bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medication Lists and Brown Bag Reviews: Potential Positive and Negative Impacts on Patients Beliefs about Their Medicine
Authors: Jäger Cornelia , Steinhaeuser Jost , Freund Tobias , Szecsenyi Joachim , Goetz Katja
Published: October 2015

Introduction. Medication lists and structured medication counselling (SMC) including “brown bag reviews” (BBR) are important instruments for medication safety. The aim of this study was to explore whether patients’ use of a medication list is associated with their beliefs about their medicine and their memory of SMC. Methods. Baseline data of 344 patients enrolled into the “Polypharmacy in Multimorbid Patients study” were analysed. Linear regression models were calculated for the “specific necessity subscale” (SNS) and the “specific concerns subscale” (SCS) of the German “Beliefs About Medicine Questionnaire,” including self-developed variables assessing patients’ use of a medication list, their memory of SMC, and sociodemographic data. Results. 62.8% (n=216) remembered an appointment for SMC and 32.0% (n=110) BBR. The SNS correlated positively with regular receipt of a medication list (β=0.286, p<0.01) and negatively with memory of a BBR (β=-0.268; p<0.01). The SCS correlated positively with memory of a BBR (β=0.160, p=0.02) and negatively with the comprehensiveness of the mediation list (β=-0.224; p<0.01). Conclusions. A comprehensive medication list may reduce patients’ concerns and increase the perceived necessity of their medication. A potential negative impact of BBR on patients’ beliefs about their medicine should be considered and quality standards for SMC developed.
PPARαAgonist WY-14643 Induces SIRT1 Activity in Rat Fatty Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Pantazi Eirini , Folch-Puy Emma , Bejaoui Mohamed , Panisello Arnau , Varela Ana Teresa , Rolo Anabela Pinto , Palmeira Carlos Marques , Roselló-Catafau Joan
Published: October 2015

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a frequent complication in surgery, especially in case of steatotic livers that present decreased tolerance towards IRI. Apart from its major role in metabolism, activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα(PPARα) has been related with positive effects on IRI. In addition, the deacetylase enzyme sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has recently emerged as a promising target for preventing IRI, through its interaction with stress-related mechanisms, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Taking this into account, this study aims to explore whether PPARαagonist WY-14643 could protect steatotic livers against IRI through sirtuins and ERS signaling pathway. Obese Zucker rats were pretreated or not pretreated with WY-14643 (10 mg/kg intravenously) and then submitted to partial (70%) hepatic ischemia (1 hour) followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Liver injury (ALT levels), lipid peroxidation (MDA), SIRT1 activity, and the protein expression of SIRT1 and SIRT3 and ERS parameters (IRE1α, peIF2, caspase 12, and CHOP) were evaluated. Treatment with WY-14643 reduced liver injury in fatty livers, enhanced SIRT1 activity, and prevented ERS. Together, our results indicated that PPARαagonist WY-14643 may exert its protective effect in fatty livers, at least in part, via SIRT1 induction and ERS prevention.
Hemispheric Asymmetry of Human Brain Anatomical Network Revealed by Diffusion Tensor Tractography
Authors: Shu Ni , Liu Yaou , Duan Yunyun , Li Kuncheng
Published: October 2015

The topological architecture of the cerebral anatomical network reflects the structural organization of the human brain. Recently, topological measures based on graph theory have provided new approaches for quantifying large-scale anatomical networks. However, few studies have investigated the hemispheric asymmetries of the human brain from the perspective of the network model, and little is known about the asymmetries of the connection patterns of brain regions, which may reflect the functional integration and interaction between different regions. Here, we utilized diffusion tensor imaging to construct binary anatomical networks for 72 right-handed healthy adult subjects. We established the existence of structural connections between any pair of the 90 cortical and subcortical regions using deterministic tractography. To investigate the hemispheric asymmetries of the brain, statistical analyses were performed to reveal the brain regions with significant differences between bilateral topological properties, such as degree of connectivity, characteristic path length, and betweenness centrality. Furthermore, local structural connections were also investigated to examine the local asymmetries of some specific white matter tracts. From the perspective of both the global and local connection patterns, we identified the brain regions with hemispheric asymmetries. Combined with the previous studies, we suggested that the topological asymmetries in the anatomical network may reflect the functional lateralization of the human brain.
SalmonellaTyphimurium andSalmonellaSofia: Growth in and Persistence on Eggs under Production and Retail Conditions
Authors: McAuley Catherine M. , Duffy Lesley L. , Subasinghe Nela , Hogg Geoff , Coventry John , Fegan Narelle
Published: October 2015

Salmonellosis in Australia has been linked to eggs and egg products with specific serotypes associated with outbreaks. We compared attachment to and survival on egg shells and growth in eggs of twoSalmonellaserotypes, an egg outbreak associatedSalmonellaTyphimurium and a non-egg-associatedSalmonella entericassp. II 1,4,12,27:b:[e,n,x] (S. Sofia). Experiments were conducted at combinations of 4, 15, 22, 37 and 42°C. No significant differences occurred between the serotypes in maximum growth rates, which were significantly greater (P<0.001) in egg yolk (0.427 log10 CFU/mL/h) compared to whole egg (0.312 log10 CFU/mL/h) and egg white (0.029 log10 CFU/mL/h). Attachment to egg shells varied by time (1 or 20 min) and temperature (4, 22 and 42°C), withS. Typhimurium isolates attaching at higher levels (P<0.05) thanS. Sofia after 1 min at 4°C andS.Typhimurium ATCC 14028 attaching at higher (P<0.05) levels at 22°C. Survival on egg shells was not significantly different across isolates.Salmonellaserotypes behaved similarly regarding growth in egg contents, attachment to egg shells and survival on eggs, indicating that other factors more likely contributed to reasons forS.Typhimurium being implicated in multiple egg-associated outbreaks.
Modeling the Generation of Phase-Amplitude Coupling in Cortical Circuits: From Detailed Networks to Neural Mass Models
Authors: Sotero Roberto C.
Published: October 2015

Phase-amplitude coupling (PAC), the phenomenon where the amplitude of a high frequency oscillation is modulated by the phase of a lower frequency oscillation, is attracting an increasing interest in the neuroscience community due to its potential relevance for understanding healthy and pathological information processing in the brain. PAC is a diverse phenomenon, having been experimentally detected in at least ten combinations of rhythms: delta-theta, delta-alpha, delta-beta, delta-gamma, theta-alpha, theta-beta, theta-gamma, alpha-beta, alpha-gamma, and beta-gamma. However, a complete understanding of the biophysical mechanisms generating this diversity is lacking. Here we review computational models of PAC generation that range from detailed models of neuronal networks, where each cell is described by Hodgkin-Huxley-type equations, to neural mass models (NMMs) where only the average activities of neuronal populations are considered. We argue that NMMs are an appropriate mathematical framework (due to the small number of parameters and variables involved and the richness of the dynamics they can generate) to study the PAC phenomenon.
Behavior of Reinforced Retaining Walls with Different Reinforcement Spacing during Vehicle Collisions
Authors: Ahn Kwangkuk , Kang Hongsig
Published: October 2015

Accidents involving vehicles crashing into reinforced retaining walls are increasing because of the increased construction of reinforced retaining walls on roads. Unlike a normal retaining wall, a reinforced retaining wall is not one united body but is made up of blocks. Hence, a reinforced wall can break down when a vehicle crashes into it. The behavior of such a wall during vehicle collision depends upon the reinforcement material used for its construction, its design, and the method of the construction. In this study, the behavior of a reinforced retaining wall was analyzed while changing the reinforcement spacing using LS-DYNA, a general finite-element program. Eight tons of truck weight was used for the numerical analysis model. The behavior of a reinforced retaining wall under variable reinforcement spacing and positioning was analyzed. The results indicated that the reinforcement material was an important resistance factor against external collision load.
The Fracture Influence on the Energy Loss of Compressed Air Energy Storage in Hard Rock
Authors: Zhu Hehua , Chen Xingyu , Cai Yongchang , Chen Jianfeng , Wang Zhiliang
Published: October 2015

A coupled nonisothermal gas flow and geomechanical numerical modeling is conducted to study the influence of fractures (joints) on the complex thermohydromechanical (THM) performance of underground compressed air energy storage (CAES) in hard rock caverns. The air-filled chamber is modeled as porous media with high porosity, high permeability, and high thermal conductivity. The present analysis focuses on the CAES in hard rock caverns at relatively shallow depth, that is, ≤100 m, and the pressure in carven is significantly higher than ambient pore pressure. The influence of one discrete crack and multiple crackson energy loss analysis of cavern in hard rock media are carried out. Two conditions are considered during each storage and release cycle, namely, gas injection and production mass being equal and additional gas injection supplemented after each cycle. The influence of the crack location, the crack length, and the crack open width on the energy loss is studied.
Comparison of Two Approaches for Estimating Precipitation Elasticity of Streamflow in China’s Main River Basins
Authors: Zhou Xinyao , Zhang Yongqiang , Yang Yonghui
Published: October 2015

Two widely used approaches, nonparametric approach and Budyko framework approach, were used to calculate precipitation elasticity of streamflow (ε) in China’s main river basins. While the Budyko framework illustrates only the effect of climate onε, the nonparametric approach illustrates the effects of both climate and human activity onε. Both approaches showed similar spatial pattern ofε, with high values for northern arid catchments and low values for southern humid catchments, suggesting high sensitivity of streamflow to climate in the arid catchments in China’s north. Inland catchments had lowεvalues, probably because most of the annual streamflow was driven by glacial and snowmelt. While strong anthropologic activities reduce the sensitivity of streamflow to precipitation in some northern arid catchments, which was indicated by lowerεvalues produced by nonparametric approach, the combined use of the two approaches underscored the significance in identifying the effects of anthropologic factors on streamflow.
Dynamic Analysis of Two Policy Lags in a Kaldorian Model
Authors: Tsuzuki Eiji
Published: October 2015

We examine the effects of policy lags on local economic stability using a Kaldorian model. This study analyzes two cases: the case of a monetary policy with a time lag and the case of a policy with both fiscal and monetary lags. Similar to the case of fiscal policy lags examined in a previous study, monetary policy lags have destabilizing effects on economic stability. However, in the case of the existence of both fiscal and monetary policy lags, there is a possibility that a monetary policy lag can stabilize an economy.
Tongxinluo Prevents Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Homocysteine ThiolactoneIn Vivovia Suppression of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhang Yi , Pan Tiecheng , Zhong Xiaoxuan , Cheng Cai
Published: October 2015

Aim. To explore whether Chinese traditional medicine, tongxinluo (TXL), exerts beneficial effects on endothelial dysfunction induced by homocysteine thiolactone (HTL) and to investigate the potential mechanisms.Methods and Results. Incubation of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells with HTL (1 mM) for 24 hours significantly reduced cell viabilities assayed by MTT, and enhanced productions of reactive oxygen species. Pretreatment of cells with TXL (100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) for 1 hour reversed these effects induced by HTL. Further, coincubation with GW9662 (0.01, 0.1 mM) abolished the protective effects of TXL on HTL-treated cells. Inex vivoexperiments, exposure of isolated aortic rings from rats to HTL (1 mM) for 1 hour dramatically impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation, reduced SOD activity, and increased malondialdehyde content in aortic tissues. Preincubation of aortic rings with TXL (100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) normalized the disorders induced by HTL. Importantly, all effects induced by TXL were reversed by GW9662.In vivoanalysis indicated that the administration of TXL (1.0 g/kg/d) remarkably suppressed oxidative stress and prevented endothelial dysfunction in rats fed with HTL (50 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks.Conclusions. TXL improves endothelial functions in rats fed with HTL, which is related to PPARγ-dependent suppression of oxidative stress.
Analysis of Requirements for the Medication Profile to Be Used in Clinical Research: Protocol Feasibility Studies and Patient Recruitment
Authors: James Julie M. , Kalra Dipak , Portlock Jane
Published: October 2015

A “Medication Profile,” the information about the medicines a person is using and has used, is a core part of many electronic health record systems and summaries. However, there is little objective research into the data elements that the profile should contain to support the uses it must serve. With the increasing emphasis on secondary uses of electronic health information, as well as supporting the requirements to support direct to patient care, the Medication Profile should also support the requirements from clinical research. However, there is little, if any, description of these available. This paper describes an analysis of a set of study eligibility criteria that was undertaken to investigate which medication-related data elements would be required to support two clinical research use cases: the parameters to query a patient’s Medication Profile to assess their suitability for entry into a trial (patient recruitment) and the parameters to query a set of Medication Profiles in a data warehouse to assess whether the eligibility criteria as described would yield a reasonable cohort of patients as potential subjects (protocol feasibility). These medication-related data elements then become information requirements that a Medication Profile should ideally meet, in order to be able to support these two uses in the clinical research domain.
Dramatic Increase in Cerebral Blood Flow following Soman Intoxication If Signs of Symptoms Can Be Seen
Authors: Göransson Nyberg Ann , Cassel Gudrun E.
Published: October 2015

Organophosphate poisoning is associated with adverse effects on the central nervous system such as seizure/convulsive activity and long term changes in neuronal networks. This study report an investigation designed to assess the consequences of Soman, a highly toxic organophosphorus compound, exposure on regional blood flow in the rat brain and peripheral organs. We performed repeated blood flow measurements in the same animal, using the microspheres technique, to characterize changes in regional blood flow at different times after Soman intoxication. In addition, the cardiopulmonary effects of Soman were followed during the intoxication. Administration of Soman (1 LD50; 90 µg/kg, s.c.) to anaesthetized rats produced a decrease in blood acetylcholinesterase activity in all animals tested. Although, only six out of ten rats showed signs of poisoning like a decrease in respiratory rate, the results show that only animals with significant signs of poisoning demonstrated an increase in cerebral blood flow. We conclude that it is of great importance to treat all data individually. An overall mean can easily be misinterpreted and conceal important effects. We also conclude that the increase in cerebral blood flow has an important role in the effect on respiration and that this effect is independent of the blood acetylcholinesterase activity.
Implantation of 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Aneurysm Models into Cadaveric Specimens: A New Training Paradigm to Allow for Improvements in Cerebrovascular Surgery and Research
Authors: Benet Arnau , Plata-Bello Julio , Abla Adib A. , Acevedo-Bolton Gabriel , Saloner David , Lawton Michael T.
Published: October 2015

Aim. To evaluate the feasibility of implanting 3D-printed brain aneurysm model in human cadavers and to assess their utility in neurosurgical research, complex case management/planning, and operative training.Methods. Two 3D-printed aneurysm models, basilar apex and middle cerebral artery, were generated and implanted in four cadaveric specimens. The aneurysms were implanted at the same anatomical region as the modeled patient. Pterional and orbitozygomatic approaches were done on each specimen. The aneurysm implant, manipulation capabilities, and surgical clipping were evaluated.Results. The 3D aneurysm models were successfully implanted to the cadaveric specimens’ arterial circulation in all cases. The features of the neck in terms of flexibility and its relationship with other arterial branches allowed for the practice of surgical maneuvering characteristic to aneurysm clipping. Furthermore, the relationship of the aneurysm dome with the surrounding structures allowed for better understanding of the aneurysmal local mass effect. Noticeably, all of these observations were done in a realistic environment provided by our customized embalming model for neurosurgical simulation.Conclusion. 3D aneurysms models implanted in cadaveric specimens may represent an untapped training method for replicating clip technique; for practicing certain approaches to aneurysms specific to a particular patient; and for improving neurosurgical research.
H∞Excitation Control Design for Stochastic Power Systems with Input Delay Based on Nonlinear Hamiltonian System Theory
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Peng Lianghong , Zhang Ying , Jia Huaidan
Published: October 2015

This paper presentsH∞excitation control design problem for power systems with input time delay and disturbances by using nonlinear Hamiltonian system theory. The impact of time delays introduced by remote signal transmission and processing in wide-area measurement system (WAMS) is well considered. Meanwhile, the systems under investigation are disturbed by random fluctuation. First, under prefeedback technique, the power systems are described as a nonlinear Hamiltonian system. Then theH∞excitation controller of generators connected to distant power systems with time delay and stochasticity is designed. Based on Lyapunov functional method, some sufficient conditions are proposed to guarantee the rationality and validity of the proposed control law. The closed-loop systems under the control law are asymptotically stable in mean square independent of the time delay. And we through a simulation of a two-machine power system prove the effectiveness of the results proposed in this paper.
Effect of a Traditional Herbal Prescription, Kyung-Ok-Ko, on Male Mouse Spermatogenic Ability after Heat-Induced Damage
Authors: Hwang Deok-Sang , Kim Hyo Geun , Park Sodam , Hong Nam Doo , Ryu Jong Hoon , Oh Myung Sook
Published: October 2015

Kyung-Ok-Ko (KOK), a well-known traditional Korean medicinal formula, has long been used to invigorate the essentialqi. This use of KOK may be associated with reproductive ability as a more modern concept. The protective effect of KOK was evaluated against deterioration of testicular function induced by heat exposure in male mice. Male fertility was disrupted by scrotal heat stress at 43°C for 5 weeks. KOK (0.25, 0.50, and 2.00 g/kg/day) was administered orally at 3 h after the stress. To evaluate the protective effect of KOK, body weight, testicular weight, sperm count, sperm motility, and histopathological changes in the testes were evaluated. KOK-treated mice significantly recovered their general health, as evidenced by body weight. KOK-treated mice also showed significantly higher testes weights, sperm counts, and sperm motility than did the heat stress group. KOK-treated mice significantly recovered the morphological appearance of the seminiferous tubules and seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, KOK-treated mice significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced the protein expressions of apoptosis in the testes. KOK significantly protects against heat-induced damage to testicular function in male mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis, indicating that KOK may be an effective agent for treatment of heat-induced male infertility.
From Cerebellar Activation and Connectivity to Cognition: A Review of the Quadrato Motor Training
Authors: Ben-Soussan Tal Dotan , Glicksohn Joseph , Berkovich-Ohana Aviva
Published: October 2015

The importance of the cerebellum is increasingly recognized, not only in motor control but also in cognitive learning and function. Nevertheless, the relationship between training-induced cerebellar activation and electrophysiological and structural changes in humans has yet to be established. In the current paper, we suggest a general model tying cerebellar function to cognitive improvement, via neuronal synchronization, as well as biochemical and anatomical changes. We then suggest that sensorimotor training provides an optimal paradigm to test the proposed model and review supporting evidence of Quadrato Motor Training (QMT), a sensorimotor training aimed at increasing attention and coordination. Subsequently, we discuss the possible mechanisms through which QMT may exert its beneficial effects on cognition (e.g., increased creativity, reflectivity, and reading), focusing on cerebellar alpha activity as a possible mediating mechanism allowing cognitive improvement, molecular and anatomical changes. Using the example of QMT research, this paper emphasizes the importance of investigating whole-body sensorimotor training paradigms utilizing a multidisciplinary approach and its implications to healthy brain development.
Research on Dynamic Dissolving Model and Experiment for Rock Salt under Different Flow Conditions
Authors: Liu Xinrong , Yang Xin , Zhong Zuliang , Liang Ninghui , Wang Junbao , Huang Ming
Published: October 2015

Utilizing deep rock salt cavern is not only a widely recognized energy reserve method but also a key development direction for implementing the energy strategic reserve plan. And rock salt cavern adopts solution mining techniques to realize building cavity. In view of this, the paper, based on the dissolving properties of rock salt, being simplified and hypothesized the dynamic dissolving process of rock salt, combined conditions between dissolution effect and seepage effect in establishing dynamic dissolving models of rock salt under different flow quantities. Devices were also designed to test the dynamic dissolving process for rock salt samples under different flow quantities and then utilized the finite-difference method to find the numerical solution of the dynamic dissolving model. The artificial intelligence algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO), was finally introduced to conduct inverse analysis of parameters on the established model, whose calculation results coincide with the experimental data.
Translational Medicine and Patient Safety in Europe: TRANSFoRm—Architecture for the Learning Health System in Europe
Authors: Delaney Brendan C. , Curcin Vasa , Andreasson Anna , Arvanitis Theodoros N. , Bastiaens Hilde , Corrigan Derek , Ethier Jean-Francois , Kostopoulou Olga , Kuchinke Wolfgang , McGilchrist Mark , Royen Paul van , Wagner Peter
Published: October 2015

The Learning Health System (LHS) describes linking routine healthcare systems directly with both research translation and knowledge translation as an extension of the evidence-based medicine paradigm, taking advantage of the ubiquitous use of electronic health record (EHR) systems. TRANSFoRm is an EU FP7 project that seeks to develop an infrastructure for the LHS in European primary care.Methods. The project is based on three clinical use cases, a genotype-phenotype study in diabetes, a randomised controlled trial with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a diagnostic decision support system for chest pain, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath.Results. Four models were developed (clinical research, clinical data, provenance, and diagnosis) that form the basis of the projects approach to interoperability. These models are maintained as ontologies with binding of terms to define precise data elements. CDISC ODM and SDM standards are extended using an archetype approach to enable a two-level model of individual data elements, representing both research content and clinical content. Separate configurations of the TRANSFoRm tools serve each use case.Conclusions.The project has been successful in using ontologies and archetypes to develop a highly flexible solution to the problem of heterogeneity of data sources presented by the LHS.
Damage Monitoring and Analysis of the Structure Effect on Strength of Composite Laminates
Authors: Chiang Chia-Chin , Tsai Liren , Thuyet Vu Van
Published: October 2015

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite materials have been widely used in industries in recent years. The design of composite structures, and open-holes for joining are also widely used. Understanding of open-hole behavior is very necessary for the design of complex structures. In this paper, the initial damage, progressive damage analysis, and the effect of structure on strength of composite laminates are investigated. Based on Hashin’s criteria, three-dimensional model of composite laminates containing a central open-hole is developed. The model is conducted by finite element analysis, commercial Abaqus software to simulate the whole process of initial damage, propagation of damage, and analysis of the effect of a few structures on strength of composite laminates containing open-hole.
Preparation of Cu2Sn3S7 Thin‐Film Using a Three‐Step Bake‐Sulfurization‐Sintering Process and Film Characterization
Authors: Lui Tai-Hsiang , Hung Fei-Yi , Lui Truan-Sheng , Chen Kuan-Jen
Published: October 2015

Cu2Sn3S7 (CTS) can be used as the light absorbing layer for thin‐film solar cells due to its good optical properties. In this research, the powder, baking, sulfur, and sintering (PBSS) process was used instead of vacuum sputtering or electrochemical preparation to form CTS. During sintering, Cu and Sn powders mixed in stoichiometric ratio were coated to form the thin‐film precursor. It was sulfurized in a sulfur atmosphere to form CTS. The CTS film metallurgy mechanism was investigated. After sintering at 500°C, the thin film formed the Cu2Sn3S7 phase and no impurity phase, improving its energy band gap. The interface of CTS film is continuous and the formation of intermetallic compound layer can increase the carrier concentration and mobility. Therefore, PBSS process prepared CTS can potentially be used as a solar cell absorption layer.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference on Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale 2nd Version
Authors: Horváth Krisztina , Aschermann Zsuzsanna , Ács Péter , Deli Gabriella , Janszky József , Komoly Sámuel , Karádi Kázmér , Kovács Márton , Makkos Attila , Faludi Béla , Kovács Norbert
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims. The aim of the present study was to determine the estimates of minimal clinically important difference for Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale 2nd version (PDSS-2) total score and dimensions.Methods. The subject population consisted of 413 PD patients. At baseline, MDS-UPDRS, Hoehn-Yahr Scale, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, and PDSS-2 were assessed. Nine months later the PDSS-2 was reevaluated with the Patient-Reported Global Impression Improvement Scale. Both anchor-based techniques (within patients’ score change method and sensitivity- and specificity-based method by receiver operating characteristic analysis) and distribution-based approaches (effect size calculations) were utilized to determine the magnitude of minimal clinically important difference.Results. According to our results, any improvements larger than −3.44 points or worsening larger than 2.07 points can represent clinically important changes for the patients. These thresholds have the effect size of 0.21 and −0.21, respectively.Conclusions. Minimal clinically important differences are the smallest change of scores that are subjectively meaningful to patients. Studies using the PDSS-2 as outcome measure should utilize the threshold of −3.44 points for detecting improvement or the threshold of 2.07 points for observing worsening.
Open Partial Nephrectomy for High-Risk Renal Masses Is Associated with Renal Pseudoaneurysms: Assessment of a Severe Procedure-Related Complication
Authors: Kriegmair M. C. , Mandel P. , Rathmann N. , Diehl S. J. , Pfalzgraf D. , Ritter M.
Published: October 2015

Objectives.A symptomatic renal pseudoaneurysm (RPA) is a severe complication after open partial nephrectomy (OPN). The aim of our study was to assess incidence and risk factors for RPA formation. Furthermore, we present our management strategy.Patients and Methods.Clinical records of consecutive patients undergoing OPN were assessed for surgical outcome and postoperative complications. Renal masses were risk stratified for tumor complexity according to the PADUA score. Uni- and multivariate analysis for symptomatic RPAs were performed using thet-tests and logistic regression.Results.We identified 233 patients treated with OPN. Symptomatic RPAs were observed in 13 (5.6%) patients, on average 14 (4–42) days after surgery. Uni- and multivariate analysis identified tumor complexity to be an independent predictor for symptomatic RPAs (p=0.004). There was a significant correlation between RPAs and transfusion and the duration of stay (p<0.001andp=0.021). Symptomatic RPAs were diagnosed with CT scans and successfully treated with arterial embolization.Discussion.Symptomatic RPAs are not uncommon after OPN for high-risk renal masses. A high nephrometry score is a predictor for this severe complication and may enable a risk-stratified followup. RPAs can successfully be located by CT angiography, which enables targeted angiographic treatment.
Relation between the Sensory and Anthropometric Variables in the Quiet Standing Postural Control: Is the Inverted Pendulum Important for the Static Balance Control?
Authors: Alonso Angélica C. , Mochizuki Luis , Silva Luna Natália Mariana , Ayama Sérgio , Canonica Alexandra Carolina , Greve Júlia M. D. A.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between the sensory and anthropometric variables in the quiet standing.Methods. One hundred individuals (50 men, 50 women; 20–40 years old) participated in this study. For all participants, the body composition (fat tissue, lean mass, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density) and body mass, height, trunk-head length, lower limb length, and upper limb length were measured. The center of pressure was measured during the quiet standing posture, the eyes opened and closed with a force platform. Correlation and regression analysis were run to analyze the relation among body composition, anthropometric data, and postural sway.Results. The correlation analysis showed low relation between postural sway and anthropometric variables. The multiple linear regression analyses showed that the height explained 12% of the mediolateral displacement and 11% of the center of pressure area. The length of the trunk head explained 6% of displacement in the anteroposterior postural sway. During eyes closed condition, the support basis and height explained 18% of mediolateral postural sway.Conclusion. The postural control depends on body composition and dimension. This relation is mediated by the sensory information. The height was the anthropometric variable that most influenced the postural sway.
CFAR Decision Fusion Approaches in the Clustered Radar Sensor Networks Using LEACH and HEED
Authors: Hu Yaoyue , Liang Jing
Published: October 2015

We propose two constant-false-alarm-rate (CFAR) decision fusion approaches, the low-SNR and likelihood-ratio-based decision fusion in the central limit theory (LLDFCLT) and high-SNR and likelihood-ratio-based decision fusion in Kaplan-Meier estimator (HLDFKE). They are based on the clustered RSN model which combines clustering structure, target detection model, and fusion scheme. We mainly apply the clustering performances by low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and hybrid energy-efficient distributed clustering approach (HEED) to RSN. Their CFAR detection performances in LLDFCLT and HLDFKE are analyzed and compared. Our analyses are verified through extensive simulations in different CFARs and various numbers of initial RSs and residual RSs in RSN. Monte Carlo simulations show that LLDFCLT can provide higher probability of detection (PD) than HLDFKE; and compared to LEACH, HEED not only prolongs the lifetime of ad hoc RSN but also improves target detection performances for different CFARs.
Apontamentos sobre o ensino de paisagismo nos cursos de arquitetura e urbanismo da região sul do Brasil
Authors: Rosaneli Alessandro Filla
Published: October 2015

Este texto faz uma reflexão acerca do ensino de paisagismo nos cursos de arquitetura e urbanismo a partir da análise quantitativa de um conjunto de informações recolhidas sobre os cursos da Região Sul do Brasil. As variáveis selecionadas – quantidade e título das disciplinas, carga horária, período de oferta, ementa e bibliografia básica – representam a essência de qualquer disciplina e permitiram compreender o panorama de aprendizado na maioria dos cursos então autorizados. Ao expor aspectos comuns e especificidades encontradas na região em dois eixos de análise - conteúdos propostos e característica da oferta, este artigo promove indagações sobre os desafios do ensino de paisagismo no Brasil.
ArbVias: método de avaliação da arborização no sistema viário urbano
Authors: Vignola Júnior Roberto
Published: October 2015

O presente trabalho tem como foco introduzir um processo de leitura e interpretação da distribuição da arborização no sistema viário público urbano. Para tanto foi criado um método, com a utilização de software Sistema de Informação Geográfica (GIS), denominado ArbVias, que possibilita medições de frequência de indivíduos (árvores) e a sua classificação por continuidade de cobertura de suas copas. Para a apresentação do experimento partiu-se do mapeamento e incorporação de atributos em banco de dados georreferenciados para o sistema viário público da cidade de São Paulo, utilizando como estudo de caso uma região administrativa da capital paulistana, finalizando resultados através de efeitos de interpretação por cores, segundo legenda própria, que permite rápida visualização da situação da arborização no sistema viário.
Description of a new genus and thirteen new species of Ctenidae (Araneae, Ctenidae) from the Chocó region of Ecuador
Authors: DUPÉRRÉ NADINE
Published: October 2015

The genus Chococtenus n. gen. is established for a group of Ctenidae with a unique ventral and spine-like retrolateral tibial apophysis, primarily found in the Chocó-Tumbes-Magdalena corridor. Thirteen new species are described: Chococtenus otonga n. sp., C. neblina n. sp., C. cuchilla n. sp., C. fantasma n. sp., C. waitti n. sp., C. cappuccino n. sp., C. lasdamas n. sp., C. suffuscus n. sp., C. otongachi n. sp., C. kashakara n. sp., C. piemontana n. sp., C. luchoi n. sp. and C. duendecito n. sp. Ctenus acanthoctenoides Schmidt and Enoploctenus miserabilis (Strand) are transferred to Chococtenus.
A new species of Libellula Linnaeus, 1758, from the Cuatro Ciénegas basin, Coahuila, México (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)
Authors: ORTEGA-SALAS HÉCTOR , GONZÁLEZ-SORIANO ENRIQUE
Published: October 2015

A new species of Libellula is described from specimens collected in the most interesting area of Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, México. Libellula coahuiltecana sp. nov. is similar in color and morphology to L. needhami Westfall with which it co-occurs locally. It differs from the latter by having conspicuous orange spots on base of wings and nodal area, and costal, subcostal, and wing tip areas slightly infumated with the same color. Other differences exist in the morphology of the secondary genitalia of males and the shape of the vulvar plate of female.
A new species of Modisimus Simon (Araneae: Pholcidae) in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: JIMENEZ MARIA-LUISA , PALACIOS-CARDIEL CARLOS
Published: October 2015

The genus Modisimus Simon 1893 (Pholcidae) is distributed across the Americas from Venezuela to the USA, including the Caribbean Antilles, with an endemic species in the Galapagos Islands and one cosmopolitan species (World Spider Catalog 2015). Until now, 81 species of Modisimus have been described, of which 17 species are found in Mexico (World Spider Catalog 2015). In this paper, a new Mexican species is described. Modisimus species are mainly found in humid tropical forests in shady, humid places near the ground, with their webs extended between buttresses of trees, fallen logs, or rocks (Huber 1998), and only one species (M. vittatus Bryant, 1948) is found in city gardens, exposed road embankments, as well as among cacti and agaves in semi-arid scrubland (Huber et al. 2010). This genus is also common in caves where pholcids population can be abundant (Gertsch 1971, 1973, 1977; Valdez-Mondragón & Francke 2009).
A new species of the genus Obolopteryx Cohn et al. 2014 and a conspecific
gynandromorph (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
Authors: BARRIENTOS-LOZANO LUDIVINA , ROCHA-SÁNCHEZ AURORA Y. , CORREA-SANDOVAL ALFONSO
Published: October 2015

Obolopteryx truncoangulata n. sp., Barrientos-Lozano & Rocha-Sánchez, and a field collected conspecific gynandromorph are described, both from the northern Mexico’s Highland. O. truncoangulata n. sp., may be separated from congeneric O. brevihastata based on morphological characters. The male’s pronotum is more constricted mesally, and the tegmina are shorter. The disto-dorsal abdominal tergites sub-triangular projection broadly bilobated. Cerci broader proximally, and thumb and shaft more robust and shorter; subgenital plate deep “U” shape emarginated distally, lateral angles excised about mid portion. In females, tegmina, ovipositor, subgenital plate and basal sclerites are of different shape than analogous structures in O. brevihastata. Information on geographic distribution and ecology is provided.
Three new genera and three new species of Lasiopteridi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on Rubiaceae from Guadeloupe, French West Indies, and a key to genera of Neotropical Lasiopteridi unplaced to tribe
Authors: GAGNÉ RAYMOND J. , ETIENNE JEAN
Published: October 2015

Three new genera of Lasiopteridi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), Faramitella Gagné, new genus, Anapeza Gagné, new genus, and Pellacara Gagné, new genus, each with one new species, are described. The new species are from leaf galls on Rubiaceae collected in Guadeloupe, F.W.I.: Faramitella planicauda Gagné, new species, was reared from Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich.; Anapeza tumida Gagné, new species, and Pellacara postica, new species, were both reared from Psychotria mapourioides DC. The three new genera belong to Lasiopteridi but are unassigned to tribe. A key to the adult stage of these and 23 other Neotropical genera of unplaced Lasiopteridi whose adults are known is provided.
Confirmation of occurrence of Trechus Clairville, 1806 in the Baltic amber forests, with description of a flightless edaphic species, and remarks on Trechoides Motschulsky, 1856 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechini)
Authors: SCHMIDT JOACHIM , FAILLE ARNAUD
Published: October 2015

The first reliably identified Trechini beetle species from Baltic amber, Trechus balticus sp. n., is described. This new fossil species is most similar to extant species of the Palaearctic Trechus sensu stricto, as well as to the Nearctic Microtrechus Jeannel, 1927. Since the fossil specimen is a female and some important character states cannot be investigated, its true systematic position within the genus Trechus sensu lato remains open. Trechoides fasciatus Motschulsky, 1856 is another fossil species that perhaps belongs to the Trechini clade. However, since the original description does not present any character of systematic value and, because the type is very probably lost, the true systematic position of this taxon remains unknown.
Reinstatement and redescription of Forsterinaria inornata magdalena (Hayward) (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from Cochabamba, Bolivia
Authors: ZUBEK ANNA , PYRCZ TOMASZ W.
Published: October 2015

Taxonomic status of Forsterinaria inornata magdalena (Hayward, 1957) from Cochabamba, Bolivia is revised, and a detailed redescription of adult male morphology, including the genitalia is presented.
Mixed Unions and Immigrant-Group Integration in North America and Western Europe
Authors: Alba Richard , Foner Nancy
Published: October 2015

We examine unions between individuals with non-Western immigrant origins and those from the native majorities in six North American and Western European countries: Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and the United States. The analysis shows that certain deep social cleavages, involving African ancestry in the United States and Muslim religion in Western Europe, hinder the formation of mixed unions; in the European case, low rates of mixed unions are linked in some countries to high rates of transnational marriage. Overall, the rates of mixed unions appear to be higher in Canada, France, and the United States, suggesting a role for integration-related ideologies. In the case of the United States, we are able to trace the consequences of mixed unions, which appear likely to have the effect of changing, or expanding, the societal mainstream. Yet we conclude that mixed unions do not have a uniform significance for integration and that their effects are context-dependent.
Intermarriage and Socioeconomic Integration
Authors: Furtado Delia , Song Tao
Published: October 2015

Previous studies show that immigrants to the United States married to natives earn higher wages than immigrants married to other immigrants. Using data from the 1980 to 2000 U.S. censuses and the 2005 to 2010 American Community Surveys, we show that these wage premiums have increased over time. Our evidence suggests that the trends are unlikely to be explained by changes in the attributes of immigrants who tend to marry natives but might instead be a result of changes in how these attributes are rewarded in the labor market. Because immigrants married to natives tend to have more schooling, part of the increasing premium can be explained by increases in the value of a college education. We find, however, that even when allowing the value of education and English-speaking ability to vary, intermarriage wage premiums have increased over time. We believe these patterns might be driven by changes in technology and globalization, which have made communication and management skills more highly rewarded in the U.S. labor market.
Cross-Nativity Partnering and the Political Participation of Immigrant Generations
Authors: Boyd Monica , Couture-Carron Amanda
Published: October 2015

This article defines cross-nativity intermarriage in four generations of Canadians and explores whether cross-nativity partnering is associated with political assimilation—in this case, similarity in voting and political activities between immigrants with native-born partners and third-plus-generation immigrants. We find that foreign-born residents with Canadian-born partners do not differ from third-plus-generation residents who have Canadian-born partners in their propensities to vote or in the number of political activities in which they participate. Conversely, the foreign-born with foreign-born partners are less likely than the third-plus generation to have voted in a previous federal election; if the foreign-born immigrated later in adolescence or in adulthood, they also are less likely to participate in other political activities. Differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics underlie the greater likelihood that second and third-plus generations will engage in political activities.
What Constitutes Intermarriage for Multiracial People in Britain?
Authors: Song Miri
Published: October 2015

Intermarriage is of great interest to analysts because a group’s tendency to partner across ethnic boundaries is usually seen as a key indicator of the social distance between groups in a multiethnic society. Theories of intermarriage as a key indicator of integration are, however, typically premised upon the union of white and nonwhite individuals, and we know very little about what happens in the unions of multiracial people, who are the children of intermarried couples. What constitutes intermarriage for multiracial people? Do multiracial individuals think that ethnic or racial ancestries are a defining aspect of their relationships with their partners? In this article, I argue that there are no conventions for how we characterize endogamous or exogamous relationships for multiracial people. I then draw on examples of how multiracial people and their partners in Britain regard their relationships with their partners and the significance of their and their partners’ ethnic and racial backgrounds. I argue that partners’ specific ancestries do not necessarily predict the ways in which multiracial individuals regard their partners’ ethnic and racial backgrounds as constituting difference or commonality within their relationships.
From Intermarriage to Conjugal Mixedness
Authors: Collet Beate
Published: October 2015

Studies on intermarriage generally take for granted the better integration of migrants, who married outside their own group when settling into a host society. Intermarriage, however, is a more complicated process than that, however; calling it “conjugal mixedness” stresses its intersectional quality and takes marital norms, inequality between partners, and social disapproval into account. In this article, I give current trends in French statistics, showing how important it is to analyze separately men from women and migrants from immigrant descendants. Conjugal mixedness is also constructed in daily life within the family. Couples find ways to deal with their differences: some adjust to the majority or minority culture; others elaborate a “reciprocal intercultural exchange.” Integration is thus the result of participation in social life, but in modern multicultural societies, integration also produces different lifestyles.
European Identity in Switzerland
Authors: Schroedter Julia H. , Rössel Jörg , Datler Georg
Published: October 2015

We analyze the impact of intermarriage, and transnational social relations and experiences on the emergence of European identity. According to the structuralist theory of identification, European social relations, with European intermarriage as an especially important relation, and experiences should explain European identifications. Our analysis is based on a survey in Zurich, Switzerland, providing a broad array of data that allow testing the impact of a European partner on European identification for Swiss and how transnational social relations and experiences contribute to both Swiss and non-Swiss feeling European. Overall, we find that a partner from another European country (for Swiss natives) and transnational social relations and experiences have an important role in explaining European identification. The most important differences are between Swiss and EU citizens living in Switzerland where, for the latter, the meaning of Europe is differently constructed. Specifically, EU citizens see less conflict between national and European identification.