bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomoceridae (Collembola, Entomobryomorpha) from the southern Annamitic cordillera: redescription of Tomocerus ocreatus Denis, 1948 and description of a new species of Tomocerina Yosii, 1955
Authors: Yu Daoyuan , Man Le Cong , Deharveng Louis
Published: February 2016

Two species of Tomoceridae were found near Dalat, southern Vietnam. Tomocerus ocreatus Denis, 1948 is redescribed based on a neotype specimen. Previous records of Tomocerus ocreatus in non-type localities are reevaluated. A new species Tomocerina annamitica sp. nov. is described. The new species is mainly characterized by its small body size, pointed tenent hair, compound dental spines and the absence of intermediate teeth on mucro.
Playing basketball
Authors: Smith Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

Along with suggested instructional notes each month, teachers are given a problem and asked to use it in their own classrooms and report solutions, strategies, reflections, and misconceptions to the journal audience. The winter months often keep students involved in such extracurricular activities as competing in sports, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. This set of problems involves a real-life scenario about scheduling basketball games for the local gym and offers students the opportunity to show their creativity in using elapsed time.
Learning Together
Authors: Knapp Andrea K. , Jefferson Vetrece M. , Landers Racheal
Published: February 2016

Parental involvement in a math program that includes professional development for teachers can improve relationships and increase student motivation and achievement.
Facilitating Productive Discussions
Authors: Cengiz Nesrin
Published: February 2016

Capitalize on student thinking to create opportunities to further their mathematical reasoning.
Abby and the number line
Authors: Rosenkrantz Kurt J.
Published: February 2016

Students say some amazing things. Back Talk highlights the learning of one or two students and their approach to solving a math problem or prompt. Each article includes the prompt used to initiate the discussion, a portion of dialogue, student work samples (when applicable) and teacher insights into the mathematical thinking of the students. In this month's episode, a six-year-old rising first grader uses a computer simulation to understand addition and subtraction on the number line.
Gender Differences in Substance Use Across Marital Statuses
Authors: Blair Sampson , Menasco Melissa A.
Published: February 2016

Previous studies have noted that the relationship status of adults is substantially linked with levels of substance use. Understandably, the marital status of adults continues well beyond its initial phases, sometimes resulting in divorce, separation, or remarriage. This study seeks to extend our understanding of the linkages between marital status and substance use among adults. Using data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examine the substance use levels among a nationally representative sample of 14,715 adults. The analyses indicate that, for both females and males, marriage is, indeed, associated with lower levels of alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. Divorced individuals reported the highest levels of substance use. Interestingly, remarried individuals report higher levels of substance use than their counterparts in their first marriage, yet remarried men and women report lower levels of usage than do those who are currently divorced. Contextual and individual characteristics also yield several interesting patterns. In particular, distress and depression are shown to be much stronger predictors of substance use levels among divorced and remarried individuals. Divorced and remarried women, as compared to their male counterparts, are shown to be significantly more influenced by their employment status. The implications of this study are discussed, as are the potentially reciprocal nature of marital status and substance use.
The Democracy of Nature
Authors: Oelsner Gertrud
Published: February 2016

The close connections between Danish art and politics in the 19th century were not limited to the period of the adoption of Denmark’s first democratic constitution and the story years that followed, up to the country’s defeat in the Second Schleswig War in 1864. From around 1800, landscape art became in many ways a mirror of the political situation in the country. The first half of the 19th century offers a wide range of artistic testimonies to the political inclinations and preferences in relation to landscape art. In the words of Jens Juel (1745–1802), C. W. Eckersberg (1783–1853), J. Th. Lundbye (1818-1848), P. C. Skovgaard (1817–1875) and Vilhelm Kyhn (1819-1903), we can make out the emerging contours of a new political and artistic agenda. This article focuses on a number of case studies from the Danish Golden Age that will be used to discuss the relationship between art and politics in this period.
‘Northern Gods in Marble’: the Romantic Rediscovery of Norse Mythology
Authors: Ljøgodt Knut
Published: February 2016

The Norse myths were rediscovered in the late 18th century, and became important to contemporary culture during the first half of the 19th century. The Romantics discussed the usage of themes from Norse mythology; soon, these themes became widespread in art and literature. Their popularity is closely connected with the national ideals and political situations of the period, but they were often given individual artistic interpretations. The Romantic interest in Norse myths and heroes held sway over artists and writers throughout the 19th century.
Constructions of German Romanticism
Authors: Miller Andrew
Published: February 2016
About the Authors
Authors: NN NN
Published: February 2016
Influence of Children's Foot Type on Their Physical Motor Performance
Authors: Arévalo-Mora Juan Francisco , Reina-Bueno Maria , Munuera Pedro V
Published: February 2016

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether normal, flat, or high-arched feet corresponded to better performance of certain motor tests in children.

Methods: One hundred eighty-seven children (mean ± SD age, 11.15 ± 1.24 years) were recruited and divided into three groups: 96 with normal feet, 54 with high-arched feet, and 37 with low-arched feet. Nine motor trials were selected to assess motor performance: standing long jump, standing triple jump from each foot, standing vertical jump, shuttle run 10 × 5 m, standing-start 20-m sprint, static balance, dynamic balance on a beam of an inverted gym bench, and agility circuit.

Results: There were no significant differences in the trial results between groups, although in eight of the nine trials participants in the high-arched group tended to perform better. Boys performed better than girls in all of the trials except those of balance.

Conclusions: These results suggest that children with a certain foot type did not achieve better motor performance in the nine trials tested.
Cheilectomy as a First-Line Surgical Treatment Option Yields Good Functional Results in Grade III Hallux Rigidus
Authors: Cetinkaya Engin , Yalcinkaya Merter , Sokucu Sami , Polat Abdulkadir , Ozkaya Ufuk , Parmaksizoglu Atilla Sancar
Published: February 2016

Background: This study aimed to analyze the functional results of cheilectomy in the surgical treatment of grade III hallux rigidus and to evaluate whether cheilectomy is a preferable first-line treatment over other surgical methods.

Methods: Of 29 patients with moderate daily physical activity who underwent cheilectomy between 2009 and 2012 on being diagnosed as having grade III hallux rigidus according to the Coughlin-Shurnas grading system, 21 patients (14 women and 7 men; mean age, 59.2 years; age range, 52–67 years) (22 feet) with regular follow-up and complete medical records were included in the study. The patients were evaluated in the preoperative and postoperative periods using a visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society metatarsophalangeal assessment forms.

Results: The preoperative mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of 53 (range, 29–67) improved to 78 (range, 57–92) postoperatively (Wilcoxon test P = .001). The preoperative mean visual analog scale score of 89 (range, 60–100) improved to 29 (range, 0–70) in the postoperative period (Wilcoxon test P = .001).

Conclusions: As a simple and repeatable procedure that allows for further joint-sacrificing surgical procedures when required, cheilectomy is a preferable method to be applied as a first-line option for the surgical treatment of grade III hallux rigidus.
Azole Resistance in Dermatophytes
Authors: Ghannoum Mahmoud
Published: February 2016

Azole antifungal agents (eg, fluconazole and itraconazole) have been widely used to treat superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophytes and, unlike the allylamines (such as terbinafine and naftifine), have been associated with resistance development. Although many published manuscripts describe resistance to azoles among yeast and molds, reports describing resistance of dermatophytes are starting to appear. In this review, I discuss the mode of action of azole antifungals and mechanisms underlying their resistance compared with the allylamine class of compounds. Data from published and original studies were compared and summarized, and their clinical implications are discussed. In contrast to the cidal allylamines, static drugs such as azoles permit the occurrence of mutations in enzymes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis, and the ergosterol precursors accumulating as a consequence of azole action are not toxic. Azole antifungals, unlike allylamines, potentiate resistance development in dermatophytes.
Dynamic Flexion Stiffness of Foot Joints During Walking
Authors: Sanchis-Sales Enrique , Sancho-Bru Joaquin L. , Roda-Sales Alba , Pascual-Huerta Javier
Published: February 2016

Background: Dynamic stiffness can be used for studying foot pathologic abnormalities and for developing prostheses and orthoses. Although previous works have studied the role of ankle joint stiffness during gait, other foot joints have not yet been analyzed. We sought to characterize the dynamic stiffness of the ankle, midtarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints during normal walking.

Methods: Kinematics and contact data from four healthy individuals during walking were registered with a three-dimensional motion analysis system and a pressure platform. Stance phases with flexion moment-angle linear relationships were identified, and dynamic stiffnesses were calculated from the slope of their linear regressions. Intraparticipant repeatability was analyzed using analyses of variance, and interparticipant variability was checked through the SD of averaged participant stiffnesses.

Results: Flexion moment-angle linear relationships were identified (R2 > 0.98) during the early and late midstance phases and the propulsion phase at the ankle (2.76, 5.23, and 3.42 N·m/kg/rad, respectively) and midtarsal (15.88, 3.90, and 4.64 N·m/kg/rad, respectively) joints. At the metatarsophalangeal joint, a linear relationship (R2 > 0.96) occurred only during the propulsion phase (0.11 N·m/kg/rad). High dynamic stiffness variability was observed during the late and early midstance phases at the ankle and midtarsal joints, respectively.

Conclusions: These results may serve as a basis for future studies aimed at investigating the role of dynamic stiffness identified herein in different foot disorders. The importance of properly controlling the samples in such studies is highlighted. Study of the dynamic stiffnesses identified might be used in the design of prostheses, orthoses, and other assistive devices.
Intracellular pathogens under attack
Authors: Broz Petr
Published: February 2016

Antimicrobial proteins deliver a double punch that can destroy the Toxoplasma gondii parasite and its niche inside cells.
Disruptions in precipitation cycles: Attribution to anthropogenic forcing
Authors: Tapiador Francisco J. , Behrangi Ali , Haddad Ziad S. , Katsanos Dimitris , de Castro Manuel
Published: February 2016

Disruptions of the spatiotemporal distribution of surface precipitation that are induced by global warming may affect Earth's climate more significantly than changes in the total precipitation amount. Identifying such disruptions at global scales is not straightforward, as it requires disentangling a weak signal from comprehensive, gapless data in a 5‐D configuration space whose dimensions are latitude, longitude, time, power, and period. Drawing on reliable, state‐of‐the‐art climate model simulations from the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) experiments and using well‐tested analytical methods, clear changes in the global precipitation cycles have been found for the simulated period 1862–2003. It has also been found that the disruptions may be attributable to anthropogenic forcing. The disruptions are relevant enough to envision significant changes in precipitation timing if human greenhouse gas emissions continue to accumulate in the future. It is noteworthy that the effects of anthropogenic forcings have been found not predominantly in the intra‐annual cycles, i.e., in the short‐term weather patterns that would be indicative of local effects, but rather in the interannual planetary long‐term variability of the atmosphere. This suggests a global, distributed effect of the anthropogenic forcings on precipitation, which in turn is indicative of changes in the precipitation patterns linked with changes in the thermodynamics of the precipitation microphysics and to a lesser extent with the dynamical aspects of the precipitation processes.
Regional atmospheric circulation over Europe during the Last Glacial Maximum and its links to precipitation
Authors: Ludwig Patrick , Schaffernicht Erik J. , Shao Yaping , Pinto Joaquim G.
Published: February 2016

The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) exhibits different large‐scale atmospheric conditions compared to present‐day climate due to altered boundary conditions. The regional atmospheric circulation and associated precipitation patterns over Europe are characterized for the first time with a weather typing approach (circulation weather types, CWT) for LGM paleoclimate simulations. The CWT approach is applied to four representative regions across Europe. While the CWTs over Western Europe are prevailing westerly for both present‐day and LGM conditions, considerable differences are identified elsewhere: Southern Europe experienced more frequent westerly and cyclonic CWTs under LGM conditions, while Central and Eastern Europe was predominantly affected by southerly and easterly flow patterns. Under LGM conditions, rainfall is enhanced over Western Europe but is reduced over most of Central and Eastern Europe. These differences are explained by changing CWT frequencies and evaporation patterns over the North Atlantic Ocean. The regional differences of the CWTs and precipitation patterns are linked to the North Atlantic storm track, which was stronger over Europe in all considered models during the LGM, explaining the overall increase of the cyclonic CWT. Enhanced evaporation over the North Atlantic leads to higher moisture availability over the ocean. Despite the overall cooling during the LGM, this explains the enhanced precipitation over southwestern Europe, particularly Iberia. This study links large‐scale atmospheric dynamics to the regional circulation and associated precipitation patterns and provides an improved regional assessment of the European climate under LGM conditions.
A Micro/Nano Composite for Combination Treatment of Melanoma Lung Metastasis
Authors: Mi Yu , Mu Chaofeng , Wolfram Joy , Deng Zaian , Hu Tony Ye , Liu Xuewu , Blanco Elvin , Shen Haifa , Ferrari Mauro
Published: February 2016

The successful treatment of malignant disease generally requires the use of multiple therapeutic agents that are coordinated in a spatiotemporal manner to enable synergy. Here, a porous silicon‐based micro/nano composite (MNC) that is capable of simultaneously delivering chemotherapeutic agents and small interfering RNA (siRNA) to the lungs following intravenous injection is designed. The pores of the silicon microparticles are loaded with B‐Raf proto‐oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) siRNA‐containing liposomes, while the surface is conjugated with docetaxel‐encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles. The synergistic antitumor effect of the MNC is demonstrated in vitro in melanoma cells and in vivo using a mouse model for melanoma lung metastasis. The MNC displays superior therapeutic efficacy and increased accumulation in metastatic melanoma lesions in the lungs in comparison to combination therapy with liposomes and polymers. The results indicate that the MNC can be used as an effective delivery vehicle for simultaneous enrichment of multiple therapeutic agents in the lungs.
Parallel Band and Hopping Electron Transport in SrTiO3
Authors: Saraf Shimon , Riess Ilan , Rothschild Avner
Published: February 2016

SrTiO3 (STO) is a model system for studying oxide electronic devices. This work examines the electronic transport through a heterostructure comprising an acceptor (Fe)‐doped STO layer on a donor (Nb)‐doped STO substrate. This is done by fitting the steady‐state current–voltage (I–V) curve measured at ambient temperature to numerical solutions of the drift‐diffusion equations of itinerant (i.e., free) electrons and holes (band conduction) and localized electrons hopping through defect states within the bandgap (hopping conduction). The analysis shows that at reverse bias and small forward bias the current is carried mostly by hopping electrons that give rise to unexpectedly high currents. At forward bias above 1 V, most of the current is due to electron transport through the conduction band. The transition from hopping to band conduction occurs when the quasi Fermi levels of electrons and holes depart from the energy level of the defect states through which the electrons hop. These observations shed new light on the transport properties of STO‐based devices at ambient temperatures wherein ionic defects such as oxygen vacancies are immobile and holes are trapped, for the most part.
A Poly(cobaloxime)/Carbon Nanotube Electrode: Freestanding Buckypaper with Polymer‐Enhanced H2‐Evolution Performance
Authors: Reuillard Bertrand , Warnan Julien , Leung Jane J. , Wakerley David W. , Reisner Erwin
Published: February 2016

A freestanding H2‐evolution electrode consisting of a copolymer‐embedded cobaloxime integrated into a multiwall carbon nanotube matrix by π–π interactions is reported. This electrode is straightforward to assemble and displays high activity towards hydrogen evolution in near‐neutral pH solution under inert and aerobic conditions, with a cobalt‐based turnover number (TONCo) of up to 420. An analogous electrode with a monomeric cobaloxime showed less activity with a TONCo of only 80. These results suggest that, in addition to the high surface area of the porous network of the buckypaper, the polymeric scaffold provides a stabilizing environment to the catalyst, leading to further enhancement in catalytic performance. We have therefore established that the use of a multifunctional copolymeric architecture is a viable strategy to enhance the performance of molecular electrocatalysts.
LiAlH4‐Induced Selective Ring Rearrangement of 2‐(2‐Cyanoethyl)aziridines toward 2‐(Aminomethyl)pyrrolidines and 3‐Aminopiperidines as Eligible Heterocyclic Building Blocks
Authors: Dolfen Jeroen , Vervisch Karel , De Kimpe Norbert , D'hooghe Matthias
Published: February 2016

2‐(2‐Cyanoethyl)aziridines and 2‐aryl‐3‐(2‐cyanoethyl)aziridines were deployed as substrates for an In(OTf)3‐mediated regio‐ and stereoselective ring rearrangement upon treatment with LiAlH4, affording a variety of novel 2‐(aminomethyl)pyrrolidines and 3‐aminopiperidines, respectively. Further synthetic elaboration of the obtained 3‐aminopiperidines resulted in the formation of a peculiar and unexplored conformationally constrained imidazolidinone and diketopiperazine scaffold.
Linking adult hippocampal neurogenesis with human physiology and disease
Authors: Bowers Megan , Jessberger Sebastian
Published: February 2016

We here review the existing evidence linking adult hippocampal neurogenesis and human brain function in physiology and disease. Furthermore, we aim to point out where evidence is missing, highlight current promising avenues of investigation, and suggest future tools and approaches to foster the link between life‐long neurogenesis and human brain function. Developmental Dynamics 245:702–709, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproductive cycles and reproductive strategies among populations of the Rose‐bellied Lizard Sceloporus variabilis (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from central Mexico
Authors: Cruz‐Elizalde Raciel , Ramírez‐Bautista Aurelio
Published: February 2016

Species with wide distribution, generally show variations in life history characteristics, which can be attributed to environmental causes. In this study, we analyzed the reproductive cycle and reproductive characteristics from three populations (Atlapexco, San Pablo Tetlapayac, and Santa Catarina) of the lizard Sceloporus variabilis from central Mexico. The specific goal of this study was to evaluate life history characteristics such as reproductive period extent, SVL (snout‐vent length) at sexual maturity, clutch size, egg mass and volume, and RCM (relative clutch mass). The San Pablo Tetlapayac population showed a larger clutch size, RCM, egg mass, and a smaller SVL, body mass and reproductive period (January‐September), as well as egg volume than the Atlapexco and Santa Catarina populations. Reproductive cycle and reproductive characteristics were more similar between the Atlapexco and Santa Catarina populations. Differences found in the population of San Pablo Tetlapayac with respect to the Atlapexco and Santa Catarina populations could be attributed to environmental variations where lizard populations occur. Differences in the reproductive period and reproductive characteristics in each population could be the result of both historical (phylogenetic; e.g., reproductive mode) and nonhistorical (environmental; e.g., temperature, food availability) causes. This study showed that populations of the same species are under different selection pressures, and these affect the reproductive characteristics of populations. Our results also indicate that long‐term and targeted studies on predation, use and selection of food, are needed to determine the causes of these variations in populations of S. variabilis.
Psychotropic use and associated neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients with dementia in the USA
Authors: Maust Donovan T. , Langa Kenneth M. , Blow Frederic C. , Kales Helen C.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To determine the national prevalence of psychotropic use and association with neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients with dementia.

Methods

Participants diagnosed with dementia (n = 414) in the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study, a nationally representative survey of US adults >70 years old. Diagnosis was based on in‐person clinical assessment and informant interview. Information collected included demographics, place of residence, 10‐item Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and prescribed medications (antipsychotic, sedative‐hypnotic, antidepressant, mood stabilizer).

Results

Of 414 participants with dementia, 41.4% were prescribed a psychotropic medication, including 84.0% of nursing home residents and 28.6% of community‐dwellers. Of participants, 23.5% were prescribed an antidepressant. Compared with the total NPI score of those on no medication (4.5), those on antipsychotics and those on sedative‐hypnotics had much higher scores (respectively: 12.6, p < 0.001; 11.8, p = 0.03), although those antidepressants did not (6.9, p = 0.15). A larger proportion of patients on antipsychotics exhibited psychosis and agitation compared with those on no medication, while those on antidepressants exhibited more depressive symptoms. In multivariable logistic regression that included dementia severity and nursing home residence, nursing home residence was the characteristic most strongly associated with psychotropic use (odds ratio ranging from 8.96 [p < 0.001] for antipsychotics to 15.59 [p < 0.001] for sedative‐hypnotics). More intense psychotic symptoms and agitation were associated with antipsychotic use; more intense anxiety and agitation were associated with sedative‐hypnotic use. More intense depression and apathy were not associated with antidepressant use.

Conclusions

In this nationally representative sample, 41.4% of patients were taking psychotropic medication. While associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, nursing home residence was most strongly tied to use. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scanning for α‐Hemoglobin Variants by High‐Resolution Melting Analysis
Authors: Yimniam Walaiporn , Jindadamrongwech Sumalee
Published: February 2016

Background

Definitive detection of hemoglobin (Hb) variants requires DNA sequencing. High‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons was applied to detect and discriminate among uncommon α‐Hb variants found in Thailand.

Methods

Uncommon suspected α‐Hb variants observed in Hb typing were identified by sequencing of DNA from whole blood samples. Three pairs of PCR primers covering the mutation regions in the three α‐globin exons then were used for PCR coupled with difference in HRM analysis to subtract out the concomitant melting profile of the normal allele in the heterozygous state.

Results

DNA sequencing identified six heterozygous α‐Hb variants, namely, Hb G‐Waimanalo (HBA2: exon 2, codon 64 G>A), Hb J‐Buda (HBA1: exon 2, codon 61 G>T), Hb Kurosaki (HBA2: exon 1; codon 7 A>G), Hb O‐Indonesia (HBA1: exon 3 codon 116 G>A), Hb Q‐India (HBA1:exon 2, codon 64 G>C), and Hb Q‐Thailand (HBA1: exon 2 codon 74 G>C). Difference HRM analysis showed one temperature melting profile using exon 1 primer pair, four different profiles with exon 2 primer pair, and one profile with exon 3 primer pair.

Conclusions

PCR‐HRM analysis was effective in detecting and discriminating among single point mutations causing six uncommon α‐Hb variants in heterozygous individuals. The method can be applied for routine screening due to its simplicity and relatively low cost.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Responsive Polymers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Xu Qinghua , He Chaoliang , Xiao Chunsheng , Chen Xuesi
Published: February 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in cell signaling pathways, while increased production of ROS may disrupt cellular homeostasis, giving rise to oxidative stress and a series of diseases. Utilizing these cell‐generated species as triggers for selective tuning polymer structures and properties represents a promising methodology for disease diagnosis and treatment. Recently, significant progress has been made in fabricating biomaterials including nanoparticles and macroscopic networks to interact with this dynamic physiological condition. These ROS‐responsive platforms have shown potential in a range of biomedical applications, such as cancer targeted drug delivery systems, cell therapy platforms for inflammation related disease, and so on.

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Studies of a photochromic model system using NMR with ex‐situ and in‐situ irradiation devices
Authors: Wolff Christiane , Kind Jonas , Schenderlein Helge , Bartling Hanna , Feldmeier Christian , Gschwind Ruth M. , Biesalski Markus , Thiele Christina M.
Published: February 2016

The switching behavior of a photochromic model system was investigated in detail via NMR spectroscopy in order to improve understanding of the compound itself and to provide ways to obtain insights into composition trends of a photo switchable (polymeric) material containing spiropyran/merocyanine units. In addition to the classical irradiation performed outside the magnet (ex‐situ), a device for irradiation inside the NMR spectrometer (in‐situ) was tested. Both setups are introduced, their advantages and disadvantages as well as their limits are described and the setup for future investigations of photochromic materials is suggested.

The influence of different sample concentrations, irradiation procedures, and light intensities on the model system was examined as well as the dependence on solvent, temperature, and irradiation wavelengths. Using the recently published LED illumination device, it was even possible to record two‐dimensional spectra on this model system with rather short half‐life (7 min in DMSO). This way 13C chemical shifts of the merocyanine form were obtained, which were unknown before. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Terahertz Waves for Thickness Analyses
Authors: Jonuscheit Joachim
Published: February 2016

Modern components are often refined with complex layer systems. Or the component itself is made up of multiple materials. If the material thickness needs to be checked, usually destructive procedures need to be used. Unfortunately, this requires a lot of time and is not entirely suitable for production monitoring. With the help of terahertz waves which lie in the spectrum between infrared light and microwaves, the measurement of thickness becomes easier and more importantly nondestructive. The method introduced here regarding the terahertz thickness analysis calculates the thickness of the material based on the runtime differences of the partial reflected waves on material boundaries.
Overcoming Barriers to Industrial Laser Performance Measurement
Authors: McCauley John , Dini Christian
Published: February 2016

Technological advancements in laser sources and the systems in which they are integrated have provided the industrial laser user with higher quality and more consistent laser processes. Sophisticated performance measurement of the components and the system as a whole is performed during development and installation of the laser systems. Yet in many cases, ensuring the system continues to perform as designed once installed does not seem to be a high priority for the end user. Is protection of this large investment not a priority?
The Role of Passion and Purpose in Leader Developmental Readiness
Authors: Bronk Kendall Cotton , McLean Derrick C.
Published: February 2016

The founder of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie, and the late Apple cofounder and CEO, Steve Jobs, model the role of passion and purpose in leader developmental readiness.
Deciding probabilistic automata weak bisimulation: theory and practice
Authors: Ferrer Fioriti Luis María , Hashemi Vahid , Hermanns Holger , Turrini Andrea
Published: February 2016

Weak probabilistic bisimulation on probabilistic automata can be decided by an algorithm that needs to check a polynomial number of linear programming problems encoding weak transitions. It is hence of polynomial complexity. This paper discusses the specific complexity class of the weak probabilistic bisimulation problem, and it considers several practical algorithms and linear programming problem transformations that enable an efficient solution. We then discuss two different implementations of a probabilistic automata weak probabilistic bisimulation minimizer, one of them employing SAT modulo linear arithmetic as the solver technology. Empirical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the minimization approach on standard benchmarks, also highlighting the benefits of compositional minimization.
Comparing those who do, might and will not invest in sustainable funds: a survey among German retail fund investors
Authors: Wins Anett , Zwergel Bernhard
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we present the results of an online questionnaire among private German mutual fund investors. In an exploratory nature, we empirically analyze the differences between three groups: sustainable investors, conventional investors that are either generally interested or those that are not interested at all to invest in socially responsible (SR) funds. We provide evidence on motives and attitudes of these three investor groups, showing that SR fund investors are quite similar to those interested in investing sustainably and very different from those who only consider investing conventionally. All three groups agree that sustainable actions of a company affect its stock price positively. Yet, they all believe that SR funds perform worse than conventional funds. Nevertheless, some still invest in SR funds. Consequently, different motives and attitudes are the determining factors when it comes to making an investment decision. These differences will be extensively discussed on the following pages.
Legal Challenges of Biometric Immigration Control Systems
Authors: Vanessa Díaz
Published: February 2016

This article analyzes the deployment of biometric systems in immigration control. It argues that public policy for biometric data collection and processing must be based on legal principles and involve the participation of diverse actors, including civil society organizations, industry associations, special privacy advocates and government officials. Such deployments must also involve control mechanisms that help ensure transparency and accountability. Based on a comparative study of biometric immigration control system deployment in four countries (Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and Spain), two types of asymmetries stand out: first, notable differences in the types of information collected, stored, processed, retrieved, updated, analyzed and exchanged; Second, the purposes for which biometric systems are currently used. In the latter case, wide divergence exists in areas for which these systems are employed, such as border control strategies and the use of travel documents, revealing that each nation chooses to use these systems at different points in the immigration process. These asymmetries pose both short and long-term challenges for international cooperation.
Valuing Regulations Affecting Addictive or Habitual Goods
Authors: Cutler David M. , Jessup Amber , Kenkel Donald , Starr Martha A.
Published: February 2016

The analysis of regulations affecting addictive or habitual goods has drawn considerable controversy. Some studies have suggested that such regulations have only small welfare benefits, as consumers value these goods despite health benefits from quitting, while other studies suggest that information or behavioral problems make existing consumption decisions a poor guide to welfare evaluation. We examine potential utility offsets to health benefits of regulations affecting addictive or habitual goods theoretically and empirically. Our analysis focuses on individuals who consume these goods only, ignoring other social costs and benefits. Theoretically, we show the importance of several factors including: money saved in addition to health improvements; differentiating steady-state utility losses from short-term withdrawal costs; lack of utility loss for people dissuaded from starting to consume the good; and accounting for utility consequences of explicit or implicit cost increases. Our empirical analysis considers regulations that affect smoking. To measure the welfare cost of smoking cessation, we divide the population into those with more and less rational smoking behavior and use the valuation of smoking from more rational smokers to impute values of losses for less rational smokers. Our results show that the utility cost of smoking cessation is small relative to the health gains in people for whom withdrawal costs are the main utility loss of quitting, and even among people who have some ongoing loss, the utility offsets represent 20%–25% of the health gains. While marginal smokers induced to quit by regulations can be expected to have low or no steady-state loss, even this higher estimate is far below prevailing estimates of the utility cost of smoking used by the Food and Drug Administration and other analysts.
Adding Value with Benefit-Cost Analysis: Forecasting Net Social Benefit from Impacts of Slot Machine Gambling in Maryland
Authors: Farrow Scott
Published: February 2016

The estimated impacts, benefits, and costs of legalizing slot machines in Maryland are analyzed building on and contrasting with results from an impact analysis. The analysis provides estimates of the components and the total net benefits to the state and its citizens; the role of uncertainty, distributional impacts, and a basic tax alternative. The results forecast mostly positive net benefits for Maryland both in comparison to doing nothing and in comparison to raising an equivalent amount in taxes. However, if slot revenue raised from the lower income population is given more weight, then doing nothing or raising taxes appears to be preferred.
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Prevention and Intervention Programs for Youth and Young Adults: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Kuklinski Margaret R.
Published: February 2016

Benefit-cost analysis (BCA) and related economic evaluation methods (cost analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis) have increasingly been applied to prevention and intervention programs for youth and young adults to assess their costs as well as the gains that may be anticipated from investing in these programs. This work reflects in part the growing prominence of evidence-based programs, policies, and practices as well as evidence-informed decision making. The papers included in this special issue represent a range of topics and issues, including the need for accurate and comprehensive assessment of program costs, high-quality BCAs of prevention and intervention programs, increasing recognition of the importance of monetizing noncognitive outcomes, and the role of BCA in pay for success financing arrangements. This introduction (a) describes the evidence-based context in which this work plays a role, (b) summarizes the practical and theoretical contributions of the papers, and (c) identifies the common themes.
Cost Analysis of a School-Based Social and Emotional Learning and Literacy Intervention
Authors: Long Katherine , Brown Joshua L. , Jones Stephanie M. , Aber J. Lawrence , Yates Brian T.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: There is limited research on the costs of social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions [Crowley, Jones, Greenberg, Feinberg & Spoth (2012). Resource Consumption of a Diffusion Model for Prevention Programs: The PROSPER Delivery System.Journal of Adolescent Health, 50(3), 256–263]. This paper describes a comprehensive methodology for determining the costs of a successful universal, school-based SEL intervention that was implemented in nine public schools over 3 years.

Methods: Resource costs were identified using the Cost–Procedure–Process–Outcome Analysis Model [Yates (1996).Analyzing Costs, Procedures, Processes, and Outcomes in Human Services.Thousand Oaks, CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc.; Yates (1999).Measuring and Improving Cost, Cost-Effectiveness, and Cost-Benefit for Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. No. NIH 99-4518, 135] and the ingredients model [Levin (Ed.) (1983).Cost-Effectiveness A Primer(Vol. 4). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage; Levin & McEwan (2001).Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Methods and Applications. (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications]. This involved careful identification of resource use, finding the cost per unit for each resource by intervention activity, and ultimately calculating the total resource cost (resource use$\times$cost per unit).

Results: Our analysis estimated the overall cost of this 3-year SEL and literacy intervention to be $1,831,296 for nine schools. This averages to $67,825 yearly per school and $130 yearly for each student. The analysis estimated the first year of the intervention to be the costliest ($683,106) and then decreasing in Year 2 ($581,764) and Year 3 ($566,426).

Conclusion: This research emphasizes the need to study the costs of SEL interventions. By providing a detailed and standardized methodology, this cost analysis can provide added support for implementing an effective social and emotional learning intervention in a school setting. Furthermore, it provides groundwork for more advanced cost analyses, such as a cost–effectiveness analysis or a benefit-cost analysis (BCA).
New tropical calicioid lichens from South America
Authors: APTROOT André , MOTA JUNIOR Narla , SANTOS Viviane Monique dos , CÁCERES Marcela Eugenia da Silva
Published: February 2016

Three new calicioid lichens are described from the Neotropics. Mazaediothecium uniseptatum, with 1-septate ascospores, is described from French Guiana. Mycocalicium enterographicola, with turbinate, green-pruinose apothecia and stalk and a distinct mazaedium, occurring lichenicolous on Enterographa cf. quassiaecola Fée, is described from Sergipe State in Brazil. Stenocybe tropica, with 3-septate ascospores remaining clustered in the mouth of the apothecium, and persistent asci, is described from mangrove tree bark in São Paulo State, Brazil.
Anamnestic responses in pigs to the Taenia solium TSOL18 vaccine and implications for control strategies
Authors: LIGHTOWLERS MARSHALL W. , DONADEU MERITXELL , ELAIYARAJA M. , MAITHAL KAPIL , KUMAR K. ANAND , GAUCI CHARLES G. , FIRESTONE SIMON M. , SARASOLA PATXI , ROWAN TIM G.
Published: February 2016

Specific antibody responses were assessed in pigs immunized with the Taenia solium vaccine TSOL18. Anti-TSOL18 responses were compared 2 weeks after secondary immunization, where the interval between primary and secondary immunization was 4, 8, 12, 16 or 20 weeks. All animals responded to the vaccine and there was no diminution in antibody responses in animals receiving their second injection after an interval up to 20 weeks. Pigs receiving vaccinations at an interval of 12 weeks developed significantly increased antibody responses compared with animals receiving immunizations 4 weeks apart (P = 0·046). The ability to deliver TSOL18 vaccination effectively where the revaccination schedule can be delayed for up to 12–16 weeks in pigs increases the options available for designing T. solium control interventions that incorporate TSOL18 vaccination.
Distinct courses of infection withLeishmania(L.)amazonensisare observed in BALB/c, BALB/c nude and C57BL/6 mice
Authors: VELASQUEZ LEONARDO G. , GALUPPO MARIANA K. , DE REZENDE ELOIZA , BRANDÃO WESLEY N. , PERON JEAN PIERRE , ULIANA SILVIA R. B. , DUARTE MARIA IRMA , STOLF BEATRIZ S.
Published: February 2016

Leishmania(L.)amazonensis[L.(L.)amazonensis] is widely distributed in Brazil and its symptomatic infections usually lead to few localized lesions and sometimes to diffuse cutaneous form, with nodules throughout the body, anergy to parasite antigens and poor therapeutic response. The variability of these manifestations draws attention to the need for studies on the pathophysiology of infection by this species. In this study, we analysed the course and immunological aspects ofL.(L.)amazonensisinfection in BALB/c and C57BL/6 strains, both susceptible, but displaying different clinical courses, and athymic BALB/c nude, to illustrate the role of T cell dependent responses. We analysed footpad thickness and parasite burden byin vivoimaging. Furthermore, we evaluated the cellular profile and cytokine production in lymph nodes and the inflammatory infiltrates of lesions. Nude mice showed delayed lesion development and less inflammatory cells in lesions, but higher parasite burden than BALB/c and C57BL/6. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice had similar parasite burdens, lesion sizes and infiltrates until 6 weeks after infection, and after that C57BL/6 mice controlled the infection. Small differences in parasite numbers were observed in C57BL/6 macrophagesin vitro, indicating thatin vivomilieu accounts for most differences in infection. We believe our results shed light on the role of host immune system in the course ofL.(L.)amazonensisinfection by comparing three mouse strains that differ in parasitaemia and inflammatory cells.
Flight Myths in Ovid's Metamorphoses: An Interpretation of Phaethon and Daedalus
Authors: Wise Valerie Merriam
Published: February 2016

Several myths of theMetamorphosesare stories about nights. These imaginary voyages are taken either by artists or by characters granted an experience analagous to artistic experience. The possibility of vision made available through the act of flying provides the immediate connection between flight and art. Characters within the fictive world of the poem achieve literally a perspective on the cosmos analogous to Ovid's metaphoric vision of his poetic universe. Insofar as vision is the initial act of artistic creation, characters who engage in flying, whether specifically artists or not, enact within the context of the narrative this part of the creative process. Because the attempt at vision is only a preliminary, Ovid must find a way for the metaphor of flight to express the rest of the creative process and its culmination in an artifact. The means of flight, whether Apollo's chariot or the wings designed by Daedalus, are therefore works of art that express both the mimetic and interpretive aspects of this process. Artifacts created by Ovid's fictive artificers repeatedly prove inadequate or ambiguous, however, and they fail as their makers' attempts at vision fail. These characters are unable to sustain vision or interpret what they see, and so the efficacy of their art is called into question. In telling their stories, Ovid conveys the powers and limitations of vision and art. At the same time, he implies his own success as poet through the ironic treatment of the artists within the poem.
Theépreuveof ageing with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: CARADEC VINCENT , CHAMAHIAN ALINE
Published: February 2016

The concept ofépreuve, literally translated as ‘challenge’, was developed by the French sociologist Danilo Martuccelli, who was inspired by Sartre's existential philosophy, phenomenological sociology and its concern for analysing modern experiences, and Charles Wright Mills’ conviction that it is necessary to relate personal problems to the social structures that generate or amplify them. The concept has been used in the sociology of ageing in France to characterise theépreuveof ageing and four domains ofépreuvehave been identified: activities, identity, autonomy and relationship to the world. This paper applies this template to a corpus of 27 interviews with people at mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease, in order to characterise theépreuveof ageing with the disease. Theépreuveof ageing during the earlier stages of the disease is similar to the experience of people who age without a cognitive disorder. However, as the disease progresses the analysis reveals that it tends to exacerbate issues: identity seems especially threatened, simultaneously raising the question of self-presentation and self-definition; although most interviewees strive to retain autonomy, a few delegate it to a close confidante with whom they build a relationship of strong dependence; and weakened communication accentuates the feeling that the world is foreign and strange.
The Economic and Political Liberalization of Socialism: The Fundamental Problem of Property Rights
Authors: Riker William H. , Weimer David L.
Published: February 2016

All our previous political experience, and especially, of course, the experience of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, offers little hope that democracy can coexist with the centralized allocation of economic resources. Indeed, simple observation suggests that a market economy with private property rights is a necessary, although not sufficient, condition for the existence of a democratic political regime. And this accords fully with the political theory of liberalism, which emphasizes that private rights, both civil and economic, be protected and secure. At the same time, our previous experience also indicates that market economies are more successful than centrally planned economies not only in producing, but also in distributing, both private and collective goods. This economic experienee is supported by neoclassical economic theory, which treats clearly defined and secure rights to private property as essential to a market economy.