bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Secure TCP/IP Profile in 61850 Based Substation Automation System for Smart Grids
Authors: Khaled Omar , Marín Andrés , Almenares Florina , Arias Patricia , Díaz Daniel
Published: April 2016

Smart grid is the term used to describe modern power grids. It aims at achieving efficient, sustainable, economic, and secure delivery of electricity supplies. In order to achieve these goals, communication between different components within the grid and control centers is required. In a rapidly growing world, the demands for substation automation are increasing. Recently, two trends have been changing Substation Automation Systems: IEC 61850 and the need for cybersecurity. IEC 61850 specifies very strict performance requirements for message transfer time. The security for the smart grid must be designed to satisfy both performance and reliability requirements. In this paper, we address a study about secure communication in the substation real-time environment, complying with the IEC 61850 specifications. We mainly focus on analyzing the proposed Secure TCP/IP profile for MMS, testing different cipher suite combinations and examining whether by applying TLS we can still achieve the strict performance requirements of IEC 61850 or not. As a result of the study, we propose a list of cipher suite combinations that should be used. The importance of this study lies mainly on future scenarios, because IEC 61850 is thought to support smart metering communications.
Skeletal Muscle Remodelling as a Function of Disease Progression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Jensen L. , Jørgensen L. H. , Bech R. D. , Frandsen U. , Schrøder H. D.
Published: April 2016

Muscle weakness is considered the pivotal sign of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Knowledge about the skeletal muscle degeneration/regeneration process and the myogenic potential is limited in ALS patients. Therefore, we investigate these processes in a time course perspective by analysing skeletal muscle biopsies from ALS patients collected before and after a 12-week period of normal daily activities and compare these with healthy age-matched control tissue. We do this by evaluating mRNA and protein (immunohistochemical) markers of regeneration, neurodegeneration, myogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and inflammation. Our results show morphological changes indicative of active denervation and reinnervation and an increase in small atrophic fibres. We demonstrate differences between ALS and controls in pathways controlling skeletal muscle homeostasis, cytoskeletal and regenerative markers, neurodegenerative factors, myogenic factors, cell cycle determinants, and inflammatory markers. Our results on Pax7 and MyoD protein expression suggest that proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle stem cells are affected in ALS patients, and the myogenic processes cannot overcome the denervation-induced wasting.
A Thermofluid Analysis of the Magnetic Nanoparticles Enhanced Heating Effects in Tissues Embedded with Large Blood Vessel during Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia
Authors: Adhikary Koustov , Banerjee Moloy
Published: April 2016

The thermal effect developed due to the heating of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in presence of external magnetic field can be precisely controlled by the proper selection of magnetic absorption properties of the MNPs. The present paper deals with the numerical simulation of temperature field developed within or outside the tumor, in the presence of an external alternating magnetic field, using a thermofluidic model developed using ANSYS FLUENT®. A three-layer nonuniform tissue structure with one or two blood vessels surrounding the tumor is considered for the present simulation. The results obtained clearly suggest that the volumetric distribution pattern of MNPs within the tumor has a strong influence on the temperature field developed. The linear pattern of volumetric distribution has a strong effect over the two other types of distribution considered herein. Various other important factors like external magnetic field intensity, frequency, vascular congestion, types of MNP material, and so forth are considered to find the influence on the temperature within the tumor. Results show that proper selection of these parameters has a strong influence on the desired therapeutic temperature range and thus it is of utmost importance from the efficacy point of view of magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH).
Effect of Alkaloids Isolated from Phyllodium pulchellum on Monoamine Levels and Monoamine Oxidase Activity in Rat Brain
Authors: Cai Lu , Wang Chao , Huo Xiao-kui , Dong Pei-pei , Zhang Bao-jing , Zhang Hou-Li , Huang Shan-shan , Zhang Bo , Yu Sheng-ming , Zhong Ming , Ma Xiao-Chi
Published: April 2016

Phyllodium pulchellum (P. pulchellum) is a folk medicine with a significant number of bioactivities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects displayed by alkaloids fractions, isolated from the roots of P. pulchellum, on neurotransmitters monoamine levels and on monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. Six alkaloids, which had indolealkylamine or β‐carboline skeleton, were obtained by chromatographic technologies and identified by spectroscopic methods such as NMR and MS. After treatment with alkaloids of P. pulchellum, the reduction of DA levels (54.55%) and 5‐HT levels (35.01%) in rat brain was observed by HPLC‐FLD. The effect of alkaloids on the monoamines metabolism was mainly related to MAO inhibition, characterized by IC50 values of 37.35 ± 6.41 and 126.53 ± 5.39 μg/mL for MAO‐A and MAO‐B, respectively. The acute toxicity indicated that P. pulchellum extract was nontoxic.
Panniculectomy and Cystectomy: An Approach to the Morbidly Obese Patient
Authors: Hugar Lee A. , Turner Robert M. , Gusenoff Jeffrey A. , Correa Andres F. , Jacobs Bruce L. , Davies Benjamin J.
Published: April 2016

The obese patient undergoing radical cystectomy faces a unique set of challenges. We present the case of a 68-year-old gentleman who presented to our institution with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin refractory disease, a body mass index of 38.5, and a large pannus. The present paper describes our technique for performing radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion and concomitant panniculectomy. We discuss the impact of obesity on patients undergoing radical cystectomy and how this may be mitigated by panniculectomy.
The Diagnostic Value of the Pleural Fluid C-Reactive Protein in Parapneumonic Effusions
Authors: Izhakian Shimon , Wasser Walter G. , Fox Benjamin D. , Vainshelboim Baruch , Kramer Mordechai R.
Published: April 2016

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of pleural C-reactive protein (CRP) biomarker levels in identifying parapneumonic effusions.Methods. A single-center, retrospective review of 244 patients diagnosed with pleural effusions was initiated among patients at the Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel, between January 2011 and December 2013. The patients were categorized into 4 groups according to their type of pleural effusion as follows: heart failure, malignant, post-lung transplantation, and parapneumonic effusion.Results. The pleural CRP levels significantly differentiated the four groups (p<0.001) with the following means: parapneumonic effusion,5.38±4.85 mg/dL; lung transplant,2.77±2.66 mg/dL; malignancy,1.19±1.51 mg/dL; and heart failure,0.57±0.81 mg/dL. The pleural fluid CRP cut-off value for differentiating among parapneumonic effusions and the other 3 groups was 1.38 mg/dL. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 84.2%, 71.5%, 37%, and 95%, respectively. A backward logistic regression model selected CRP as the single predictor of parapneumonic effusion (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.37–1.89).Conclusions. Pleural fluid CRP levels can be used to distinguish between parapneumonic effusions and other types of exudative effusions. CRP levels < 0.64 mg/dL are likely to indicate a pleural effusion from congestive heart failure, whereas levels ≥ 1.38 mg/dL are suggestive of an infectious etiology.
Association between Polymorphisms in Interleukins 4 and 13 Genes and Chronic Periodontitis in a Han Chinese Population
Authors: Chen Dong , Zhang Tian-liang , Wang Xia
Published: April 2016

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and cytokines play a pivotal role in the regulation of immune response. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) are anti-inflammatory cytokines and several polymorphisms of them have been proved involved in periodontal disease. This study aimed to evaluate whether three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2070874 and rs2243248 fromIL4and rs1800925 fromIL13, are associated with CP in a Han Chinese population consisting of 440 moderate or severe CP patients and 324 healthy controls. Genomic DNA extracted from buccal epithelial cells of the included participants were genotyped using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry method. No significant association between rs2070874 or rs1800925 and CP was found, while the frequencies of rs2243248 and two haplotypes C-G-T and C-T-T showed significant differences between the two groups. The results suggest that the polymorphism rs2243248 and haplotypes C-G-T and C-T-T may be associated with CP susceptibility in the present Han Chinese population.
Technical Aspects on the Use of Ultrasonic Bone Shaver in Spine Surgery: Experience in 307 Patients
Authors: Hazer Derya Burcu , Yaşar Barış , Rosberg Hans-Eric , Akbaş Aytaç
Published: April 2016

Aim. We discuss technical points, the safety, and efficacy of ultrasonic bone shaver in various spinal surgeries within our own series.Methods. Between June 2010 and January 2014, 307 patients with various spinal diseases were operated on with the use of an ultrasonic bone curette with microhook shaver (UBShaver). Patients’ data were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. The technique for the use of the device is described for each spine surgery procedure.Results. Among the 307 patients, 33 (10.7%) cases had cervical disorder, 17 (5.5%) thoracic disorder, 3 (0.9%) foramen magnum disorder, and 254 (82.7%) lumbar disorders. Various surgical techniques were performed either assisted or alone by UBShaver. The duration of the operations and the need for blood replacement were relatively low. The one-year follow-up with Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were improved. We had 5 cases of dural tears (1.6%) in patients with lumbar spinal disease. No neurological deficit was found in any patients.Conclusion. We recommend this device as an assistant tool in various spine surgeries and as a primary tool in foraminotomies. It is a safe device in spine surgery with very low complication rate.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Rolling Bearings Using PSR, JADE, and Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Liu Yongbin , He Bing , Liu Fang , Lu Siliang , Zhao Yilei , Zhao Jiwen
Published: April 2016

Rolling bearings play a pivotal role in rotating machinery. The degradation assessment and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of bearings are critical to condition-based maintenance. However, sensitive feature extraction still remains a formidable challenge. In this paper, a novel feature extraction method is introduced to obtain the sensitive features through phase space reconstitution (PSR) and joint with approximate diagonalization of Eigen-matrices (JADE). Firstly, the original features are extracted from bearing vibration signals in time and frequency domain. Secondly, the PSR is applied to embed the original features into high dimensional phase space. The between-class and within-class scatter (SS) are calculated to evaluate the feature sensitivity through the phase point distribution of different degradation stages and then different weights are assigned to the corresponding features based on the calculatedSS. Thirdly, the JADE is employed to fuse the weighted features to obtain the advanced features which can better reflect the bearing degradation process. Finally, the advanced features are input into the extreme learning machine (ELM) to train the RUL prediction model. A set of experimental case studies are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the extracted advanced features can better reflect the degradation process compared to traditional features and could effectively predict the RUL of bearing.
Synthesis and Properties of Platinum Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid
Authors: Mendivil Palma Maria Isabel , Krishnan Bindu , Rodriguez Guadalupe Alan Castillo , Das Roy Tushar Kanti , Avellaneda David Avellaneda , Shaji Sadasivan
Published: April 2016

Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique in different liquids (acetone, ethanol, and methanol). Ablation was performed using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with output energy of 230 mJ/pulse for 532 nm wavelength. Ablation time and laser energy fluence were varied for all the liquids. Effects of laser energy fluence, ablation time, and nature of the liquid were reported. The mean size, size distributions, shape, elemental composition, and optical properties of Pt nanoparticles synthesized by PLAL were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy.
Metformin Decreases Reactive Oxygen Species, Enhances Osteogenic Properties of Adipose‐Derived Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro, and Increases Bone Density In Vivo
Authors: Marycz Krzysztof , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A. , Kornicka Katarzyna , Henry Brandon Michael , Wroński Sebastian , Tarasiuk Jacek , Maredziak Monika
Published: April 2016

Due to its pleiotropic effects, the commonly used drug metformin has gained renewed interest among medical researchers. While metformin is mainly used for the treatment of diabetes, recent studies suggest that it may have further application in anticancer and antiaging therapies. In this study, we investigated the proliferative potential, accumulation of oxidative stress factors, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of mouse adipose‐derived stem cells (MuASCs) isolated from mice treated with metformin for 8 weeks. Moreover, we investigated the influence of metformin supplementation on mice bone density and bone element composition. The ASCs isolated from mice who were treated with metformin for 8 weeks showed highest proliferative potential, generated a robust net of cytoskeletal projections, had reduced expression of markers associated with cellular senescence, and decreased amount of reactive oxygen species in comparison to control group. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these cells possessed greatest osteogenic differentiation potential, while their adipogenic differentiation ability was reduced. We also demonstrated that metformin supplementation increases bone density in vivo. Our result stands as a valuable source of data regarding the in vivo influence of metformin on ASCs and bone density and supports a role for metformin in regenerative medicine.
Semisupervised Community Detection by Voltage Drops
Authors: Ji Min , Zhang Dawei , Xie Fuding , Zhang Ying , Zhang Yong , Yang Jun
Published: April 2016

Many applications show that semisupervised community detection is one of the important topics and has attracted considerable attention in the study of complex network. In this paper, based on notion of voltage drops and discrete potential theory, a simple and fast semisupervised community detection algorithm is proposed. The label propagation through discrete potential transmission is accomplished by using voltage drops. The complexity of the proposal isOV+Efor the sparse network withVvertices andEedges. The obtained voltage value of a vertex can be reflected clearly in the relationship between the vertex and community. The experimental results on four real networks and three benchmarks indicate that the proposed algorithm is effective and flexible. Furthermore, this algorithm is easily applied to graph-based machine learning methods.
Sleep in the Cape Mole Rat: A Short-Sleeping Subterranean Rodent
Authors: Kruger Jean-Leigh , Gravett Nadine , Bhagwandin Adhil , Bennett Nigel C. , Archer Elizabeth K. , Manger Paul R.
Published: April 2016

The Cape mole rat Georychus capensis is a solitary subterranean rodent found in the western and southern Cape of South Africa. This approximately 200-gram bathyergid rodent shows a nocturnal circadian rhythm, but sleep in this species is yet to be investigated. Using telemetric recordings of the electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) in conjunction with video recordings, we were able to show that the Cape mole rat, like all other rodents, has sleep periods composed of both rapid eye movement (REM) and slow-wave (non-REM) sleep. These mole rats spent on average 15.4 h awake, 7.1 h in non-REM sleep and 1.5 h in REM sleep each day. Cape mole rats sleep substantially less than other similarly sized terrestrial rodents but have a similar percentage of total sleep time occupied by REM sleep. In addition, the duration of both non-REM and REM sleep episodes was markedly shorter in the Cape mole rat than has been observed in terrestrial rodents. Interestingly, these features (total sleep time and episode duration) are similar to those observed in another subterranean bathyergid mole rat, i.e. Fukomys mechowii. Thus, there appears to be a bathyergid type of sleep amongst the rodents that may be related to their environment and the effect of this on their circadian rhythm. Investigating further species of bathyergid mole rats may fully define the emerging picture of sleep in these subterranean African rodents.
Modeling Visual Acuity in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Nadal Jennifer , Fimmers Rolf , Lindner Moritz , Holz Frank G. , Schmid Matthias , Fleckenstein Monika ,   for the FAM Study Group
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To analyze and model visual acuity (VA) in geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: The course of VA was analyzed using Turnbull's estimator in 226 eyes with uni- or bilateral GA due to AMD (151 patients; mean age 74.0 ± 7.6 years; mean follow-up time 33.4 ± 23.4 months) from the natural history FAM (Fundus-Autofluorescence Imaging in AMD) study. The variables ‘age at baseline', ‘gender', ‘lesion size', ‘diagnosis of the fellow eye', ‘status of the fovea', ‘focality of the lesion' and ‘pattern' were evaluated for effects on predicting VA using linear mixed-effects models. Results: Mean VA at baseline was 0.6 (Snellen 20/80) ± 0.4 logMAR [range -0.1 to 1.8 (20/17 to hand motions)], showing an estimated mean increase of 0.181 (95% CI 0.152-0.210) and 0.256 (0.214-0.300) after 2 and 4 years of follow-up, respectively. The percentage of eyes with a loss of ≥3 lines was 34% by 2 years and 47% by 4 years. Linear mixed model analysis suggested that 65% of VA variability could be explained by the assessed predictor variables. The strongest effect was found for the ‘status of the fovea' (0.69 logMAR units between ‘definitively spared fovea' and ‘definitive foveal involvement', p < 0.001). The second strongest effect was identified for ‘total lesion size' (effects between 0.02 and 0.09 logMAR units for each mm depending on foveal involvement, p < 0.001, square root transformed values). Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of GA lesion characteristics as these have the strongest impact on VA. Natural history data and modeling VA to other variables will be helpful for refining outcome parameters and estimating possible benefits of therapeutic interventions.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Its Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles in Relation to the Structure and Function of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Ohlsson Bodil
Published: April 2016

Background: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) are involved in the reproductive cycle and regulate the secretion of sex steroids from the gonads. In mammals, GnRH1 is secreted as a hormone from the hypothalamus, whereas both GnRH1 and GnRH2 are present as neuropeptides in a variety of tissues. This review describes the role of GnRH in the gastrointestinal tract. Summary: GnRH1, GnRH2, and LH receptors in humans and rats, and GnRH receptors in rats, have been described in the gastrointestinal tract, where they affect motility, gastric and hormone secretion, and cell proliferation. GnRH analogs are clinically used in the treatment of sex hormone-dependent diseases, i.e., endometriosis and malignancies, and as pretreatments for in vitro fertilization. Severe gastrointestinal dysmotility has been shown to develop in some women after such treatment, along with a reduction in the number of enteric neurons and autoantibodies against GnRH. Consequently, a rat model of enteric neurodegeneration has been developed based on the administration of the GnRH analog buserelin. Serum IgM antibodies against GnRH1, the GnRH2 precursor progonadoliberin-2, and the GnRH receptor have also been described in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and dysmotility, as well as in patients with gastrointestinal disorders associated with diabetes mellitus, posterior laryngitis, and primary Sjögren's syndrome, although no treatments using GnRH analogs have been administered. Conclusion: GnRH and receptors for GnRH and LH are present in the human and rat gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with GnRH analogs may induce severe dysmotility, and a rat model of enteric neurodegeneration has been developed based on stimulation by the GnRH analog buserelin. Autoantibodies against GnRH and its receptor are found in a subgroup of patients with functional bowel disorders and dysmotility, independent of treatment with GnRH analogs.
Desing and Implementation of a Microcontroller Based Buck Boost Converter as a Smooth Starter for Permanent Magnet Motor
Authors: Ravi S. , Mezhuyev Vitaliy , Iyswarya Annapoorani K. , Sukumar P.
Published: April 2016

This proposal proposes a DC/DC Buck Boost converter which has been used as a smooth starter for a DC Permanent Magnet Motor. In the existing system the DC/DC Buck Converter is used which provide the output less than the input Signal. Using buck converter it is difficult to increase the value of the input signal. Hence DC/DC Buck- Boost Converter used from which it is possible to get both the increased and decreased output from the given input. Previously pulse width modulation signals with respective to motor voltage is used. However they produce variations in the voltage and current of the motor. The above problem is overcome by using DC/DC Power converter. The proposed system with reduction in size, reduced ripples and increase in speed makes the system to operate at both low and high power applications. The proposed system results in higher efficiency, reduces the ripple content and the stress. The results are validated through MATLAB/Simulink and real time implementation.
AVALIAÇÃO DA ANÁLISE CRÍTICA COLETIVA DE PROJETO SOB A ÓTICA DOS ESTUDANTES DE ARQUITETURA E URBANISMO
Authors: Barros Paula
Published: April 2016

A prevalência de ambientes de ensino-aprendizagem de projeto caracterizados por uma rígida estrutura hierárquica tem sido recorrentemente apontada como um problema a ser enfrentado em prol da formação de profissionais críticos e compromissados com o bem-estar social. Diante da necessidade de elevar os alunos a coprodutores do conhecimento ao longo do processo de ensino-aprendizagem de projeto, o artigo objetiva investigar como a Análise Crítica Coletiva de Projeto (ACCP), uma modalidade de assessoramento coletivo de projeto que vem sendo aplicada na oficina Problemas de requalificação de áreas e edificações urbanas, é avaliada pelos alunos do curso noturno de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). A análise qualitativa dos dados obtidos através da aplicação de um questionário indica que, segundo a percepção dos discentes, a ACCP, dependendo das habilidades e competências do professor, pode facilitar a criação de um ambiente de ensino-aprendizagem mais horizontal e propício ao desenvolvimento da capacidade de (auto)crítica e autonomia dos alunos. Dentre os outros benefícios associados à técnica, cabe destacar: (i) ampliação do quadro de referência; (ii) promoção da aprendizagem coletiva; (iii) otimização da produção projetual; (iv) promoção da criatividade; e (v) desenvolvimento de habilidades requeridas pelo trabalho em equipe, como a de apresentar, comunicar, ouvir, perguntar e argumentar diante de um grupo.
Adhering to the Ways of Our Western Brothers
Authors: Al-Sudairi Mohammed Turki A
Published: April 2016

This paper attempts to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Chinese Salafism. The paper traces, on the basis of a historical approach, the ways in which Wahhabi influences – doctrinal, ritual, and financial - have been transmitted into China since the late 19th century. It focuses specifically on the channels that had emerged following the 1970s and which have facilitated the spread of these influences including the Hajj, the impact of the Saudi-Chinese diaspora, the work of Saudi organizations and preachers operating within China, and study opportunities in the Kingdom. The paper argues that these influences have led to the strengthening of Salafisation tendencies within Muslim Chinese society on the one hand, and intensifying fragmentary pressures within Chinese Salafism on the other.
A new Brazilian species of Myrcia (Myrtaceae) and a new synonym for Psidium amplexicaule
Authors: Santos Leidiana Lima , Sales Margareth Ferreira , Sobral Marcos
Published: April 2016

Myrcia arenaria, a new species of Myrcia sensu lato, is described, illustrated and compared with related species. The species is recognized by a combination of characters, which include elliptic to oval foliar blades, flower buds tearing at anthesis into 3 irregular lobes or 5 regular lobes; lobes  obovate, apiculate, sericeous at the base and flowers without petals. This taxon seems to be restricted to the coastal areas of northeastern Brazil, growing in the restingas located in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Pernambuco, and Sergipe. Additionally, we also proposed the synonymization of Marlierea leal-costae with Psidium amplexicaule. We also present a map showing the geographical distribution of the species.
Isertia psammophila (Isertieae, Rubiaceae), a new species from white-sand areas of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Dávila Nállarett , Vicentini Alberto
Published: April 2016

Isertia psammophila, a new species from the white-sand campinarana forests in Northern Brazilian Amazonia is here described and illustrated. While molecular evidence indicates that it is closely related to I. rosea, I. parviflora and I. spiciformis, morphologically it is most similar to I. rosea by its short stipules and glabrescent leaves. Isertia psammophila occurs in sympatry with I. rosea and I. parviflora in the Viruá National Park, Roraima, Brazil, and these three species can be easily differentiated by morphological characters, which are here discussed.
Two new species of the genus Aporcelinus Andrássy, 2009 (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae) from Vietnam
Authors: NGUYEN THI ANH DUONG , ABOLAFIA JOAQUÍN , BONKOWSKI MICHAEL , PEÑA-SANTIAGO REYES
Published: April 2016

Two new species of Aporcelinus from Vietnamese natural habitats are studied, described and illustrated, including line drawings and light microscope (LM) pictures. Aporcelinus paramamillatus sp. n. is characterized by its 1.71–2.14 mm long body, lip region 21–22 μm broad, odontostyle 22–24 μm long at its ventral side, neck 451–503 μm long, uterus tripartite and 71–94 µm long, V = 53–54, tail conical with finely rounded tip, ending in a short peg-like terminus, occasionally slightly re-curved dorsad (24–34 μm, c = 50–77, c’ = 0.6–0.9) and unknown male. Aporcelinus paraseychellensis sp. n. is distinguished by its 1.20–1.46 mm long body, lip region 16–18 μm broad, odontostyle 20 μm long at its ventral side, neck 354–368 μm long, uterus tripartite and 176–241 µm long, V = 52–54, tail conical with acute tip and hardly re-curved dorsad, spicules 62 μm long, and 12 regularly spaced ventromedian supplements lacking hiatus.
New and little known species of ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) from Madagascar
Authors: NIEDBAŁA WOJCIECH , STARÝ JOSEF
Published: April 2016

In six sifting litter samples from Madagascar, altogether 26 species of ptyctimous mites, belonging to four families and 11 genera, were found. Three new species, Arphthicarus phoxos sp. nov., Notophthiracarus parapaulianus sp. nov. and Atropacarus (Hoplophorella) paralemurius sp. nov. are described and figured. Keys for species of genera and subgenera Arphthicarus, Notophthiracarus and Atropacarus (Hoplophorella) from Madagascar are presented.
Levitation Diffusion Chamber Measurements of the Mass Growth of Small Ice Crystals from Vapor
Authors: Harrison Alexander , Moyle Alfred M. , Hanson Marcus , Harrington Jerry Y.
Published: April 2016

A levitation diffusion chamber designed to examine the mass growth from the vapor of small ice particles (diameter < 100 μm) at ambient pressure (≃970 hPa) and low temperature (T < −30°C) is presented. The diffusion chamber is unique in that charged ice particles are levitated by an opposing voltage on the lower copper plate with lateral stability provided by button quadrupole electrodes attached to the upper copper plate. The button electrodes are far from the ice particle growth region, allowing ice particles to grow free of substrate influences. Experiments have been conducted for temperatures from −30° to −35.7°C, ice supersaturations from 2.5% to 28.6%, and over growth times ranging from 5 to 15 min. The experiments indicate that mass varies nonlinearly in time and exhibits a dependence on initial particle radius and ice supersaturation in accord with expectations from theory. In contrast to expectations from spherical capacitance theory, the derived mass growth rates do not scale linearly with radius, and derived effective shape factors (capacitance normalized with radius) are approximately 0.5. Fitting the growth data with a theoretical model indicates that growth is limited by surface kinetics with deposition coefficients ranging from 0.003 to 0.02.
Sensitivities of Extreme Precipitation to Global Warming Are Lower over Mountains than over Oceans and Plains
Authors: Shi Xiaoming , Durran Dale
Published: April 2016

Climate-model simulations predict an intensification of extreme precipitation in almost all areas of the world under global warming. Local variations in the magnitude of this intensification are evident in these simulations, but most previous efforts to understand the factors responsible for the changes in extreme precipitation focused on zonal averages and neglected zonal variations, leading to uncertainties in the understanding and estimation of regional responses. Here the spatial heterogeneity of the warming-induced response of midlatitude extreme precipitation is studied in climate-model simulations with idealized orography on the western margins of otherwise flat continents. It is shown that the sensitivity of extreme precipitation to warming (i.e., its fractional rate of increase in intensity with global-mean surface temperature) is ~3% K−1 lower over the mountains than the oceans and plains. This difference in sensitivity is primarily produced by differences in the dynamics governing vertical ascent over the three regions. In these extreme events, mountain-wave dynamics control the moist ascent over the mountains, and the sensitivity of this ascent to global warming is mainly controlled by changes in upper-level dry static stability and the cross-mountain winds. In contrast, midlatitude cyclone dynamics govern moist ascent over the oceans and plains. Ascending motions in intense midlatitude cyclones are sensitive to the ratio of the moist static stability in their saturated cores to the dry stability in surrounding regions. This ratio decreases in the warmer world, intensifying the maximum vertical velocities while reducing the horizontal extent of the regions of the rising air within the cyclone.
Action Research and Practical Inquiry
Authors: Jatko Beverly Porter
Published: April 2016

The identification of children from low-income populations for participation in talented and gifted programs has been problematic for the field of gifted education. An action research approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a nontraditional identification technique for economically disadvantaged students known as the “whole classroom tryout technique.” Fourth-grade students from three socioeconomically diverse schools were selected for participation in Future Problem Solving (FPS), one component of this teacher's talented and gifted curriculum. The students selected by the tryout technique competed in Future Problem Solving against students selected by traditional means. Data were collected: (a) to chart the progress of individual teams, (b) to compare the performance of teams within each school based on the mode of selection, and (c) to compare the teams as a competitive sample. The analysis showed that the whole classroom tryout can be an effective means to identify economically disadvantaged students for a talented and gifted program and could be used in combination with traditional techniques.
Gifted Education and the Threat of Irrelevance
Authors: Borland James H.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, I argue that, when one subjects the field of gifted education to critical appraisal, the most important finding that emerges is a sense that the field is increasingly irrelevant in the educational scheme of things. At a time when education is a major topic in the discourse of the nation and when fundamental issues of educational philosophy and practice are being raised, our field has been largely marginal. Instead of asking the questions that are and ought to be basic to our field, we have left that task to others, contenting ourselves instead with defending gifted programs as if they were an end, not a means to an end. I develop this argument in the context of a number of fundamental questions that bear on the theory and practice of educating gifted students, questions that have, for the most part, been raised by individuals outside the field of gifted education.
A Critical Self-Study of Gifted Education: Healthy Practice, Necessary Evil, or Sedition?
Authors: Callahan Carolyn M.
Published: April 2016

A critical examination of the current status of the field called gifted education reveals many paradoxes; or, perhaps more accurately, it reveals triumphs and disappointments. Hard and critical looks at the field by those of us who are advocates for gifted children are difficult at best. By examining contributions and triumphs of the field (e.g., recognition of individual differences, innovative assessment, commitment to high standards and raising the ceiling of instruction, stress on process and metacognitive skills, and real-world problem solving) in conjunction with the weakness of our field (e.g., the notion of a program, persistent narrowness of definition and identification, inappropriate adoption of measurement models as bases for curriculum development, lack of evaluation, and poor relationships with other programs), we may be able to stimulate discussions of ways to move the field forward theoretically and practically.
Beyond Gifted Education: Building a Shared Agenda for School Reform
Authors: Sapon-Shevin Mara
Published: April 2016

This article explores the ways in which gifted education programs as they are currently defined, designed, and implemented lead schools away from rather than toward broader school reform. The author argues that gifted education programs function as a form of educational triage, providing an excellent education for those students for whom educational failure would not be tolerated while leaving the general educational system untouched and immune from analysis and critique. Educational, political, and economic justifications for gifted education are explored with particular reference to alternative ways to conceptualize the debate and the response so that the needs of all students are addressed. Consequences for teachers, students, and society of implementing gifted programs are discussed. Some of the key issues critical to the reexamination of the gifted construct are then explored, including: silence, the pain of gifted students, characteristics of appropriate differentiation, the fear of abandonment of gifted students, the excellence/equity debate, and the possibilities of wide-scale reform. The article concludes with an elaboration of research and policy agendas that could move the educational system forward and avoid positioning school reform advocates, gifted education proponents, and full inclusion supporters in opposition to one another.
Hypoplasia of the Vestibular Aqueduct and Endolymphatic SAC in Endolymphatic Hydrops
Authors: Egami Tetsuya , Sando Isamu , Black F. Owen
Published: April 2016

Four temporal bones from three previously reported cases showing endolymphatic hydrops and pathology of the vestibular aqueduct (VA) and endolymphatic sac (ES) were investigated further.

Pathology of the VA and ES was studied by measuring the sizes of the VA and ES, paying particular attention to the proximal rugose portions. A medial‐view graphic reconstruction was created to delineate the course and size of the VA, as well as its correlation with neighboring structures (posterior canal and cochlea). In addition, 20 control temporal bones were selected and measured for quantitative study of the sizes of the VA and ES.

The four pathologic temporal bones were shown to have small, simple, tube‐like VA and ES, without surrounding bony pathology. This appeared to be congenital hypoplasia characterized by hypoplastic funnel‐shaped dilatation of the VA and hypoplastic rugose portion of the ES. Anterior dislocation of the distal portion of the VA and poorly developed periaqueductal air cells were also noted in the pathologic bones.

Susceptibility to endolymphatic hydrops, difficulty in radiologic visualization of the VA, and surgical exposure of the ES are discussed in relation to hypoplasia of the VA and ES.
Actinomycosis of the Larynx and Pharynx
Authors: Brandenburg James H. , Finch William W. , Kirkham Wayne R.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a case report of a 67‐year‐old man who was seen in the Otolaryngology Clinic, University of Wisconsin Medical Center with a seven‐month history of dyspnea and laryngeal stridor. On examination there were several slightly tender firm submucosal nodules in the soft palate and left tonsilar area and a 1.5‐cm polypoid subglottic mass arising from the body of the cricoid cartilage. Because of the marked airway obstruction, a tracheotomy was necessary. The laryngeal polypoid mass was removed and biopsies were obtained from the submucosal nodular masses of the palate. Microscopic examination of the tissue revealed the lesions to be caseating granulomas, and actinomycosis was identified on the cultures.

The patient received long‐term penicillin therapy and has remained asymptomatic.

A discussion of the biologic and clinical aspects of actinomycosis is included. A review of the literature revealed only one other description of endolaryngeal actinomycosis.
Surgery of the Skull Base: Transcochlear Approach to the Petrous Apex and Clivus
Authors: House William F. , De la Cruz Antonio , Hitselberger William E.
Published: April 2016

The Transcochlear approach is described for resection of lesions arising anterior or medial to the internal auditory canal as well as for those arising directly from the clivus. Through an extended complete mastoidectomy the facial nerve is totally decompressed and rerouted posteriorly from the stylomastoid foramen to the internal auditory canal. The fallopian canal, promontorium, and cochlea are removed anteriorly and medially as far as the internal carotid artery, obtaining exposure to a triangular area limited by the superior petrosal sinus, inferior petrosal sinus, carotid, and internal auditory canal, giving adequate exposure to the structures of the clivus and the midline (basilar artery, vertebral arteries, and the sixth cranial nerves).
The Leyla Retractor: Use in Acoustic Neuroma and Neurotologic Surgery
Authors: Horwitz Melton J.
Published: April 2016

The Leyla retractor is a self‐retaining retractor used in the translabyrinthine removal of acoustic neuroma and middle fossa surgery. It is used to maintain constant, even pressure on a decompressed sigmoid sinus and cerebellum in translabyrinthine surgery and the temporal lobe in middle fossa surgery. The Leyla retractor provides excellent exposure and greater freedom and dexterity for the neurotologist.
The Robinson Stapes Prosthesis: A 15‐Year Study
Authors: Robinson Mendell
Published: April 2016

A report on the stapedectomy procedure using the Robinson stainless steel stapes prosthesis over a 15‐year period is presented in a study of 3,200 cases. Short‐term results, long‐term results, failures, and delayed complications are statistically analyzed. This implant is presently the most frequently used prefabricated stapes prosthesis in the country, and each year more otologic surgeons are adopting this surgical technique.
Closing Reflections
Authors: West Jane E. , Shepherd Katharine G.
Published: April 2016

When the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE) convened in January 2016 in Washington, we celebrated both IDEA’s and HECSE’s 40th anniversaries. As we reflected on those two anniversaries, the convictions that generated this special issue became increasingly evident: the irrevocable significance of the impact of public policy on students with disabilities and special education and the critical importance of advocacy. This article provides closing remarks related to articles included in this special issue of Teacher Education and Special Education (TESE) written by HECSE members.
Gifted Identification and the Role of Gifted Education
Authors: Steenbergen-Hu Saiying , Olszewski-Kubilius Paula
Published: April 2016

The article by Davis, Engberg, Epple, Sieg, and Zimmer (2010) represents one of the recent research efforts from economists in evaluating the impact of gifted programs. It can serve as a worked example of the implementation of the regression discontinuity (RD) design method in gifted education research. In this commentary, we first illustrate the basic logic or principles of a RD design using Davis et al. (2010) as an example, explain the structure of the study, and summarize its key findings. We then critique the credibility and validity of the study findings from the perspective of gifted education. We discuss its potential implications for gifted education. We highlight some noteworthy recent progress or research findings concerning gifted identification. Finally, we reflect the role of gifted education in current social, economic, and educational context.
ChemiRs: a web application for microRNAs and chemicals
Authors: Su Emily Chia-Yu , Chen Yu-Sing , Tien Yun-Cheng , Liu Jeff , Ho Bing-Ching , Yu Sung-Liang , Singh Sher
Published: April 2016

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are about 22 nucleotides, non-coding RNAs that affect various cellular functions, and play a regulatory role in different organisms including human. Until now, more than 2500 mature miRNAs in human have been discovered and registered, but still lack of information or algorithms to reveal the relations among miRNAs, environmental chemicals and human health. Chemicals in environment affect our health and daily life, and some of them can lead to diseases by inferring biological pathways.

Results

We develop a creditable online web server, ChemiRs, for predicting interactions and relations among miRNAs, chemicals and pathways. The database not only compares gene lists affected by chemicals and miRNAs, but also incorporates curated pathways to identify possible interactions.

Conclusions

Here, we manually retrieved associations of miRNAs and chemicals from biomedical literature. We developed an online system, ChemiRs, which contains miRNAs, diseases, Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms, chemicals, genes, pathways and PubMed IDs. We connected each miRNA to miRBase, and every current gene symbol to HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) for genome annotation. Human pathway information is also provided from KEGG and REACTOME databases. Information about Gene Ontology (GO) is queried from GO Online SQL Environment (GOOSE). With a user-friendly interface, the web application is easy to use. Multiple query results can be easily integrated and exported as report documents in PDF format. Association analysis of miRNAs and chemicals can help us understand the pathogenesis of chemical components. ChemiRs is freely available for public use at http://omics.biol.ntnu.edu.tw/ChemiRs.
The role of heparan sulfate deficiency in autistic phenotype: potential involvement of Slit/Robo/srGAPs-mediated dendritic spine formation
Authors: Pérez Christine , Sawmiller Darrell , Tan Jun
Published: April 2016

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are the second most common developmental cause of disability in the United States. ASDs are accompanied with substantial economic and emotional cost. The brains of ASD patients have marked structural abnormalities, in the form of increased dendritic spines and decreased long distance connections. These structural differences may be due to deficiencies in Heparin Sulfate (HS), a proteoglycan involved in a variety of neurodevelopmental processes. Of particular interest is its role in the Slit/Robo pathway. The Slit/Robo pathway is known to be involved in the regulation of axonal guidance and dendritic spine formation. HS mediates the Slit/Robo interaction; without its presence Slit’s repulsive activity is abrogated. Slit/Robo regulates dendritic spine formation through its interaction with srGAPs (slit-robo GTPase Activating Proteins), which leads to downstream signaling, actin cytoskeleton depolymerization and dendritic spine collapse. Through interference with this pathway, HS deficiency can lead to excess spine formation.
Numerical simulation of azimuthal acoustic logging in a borehole penetrating a rock formation boundary
Authors: Liu Peng , Qiao Wenxiao , Che Xiaohua , Ju Xiaodong , Lu Junqiang , Wang Ruijia , Duan Wenxing
Published: April 2016

We have developed a new 3D acoustic logging tool (3DAC). To examine the azimuthal resolution of 3DAC, we have evaluated a 3D finite-difference time-domain model to simulate a case in which the borehole penetrated a rock formation boundary when the tool worked at the azimuthal-transmitting-azimuthal-receiving mode. The results indicated that there were two types of P-waves with different slowness in waveforms: the P-wave of the harder rock (P1) and the P-wave of the softer rock (P2). The P1-wave can be observed in each azimuthal receiver, but the P2-wave appears only in the azimuthal receivers toward the softer rock. When these two types of rock are both fast formations, two types of S-waves also exist, and they have better azimuthal sensitivity compared with P-waves. The S-wave of the harder rock (S1) appears only in receivers toward the harder rock, and the S-wave of the softer rock (S2) appears only in receivers toward the softer rock. A model was simulated in which the boundary between shale and sand penetrated the borehole but not the borehole axis. The P-wave of shale and the S-wave of sand are azimuthally sensitive to the azimuth angle variation of two formations. In addition, waveforms obtained from 3DAC working at the monopole-transmitting-azimuthal-receiving mode indicate that the corresponding P-waves and S-waves are azimuthally sensitive, too. Finally, we have developed a field example of 3DAC to support our simulation results: The azimuthal variation of the P-wave slowness was observed and can thus be used to reflect the azimuthal heterogeneity of formations.