bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Distraction and Attentional Control during a Sustained Selective Attention Task
Authors: Demeter Elise , Woldorff Marty G.
Published: March 2016

Distracting stimuli in the environment can pull our attention away from our goal-directed tasks. fMRI studies have implicated regions in right frontal cortex as being particularly important for processing distractors [e.g., de Fockert, J. W., & Theeuwes, J. Role of frontal cortex in attentional capture by singleton distractors. Brain and Cognition, 80, 367–373, 2012; Demeter, E., Hernandez-Garcia, L., Sarter, M., & Lustig, C. Challenges to attention: A continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) study of the effects of distraction on sustained attention. Neuroimage, 54, 1518–1529, 2011]. Less is known, however, about the timing and sequence of how right frontal or other brain regions respond selectively to distractors and how distractors impinge upon the cascade of processes related to detecting and processing behaviorally relevant target stimuli. Here we used EEG and ERPs to investigate the neural consequences of a perceptually salient but task-irrelevant distractor on the detection of rare target stimuli embedded in a rapid, serial visual presentation (RSVP) stream. We found that distractors that occur during the presentation of a target interfere behaviorally with detection of those targets, reflected by reduced detection rates, and that these missed targets show a reduced amplitude of the long-latency, detection-related P3 component. We also found that distractors elicited a right-lateralized frontal negativity beginning at 100 msec, whose amplitude negatively correlated across participants with their distraction-related behavioral impairment. Finally, we also quantified the instantaneous amplitude of the steady-state visual evoked potentials elicited by the RSVP stream and found that the occurrence of a distractor resulted in a transient amplitude decrement of the steady-state visual evoked potential, presumably reflecting the pull of attention away from the RSVP stream when distracting stimuli occur in the environment.
Insights and Perspectives on Sensory-Motor Integration and Rehabilitation
Authors: Ackerley Rochelle , Borich Michael , Oddo Calogero Maria , Ionta Silvio
Published: March 2016

The present review focuses on the flow and interaction of somatosensory-motor signals in the central and peripheral nervous system. Specifically, where incoming sensory signals from the periphery are processed and interpreted to initiate behaviors, and how ongoing behaviors produce sensory consequences encoded and used to fine-tune subsequent actions. We describe the structure–function relations of this loop, how these relations can be modeled and aspects of somatosensory-motor rehabilitation. The work reviewed here shows that it is imperative to understand the fundamental mechanisms of the somatosensory-motor system to restore accurate motor abilities and appropriate somatosensory feedback. Knowledge of the salient neural mechanisms of sensory-motor integration has begun to generate innovative approaches to improve rehabilitation training following neurological impairments such as stroke. The present work supports the integration of basic science principles of sensory-motor integration into rehabilitation procedures to create new solutions for sensory-motor disorders.
Review of the Neotropical genus Helenus White, 1879, with description of a new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae)
Authors: HEISS ERNST
Published: March 2016

Since the description of Helenus hirsutus by Champion (1898) from Panama, it was unclear if this species was a synonym of Helenus hesiformis White, 1879 that was described from Brazil. Now it was possible to locate and compare type specimens of both species, that resulted in recognising them as valid species. In this contribution, a third species, Helenus wachteli n. sp. is described from Peru, and a key to all species of the genus Helenus is presented.
Influence of Synoptic Weather Patterns on Solar Irradiance Variability in Northern Europe
Authors: Parding Kajsa M. , Liepert Beate G. , Hinkelman Laura M. , Ackerman Thomas P. , Dagestad Knut-Frode , Olseth Jan Asle
Published: March 2016

Observations have revealed strong variability of shortwave (SW) irradiance at Earth’s surface on decadal time scales, referred to as global dimming and brightening. Previous studies have attributed the dimming and brightening to changes in clouds and atmospheric aerosols. This study assesses the influence of atmospheric circulation on clouds and SW irradiance to separate the influence of “natural” SW variability from direct and, to some extent, indirect aerosol effects. The focus is on SW irradiance in northern Europe in summer and spring because there is little high-latitude SW irradiance during winter. As a measure of large-scale circulation the Grosswetterlagen (GWL) dataset, a daily classification of synoptic weather patterns, is used. Empirical models of normalized SW irradiance are constructed based on the GWL, relating the synoptic weather patterns to the local radiative climate. In summer, a temporary SW peak in the 1970s and subsequent dimming is linked to variations in the synoptic patterns over Scandinavia, possibly related to a northward shift in the North Atlantic storm track. In spring, a decrease of anticyclonic and increase of cyclonic weather patterns over northern Europe contributes to the dimming from the 1960s to 1990. At many sites, there is also a residual SW irradiance trend not explained by the GWL model: a weak nonsignificant residual dimming from the 1950s or 1960s to around 1990, followed by a statistically significant residual brightening. It is concluded that factors other than the large-scale circulation (e.g., decreasing aerosol emissions) also play an important role in northern Europe.
The Meridional Displacement of the Summer Asian Jet, Silk Road Pattern, and Tropical SST Anomalies
Authors: Hong Xiaowei , Lu Riyu
Published: March 2016

The Silk Road pattern (SRP), which depicts the teleconnection pattern along the Asian jet, has been extensively investigated and commonly described as the leading mode of upper-tropospheric meridional wind anomalies in summer. In this study, the SRP is identified as having a significant relationship with the meridional displacement of the Asian jet (JMD), which manifests as the leading mode of upper-tropospheric zonal wind anomalies. This significant relationship is confirmed by the correlation coefficient between the indices for JMD and SRP, which is 0.39 and reaches statistical significance at the 0.01 level. When the Asian jet is in a northward (southward) displacement, the phase of SRP tends to be shown as anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomalies over western Asia and East Asia and cyclonic (anticyclonic) anomalies over Europe and central Asia. The authors propose an internal atmospheric mechanism for this relationship. In addition, it is found that the JMD is significantly affected by the tropical surface temperature anomalies. In particular, the negative (positive) SST anomalies in the tropical central and eastern Pacific of the preceding spring lead to significant cooler (warmer) tropical tropospheric temperatures in summer and may induce the northward (southward) displacement of the Asian jet through modifying the meridional gradient of tropospheric temperatures. The tropical tropospheric temperature anomalies may also affect the SRP through the JMD.
Impact of Ural Blocking on Winter Warm Arctic–Cold Eurasian Anomalies. Part II: The Link to the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Luo Dehai , Xiao Yiqing , Diao Yina , Dai Aiguo , Franzke Christian L. E. , Simmonds Ian
Published: March 2016

In Part I of this study, the Ural blocking (UB)-induced amplification role of winter warm Arctic–cold Eurasian (WACE) anomalies has been examined. It was found that the long-lived UB together with the positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+) significantly contributes to the amplification of the WACE pattern. The present study examines how the UB variability affects quasi-biweekly WACE (QB-WACE) anomalies and depends on the NAO+ and North Atlantic conditions by classifying the UB based on a case study of a cold event that occurred over southern China in January 2008. A composite analysis during 1979–2013 shows that the QB-WACE anomalies associated with the UB that often occur with the NAO+ are strong and influenced by the North Atlantic jet (NAJ) and zonal wind strengths over Eurasia. For NAO+-related UB, the QB-WACE anomaly depends strongly on the location of UB, and the UB anomalies lag the NAO+ by approximately 4–7 days.

The strength of the NAJ determines whether the combined NAO+ and UB anomalies exhibit a negative East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR−) pattern, while the region of weak zonal winds over Eurasia and the zonal extent of the NAJ dominate the location of UB. For southward-, eastward-, and westward-displaced UBs associated with a strong NAJ, the NAO+ favors the UB with a southward-displaced QB-WACE anomaly through wave train propagation like an EA/WR− pattern. Eastward- and southward-displaced UB anomalies induce similarly displaced cold anomalies with intrusion into southern China. However, for a northward-displaced UB, this happens without pronounced EA/WR− patterns because of a weak NAJ and is accompanied by a northward-displaced QB-WACE anomaly.
Improvements of Rain/No-Rain Classification Methods for Microwave Radiometer over Coasts by Dynamic Surface-Type Classification
Authors: Mega Tomoaki , Shige Shoichi
Published: March 2016

The rain/no-rain classification for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) fails to detect rain over coasts, where the microwave footprint encompasses a mixture of radiometrically cold ocean and radiometrically warm land. A static land–ocean–coast mask is used to determine the surface type of each satellite footprint. The coast mask is conservatively wide to account for the largest footprints, preventing use of the more appropriate ocean or land algorithm for coastal regions.

The purpose of this paper is to develop a classification whereby the smallest region possible is defined as coast. In this endeavor, two major improvements are applied to the land–ocean–coast classification. First, the surface classification based on microwave footprints of the high frequency actually used in rain detection is employed. Second, the footprint area of the surface classification is established using an effective field-of-view size and scan geometry of the TMI. These improvements are applied to the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation TMI algorithm. The classification result is validated using the TRMM precipitation radar. The validation shows that these improvements lead to better rain detection in the coastal region.
Promoting individual health using information technology: Trends in the US health system
Authors: Nimkar Swateja
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Advances in electronics, the Internet and telecommunication have pushed the field of health care to embrace information technology (IT). However, the purposeful use of technology is relatively new to the field of health promotion. The primary objective of this paper is to review various applications of health IT, with a focus on its use in health promotion and its evolving impact on the healthcare system in the USA. It also emphasises on the potential benefits of introducing different applications of health IT in health care and health education.

Methods:

A detailed review and synthesis of recent literature in the area of health IT was conducted to reflect and describe the recent trends related to health promotion influenced by IT in the USA.

Results:

This review reveals that despite initial reluctance, health providers and patients are accepting and even crediting health IT for providing patients with resources to educate themselves on their health status and actively participate in their health care by enabling them easy access to health information.

Conclusion:

Health-related IT can facilitate a paradigm shift from a system-centred disease prevention model of care to a more patient-centred health promotion approach. Furthermore, like most other changes in health care, health IT is facing its share of challenges, yet evolving to be one of the fastest growing trends in the US healthcare system.
Integrated genomic DNA/RNA profiling of hematologic malignancies in the clinical setting
Authors: He Jie , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Nahas Michelle K. , Wang Kai , Rampal Raajit K. , Intlekofer Andrew M. , Patel Jay , Krivstov Andrei , Frampton Garrett M. , Young Lauren E. , Zhong Shan , Bailey Mark , White Jared R. , Roels Steven , Deffenbaugh Jason , Fichtenholtz Alex , Brennan Timothy , Rosenzweig Mark , Pelak Kimberly , Knapp Kristina M. , Brennan Kristina W. , Donahue Amy L. , Young Geneva , Garcia Lazaro , Beckstrom Selmira T. , Zhao Mandy , White Emily , Banning Vera , Buell Jamie , Iwanik Kiel , Ross Jeffrey S. , Morosini Deborah , Younes Anas , Hanash Alan M. , Paietta Elisabeth , Roberts Kathryn , Mullighan Charles , Dogan Ahmet , Armstrong Scott A. , Mughal Tariq , Vergilio Jo-Anne , Labrecque Elaine , Erlich Rachel , Vietz Christine , Yelensky Roman , Stephens Philip J. , Miller Vincent A. , van den Brink Marcel R. M. , Otto Geoff A. , Lipson Doron , Levine Ross L.
Published: March 2016

Key Points

Novel clinically available comprehensive genomic profiling of both DNA and RNA in hematologic malignancies. Profiling of 3696 clinical hematologic tumors identified somatic alterations that impact diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic selection.
Proteolytic processing of human serum albumin generates EPI-X4, an endogenous antagonist of CXCR4
Authors: Zirafi Onofrio , Hermann Patrick C , Münch Jan
Published: March 2016

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is an important G protein-coupled receptor. Signaling via CXCL12 regulates a number of important biologic processes, including immune responses, organogenesis, or hematopoiesis. Dysregulation of CXCR4 signaling is associated with a variety of diseases, such as cancer development and metastasis, immunodeficiencies, or chronic inflammation. Here, we review our findings on endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4 as a novel antagonist of CXCR4. This peptide is a 16-residue fragment of human serum albumin and was isolated as an inhibitor of CXCR4-tropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 from a blood-derived peptide library. Endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4 binds the second extracellular loop of CXCR4, thereby preventing engagement of CXCL12 and antagonizing the receptor. Consequently, endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4 inhibits CXCL12-mediated migration of CXCR4-expressing cells in vitro, mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells, and suppresses inflammatory responses in vivo. We discuss the generation of endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4, its relevance as biomarker for disease, and its role in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome pathogenesis and cancer. Furthermore, we discuss why optimized endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4 derivatives might have advantages over other CXCR4 antagonists.
GATA4 Regulates Blood-Testis Barrier Function and Lactate Metabolism in Mouse Sertoli Cells
Authors: Schrade Anja , Kyrönlahti Antti , Akinrinade Oyediran , Pihlajoki Marjut , Fischer Simon , Rodriguez Verena Martinez , Otte Kerstin , Velagapudi Vidya , Toppari Jorma , Wilson David B. , Heikinheimo Markku
Published: March 2016

Conditional deletion of Gata4 in Sertoli cells (SCs) of adult mice has been shown to increase permeability of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and disrupt spermatogenesis. To gain insight into the molecular underpinnings of these phenotypic abnormalities, we assessed the impact of Gata4 gene silencing in cell culture models. Microarray hybridization identified genes dysregulated by siRNA-mediated inhibition of Gata4 in TM4 cells, an immortalized mouse SC line. Differentially expressed genes were validated by quantitative RT-PCR analysis of primary cultures of Gata4flox/flox mouse SCs that had been subjected to cre-mediated recombination in vitro. Depletion of GATA4 in TM4 cells and primary SCs was associated with altered expression of genes involved in key facets of BTB maintenance, including tight/adherens junction formation (Tjp1, Cldn12, Vcl, Tnc, Csk) and extracellular matrix reorganization (Lamc1, Col4a1, Col4a5, Mmp10, Mmp23, Timp2). Western blotting and immunocytochemistry demonstrated reduced levels of tight junction protein-1, a prototypical tight junction protein, in GATA4-depleted cells. These changes were accompanied by a loss of morphologically recognizable junctional complexes and a decline in epithelial membrane resistance. Furthermore, Gata4 gene silencing was associated with altered expression of Hk1, Gpi1, Pfkp, Pgam1, Gls2, Pdk3, Pkd4, and Ldhb, genes regulating the production of lactate, a key nutrient that SCs provide to developing germ cells. Comprehensive metabolomic profiling demonstrated impaired lactate production in GATA4-deficient SCs. We conclude that GATA4 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of BTB function and lactate metabolism in mouse SCs.
Puberty and Pubertal Growth in GH-treated SGA Children: Effects of 2 Years of GnRHa Versus No GnRHa
Authors: van der Steen Manouk , Lem Annemieke J. , van der Kaay Danielle C. M. , Hokken-Koèelega Anita C. S.
Published: March 2016

Context:

Most studies on puberty in children born small for gestational age (SGA) report height and age at onset of puberty. GH-treated SGA children with an adult height (AH) expectation below −2.5 SDS at onset of puberty can benefit from an additional 2 years of GnRH analog (GnRHa) treatment. There are no data on puberty and growth after discontinuation of GnRHa treatment in GH-treated SGA children.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effects on puberty and pubertal growth of 2 years GnRHa vs no GnRHa in GH-treated SGA children.

Methods:

This was a GH trial involving 76 prepubertal short SGA children (36 girls) treated with GH. Thirty-two children received additional GnRHa for 2 years. Pubertal stages were 3-monthly assessed according to Tanner.

Results:

Age, bone age, and median height at pubertal onset were lower in girls and boys in the GH/GnRHa group compared with the GH group. In girls and boys treated with GH/GnRHa, pubertal duration after stop of GnRHa treatment was shorter than pubertal duration in those with GH only (40.9 vs 46.7 mo; P = .044; 50.8 vs 57.5 months; P = .006; respectively). Height gain from onset of puberty until AH, including height gain during 2 years of GnRHa treatment, was 25.4 cm in girls and 33.0 cm in boys, which was 6.6 cm more than girls and boys treated with GH only. AH was similar in children treated with GH/GnRHa compared with those with GH only.

Conclusions:

GH-treated SGA children who start puberty with an AH expectation below −2.5 SDS and are treated with 2 years of GnRHa have a shorter pubertal duration after discontinuation of GnRHa compared with pubertal duration in children treated with GH only. Height gain from onset of puberty until AH is, however, more due to adequate growth during 2 years of GnRHa treatment resulting in a similar AH as children treated with GH only.
E-cadherin-mediated force transduction signals regulate global cell mechanics
Authors: Muhamed Ismaeel , Wu Jun , Sehgal Poonam , Kong Xinyu , Tajik Arash , Wang Ning , Leckband Deborah E.
Published: March 2016

This report elucidates an E-cadherin-based force-transduction pathway that triggers changes in cell mechanics through a mechanism requiring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and the downstream formation of new integrin adhesions. This mechanism operates in addition to local cytoskeletal remodeling triggered by conformational changes in the E-cadherin-associated protein α-catenin, at sites of mechanical perturbation. Studies using magnetic twisting cytometry (MTC), together with traction force microscopy (TFM) and confocal imaging identified force-activated E-cadherin-specific signals that integrate cadherin force transduction, integrin activation and cell contractility. EGFR is required for the downstream activation of PI3K and myosin-II-dependent cell stiffening. Our findings also demonstrated that α-catenin-dependent cytoskeletal remodeling at perturbed E-cadherin adhesions does not require cell stiffening. These results broaden the repertoire of E-cadherin-based force transduction mechanisms, and define the force-sensitive signaling network underlying the mechano-chemical integration of spatially segregated adhesion receptors.
CEP164-null cells generated by genome editing show a ciliation defect with intact DNA repair capacity
Authors: Daly Owen M. , Gaboriau David , Karakaya Kadin , King Sinéad , Dantas Tiago J. , Lalor Pierce , Dockery Peter , Krämer Alwin , Morrison Ciaran G.
Published: March 2016

Primary cilia are microtubule structures that extend from the distal end of the mature, mother centriole. CEP164 is a component of the distal appendages carried by the mother centriole that is required for primary cilium formation. Recent data have implicated CEP164 as a ciliopathy gene and suggest that CEP164 plays some roles in the DNA damage response (DDR). We used reverse genetics to test the role of CEP164 in the DDR. We found that conditional depletion of CEP164 in chicken DT40 cells using an auxin-inducible degron led to no increase in sensitivity to DNA damage induced by ionising or ultraviolet irradiation. Disruption of CEP164 in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells blocked primary cilium formation but did not affect cellular proliferation or cellular responses to ionising or ultraviolet irradiation. Furthermore, we observed no localisation of CEP164 to the nucleus using immunofluorescence microscopy and analysis of multiple tagged forms of CEP164. Our data suggest that CEP164 is not required in the DDR.
Why Organizations Fail: Models and Cases
Authors: Garicano Luis , Rayo Luis
Published: March 2016

Organizations fail due to incentive problems (agents do not want to act in the organization's interests) and bounded rationality problems (agents do not have the necessary information to do so). This survey uses recent advances in organizational economics to illuminate organizational failures along these two dimensions. We combine reviews of the literature with simple models and case discussions. Specifically, we consider failures related to short-termism and the allocation of authority, both of which are instances of “multitasking problems”; communication failures in the presence of both soft and hard information due to incentive misalignments; resistance to change due to vested interests and rigid cultures; and failures related to the allocation of talent and miscommunication due to bounded rationality. We find that the organizational economics literature provides parsimonious explanations for a large range of economically significant failures. (JEL D21, D23, D82, D83, M10)
A Quantitative Review of Marriage Markets: How Inequality is Remaking the American Family by Carbone and Cahn
Authors: Cornelson Kirsten , Siow Aloysius
Published: March 2016

June Carbone and Naomi Cahn argue that growing earnings inequality and the increased educational attainment of women, relative to men, have led to declining marriage rates for less-educated women and an increase in positive assortative matching since the 1970s. These trends have negatively affected the welfare of children, as they increase the proportion of poor, single-female-headed households. Using data on marriage markets defined by state, race and time, and the Choo–Siow marriage matching function, this review provides a quantitative assessment of these claims. We show that changes in earnings inequality had a qualitatively consistent but modest quantitative impact on marriage rates and positive assortative matching. Neither changes in the wage distributions nor educational attainments can explain the large decline in marriage rates over this period. (JEL C78, D63, J12, J15, J16, J31)
Differential substrate recognition by isozymes of plant protein-only Ribonuclease P
Authors: Howard Michael J. , Karasik Agnes , Klemm Bradley P. , Mei Christine , Shanmuganathan Aranganathan , Fierke Carol A. , Koutmos Markos
Published: March 2016

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) catalyzes the cleavage of leader sequences from precursor tRNA (pre-tRNA). Typically, these enzymes are ribonucleic protein complexes that are found in all domains of life. However, a new class of RNase P has been discovered that is composed entirely of protein, termed protein-only RNase P (PRORP). To investigate the molecular determinants of PRORP substrate recognition, we measured the binding affinities and cleavage kinetics of Arabidopsis PRORP1 for varied pre-tRNA substrates. This analysis revealed that PRORP1 does not make significant contacts within the trailer or beyond N−1 of the leader, indicating that this enzyme recognizes primarily the tRNA body. To determine the extent to which sequence variation within the tRNA body modulates substrate selectivity and to provide insight into the evolution and function of PRORP enzymes, we measured the reactivity of the three Arabidopsis PRORP isozymes (PRORP1–3) with four pre-tRNA substrates. A 13-fold range in catalytic efficiencies (104–105 M−1 s−1) was observed, demonstrating moderate selectivity for pre-tRNA substrates. Although PRORPs bind the different pre-tRNA species with affinities varying by as much as 100-fold, the three isozymes have similar affinities for a given pre-tRNA, suggesting similar binding modes. However, PRORP isozymes have varying degrees of cleavage fidelity, which is dependent on the pre-tRNA species and the presence of a 3′-discriminator base. This work defines molecular determinants of PRORP substrate recognition that provides insight into this new class of RNA processing enzymes.
Dynamic Capabilities and Their Characteristic Qualities: Insights from a Lab Experiment
Authors: Wollersheim Jutta , Heimeriks Koen H.
Published: March 2016

Despite the prominence of dynamic capabilities in the strategy and organization literatures, we still lack an empirically grounded understanding of the construct. Featuring an extended version of an established card game, our study uses an experiment to induce dynamic capabilities in the laboratory. Our findings reveal that (a) more efficient use of resources, (b) increasing efficiency of coordination, (c) reliance on more appropriate action sequences, and (d) greater deliberation in action are characteristic qualities of dynamic capabilities. Beyond empirically identifying dynamic capabilities, we offer implications for dynamic capabilities and transfer theory.
Strategies for Handling Temporal Uncertainty in Pickup and Delivery Problems with Time Windows
Authors: Srour F. Jordan , Agatz Niels , Oppen Johan
Published: March 2016

In many real-life routing problems there is more uncertainty with respect to the required timing of the service than with respect to the service locations. We focus on a pickup and delivery problem with time windows in which the pickup and drop-off locations of the service requests are fully known in advance, but the time at which these jobs will require service is only fully revealed during operations. We develop a sample-scenario routing strategy to accommodate a variety of potential time realizations while designing and updating the routes. Our experiments on a breadth of instances show that advance time related information, if used intelligently, can yield benefits. Furthermore, we show that it is beneficial to tailor the consensus function that is used in the sample-scenario approach to the specifics of the problem setting. By doing so, our strategy performs well on instances with both short time windows and limited advance confirmation.
Support for prostate cancer fatigue
Authors: Lynch Teresa , Smith Patricia , Robertson John
Published: March 2016

Prostate Cancer UK's nurse-led service is outlined by Teresa Lynch, Patricia Smith and John Robertson
Use of emollients in management of atopic eczema
Authors: Peacock Shelley
Published: March 2016

Emollients are an important part of managing this common skin condition, writes Shelley Peacock
Perceptions of and Attitudes Towards Ageing in Zambia
Authors: Mapoma Christopher C. , Masaiti Gift
Published: March 2016

This paper reflects part of the wider outlook on ageing in general in Zambia and was intended to investigate perceptions of and attitudes towards the aged and ageing in Zambia by members of the community who, by definition and chronologically are not classified as aged i.e. not yet 60 years and over. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were used to collect the necessary information. At least one FGD was conducted in each of the selected districts and they comprised almost an equal number of males and females. Findings indicate that people rarely discuss ageing and where such discussions are made, they usually reflect pessimistic views, attitudes and perceptions towards the aged. Further, discussants indicated that while older people face serious challenges, there seems to be no commitment in terms of policies and programs on how to address the question of ageing. Based on suggestions provided by discussants, the paper provides avenues through which ageing and the challenges thereof could best be addressed.
Influence of Gender and Knowledge on Secondary School Students’ Scientific Creativity Skills in Nakuru District, Kenya
Authors: I. Mark , C. Grace
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of gender and knowledge on scientific creativity among form three biology students (third year in secondary school cycle) in Nakuru district in Kenya. The cross- sectional survey research was employed. A sample of eight schools with a total of 363 students was selected from the population using stratified sampling technique. Two instruments, namely, Biology Achievement Test (BAT) and Biology Scientific Creativity Test (BSCT) were used to collect data. The psychological definitions of creativity tested are sensitivity, recognition, flexibility and planning. The mapping of these psychological definitions of creativity onto scientific meanings is explained using the model that guided construction of items in BSCT. Data analysis was done using quantitative methods. The findings of this study indicate that the form three biology students who participated in the study had a low level of scientific creativity. Secondly, the level of scientific creativity is knowledge and gender dependent. The findings may help teachers and other stake holders in education in inculcating creativity skills amongst science students.
Species diversity of cerambycid beetles at reclamation area of coal mining in Berau District, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: SUGIARTO SUGIARTO , BOER CHANDRADEWANA , MARDJI DJUMALI
Published: March 2016

Sugiarto, Boer C, Mardji D. 2016. Species diversity of cerambycid beetles at reclamation area of coal mining in BerauÂ District, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 200-207. Longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) are amongst the most popular beetle families and hence lots of research has been carried out on the family. However, the presence of this beetle in the reclamation area of PT Berau Coal has not been investigated yet. PT Berau Coal is a coal company that has long been operated. In the former mining areas have been planted with reclamation plants. The study was carried out to determine the cerambycid beetle species diversity in three sites of the reclamation area, mainly Lati (L),Â Sambarata (S)Â and Binungan (B). This is the first report of cerambycid beetles diversity at areclamation area of PT Berau Coal. This study reveals a total of 16, 19 and 22 species with 100, 140 and 192 individuals respectively. Calculation with Simpsonâ€™s diversity index (1-D) resulted in highly index of biodiversity, namely 0.90, 0.89 and 0.89 respectively.Â These highly index of diversity is likely due to varied types of vegetation and distance from natural forest to study sites is relatively close. There were seven species respectively dominant at Lati and Sambarata reclamation areas, while at Binungan were six species.Simpsonâ€™s evenness index of Lati was the highest, followed by Sambarata and Binungan, that were 0.64, 0.53 and 0.41, respectively. This differences might be influenced by the ability of each beetle species to move to other habitats. Jaccardâ€™s similarity indices at the three sites were relatively same; they were L with S = 0.45, L with B = 0.46 and S with B = 0.46. The similarity index reflects similar environmental conditions of the three study sites. From the viewpoint of nature conservation, it is concluded that post-mining areas canplay a key role in the conservation of beetle diversity since they are as new habitat for beetles species whose original habitats are now in critical condition due to human impact. An important task for future management of post-mining areas is to maintain successionalÂ processes and to prevent loss of habitat diversity through revegetation.
TERAPIAS COMPLEMENTARES E INTEGRATIVAS: CONHECIMENTO E UTILIZAÇÃO PELOS DOCENTES DO CURSO DE ENFERMAGEM DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO PÚBLICA
Authors: Silva Luana Batista da , Lima Indiara Campos , Bastos Rodrigo Almeida
Published: March 2016

Enfermagem é uma profissão que cuida do ser humano com base em uma visão holística, sendo as terapias complementares e integrativas um meio de alcançar essa assistência. Essas terapias são regulamentadas pelo Ministério da Saúde, Portaria nº 971/2006 que aprova a Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC) no Sistema Único de Saúde. Este estudo objetivou identificar aspectos relevantes do conhecimento e utilização das terapias integrativas pelos docentes da graduação em enfermagem de uma instituição pública. Estudo de natureza quantitativa analítica descritiva do tipo corte transversal. População de estudo composta de 40 docentes do curso de graduação em enfermagem. Verificamos que 7,5% nunca ouviram falar sobre terapias complementares, 58,8% relataram que o meio de informação mais comum foi pela utilização pessoal e em familiares, homeopatia a mais conhecida, utilizada e indicada pelos docentes de enfermagem, 55% dos docentes estimulam o uso destas terapias entre os alunos, para 87,5% dos participantes da pesquisa estas terapias são regulamentadas pelo Ministério da Saúde, entretanto, nenhum citou a portaria nº 971/2006. Devemos perceber o homem em seu contexto “biopsicossociocultoespiritoenergético" para que, dessa forma, se alcance a integralidade na assistência, sendo as terapias complementares uma ferramenta ao dispor dos profissionais de saúde.
Hot, cool and gone in the twenty-first century: Black male identity and the embodiment of early jazz improvisation
Authors: McClendon Alphonso D.
Published: March 2016

In the second decade of the twenty-first century, the expiration of a historical ‘cool’ has been conspicuous among African American men, evidenced by a performance of cool that signals extreme self-importance and excess, in lieu of authenticity and improvisation. The former behaviours, heightened among athletes, musicians and media figures, emerge when black males transcend racial, sexual and class identities. From Kanye West to Chris Brown and the sports players Richard Sherman and Tiger Woods, there exists tension in the display of supremeness, masculinity and dandyism. In the last century, African American males entered and influenced mainstream culture through the expressive art of jazz and distinctive style. Thus, a case study of ‘hot, cool and gone’ phases in jazz will contextualize this modern turbulence in black male identity.
‘The man your man should be like’: Consumerism, patriarchy and the construction of twenty-first-century masculinities in 2010 and 2012 Old Spice campaigns
Authors: Kluch Yannick
Published: March 2016

In times when masculinity has become a fluid, vague and sometimes endangered concept, representations of men in television advertising can provide important points of reference in the identity construction of young men. As many men in the twenty-first century seek to hold on to traditional masculinity through the products they consume, this article takes a critical look at the construction of masculinities in one of the most iconic advertising campaigns of the century: the Old Spice campaigns Smell Like a Man, Man and Smell is Power. By conducting textual analyses of the thirteen commercials that make up both campaigns, this study assesses the semiotic power of the commercials in the reinforcement of hegemonic masculinity and patriarchic ideology. The author argues that Smell is Power relies on men’s insecurities about their masculine self by using former NFL player Terry Crews as a spectacle of hyper-hegemonic masculinity, while Smell Like a Man, Man presents protagonist Isaiah Mustafa as a toned-down version of Crews by constructing him as a patriarchic, masculine object of female desire. As such, both Old Spice campaigns serve as an apt cultural guide on what it means to be a man in the United States of the twenty-first century.
Quantum gravitational applications of nuclear, atomic and astrophysical phenomena
Authors: UV Satya Seshavatharam , S Lakshminarayana
Published: March 2016

By following the old concept of “gravity is having a strong coupling at nuclear scale” and considering the ‘reduced Planck’s constant’ as a characteristic quantum gravitational constant, in this letter we suggest that: 1) There exists a gravitational constant associated with strong interaction, Gs~3.328x1028 m3/kg/sec2. 2) There also exists a gravitational constant associated with electromagnetic interaction, Ge~2.376x1037 m3/kg/sec2.Based on these two assumptions, in a quantum gravitational approach, an attempt is made to understand the basics of final unification with various semi empirical applications like melting points of elementary particles, strong coupling constant, proton-electron mass ratio, proton-neutron stability, nuclear binding energy, neutron star’s mass and radius, Newtonian gravitational constant, Avogadro number and molar mass unit. With further research and investigation, a practical model of ‘quantum gravitational string theory’ can be developed.
Convergence of Approximated Solutions to a Nonstrictly Hyperbolic System
Authors: Lu Yunguang , Mantilla Ignacio , Rendón Leonardo
Published: March 2016

In this paper, four classes of special entropy-entropy flux pairs of Lax type for the nonstrictly hyperbolic system of type (1.1) (Le Roux system) are constructed based on the solutions of the standard Fuchsion equation. The second derivatives of these entropies are all singular at the point (0,O). A careful computation for these entropies at the singular point shows the compactness of η(u1, v1)t + q(u1, v1)x in H-1
loc:(R x R+) with respect to the approximated solutions constructed by using viscosity method or Friedrichs-Lax scheme method. These entropies provide a convergence theorem in the strong topology for the artifical viscosity method or Friedrichs-Lax scheme method when applied to the Cauchy problem (1.1),(1.4) and used together with the theory of compensated compactness.
A Linking Type Method to Solve a Class of Semilinear Elliptic Variational Inequalities
Authors: Matzeu Michele , Servadei Raffaella
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to study the existence of a nontrivial solution of the following semilinear elliptic variational inequality

where Ω is an open bounded subset of ℝN(N ≥ 1), λ is a real parameter, with λ ≥ λ1,the first eigenvalue of the operator -Δ in H0
1(Ω), ψ belongs to H1(Ω), ψ|∂Ω
≥ 0and p is a Carathéodory function on Ω ×ℝ, which satisfies some general superlinearity growth conditions at zero and at infinity.
On a Noncompact Minimization Problem of Hardy-Sobolev Type
Authors: Sandeep K.
Published: March 2016

In this paper we discuss the existence and nonexistence of minimizer for the constraint minimization problem

where r = |x′| for x = (x′, z) ∊ ℝk × ℝn-k , 2 ≤ k ≤ n, 1 < p < n, 0 ≤ s < p, s < k and

. We obtain conditions under which the above problem admits a minimizer.
Prescribing the Scalar Curvature under Minimal Boundary Conditions on the Half Sphere
Authors: Ayed Mohamed Ben , Mehdi Khalil El , Ahmedou Mohameden Ould
Published: March 2016

This paper is devoted to the problem of prescribing the scalar curvature under zero boundary conditions. Using dynamical and topological methods involving the study of critical points at infinity of the associated variational problem, we prove some existence results on the standard half sphere.
Boundary Behavior of Solutions of some Weakly Superlinear Elliptic Equations
Authors: Fabbri Jean , Licois Jean-René
Published: March 2016

We study the behavior near a boundary point O of an open subset Ω ⊂ ℝN of any solution u ∈ C(Ω̅ \ {0}) of the problem

with the boundary condition g ∈ C(∂Ω). We prove a boundary trace result for solutions of the associated equation and point out the existence of various types of singular behavior. We deduce a classification of isolated boundary singularities for solutions of (0.1) depending on the value of α with respect to 2.
Equations of p-Laplacian Type in Unbounded Domains
Authors: De Nápoli Pablo L. , Mariani M. Cristina
Published: March 2016

This work is devoted to study the existence of solutions to equations of the p Laplacian type in unbounded domains. We prove the existence of at least one solution, and under further assumptions, the existence of infinitely many solutions. We apply the mountain pass theorem in weighted Sobolev spaces.
On the Existence of Nontrivial Solutions to Some Elliptic Variational Inequalities
Authors: Le Vy Khoi , Schmitt Klaus
Published: March 2016

The paper is concerned with the existence of nontrivial solutions of the obstacle problem:

where K = {υ ∈ H1
0(Ω) : υ ≤ ψ a.e. on Ω}. By using a generalized mountain pass theorem for inequalities, we prove, subject to some restrictions on the obstacle ψ, the existence of nontrivial solutions of the above inequality.
On uniqueness for ODEs Arising in Blow-up Asymptotics for Nonlinear Heat Equations
Authors: Chaves Manuela , Galaktionov Victor A.
Published: March 2016

We study uniqueness for nonlinear ordinary differential equations arising in constructing blow-up and extinction self-similar solutions of various reaction-diffusion- absorption equations. Such particular similarity solutions describe the asymptotic singular behaviour of wide classes of general solutions of nonlinear heat equations. We prove that under some monotonicity assumptions, such similarity profiles are unique.
On the Scalar Curvature Equations in high dimension
Authors: Yacoub Ridha
Published: March 2016

In order to study the scalar curvature problem on spheres Sn of dimension n ≥ 7, A. Bahri introduced, in [4], an invariant for Yamabe-type or scalar curvature flows. In this paper, we show that this invariant is not particularly related to Yamabe-type or scalar curvature flows, but it relies on a more general variational principle; and we give a simple proof of it’s existence for any variational flow. Through an example, we show how to use this invariant, in order to resolve scalar curvature equations on standard spheres Sn of dimension n ≥ 5.
Positive solutions of a fourth-order semilinear problem involving critical growth
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Marcos do Ó João
Published: March 2016

In this work we study the existence of positive solutions of the critical problem

(P) ∆2u+ a(x)u = |u|2**-2u, ℝN and u ∈ D2,2 (ℝN),

where 2** = 2N/(N - 4), N ≥ 5, a ∈ LN/4 (ℝN) is on a nonnegative continuous function and ∆2 is the biharmonic operator. We also prove a global compactness result for the associated energy functional of problem (P), similar to that due to Struwe in [22]. The basic tool employed here is the concentration compactness due to P. L. Lions and a linking theorem on the cone of nonnegative functions.
Recent Progress in Conformal Geometry
Authors: Bahri Abbas
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we describe new results in Contact Form Geometry and Yamabe-type problems. We provide in Contact Form Geometry a new way to use the results of [10] and define a homology. We emphasize the connections with the area of pseudeholomorphic curves. We relate, in Yamabe-type problems, smooth and singular solutions to this kind of equations. These new results indicate that noncompact phenomena should be understood in terms of Configuration Spaces in both directions and more generally in the wider area of Conformal Geometry.
A Note on Bifurcation from the Essential Spectrum
Authors: Badiale Marino
Published: March 2016

In this paper we study a semilinear elliptic equation in all ℝN. This equation depends on a parameter λ, and we obtain, for small λ < 0, solutins which are small in H1(ℝN). In this sense we have solutions bifurcating from the origin and, as the differential operator involved is the laplacian, we say that we have solutions bifurcating from the bottom of the essential spectrum of the laplacian. By a change of variables we transform the original bifurcation problem into a perturbation one. We adopt a variational procedure, looking for critical points of a suitable functional. We apply a recently developped reduction method, which allows to reduce the original variational problem in H1(ℝN) to a variational problem in a finite-dimensional manifold, and then we solve this last problem. In this way we are also able to manage the presence of critical nonlinearities, in the sense of Sobolev embedding.
On Uniqueness of Positive Solutions of Semilinear Elliptic Equations with Singular Potential
Authors: Chaves Manuela , García-Azorero Jesús
Published: March 2016

We prove the uniqueness of positive W0
1,2 solutions for the following problem, which involves the singular potential |x|-2 :

where N ≥ 3, 1 < p <

, and 0 < λ <

. We also give a complete description of the set of positive singular solutions of the problem.
Multiplicity of Solutions of a Semilinear Elliptic Equation with Coefficients on Symmetric Domains
Authors: Sintzoff Paul
Published: March 2016

We study the equation -Δu + |x|au = |x|b|u|p-2u with Dirichlet boundary conditions on the unit ball B(0,1) and on annuli D(R, d). The aim of this paper is to prove -under some asymptotic conditions on a, b, R and d- that there exist many nonequivalent nonradial solutions for these two problems.
A Note on a Mountain Pass Characterization of Least Energy Solutions
Authors: Jeanjean Louis , Tanaka Kazunaga
Published: March 2016

We consider the equation

-uʺ = g(u), u(x) ∈ H1(ℝ). (0.1)

Under general assumptions on the nonlinearity g we prove that the, unique up to translation, solution of (0.1) is at the mountain pass level of the associated functional. This result extends a corresponding result for least energy solutions when (0.1) is set on ℝN.
Positive Solutions of an Indefinite Prescribed Mean Curvature Problem on a General Domain
Authors: Habets Patrick , Omari Pierpaolo
Published: March 2016

The existence of positive solutions is proved for the prescribed mean curvature problem

where Ω ⊂ℝN is a bounded smooth domain, not necessarily radially symmetric. We assume that ∫0
u f(x, s) ds is locally subquadratic at 0, ∫0
u g(x, s) ds is superquadratic at 0 and λ > 0 is sufficiently small. A multiplicity result is also obtained, when ∫0
u f(x, s) ds has an oscillatory behaviour near 0. We allow f and g to change sign in any neighbourhood of 0.
Asymptotic Estimates and Qualitative Properties of an Elliptic Problem in Dimension Two
Authors: El Mehdi Khalil , Grossi Massimo
Published: March 2016

In this paper we study a semilinear elliptic problem on a bounded domain in ℝ2 with large exponent in the nonlinear term. We consider positive solutions obtained by minimizing suitable functionals. We prove some asymptotic estimates which enable us to associate a “limit problem” to the initial one. Using these estimates we prove some qualitative properties of the solutions, namely characterization of the level sets and nondegeneracy.
Topological Tools in Prescribing the Scalar Curvature on the Half Sphere
Authors: Ayed Mohamed Ben , Chtioui Hichem
Published: March 2016

Using a topological invariant, due to Bahri [4], and dynamical methods, we prove some existence results for the problem prescribing the scalar curvature under zero boundary conditions on the standard half sphere.