bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated mathematical model of the human cardiopulmonary system: model development
Authors: Albanese Antonio , Cheng Limei , Ursino Mauro , Chbat Nicolas W.
Published: December 2015

Several cardiovascular and pulmonary models have been proposed in the last few decades. However, very few have addressed the interactions between these two systems. Our group has developed an integrated cardiopulmonary model (CP Model) that mathematically describes the interactions between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, along with their main short-term control mechanisms. The model has been compared with human and animal data taken from published literature. Due to the volume of the work, the paper is divided in two parts. The present paper is on model development and normophysiology, whereas the second is on the model's validation on hypoxic and hypercapnic conditions. The CP Model incorporates cardiovascular circulation, respiratory mechanics, tissue and alveolar gas exchange, as well as short-term neural control mechanisms acting on both the cardiovascular and the respiratory functions. The model is able to simulate physiological variables typically observed in adult humans under normal and pathological conditions and to explain the underlying mechanisms and dynamics.
Neochrysocharis okazakii(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) as a Major Parasitoid Wasp of Stone Leek Leaf MinerLiriomyza chinensis(Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Central Vietnam
Authors: Ueno Takatoshi , Tran Dang Hoa
Published: December 2015

Liriomyza chinensisis a major pest of Welsh onionAllium fistulosumin Asia but little is known about the abundance of its natural enemies. A field survey was made to explore the major parasitoids ofL. chinensisleaf miner in central Vietnam. An eulophid parasitoid,Neochrysocharis okazakii,comprised more than 95% of parasitoids reared from leaf miner larvae collected in the onion field and 98.3% of leaf miner parasitoids found during searches of onion plants. The mean number of femaleN. okazakiion plants was greater in onion fields with a higher density ofL. chinensis, and, during searches, a greater proportion ofN. okazakiiwas found on onion with moreL. chinensismines, suggesting density-dependent parasitoid aggregation. Melanized dead larvae ofL. chinensiswere more frequently found in onion fields with more parasitoids, demonstrating that melanized leaf miners are a good indicator of parasitoid activity. Mean instant rate of host encounter byN. okazakiiin the field was estimated at 0.077, and the likelihood of a parasitoid finding a host increased with host density. Taken together, these results show thatN. okazakiiis the major parasitoid ofL. chinensis. Usefulness of this parasitoid in stone leek leaf miner management is discussed.
Traumatic Hallux Varus Treated by Minimally Invasive Extensor Hallucis Brevis Tenodesis
Authors: Cheung C. N. , Lui T. H.
Published: December 2015

A case of traumatic hallux varus due to avulsion fracture of the lateral side of the base of proximal phalanx was reported. The lateral instability of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was believed to be due to the disruption of adductor hallucis function. It was successfully managed by minimally invasive extensor hallucis brevis tenodesis.
Determination of Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics at Trace Levels in Sludge and Soil
Authors: Salvia Marie-Virginie , Fieu Maëva , Vulliet Emmanuelle
Published: December 2015

This work describes the development of a sensitive analytical method to determine simultaneously traces of tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics in sludge and soil, based on PLE extraction, followed by SPE purification and finally an analysis by LC-MS/MS. Recoveries were greater than 87% in the case of fluoroquinolones and between 25.4 and 41.7% for tetracyclines. Low relative standard deviations (<15%) were obtained in both matrices. The limits of quantification were comprised between 1.1 and 4.6 ng/g and between 5 and 20 ng/g in soil and sludge, respectively. The method was then successfully applied to the analysis of the target antibiotics in sludge as well as soil that received spreading. The substances most frequently found and with the highest levels were fluoroquinolones with concentrations exceeding 1,000 ng/g in several samples of sludge and up to 16 ng/g in soil.
Replanning Criteria and Timing Definition for Parotid Protection-Based Adaptive Radiation Therapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Yao Wei-Rong , Xu Shou-Ping , Liu Bo , Cao Xiu-Tang , Ren Gang , Du Lei , Zhou Fu-Gen , Feng Lin-Chun , Qu Bao-Lin , Xie Chuan-Bin , Ma Lin
Published: December 2015

The goal of this study was to evaluate real-time volumetric and dosimetric changes of the parotid gland so as to determine replanning criteria and timing for parotid protection-based adaptive radiation therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Fifty NPC patients were treated with helical tomotherapy; volumetric and dosimetric (Dmean,V1, andD50) changes of the parotid gland at the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th, 31st, and 33rd fractions were evaluated. The clinical parameters affecting these changes were studied by analyses of variance methods for repeated measures. Factors influencing the actual parotid dose were analyzed by a multivariate logistic regression model. The cut-off values predicting parotid overdose were developed from receiver operating characteristic curves and judged by combining them with a diagnostic test consistency check. The median absolute value and percentage of parotid volume reduction were 19.51 cm3and 35%, respectively. The interweekly parotid volume varied significantly (p<0.05). The parotidDmean,V1, andD50increased by 22.13%, 39.42%, and 48.45%, respectively. The actual parotid dose increased by an average of 11.38% at the end of radiation therapy. Initial parotid volume, initial parotidDmean, and weight loss rate are valuable indicators for parotid protection-based replanning.
Comment on “Transmission Model of Hepatitis B Virus with Migration Effect”
Authors: Zeb Anwar , Zaman Gul
Published: December 2015

We show the erroneous assumptions and reasoning by introducing the migration effect of individuals in the transmission model of Hepatitis B virus. First, some false results related to the eigenvalues and reproductive number in the recent literature in mathematical biology will be presented. Then, it will be proved that the product of the matrices in the next generation method to obtain the reproductive numberR0is not correct and the local and global stability results based on the reproductive numberR0are considered false.
Dopaminergic Modulation of Medial Prefrontal Cortex Deactivation in Parkinson Depression
Authors: Andersen Anders H. , Smith Charles D. , Slevin John T. , Kryscio Richard J. , Martin Catherine A. , Schmitt Frederick A. , Blonder Lee X.
Published: December 2015

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with emotional abnormalities. Dopaminergic medications ameliorate Parkinsonian motor symptoms, but less is known regarding the impact of dopaminergic agents on affective processing, particularly in depressed PD (dPD) patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dopaminergic pharmacotherapy on brain activation to emotional stimuli in depressed versus nondepressed Parkinson disease (ndPD) patients. Participants included 18 ndPD patients (11 men, 7 women) and 10 dPD patients (7 men, 3 women). Patients viewed photographs of emotional faces during functional MRI. Scans were performed while the patient was taking anti-Parkinson medication and the day after medication had been temporarily discontinued. Results indicate that dopaminergic medications have opposite effects in the prefrontal cortex depending upon depression status. DPD patients show greater deactivation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) on dopaminergic medications than off, while ndPD patients show greater deactivation in this region off drugs. The VMPFC is in the default-mode network (DMN). DMN activity is negatively correlated with activity in brain systems used for external visual attention. Thus dopaminergic medications may promote increased attention to external visual stimuli among dPD patients but impede normal suppression of DMN activity during external stimulation among ndPD patients.
Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health Implications
Authors: Mattah Memuna M. , Mattah Precious A. D. , Futagbi Godfred
Published: December 2015

Pesticide use in modern day agriculture has increased tremendously. Pesticides are used to control pests and weeds, as well as protect crops from postharvest losses; however, their effects on humans and the environment cannot be overstated. This study examined pesticide acquisition, handling, and use among 120 farmers within the catchment of a small urban irrigation scheme. Also, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among selected farmers through which further data was collected to augment that of the survey. Twelve types of pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, were found in use in the study areas. Three main sources of information about pesticides were identified, 43.3% from extension officers, 39.2% from agrochemical dealers, and 10% from colleague farmers. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the respondents purchased the pesticides from agrochemical shops. Out of 74 farmers who were observed spraying pesticides on their farms, only 25.7% wore dresses that covered their whole body but without goggles. About sixty-seven percent (66.7%) of the farmers whose chemical got finished left the containers on their farms or threw them into the bushes around. The frequency of application was influenced by affordability and size of farm, among others. The study recommended that training of farmers on pesticide handling and use should be intensified.
DARC: A Distributed and Adaptive Routing Protocol in Cluster-Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xu Zhezhuang , Chen Liquan , Cao Lianyang , Liu Ting , Yang Dong , Chen Cailian
Published: December 2015

Due to the limited energy of wireless sensor nodes, the energy efficiency of data collection is a key issue in wireless sensor network (WSN). Dynamic clustering is a scalable and energy efficient solution for data collection in WSN. However, it suffers from the imbalanced energy consumption in the intercluster communication. To solve this problem, in this paper, we propose a distributed and adaptive routing protocol for cluster-based wireless sensor networks (DARC). In DARC, an adaptive energy threshold is proposed for the cluster head to control its intercluster routing mode, and a tunable cost function is designed for relay selection. Simulation results prove that DARC effectively balances the energy consumption in the intercluster communication and hence improves the energy efficiency and prolongs the network lifetime.
An Adverse Drug Reaction to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Revealing Primary HIV: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Meyer Charles , Behm Nicole , Brown Emily , Copeland Nathanial K. , Sklar Marvin J.
Published: December 2015

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antibiotics complicate the management of any infection, particularly opportunistic infections in advanced HIV as some ADRs are potentiated by HIV. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) causes ADRs in 40–80% of HIV infected individuals, compared to 3–5% in the general population. The incidence and severity of ADRs among HIV infected individuals appear to increase as they progress from latent infection to AIDS. We present a single case report of a 55-year-old African American male found to have an otherwise asymptomatic acute HIV infection who developed an ADR to TMP-SMX, despite having previously tolerating the medication. The proposed mechanisms for the increased incidence of sulfa hypersensitivity reactions among HIV infected individuals focus on either (1) HIV-induced changes in the immune function driven by falling levels of CD4 cells or (2) other HIV-specific factors correlated with rising viral load. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of new sulfa hypersensitivity in primary HIV and may provide clinical evidence to support the correlation between viral load and ADRs to TMP-SMX without a severely diminished CD4 count, though further research is necessary. This case also demonstrates a rare and easily overlooked presentation of HIV that may aid in early diagnosis.
Spectroscopic Analysis of Heterogeneous Biocatalysts for Biodiesel Production from Expired Sunflower Cooking Oil
Authors: Wembabazi Enoch , Mugisha Patrick Joram , Ratibu Asumani , Wendiro Deborah , Kyambadde Joseph , Vuzi Peter California
Published: December 2015

The study characterized heterogeneous biocatalyst synthesized from sucrose, saw dust, and chicken egg shells using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) technique. Acidic sulphonate (–SO3H) groups were more visible in the spectrum generated for carbonized and sulphonated sucrose than in carbonized and sulphonated saw dust. This was highlighted further by the significantly higher conversion percentage achieved for sulphonated sucrose (62.5%) than sulphonated saw dust (46.6%) during esterification of expired sunflower oil (p=0.05). The spectra for calcinated egg shells also showed that the most active form of calcium oxide was produced at calcination temperature of 1000°C. This was confirmed in the single-step transesterification reaction in which calcium oxide generated at 1000°C yielded the highest biodiesel (87.8%) from expired sunflower oil. The study further demonstrated the versatility of the FTIR technique in qualitative analysis of biodiesel and regular diesel by confirming the presence of specific characteristic peaks of diagnostic importance. These findings therefore highlight the potential of FTIR-ATR as an inexpensive, fast, and accurate diagnostic means for easy identification and characterization of different materials and products.
Mechanical Performance versus Corrosion Damage Indicators for Corroded Steel Reinforcing Bars
Authors: Caprili Silvia , Moersch Jörg , Salvatore Walter
Published: December 2015

The experimental results of a testing campaign including tensile and low-cycle fatigue tests on different reinforcing steel bar types in the as-delivered and corroded condition are presented. Experimental data were statistically analyzed adopting ANOVA technique; Performance Indicators (PIs), describing the mechanical performance characteristics of reinforcements, and Corrosion Damage Indicators (CDIs), describing the detrimental effects of corrosion phenomena, were determined and correlated in order to evaluate the influence of corrosion on the behaviour of reinforcing steels, providing useful information for designers in addition to what is presented in current standards.
Pimachrysa(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae: Nothochrysinae): Larval Description and Support for Generic Relationships
Authors: Tauber Catherine A. , Faulkner David K.
Published: December 2015

We describe the previously unknown larval characteristics ofPimachrysa(second and third instars), and we provide new comparative data on theNothochrysa californicaBanks larvae that were described earlier. ThePimachrysalarvae (identified asPimachrysa fuscaAdams) express the numerous features that characterize the chrysopid subfamily Nothochrysinae. They resembleHypochrysalarvae in many respects, but several differences support retaining the two genera as separate. It now appears that the reputedly more archaic, small bodied, nothochrysine genera (e.g.,Dictyochrysa,Hypochrysa, andPimachrysa) have naked larvae that differ distinctly from the larvae ofNothochrysaspecies, all of which are debris-carriers. In addition, the pattern of variability inNothochrysalarval features supports the proposal that this genus has a closer relationship with the other chrysopid subfamilies than do the small-bodied nothochrysine genera. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that larval nakedness (as opposed to debris-carrying) was the ancestral life style for the extant chrysopid clade.
Epiphyseal Sparing and Reconstruction by Frozen Bone Autograft after Malignant Bone Tumor Resection in Children
Authors: Hamed Kassem Abdelaal Ahmed , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Miwa Shinji , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: December 2015

Limb salvage surgery has become the standard treatment for malignant primary bone tumors in the extremities. Limb salvage represents a challenge in skeletally immature patients. Several treatment options are available for limb reconstruction after tumor resection in children. We report our results using the technique of epiphyseal sparing and reconstruction with frozen autograft bone in 18 children. The mean follow-up period for the all patients included in this study is 72 ± 26 m. Eight patients remained disease-free, seven patients lived with no evidence of disease, two were alive but with disease, and one patient died of the disease. Five- and ten-year rates of survival were 94.4%. Graft survival at 5 and 10 years was 94.4%. Functional outcome using the Enneking scale was excellent in 17 patients (94.4%) and poor in one patient (5.5%). Complications include 2 nonunions, 2 fractures, 2 deep infections, 1 soft tissue recurrence, and leg length discrepancy in 7 cases. This technique is a good reconstructive choice in a child with a nonosteolytic primary or secondary bone tumor, responsive to chemotherapy, without involvement of the articular cartilage. It is a straight forward, effective, and biological technique, which affords immediate mobilization of joints and possible cryoimmune effects, with excellent long term functional outcome and less complication.
Discriminant Feature Distribution Analysis-Based Hybrid Feature Selection for Online Bearing Fault Diagnosis in Induction Motors
Authors: Islam Rashedul , Khan Sheraz Ali , Kim Jong-myon
Published: December 2015

Optimal feature distribution and feature selection are of paramount importance for reliable fault diagnosis in induction motors. This paper proposes a hybrid feature selection model with a novel discriminant feature distribution analysis-based feature evaluation method. The hybrid feature selection employs a genetic algorithm- (GA-) based filter analysis to select optimal features and ak-NN average classification accuracy-based wrapper analysis approach that selects the most optimal features. The proposed feature selection model is applied through an offline process, where a high-dimensional hybrid feature vector is extracted from acquired acoustic emission (AE) signals, which represents a discriminative fault signature. The feature selection determines the optimal features for different types and sizes of single and combined bearing faults under different speed conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed feature selection scheme is verified through an online process that diagnoses faults in an unknown AE fault signal by extracting only the selected features and using thek-NN classification algorithm to classify the fault condition manifested in the unknown signal. The classification performance of the proposed approach is compared with those of existing state-of-the-art average distance-based approaches. Our experimental results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms the existing methods with regard to classification accuracy.
Activation of Antioxidative Functions by Radon Inhalation Enhances the Mitigation Effects of Pregabalin on Chronic Constriction Injury‐Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Authors: Kataoka Takahiro , Horie Shunsuke , Etani Reo , Kanzaki Norie , Sasaoka Kaori , Kobashi Yusuke , Hanamoto Katsumi , Yamaoka Kiyonori
Published: December 2015

Radon inhalation brings pain relief for chronic constriction injury‐ (CCI‐) induced neuropathic pain in mice due to the activation of antioxidative functions, which is different from the mechanism of the pregabalin effect. In this study, we assessed whether a combination of radon inhalation and pregabalin administration is more effective against neuropathic pain than radon or pregabalin only. Mice were treated with inhaled radon at a concentration of 1,000 Bq/m3 for 24 hours and pregabalin administration after CCI surgery. In mice treated with pregabalin at a dose of 3 mg/kg weight, the 50% paw withdrawal threshold of mice treated with pregabalin or radon and pregabalin was significantly increased, suggesting pain relief. The therapeutic effects of radon inhalation or the combined effects of radon and pregabalin (3 mg/kg weight) were almost equivalent to treatment with pregabalin at a dose of 1.4 mg/kg weight or 4.1 mg/kg weight, respectively. Radon inhalation and the combination of radon and pregabalin increased antioxidant associated substances in the paw. The antioxidant substances increased much more in radon inhalation than in pregabalin administration. These findings suggested that the activation of antioxidative functions by radon inhalation enhances the pain relief of pregabalin and that this combined effect is probably an additive effect.
Endometrial Cancer Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) Expression Increases with Body Mass Index and Is Associated with Pathologic Extent and Prognosis
Authors: Joehlin-Price Amy S. , Stephens Julie A. , Zhang Jianying , Backes Floor J. , Cohn David E. , Suarez Adrian A.
Published: December 2015

Background: Obesity is a main risk factor for endometrial carcinoma (EC). Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) expression may influence this association.

Methods: IGF1R IHC was performed on a tissue microarray with 894 EC and scored according to the percentage and intensity of staining to create immunoreactivity scores, which were dichotomized into low and high IGF1R expression groups. Logistic regression modeling assessed associations with body mass index (BMI), age, histology, pathologic extent of disease (pT), and lymph node metastasis (pN). Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between IGF1R expression groups using Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests.

Results: The proportion of patients with high IGF1R expression increased as BMI (<30, 30–39, and 40+ kg/m2) increased (P = 0.002). The adjusted odds of having high IGF1R expression was 1.49 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–2.10, P = 0.024] for patients with BMI 30 to 39 kg/m2 compared with <30 kg/m2 and 1.62 (95% CI, 1.13–2.33, P = 0.009) for patients with BMI 40+ kg/m2 compared with <30 kg/m2. High IGF1R expression was associated with pT and pN univariately and with pT after adjusting for BMI, pN, age, and histologic subtype. DFS and OS were better with high IGF1R expression, P = 0.020 and P = 0.002, respectively, but DFS was not significant after adjusting for pT, pN, and histologic subtype of the tumor.

Conclusions: There is an association between BMI and EC IGF1R expression. Higher IGF1R expression is associated with lower pT and better DFS and OS.

Impact: These findings suggest a link between IGF1R EC expression and obesity, as well as IGF1R expression and survival. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(3); 438–45. ©2015 AACR.
Long-Term Nationwide Follow-Up Study of Simple Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed in Otherwise Healthy Children
Authors: Videbæk Jørgen , Laursen Henning Bækgaard , Olsen Morten , Høfsten Dan Eik , Johnsen Søren Paaske
Published: December 2015

Background—

Systematic follow-up is currently not recommended for patients with simple congenital heart disease; however, only a few data exist on the long-term prognosis of simple congenital heart disease.

Methods and Results—

We undertook a nationwide follow-up study of a cohort of 1241 simple congenital heart disease patients, diagnosed from 1963 through 1973, in otherwise healthy children and alive at 15 years of age. We identified 10 age- and sex-matched general population controls per patient. We followed the study population through Danish public registries from the age of 15 years up to January 1, 2013 with respect to mortality, cause of death, morbidity, and medical follow-up. The patients were followed for a total of 58 422 patient-years and had a median age at the end of follow-up of 47.4 years (interquartile range, 43.5–50.9). Mortality was increased compared with the general population, both overall (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR],1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–2.4)] and for patients (79%) without medical follow-up (aHR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.2). The most common cause of death (40%) was sudden unexpected death (aHR, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.9–6.5). The incidence of critical cardiac morbidity was 3.9 per 1000 patient-years with the most frequent events being an adult (re)operation and hospitalization for heart failure or ventricular tachyarrhythmia. This corresponded to an aHR of 5.7 (95% CI, 4.6–6.9) when compared with the general population.

Conclusions—

Patients diagnosed with simple congenital heart disease in the 1960s have substantially increased long-term mortality and cardiac morbidity compared with the general population. Further studies on the effectiveness of systematic medical follow-up programs appear warranted.
Characterizing Urban Youth Speech Styles in Utrecht and on the Internet
Authors: Nortier Jacomine
Published: December 2015

In the past decade there is a growing interest in Urban Youth Speech Styles (uyss). In this article Dutch uyss is the focus of attention. The basic question to be addressed is whether the identifying characteristics and functions of spoken uyss can be used and recognized in written form on the Internet as well.

There is no standardized form of uyss and the use of it is restricted to members of specific subcultures, not necessarily linked to specific ethnic groups. First, linguistic and functional characteristics of uyss as they are used in the Netherlands will be described. Linguistically, a distinction is made between lexical, grammatical and phonetic/prosodic aspects. Furthermore, a closer look will be taken at the use of uyss on the Internet (mostly through rap) and examples of the use of uyss in written comments on the rap videos will be presented and compared to the spoken varieties. It will be shown how written clues are used for identification purposes that are usually non-linguistic in oral encounters (i.e. classification of speech partners on the basis of what they look like, how they sound, etc.). Most of the analysis is based on a rap video by Relschoppers, a group of young Utrecht based Moroccan- and Turkish-Dutch rappers, and the comments on their video. In a separate section some attention is paid to Flemish participants in the Internet-discussions. They seem to use uyss in a way that differs from their Dutch peers.

Finally a short conclusion and outlook is given, showing that the question asked in the beginning can be answered affirmative: identifying characteristics and functions of uyss can be used and recognized in written form on the Internet as well.
Ten new species of Rhagovelia in the angustipes complex (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from Colombia, with a key to the Colombian species
Authors: PADILLA-GIL DORA NANCY
Published: December 2015

Ten new species of Rhagovelia are described from Colombia as follows: Rhagovelia penta sp. n., and Rhagovelia santanderi sp. n., from the Upper and Middle Magdalena River Valley respectively; Rhagovelia carina sp. n., Rhagovelia tricoma sp. n., and Rhagovelia barbacoensis sp. n., from Altaquer, Río Ñambi; Rhagovelia caunapi sp. n. from Río Caunapi; Rhagovelia tumaquensis sp. n., from Tumaco, Río Mejicano; Rhagovelia jagua sp. n., from Eastern Andes; Rhagovelia mocoa sp. n. and Rhagovelia umbria sp. n., from Amazonas region. Rhagovelia tantilla Drake & Harris is recorded from Colombia, for the first time; the description of macropterous morph of Rhagovelia espriella Padilla-Gil, 2011 and a key to the Rhagovelia, angustipes complex of Colombian species are provided.
New and poorly known species of Bairdoppilata and Paranesidea (Bairdiidae, Ostracoda) from French Frigate Shoals and O’ahu, the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: MADDOCKS ROSALIE F.
Published: December 2015

Bairdoppilata scaura, n. sp. and five species of Bairdoppilata and Paranesidea in open nomenclature are described from encrusting communities on French Frigate Shoals and Kane’ohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. Some poorly documented anatomical traits (carapace setae, hingement, antennal claws, genitalia) are examined for their potential taxonomic significance, in order to confirm the coherence of the Genus Bairdoppilata and to explore its diversity.
A new genus and species of the subtribe Thyreophorina (Diptera, Piophilidae) from Japan
Authors: SAIGUSA TOYOHEI
Published: December 2015

A new genus, Diacanthomyia gen. nov. assigned to the subtribe Thyreophorina of the family Piophilidae is described based on a new species, Diacanthomyia okidoi sp. nov. recently found in Honshu and Kyushu, Japan. The new genus is somewhat similar to the European Centrophlebomyia of the subtribe. However, the new genus is distinguished from the known genera of the subtribe by the following combination of characters: body extensively pollinose or pruinose, 2 pairs of strong reclinate fronto-orbital bristles, 1–2 strong subvibrissal bristles in addition to 2 strong vibrissae, prosternum setose, 1 presutural dorsocentral, 1 strong anterior postsutural intra-alar, scutellum with 2 pairs of scutellar bristles without additional setulae, extensively microtrichose wing membrane, a dark round spot at r-m crossvein and a dark stripe covering m-m crossvein, and vein CuA+CuP abruptly terminated distant from wing margin. The type species inhabits evergreen broadleaved and deciduous broadleaved forests and adults appear during the cold season from December to March. Adults are attracted to decaying carcasses of Japanese deer and wild boar and traps baited with decaying pork spareribs and chicken meat with bones. The larvae of this species feed on decaying meat and marrow of deer, take less than 2 months to grow to mature larvae, and enter into diapause in the soil until autumn.
Climate Change over the Extratropical Southern Hemisphere: The Tale from an Ensemble of Reanalysis Datasets
Authors: Solman Silvina A. , Orlanski Isidoro
Published: December 2015

In this study, a set of five reanalysis datasets [ERA-Interim, NCEP–DOE AMIP-II reanalysis (R2), MERRA, the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR), and the CFS Reanalysis (CFSR)] is used to provide a robust estimation of precipitation change in the middle-to-high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere during the last three decades. Based on several metrics accounting for the eddy activity and moisture availability, an attempt is also made to identify the dynamical mechanisms triggering these changes during extended summer and winter seasons. To that aim, a weighted reanalysis ensemble is built using the inverse of the variance as weighting factors for each variable. Results showed that the weighted reanalysis ensemble reproduced the observed precipitation changes at high and middle latitudes during the two seasons, as depicted by the GPCP dataset. For the extended summer season, precipitation changes were dynamically consistent with changes in the eddy activity, attributed mostly to ozone depletion. For the extended winter season, the eddy activity and moisture availability both contributed to the precipitation changes, with the increased concentration of greenhouse gases being the main driver of the climate change signal.

In addition, output from a five-member ensemble of the high-resolution GFDL CM2.5 for the period 1979–2010 was used in order to explore the capability of the model in reproducing both the observed precipitation change and the underlying dynamical mechanisms. The model was able to capture the rainfall change signal. However, the increased availability of moisture from the lower levels controls the precipitation change during both summer and winter.
Grievances and the Genesis of Rebellion
Authors: Hechter Michael , Pfaff Steven , Underwood Patrick
Published: December 2015

Rebellious collective action is rare, but it can occur when subordinates are severely discontented and other circumstances are favorable. The possibility of rebellion is a check—sometimes the only check—on authoritarian rule. Although mutinies in which crews seized control of their vessels were rare events, they occurred throughout the Age of Sail. To explain the occurrence of this form of high-risk collective action, this article holds that shipboard grievances were the principal cause of mutiny. However, not all grievances are equal in this respect. We distinguish between structural grievances that flow from incumbency in a subordinate social position and incidental grievances that incumbents have no expectation of suffering. Based on a case-control analysis of incidents of mutiny compared with controls drawn from a unique database of Royal Navy voyages from 1740 to 1820, in addition to a wealth of qualitative evidence, we find that mutiny was most likely to occur when structural grievances were combined with incidental ones. This finding has implications for understanding the causes of rebellion and the attainment of legitimate social order more generally.
Sometimes the Social Becomes Personal
Authors: England Paula
Published: December 2015

All sociologists recognize that social constraints affect individuals’ outcomes. These effects are sometimes relatively direct. Other times constraints affect outcomes indirectly, first influencing individuals’ personal characteristics, which then affect their outcomes. In the latter case, the social becomes personal, and personal characteristics that are carried across situations (e.g., skills, habits, identities, worldviews, preferences, or values) affect individuals’ outcomes. I argue here for the importance of both direct and indirect effects of constraints on outcomes. I disagree with the tendency among sociologists to avoid views highlighting the role of personal characteristics because of the perception—incorrect in my view—that these explanations “blame the victim” and ignore constraints. To illustrate the importance of both types of mechanisms, I explore two empirical cases involving how gender and class structure sexualities. First, I show that young men engage in same-sex relations less than women and have more heterosexist attitudes, and I ask why. Second, I provide evidence that people from disadvantaged class backgrounds are especially likely to have unintended pregnancies and nonmarital births, and I explore why. In each case, I provide evidence that both kinds of mechanisms are operating—mechanisms entailing direct effects of constraints on outcomes, and mechanisms in which constraints shape personal characteristics, which, in turn, affect outcomes.
The Impact of Hypoglycemia on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Yang Shi-Wei , Park Kyoung-Ha , Zhou Yu-Jie
Published: December 2015

Intensive glycemic control may increase cardiovascular (CV) risk and mortality due to hypoglycemia. The pathophysiology of glucose counter-regulation in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for over 15 years is characterized by impairment of the defense mechanisms against hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia causes pronounced physiological and pathophysiological effects on the CV system as consequences of autonomic system activation and counter regulatory hormones release. These effects provoke a series of hemodynamic changes that include an increase in heart rate and peripheral systolic blood pressure, a decrease in central blood pressure, reduced peripheral arterial resistance, and increased myocardial contractility and cardiac output. Cardiac electrophysiological changes including flattening or inversion of T waves, QT prolongation, and ST segment depression were observed in both insulin-induced and spontaneous hypoglycemia. Sympathoadrenal activation is the main cause of these changes through mechanisms that involve, but are not limited to, catecholamine-mediated hypokalemia. Hypoglycemia is also involved in platelet activation. There is growing concern about the long-term effects of hypoglycemia, especially as related to inflammation and atherogenesis.
The Weighting of CSR Dimensions: One Size Does Not Fit All
Authors: Capelle-Blancard Gunther , Petit Aurélien
Published: December 2015

Although the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is fundamentally multidimensional, most studies use composite scores to assess corporate social performance (CSP). How relevant are such composite scores? How the CSR dimensions are weighted? Should the weighting scheme be the same across sectors? This article proposes an original weighting scheme of CSR strengths and concerns, at the sector level, which is proportional to media and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) scrutiny. The authors show that previous CSP assessments underweight environmental and corporate governance concerns. Moreover, findings suggest that firms that are exposed to the closest scrutiny are usually criticized on one single dimension: for instance, banks for bad corporate governance, and basic-resource firms for environmental damage. Composite scores based on equal weights hence misrepresent CSP and the difference in CSR between sectors.
Relationship Harmony, Dialectical Coping, and Nonattachment
Authors: Wang Shu-Yi , Wong Y. Joel , Yeh Kuang-Hui
Published: December 2015

Our study aims to examine the salutary effects and interactions of three Chinese indigenous well-being (CIWB) constructs, namely relationship harmony (advocated by Confucianism), dialectical coping (derived from Taoism), and nonattachment (based on Buddhism) on mental health. Participants were 262 Taiwanese college students. Results revealed that the three CIWB constructs showed distinct associations with mental health. Relationship harmony was related negatively to psychological distress and positively to meaning in life and happiness. Dialectical coping predicted higher levels of positive affect and meaning in life, whereas nonattachment was the only and strongest protective factor against negative affect and psychological distress. Overall, nonattachment demonstrated the most adaptive effects on mental health. Additionally, moderation effects between dialectical coping and nonattachment on self-esteem, psychological distress, and happiness were observed. These findings underscore the importance of simultaneously investigating CIWB constructs to capture their unique and interactive contribution to psychological adjustment. Practical and research implications are discussed.
Loving Nature: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Rolston Holmes
Published: December 2015

At this hinge point in planetary history, the future of Earth is in our hands. How ought Christians to love nature? In the biblical past, Earth was a miracle, a divine gift. Today, the land of promise is a vision of a planet with promise. Ancient certainty needs to become an urgent future hope.
The Political Economy of Chinese and Indian Trade, Aid and Investments in Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Akinola Olabanji
Published: December 2015

This article provides a comparative analysis of the political economy of Chinese and Indian economic engagement strategies in Nigeria. It argues that although China is becoming increasingly prominent in Nigeria partly because of its state-led economic engagement strategy, India’s private sector-led engagement strategy chimes with Nigeria’s neoliberal economic reforms. However, the article maintains even though both Chinese and Indian strategies are not mutually exclusive to either of the two giants in the pursuit of their interests on the continent, African leaders and policymakers need to develop more strategic engagement plans in their dealings with China and India.
Renal Cell Carcinomas in Vinylidene Chloride–exposed Male B6C3F1 Mice Are Characterized by Oxidative Stress and TP53 Pathway Dysregulation
Authors: Hayes Schantel A. , Pandiri Arun R. , Ton Thai-vu T. , Hong Hue-Hua L. , Clayton Natasha P. , Shockley Keith R. , Peddada Shyamal D. , Gerrish Kevin , Wyde Michael , Sills Robert C. , Hoenerhoff Mark J.
Published: December 2015

Vinylidene chloride (VDC) has been widely used in the production of plastics and flame retardants. Exposure of B6C3F1 mice to VDC in the 2-year National Toxicology Program carcinogenicity bioassay resulted in a dose-dependent increases in renal cell hyperplasia, renal cell adenoma, and renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Among those differentially expressed genes from controls and RCC of VDC-exposed mice, there was an overrepresentation of genes from pathways associated with chronic xenobiotic and oxidative stress as well as c-Myc overexpression and dysregulation of TP53 cell cycle checkpoint and DNA damage repair pathways in RCC. Trend analysis comparing RCC, VDC-exposed kidney, and chamber control kidney showed a conservation of pathway dysregulation in terms of overrepresentation of xenobiotic and oxidative stress, and DNA damage and cell cycle checkpoint pathways in both VDC-exposed kidney and RCC, suggesting that these mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of RCC in VDC-exposed mice.
Prediction of the post-dilution hematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass. Are new formulas needed?
Authors: Erpicum Marie , Dardenne Nadia , Hans Grégory , Larbuisson Robert , Defraigne Jean-Olivier
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

Predicting the post-dilution hematocrit is an important tool to avoid preventable anemia or unnecessary transfusion. Simplified empirical formulas currently used for such a prediction may lead to large errors. We aimed to improve the accuracy of these formulas by a better estimation of the dilution volume and the patient circulatory blood volume.

Methods:

We compared the estimation accuracy of two formulas, using fixed (formula A) versus estimated (formula D) dilution volume and patient circulatory blood volume for 100 cardiac interventions. The difference between predicted and measured HctT1 was considered as “good” if less than 0.5%, “moderate” between 0.5 and 2% and “poor” if higher than 2%. The influence of the body mass index (BMI) on patient blood volume estimation was explored by categorized groups’ comparison.

Results:

The mean difference between predicted and measured HctT1 differed significantly between formulas A and D. Formula A didn’t differ from HctT1 (p=0.19, IC95% [-0.89-0.18]), but a significant and higher underestimation was observed in the BMI⩽25 group compared to the other BMI groups (p<0.001). Formula D overestimated HctT1 (p<0.001, IC95% [1.01-1.93]) without a difference between the BMI groups. No difference was observed in their overall proportions of good (11 vs 10%), moderate (44 vs 46%) and poor predictions (47 vs 44%) (p=0.117).

Conclusions:

Formulas used for post-dilution hematocrit prediction lead to major estimation errors and a risk of inadequate transfusion practices. Estimations performed by experienced clinicians could not minimize these biases in all clinical cases as significant errors remain, with potential clinical impact. No estimation formula should be used as a hard tool for transfusing patients, but rather as a guide to predicting the probability of transfusion requirement.
The Influence of Safety, Efficacy, and Medical Condition Severity on Natural versus Synthetic Drug Preference
Authors: Meier Brian P. , Lappas Courtney M.
Published: December 2015

Research indicates that there is a preference for natural v. synthetic products, but the influence of this preference on drug choice in the medical domain is largely unknown. We present 5 studies in which participants were asked to consider a hypothetical situation in which they had a medical issue requiring pharmacological therapy. Participants ( N = 1223) were asked to select a natural, plant-derived, or synthetic drug. In studies 1a and 1b, approximately 79% of participants selected the natural v. synthetic drug, even though the safety and efficacy of the drugs were identical. Furthermore, participants rated the natural drug as safer than the synthetic drug, and as that difference increased, the odds of choosing the natural over synthetic drug increased. In studies 2 and 3, approximately 20% of participants selected the natural drug even when they were informed that it was less safe (study 2) or less effective (study 3) than the synthetic drug. Finally, in study 4, approximately 65% of participants chose a natural over synthetic drug regardless of the severity of a specific medical condition (mild v. severe hypertension), and this choice was predicted by perceived safety and efficacy differences. Overall, these data indicate that there is a bias for natural over synthetic drugs. This bias could have implications for drug choice and usage.
Greater Mechanical Loading During Walking Is Associated With Less Collagen Turnover in Individuals With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Pietrosimone Brian , Blackburn J. Troy , Harkey Matthew S. , Luc Brittney A. , Hackney Anthony C. , Padua Darin A. , Driban Jeffrey B. , Spang Jeffrey T. , Jordan Joanne M.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Individuals who have sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and undergo ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are at higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. It is hypothesized that altered knee loading may influence the underlying joint metabolism and hasten development of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis.

Purpose:

To explore the associations between serum biomarkers of cartilage metabolism and peak vertical ground-reaction force (vGRF) and vGRF loading rate in the injured and uninjured limbs of individuals with ACLR.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Patients with a history of a primary unilateral ACLR who had returned to unrestricted physical activity (N = 19) participated in the study. Resting blood was collected from each participant before completing 5 walking gait trials at a self-selected comfortable speed. Peak vGRF was extracted for both limbs during the first 50% of the stance phase of gait, and the linear vGRF loading rate was determined between heel strike and peak vGRF. Sera were assessed for collagen breakdown (collagen type II cleavage product [C2C]) and synthesis (collagen type II C-propeptide [CPII]), as well as aggrecan concentrations, via commercially available specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Pearson product-moment correlations ( r) and Spearman rank-order correlations (ρ) were used to evaluate associations between loading characteristics and biomarkers of cartilage metabolism.

Results:

Lower C2C:CPII ratios were associated with higher peak vGRF in the injured limb (ρ = −0.59, uncorrected P = .007). There were no significant associations between peak vGRF or linear vGRF loading rate and CPII, C2C, or aggrecan serum concentrations.

Conclusion:

Lower C2C:CPII ratios were associated with higher peak vGRF in the ACLR limb during gait, suggesting that higher peak loading in the ACLR limb is related to lower type II collagen breakdown relative to type II collagen synthesis.

Clinical Relevance:

These data suggest that type II collagen synthesis may be higher relative to the amount of type II collagen breakdown in the ACLR limb with higher lower extremity loading. Future study should determine if metabolic compensations to increase collagen synthesis may affect the risk of developing osteoarthritis after ACLR.