bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and causes of visual impairment in patients seen at Nkhensani Hospital Eye Clinic, South Africa
Authors: Maake Modjadji M. , Oduntan Olalekan A.
Published: December 2015

Background: Knowledge of the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) amongst hospital patients is useful in planning preventive programmes and provision of eye-care services for residents in the surrounding communities.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and causes of VI amongst eye clinic patients at Nkhensani Hospital. The relationship between VI and age was also investigated.Setting: Nkhensani Hospital in the Greater Giyani subdistrict municipality, Mopani district, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Methods: Four hundred participants aged 6–92 years were selected for the study using a convenient sampling method. Presenting and best corrected visual acuities (VA) were measured with a LogMAR E chart. Presenting VA (PVA) in the right and left eyes and in the better eye of the patients was used to determine the prevalence of VI, low vision (LV) and blindness. Ophthalmoscope was used to diagnose the eye conditions causing VI amongst participants.Results: The prevalence of VI based on the PVA in the right eye was 34.8% and in the left eye, the prevalence was 35.8%. There was a significant association between age of the participants and VI in the right and left eyes (p = 0.00) in each case, respectively. Based on the vision in the better eye of each patient, the prevalence of VI was 28.0% and there was a significant association between VI and age of the participants (p = 0.00). The main causes of VI were uncorrected refractive errors, cataract and glaucoma.Conclusion: Findings in this study indicate that a large proportion of VI is preventable. Focusing on refractive error correction and surgical intervention for cataract would significantly reduce the burden of VI amongst patients utilising this hospital.
Magnetospheric conditions near the equatorial footpoints of proton isotropy boundaries
Authors: Sergeev V. A. , Chernyaev I. A. , Angelopoulos V. , Ganushkina N. Y.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Data from a cluster of three THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) spacecraft during February–March 2009 frequently provide an opportunity to construct local data-adaptive magnetospheric models, which are suitable for the accurate mapping along the magnetic field lines at distances of 6–9 Re in the nightside magnetosphere. This allows us to map the isotropy boundaries (IBs) of 30 and 80 keV protons observed by low-altitude NOAA POES (Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites) to the equatorial magnetosphere (to find the projected isotropy boundary, PIB) and study the magnetospheric conditions, particularly to evaluate the ratio KIB (Rc/rc; the magnetic field curvature radius to the particle gyroradius) in the neutral sheet at that point. Special care is taken to control the factors which influence the accuracy of the adaptive models and mapping. Data indicate that better accuracy of an adaptive model is achieved when the PIB distance from the closest spacecraft is as small as 1–2 Re. For this group of most accurate predictions, the spread of KIB values is still large (from 4 to 32), with the median value KIB ~13 being larger than the critical value Kcr ~ 8 expected at the inner boundary of nonadiabatic angular scattering in the current sheet. It appears that two different mechanisms may contribute to form the isotropy boundary. The group with K ~ [4,12] is most likely formed by current sheet scattering, whereas the group having KIB ~ [12,32] could be formed by the resonant scattering of low-energy protons by the electromagnetic ion-cyclotron (EMIC) waves. The energy dependence of the upper K limit and close proximity of the latter event to the plasmapause locations support this conclusion. We also discuss other reasons why the K ~ 8 criterion for isotropization may fail to work, as well as a possible relationship between the two scattering mechanisms.
Performance-Based Funding: Equity Analysis of Funding Distribution among State Universities
Authors: Ellis Robin Ann
Published: December 2015

How to finance higher education remains controversial among policy makers and constituencies across the United States. Texas is not exempt from the controversy. With increasingly strained state finances, institutions of higher education and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) have come under pressure to increase performance accountability, efficiency, and competitiveness. In Texas, House Bill 9 (H.B. 9) was enacted in 2011 to dedicate a portion of state funding to public colleges and universities that meet specific performance-based standards. Although H.B. 9 has been passed and signed into law, it still has not been determined how funding will be distributed or how effective it will be. This paper analyzes data from several states with similar performance-based funding standards to help bring to light to the possible effects H.B. 9 will have on Texas’ public four-year universities.
El dilema formativo en la universidad
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Claudia María
Published: December 2015

La educación es entendida como un proceso normativo que está orientado a la mejora de la persona, esta mejora procura ser a nivel de todas las áreas, es decir, es relevante educar integralmente. En cada nivel educativo se espera que se vaya consolidando este propósito, desde el nivel preescolar hasta el nivel superior. En este artículo, se argumenta la relevancia de la contribución de la universidad a la formación de seres humanos, con vistas profundizar en el proceso de humanización. Es decir, apostar por una universidad vista como un espacio de formación humana, poner de manifiesto la relevancia de la formación de la persona humana en el contexto universitario. Además, se ponen en perspectiva las demandas y exigencias que hacen la empresa y el mercado laboral a los profesionales que egresan del nivel superior y la importancia de que dichos graduados posean una formación integral que les haga mejores seres humanos.Paradigma - Revista de Investigación Educativa. Año 21. No. 35: 53-64
Crisis laboral en la región metropolitana Guadalajara
Authors: Parra Ruíz José María , Gámez Frías Emilia
Published: December 2015

Con base en la información estadística disponible, se observa que desde 2014, la población de la región me­tropolitana Guadalajara (RMG)enfrenta la mayor crisis laboral del presente siglo. Al cabo de un año, poco más de 70 mil trabajadores, perdieron su empleo y 5 mil más pasaron a engrosar las filas del desempleo. Asimismo, se observa que un mayor número de trabajadores percibió un ingreso inferior al que se requiere para adquirir la canasta básica recomendable. Por lo tanto se considera que la pérdida de empleo, así como, los bajos niveles de ingreso que perciben los trabajadores de este territorio metropolitano, producto de la intensificación en el ritmo de acumulación de capital y los cambios laborales y fiscales, configuran una crisis laboral superior a la ocurrida en 2009 (año de crisis económica nacional, regional e internacional).Revista Población y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes, Vol. 11, 2015: 49-60
Situación sociodemográfica de las jefaturas de hogar femenina en Honduras
Authors: Paz Perdomo Selgia Marina
Published: December 2015

La jefatura de hogar femenina, pone de manifiesto una realidad que es adyacente a una cultura impregnada de inequidades y desigualdades de género. Es decir, descubre una sociedad que promueve y fortalece la estigmatización y la exclusión social, cerrando los espacios de oportunidades e invisibilizando las capacidades de las mujeres. Este artículo se presenta en el contexto de una sociedad hondureña que se manifiesta abierta pero que se constriñe en su realidad socio­cultural, con un patrimonio jurídico patriarcal. Del mismo modo, dicha realidad social de inequidad se ve impactada en los demás miembros de la familia y por ende en la sociedad hondureña. La jefatura de hogar femenina, según los hallazgos del estudio, es un asidero de la pobreza en el país. Ya que dicha jefatura en su mayoría, es asumida por mujeres solas, con ingresos precarios, baja escolaridad y con edades mayores. La ausencia de activos humanos (educación, salud y trabajo) así como la carencia del activo social (núcleo familiar articulado, redes sociales, programas de apoyo etc) pone de manifiesto que son hogares vulnerables socialmente.Revista Población y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes, Vol. 11, 2015: 63-74
Fragmentación y segregación urbana en el Distrito Central, Honduras
Authors: Zelaya Ochoa Marysabel
Published: December 2015

Hasta la década de los setenta la fragmentación urbana en el Distrito Central no era tan evidente, la Plaza Central era considerada el centro; constituía el punto de origen apartir del cual de daba identidad y orientación a la ciudad. Era la zona de mayor jerarquía urbana, sede del poder político, económico, religioso y social. Sin embargo, con los cambios intro­ducidos a partir de los ochenta la situación cambia, la ciudad deja de representar un espacio contínuo para dar lugar a una ciudad caracterizada por la fragmentación y segregación urbana.Revista Población y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes, Vol. 11, 2015: 85-96
Una demografía sentida: una nueva mirada en el sentir de los pueblos
Authors: Melgar Quiñonez Alejandro
Published: December 2015

Los lugares poblados se fundan y se mueven con la lógica de la sobrevivencia, en ellos se forman las primarias estructuras sociales que adicionadas de sentires y experiencias, doblan páginas de historia y adquieren identidad y una forma propia de ver el mundo y su entorno natural. Estas poblaciones cargadas de valores se resisten ante contextos de pobreza y desigualdad social y, hoy se ven sumergidos en una nueva vorágine que los mueve hacia latitudes más hostiles e indiferentes. Una nueva mirada que trasciende en la demografía social y que está configurando un nuevo rostro humano. Quizás el dilema fundamental del mundo actual, sea la indiferencia que está pesando sobre el ser humano y su angustia, ante la pérdida de valores y sentimientos de pertenencia cultural; frente a un mercado que impone lógicas laborales y de consumo que están moviendo poblaciones por rutas inciertas, en la búsqueda de mejores condiciones de vida. Por ello la demografía no puede limitarse únicamente a contar eventos o poblaciones sino también a dar una interpretación de las dinámicas poblacionales que tienen su propia naturaleza y desarrollo en este devenir histórico, donde el sentir de los pueblos esta capturado por una globalización deshumanizada.Revista Población y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes, Vol. 11, 2015: 99-103
Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de Chikungunya en niños
Authors: Valenzuela José Raúl , Galeas Oliva Melida , Erazo Marlin Del Carmen , Sánchez Rossana
Published: December 2015

Antecedentes y objetivos: La fiebre Chikungunya (CHIKF) es una enfermedad de infección viral causada por un arbovirus (CHIKV), transmitida a los humanos a través de la picadura del mosquito de género Aedes.El objetivo del estudio fué caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente los pacientes que presentaron dicha enfermedad.Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el área de emergencia pediátrica del Hospital Regional del Norte - Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social (HRN-IHSS). Los datos se obtuvieron de las fichas epidemiológicas de los casos sospechosos de CHIKF que asistieron a la emergencia de pediatría entre los meses de enero y marzo del 2015. Se estudiaron 48 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión.Resultados: El 52% de los pacientes ingresados provenían del casco urbano de San Pedro Sula (SPS). El 63% de los casos asistieron al hospital cuando presentaban de 1 a 2 días de evolución. El síntoma que se presentó con mayor frecuencia fue la fiebre (96%), seguido de rash (71%), la artritis y artralgias se presentaron en el 58% de los casos. En el 75% de los casos había familiares con síntomas similares.Conclusiones: Los lactantes menores y los escolares del sexo masculino fueron los más afectados, y no hubo antecedente de haber realizado viajes previos.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 5, No. 1 y 2 / Abril 2014 a Marzo 2015: 336-342
Lactancia Materna Exclusiva: Expectativa versus Realidad
Authors: Gale Sandra Carolina , Erazo Karen
Published: December 2015

Antecedentes y Objetivo: La lactancia materna es ampliamente reconocida como el mejor alimento para bebés, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomienda que los niños reciban lactancia materna exclusiva durante los primeros seis meses de vida, seguida de una combinación de lactancia materna continua y una alimentación apropiada hasta los 2 años de edad.Objetivo: Esta investigación tiene como objetivo conocer cuál fue el tipo de lactancia recibida en los niños menores de 18 meses y analizar los principales factores que favorecen y/o interfieren en la lactancia materna exclusiva e identificar la edad en que iniciaron la ablactación.Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo. Se aplicó una encuesta a madres con lactantes menores de 18 meses ingresados en la Sala de Lactantes Hospital Nacional Mario Catarino Rivas, HNMCR.Resultados: De las madres que participaron en este estudio 40% brindó lactancia materna exclusiva manteniéndose como principal causa de su destete la hipogalactia. El inicio de la ablactación se produjo a los 6 meses de edad en un 56%.Conclusiones: Es necesario incrementar las acciones de salud con vistas a fortalecer los factores que promuevan la lactancia materna y disminuir aquellos que favorecen a un destete temprano.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 5, No. 1 y 2 / Abril 2014 a Marzo 2015: 355-360
Prolapso rectal por Trichuris trichuria
Authors: Argueta Magdiel
Published: December 2015

Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 5, No. 1 y 2 / Abril 2014 a Marzo 2015: 370
Future Arable Land Requirement of Pig Production in China
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Cui Xuefeng , Nath Reshmita
Published: December 2015

 
China’s pig industry is experiencing a dramatic increase to meet increasing consumption demand. How these changes influence the limited arable land resources through consuming grain as feed has not been clearly understood. In this manuscript, we calculate the arable land requirement for pig industry (LRP) from 2001 to 2013 and forecast future demand towards 2050 from the point of production, in order to quantify the pressure in different scenarios. The results indicate that the LRP has increased from 22.0 Million Ha in 2001 to 31.6 Million Ha in 2013. LRP will be 23.7-29.4 Million Ha in 2030 and 11.6-18.7 Million Ha in 2050 according to different scenarios. Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition method is assessed to the effect of population, consumption and technology for three time periods e.g. 2010-2030; 2030-2050 and 2010-2050. And technology will become primary reason. These findings could help optimizing the relationships between limited arable land resources and development of pig industry, and promote sustainable development of the pig industry.
Determining Long-Term Trends of Four Fast-Eutrophicated Lakes in China and Finland
Authors: Liao Mengna , Yu Ge , Ventelä Anne-Mari , Dong Xuhui
Published: December 2015

Lake eutrophication has increased in pace in recent decades and has caused serious environmental problems However, the development trends have not been fully determined as it is difficult to recognize complex effects emanating from both climate and human mechanisms. China has many lakes in different trophic stages, which represent three developing stages from forest- to agriculture-, and then to urban-lake, typically in Lakes Lugu, Taibai, and Taihu. To determine long-term water quality trends, the three lakes were chosen for statistic analysis on dominant effects on the diatom-inferred nutrient changes, and to undertake dynamic modelling regarding climate-controlled nutrient changes. The results indicate the significant turning points of water quality in Lakes Lugu, Taibai and Taihu occurring in the 1990s, 1950s and 1940s respectively, which were effected from human activities by increases in tourism, farming and urbanization respectively. Water quality changes in Lakes Lugu, Taibai and Taihu captured 68.4%, 54.9%, and 86.0% of the temperature variations before the turning points. The anthropogenic impacts explained 84.0%, 96.4% and 96.0% of the water quality variations after the turning points, where the sharp change of water quality by human activity has played an accelerated effect on the gentle change of temperature. Compared with the 4 phases of water quality development in Pyhäjärvi Lake (SW Finland), Lakes Lugu and Taibai have experienced the 1st and 2nd phases, and Taihu has experienced from the 2nd to 3rd phases during the last 150 years. Phase 4 has not occurred in the three lakes, but it is a key period during the eutropication we need to pay attentions.
Endosulfan: Its Isomers and Metabolites in Commercially Aquatic Organisms from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean
Authors: Navarrete-Rodríguez Gabycarmen , Landeros-Sánchez Cesáreo , Soto-Estrada Alejandra , Castañeda-Chavez María Del Refugio , Lango-Reynoso Fabiola , Pérez-Vazquez Arturo , Nikolskii G. Iourii
Published: December 2015

The organochlorine pesticide endosulfan is an insecticide and acaricide used on a variety of crops around the world. Its adverse effects on public health and aquatic biota have been widely documented in several studies, which are closely related to their primary route of exposure, by eating food contaminated with this compound. Therefore, it is necessary to concentrate the information in order to analyze and understand its impact on public health. The present objective is to review the characteristics of endosulfan, its isomers and their presence in aquatic organisms of commercial importance in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. The aquatic organisms involved were molluscs, crustaceans and fish. The highest concentrations of endosulfan have been detected in oysters, Crassostrea virginica, with a maximum value of 99.48±16.21 ng g-1. Although the use of this insecticide for pest control worldwide is prohibited, research conducted in the Gulf of México and Caribbean Sea indicate that it is still used, which will affect future public health and consumers.
The Impacts of Variable Renewable Production and Market Coupling on the Convergence of French and German Electricity Prices
Authors: Keppler Jan Horst , Phan Sébastien , Pen Yannick Le
Published: December 2015

This paper estimates the impact of two separate factors on the spread between French and German electricity prices, the amount of production by variable renewables and “market coupling”. As renewable electricity production is concentrated during a limited number of hours with favourable meteorological conditions and interconnection capacity between France and Germany is limited, increases in production of wind and solar PV in Germany lead to increasing price spreads between the two countries. Our estimates based on a sample of 24 hourly French and German day-ahead prices from November 2009 to June 2013 confirm that renewable electricity production in Germany has a strongly positive impact on price divergence. On the other hand, market coupling, the establishment of a combined order book on the basis of information of both markets, which was introduced in November 2010, can be shown to have mitigated the observed price divergence. Both results have policy relevant implications for welfare and the optimal provision of interconnection capacity.
Evaluation of influence of mobility management instruments implemented in separated areas of the city on the changes in modal split
Authors: Nosal Katarzyna , Starowicz Wiesław
Published: December 2015

The article presents results of research aimed at construction of the model for evaluation of potential impact of mobility management instruments implemented in areas of high volume of work related trips. The model helps forecast the impact of the instruments application on the changes in modal split. In proposed approach the potential decrease in the car share depends on the improvement of public transport accessibility of the area and its current private transport accessibility. Due to the specific nature of the analyzed problem the elements of fuzzy set theory have been used to construct the model. To determine unknown volumes of decreases results achieved during implementation of mobility plans in the European workplaces with high number of employees have been taken under consideration. Approximation of the surface received as a result of fuzzy inference has been conducted using formula of multiple linear regression. Prepared model has been applied on the example of Cracow to evaluate of potential impact of mobility plans on the change in modal split.
Optimisation of polynomial railway transition curves of even degrees
Authors: Zboiński Krzysztof , Woźnica Piotr
Published: December 2015

This paper represents new results obtained by its authors while searching for the proper shape of polynomial railway transition curves (TCs). The search for the proper shape means the evaluation of the curve properties based on chosen dynamical quantities and generation of such shape with use of mathematically understood optimisation methods. The studies presented now and in the past always had got a character of the numerical tests. For needs of this work advanced vehicle model, dynamical track-vehicle and vehicle-passenger interactions, and optimisation methods were exploited. In this software complete rail vehicle model of 2-axle freight car, the track discrete model, and non-linear description od wheel-rail contact are used. That part of the software, being vehicle simulation software, is combined with library optimisation procedures into the final computer programme. The main difference between this and previous papers by the authors are the degrees of examinated polynomials. Previously they tested polynomial curves of odd degrees, now they focus on TCs of 6th, 8th and 10th degrees with and without curvature and superelevation ramp tangence in the TC’s terminal points. Possibility to take account of fundamental demands (corresponding values of curvature in terminal points) concerning TC should be preserved. Results of optimisation are compared both among themselves and with 3rd degree parabola. The aim of present article is to find the polynomial TCs’ optimum shapes which are determined by the possible polynomial configurations. Only one dynamical quantities being the results of simulation of railway vehicle advanced model is exploited in the determination of quality function (QF1). This is: minimum of integral of vehicle body lateral acceleration.
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture: “Love Is a Dangerous Angel: Thoughts on Queerness and Family in Children’s Books”
Authors: Selznick Brian
Published: December 2015

The following lecture was delivered May 8, 2015, at the Martin Luther King Junior Memorial Library in Washington, DC.
“Too Long, Didn’t Read”: The Research behind Prescriptions for Literacy
Authors: Kozla S. Bryce
Published: December 2015

“Children need to hear a thousand stories before they learn to read.”—Mem FoxThis quote is the basis for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, a reading club started by Sandy Krost at Bremen (IN) Public Library. Libraries across the nation are leaping to write grants and start programs of their own. Online discussion lists are bursting with questions about the research behind children hearing one thousand stories before kindergarten.
Every Child Ready to Read: More than Just Kids: Sharing Literacy Messages with Caregivers Outside of Storytime
Authors: Depper Melissa
Published: December 2015

When Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) was first released, part of the conversation in libraries was all about recognizing and owning the idea that storytimes were and are early learning experiences and could be excellent forums for sharing literacy messaging with parents and caregivers.
Pirmojo pasaulinio karo atminimas Lietuvoje ir Rytų Prūsijoje: naujų tyrimų pradžia
Authors: Safronovas Vasilijus
Published: December 2015

Straipsnyje vertinamos Pirmojo pasaulinio karo atminimo Lietuvoje ir Rytų Prūsijoje istorinių tyrimų galimybės. Karo istorijos vystymosi tendencijų kontekste aktualizuojama būtinybė tirti mentalinius ir socialinius Didžiojo karo poveikio Pietryčių Baltijos regiono visuomenėms aspektus. Siūlomos kryptys, kuriomis galėtų būti plėtojamos Didžiojo karo atminimo šiame regione studijos ir vertinama iki šiol atliktų tyrimų šia tematika situacija.
Shaul Magid. Hasidism Incarnate: Hasidism, Christianity, and the Construction of Modern Judaism
Authors: Green Arthur
Published: December 2015

No abstract is available.
Tacita Muta y el silencio femenino como arma del patriarcado romano
Authors: Casamayor Mancisidor Sara
Published: December 2015

Tacita Muta fue una náyade a la que Júpiter arrancó la lengua por hablar más de la cuenta. Convertida en divinidad, simbolizaba para los romanos la prerrogativa del silencio femenino. El objetivo del presente artículo es el de, tomando como punto de partida el mito de Tacita, ilustrar cómo el patriarcado romano impuso a las mujeres la obligatoriedad del silencio. Además, se presentan diversos ejemplos de divinidades, personajes mitológicos y mujeres reales que también ejemplificaron esta característica femenina, junto con otros que transgredieron la norma establecida. Todo ello con el objetivo de profundizar en las relaciones de género de época romana.

Tacita Muta was a naiad punished by Jupiter who ripped her tongue out for talking excessively. She became a divinity that symbolized the prerogative of the feminine silence. The aim of the present article is to illustrate how the roman patriarchy imposed the duty of silence on women, taking the myth of Tacita as the starting point. We present several examples of deities, mythological characters and real women who also exemplified this female duty, along with others that transgressed the norm. All of this with the aim of getting deeper on gender relations in Roman times.
La batalla de Andagoste
Authors: Amela Valverde Luis
Published: December 2015

Si bien las Guerras Cántabras (29-19 a.C.) se inician tras consolidar Octaviano/Augusto su poder personal en Roma, la celebración de una serie de triunfos ex Hispania por parte de los últimos gobernadores republicanos peninsulares parece indicar que las operaciones militares contra los últimos grupos étnicos peninsulares independientes se iniciaron mucho antes. El hallazgo de un posible campamento y/o campo de batalla en Andagoste es la verificación arqueológica de este aserto.

While the Cantabrian Wars (29-19 BC) were initiated after the consolidation of the personal power of Octavian/Augustus in Rome, the celebration of a series of triumphs ex Hispania by the last peninsular Republican governors, suggests that military operations against the last independent peninsular ethnic groups began much earlier. The finding of a possible camp and/or battlefield in Andagoste is the archaeological verification of this assertion.
Evaluando el desarrollo de la competencia histórica en la enseñanza de la Historia en España. Entrevista a Jesús Domínguez Castillo
Authors: Morales Rodríguez María José
Published: December 2015

Jesús Domínguez Castillo, nacido en Arnedo (La Rioja) en 1952, representa desde hace varias décadas una figura destacable en el ámbito de la enseñanza de la Historia en nuestro país. Sus aportaciones a nivel docente e investigador y sus múltiples colaboraciones en proyectos de la más diversa índole, le han llevado a ser uno de los mayores expertos en cuanto al desarrollo y la evaluación de las competencias involucradas en el proceso de pensar históricamente.
Patients with Psychotic Disorders in Solid-Organ Transplant
Authors: Zimbrean Paula , Emre Sukru
Published: December 2015

Background—

Psychotic disorders are considered a relative or absolute contraindication to organ transplant, but information about their impact on transplant is limited.

Objective—

To describe the clinical course of psychotic patients while they were on the waiting list and the outcomes of patients with psychotic disorders undergoing evaluation for organ transplant.

Methods—

Thirty-eight transplant candidates with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder were analyzed in this descriptive study. The following variables were collected before transplant: demographics, type of transplant, cause of organ failure, medical comorbid conditions, and psychiatric variables (diagnosis, hospitalizations, treatment, substance abuse, family history, suicide attempts). For transplant recipients, the following posttransplant variables were recorded: rejection, toxic effects of medication, nonadherence, psychotic episodes (number, time interval after transplant), and number of hospitalizations.

Results—

Of the 38 transplant candidates, 34 had a history of psychotic disorder before transplant. Nineteen (56%) of the 34 were listed for transplant, and 10 (29%) underwent transplant. Median follow-up time was 1.9 (IQR, 0.16–17.9) years. Among organ recipients with a history of psychotic disorders, psychiatric hospitalizations were 0.42 per patient per year (PPY), psychotic episodes 0.68 PPY, rejection 0.21 PPY, and toxic effects of immunosuppressants 0.05 PPY. None of the recipients lost their graft.

Conclusions—

Patients with a history of psychotic disorder can do well after organ transplant. Further studies are needed with factor analyses including severity of psychosis, medication adherence, and associated comorbid conditions.
A K+-selective CNG channel orchestrates Ca2+ signalling in zebrafish sperm
Authors: Fechner Sylvia , Alvarez Luis , Bönigk Wolfgang , Müller Astrid , Berger Thomas K , Pascal Rene , Trötschel Christian , Poetsch Ansgar , Stölting Gabriel , Siegfried Kellee R , Kremmer Elisabeth , Seifert Reinhard , Kaupp U Benjamin
Published: December 2015

Calcium in the flagellum controls sperm navigation. In sperm of marine invertebrates and mammals, Ca2+ signalling has been intensely studied, whereas for fish little is known. In sea urchin sperm, a cyclic nucleotide-gated K+ channel (CNGK) mediates a cGMP-induced hyperpolarization that evokes Ca2+ influx. Here, we identify in sperm of the freshwater fish Danio rerio a novel CNGK family member featuring non-canonical properties. It is located in the sperm head rather than the flagellum and is controlled by intracellular pH, but not cyclic nucleotides. Alkalization hyperpolarizes sperm and produces Ca2+ entry. Ca2+ induces spinning-like swimming, different from swimming of sperm from other species. The “spinning” mode probably guides sperm into the micropyle, a narrow entrance on the surface of fish eggs. A picture is emerging of sperm channel orthologues that employ different activation mechanisms and serve different functions. The channel inventories probably reflect adaptations to species-specific challenges during fertilization.
Muscle niche-driven Insulin-Notch-Myc cascade reactivates dormant Adult Muscle Precursors in Drosophila
Authors: Aradhya Rajaguru , Zmojdzian Monika , Da Ponte Jean Philippe , Jagla Krzysztof
Published: December 2015

How stem cells specified during development keep their non-differentiated quiescent state, and how they are reactivated, remain poorly understood. Here, we applied a Drosophila model to follow in vivo behavior of adult muscle precursors (AMPs), the transient fruit fly muscle stem cells. We report that emerging AMPs send out thin filopodia that make contact with neighboring muscles. AMPs keep their filopodia-based association with muscles throughout their dormant state but also when they start to proliferate, suggesting that muscles could play a role in AMP reactivation. Indeed, our genetic analyses indicate that muscles send inductive dIlp6 signals that switch the Insulin pathway ON in closely associated AMPs. This leads to the activation of Notch, which regulates AMP proliferation via dMyc. Altogether, we report that Drosophila AMPs display homing behavior to muscle niche and that the niche-driven Insulin-Notch-dMyc cascade plays a key role in setting the activated state of AMPs.
Near-infrared photoactivatable control of Ca2+ signaling and optogenetic immunomodulation
Authors: He Lian , Zhang Yuanwei , Ma Guolin , Tan Peng , Li Zhanjun , Zang Shengbing , Wu Xiang , Jing Ji , Fang Shaohai , Zhou Lijuan , Wang Youjun , Huang Yun , Hogan Patrick G , Han Gang , Zhou Yubin
Published: December 2015

The application of current channelrhodopsin-based optogenetic tools is limited by the lack of strict ion selectivity and the inability to extend the spectra sensitivity into the near-infrared (NIR) tissue transmissible range. Here we present an NIR-stimulable optogenetic platform (termed 'Opto-CRAC') that selectively and remotely controls Ca2+ oscillations and Ca2+-responsive gene expression to regulate the function of non-excitable cells, including T lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. When coupled to upconversion nanoparticles, the optogenetic operation window is shifted from the visible range to NIR wavelengths to enable wireless photoactivation of Ca2+-dependent signaling and optogenetic modulation of immunoinflammatory responses. In a mouse model of melanoma by using ovalbumin as surrogate tumor antigen, Opto-CRAC has been shown to act as a genetically-encoded 'photoactivatable adjuvant' to improve antigen-specific immune responses to specifically destruct tumor cells. Our study represents a solid step forward towards the goal of achieving remote and wireless control of Ca2+-modulated activities with tailored function.
Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin is a unique ligand of the integrin complement receptor 3
Authors: Osicka Radim , Osickova Adriana , Hasan Shakir , Bumba Ladislav , Cerny Jiri , Sebo Peter
Published: December 2015

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface adhesion and signaling receptors that are essential for metazoan existence. Some integrins contain an I-domain that is a major ligand binding site. The ligands preferentially engage the active forms of the integrins and trigger signaling cascades that alter numerous cell functions. Here we found that the adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA), a key virulence factor of the whooping cough agent Bordetella pertussis, preferentially binds an inactive form of the integrin complement receptor 3 (CR3), using a site outside of its I-domain. CyaA binding did not trigger downstream signaling of CR3 in human monocytes and CyaA-catalyzed elevation of cAMP effectively blocked CR3 signaling initiated by a natural ligand. This unprecedented type of integrin-ligand interaction distinguishes CyaA from all other known ligands of the I-domain-containing integrins and provides a mechanistic insight into the previously observed central role of CyaA in the pathogenesis of B. pertussis.
Resting easy with a sleep regulator
Authors: Giardino William J , de Lecea Luis
Published: December 2015

Potassium ion channels in a subset of neurons in the brain of zebrafish may have a role in promoting sleep.
Low-pressure sustainment of surface-wave microwave plasma with modified microwave coupler
Authors: Sasai Kensuke , Suzuki Haruka , Toyoda Hirotaka
Published: December 2015

Sustainment of long-scale surface-wave plasma (SWP) at pressures below 1 Pa is investigated for the application of the SWP as an assisting plasma source for roll-to-roll sputter deposition. A modified microwave coupler (MMC) for easier surface-wave propagation is proposed, on the basis of the concept of the power direction alignment of the slot antenna and surface-wave propagation. The superiority of the MMC-SWP over conventional SWPs is shown at a sustainment pressure as low as 0.6 Pa and an electron density as high as 3 × 1017 m−3. A polymer film is treated with the MMC-SWP at a low pressure of 0.6 Pa, and surface modification at a low pressure is proved using Ar plasma. These results show the availability of the MMC-SWP as the surface treatment plasma source that is compatible with sputter deposition in the same processing chamber.
O Brasil na literatura internacional de turismo: análise das publicações em idioma inglês
Authors: Santos Glauber Eduardo de Oliveira , Leal Sérgio Rodrigues , Panosso Netto Alexandre
Published: December 2015

O trabalho traça um panorama dos estudos sobre o turismo no Brasil publicados no exterior em idioma inglês entre 1977 e 2014. Foram selecionados estudos publicados em forma de livros, capítulos de livros e artigos científicos em periódicos. A técnica de coleta dos dados mesclou pesquisa em bancos de dados, consulta aos currículos dos autores e ferramentas de busca na Internet. Foram identificados 149 trabalhos publicados. Em 2012 foram publicados 22 estudos, sendo aquele o ano com o maior número de publicações. Desde então, a taxa de crescimento do número de publicações tem revelado certa estabilidade ou até uma pequena redução.  73% (n=109) dos trabalhos foram publicados em periódicos científicos, 23% (n=35) em forma de capítulos de livros e 3% (n=5) em forma de livros. Ao todo, 256 autores escreveram sobre o tema, mas somente 41 deles publicaram ao menos dois trabalhos. Os temas abordados nos estudos foram variados, sendo que o meio ambiente natural recebeu ligeiro destaque. Na nuvem de termos dos resumos de cada trabalho destacam-se as palavras desenvolvimento, gestão, ambiental, ecoturismo, sustentável, destino e econômico.
Turismo acessível no Brasil: um estudo exploratório sobre as políticas públicas e o processo de inclusão das pessoas com deficiência
Authors: Duarte Donária Coelho , Borda Gilson Zehetmeyer , Moura Danielle Gonzaga , Spezia Domingos Sávio
Published: December 2015

Um dos maiores desafios da sociedade brasileira é o enfrentamento da questão da igualdade e da exclusão social. Estima-se que existam aproximadamente 45 milhões de pessoas com deficiência no Brasil (IBGE, 2010), muitas delas ainda impedidas de usufruir de atividades de lazer e de turismo devido às suas limitações físicas e à falta de adaptação do meio. O objetivo deste artigo consiste em verificar se as políticas públicas de turismo voltadas para pessoas com deficiência (PCD) têm conseguido atender as demandas por inclusão desse segmento, além disso visa obter a percepção dessas pessoas quanto ao processo de inclusão. O foco desse estudo, portanto, refere-se as pessoas que nasceram ou adquiriram algum tipo de limitação permanente, não sendo objeto desse levantamento pessoas que tiveram limitações físicas temporárias e/ou esporádicas ou ainda que possuam mobilidade reduzida. Em termos metodológicos, foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória de caráter qualitativa por meio de entrevistas com roteiros semiestruturados. Participaram da pesquisa 9 gestores escolhidos entre representantes do Poder Público, de associações representativas do trade turístico privado e de associações de pessoas com deficiência. A partir das entrevistas com as organizações públicas, tendo em vista a diversidade das ações e suas características, foi proposta a classificação dos programas/ações de governo. Como resultados, a pesquisa aponta que o Poder Público tem atentado para a problemática e buscado criar e implementar políticas direcionadas a esse segmento. No entanto, as pessoas com deficiência consideram que o que tem sido feito não é suficiente para incluí-las, de fato, nas atividades turísticas e dizem que não estão sendo escutadas suficientemente. Todas as associações de deficientes mencionaram que as limitações/dificuldades do meio dificultam a realização do turismo. Percebeu-se ainda que a iniciativa privada não considera a pessoa com deficiência como público consumidor e que não são feitas pesquisas para conhecer o perfil e as necessidades desse segmento.  Tanto a iniciativa privada quanto as associações de PCD, demonstraram pouco conhecimento em relação à legislação e às políticas que envolvem o turismo para esse segmento. Concluiu-se que, de uma maneira geral, os grupos tendem a repassar parte de sua responsabilidade aos outros grupos: o Poder Público alega que não pode fazer tudo sozinho; já os empresários não parecem muito interessados e jogam a responsabilidade da falta de acessibilidade para o governo.
The heating efficiency of the exothermic reaction H + O3 in the mesosphere
Authors: Smith Anne K. , López‐Puertas Manuel , Xu Jiyao , Mlynczak Martin G.
Published: December 2015

An important source of heating in the mesosphere is the exothermic reaction of ozone with atomic hydrogen, which generates hydroxyl in a vibrationally excited state. Some of the energy from the excited states is lost through emissions in the Meinel bands. The heating efficiency of the exothermic reaction is therefore less than one. In this study, we incorporate a model of the vibrationally excited OH into the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model in order to calculate the heating efficiency of this reaction interactively with the model chemistry and dynamics. The global annual mean efficiency is near 60%, but the value can differ by 20% or more depending on altitude and season. A formula for accurately including the dependence of efficiency on atomic oxygen, temperature, and pressure is given.
Developmental Coaching to Support the Transition to Self‐Authorship
Authors: Coughlin Carolyn
Published: December 2015

Constructive‐developmental theorists have made the case that adults require at least a self‐authored meaning‐making system to thrive in today's world. This chapter shows how coaches literate in adult development and body/mind theory and practice can be powerful partners to adults on the journey to self‐authorship.
Fault detection filter design for networked control systems with time‐varying sampling periods and packet dropouts
Authors: Wang Yu‐Long , Xiong Jie
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the problem of fault detection for networked control systems under simultaneous consideration of time‐varying sampling periods and packet dropouts. By taking time‐varying sampling periods into consideration, a new closed‐loop model for the considered networked control systems is established. The sampling period switching‐based approach and the parameter uncertainty‐based approach are adopted to deal with time‐varying sampling periods. Based on the established model, the observer‐based fault detection filter design criteria are proposed to asymptotically stabilize the residual system in the sense of mean‐square. The designed observer‐based fault detection filter can guarantee the sensitivity of the residual signal to faults. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the obtain results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling, Design, and Development of Soft Pneumatic Actuators with Finite Element Method
Authors: Moseley Philip , Florez Juan Manuel , Sonar Harshal Arun , Agarwal Gunjan , Curtin William , Paik Jamie
Published: December 2015

This work presents a comprehensive open‐source simulation and design tool for Soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) using finite element method, compatible and extensible to a diverse range of soft materials and design parameters. Thorough characterization of the hyperelastic and viscoelastic behavior is illustrated using a sample soft material (Ecoflex 00_30), and an appropriate material constitutive law. SPA performance (displacement and blocked‐force) are simulated for two types of SPA and validated with experimental testing. Real‐world case studies are presented in which SPA designs are iteratively optimized through simulation to meet specified performance criteria and geometric constraints.
Periodic Nanoneedle and Buffer Zones Constructed on a Titanium Surface Promote Osteogenic Differentiation and Bone Calcification In Vivo
Authors: Yu Peng , Zhu Xiaojing , Wang Xiaolan , Wang Shuangying , Li Weiping , Tan Guoxin , Zhang Yu , Ning Chengyun
Published: December 2015

Rapid and effective bone mineralization at the bone/implant interface is required for successful orthopedic and dental implants. In this study, two periodic microscale functionalized zones on titanium (MZT) are created, namely, nanoneedle zones and buffer zones. The aim of this design is to provide spatially regulated topographical cues on titanium to enhance the efficacy of bone regeneration. This goal is achieved using a versatile and effective technique in which nanoneedle structures are hydrothermally constructed on the surface of titanium sheets, after which selective laser irradiation is used to construct buffer zones. The zonal structures of the MZT overcome the suppressive effect of the nanoneedle film on osteoblasts. Additionally, the MZT exhibits zone‐selective apatite deposition and protein adsorption. The accelerated in vitro osteoblast differentiation and nodule deposition on the MZT are confirmed. Elemental analysis of the bone nodules formed by the osteoblasts growing on the titanium and MZT demonstrates they have different compositions. Histological and scanning electron microscope analysis of the bone formation on in vivo implants shows that this process is also enhanced by the MZT implant. The concept of constructing functionalized zones on titanium implant could facilitate future research on improving the design of orthopedic and dental implant surfaces.
Utilizing Environmental Friendly Iron as a Substitution Element in Spinel Structured Cathode Materials for Safer High Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Enyuan , Bak Seong‐Min , Liu Yijin , Liu Jue , Yu Xiqian , Zhou Yong‐Ning , Zhou Jigang , Khalifah Peter , Ariyoshi Kingo , Nam Kyung‐Wan , Yang Xiao‐Qing
Published: December 2015

Suppressing oxygen release from lithium ion battery cathodes during heating is a critical issue for the improvement of the battery safety characteristics because oxygen can exothermically react with the flammable electrolyte and cause thermal runaway. Previous studies have shown that oxygen release can be reduced by the migration of transition metal cations from octahedral sites to tetrahedral sites during heating. Such site‐preferred migration is determined by the electronic structure of cations. Taking advantage of the unique electronic structure of the environmental friendly Fe, this is selected as substitution element in a high energy density material LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 to improve the thermal stability. The optimized LiNi0.33Mn1.33Fe0.33O4 material shows significantly improved thermal stability compared with the unsubstituted one, demonstrated by no observed oxygen release at temperatures as high as 500°C. Due to the electrochemical contribution of Fe, the high energy density feature of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is well preserved.
A self‐administered test of taste function using “Taste Strips”
Authors: Wolf Axel , Varga Laszlo , Wittibschlager Lisa , Renner Bertold , Mueller Christian A.
Published: December 2015

Background

Assessment of gustatory function with impregnated taste strips is an established and validated method. In clinical routine, application of the tests is often limited due to lack of time or costs associated with administering the test. The aim of the study was to develop a procedure suitable for self‐administration of the “Taste Strips” test.

Methods

The investigated participants (n = 65; 22 males, 43 females; mean age 36.7 ± 19.2 years; range, 20 to 83 years) were tested twice in a randomized crossover procedure. On 1 occasion, an examiner administered the established and validated “Taste Strips” test. On another occasion, test subjects administered the taste strips themselves. Results of both test methods were compared.

Results

The mean score (± standard deviation [SD]) of the assisted taste test (11.6 ± 2.6) was significantly lower compared to the mean self‐administered taste test that yielded 12.3 ± 2.6 points (Wilcoxon test: z = 2.836; p < 0.01). Comparison of mean values showed minimal difference of the tested procedures of 0.7 ± 1.9 points with a significant positive correlation of test results (r65 = 0.734; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Although a small difference between test results was observed, the new test procedure seems to be an adequate screening tool for assessment of taste function with less personnel effort, leading to improved management of patients with chemosensory disorders.