bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Scrutinization of Aflatoxins in Different Spices from Pakistan
Authors: Naz Narjis , Kashif Aiza , Kanwal Kinza , Khan Abdul Muqeet , Abbas Mateen
Published: October 2016

The current research work aimed to access the contamination level of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in the household spices that are widely consumed in huge amounts. 200 different spice samples, 100 packed and 100 unpacked, were analyzed for the aflatoxins profile by HPLC with an incidence of 61.5% contamination out of which 53.66% samples exceed the EU limit. The results disclosed that the unpacked samples are more contaminated as compared to the packed samples except for white cumin seeds. Among packed and unpacked samples of spices, the maximum value of aflatoxins was detected in fennel, that is, 27.93 μg/kg and 67.04 μg/kg, respectively. The lowest concentration of aflatoxin was detected in cinnamon in packed form (0.79 μg/kg) and in the unpacked samples of white cumin seeds which is 1.75 μg/kg. Caraway seeds and coriander in its unpacked form showed positive results whereas black pepper (packed and unpacked) was found free from aflatoxins. This is the first report on the occurrence of aflatoxins in packed and unpacked samples of spices from Pakistan. To ensure safe consumption of spices, there should be constant monitoring of aflatoxin and more studies need to be executed with the intention of preventing mycotoxin accretion in this commodity.
Water Conservation Service Assessment and Its Spatiotemporal Features in National Key Ecological Function Zones
Authors: Zhai Jun , Liu Yuping , Hou Peng , Xiao Tong , Cao Guangzhen
Published: October 2016

In order to improve ecosystem service and protect nation ecology security, the government had designated lots of important ecosystem service protection areas, named national key ecological function zones (NKEFZ) in China. Water conservation service had been assessed with the help of multisource remote sensing data, and spatiotemporal features were analyzed from 2000 to 2014 in these ecological services zones. By assuming precipitation scenario as the constant, contribution for water conservation from human activities and climate change was analyzed, and result shows that, because of vegetation restoration by human activities, evapotranspiration increased obviously with the increase of the vegetation coverage. This could reduce the water conservation. However, actual annual increase of water conservation mainly comes from the increase of precipitation. Our analysis revealed that the choice of evaluation model played a decisive role in the reason analysis, which would affect the development of ecological policy.
An Experimental Review on Heavy-Flavorv2in Heavy-Ion Collision
Authors: Nasim Md. , Esha Roli , Huang Huan Zhong
Published: October 2016

For over a decade now, the primary purpose of relativistic heavy-ion collisions at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has been to study the properties of QCD matter under extreme conditions—high temperature and high density. The heavy-ion experiments at both RHIC and LHC have recorded a wealth of data in p+p, p+Pb, d+Au, Cu+Cu, Cu+Au, Au+Au, Pb+Pb, and U+U collisions at energies ranging fromsNN=7.7 GeV to 7 TeV. Heavy quarks are considered good probe to study the QCD matter created in relativistic collisions due to their very large mass and other unique properties. A precise measurement of various properties of heavy-flavor hadrons provides an insight into the fundamental properties of the hot and dense medium created in these nucleus-nucleus collisions, such as transport coefficient and thermalization and hadronization mechanisms. The main focus of this paper is to present a review on the measurements of azimuthal anisotropy of heavy-flavor hadrons and to outline the scientific opportunities in this sector due to future detector upgrade. We will mainly discuss the elliptic flow of open charmed meson (D-meson),J/ψ, and leptons from heavy-flavor decay at RHIC and LHC energy.
Freeway Multisensor Data Fusion Approach Integrating Data from Cellphone Probes and Fixed Sensors
Authors: He Shanglu , Zhang Jian , Cheng Yang , Wan Xia , Ran Bin
Published: October 2016

Freeway traffic state information from multiple sources provides sufficient support to the traffic surveillance but also brings challenges. This paper made an investigation into the fusion of a new data combination from cellular handoff probe system and microwave sensors. And a fusion method based on the neural network technique was proposed. To identify the factors influencing the accuracy of fusion results, we analyzed the sensitivity of those factors by changing the inputs of neural-network-based fusion model. The results showed that handoff link length and sample size were identified as the most influential parameters to the precision of fusion. Then, the effectiveness and capability of proposed fusion method under various traffic conditions were evaluated. And a comparative analysis between the proposed method and other fusion approaches was conducted. The results of simulation test and evaluation showed that the fusion method could complement the drawback of each collection method, improve the overall estimation accuracy, adapt to the variable traffic condition (free flow or incident state), suit the fusion of data from cellphone probes and fixed sensors, and outperform other fusion methods.
Diagnostic Features of Common Oral Ulcerative Lesions: An Updated Decision Tree
Authors: Mortazavi Hamed , Safi Yaser , Baharvand Maryam , Rahmani Somayeh
Published: October 2016

Diagnosis of oral ulcerative lesions might be quite challenging. This narrative review article aims to introduce an updated decision tree for diagnosing oral ulcerative lesions on the basis of their diagnostic features. Various general search engines and specialized databases including PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline Plus, EBSCO, Science Direct, Scopus, Embase, and authenticated textbooks were used to find relevant topics by means of MeSH keywords such as “oral ulcer,” “stomatitis,” and “mouth diseases.” Thereafter, English-language articles published since 1983 to 2015 in both medical and dental journals including reviews, meta-analyses, original papers, and case reports were appraised. Upon compilation of the relevant data, oral ulcerative lesions were categorized into three major groups: acute, chronic, and recurrent ulcers and into five subgroups: solitary acute, multiple acute, solitary chronic, multiple chronic, and solitary/multiple recurrent, based on the number and duration of lesions. In total, 29 entities were organized in the form of a decision tree in order to help clinicians establish a logical diagnosis by stepwise progression.
Neuroprotective Effects of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) against Rotenone In Vitro Exposure
Authors: Machado Alencar Kolinski , Andreazza Ana Cristina , da Silva Tatiane Morgana , Boligon Aline Augusti , do Nascimento Vanusa , Scola Gustavo , Duong Angela , Cadoná Francine Carla , Ribeiro Euler Esteves , da Cruz Ivana Beatrice Mânica
Published: October 2016

Neuropsychiatric diseases, such as bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), have a very complex pathophysiology. Several current studies describe an association between psychiatric illness and mitochondrial dysfunction and consequent cellular modifications, including lipid, protein, and DNA damage, caused by cellular oxidative stress. Euterpe oleracea (açaí) is a powerful antioxidant fruit. Açaí is an Amazonian palm fruit primarily found in the lowlands of the Amazonian rainforest, particularly in the floodplains of the Amazon River. Given this proposed association, this study analyzed the potential in vitro neuropharmacological effect of Euterpe oleracea (açaí) extract in the modulation of mitochondrial function and oxidative metabolism. SH‐SY5Y cells were treated with rotenone to induce mitochondrial complex I dysfunction and before and after we exposed the cells to açaí extract at 5 μg/mL. Treated and untreated cells were then analyzed by spectrophotometric, fluorescent, immunological, and molecular assays. The results showed that açaí extract can potentially increase protein amount and enzyme activity of mitochondrial complex I, mainly through NDUFS7 and NDUFS8 overexpression. Açaí extract was also able to decrease cell reactive oxygen species levels and lipid peroxidation. We thus suggest açaí as a potential candidate for drug development and a possible alternative BD therapy.
Multilevel Small-Area Estimation of Multiple Cigarette Smoking Status Categories Using the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Berkowitz Zahava , Zhang Xingyou , Richards Thomas B. , Peipins Lucy , Henley S. Jane , Holt James
Published: October 2016

Background: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death; however, small-area estimates for detailed smoking status are limited. We developed multilevel small-area estimate mixed models to generate county-level estimates for six smoking status categories: current, some days, every day, former, ever, and never.

Method: Using 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data (our sample size = 405,233 persons), we constructed and fitted a series of multilevel logistic regression models and applied them to the U.S. Census population to generate county-level prevalence estimates. We mapped the estimates by sex and aggregated them into state and national estimates. We conducted comparisons for internal consistency with BRFSS states' estimates using Pearson correlation coefficients, and external validation with the 2012 National Health Interview Survey current smoking prevalence.

Results: Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.908 to 0.982, indicating high internal consistency. External validation indicated complete agreement (prevalence = 18.06%). We found large variations in current and former smoking status between and within states and by sex. County prevalence of former smokers was highest among men in the Northeast, North, and West. Utah consistently had the lowest smoking prevalence.

Conclusions: Our models, which include demographic and geographic characteristics, provide reliable estimates that can be applied to multiple category outcomes and any demographic group. County and state estimates may help understand the variation in smoking prevalence in the United States and provide information for control and prevention.

Impact: Detailed county and state smoking category estimates can help identify areas in need of tobacco control and prevention and potentially allow planning for health care. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(10); 1402–10. ©2016 AACR.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlates of First-Episode Psychoses during Attentional and Memory Task Performance
Authors: Del Casale Antonio , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Rapinesi Chiara , Sorice Serena , Girardi Nicoletta , Ferracuti Stefano , Girardi Paolo
Published: October 2016

Background: The nature of the alteration of the response to cognitive tasks in first-episode psychosis (FEP) still awaits clarification. We used activation likelihood estimation, an increasingly used method in evaluating normal and pathological brain function, to identify activation changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of FEP during attentional and memory tasks. Methods: We included 11 peer-reviewed fMRI studies assessing FEP patients versus healthy controls (HCs) during performance of attentional and memory tasks. Results: Our database comprised 290 patients with FEP, matched with 316 HCs. Between-group analyses showed that HCs, compared to FEP patients, exhibited hyperactivation of the right middle frontal gyrus (Brodmann area, BA, 9), right inferior parietal lobule (BA 40), and right insula (BA 13) during attentional task performances and hyperactivation of the left insula (BA 13) during memory task performances. Conclusions: Right frontal, parietal, and insular dysfunction during attentional task performance and left insular dysfunction during memory task performance are significant neural functional FEP correlates.
Cytomorphologic and Immunophenotypic Profile of a Cohort of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Sharma Anurag , Sharma Shivani , Patnaik Niharika , Pradhan Dinesh , Satapathy Kaliprasad , Pradhan Manas R. , Mohanty Sambit K.
Published: October 2016

Background: The incidence of primary small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the urinary bladder is extremely rare. We sought to analyze the cytologic and immunophenotypic features of SCC of the urinary bladder in urine and reassert the importance of cytologic examination of urine specimens for diagnosis of this tumor. Methods: We studied the clinical and cytomorphologic features in the presurgical urine specimens (4 voided urine and 2 bladder-washing specimens) of histopathologically and immunohistochemically proven cases of SCC of the urinary bladder. Results: There were 6 cases, all males, with an age range of 61-81 years. On cytologic and histopathologic examination, typical SCC morphology was present in all cases. On immunohistochemistry, synaptophysin and CD56 were positive in all 6 cases, while chromogranin was positive in only 3. The Ki-67 labeling index ranged from 30 to 100%. Conclusions: SCC should be kept in the differential diagnosis, when high-grade urothelial carcinoma is suspected in a urine cytology specimen, as this distinction has important therapeutic and prognostic implications. Therefore, a careful observation and, if required, the use of an appropriate immunocytochemical panel on the presurgical urine specimens can lead to a correct diagnosis.
A utopia de um novo modo de morar
Authors: Negrelos Eulalia Portela
Published: October 2016

Resenha do livro: BONDUKI, Nabil G. Os pioneiros da habitação social no Brasil: cem anos de construção de política pública no Brasil. São Paulo: UNESP: SESC, Volume 1, 2014; BONDUKI & KOURY, Ana Paula (orgs).
Outorga onerosa do direito de construir e transferência do direito de construir: instrumentos de política urbana para proteção do patrimônio histórico cultural
Authors: Gaidex Raquel de Barros , Schussel Zulma
Published: October 2016

A partir de pesquisa bibliográfica, o presente artigo apresenta o estudo dos instrumentos da política urbana - outorga onerosa e transferência do direito de construir - estabelecidos pelo Estatuto da Cidade, aplicados à proteção ao patrimônio histórico, comparativamente aos institutos jurídicos do tombamento e inventário. Apresenta ainda, o estudo de caso de Curitiba, um dos primeiros municípios a utilizar esses instrumentos, que serviu como modelo ao Estatuto da Cidade e aos demais municípios brasileiros. Nas considerações finais são identificados os problemas gerados junto ao mercado da construção civil, em função dos procedimentos legais referentes à transferência do direito de construir.
A importância de Vilanova Artigas
Authors: Kamita João Masao
Published: October 2016

Este artigo pretende discutir as relações entre arquitetura e cidade tomando como base o texto “Arquitetura e Construção” de 1969. Apesar de texto curto, contém referências teóricas (Alberti, Aldo van Eyck e Heidegger) que pretendemos discutir e, ao final, recolocar a tensão entre arte e sociedade na obra de Artigas.
New genus and species of ant-like true bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) from the Canary Islands
Authors: ROCA-CUSACHS MARCOS , GOULA MARTA
Published: October 2016

Perenotus gen. nov. is described based on males and females from the Canary Islands, Spain. This new genus is easily recognized by having a myrmecomorphic appearance and a scutellar hump in both sexes. Systellonotus stysi J. Ribes, Pagola-Carte et Heiss, 2008, was described based on females collected in Tenerife and La Palma, but careful examination showed that specimens from each island belong to different species, and can be transferred to the new genus Perenotus.  As a result, Perenotus includes two species, P. stysi comb. n. for specimens from Tenerife and P. malobae sp. nov. for specimens from La Palma. In the present publication Perenotus gen. nov. and P. malobae sp. nov. are described, P. stysi female is redescribed, and P. stysi male is described for the first time. Illustrations of male and female general habitus and genitalia are provided.
Synchiropus sycorax, a new species of dragonet from the Philippines (Teleostei: Callionymidae)
Authors: TEA YI-KAI , GILL ANTHONY C.
Published: October 2016

Synchiropus sycorax n. sp. is described from six specimens (22.6–40.1 mm SL) collected from Jolo Island, Sulu Archipelago, Philippines. It appears to be most closely related to S. tudorjonesi, which ranges from the Maldive Islands through Indonesia and the Philippine Islands to southern Japan. The new species differs from S. tudorjonesi and other congeners in live coloration: head and body bright red, bright yellow ventrally, with prominent white spots on head (one spot or blotch over preopercular spine, two elongate spots behind middle of eye, and one spot behind upper part of eye at about 1 o’clock position) and body (in three rows, an uppermost row beginning below soft dorsal, tracking lateral line to caudal peduncle, a lowermost row extending from above anterior anal fin to caudal peduncle, and a middle row extending obliquely from above pectoral fin to anterior part of lowermost series of spots); males with pelvic fin and pelvic-pectoral membrane bright yellow with broad bluish or greenish grey to black submarginal band across distal third of fin.
A Parallel SLA-Based Algorithm for Global Mesoscale Eddy Identification
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Chen Ge , Sun Miao , Liu Shuai , Tian Fenglin
Published: October 2016

This paper proposes a new algorithm for parallel identification of mesoscale eddies from global satellite altimetry data. By simplifying the recognition process and the sea level anomaly (SLA) contours’ search range, the method improves identification efficiency compared with the previous SSH-based method even in the single-threaded process. The global SLA map is divided into several regions. These regions are identified simultaneously with a new SSH-based method. All the eddy identification results of these regions are merged seamlessly into a global eddy map. A β-plane approximation is used to calculate the geostrophic speed in the equatorial band. Compared with the computation complexity of the previous SSH-based method, which is , the computation complexity of the new method is , where K is the number of threads and L is the number of regional SLA maps. When applying the new method to the global SLA map, the computation is ~100 times faster than the previous SSH-based method on an average computer. The new method characterizes an eddy structure by radius, amplitude, eddy core, closed SLA contour, and closed SLA contour with maximum average geostrophic speed. In situ data and another global eddy dataset are applied to validate the reliability of eddies detected by the new algorithm. Global eddy mean properties, variability, and the geographical distribution of both datasets are analyzed to demonstrate the performance of this new method and to help understand eddy activities on a global scale.
Optimal Spectral Nudging for Global Dynamic Downscaling
Authors: Schubert-Frisius Martina , Feser Frauke , von Storch Hans , Rast Sebastian
Published: October 2016

This study analyzes a method of constructing a homogeneous, high-resolution global atmospheric hindcast. The method is the spectral nudging technique, which was applied to a state-of-the-art general circulation model (ECHAM6, T255L95). Large spatial scales of the global climate model prognostic variables were spectrally nudged toward a reanalysis dataset (NCEP-1, T62L28) for the past few decades. The main idea is the addition of dynamically consistent regional weather details to the coarse-grid NCEP-1 reanalysis. A large number of sensitivity experiments was performed, using different nudging e-folding times, vertical profiles, wavenumbers, and variables. Comparisons with observations and several reanalyses showed a high dependency on the variations of the nudging configuration. At the global scale, the accordance is very high for extratropical regions and lower in the tropics. A wavenumber truncation of 30, a relatively short e-folding time of 50 min, and a plateau-shaped nudging profile applied only to divergence and vorticity generally yielded the best results. This is one of the first global spectral nudging hindcast studies and the first applying an altitude-dependent profile to selected prognostic variables. The method can be applied to reconstructing the history of extreme events such as intense storms within the context of ongoing climate change.
On the Initiation of an Isolated Heavy-Rain-Producing Storm near the Central Urban Area of Beijing Metropolitan Region
Authors: Li Huiqi , Cui Xiaopeng , Zhang Da-Lin
Published: October 2016

An isolated heavy-rain-producing thunderstorm was unexpectedly initiated in the afternoon of 9 August 2011 near the central urban area of the Beijing metropolitan region (BMR), which occurred at some distance from BMR’s northwestern mountains and two preexisting mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) to the west and north, respectively. An observational analysis shows the presence of unfavorable quasigeostrophic conditions but a favorable regional environment for the convective initiation (CI) of thunderstorms. A nested-grid cloud-resolving model simulation of the case with the finest 1.333-km resolution is performed to examine the CI of the thunderstorm and its subsequent growth. Results reveal that the growth of the mixed boundary layer, enhanced by the urban heat island (UHI) effects, accounts for the formation of a thin layer of clouds at the boundary layer top at the CI site and nearby locations as well as on the upslope sides of the mountains. It takes about 36 min for the latent-heating-driven updraft to penetrate through a 1-km “lid” layer above before the formation of the thunderstorm. However, this storm may not take place without sustained low-level convergence of a prevailing southerly flow with a northerly flow ahead of a cold outflow boundary associated with the northern MCS. The latter is driven by the latent heating of the shallow layer of clouds during the earlier CI stage and then a cold mesohigh underneath the northern MCS. This study indicates the important roles of the urban effects, mountain morphology, and convectively generated pressure perturbations in determining the CI location and timing of isolated thunderstorms during the summer months.
Composite Environments of Severe and Nonsevere High-Shear, Low-CAPE Convective Events
Authors: Sherburn Keith D. , Parker Matthew D. , King Jessica R. , Lackmann Gary M.
Published: October 2016

Severe convection occurring in environments characterized by large amounts of vertical wind shear and limited instability (high-shear, low-CAPE, or “HSLC,” environments) represents a considerable forecasting and nowcasting challenge. Of particular concern, NWS products associated with HSLC convection have low probability of detection and high false alarm rates. Past studies of HSLC convection have examined features associated with single cases; the present work, through composites of numerous cases, illustrates the attributes of “typical” HSLC severe and nonsevere events and identifies features that discriminate between the two. HSLC severe events across the eastern United States typically occur in moist boundary layers within the warm sector or along the cold front of a strong surface cyclone, while those in the western United States have drier boundary layers and more typically occur in the vicinity of a surface triple point or in an upslope regime. The mean HSLC severe event is shown to exhibit stronger forcing for ascent at all levels than its nonsevere counterpart. The majority of EF1 or greater HSLC tornadoes are shown to occur in the southeastern United States, so this region is subjected to the most detailed statistical analysis. Beyond the documented forecasting skill of environmental lapse rates and low-level shear vector magnitude, it is shown that a proxy for the release of potential instability further enhances skill when attempting to identify potentially severe HSLC events. This enhancement is likely associated with the local, in situ CAPE generation provided by this mechanism. Modified forecast parameters including this proxy show considerably improved spatial focusing of the forecast severe threat when compared to existing metrics.
Institutional imbalance, integration into Non-economic institutions, and a marketized mentality in Europe: A multilevel, partial elaboration of Institutional Anomie Theory
Authors: Hövermann Andreas , Groß Eva M , Messner Steven F
Published: October 2016

This research builds upon prior efforts to transport insights from a macro-sociological theory of crime – Institutional Anomie Theory (IAT) – to enhance understanding of an important individual-level phenomenon in advanced capitalist societies – a ‘marketized mentality’. Such a mentality entails a strong commitment to the utilitarian, instrumental values of the market at the expense of more altruistic, expressive values. Drawing upon IAT, we hypothesize that at the individual level, integration into selected non-economic institutions will tend to inhibit the adoption of a marketized mentality, but the strength of this inhibiting effect will vary depending on the degree to which economic institutions and non-economic institutions in society are ‘balanced’ or ‘unbalanced’. Our theoretical arguments imply that observed levels of acceptance of a marketized mentality will vary significantly across societies and that this variation will be related to the degree of imbalance in the institutional order: We expect to observe a cross-level interaction such that the inhibiting effect of integration into non-economic institutions is attenuated as institutional imbalance increases. These hypotheses are assessed in multilevel analyses with data from 25 European countries using the European Social Survey. The results are generally in accordance with theoretical expectations, revealing how an institutional imbalance helps shape people’s value orientations by promoting marketized mentalities and by weakening the socialization effects of non-economic institutions.
Long non-coding RNA H19 regulates FOXM1 expression by competitively binding endogenous miR-342-3p in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Wang Shou-Hua , Ma Fei , Tang Zhao-hui , Wu Xiao-Cai , Cai Qiang , Zhang Ming-Di , Weng Ming-Zhe , Zhou Di , Wang Jian-Dong , Quan Zhi-Wei
Published: October 2016

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has been reported to involve in many kinds of human cancers and functions as an oncogene. Our previous study found that H19 was over-expressed in gallbladder cancer (GBC) and was shown to promote tumor development in GBC. However, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network involving H19 in GBC progression has not been fully elucidated. We aim to detect the role of H19 as a ceRNA in GBC.

Methods and Results

In this study, the expression of H19 and miR-342-3p were analyzed in 35 GBC tissues and matched normal tissues by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We demonstrated H19 was overexpressed and negatively correlated with miR-342-3p in GBC. By dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays, we verified that H19 was identified as a direct target of miR-342-3p. QRT-PCR and Western-blotting assays demonstrated that H19 silencing down-regulated, whereas over-expression enhanced the expression of miR-342-3p targeting FOXM1 through competitively ‘sponging’ miR-342-3p. Furthermore, transwell invasion assays and cell cycle assays indicated that H19 knockdown inhibited both cells invasion and proliferation, but this effects was attenuated by co-transfection of siRNA-H19 and miR-342-3p inhibitor in GBC cells. In vivo, tumor volumes were decreased significantly in H19 silenced group compared to the control group, but was attenuated by co-transfection of shRNA-H19 and miR-342-3p inhibitor, which were stablely constructed through lenti-virus vector.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a potential ceRNA regulatory network involving H19 regulates FOXM1 expression by competitively binding endogenous miR-342-3p in GBC. This mechanism may contribute to a better understanding of GBC pathogenesis and provides potential therapeutic strategy for GBC.
Evaluation and correction of sources of 4D noise using modeled ocean-bottom-node data
Authors: Gherasim Mariana , L'Heureux Elizabeth , Lorenzo Zenaida
Published: October 2016

Ocean-bottom-node (OBN) data are being used successfully in the deepwater environment to acquire time-lapse surveys due to their low 4D noise level. To help maximize the benefits of using such data, we built an acoustic model based on a deepwater subsalt field from the Gulf of Mexico. We generated synthetic base and monitor data using a realistic acquisition geometry and a laterally variable, random water-velocity layer. This study focuses on investigating a number of sources of time-lapse noise, including water-velocity variations, source and receiver repeatability, and position accuracy, and on evaluating ways to correct for these errors during processing. Results indicate that variable water velocities, if not corrected for during processing, produce the majority of residual 4D noise observed on the difference images. With currently achievable node placement accuracy, repeatability is fairly good and produces the smallest amount of noise. Sources, which are the least repeatable, produce almost three times the amount of noise compared to nodes in our experiment. We applied a similar processing workflow to the up- and downgoing wavefields and imaged both types of data using one-way and two-way wave-equation-migration techniques. In this particular synthetic example, image quality and 4D noise level were similar in the extra-salt area on both processed up- and downgoing images, but both measures in the subsalt were much better on the upgoing data.
Suicide and the economic situation in Europe: are we experiencing the development of a ‘reverse stigma’?
Authors: Fountoulakis Konstantinos N.
Published: October 2016

The prevailing picture in both the scientific literature and mass media is that the increase in unemployment acts as a generic risk factor on the entire population and increases the rate of suicide, suggesting that the socioeconomic environment is the determining factor and measures to improve it are the most suitable in the struggle to reduce the number of suicides. As a result, ‘horizontal’ actions targeting the general population are proposed rather than ‘vertical’ actions that target specific vulnerable groups. This is not only a mistake but it also constitutes a kind of ‘reverse’ stigma which deprives mental health patients of their right to receive special and targeted benefits, interventions and care, and deprives mental healthcare of valuable resources.
Has DSM-5 saved PTSD from itself?
Authors: Rosen Gerald M.
Published: October 2016

In 2007, Robert Spitzer considered validity challenges to the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a construct that originated when he was Chair of DSM-III. Spitzer suggested changes for DSM-5, then in its planning stages, for the purpose of ‘Saving PTSD from itself’. With years gone by, it can be asked if DSM-5 followed Spitzer's recommendations to advance our understanding of posttraumatic disorder.
The futility of risk prediction in psychiatry
Authors: Mulder Roger , Newton-Howes Giles , Coid Jeremy W.
Published: October 2016

Significant efforts have been made to identify risk factors associated with suicide. However, the evidence suggests that risk categorisation may be of limited value, or worse, potentially harmful, confusing clinical thinking. We argue instead for a shift in focus towards real engagement with the individual patient, their specific problems and circumstances.
An acute in-patient psychiatric service for 16- to 17-year-old adolescents in the UK: a descriptive evaluation
Authors: Duddu Venu , Rhouma Abdulhakim , Qureshi Masood , Chaudhry Imran Bashir , Drake Terry , Sumra Altaf , Husain Nusrat
Published: October 2016

Aims and method

The need for an age-appropriate in-patient service for 16- to 17-year-olds led to the development of a 6-bed acute admissions unit in a non-metropolitan county in the UK. We provide a descriptive evaluation of the first 2 years of its operation. All admissions from April 2010 to March 2012 were reviewed, clinical details systematically recorded and descriptively analysed.

Results

Ninety-seven young people were admitted during this period (a third were compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act 1983). The average length of stay was 3–4 weeks. The most common presenting complaints were self-harm and low mood, usually in the context of life events and childhood adversity. Nearly half had substance misuse and other risk-taking behaviours. A third presented with psychotic symptoms. Adjustment and anxiety disorders were most common, followed by alcohol/substance use disorders, depressive illnesses and psychotic illnesses. Comorbidity was the rule rather than the exception. Most patients improved by the time of discharge.

Clinical implications

The unit provides an accessible and effective age-appropriate service and is likely to constitute an important component of the comprehensive child and adolescent mental health service strategy in the county.
Screening for depression in primary care: a Rasch analysis of the PHQ-9
Authors: Horton Mike , Perry Amanda E.
Published: October 2016

Aims and method

To explore the modern psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), we used the Rasch analysis in a sample of 767 primary care patients with depression.

Results

The analysis highlighted dependency issues between items 1 and 2 (‘Little interest or pleasure in doing things’ and ‘Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless’), and items 3 and 4 (‘Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much’ and ‘Feeling tired or having little energy’). Items 1 and 2 displayed an over-discrimination, suggesting their potential redundancy within the complete item set.

Clinical implications

In its current format the PHQ-9 displays some problems with regard to its measurement structure among a sample of primary care patients. These problems can be addressed by removing potentially redundant items to deliver a stable screening tool. The results also lend support for the PHQ-2 to be used as a screening tool in a primary care setting.
Women in acute psychiatric units, their characteristics and needs: a review
Authors: Archer Michaela , Lau Yasmine , Sethi Faisil
Published: October 2016

Aims and method

Recent policy guidelines published by the Department of Health highlight the need to develop gender-sensitive psychiatric services. However, very little is currently known about the specific characteristics and needs of female patients entering acute psychiatric wards, particularly psychiatric intensive care units. This article aims to review the current literature on what is known about this group of patients. PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO were systematically searched using a number of key terms.

Results

A total of 27 articles were obtained. The findings were divided into four categories: admission characteristics, treatment needs, risk management and outcomes after discharge. Gender differences were found in diagnosis and presentation.

Clinical implications

The differences observed in the reviewed studies suggest that women may have different assessment and treatment needs, and ultimately, different philosophies of care. A dearth of studies in this area indicates that if services are to develop in line with government policies, more research is needed.
Compliance of community teams with specialist service recommendations for obsessive–compulsive and body dysmorphic disorders
Authors: Harris Paul M. , Drummond Lynne M.
Published: October 2016

Aims and method

To examine how often referring community mental health teams (CMHTs) utilised treatment recommendations made by the national highly specialised service for patients with severe obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). We analysed all patient notes for admissions to the unit (August 2012–August 2014) and recorded how many treatment recommendations were implemented by CMHTs prior to admission and at 6 months post-discharge.

Results

Overall, 66% of our recommendations were met by CMHTs prior to admission and 74% after discharge. Most recommendations concerned medication and the continued need for care coordination by the CMHT.

Clinical implications

A significant proportion of patients in our audit did not receive optimum treatment in the community as recommended by our service. As highly specialised services are a limited resource and these patients have not responded to previous treatment, this has implications for the use of such resources.
The Great Recession: A Self-Fulfilling Global Panic
Authors: Bacchetta Philippe , van Wincoop Eric
Published: October 2016

While the 2008–2009 financial crisis originated in the United States, output, consumption, and investment declined by similar magnitudes around the globe. Given the partial integration of both goods and financial markets, what can account for the remarkable global business cycle synchronicity during this period? To address this question, we develop a two-country model allowing for self-fulfilling business cycle panics. We show that a business cycle panic will necessarily be synchronized across countries as long as there is a minimum level of economic integration. Several factors, including tight credit, made the global economy particularly vulnerable to a global panic in 2008. (JEL E12, E32, E44, E58, F44, G01)
Financial Intermediation, Leverage, and Macroeconomic Instability
Authors: Phelan Gregory
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates how financial sector leverage affects macroeconomic instability and welfare. In the model, banks borrow (use leverage) to allocate resources to productive projects and pro vide liquidity. When banks do not actively issue new equity, aggregate outcomes depend on the level of equity in the financial sector. Equilibrium is inefficient because agents do not internalize how their decisions affect volatility, aggregate leverage, and the returns on assets. Leverage creates systemic risk, which increases the frequency and duration of crises. Limiting leverage decreases asset price volatility and increases expected returns, which decrease the likelihood that the financial sector is undercapitalized. (JEL E32, E44, G01, G21)
Transfer Payments and the Macroeconomy: The Effects of Social Security Benefit Increases, 1952–1991
Authors: Romer Christina D. , Romer David H.
Published: October 2016

This paper uses Social Security benefit increases from 1952 to 1991 to investigate the macroeconomic effects of changes in transfers. It finds a large, immediate, and significant positive response of consumption to permanent benefit increases. The response declines after about five months, and does not appear to spread to industrial production or employment. The effects of transfers are faster, but much less persistent and much smaller overall, than those of tax changes. Finally, monetary policy responds strongly to benefit increases but not to tax changes. This may account for the failure of the effects of transfers to persist or spread. (JEL E21, E62, E63, H31, H55)
Pushing on a String: US Monetary Policy Is Less Powerful in Recessions
Authors: Tenreyro Silvana , Thwaites Gregory
Published: October 2016

We investigate how the response of the US economy to monetary policy shocks depends on the state of the business cycle. The effects of monetary policy are less powerful in recessions, especially for durables expenditure and business investment. The asymmetry relates to how fast the economy is growing, rather than to the level of resource utilization. There is some evidence that fiscal policy has counteracted monetary policy in recessions but reinforced it in booms. We also find evidence that contractionary policy shocks are more powerful than expansionary shocks, but contractionary shocks have not been more common in booms. So this asymmetry cannot explain our main finding. (JEL E21, E22, E32, E52)
The Macroeconomic Effects of Monetary Policy: A New Measure for the United Kingdom
Authors: Cloyne James , Hürtgen Patrick
Published: October 2016

This paper estimates the effects of monetary policy based on a new, extensive real-time dataset for the United Kingdom. Employing the Romer–Romer identification approach we construct a new measure of monetary policy innovations and find that a 1 percentage point increase in the policy rate reduces output by 0.6 percent and inflation by up to 1 percentage point after 2 to 3 years. Our use of forecast data is shown to be crucial and that their omission generates the well-known price puzzle. Our estimates are more comparable to the wider VAR literature but we also reconcile our findings with the Romer–Romer estimates for the United States. (JEL E23, E31, E32, E52)
Role of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging in a rat model of testicular torsion
Authors: Ufuk Furkan , Herek Duygu , Herek Özkan , Akbulut Metin
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the detection of different degrees of testicular torsion (TT) at the 8th hour and testicular salvageability at the 24th hour of torsion.

Methods:

31 rats were randomly classified into 4 groups. In Group 1 (sham-control group), the left testicle was kept outside and replaced. Left testicles were kept outside and twisted 360° in Group 2, 720° in Group 3 and 1080° in Group 4. Later, DWI was performed at 8th and 24th hours. After DWI, bilateral radical orchiectomy and histopathological examination were performed. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were obtained with b-factors of 0 and 800 s mm−2. Comparisons of ADC values and damage in testicles were performed with Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results:

Sensitivity of DWI in the diagnosis of TT was 12.5% for 360° torsion, 100% for 720° torsion and 1080° torsion at the 8th hour of torsion. Mean ADC values of the left testicles increased significantly at the 24th hour of torsion in Groups 3 and 4. All testicles in Groups 3 and 4 were observed to be irrecoverable on histopathological examination.

Conclusion:

Increased ADC values in the affected testicle may represent irreversible tissue damage. So, immediate surgery is not required at this stage, which may reduce morbidity and mortality caused by immediate surgery and anaesthesia.

Advances in knowledge:

TT can be diagnosed easily by DWI without administrating any contrast material. DWI findings in the affected testicle may represent testicular salvageability.
Numerical synthesis of ionograms in horizontally inhomogeneous ionosphere on the basis of compound parabolic layer model
Authors: Ларюнин Олег , Laryunin Oleg
Published: October 2016

Characteristic U-shaped traces cusps on ionograms have been identified as off-angle echoes from sloping electron density contours caused by the presence of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs). Dynamics of the cusps is associated with horizontal drift of the disturbances. A potential for reducing calculation time in numerical synthesis of vertical ionograms is under discussion. Since numerical ray tracing is expensive in terms of computer time, we have developed simplified formulation for this study. The suggested model of compound parabolic layer allows us to analytically calculate ray paths. Changes in the shape of the ionogram cusp caused by varying TID characteristics are examined.
Geomagnetic effects caused by rocket exhaust jets
Authors: Липко Юрий , Lipko Yuriy , Пашинин Александр , Pashinin Aleksandr , Рахматулин Равиль , Rakhmatulin Ravil , Хахинов Виталий , Khakhinov Vitaliy
Published: October 2016

In the space experiment Radar–Progress, we have made 33 series of measurements of geomagnetic variations during ignitions of engines of Progress cargo spacecraft in low Earth orbit. We used magneto-measuring complexes, installed at observatories of the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and magnetotelluric equipment of a mobile complex. We assumed that engine running can cause geomagnetic disturbances in flux tubes crossed by the spacecraft. When analyzing experimental data, we took into account space weather factors: solar wind parameters, total daily mid-latitude geomagnetic activity index Kр, geomagnetic auroral electrojet index AE, global geomagnetic activity. The empirical data we obtained indicate that 18 of the 33 series showed geomagnetic variations in various time ranges.
Parameters of optical signals registered with the AZT-33IK telescope in active Radar–Progress space experiment
Authors: Еселевич Максим , Eselevich Maxim , Хахинов Виталий , Khakhinov Vitaliy , Клунко Евгений , Klunko Evgeny
Published: October 2016

Images of Progress cargo spacecraft (PCS) and areas around them were captured by the AZT-33IK optical telescope (Sayan Observatory of ISTP SB RAS) during sessions of the active Radar–Progress space ex-periment. We took images of exhaust and fuel jets when propulsion systems worked and after they were cut off, during fuel system purging. In different sessions of the experiment, PCS had different orientations relative to the telescope, thus allowing us to find some parameters of the observed phenomena. These parameters make it possible to determine instants of engine ignitions, to estimate velocities of the jets, and, if necessary, to control the geometry of the space experi-ment. The paper reports common features of optical signals from jets measured in these experiments.
Improving childminding services in the Seychelles
Authors: Watson Clair
Published: October 2016

How do you regulate informal childcare on a collection of over a 100 islands spread out in the Indian Ocean? Clair Watson takes a look at how one government is taking its first steps to full regulation.
Time to stand up and fight for what we deserve: Unions in the early years
Authors: Wall Kate , Lampert Jade
Published: October 2016

It is probably fair to say that few of us began working in the sector for the pay or for the public status. We enjoy working with children and families. Now, however, it is time to stand up, as a united workforce and fight for the recognition we deserve.
Mixing it all up with mud
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: October 2016

Jenni Clarke explores the health benefits and cognitive development to be gained through playing with mud, in a series of three articles. This month, the focus will have an emphasis on active learning.
Investigating how to get that ‘lightbulb’ moment
Authors: Rhodes Karen
Published: October 2016

Children are curious about the world and how things work, and while introducing them to electronics might seem a bit ‘advanced’, in reality, these share many characteristics with toys, such as train tracks.
Capillary Flow Behavior of Polycarbonate (PC)/Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene (ABS) Blends
Authors: Kaseem Mosab , Hamad Kotiba
Published: October 2016

In this work, the flow behavior of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) was investigated. The present blends with different ratios of PC and ABS were prepared by means of internal bath mixer. From the results of capillary rheometer, apparent shear rate, apparent shear stress, apparent viscosity, power law index, and flow activation energy at a constant shear rate and shear stress were determined. The results showed that the blends are pseudo plastic in behavior, and PC behaves in a relatively Newtonian manner but ABS exhibited significant shear thinning. In addition, the flow activation energy of the blends decreases with increasing shear rate while it increases with increasing shear stress.