bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R2S: Radio Resource Sharing for Wireless Network Reliability in Internet of Things
Authors: Lee Kisong , Lee Howon
Published: August 2015

Internet of Things is a system where people and things with unique identifiers are connected and able to interact with each other over a network without external intervention. To connect things anytime, network reliability is one of the main requirements for the Internet of Things, in which continuous service can be provided to nodes even in the event of a sudden network failure. To serve consistent quality of service for nodes in any case, we propose a radio resource sharing (R2S) method which consists of scheduling and power allocation using an optimization method. By evaluating performances with respect to average cell capacity and outage probability in simulations, we show that the R2S algorithm can solve a coverage hole problem efficiently in Internet of Things.
The Rate at Which the Energy of Solutions for a Class ofp-Laplacian Wave Equation Decays
Authors: Mokeddem Soufiane , Mansour Khaled Ben Walid
Published: August 2015

We will investigate the decay estimate of the energy of the global solutions to thep-Laplacian wave equation with dissipation of the formutt-div (∇xup-2∇xu)+σ(t)(ut-div (∇xutm-2∇xut))=0under suitable assumptions on the positive functionσ. For this end we use the multiplier method combined with nonlinear integral inequalities given by Martinez; the proof is based on the construction of a special weight function that depends on the behavior ofσ.
Hom-O-Operators and Hom-Yang-Baxter Equations
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Liangyun
Published: August 2015

In Hom-Lie set, we introduce the concept of Hom-O-operators and study its relation with classical Hom-Yang-Baxter equation, as well as left-symmetric Hom-algebras. We construct the corresponding relation between left-symmetric Hom-algebras and Hom-1-cocycles, which are both related to classical Hom-Yang-Baxter equation. Moreover, in Hom-algebra setting, we establish the equivalent relationship between AHYBE (associative Hom-Yang-Baxter equations) andO-operators on Frobenius monoidal Hom-algebras.
Sensitivity of Small Cell Lung Cancer to BET Inhibition Is Mediated by Regulation of ASCL1 Gene Expression
Authors: Lenhart Ryan , Kirov Stefan , Desilva Heshani , Cao Jian , Lei Ming , Johnston Kathy , Peterson Russell , Schweizer Liang , Purandare Ashok , Ross-Macdonald Petra , Fairchild Craig , Wong Tai , Wee Susan
Published: August 2015

The BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) proteins bind acetylated histones and recruit protein complexes to promote transcription elongation. In hematologic cancers, BET proteins have been shown to regulate expression of MYC and other genes that are important to disease pathology. Pharmacologic inhibition of BET protein binding has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in MYC-dependent cancers, such as multiple myeloma. In this study, we demonstrate that small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells are exquisitely sensitive to growth inhibition by the BET inhibitor JQ1. JQ1 treatment has no impact on MYC protein expression, but results in downregulation of the lineage-specific transcription factor ASCL1. SCLC cells that are sensitive to JQ1 are also sensitive to ASCL1 depletion by RNAi. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies confirmed the binding of the BET protein BRD4 to the ASCL1 enhancer, and the ability of JQ1 to disrupt the interaction. The importance of ASCL1 as a potential driver oncogene in SCLC is further underscored by the observation that ASCL1 is overexpressed in >50% of SCLC specimens, an extent greater than that observed for other putative oncogenes (MYC, MYCN, and SOX2) previously implicated in SCLC. Our studies have provided a mechanistic basis for the sensitivity of SCLC to BET inhibition and a rationale for the clinical development of BET inhibitors in this disease with high unmet medical need. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(10); 2167–74. ©2015 AACR.
Durability of Kinase-Directed Therapies—A Network Perspective on Response and Resistance
Authors: Murray Brion W. , Miller Nichol
Published: August 2015

Protein kinase–directed cancer therapies yield impressive initial clinical responses, but the benefits are typically transient. Enhancing the durability of clinical response is dependent upon patient selection, using drugs with more effective pharmacology, anticipating mechanisms of drug resistance, and applying concerted drug combinations. Achieving these tenets requires an understanding of the targeted kinase's role in signaling networks, how the network responds to drug perturbation, and patient-to-patient network variations. Protein kinases create sophisticated, malleable signaling networks with fidelity coded into the processes that regulate their presence and function. Robust and reliable signaling is facilitated through network processes (e.g., feedback regulation, and compensatory signaling). The routine use of kinase-directed therapies and advancements in both genomic analysis and tumor cell biology are illuminating the complexity of tumor network biology and its capacity to respond to perturbations. Drug efficacy is attenuated by alterations of the drug target (e.g., steric interference, compensatory activity, and conformational changes), compensatory signaling (bypass mechanisms and phenotype switching), and engagement of other oncogenic capabilities (polygenic disease). Factors influencing anticancer drug response and resistance are examined to define the behavior of kinases in network signaling, mechanisms of drug resistance, drug combinations necessary for durable clinical responses, and strategies to identify mechanisms of drug resistance. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(9); 1975–84. ©2015 AACR.
Progression of Lung Cancer Is Associated with Increased Dysfunction of T Cells Defined by Coexpression of Multiple Inhibitory Receptors
Authors: Thommen Daniela S. , Schreiner Jens , Müller Philipp , Herzig Petra , Roller Andreas , Belousov Anton , Umana Pablo , Pisa Pavel , Klein Christian , Bacac Marina , Fischer Ozana S. , Moersig Wolfgang , Savic Prince Spasenija , Levitsky Victor , Karanikas Vaios , Lardinois Didier , Zippelius Alfred
Published: August 2015

Dysfunctional T cells present in malignant lesions are characterized by a sustained and highly diverse expression of inhibitory receptors, also referred to as immune checkpoints. Yet, their relative functional significance in different cancer types remains incompletely understood. In this study, we provide a comprehensive characterization of the diversity and expression patterns of inhibitory receptors on tumor-infiltrating T cells from patients with non–small cell lung cancer. In spite of the large heterogeneity observed in the amount of PD-1, Tim-3, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and BTLA expressed on intratumoral CD8+ T cells from 32 patients, a clear correlation was established between increased expression of these inhibitory coreceptors and progression of the disease. Notably, the latter was accompanied by a progressively impaired capacity of T cells to respond to polyclonal activation. Coexpression of several inhibitory receptors was gradually acquired, with early PD-1 and late LAG-3/BTLA expression. PD-1 blockade was able to restore T-cell function only in a subset of patients. A high percentage of PD-1hi T cells was correlated with poor restoration of T-cell function upon PD-1 blockade. Of note, PD-1hi expression marked a particularly dysfunctional T-cell subset characterized by coexpression of multiple inhibitory receptors and thus may assist in identifying patients likely to respond to inhibitory receptor–specific antibodies. Overall, these data may provide a framework for future personalized T-cell–based therapies aiming at restoration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte effector functions. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(12); 1344–55. ©2015 AACR.
miR-590-3p Is a Novel MicroRNA in Myocarditis by Targeting Nuclear Factor Kappa-B in vivo
Authors: Zhao Sijia , Yang Guang , Liu Pei-Ning , Deng Yang-Yang , Zhao Zhao , Sun Tao , Zhuo Xiao-Zhen , Liu Jun-Hui , Tian Yuling , Zhou Juan , Yuan Zuyi , Wu Yue
Published: August 2015

Objective: Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)-induced inflammation leads to myocarditis and heart dysfunction. How microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to this process is poorly defined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether miRNAs regulate NF-κB-induced inflammation in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in vivo. Methods and Results: NF-κB and its related proinflammatory genes, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), were activated in EAM. Profiling of NF-κB-related miRNAs revealed that miR-590-3p was strikingly reduced in EAM. We found IL-6-induced proinflammatory signaling via miR-590-3p reduction, p50 induction, NF-κB activation and IL-6/TNF-a expression. Moreover, a luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-590-3p directly interacted with the 3' UTR (untranslated region) of the p50 subunit, and that miR-590-3p overexpression inhibited p50 expression. Finally, miR-590-3p transfection through adeno-associated virus significantly inhibited p50 expression, suppressed NF-κB activity and blocked IL-6/TNF-a expression in vivo, reducing the lesion area and improving cardiac function in EAM. Conclusion: miR-590-3p is a novel NF-κB-related miRNA that directly targets the p50 subunit. This may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of myocarditis.
Serum S100A12 and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification Over 4 Years in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Yin-na , Sun Yi , Wang Ying , Jia Yan-li
Published: August 2015

Background/Aim: Vascular calcification is common and contributes to increased cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the associations of serum S100A12 in the presence of severe coronary artery calcification (CAC) and the progression of CAC in HD patients. Methods: Sixty maintenance HD patients and 30 controls were enrolled. Serum S100A12 levels were measured using ELISA. CAC scores (CACs) were measured twice at a 4-year interval using multislice spiral CT. The HD patients were classified as rapid progressors or slow progressors according to the change in the CACs across these 2 measurements (ΔCACs). Results: The incidences of rapid progression of CAC in patients with baseline CACs ≤10, CACs >10 and CACs >400 were 12.5, 40.0 and 64.3%, respectively. Both baseline and 4-year serum S100A12 levels were significantly higher in the rapid progressors than in the slow progressors (medians of 45.6 vs. 30.2 ng/ml, p < 0.001 and 62.3 vs. 39.4 ng/ml, p = 0.002, respectively). The serum S100A12 levels were significantly correlated with baseline CACs (r = 0.466, p < 0.001), 4-year CACs (r = 0.440, p < 0.001) and ΔCACs (r = 0.392, p < 0.001). Importantly, the ΔCACs were significantly correlated with ΔS100A12 levels (r = 0.396, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the serum S100A12 level was as an independent determinant of the presence of severe CAC and that the increment in the serum S100A12 level was a factor that was significantly independently associated with the progression of CAC. Conclusions: Serum S100A12 levels were significantly associated with the presence of severe CAC, and the increment in serum S100A12 levels was an independent determinant of the progression of CAC.
Ventricular Tachycardia and Early Fibrillation in Patients With Brugada Syndrome and Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Show Predictable Frequency-Phase Properties on the Precordial ECG Consistent With the Respective Arrhythmogenic Substrate
Authors: Calvo David , Atienza Felipe , Saiz Javier , Martínez Laura , Ávila Pablo , Rubín José , Herreros Benito , Arenal Ángel , García-Fernández Javier , Ferrer Ana , Sebastián Rafael , Martínez-Camblor Pablo , Jalife José , Berenfeld Omer
Published: August 2015

Background—

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) has been proposed to be maintained by localized high-frequency sources. We tested whether spectral-phase analysis of the precordial ECG enabled identification of periodic activation patterns generated by such sources.

Methods and Results—

Precordial ECGs were recorded from 15 ischemic cardiomyopathy and 15 Brugada syndrome (type 1 ECG) patients during induced VF and analyzed in the frequency-phase domain. Despite temporal variability, induced VF episodes lasting 19.6±7.9 s displayed distinctly high power at a common frequency (shared frequency, 5.7±1.1 Hz) in all leads about half of the time. In patients with Brugada syndrome, phase analysis of shared frequency showed a V
1
–V
6
sequence as would be expected from patients displaying a type 1 ECG pattern (
P
<0.001). Hilbert-based phases confirmed that the most stable sequence over the whole VF duration was V
1
–V
6
. Analysis of shared frequency in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with anteroseptal (n=4), apical (n=3), and inferolateral (n=4) myocardial infarction displayed a sequence starting at V
1
–V
2
, V
3
–V
4
, and V
5
–V
6
, respectively, consistent with an activation origin at the scar location (
P
=0.005). Sequences correlated with the Hilbert-based phase analysis (
P
<0.001). Posterior infarction (n=4) displayed no specific sequence. On paired comparison, phase sequences during monomorphic ventricular tachycardia correlated moderately with VF (
P
<0.001). Moreover, there was a dominant frequency gradient from precordial leads facing the scar region to the contralateral leads (5.8±0.8 versus 5.4±1.1 Hz;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

Noninvasive analysis of ventricular tachycardia and early VF in patients with Brugada syndrome and ischemic cardiomyopathy shows a predictable sequence in the frequency-phase domain, consistent with anatomic location of the arrhythmogenic substrate.
Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction by Longitudinal Strain Is an Independent Predictor of Incident Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Russo Cesare , Jin Zhezhen , Sera Fusako , Lee Edward S. , Homma Shunichi , Rundek Tatjana , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Sacco Ralph L. , Di Tullio Marco R.
Published: August 2015

Background—

The increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a public health issue. Identifying new predictors of AF is therefore necessary to plan preventive strategies. We investigated whether left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction by global longitudinal strain (GLS), a predictor of cardiovascular events, may predict new-onset AF in a population setting.

Methods and Results—

Participants (n=675; mean age, 71±9 years; 60% women) in sinus rhythm from the population-based Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS) underwent 2- and 3-dimensional echocardiography as part of the Cardiac Abnormalities and Brain Lesions (CABL) study. LV systolic function was assessed by LV ejection fraction and speckle-tracking GLS. During a mean follow-up of 63.6±18.7 months, 32 (4.7%) new confirmed cases of AF occurred. Lower GLS (adjusted hazard ratio/unit decrease, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.43;
P
=0.015) and increased left atrial volume index (LAVi; adjusted hazard ratio/unit increase, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.17;
P
<0.001) were significantly associated with incident AF, whereas LV ejection fraction was not (
P
=0.176). Abnormal GLS (>–14.7%) was associated with risk of new-onset AF with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.4–7.5;
P
=0.007). The coexistence of abnormal GLS/abnormal LAVi was associated with a 28.6% incidence of AF (adjusted hazard ratio, 12.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.3–44.8;
P
<0.001) compared with participants with normal GLS/normal LAVi (AF incidence, 2.0%). AF incidence was intermediate in those with either abnormal GLS or abnormal LAVi (9.3% and 11.1%, respectively). GLS prognostic value for incident AF was incremental over risk factors and LAVi.

Conclusions—

LV systolic dysfunction by GLS was a powerful and independent predictor of incident AF. GLS assessment may improve AF risk stratification in addition to established parameters.
Assessment of Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients With Recent Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Layland Jamie , Rauhalammi Samuli , Watkins Stuart , Ahmed Nadeem , McClure John , Lee Matthew M.Y. , Carrick David , O’Donnell Anna , Sood Arvind , Petrie Mark C. , Teng Yue May Vannesa , Eteiba Hany , Lindsay Mitchell , McEntegart Margaret , Oldroyd Keith G. , Radjenovic Aleksandra , Berry Colin
Published: August 2015

Background—

The use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) in acute coronary syndromes is controversial. The British Heart Foundation Fractional Flow Reserve Versus Angiography in Guiding Management to Optimize Outcomes in Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAMOUS-NSTEMI) study (NCT01764334) has recently demonstrated the safety and feasibility of FFR measurement in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. We report the findings of the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) substudy to assess the diagnostic accuracy of FFR compared with 3.0-T stress CMR perfusion.

Methods and Results—

One hundred six patients with non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction who had been referred for early invasive management were included from 2 centers. FFR was measured in all major patent epicardial coronary arteries with a visual stenosis estimated at ≥30%, and if percutaneous coronary intervention was performed, an FFR assessment was repeated. Myocardial perfusion was assessed with stress perfusion CMR at 3 T. The mean age was 56.7±9.8 years; 82.6% were men. Mean time from FFR evaluation to CMR was 6.1±3.1 days. The mean±SD left ventricular ejection fraction was 58.2±9.1%. Mean infarct size was 5.4±7.1%, and mean troponin concentration was 5.2±9.2 μg/L. There were 34 fixed and 160 inducible perfusion defects. There was a negative correlation between the number of segments with a perfusion abnormality and FFR (
r
=−0.77;
P
<0.0001). The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for an FFR of ≤0.8 were 91.4%, 92.2%, 76%, and 97%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was 92%. The positive and negative predictive values of FFR for flow-limiting coronary artery disease (FFR≤0.8) in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (n=21) who underwent perfusion CMR before invasive angiography were 92% and 93%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff value of FFR for demonstrating reversible ischemia on CMR was ≤0.805 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.94 [0.9–0.99];
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

FFR in patients with recent non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction showed high concordance with myocardial perfusion in matched territories as revealed by 3.0-T stress perfusion CMR.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02073422.
Optical Coherence Tomography Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Nobori Stent Implantation in Patients With Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction (OCTACS) Trial
Authors: Antonsen Lisbeth , Thayssen Per , Maehara Akiko , Hansen Henrik Steen , Junker Anders , Veien Karsten Tange , Hansen Knud Nørregaard , Hougaard Mikkel , Mintz Gary S. , Jensen Lisette Okkels
Published: August 2015

Background—

Incomplete strut coverage has been documented an important histopathologic morphometric predictor for later thrombotic events. This study sought to investigate whether optical coherence tomography (OCT)–guided percutaneous coronary intervention with Nobori biolimus-eluting stent implantation in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction would provide improved strut coverage at 6 months in comparison with angiographic guidance only.

Methods and Results—

One hundred patients were randomized 1:1 to either OCT-guided or angio-guided Nobori biolimus-eluting stent implantation. Postprocedure OCT was performed in all patients. In the OCT-guided group, prespecified criteria indicating additional intervention were related to (1) stent underexpansion, (2) strut malapposition, (3) edge dissection(s), and (4) residual stenosis at the distal or proximal reference segment(s). A final OCT was performed in case of reintervention. Six-month OCT follow-up was available in 85 patients. Twenty-three (46%) OCT-guided patients had additional postdilation or stenting. The percentage of acutely malapposed struts was substantially lower in the OCT-guided group (3.4% [interquartile range, 0.3–7.6] versus 7.8% [interquartile range, 2.3–19.4];
P
<0.01). At 6-month follow-up, the OCT-guided group had a significantly lower proportion of uncovered struts; 4.3% [interquartile range, 1.2–9.8] versus 9.0% [interquartile range, 5.5–14.5],
P
<0.01. Furthermore, OCT-guided patients had significantly more completely covered stents: 17.5% versus 2.2%,
P
=0.02. The percentages of malapposed struts and struts being both uncovered and malapposed at follow-up were comparable between groups.

Conclusions—

OCT-guided optimization of Nobori biolimus-eluting stent implantation improves strut coverage at 6-month follow-up in comparison with angiographic guidance alone.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02272283.
Association Between Chest Compression Interruptions and Clinical Outcomes of Ventricular Fibrillation Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Brouwer Tom F. , Walker Robert G. , Chapman Fred W. , Koster Rudolph W.
Published: August 2015

Background—

Minimizing pauses in chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a focus of current guidelines. Prior analyses found that prolonged pauses for defibrillation (perishock pauses) are associated with worse survival. We analyzed resuscitations to characterize the association between pauses for all reasons and both ventricular fibrillation termination and patient survival.

Methods and Results—

In 319 patients with ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, we analyzed recordings from all defibrillators used during resuscitation and measured durations of all cardiopulmonary resuscitation pauses. Median durations were 32 seconds (25th and 75th percentile, 22 and 52 seconds) for the longest pause for any reason, 23 seconds (25th and 75th percentile, 14 and 34 seconds) for the longest perishock pause, and 24 seconds (25th and 75th percentile, 11 and 38 seconds) for the longest nonshock pause. Multivariable regression models showed lower odds for survival per 5-second increase in the longest overall pause (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.95), longest perishock pause (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.93), and longest nonshock pause (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.91). In 36% of cases, the longest pause was a nonshock pause; this subgroup had lower survival than the group in whom the longest pause was a perishock pause (27% versus 44%, respectively;
P
<0.01) despite a higher chest compression fraction. Preshock pauses were 8 seconds (25th and 75th percentile, 4 and 17 seconds) for shocks that terminated ventricular fibrillation and 7 seconds (25th and 75th percentile, 4 and 13 seconds) for shocks that did not (
P
=0.18).

Conclusions—

Prolonged pauses have a negative association with survival not explained by chest compression fraction or decreased ventricular fibrillation termination rate. Ventricular fibrillation termination was not the mechanism linking pause duration and survival. Strategies shortening the longest pauses may improve outcome.
Distribution of Short‐Term and Lifetime Predicted Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases in Peruvian Adults
Authors: Quispe Renato , Bazo‐Alvarez Juan Carlos , Burroughs Peña Melissa S. , Poterico Julio A. , Gilman Robert H. , Checkley William , Bernabé‐Ortiz Antonio , Huffman Mark D. , Miranda J. Jaime ,   PERU MIGRANT Study,   CRONICAS Cohort Study Group
Published: August 2015

Background

Short‐term risk assessment tools for prediction of cardiovascular disease events are widely recommended in clinical practice and are used largely for single time‐point estimations; however, persons with low predicted short‐term risk may have higher risks across longer time horizons.

Methods and Results

We estimated short‐term and lifetime cardiovascular disease risk in a pooled population from 2 studies of Peruvian populations. Short‐term risk was estimated using the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease Pooled Cohort Risk Equations. Lifetime risk was evaluated using the algorithm derived from the Framingham Heart Study cohort. Using previously published thresholds, participants were classified into 3 categories:
low short‐term and low lifetime risk, low short‐term and high lifetime risk
, and
high short‐term predicted risk
. We also compared the distribution of these risk profiles across educational level, wealth index, and place of residence. We included 2844 participants (50% men, mean age 55.9 years [
SD
10.2 years]) in the analysis. Approximately 1 of every 3 participants (34% [95%
CI
33 to 36]) had a high short‐term estimated cardiovascular disease risk. Among those with a low short‐term predicted risk, more than half (54% [95%
CI
52 to 56]) had a high lifetime predicted risk. Short‐term and lifetime predicted risks were higher for participants with lower versus higher wealth indexes and educational levels and for those living in urban versus rural areas (
P
<0.01). These results were consistent by sex.

Conclusions

These findings highlight potential shortcomings of using short‐term risk tools for primary prevention strategies because a substantial proportion of Peruvian adults were classified as low short‐term risk but high lifetime risk. Vulnerable adults, such as those from low socioeconomic status and those living in urban areas, may need greater attention regarding cardiovascular preventive strategies.
Gold Rush or Pandora’s Box? Toward a Transparent and Measured Approach to Marine Spatial Planning in Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Maria Adelaide , da Silva Carlos Pereira , Campbell Holly V. , Conway Flaxen , Andrade Francisco , Johnson David
Published: August 2015

This article explores the new legal framework for marine spatial planning (msp) in Portugal. The main focus of the analysis is on the drivers of msp processes, the consideration given to existing vs. new uses, and on the evaluation of alternatives, based on the u.s. experience, with a focus on perceptions of u.s. msp practitioners. The Portuguese framework for msp may lead to favoring new uses over existing ones and defines ambiguous criteria for the selection of alternatives that are mostly financial in nature. The article draws attention to the potential environmental, social and economic risks of improperly addressing competing marine uses in the new Portuguese msp framework.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Chionoloma Dixon (Musci, Pottiaceae) in Africa

Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

The African taxa of the genus Chionoloma Dixon are revised. Eleven taxa are proposed as new synonyms. Only one taxon is recognized: Chionoloma bombayense (Müll.Hal.) P.Sollm.
The Incidence and the Risk Factors of Silent Embolic Cerebral Infarction After Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Deveci Onur Sinan , Celik Aziz Inan , Ikikardes Firat , Ozmen Caglar , Caglıyan Caglar Emre , Deniz Ali , Bicakci Kenan , Bicakci Sebnem , Evlice Ahmet , Demir Turgay , Kanadasi Mehmet , Demir Mesut , Demirtas Mustafa
Published: August 2015

Silent embolic cerebral infarction (SECI) is a major complication of coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CAG with or without PCI were recruited. Cerebral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed for SECI within 24 hours. Clinical and angiographic characteristics were compared between patients with and without SECI. Silent embolic cerebral infarction occurred in 12 (12%) of the 101 patients. Age, total cholesterol, SYNTAX score (SS), and coronary artery bypass history were greater in the SECI(+) group (65 ± 10 vs 58 ± 11 years, P = .037; 223 ± 85 vs 173 ± 80 mg/dL, P = .048; 30.1 ± 2 vs 15 ± 3, P < .001; 4 [33.3%] vs 3 [3.3%], P = .005). The SECI was more common in the PCI group (8/24 vs 4/77, P = .01). On subanalysis, the SS was significantly higher in the SECI(+) patients in both the CAG and the PCI groups (29.3 ± 1.9 vs 15 ± 3, P < .01; 30.5 ± 1.9 vs 15.1 ± 3.2, P < .001, respectively). The risk of SECI after CAG and PCI increases with the complexity of CAD (represented by the SS). The SS is a predictor of the risk of SECI, a complication that should be considered more often after CAG.
European Welfare States and Migrant Poverty
Authors: Hooijer Gerda , Picot Georg
Published: August 2015

In almost all European welfare states, immigrants face a higher risk of poverty than natives, but the gap between the two groups varies. In examining this variation, our article contributes to the nascent literature on the impact of welfare states on immigrants. We hypothesize that whether immigrants benefit from welfare generosity depends on three intervening factors: immigration policy, labor market regulation, and welfare eligibility rules. We use fuzzy-set analysis to examine the interplay of these determinants in 16 West-European states. The findings show that in most countries a high migrant disadvantage results from the combination of a large share of humanitarian and family immigrants and generous social policies. The underlying mechanism is that “unwanted” immigrants are institutionally impeded from full access to generous welfare states.
Subjective Well-Being of Gifted American College Students
Authors: Sayler Micheal F. , Boazman Janette , Natesan Prathiba , Periathiruvadi Sita
Published: August 2015

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Personal Well-being Index for Adults (PWI-A), a measure of subjective well-being. The study used data from 533 high-ability American college students: honors students and participants in an early college entrance program. In earlier studies using the PWI-A, the instrument appeared to show differences in disaggregated aspects of well-being for these gifted college students. Unfortunately, the careful psychometric examination of the instrument done in this study showed that the PWI-A, as it currently is constituted, did not perform as hoped for assessing changes in the disaggregated aspects of well-being among groups of gifted college students. The single-factor structure of PWI-A showed support for convergent validity, but error correlations indicated lack of support for discriminant validity. The current analysis of the PWI-A scores showed good internal consistency, but the instrument lacked measurement invariance across honors and early entrance students. Four of the seven items exhibited differential item functioning across the two groups. The lack of full measurement invariance indicated room for refinement of the instrument as applied to measuring the well-being of high-ability college students. The results of the current study suggest that to measure accurately the disaggregated well-being of gifted and talented young people, a new, revised, or expanded instrument is necessary. More and diverse items per subscale in a new or revised instrument would allow a more accurate assessment of the specific aspects of the well-being of gifted and talented individuals.
Gifted Students’ Implicit Beliefs About Intelligence and Giftedness
Authors: Makel Matthew C. , Snyder Kate E. , Thomas Chandler , Malone Patrick S. , Putallaz Martha
Published: August 2015

Growing attention is being paid to individuals’ implicit beliefs about the nature of intelligence. However, implicit beliefs about giftedness are currently underexamined. In the current study, we examined academically gifted adolescents’ implicit beliefs about both intelligence and giftedness. Overall, participants’ implicit beliefs about giftedness and intelligence were significantly positively correlated while also having statistically significant mean differences, suggesting that they perceived the nature of the two constructs differently. Specifically, many students viewed intelligence as malleable (incremental view) and giftedness as fixed (entity view), whereas very few students viewed giftedness as malleable and intelligence as fixed; however, heterogeneity was observed. The beliefs identified in the current study provide important insight into the domain-specific nature of implicit beliefs of gifted students and suggest that caution be used against using terms like giftedness and intelligence interchangeably.
Gifted Students’ Perceptions of an Accelerated Summer Program and Social Support
Authors: Lee Seon-Young , Olszewski-Kubilius Paula , Makel Matthew C. , Putallaz Martha
Published: August 2015

Using survey responses from students who participated in the summer programs at two university-based gifted education institutions, this study examined changes in gifted students’ perceptions of their learning environments, accelerated summer programs and regular schools, and social support in lives after participation in the summer programs. Our sample of gifted students was generally favorable about their classroom experiences and interactions with their teachers both in the gifted programs and regular school classes. Some noticeable differences were greater acceptance and support for giftedness, a stronger connection to peers, and greater ease in peer relationships reported during the programs, and enhanced maturity and orientation toward future after the programs. While all students relied on family and peers as sources of social support before, during and after the summer programs, older students also endorsed being able to rely more on themselves. Perceptions of greater social support seemed to be related to more positive assessment of students’ summer and school classes, although causality can go in either direction. Overall, this study suggests that gifted students’ summer program experiences may be instrumental in receiving affirmation about their giftedness from peers, enhancing independence and maturity for academic life, and building stronger belief in themselves.
Youth, suicide attempts and low level of education: A Danish historical register-based cohort study of the outcome of suicide attempt
Authors: Christiansen Erik , Agerbo Esben , Larsen Kim Juul , Bilenberg Niels , Stenager Elsebeth
Published: August 2015

Background:

In Denmark, it is a political goal that 95% of all young people should complete an upper secondary education. For some young people, this goal can be difficult to achieve. An association has been established between suicidal behaviour and school performance.

Aim:

We hypothesise that young people who have attempted suicide have a lower chance of finishing secondary education.

Methods:

We used Danish historical population registers to perform a longitudinal cohort design and extended Cox regression modelling to estimate crude and adjusted estimates of the effect of suicide attempt on secondary education. We used the birth cohorts 1983–1989, and all subjects were followed from birth until the end of 2011 ( n = 355,725).

Results:

For suicide attempters, the likelihood of completing secondary education was one-third of non-attempters (crude hazard ratio = 0.38). A part of the impact can be explained by confounding factors. Individuals with a suicide attempt at age 16–20 years or with multiple suicide attempts were most likely not to complete secondary education. Compared to mentally ill non-attempters, suicide attempters with mental illness were more likely not to finish secondary education.

Conclusion:

A suicide attempt is not necessarily causal for not finishing secondary education, but it is a marker, and it predicts an increased likelihood of not finishing secondary education. We need to identify individuals at risk for suicide attempts and subsequently provide the necessary support. Completing secondary education is important, as it provides better chances of employment, higher wages and more opportunities for individuals in the future.
‘You become two in one’: Women’s representations of responsibility and emotional vulnerability in Zimbabwean father-away families
Authors: Chereni Admire
Published: August 2015

Unlike the economic costs of migration, the psychosocial conditions and emotional needs of migrant family members in Southern Africa are under-researched. Therefore, this article examines narratives of suffering provided by Zimbabwean non-migrant women. It demonstrates that the absence of men from the home creates a multidimensional deficit – not only a loss of caring hands but also forcing non-migrant women to double-up on the responsibilities in the family. Factors connected to women’s suffering include overwhelming responsibility at home and emotional insecurity created by prolonged separation and the potential disintegration of familial bonds. The article also considers the implications of non-migrant women’s experiences for social work research.
Composition of Mineral Produced by Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Volponi A.A. , Gentleman E. , Fatscher R. , Pang Y.W.Y. , Gentleman M.M. , Sharpe P.T.
Published: August 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from different dental tissues have been described to have osteogenic/odontogenic-like differentiation capacity, but little attention has been paid to the biochemical composition of the material that each produces. Here, we used Raman spectroscopy to analyze the mineralized materials produced in vitro by different dental cell populations, and we compared them with the biochemical composition of native dental tissues. We show that different dental stem cell populations produce materials that differ in their mineral and matrix composition and that these differ from those of native dental tissues. In vitro, BCMP (bone chip mass population), SCAP (stem cells from apical papilla), and SHED (stem cells from human-exfoliated deciduous teeth) cells produce a more highly mineralized matrix when compared with that produced by PDL (periodontal ligament), DPA (dental pulp adult), and GF (gingival fibroblast) cells. Principal component analyses of Raman spectra further demonstrated that the crystallinity and carbonate substitution environments in the material produced by each cell type varied, with DPA cells, for example, producing a more carbonate-substituted mineral and with SCAP, SHED, and GF cells creating a less crystalline material when compared with other dental stem cells and native tissues. These variations in mineral composition reveal intrinsic differences in the various cell populations, which may in turn affect their specific clinical applications.
To Learn or Not to Learn—This Is the Question
Authors: Einat Tomer , Einat Amela
Published: August 2015

This research explores the rate of learning disabilities (LD) within the Hebrew-speaking adult prison population in Israel, examining the relationship between LD and dropping out of school with criminal behavior. The study finds that the frequency of LD is very high among Israeli inmates (69.6%) and that a gap exists between LD inmates’ awareness of their scholastic weakness in school and the educational system’s ignorance. Implications of these results are discussed.
Social Anchoring: Immigrant Identity, Security and Integration Reconnected?
Authors: Grzymala-Kazlowska Aleksandra
Published: August 2015

The article presents the emergent concept of social anchoring. The proposed concept represents a new theoretical approach to analysing the notions of identity and social integration in contemporary increasingly super-diverse and ‘fluid’ societies. The conceptual framework of anchoring links the issues of identity, security and integration. It enables the limitations of subjectively defined identity to be overcome by allowing the inclusion of objective aspects. It focuses on the role of identity for adaptation and ways in which individuals, especially migrants, establish essential footholds in their lives in a complex and changeable society. The development of this theoretical approach can enable identification of the source(s) of socio-psychological stability which individuals need for societal integration.
A systematic method for stability assessment of Ag-coated nylon yarn
Authors: Chui Yin-Ting , Yang Chen-Xiao , Tong Jia-Hui , Zhao Yuan-Fang , Ho Cho-Po , Li Lilly Li
Published: August 2015

With the fast development of wearable electronics textiles, various types of conductive yarns are emerging onto the market. For industrialists, therefore, selecting high quality conductive yarns, and selecting for their properties, is vitally important. In this paper, a method for selecting high quality conductive yarns is given, based on a clear understanding of their basic chemical, mechanical, and functional properties. A systematic method and a series of tests, including SEM analysis, mechanical property analysis, abrasion testing, laundry testing, and corrosion testing, are put forward to simulate some of the main challenges that industrialists might face in the actual application of conductive yarns, from the yarn stage to the end user stage. This paper aims to give guidance to industrialists when selecting high quality and suitable conductive yarns.
Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles misting on cotton fabrics
Authors: Pietrzak Katarzyna , Gutarowska Beata , Machnowski Waldemar , Mikołajczyk Urszula
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this research was to investigate whether silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) misting could be an effective disinfection and protection method for cotton fabric. The study showed that the disinfection resulted in the reduction of microorganism number by 32–100%, depending on the strain. Fabric humidity of not less than 84% ensures high effectiveness of the process. It was proved that vegetative cells are more susceptible to nanoparticles than spores. The antimicrobial protection of cotton fabric results in the 33–93% reduction of microorganism number. The application of AgNPs does not influence significantly the optical and mechanical parameters of cotton fabric, even after accelerated light ageing. The AgNPs misting is safe for personnel. The AgNPs misting can be considered as an alternative for currently used disinfection methods of ancient textiles.
Bail Prediction
Authors: Vîlcică E. Rely , Goldkamp John S.
Published: August 2015

The concurrent impact of individual and neighborhood effects on defendant pretrial performance has not been studied. This study asks whether there is neighborhood-level variation in defendants’ failure to appear and pretrial crime and explores the impact of three neighborhood structural conditions (socioeconomic status, stability, and racial composition). The study was conducted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on a 2005 sample of defendants ( N = 800), followed for a year to record bail outcomes. Defendants’ residences were geocoded within 45 neighborhoods. Census data were used for neighborhood structural characteristics. Multilevel analyses (hierarchical linear modeling) found no neighborhood variation. However, individual-level results indicate that a defendant’s neighborhood status and stability are negatively related to rearrest. Defendants from more affluent and stable neighborhoods are less likely to be rearrested for new crime. Although reliance on individual-level prediction at bail seems warranted, the study underscores the need to further explore the linkage between neighborhood conditions and pretrial outcomes.
On Value Pluralism, Its Implications, and the Nature of Philosophy
Authors: Spicer Michael W.
Published: August 2015

This essay responds to the critique of my work by Robert Talisse, the philosopher, by further clarifying my views on the meaning of value pluralism, its implications, and the nature of philosophy. I argue here that most, if not all, of the substantive arguments that Talisse advances against me derive from premises that are contested by respected scholars within his own field.
Immorality East and West
Authors: Buchtel Emma E. , Guan Yanjun , Peng Qin , Su Yanjie , Sang Biao , Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Bond Michael Harris
Published: August 2015

What makes some acts immoral? Although Western theories of morality often define harmful behaviors as centrally immoral, whether this is applicable to other cultures is still under debate. In particular, Confucianism emphasizes civility as fundamental to moral excellence. We describe three studies examining how the word immoral is used by Chinese and Westerners. Layperson-generated examples were used to examine cultural differences in which behaviors are called “immoral” (Study 1, n = 609; Study 2, n = 480), and whether “immoral” behaviors were best characterized as particularly harmful versus uncivilized (Study 3, N = 443). Results suggest that Chinese were more likely to use the word immoral for behaviors that were uncivilized, rather than exceptionally harmful, whereas Westerners were more likely to link immorality tightly to harm. More research into lay concepts of morality is needed to inform theories of moral cognition and improve understanding of human conceptualizations of social norms.
Anti-atherogenic properties of high-density lipoproteins in psychiatric patients before and after two months of atypical anti-psychotic therapy
Authors: Hussein Osamah , Izikson Lidia , Bathish Yunis , Dabur Enas , Hanna Alaa , Zidan Jamal
Published: August 2015

Some of the medications used for the management of schizophrenia are associated with clinically significant increases in weight and adverse alterations in serum lipid levels. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of short-term (two months) treatment with atypical anti-psychotics on coronary heart disease risk factors, including the functional properties of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), in psychiatric patients. Nineteen patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorder and ten healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. In the present study blood was drawn at baseline and after two months of atypical anti-psychotic treatment. Wilcoxon non-parametric-test was used to examine differences in the psychotic group before and two months after treatment.

Waist circumference and oxidative stress in psychiatric patients were higher compared with the control group. Serum-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity was lower in psychotic patients compared to controls. Two months of anti-psychotic therapy was associated with increased abdominal obesity, decreased paraoxonase lactonase activity, but with no further change in serum-mediated cholesterol efflux from macrophages. Psychotic patients have low serum-mediated cholesterol efflux from macrophages as a parameter of HDL functionality. Atypical anti-psychotic treatment for two months increased metabolic derangements in these patients but without further decrement in serum-mediated cholesterol efflux.