bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilevel Factor Structure and Concurrent Validity of the Teacher Version of the Authoritative School Climate Survey
Authors: Huang Francis L. , Cornell Dewey G. , Konold Timothy , Meyer Joseph P. , Lacey Anna , Nekvasil Erin K. , Heilbrun Anna , Shukla Kathan D.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

School climate is well recognized as an important influence on student behavior and adjustment to school, but there is a need for theory‐guided measures that make use of teacher perspectives. Authoritative school climate theory hypothesizes that a positive school climate is characterized by high levels of disciplinary structure and student support.

METHODS

A teacher version of the Authoritative School Climate Survey (ASCS) was administered to a statewide sample of 9099 7th‐ and 8th‐grade teachers from 366 schools. The study used exploratory and multilevel confirmatory factor analyses (MCFA) that accounted for the nested data structure and allowed for the modeling of the factor structures at 2 levels.

RESULTS

Multilevel confirmatory factor analyses conducted on both an exploratory (N = 4422) and a confirmatory sample (N = 4677) showed good support for the factor structures investigated. Factor correlations at 2 levels indicated that schools with greater levels of disciplinary structure and student support had higher student engagement, less teasing and bullying, and lower student aggression toward teachers.

CONCLUSIONS

The teacher version of the ASCS can be used to assess 2 key domains of school climate and associated measures of student engagement and aggression toward peers and teachers.
Spatiotemporal analysis of gene flow in Chesapeake Bay Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin)
Authors: Converse Paul E. , Kuchta Shawn R. , Roosenburg Willem M. , Henry Paula F. P. , Haramis G. Michael , King Tim L.
Published: October 2015

There is widespread concern regarding the impacts of anthropogenic activities on connectivity among populations of plants and animals, and understanding how contemporary and historical processes shape metapopulation dynamics is crucial for setting appropriate conservation targets. We used genetic data to identify population clusters and quantify gene flow over historical and contemporary time frames in the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). This species has a long and complicated history with humans, including commercial overharvesting and subsequent translocation events during the early twentieth century. Today, terrapins face threats from habitat loss and mortality in fisheries bycatch. To evaluate population structure and gene flow among Diamondback Terrapin populations in the Chesapeake Bay region, we sampled 617 individuals from 15 localities and screened individuals at 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Our goals were to demarcate metapopulation structure, quantify genetic diversity, estimate effective population sizes, and document temporal changes in gene flow. We found that terrapins in the Chesapeake Bay region harbour high levels of genetic diversity and form four populations. Effective population sizes were variable. Among most population comparisons, estimates of historical and contemporary terrapin gene flow were generally low (m ≈ 0.01). However, we detected a substantial increase in contemporary gene flow into Chesapeake Bay from populations outside the bay, as well as between two populations within Chesapeake Bay, possibly as a consequence of translocations during the early twentieth century. Our study shows that inferences across multiple time scales are needed to evaluate population connectivity, especially as recent changes may identify threats to population persistence.
One step ahead: a parasitoid disperses farther and forms a wider geographic population than its fig wasp host
Authors: Sutton Timothy L. , Riegler Markus , Cook James M.
Published: November 2015

The structure of populations across landscapes influences the dynamics of their interactions with other species. Understanding the geographic structure of populations can thus shed light on the potential for interacting species to co‐evolve. Host–parasitoid interactions are widespread in nature and also represent a significant force in the evolution of plant–insect interactions. However, there have been few comparisons of population structure between an insect host and its parasitoid. We used microsatellite markers to analyse the population genetic structure of Pleistodontes imperialis sp. 1, a fig‐pollinating wasp of Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubiginosa), and its main parasitoid, Sycoscapter sp. A, in eastern Australia. Besides exploring this host–parasitoid system, our study also constitutes, to our knowledge, the first study of population structure in a nonpollinating fig wasp species. We collected matched samples of pollinators and parasitoids at several sites in two regions separated by up to 2000 km. We found that pollinators occupying the two regions represent distinct populations, but, in contrast, parasitoids formed a single population across the wide geographic range sampled. We observed genetic isolation by distance for each species, but found consistently lower FST and RST values between sites for parasitoids compared with pollinators. Previous studies have indicated that pollinators of monoecious figs can disperse over very long distances, and we provide the first genetic evidence that their parasitoids may disperse as far, if not farther. The contrasting geographic population structures of host and parasitoid highlight the potential for geographic mosaics in this important symbiotic system.
Comparative population genomics of latitudinal variation in Drosophila simulans and Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Machado Heather E. , Bergland Alan O. , O’Brien Katherine R. , Behrman Emily L. , Schmidt Paul S. , Petrov Dmitri A.
Published: November 2015

Examples of clinal variation in phenotypes and genotypes across latitudinal transects have served as important models for understanding how spatially varying selection and demographic forces shape variation within species. Here, we examine the selective and demographic contributions to latitudinal variation through the largest comparative genomic study to date of Drosophila simulans and Drosophila melanogaster, with genomic sequence data from 382 individual fruit flies, collected across a spatial transect of 19 degrees latitude and at multiple time points over 2 years. Consistent with phenotypic studies, we find less clinal variation in D. simulans than D. melanogaster, particularly for the autosomes. Moreover, we find that clinally varying loci in D. simulans are less stable over multiple years than comparable clines in D. melanogaster. D. simulans shows a significantly weaker pattern of isolation by distance than D. melanogaster and we find evidence for a stronger contribution of migration to D. simulans population genetic structure. While population bottlenecks and migration can plausibly explain the differences in stability of clinal variation between the two species, we also observe a significant enrichment of shared clinal genes, suggesting that the selective forces associated with climate are acting on the same genes and phenotypes in D. simulans and D. melanogaster.
Y chromosome haplotype distribution of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Northern Europe provides insight into population history and recovery
Authors: Schregel Julia , Eiken Hans Geir , Grøndahl Finn Audun , Hailer Frank , Aspi Jouni , Kojola Ilpo , Tirronen Konstantin , Danilov Piotr , Rykov Alexander , Poroshin Eugene , Janke Axel , Swenson Jon E. , Hagen Snorre B.
Published: November 2015

High‐resolution, male‐inherited Y‐chromosomal markers are a useful tool for population genetic analyses of wildlife species, but to date have only been applied in this context to relatively few species besides humans. Using nine Y‐chromosomal STRs and three Y‐chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphism markers (Y‐SNPs), we studied whether male gene flow was important for the recent recovery of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in Northern Europe, where the species declined dramatically in numbers and geographical distribution during the last centuries but is expanding now. We found 36 haplotypes in 443 male extant brown bears from Sweden, Norway, Finland and northwestern Russia. In 14 individuals from southern Norway from 1780 to 1920, we found two Y chromosome haplotypes present in the extant population as well as four Y chromosome haplotypes not present among the modern samples. Our results suggested major differences in genetic connectivity, diversity and structure between the eastern and the western populations in Northern Europe. In the west, our results indicated that the recovered population originated from only four male lineages, displaying pronounced spatial structuring suggestive of large‐scale population size increase under limited male gene flow within the western subpopulation. In the east, we found a contrasting pattern, with high haplotype diversity and admixture. This first population genetic analysis of male brown bears shows conclusively that male gene flow was not the main force of population recovery.
The Subject in Neuropsychology: Individuating Minds in the Split‐Brain Case
Authors: Schechter Elizabeth
Published: November 2015

Many experimental findings with split‐brain subjects intuitively suggest that each such subject has two minds. The conceptual and empirical basis of this duality intuition has never been fully articulated. This article fills that gap, by offering a reconstruction of early neuropsychological literature on the split‐brain phenomenon. According to that work, the hemispheres operate independently of each other insofar as they interact via the mediation of effection and transduction—via behavior and sensation, essentially. This is how your mind and my mind interact with each other, however, giving rise to the intuition that a split‐brain subject has two minds.
Catheter Ablation of Recurrent Lone Atrial Fibrillation in Teenagers with a Structurally Normal Heart
Authors: BALAJI SESHADRI , KRON JACK , STECKER ERIC C.
Published: November 2015

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is rare in teenagers. There are few reports and no clear guidelines on the management of AF with catheter ablation in teenagers.

Methods

A case series of teenagers (<18 years) with paroxysmal AF and a structurally normal heart who underwent catheter ablation was undertaken.

Results

Four teenage boys aged 15–17 years underwent catheter ablation of AF. All but one had failed antiarrhythmic medical therapy. Two had focal triggers and underwent culprit vein isolation (one recurred and so underwent isolation of an additional vein), and two had no focal triggers identified and so underwent isolation of all four pulmonary veins (PVs). At follow‐up ranging from 2–6 years, one patient who underwent isolation of all four veins had recurrence of paroxysmal AF. All others have had medium and long‐term success with complete absence of AF. None are on long‐term antiarrhythmic therapy. No patient had a procedural or postprocedure complication.

Conclusions

A cautious attempt at catheter ablation may be appropriate in teenagers with paroxysmal AF and a structurally normal heart who fail pharmacologic therapy. Culprit vein(s) isolation should be preferred if possible but if no focal triggers are identified, isolation of all PVs appears to be beneficial.
Autobiographical memory dysfunctions in depressive disorders
Authors: Talarowska Monika , Berk Michael , Maes Michael , Gałecki Piotr
Published: November 2015

Autobiographical memory (AM) is a ubiquitous human experience that belongs to long‐term declarative memory. It plays interpersonal and intrapsychic functions. The main aim of this study is to present results of contemporary research on AM in recurrent depressive disorders. The available research literature suggests that AM dysfunctions are a precursor and risk factor for recurrent depressive disorders and that they also appear to be a consequence of depressive symptoms in a bidirectional and interacting manner. These data suggest that AM might be a viable therapeutic target for cognitive remediation strategies, given the impact of cognition on diverse clinical outcomes.
Outcomes of two‐drug maintenance immunosuppression for pediatric renal transplantation: 10‐yr follow‐up in a single center
Authors: Michael Mini , Minard Charles G. , Kale Arundhati S. , Brewer Eileen D.
Published: November 2015

Minimizing IS to reduce side effects without compromising long‐term renal transplant survival is the goal of all IS protocols. We conducted a retrospective study of pediatric renal transplants performed August 1988 to July 2008 and treated with two‐drug maintenance therapy by one of three protocols: prednisone/cyclosporine without induction (SB) or with daclizumab induction (SBI), or tacrolimus/mycophenolate with daclizumab induction (SF). Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to determine graft and patient survival at one, three, five, and 10 yr. Associations between graft survival and patient/transplant characteristics were determined using log‐rank test and CPH model adjusting for treatment group. About 208 patients were included in the analysis (96 SB, 97 SBI, 15 SF; 148 DD, 60 LD, 37 pre‐emptive). Overall graft and patient survival at one, three, five, and 10 yr were similar to the previously published results of pediatric renal transplants in similar years treated predominantly with three‐drug maintenance therapy (https://web.emmes.com/study/ped/annlrept/2010). Only biopsy‐proven TG was significantly associated with worse graft survival (HR 11.5, 95% CI: 3.4, 38.7). Malignancy rate was low (2.4%) with little PTLD (0.5%). Few opportunistic or other infections occurred (<5% patients). Minimizing IS to a two‐drug maintenance regimen had no adverse effect on long‐term transplant outcome and had low malignancy and infection rates.
Gustatory adaptation affects sexual maturation in male German cockroaches, Blattella germanica
Authors: Jensen Kim , Schal Coby , Silverman Jules
Published: November 2015

Adaptations to hazardous environmental factors are essential for survival, although they may be maladaptive in conditions where the hazard is absent. In German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) populations, glucose aversion has evolved rapidly in response to glucose‐containing insecticidal baits, but little is known about the consequences of this behaviour in the absence of bait. In the present study, glucose‐averse (GA) and wild‐type (WT) male German cockroaches are restricted to a range of nutritionally defined diets containing either glucose or fructose as the sole carbohydrate source, and time to first expression of courtship is measured by stimulating the male antennae daily with isolated antennae from receptive, 6‐day‐old females. Glucose‐averse males that are restricted to glucose‐containing diets mature their courtship responses significantly later than GA males restricted to fructose‐containing diets, whereas there is no difference in maturation of courtship responses between GA males restricted to fructose‐containing diets and WT males restricted to diets containing either sugar type. Glucose‐averse males furthermore respond later to GA female antennae than to WT female antennae, all from 6‐day‐old females. This suggests that GA females are less sexually stimulating, and the results are also consistent with earlier findings showing that GA females contain less developed oocytes than WT females at this age. These findings demonstrate that an adaptive gustatory mutation conferring protection from a toxin may have comparatively detrimental effects under conditions where the toxin has vanished, both by delaying female sexual maturation and signalling and by delaying male sexual maturation and courtship under conditions where glucose is a major energy source.
Enriching small trees with artificial nest boxes cannot mimic the value of large trees for hollow‐nesting birds
Authors: Le Roux Darren S. , Ikin Karen , Lindenmayer David B. , Bistricer Gideon , Manning Adrian D. , Gibbons Philip
Published: November 2015

Large trees support unique habitat structures (e.g. hollows) that form over centuries and cannot be provided by small trees. Large trees are also declining in human‐modified landscapes worldwide. One restoration strategy gaining popularity involves adding nest boxes to smaller trees to replicate natural hollows. However, limited empirical research has tested how hollow‐nesting fauna responds to the presence of nest boxes. We asked: can the addition of nest boxes increase tree visitation by hollow‐nesting birds? We conducted a before‐after control‐impact (BACI) experiment using 144 nest boxes and 96 sample trees comprised of three sizes (small [20–50 cm dbh], medium [51–80 cm], and large [>80 cm]) and located in four landscape contexts (reserves, pasture, urban parklands, and urban built‐up areas). We recorded a significant increase in hollow‐nesting bird abundance and richness at large trees after nest box additions. However, the same response was not observed at medium, small, or control trees. We also recorded nonsignificant increases in hollow‐nesting bird abundance and richness at trees in modified landscapes after nest box additions compared to trees in reserves and control trees. Our results suggest that adding nest boxes to smaller‐sized trees may not attract hollow‐nesting birds. Therefore, nest box management strategies may require re‐evaluation as it is often assumed that hollow supplementation will attract hollow‐using fauna and sufficiently ameliorate the loss of large, hollow‐bearing trees. We advocate that large tree retention remains crucial and should be prioritized. Large trees could be effective target structures for habitat restoration, especially in modified landscapes.
Interstitial lung disease associated with gemcitabine: A Japanese retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hamada Tsuyoshi , Yasunaga Hideo , Nakai Yousuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: November 2015

Background and objective

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a widely recognized adverse consequence of gemcitabine administration, but data on gemcitabine‐associated ILD are limited. This study aimed to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for this adverse event.

Methods

Patients who underwent gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy between July 2010 and March 2013 were retrospectively identified using a Japanese nationwide administrative database. ILD was defined according to the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision, codes: J70.2–70.4, J84.1 and J84.9. The cumulative incidence and risk factors for ILD were evaluated using a competing risk analysis.

Results

In total, 25 924 patients who underwent gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy were identified from 331 hospitals (primary cancer; pancreatic, urothelial, biliary tract, lung, ovarian and breast, in 9070, 5578, 4803, 4388, 1339 and746 patients, respectively). ILD was observed in 428 patients (1.7%), and the cumulative incidence was estimated at 1.1% (95% CI: 1.0–1.2%), 1.5% (95% CI: 1.4–1.7%) and 1.9% (95% CI: 1.7–2.1%) at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. In the multivariable regression model, age >80 years and lung cancer were the strongest predictors for ILD (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR), 2.61; 95% CI: 1.69–4.02 and SHR, 2.81; 95% CI: 2.16–3.65, respectively). Other significant risk factors included heavy smoking, prior chemotherapy and advanced cancer stage.

Conclusion

This study successfully demonstrated the clinical course of gemcitabine‐associated ILD. Clinical oncologists should stratify individual patients for risk of ILD based on identified risk factors and fully consider the indication for gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy.
Objective measurement of erythema in psoriasis using digital color photography with color calibration
Authors: Raina A. , Hennessy R. , Rains M. , Allred J. , Hirshburg J. M. , Diven D. G. , Markey M. K.
Published: October 2015

Background

Traditional metrics for evaluating the severity of psoriasis are subjective, which complicates efforts to measure effective treatments in clinical trials.

Methods

We collected images of psoriasis plaques and calibrated the coloration of the images according to an included color card. Features were extracted from the images and used to train a linear discriminant analysis classifier with cross‐validation to automatically classify the degree of erythema. The results were tested against numerical scores obtained by a panel of dermatologists using a standard rating system.

Results

Quantitative measures of erythema based on the digital color images showed good agreement with subjective assessment of erythema severity (κ = 0.4203). The color calibration process improved the agreement from κ = 0.2364 to κ = 0.4203.

Conclusion

We propose a method for the objective measurement of the psoriasis severity parameter of erythema and show that the calibration process improved the results.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*02:06:01:02 allele in a Chinese individual by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Kwok J. , Ho J.C.Y. , Chan Y.S. , Soormally A. , Marsh S.G.E.
Published: November 2015

The new HLA‐A*02:06:01:02 allele differs from HLA‐A*02:06:01 by a C→G substitution in Intron 1.
Strengthening laboratory capacity through the surveillance of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Central Africa: the Surveillance Épidémiologique en Afrique Centrale (SURVAC) Project
Authors: Waku‐Kouomou Diane , Esona Mathew D. , Pukuta Elizabeth , Gouandijka‐Vasilache Ionela , Boula Angeline , Dahl Benjamin A. , Mondonge Vital , Mekontso David , Guifara Gilbert , Mbary‐Daba Regis , Lewis Jamie , Yahaya Ali Ahmed , Mwenda Jason M. , Cavallaro Kathleen F. , Gody Jean Chrysostome , Muyembe Jean‐Jacques , Koki‐Ndombo Paul , Bowen Michael D.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The goal of the SURVAC pilot project was to strengthen disease surveillance and response in three countries; Cameroon (CAE), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Central African Republic (CAR).

Methods

Seven laboratories involved in rotavirus surveillance were provided with equipment, reagents and supplies. CDC and WHO staff provided on‐site classroom and bench training in biosafety, quality assurance, quality control (QC), rotavirus diagnosis using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and genotyping of rotavirus strains using the Reverse Transcription Polymerase‐chain reaction (RT‐PCR). All laboratory data were reported through WHO/AFRO.

Results

Twenty‐three staff members were trained on RT‐PCR for rotavirus genotyping which was introduced for the first time in all three countries. In CAE, the number of samples analysed by EIA and RT‐PCR increased tenfold between 2007 and 2013. In DRC, this number increased fivefold, from 2009 to 2013 whereas in CAR, it increased fourfold between 2011 and 2013. All laboratories passed WHO proficiency testing in 2014.

Conclusion

Laboratory capacity was strengthened through equipping laboratories and strengthening a subregional laboratory workforce for surveillance of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Each of the three countries generated rotavirus surveillance and genotyping data enabling the mapping of circulating genotypes. These results will help monitor the impact of rotavirus vaccination in these countries.
Trainees’ Self‐Reported Challenges in Knowledge Translation, Research and Practice
Authors: Lal Shalini , Urquhart Robin , Cornelissen Evelyn , Newman Kristine , Van Eerd Dwayne , Powell Byron J. , Chan Vivian
Published: November 2015

Background

Knowledge translation (KT) refers to the process of moving evidence into healthcare policy and practice. Understanding the experiences and perspectives of individuals who develop careers in KT is important for designing training programs and opportunities to enhance capacity in KT research and practice. To date, however, limited research has explored the challenges that trainees encounter as they develop their careers in KT.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to identify the challenges that KT trainees face in their KT research or practice.

Methods

An online survey was conducted with a sample of trainees associated with the Knowledge Translation Trainee Collaborative or the KT Canada Summer Institutes, with written responses thematically analyzed.

Findings

A total of 35 individual responses were analyzed, resulting in the identification of six interrelated themes, listed in descending order of prevalence: limited availability of KT‐specific resources (54%), difficulty inherent in investigating KT (34%), KT not recognized as a distinct field (23%), colleagues’ limited knowledge and understanding of KT (20%), competing priorities and limited time (20%), and difficulties in relation to collaboration (14%).

Discussion

KT trainees experience specific challenges in their work: limited understanding of KT in other stakeholder groups; limited structures or infrastructure to support those who do KT; the inherently interdisciplinary and applied nature of KT; and the resultant complexities of scientific inquiry in this field, such as designing and testing multifaceted, multilevel implementation strategies and accounting for contextual factors.

Linking Evidence to Action

KT training and capacity‐building efforts are needed to better position health systems to routinely adopt knowledge into healthcare policy and practice.
Effects of Lavender Tea on Fatigue, Depression, and Maternal‐Infant Attachment in Sleep‐Disturbed Postnatal Women
Authors: Chen Shu‐Lan , Chen Chung‐Hey
Published: November 2015

Background

Lavender inhalation aromatherapy is widely believed to impart a hypnotic effect, act as a mood stabilizer, and enhance the positive feelings of mothers toward their infants. However, research into these and other potential therapeutic effects of lavender tea has been limited.

Aims

This study was conducted in Taiwan to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender tea in relieving sleep quality, fatigue, and depression; and in improving maternal‐infant attachment during the early postpartum period.

Methods

A total of 80 Taiwanese postnatal women with poor sleep quality (Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale; PSQS score ≥16) and with no history of allergy to herbal teas, foods, or medicines were assigned systematically to either the experimental group (n= 40) or the control group (n= 40). The participants in the experimental group were instructed to drink one cup of lavender tea after spending time to appreciate and smell the aroma each day for a period of 2 weeks, whereas their control group peers received regular postpartum care only. The PSQS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Postpartum Fatigue Scale, and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were used to assess outcomes.

Results

ANCOVA analyses using education level and pretest scores as covariates showed that experimental group participants perceived less fatigue (F= 6.281,p= .014) and depression (F= 4.731,p= .033) and showed greater bonding with their infant (F= 4.022,p= .049) compared with the control group. However, the scores for all four instruments were similar for both groups at the 4‐week posttest, suggesting that the positive effects of lavender tea were limited to the immediate term.

Linking Evidence to Action

Healthcare researchers assume accountability for integrating research results into clinical practice. The findings in this study can gain greater attention among healthcare practitioners and encourage the correct and positive use of herbal therapy in postpartum health care.
The Research on Cultural and Creative industries Cluster Development Based on Nash Equilibrium
Authors: Niu Hua , Chu Xiaoyuan , Yao Cuiyou
Published: November 2015

Cultural and creative industry is the second largest pillar industry of the tertiary industry, with the characteristics of innovative, high value and strong correlation relationship. The development of industrial cluster is helpful to cultural communication and information transfer, so it can enhance the competitiveness of the creative industry. The key problems need to be solved are the development condition and development strategy of creative industry cluster. This paper builds a mathematical model of two areas and two enterprises to study how can the effect of location factor and aggregation influence the development of cultural and creative industries, and the result shows a series of optimal development forms of the cultural and creative industry under different conditions. Finally four piece of recommendations to promote the development of creative industry clusters have been put forward.
Developmental aspects of a life course approach to healthy ageing
Authors: Hanson M. A. , Cooper C. , Aihie Sayer A. , Eendebak R. J. , Clough G. F. , Beard J. R.
Published: October 2015

We examine the mechanistic basis and wider implications of adopting a developmental perspective on human ageing. Previous models of ageing have concentrated on its genetic basis, or the detrimental effects of accumulated damage, but also have raised issues about whether ageing can be viewed as adaptive itself, or is a consequence of other adaptive processes, for example if maintenance and repair processes in the period up to reproduction are traded off against later decline in function. A life course model places ageing in the context of the attainment of peak capacity for a body system, starting in early development when plasticity permits changes in structure and function induced by a range of environmental stimuli, followed by a period of decline, the rate of which depends on the peak attained as well as the later life conditions. Such path dependency in the rate of ageing may offer new insights into its modification. Focusing on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular function, we discuss this model and the possible underlying mechanisms, including endothelial function, oxidative stress, stem cells and nutritional factors such as vitamin D status. Epigenetic changes induced during developmental plasticity, and immune function may provide a common mechanistic process underlying a life course model of ageing. The life course trajectory differs in high and low resource settings. New insights into the developmental components of the life course model of ageing may lead to the design of biomarkers of later chronic disease risk and to new interventions to promote healthy ageing, with important implications for public health.

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Coupling Within-Host and Between-Host Infectious Diseases Models
Authors: Martcheva Maia , Tuncer Necibe , St Mary Colette
Published: November 2015

Biological processes occur at distinct but interlinked scalesof organization. Yet, mathematical models are often focused on a single scale. Recently, there has been a significant interest in creating and using models that link the within-host dynamics and population level dynamics of infectious diseases. These types of multi-scale models, called immuno-epidemiological models, fall in four categories, dependent on the type of the epidemiological component of the model: network or IBM models, "nested'' age-since-infection structured models, ODE models, and"size-structured'' models. Immuno-epidemiological multi-scale models have been used to address a variety of questions, including what is the impact of within-host dynamics on population-level quantities such as reproduction number and prevalence, as well as questions related to evolution of the pathogen or co-evolution of theВ  pathogen and the host. Here we review the literature onimmuno-epidemiological modeling as well as the main insights these models have created.
On the Approximation of the Cut and Step Functions by Logistic and Gompertz Functions
Authors: Iliev Anton Iliev , Kyurkchiev Nikolay , Markov Svetoslav
Published: November 2015

We study the uniform approximation of the sigmoid cut function by smooth sigmoid functions such as the logistic and the Gompertz functions. The limiting case of the interval-valued В  step function is В  discussed В using В  Hausdorff metric. В Various expressions for the error estimates of the corresponding uniform and Hausdorff approximations are obtained. Numerical examples are presented using CAS MATHEMATICA.
Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control for Turbocharged Diesel Engine
Authors: Larguech Samia , Aloui Sinda , Pagès Olivier , El Hajjaji Ahmed , Chaari Abdessattar
Published: November 2015

In this work, fuzzy second-order sliding mode control (2-SMC) and adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) are developed for a turbocharged diesel engine (TDE). In control design, the TDE is represented by multi-output multi-input (MIMO) nonlinear model with partially unknown dynamics. To regulate the intake manifold pressure, the exhaust manifold pressure, the compressor flow, and to estimate the unknown functions, a sliding mode control (SMC) combined with fuzzy logic is first developed. Second to reduce the chattering phenomenon without deteriorating the tracking performance, two approaches are investigated. A special case of the 2-SMC: the super-twisting SMC is developed. The results obtained using the ASMC are also presented to compare the performances of both methods. All parameter adaptive laws and robustifying control terms are derived based on Lyapunov stability analysis, so that convergence to zero of tracking errors and boundedness of all signals in the closed-loop system are guaranteed. Simulation results are given to show the efficiency of the proposed approaches.
H2 Mole Fraction Measurements in a Microwave Plasma Using Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Tuesta Alfredo D. , Bhuiyan Aizaz , Lucht Robert P. , Fisher Timothy S.
Published: November 2015

In an effort to provide insights into the thermochemical composition of a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) reactor, the mole fraction of H2 is measured at various positions in the plasma sheath, at pressures of 10 and 30 Torr, and at plasma powers ranging from 300 to 700 W. A technique is developed by comparing the Q(1)01 transition of experimental and theoretical spectra aided by the Sandia CARSFT fitting routine. Results reveal that the mole fraction of H2 does not vary significantly from its theoretical mixture at the parametric conditions examined. Furthermore, the ν″=1→ν′=2 vibrational hot band was searched, but no transitions were found. An analytical explanation for the increase in the temperature of H2 with the introduction of N2 and CH4 is also presented. Finally, because the mole fraction of H2 does not appear to deviate from the theoretical composition, the rotational and translational modes of H2 are shown to be approximately in equilibrium, and therefore, the rotational temperatures may be used to estimate the translational temperatures of H2.
An Implicit Harmonic Balance Method in Graphics Processing Units for Oscillating Blades
Authors: Crespo Javier , Corral Roque , Pueblas Jesus
Published: November 2015

An implicit harmonic balance (HB) method for modeling the unsteady nonlinear periodic flow about vibrating airfoils in turbomachinery is presented. An implicit edge-based three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS) solver for unstructured grids, which runs both on central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs), is used. The HB method performs a spectral discretization of the time derivatives and marches in pseudotime, a new system of equations where the unknowns are the variables at different time samples. The application of the method to vibrating airfoils is discussed. It is shown that a time-spectral scheme may achieve the same temporal accuracy at a much lower computational cost than a backward finite-difference method at the expense of using more memory. The performance of the implicit solver has been assessed with several application examples. A speed-up factor of 10 is obtained between the spectral and finite-difference version of the code, whereas an additional speed-up factor of 10 is obtained when the code is ported to GPUs, totalizing a speed factor of 100. The performance of the solver in GPUs has been assessed using the tenth standard aeroelastic configuration and a transonic compressor.
Heat Transfer Measurements Downstream of Trenched Film Cooling Holes Using a Novel Optical Two-Layer Measurement Technique
Authors: Schreivogel Peter , Pfitzner Michael
Published: November 2015

A new approach for steady-state heat transfer measurements is proposed. Temperature distributions are measured at the surface and a defined depth inside the wall to provide boundary conditions for a three-dimensional heat flux calculation. The practical application of the technique is demonstrated by employing a superposition method to measure heat transfer and film cooling effectiveness downstream of two different 0.75D deep narrow trench geometries and cylindrical holes. Compared to the cylindrical holes, both trench geometries lead to an augmentation of the heat transfer coefficient supposedly caused by the highly turbulent attached cooling film emanating from the trenches. Areas of high heat transfer are visible, where recirculation bubbles or large amounts of coolant are expected. Increasing the density ratio from 1.33 to 1.60 led to a slight reduction of the heat transfer coefficient and an increased cooling effectiveness. Both trenches provide a net heat flux reduction (NHFR) superior to that of cylindrical holes, especially at the highest momentum flux ratios.
Effects of Fluid Motions in Liquid Tanks on Vessel Motions Using a Simple Panel Method1
Authors: Cao Yusong , Zhang Fuwei
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a simple and fast method to include the effect of liquid tanks of a vessel in the prediction of the vessel motions. The effects are expressed in terms of modifications to the added mass and stiffness matrices of the vessels calculated with the liquids in the tanks assumed being rigid. The flows in the liquid tanks are solved using a panel method based on the desingularized boundary integral equations (DBIEs). The numerical results were validated by the experiments of a square tank partially filled. An application example for a vessel with two internal liquid tanks is demonstrated.
Self-Control Strength Depletion Reduces Self-Efficacy and Impairs Exercise Performance
Authors: Graham Jeffrey D. , Bray Steven R.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of task self-efficacy as a psychological factor involved in the relationship between self-control depletion and physical endurance. Participants (N = 37) completed two isometric handgrip endurance trials, separated by a Stroop task, which was either congruent (control) or incongruent (causing depletion). Task self-efficacy for the second endurance trial was measured following the Stroop task. Participants in the depletion condition reported lower task self-efficacy and showed a greater reduction in performance on the second endurance trial when compared with controls. Task self-efficacy also mediated the relationship between self-control depletion and endurance performance. The results of this study provide evidence that task self-efficacy is negatively affected following self-control depletion. We recommend that task self-efficacy be further investigated as a psychological factor accounting for the negative change in self-control performance of physical endurance and sport tasks following self-control strength depletion.
Intense Physical Exercise Reduces Overt Attentional Capture
Authors: Llorens Francesc , Sanabria Daniel , Huertas Florentino , Molina Enrique , Bennett Simon
Published: November 2015

The abrupt onset of a visual stimulus typically results in overt attentional capture, which can be quantified by saccadic eye movements. Here, we tested whether attentional capture following onset of task-irrelevant visual stimuli (new object) is reduced after a bout of intense physical exercise. A group of participants performed a visual search task in two different activity conditions: rest, without any prior effort, and effort, immediately after an acute bout of intense exercise. The results showed that participants exhibited (1) slower reaction time of the first saccade toward the target when a new object was simultaneously presented in the visual field, but only in the rest activity condition, and (2) more saccades to the new object in the rest activity condition than in the effort activity condition. We suggest that immediately after an acute bout of effort, participants improved their ability to inhibit irrelevant (distracting) stimuli.
Fingertip skin–inspired microstructured ferroelectric skins discriminate static/dynamic pressure and temperature stimuli
Authors: Park Jonghwa , Kim Marie , Lee Youngoh , Lee Heon Sang , Ko Hyunhyub
Published: October 2015

Fingertip skin-mimicking ferroelectric skins sensitively detect and discriminate static/dynamic pressure and temperature.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator Coating on Implant Surfaces Reduces Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation
Authors: Kwiecinski Jakub , Na Manli , Jarneborn Anders , Jacobsson Gunnar , Peetermans Marijke , Verhamme Peter , Jin Tao
Published: October 2015

Staphylococcus aureus
biofilm infections of indwelling medical devices are a major medical challenge because of their high prevalence and antibiotic resistance. As fibrin plays an important role in
S. aureus
biofilm formation, we hypothesize that coating of the implant surface with fibrinolytic agents can be used as a new method of antibiofilm prophylaxis. The effect of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) coating on
S. aureus
biofilm formation was tested with
in vitro
microplate biofilm assays and an
in vivo
mouse model of biofilm infection. tPA coating efficiently inhibited biofilm formation by various
S. aureus
strains. The effect was dependent on plasminogen activation by tPA, leading to subsequent local fibrin cleavage. A tPA coating on implant surfaces prevented both early adhesion and later biomass accumulation. Furthermore, tPA coating increased the susceptibility of biofilm infections to antibiotics.
In vivo
, significantly fewer bacteria were detected on the surfaces of implants coated with tPA than on control implants from mice treated with cloxacillin. Fibrinolytic coatings (e.g., with tPA) reduce
S. aureus
biofilm formation both
in vitro
and
in vivo
, suggesting a novel way to prevent bacterial biofilm infections of indwelling medical devices.
A New Transresistance-Mode Instrumentation Amplifier with Low Number of MOS Transistors and Electronic Tuning Opportunity
Authors: Safari Leila , Yuce Erkan , Minaei Shahram
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the simplest possible electronically adjustable transresistance-mode (TRM) instrumentation amplifier (IA) using only eight MOS transistors is presented. Extremely simple structure of the proposed IA leads to a wide bandwidth and robust performance against mismatches and parasitic capacitances. Of more interest is that the differential-mode gain of the proposed IA can be electronically varied by control voltages. Post-layout and pre-layout simulation results based on 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m TSMC CMOS parameters are included to confirm the validity of the theoretical analysis. Despite extremely simple structure, its input and output impedances are 1.93 and 1.68[Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text], respectively. Time domain analysis shows that for an input signal of 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A peak to peak, maximum value of THD is 4.5% for different frequencies. Monte Carlo simulation is also carried out, which proves robust performance of the proposed IA against mismatches. The required chip area is only [Formula: see text].
Regge pole analysis of elastic scattering of α particles by even isotopes of Ni target nuclei at incident energies above Coulomb barrier
Authors: Badran R. I. , Istaiti A. I. , Mashaqbeh W. N. , Al-Lehyani I. H.
Published: November 2015

Regge pole model is adopted to account for the angular distribution at backward angles for a set of elastic scattering processes of incident [Formula: see text]-particles by different isotopes of nickel ions, [Formula: see text]Ni, at different laboratory energies above Coulomb barrier. The reproduction of cross-sections at backward angles is preceded by an attempt to fit the experimental data at forward angles of the scattering. Three-parameter McIntyre model which is based on concept of strong absorption parametrization of the scattering matrix elements, has been employed to analyze and reproduce the experimental data of angular distribution of different elastic scattering reactions at forward angles. The three parameters extracted from McIntyre model analysis are employed as fixed entries in the fitting process of the full angle-range of angular distribution where another four free parameters are employed using the Regge pole model. Diffractive features observed in the angular distributions are studied. The Fresnel-type diffraction pattern is found dominant for all investigated elastic scatterings where Coulomb interaction is strong. The interaction radius of elastic scattering is found decreasing and the total cross-section increasing when the incident projectile energy increases. Moreover, the interaction radius and total reaction cross-section are found increasing with the increase in the size of target ion. Such diffractive behavior is consistent with the prescriptions of strong absorption model (SAM). Furthermore, the explanation of the diffractive features of studied elastic scattering reactions is model-independent. The Regge pole analysis reveals the existence of a pole which has its location, width, amplitude and phase angle exhibiting a common peak at energy of 24.1[Formula: see text]MeV with oscillatory behaviour at energies around this peak energy, for all elastic scattering of alpha particle on isotopes of Ni targets except that of [Formula: see text]Ni target which exhibits extra peaks for energy larger than 24.1[Formula: see text]MeV. We believe that the presence of poles is responsible for the oscillatory structure of the backward cross-sections. The variation of Regge pole parameters with both incident energy and size of target nucleus is illustrated.
Excited quasiparticles and entropy in 161,162Dy
Authors: Razavi R. , Mohassel A. Rashed , Mohammadi S.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the nuclear level densities of [Formula: see text]Dy is studied by the use of a microscopic theory which includes nuclear pairing interaction. It is based on the modified harmonic oscillator model according to the Nilsson potential. The entropy of even–odd and even–even nuclei as a function of nuclear temperature is obtained. The entropy excess of [Formula: see text]Dy is compared with that of [Formula: see text]Dy. It is concluded that the difference is related to the entropy carried by the neutron hole coupled to the even–even core. The numbers of excited quasiparticles are calculated. Good agreement was observed between calculated results and the experimental data.
SIMULATION ANALYSIS OF DEFORMATION AND STRESS OF TRACHEAL AND MAIN BROCHIAL WALL FOR SUBJECTS WITH LEFT PULMONARY ARTERY SLING
Authors: QI SHOULIANG , LI ZHENGHUA , YUE YONG , VAN TRIEST HAN J.W. , KANG YANG , QIAN WEI
Published: November 2015

Left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS) is a kind of severe congenital anomaly, where the stenoses usually occur at trachea and main bronchi for the external compression of the artery sling. Computed tomography (CT) images can provide accurate morphological analysis, but the airflow and its effects on the airway wall are unknown and seldom investigated. In the present study, a uni-directional coupling fluid–structure interaction (UCFSI) method is employed to simulate the deformation and stress of tracheal and main bronchial wall for four LPAS subjects and one health control. Much higher airflow velocity is observed for LPAS subjects due to the stenosis, and the deformation and equivalent stress of airway wall are about 50–900 and 90–1000 times of the health control, respectively. The direction of tracheal shift may be related to the airway shape, and is opposite to the net reaction force. The influences of inlet flow velocity and wall thickness on the deformation and stress are significant and their relationship is non-linear. These results suggest that the UCFSI simulation is helpful for the quantitative analysis on the deformation and stress of the airway wall and better understanding of LPAS mechanism.