bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnicity as an independent predictive factor for the results of computed tomography pulmonary angiography and ultrasonography of the lower limbs
Authors: Liao S. , McAnulty K. , Lim C. , Reeve P. , Chang C. L.
Published: May 2016

Background

Asians, Pacific Islanders and Maori have significantly lower rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to Europeans, but its clinic implication regarding diagnosis and prevention is unclear.

Aims

To investigate if ethnicity affects the yield of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and ultrasonography of the lower limbs.

Methods

Data previously collected for 523 patients from another study were used to analyse the effect of ethnicity on the results of CTPA; 1587 consecutive ultrasonography of lower limbs was retrospectively analysed according to ethnicity. The Wells score was retrospectively calculated to determine the pretest probability of VTE.

Results

The positive rates of CTPA were 23.3% for European patients and 9.3% for non‐European patients. The rate ratio was 2.50 (confidence interval [CI] 1.27–4.95). European patients were 2.5 times more likely to have a positive scan result than non‐Europeans, given same pretest probability. There was a larger difference among patients with low and moderate pretest probability with a rate ratio of 4.27 (CI 1.62–11.3). The positive rates of ultrasound scans (USS) among European patients were 16.6 and 9.0% for non‐European patients. Rate ratio was 1.85 (CI 1.27–4.95). The difference was also more significant amongst patients with low and moderate pretest probability. The rate ratio was 2.31 (CI 1.38–3.86) for European patients compared to non‐European patients.

Conclusion

Given the same pretest probability according to the Wells score, European patients had significantly higher positive rates of CTPA and ultrasonography of the lower limbs than non‐European patients. Further prospective studies are required to confirm our findings and establish an appropriate pretest assessment tool for non‐European patients.
Fibromyalgia onset has a high impact on work ability in Australians
Authors: Guymer E. K. , Littlejohn G. O. , Brand C. K. , Kwiatek R. A.
Published: May 2016

Background

Although the disabling effects of fibromyalgia (FM) are well recognised, there are no published data regarding the impact of FM on work ability in Australians. The impact of the development of FM symptoms on ability to work in Australians was explored in a pilot survey project.

Method

Members of the Fibromyalgia Support Network of Western Australia were invited to undertake an anonymous online survey. Information was gathered regarding demographics, symptom onset, the timing of diagnosis, employment status and changes in the ability to work.

Results

Two hundred and eighty‐seven responses were analysed. Of the respondents, 90.6% were female, with a mean age of 51.1 ± 10.6 years and had experienced symptoms between 2 and 20 years; 52.8% were diagnosed less than 5 years previously. Of the participants, 54.2% were working full time and 21.5% working part time at symptom onset; however, only 15.6% were currently working full time, with 44.8% not currently working at all. Because of FM, 24.3% stopped and 32.6% reduced paid work directly within 5 years of symptom development, with 15.3% ceasing and an additional 17.4% reducing work because of symptoms before diagnosis. Due to FM symptoms, 35.1% currently received financial support because they were unable to work. While 24.3% reported FM medication increased their ability to work, 20.8% reported it reduced their ability to work.

Conclusion

A community pilot survey of Australians with FM indicates a high impact on work ability. This occurs from symptom onset and often before diagnosis. Early diagnosis and intervention may provide a window of opportunity to prevent work disability in FM.
Single‐dose rituximab in refractory lupus nephritis
Authors: Kotagiri P. , Martin A. , Hughes P. , Becker G. , Nicholls K.
Published: May 2016

Background

Off‐label use of rituximab in lupus nephritis is reported to be beneficial. While the optimal dose is unknown, the regimen of four intravenous doses of 375 mg/m2 is commonly employed, despite expense and potential side‐effects.

Aim

To investigate the response to single‐dose rituximab, added to standard corticosteroids plus additional immunosuppressive agent, in refractory lupus nephritis.

Methods

Consecutive consenting patients with refractory lupus nephritis despite steroids plus either cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate or azathioprine were enrolled in this ethics‐approved, open‐label, prospective study. After baseline assessment, patients received one intravenous infusion of 375 mg/m2 rituximab. Clinical, biochemical and serological (DsDNA, complement) responses to this dose were analysed. Complete renal response (CR) was defined as normalisation of creatinine, albumin, proteinuria and urinary RBCs and partial response (PR) as ≥50% improvement in at least one parameter, without deterioration in others. B‐cell depletion was defined as peripheral CD19 lymphocyte count ≤0.05 × 109/L.

Results

Fourteen patients were enrolled in the study. All were B‐cell‐depleted until 8 months post‐dose. Eleven patients (79%) responded (2CR, 9PR) at a median time of 5 months, with a 6‐month probability of renal response of 43%. Five patients (45%) relapsed at a median time of 17 months. DsDNA titres decreased in 69%. Side‐effects were minimal.

Conclusions

Single‐dose rituximab is effective in relapsed/refractory lupus nephritis. Longevity of B‐cell depletion with single‐dose rituximab is similar to that of four doses with potentially fewer side‐effects.
Characteristics of Schistosoma japonicum infection induced IFN‐γ and IL‐4 co‐expressing plasticity Th cells
Authors: Chen Dianhui , Xie Hongyan , Cha Hefei , Qu Jiale , Wang Mei , Li Lu , Yu Sifei , Wu Changyou , Tang Xiaoping , Huang Jun
Published: May 2016

Schistosoma japonicum infection can induce granulomatous inflammation and cause tissue damage in the mouse liver. The cytokine secretion profile of T helper (Th) cells depends on both the nature of the activating stimulus and the local microenvironment (e.g. cytokines and other soluble factors). In the present study, we found an accumulation of large numbers of IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ CD4+ T cells in mouse livers. This IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ cell population increased from 0·68 ± 0·57% in uninfected mice to 7·05 ± 3·0% by week 4 following infection and to 9·6 ± 5·28% by week 6, before decreasing to 6·3 ± 5·9% by week 8 in CD4 T cells. Moreover, IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ Th cells were also found in mouse spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes 6 weeks after infection. The majority of the IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ Th cells were thought to be related to a state of immune activation, and some were memory T cells. Moreover, we found that these S. japonicum infection‐induced IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ cells could express interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐9, IL‐17 and high IL‐10 levels at 6 weeks after S. japonicum infection. Taken together, our data suggest the existence of a population of IFN‐γ+ IL‐4+ plasticity effector/memory Th cells following S. japonicum infection in C57BL/6 mice.
Effects of dredging operations on the demersal fish fauna of a South American tropical–subtropical transition estuary
Authors: Barletta M. , Cysneiros F. J. A. , Lima A. R. A.
Published: May 2016

Changes in the environment and in the composition of fish assemblages in the Paranaguá Estuary (South Brazil) were assessed by comparisons made before, during and after dredging operations, in the same months and areas studied in the previous year. Interactions between year and month were observed for salinity. During the dredging year fish total density was 2 individuals m−2and with a total biomass of 104 g m−2(among 31 species captured). For the same period the year before, 0·3 individuals m−2and 3 g m−2were captured (38 species). The number of species showed significant timev. month interactions, assuming that fish species composition varied for both year and month. Total mean density and biomass showed significant differences for interaction timev.month, and density and biomass in the dredging month September 2001 in the main channel were scientifically different from other months. Interaction timesv.area were significant forCathorops spixii(increased biomass),Aspistor luniscutis(increased density),Menticirrhus americanus(decreased biomass) andCynoscion leiarchus(decreased density and biomass). This suggests that during the dredging process there is a change in the structure of the demersal fish assemblage. The impact (damage and mortality) induced by dredging on the macrobenthic animals along the dredge path attracted adults ofC. spixiithat reached densities 10 times greater than in the year before. On the other hand, sciaenid species practically disappeared. To contribute to the conservation of the estuarine fish fauna, and maintain fisheries production of the Paranaguá Estuary and surrounding areas, it is recommended that, dredging should be done from the late rainy season to the early dry season. Decisions must take into account the ecological cycles of socio‐economically important fish species and prioritize the safe disposal of dredged spoils.
The sclerotic ring of squamates: an evo‐devo‐eco perspective
Authors: Atkins Jade B. , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A.
Published: May 2016

The sclerotic ring consists of several bones that form in the sclera of many reptiles. This element has not been well studied in squamates, a diverse order of reptiles with a rich fossil record but debated phylogeny. Squamates inhabit many environments, display a range of behaviours, and have evolved several different body plans. Most importantly, many species have secondarily lost their sclerotic rings. This research investigates the presence of sclerotic rings in squamates and traces the lineage of these bones across evolutionary time. We compiled a database on the presence/absence of the sclerotic ring in extinct and extant squamates and investigated the evolutionary history of the sclerotic ring and how its presence/absence and morphology is correlated with environment and behaviour within this clade. Of the 400 extant species examined (59 families, 214 genera), 69% have a sclerotic ring. Those species that do not are within Serpentes, Amphisbaenia, and Dibamidae. We find that three independent losses of the sclerotic ring in squamates are supported when considering both evolutionary and developmental evidence. We also show that squamate species that lack, or have a reduced, sclerotic ring, are fossorial and headfirst burrowers. Our dataset is the largest squamate dataset with measurements of sclerotic rings, and supports previous findings that size of the ring is related to both environment occupied and behaviour. Specifically, scotopic species tend to have both larger inner and outer sclerotic ring apertures, resulting in a narrower ring of bone than those found in photopic species. Non‐fossorial species also have a larger sclerotic ring than fossorial species. This research expands our knowledge of these fascinating bones; with further phylogenetic analyses scleral ossicles could become an extremely useful character trait for inferring the behaviour of fossil squamates.
Results From the International Drug Coated Balloon Registry for the Treatment of Bifurcations. Can a Bifurcation Be Treated Without Stents?
Authors: Bruch Leonhard , Zadura Mariusz , Waliszewski Matthias , Platonic Zeljko , Eränen Jaako , Scheller Bruno , Götting Bettina , Herberger Denny , Palmieri Cataldo , Sinicròpi Giuseppe , Motz Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Objectives

This observational study assessed the 9‐month clinical outcomes in patients with coronary bifurcation lesions suitable for drug‐coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. It was the intention to use DCB's without additional stenting (DCB‐only strategy) in selected patients for this chosen strategy. Bail‐out main branch (MB) and/or side branch (SB) stenting, however, were permissible when flow limiting dissections or excessive recoil occurred.

Background

A multitude of interventional strategies have been studied to treat bifurcation lesions. With the availability of DCB angioplasty, investigators have been using this interventional tool with the optional implantation of bare metal stents (BMS).

Methods

This study is an international, prospective, multicenter registry enrolling patients with coronary bifurcation lesions including a side branch ≥2 mm in diameter. Patients with stable angina and documented ischemia or selected forms of unstable angina due to a culprit bifurcation lesion of any Medina classification type were recruited. The primary endpoint was clinically driven target‐lesion revascularization (TLR) at 9 months. Secondary endpoints included 9‐month major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction, or TLR), technical success, in‐hospital outcomes and vessel thrombosis rates.

Results

A total 127 patients 66.1 ± 10.1 years of age were enrolled. Demographic characteristics were 80.3% (102/127) male gender, 31.5% (40/127) diabetes, 91.3% (116/127) hypertension, 7.1% (9/127) ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 9.4% (12/127) non ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The 130 lesions were treated with 184 DCB's and 64 BMS. In 53.8% (70/130) of all lesions the DCB‐only strategy could be used while 34.6% (45/130) of lesions had at least 1 stent (BMS) in the main branch, 8.5% (11/130) had at least 1 stent in the side branch and 3.1% (4/130) needed at least 1 stent in the main and side branch. 94.5% patients (121/127) were available for follow‐up after 9.8 ± 2.0 months. The TLR rate was 4.6% in the absence of any thrombotic events in the treated vessels whereas the 9‐month MACE rate was 6.2%.

Conclusion

This observational study suggests that the DCB‐only strategy is safe and effective to treat selected bifurcations while benefiting from a shortened dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).
Investigation of Acrylic Resin Disinfection Using Chemicals and Ultrasound
Authors: Muscat Ylainia , Farrugia Cher , Camilleri Liberato , Arias‐Moliz Maria Teresa , Valdramidis Vasilis , Camilleri Josette
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Dental prosthetic and orthodontic appliances are transported from the clinic to the laboratory for additions and repairs. These appliances, containing microbes from the oral flora, are a high risk for cross‐contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemical and ultrasound disinfection against two in vitro biofilms and an in vivo formed biofilm grown on unprepared and polished polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) surfaces.

Materials and Methods

Rough and polished self‐curing PMMA surfaces were infected with strains of both Candida albicans and Streptococcus oralis. After incubation, the samples were treated with different disinfection methods, including ultrasound treatment for both 15 and 30 seconds, and immersion in glutaraldehyde and alcohol‐based chemical disinfectants (MD520 and Minuten, respectively). The disinfecting efficacy was assessed by colony forming units (CFU) analysis and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore the adequacy of bacterial elimination of application of 30‐second ultrasound and MD520 was assessed on PMMA retrieved from ten volunteers by CFU analyses. ANOVA with p = 0.05 followed by the Tukey post hoc test and the Student t‐test was used to analyze the data.

Results

The ultrasound treatment for 30 seconds, MD520, and Minuten were the most effective disinfectant methods as they reduced the microbial counts compared to the control (p < 0.05) as shown in the in vitro analyses. S. oralis adhered more to rough acrylic resin surfaces (p < 0.05). Ultrasound treatment was the most effective way to reduce microbial counts on PMMA exposed to oral flora (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

Ultrasound treatment for 30 seconds was effective against C. albicans, S. oralis, and the oral flora as shown by testing microbial growth on agar plates and SEM.
How can clinical ethics guide the management of comorbidities in the child with Rett syndrome?
Authors: Downs Jenny , Forbes David , Johnson Michael , Leonard Helen
Published: May 2016

Rett syndrome is a rare disorder caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Those affected generally have severe functional impairments, and medical comorbidities such as scoliosis and poor growth are common. There is a paucity of information on the natural history of many rare disorders and an even greater deficit of evidence to guide best practice. The population‐based and longitudinal Australian Rett Syndrome Database established in 1993 has supported investigations of the natural history of Rett syndrome and effectiveness of treatments. This paper reviews the disorder Rett syndrome and evidence for the management of scoliosis and poor growth within a clinical ethics framework. Compared with conservative management, we have shown that spinal fusion is associated with reduced mortality and better respiratory health. We have also shown that gastrostomy insertion is associated with subsequent weight gain. Family counselling for both procedures necessarily must include family perspectives and careful clinical attention to their needs and wishes. Vignettes describing family decision‐making and experiences are presented to illustrate the principals of beneficence and autonomy in determining the best interests of the child and family. A blend of evidence‐based practice with a strong clinical ethics framework has capacity to build existing strengths in families and reduce the negative impacts of disability and in so doing, optimise the health and wellbeing of those with Rett syndrome.
A Strategy‐Proofness Characterization of Plurality Rule
Authors: CAMPBELL DONALD E. , KELLY JERRY S.
Published: May 2016

Assuming at least four individuals and at least four alternatives, a social choice function on the domain of profiles at which there is an alternative ranked first by more individuals than any other alternative is nondictatorial, strategy‐proof, and has full range if and only if it is plurality rule.
Endophytic coming out: the expressorium as a novel fungal structure specialized in outward‐directed penetration of the leaf cuticle
Authors: Genre Andrea , Lanfranco Luisa
Published: May 2016

This article is a Commentary on Becker et al., 211: 240–254.
Terminal bacteroid differentiation in the legume−rhizobium symbiosis: nodule‐specific cysteine‐rich peptides and beyond
Authors: Alunni Benoît , Gourion Benjamin
Published: May 2016

Terminal bacteroid differentiation (TBD) is a remarkable case of bacterial cell differentiation that occurs after rhizobia are released intracellularly within plant cells of symbiotic legume organs called nodules. The hallmarks of TBD are cell enlargement, genome amplification and membrane permeabilization. This plant‐driven process is governed by a large family of bacteroid‐targeted nodule‐specific cysteine‐rich (NCR) peptides that were until recently thought to be restricted to a specific lineage of the legume family, including the model plant Medicago truncatula. Recently, new plant and bacterial factors involved in TBD have been identified, challenging our view of this phenomenon at mechanistic and evolutionary levels. Here, we review the recent literature and discuss emerging questions about the mechanisms and the role(s) of TBD.

Contents

Summary
411

I.
Terminal bacteroid differentiation: a tool to optimize nitrogen fixation?
411

II.
Terminal bacteroid differentiation in non‐IRLC legume plants: a
case of convergent coevolution?
412

III.
NCR peptide intracellular targets: from a blurry landscape to the line of sight
412

IV.
The Janus face of NCR peptides: two NCR peptides prevent bacteroid death
413

V.
A general fitness defect as a major cause of why rhizobial mutants cannot undergo terminal differentiation?
414

VI.
Bacterial strategies to survive the NCR peptide challenge and/or to escape TBD
414

VII.
Beyond NCR peptides, other plant proteins are required for bacteroid differentiation
415

VIII.
Conclusions
415

Acknowledgements
416

References
416
Local adaptation or foreign advantage? Effective use of a single‐test site common garden to evaluate adaptation across ecological scales
Authors: von Wettberg Eric J. B. , Marques Edward , Murren Courtney J.
Published: May 2016

This article is a commentary on Peterson et al., 211: 345–356.
Nailed It: Conservative Management of Penetrating Injury and Potential Infection of a Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device
Authors: DOLACKY STEVEN D. , WEHBER AIMEE A. , WORTHAM DALE C. , ROBERTS MADHUR A. , KAISER BROOKE R. , HIRSH JEFFREY B.
Published: May 2016

A 47‐year‐old man with a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy and chronic systolic heart failure presented after he inadvertently shot himself in the left upper chest with a pneumatic nail gun, penetrating his implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) generator. The device was noninterrogable, consistent with device failure. A new ICD was attached to the existing right ventricular lead, which showed no evidence of traumatic damage and normal lead parameters on interrogation. Aggressive debridement and antibiotic irrigation of the ICD pocket was performed and an antibacterial envelope was used. Bacterial culture of the ICD pocket grew Bacillus species. The patient completed a course of at least 14 days of oral clindamycin. At follow‐up, there were no signs or symptoms of systemic or local wound infection.
The carbon bonus of organic nitrogen enhances nitrogen use efficiency of plants
Authors: Franklin Oskar , Cambui Camila Aguetoni , Gruffman Linda , Palmroth Sari , Oren Ram , Näsholm Torgny
Published: May 2016

The importance of organic nitrogen (N) for plant nutrition and productivity is increasingly being recognized. Here we show that it is not only the availability in the soil that matters, but also the effects on plant growth. The chemical form of N taken up, whether inorganic (such as nitrate) or organic (such as amino acids), may significantly influence plant shoot and root growth, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). We analysed these effects by synthesizing results from multiple laboratory experiments on small seedlings (Arabidopsis, poplar, pine and spruce) based on a tractable plant growth model. A key point is that the carbon cost of assimilating organic N into proteins is lower than that of inorganic N, mainly because of its carbon content. This carbon bonus makes it more beneficial for plants to take up organic than inorganic N, even when its availability to the roots is much lower – up to 70% lower for Arabidopsis seedlings. At equal growth rate, root:shoot ratio was up to three times higher and nitrogen productivity up to 20% higher for organic than inorganic N, which both are factors that may contribute to higher NUE in crop production.
Down but not out: Newcomers can compensate for low vertical access with strong horizontal ties and favorable core self‐evaluations
Authors: Fang Ruolian , McAllister Daniel J. , Duffy Michelle K.
Published: May 2016

We draw upon and extend socialization resources theory to explain how organizational newcomers leverage their social capital resources (i.e., vertical access and horizontal tie strength within their communication networks) and personal resources (i.e., core self‐evaluations) to learn about and assimilate into their work and organizations. The findings of a multiwave study of organizational entrants in China reveal the synergistic effects of relational and personal resources for newcomer adjustment. Newcomers learn and assimilate effectively not only when they have vertical connections to high‐status organization members but also when they can compensate for their lack of high‐status connections by leveraging their strong horizontal ties with peers and favorable core self‐evaluations. These findings provide a practical perspective on how to tailor newcomer onboarding practices to facilitate effective newcomer adjustment.
Parental Characteristics can Explain Why Japanese Women Give Birth to the Smallest Infants in the United States
Authors: Morisaki Naho , Kawachi Ichiro , Oken Emily , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: May 2016

Background

Whether birthweight differences observed between races are due to modifiable factors remains controversial. In the United States, Asian infants weigh less than white infants and Japanese infants weigh the least.

Methods

Using US Natality data, we evaluated 4 132 319 singleton term livebirths to parents of non‐Hispanic white or Japanese race/ethnicity from 2009 to 2012. Infants were categorised by parental race/ethnicity (both white, n = 4 116 637; Japanese father/white mother, n = 2377; white father/Japanese mother, n = 7478; both Japanese, n = 5827). We used multivariable regression to sequentially adjust for maternal characteristics to determine to what extent they explained differences in fetal growth due to maternal race/ethnicity.

Results

Infants born to Japanese mothers were smaller by 132 (95% CI 101, 122) grams, with higher risk of small for gestational age (relative risk ratio (RRR) 1.56 (95% CI 1.47, 1.65) and lower risk of large for gestational age RRR 0.49, 95% CI 0.44, 0.54), compared to infants of white mothers. Differences in social factors and in maternal age, parity, and gestational age only minimally explained this difference. However, additionally adjusting for maternal height, body mass index and gestational weight gain substantially attenuated this difference to 20 (95% CI 12, 29) grams in birthweight, 0.91 (95% CI 0.86, 0.97) times risk of small for gestational age, and 1.06 (95% CI 0.96, 1.17) times risk of large for gestational age, with the effect similar across strata of paternal race/ethnicity.

Conclusion

Differences in fetal growth between infants from Japanese and white mothers could be explained by differences in maternal height, pre‐pregnancy weight, and gestational weight gain. Fetal growth potential appears to be similar across racial/ethnic groups when parental sizes are similar.
Red Tape: Developing and Validating a New Job‐Centered Measure
Authors: van Loon Nina M. , Leisink Peter L. M. , Knies Eva , Brewer Gene A.
Published: May 2016

Red tape studies typically focus on burdensome rules that have negative effects on organizations, as perceived by managers. The one‐item general red tape scale is representative of this approach. However, scholars have called for improved measures that address the scale's shortcomings. This article introduces a new measurement scale that features (1) red tape as a two‐dimensional construct that includes compliance burden and lack of functionality and (2) a job‐centered approach that measures red tape as experienced by employees in their jobs rather than more generally in the organization. A set of survey questions derived from interviews with government employees was validated using data from 1,203 government employees. The findings indicate that the two‐dimensional job‐centered red tape scale is reliable and valid. The authors conclude that this measure can improve research and be used by managers for a “quick scan” to detect the location and severity of red tape.
Natural cultch type influences habitat preference and predation, but not survival, in reef‐associated species
Authors: Levine Erica A. , Gosnell John S. , Goetz Emily M. , Malinowski Christopher R.
Published: May 2016

A shared origin with fresh and dredged cultch and availability via mining have made fossil cultch a commonly used reef restoration substrate. However, important differences in shape and size between whole‐shell cultch and fossil cultch may impact the complexity of reefs constructed from these materials. To determine if these differences may impact the development of restored reefs, we quantified the interstitial space each cultch type provides and constructed reef mesocosms to measure (1) the immediate effects of exposure to each cultch type on mortality of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus duorarum); (2) the tendency of crab, shrimp, and Florida crown conch (Melongena corona) to be found on habitats composed of each substrate type and their position within each in split‐substrate mesocosms; and (3) the influence of cultch type on predation of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) by crabs and conch. Aggregation of fossil cultch contains more shells and provides less interstitial space than an equivalent volume of whole‐shell cultch. Although immediate mortality following deployment was low and did not differ among cultch types, we found that all species were more likely to be found on fresh cultch over fossil cultch in choice experiments and used each habitat type differently. Cultch type also impacted the size of oysters consumed by crabs in short‐term feeding trials. The structure and traits of habitats created by various materials should be added to the growing list of issues considered when natural communities are to be restored in oyster reefs and other environments.
Benefits of Decreased Mortality Risk from Reductions in Primary Mobile Source Fine Particulate Matter: A Limited Data Approach for Urban Areas Worldwide
Authors: Greco Susan L. , Belova Anna , Huang Jin
Published: May 2016

We developed an approach to estimate the public health benefits resulting from transportation projects or environmental actions that reduce mobile source fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in select urban areas worldwide when input data are limited or when a rapid order‐of‐magnitude assessment is needed. For a given reduction in direct PM2.5 emissions, we can use this approach to quantify (1) the subsequent reduction in ambient primary PM2.5 concentration in the urban area; (2) the public health benefits associated with mortality risk reductions, measured in terms of avoided premature deaths; and (3) the economic value of the reduced mortality risk. To illustrate our approach, we estimated the impact of a 100‐metric‐ton reduction in primary PM2.5 mobile source emissions in the year 2010 for 42 large, global cities. Our estimates of public health benefits and their economic value varied by city, as did the sensitivity to key assumptions and inputs. The estimated number of premature deaths avoided per 100‐metric‐ton reduction in PM2.5 emissions ranged from 12 to 202. City‐level variability in these estimates was driven by the magnitude of the reduction in ambient PM2.5 concentration, the size of the urban population, and the baseline PM2.5 concentration. The economic value of mortality risk reductions per 100‐metric‐ton reduction in PM2.5 emissions ranged from $2 million to $328 million in 2010 U.S. dollars. Income per capita was the most important driver of the variability in the economic values across countries.
The modality effect of ego depletion: Auditory task modality reduces ego depletion
Authors: Li Qiong , Wang Zhenhong
Published: May 2016

An initial act of self‐control that impairs subsequent acts of self‐control is called ego depletion. The ego depletion phenomenon has been observed consistently. The modality effect refers to the effect of the presentation modality on the processing of stimuli. The modality effect was also robustly found in a large body of research. However, no study to date has examined the modality effects of ego depletion. This issue was addressed in the current study. In Experiment 1, after all participants completed a handgrip task, one group's participants completed a visual attention regulation task and the other group's participants completed an auditory attention regulation task, and then all participants again completed a handgrip task. The ego depletion phenomenon was observed in both the visual and the auditory attention regulation task. Moreover, participants who completed the visual task performed worse on the handgrip task than participants who completed the auditory task, which indicated that there was high ego depletion in the visual task condition. In Experiment 2, participants completed an initial task that either did or did not deplete self‐control resources, and then they completed a second visual or auditory attention control task. The results indicated that depleted participants performed better on the auditory attention control task than the visual attention control task. These findings suggest that altering task modality may reduce ego depletion.
Deborah's Voice: The Role of Women in Sexual Assault Cases at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia*,†
Authors: King Kimi Lynn , Meernik James D. , Kelly Eliza G.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To assess the impact of the gender of judges, prosecution attorneys, and defense lawyers on sentencing decisions at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Methods

We use regression modeling of all sentences handed down by the ICTY and test for the impact of gender with direct measures of the numbers and percentages of female actors and through interactive terms to assess whether there is a gender impact on sexual violence cases.

Results

The results demonstrate that higher levels of female representation in both the prosecution and defense teams are statistically significant predictors of ICTY sentencing.

Conclusions

Gender exercises an important impact on ICTY sentencing, and our results show that concern for female representation in international organizations is appropriate and worthy of further study.
Shattering the Marble Ceiling: A Research Note on Women‐Friendly State Legislative Districts*
Authors: Pyeatt Nicholas , Yanus Alixandra B.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Palmer and Simon's (2008) “women‐friendly” district index has proven a useful theoretical and empirical construct for researchers studying congressional elections. In one parsimonious measure, the authors capture 12 factors predicting women's election to the House of Representatives. The construct's utility in other political contexts, however, has not yet been tested.

Methods

We test the women‐friendliness index using a new data set on state legislative elections.

Results

We find that the women‐friendly district index is useful for predicting the election of women in state legislatures. The index's predictive power is robust to institutional variations and surpasses other contextual indicators, such as political culture.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that “women friendliness” is a useful empirical concept with application in multiple political contexts.
Do you catch undersized fish? Let's Go fishing to learn some important concepts in multiple testing
Authors: Zheng Qiujie , Lu Yonggang
Published: May 2016

In the era of Big Data, because of diminishing cost of data collection and storage, a large number of statistical tests may even possibly be conducted all together by a high school student to seek for some ‘exciting’ new scientific findings. In this article, we propose an interesting approach to introduce students to some important concepts in multiple testing by an analogous example of net fishing. The proposed teaching approach is fun and requires no mathematical calculation.
EFFECTS OF KAPPA CARRAGEENAN AND GLYCEROL IN PURPLE SWEET POTATO STARCH BASED EDIBLE FILM
Authors: Mohd Marsin Aishah , Muhamad Ida Idayu
Published: May 2016

The solubility and mechanical properties of purple sweet potato (PSP) starch-based edible films are being investigated. The formulation was prepared using a constant amount of PSP starch (4 % w/v) with five different ratios of carrageenan and glycerol (1:1, 1.5:0.5, 0.5:1.5, 0.5:0.5, 1:0) which act as gelling agents and plasticizers respectively. PSP starch generates 61.79 mg/100 g anthocyanin and retains 16.78 % antioxidant capacity. Carrageenan and glycerol (0.5:1.5) ratio shows the highest solubility in water (53.50 ± 0.1085 %) and highest tensile strength (9.1674 ± 0.5399 MPa) with the lowest elongation at break (20.436 ± 2.826 %).
REAL-TIME MICROWAVE MOISTURE MEASUREMENT OF NICKEL ORE IN CONVEYOR APPLICATIONS
Authors: Adiyansyah Indra Win , Hassim Nurulhalim
Published: May 2016

There are many advantages of knowing the moisture content of material in a real-time basis. Moisture content is a crucial parameter that affects material handling. Various technologies have been introduced but only a few were successfully applied for on-line moisture measurement in bulk mineral applications. This paper describes a Random Stratified Sampling Sweeping Microwave technique, moisture content measurement technique that reduce interference, annulling or superimposing signal, which are common errors in moisture measurement using microwave transmission technology. The technique is used for nickel ore running on a belt conveyor exiting the rotary dryer. The experimental results showed regression of 0.85, standard error of 0.18, and accuracy of 0.7wt%.
LINEAR AND NONLINEAR ARX MODEL FOR INTELLIGENT PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR SYSTEMS
Authors: Sulaiman Siti Fatimah , Rahmat M. F. , Faudzi A. A. M. , Osman Khairuddin
Published: May 2016

System modeling in describing the dynamic behavior of the system is very important and can be considered as a challenging problem in control systems engineering. This article presents the linear and nonlinear approaches using AutoRegressive with Exogenous Input (ARX) model structure for the modeling of position control of an Intelligent Pneumatic Actuator (IPA) system. The input and output data of the system were obtained from real-time experiment conducted while the linear and nonlinear mathematical models of the system were obtained using system identification (SI) technique. Best fit and Akaike’s criteria were used to validate the models. The results based on simulation reveals that nonlinear ARX (NARX) had the best performance for the modeling of position control of IPA system. The results show that nonlinear modeling is an effective way of analyzing and describing the dynamic behavior and characteristics of IPA system. This approach is also expected to be able to be applied to other systems. A future study exploring the execution of other model structures in demonstrating the position control of IPA system would be exceptionally intriguing.
FORMALIZING CONTEXT AWARE REQUIREMENT PATTERNS USING ONTOLOGY
Authors: K. Kumar , Saravanaguru R. A. K.
Published: May 2016

Requirements patterns for context aware system is challenging due to dynamic and ambiguous nature of context data which remain poorly characterized. A significant amount of research is being done on formalizing context aware systems. However, only few works has been done on requirement patterns which are mandatory to derive complete, consistent and deployable specifications for context data. Since context aware systems with its applications and simulation are still in pilot study. There is a need of formalizing context properties and a methodology to drive the contextual requirements in the system. Further to focus the research problem, empirical study was carried out to investigate context aware pattern properties and different context aware pattern aspects. The contribution of this paper work is to propose ontology based context aware requirement patterns (CaRePa). This CaRePa compared with existing models in context aware patterns. New set of context properties are identified and merged with the CaRePa template. Verification can be performed with the model created using ontology for context aware requirement patterns.
INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN FLOW RATE IN REDUCING TIN MICRODROPLETS ON BIOMEDICAL TI-13ZR-13NB ALLOY
Authors: Shah Arman , Izman S. , Hassan M. A.
Published: May 2016

Cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (CAPVD) is one of the promising techniques that have a potential to coat titanium nitride (TiN) on biomedical implants due to its good adhesion and high evaporation rate. However, this method emits microdroplets which have the possible detrimental effect on the coating performance. Past studies indicated that micro droplets can be controlled through proper deposition parameters. In the present work, an attempt was made to study the effect of nitrogen gas flow rates (100 to 300 sccm) on TiN coating of the Ti-13Zr-13Nb biomedical alloy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate surface morphology and coating thickness while crystal phase of the coated substrates was determined using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Image analysis software was employed to quantify microdroplets counts. Results show that higher nitrogen gas flow rate able to decrease a significant amount of microdroplets and concurrently increase the thickness of TiN coating. A mixed crystal planes of (111) and (220) are obtained on the coated substrates at this setting which exhibits denser structure with higher adhesion strength as compared to substrates coated at the lower N2 gas flow rate.
SKIN TEST REACTIVITY TO BEE HIVE PRODUCTS (HONEY BEES, HONEY, ROYAL JELLY AND POLLEN)
Authors: Abdullah Mai Shihah , Abdullah Nasuruddin
Published: May 2016

Bee hive products such as honey bees, honey, royal jelly and pollen are widely consumed as a health supplement. There has been several cases of allergic reactions to bee hive products reported worldwide. Consumption of bee hive products is common among Malaysians, but the degree of its sensitization is not known. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of skin test reactivity to Apis mellifera, domesticated locally and the bee hive products such as honey bees, honey, royal jelly and pollen among a group of volunteers. Four types of honey collected from different locations with different plant sources; one sample of imported honey from Australia, one sample of royal jelly, four different sources of bee pollen, and honey bee derivatives were used to prepare allergen extracts for skin testing. 2522 volunteers were skin tested to these allergen extracts. 271 (10.75%) of the subjects had a positive skin prick test result to at least one honey bee derivative or bee hive product allergen. Individuals with skin test positivity to honey bee are most likely to be sensitized to bee pollen followed by honey and royal jelly. Skin test reactivity to honey bee and bee hive products is prevailed to be high in Malaysia. This study has proven that bee hive products sensitization individuals are mostly to be also sensitized to honey bees. Therefore, is recommended these allergens to be included in the skin prick panel
OPTIMIZATION OF CHEMICAL PRETREATMENT FOR REMOVING COBALT ON TUNGSTEN CARBIDE SUBSTRATE USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: Shah A. , Izman S. , Hassan M. A. , Mustaphaa Ramlee
Published: May 2016

Diamond coating are commonly used in industries especially for application such as cutting tools, biomedical components, optical lenses, microelectronics, engineering, and thermal management systems. The diamond coating quality is strongly depending on substrate preparation prior to diamond coating. Thus, the several process parameters must be studied to obtain optimal parameters which lead high quality diamond coating. In this present work, an attempt was made to optimize pretreatment parameters namely temperature and time on cobalt removal of tungsten carbide. Full factorial experimental designs followed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were employed in this study to plan and analyze the experiment. The cobalt removal was the independent response variables. Empirical model was successfully developed to predict amount of cobalt removal on the substrate after single step etching process. Experimental results have shown that the temperature, time and time2 are found to be the most significant factors for cobalt removal. Whereas for interaction of time and temperature were insignificant factors to influence cobalt removal. According to this study, the minimum cobalt content can be obtained at working temperature from 48 to 50C for 3 minute.
GROUNDING EFFECT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF UWB ICE-CREAM CONE ANTENNA
Authors: Mohamed Kamaruddin Siti Rohmah , Mohamed Ahmad Rakimi , Ibrahim Abu Bakar
Published: May 2016

In this paper, presents the grounding effect on the performance of UWB Ice Cream Cone Antenna communication. This planar antenna designed on a FR4 substrate with the dielectric thickness, 1.6 mm and the dielectric constant Ɛr, 4.7. An analysis results for antenna with different parameter for width of feed as a ground has been investigated. The antennas were designed and simulated by using CST Microwave Studio Simulation. The proposed antenna performs from 4 GHz to 11 GHz spectrum band. The return losses, S11 for the suggestion antenna must be below than -10dB and voltage standing wave ratio, VSWR less than 2. The best grounded single ice cream cone antenna performance was obtained at 5.688 GHz with antenna sizes is 12 mm x 14.5 mm. The antenna gives omnidirectional radiation characteristics from UWB spectrum band requirement with reasonable gain values.
CONNECTIVITY IN MOBILE MULTIHOP RELAY NETWORK
Authors: Mohd Imam Ma’arof Nurul Nazirah , Fisal Norsheila
Published: May 2016

Mobile Multihop Relay (MMR) network is an attractive and low-cost solution for expanding service coverage and enhancing throughput of the conventional single hop network. However, mobility of Mobile Station (MS) in MMR network might lead to performance degradation in terms of Quality of Service (QoS). Selecting an appropriate Relay Station (RS) that can support data transmission for high mobility MS to enhance QoS is one of the challenges in MMR network. The main goal of the work is to develop and enhance relay selection mechanisms that can assure continuous connectivity while ensuring QoS in MMR network using NCTUns simulation tools. The approach is to develop and enhance a relay selection for MS with continuous connectivity in non-transparent relay. In this approach, the standard network entry procedure is modified to allow continuous connectivity with reduced signaling messages whenever MS joins RS that is out of Multihop Relay Base Station (MRBS) coverage and the relay selection is based on Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). The QoS performances of the proposed relay selections are in terms of throughput and average end-to-end (ETE) delay. The findings for the proposed relay selection in non-transparent relay shows that the throughput degradation between low mobility MS (30m/s) and high mobility MS (50m/s) is only about 2.0%. The proposed relay selection mechanisms can be applied in any high mobility multi-tier cellular network.
EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ON THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF A MALAYSIAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY. PRELIMINARY RESEARCH REPORT OF AUTOCLAVE PILOT SURVEY
Authors: Said Noor Ashikin , Olmedo Eric , Abdullah Che Zulhaimee , Rajab Razman Shah
Published: May 2016

Worldwide employee turnover in 2014 had hit the average of 18.5% (voluntary and involuntarily) (Radford 2014). Without exception, Malaysia‟s aerospace manufacturing industries have dealt with the same issue of high turnover rate for a long time. The human resource management of Composite Research Technology Malaysia (CTRM) has stepped out as the pioneer to be involved in an experiment to mitigate this issue. Therefore, there is a need to come out with a virtualized training tool that can help in cutting the cost and the duration of training new workers. An exploratory research has been conducted focusing on the linguistics aspect of the training tool. This report aimed to profile the technicians and to detect gaps between what is perceived and the actual reality on the floor, so that the technology could be transferred effectively. Semi-structured interviews, direct observation and focus group were used as the methodological approach to collect the data. The results indicate that their English competency is generally low. Malay language is used in all aspects of verbal communication. The glossary used for the instruction board is not comprehensible enough for the technicians and they have their own specific way of perceiving time at workplace.