bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Serum MicroRNA21 and Tumor Markers in Diagnosis of Early Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Mingzhong , Song Jiangxiang , Zhou Zhongwei , Zhu Rong , Jin Hao , Ji Yuqiao , Lu Qiang , Ju Huixiang
Published: January 2016

Objective.To compare the clinical value of serum microRNA21 (miR21) and other tumor markers in early diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods.Serums carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and miR21 were detected in 50 NSCLC cases and 60 healthy control individuals.Results.Average serums miR21, CEA, NSE, and CYFRA21-1 levels were significantly higher in the case group than in control group (P<0.01). Analysis of areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) revealed that CEA had the highest diagnostic efficiency for NSCLC. Serums miR21 and CYFRA21-1 levels were significantly lower at TNM stages I-II than stages III-IV (P<0.05). Further, logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that the incidence of early NSCLC (TNM stages I-II) was correlated with serums CYFRA21-1 (OR = 1.076) and miR21 (OR = 2.473) levels (P<0.05). By AUC analysis, miR21 had the highest diagnostic efficiency for early NSCLC, and single or combined detection of serums CYFRA21-1 and miR21 levels showed improved diagnostic efficiency for joint detection of both markers.Conclusions.Serum miR21 could serve as an important marker for auxiliary diagnosis of early NSCLC, while joint detection of serums miR21 and CYFRA21-1 levels could improve diagnostic efficiency.
Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment for Discogenic Low Back Pain and Disc Degeneration
Authors: Zeckser Jeffrey , Wolff Michael , Tucker Jason , Goodwin Josh
Published: January 2016

Low back pain with resultant loss of function, decreased productivity, and high economic costs is burdensome for both the individual and the society. Evidence suggests that intervertebral disc pathology is a major contributor to spine‐related pain and degeneration. When commonly used conservative therapies fail, traditional percutaneous or surgical options may be beneficial for pain relief but are suboptimal because of their inability to alter disc microenvironment catabolism, restore disc tissue, and/or preserve native spine biomechanics. Percutaneously injected Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy has recently gained clinical interest for its potential to revolutionarily treat disc‐generated (discogenic) pain and associated disc degeneration. Unlike previous therapies to date, MSCs may uniquely offer the ability to improve discogenic pain and provide more sustained improvement by reducing disc microenvironment catabolism and regenerating disc tissue. Consistent treatment success has the potential to create a paradigm shift with regards to the treatment of discogenic pain and disc degeneration.
Neural Network Based Active Disturbance Rejection Control of a Novel Electrohydraulic Servo System for Simultaneously Balancing and Positioning by Isoactuation Configuration
Authors: Gao Qiang , Hou Yuanlong , Li Kang , Sun Zhan , Wang Chao , Hou Runmin
Published: January 2016

To satisfy the lightweight requirements of large pipe weapons, a novel electrohydraulic servo (EHS) system where the hydraulic cylinder possesses three cavities is developed and investigated in the present study. In the EHS system, the balancing cavity of the EHS is especially designed for active compensation for the unbalancing force of the system, whereas the two driving cavities are employed for positioning and disturbance rejection of the large pipe. Aiming at simultaneously balancing and positioning of the EHS system, a novel neural network based active disturbance rejection control (NNADRC) strategy is developed. In the NNADRC, the radial basis function (RBF) neural network is employed for online updating of parameters of the extended state observer (ESO). Thereby, the nonlinear behavior and external disturbance of the system can be accurately estimated and compensated in real time. The efficiency and superiority of the system are critically investigated by conducting numerical simulations, showing that much higher steady accuracy as well as system robustness is achieved when comparing with conventional ADRC control system. It indicates that the NNADRC is a very promising technique for achieving fast, stable, smooth, and accurate control of the novel EHS system.
Fault Diagnosis System of Induction Motors Based on Multiscale Entropy and Support Vector Machine with Mutual Information Algorithm
Authors: Pan Shuang , Han Tian , Tan Andy C. C. , Lin Tian Ran
Published: January 2016

An effective fault diagnosis method for induction motors is proposed in this paper to improve the reliability of motors using a combination of entropy feature extraction, mutual information, and support vector machine. Sample entropy and multiscale entropy are used to extract the desired entropy features from motor vibration signals. Sample entropy is used to estimate the complexity of the original time series while multiscale entropy is employed to measure the complexity of time series in different scales. The entropy features are directly extracted from the nonlinear, nonstationary induction motor vibration signals which are then sorted by using mutual information so that the elements in the feature vector are ranked according to their importance and relevant to the faults. The first five most important features are selected from the feature vectors and classified using support vector machine. The proposed method is then employed to analyze the vibration data acquired from a motor fault simulator test rig. The classification results confirm that the proposed method can effectively diagnose various motor faults with reasonable good accuracy. It is also shown that the proposed method can provide an effective and accurate fault diagnosis for various induction motor faults using only vibration data.
Gear Fault Diagnosis Based on Empirical Mode Decomposition and 1.5 Dimension Spectrum
Authors: Cai Jianhua , Li Xiaoqin
Published: January 2016

Aiming at the nonlinear and nonstationary feature of mechanical fault vibration signal, a new fault diagnosis method, which is based on a combination of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and 1.5 dimension spectrum, is proposed. Firstly, the vibration signal is decomposed by EMD and the correlation coefficient between each intrinsic mode function and original signal is calculated. Then these intrinsic mode function components, which have a big correlation coefficient, are selected to estimate its 1.5 dimension spectrum. And this method uses 1.5 dimension spectrum of each intrinsic mode function to reconstruct its power spectrum. And these power spectrums are summed to obtain the primary power spectrum of gear fault signal. Finally, the information feature of fault is extracted from the reconstructed 1.5 dimension spectrum. A model to reconstruct 1.5 dimension spectrum is established, and the principle and steps of the method are presented. Some simulated and measured gear fault signals have been processed to demonstrate the effectiveness of new method. The result shows that this method can greatly inhibit the interference of Gauss noise to raise the SNR and recognize the secondary phase coupling feature of the signal. The proposed method has a good real-time performance and provides an effective method to determine the early crack fault of gear root.
Existence of Positive Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Algebraic Systems
Authors: Du Yongqiang , Zhang Guang , Feng Wenying
Published: January 2016

Based on Guo-Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, the existence of positive solutions for a class of nonlinear algebraic systems of the formx=GFxis studied firstly, whereGis a positiven×nsquare matrix,x=col⁡(x1,x2,…,xn), andF(x)=col⁡(f(x1),f(x2),…,f(xn)), where,F(x)is not required to be satisfied sublinear or superlinear at zero point and infinite point. In addition, a new cone is constructed inRn. Secondly, the obtained results can be extended to some more general nonlinear algebraic systems, where the coefficient matrixGand the nonlinear term are depended on the variablex. Corresponding examples are given to illustrate these results.
Sandwich Immunoassays of Multicomponent Subtrace Pathogenic DNA Based on Magnetic Fluorescent Encoded Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Yaxu , Zhang Xuanjun , E Yifeng , Fang Fang , Kuang Guangkai , Wang Guannan
Published: January 2016

A novel magnetic fluorescent encoded nanoimmunoassay system for multicomponent detection and separation of the subtrace pathogenic DNA (hepatitis B virus surface gene, HBV; hepatitis A virus poly the protein gene, HAV) was established based on new type of magnetic fluorescent encoded nanoparticles and sandwich immunoassay principle. This method combines multifunctional nanoparticles, immunoassay technique, fluorescence labeling, and magnetic separation of multicomponent technology. It has many advantages such as high sensitivity, low detection limit, easy operation, and great potential for development. The results of this work show that, based on nanoimmunoassay system, it could quantitatively detect the multicomponent trace pathogenic HAV and HBV DNA, as well as detection limit up to 0.1 pM and 0.12 pM. Furthermore, with the improvement of the performances of magnetic fluorescent encoded nanoparticles, the sensitivity will be further improved. In this experiment, a new nanoimmunoassay system based on magnetic fluorescent encoded nanoparticles was established, which will provide a new way for the immunoassay and separation of multicomponent biomolecules.
Significance of TNF-αand the Adhesion Molecules: L-Selectin and VCAM-1 in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Kobawala Toral P. , Trivedi Trupti I. , Gajjar Kinjal K. , Patel Darshita H. , Patel Girish H. , Ghosh Nandita R.
Published: January 2016

Circulating levels of TNF-αand the adhesion molecules L-Selectin and VCAM-1 as well as their expression in the primary tumors of patients with benign thyroid diseases and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have been determined in this study. The serum levels of TNF-α, L-Selectin, and VCAM-1 were significantly higher in patients with both benign thyroid diseases and PTC as compared to the healthy individuals. However, the levels of only TNF-αand L-Selectin, and not VCAM-1, were significantly higher in patients with PTC in comparison to those observed in patients with benign thyroid diseases. Further the expression of TNF-αand L-Selectin was also significantly higher in the primary tumors of PTC patients, relative to the benign thyroid diseases. The expression of L-Selectin and VCAM-1 significantly correlated with aggressive tumor behavior. In PTC patients, the circulating TNF-αlevels significantly positively correlated with the levels of L-Selectin, while TNF-αimmunoreactivity was significantly associated with VCAM-1 expression. Serum TNF-αwas found to be a significant prognosticator for OS in PTC patients. Overall the results signify that the interaction between TNF-αand the adhesion molecules may have a role in thyroid carcinogenesis and understanding this complexity may offer potential therapeutic targets for better management of thyroid cancer.
Dynamic Modeling and Chaotic Analysis of Gear Transmission System in a Braiding Machine with or without Random Perturbation
Authors: Yujing Zhang , Zhuo Meng , Yize Sun
Published: January 2016

This paper is aimed at analyzing the dynamic behavior of the gear transmission system in a braiding machine. In order to observe the nonlinear phenomenon and reveal the time-varying gear meshing mechanism, a mathematical model with five degrees-of-freedom gear system under internal and external random disturbance of gear system is established. With this model, bifurcation diagrams, Poincare maps, phase diagrams, power spectrum, time-process diagrams, and Lyapunov exponents are used to identify the chaotic status. Meanwhile, by these analytical methods, spur gear pair with or without random perturbation are compared. The numerical results suggest that the vibration behavior of the model is consistent with that of Clifford system. The chaotic system associated parameters are picked out, which can be helpful to the design and control of braiding machines.
Operational Efficiency Evaluation of Iron Ore Logistics at the Ports of Bohai Bay in China: Based on the PCA-DEA Model
Authors: Chen Jihong , Wan Zheng , Zhang Fangwei , Park Nam-kyu , He Xinhua , Yin Weiyong
Published: January 2016

Operational efficiency is significant for the comprehensive competitiveness of a port. In this study, we use a principal component analysis-data envelopment analysis (PCA-DEA) integrated model to evaluate the operational efficiency of iron ore logistics at the ports of Bohai Bay, China. The key indicators and systematic framework are established for logistics efficiency research. We consider the PCA-DEA integrated model as a practical tool for evaluating and analyzing the relative efficiency of the iron ore logistics of each port in that area. The proposed method consists of a two-stage research and analysis that begins with PCA. In the first stage, we use PCA to obtain 6 synthetic indicators, including 4 input indicators and 2 output indicators, from 15 original indicators. In the second stage, the standard DEA approach is used with the specific synthetic indicators. The evaluation results of the selected ports from the integrated PCA-DEA model are compared and discussed. The comparison of the evaluation results indicates that the PCA-DEA model provides a practical and powerful tool for the investigation of the port logistics problem. With this integrated model, a comparison analysis and further research into the iron ore logistics efficiency of different ports in the area are presented. Finally, discussions and suggestions are provided.
The Protective Effect of Marigold Hydroalcoholic Extract in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats: Evaluation of Cardiac and Pancreatic Biomarkers in the Serum
Authors: Ebrahimi Esmaeel , Shirali Saeed , Talaei Rahman
Published: January 2016

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder worldwide and it is usually along with complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing and its treatment has created concerns in society. The use of herbal medicine can be helpful in the management of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of marigold hydroalcoholic extract under diabetes condition. A total of 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, diabetic control group, and groups treated with 250 or 500 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of marigold flower during four weeks. At the end of the study, the rats were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine, and sampling was performed through cardiac puncture. The results showed that treatment with marigold improved body weight. In addition, we determined that marigold normalized the level of CK-MB, total CK, amylase, and lipase in a dose-dependent manner. Probably these effects resulted from antioxidant property of marigold; thus we suggest that marigold flower can be useful for reduction of diabetes complication.
Stromal Expression of miR-143/145 Promotes Neoangiogenesis in Lung Cancer Development
Authors: Dimitrova Nadya , Gocheva Vasilena , Bhutkar Arjun , Resnick Rebecca , Jong Robyn M. , Miller Kathryn M. , Bendor Jordan , Jacks Tyler
Published: January 2016

The two unrelated miRNAs miR-143 and miR-145, coexpressed from the miR-143/145 cluster, have been proposed to act as tumor suppressors in human cancer, and therapeutic benefits of delivering miR-143 and miR-145 to tumors have been reported. In contrast, we found that tumor-specific deletion of miR-143/145 in an autochthonous mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma did not affect tumor development. This was consistent with the lack of endogenous miR-143/145 expression in normal and transformed lung epithelium. Surprisingly, miR-143/145 in the tumor microenvironment dramatically promoted tumor growth by stimulating the proliferation of endothelial cells. Loss of miR-143/145 in vivo led to derepression of the miR-145 target CAMK1D, an inhibitory kinase, which when overexpressed prevents mitotic entry of endothelial cells. As a consequence, tumors in miR-143/145-deficient animals exhibited diminished neoangiogenesis, increased apoptosis, and their expansion was limited by the tumor's ability to co-opt the alveolar vasculature. These findings demonstrate that stromal miR-143/145 promotes tumorigenesis and caution against the use of these miRNAs as agents in cancer therapeutics.

Significance: This study shows that miR-143/145 expressed from the tumor microenvironment stimulates neoangiogenesis and supports tumor expansion in the lung, demonstrating a surprising role for the putative tumor suppressor miRNA cluster in promoting tumorigenesis. We propose inhibition of miR-143/145 as a therapeutic avenue to modulate tumor neoangiogenesis. Cancer Discov; 6(2); 188–201. ©2015 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 109
Return to Work and Normal Daily Life Activity after Open and Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy - A Single Surgeon Analysis
Authors: Bier Simone , Hennenlotter Jörg , Rausch Steffen , Aufderklamm Stefan , Martzog Johannes C. , Stenzl Arnulf , Schwentner Christian , Todenhöfer Tilman
Published: January 2016

Purpose: To evaluate differences in health related quality of life and time to return to normal activities between patients treated with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Patients and Methods: Three hundred and two patients treated with RARP or ORP were prospectively enrolled. One year after surgery, patients received a questionnaire to evaluate social life, duration of being limited in daily and sexual life as well as satisfaction with the treatment. Results: Both cohorts showed no differences in age, prostate specific-antigen-levels, Gleason score, prostate volume or T-stage (p > 0.05). Median blood loss was significant lower and the surgical time was significant higher in the RARP group. There were no significant differences regarding the duration of being limited in social or daily life or regarding the satisfaction with the treatment. The median time patients felt affected in their work was 2 months. There were no significant differences in terms of subjective global health status and HrQoL 3 months (p = 0.60 and p = 0.40) and 6 months (p = 0.30 and p = 0.20) after surgery. Conclusion: The present study confirms significant perioperative benefits for patients undergoing RARP compared to ORP. However, there is no difference in HrQoL as well as in the time to return to normal activities between patients treated with RARP and ORP.
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Chinese Adults: Role of Adiposity Indicators and Age
Authors: Xu Weili , Zhang Hua , Paillard-Borg Stephanie , Zhu Hong , Qi Xiuying , Rizzuto Debora
Published: January 2016

Objectives: The role of different body fat indicators and age in assessing the prevalence of obesity is unclear. We aimed to examine to what extent different body fat indicators including BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) affect the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese adults taking age into account. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included a random sample of 7,603 adults aged 20-79 years across entire Tianjin, China. BMI, WC, and WHR were used to define overweight and obesity following standard criteria. Prevalence rates were calculated and standardized using local age- and gender-specific census data. Logistic regression was used in data analysis. Results: Using the combination of BMI, WC, and WHR, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 69.8%, and increased with age till the age of 60 and a decline thereafter. The prevalence of overweight assessed by BMI was higher than that assessed by WC and WHR, while the prevalence of obesity defined by BMI was much lower than that defined by WC or WHR. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is about 70% among Chinese adults. Adiposity indicators and age play an important role in the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Xp22.33p22.12 Duplication in a Patient with Intellectual Disability and Dysmorphic Facial Features
Authors: Lintas Carla , Picinelli Chiara , Piras Ignazio S. , Sacco Roberto , Gabriele Stefano , Verdecchia Magda , Persico Antonio M.
Published: January 2016

A novel 19.98-Mb duplication in chromosome Xp22.33p22.12 was detected by array CGH in a 30-year-old man affected by intellectual disability, congenital hypotonia and dysmorphic features. The duplication encompasses more than 100 known genes. Many of these genes (such as neuroligin 4, cyclin-dependent kinase like 5, and others) have already correlated with X-linked intellectual disability and/or neurodevelopmental disorders. Due to the high number of potentially pathogenic genes involved in the reported duplication, we cannot correlate the clinical phenotype to a single gene. Indeed, we suggest that the resulting clinical phenotype may have arisen from the overexpression and consequent perturbation of fine gene dosage.
Unplanned Inpatient and Observation Rehospitalizations After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hess Connie N. , Wang Tracy Y. , McCoy Lisa A. , Messenger John C. , Effron Mark B. , Zettler Marjorie E. , Henry Timothy D. , Peterson Eric D. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: January 2016

Background—

Previous studies examining early readmission after acute myocardial infarction have focused exclusively on inpatient readmissions. However, from a patient’s perspective, any unplanned inpatient or observation rehospitalization after acute myocardial infarction represents a significant event; these unplanned rehospitalizations have not been well characterized.

Methods and Results—

We examined all patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and discharged alive from 233 hospitals in the Treatment With Adenosine Diphosphate Receptor Inhibitors: Longitudinal Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome (TRANSLATE-ACS) study from 2010 to 2012. Our primary outcome was unplanned rehospitalizations (inpatient or observation status) within 30 days after discharge. We identified factors associated with unplanned rehospitalizations using multivariable logistic regression. Among 12 312 patients, 1326 (10.8%) had 1483 unplanned rehospitalizations within 30 days of the index event: 1028 (69.3%) were inpatient readmissions, and 455 (30.7%) were observation stays. The majority of unplanned rehospitalizations (72%) were for cardiovascular reasons. Variation in hospital rates of 30-day unplanned rehospitalization ranged from 5.4% to 20.0%, with a median of 10.7%. After multivariable modeling, the factors most strongly associated with unplanned rehospitalization were baseline quality of life and depression, followed by index hospital length of stay.

Conclusions—

Early unplanned rehospitalizations are common after acute myocardial infarction, and close to one third were classified as an observation stay. Predischarge and postdischarge assessments of overall, not just cardiovascular, health and strategies to optimize patient functional status may help to reduce unplanned rehospitalizations.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01088503.
Parapolystichum novoguineense (comb. nov.; Dryopteridaceae) from New Guinea
Authors: Sundue Michael , Testo Weston
Published: January 2016

Recent phylogenetic analyses have recovered Lastreopsis sensu Tindale (1965) as paraphyletic with Coveniella Tindale, Megalastrum Holttum, Rumohra Raddi, and Oenotrichia tripinnata (F. Muell. ex Benth.) Copel. nested within it (Labiak et al. 2014a).  Species of Lastreopsis sensu Tindale were resolved in two clades now recognized as Lastreopsis s.s. and Parapolystichum. Accordingly, Labiak et al. (2014b) made new combinations for Conveniella and Oenotrichia tripinnata in Lastreopsis, and for 27 species of Lastreopsis in Parapolystichum. Lastreopsis s.s. now comprises 16 species, placed into two subgenera, subg. Lastreopsis and subg. Rhopalotricha (Labiak et al. 2015).  Lastreopsis and Parapolystichum cannot always be distinguished from each other morphologically, therefore Labiak et al. (2014) refrained from making combinations for nine species that had not been included in their phylogenetic analysis, treating them as Incertae Sedis.  We address one of those species here, Lastreopsis novoguineensis Holttum, which was described posthumously along with other novelties for the Flora Malesiana (Holttum, 1991). Here, we place Lastreopsis novoguineensis within a phylogenetic framework based on Labiak et al. (2014a) and resolve its taxonomic status based on these findings.
A New Species of Rhodymeniaceae (Rhodophyta, Rhodymeniales) from the Northern Brazilian Coast: Botryocladia franciscana sp. nov.
Authors: Santiago Janaína De Araújo Sousa , Carneiro Pedro Bastos de Macedo , Santiago Andre Prata , Feijó Rubens Galdino , Maggioni Rodrigo
Published: January 2016

A new species of marine macroalgae, Botryocladia franciscana sp. nov. (Rhodophyta, Rhodymeniaceae) is described for the south-west Atlantic Ocean. B. franciscana was collected from protected rocky crevices at Coqueiro Beach, Piaui, Brazil. Molecular characterization was based on two plastidial genes, the V domain of the 23S rRNA gene (UPA, universal plastid amplicon), and the large subunit of ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase gene (rbcL), and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (cox1). Phylogenetic trees from rbcL sequences clearly set B. franciscana apart from morphologically similar B. bermudana and B. caraibica. Morphological description was performed using anatomical and morphological features, including vesicle medulla and wall thickness, shape and size of the mucous-filled vesicles, pattern of vesicles’ outer cortication, number of secretory cells and type of cell bearing the secretory cells. The observed morphological characters do not correspond to any previously described Botryocladia species and DNA sequence diverge values indicate it is distinct from B. franciscana and B. bermudana; therefore, we present B. franciscana as a new species from the Brazilian coast, with illustrations and morpho-anatomical characteristics.
Dendrocalamus atroviridis (Poaceae: Bambusoideae, Bambuseae), a new species from Southwest China
Authors: YANG HAN-QI , XIE NING , SUN MAO-SHENG , XU TIAN , LI DE-ZHU
Published: January 2016

Dendrocalamus atroviridis, a new species from southern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It resembles Dendrocalamus brandisii, but is characterized by dark-green culms, longer internodes, culm sheaths covered with densely brown bristles, erect blade of the culm sheath, 5–15 pseudospikelets at each node of the flowering branches, smaller pseudospikelets, as well as longer anthers and styles. It is only known from Menghai County, in Yunnan, China.
A contribution to the knowledge of the subfamily Panagaeinae Hope, 1838
from Africa. Part 1. Revision of the Craspedophorus reflexus group (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: HÄCKEL MARTIN
Published: January 2016

Afrotropical species of the Craspedophorus reflexus group are revised. C. arnosti sp. n. (Central Africa), C. ruvumanus sp. n. (Ruvuma Region, Tanzania) and C. reflexus megamacula ssp. n. (Senegambia) are described. Craspedophorus reflexus group sensu Chaudoir, 1879 is redefined and C. savagei (Hope, 1842) is synonymized with C. reflexus (Fabricius, 1781).
Chulacaridae, a new family of prostigmatic mites (Acari, Trombidiformes)
from Thailand
Authors: FUANGARWORN MARUT , LEKPRAYOON CHARIYA , BUTCHER BUNTIKA AREEKUL
Published: January 2016

A new family of prostigmatic mites (Acari: Trombidiformes), Chulacaridae n. fam. based on Chulacarus elegans n. g. et n. sp., is described from adult females and immature instars collected from soil and litter in Thailand. The new family is monobasic and is placed in the hyporder Anystae (sensu Zhang et al. 2011), and tentatively grouped with other families in the superfamily Anystoidea. In addition to the typical features of Anystina, Chulacaridae n. fam. is characterized by the presence of enlarged, raptorial legs I uniquely with bipectinate setae on their anterior face, the presence of thick and blunt adoral setae (or1 and or2), the fusion of the palpal femur and genu, the absence of any femoral subdivision of legs I–IV, the presence of 8–10 pairs of small genital papillae, and the presence of unipectinate claws (without empodium) on pretarsi I and normal claws (with claw-like empodium) on pretarsi II–IV. Some morphological characters and its systematic position are discussed.
Eriophyoid mites from Eastern India: description of three new species (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea)
Authors: DEBNATH PRANAB , KARMAKAR KRISHNA
Published: January 2016

Three new eriophyoid mite species, namely Dichopelmus puncti n. sp. (Eriophyidae) from cogan grass, Imperata cylindrica (Poaceae); Calacarus kalyaniensis n. sp. (Eriophyidae) from Siam weed, Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) and Neorhynacus bidhanae n. sp. (Diptilomiopidae) from Croton caudatus (Euphorbiaceae), are described and illustrated from West Bengal, India. The new species are vagrants on the leaves of their respective host plants with no visible damage observed. Keys to the known species of Dichopelmus and Neorhynacus are provided along with a checklist of eriophyoid mites species present in West Bengal.
A Framework for Evaluating Climate Model Performance Metrics
Authors: Baker Noel C. , Taylor Patrick C.
Published: January 2016

Given the large amount of climate model output generated from the series of simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), a standard set of performance metrics would facilitate model intercomparison and tracking performance improvements. However, no framework exists for the evaluation of performance metrics. The proposed framework systematically integrates observations into metric assessment to quantitatively evaluate metrics. An optimal metric is defined in this framework as one that measures a behavior that is strongly linked to model quality in representing mean-state present-day climate. The goal of the framework is to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the ability of a performance metric to represent overall model quality. The framework is demonstrated, and the design principles are discussed using a novel set of performance metrics, which assess the simulation of top-of-atmosphere (TOA) and surface radiative flux variance and probability distributions within 34 CMIP5 models against Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) observations and GISS Surface Temperature Analysis (GISTEMP). Of the 44 tested metrics, the optimal metrics are found to be those that evaluate global-mean TOA radiation flux variance.
Reconstructability of Three-Dimensional Upper-Ocean Circulation from SWOT Sea Surface Height Measurements
Authors: Qiu Bo , Chen Shuiming , Klein Patrice , Ubelmann Clement , Fu Lee-Lueng , Sasaki Hideharu
Published: January 2016

Utilizing the framework of effective surface quasigeostrophic (eSQG) theory, this study explores the potential of reconstructing the 3D upper-ocean circulation structures, including the balanced vertical velocity w field, from high-resolution sea surface height (SSH) data of the planned Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission. Specifically, the authors utilize the 1/30°, submesoscale-resolving, OFES model output and subject it to the SWOT simulator that generates the along-swath SSH data with expected measurement errors. Focusing on the Kuroshio Extension region in the North Pacific where regional Rossby numbers range from 0.22 to 0.32, this study finds that the eSQG dynamics constitute an effective framework for reconstructing the 3D upper-ocean circulation field. Using the modeled SSH data as input, the eSQG-reconstructed relative vorticity ζ and w fields are found to reach a correlation of 0.7–0.9 and 0.6–0.7, respectively, in the 1000-m upper ocean when compared to the original model output. Degradation due to the SWOT sampling and measurement errors in the input SSH data for the ζ and w reconstructions is found to be moderate, 5%–25% for the 3D ζ field and 15%–35% for the 3D w field. There exists a tendency for this degradation ratio to decrease in regions where the regional eddy variability (or Rossby number) increases.
Combined Effect of Blood Cadmium and Lead Levels on Coronary Heart Disease Prediction Risk in Korean Men
Authors: Cho Hye-Min , Cho Doo-Yeoun , Kim Min-Young , Yang Sung-Won , Seo Young-Seok , Kim Kyu-Nam
Published: January 2016

This study was designed to investigate the combined effects of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) on 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk calculated using the Framingham risk score. The heavy metal data set of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV and V (2008-2010) was analyzed. The 10-year CHD risk was significantly associated with the log-transformed blood Cd and Pb levels in Korean men. For the highest quartile of Cd and Pb, the odds ratio (OR) of the intermediate risk and beyond for CHD (10-year risk ≥10%) compared to the lowest quartile was 6.870 (Cd, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.58-10.30) and 3.127 (Pb, 95% CI: 2.09-4.69) after adjusting for confounders, respectively. The adjusted OR of the intermediate risk and beyond for CHD (10-year risk ≥10%) in the fourth quartile of both Cd and Pb was 12.2 (95% CI: 8.0-18.5) compared to the reference group (first and second quartiles of Cd and Pb). However, the association between log-transformed blood Cd and Pb and the 10-year CHD risk was not significant in Korean women.
Schools Matter: The Positive Relationship Between New York City High Schools’ Student Academic Progress and School Climate
Authors: Davis Jonathan Ryan , Warner Nathan
Published: January 2016

This article investigates the link between school climate and student academic progress in New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) high schools. Using a data set compiled from 2010-2011 NYCDOE school-level aggregated demographic, survey, and progress report achievement data, the authors ran ordinary least squares regressions where they found that a school’s climate significantly correlated with student academic progress; under some conditions, the school climate effects outweighed the effects of student background factors. Finally, the school climate domains of safety and respect, communication, engagement, and academic expectations all proved to be important factors that were associated with student achievement.
A Note on the Identification of Common Geographies
Authors: Slez Adam , O’Connell Heather A. , Curtis Katherine J.
Published: January 2016

Areal data have been used to good effect in a wide range of sociological research. One of the most persistent problems associated with this type of data, however, is the need to combine data sets with incongruous boundaries. To help address this problem, we introduce a new method for identifying common geographies. We show that identifying common geographies is equivalent to identifying components within a k-uniform k-partite hypergraph. This approach can be easily implemented using a geographic information system in conjunction with a simple search algorithm.
Contextual Density and US Automotive CO2 Emissions across the Rural–Urban Continuum
Authors: Perumal Andrew , Timmons David
Published: January 2016

Using data from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey, we quantify the effects of settlement patterns on individual driving habits and the resulting automotive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. We employ CO2 emissions to capture this impact accurately, as it reflects both vehicle miles traveled and any spatial differences in vehicle fuel efficiency choices. While previous studies have compared automotive travel in urban and suburban areas, our approach characterizes emissions across the entire US rural–urban gradient, focusing on the effects of population density. Rather than using categorical measures of contextual density (city, suburb, town, etc.), we use a geographical information system to calculate continuous measures of contextual density, that is, density at different proximities to households. These measures of contextual density allow us to model travel effects induced by the gravitational pull of the population densities of urban cores. Further, our methodological approach frames location choice as an endogenous treatment effect; that is, residential locations are not randomly assigned across our sample and significantly alter driving behavior. We find that individuals living in urban cores generate the lowest per capita automotive CO2 emissions, due to close proximities of population concentrations. Rather than attracting individuals who would likely have low CO2 emissions anyway, urban location apparently mitigates the emissions of people who would otherwise tend to have high automotive CO2 emissions. We find larger elasticities with respect to density than previous studies and also find that the attractive forces of population densities affect driving patterns at distances up to sixty-one kilometers outside of urban areas.
Bells in Space
Authors: Rey Sergio J.
Published: January 2016

Social and interregional inequality patterns across US states from 1929–2012 are analyzed using exploratory space–time methods. The results suggest complex spatial dynamics for both inequality series that were not captured by the stylized model of Alonso. Interpersonal income inequalities of states displayed a U-shaped pattern ending the period at levels that exceeded the alarmingly high patterns that existed in the 1920s. Social inequality is characterized by greater mobility than that found for state per capita incomes. Spatial dependence is also distinct between the two series, with per capita incomes exhibiting strong global spatial autocorrelation, while state interpersonal income inequality does not. Local hot and cold spots are found for the per capita income series, while local spatial outliers are found for state interpersonal inequality. Mobility in both inequality series is found to be influenced by the local spatial context of a state.
Teaching Schedule Use on an iPad to Children With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Stephenson Jennifer
Published: January 2016

The use of a schedule to guide students with special education needs through a series of activities can increase independence and self-management as well as improve on-task behavior. In the study reported here, three young boys with developmental disabilities were taught to use the scheduling app First Then on an iPad. Least to most prompting was the instructional strategy employed. The intervention was carried out by class teachers in special education classrooms as part of their regular daily routine. There was a clear intervention effect for all students and two met the mastery criterion of all steps correct for 3 consecutive days.
Narcissism, intrinsic and extrinsic romantic ideals, and relationship satisfaction
Authors: Seidman Gwendolyn
Published: January 2016

Narcissists are attracted to highly positive, rather than communal, romantic partners, but the literature has not examined how obtaining these desired traits affects relationship satisfaction. A total of 206 participants completed a survey assessing narcissism and ideal partner standards. A subset of 143 romantically involved participants completed assessments of their current partners and relationships. Narcissism was positively associated with extrinsic (attractive and successful) ideal standards and was negatively associated with intrinsic standards (warmth and intimacy) when controlling for extrinsic ideals. Relationships meeting extrinsic ideals were more satisfying for narcissists, but not non-narcissists. Relationships meeting intrinsic ideals were more satisfying for all participants, especially those low in narcissism. The effect for extrinsic traits was driven by Entitlement/Exploitativeness and Grandiose Exhibitionism, and the effect for intrinsic traits was driven by Entitlement/Exploitativeness.
Drawing on indigenous criteria for more authentic assessment in a specific-purpose language test: Health professionals interacting with patients
Authors: Pill John
Published: January 2016

The indigenous assessment practices (Jacoby & McNamara, 1999) in selected health professions were investigated to inform a review of the scope of assessment in the speaking sub-test of a specific-purpose English language test for health professionals, the Occupational English Test (OET). The assessment criteria in current use on the test represent a generalized view of language and are concerned with Overall Communicative Effectiveness, Fluency, Intelligibility, Appropriateness of Language, and Resources of Grammar and Expression. The research study focused on healthcare consultations between trainee health professionals and patients. Educators and supervisors observed these interactions and subsequently provided feedback on trainees’ performances. The assumption was that, in their comments, educators would give information pertinent to trainees’ acculturation to the expectations and behaviours of the profession, that is, to “what matters” to practitioners. Thematic analysis was undertaken to establish the aspects of performance that matter to health professionals in these contexts. Data for each profession were coded independently. Clear similarities across the professions became apparent as themes emerged. An exploratory conceptual model of what health professionals value in the consultation was developed, comprising three focal areas: foundation, performance and goals of the consultation. Findings from the analysis provided an empirical basis for the generation and definition of two additional, professionally relevant criteria for use in the OET speaking sub-test – Clinician Engagement and Management of Interaction – and of a checklist of performance indicators to be used to train assessors in applying the new criteria. This process of developing, through close analysis of domain experts’ commentary, test criteria that are potentially more authentic to the target language use situation is novel and may be replicated effectively in other specific-purpose language testing contexts.
The Impact of Patient Participation in Health Decisions Within Medical Encounters
Authors: Clayman Marla L. , Bylund Carma L. , Chewning Betty , Makoul Gregory
Published: January 2016

Background: Although there are compelling moral arguments for patient participation in medical decisions, the link to health outcomes has not been systematically explored. Objective: Assess the extent to which patient participation in decision making within medical encounters is associated with measured patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a primary search in PubMed—excluding non-English and animal studies—for articles on decision making in the context of the physician–patient relationship published through the end of February 2015, using the MeSH headings (Physician-Patient Relations [MeSH] OR Patient Participation [MeSH]) and the terms (decision OR decisions OR option OR options OR choice OR choices OR alternative OR alternatives) in the title or abstract. We also conducted a secondary search of references in all articles that met the inclusion criteria. Results: A thorough search process yielded 116 articles for final analysis. There was wide variation in study design, as well as measurement of patient participation and outcomes, among the studies. Eleven of the 116 studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Interventions increased patient involvement in 10 (91%) of the 11 RCTs. At least one positive outcome was detected in 5 (50%) of the 10 RCTs reporting increased participation; the ratio of positive results among all outcome variables measured in these studies was much smaller. Although proportions differed, similar patterns were found across the 105 nonrandomized studies. Conclusions: Very few RCTs in the field have measures of participation in decision making and at least one health outcome. Moreover, extant studies exhibit little consistency in measurement of these variables, and results are mixed. There is a great need for well-designed, reproducible research on clinically relevant outcomes of patient participation in medical decisions.
Regionalism, end markets and ownership matter: Shifting dynamics in the apparel export industry in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Morris Mike , Plank Leonhard , Staritz Cornelia
Published: January 2016

This paper shows the importance of ownership, end markets and regionalism within the global value chain and related conceptual frameworks. This is done through unpacking the development trajectories of the major Sub Saharan African apparel export industries against the backdrop of trade regime changes. Ownership characteristics of supplier firms shape the ability to shift between different end markets and respond to lead firm requirements; and the level of their local and regional embeddedness impacts on different forms of upgrading. The emergence of new regionalism centred around investment and end markets provides pathways for new trajectories of more sustainable value chains and local industrialization. More locally and regionally embedded firms have been able to shift with uneven success to new, and in particular regional, markets. In contrast, Asian-owned transnational producers remain focused on the US market with limited market opportunities and upgrading potential. Different types of ownership and embeddedness dynamics are therefore important to explain the co-evolution of highly differentiated value chain dynamics creating a variety of apparel industrialization trajectories in the apparel export industry in Sub Saharan African.
Impact properties of flexible composites made of nylon/high-resilience non-woven fabric with an inter/intra-ply hybrid structure
Authors: Lou Ching-Wen , Huang Shih-Yu , Huang Chien-Lin , Yan Ruosi , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: January 2016

This study examines how inter/intra-ply hybrid structures influence the impact load of sandwich-structured flexible composites determined by static or low-velocity impact tests. The flexible composites are composed of nylon/high-resilient non-woven polyester fabrics as the surface sheet and polyurethane foam as the core layer. The polyurethane foam layer has a specified thickness and density, while the surface layers comprise various fiber blending ratios, different blending methods, different lamination procedures and lamination orders. The test results show that the flexible composites have an optimal impact absorption of 1901 N for a static impact when the nylon/high-resilient polyester non-woven fabrics are composed of an inter-ply hybrid structure. In contrast, they have an optimal impact absorption of 8255 N for a low-velocity impact when the nylon/high-resilience polyester non-woven fabrics are composed of an intra-ply hybrid structure.
Community Sense
Authors: Wohl Hannah
Published: January 2016

Sociologists have undertheorized the role of aesthetic judgment in group identification. The author argues that the communication of aesthetic judgments in face-to-face interaction powerfully works to confirm or deny feelings of group belonging. The author introduces the concept of “community sense,” the public face of shared aesthetic judgments that is communicated and upheld within a group. The author illustrates this concept through an ethnographic case study of an erotic arts club, a group predicated on achieving a shared sense of “good” and “bad” taste. The author shows how the community sense is formed, challenged, and sustained in interaction, examining three characteristics of aesthetic judgments—derivation in form, visceral force, and intersubjective validity—that together constitute a strong basis for feelings of belonging and distinction. This setting acts as a wedge to access larger theoretical concerns, as the author explore the relationship between aesthetic judgment and feelings of group belonging in diverse contexts.