bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Allergic Drugs Tranilast and Ketotifen Dose-Dependently Exert Mast Cell-Stabilizing Properties
Authors: Baba Asuka , Tachi Masahiro , Ejima Yutaka , Endo Yasuhiro , Toyama Hiroaki , Matsubara Mitsunobu , Saito Kazutomo , Yamauchi Masanori , Miura Chieko , Kazama Itsuro
Published: January 2016

Background: Anti-allergic drugs, such as tranilast and ketotifen, inhibit the release of chemokines from mast cells. However, we know little about their direct effects on the exocytotic process of mast cells. Since exocytosis in mast cells can be monitored electrophysiologically by changes in the whole-cell membrane capacitance (Cm), the absence of such changes by these drugs indicates their mast cell-stabilizing properties. Methods: Employing the standard patch-clamp whole-cell recording technique in rat peritoneal mast cells, we examined the effects of tranilast and ketotifen on the Cm during exocytosis. Using confocal imaging of a water-soluble fluorescent dye, lucifer yellow, we also examined their effects on the deformation of the plasma membrane. Results: Relatively lower concentrations of tranilast (100, 250 µM) and ketotifen (1, 10 µM) did not significantly affect the GTP-γ-S-induced increase in the Cm. However, higher concentrations of tranilast (500 µM, 1 mM) and ketotifen (50, 100 µM) almost totally suppressed the increase in the Cm, and washed out the trapping of the dye on the surface of the mast cells. Compared to tranilast, ketotifen required much lower doses to similarly inhibit the degranulation of mast cells or the increase in the Cm. Conclusions: This study provides electrophysiological evidence for the first time that tranilast and ketotifen dose-dependently inhibit the process of exocytosis, and that ketotifen is more potent than tranilast in stabilizing mast cells. The mast cell-stabilizing properties of these drugs may be attributed to their ability to counteract the plasma membrane deformation in degranulating mast cells.
Isolation and Localization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Human Palatine Tonsil by W5C5 (SUSD2)
Authors: Lee Byung-Joo , Kang Dae-Woon , Park Hee-Young , Song Ji-Sun , Kim Ji-Min , Jang Jeon-Yeob , Lee Jin-Choon , Wang Soo-Geun , Jung Jin Sup , Shin Sung-Chan
Published: January 2016

Background/Aims: Although tonsil-mesenchymal stem cells (T-MSCs) have been studied as a new autologous or homologous source of MSCs, research on specific markers of MSCs and localization for purified T-MSC isolation has not yet been reported. This study investigates the expression of W5C5 (SUSD2) in tonsil stromal cells and the colony-forming ability and differentiation potential of W5C5+ cells to determine the usefulness of W5C5+ MSCs as a marker that can be used for the purification of T-MSCs. In addition, the location of W5C5+ cells expressed in the tonsil tissues is examined. Methods: T-MSCs were isolated from the tonsillar tissues of 12 patients undergoing tonsillectomy. The colony-forming ability, surface markers, proliferation potential, and differentiation capacities of purified W5C5+ MSCs, W5C5- MSCs, and unselected T-MSCs were evaluated. The location of the W5C5+ cells in the tonsillar tissues was also investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results: W5C5 was expressed in 2.5±0.4% of fresh human tonsil stromal cells. W5C5+ cells formed many colonies, but W5C5- cells did not form any colonies. The colony-forming number of W5C5+ cells (74.4 ± 9.8) was significantly higher than that of unselected tonsil stromal cells (23.6 ± 3.7). However, the differences in proliferation potential, surface marker expression, and differentiation potential between W5C5+ T-MSCs and unselected T-MSCs were not significant. W5C5+ cells were identified in the perivascular area around the blood vessels. Conclusion: W5C5+ T-MSCs possessed typical MSC properties with high colony-forming efficiency, and niches of W5C5+ T-MSCs were located in the perivascular area of tonsil tissues. These findings suggest that W5C5 is a useful single marker for the isolation of purified T-MSCs.
Uncoupling Caveolae From Intracellular Signaling In Vivo
Authors: Kraehling Jan R. , Hao Zhengrong , Lee Monica Y. , Vinyard David J. , Velazquez Heino , Liu Xinran , Stan Radu V. , Brudvig Gary W. , Sessa William C.
Published: January 2016

Rationale:

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) negatively regulates endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase–derived NO production, and this has been mapped to several residues on Cav-1, including F92. Herein, we reasoned that endothelial expression of an F92ACav-1 transgene would let us decipher the mechanisms and relationships between caveolae structure and intracellular signaling.

Objective:

This study was designed to separate caveolae formation from its downstream signaling effects.

Methods and Results:

An endothelial-specific doxycycline-regulated mouse model for the expression of Cav-1-F92A was developed. Blood pressure by telemetry and nitric oxide bioavailability by electron paramagnetic resonance and phosphorylation of vasodilator–stimulated phosphoprotein were determined. Caveolae integrity in the presence of Cav-1-F92A was measured by stabilization of caveolin-2, sucrose gradient, and electron microscopy. Histological analysis of heart and lung, echocardiography, and signaling were performed.

Conclusions:

This study shows that mutant Cav-1-F92A forms caveolae structures similar to WT but leads to increases in NO bioavailability in vivo, thereby demonstrating that caveolae formation and downstream signaling events occur through independent mechanisms.
Changes in Body Weight From Young Adulthood to Middle Age and Its Association With Blood Pressure and Hypertension: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Hong Kong Chinese Women
Authors: Xie Yao Jie , Ho Suzanne C. , Su Xuefen , Liu Zhao‐min
Published: January 2016

Background

Few studies have examined the associations of weight changes from young adulthood to middle age with blood pressure (
BP
) and hypertension among Hong Kong Chinese women.

Methods and Results

Weight at age 18 (W
18
), current weight (W
current
), height,
BP
, demographics, and lifestyle factors were obtained from 1253 female nurses (35–65 years) by a self‐administered questionnaire through mail survey in Hong Kong. The conditional relative weight (
CRW;
a residual of W
current
regressed on W
18
) was used to express the relative weight change from age 18 to current age. The study results show that from young adulthood to middle age, 76.9%, 15.1%, and 8.0% of women had weight gain, weight loss, and stable weight, respectively. Women in the weight loss group had heavier W
18
than those in the weight gain group (
P
<0.05). Higher weight gain was associated with higher
BP
(
P
for trend <0.01). Women who belonged to the heaviest 10% both at age 18 and at present had highest
BP
than women in other weight categories. By giving W
18
, a 1‐kg increase in weight change predicted 0.63 and 0.42 mm Hg increases in systolic and diastolic
BP
, respectively (both
P
<0.001) and 12% greater odds of being hypertension (95% confidence interval, 1.08, 1.17). The
CRW
was positively associated with
BP
 and hypertension; no interaction was found between
CRW
and W
current
on
BP
/hypertension.

Conclusions

A majority of Chinese women tended to become heavier throughout adult life. More weight gain led to the higher
BP
. Weight change is an independent predictor for later‐life
BP
and hypertension.
A monograph of Stoebe and Seriphium (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae) in southern Africa and neighbouring islands
Authors: Koekemoer Marinda
Published: January 2016

The genus Seriphium, previously treated as an informal group within Stoebe, is resurrected on the grounds of flower morphology, pollen morphology, and basal resin cavities in the leaves, as well as geographical distribution. The generic circumscriptions of Stoebe (with 18 accepted species) and Seriphium (with 9 accepted species) are revised in southern Africa and neighbouring islands, and five new combinations are proposed in Seriphium. Elytropappus ruscianus, Stoebe burchellii and St. vulgaris are listed as new synonyms in Seriphium, whilst Stoebe copholepis, St. ensori, St. sphaerocephala, St. humilis, St. salteri and St. bruniades are new synonyms in Stoebe. Keys, descriptions and distribution maps are provided for all species.
On the identity of Onthophagus columbianus Boucomont, 1932 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: ROSSINI M. , VAZ-DE-MELLO F. Z.
Published: January 2016

Onthophagus columbianus Boucomont, 1932 is a new case of transcontinental mislabeling within the genus. The species name is here considered to be new synonym under the Madagascan Onthophagus elegans Klug, 1832. Historical notes, lectotype designations and illustrations of the primary type specimens of both species are provided.
Chrysura izadiae sp. nov., a new cuckoo wasp (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) from Southern Iran
Authors: STRUMIA FRANCO , FALLAHZADEH MAJID , IZADI ELAHEH
Published: January 2016

Chrysura Dahlbom, 1845 is the second largest genus in the Chrysidini tribe. It is essentially a Holarctic genus composed of over 100 species. The largest diversity is observed in the western Palaearctic Region. Important diagnostic features are the relatively flat and finely punctured face, absence of transverse frontal carina, the edentate metasomal tergum 3, and male flagellomeres 2–5 (especially 2–4) bulging ventrally (Kimsey & Bohart 1991). Kimsey & Bohart (1991) divided Chrysura into five species-groups: candens, cuprea, dichroa, austriaca and radians. Recently, Rosa and Lotfalizadeh (2013) proposed Ch. baiocchii as a new species-group. Within the Ch. dichroa species-group, including about 20 species, the largest richness is observed in the Mediterranean Region where a number of sibling species are present, making taxonomy of this group particularly difficult (Linsenmaier 1959, Arens 2001, 2002). The male genitalia have an important taxonomic value for species identification. The body colour pattern is rather constant in each species-group. All known species in the Ch. dichroa species-group have “head blue to green on vertex at least”, “pronotal dorsum all or nearly all coppery-red; scutum and scutellum mostly red”, “metanotum, propodeum, and pleuron mostly or all purple to green” (Kimsey & Bohart 1991). According to Linsenmaier (1959) the Ch. dichroa species-group has the above body colour with in addition tegula non coppery-red. Up to now, the following seven species belonging to the Ch. dichroa species-group are known in Iran (Rosa et al. 2013, Rosa & Lotfalizadeh 2013, Strumia & Fallahzadeh 2015): Chrysura filiformis (Mocsáry, 1889); Ch. laconiae (Arens, 2001); Ch. laevigata (Abeille de Perrin, 1879); Ch. lydiae (Mocsáry, 1889); Ch. psudodichroa (Linsenmaier, 1959); Ch. purpureifrons (Abeille de Perrin, 1878); Ch. simuldichroa (Linsenmaier, 1969).
Description of a new species of Betrichia Mosely 1939 from Brazil and edescription of the type-species (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae: Leucotrichiinae)
Authors: SOUZA WAGNER RAFAEL M. DE , SANTOS ALLAN PAULO MOREIRA , TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA
Published: January 2016

Betrichia Mosely 1939 was erected to include a single species, B. zilbra Mosely 1939 from Brazil. The genus has a complicated taxonomy mainly because of the lack of diagnostic characteristics in the original description. Marshall (1979) stated that some features of the antennae, wing venation, and male genitalia are presumably diagnostic, but it remained without a precise diagnosis. Currently, Betrichia comprises 11 Neotropical species (Flint et al. 1999; Oláh & Johanson 2011; Thomson 2012; Oláh & Flint 2012), six of which have been recorded from Brazil (Santos et al. 2015): B. alibrachia Thomson 2012 (Rio de Janeiro State), B. hamulifera Flint 1983 (Pernambuco, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina states), B. kagyla Oláh & Flint 2012 (Amazonas State), B. longistyla Flint 1983 (Santa Catarina State), B. varratlana Oláh & Flint 2012 (Rondônia State), and B. zilbra Mosely 1939 (Santa Catarina State). Herein, we describe and illustrate a new species of the genus and redescribe the type-species of the genus based on topotypical specimens. We also provide new distributional records for Betrichia zilbra, reported here for the first time from Argentina (Misiones) and Bahia and Sergipe states (Brazil), and for Betrichia bispinosa Flint 1974, representing the first record of this species in Brazil (Amapá and Pará states).
The centipedes of Peloponnisos and first records of genus Eurygeophilus in the East Mediterranean (Myriapoda: Chilopoda)
Authors: SIMAIAKIS STYLIANOS MICHAIL , AKKARI NESRINE , ZAPPAROLI MARZIO
Published: January 2016

In this paper we summarize and critically revise the literature records of the centipedes of Peloponnisos in mainland Greece. Moreover, records on recently collected material in East Peloponnisos are included with a special focus on Mount Parnonas. Fifty centipede species are listed (1 Scutigeromorpha, 20 Lithobiomorpha, 6 Scolopendromorpha and 23 Geophilomorpha) belonging to 21 genera, 9 families and 4 orders. The species Eurygeophilus multistiliger (Verhoeff, 1899) is here reported for the first time not only from Greece but also from the East Mediterranean and the Balkan Peninsula. Additionally, the species Geophilus insculptus Attems, 1895, Stenotaenia rhodopensis (Kaczmarek, 1970) and Henia pulchella (Meinert, 1870) are newly recorded from Peloponnisos. Synonyms, general geographic distribution, patterns of distribution (chorotype), literature records, material examined from Mt. Parnonas, and ecological information (such as altitudinal ranges and habitat preferences) are given for each species. Remarks are additionally provided for some species and maps of species distribution in Peloponnisos are presented.
New species and records of phytoptid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Phytoptidae) on sedges (Cyperaceae) from the Russian Far East
Authors: CHETVERIKOV PHILIPP E.
Published: January 2016

Two new phytoptine species, Oziella virgata n. sp. and O. ovalis n. sp., were collected from the Russian Far East on sedges, Carex appendiculata (Trautv. & C.A. Mey) Kükenthal and Kobresia myosuroides (Villars) Fiori, respectively, and are described herein using conventional light microscopy (LM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In addition, Oziella cf. rigida (Roivainen 1950) was recorded from Carex scita var. riishirensis (Franch.) Kük. in the Kamchatka Peninsula whilst Novophytoptus rostratae Roivainen 1947 was found on Carex saxatilis L. and C. appendiculata in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) of Russia and Carex soczavaeana Gorodkov on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Oziella virgata n. sp. has a unique rod-like seta u′ on the medial-lower surface of tarsi I & II, a character not previously described in eriophyoid mites. Additionally, the position of setae 3a in nymphs and females differs: these are located on the same annulus as tubercles of setae c2 in nymphs whereas in females, those are situated notably ahead of tubercles c2 (closer to coxae II). Males of O. virgata n. sp. possess a well-developed genital coverflap, resembling that of Mackiella reclinata Chetverikov & Craemer, 2014, Pentasetacus araucariae (Schliesske, 1985) and Loboquintus subsquamatus Chetverikov & Petanović, 2013. The original slidemounted specimens of the new Oziella species described herein were inappropriate for LM study. However, CLSM microscopy images obtained prior to remounting were sharp enough for diagnostic purposes indicating that this is a useful method for studying poor quality specimens which may otherwise be difficult to remount or, in some cases, are very rare.
Molecular systematics and taxonomic status of three latitudinally widespread nototheniid (Perciformes: Notothenioidei) fishes from the Southern Ocean
Authors: MIYA TSHOANELO , GON OFER , MWALE MONICA , POULIN ELIE
Published: January 2016

The taxonomic status of the three nototheniids, Lepidonotothen squamifrons, L. larseni and Gobionotothen marionensis from different localities in the Southern Ocean is re-evaluated at the DNA level. DNA sequence divergences and phylogenetic relationship were estimated using a combined mitochondrial (mtDNA, ND2 and COI) dataset and data for one nuclear gene (S7 intron 1). Phylogenies of both datasets had Lepidonotothen kempi nested within L. squamifrons lineage, with low sequence divergences (0% to 0.4%) between the two nominal species suggesting that they are populations of one species. Therefore, these results do not support the previous splitting of L. squamifrons into different species. Similarly, the L. larseni specimens also represented a single genetic unit (0.3% to 0.6%) with low geographic variation between Atlantic and Indian Ocean specimens, which does not support the splitting of this species into geographically restricted species. The mtDNA phylogeny clearly separated individuals of G. acuta from Kerguelen, Heard and MacDonald Islands from G. marionensis individuals into different clades, with sequence divergence of 2.9% between these clades supporting they are different species.
Two new species of Allonychiurus Yoshii, 1995 (Collembola, Onychiuridae) from eastern China, with a key to world species of the genus
Authors: CHANG LIANG , SUN XIN
Published: January 2016

Two new species, Allonychiurus zhejiangensis sp. nov. and Allonychiurus pseudokimi sp. nov., have been reported from eastern China. A. zhejiangensis sp. nov. is particular in the genus as having three pso on ventral side of the head. A. pseudokimi sp. nov. is similar to A. kimi, but they can be distinguished by the number of pso on ventral side of the head, the number of chaetae along axial line on Abd. I–II, the number of chaetae on ventral tube and the presence of basal lamella on unguiculus. A key to the known species of the genus all over the world is given accordingly.
Australomesitius gen. nov. (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae: Mesitiinae), an unexpected new genus from Australia
Authors: BARBOSA DIEGO N. , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: January 2016

Mesitiinae include 218 species classified in 21 genera. Hitherto all species are confined to Old World (Afrotropical, Oriental and Palaearctic Regions). However most of their species are reported from Mediterranean areas, and few species are recorded from Northern areas of Palaearctic Asia. While visiting Queensland Museum Daniele Mugrabi sort part of it wet collection and got a bizarre specimen, which represents an undescribed genus of Mesitiinae. Besides, this specimen has the body surface densely punctate, characteristic never recorded to Mesitiinae species, and a combination of characters which does not fit any of the known genera Mesitiinae. The primary aim of this work is to describe this new genus, as well as to compare it with the other genera of the Mesitiinae.
Intrinsic versus Practical Limits of Atmospheric Predictability and the Significance of the Butterfly Effect
Authors: Sun Y. Qiang , Zhang Fuqing
Published: January 2016

Limits of intrinsic versus practical predictability are studied through examining multiscale error growth dynamics in idealized baroclinic waves with varying degrees of convective instabilities. In the dry experiment free of moist convection, error growth is controlled primarily by baroclinic instability under which forecast accuracy is inversely proportional to the amplitude of the baroclinically unstable initial-condition error (thus the prediction can be continuously improved without limit through reducing the initial error). Under the moist environment with strong convective instability, rapid upscale growth from moist convection leads to the forecast error being increasingly less sensitive to the scale and amplitude of the initial perturbations when the initial-error amplitude is getting smaller; these diminishing returns may ultimately impose a finite-time barrier to the forecast accuracy (limit of intrinsic predictability and the so-called “butterfly effect”). However, if the initial perturbation is sufficiently large in scale and amplitude (as for most current-day operational models), the baroclinic growth of large-scale finite-amplitude initial error will control the forecast accuracy for both dry and moist baroclinic waves; forecast accuracy can be improved (thus the limit of practical predictability can be extended) through the reduction of initial-condition errors, especially those at larger scales. Regardless of the initial-perturbation scales and amplitude, the error spectrum will adjust toward the slope of the background flow. Inclusion of strong moist convection changes the mesoscale kinetic energy spectrum slope from −3 to ~−5/3. This change further highlights the importance of convection and the relevance of the butterfly effect to both the intrinsic and practical limits of atmospheric predictability, especially at meso- and convective scales.
Psychotherapy Utilization and Presenting Concerns Among Polynesian American College Students
Authors: Allen G. E. Kawika , Cox Jon , Smith Timothy B. , Hafoka Ofa , Griner Derek , Beecher Mark
Published: January 2016

In this study, we examined psychotherapy utilization, presenting concerns, reported distress levels, and psychotherapy outcomes among Polynesian American students presenting for services at a counseling center. We collected data at intake, during therapy sessions, and at termination for 415 Polynesian American and 18,117 European American students over a 17-year period. Polynesian American students were equally likely to utilize counseling services as European American students but were more likely to drop out earlier. At intake, these students reported higher numbers of presenting concerns and greater levels of emotional and psychological distress than European American students. Polynesian American students reported significantly higher scores on racial discrimination, physical abuse, and family dependence. Implications for counseling center programs and services are discussed.
Celebrating 25 Years of the Janet E. Helms Mentoring Award
Authors: Miville Marie L. , Comas-Díaz Lillian , Helms Janet E.
Published: January 2016

As part of celebrating 25 years of the Janet E. Helms Mentoring Award for Mentoring and Scholarship in Professional Psychology at the annual Winter Roundtable on Cultural Psychology and Education, the first and the 25th recipients were interviewed, including Janet E. Helms, for whom the award was named, and Lillian Comas-Díaz, the 2015 recipient. Both women have been highly influential scholars, teachers, and mentors in the field of psychology, particularly regarding racial–cultural and social justice issues. During our interview, we covered a number of themes: mentoring as a lifeline, mentoring and social justice activism, mentoring in the digital age, and words of wisdom for new mentors.
Effect of Transition Planning on Postsecondary Support Receipt by Students With Disabilities
Authors: Newman Lynn A. , Madaus Joseph W. , Javitz Harold S.
Published: January 2016

The authors of this article analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 to determine the effect of receiving transition planning education and having a transition plan that specified needed postsecondary accommodations on the receipt of disability-specific services and generally available supports at the postsecondary level by students with disabilities. Propensity model analyses indicated that both variables significantly increased the odds that students with disabilities would receive disability-specific and generally available supports at 2-year institutions. In addition, students with transition plans specifying accommodations were more likely to receive disability-related supports at career and technical education (CTE) schools, and CTE students who had received transition planning education in high school were more likely to receive generally available supports. The results provide important implications for policy and practice, and a strong foundation for further exploration of the linkages between transition planning experiences and receipt of disability-specific and generally available supports at postsecondary schools.
Youth With Disabilities at the Crossroads
Authors: Honeycutt Todd C. , Thompkins Allison V. , Bardos Maura E. , Stern Steven N.
Published: January 2016

State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies are well positioned to assist youth aged 16 to 24 years with disabilities who are transitioning from school to work. Using Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)-911 records matched to Social Security Administration (SSA) administrative records, this article adds to the knowledge about state VR agency provision of services to youth with disabilities and differences in outcomes based on SSA benefit receipt status. Although agencies’ statistics varied widely, almost one in six SSA beneficiaries who sought VR services had at least 1 month of benefit suspension due to work within 48 months of their VR applications, and about one in 10 VR applicants without SSA benefits at the time of their VR application received SSA benefits within 48 months. SSA beneficiaries received services from VR agencies at the same level as non-SSA beneficiaries, but the levels at which they were employed when they closed from services were lower. The results have two main policy implications. First, the level of resources to which agencies have access may be important in influencing the outcomes we measured. Second, agency differences in the proportion of SSA beneficiaries who eventually had benefit suspension due to work point to the potential for additional gains by agencies in this area.
The spatial pattern of premature mortality in Hong Kong: How does it relate to public housing?
Authors: Kandt Jens , Chang Shu-Sen , Yip Paul , Burdett Ricky
Published: January 2016

Research into understanding the relationship between access to housing, health and wellbeing in cities has yielded mixed evidence to date and has been limited to case studies from Western countries. Many studies appear to highlight the negative effects of public housing in influencing the health of its residents. Current trends in the urban housing markets in cities of advanced Asian economies and debates surrounding the role of government in providing housing underscore the need for more focused research into housing and health. In this paper, we investigate Hong Kong as an example of a thriving Asian city by exploring and comparing the intra-urban geographies of premature mortality and public housing provision in the city. Using a fully Bayesian spatial structural model, we estimate associations between public housing provision and different types of premature mortality. We find significant geographic variations in premature mortality within Hong Kong during the five-year period 2005–2009, with positive associations between the residents of public housing and premature mortality risk. But the associations attenuate or are even reversed for premature mortality of injuries and non-communicable diseases after controlling for local deprivation, housing instability, access to local amenities and other neighbourhood characteristics. The results indicate that public housing may have a protective effect on community health, which contradicts the findings of similar studies carried out in Western cities. We suggest reasons why the association between public housing and health differs in Hong Kong and discuss the implications for housing policy in Hong Kong and other Asian cities.
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of malaria in children in a secondary healthcare centre in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana
Authors: Orish Verner N , Ansong Joseph Y , Onyeabor Onyekachi S , Sanyaolu Adekunle O , Oyibo Wellington A , Iriemenam Nnaemeka C
Published: January 2016

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of malaria is a major problem in children in malaria-endemic countries. This retrospective study identified children who were admitted with fever and were treated with or without anti-malarial medications and discharged at the Paediatric Unit of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital. The medical records of all children were searched, retrieved and assessed. A total of 1160 records from children (age range, 0–12 years) were reviewed and evaluated. Of the total number, 21.3% had laboratory confirmed malaria, 38.4% were malaria negative, while 40.3% had no malaria tests performed. In addition, the results showed that 4.5% of the laboratory confirmed malaria positive cases were not given anti-malarial medication while 84.1% of the malaria negative cases were given these incorrectly. Furthermore, 78.2% of the children with no malaria tests were prescribed anti-malarial medication. The presumptive diagnosis of malaria should be abandoned and the installation of a functional laboratory services promoted.
Psychological correlates of suicidality in HIV/AIDS in semi-urban south-western Uganda
Authors: Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Mishara Brian , Kinyanda Eugene
Published: January 2016

There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of suicidality in HIV/AIDS, and associated psychological factors in sub-Saharan Africa, shown to be high in Uganda. Yet, the region accounts for over 70% of the world HIV burden. Our study used a cross-sectional survey of 226 HIV-positive (HIV+) adults and adolescents (aged 15–17 years) in Mbarara, Uganda. The relationship between suicidality and depressed mood, anxiety symptoms, state anger, self-esteem, trait anger and hopelessness was examined; anger was the predominant factor in suicidality, suggesting that anger management could potentially lower the prevalence of suicidality.
Robust decentralized control for large-scale web-winding systems: A linear matrix inequality approach
Authors: Hou Hailiang , Nian Xiaohong , Xu Shaozhang , Sun Miaoping , Xiong Hongyun
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a robust decentralized control scheme is proposed for web-winding systems. The control input for each subsystem is divided into two parts, a reference control input and a control compensation. First, the reference control inputs and the error dynamic models are presented. Then, based on the error dynamic model, a decentralized controller is designed to compute the control compensation, and the relevant sufficient condition for the existence of the decentralized controller is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). By virtue of regarding some parameters as interval variables, the proposed controller has good robustness with regard to parameter variations and is adapted to the changes of set point. Finally, a three-motor web-winding system is considered as an application example, and simulation and experimental tests illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Derivation and Applicability of Asymptotic Results for Multiple Subtests Person-Fit Statistics
Authors: Albers Casper J. , Meijer Rob R. , Tendeiro Jorge N.
Published: January 2016

In high-stakes testing, it is important to check the validity of individual test scores. Although a test may, in general, result in valid test scores for most test takers, for some test takers, test scores may not provide a good description of a test taker’s proficiency level. Person-fit statistics have been proposed to check the validity of individual test scores. In this study, the theoretical asymptotic sampling distribution of two person-fit statistics that can be used for tests that consist of multiple subtests is first discussed. Second, simulation study was conducted to investigate the applicability of this asymptotic theory for tests of finite length, in which the correlation between subtests and number of items in the subtests was varied. The authors showed that these distributions provide reasonable approximations, even for tests consisting of subtests of only 10 items each. These results have practical value because researchers do not have to rely on extensive simulation studies to simulate sampling distributions.
The Absence of Social Equity Measurement in Municipal Service Privatization
Authors: Wang Jing , McFadden Erica S.
Published: January 2016

As privatization of municipal service becomes commonplace, empirical evidence is necessary to ensure that services delivered are equitable and responsive to all citizens. This article looks specifically at social equity measures in municipal service privatization. Using panel data analysis with survey data from a large southwest city, it examines how privatization affects citizens’ reported quality ratings of solid waste service in communities of different ethnicities. The findings show that customers of privately delivered services generally report lower ratings than publicly delivered services; and in Latino-concentrated areas, these ratings are significantly lower. This article closes with policy suggestions to address the lack of attention to social equity measures in evaluation efforts of current service privatization practices.
Between transparency and surveillance
Authors: Borradori Giovanna
Published: January 2016

The recent wave of whistleblowers and cyber-dissidents, from Julian Assange to Edward Snowden, has declared war against surveillance. In this context, transparency is presented as an attainable political goal that can be delivered in flesh and bones by spectacular and quasi-messianic moments of disclosure. The thesis of this article is that, despite its progressive promise, the project of releasing classified documents is in line with the Orwellian cold war trope of Big Brother rather than with the complex geography of surveillance today. By indicting the US federal government as the principal agent of surveillance, the ‘logic of the leak’ obfuscates that today’s surveillance is conducted mostly by the private sector in the form of dataveillance. What should we think, then, of this new fetish of transparency? Is it a symptom of the castigation of a desire for surveillance, the wish to be constantly observed and closely inspected? I claim that the meaning of the ‘expository society’, as Bernard Harcourt calls it, depends on how we interpret secrets. For secrets are not only temporary conditions of occultation that can, and should, be indiscriminately exposed, but sites of agency. In this perspective, the emancipatory promise hangs on the right to the secret, assumed as the right not to answer and not to belong.
Populist radical right protectors of the folkhem: Welfare chauvinism in Sweden
Authors: Norocel Ov Cristian
Published: January 2016

The article scrutinises a version of welfare chauvinism taking shape in Sweden, by concentrating on the concept of folkhem (the [Swedish] people’s home), and examines how it was expressed in the 2010–2014 parliamentary activity of the Sweden Democrats. It offers an analysis of how the welfare chauvinism project is first contextualised in the party documents, and subsequently articulated in the party-endorsed parliamentary motions. The article is an analytical contribution to welfare studies and to analyses of the populist radical right, providing a critical inquiry into welfare chauvinism in Sweden. The article is also an empirical contribution to the study of the populist radical right in Sweden.
Facilitating the interpretation of English language proficiency scores: Combining scale anchoring and test score mapping methodologies
Authors: Powers Donald , Schedl Mary , Papageorgiou Spiros
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to develop, for the benefit of both test takers and test score users, enhanced TOEFL ITP® test score reports that go beyond the simple numerical scores that are currently reported. To do so, we applied traditional scale anchoring (proficiency scaling) to item difficulty data in order to develop performance descriptors for multiple levels of each of the three sections of the TOEFL ITP. A (novel) constraint was that these levels should correspond to those established in an earlier study that mapped (i.e., aligned) TOEFL ITP scores to a widely accepted framework for describing language proficiency – the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The data used in the present study came from administrations of five current operational forms of the recently revised TOEFL ITP test. The outcome of the effort is a set of performance descriptors for each of several levels of TOEFL ITP scores for each of the three sections of the test. The contribution, we believe, constitutes (1) an enhancement of the interpretation of scores for one widely used assessment of English language proficiency and (2) a modest contribution to the literature on developing proficiency descriptors – an approach that combines elements of both scale anchoring and test score mapping.
Planning for local economic development in spaces of despair: Key trends in South Africa’s ‘distressed areas’
Authors: Rogerson Christian M , Nel Etienne
Published: January 2016

South Africa’s distressed areas are the country’s spaces of despair. Alongside national government interventions designed to target spatial inequalities, there are Local Economic Development policy interventions taking place. The objective in this article is to analyse the state of current local economic development policy proposals in the municipalities that are categorised as part of South Africa’s distressed areas. After reviewing the roots and persistence of socio-economic and spatial inequalities in South Africa, attention turns to dissect the key challenges and directions of local economic development policy and planning across the distressed areas. The local economic development policy foci in distressed areas are described and set against a national profile for local economic development. Overall, it is argued that given the weak state of local economic development in South Africa, its constraints and limited successes, minimal prospects exist for local economic development plans across the distressed areas to impact substantially the structural nature of spatial inequalities in South Africa. New policy frameworks for local economic development in these areas are, therefore, needed.
Are IQ and educational outcomes in teenagers related to their cannabis use? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mokrysz C , Landy R , Gage SH , Munafò MR , Roiser JP , Curran HV
Published: January 2016

There is much debate about the impact of adolescent cannabis use on intellectual and educational outcomes. We investigated associations between adolescent cannabis use and IQ and educational attainment in a sample of 2235 teenagers from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. By the age of 15, 24% reported having tried cannabis at least once. A series of nested linear regressions was employed, adjusted hierarchically by pre-exposure ability and potential confounds (e.g. cigarette and alcohol use, childhood mental-health symptoms and behavioural problems), to test the relationships between cumulative cannabis use and IQ at the age of 15 and educational performance at the age of 16. After full adjustment, those who had used cannabis ⩾50 times did not differ from never-users on either IQ or educational performance. Adjusting for group differences in cigarette smoking dramatically attenuated the associations between cannabis use and both outcomes, and further analyses demonstrated robust associations between cigarette use and educational outcomes, even with cannabis users excluded. These findings suggest that adolescent cannabis use is not associated with IQ or educational performance once adjustment is made for potential confounds, in particular adolescent cigarette use. Modest cannabis use in teenagers may have less cognitive impact than epidemiological surveys of older cohorts have previously suggested.
Risk factors and global cognitive status related to brain arteriolosclerosis in elderly individuals
Authors: Ighodaro Eseosa T , Abner Erin L , Fardo David W , Lin Ai-Ling , Katsumata Yuriko , Schmitt Frederick A , Kryscio Richard J , Jicha Gregory A , Neltner Janna H , Monsell Sarah E , Kukull Walter A , Moser Debra K , Appiah Frank , Bachstetter Adam D , Van Eldik Linda J ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), Nelson Peter T
Published: January 2016

Risk factors and cognitive sequelae of brain arteriolosclerosis pathology are not fully understood. To address this, we used multimodal data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data sets. Previous studies showed evidence of distinct neurodegenerative disease outcomes and clinical-pathological correlations in the “oldest-old” compared to younger cohorts. Therefore, using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center data set, we analyzed clinical and neuropathological data from two groups according to ages at death: < 80 years ( n = 1008) and ≥80 years ( n = 1382). In both age groups, severe brain arteriolosclerosis was associated with worse performances on global cognition tests. Hypertension (but not diabetes) was a brain arteriolosclerosis risk factor in the younger group. In the ≥ 80 years age at death group, an ABCC9 gene variant (rs704180), previously associated with aging-related hippocampal sclerosis, was also associated with brain arteriolosclerosis. A post-hoc arterial spin labeling neuroimaging experiment indicated that ABCC9 genotype is associated with cerebral blood flow impairment; in a convenience sample from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative ( n = 15, homozygous individuals), non-risk genotype carriers showed higher global cerebral blood flow compared to risk genotype carriers. We conclude that brain arteriolosclerosis is associated with altered cognitive status and a novel vascular genetic risk factor.
Developing ‘process pragmatism’ to underpin engaged research in human geography
Authors: Harney Liam , McCurry Jenny , Scott James , Wills Jane
Published: January 2016

This paper explores the contribution that pragmatist philosophy can make to the way that we do research and teaching in human geography. It provides a historical overview of the key ideas in the tradition, their influence on the Chicago School of Sociology and community organizing, and the implications of this work for epistemological practice. The paper then looks at the variety of ways in which human geographers are using research as a means to engage in the world today, focusing in particular on the contributions of participatory action research (PAR), before making the case for ‘process pragmatism’ as a framework for doing this kind of research. To illustrate the potential of this approach, the paper outlines current research, teaching and organizing activity being undertaken by geographers at Queen Mary University of London. The paper suggests that pragmatism provides a theoretical and methodological foundation for research and teaching which can facilitate the creation of new publics, and can help to build power and democratic capacity with the aim of remaking the world.
Degradation in compressive strength of silica/phenolic composites subjected to thermal and mechanical loading
Authors: Shi Shengbo , Liang Jun , Gu Liangxian , Gong Chunlin , Wen Lihua , Wang Yifan
Published: January 2016

Reduction to the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites occurs when the material is exposed to radiant heat flux and compressive loading. A thermo-mechanical model was developed to predict the compressive strength and the failure time of silica fiber-reinforced phenolic composites. The coupling heat and mass transfer processes, generation of pyrolysis gases, and their subsequent diffusion process were considered in the model. The thermal softening, thermal decomposition of the matrix material, and phase transition of the reinforced fibers, which reduce the strength of the material, were also taken into account in the formulation of the model. Pyrolysis kinetics of phenolic resin, volume fraction of phase component, temperature profile, compressive strength, and time-to-failure of silica/phenolic composites were predicted using the developed model. The calculated temperature-dependent strength curve was compared with the experimental results measured by a high-temperature compression testing, and the agreement is good. The material fracture morphology was analyzed for silica-phenolic composite specimen after high-temperature compression testing.
Effect of biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold porosities on odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells
Authors: AbdulQader Sarah T , Rahman Ismail A , Thirumulu Kannan P , Ismail Hanafi , Mahmood Zuliani
Published: January 2016

Calcium phosphates (CaP) of different porosities have been widely and successfully used as scaffolds with osteoblast cells for bone tissue regeneration. However, the effects of scaffold porosities on cell viability and differentiation of human dental pulp cells for dentin tissue regeneration are not well known. In this study, biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds of 20/80 hydroxyapatite to beta tricalcium phosphate ratio with a mean pore size of 300 μm were prepared into BCP1, BCP2, BCP3, and BCP4 of 25%, 50%, 65%, and 75% of total porosities, respectively. The extracts of these scaffolds were assessed with regard to cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation of human dental pulp cells. The high alkalinity, and more calcium and phosphate ions release that were exhibited by BCP3 and BCP4 decreased the viability and proliferation of human dental pulp cells as compared to BCP1 and BCP2. BCP2 significantly increased both cell viability and cell proliferation. However, the cells cultured with BCP3 extract revealed high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and high expression of odontoblast related genes, collagen type I alpha 1, dentin matrix protein-1, and dentin sialophosphoprotein as compared to that cultured with BCP1, BCP2, and BCP4 extracts. The results highlight the effect of different scaffold porosities on the cell microenvironment and demonstrate that BCP3 scaffold of 65% porosity can support human dental pulp cells differentiation for dentin tissue regeneration.
Measuring Older Adult Confidence in the Courts and Law Enforcement
Authors: Hamm Joseph A. , Wylie Lindsey E. , Brank Eve
Published: January 2016

Older adults are an increasingly relevant subpopulation for criminal justice policy but, as yet, are largely neglected in the relevant research. The current research addresses this by reporting on a psychometric evaluation of a measure of older adults’ Confidence in Legal Institutions (CLI). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided support for the unidimensionality and reliability of the measures. In addition, participants’ CLI was related to cynicism, trust in government, dispositional trust, age, and education, but not income or gender. The results provide support for the measures of confidence in the courts and law enforcement, so we present the scale as a viable tool for researchers and practitioners interested in understanding older adults’ confidence in these institutions. We conclude by discussing the implications of our work on efforts to improve interactions between older adults and legal institutions, and we highlight avenues for further research.
Hypothermia Associated With Thioridazine Use in an Intellectually Disabled Patient
Authors: Goodbar Nancy H. , Foushee Jaime A. , Nash Kathryn , Connolly Lindsey A. , Webster L. Markie
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To report a case of hypothermia in a patient with intellectual disability treated with thioridazine.

A 59-year-old female presented to the emergency department with altered mental status, generalized weakness, chills, and fatigue and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. Upon completion of a history and physical examination, the patient was found to be hypothermic with a temperature of 91 F. A Bair Hugger protocol was initiated to manage hypothermia, and a taper schedule for thioridazine was initiated as it was identified as a possible culprit for the patient’s hypothermia. According to the Naranjo probability scale, thioridazine was a possible cause of this adverse effect. Other patient-specific risk factors for hypothermia were evaluated and ruled out.

Conclusion:

This case indicates a possible correlation between hypothermia and the use of phenothiazine antipsychotics such as thioridazine. Appropriate measures, including early detection and identification of possible causative agents, should be taken to prevent and treat this adverse event in patients taking these medications, specifically in patients with the inability to participate in self-care.