bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF ELECTRONIC AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF GaN MONOLAYER AND BULK STRUCTURE: A FIRST PRINCIPLE STUDY
Authors: IMRAN MUHAMMAD , HUSSAIN FAYYAZ , RASHID MUHAMMAD , ULLAH HAFEEZ , SATTAR ATIF , IQBAL FAISAL , AHMAD EJAZ
Published: February 2016

The semiconducting two-dimensional (2D) architectures materials have potential applications in electronics and optics. The design and search of new 2D materials have attracted extensive attention recently. In this study, first principle calculation has been done on 2D gallium nitride (GaN) monolayer with respect to its formation and binding energies. The electronic and optical properties are also investigated. It is found that the single isolated GaN sheet is forming mainly ionic GaN bonds despite a slightly weaker GaN interaction as compared with its bulk counterpart. The dielectric constant value of 2D GaN is smaller as compared to 3D GaN due to less effective electronic screening effect in the layer, which is accompanied by lesser optical adsorption range and suggested to be a promising candidate in electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Stellensätze for matrices over a commutative ring
Authors: Xiao Shuijing , Zeng Xiaoning , Zeng Guangxing
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to establish a real Nullstellensatz, a Positivstellensatz and a Nichtnegativstellensatz for matrices over a commutative ring. The Stellensätze in this paper may be regarded as certain generalizations of the abstract Stellensätze for commutative rings.
On wavelet induced isomorphisms for reducing subspaces
Authors: Srivastava Swati , Yadav G. C. S.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we adapt the notion of a wavelet induced isomorphism of [Formula: see text] associated with a wavelet set, introduced in [E. J. Ionascu, A new construction of wavelet sets, Real Anal. Exchange 28(2) (2002/03) 593–610], to the case of an [Formula: see text]-wavelet set, where [Formula: see text] is a reducing subspace [X. Dai and S. Lu, Wavelets in subspaces, Michigan Math. J. 43 (1996) 81–98]. We characterize all these wavelet induced isomorphisms similar to those given in Ionascu paper and provide specific examples of this theory in the case of symmetric [Formula: see text]-wavelet sets. Examples when [Formula: see text] is the classical Hardy space are also considered.
Effect of Organizational Learning, Transformational Leadership, and Market Orientation on Firm Performance
Authors: Calisir Fethi , Gumussoy Cigdem Altin , Basak Ecem , Gurel Gozde
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of organizational learning, market orientation, and transformational leadership on the organizational innovation and firm’s performance amongst the firms performing in Turkey. Using LISREL, structural equation-model, the data gathered from 330 employees were used to identify the variables that significantly affect the firm’s performance. The results indicated that 32% of firm’s performance is explained by the organizational innovation and market orientation, and organizational innovation has the strongest effect. However, organizational learning has no substantial effect on firm’s performance, and transformational leadership is also found to have an insignificant impact on the organizational innovation.
Overview of Accelerator Applications in Energy
Authors: Garnett Robert W. , Sheffield Richard L.
Published: February 2016

An overview of the application of accelerators and accelerator technology in energy is presented. Applications span a broad range of cost, size, and complexity and include large-scale systems requiring high-power or high-energy accelerators to drive subcritical reactors for energy production or waste transmutation, as well as small-scale industrial systems used to improve oil and gas exploration and production. The enabling accelerator technologies will also be reviewed and future directions discussed.
A new mathematical model for studying fully ionized plasma flows in MPD thrusters
Authors: Kumar S Vijai , Thanigaiarasu S
Published: February 2016

The paper describes a novel mathematical model to study the physics of fully ionized plasma flow through MPD thrusters otherwise known as magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters. The developed model consists of a set of differential equations obtained by coupling the Navier–Stokes equations with Maxwell’s equations. The model developed was tested for various 1D and 1.5D cases. These simulations have been carried out for a special case of geometries called Tikhonov fitted geometries for alleviating the instability phenomenon commonly known as onset phenomenon in self-field MPD thrusters. The work was also extended to applied field MPD thrusters. A new equation for magnetic field was introduced to incorporate a virtual cathode. All the computations were carried out using a higher order integration scheme. The results obtained were found to be in good agreement with the previous work done on similar models.
Multi-Agent Optimization Design for Autonomous Lagrangian Systems
Authors: Deng Zhenhua , Hong Yiguang
Published: February 2016

In this paper, distributed optimization control for a group of autonomous Lagrangian systems is studied to achieve an optimization task with local cost functions. To solve the problem, two continuous-time distributed optimization algorithms are designed for multiple heterogeneous Lagrangian agents with uncertain parameters. The proposed algorithms are proved to be effective for those heterogeneous nonlinear agents to achieve the optimization solution in the semi-global sense, even with the exponential convergence rate. Moreover, simulation adequately illustrates the effectiveness of our optimization algorithms.
Construction of Barrier in a Three-Player Pursuit-Evasion Game
Authors: Li Xinxing , Peng Zhihong , Zha Wenzhong , Chen Jie
Published: February 2016

This paper addresses a particular pursuit-evasion game with two pursuers with slower speed but smaller minimum turning radius and a faster evader with bigger minimum turning radius. This is a game of kind, and what interests us is how to construct the barrier that separates the state zone into capture zone and escape zone, and what the optimal strategies for the players are on the barrier. Under some mild assumptions, we give the explicit form of the barrier near the BUP (i.e., the boundary of the usable part on the boundary of the target set) by using Isaacs’ method, and a procedure to construct the barrier when the retrogressive time is big enough by determining the optimal strategies for the players on the BUP. Then we prove that the optimal strategies remain unchanged near some special parts on the BUP, and we give two examples to illustrate these situations.
The New Smartphone Application for Wrist Rehabilitation
Authors: Matera Giuseppe , Boonyasirikool Chinnakart , Saggini Raul , Pozzi Alessandro , Pegoli Loris
Published: February 2016

Background: The rehabilitation after wrist surgery is extremely important. An instructed therapy in hospital is widely practiced. However, a dependent aging society and rush life style in younger generation have precluded patients to access to the frequent formal therapy. With the advancement in telecommunication technology, we have invented an application for smartphone for home-based wrist motion rehabilitation.

Methods: Twenty participants were included in four-week wrist motion rehabilitation programme after wrist surgery. Participants were instructed to use the application by physical therapist and informed details of home-based wrist rehabilitation. The feasibility of application was evaluated by satisfaction level in various aspects and the adherence to the therapy was monitored by function provided in the application. The degrees of motion were compared at the end of prescribed programme.

Results: Patient satisfaction was consistently high in every aspects. Also, the adherence to the therapy was high (90.42%). Ranges of motion significantly gained in every plane of wrist motion ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusions: This novel smartphone application seems to be a promising and convenient alternative for patients who need to gain wrist motion without formal rehabilitation in the hospital. Adherence to the therapy is also easily traced with this application.
Interobserver Agreement and Intraobserver Reproducibility of Barzullah Working Classification of Distal End Radius Fractures among Orthopaedic Residents
Authors: Kamal Younis , Khan Hayat Ahmad , Gani Naseem UI , Farooq Munir , Shah Adil Bashir , Khan Mohammad Ashraf
Published: February 2016

Background: The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis of the new classification system of distal end radius fractures (Barzullah working classification) proposed by one of the author in a prospective cohort study, among the orthopaedic residents.

Methods: The initial post-injury radiographs of 300 patients with distal radius fractures in a tertiary centre were classified by two junior residents (JR1 and JR2) and two senior residents (SR1 and SR2) in the emergency department over a period of two years. The collected data was analysed statistically by using Cohan's kappa for measuring Intraobserver reproducibility and Fleiss kappa for measuring Interobserver agreement.

Results: The mean kappa value for Interobserver agreement was 0.53 (moderate agreement) at the end of one year and the mean kappa value at the end of study period was 0.64 (substantial agreement). The mean kappa value for Intraobserver reproducibility of JR1 was 0.45 (moderate agreement), JR2 was 0.39 (fair agreement), SR1 was 0.62 (substantial agreement) and SR2 was 0.67 (substantial agreement).

Conclusions: Barzullah working classification of distal radius fractures presented in this study has good characteristics compared to those of already studied classification systems among orthopaedic residents.
Transcutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in the Upper Limb
Authors: Sierakowski A. , Jing S.S. , Poel J. , Elliot D.
Published: February 2016

Background: A small number of patients develop intractable peripheral nerve pain following injury or surgery to the upper limb that is refractory to pharmacological treatment. This study reports our results of using transcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (TPNS), a non-invasive form of neuromodulation, to treat this difficult problem.

Methods: Seventy-two patients were treated for intractable pain in the upper limb using this technique. Electrical current was delivered transcutaneously through a handheld probe, placed on the skin overlying the affected peripheral nerve proximal to the site of pain. Pain severity was determined before and immediately after treatment by subjective patient self-assessment using a visual analogue pain scale. Pre-post treatment changes in pain severity were analysed by Student's test for paired data. Outcome in respect of overall effectiveness of this treatment, was graded according to the maximum duration of pain relief achieved.

Results: Overall, TPNS reduced pain intensity from 8.4 (SD 1.6) before treatment to 4.2 (SD 3.5) immediately after treatment, a highly significant effect ([Formula: see text]). The treatment achieved cure in 8/72 (11%) of our patients and a useful therapeutic outcome (pain relief ≥ 1 day) in 27/72 (38%). The treatment failed in 37/72 (51%).

Conclusions: TPNS warrants consideration as a therapy for neuropathic pain in the upper limb after drug treatment has failed and before offering surgery or spinal root stimulation.
Dynamic macrophage polarization-specific miRNA patterns reveal increased soluble VEGF receptor 1 by miR-125a-5p inhibition
Authors: Melton David W. , Lei XiuFen , Gelfond Jonathan A. L. , Shireman Paula K.
Published: February 2016

Dynamic, epigenetic mechanisms can regulate macrophage phenotypes following exposure to different stimulating conditions and environments. However, temporal patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) across multiple macrophage polarization phenotypes have not been defined. We determined miRNA expression in bone marrow-derived murine macrophages over multiple time points (0.5, 1, 3, 24 h) following exposure to cytokines and/or LPS. We hypothesized that dynamic changes in miRNAs regulate macrophage phenotypes. Changes in macrophage polarization markers were detected as early as 0.5 and as late as 24 h; however, robust responses for most markers occurred within 3 h. In parallel, many polarization-specific miRNAs were also changed by 3 h and expressed divergent patterns between M1 and M2a conditions, with increased expression in M1 (miR-155, 199a-3p, 214-3p, 455-3p, and 125a) or M2a (miR-511 and 449a). Specifically, miR-125a-5p exhibited divergent patterns: increased at 12–24 h in M1 macrophages and decreasing trend in M2a. VEGF in the culture media of macrophages was dependent upon the polarization state, with greatly diminished VEGF in M2a compared with M1 macrophage culture media despite similar VEGF in cell lysates. Inhibition of miR-125a-5p in media-only controls (MO) and M1 macrophages greatly increased expression and secretion of soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR1) leading to diminished VEGF in the culture media, partially converting MO and M1 into an M2a phenotype. Thus, the divergent expression patterns of polarization-specific miRNAs led to the identification and demonstrated the regulation of a specific macrophage polarization phenotype, sVEGFR1 by inhibition of miR-125a-5p.
Noncoding RNAs in Tumor Epithelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Lin Ching-Wen , Lin Pei-Ying , Yang Pan-Chyr
Published: February 2016

Epithelial‐derived tumor cells acquire the capacity for epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), which enables them to invade adjacent tissues and/or metastasize to distant organs. Cancer metastasis is the main cause of cancer‐related death. Molecular mechanisms involved in the switch from an epithelial phenotype to mesenchymal status are complicated and are controlled by a variety of signaling pathways. Recently, a set of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), were found to modulate gene expressions at either transcriptional or posttranscriptional levels. These ncRNAs are involved in EMT through their interplay with EMT‐related transcription factors (EMT‐TFs) and EMT‐associated signaling. Reciprocal regulatory interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs further increase the complexity of the regulation of gene expression and protein translation. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding EMT‐regulating ncRNAs and their associated signaling pathways involved in cancer progression.
Incorporating D2D to Current Cellular Communication System
Authors: Dai Mingjun , Mao Bailu , Shen Dan , Lin Xiaohui , Wang Hui , Chen Bin
Published: February 2016

A device-to-device (D2D) group works as relay nodes to aid the information delivery from a source to a destination in cellular communication network. Within this system, we propose a communication mechanism to aid traditional cellular communication and correspondingly borrow some channel resource from traditional cellular communication system for D2D communication. On one side, to aid cellular communication, we propose a modified Alamouti scheme which does not modify the operation at the base station. This makes our proposed scheme consistent with previous cellular communication system. On the other side, there are many competitive D2D groups that want to potentially utilize the borrowed channel resource from traditional cellular system for delivering their own information. We model this competition as a game and utilize game theory technique to solve this competition problem.
Comparison of Subconjunctival Mitomycin C and 5-Fluorouracil Injection for Needle Revision of Early Failed Trabeculectomy Blebs
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Jianrong , Zhang Miaomiao , Tao Yuan , Sun Yan
Published: February 2016

Background. To compare the efficacy of needle revision with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC) on dysfunctional filtration blebs shortly after trabeculectomy.Methods. It is a prospective randomized study comparing needle revision augmented with MMC or 5-FU for failed trabeculectomy blebs.Results. To date 71 patients (75 eyes) have been enrolled, 40 eyes in the MMC group and 35 in the 5-FU group. 68 patients (72 eyes) have completed 12-month follow-up, 38 eyes in the MMC group and 34 in the 5-FU group. The mean IOP before and that after needle revision in the MMC group were26.5±4.3 mmHg and11.3±3.4 mmHg, respectively (P<0.05), and in the 5-FU group were27.1±3.8 mmHg and10.9±3.4 mmHg, respectively (P<0.05). At 12-month follow-up, complete success rates were 57.5% for MMC group and 34.3% for 5-FU group (P=0.042; log-rank test) and 75% and 60% (P=0.145; log-rank test), respectively, for the qualified success. Complication rates between the two groups were not statistically different (P>0.05).Conclusions. Needle revision and subconjunctival MMC injection were more effective than needling and subconjunctival 5-FU injection for early dysfunctional filtration blebs after trabeculectomies.
Feasible Initial Population with Genetic Diversity for a Population-Based Algorithm Applied to the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Cruz-Chávez Marco Antonio , Martínez-Oropeza Alina
Published: February 2016

A stochastic algorithm for obtaining feasible initial populations to the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows is presented. The theoretical formulation for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows is explained. The proposed method is primarily divided into a clustering algorithm and a two-phase algorithm. The first step is the application of a modifiedk-means clustering algorithm which is proposed in this paper. The two-phase algorithm evaluates a partial solution to transform it into a feasible individual. The two-phase algorithm consists of a hybridization of four kinds of insertions which interact randomly to obtain feasible individuals. It has been proven that different kinds of insertions impact the diversity among individuals in initial populations, which is crucial for population-based algorithm behavior. A modification to the Hamming distance method is applied to the populations generated for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows to evaluate their diversity. Experimental tests were performed based on the Solomon benchmarking. Experimental results show that the proposed method facilitates generation of highly diverse populations, which vary according to the type and distribution of the instances.
Pneumomediastinum after Tooth Extraction
Authors: Ocakcioglu Ilhan , Koyuncu Serhat , Kupeli Mustafa , Bol Oguzhan
Published: February 2016

Pneumomediastinum is defined as the presence of air in mediastinum. Pneumomediastinum can sometimes occur after surgery. Pneumomediastinum seen after dental procedures is rare. We presented the case of subcutaneous emphysema developed in the neck and upper chest after tooth extraction and discussed the possible mechanisms of pneumomediastinum.
Babinski-Nageotte Syndrome Diagnosed in Postpartum Period
Authors: Oruç Serdar , Demirbaş Hayri , Güzel Abdullah , Beker Acay Mehtap , Yaman Mehmet
Published: February 2016

Babinski-Nageotte Syndrome (BNS) is one of the brainstem syndromes characterized by muscle weakness in the opposite half of the body with classic Wallenberg findings. According to our literature survey, only a few cases have been reported and none of them was in the postpartum period. We report a case of a typical BNS in a postpartum woman with an ischemic lesion in the medulla oblongata shown on magnetic resonance imaging.
The Optimal Management of Acute Febrile Encephalopathy in the Aged Patient: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sheybani Fereshte , Naderi HamidReza , Sajjadi Sareh
Published: February 2016

The elderly comprise less than 13 percent of world population. Nonetheless, they represent nearly half of all hospitalized adults. Acute change in mental status from baseline is commonly seen among the elderly even when the main process does not involve the central nervous system. The term “geriatric syndrome” is used to capture those clinical conditions in older people that do not fit into discrete disease categories, including delirium, falls, frailty, dizziness, syncope, and urinary incontinence. Despite the growing number of elderly population, especially those who require hospitalization and the high burden of common infections accompanied by encephalopathy among them, there are several unresolved questions regarding the optimal management they deserve. The questions posed in this systematic review concern the need to rule out CNS infection in all elderly patients presented with fever and altered mental status in the routine management of febrile encephalopathy. In doing so, we sought to identify all potentially relevant articles using searches of web-based databases with no language restriction. Finally, we reviewed 93 research articles that were relevant to each part of our study. No prospective study was found to address how should AFE in the aged be optimally managed.
Amorphous Silicon-Germanium Films with Embedded Nanocrystals for Thermal Detectors with Very High Sensitivity
Authors: Calleja Cesar , Torres Alfonso , Rosales-Quintero Pedro , Moreno Mario
Published: February 2016

We have optimized the deposition conditions of amorphous silicon-germanium films with embedded nanocrystals in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) reactor, working at a standard frequency of 13.56 MHz. The objective was to produce films with very large Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR), which is a signature of the sensitivity in thermal detectors (microbolometers). Morphological, electrical, and optical characterization were performed in the films, and we found optimal conditions for obtaining films with very high values of thermal coefficient of resistance (TCR = 7.9% K−1). Our results show that amorphous silicon-germanium films with embedded nanocrystals can be used as thermosensitive films in high performance infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPAs) used in commercial thermal cameras.
Pediatric Chordomas: A Population-Based Clinical Outcome Study Involving 86 Patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) Database (1973-2011)
Authors: Lau Christine S.M. , Mahendraraj Krishnaraj , Ward Amanda , Chamberlain Ronald S.
Published: February 2016

Background/Aims: Primary chordomas, rare cancers arising from the notochord remnants, are extremely rare in the pediatric population. This study examined a large cohort of primary chordoma patients to determine factors impacting prognosis and survival. Methods: Demographic and clinical data on 1,358 primary chordoma patients (86 pediatric patients ≤19 years of age and 1,272 adult patients ≥20 years of age) were abstracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database (1973-2011). Results: Pediatric primary chordomas present most often as small tumors <4 cm in the cranium of male Caucasians. Despite the majority of primary chordomas presenting with locoregional involvement (90.4%), pediatric patients had more distant disease (14.8 vs. 9.2%, p < 0.05). Survival among pediatric patients having surgery only was significantly longer than for adults (22.5 vs. 14.3 years, p < 0.001). Overall survival was longer (17.2 vs. 12.6 years) and overall mortality was lower in pediatric patients (38.4 vs. 49.8%), but cancer-specific mortality was higher (37.2 vs. 28.6%, p < 0.005). Conclusions: Pediatric primary chordomas present most often as small tumors <4 cm in the cranium of male Caucasians. Despite having a higher rate of metastasis, they have prolonged survival compared to adults. Surgical resection significantly improves survival in pediatric primary chordoma patients, and should be considered as first-line therapy in all eligible children.
Annual Iron Loss Associated with Hemodialysis
Authors: Tsukamoto Tatsuo , Matsubara Takayuki , Akashi Yuka , Kondo Morihiro , Yanagita Motoko
Published: February 2016

Background: In order to keep up the optimal iron status in chronic hemodialysis patients, it is important to know how much iron is lost due to hemodialysis. Residual blood associated with the hemodialysis procedure together with blood sampling inevitably causes the loss of iron in chronic hemodialysis patients. Recent advances in hemodialysis techniques might have reduced this complication. In this cross-sectional study, we directly measured total iron loss by hemodialysis. Methods: Two hundred thirty-nine patients who received chronic hemodialysis at Otowa Memorial Hospital were enrolled; 65.7% of patients were men, and mean age was 67 ± 6.4 years (mean ± SD) and 43.2% were diabetic. Residual blood in blood tubing set and dialyzer after rinse back with saline was collected and homogenized. The iron content including free, protein-bound and heme iron was measured using an atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The mean iron content in residual blood was 1,247.3 ± 796.2 µg (mean ± SD) and the median was 1,002 µg (95% CI 377.6-3,461.6 µg), indicating 160.8 mg (95% CI 58.9-540.0 mg) iron loss annually when hemodialysis was performed 156 times a year. Fifty milliliter whole blood for monthly blood test and another 2 ml of whole blood lost by paracentesis at every dialysis session contains 228.6 and 118.9 mg iron at 11 g/dl hemoglobin, respectively. Therefore, an annual total iron loss due to hemodialysis comes to 508.3 mg (95% CI 406.4-887.5 mg). Conclusions: Five hundred milligram of annual iron supplementation might be sufficient to maintain iron status in hemodialysis patients, which is less than the dose recommended as 1,000-2,000 mg a year. Further study will be required to verify this iron supplementation dosage with recent hemodialysis procedure.
Effect of Anticoagulation on Hospitalization Costs After Intracranial Hemorrhage in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Vestergaard Anne Sig , Skjøth Flemming , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose—

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared adverse event with oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. The health economic aspects of resuming oral anticoagulant therapy after ICH are unknown. The aim was to estimate hospitalization costs of thromboembolism and hemorrhage subsequent to ICH in 2 patient groups with atrial fibrillation surviving the first 90 days post ICH: (1) patients resuming warfarin therapy within 90 days post ICH and (2) patients discontinuing therapy.

Methods—

Retrospective data from Danish national registries were linked to identify patients with atrial fibrillation who suffered an ICH between January 1, 1997, and April 1, 2011. Study start was 90 days after incident ICH. Mortality was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier estimate. Occurrence of hospitalization-requiring thromboembolism and hemorrhage was used to estimate hospitalization costs by linkage of
International Classification of Diseases
, Tenth Revision, codes to Danish Diagnosis–Related Group tariffs. The effect of resuming warfarin therapy on average 3-year hospitalization costs was estimated by regression analysis adjusted for between-group differences in baseline characteristics.

Results—

In the inclusion period, 2162 patients had an ICH; 1098 survived the first 90 days and were included for analysis, and of those, 267 resumed warfarin therapy. Therapy resumption reduced the mean 3-year hospitalization cost of hospitalized patients significantly by US$ 1588 (95% confidence interval, −2925 to −251) and was significantly correlated with fewer hospitalization days per hospitalized patient (−4.6 [95% confidence interval, −7.6 to −1.6]). The marginal effect of therapy resumption on hospitalization costs per patient was US$ −407 (95% confidence interval, −815 to 2).

Conclusions—

Resuming warfarin therapy within 90 days after ICH in patients with atrial fibrillation is associated with a decrease in average hospitalization costs.
Discriminative Fear Learners are Resilient to Temporal Distortions during Threat Anticipation
Authors: Lake Jessica I. , Meck Warren H. , LaBar Kevin S.
Published: February 2016

Discriminative fear conditioning requires learning to dissociate between safety cues and cues that predict negative outcomes yet little is known about what processes contribute to discriminative fear learning. According to attentional models of time perception, processes that distract from timing result in temporal underestimation. If discriminative fear learning only requires learning what cues predict what outcomes, and threatening stimuli distract attention from timing, then better discriminative fear learning should predict greater temporal distortion on threat trials. Alternatively, if discriminative fear learning also reflects a more accurate perceptual experience of time in threatening contexts, discriminative fear learning scores would predict less temporal distortion on threat trials, as time is perceived more veridically. Healthy young adults completed discriminative fear conditioning in which they learned to associate one stimulus (CS+) with aversive electrical stimulation and another stimulus (CS−) with non-aversive tactile stimulation and then an ordinal-comparison timing task during which CSs were presented as task-irrelevant distractors. Consistent with predictions, we found an overall temporal underestimation bias on CS+ relative to CS− trials. Differential skin conductance responses to the CS+ versus the CS− during conditioning served as a physiological index of discriminative fear conditioning and this measure predicted the magnitude of the underestimation bias, such that individuals exhibiting greater discriminative fear conditioning showed less underestimation on CS+ versus CS− trials. These results are discussed with respect to the nature of discriminative fear learning and the relationship between temporal distortions and maladaptive threat processing in anxiety.
Hijmania, a replacement name for Maria (Moraceae)
Authors: Vianna Filho Marcelo Dias Machado , Maia Vitor Hugo , Mansano Vidal De Freitas , Da Costa Andrea Ferreira
Published: February 2016

The genus Maria Vianna was proposed by Vianna et al. (2013: 290) for a small group of the tribe Dorstenieae (Moraceae), components of the undergrowth in the rainforests of tropical Africa. However, as the authors chose a later homonym, Maria M.D.M.Vianna is an illegitimate name (Art. 53.1 of the ICN, McNeill et al. 2012). This was discovered after checking the nomenclature of fossil plants, which was suggested by Jefferson Prado. It was confirmed that the name Maria I.A.Dobruskina (1980: 92) is a valid name of a fossil gymnosperm (Peltaspermaceae). In accordance with the Code, the new generic name Hijmania M.D.M.Vianna is proposed as a replacement name. New combinations for the four species assigned by Vianna et al. (2013) to Maria M.D.M.Vianna are here proposed under Hijmania. The new generic name maintains the honorific to Maria Hijman, for her great contribution to the knowledge in Moraceae.
A review of the genus Entisberus Distant (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae: Drymini)
Authors: SCUDDER G.G.E.
Published: February 2016

The genus Entisberus Distant is reviewed and illustrated and diagnostic characters listed. The type species, E. archetypus Distant is illustrated and diagnostic characteristics noted. The female of E. bergrothi Kondorosy is described for the first time. A new species, E. interruptus from Mindanao [Island] in the Republic of the Philippines, is described, and a revised key to the species of Entisberus is given.
Planning, practising and prioritising wellness through an integrative behaviour change plan
Authors: Crossman Joanne M
Published: February 2016

Study objective:

To describe a successful approach to teaching principles and practices of behaviour change through a behaviour change plan (BCP) initiative to improve personal health while advancing health knowledge and general education intellectual skills. Students’ perspectives of obstacles, behaviours important towards goal attainment and the benefits of the BCP were also explored. The paper illustrates the feasibility, utility and various challenges of theory-based BCPs within a limited context.

Design:

A one-group posttest-only design was utilised to conduct quantitative analysis of reported BCP success and qualitative evaluation of students’ perspectives. Participants were 145 students enrolled in eight sections of a required freshman-level health education/general education course.

Methodology:

Students set and tracked a nutrition, fitness, sleep, smoking cessation or spirituality goal. They strategised to mitigate anticipated challenges, established support systems, rewards, self-assessed progress, described corresponding implications, reviewed evidence-based research and wrote reflections. Goal achievement data were tabulated for each focus area, and report narratives distilled into common themes.

Results:

Among 145 students, 71 set fitness goals (55% achieved, 39% partially achieved, 11.3% did not achieve) and 63 set nutrition goals (63.5% achieved, 27% partially achieved, 8% did not achieve). Commonly reported barriers were lack of time, laziness/apathy/boredom, discouragement, temptations and sickness/injury/pain. Behaviours important to goal attainment were utilising time management, enlisting support or competition, using visual cues, trying something new, re-adjusting expectations, removing temptations and using rewards. Benefits included physical, psychological and financial types. Final reflections showed students would use the BCP process again.

Conclusion:

This approach to teaching health behaviour change provides real-life opportunity for planning, practising and prioritising wellness. Grounded in behaviour therapy, and framed by the Transtheoretical Model for Behaviour Change and essential health education and general education intellectual outcomes, this BCP highlights the inherent link between personal health principles and liberal learning outcomes. It may be adopted or refined by health educators willing to engage in this type of student-centred learning.
Survey Design Elements as Influences on Estimates of Self-Reported Illicit Substance Use and Other Illegal Activities
Authors: Bowman-Bowen Lisa C. , Menard Scott
Published: February 2016

National surveys of self-reported substance use and other problem behavior frequently produce different prevalence estimates for substance use and other problem behaviors. There is research indicating different aspects of survey methodology may artificially inflate or deflate prevalence rates, and while some research has been done on specific influences, taken separately, little has been done to estimate the cumulative impact of these methodological variations, taken together, on survey estimates. The present study compares methodologies of three studies, Monitoring the Future (MTF), National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), and National Youth Survey Family Study (NYSFS), on how differences in methodology may influence estimated rates of problem behavior, and the extent to which knowledge of the differences, taken in combination, allow prediction of differences in those rates. Differences in survey methodology are predictive of differences in prevalence. Implications for the use of the surveys are considered.
Native and Non-native Perception of Stress in Mapudungun: Assessing Structural Maintenance in the Phonology of an Endangered Language
Authors: Molineaux Benjamin J
Published: February 2016

Today, virtually all speakers of Mapudungun (formerly Araucanian), an endangered language of Chile and Argentina, are bilingual in Spanish. As a result, the firmness of native speaker intuitions—especially regarding perceptually complex issues such as word-stress—has been called into question. Even though native intuitions are unavoidable in the investigation of stress position, efforts can be made in order to clarify what the actual sources of the intuitions are, and how consistent and ‘native’ they remain given the language’s asymmetrical contact conditions. In this article, the use of non-native speaker intuitions is proposed as a valid means for assessing the position of stress in Mapudungun, and evaluating whether it represents the unchanged, ‘native’ pattern. The alternative, of course, is that the patterns that present variability simply result from overlap of the bilingual speakers’ phonological modules, hence displaying a contact-induced innovation. A forced decision perception task is reported on, showing that native and non-native perception of Mapudungun stress converges across speakers of six separate first languages, thus giving greater reliability to native judgements. The relative difference in the perception of Mapudungun stress given by Spanish monolinguals and Mapudungun–Spanish bilinguals is also taken to support the diachronic maintenance of the endangered language’s stress system.
Sperm motility and viability extracted from penile tract of corpses: A preliminary study
Authors: Tumram Nilesh K , Bardale Rajesh V , Ambade Vipul N
Published: February 2016

Posthumous sperm retrieval is a procedure in which spermatozoa are extracted from a man after he has been pronounced legally brain dead. Sperm retrieval from the penis has not been studied previously to the best of our knowledge. Our purpose was to determine the motility and viability of sperm from the penis with increasing time intervals from death. There was a progressive decrease in sperm motility with increasing post-mortem intervals, with a progressive increase in non-motility. Similarly, the sperm viability also showed a decreasing pattern with the increasing post-mortem interval. The sperm were found to be viable up to 24 h after death. Penile tract sperm retrieval has not been previously studied as far as we know.
Comparative studies on standard and new test methods for evaluating the effects of structural firefighting gloves on hand dexterity
Authors: Barker Roger L , Ross Kevin A , Andrews Jessica , Deaton A Shawn
Published: February 2016

This research identifies laboratory test methods designed to advance assessment of the effects of structural firefighter gloves on a firefighter’s ability to perform tasks with their hands. Two new hand dexterity test methods are discussed: a modified tool test for measuring glove effects on gross or whole hand motor control, and a novel cylinder lift method for evaluating glove effects on fine or fingertip hand dexterity. Data generated by testing a representative group of structural firefighter and other responder gloves are used to show that these new test methods provide less variable data and a more useful and informative assessment of the effects of glove construction on hand dexterity than that provided by standard small pin pegboard tests. Based on these comparisons, a combination of the newly developed tool and cylinder lift test methods are recommended for evaluating the effects of structural firefighter gloves on hand dexterity in standards used as the basis of certifying the performance of structural firefighter clothing.
Difficult Texts: Matthew 7.1–6
Authors: Duffield Ian K.
Published: February 2016

Every commentator struggles with the interpretation of Matthew 7.6, because the tantalizing image of ‘casting pearls before swine’ is so enigmatic. The interpretation offered here deals with the puzzle of the meaning of the proverb by reading it alongside verses 1–5. The argument suggests that the command not to judge (v. 1) is to be understood in a strong or hard sense (i.e. do not condemn) that does not undermine the use of judicious judgement in a weaker or softer sense (i.e. careful discernment and judgement). The need for careful judgement is relevant to relationships in the Christian community and the need, positively, to treat brothers and sisters as holy, as precious pearls who should never be thrown to the dogs or pushed into the mud through damning criticism, and not to be tempted, negatively, to waste their pearls of wisdom in rebuking their brothers and sisters, because they may end up trampled underfoot (v. 6). In this way, the danger of judgementalism is highlighted, but not at the expense of discernment and careful judgement.
Mother-child attachment and social anxiety: Associations with friendship skills and peer competence of Arab children
Authors: Scharf Miri , Kerns Kathryn A. , Rousseau Sofie , Kivenson-Baron Inbal
Published: February 2016

The goal of the study was to examine the joint and distinct contribution of attachment security and social anxiety to Arab children’s peer competence in middle childhood. We focused on Arab children as very little research has examined close relationships for this group. A sample of 404 third-, fourth- and fifth-grade Arabic students (203 boys and 201 girls), mostly from lower middle-class neighborhoods in northern Israel, participated in the study. In a cross-sectional design, bivariate correlations and regression analyses were performed, and findings revealed that attachment security was negatively related to distancing strategies in help-seeking and help-giving contexts, whereas social anxiety was positively related to these strategies. Secure attachment was also associated with providing reassurance to friends, and with peer competence as perceived by teachers. The possible implications of the socio-cultural context, suggestions for future studies, and implications for school intervention are discussed.
Effectiveness of Program Modification Strategies of the Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Neamah Hind H. , Kuhlmann Anne K. Sebert , Tabak Rachel G.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the effectiveness of commonly used program modifications classified under cultural adaptation and program translational strategies for the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in terms of risk reduction for type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Authors extracted data about weight, body mass index (BMI), and 5 areas of program modification strategies from 28 interventions and analyzed them in SPSS software. Bivariate analyses examined the odds of achieving a significant reduction in outcomes by each modification of the DPP and by presence of a maintenance component, as well as the mean reduction of weight and BMI by more versus fewer modifications and by the presence of a maintenance component.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in achieving a significant reduction in weight or BMI by any type of modification or by the presence of a maintenance component. Programs with fewer modifications reported significantly greater reduction in mean weight at 12 months postintervention and the furthest time point extracted. Programs with a maintenance component achieved significantly greater reduction in mean weight measured at the furthest time point extracted.

Conclusions

The DPP appears to be programmatically robust to a variety of cultural adaptation and translational strategies. Potentially cost-saving modifications do not seem to reduce effectiveness, which should encourage implementation on a broader scale. Program planners should, however, make efforts to include maintenance components because they appear to significantly reduce risk for acquiring type 2 diabetes.
A Sequential IRT Model for Multiple-Choice Items and a Multidimensional Extension
Authors: Deng Sien , Bolt Daniel M.
Published: February 2016

For certain multiple-choice tests, it might be theorized that respondents evaluate response options in a stepwise fashion. Statistical models that assume such a process may compete against models that imply a process in which all response options are simultaneously compared, such as Bock’s nominal response model. In this article, a sequential response model for multiple-choice items (SRM-MC) is considered. The model is applied to a sentence correction test in which the recognition of error and correction of error can be viewed as separate steps in solving an item. The proposed model permits the introduction of different proficiencies across steps. A fully Bayesian approach to estimating the model is presented, and an empirical comparison is performed against competing models. Empirical results support the proposed model and suggest distinct proficiencies related to recognition and correction.
It takes a community to build a framework: Information literacy within intercultural settings
Authors: Hicks Alison , Lloyd Annemaree
Published: February 2016

Information literacy practice plays a key role in the transitional processes of individuals within new intercultural settings. While this ability to adjust to new cultural contexts is increasingly important within today’s multicultural societies, campuses and workplaces, typical approaches to information literacy education struggle to scaffold the newcomer’s disrupted information landscapes. In focusing on prescriptive skills, information literacy standards position linguistic and cultural difference as a learning deficiency. Yet when alternative information literacy frameworks centre upon personal habits of mind, they fail to account for contextual dynamics. In this conceptual paper, the authors use research into the health practices of resettling refugees as an example to argue that a move away from behaviourist approaches to information literacy refocuses our attention on questions of adjustment and engagement with cultural understandings of information, and forms a more inclusive way to consider the diversity of today’s information societies.
Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on socioemotional feelings, authenticity, and autobiographical disclosure in healthy volunteers in a controlled setting
Authors: Baggott Matthew J , Coyle Jeremy R , Siegrist Jennifer D , Garrison Kathleen J , Galloway Gantt P , Mendelson John E
Published: February 2016

The drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”, “molly”) is a widely used illicit drug and experimental adjunct to psychotherapy. MDMA has unusual, poorly understood socioemotional effects, including feelings of interpersonal closeness and sociability. To better understand these effects, we conducted a small ( n=12) within-subjects double-blind placebo controlled study of the effects of 1.5 mg/kg oral MDMA on social emotions and autobiographical disclosure in a controlled setting. MDMA displayed both sedative- and stimulant-like effects, including increased self-report anxiety. At the same time, MDMA positively altered evaluation of the self (i.e. increasing feelings of authenticity) while decreasing concerns about negative evaluation by others (i.e. decreasing social anxiety). Consistent with these feelings, MDMA increased how comfortable participants felt describing emotional memories. Overall, MDMA produced a prosocial syndrome that seemed to facilitate emotional disclosure and that appears consistent with the suggestion that it represents a novel pharmacological class.
Parent-Implemented Communication Intervention
Authors: Brown Jennifer A. , Woods Juliann J.
Published: February 2016

Collaboration with parents and caregivers to support young children’s communication development is an important component to early intervention services. Coaching parents to implement communication support strategies is increasingly common in parent-implemented interventions, but few studies examine the process as well as the outcomes. We explored the triadic relationships between interventionist, parent, and child within a parent-implemented communication for toddlers with Down syndrome (DS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or developmental delays (DD). Time-window sequential analyses revealed that parents were more likely to use communication strategies during or immediately following coaching strategies that encouraged the parents’ active role. Children were more likely to use targeted communication skills immediately following responsive parent interactions. Intervention occurred in similar frequencies across play and non-play routine contexts. This analysis provides preliminary information on understanding potential mediating variables in parent-implemented interventions. Implications for increasing parent capacity-building and child outcomes through coaching are discussed.