bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Fluorescence Spectra Characteristics of Vinegar-Water Solutions
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Xuan , Han Caiqin
Published: April 2016

Fluorescence spectra and polarization spectra of vinegar-water solutions with different concentration of CH3COOH have been studied. The characteristics and mechanism of fluorescence spectra are discussed, and polarization degree is calculated. Vinegar-water solutions are excited by ultraviolet (UV) light at 380 nm. The characteristic fluorescence peaks of the solution were identified at 445 nm and 470 nm. The type of emission fluorescence isπ⁎→n. With the increasing concentration of CH3COOH/pH value, the peak intensity is enhanced first, and then fluorescence quenching occurs. The polarization degree confirms the molecular orientation of different sample solutions. This research provides theoretical and experimental basis for the physical/chemical properties and quality of vinegar detection by florescence spectroscopy.
Two Classes of Topological Indices of Phenylene Molecule Graphs
Authors: Wu Tingzeng
Published: April 2016

A phenylene is a conjugated hydrocarbons molecule composed of six- and four-membered rings. The matching energy of a graphGis equal to the sum of the absolute values of the zeros of the matching polynomial ofG, while the Hosoya index is defined as the total number of the independent edge sets ofG. In this paper, we determine the extremal graph with respect to the matching energy and Hosoya index for all phenylene chains.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia as an Initial Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Hung-Ping , Chen Chun-Ming , Chen Yih-Yuan , Chen Wei
Published: April 2016

The etiology of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) remains controversial. While it has been reportedly associated with several connective tissue disorders, there are only rare reports of BOOP associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we report a 56-year-old female patient who presented with dyspnea on exertion, cough, fever, and joint pain of her left wrist and fingers as initial symptoms. Laboratory tests revealed positivity for anti-nuclear antibody, anti-Ro, and anti-double strand DNA antibody. In this case, the patient with SLE had respiratory illness as the initial symptom due to BOOP in the absence of clear etiology. The diagnosis of BOOP was confirmed by thoracic surgery biopsy. Her respiratory symptoms and radiologic findings significantly improved following prednisolone treatment.
A Novel CSR-Based Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication on GPUs
Authors: He Guixia , Gao Jiaquan
Published: April 2016

Sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) is an important operation in scientific computations. Compressed sparse row (CSR) is the most frequently used format to store sparse matrices. However, CSR-based SpMVs on graphic processing units (GPUs), for example, CSR-scalar and CSR-vector, usually have poor performance due to irregular memory access patterns. This motivates us to propose a perfect CSR-based SpMV on the GPU that is called PCSR. PCSR involves two kernels and accesses CSR arrays in a fully coalesced manner by introducing a middle array, which greatly alleviates the deficiencies of CSR-scalar (rare coalescing) and CSR-vector (partial coalescing). Test results on a single C2050 GPU show that PCSR fully outperforms CSR-scalar, CSR-vector, and CSRMV and HYBMV in the vendor-tuned CUSPARSE library and is comparable with a most recently proposed CSR-based algorithm, CSR-Adaptive. Furthermore, we extend PCSR on a single GPU to multiple GPUs. Experimental results on four C2050 GPUs show that no matter whether the communication between GPUs is considered or not PCSR on multiple GPUs achieves good performance and has high parallel efficiency.
Air Gauge Characteristics Linearity Improvement
Authors: Jermak Cz. J. , Jakubowicz M. , Dereżyński J. , Rucki M.
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses calibration uncertainty and linearity issues of the typical back-pressure air gauge. In this sort of air gauge, the correlation between the measured dimension (represented by the slot width) and the air pressure in the measuring chamber is used in a proportional range. However, when high linearity is required (e.g., nonlinearity less than 1%), the measuring range should be shortened. In the proposed method, based on knowledge of the static characteristics of air gauges, the measuring range is kept unchanged but the nonlinearity is decreased. The static characteristics may be separated into two sections, each of them approximated with a different linear function. As a result, the nonlinearity is reduced from 5% down to 1% and even below.
The Use of Low Temperature Detectors for Direct Measurements of the Mass of the Electron Neutrino
Authors: Nucciotti A.
Published: April 2016

Recent years have witnessed many exciting breakthroughs in neutrino physics. The detection of neutrino oscillations has proved that neutrinos are massive particles, but the assessment of their absolute mass scale is still an outstanding challenge in today particle physics and cosmology. Since low temperature detectors were first proposed for neutrino physics experiments in 1984, there has been tremendous technical progress: today this technique offers the high energy resolution and scalability required to perform competitive experiments challenging the lowest electron neutrino masses. This paper reviews the thirty-year effort aimed at realizing calorimetric measurements with sub-eV neutrino mass sensitivity using low temperature detectors.
Association of Microalbuminuria with Metabolic Syndrome among Aged Population
Authors: Li Xiao-Hong , Lin Hai-Yan , Wang Shu-Hua , Guan Li-Ying , Wang Yi-Bing
Published: April 2016

Background. The impact of the various components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on chronic kidney disease has been conflicting. We aim to investigate the association between MetS and microalbuminuria and identify the major contributing components of MetS that result in microalbuminuria in the Chinese aged population. Methods. A total of 674 adults aged 55–98 years (males: 266; mean age: 66.5±7.5 years) were studied. MetS was defined by the 2004 Chinese Diabetes Society criteria and microalbuminuria by urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥3 mg/mmoL. Results. The prevalence of microalbuminuria was gradually increased with increasing number of MetS components (P<0.05). In multivariate regression, after adjusting for age and sex, MetS was the strongest correlate of microalbuminuria (OR = 1.781, 95% CI = 1.226–2.587; P<0.05) followed by the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (OR = 1.217, 95% CI = 1.044–1.092; P<0.05), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR = 1.011, 95% CI = 1.107–1.338; P<0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 0.576, 95% CI = 0.348–0.953; P<0.05). Conclusions. MetS is independently associated with microalbuminuria in the Chinese aged population. Elevated FPG is the most predominant component of metabolic syndrome associated with microalbuminuria followed by elevated SBP and reduced HDL-C.
2-Phenethyl Isothiocyanate, Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 Polymorphisms, and Detoxification of Volatile Organic Carcinogens and Toxicants in Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Yuan Jian-Min , Murphy Sharon E. , Stepanov Irina , Wang Renwei , Carmella Steven G. , Nelson Heather H. , Hatsukami Dorothy , Hecht Stephen S.
Published: April 2016

Cigarette smoke contains relatively large quantities of volatile organic toxicants or carcinogens such as benzene, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde. Among their detoxification products are mercapturic acids formed from glutathione conjugation, catalyzed in part by glutathione S-transferases (GST). A randomized phase II clinical trial with a crossover design was conducted to evaluate the effect of 2-phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a natural product formed from gluconasturtiin in certain cruciferous vegetables, on the detoxification of benzene, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde in 82 cigarette smokers. Urinary mercapturic acids of benzene, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde at baseline and during treatment were quantified. Overall, oral PEITC supplementation increased the mercapturic acid formed from benzene by 24.6% (P = 0.002) and acrolein by 15.1% (P = 0.005), but had no effect on crotonaldehyde. A remarkably stronger effect was observed among subjects with the null genotype of both GSTM1 and GSTT1: in these individuals, PEITC increased the detoxification metabolite of benzene by 95.4% (P < 0.001), of acrolein by 32.7% (P = 0.034), and of crotonaldehyde by 29.8% (P = 0.006). In contrast, PEITC had no effect on these mercapturic acids in smokers possessing both genes. PEITC had no effect on the urinary oxidative stress biomarker 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α or the inflammation biomarker prostaglandin E2 metabolite. This trial demonstrates an important role of PEITC in detoxification of environmental carcinogens and toxicants which also occur in cigarette smoke. The selective effect of PEITC on detoxification in subjects lacking both GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes supports the epidemiologic findings of stronger protection by dietary isothiocyanates against the development of lung cancer in such individuals. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 598–606. ©2016 AACR.
International Clinical Guidelines for the Adoption of Digital Pathology: A Review of Technical Aspects
Authors: García-Rojo Marcial
Published: April 2016

Digital slides, also called whole-slide images, are being evaluated to replace conventional microscopy, and several guidelines have been published. This paper reviews technical specifications of digital pathology systems that have been included in the guidelines and position papers from the Canadian Association of Pathologists, the College of American Pathologists, the American Telemedicine Association, the Digital Pathology Association, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Society of Toxicologic Pathology, the European Commission, the Spanish Society of Anatomic Pathology, The Royal College of Pathologists and The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. In conclusion, most technical aspects are well covered by these guidelines, although they offer limited information regarding image quality and compression, and file formats.
The Role of Micro-CT in 3D Histology Imaging
Authors: Senter-Zapata Michael , Patel Kunal , Bautista Pinky A. , Griffin Molly , Michaelson James , Yagi Yukako
Published: April 2016

Objectives: 3D histology tissue modeling is a useful analytical technique for understanding anatomy and disease at the cellular level. However, the current accuracy of 3D histology technology is largely unknown, and errors, misalignment and missing information are common in 3D tissue reconstruction. We used micro-CT imaging technology to better understand these issues and the relationship between fresh tissue and its 3D histology counterpart. Methods: We imaged formalin-fixed and 2% Lugol-stained mouse brain, human uterus and human lung tissue with micro-CT. We then conducted image analyses on the tissues before and after paraffin embedding using 3D Slicer and ImageJ software to understand how tissue changes between the fixation and embedding steps. Results: We found that all tissue samples decreased in volume by 19.2-61.5% after embedding, that micro-CT imaging can be used to assess the integrity of tissue blocks, and that micro-CT analysis can help to design an optimized tissue-sectioning protocol. Conclusions: Micro-CT reference data help to identify where and to what extent tissue was lost or damaged during slide production, provides valuable anatomical information for reconstructing missing parts of a 3D tissue model, and aids in correcting reconstruction errors when fitting the image information in vivo and ex vivo.
Development of a 2D Image Reconstruction and Viewing System for Histological Images from Multiple Tissue Blocks: Towards High-Resolution Whole-Organ 3D Histological Images
Authors: Hashimoto Noriaki , Bautista Pinky A. , Haneishi Hideaki , Snuderl Matija , Yagi Yukako
Published: April 2016

High-resolution 3D histology image reconstruction of the whole brain organ starts from reconstructing the high-resolution 2D histology images of a brain slice. In this paper, we introduced a method to automatically align the histology images of thin tissue sections cut from the multiple paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of a brain slice. For this method, we employed template matching and incorporated an optimization technique to further improve the accuracy of the 2D reconstructed image. In the template matching, we used the gross image of the brain slice as a reference to the reconstructed 2D histology image of the slice, while in the optimization procedure, we utilized the Jaccard index as the metric of the reconstruction accuracy. The results of our experiment on the initial 3 different whole-brain tissue slices showed that while the method works, it is also constrained by tissue deformations introduced during the tissue processing and slicing. The size of the reconstructed high-resolution 2D histology image of a brain slice is huge, and designing an image viewer that makes particularly efficient use of the computing power of a standard computer used in our laboratories is of interest. We also present the initial implementation of our 2D image viewer system in this paper.
Prostatakrebs: Fallberichte von seltenen Formen der Manifestation und Metastasierung
Authors: Mandaliya Hiren , Sung Joshua , Hill Joanna , Samali Ramin , George Mathew
Published: April 2016

Das Prostatakarzinom ist die zweithäufigste Krebsart bei Männern. Die Diagnose erfolgt im Frühstadium anhand einer Prostatabiopsie, die aufgrund einer Prostatasymptomatik oder eines asymptomatischen Anstiegs des prostataspezifischen Antigens durchgeführt wird. In fortgeschrittenen Stadien kann die Krankheit sich lokal ausbreiten und Metastasen in Lymphknoten, Knochen, Lunge usw. bilden. Die initiale Manifestation eines Prostatakarzinoms in Form einer Hirnmetastase ist äußerst selten. Auch eine Metastasierung von Prostatakarzinomen in die Brust kommt sehr selten vor. Wir stellen hier 2 einzigartige Fälle von Prostatakrebs vor, 1 mit Hirnmetastasen als initiale Manifestation eines Adenokarzinoms der Prostata und 1 mit diagnostiziertem Prostatakarzinom und Brustmetastasen. Theoretisch können Krebserkrankungen in alle Regionen des Körpers streuen, doch tatsächlich sind die hier beschriebenen Manifestations- bzw. Metastasierungsformen von Prostatakrebs noch nicht oft gesehen worden.
Environmental Iodine Content, Female Sex and Age Are Associated with New-Onset Amiodarone-Induced Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Adverse Reactions of Amiodarone on the Thyroid
Authors: Zhong Bin , Wang Yazhu , Zhang Guo , Wang Zhe
Published: April 2016

Objectives: To investigate the incidence of new-onset amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (AIH) and the associated risk factors. Methods: We performed a systematic search in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and the Chinese database from 1995 to 2015. Studies that investigated amiodarone-related adverse reactions on the thyroid were included. A random-effect model was used for the meta-analysis to investigate the incidence rate of AIH and associated risk factors. Results: We identified 465 studies, of which data from 9 studies were included, comprising 1,972 patients. The incidence of AIH was 14.0% (95% confidence interval, CI, 8.7-21.7%) as a whole; it was higher in areas with a high than a low iodine content in the environment (20.3 vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001); subgroup analysis showed that AIH occurred in 19.2% (95% CI 10.2-33.1%) of women and 13.3% (95% CI 7.9-21.7%) of men (p < 0.001). Meta-regression analysis indicated a positive correlation with the mean age and percentage of women. Conclusions: The occurrence of AIH is a relatively frequent complication of amiodarone, and older women are more likely to develop AIH, especially in areas with a high iodine content in the environment, and restriction of total exposure to iodine might decrease the incidence of AIH.
MLC901 Favors Angiogenesis and Associated Recovery after Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Authors: Gandin Carine , Widmann Catherine , Lazdunski Michel , Heurteaux Catherine
Published: April 2016

Background: There is increasing evidence that angiogenesis, through new blood vessel formation, results in improved collateral circulation and may impact the long-term recovery of patients. In this study, we first investigated the preventive action of a 5-week pretreatment of MLC901, an herbal extract preparation derived from Chinese medicine, against the deleterious effects of ischemic stroke and its effects on angiogenesis in a model of focal ischemia in mice. Methods: The stroke model was induced by 60 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. MLC901 was administered in the drinking water of animals (6 g/l) for 5 weeks before ischemia and then during reperfusion. Results: MLC901 treatment increased the survival rate, reduced the cerebral infarct area and attenuated the blood brain barrier leakage as well as the neurologic dysfunction following ischemia and reperfusion. We provide evidence that MLC901 enhances endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis by increasing the number of neocortical vessels in the infarcted area. MLC901 regulates the expression of hypoxic inducible factor 1α and its downstream targets such as vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietins 1 and 2. This work also shows that erythropoietin is an important player in the enhancement of angiogenesis by MLC901. Conclusions: These results demonstrate therapeutic properties of MLC901, in addition to those previously described, in stimulating revascularization, neuroprotection and repair of the neurovascular unit after ischemic stroke.
Dihydroergotamine Tartrate Induces Lung Cancer Cell Death through Apoptosis and Mitophagy
Authors: Chang Seung-Hee , Lee Ah Young , Yu Kyeong-Nam , Park Jongsun , Kim Kwang Pyo , Cho Myung-Haing
Published: April 2016

Background: Mitochondria have emerged as a major target for anticancer therapy because of their critical role in cancer cell survival. Our preliminary works have suggested that dihydroergotamine tartrate (DHE), an antimigraine agent, may have effects on mitochondria. Methods: We examined the effect of DHE on the survival of several lung cancer cells and confirmed that DHE suppressed diverse lung cancer cell growth effectively. To confirm whether such effects of DHE would be associated with mitochondria, A549 cells were employed for the evaluation of several important parameters, such as membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, ATP production and autophagy. Results: DHE decreased membrane permeability, increased ROS generation as well as apoptosis, and disturbed ATP production. Eventually, mitophagy was activated for damaged mitochondria. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings demonstrate that DHE induces lung cancer cell death by the induction of apoptosis and mitophagy, thus suggesting that DHE can be developed as an anti-lung cancer therapeutic agent.
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Single-Dose Rivaroxaban in Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Dias Clapton , Moore Kenneth Todd , Murphy Joe , Ariyawansa Jay , Smith William , Mills Roger M. , Weir Matthew R.
Published: April 2016

Background: This study aimed to characterize the single-dose pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile of rivaroxaban 15 mg administered before and after dialysis in subjects with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and to compare this profile in subjects with ESRD to that in healthy control subjects (creatinine clearance ≥80 ml/min). Methods: This was an open-label, single-dose, single-center, parallel-group study of rivaroxaban in ESRD subjects who had been clinically stable on maintenance hemodialysis for ≥3 months. In 8 subjects with ESRD, a 15-mg dose of rivaroxaban was administered 2 ± 0.5 h before a hemodialysis session and repeated 7-14 days later at 3 h after a 4-h hemodialysis session. Eight healthy control subjects, matched for age, sex, and body mass index, received one 15-mg rivaroxaban dose. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, area under the rivaroxaban plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) increased by 56% following post-dialysis administration. Assuming similar bioavailability between groups, this reflects an approximate 35% decrease in overall drug clearance in ESRD subjects. Pre-dialysis dosing resulted in only 5% lowering of AUC versus post-dialysis dosing, confirming the minimal impact of dialysis on the PK of rivaroxaban. PD effects, as assessed by change in prothrombin time, percent factor Xa inhibition, and anti-Xa activity, were generally concordant with observed changes in plasma PK. Conclusions: Changes in PK and PD parameters in chronic dialysis patients were generally comparable to changes observed previously in patients with moderate-to-severe renal impairment who were not undergoing dialysis, and support use of a 15-mg dose in this patient population.
How Not to Be Misled by Disorders Mimicking Angioedema: A Review of Pseudoangioedema
Authors: Andersen Michelle Fog , Longhurst Hilary J. , Rasmussen Eva Rye , Bygum Anette
Published: April 2016

Background: Angioedema is a vascular reaction involving the lower dermis, subcutis and/or submucosal tissue and causing a temporary localized swelling in any part of the body. For many health care professionals, the diagnosis presents an ongoing challenge; several disorders may manifest with subcutaneous or submucosal swelling and falsely be assumed to be angioedema. The clinicians at the emergency department and in the immunology/allergy clinics must be skilled at recognizing the features of angioedema and its differential diagnosis. Methods: The review is based on a literature search with specific indexing terms in PubMed, a review of bibliographies and the authors' clinical experience. Results: The most essential diseases that mimic angioedema, the so-called pseudoangioedemas, will each be discussed and illustrated by clinical photos, pointing out key features that help clarify the diagnoses and differentiate these from classic angioedema. Conclusions: A variety of dermatologic conditions can cause swelling that resembles angioedema, some with a potentially fatal outcome if misdiagnosed. Knowledge of pseudoangioedema is fundamental in the emergency setting when handling patients with edema and should be kept in mind when assessing an atypical angioedema case.
Morphine delays the onset of action of prasugrel in patients with prior history of ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Thomas Mark , Morton Allison , Hossain Rashed , Chen Beining , Luo Lei , Shahari Nur Nazihah , Hua Peng , Beniston Richard , Judge Heather , Storey Robert
Published: April 2016

Delays in the onset of action of prasugrel during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) have been reported and could be related to the effects of morphine on gastric emptying and subsequent intestinal absorption. The study objective was to determine whether morphine delays the onset of action of prasugrel in patients with a prior history of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with PPCI. This was a crossover study of 11 aspirin-treated patients with prior history of STEMI treated with PPCI, for which prasugrel and morphine had been previously administered. Patients were randomised to receive either morphine (5 mg) or saline intravenously followed by 60 mg prasugrel. Blood samples were collected before randomised treatment and over 24 hours after prasugrel administration. The inhibitory effects of prasugrel on platelets were determined using the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay and light transmission aggregometry. Plasma levels of prasugrel and prasugrel active metabolite were measured. Platelet reactivity determined by VerifyNow PRU, VerifyNow % Inhibition and LTA was significantly higher at 30–120 minutes (min) when morphine had been co-administered compared to when saline had been co-administered. Morphine, compared to saline, significantly delayed adequate platelet inhibition after prasugrel administration (158 vs 68 min; p = 0.006). Patients with delayed onset of platelet inhibition also had evidence of delayed absorption of prasugrel. In conclusion, prior administration of intravenous morphine significantly delays the onset of action of prasugrel. Intravenous drugs may be necessary to reduce the risk of acute stent thrombosis in morphine-treated STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.
Functional Versus Anatomic Assessment of Myocardial Bridging by Intravascular Ultrasound: Impact of Arterial Compression on Proximal Atherosclerotic Plaque
Authors: Yamada Ryotaro , Tremmel Jennifer A. , Tanaka Shigemitsu , Lin Shin , Kobayashi Yuhei , Hollak M. Brooke , Yock Paul G. , Fitzgerald Peter J. , Schnittger Ingela , Honda Yasuhiro
Published: April 2016

Background

The presence of a myocardial bridge (
MB
) has been shown to promote atherosclerotic plaque formation proximal to the
MB
, presumably because of hemodynamic disturbances provoked by retrograde blood flow toward this segment in cardiac systole. We aimed to determine the anatomic and functional properties of an
MB
related to the extent of atherosclerosis assessed by intravascular ultrasound.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 100 patients with angina but no significant obstructive coronary artery disease who had an intravascular ultrasound–detected
MB
in the left anterior descending artery (median age 54 years, 36% male). The
MB
was identified with intravascular ultrasound by the presence of an echolucent band (halo). Anatomically, the
MB
length was 22±13 mm, and halo thickness was 0.7±0.6 mm. Functionally, systolic arterial compression was 23±12%. The maximum plaque burden up to 20 mm proximal to the
MB
entrance was significantly greater than the maximum plaque burden within the
MB
segment. Among the intravascular ultrasound–defined
MB
properties, arterial compression was the sole
MB
parameter that demonstrated a significant positive correlation with maximum plaque burden up to 20 mm proximal to the
MB
entrance (
r
=0.254,
P
=0.011 overall;
r
=0.545,
P
<0.001 low coronary risk). In multivariate analysis, adjusting for clinical characteristics and coronary risk factors, arterial compression was independently associated with maximum plaque burden up to 20 mm proximal to the
MB
entrance.

Conclusions

In patients with an MB in the left anterior descending artery, the percentage of arterial compression is related directly to the burden of atherosclerotic plaque located proximally to the
MB
, particularly in patients who otherwise have low coronary risk. This may prove helpful in identifying high‐risk
MB
patients.
Paediatric Research under the New eu Regulation on Clinical Trials: Old Issues New Challenges
Authors: Gennet Éloïse , Altavilla Annagrazia
Published: April 2016

Regulating paediatric research means searching for the balance between two valuable goals: protecting children while ensuring they benefit from safe and efficient medicines. Different legal instruments were adopted in the eu in order to regulate clinical trials, foster paediatric research and promote European and international ethical guidelines. However a new Regulation on clinical trials was adopted in 2014, and might change the current framework of paediatric research. How does the new Regulation 536/2014 foster research on children taking into account both the eu Paediatric Regulation and the eu Ethical Recommendations? Does it live up to the standards of the Directive 2001/20/ec and does it represent a step forward in accordance with international ethical guidelines? This article shows that, despite the adoption of new rules, many clarifications are still needed. Stakeholders involved in paediatric research have to play a driving role in the implementation process of the new Regulation.
In the Best Interests of the Child? The Regulation of dahr in Ireland
Authors: Bracken Lydia
Published: April 2016

The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 provides specific rules to allocate parentage in cases of donor-assisted human reproduction (‘dahr’) for the first time in Ireland. In this regard, the 2015 Act represents a positive step forward for Irish law and is one which certainly enhances the position of children who are born via donor procedures by offering their families much needed recognition and certainty. It must be considered, however, whether the provisions of the 2015 Act operate in the best interests of children to the fullest extent. This article considers the main provisions of the 2015 Act from the perspective of the child’s rights and interests to understand whether children are adequately protected by the new legislation. Ultimately, it will be shown that there are some gaps in the 2015 Act which need to be addressed so as to truly operate in children’s best interests.
Response to John Goldingay’s The Theology of the Book of Isaiah
Authors: Grey Jacqueline N.
Published: April 2016

This review and the three that follow were originally presented as a panel discussion of John Goldingay’s The Theology of the Book of Isaiah presented at the Society for Pentecostal Studies Biblical Studies section at the 2015 Society for Biblical Literature meeting. This review first presents an overview of the structure of Goldingay’s monograph before exploring and critiquing its content. There are three main issues highlighted in this analysis of Goldingay’s book: 1. the question of the starting point for the development of a biblical theology of Isaiah; 2. the need for ethical reflection and application of the theologies of Isaiah that are developed in Goldingay’s book; and 3. how the theology of revelation explored in Goldingay’s book may contribute to a Pentecostal understanding of prophecy.
John Goldingay’s Theology of the Book of Isaiah: An Appreciative Response
Authors: Moore Rickie D.
Published: April 2016

This review of John Goldingay’s Theology of the Book of Isaiah, presented in the light of Goldingay’s fruitful engagements with Pentecostal scholars for many years, affirms its deft handling of the richness and complexities of Isaiah’s thought in a way that is highly accessible and refreshingly creative. Particular note is taken of Goldingay’s skillful way of laying out the theological themes of the book of Isaiah in relation to its structural features, both in its parts and in its entirety, and also to the author’s effective rhetorical tactic of drawing out the newness of Isaiah’s key theological terms by rendering and elaborating them in entirely fresh ways. The review points to two areas that might have been given more attention in Goldingay’s work as key embodiments of Isaiah’s theology: the historical narratives in Isaiah that focus on Ahaz and Hezekiah, respectively, and the theme of the raising up of children.
Isaiah Then and Now: Reflections on the Responses to The Theology of the Book of Isaiah
Authors: Goldingay John
Published: April 2016

In this response to reviews of The Theology of the Book of Isaiah, the author discusses the relationship between systematic theology and biblical theology in connection with the study of Isaiah, the importance of listening to the meaning of Isaiah in its historical context, and the way the author works with that meaning as a preacher.
The Spirit in Jude 19–20
Authors: Estrada III Rodolfo Galvan
Published: April 2016

Even though it is mentioned twice, the Spirit within the book of Jude has often been neglected and disconnected from the writer’ exhortation to contend for the faith. This paper aims to draw out Jude’s pneumatology, the problem of dreamers in the early church, and identity of the opponents in order to demonstrate how they all relate to Jude’s argument and the community’s understanding of false charismatics. Jude writes to a community that was in danger of losing its faith by both forgetting what the apostles have taught and by neglecting the spiritual practice of praying in the Spirit. Jude makes the point that in order to combat false charismatics and contend for the faith, one must neither stop the community’s engagement with the Spirit nor avoid pneumatic experiences altogether.
Toward a Pentecostal Theology of Black Consciousness
Authors: Coulter Dale M.
Published: April 2016

This article offers a historical argument that a cultural program existed among the Sanctified churches in the first half of the twentieth century. This cultural program cultivated a distinct form of black consciousness around three elements: 1) a rehabilitation of slave religion; 2) an embrace of Ethiopianism as a global vision of pan-Africanism; and 3) an effort at Black uplift through education. One can detect features of this consciousness among important figures like Charles H. Mason, Charles Price Jones, Blind Willie Johnson, and Mother Rosa Horn. With it’s distinctive fusion of Pentecostal ecstasy and Wesleyan holiness with the concerns of Sanctified churches, this cultural consciousness must be placed alongside other visions offered by persons such as W.E.B. Dubois as seeking to advance a theology addressing the concerns of the Black Church.
Pentecostal Preaching as a Modern Epistle: A Comparison of Pentecostal Preaching with Paul’s Practice of Letter Writing
Authors: White Adam G.
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on the practice of Pentecostal preaching in comparison with Paul’s letter writing. It argues that the adoption and use of technology and modern forms of communication by Pentecostal preachers is in fact in keeping with Paul’s (and the early church’s) adoption and use of their contemporary form of communication: the letter.
Tardigrades from Nahuel Huapi National Park (Argentina, South America) with descriptions of two new Macrobiotidae species
Authors: ROSZKOWSKA MILENA , STEC DANIEL , CIOBANU DANIEL ADRIAN , KACZMAREK ŁUKASZ
Published: April 2016

In 31 samples of mosses and lichens collected in the Argentinean province of Río Negro, 657 tardigrades, 53 exuviae and 219 free-laid eggs were found. In total, 20 species were identified: Diphascon chilenense, Dip. mitrense, Echiniscus bigranulatus, Ech. corrugicaudatus, Ech. merokensis merokensis, Ech. testudo, Hebesuncus mollispinus, Hypsibius convergens, Macrobiotus cf. anderssoni, Mac. andinus, Mac. kazmierskii, Mac. patagonicus, Mesobiotus szeptyckii, Mes. pseudoblocki sp. nov., Milnesium argentinum, Mil. beatae, Mil. brachyungue, Mil. granulatum, Mopsechiniscus granulosus, Minibiotus pseudostellarus sp. nov. Of the two new species, Mesobiotus pseudoblocki sp. nov. is most similar to Mes. blocki, but it differs mainly by the lack of dentate lunules, smaller eggs and presence of reticular design on egg processes. Minibiotus pseudostellarus sp. nov. is most similar to Min. constellatus, Min. eichhorni, Min. sidereus or Min. vinciguerrae, but it differs from them by the presence of ‘pseudo-star’-shaped pores in the dorsal cuticle instead of fully developed ‘stars’ and by other morphometric characters.
Review of the genus Anthonympha Moriuti, 1971 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) from China, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: CONG PEIXIN , FAN XIMEI , LI HOUHUN
Published: April 2016

Chinese species of Anthonmypha Moriuti are reviewd. Five species are recognized, four of which are described as new: Anthonympha truncata sp. nov., A. trapezia sp. nov., A. ligulacea sp. nov. and A. reniforma sp. nov. Images of adults and genitalia are provided, along with a key to distinguishing all the Chinese species.
TATSUYA KAGA (2016) A new jellynose, Ateleopus edentatus, from the western Pacific Ocean (Teleostei: Ateleopodiformes: Ateleopodidae). Zootaxa, 4083 (4): 562–568.

Authors: KAGA TATSUYA
Published: April 2016

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Characteristics of Gravity Waves from Convection and Implications for Their Parameterization in Global Circulation Models
Authors: Stephan Claudia , Alexander M. Joan , Richter Jadwiga H.
Published: April 2016

Characteristic properties of gravity waves from convection over the continental United States are derived from idealized high-resolution numerical simulations. In a unique modeling approach, waves are forced by a realistic thermodynamic source based on observed precipitation data. The square of the precipitation rate and the gravity wave momentum fluxes both show lognormal occurrence distributions, with long tails of extreme events. Convectively generated waves can give forces in the lower stratosphere that at times rival orographic wave forcing. Throughout the stratosphere, zonal forces due to convective wave drag are much stronger than accounted for by current gravity wave drag parameterizations, so their contribution to the summer branch of the stratospheric Brewer–Dobson circulation is in fact much larger than models predict. A comparison of these forces to previous estimates of the total drag implies that convectively generated gravity waves are a primary source of summer-hemisphere stratospheric wave drag. Furthermore, intermittency and strength of the zonal forces due to convective gravity wave drag in the lower stratosphere resemble analysis increments, suggesting that a more realistic representation of these waves may help alleviate model biases on synoptic scales. The properties of radar precipitation and gravity waves seen in this study lead to a proposed change for future parameterization methods that would give more realistic drag forces in the stratosphere without compromising mesospheric gravity wave drag.
Changes in Internal Variability due to Anthropogenic Forcing: A New Field Significance Test
Authors: LaJoie Emerson , DelSole Timothy
Published: April 2016

Changes in internal variability of seasonal and annual mean 2-m temperature in response to anthropogenic forcing are quantified for a global domain using climate models driven by a twenty-first-century high-emissions scenario. While changes in variance have been quantified previously in a univariate sense, the field significance of such changes has remained unclear. This paper proposes a new field significance test for changes in variance that accounts for spatial and temporal relationships within the domain. The test proposed here uses an optimization technique based on discriminant analysis, yielding results that are invariant to linear transformations of the data and therefore independent of normalization procedures. Multiple significance tests are employed because spatial fields can differ in many ways in a multivariate space. All climate models investigated here predict significant changes in internal variability of temperature in response to anthropogenic forcing. The models consistently predict decreases to temperature variance in regions of seasonal sea ice formation and across the Southern Ocean by the end of the twenty-first century. While more than half the models also predict significant changes in variance over ENSO regions and the North Atlantic Ocean, the direction of this change is model dependent. Seasonal mean changes are remarkably similar to annual mean changes, but there are model-dependent exceptions. Some models predict future variability that is more than double their preindustrial control variability, raising questions about the adequacy of doubling uncertainty estimates to test robustness in detection and attribution studies.
Money Supply, Class Power, and Inflation
Authors: Hung Ho-fung , Thompson Daniel
Published: April 2016

Recent sociological work shows that pro-market neoliberal policies across advanced capitalist countries are due to distributional struggle between classes in the 1970s and 1980s. The orthodox monetarist view, alternatively, sees neoliberal reform as a nonpolitical attempt to end the stagflation crisis of the 1970s. From this perspective, monetary and fiscal expansions brought high inflation, and central bank discipline and government austerity is the solution; but the recent trend of low inflation despite accelerating money growth and government spending contradicts this view. Analyses of time-series cross-section data for 23 OECD countries from 1960 to 2009 support the thesis that the rise and fall of inflation is more about distribution of power between labor and capital than about monetary and fiscal discipline. Inflation in the 1970s originated from a strong working class and hurt capital more than it did workers, while neoliberal repression of workers’ power has kept inflation low from the 1980s onward. Disempowerment of labor created rising inequality and economic imbalances that fueled a financial boom underlying the global financial crisis of 2008. Re-empowering labor is a remedy to such imbalances and the subsequent deflationary pressure.
Clinical relevance of trace element measurement in patients on initiation of parenteral nutrition
Authors: Salota Rashim , Omar Sohail , Sherwood Roy A , Raja Kishor , Vincent Royce P
Published: April 2016

Background and Aims

Serum zinc, copper and selenium are measured in patients prior to commencing on parenteral nutrition; however, their interpretation can be difficult due to acute phase reactions. We assessed (i) the relationship of raised C-reactive protein with trace elements and albumin (ii) benefits of measuring trace elements when C-reactive protein is raised in patients requiring short-term parenteral nutrition.

Methods

Samples were collected for zinc, copper, selenium and albumin at baseline and then every two weeks and correlated with C-reactive protein results in patients on parenteral nutrition. Results were categorized into four groups based on the C-reactive protein concentrations: (i) <20 mg/L, (ii) 20–39 mg/L, (iii) 40–79 mg/L and (iv) ≥80 mg/L.

Results

In 166 patients, zinc, selenium and albumin correlated (Spearman’s) negatively with C-reactive protein; r = −0.26, P < 0.001 (95% CI −0.40 to −0.11), r = −0.44, P < 0.001 (−0.56 to −0.29) and r = −0.22 P = 0.005 (−0.36 to −0.07), respectively. Copper did not correlate with C-reactive protein (r = 0.09, P = 0.25 [−0.07 to 0.25]). Comparison of trace elements between the four groups showed no difference in zinc and copper (both P > 0.05), whereas selenium and albumin were lower in the group with C-reactive protein > 40 mg/L ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In patients on short-term parenteral nutrition, measurement of C-reactive protein is essential when interpreting zinc and selenium but not copper results. Routine measurement of trace elements prior to commencing parenteral nutrition has to be considered on an individual basis in patients with inflammation.
External Hand Forces Exerted by Long-Term Care Staff to Push Floor-Based Lifts
Authors: Lachance Chantelle C. , Korall Alexandra M. B. , Russell Colin M. , Feldman Fabio , Robinovitch Stephen N. , Mackey Dawn C.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of flooring type and resident weight on external hand forces required to push floor-based lifts in long-term care (LTC).

Background:

Novel compliant flooring is designed to reduce fall-related injuries among LTC residents but may increase forces required for staff to perform pushing tasks. A motorized lift may offset the effect of flooring on push forces.

Method:

Fourteen female LTC staff performed straight-line pushes with two floor-based lifts (conventional, motor driven) loaded with passengers of average and 90th-percentile resident weights over four flooring systems (concrete+vinyl, compliant+vinyl, concrete+carpet, compliant+carpet). Initial and sustained push forces were measured by a handlebar-mounted triaxial load cell and compared to participant-specific tolerance limits. Participants rated pushing difficulty.

Results:

Novel compliant flooring increased initial and sustained push forces and subjective ratings compared to concrete flooring. Compared to the conventional lift, the motor-driven lift substantially reduced initial and sustained push forces and perceived difficulty of pushing for all four floors and both resident weights. Participants exerted forces above published tolerance limits only when using the conventional lift on the carpet conditions (concrete+carpet, compliant+carpet). With the motor-driven lift only, resident weight did not affect push forces.

Conclusion:

Novel compliant flooring increased linear push forces generated by LTC staff using floor-based lifts, but forces did not exceed tolerance limits when pushing over compliant+vinyl. The motor-driven lift substantially reduced push forces compared to the conventional lift.

Application:

Results may help to address risk of work-related musculoskeletal injury, especially in locations with novel compliant flooring.
Nurse Unions and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Dube Arindrajit , Kaplan Ethan , Thompson Owen
Published: April 2016

The authors estimate the impact of nurse unions on health care quality using patient-discharge data and the universe of hospital unionization in California between 1996 and 2005. They find that hospitals with a successful union election outperform hospitals with a failed election in 12 of 13 potentially nurse-sensitive patient outcomes. Hospitals were more likely to have a unionization attempt if they were of declining quality, as measured by patient outcomes. When such differential trends are accounted for, unionized hospitals also outperform hospitals without any union election in the same 12 of 13 outcome measures. Consistent with a causal impact, the largest changes occur precisely in the year of unionization. The biggest improvements are found in the incidence of metabolic derangement, pulmonary failure, and central nervous system disorders such as depression and delusion, in which the estimated changes are between 15% and 60% of the mean incidence for those measures.
Classroom Conversation Analysis and Critical Reflective Practice: Self-evaluation of Teacher Talk Framework in Focus
Authors: Ghafarpour Hajar
Published: April 2016

The uniqueness of the Language Classroom and its complexity raises a need for foreign language teachers to develop necessary skills and knowledge to observe, analyse and evaluate their classroom discourse. Hence, interactional awareness of language teachers is an integral part of pedagogical and practical knowledge. In this article, the Self-Evaluation of Teacher Talk framework (SETT) proposed by Walsh (2006) will be discussed in detail and its contribution to critical reflective practice will be probed. The extracts are taken from 12 hours of tape recording of a university General English course and supported by a teacher’s diary for analysis. The results demonstrate that although the SETT framework is representative and useful, setting and institutional requirements should not be ignored. This article has implications not only for developing critical reflective practice for in-service teachers but also for teacher training.
The Shape of Problems to Come
Authors: Vealey Kyle P.
Published: April 2016

In this article, I argue that remote technical communicators increasingly encounter problems with making their work visible to others. This article offers a methodology to help remote workers and technical communication researchers locate how problems of visibility emerge from complex and local relations among people, places, and things.
World 3 and Methodological Individualism in Popper’s Thought
Authors: Di Iorio Francesco
Published: April 2016

Popper’s theory of World 3 is often regarded as incongruent with his defense of methodological individualism. This article criticizes this widespread view. Methodological individualism is said to be at odds with three crucial assumptions of the theory of World 3: (a) the impossibility of reducing World 3 to subjective mental states because it exists objectively, (b) the view that the mental functions cannot be explained by assuming that individuals are isolated atoms, and (c) the idea that World 3 has causal power and influences both individual minds and actions. This article demonstrates that the inconsistency thesis stems from a confusion between methodological individualism as understood by Popper and reductionism. The reasons for this confusion are analyzed and clarified. It is argued that two variants of methodological individualism can be distinguished, and that unlike psychologistic individualism, Popper’s nonatomistic individualism is fully consistent with his theory of World 3.