bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging of cervical spinal cord and lumbosacral enlargement in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Chen Xueming , Kong Chao , Feng Shiqing , Guan Hua , Yu Zhenshan , Cui Libin , Wang Yanhui
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To identify the correlations of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices between the cervical spinal cord and lumbosacral enlargement in healthy volunteers and patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Materials and Methods

DTI was performed at the cervical spinal cord and lumbosacral enlargement in 10 CSM patients and 10 volunteers at 1.5T. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of were measured and compared between CSM patients and volunteers. DTI indices of different cervical segments in volunteers were compared. DTI indices of the cervical spinal cord were correlated with those of the lumbosacral enlargement.

Results

In healthy subjects, DTI indices of different cervical cord sections showed no significant difference (ADC: F = 0.62; P = 0.65; FA: F = 1.228; P = 0.312); there was no correlation between the DTI indices of the cervical spinal cord and those of the lumbosacral enlargement (ADC: r = 0.442, P = 0.201; FA: r = −0.054, P = 0.881). In the CSM patients, the ADC value significantly increased, while the FA value significantly decreased in the cervical spinal cord (ADC: P = 0.002; FA: P < 0.001) and lumbosacral enlargement (ADC: P = 0.003; FA: P < 0.001) compared with the healthy group. Both DTI indices showed no correlation between the cervical spinal cord and those of the lumbosacral enlargement in the CSM group (ADC: r = −0.052, P = 0.887; FA: r = 0.129, P = 0.722).

Conclusion

The ADC value of the cervical spinal cord and lumbosacral enlargement in CSM patients showed significant increase compared with healthy volunteers, while the FA value significantly decreased. Both DTI indices of the cervical spinal cord had no linear correlation with those of the lumbosacral enlargement. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1484–1491.
An efficient parameter extraction method for GaN HEMT small‐signal equivalent circuit model
Authors: Wen Zhang , Xu Yuehang , Wang Changsi , Zhao Xiaodong , Xu Ruimin
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes an efficient parameter extraction algorithm for GaN high electron mobility transistors small‐signal equivalent circuit model. The algorithm combines parameter scanning and iteration methods to solve the problem of error accumulation in conventional methods and is implemented in matlab programming. By using the iteration method, the algorithm each time uses more accurate element values thus makes the results converge to the optimal value faster. A 20‐element small‐signal equivalent circuit model of GaN high electron mobility transistors is used to validate the proposed algorithm, and the results show that the calculated S‐parameters agree well with the measured S‐parameters within the frequency range of 0.1 to 40 GHz. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of Ku‐band GaN HEMT power amplifier based on multi‐bias statistical model
Authors: Chen Zhikai , Xu Yuehang , Wang Changsi , Wen Zhang , Xu Ruimin
Published: December 2015

A design method for microwave GaN high‐electron mobility transistor (HEMT) power amplifier based on equivalent circuit parameters multi‐bias statistical models is presented. The statistical modeling method includes principal component analysis, factor analysis, and multiple regressions modeling techniques. The statistical model is validated by comparing original and Monte Carlo‐simulated means, standard deviations, correlation matrix, and S‐parameters. A Ku‐band GaN HEMT power amplifier is designed with high drain efficiency by using the established statistical model for demonstration purpose. The simulated results are statistically indistinguishable from the measured results. This method is suitable for GaN HEMT power amplifier design and yield analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vocational Personality Traits in Counselor Education and School Psychology Students
Authors: Ding Yi , Salyers Kathleen , Kozelka Susan , Laux John
Published: December 2015

We assessed the vocational personality of 104 graduate students in school counseling, mental health counseling, and school psychology programs using Holland's () theory of personality and career choice. The correlational findings confirmed the importance of vocational personality traits in relation to the academic performance of graduate students. Among the Self‐Directed Search–Revised vocational personality types, the Investigative type emerged as a consistent predictor of performance on all sections of the Graduate Record Examination. The participants from 3 graduate programs predominantly identified Social as their primary vocational personality type, with variability in the secondary and tertiary code positions. The student group with the highest degree of congruence, defined as the degree of fit between one's personality and the environment, had the highest graduate grade point average, indicating the relationship between the degree of congruence and achievement. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Effect of Age, Length of Unemployment, and Problem‐Focused Coping on Positive Reemployment Expectations
Authors: Petrucci Tony , Blau Gary , McClendon John
Published: December 2015

This study explored the interrelated job search, unemployment, and coping literature (e.g., Leana & Feldman, ; McKee‐Ryan, Song, Wanberg, & Kinicki, ), in which the effects of age, length of unemployment, and coping behaviors on reemployment expectations were investigated. The study included unique demographics in which 65% were long‐term unemployed. Length of unemployment, networking comfort, and job search confidence were significant in a regression, and age was not. Regardless of age, reemployment expectations can be higher if the job seeker has higher levels of networking comfort and/or job search confidence or lower if they have been unemployed for a longer duration.
Predictors of Initiation and Engagement of Cognitive Processing Therapy Among Veterans With PTSD Enrolled in Collaborative Care
Authors: Grubbs Kathleen M. , Fortney John C. , Pyne Jeffrey M. , Hudson Teresa , Moore William Mark , Custer Paul , Schneider Ronald , Schnurr Paula P.
Published: December 2015

Collaborative care (CC) increases access to evidence‐based pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The study aim was to identify the characteristics of rural veterans receiving a telemedicine‐based CC intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who initiated and engaged in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) delivered via interactive video. Veterans diagnosed with PTSD were recruited from 11 community‐based outpatient clinics (N = 133). Chart abstraction identified all mental health encounters received during the 12‐month study. General linear mixed models were used to identify characteristics that predicted CPT initiation and engagement (attendance at 8 or more sessions). For initiation, higher PTSD severity according to the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (d = −0.39, p = .038) and opt‐out recruitment (vs. self‐referral; d = −0.49, p = .010) were negative predictors. For engagement, major depression (d = −1.32, p = .006) was a negative predictor whereas a pending claim for military service connected disability (d = 2.02, p = .008) was a positive predictor. In general, veterans enrolled in CC initiated and engaged in CPT at higher rates than usual care. Those with more severe symptoms and comorbidity, however, were at risk of not starting or completing CPT.
PTSD and Trauma‐Related Difficulties in Sexual Minority Women: The Impact of Perceived Social Support
Authors: Weiss Brandon J. , Garvert Donn W. , Cloitre Marylène
Published: December 2015

This study examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms among sexual minority (SM) and heterosexual women and the influence of social support on the relationship between SM status and symptoms. We hypothesized that SM women would endorse higher symptoms of PTSD and related difficulties and that social support would moderate the relationship between SM status and symptoms. The sample, women seeking treatment for PTSD related to interpersonal violence (n = 477; mean age = 36.07 years; 22.9% SM) completed clinician‐administered measures of PTSD and self‐report measures of trauma‐related difficulties and social support. The rate of PTSD diagnosis was higher for SM women. Social support and SM status were significantly associated with suicidality, self‐perceptions, depression, somatic complaints, and functional impairment. The interaction between social support and SM status was significant for both functional impairment (β = −.26) and somatic complaints (β = −.39). High social support had an equal, positive effect among SM and nonminority women, whereas low social support had a greater negative impact among SM women. Results suggested the particular salience of social support on functioning and symptom severity among SM women and the potential importance of including interventions addressing social support into PTSD treatments for SM women.
Mathematical modeling of 2014 Ebola outbreak
Authors: Area Iván , Losada Jorge , Ndaïrou Faïçal , Nieto Juan J. , Tcheutia Daniel D.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we analyze a modification of a compartmental model for Ebola disease previously introduced in the literature. For this initial model, the basic reproduction number is obtained. Moreover, a new dimensionless model is introduced. For this new model, we analyze the local stability and obtain the basic reproduction number. Finally, a fractional analogue of the dimensionless model is presented. Some numerical experiments are also included. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability and agreement of adipose tissue fat fraction measurements with water–fat MRI in patients with manifest cardiovascular disease
Authors: Franssens Bas T. , Eikendal Anouk L. , Leiner Tim , van der Graaf Yolanda , Visseren Frank L. J. , Hoogduin J. M.
Published: December 2015

The supraclavicular fat depot is known for brown adipose tissue presence. To unravel adipose tissue physiology and metabolism, high quality and reproducible imaging is required. In this study we quantified the reliability and agreement of MRI fat fraction measurements in supraclavicular and subcutaneous adipose tissue of 25 adult patients with clinically manifest cardiovascular disease. MRI fat fraction measurements were made under ambient temperature conditions using a vendor supplied mDixon chemical‐shift water–fat multi‐echo pulse sequence at 1.5 T field strength. Supraclavicular fat fraction reliability (intraclass correlation coefficientagreement, ICCagreement) was 0.97 for test–retest, 0.95 for intra‐observer and 0.56 for inter‐observer measurements, which increased to 0.88 when ICCconsistency was estimated. Supraclavicular fat fraction agreement displayed mean differences of 0.5% (limit of agreement (LoA) −1.7 to 2.6) for test–retest, −0.5% (LoA −2.9 to 2.0) for intra‐observer and 5.6% (LoA 0.4 to 10.8) for inter‐observer measurements. Median fat fraction in supraclavicular adipose tissue was 82.5% (interquartile range (IQR) 78.6–84.0) and 89.7% (IQR 87.2–91.5) in subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, water–fat MRI has good reliability and agreement to measure adipose tissue fat fraction in patients with manifest cardiovascular disease. These findings enable research on determinants of fat fraction and enable longitudinal monitoring of fat fraction within adipose tissue depots. Interestingly, even in adult patients with manifest cardiovascular disease, supraclavicular adipose tissue has a lower fat fraction compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue, suggestive of distinct morphologic characteristics, such as brown adipose tissue. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the effect of thermally reduced graphene oxide on the physical and mechanical properties of flexible polyurethane foams
Authors: Piszczyk Łukasz , Strankowski Michał , Kosmela Paulina
Published: December 2015

Flexible polyurethane (PU) foams were obtained from a two‐component system via the one‐step method. The foams were modified with thermally reduced graphene oxide added in the amount equal to 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 wt%. The morphology, static and dynamic properties, and thermal stability of modified foams were determined. The application of carbon filler resulted in the visible increase in the cell size, apparent density, and rigidity of the modified systems, as confirmed by the measurements of glass transition temperature. Glass transition temperature increased with increasing content of nanofiller. In addition, thermally reduced graphene oxide had an effect on the thermal stability of the obtained foam systems. The addition of 0.5 wt% of nanofiller resulted in an increase in T5 by 16°C compared with the reference foam. This study also demonstrated that after exceeding a specific content of thermally reduced graphene oxide, that is, 0.5%, the physicochemical properties of the obtained systems start to deteriorate. The research results showed that thermally reduced graphene oxide can be successfully used as a modifier of mechanical and thermal properties in flexible PU foams. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2248–2253, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structural and morphological study of gamma‐irradiation synthesized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Afify T.A. , Saleh H.H. , Ali Z.I.
Published: December 2015

Silver nanostructured particles with controlled size, shape, and morphology were achieved by gamma irradiation of aqueous solution containing AgNO3, ploy (vinyl pyrrolidone), (PVP) or mixture of PVP and ploy (vinyl alcohol), (PVA). The reaction condition parameters such as solvent content, polymer type and irradiation dose were investigated. The physico‐chemical properties and morphological structures of the as‐prepared sliver nanostructures were characterized using UV/VIS spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. Hexagonal and nanorods structures of sliver nanoparticles having single surface plasmon resonance peak and triangular (nanoprism) nanoparticles having different surface plasmon resonance peak were obtained. The XRD patterns of the as‐prepared silver nanostructure show four diffraction peaks at 2θ of 38.4°, 44.5°, 64.6°, and 77.6° of the face‐centered cubic structure silver nanoparticles. FTIR measurements indicated that the sliver nanoparticles were coordinated through the functional groups of PVA and/or PVP. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2687–2694, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Substituent effects on gas‐phase homolytic Fe–O and Fe–S bond energies of m‐G‐C6H4OFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) and m‐G‐C6H4SFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) studied using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory methods
Authors: Zeng Qing , Li Zucheng , Wang Yi‐Bo , Zhai Huaqiang , Tao Ou , Wang Yun , Guan Jun , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: December 2015

The thermochemistry of organometallic complexes in solution and in the gas phase has been an area of increasing research interest. In this paper, the Fe–O and Fe–S homolytic bond dissociation energies [ΔHhomo(Fe–O)'s and ΔHhomo(Fe–S)'s] of two series of meta‐substituted phenoxydicarbonyl(η5‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [m‐G‐C6H4OFp (1)] and (meta‐substituted benzenethiolato)dicarbonyl(η5‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [m‐G‐C6H4SFp (2)] were studied using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory methods with large basis sets. In this study, Fp is (η5‐C5H5)Fe(CO)2, and G are NO2, CN, COMe, CO2Me, CF3, Br, Cl, F, H, Me, MeO, and NMe2. The results show that Tao–Perdew–Staroverov–Scuseria and Minnesota 2006 functionals can provide the best price/performance ratio and accurate predictions of ΔHhomo(Fe–O)'s and ΔHhomo(Fe–S)'s. The polar effects of the meta substituents show that the dominant role to the magnitudes of ΔΔHhomo(Fe–O)'s or ΔΔHhomo(Fe–S)'s. σα·, σc· values for meta substituents are all related to polar effects. Spin‐delocalization effects of the meta substituents in ΔΔHhomo(Fe–O)'s and ΔΔHhomo(Fe–S)'s are small but not necessarily zero. Molecular effects rather than ΔΔHhomo(Fe–O)'s and ΔΔHhomo(Fe–S)'s are more suitable indexes for the overall substituent effects on ΔHhomo(Fe–O)'s and ΔHhomo(Fe–S)'s. The meta substituent effects of meta‐electron‐withdrawing groups on the Fe–S bonds are much stronger than those on the Fe–O bonds. For meta‐electron‐donating groups, the meta substituent effects have the comparable magnitudes between series 1 and 2. ΔΔHhomo(Fe–O)'s (1) and ΔΔHhomo(Fe–S)'s (2) conform to the captodative principle. Insight from this work may help the design of more effective catalytic processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kemp elimination in cationic micelles: designed enzyme‐like rates achieved through the addition of long‐chain bases
Authors: Sanchez Enis , Lu Saoran , Reed Carson , Schmidt Joshua , Forconi Marcello
Published: December 2015

The Kemp elimination is prototypical reaction used to study proton abstraction from carbon. Several hydrophobic systems are known to accelerate this reaction, including two classes of computationally designed enzymes. However, it is unclear whether these computationally designed enzymes establish specific interactions with their substrates, as natural enzymes do, or if most of the rate acceleration is due to the hydrophobicity of the substrate. We used a simple system composed of cationic micelles and a long chain base (such as lauryl phosphate or lauric acid) to measure the rate acceleration for the Kemp elimination. Remarkably, we found that this simple system can accelerate the reaction by four orders of magnitude, approaching the rates of more complex designed systems. Use of different substrates suggests that the reaction takes place at the interface between the micellar head and water (the Stern layer) with the long‐chain base embedded in the micelle and the substrate in the aqueous solution. Thus, we suggest that significant rate accelerations can be achieved regardless of the precise positioning of substrates. Because natural enzymes use specific interactions to position their substrates, we propose that acceleration of the Kemp elimination is not a suitable benchmark for the success of the design process, and we suggest that more complex reactions should be used. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The association of mood disorders with breast cancer survival: an investigation of linked cancer registration and hospital admission data for South East England
Authors: Kanani R. , Davies E. A. , Hanchett N. , Jack R. H.
Published: December 2015

Background

Data linkage studies find that depression before or after a breast cancer diagnosis predicts reduced survival. This study aimed to determine whether depression or bipolar recorded in routine hospital admission data independently predicts survival in English breast cancer patients and whether onset in relation to cancer diagnosis is significant.

Methods

Data on 77 173 women diagnosed with breast cancer (ICD‐10 C50) in South East England, 2000–2009, were included. Of these, 131 women had a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder (ICD‐10 F31) and 955 of depression (either depressive episodes (ICD‐10 F32) or depressive disorder (ICD‐10 F33)) recorded in Hospital Episode Statistics between 3 years before and a year following cancer diagnosis. Kaplan–Meier plots were used to examine overall survival. Cox regression analyses were carried out overall and separately for mood disorder diagnoses before and after the cancer diagnosis and adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

A record of depression was a predictor of worse overall survival in breast cancer patients (adjusted HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.20–1.48, p < 0.001), while the effect of bipolar was not statistically significant (adjusted HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.97–1.82, p = 0.079). New recordings of depression and bipolar diagnoses following a cancer diagnosis appeared better predictors of overall survival than a prior history of either.

Conclusions

There is evidence that English breast cancer patients with depression and bipolar recorded in routine hospital data have worse overall survival than those without these mood disorders. Further work exploring the concordance of records within administrative health data with clinical diagnosis and cause‐specific death within these patient groups is needed. © 2015 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against larvae of Tuta absoluta in the laboratory
Authors: Van Damme Veerle M , Beck Bert KEG , Berckmoes Els , Moerkens Rob , Wittemans Lieve , De Vis Raf , Nuyttens David , Casteels Hans F , Maes Martine , Tirry Luc , De Clercq Patrick
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have indicated the control potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) against Tuta absoluta. Here, the potential of Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is studied when applied against larvae of T. absoluta inside leaf mines in tomato leaf discs by means of an automated spray boom.

RESULTS

The studied EPN species were effective against all four larval instars of T. absoluta but caused higher mortality in the later instars (e.g. fourth instar: 77.1–97.4% mortality) than in the first instars (36.8–60.0% mortality). Overall, S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae yielded better results than H. bacteriophora. Steinernema carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora performed better at 25 °C (causing 55.3 and 97.4% mortality respectively) than at 18 °C (causing 12.5 and 34.2% mortality respectively), whereas S. feltiae caused 100% mortality at both temperatures. Under optimal spraying conditions and with the use of Addit and Silwet L‐77 adjuvants, a reduced dosage of 6.8 infective juveniles (IJs) cm−2 yielded equally good control as a recommended dosage of 27.3 IJs cm−2.

CONCLUSION

Under laboratory conditions, S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae showed good potential against the larvae of T. absoluta inside tomato leaf mines. Results need to be confirmed in greenhouse experiments. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A review of the evolution, biostratigraphy, provincialism and diversity of Middle and early Late Triassic conodonts
Authors: Chen Yanlong , Krystyn Leopold , Orchard Michael J. , Lai Xu‐Long , Richoz Sylvain
Published: December 2015

The taxonomy, diversity, evolutionary lineages, and stratigraphical distributions of Middle and early Late Triassic conodonts are reviewed and re‐evaluated. Twenty‐five genera are recognized in the Middle and early Late Triassic, including a new genus cited in open nomenclature. Of these, 24 genera are assigned to two families and seven subfamilies. The family Gondolellidae consists of the subfamilies Cornudininae, Epigondolellinae, Neogondolellinae, Novispathodinae, Paragondolellinae and Pseudofurnishiinae. The family Gladigondolellidae is monotypic, consisting of the subfamily Gladigondolellinae. The genus Neostrachanognathus is not assigned to any family or subfamily as its origin is unclear. Conodont provincialism was low in the early Anisian, but from the late Anisian faunistic differences started to increase and became stronger during the early Ladinian, reaching a peak around the mid‐Ladinian. Provincialism remained strong until the earliest Carnian and changed to an all‐Triassic low in the early Tuvalian. The provincialism between North America and Tethys rebounded on the specific level during the late Tuvalian. Diversities on generic and specific levels have been established, and two major conodont diversity cycles are recognized: the first ranges from the Bithynian (early Anisian) to the Julian (late early Carnian), and the second is restricted to the Tuvalian (late Carnian).
Reduced Maternal Erythrocyte Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Exist in Early Pregnancy in Preeclampsia
Authors: Wadhwani Nisha S. , Narang Ankita S. , Mehendale Savita S. , Wagh Girija N. , Gupte Sanjay A. , Joshi Sadhana R.
Published: December 2015

The present prospective study examines proportions of maternal erythrocyte fatty acids across gestation and their association with cord erythrocyte fatty acids in normotensive control (NC) and preeclamptic pregnancies. We hypothesize that maternal fatty acid status in early pregnancy influences fetal fatty acid stores in preeclampsia. 137 NC women and 58 women with preeclampsia were included in this study. Maternal blood was collected at 3 time points during pregnancy (16–20th weeks, 26–30th weeks and at delivery). Cord blood was collected at delivery. Fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. The proportions of maternal erythrocyte α‐linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, nervonic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05 for all) were lower while total n‐6 fatty acids were higher (p < 0.05) at 16–20th weeks of gestation in preeclampsia as compared with NC. Cord 18:3n‐3, 22:6n‐3, 24:1n‐9, MUFA, and total n‐3 fatty acids (p < 0.05 for all) were also lower in preeclampsia as compared with NC. A positive association was observed between maternal erythrocyte 22:6n‐3 and 24:1n‐9 at 16–20th weeks with the same fatty acids in cord erythrocytes (p < 0.05 for both) in preeclampsia. Our study for the first time indicates alteration in maternal erythrocyte fatty acids at 16th weeks of gestation which is further reflected in cord erythrocytes at delivery in preeclampsia.
Is There an Obama Doctrine?
Authors: Haddad Benjamin
Published: December 2015

Seven years after Obama assumed office, experts still differ over what the ‘Obama doctrine’ is. Viewing the world through a mix of scepticism over what US power can achieve and a sense of optimism over long-term trends that favour the liberal order, the current US president has advocated a policy of prudence and disengagement. This vision, according to some analysts, has underestimated the revisionist threat to the liberal global order and a more robust American policy will be required from the next administration as a result.
Ttip, Investor–State Dispute Settlement and the Rule of Law
Authors: Chase Peter H.
Published: December 2015

Many European citizens are concerned about the concept of investor–state dispute settlement, which is frequently portrayed as giving companies the right to sue governments for lost profits in secret international courts. Those who favour US–EU collaboration, including through the ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement, can assuage these concerns by explaining how investment treaties strengthen international law. Governments created investor–state dispute settlement for their own purposes, anchoring it deeply in the UN system through numerous multilateral conventions–-the most recent of which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2014. By straying from this UN-based approach in its own response to public concerns, the European Commission might unfortunately weaken investor protection and the enforcement of international law. Its proposals on such issues as the right to regulate and the ‘investment court system’ should be reviewed in light of their impact on 50 years of international law.
A Middle Ground? Residential Mobility and Attainment of Mixed-Race Couples
Authors: Gabriel Ryan
Published: December 2015

Marriage and cohabitation between members of different racial and ethnic groups has increased in the United States over recent decades. Despite this demographic shift, we know relatively little about how the growing numbers of mixed-race couples are faring in systems of residential stratification. Previous research indicates that mixed-race couples tend to be located in diverse neighborhoods, but because this past research has used cross-sectional data and has not focused on actual residential mobility, it is not clear whether mixed-race couples choose diverse neighborhoods or are just more likely to develop in diverse neighborhoods. To provide a more complete picture of this topic, I conduct a prospective analysis of the residential location and mobility patterns of mixed-race couples, focusing on the extent to which these couples are more likely than monoracial couples to move into, and/or remain in, diverse neighborhoods. The use of longitudinal data between 1985 and 2009 from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) linked to neighborhood- and metropolitan-level data from multiple population censuses reveals that in comparison with monoracial couples, mixed-race couples tend to be located in neighborhoods with higher levels of racial and ethnic diversity and tend to enter more diverse residential destinations when they move. However, these outcomes vary substantially across types of mixed-race couples. Moreover, the outcomes associated with individual- and metropolitan-level conditions provide limited support for the common contention that the residential patterns of mixed-race couples reflect differences in residential preferences, and point to the role of broader patterns of racial stratification in shaping their residential outcomes.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Renal Failure by Fetal Biparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Manganaro Lucia , Bernardo Silvia , Gerli Sandro , Giancotti Antonella , Vinci Valeria , Cozzi Denis A. , Scialpi Michele
Published: December 2015

Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract represent 93% of all prenatally diagnosed malformations. In the reported case, fetal Biparametric MRI (Bp-MRI) by morphologic (T1- and T2-weighted) and functional diffusion-weighted (DW) images allowed both diagnosis of congenital anomalies (e.g., hydrometrocolpos with septate vagina and uterus didelphys), and associated malfunction of kidneys by means of measurement of cortical and medullary apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.
The Role of Self-Construal in Resisting Tobacco Smoking
Authors: Fifita ‘Ilaisaane M.E. , Smith Sandra D. , Fernandez Karen V.
Published: December 2015

We interpreted depth interviews and personal observations of 29 Tongan and New Zealand European (NZE) women who self-identified as non-smokers to examine the role of self-construal in the creation and maintenance of their smoking-resistant identities. Our research offers substantive contributions to the smoking prevention literature because most prior work has been situated wholly within Western cultural contexts. We contribute methodologically by showing how a multicultural team-based approach can reap the advantages of interviewer–participant congruity whilst overcoming its limitations, thus paving the way for more fruitful qualitative research with minority groups. Our research also contributes theoretically to the self-construal literature by comparing the role of self-construal not just within the two groups but also across them. Our findings show that independent self-construal played a significant role in NZE women's resistance to smoking. However, for Tongan women, both independent and interdependent self-construals played important roles in their smoking resistance. Our findings both confirm and extend the current view that there are marked differences between collectivist and independent societies. We extend this view because our findings contradict the notion that Tongan women are likely to only use an interdependent self-concept when deciding to resist smoking, suggesting instead that Tongan women negotiate their self-construals in ways that allow them to employ the positives from both Tongan values and Western world views. We suggest that future appeals to Pacific women to resist smoking should draw on both traditional Pacific values and modern Western independence.
Calcium ions inhibit reduction of heme a in bovine cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Dyuba Artem V. , Vygodina Tatiana , Azarkina Natalia , Konstantinov Alexander A.
Published: December 2015

The effect of Ca2+ on the rate of heme a reduction by dithionite and hexaammineruthenium (RuAm) was studied in the cyanide‐complexed bovine cytochrome oxidase (CcO). The rate of heme a reduction is proportional to RuAm concentration below 300 μM with k
v of 0.53 × 106
M−1s−1. Ca2+ inhibits the rate of heme a reduction by dithionite by ∼25%. As the reaction speeds up with increased concentrations of RuAm, the inhibition by Ca2+ disappears. The inhibition of heme a reduction may contribute to recently described partial inhibition of CcO by Ca2+ in the enzymatic assays. The inhibitory effect of Ca2+ on heme a reduction indicates that ET through heme a may be coupled to proton movement in the exit part of the proton channel H.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Epidemiology of the Muscular Dystrophies
Authors: Mah Jean K. , Korngut Lawrence , Fiest Kirsten M. , Dykeman Jonathan , Day Lundy J. , Pringsheim Tamara , Jette Nathalie
Published: December 2015

Background:The muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of genetic muscle diseases with variable distribution of weakness and mode of inheritance.Methods:We previously performed a systematic review of worldwide population-based studies on Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies; the current study focused on the epidemiology of other muscular dystrophies using Medline and EMBASE databases. Two reviewers independently reviewed all abstracts, full-text articles, and abstracted data from 1985 to 2011. Pooling of prevalence estimates was performed using random-effect models.Results:A total of 1104 abstracts and 167 full-text articles were reviewed. Thirty-one studies met all eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of combined muscular dystrophies was 16.14 (confidence interval [CI], 11.21-23.23) per 100,000. The prevalence estimates per 100,000 were 8.26 (CI, 4.99-13.68) for myotonic dystrophy, 3.95 (CI, 2.89-5.40) for facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, 1.63 (CI, 0.94-2.81) for limb girdle muscular dystrophy, and 0.99 (CI, 0.62-1.57) for congenital muscular dystrophies.Conclusions:The studies differed widely in their approaches to case ascertainment, and substantial gaps remain in the global estimates of many other types of muscular dystrophies. Additional epidemiological studies using standardized diagnostic criteria as well as multiple sources of case ascertainment will help address the economic impact and health care burden of muscular dystrophies worldwide.
Dynamics of stratified turbulence decaying from a high buoyancy Reynolds number
Authors: Maffioli A. , Davidson P. A.
Published: December 2015

We present direct numerical simulations (DNS) of unforced stratified turbulence with the objective of testing the strongly stratified turbulence theory. According to this theory the characteristic vertical scale of the turbulence is given by $\ell _{v}\sim u_{h}/N$, where $u_{h}$ is the horizontal velocity scale and $N$ the Brunt–Väisälä frequency. Combined with the hypothesis of the energy dissipation rate scaling as ${\it\epsilon}\sim u_{h}^{3}/\ell _{h}$, this theory predicts inertial range scalings for the horizontal spectrum of horizontal kinetic energy and of potential energy, according to $E(k_{h})\propto k_{h}^{-5/3}$. We begin by presenting a scaling analysis of the horizontal vorticity equation from which we recover the result regarding the vertical scale, $\ell _{v}\sim u_{h}/N$, highlighting in the process the important dynamical role of large-scale vertical shear of horizontal velocity. We then present the results from decaying DNS, which show a good agreement with aspects of the theory. In particular, the vertical Froude number is found to reach a constant plateau in time, of the form $Fr_{v}=u_{h}/(N\ell _{v})=C$ with $C=O(1)$ in all the runs. The derivation of the dissipation scaling ${\it\epsilon}\sim u_{h}^{3}/\ell _{h}$ at low Reynolds number in the context of decaying stratified turbulence highlights that the same scaling holds at high $\mathscr{R}=ReFr_{h}^{2}\gg 1$ as well as at low $\mathscr{R}\ll 1$, which is known (see Brethouwer et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 585, 2007, pp. 343–368) but not sufficiently emphasized in recent literature. We find evidence in our DNS of the dissipation scaling holding at $\mathscr{R}=O(1)$, which we interpret as being in the viscous regime. We also find ${\it\epsilon}_{k}\sim u_{h}^{3}/\ell _{h}$ and ${\it\epsilon}_{p}\sim u_{h}^{3}/\ell _{h}$ (with ${\it\epsilon}={\it\epsilon}_{k}+{\it\epsilon}_{p}$), in our high-resolution run at earlier times corresponding to $\mathscr{R}=O(10)$, which is in the transition between the strongly stratified and the viscous regimes. The horizontal spectrum of horizontal kinetic energy collapses in time using the scaling $E_{h}(k_{h})=C_{1}{\it\epsilon}_{k}^{2/3}k_{h}^{-5/3}$ and the horizontal potential energy spectrum is well described by $E_{p}(k_{h})=C_{2}{\it\epsilon}_{p}{\it\epsilon}_{k}^{-1/3}k_{h}^{-5/3}$. The presence of an inertial range in the horizontal direction is confirmed by the constancy of the energy flux spectrum over narrow ranges of $k_{h}$. However, the vertical energy spectrum is found to differ significantly from the expected $E_{h}(k_{v})\sim N^{2}k_{v}^{-3}$ scaling, showing that $Fr_{v}$ is not of order unity on a scale-by-scale basis, thus providing motivation for further investigation of the vertical structure of stratified turbulence.
The innovation adoption process: A multidimensional approach
Authors: Pichlak Magdalena
Published: December 2015

The study analyses the broad sets of factors that influence the innovation adoption process in the environmental, organizational, top managers,’ innovation and user acceptance context. The innovation adoption process is presented as a sequence of stages, progressing from initiation through adoption decision to implementation of an innovation and it is considered at the organizational level. The Delphi survey conducted among 264 experts of a diverse professional and academic experience allowed examining the perceived significance of each factor for the various stages of the innovation adoption process. The results of the analysis show that the considered factors do not affect the innovation adoption process with the same strength but exert varying levels of influence on the subsequent stages. The study discusses the implications of these findings and suggests ideas for future research.
Globalization and the Demand-Side of Politics: How Globalization Shapes Labor Market Risk Perceptions and Policy Preferences
Authors: Walter Stefanie
Published: December 2015

Does globalization affect the demand-side of politics, and if so, how? This paper builds on new developments in trade theory to argue that globalization matters, but that its effects on individuals’ perceptions of labor market risk and policy preferences are more heterogenous than previous research has acknowledged. Globalization exposure increases risk perceptions and demands for social protection among low-skilled individuals, but decreases them among high-skilled individuals. This conditional effect is observationally distinct from classic trade models as well as arguments that deindustrialization or ideology predominantly drive such perceptions and preferences. Analyzing cross-national survey data from 16 European countries and focusing both on trade and offshoring, the empirical analyses support the prediction that exposure to globalization affects high- and low-skilled individuals differently, leading to variation in labor market risk perceptions and policy preferences.
Electoral Competitiveness and Turnout in British Elections, 1964–2010
Authors: Vowles Jack , Katz Gabriel , Stevens Daniel
Published: December 2015

Analyzing the British Election Study from 1964 to 2010, we examine the influence of electoral context on turnout, focusing on the closeness of elections in terms of lagged seat and constituency-level winning margins. Using cross-classified multilevel models to account for individual and contextual factors and disentangle life cycle, cohort- and election-specific effects, we find that closeness strongly affects voting behavior, particularly among new electors. Widening seat margins in British elections over the last decades have had a persistent impact on turnout. Respondents who faced less competitive environments when young are more likely to abstain in subsequent elections than those reaching voting age after close-fought races. We conclude that variations in competitiveness have had both short- and long-term effects on turnout.
Eight-day consumption of inulin added to a yogurt breakfast lowers postprandial appetite ratings but not energy intakes in young healthy females: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Heap Sarah , Ingram Jessica , Law Marron , Tucker Amy J. , Wright Amanda J.
Published: December 2015

Increasing feelings of satiety may reduce appetite and energy intake. The role of inulin consumption in impacting satiety is unclear. A randomised double-blind controlled crossover trial aimed to determine the effects of inulin+yogurt on satiety after 1 and 8-d consumption. The preload breakfast included 100 g vanilla yogurt with (yogurt-inulin (YI)) and without (yogurt-control (YC)) 6 g inulin. A total of nineteen healthy females (22·8 (sd2·7) years) with non-restrained eating behaviour and taking hormonal contraceptives participated in the study. Day 1 and 8 visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings of Hunger, Fullness, Desire to Eat and Prospective Food Consumption (PFC) were collected at fasting and every 30 min for 180 min. Energy intake was calculated from a weighedad libitumlunch and remainder of day food records. Total AUC was calculated for each VAS. Day 1 (VAS only) and 8 (VAS and energy intakes) data were compared between YI and YC using ANCOVA, and ANOVA was used to compare energy intakes on Day 1. There were no significant differences between Day 1 YI and YC AUC appetite ratings or energy intakes. However, 8-d consumption of YIv. YC was associated with lower Desire to Eat and PFC ratings but similar lunch and total day energy intakes. Therefore, the addition of 6 g inulin to a commercially available yogurt affected feelings of appetite, but not energy intake, after repeated consumption. These results suggest that inulin may be a suitable ingredient to increase dietary fibre consumption, with potential to impact appetite.
Fat mass- and obesity-associated genotype, dietary intakes and anthropometric measures in European adults: the Food4Me study
Authors: Livingstone Katherine M. , Celis-Morales Carlos , Navas-Carretero Santiago , San-Cristobal Rodrigo , Forster Hannah , O’Donovan Clare B. , Woolhead Clara , Marsaux Cyril F. M. , Macready Anna L. , Fallaize Rosalind , Kolossa Silvia , Tsirigoti Lydia , Lambrinou Christina P. , Moschonis George , Godlewska Magdalena , Surwiłło Agnieszka , Drevon Christian A. , Manios Yannis , Traczyk Iwona , Gibney Eileen R. , Brennan Lorraine , Walsh Marianne C. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Martinez J. Alfredo , Saris Wim H. M. , Daniel Hannelore , Gibney Mike , Mathers John C.
Published: December 2015

The interplay between the fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene variants and diet has been implicated in the development of obesity. The aim of the present analysis was to investigate associations between FTO genotype, dietary intakes and anthropometrics among European adults. Participants in the Food4Me randomised controlled trial were genotyped for FTO genotype (rs9939609) and their dietary intakes, and diet quality scores (Healthy Eating Index and PREDIMED-based Mediterranean diet score) were estimated from FFQ. Relationships between FTO genotype, diet and anthropometrics (weight, waist circumference (WC) and BMI) were evaluated at baseline. European adults with the FTO risk genotype had greater WC (AAv. TT: +1·4 cm; P=0·003) and BMI (+0·9 kg/m2; P=0·001) than individuals with no risk alleles. Subjects with the lowest fried food consumption and two copies of the FTO risk variant had on average 1·4 kg/m2 greater BMI (Ptrend=0·028) and 3·1 cm greater WC (Ptrend=0·045) compared with individuals with no copies of the risk allele and with the lowest fried food consumption. However, there was no evidence of interactions between FTO genotype and dietary intakes on BMI and WC, and thus further research is required to confirm or refute these findings.
Long-term effects of phosphorus fertilizer on soil test phosphorus, phosphorus uptake and yield of perennial ryegrass
Authors: SHEIL T. S. , WALL D. P. , CULLETON N. , MURPHY J. , GRANT J. , LALOR S. T. J.
Published: December 2015

Increasing phosphorus (P) fertilizer use efficiency in grassland is desirable, since uncertainty exists over the reserves of finite phosphate rock and its future availability. This necessitates revaluation of the current P fertilizer recommendations for grassland to examine the potential to increase fertilizer P efficiency. The present paper reports results from a long-term grassland P experiment (17 years) on two sites in which annual P fertilizer application rates were 0, 15, 30 and 45 kg P/ha/year. The effect of P fertilizer rate on herbage production and mineral concentration in herbage were investigated in addition to the soil test P (Morgan's) trends and P balance over the duration of the experiment for each rate of P fertilizer. The results showed that the P response to herbage yield and P concentration was similar on both sites. The response of herbage yield to P fertilizer was limited to harvests early in the growing season. The P concentration in herbage was lower in mid-season than in spring or autumn. Annual P fertilizer applications > 30 kg P/ha/year were required to maintain soil P levels at their initial levels over the duration of the experiment.
Lack of negative effects of the biological control agent Duddingtonia flagrans on soil nematodes and other nematophagous fungi
Authors: Saumell C.A. , Fernández A.S. , Echevarria F. , Gonçalves I. , Iglesias L. , Sagües M.F. , Rodríguez E.M.
Published: December 2015

The possible environmental effects of the massive use of Duddingtonia flagrans for controlling sheep nematodes were evaluated in two regions. Non-supplemented faeces and faeces from sheep supplemented with D. flagrans were deposited three times on pasture plots and samples were collected 7 and 14 days post-deposition. Samples were cultured in agar-water (2%) with Panagrellus spp. to recover D. flagrans and other nematophagous fungi, and soil nematodes were extracted using Baermann funnels and counted. No significant differences in the populations of soil nematodes and fungi colonizing sheep faeces (P > 0.05) were observed between supplemented and non-supplemented groups, except in one sample. The topsoil in contact with the faeces was sampled 1–4 months post-deposition, revealing that, with one exception, D. flagrans did not persist in soil beyond 2 months post-deposition. Duddingtonia flagrans does not affect faecal colonization by other fungi and soil nematodes and, once deployed on pasture, does not survive for long periods in the environment.
The nervous systems of Tylodelphys metacercariae (Digenea: Diplostomidae) from the catfish Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) in freshwater habitats of Tanzania
Authors: Chibwana F.D. , Nkwengulila G.
Published: December 2015

The nervous systems of three Tylodelphys metacercariae (T. mashonense, Tylodelphys spp. 1 and 2) co-occurring in the cranial cavity of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus, were examined by the activity of acetylthiocholine iodide (AcThI), with the aim of better understanding the arrangement of sensillae on the body surface and the nerve trunks and commissures, for taxonomic purposes. Enzyme cytochemistry demonstrated a comparable orthogonal arrangement in the three metacercariae: the central nervous system (CNS) consisting of a pair of cerebral ganglia, from which anterior and posterior neuronal pathways arise and inter-link by cross-connectives and commissures. However, the number of transverse nerves was significantly different in the three diplostomid metacercariae: Tylodelphys sp. 1 (30), Tylodelphys sp. 2 (21) and T. mashonense (15). The observed difference in the nervous system of the three metacercariae clearly separates them into three species. These findings suggest that consistent differences in the transverse nerves of digenean metacercariae could enable the differentiation of metacercariae to the species level in the absence of molecular techniques. This, however, might require further testing on a larger number of species of digenean metacercariae.