bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of low back pain with low field open magnetic resonance imaging scanner in rural hospital of Southern India
Authors: Shrinuvasan Sadhanandham , Chidambaram Ranganathan
Published: April 2016

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common symptom which is associated with limitation of normal activities and work-related disability. Imaging techniques are often essential in making the correct diagnosis for prompt management. Plain Radiography though remain a first imaging modality, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to its inherent softtissue contrast resolution and lack of ionizing radiation remains invaluable modality in the evaluation of LBP. Aim: To find the common causes of LBP in different age groups and the role of MRI in detecting the spectrum of various pathological findings. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis during a period of 2 years from July 2013 to July 2015. The study population includes all the cases referred to our department with complaints of LBP. Patients with ferromagnetic metallic implants and uncooperative cases were excluded. HITACHI 0.4 Tesla open MRI machine was used for imaging. Results and Conclusion: This study involved a total of 235 cases. There were 121 males and 114 females. The age of the patient ranged from 21 to 68 years with an average of 41.3 years. Back pain was commonly observed in the third to fifth decade. The common causes for back pain are disc herniations (disc bulge - 35.3%, disc protrusion - 39.6%, disc extrusion - 7.2%) accounting to 82.1%, followed by normal study (10.2%), vertebral collapse (traumatic - 2.1%, osteoporotic - 1.7%), infections (2.1%), and neoplasm (1.7%). MRI provides valuable information regarding the underlying causes of LBP, especially in disc and marrow pathology.
Sampling Hard-to-Reach Populations with Respondent Driven Sampling
Authors: Johnston Lisa G. , Sabin Keith
Published: April 2016

Cost effective and targeted prevention, intervention and treatment programs for hard-to-reach populations at risk for HIV and other infections rely on the collection of quality data through biological and behavioral surveillance surveys (BBSS). Over the past decade, there has been a global expansion of BBSS to measure the prevalence of HIV and other infections, and related risk behaviors among injecting drug users, males who have sex with males, and female sex workers. However, a major challenge to sampling these hard-to-reach populations is that they are usually stigmatised and/or practice illegal behaviors which, in turn, make them difficult to access and unwilling to participate in research efforts. Over the past decade, respondent driven sampling (RDS) has become recognised as a viable option for rigorous sampling of hard-to-reach populations. This paper introduces RDS methods and describes some of the advantages and challenges to implementing and analysing surveys that use RDS.
Crisp-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA), Contradictions and Consistency Benchmarks for Model Specification
Authors: Marx Axel , Dusa Adrian
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this paper is to address and test two assumptions on which csQCA is based, namely that csQCA will generate contradictions and low consistency scores if models are ill-specified. The first part of the paper introduces csQCA in general and as a stepwise approach. In a second part a real-life example is introduced with the purpose of illustrating how csQCA operates and as an input for a simulation in the subsequent part. The third part introduces contradictions, consistency, their interrelatedness and the assumptions which are made with regard to contradictions and consistency. Subsequently the assumptions are tested via a simulation on the basis of a csQCA analysis of over 5 million random datasets. The paper argues that researchers cannot always assume that csQCA will generate contradictions or low consistency scores when models are ill-specified. Such an assumption is only justified when csQCA applications take limitations with regard to model specification (the number of conditions and the number of cases) into account. Benchmark tables for model specification purposes are developed. Since these tables are based on a probability value of 0.5 the paper also tests the results for contradictions and consistency for the probabilities which were present in a real-life example. This test shows that the 0.5 probability generates an appropriate measure for the occurrence of contradictions and consistency indicating that the benchmark tables can be used for different applications with different distributions of 0's and 1's in the conditions and outcomes. The paper ends with a conclusion.
Mies en Bruselas 1934. Síntesis de una arquitectura expositiva no construida
Authors: Lizondo Sevilla Laura , Santatecla Fayos José , Salvador Luján Nuria
Published: April 2016

The article delves into the complex world of exhibition architectures, those whose destiny is reduced to be mounted, exposed and dismantled in a short period of time. A process that allows a quick experience of architecture, bounded in time, and whose experimentation gives rise to the birth of new concepts. The text focuses on the German Pavilion designed by Mies van der Rohe for the Brussels World’s Fair of 1934, his only unbuilt ephemeral architecture due to the political uniqueness of the moment. Now, criticism and the archive allow us to reinterpret its contribution to the history of architecture.
PIERRE DEFFONTAINES E AS MISSÕES UNIVERSITÁRIAS FRANCESAS NO BRASIL: GEOPOLÍTICA DO CONHECIMENTO, CIRCULAÇÃO DOS SABERES E ENSINO DA GEOGRAFIA (1934-1938) - DOI 10.5216/bgg.v36i1.40362
Authors: Ferreti Federico
Published: April 2016

Esse artigo trata do papel da geografia nas missões universitárias francesas no Brasil nos anos 30, consideradas fundamentais para o desenvolvimento das universidades locais, enfocando especialmente o trabalho do geógrafo Pierre Deffontaines. Cruzando fontes primárias francesas e brasileiras, e comparando ostrabalhos existentes sobre esses assuntos produzidos na França e no Brasil por historiadores e por geógrafos, investigamos as redes intelectuais daquela época e sobre os assuntos culturais, políticos e didáticos desse exemplo de circulação internacional do saber. Avaliamos a eficácia, na universidade e na sociedade brasileira, da troca cultural em proveniência da Europa, mas também o enriquecimento da geografia e das ciências humanas a partir das missões universitárias.Palavras-chave: Pierre Deffontaines, Caio Prado Junior, Pierre Monbeig, Associação dos Geógrafos Brasileiros, USP, Circulação do saber, Ensino da Geografia.
LOGÍSTICA DE TRANSPORTES, COMÉRCIO INTERNACIONAL E FLUXOS DAS EXPORTAÇÕES NO NORTE DE MINAS GERAIS - DOI 10.5216/bgg.v36i1.40368
Authors: Andrei Gonçalves Pereira Luiz , Rodrigues Ferreira William
Published: April 2016

As relações econômicas internacionais estão organizadas em redes flexíveis e complexas de trocas comerciais articuladas espacialmente pela logística de transportes. O objetivo foi analisar as interações espaciais entre a região norte de Minas Gerais e os mercados internacionais, considerando-se a configuração territorial dos setores exportadores, dos meios de transportes e dos recintos alfandegados responsáveis pelos fluxos de mercadorias, no período de 2001 a 2012. A pesquisa foi operacionalizada por meio da revisão de literatura, das coletas e das análises dos dados de fontes primárias e de fontes secundárias, para a explicação das redes de fluxos das exportações na região norte-mineira. A logística de transportes utilizada no escoamento das mercadorias exportadas foi organizada em uma rede de serviços constituída de transportes nacionais, de recintos alfandegados e de transportes internacionais.Palavras-chave: Logística de transportes, comércio internacional, exportações.
IMPLICAÇÕES GEOPOLÍTICAS E GOVERNANÇA AMBIENTAL NA REGULAMENTAÇÃO DA INDC BRASILEIRA - DOI 10.5216/bgg.v36i1.40373
Authors: Germano Ferreira Costa Carlos
Published: April 2016

As mudanças climáticas representam uma ameaça para as sociedades humanas e os ecossistemas naturais se tornando uma questão de segurança nas recentes discussões políticas. No entanto, a sensibilização e participação pública, e interesse político variam entre os países membros da Convenção – Quadro das Nações Unidas sobre a Mudança do Clima (UNFCCC). Confrontado com o risco iminente de mudanças, a comunidade internacional necessita repensar questões de ordem geopolítica e governança ambiental cuidadosamente. Este artigo busca avançar o diálogo sobre governança e segurança climática através da análise do processo que levou, no Brasil, à criação da pretendida Contribuição Nacionalmente Determinada (INDC) no contexto das negociações de um protocolo com força legal sob a Convenção do Clima. Com essa abordagem, ao dissecar estratégias de mitigação e adaptação às mudanças climáticas compreendidas a partir de implicações políticas e espaciais, e explorar fatores-chave associados com as percepções públicas, sensibilização, ética, justiça, e de risco. Concluimos que as implicações normativas da regulamentação ambiental brasileira relacionadas ao clima, relações internacionais e geopolítica se interconectam como um ponto de partida para compreendero que está em jogo, a tentativa Brasileira de forjar liderança global em questões ambientais e repensar pressupostos geopolíticos tradicionais.Palavras-chave: Mudanças Climáticas, Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Comunidade Internacional, Governança Ambiental Global.
The Physical Beauty in Shakespeare’s Sonnets
Authors: Ma Chunli
Published: April 2016

Beauty, one of the most reoccurring words throughout Shakespeare’s Sonnets, is the principal subject of the poet’s meditation. “From fairest creatures we desire increase, / That thereby beauty’s rose might never die” begins the first poem in the sonnet sequence, a statement about beauty that can be understood as the first articulation of the Sonnets’ aesthetic agenda. Beauty in Shakespeare’s Sonnets is represented in two dimensions: the physical beauty and the spiritual beauty. The physical beauty refers to the beauty of the body and the sensual pleasure derived from desires.By means of the illustration of the physical beauty, Shakespeare conveyed the aesthetical world which brings readers enjoyment and delight, moreover, the poet warns readers that the sensual pleasure should base on married chastity and social norms, otherwise, it would result in death and destruction. The account of sexual pleasure shows that on the one hand for enjoying the life itself, on the other hand, for leaving children behind to make the temporary time eternalized, thus returning back to timeless Garden of Eden. This returning course is the process of preserving beauty.This article only focuses on interpreting the physical beauty in the Sonnets, the part of the beauty in spiritual dimension will be presented in another one.
A Comparison of an English Editorial and Its Chinese Translation from the Perspective of Ideology
Authors: Guo Ge
Published: April 2016

The paper makes a discussion on editorial translation from the perspective of ideology. It focuses on exploring the relationship between editorial translation and ideology and the appropriate translation methods. Analysis is carried out by studying samples excerpted from an American media and its translated version taken from a Chinese newspaper. It is demonstrated through the study that editorial translation is influenced by the ideology of patrons. Patrons can decide the translation techniques used as well as the selection of source texts in accordance with the ideological stance of the patrons involved in the translation.
Magical Realism as Feminist Discourse in Raja Alem’s Fatma: A Novel of Arabia
Authors: Al-Sharqi Laila
Published: April 2016

This article investigates Raja Alem’s Fatma: A Novel of Arabia (2002) as a narrative that appropriates magical realist techniques in the service of the feminist project of critiquing patriarchal notions and practices in contemporary Saudi society. Although Alem is credited by Arab and international critics as a major Saudi writer of the fantastical, it is Fatma that largely establishes her specific reputation as a magical realist. This article provides a close reading and critical analysis substantiating Alem’s extensive use of magical realist techniques. The fabulous and the real converge to create a mysterious universe wherein various times and spaces are merged together to question contemporary society’s assumptions around gender, gender ideology, and feminist issues—a central theme in contemporary Saudi fiction—thereby giving voice to the marginalized female character depicted in Fatma.
Seasonal Nearshore Occurrence of the Neurotoxin β N methylamino L alanine (BMAA) in Lake Winnipeg, Canada
Authors: Pip Eva , Munford Kimber , Bowman Lindsay
Published: April 2016

Seasonal fluctuation patterns of the neurotoxic amino acid β N methylamino L alanine (BMAA) were examined at four-day intervals during the ice-free season in water at three nearshore stations in the south basin of Lake Winnipeg, Canada. BMAA patterns were significantly exponentially correlated with concurrent phaeophytin, and inversely with chlorophyll a, indicating that free BMAA concentrations increased as blooms declined. BMAA was also significantly related to preceding microcystin concentrations, and as chlorophyll a declined, the proportion of BMAA relative to microcystin increased. Cross correlations identified significant relationships between BMAA and immediately preceding nitrate-N/inorganic phosphorus ratios, nitrate-N, rainfall, and a marginal inverse correlation with inorganic phosphorus. Total suspended solids levels were also significantly associated with BMAA, likely due to shading effects. A very high BMAA concentration was found under collapse of intense bloom conditions. These results have implications for water quality monitoring, nutrient management strategies and public health.
Elemental Contents of Spinach and Lettuce from Irrigated Gardens in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: I. Dike N. , Odunze A. C.
Published: April 2016

One way analysis (ANOVA) was used to analyze a large dataset of elemental levels of two vegetables – spinach (Amaranthus cruentus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown around River Jakara in Kano, Nigeria using data generated during 12 months of monitoring Ca, K, Mg, Na, (essential bulk elements) Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co, Pb and Fe (trace/heavy elements) concentrations collected at three designated sites. The concentrations of the elements showed insignificant differences between sites but significant differences between some months. The soil was implicated as the major source of the elements. The concentrations of the trace/heavy metals exceeded those of the international permissible limits which pointed to the contamination of the vegetables. The mean concentrations of the elements occurred in the magnitude of Ca > Mg > K > Na > Fe > Zn > Pb > Co > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd and Ca > Na > K >Mg > Fe > Zn > Pb > Cr > Co > Cu > Ni > Cd in the spinach and lettuce respectively. The continued consumption of these vegetables by the inhabitants of Kano and its environs present a public health risk with regards to their concentrations with heavy metals. It is therefore recommended that the relevant organ of government should find an alternative farmland for the farmers within the catchment area of River Jakara where unpolluted soil can be utilized for the production of the vegetables.
Epidemiological Review of Relation between Gender and Traumatic Injuries in Hospitals in Iran
Authors: Ameri Maryam , Aghakhani Kamran , Mehrpisheh Shahrokh , Ameri Ebrahim , Memarian Azadeh
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic injury including fractures of limbs, hip or spine or the injuries of soft tissue, muscles, ligaments and tendons lesions are the most common traumatic injuries these days, and impose a significant material and spiritual cost to the communities every year. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation between injuries and the mechanism of injuries and gender.

METHODS: In these studies 2480 patients with mean age of 29.9±17.8 referred to Shafa Yahyaeian Hospital in Tehran, Iran were participated. Some information of patients has been recorded during April-October in 2013. Information includes demographic characteristics, the exact mechanism of injury, radiographic imaging, CT scan, MRI were recorded. The statistical analysis performed on data with t-test, Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square tests.

RESULTS: From 685 patients with lower extremity fractures, 500 (73%) were male and 185 (27%) female. Also from 332 patients with soft tissue injuries, the males were 281 (84.5%) and 51 (15.5%) female. In this study no significant relation between gender and upper and lower extremity injuries were not seen (P=0.69). The most common mechanism of trauma in male patients were fall from standing position 34.8%, direct trauma 24.6%, motorcycle crash 10% and fall from height 7.9%. Also the most common mechanism of trauma in female patients was fall from standing position 54.2%, direct trauma 15.8% and falling from stairs 7.5%. There were no significant relation between sex and trauma mechanism in this study (P=0.00).

CONCLUSIONS: According to the results the frequency of fractures and soft tissue injuries were higher in male than female. The main mechanisms of injury in both groups were fall from the standing position.
The Effect of Individual Factors on the Medication Error
Authors: Zyoud Amr H. , Abdullah Nor Azimah Chew
Published: April 2016

Medication error is a major issue in healthcare industry and significant efforts have been taken in recent years to comprehend factors that influence errors in medication. Therefore, the present study aims to examine individual factors that contribute to medication errors as perceived by nurses. 255 registered nurses working in different Jordanian public hospitals have been chosen as samples to collect the study data from. They were asked to complete a questionnaire to assess the perceived individual factors, specifically, on nursing mathematical calculation skills and training as well as knowledge on medication treatment as factors contributing to medication errors. The current study found that the nurses’ mathematical calculation skills, training and their knowledge on medication treatment have significant relationship with medication error. This was proven as the study framework is able to explain 45.6% of the total variance. Consequently, it is recommended that healthcare authorities and hospitals in Jordan should focus on nursing knowledge in medication treatment and the nurses’ ability to perform drug calculation in order to improve the medication system in Jordan.
Evaluation of Uric Acid, Total Antioxidant and Lipid Peroxidation Parameters in Serum and Saliva of Patients with Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Shiva Atena , Arab Shahin
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic and inflammation mucosal disease. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and oxidative stress damage might be the cause. Malondialdehyd (MDA), one parameter of lipid peroxidation is appropriate for DNA damage in OLP disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antioxidants and oxidative stress parameters in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) diseases and healthy control group with compare on serum and salivary samples.

MATERIAL & METHODS: The research population included 22 patients with OLP which recently diagnosed and 22 healthy controls matched for periodontal status. Total antioxidant activity (TAA), Malondialdehyde (MDA) or lipid peroxidation product and uric acid (UA) were evaluated in both serum and saliva. The t-tests were used for differences between the two groups in normal distributed variables and also Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient for assessing association between serum and salivary fluids.

RESULTS: TAA levels in OLP patients showed significant result and lower than healthy control group (p=0.39). Also, results in the saliva MDA concentration, was significantly higher in OLP patients than controls. In correlation test, inverse and significant correlation was observed between the MDA and UA values(r=0. 682, P=0.0001) and a significant correlation was found between serum TAA and UA values.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that OLP groups have higher cellular lipid peroxidation in compare to healthy controls and low level of TAA than controls. Patients with OLP are believed to be more at risk of antioxidant-oxidative stress imbalance.
Post-Traumatic Subdural Hygroma: A One Year Follow up Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Castillo Tamara Acosta , Lopez Mauricio Olmedo , Rubio Mario A. , Bermeo Luis E.
Published: April 2016

Post-traumatic subdural hygroma it is an intracranial lesion, commonly misdiagnosed due to its unclear symptomatology and slow progression. Defined as the presence of cerebral spinal fluid in between the arachnoid and the duramater layers; causing a variety of symptomatology that usually depend on the amount of fluid within this space (subdural). Post traumatic subdural hygroma it’s observed in 5-20% of all blunt head injuries, although its diagnosis it’s usually rare among emergency departments. Prognosis is usually good due to the absence of severe complications and its spontaneous resolution in mostly of the cases. We present a 26-year-old male patient, with history of high impact blunt trauma, presenting ocular refractive changes and headache. After CT scan evaluation and BOLD-MRI confirmation, a bilateral fronto-parietal subdural hygroma was confirmed.
Comparing the Effects of Cumin, Peppermint, and Milk of Magnesia on Gastrointestinal Complications after Caesarean Section
Authors: Niaki Maryam Tofighi , Atarod Zoleykha , Omidvar Shabnam , Zafari Mandana , Aghamohammadi Azar , Asadi Tahereh , Rastegar Taiebeh
Published: April 2016

CONTEXT: Gastrointestinal problems are common after Cesarean section. During the past three decades, there has been an increasing trend in the use of herbal plants in the treatment of various medical conditions.

AIMS: This study aimed to compare the effects of cumin, peppermint with magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia; MOM) on gastrointestinal complications of Caesarean section.

SETTINGS & DESIGN: This randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Imam Hospital (affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran) during November 2013-August 2014. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad Medical University, Sari Branch (Iran).

MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 83 patients undergoing non-emergency Cesarean delivery in Imam Hospital were randomly selected. Patients with underlying diseases, history of gastrointestinal problems, fever, intestinal adhesion, longer-than-usual Cesarean section, and lack of cooperation were excluded. The subjects were informed about the study objectives and procedure and asked to provide written informed consent. They were then randomly assigned into three groups of cumin, peppermint, MOM. Gastrointestinal complications were assessed 20, 40, 60, and 120 minutes after drug administration.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The collected data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests in SPSS for Windows 18.0.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between three groups according to incidence of gastrointestinal side effects after Cesarean section at the mentioned intervals.

CONCLUSIONS: Cumin and peppermint were as effective as MOM.
Correlating the Layer Properties of Ni-alumina Composite Coatings and the Mechanism of Codeposition
Authors: Sadeghi Amir , Sieber Maximilian , Hasannejad Hosein , Scharf Ingolf , Lampke Thomas
Published: April 2016

Ni-Al2O3 composite coatings electrodeposited from Watt’s electrolyte include Al2O3 nano-and submicron particles. The effect of particle size and concentration of the particles in the electrolyte were investigated on the morphology and incorporation value of particles into the deposits. The influence of alumina particles on the electrodeposition behavior of Ni was also studied by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results achieved from the impedance measurements and the correlation with the layer characterization could help to better understand the codeposition mechanism derived from the impact of different particle characteristics including size and concentration on the nature of the double-layer. The increase in the concentration of particles from 1 to 20 g/l resulted in an increase of the double-layer capacity and decrease of the charge transfer resistance, while the addition of submicron particles had a higher influence on the characteristics of the double-layer compared to the nano particles. Although the alumina particles with submicron size could stimulate the incorporation of particles faster than those with nano size, the strengthening performance of the layers not only depended on the incorporation value of the particles, but also on the microstructure of the deposits.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 8, No. 2
Authors: John Albert
Published: April 2016

International Journal of Chemistry wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.Many authors, regardless of whether International Journal of Chemistry publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2 Adel F. ShoukryAjeet KumarAmer A. TaqaChanchal Kumar MalikDiego AlonsoGreg PetersHarsha D. MagurudeniyaHesham G. IbrahimJalal IsaadK. Ishara SilvaKallen Mulilo NalyanyaKhandan AmirsalarMadduri SrinivasaraoMeriem BelhachemiMohamed AbassMustafa Oguzhan KayaNanda GunawardhanaNejib Hussein MekniPrathapan SreedharanPraveen KumarQun YeR. K. DeyRabia RehmanRuogu PengSeverine QueyroySitaram AcharyaVahid HejaziVijay RamalingamXianlong Wang     Albert JohnOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of ChemistryCanadian Center of Science and Education
Precision Medicine in Gastrointestinal Pathology
Authors: Wang David H. , Park Jason Y.
Published: April 2016

Context.—Precision medicine is the promise of individualized therapy and management of patients based on their personal biology. There are now multiple global initiatives to perform whole-genome sequencing on millions of individuals. In the United States, an early program was the Million Veteran Program, and a more recent proposal in 2015 by the president of the United States is the Precision Medicine Initiative. To implement precision medicine in routine oncology care, genetic variants present in tumors need to be matched with effective clinical therapeutics. When we focus on the current state of precision medicine for gastrointestinal malignancies, it becomes apparent that there is a mixed history of success and failure.

Objective.—To present the current state of precision medicine using gastrointestinal oncology as a model. We will present currently available targeted therapeutics, promising new findings in clinical genomic oncology, remaining quality issues in genomic testing, and emerging oncology clinical trial designs.

Data Sources.—Review of the literature including clinical genomic studies on gastrointestinal malignancies, clinical oncology trials on therapeutics targeted to molecular alterations, and emerging clinical oncology study designs.

Conclusions.—Translating our ability to sequence thousands of genes into meaningful improvements in patient survival will be the challenge for the next decade.
Neural correlations enable invariant coding and perception of natural stimuli in weakly electric fish
Authors: Metzen Michael G , Hofmann Volker , Chacron Maurice J
Published: April 2016

Neural representations of behaviorally relevant stimulus features displaying invariance with respect to different contexts are essential for perception. However, the mechanisms mediating their emergence and subsequent refinement remain poorly understood in general. Here, we demonstrate that correlated neural activity allows for the emergence of an invariant representation of natural communication stimuli that is further refined across successive stages of processing in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus. Importantly, different patterns of input resulting from the same natural communication stimulus occurring in different contexts all gave rise to similar behavioral responses. Our results thus reveal how a generic neural circuit performs an elegant computation that mediates the emergence and refinement of an invariant neural representation of natural stimuli that most likely constitutes a neural correlate of perception.
Space‐based imaging of nighttime medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances using FORMOSAT‐2/ISUAL 630.0 nm airglow observations
Authors: Rajesh P. K. , Liu J. Y. , Lin C. H. , Chen A. B. , Hsu R. R. , Chen C. H. , Huba J. D.
Published: April 2016

This paper reports the results of space‐based imaging of nighttime medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) in 630.0 nm emission by Imager of Sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightnings (ISUAL), on board FORMOSAT‐2 satellite. The limb integrated measurements, after removing background, reveal multiple bands of intensity perturbation when projected to a horizontal plane corresponding to the altitude of peak emission, with distinct southwest to northeast orientation in the Southern Hemisphere. Simulations are carried out by artificially introducing MSTID fluctuations in model electron density to confirm if the MSTID could be identified in the ISUAL‐viewing geometry. The ISUAL observations in year 2007 are further used to investigate the MSTID features as well as occurrence characteristics in the Southern Hemisphere, most of which are over the ocean where no ground‐based observations are available. The preliminary statistics shows more MSTID occurrence in solstices with peak in June–July months. Majority of the MSTID perturbations have wavelength in the range 150–300 km, and the wavefronts are aligned at about 30°–50° from the east‐west plane. The statistic results of the orientation of wavefronts indicate that Es layer instability might be important in the MSTID generation.
Fast dropouts of multi‐MeV electrons due to combined effects of EMIC and whistler mode waves
Authors: Mourenas D. , Artemyev A. V. , Ma Q. , Agapitov O. V. , Li W.
Published: April 2016

We investigate how whole populations of 2–6 MeV electrons can be quickly lost from the Earth's outer radiation belt at L= 3–6 through precipitation into the atmosphere due to quasi‐linear pitch angle scattering by combined electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) and whistler mode waves of realistic intensities occurring at the same or different local times. We provide analytical estimates of the corresponding relativistic electron lifetimes, emphasizing that the combined effects of both waves can lead to very fast (2–10 h) dropouts. Scaling laws for the loss timescales are derived, allowing us to determine the various plasma and wave parameter domains potentially leading to strong and fast dropouts. The analysis reveals that the fastest MeV electron dropouts occur at approximately the same rate over some high energy range and almost independently of EMIC wave amplitudes above a certain threshold. These results should help to better understand the dynamic variability of the radiation belts.
Identifying sensitive ranges in global warming precipitation change dependence on convective parameters
Authors: Bernstein Diana N. , Neelin J. David
Published: April 2016

A branch‐run perturbed‐physics ensemble in the Community Earth System Model estimates impacts of parameters in the deep convection scheme on current hydroclimate and on end‐of‐century precipitation change projections under global warming. Regional precipitation change patterns prove highly sensitive to these parameters, especially in the tropics with local changes exceeding 3 mm/d, comparable to the magnitude of the predicted change and to differences in global warming predictions among the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 models. This sensitivity is distributed nonlinearly across the feasible parameter range, notably in the low‐entrainment range of the parameter for turbulent entrainment in the deep convection scheme. This suggests that a useful target for parameter sensitivity studies is to identify such disproportionately sensitive “dangerous ranges.” The low‐entrainment range is used to illustrate the reduction in global warming regional precipitation sensitivity that could occur if this dangerous range can be excluded based on evidence from current climate.
ChemInform Abstract: NITRILE CYCLIZATION REACTIONS. V. 2‐ARYL‐3‐(2‐THIENOYL)‐1,1‐DICYANOPROPANES AND DERIVATIVES OF PYRIDINES MADE FROM THEM
Authors: SHARANIN YU. A. , PROMONENKOV V. K. , SHESTOPALOV A. M.
Published: April 2016

Die Arylidenmalodinitrile (I) werden mit dem Diketon (II) zu den Thenoylverbindungen (IIIa) und (IIIb) kondensiert.
Cell Surface Engineering to Control Cellular Interactions
Authors: Custódio Catarina A. , Mano João F.
Published: April 2016

Cell surface composition determines all interactions of the cell with its environment, thus cell functions such as adhesion, migration and cell–cell interactions can potentially be controlled by engineering and manipulating the cell membrane. Cell membranes present a rich repertoire of molecules, therefore a versatile ground for modification. However the complex and dynamic nature of the cell surface is also a major challenge for cell surface engineering that should also involve strategies compatible with cell viability. Cell surface engineering by selective chemical reactions or by the introduction of exogenous targeting ligands can be a powerful tool for engineering novel interactions and controlling cell function. In addition to chemical conjugation and modification of functional groups, ligands of interest to modify the surface of cells include recombinant proteins, liposomes or nanoparticles. Here, we review recent efforts to perform changes to cell surface composition. We focus on the engineering of the cell surface with biological, chemical or physical methods to modulate cell functions and control cell–cell and cell–microenvironment interactions. Potential applications of cell surface engineering are also discussed.
A Chiral 3 D Net with 2 D Cairo Pentagonal Tiling Projection in Site‐Modified CuCN/CuSCN Networks
Authors: Lin Shi‐Hong , Li Mian , Luo Dong , Zhang De‐Xiang , Wen Tian , Zhou Xiao‐Ping , Li Dan
Published: April 2016

A novel isohedral 3‐periodic net (i.e. a net with one kind of tile), showing a Cairo pentagonal tiling projection on the Euclidean plane, has been identified in a series of site‐modified CuCN/CuSCN networks, namely, [Cu6(SCN)2(CN)6⋅Ni(tpy)2]n (1), [Cu6(SCN)(CN)7⋅Ni(tpy)2]n (2) and [Cu6(CN)8⋅Ni(tpy)2]n (3) (tpy=2,2′:6′′,2′′‐terpyridine). These infinite inclusion compounds were prepared via a solvothermal sulfur migration reaction with subtle modification to fine‐tune the sulfur content. The chiroptical activity of single crystals, which arises from the intrinsically chiral net, was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state circular dichroism spectra.
Volumetric coupling approaches for multiphysics simulations on non‐matching meshes
Authors: Farah P. , Vuong A.‐T. , Wall W.A. , Popp A.
Published: April 2016

In finite element analysis of volume coupled multiphysics, different meshes for the involved physical fields are often highly desirable in terms of solution accuracy and computational costs. We present a general methodology for volumetric coupling of different meshes within a monolithic solution scheme. A straightforward collocation approach is compared to a mortar‐based method for nodal information transfer. For the latter, dual shape functions based on the biorthogonality concept are used to build the projection matrices, thus further reducing the evaluation costs. We give a detailed explanation of the integration scheme and the construction of dual shape functions for general first‐order and second‐order Langrangian finite elements within the mortar method, as well as an analysis of the conservation properties of the projection operators. Moreover, possible incompatibilities due to different geometric approximations of curved boundaries are discussed. Numerical examples demonstrate the flexibility of the presented mortar approach for arbitrary finite element combinations in two and three dimensions and its applicability to different multiphysics coupling scenarios. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The association between defibrillation shock energy and acute cardiac damage in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Ishigaki Daisuke , Kutsuzawa Daisuke , Arimoto Takanori , Iwayama Tadateru , Hashimoto Naoaki , Kumagai Yu , Nishiyama Satoshi , Takahashi Hiroki , Shishido Tetsuro , Miyamoto Takuya , Nitobe Joji , Fukui Akio , Watanabe Tetsu , Kubota Isao
Published: April 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to establish a minimally invasive defibrillation testing (DT) protocol for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Methods

Two different energy DTs were performed, immediately after (15 J‐DT) and 7 days after (≤10 J‐DT) device implantation, in 20 consecutive ICD implantation patients. Cardiac‐troponin T (c‐TNT) and heart‐type fatty acid binding protein (H‐FABP) levels were measured before implantation, 2 h after implantation, and 1 day after each DT. For an additional 122 patients with ICD, we retrospectively analyzed 203 DTs immediately and 7 days after device implantation.

Results

Serum c‐TNT levels were significantly elevated 2 h after 15 J‐DT [0.008 (0.004–0.019) vs. 0.053 (0.037–0.068) ng/mL, p<0.001], but not ≤10 J‐DT [0.007 (0.004–0.018) ng/mL]. Similarly, serum H‐FABP levels were significantly elevated 2 h after 15 J‐DT (2.9±1.5 vs. 6.4±3.4 ng/mL, p<0.001), but not ≤10 J‐DT (2.7±1.5 ng/mL). The changes in c‐TNT and H‐FABP levels between baseline and 2 h after DT were significantly greater for 15 J‐DT compared with ≤10 J‐DT [c‐TnT: 0.039 (0.029–0.060) vs. 0 (0–0.003) ng/mL, p<0.001; H‐FABP: 3.6±2.8 vs. −0.16±1.1 ng/mL, p<0.001]. The success rates of the initial shocks delivered for ventricular fibrillation were no different between ≤10 J‐DT (85% [78/92]) and ≥15 J‐DT (92% [103/111]).

Conclusions

Elevated levels of myocardial damage markers such as c‐TNT and H‐FABP were not found after ≤10 J‐DT. In addition, an acceptable success rate was confirmed in ≤10 J‐DT.
Efficacy of Continuous Dosing of Tadalafil Once Daily vs Tadalafil On Demand in Clinical Subgroups of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Descriptive Comparison Using the Integrated Tadalafil Databases
Authors: Brock Gerald , Ni Xiao , Oelke Matthias , Mulhall John , Rosenberg Matt , Seftel Allen , D'Souza Deborah , Barry Jane
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Various factors play a role in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To provide a descriptive comparison of erectile function response for tadalafil on-demand (PRN) and once-daily (OAD) dosing regimens in patients with common comorbid conditions, treatments, or risk factors that can be considered when treating ED.

Methods

In total, 17 PRN and 4 OAD placebo-controlled studies were included in the integrated database in these pooled analyses. Data were analyzed from patients treated with placebo, tadalafil 10 mg (low dose), and 20 mg (high dose) for the PRN studies and placebo, tadalafil 2.5 mg (low dose), and 5 mg (high dose) for the OAD studies.

Main Outcome Measures

The effects of tadalafil were measured using the International Index of Erectile Function administered from baseline to week 12. A descriptive comparison of the efficacy of tadalafil PRN vs OAD was examined in the clinical populations.

Results

Baseline characteristics of 4,354 men were comparable between the PRN and OAD groups, with differences seen only in the variables of race, body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m2, and alcohol use. Tadalafil was efficacious at improving erectile function for all clinical populations, except for the low-dose OAD group, which demonstrated a weaker effect vs placebo than the high-dose OAD group, and the low- and high-dose PRN groups vs placebo for patients with BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 for patients without a cardiovascular disorder, smokers, patients with ED duration shorter than 1 year, and patients without previous phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor use. Tadalafil was efficacious for patients with or without diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and alcohol use at baseline.

Conclusion

Tadalafil OAD and PRN regimens showed efficacy in patients with ED. No clinical populations of patients with ED seemed to benefit overwhelmingly from one dose regimen over the other.
WHOQOL-100 Before and After Sex Reassignment Surgery in Brazilian Male-to-Female Transsexual Individuals
Authors: Cardoso da Silva Dhiordan , Schwarz Karine , Fontanari Anna Martha Vaitses , Costa Angelo Brandelli , Massuda Raffael , Henriques Alexandre Annes , Salvador Jaqueline , Silveira Esalba , Elias Rosito Tiago , Lobato Maria Inês Rodrigues
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The 100-item World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-100) evaluates quality of life as a subjective and multidimensional construct. Currently, particularly in Brazil, there are controversies concerning quality of life after sex reassignment surgery (SRS).

Aim

To assess the impact of surgical interventions on quality of life of 47 Brazilian male-to-female transsexual individuals using the WHOQOL-100.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study using the WHOQOL-100 and sociodemographic questions for individuals diagnosed with gender identity disorder according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The protocol was used when a transsexual person entered the ambulatory clinic and at least 12 months after SRS.

Main Outcome Measures

Initially, improvement or worsening of quality of life was assessed using 6 domains and 24 facets. Subsequently, quality of life was assessed for individuals who underwent new surgical interventions and those who did not undergo these procedures 1 year after SRS.

Results

The participants showed significant improvement after SRS in domains II (psychological) and IV (social relationships) of the WHOQOL-100. In contrast, domains I (physical health) and III (level of independence) were significantly worse after SRS. Individuals who underwent additional surgery had a decrease in quality of life reflected in domains II and IV. During statistical analysis, all results were controlled for variations in demographic characteristics, without significant results.

Conclusion

The WHOQOL-100 is an important instrument to evaluate the quality of life of male-to-female transsexuals during different stages of treatment. SRS promotes the improvement of psychological aspects and social relationships. However, even 1 year after SRS, male-to-female transsexuals continue to report problems in physical health and difficulty in recovering their independence.
The Ramifications of Nearly Going Dark: A Natural Experiment in the Case of U.S. Generic Orange Juice Advertising
Authors: Capps Oral , Bessler David A. , Williams Gary W.
Published: April 2016

Evaluations of generic advertising programs by commodity check-off programs involve analyses of counterfactual scenarios in which advertising and promotion expenditures are set to zero over the program's history. In actual practice, the counterfactual is rarely realized. We present a case in which such a natural experiment occurred when generic advertising and promotion expenditures for U.S. orange juice were cut nearly to zero. Using structural econometric and autoregression models, we estimate losses in consumption and sales revenue and examine the time required for the market for orange juice to recover from the check-off's strategy of going nearly dark.
Postclassical Poetics: The Role of the Amatory Prelude for the Medieval Islamic Republic of Letters
Authors: Ullah Sahar Ishtiaque
Published: April 2016

The prophetic encomia—panegyrics dedicated to the prophet Muhammad—are one of the most often recited forms of Arabic poetry up to today and are grounded in a cultural milieu where hagiography, competitive circulation of narrative and counter-narratives, rituals and esoteric practices, and educational institutions have a role in its formation. The unifying of the classical erotic poetic with the postclassical devotional created out of the encomium a vehicle that encapsulated palpable memory, nostalgia, and aspirational ideal for a greater past and beloved subject and successfully left a lasting cultural imprint. Against a general disregard for the postclassical tradition as one of decadence argued by Arab modernists, I join the ongoing effort to debunk the myth of premodern decadence as interrogated by Muhsin al-Musawi’s two-part article “The Republic of Letters: Arab Modernity?” by considering the role of the postclassical prophetic encomia’s amatory prelude—a convention from the classical Arabic ode—as a site of continuity and innovation. Within specifically the famousQaṣīdat al-Burdah(trans.The Mantle Ode) by Muhammad ibn Sa'īd al-Būsīrī (d. 693/1294) and thebadī’iyyātmodeled after theBurdahin meter and rhyme initiated by Ṣafī al-Dīn al-Ḥillī (d. 750/1349), the prelude takes a significant poetic turn replacing the classical abandoned desert campsites of the Arabic ode with the city of Madīnah. Operating as a unifying repository of the medieval Islamic Republic of Letters, the amatory prelude continued to perform its classical function as a liminal space but innovatively transformed that space for the reading/listening public as a collective reimagining of the Beloved as Muhammad and the abandoned desert campsite as the City of the Prophet outside of the discursive borders of the imperial.
Standing on Common Ground: The Making of a Sunbelt Borderland
Authors: Shermer Elizabeth Tandy
Published: April 2016

The best work in the new “history of capitalism” field borrows from the tool kits of social and cultural historians and rests on the assumption that states, societies, and markets cannot be treated separately from one another. That central observation feeds the contemporary impulse to reconnect subfields, such as business, labor, and politics, which had drifted apart since the 1970s. Already this methodology has returned scholarship on the nineteenth-century United States to the topics of slavery's relationship to capitalism and the realization of selfhood either through manumission, the labor market, or finance.
South American Market Integration: The Argentina-Brazil Rivalry Myth and Motivations for the Southern Common Market
Authors: Giaever Trygve Alexander , Schofield Julian
Published: April 2016

This paper revisits and rebuts the mainstream view that Brazil and Argentina were led to form the Southern Common Market to end more than a century of rivalry and competition. We find the elements characterizing an interstate rivalry diminishing in the nineteenth century through the promotion of peaceful settlements and strategic alliances while those that could prompt security concerns disappeared years before the Southern Common Market was formed. Except for diplomatic disputes over the distribution of shared water resources, a disagreement settled in 1979, the decades preceding the Treaty of Asuncion were typified by security alliances, co-operation on economic complementarity and the promotion of bilateral institutions. We find little evidence for the implied security motivations being proposed in the literature. Rather, the establishment of the Southern Common Market was driven primarily by Argentina's and Brazil's desire to improve economic performance and advance political leverage through the promotion of a common stance in global affairs. This view challenges a common component in integration theory that, as applied to the European Union and elsewhere, asserts the privileged role of security concerns as prime driver for integration. This matters because there is a misapprehension that affects both the theory about integration as well as the formulation of policy prescriptions for South America.