bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration control of a continuous rotating shaft employing high-static low-dynamic stiffness isolators
Authors: Abbasi Amirhassan , Khadem SE , Bab Saeed
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the effects of high-static low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) isolators on the supports of a continuous rotating shaft for vibration control of a rotary system under mass eccentricity force are investigated. The rotating shaft is modeled using the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. HSLDS isolators have a linear damping and linear and nonlinear (cubic) equivalent stiffness. Isolators are positioned on the supports of the rotating shaft, so that their forces are applied in radial directions. Equations of motion are extracted using the extended Hamilton principle and they are analyzed using the multiple scale method; then, the steady-state solutions and stability are studied. The effects of variations in linear and nonlinear parameters of the isolators on the static load bearing, resonant peak, frequency band of isolation and hardening nonlinearity are considered, in order to design an appropriate HSLDS isolator and to set its parameters in an optimal way. Investigating the effects of the cubic stiffness and damping values on bifurcations of the system, one may observe that inappropriate setting of these parameters causes strong or weak nonlinearity in the system and, consequently, HSLDS isolators perform less effectively than a linear one does. Then, the results are verified through analyzing the time history of the rotary system under study.
Parallelizing a finite element solver in computational hemodynamics
Authors: Auricchio F , Ferretti M , Lefieux A , Musci M , Reali A , Trimarchi S , Veneziani A
Published: May 2016

In the last 20 years, a new approach has emerged to investigate the physiopathology of circulation. By merging medical images with validated numerical models, it is possible to support doctors’ decision-making process. The iCardioCloud project aims at establishing a computational framework to perform a complete patient-specific numerical analysis, specially oriented to aortic diseases (like dissections or aneurysms) and to deliver a compelling synthesis. The project can be considered a pioneering example of a Computer Aided Clinical Trial: i.e., a comprehensive analysis of patients where the level of knowledge extracted by traditional measures and statistics is enhanced through the massive use of numerical modeling. From a computer engineering point of view, iCardioCloud faces multiple challenges. First, the number of problems to solve for each patient is significantly huge – this is typical of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) – and it requires parallel methods. In addition, working in a clinical environment demands efficiency as the timeline requires rapid quantitative answers (as may happen in an emergency scenario). It is therefore mandatory to employ high-end parallel systems, such as large clusters or supercomputers.

Here we discuss a parallel implementation of an application within the iCardioCloud project, built with a black-box approach – i.e., by assembling and configuring existing packages and libraries and in particular LifeV, a finite element library developed to solve CFD problems. The goal of this paper is to describe the software architecture underlying LifeV and to assess its performance and the most appropriate parallel paradigm.

This paper is an extension of a previous work presented at the PBio 2015 Conference. This revision extends the description of the software architecture and discusses several new serial and parallel optimizations to the application. We discuss the introduction of hybrid parallelism in order to mitigate some performance problems previously experienced.
Efficient parallelization of perturbative Monte Carlo QM/MM simulations in heterogeneous platforms
Authors: Miranda Sebastião , Feldt Jonas , Pratas Frederico , Mata Ricardo A , Roma Nuno , Tomás Pedro
Published: May 2016

A novel perturbative Monte Carlo mixed quantum mechanics (QM)/molecular mechanics (MM) approach has been recently developed to simulate molecular systems in complex environments. However, the required accuracy to efficiently simulate such complex molecular systems is usually granted at the cost of long executing times. To alleviate this problem, a new parallelization strategy of multi-level Monte Carlo molecular simulations is herein proposed for heterogeneous systems. It simultaneously exploits fine-grained (at the data level), coarse-grained (at the Markov chain level) and task-grained (pure QM, pure MM and QM/MM procedures) parallelism to ensure an efficient execution in heterogeneous systems composed of central processing units and multiple and possibly different graphical processing units. This is achieved by making use of the OpenCL library, together with appropriate dynamic load balancing schemes. From the conducted evaluation with real benchmarking data, a speed-up of 56x in the computational bottleneck part was observed, which results in a global speed-up of 38x for the whole simulation, reducing the time of a typical simulation from 80 hours to only 2 hours.
The narrative construction of Lesbian identity: A study using Bruner's self-indicators
Authors: Sala Arianna , De la Mata Benítez Manuel Luis
Published: May 2016

Starting from a narrative conception of identity, in this paper, we present a description of the process of construction of lesbian identity by applying Bruner's indicators of selfhood. Our main goal is to analyze the personal process of (re)construction of lesbian identity and its connection with socio-cultural context. The autobiographical narratives of eight (8) lesbian women were analyzed and categorized in accordance with a model that describes the construction of homosexual identity in three phases: before Self-definition, Self-definition, and after Self-definition. The analysis conducted allowed us to describe, in an integrated and coherent way, the process that led the participants to a dialogical and personal position in the flow of social discourses about homosexuality they are involved in.
Emotions, price and quality expectations in hotel services
Authors: Pelegrín-Borondo Jorge , Arias-Oliva Mario , Olarte-Pascual Cristina
Published: May 2016

Price, service-quality expectations and emotions have all been found to play a key role in customers’ assessments of offers, but little attention has been given to how these variables interrelate. This article presents an original model to study these interrelations. The model was tested on a sample of 841 hotel customers using structural equation modelling. The results show that the stronger the customers’ emotions, the more likely they were to perceive the product as cheap and the higher their predictive expectations of service quality. Additionally, although the observed price level influenced customers’ predictive expectations, the perception of a product as expensive or cheap did not. These findings have important business implications.
Advice to patients undergoing stem cell transplant: Content analysis of survivor peer support narratives
Authors: Symes Yael R , Barrington Clare , Austin Jane , Wu Lisa M , Fisher Edwin B , Rini Christine
Published: May 2016

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors often share advice with patients undergoing this difficult treatment. We content analyzed narratives written by 59 transplant survivors given the opportunity to share advice with patients. Analyses described categories of advice they shared and evaluated their perceptions of the helpfulness of advice they had received. We found nine advice categories and evidence for variation in their perceived helpfulness, especially for advice to “be your own advocate,” “have someone you can rely on,” and “think positive.” Findings suggest the need to investigate how seemingly innocuous advice can be unhelpful and potentially distressing to some patients.
Sellout, Blackout, or Get Out
Authors: Gropper Catherine C. , Anderson Benjamin C.
Published: May 2016

Prior to the 2012-2013 season, National Football League franchises had the option to significantly adjust their TV blackout policies for the first time since 1973. Using data from team policy choices and local TV blackouts during the 2007-2008 to 2014-2015 seasons, we examine whether the policy change was effective in reducing the probability of blackouts or affected attendance. Controlling for team-fixed effects, we find no evidence that policy-adopting teams experienced significantly fewer blackouts or a change in attendance following the policy implementation. Our analysis sheds light on the economic factors that are correlated with local TV blackouts and game attendance.
Community Partnered Research Ethics Training in Practice
Authors: Yonas Michael A. , Jaime Maria Catrina , Barone Jean , Valenti Shannon , Documét Patricia , Ryan Christopher M. , Miller Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

This report describes the development and implementation of a tailored research ethics training for academic investigators and community research partners (CRP). The Community Partnered Research Ethics Training (CPRET) and Certification is a free and publicly available model and resource created by a university and community partnership to ensure that traditional and non-traditional research partners may study, define, and apply principles of human subjects’ research. To date, seven academic and 34 CRP teams have used this highly interactive, engaging, educational, and relationship building process to learn human subjects’ research and be certified by the University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Board (IRB). This accessible, flexible, and engaging research ethics training process serves as a vehicle to strengthen community and academic partnerships to conduct ethical and culturally sensitive research.
Current targeted therapies in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer: a review
Authors: Moriarity Andrew , O’Sullivan Jacintha , Kennedy John , Mehigan Brian , McCormick Paul
Published: May 2016

Treatment strategies for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients have undergone dramatic changes in the past decade and despite improved patient outcomes, there still exist areas for continued development. The introduction of targeted agents has provided clinicians with additional treatment options in mCRC, however, results have been mixed at best. These novel therapies were designed to interfere with specific molecules involved in the cellular carcinogenesis pathway and ultimately deliver a more focused treatment. Currently, their use in mCRC has been limited primarily as an adjunct to conventional chemotherapy regimens. This review explores the relevant cell-signaling networks in colorectal cancer, provides focus on the current targeted agent armamentarium approved for use in mCRC and explores the usefulness of predictive mCRC biomarkers.
Exploring Environmental Variation in Residential Care Facilities for Older People
Authors: Nordin Susanna , McKee Kevin , Wijk Helle , Elf Marie
Published: May 2016

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore variation in environmental quality in Swedish residential care facilities (RCFs) using the Swedish version of the Sheffield Care Environment Assessment Matrix (S-SCEAM).

Background:

Well-designed physical environments can positively impact on health and well-being among older persons with frail health living in RCFs and are essential for supporting person-centered care. However, the evidence base for informing the design of RCFs is weak, partly due to a lack of valid and reliable instruments that could provide important information on the environmental quality.

Methods:

Twenty RCFs were purposively sampled from several regions, varying in their building design, year of construction, size, and geographic location. The RCFs were assessed using S-SCEAM and the data were analyzed to examine variation in environmental quality between and within facilities.

Results:

There was substantial variation in the quality of the physical environment between and within RCFs, reflected in S-SCEAM scores related to specific facility locations and with regard to domains reflecting residents’ needs. In general, private apartments and dining areas had high S-SCEAM scores, while gardens had lower scores. Scores on the safety domain were high in the majority of RCFs, whereas scores for cognitive support and privacy were relatively low.

Conclusions:

Despite high building standard requirements, the substantial variations regarding environmental quality between and within RCFs indicate the potential for improvements to support the needs of older persons. We conclude that S-SCEAM is a sensitive and unique instrument representing a valuable contribution to evidence-based design that can support person-centered care.
Are orphan genes protein-coding, prediction artifacts, or non-coding RNAs?
Authors: Prabh Neel , Rödelsperger Christian
Published: May 2016

Background

Current genome sequencing projects reveal substantial numbers of taxonomically restricted, so called orphan genes that lack homology with genes from other evolutionary lineages. However, it is not clear to what extent orphan genes are real, genomic artifacts, or represent non-coding RNAs.

Results

Here, we use a simple set of assumptions to test the nature of orphan genes. First, a sequence that is transcribed is considered a real biological entity. Second, every sequence that is supported by proteome data or shows a depletion of non-synonymous substitutions is a protein-coding gene. Using genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data for the nematode Pristionchus pacificus, we show that between 4129–7997 (42–81 %) of predicted orphan genes are expressed and 3818–7545 (39–76 %) of orphan genes are under negative selection. In three cases that exhibited strong evolutionary constraint but lacked expression evidence in 14 RNA-seq samples, we could experimentally validate the predicted gene structures. Comparing different data sets to infer selection on orphan gene clusters, we find that the presence of a closely related genome provides the most powerful resource to robustly identify evidence of negative selection. However, even in the absence of other genomic data, the availability of paralogous sequences was enough to show negative selection in 8–10 % of orphan genes.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the great majority of previously identified orphan genes in P. pacificus are indeed protein-coding genes. Even though this work represents a case study on a single species, our approach can be transferred to genomic data of other non-model organisms in order to ascertain the protein-coding nature of orphan genes.
Herbal formula GAPT prevents beta amyloid deposition induced Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase 2B imbalance in APPV717I mice
Authors: Shi Jing , Zhang Xuekai , Yin Long , Wei Mingqing , Ni Jingnian , Li Ting , Wang Pengwen , Tian Jinzhou , Wang Yongyan
Published: May 2016

Background

Synaptic dysfunction is one of the pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is directly related to the progressive decline of cognitive function. CaMKII and CaN have been found to play important roles in memory processes and synaptic transmission. So present study aimed to elucidate relationships between CaMKII, CaN and cognitive decline in APPV717I mice, and to reveal whether the cognitive improving effects of GAPT is conducted through rebalance CaMKII and CaN.

Methods

Three-month-old-male APPV717I mice were randomly divided into ten groups (n = 12 per group) and received intragastrically administrated vehicle, donepezil or different doses of herbal formula GAPT for 8 or 4 months. Three-month-old male C57BL/6 J mice was set as vehicle control.

Results

Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that there were CaMKII expression decrease in the CA1 region of APPV717I transgenic mice, while the CaMKII expression of donepezil or GAPT treated transgenic mice were all increased. And there were CaN expression increase in the brain cortex of APPV717I transgenic mice, while there were decrease of CaN expression in donepezil or GAPT treated transgenic group. Western blot analysis showed the similar expression pattern without significant difference.

Conclusion

GAPT extract have showed effectiveness in activating the expression of CaMKII and inhibiting the expression of CaN either before or after the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain of APPV717I transgenic mice, which may in certain way alleviated neuron synaptic dysfunction in AD.
Fixed point theorems for multivalued mappings in ordered Banach spaces with application to integral inclusions
Authors: Hussain Nawab , Taoudi Mohamed-Aziz
Published: May 2016

This paper provides new common fixed point theorems for pairs of multivalued and single-valued mappings operating between ordered Banach spaces. Our results lead to new existence theorems for a system of integral inclusions.
Dispersions and attenuations in a fully saturated sandstone: Experimental evidence for fluid flows at different scales
Authors: Pimienta Lucas , Fortin Jérôme , Borgomano Jan V. M. , Guéguen Yves
Published: May 2016

Dispersion and attenuation of elastic waves have been observed in crustal rocks. Existing theories and experimental measurements evidenced the existence of different energy-loss mechanisms. In rocks fully saturated by a Newtonian fluid, one major candidate is fluid flow at different scales, separating three regimes: the drained, undrained, and unrelaxed regimes. Here, two elastic transitions, between these three regimes, are investigated. Both the cause and the consequence of the drained/undrained transition are evidenced. Because the second transition measured occurs at higher frequency, where no global fluid flow occurs, it in turn is associated to the undrained/unrelaxed transition (or squirt flow). For both transitions, the amount of open microcracks seems to be the major contributor to the magnitudes of attenuation.
“Nothing but Net Profit”
Authors: Dinces Sean
Published: May 2016

This article presents a history of property taxation at the United Center, which opened in 1994 as the home arena of the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association. While boosters billed the arena as a private endeavor, owners benefited from property tax abatements that allowed them to recoup much of the facility's initial cost. This study confirms that stadium development in the neoliberal era has been characterized in large part by the evaporation of public rights to revenues generated by taxpayer-funded facilities. It also suggests that this shift stemmed not just from the monopoly powers unique to the sports business but also from policy makers' increasing embrace of unconditional corporate welfare for firms throughout the economy. In addition, the article reveals the involvement of the sports business in expanded efforts within corporate America to use philanthropy to cultivate facades of “social responsibility” that have deflected public scrutiny and government regulation.
Mining for Goals
Authors: Chipande Hikabwa D.
Published: May 2016

This article explores the complex relationship between football (soccer) and social change in late colonial Zambia (formerly known as Northern Rhodesia). Based on archival and oral sources collected over two years in Zambia, it argues that by the time the colonial state and mining authorities expanded access to the game through new postwar welfare schemes intended to “detribalize” Africans and control them more effectively, black miners on the Copperbelt, one of colonial Africa's richest industrial areas, had already found ways to make British football their own. Self-administered leagues of black workers and sport administrators entertained crowds and provided ethnically diverse Zambians with a valuable opportunity to create new urban social networks, communities, and identities. Ordinary fans founded organized supporters' clubs that attempted to make coaches, club directors, and mine management accountable to the public by demanding success on the pitch as well as greater access to facilities and equipment. Assertive managerial participation in the game enabled some men to gain leadership experience that indirectly helped fuel the growing struggle for political independence. This study demonstrates how and why the sociability of miners and other wage-earning Africans had important political and cultural implications for sport and society in colonial Zambia.
A “Suspiciously Swarthy” Boxer
Authors: Bunk Brian D.
Published: May 2016

On September 14, 1923, Jack Dempsey and Luis Firpo of Argentina fought for boxing's heavyweight championship of the world. This article argues that descriptions of Firpo generated in the buildup to the title match reveal the ambiguous racial positioning of Latin Americans and Southern Europeans in the United States during the transitional decade of the 1920s. The prefight coverage provides a unique window into the complex relationships between the construction of racial identities and mass sporting culture. Representations of Firpo hewed closely to established racial stereotypes and yet challenged and confounded these caricatures by presenting him both as an exotic and strange foreigner from a racially suspect region and as a familiar, white American whose hard work and intelligence would have made him a worthy champion.
The Macaquitos Affair
Authors: Richey Jeffrey
Published: May 2016

From 1919 to 1921 sportswriters in a popular Buenos Aires tabloid gleefully unleashed an anti-Brazil campaign rooted in racial invective. This campaign ultimately provoked an international incident involving political and sports authorities, at the highest levels, in both Argentina and Brazil. This article uses this macaquitos affair to explore a larger pattern in which the nascent Argentine popular press disseminated negative racial portrayals of Brazil as a means of affirming a Euro-descended Argentine racial heritage. While this article highlights the mutually constructed notions of racial difference taking place on a transnational scale, it also emphasizes the centrality of mass media and soccer in both countries' efforts to claim racial success. In addition, the macaquitos affair lays bare ongoing conflicts between new, popular mass media of the 1912–30 period and the Argentine state, which in the macaquitos affair moved quickly to suppress these transgressive discourses of national identity.
Prizefighting and Civilization in the Mexican Public Sphere in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: LaFevor David C.
Published: May 2016

This article traces the importation of prizefighting to Mexico in the nineteenth century. Boxing subculture in this era was an illegal, transnational, interracial, and culturally loaded practice that challenged Porfirian understandings of masculinity, race, and public spectacle. Pugilists violated legal prohibitions on prizefighting and created a context that energized the Mexican public sphere as a site of visceral debate about the propriety of prizefighting versus the Hispanic legacy of other blood sports and public spectacles such as cockfighting and bullfighting. Central here were explanations of what it meant to be a modern, culturally independent, and yet cosmopolitan nation. Deliberations about American influence were crucial in this period as Mexicans debated the meanings of growing American intervention in Latin America. Cultural practices such as prizefighting and lynching served as metaphors through which Mexicans discussed modernity, increasing flows of information, and novel options for cultural alignment.
Circular RNAs: analysis, expression and potential functions
Authors: Barrett Steven P. , Salzman Julia
Published: May 2016

Just a few years ago, it had been assumed that the dominant RNA isoforms produced from eukaryotic genes were variants of messenger RNA, functioning as intermediates in gene expression. In early 2012, however, a surprising discovery was made: circular RNA (circRNA) was shown to be a transcriptional product in thousands of human and mouse genes and in hundreds of cases constituted the dominant RNA isoform. Subsequent studies revealed that the expression of circRNAs is developmentally regulated, tissue and cell-type specific, and shared across the eukaryotic tree of life. These features suggest important functions for these molecules. Here, we describe major advances in the field of circRNA biology, focusing on the regulation of and functional roles played by these molecules.
The regulation and plasticity of root hair patterning and morphogenesis
Authors: Salazar-Henao Jorge E. , Vélez-Bermúdez Isabel Cristina , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Root hairs are highly specialized cells found in the epidermis of plant roots that play a key role in providing the plant with water and mineral nutrients. Root hairs have been used as a model system for understanding both cell fate determination and the morphogenetic plasticity of cell differentiation. Indeed, many studies have shown that the fate of root epidermal cells, which differentiate into either root hair or non-hair cells, is determined by a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic cues that results in a predictable but highly plastic pattern of epidermal cells that can vary in shape, size and function. Here, we review these studies and discuss recent evidence suggesting that environmental information can be integrated at multiple points in the root hair morphogenetic pathway and affects multifaceted processes at the chromatin, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
β-catenin-mediated adhesion is required for successful preimplantation mouse embryo development
Authors: Messerschmidt Daniel , de Vries Wilhelmine N. , Lorthongpanich Chanchao , Balu Sathish , Solter Davor , Knowles Barbara B.
Published: May 2016

β-catenin (CTNNB1) is integral to cell adhesion and to the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. The effects of maternal and zygotic CTNNB1 on embryogenesis have each been separately assessed, whereas the effect of its total absence has not. As the ‘traditional’ conditional Ctnnb1 knockout alleles give rise to truncated CTNNB1 fragments, we designed a new knockout allele incapable of CTNNB1 production. Mouse embryos lacking intact maternal/zygotic CTNNB1 from two knockout strains were examined in detail. Preimplantation embryos are formed, yet abnormalities in their size and shape were found throughout pre- and early postimplantation development. In the absence of the zona pellucida, embryos lacking CTNNB1 undergo fission and these separated blastomeres can become small trophoblastic vesicles, which in turn induce decidual reactions. Comparing the severity of this defective adhesion phenotype in embryos bearing the null allele with those carrying the ‘traditional’ knockout allele suggests a hypomorphic effect of the truncated CTNNB1 protein fragment, an important observation with possible impact on previous and future studies.
Cell fate control by pioneer transcription factors
Authors: Iwafuchi-Doi Makiko , Zaret Kenneth S.
Published: May 2016

Distinct combinations of transcription factors are necessary to elicit cell fate changes in embryonic development. Yet within each group of fate-changing transcription factors, a subset called ‘pioneer factors’ are dominant in their ability to engage silent, unmarked chromatin and initiate the recruitment of other factors, thereby imparting new function to regulatory DNA sequences. Recent studies have shown that pioneer factors are also crucial for cellular reprogramming and that they are implicated in the marked changes in gene regulatory networks that occur in various cancers. Here, we provide an overview of the contexts in which pioneer factors function, how they can target silent genes, and their limitations at regions of heterochromatin. Understanding how pioneer factors regulate gene expression greatly enhances our understanding of how specific developmental lineages are established as well as how cell fates can be manipulated.
Maximizing mutagenesis with solubilized CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes.
Authors: Burger Alexa , Lindsay Helen , Felker Anastasia , Hess Christopher , Anders Carolin , Chiavacci Elena , Zaugg Jonas , Weber Lukas M. , Catena Raul , Jinek Martin , Robinson Mark D. , Mosimann Christian
Published: May 2016

CRISPR-Cas9 enables efficient sequence-specific mutagenesis for creating somatic or germline mutants of model organisms. Key constraints in vivo remain the expression and delivery of active Cas9-guideRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) with minimal toxicity, variable mutagenesis efficiencies depending on targeting sequence, and high mutation mosaicism. Here, we apply in vitro-assembled, fluorescent Cas9-sgRNA RNPs in solubilizing salt solution to achieve maximal mutagenesis efficiency in zebrafish embryos. MiSeq-based sequence analysis of targeted loci in individual embryos using CrispRVariants, a customized software tool for mutagenesis quantification and visualization, reveals efficient bi-allelic mutagenesis that reaches saturation at several tested gene loci. Such virtually complete mutagenesis exposes loss-of-function phenotypes for candidate genes in somatic mutant embryos for subsequent generation of stable germline mutants. We further show that targeting of non-coding elements in gene-regulatory regions using saturating mutagenesis uncovers functional control elements in transgenic reporters and endogenous genes in injected embryos. Our results establish that optimally solubilized, in vitro assembled fluorescent Cas9-sgRNA RNPs provide a reproducible reagent for direct and scalable loss-of-function studies and applications beyond zebrafish experiments that require maximal DNA cutting efficiency in vivo.
Equilibrum and Nonequilibrium Chemical Reactions of Helicene Oligomers in the Noncovalent Bond Formation
Authors: Yamaguchi Masahiko , Arisawa Mieko , Shigeno Masanori , Saito Nozomi
Published: May 2016

Chemical reactions involving noncovalent bond formation are discussed with regard to the equilibrium and nonequilibrium states: An equilibrium-to-equilibirum chemical reaction involves change of equilibrium states by changing the environment; a nonequilibrium-to-equilibrium reaction involves change of metastable state to equilibrium. Complex nature of the chemical reactions, especially in the latter, is shown in terms of the multiple-path nature in the microscopic molecular structure changes and macroscopic concentration changes. Irreversible and reversible nonequilibrium-to-equilibrium chemical reactions are also compared in terms of the multiple-path. Helicene oligomers, which reversibly form double-helix and random-coil by temperature changes, are discussed with regard to the reversible nonequilibrium-to-equilibrium chemical reaction with self-catalysis, where notable chemical phenomena appear under nonequilibrium conditions.
Recent advances in managing and understanding diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Tang Sydney C.W. , Chan Gary C.W. , Lai Kar Neng
Published: May 2016

Diabetic nephropathy is the commonest cause of end-stage renal disease in most developed economies. Current standard of care for diabetic nephropathy embraces stringent blood pressure control via blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and glycemia control. Recent understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy has led to the development of novel therapeutic options. This review article focuses on available data from landmark studies on the main therapeutic approaches and highlights some novel management strategies.
Teaching and learning based on peer review: a realistic approach in forensic sciences
Authors: Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge , Magalhães Teresa
Published: May 2016

Teaching and learning methods need a continuous upgrade in higher education. However it is also true that some of the modern methodologies do not reduce or prevent school failure. Perhaps the real limitation is the inability to identify the true reasons that may explain it or ignore/undervalue the problem. In our opinion, one of the current constraints of the teaching/learning process is the excess of and inadequate bibliography recommended by the teacher, which results in continuous student difficulties and waste of time in searching and selecting useful information. The need to change the paradigm of the teaching/learning process comes also from employers. They claim forensic experts armed with useful knowledge to face professional life. It is therefore mandatory to identify the new needs and opportunities regarding pedagogical methodologies. This article reflects on the recent importance of peer review in teaching/learning forensic sciences based on the last 10 years of pedagogical experience inseparably from the scientific activity.
The formation of a favorable investment climate in the context of the implementation of cluster policy
Authors: Патрахаева  , Patrakhaeva Kseniya
Published: May 2016

Investments play an important role in the development of the regions. To attract them you need to create a favorable investment climate. Clusters are one of the mechanisms for attracting investment and effective regional development.
Travel-Time Models With and Without Homogeneity Over Time
Authors: Carey Malachy , Humphreys Paul , McHugh Marie , McIvor Ronan
Published: May 2016

In dynamic network loading and dynamic traffic assignment for networks, the link travel time is often taken as a function of the number of vehicles x(t) on the link at time t of entry to the link, that is, τ(t) = f(x(t)), which implies that the performance of the link is invariant (homogeneous) over time. Here we let this relationship vary over time, letting the travel time depend directly on the time of day, thus τ(t) = f(x(t), t). Various authors have investigated the properties of the previous (homogeneous) model, including conditions sufficient to ensure that it satisfies first-in-first-out (FIFO). Here we extend these results to the inhomogeneous model, and find that the new sufficient conditions have a natural interpretation. We find that the results derived by several previous authors continue to hold if we introduce one additional condition, namely that the rate of change of f(x(t), t) with respect to the second parameter has a certain (negative) lower bound. As a prelude, we discuss the equivalence of equations for flow propagation equations and for intertemporal conservation of flows, and argue that neither these equations nor the travel-time model are physically meaningful if FIFO is not satisfied. In §7 we provide some examples of time-dependent travel times and some numerical illustrations of when these will or will not adhere to FIFO.
Caring about the shape of mental health nursing
Authors: Lambert Nicky , Hemingway Stephen
Published: May 2016

While there is a growing disquiet about the future of mental health nursing, there is little in the way of an organised, unified response from mental health nurses. The Health and Social Care Information Centre report a fall in the number of mental health nurses of more than 10% over the past five years. A survey was launched to explore stakeholders perspectives on the future of mental health nursing. The interest in and the analysis of this survey indicates that we are at the start of a key discussion rather than at the end point of consensus. It is vital that mental health nurses have opportunities to consider and test their opinions on these issues and the confidence to speak up and be heard.
Tackling child obesity
Authors: Mucavele Patricia
Published: May 2016

The increase to the free entitlement could mean that more children will eat a higher percentage of their daily food intake in settings, which means we will have an increasing impact on health and wellbeing.
All our thoughts are here
Authors: Kimber Vivienne
Published: May 2016

This article explores the World of Stuff, and how we can develop our understanding of children's thinking through documenting and sharing their interactions with rich, open-ended materials.
Get your scarf in motion
Authors: Pandit Kalpana
Published: May 2016

Providing music and movement activities in an early years setting can be fun, and you can add an extra level of involvement by using scarves, while helping to develop both fine and gross motor skills.
I like to ride my bicycle
Authors: Hammond Paula
Published: May 2016

Physical activity is intrinsically linked to healthy development in young children and what better way to encourage them to get moving then to link exercise to familiar stories and nursery rhymes.
Methanolic extracts ofthreeweeds as botanical fungicides to controlpeanut rust disease
Authors: YUSNAWAN ERIYANTO , INAYATI ALFI
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Yusnawan E, Inayati A. 2016. Methanolic extracts of three weeds as botanical fungicides to control peanut rust disease. Nusantara Bioscience 8: 117-122. Rust disease caused by Puccinia arachidis is one of the most important diseases on peanuts. Ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides L.), spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus L.), and coco-grass (Cyperus rotundus L.) had the ability to inhibit plant pathogens. The aim of the research was to obtain the weed extracts effective to control peanut rust disease. The three weeds were ground to obtain fine particles, macerated in methanol for 18 h and evaporated the solvent using vacuum rotary evaporator. Methanolic crude extracts obtained from ageratum, coco-grass, and spiny amaranth at concentrations of 0.1%, 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% were applied to the uredospores and peanut plants infected with the pathogen. Applications of 5% ageratum and 5% coco-grass extracts suppressed the spore germinations by 78 to 80% and 76 to 80%, respectively. Disease intensities on Kancil cultivar treated with 5% crude extract of ageratum were 18 to 22% and 29 to 31% after three and four times of extract applications. Disease intensities on untreated plants were 30 to 32% and 43 to 46%, whereas the chemical application suppressed the disease intensities up to 16 to 18% and 15 to 17% at the same time of observation. Preliminary phytochemical screenings showed that the methanolic extract of ageratum contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids. Crude extract of 5% ageratum was effective to control rust disease on peanuts, therefore, could be used as an alternative control agent to suppress the disease.
Rare case of a liposarcoma in the brachial plexus
Authors: Kosutic D , Gajanan K
Published: May 2016

Introduction

A liposarcoma is a rare cancer of connective tissues that resemble fat cells under light microscopy.

Case History

A 73-year old female patient presented to our tertiary cancer centre with an eight-year history of a large, slow-growing painless mass in the right axilla. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lipomatous, well-circumscribed mass of dimension 30 × 16 × 10cm extending towards the right clavicle and causing deformation to the right chest wall and right breast. Surgery revealed a large tumour that had stretched all three cords of the brachial plexus. Histopathology was consistent with a diagnosis of a low-grade liposarcoma. After a period of neuropraxia, the patient returned to normal activities 4 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Although extremely rare, low-grade liposarcomas of the brachial plexus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a slow-growing axillary mass. Referral to a tertiary sarcoma centre is essential for an appropriate diagnosis, adequate treatment, and long-term follow-up.
Recurrence after composite repair of a giant hiatus hernia: ‘the golf club’ deformity is a distinctive clinical and radiological picture
Authors: Furtado RV , Falk GL , Vivian SJ
Published: May 2016

Background

Recurrence of a hiatus hernia after cardiopexy repair can obstruct the lower oesophagus but also provide characteristic radiographic images after a barium meal.

Case History

Two patients with recurrence of a hiatus hernia underwent repeat surgery. Here, we provide and discuss diagnostic imaging, surgical findings and outcome for these male and female patients.

Conclusions

Repeat surgery is indicated in patients with recurrence of a hiatus hernia after repair.
An unusual case of lipoma arborescens
Authors: Mohammad HR , Chaturvedi A , Peach C
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Lipoma arborescens is a rare condition of the synovial lining. It is particularly uncommon in the bicipitoradial bursae of the elbow.

Case Report

A 68-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of anterior elbow pain and swelling causing discomfort. Radiography demonstrated reactive changes of radial tuberosity and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed lipoma arborescens of the bicipitoradial bursa with distal biceps tendinopathy. A bicipital bursa bursectomy and lipoma excision was performed. Gross pathology and histology was consistent with lipoma arborescens. Three months postoperatively, our patient had full range of motion and good strength.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first published case report of lipoma arborescens affecting the elbow. Recognising the differential diagnoses of anterior elbow pain and the characteristic imaging is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Necrotising fasciitis secondary to a colocutaneous fistula
Authors: Husnoo N , Patil S , Jackson A , Khan M
Published: May 2016

Colocutaneous fistulae secondary to diverticular disease are rare, especially spontaneous fistulae. We report a case of a 74-year-old lady, with no previous history of diverticular disease, presenting with necrotising fasciitis of the anterior abdominal wall in the left iliac fossa, without any other symptoms. Urgent surgery was performed. An initial diagnostic laparoscopy demonstrated a perforated sigmoid diverticulum forming a fistula to the anterior abdominal wall. Following soft tissue debridement, a sigmoid colectomy was performed through a midline laparotomy.

Gastrointestinal pathology should be considered as a potential cause of abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis. Our approach of using laparoscopic visualisation to assess for intra-abdominal sources in this context (in the absence of preoperative imaging when imaging could delay treatment) has not been described before. To our knowledge, only two cases of abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis secondary to diverticular disease with a colocutaneous fistula have been reported in the English literature.
from Westminster
Authors: Leahy Patrick
Published: May 2016

Local autonomy in the NHS? It’s the economy, stupid!
What if… we left the EU?
Authors: Leahy Patrick , Gottlieb Grace
Published: May 2016

Healthcare policy has generally been left to individual nations within the EU. Nevertheless, there are a number of areas where EU rules have an impact on UK patients and doctors. Patrick Leahy and Grace Gottlieb from our policy team separate fact from fiction in this analysis of how Brexit might affect the NHS.
Patient-centred relationship mapping
Authors: Lemos J , Haddad F , Morgan-Jones R
Published: May 2016

Introducing a business and geographical technique for planning and managing complex surgical patients.
Not getting our fingers burnt: do surgeons know enough about energy devices?
Authors: Braungart S , McNaught C , MacFie JM , Peter MB
Published: May 2016

The first national multispecialty survey that shows we don't.
Poor use of clinical skills centres by trainee doctors
Authors: Bedi K , Chapman SJ , Marangoni G , Prasad KR , Hakeem AR
Published: May 2016

Are trainees using them to their full potential? Experience from a tertiary university hospital.
The Iraq war in the context of global capitalism
Authors: Aoudé Ibrahim G.
Published: May 2016

The 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 occupation of Iraq were central to US global strategy to dominate global capitalism after the fall of the Soviet Union. The United States dealt with perceived challenges to its domination through conquest. The Middle East has been central to US global strategy to maintain control of Western Europe and in its rivalry with its two main competitors, the Russian Federation and China. Developing crises in global capitalism exposed the United States to instability in its global position, which it countered by invading and destabilizing Middle Eastern states. The following questions present themselves: What is the relationship between the crises of capitalist globalization and US global strategy? In what way is the Middle East central to US global strategy and instrumental in meeting the challenges posed by its rivals and competitors, the Russian Federation, China, the European Union and Iran? What role has Iraq played in this strategy? Attempting to answer these questions would go a significant way in assessing the US role in Iraq and the Middle East.
Iraq’s political economy post 2003: From transition to corruption
Authors: Sassoon Joseph
Published: May 2016

This article focuses on the transition of Iraq after the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003 as a result of the American-led invasion. Although the country’s institutions were shattered, efforts to rebuild them and create a truly open and democratic society failed. Thus, regime change did not lead to changes in the fundamentals of Iraq’s political economy. The article emphasizes how money was not the reason for lack of development; on the contrary, funds flooded the system, creating an all-encompassing corruption that seeped into every facet of life. The article discusses Prime Minister Hadi al-Abadi’s reforms after eight years of new authoritarianism in Iraq under Nuri al-Maliki (2006–2014).
DSM5-eko nortasun-nahasteak ebaluatzeko tresnen itzulpena eta balidazioa. Euskal Autonomi Erkidegoan egindako ikerketa bat
Authors: Ozamiz Etxebarria Naiara , Ortiz Jauregi Agurtzane , Guimon Jose , Escobar Javier
Published: May 2016

2013ko maiatzaren 18an, APAk (Amerikar Psikiatria Elkartea), gaixotasun mentalen diagnostiko eta estatistikaren bosgarren eskuliburua «Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5») publikatu zuen. Eskuliburuaren hirugarren sailean (Neurketa tresna eta eredu berriak), DSM-5eko nortasunaren eta nortasun-nahasteen lan taldeak nortasunaren psikopatologiaren ebaluazio eta diagnostikoan birformulatze esanguratsua gomendatu du. Ikerketa honen bitartez, tresna berri horiek balidatu ditugu Euskal Herrian hartutako lagin batean. Euskal Herriak herrialde elebiduna izatearen berezitasuna dauka; horregatik nabaria da tresna hauek euskarara itzultzearen garrantzia, batez ere, euskara ama-hizkuntza duten ebaluatzaile eta gaixoentzat.
Jose Migel Barandiaran antieboluzionista maitagaitza eta B. L.-ren “Apologetika apurrak” (1934)
Authors: Altonaga Kepa
Published: May 2016

Idazlan honetan berrargitaratu egin da “Apologetika apurrak” deritzon artikulua (1934), Idearium aldizkariak plazaratu zuena “B. L.” sinadurapean. Halaber, eztabaidatu egin da Jose Migel Barandiaranen eboluzionismoaren aurreko jokabide bikoitza (publiko/pribatu), eta nabarmendu ere haren bizitza publikoaren antieboluzionismoa.
Erradiazio ezionizatzaileko eremu elektromagnetikoen eraginak osasunean: ezagutza-egoeraz egun dakiguna
Authors: Gallastegi Mara , Jiménez-Zabala Ana , Aurrekoetxea Juan José , Santa-Marina Loreto , Ibarluzea Jesús
Published: May 2016

Gure bizimoduan gero eta ohikoagoak dira erradiazio ezionizatzaileko eremu elektromagnetikoak (EEI-EEM) sortzen dituzten iturriak, eta bere horretan dirau eremu horiek osasunean izan ditzaketen efektuen inguruko eztabaidak. Artikulu honetan laburbildu egin nahi ditugu EEI-EEMen eraginen inguruko ikerketa esperimentalen eta epidemiologikoen bidez lortu diren emaitzak. Nahiz eta ikerketa eta proiektu ugari egon gaiaren inguruan, kontu ugari daude argitzeke, batez ere metodologia-mugek sortzen dituzten arazoek ez dutelako ondorio argirik ateratzeko aukera ematen. Aurrerantzean, ahalegin handiagoak egin beharko lirateke eremu elektromagnetikoen esposizioaren estimazio egokiagoa egite aldera.