in microscopy technologies, biological markers, and automated processing methods is making possible the development of gene expression atlases at cellular-level resolution over whole embryos. Raw data on gene expression is usually very noisy. This noise comes from both experimental (technical/methodological) and true biological sources (from stochastic biochemical processes). In addition, the cells or nuclei being imaged are irregularly arranged in 3D space. This makes the processing, extraction, and study of expression signals and intrinsic biological noise a serious challenge for 3D data, requiring new computational approaches. Here, we present a new approach for studying gene expression in nuclei located in a thick layer around a spherical surface. The method includes depth equalization on the sphere, flattening, interpolation to a regular grid, pattern extraction by Shaped 3D singular spectrum analysis (SSA), and interpolation back to original nuclear positions. The approach is demonstrated on several examples of gene expression in the zebrafish egg (a model system in vertebrate development). The method is tested on several different data geometries (e.g., nuclear positions) and different forms of gene expression patterns. Fully 3D datasets for developmental gene expression are becoming increasingly available; we discuss the prospects of applying 3D-SSA to data processing and analysis in this growing field.
Targeting of HPV-16+ Epithelial Cancer Cells by TCR Gene Engineered T Cells Directed against E6
Authors: Draper Lindsey M. , Kwong Mei Li M. , Gros Alena , Stevanović Sanja , Tran Eric , Kerkar Sid , Raffeld Mark , Rosenberg Steven A. , Hinrichs Christian S.
Published: October 2015

Purpose: The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV-associated epithelial cancers are in principle ideal immunotherapeutic targets, but evidence that T cells specific for these antigens can recognize and kill HPV+ tumor cells is limited. We sought to determine whether TCR gene engineered T cells directed against an HPV oncoprotein can successfully target HPV+ tumor cells.

Experimental Design: T-cell responses against the HPV-16 oncoproteins were investigated in a patient with an ongoing 22-month disease-free interval after her second resection of distant metastatic anal cancer. T cells genetically engineered to express an oncoprotein-specific TCR from this patient's tumor-infiltrating T cells were tested for specific reactivity against HPV+ epithelial tumor cells.

Results: We identified, from an excised metastatic anal cancer tumor, T cells that recognized an HLA-A*02:01–restricted epitope of HPV-16 E6. The frequency of the dominant T-cell clonotype from these cells was approximately 400-fold greater in the patient's tumor than in her peripheral blood. T cells genetically engineered to express the TCR from this clonotype displayed high avidity for an HLA-A*02:01–restricted epitope of HPV-16, and they showed specific recognition and killing of HPV-16+ cervical, and head and neck cancer cell lines.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that HPV-16+ tumors can be targeted by E6-specific TCR gene engineered T cells, and they provide the foundation for a novel cellular therapy directed against HPV-16+ malignancies, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 21(19); 4431–9. ©2015 AACR.
Subtype-Specific Metagene-Based Prediction of Outcome after Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment in Breast Cancer
Authors: Callari Maurizio , Cappelletti Vera , D'Aiuto Francesca , Musella Valeria , Lembo Antonio , Petel Fabien , Karn Thomas , Iwamoto Takayuki , Provero Paolo , Daidone Maria Grazia , Gianni Luca , Bianchini Giampaolo
Published: October 2015

Purpose: In spite of improvements of average benefit from adjuvant/neoadjuvant treatments, there are still individual patients with early breast cancer at high risk of relapse. We explored the association with outcome of robust gene cluster–based metagenes linked to proliferation, ER-related genes, and immune response to identify those high-risk patients.

Experimental Design: A total of 3,847 publicly available gene-expression profiles were analyzed (untreated, N = 826; tamoxifen-treated, N = 685; chemotherapy-treated, N = 1,150). Genes poorly performing in formalin-fixed samples were removed. Outcomes of interest were pathologic-complete response (pCR) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). In ER+HER2−, the proliferation and ER-related metagenes were combined to define three risk groups. In HER2+ and ER−HER2− risk groups were defined by tertiles of an immune-related metagene.

Results: The high-proliferation/low-ER group of ER+HER2− breast cancer had significantly higher pCR rate [OR, 5.01 (1.76–17.99), P = 0.005], but poorer outcome [HR = 3.73 (1.63–8.51), P = 0.0018] than the low-proliferation/high-ER. A similar association with outcome applied to patients with residual disease (RD) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.01). In ER−HER2− and HER2+ breast cancer, immune metagene in the high tertile was linked to higher pCR [33.7% vs. 11.6% in high and low tertile, respectively; OR, 3.87 (1.79–8.95); P = 0.0009]. In ER−HER2−, after adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 5-year DMFS was 85.4% for high-tertile immune metagene, and 43.9% for low tertile. The outcome association was similar in patients with RD (P = 0.0055). In HER2+ breast cancer treated with chemotherapy the association with risk of relapse was not significant.

Conclusions: We developed metagene-based predictors able to define low and high risk of relapse after adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy. High-risk patients so defined should be preferably considered for trials with investigational agents. Clin Cancer Res; 22(2); 337–45. ©2015 AACR.
Association between Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Gene Variation and Response to Glucocorticoid Treatment in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Yazdani Nasrin , Kakavand Hamidi Armita , Ghazavi Hossein , Rikhtegar Mohammad Javad , Motesadi Zarandi Masoud , Qorbani Mostafa , Amoli Mahsa M.
Published: October 2015

Several lines of evidence suggest the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mediates its role in various immune and inflammatory conditions by the regulation of immune reactions. Several studies have confirmed an association between MIF gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the MIF (-173 G/C) polymorphism (rs755622) and SSNHL in an Iranian population. In this case-control association study, SSNHL cases (n = 77) were included. Normal healthy subjects (n = 100) were also recruited from the same region. Genotyping for MIF (-173 G/C) polymorphism was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The frequency of the MIF -173 C allele carriers (GC + CC genotype) was significantly elevated in SSNHL patients who responded to glucocorticoid treatment compared with the patients with no response to treatment. These results suggest that the MIF gene polymorphism is associated with a response to glucocorticoid treatment in patients with SSNHL.
Behavioral Evolution of Progressive Semantic Aphasia in Comparison with Nonfluent Aphasia
Authors: Gómez-Tortosa Estrella , Rigual Ricardo , Prieto-Jurczynska Cristina , Mahillo-Fernández Ignacio , Guerrero-López Rosa , Pérez-Pérez Julián , Sainz M. José
Published: October 2015

Background: Patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) usually develop significant behavioral disturbances with progression of the disease. We tested our clinical observation that development of disruptive agitation is more likely in semantic than in nonfluent PPA and examined which clinical variables could be associated with this behavior. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed neuropsychiatric scores and the need for behavioral treatments in semantic PPA (n = 41) and nonfluent PPA (n = 39) cases and compared first (1-3 years since the onset of symptoms) and last (5-13 years since the onset) evaluations. Clinical variables and laterality of temporal atrophy were associated with symptoms in semantic PPA cases. Results: The semantic PPA group developed more frequent (p = 0.03) and intense agitation (p = 0.0008) and had a greater need for antipsychotic drugs (p = 0.001) than the nonfluent PPA group. Presence of agitation was clearly associated with psychotic symptoms (delusions/hallucinations) but was not associated with gender, age at onset, duration of the disease, or laterality of temporal atrophy. In contrast, nonfluent PPA cases were more frequently depressed and treated with antidepressants (p = 0.0007). There were no differences in anxiety, irritability, apathy, perseverations, hyperorality, or abnormal motor behavior. Conclusions: Semantic PPA in advanced disease is frequently associated with agitation and psychotic symptoms with fewer mood symptoms, while nonfluent PPA maintains a high prevalence of depression. This implies different treatment and care and support needs for each group.
Partially desulfated heparin modulates the interaction between anti-protamine/heparin antibodies and platelets
Authors: Jouni Rabie , Zöllner Heike , Khadour Ahmad , Wesche Jan , Grotevendt Anne , Brandt Sven , Delcea Mihaela , Krauel Krystin , Schwertz Hansjörg , Sachs Ulrich J. , Greinacher Andreas , Bakchoul Tamam
Published: October 2015

Protamine (PRT) is the standard drug to neutralise heparin. PRT/heparin complexes induce an immune response similar to that observed in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Partially desulfated heparin (ODSH) was shown to interfere with anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies (Abs), which are responsible for HIT. In this study, we analyse the impact of ODSH on the interaction between anti-PRT/heparin Abs and platelets. The ability of ODSH to prevent anti-PRT/heparin Ab-induced platelet destruction in vivo was investigated using the NOD/ SCID mouse model. ODSH improved platelet survival in the presence of PRT, heparin and anti-PRT/heparin Abs (median platelet survival after 300 minutes (min) with 20 μg/ml ODSH: 75 %, range 70–81 % vs without ODSH: 49%, range 44–59%, p=0.006). Furthermore, when ODSH was applied 60 min after Ab injection platelet survival was improved (median platelet survival after 300 min with ODSH: 83 %, range 77–93 % vs without ODSH: 59 %, range 29–61 %, p=0.02). In in vitro experiments ODSH inhibited platelet activation at concentrations > 16 μg/mL (p< 0.001), as well as PRT/heparin complex binding to platelets (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI] without ODSH: 85 ± 14 vs with ODSH: 15 ± 0.6, p=0.013). ODSH also displaced pre-bound complexes from the platelet surface (MFI without ODSH: 324 ± 43 vs with 32 μg/ml ODSH: 53 ± 9, p< 0.001). While interfering with platelet activation by anti-PRT/heparin Abs, up to a concentration of 16 μg/ml, ODSH had only minimal impact on neutralisation of heparin by PRT. In conclusion, our study shows that ODSH is able to inhibit platelet activation and destruction suggesting a potential clinical use to reduce anti-PRT/heparin Ab-mediated adverse effects.
Thwarted Expectations of Divine Reciprocity
Authors: Peels Saskia
Published: October 2015

The notion of reciprocity in Greek religion has been approached from many angles. One question that has not been treated concerns human discontent at gods’ gifts. Given that, in Greek literature, characters conceptualised their relationship with gods as a bond of reciprocal χάρις, did these fictive characters use the same conceptual frame in talking about frustrated expectations of divine reciprocity? When gods did not give in return what had been hoped for, was such disappointment ever constructed as a case of dysfunctional reciprocity? In this paper I argue that the answer is ‘no’, but a conscious no. Explicit disappointment in divine reciprocity occurs, but exclusively under ‘special circumstances’. Such criticism is uttered by characters who are not Greek, for example, who are portrayed as having rather strange views anyway, or who have a very special reciprocal relationship with a god based on divine parenthood of a human child. The distribution and nature of complaints shows that reproaching gods about disappointed reciprocity was consciously considered as very un-Greek.
Nonrandom Associations of Graphemes with Colors in Arabic
Authors: van Leeuwen Tessa M. , Dingemanse Mark , Todil Büşra , Agameya Amira , Majid Asifa
Published: October 2015

Numerous studies demonstrate people associate colors with letters and numbers in systematic ways. But most of these studies rely on speakers of English, or closely related languages. This makes it difficult to know how generalizable these findings are, or what factors might underlie these associations. We investigated letter–color and number–color associations in Arabic speakers, who have a different writing system and unusual word structure compared to Standard Average European languages. We also aimed to identify grapheme–color synaesthetes (people who have conscious color experiences with letters and numbers). Participants associated colors with 28 basic Arabic letters and ten digits by typing color names that best fit each grapheme. We found language-specific principles determining grapheme–color associations. For example, the word formation process in Arabic was relevant for color associations. In addition, psycholinguistic variables, such as letter frequency and the intrinsic order of graphemes influenced associations. Contrary to previous studies we found no evidence for sounds playing a role in letter–color associations for Arabic, and only a very limited role for shape influencing color associations. These findings highlight the importance of linguistic and psycholinguistic features in cross-modal correspondences, and illustrate why it is important to play close attention to each language on its own terms in order to disentangle language-specific from universal effects.
A survey of the praying mantises of Rwanda, including new records (Insecta, Mantodea)
Authors: TEDROW RILEY , NATHAN KABANGUKA , RICHARD NASASIRA , SVENSON GAVIN J.
Published: October 2015

We report the results of two surveys targeting praying mantises in four localities in Rwanda, specifically Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and the Arboretum de Ruhande at the National University of Rwanda. Using an assortment of collecting techniques, including metal halide light traps, sweep netting vegetation and general searching, we obtained 387 adult and 352 juvenile specimens, representing 41 species. A total of 28 novel species records for Rwanda are added to the 18 previously recorded species for the country, in addition to 20 novel species records for the broader region, including neighbouring Uganda and Burundi. This study provides high resolution images of the dorsal habitus of both sexes of representative species, both pinned and living. Species distribution records are presented and discussed. With a 155% increase in species recorded from Rwanda, this survey illustrates the need for further taxonomic work in the region.
First record of Albunea occulta (Boyko) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Albuneidae) from the Andaman Islands, India
Authors: MARIMUTHU P. , KUMARALINGAM S. , JAYARAJ K.A. , EQUBAL JAWED , GANESH T.
Published: October 2015

The anomuran crabs of the family Albuneidae Stimpson, 1858 are specialized forms, living buried in sand. Because of their preferred habitat, they are very rarely encountered, and thus have been poorly studied in general (Osawa & Fujita 2012). They are commonly called “Sand crabs” (Boyko 2002). Worldwide, the Albuneidae family currently includes 48 species belonging to nine genera (Boyko & McLaughlin 2010). Among these species, the present study reported Albunea occulta Boyko, 2002 as new record to Indian coastal regions particularly from Andaman Islands.
An addition to the endemic Indian radiation of Eutropis: Phylogenetic position of Eutropis dissimilis Hallowell (Squamata: Scincidae)
Authors: DATTA-ROY ANIRUDDHA , DEEPAK V. , SIDHARTHAN CHINTA , BARLEY ANTHONY J. , KARANTH K. PRAVEEN
Published: October 2015

Skinks of the genus Eutropis represent one of the most widespread and speciose lizard groups in tropical Asia. Numerous recent studies have utilized a variety of genes and methods to reconstruct the phylogeny of these lizards, however these studies have not resolved the placement of one of the widely distributed Eutropis Fitzinger, E. dissimilis. We have sequenced a specimen of E. dissimilis from the type locality and our result suggests that it is part of the Indian radiation of Eutropis and not related to African Trachylepis Fitzinger or Southeast Asian Dasia Gray as previously suggested. Furthermore, we report that the sequence of E. dissimilis used in an earlier study of the once cosmopolitan genus ‘Mabuya’ may have been erroneously identified and appears to be a sequence of E. novemcarinata. We also demonstrate that the evolution of a clear lower eyelid, which was considered a synapomorphy for the sister genus Trachylepis, has arisen multiple times in Eutropis.
Double-Diffusive Convection in a Stochastic Shear
Authors: Radko Timour , Ball James , Colosi John , Flanagan Jason
Published: October 2015

An attempt is made to quantify the impact of stochastic wave–induced shears on salt fingers associated with internal waves in the ocean. The wave environment is represented by the superposition of Fourier components conforming to the Garrett–Munk (GM) spectrum with random initial phase distribution. The resulting time series of vertical shear are incorporated into a finger-resolving numerical model, and the latter is used to evaluate the equilibrium diapycnal fluxes of heat and salt. The proposed procedure makes it possible to simulate salt fingers in shears that are representative of typical oceanic conditions. This study finds that the shear-induced modification of salt fingers is largely caused by near-inertial motions. These relatively slow waves act to align salt fingers in the direction of shear, thereby rendering the double-diffusive dynamics effectively two-dimensional. Internal waves reduce the equilibrium vertical fluxes of heat and salt by a factor of 2 relative to those in the unsheared three-dimensional environment, bringing them close to the values suggested by corresponding two-dimensional simulations.
Mercy Killing
Authors: Clough Amanda
Published: October 2015

A defendant who has committed a so called ‘mercy killing’, meaning that they killed a loved one to end their suffering from some kind of painful or terminal illness or disease, has no direct route to a manslaughter conviction. It is a difficult situation for the courts, although such actions are acknowledged as a mitigating feature at the sentencing stage. This article discusses the controversial subject, and questions if it may be included within the scope of either diminished responsibility or loss of control since the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 came into force.
Corruption and the possibility of life
Authors: Das Veena
Published: October 2015

This article analyses how we might understand corruption as anchored in ordinary, everyday practices. Avoiding the double trap of condemnation and relativism, it shows how the urban poor see the aspiration for a purified polity as creating the conditions of possibility in which the political space of action closes down for those within what one might call a corruption complex. Moving between ethnography and literature, the article pays close attention to forms of talk as well as forms of action and demonstrates that the poor display much more nuanced understanding of the state as compared to the way it is represented in the work of public intellectuals and activists.
Understanding the Connection Between Epistemic Beliefs and Internet Searching
Authors: Ulyshen Tianyi Zhang , Koehler Matthew J. , Gao Fei
Published: October 2015

Within the context of exploring an ill-structured task using the Google search engine, this study examined (a) the connections between general epistemic beliefs and the complexity of learners' knowledge exploration processes (i.e., learning complexity) and (b) the role of activating learners' task-oriented epistemic beliefs (i.e., epistemic activation) in affecting their learning processes. Survey was used to collect participants' general epistemic beliefs, and direct analysis of participants' think-aloud protocols documenting their knowledge exploration processes was conducted to measure their learning complexity. Results revealed positive epistemology-learning relationships in the way that learners with complex epistemic beliefs are more likely to invest efforts in integrating knowledge, building flexible knowledge representations, evaluating information credibility, engaging in inquiry, and being learning-oriented during their ill-structured Internet search activities. Epistemic activation seemed to provide an opportunity for learners to contemplate varying advanced strategies to evaluate the quality of web information, trigger their efforts to search for alternative views during learning, and enhance their awareness of task complexity and subjectivity. In addition, learners with complex epistemic beliefs seemed to benefit more from epistemic activation in terms of using advanced strategies for web information evaluation. This research contributes to (a) theoretical understandings of epistemology in connection to learning complexity when learning is open-ended and (b) pedagogical practices of using the epistemic activation strategy to promote deep learning in Internet-based learning environments.
Not Everybody Is a Golfer: Bourdieu and Affluent Bodies in Mexico
Authors: Ceron-Anaya Hugo
Published: October 2015

The present article analyzes processes of social reproduction among upper-middle- and upper-class individuals in contemporary Mexico City, using affluent golf clubs as a case study. Drawing on ethnographic data, it shows how private golf clubs are invisible sites for the average city dweller, both metaphorically and literally. This characteristic fulfills a dual political role, by (1) preventing any questioning over the monopolization of resources and (2) reinforcing social distance. The analysis then examines the relationship between old golfers (natives) and new golfers (newcomers) and how the growing participation of newcomers illustrates an important transformation in the world of affluent private golf clubs. This change reflects the inherent struggle between preservation and transformation that characterizes any social universe. The results demonstrate that Bourdieu’s concepts of field, capital, and habitus offer a flexible and powerful model to analyze affluent communities within the context of a developing nation.
Development of a Bayesian response-adaptive trial design for the Dexamethasone for Excessive Menstruation study
Authors: Holm Hansen Christian , Warner Pamela , Parker Richard A , Walker Brian R , Critchley Hilary OD , Weir Christopher J
Published: October 2015

It is often unclear what specific adaptive trial design features lead to an efficient design which is also feasible to implement. This article describes the preparatory simulation study for a Bayesian response-adaptive dose-finding trial design. Dexamethasone for Excessive Menstruation aims to assess the efficacy of Dexamethasone in reducing excessive menstrual bleeding and to determine the best dose for further study. To maximise learning about the dose response, patients receive placebo or an active dose with randomisation probabilities adapting based on evidence from patients already recruited. The dose-response relationship is estimated using a flexible Bayesian Normal Dynamic Linear Model. Several competing design options were considered including: number of doses, proportion assigned to placebo, adaptation criterion, and number and timing of adaptations. We performed a fractional factorial study using SAS software to simulate virtual trial data for candidate adaptive designs under a variety of scenarios and to invoke WinBUGS for Bayesian model estimation. We analysed the simulated trial results using Normal linear models to estimate the effects of each design feature on empirical type I error and statistical power. Our readily-implemented approach using widely available statistical software identified a final design which performed robustly across a range of potential trial scenarios.
Evaluation of a culturally adapted training course in Indigenous e-mental health
Authors: Dingwall Kylie M , Puszka Stefanie , Sweet Michelle , Mills Patj Patj Janama Robert , Nagel Tricia
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To report the impact of the Indigenous e-mental health training course ‘Yarning about Indigenous Mental Health using the AIMhi Stay Strong App’.

Method:

Participants were trained in e-mental health and the use of one of the first culturally adapted e-mental health interventions – The AIMhi Stay Strong App. Between October 2013 and December 2014, 138 participants completed the ‘Yarning about Indigenous Mental Health using the AIMhi Stay Strong App’ training course and 130 completed pre- and post-training questionnaires to explore knowledge and confidence in a number of areas trained.

Results:

Paired t-tests showed significant improvements across all measures of skill and knowledge except for confidence in using computers.

Conclusions:

E-mental health is a relatively new development that may contribute to improved access to mental health services for rural and remote Indigenous Australians, particularly where such tools are culturally adapted. Whilst current knowledge and use of e-mental health tools in this group of Northern Territory service providers was limited, perceived knowledge and confidence in use was significantly improved following training.
Returned Migrant Children in Kosovo and Albania
Authors: Zevulun Daniëlle , Kalverboer Margrite E. , Zijlstra A. Elianne , Post Wendy J. , Knorth Erik J.
Published: October 2015

This study discusses methodological considerations and cultural sensitivity issues in cross-cultural research. A multi-method approach was adopted—consisting of a seminar, an expert’s opinion, and a focus-group discussion with Western-Balkan professionals—to assess the content validity of the Best Interest of the Child Model (BIC Model) and Questionnaire (BIC-Q) in the cultural context of the Western Balkans. The cultural sensitivity of the assessment was evaluated during a field study with local interviewers, who assessed the quality of the child-rearing environment of returned migrant children ( N = 66) in Kosovo and Albania. The findings indicate that specific cultural aspects influence the meaning and interpretation of child-rearing conditions, such as the importance of the extended family in child-rearing, authoritarian child-rearing practices, the within-society heterogeneity, and the stability of the state. Regarding assessment, factors affecting outcomes were identified as they related to the questionnaire as well as to the cultural perspectives of the interviewers and the regional population characteristics. The study resulted in an understanding of the child-rearing situation of returned migrant children from a local cultural perspective and avoided the imposition of Western-European standards on the assessment of “good-enough” child-rearing.
Improving the Detection of Feigned Knowledge Deficits in Defendants Adjudicated Incompetent to Stand Trial
Authors: Gottfried Emily D. , Hudson B. Lee , Vitacco Michael J. , Carbonell Joyce L.
Published: October 2015

Malingering is relatively common in criminal forensic evaluations as base rates of malingering have ranged from 20% to 30%. Given that the most prevalent criminal forensic evaluation is the assessment of competency to stand trial, the assessment of feigning during competency evaluations is necessary for accurate findings. Most of the response style literature focuses on feigning mental health symptoms, but in competency evaluations, individuals may attempt to feign legal knowledge deficits in order to be found incompetent to stand trial. The current investigation includes two studies: 195 students instructed to simulate feigned mental illness or incompetence to stand trial and one using a sample of 130 state psychiatric hospital residents who had been adjudicated incompetent to stand trial. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the Inventory of Legal Knowledge’s (ILK; Musick & Otto, 2010) ability to detect individuals who are feigning legal knowledge deficits. Classification utility statistics, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive power, and negative predictive power are provided for each cut-score on the ILK beginning with a cut-score of 24 (which is the lower end of the range of chance) are provided. The current cut-score of 47 provided in the professional manual of the ILK was shown to create a large number of false positives and suggests that modifications to this cut-score are required.
Translating CESD-20 and PHQ-9 Scores to PROMIS Depression
Authors: Kim Jiseon , Chung Hyewon , Askew Robert L. , Park Ryoungsun , Jones Salene M. W. , Cook Karon F. , Amtmann Dagmar
Published: October 2015

This study examined the accuracy of depression cross-walk tables in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The tables link scores of two commonly used depression measures to the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Depression (PROMIS-D) scale metric. We administered the 8-item PROMIS-D (Short-Form 8b; PROMIS-D-8), the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-20), and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to 459 survey participants with MS. We examined correlations between actual PROMIS-D-8 scores and the scores predicted by cross-walks based on PHQ-9 and CESD-20 scores. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess correspondence. Consistency in severity classification was also calculated. Finally, we used Bland–Altman plots to graphically examine the levels of agreement. The correlations between actual and cross-walked PROMIS-D-8 scores were strong (CESD-20 = .82; PHQ-9 = .74). The intraclass correlation was moderate (.77). Participants were consistently classified as having or not having at least moderate depressive symptoms by both actual and cross-walked scores derived from the CESD-20 (90%) and PHQ-9 (85%). Bland–Altman plots suggested the smaller differences between actual and cross-walked scores with greater-than-average depression severity. PROMIS cross-walk tables can be used to translate depression scores of people with MS to the PROMIS-D metric, promoting continuity with previous research.
Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of Beck Depression Inventory–II in Early Adolescents
Authors: Wu Pei-Chen
Published: October 2015

This study explored the longitudinal measurement invariance in the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II) in early adolescents (junior high school students). The participants were 730 early adolescents (330 boys and 400 girls), who were followed up over 3 years (in six waves). To reduce the size of longitudinal model and verify the stability of the findings, the Fall and Spring series data sets were analyzed separately. Each series includes three waves of data with about 1-year apart. It was found that the three-factor model (Negative Attitude, Performance Difficulty, and Somatic Elements) best fitted the data. Results of both data sets provided support for the longitudinal measurement invariance (threshold invariance) of the three-factor model, suggesting that the BDI-II measured the same construct over 3 years. The study also examined the category function of the BDI-II on the basis of the pattern of threshold estimates. Finally, the implications of the findings on the continuing use of the BDI-II are discussed.
Does Oral Beta-Blocker Therapy Improve Long-Term Survival in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction With Preserved Systolic Function? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Misumida Naoki , Harjai Kishore , Kernis Steven , Kanei Yumiko
Published: October 2015

Background:

The effect of oral beta-blocker therapy on long-term mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and who have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains unclear.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies evaluating the effect of oral beta-blocker therapy in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI and who had preserved LVEF. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Randomized controlled trials and the observational studies that reported an adjusted hazard ratio (or hazard ratio in the propensity score-matched patients) with follow-up duration equal to or more than 6 months were included. Pooled hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random effect model.

Results:

No randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Seven observational studies totaling 10 857 patients met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up duration ranged from 6 months to 5.2 years. Preserved LVEF was defined as 40% in 4 studies and 50% in 3 studies. Based on the pooled estimate, oral beta-blocker therapy was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (combined hazard ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.97).

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis demonstrates that oral beta-blocker therapy is associated with decreased all-cause mortality in patients with STEMI who are treated with primary PCI and who have preserved LVEF. This supports the current American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association 2013 Guideline for the Management of STEMI.
A tool for detecting and diagnosing faults in the drainage systems of existing buildings
Authors: Cheng Cheng L , Liao Wan J , Lo Chien S , Peng J
Published: October 2015

A building drainage system is an essential facility for building construction. The faulty performance of drainage equipment invalidates the entire system and threatens people’s health. A comprehensive tool for diagnosing the drainage systems of existing buildings, based on an empirical approach and levelling methodology was validated by studying 53 building drainage systems. Drainage system faults or problems were explicitly detected for facilitating decision-making regarding retrofitting. This paper proposes a comprehensive strategy and diagnostic tool that involves using a personal computer and mobile device application to diagnose faults in existing buildings. The proposed diagnostic tool can enable applying building information modelling in managing the performance and infection risk of building drainage systems.
The Clinical Outcome of Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy With CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery for Perioptic Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Puataweepong Putipun , Dhanachai Mantana , Hansasuta Ake , Dangprasert Somjai , Swangsilpa Thiti , Sitathanee Chomporn , Jiarpinitnun Chuleeporn , Vitoonpanich Patamintita , Yongvithisatid Pornpan
Published: October 2015

Stereotactic radiation technique including single fraction radiosurgery and conventional fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy is widely reported as an effective treatment of pituitary adenomas. Because of the restricted radiation tolerance dose of the optic pathway, single fraction radiosurgery has been accepted for small tumor located far away from the optic apparatus, while fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy may be suitable for larger tumor located close to the optic pathway. More recently, hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy has become an alternative treatment option that provides high rate of tumor control and visual preservation for the perioptic lesions within 2 to 3 mm of the optic pathway. The objective of the study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of perioptic pituitary adenomas treated with hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. From 2009 to 2012, 40 patients with perioptic pituitary adenoma were treated with CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery. The median tumor volume was 3.35 cm3 (range, 0.82-25.86 cm3). The median prescribed dose was 25 Gy (range, 20-28 Gy) in 5 fractions (range, 3-5). After the median follow-up time of 38.5 months (range, 14-71 months), 1 (2.5%) patient with prolactinoma had tumor enlargement, 31 (77.5%) were stable, and the remaining 8 (20%) tumors were smaller in size. No patient’s vision deteriorated after hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Hormone normalization was observed in 7 (54%) of 13 patients. No newly developed hypopituitarism was detected in our study. These data confirmed that hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy achieved high rates of tumor control and visual preservation. Because of the shorter duration of treatment, it may be preferable to use hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy over fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for selected pituitary adenomas immediately adjacent to the optic apparatus.