bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey: Confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Tsubakita Takashi , Shimazaki Kazuyo
Published: May 2015

Aim

To examine the factorial validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey, using a sample of 2061 Japanese university students majoring in the medical and natural sciences (67.9% male, 31.8% female; Mage = 19.6 years, standard deviation = 1.5). The back‐translated scale used unreversed items to assess inefficacy.

Methods

The inventory's descriptive properties and Cronbach's alphas were calculated using SPSS software. The present authors compared fit indices of the null, one factor, and default three factor models via confirmatory factor analysis with maximum‐likelihood estimation using AMOS software, version 21.0.

Results

Intercorrelations between exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy were relatively higher than in prior studies. Cronbach's alphas were 0.76, 0.85, and 0.78, respectively. Although fit indices of the hypothesized three factor model did not meet the respective criteria, the model demonstrated better fit than did the null and one factor models. The present authors added four paths between error variables within items, but the modified model did not show satisfactory fit. Subsequent analysis revealed that a bi‐factor model fit the data better than did the hypothesized or modified three factor models.

Conclusion

The Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey needs minor changes to improve the fit of its three factor model, but the scale as a whole can be used to adequately assess overall academic burnout in Japanese university students. Although the scale was back‐translated, two items measuring exhaustion whose expressions overlapped should be modified, and all items measuring inefficacy should be reversed in order to statistically clarify the factorial difference between the scale's three factors.
‘Rapid discharge’: issues for hospital‐based nurses in discharging cancer patients home to die
Authors: Tan Yung Ying , Blackford Jeanine
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore issues for hospital‐based nurses in arranging rapid home discharge for imminently dying cancer patients in a Singapore acute hospital.

Background

Dying at home is an important measure of a ‘good death’. For hospitalised terminally ill patients, achieving home death can be of paramount importance to them and their family. Nurses experience many challenges in discharging imminently dying cancer patients home, due to time limitations and complex needs of patients and their families.

Design

Qualitative interpretive description.

Method

Using purposive sampling, 14 registered nurses from an oncology ward in a Singapore hospital were recruited to participate in individual, semi‐structured interviews.

Results

Nursing issues in facilitating rapid discharge fell into three categories: time, discharge processes and family preparation. Decisions to die at home appeared solely family/patient driven, and were made when death appeared imminent. Discharge then became time‐critical, as nurses needed to complete multiple tasks within short timeframes. Stress was further exacerbated by nurses' inexperience and the infrequent occurrence of rapid discharge, as well as absence of standardised discharge framework for guidance. Together, the lack of time and discharge processes to enable smooth hospital‐to‐home transition potentially affected nurses' capacity to adequately prepare families, and may contribute to caregiver anxiety.

Conclusion

Rapid discharge processes are needed as sudden patient/family decisions to die at home will continue. Earlier involvement of palliative care and implementation of a discharge pathway can potentially help nurses address their multiple responsibilities to ensure a successful transition from hospital to home.

Relevance to clinical practice

Recognition of nursing issues and challenges during rapid discharge has implications for clinical improvements in supporting nurses during this challenging situation. Results of this study can be used to inform the conceptualisation of clinical interventions to facilitate urgent discharges of imminently dying patients.
Osmotic water permeability diversification in primary trophoblast cultures from aquaporin 1‐deficient pregnant mice
Authors: Sha Xiao‐Yan , Liu Hui‐Shu , Ma Tong‐Hui
Published: May 2015

Aim

Aquaporins (AQP) are water channel proteins, and some play an important role in maternal–fetal fluid exchange. The present study aimed to measure the osmotic water permeability in primary cultures of trophoblast cells from AQP1‐deficient (AQP1–/–) pregnant mice and to define the quantitative role of AQP1 in water transport across the trophoblast plasma membrane.

Material and Methods

Trophoblast cells were obtained from placental tissue cell culture of AQP1–/– pregnant mice and were characterized by cytokeratin 7 immunostaining. The expression of the AQP1 gene in trophoblast cells of wild‐type (AQP1+/+) mice was confirmed by immunofluorescence. The osmotic water permeability of trophoblast plasma membranes was measured by a calcein fluorescence quenching method in response to osmotic gradients.

Results

A primary cell culture system for trophoblasts was successfully established. Immunofluorescence showed the expression of AQP1 in the trophoblast cell membrane of AQP1+/+ mice. The osmotic water permeability of AQP1–/– trophoblast cells was significantly lower than that in AQP1+/+ trophoblast cells, in response to both hypotonic and hypertonic challenges.

Conclusion

The results suggest an important role of AQP1‐mediated plasma membrane water permeability in maternal–fetal fluid balance and also provide a potential direction for the identification of therapeutic targets for the treatment of abnormalities in amniotic fluid volume.
Questionable effect of lavage for treatment of painful jaw movements at disc displacement without reduction: a 3‐year randomised controlled follow‐up
Authors: Baker Z. , Eriksson L. , Englesson Sahlström L. , Ekberg EC.
Published: May 2015

The present randomised controlled study compared the 3‐year outcome of local anaesthetics with anaesthetics and lavage in patients suffering from painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) locking. The study included 45 patients referred for treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) to the Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. All patients received a history questionnaire and clinical examination according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD, panoramic radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging at baseline. Twenty‐five patients were randomised to anaesthetics alone and 20 patients to anaesthetics and lavage. Three years after treatment, we sent the 37 patients who were available for follow‐up a questionnaire that evaluated pain intensity, physical and emotional functioning, and global improvement. Thirty‐four patients responded. The primary outcome was defined as ≥ 30% pain relief. In an intention‐to‐treat analysis, 28 of 45 patients (62%) reported ≥ 30% pain relief at the follow‐up. At 3 years, improvement in pain relief, physical functioning, emotional functioning and global improvement differed non‐significantly between local anaesthetics and anaesthetics and lavage. Compared with baseline, significant improvements (P < 0·05) in pain intensity, physical functioning, emotional functioning and global changes had occurred in both groups after 3 years. Because outcome measurements in the local anaesthetics and lavage and the local anaesthetics groups differed non‐significantly 3 years after treatment of painful TMJ disc displacement without reduction, use of lavage (50 mL saline) has an equivalent effect as local anaesthetics.
Analgesia enhancement and prevention of tolerance to morphine: beneficial effects of combined therapy with omega-3 fatty acids
Authors: Escudero Graciela E , Romañuk Carolina B , Toledo María E , Olivera María E , Manzo Ruben H , Laino Carlos H
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Recent evidence associates omega-3 fatty acids (O3) with pain reduction. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of O3, either alone or in combination with morphine after acute and chronic administration in rats. As well, a new pharmaceutical mixture that allows the concomitant administration of O3 and morphine as an oral solution was developed.

Methods

Animals were fed on a control or an experimental diet supplemented with O3. They were subjected to the hot-plate test to assess analgesic effect and tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine. The open-field test was carried out to determine if the differences in the response latency can be related to non-specific sedative effects.

Key findings

O3 dietary supplementation increased the response latency compared with the control group. Acute treatment with morphine in these groups resulted in an additive antinociceptive effect not related to locomotor activity. Chronic coadministration of morphine with O3 attenuated the development of tolerance. Oral administration of the new pharmaceutical mixture showed analgesic activity with a subtherapeutic dose of morphine.

Conclusion

This finding suggests a role for O3 as adjuncts to opioids in pain therapy and might contribute to the reduction of the occurrence of morphine side-effects.
Dispositions and tissue depletion of melamine in ducks
Authors: Suknikom P. , Jermnak U. , Poapolathep S. , Isariyodom S. , Giorgi M. , Kumagai S. , Poapolathep A.
Published: May 2015

To evaluate the toxicokinetics and persistence of residues of melamine (MEL) in ducks, MEL was administered intravenously (i.v.) or orally (p.o.) to ducks at a dosage of 5.5 mg/kg body weight. The concentration of MEL in the plasma and various tissues was detected using HPLC equipped with an ultraviolet detector. The plasma concentration of MEL in ducks was determined up to 12 h after both i.v. and p.o. administrations. The average value of elimination half‐life (t1/2β) of MEL was 2.16 ± 0.37 and 2.01 ± 0.56 h after i.v. and p.o. administration, respectively. The absolute p.o. bioavailability was 90.79%. MEL was measurable in the liver and kidney after p.o. administration with maximum levels of 15.80 ± 1.81 and 15.49 ± 2.12 μg/g at 6 h, respectively. The results suggest that most of the administered MEL is efficiently absorbed from the gastro intestinal tract, and it has the ability to distribute into various tissues of the duck.
Addition of tumor multiplicity improves the prognostic performance of the hepatoma arterial‐embolization prognostic score
Authors: Park Yehyun , Kim Seung Up , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Park Yong Eun , Park Ji Hye , Lee Yong Il , Yun Hae Ryong , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: May 2015

Background & Aims

The hepatoma arterial‐embolization prognostic (HAP) score predicts survival outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with trans‐arterial chemoembolization (TACE). We validated the HAP score in Korean subjects with HCC and investigated whether its prognostic performance is improved with additional parameters.

Methods

A total of 280 patients with HCC treated with TACE between 2003 and 2009 were included. Validation and modification of HAP score were performed based on multivariate Cox regression models.

Results

The median age of the study population (211 men, 69 women) was 60 years. Viral etiology of HCC accounted for 80.4% (n = 181 for hepatitis B, 44 for hepatitis C). The median overall survival (OS) was 40.5 months. On multivariate analysis, together with the original components of the HAP score (serum albumin <3.6 g/dl, total bilirubin >0.9 mg/dl, alpha‐foetoprotein >400 ng/ml, and tumor size >7 cm), tumor number ≥2 was selected as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 2.3; P < 0.001). Accordingly, a modified HAP‐II (mHAP‐II) score was established by adding tumor number ≥2. Although both HAP and mHAP‐II scores discriminated the four different risk groups (log‐rank test, all P < 0.001), the mHAP‐II score performed significantly better than the HAP score, as per the areas under receiver‐operating curves predicting OS at 3 years (0.717 vs. 0.658) and 5 years (0.728 vs. 0.645), respectively (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although the HAP score predicted OS for Korean subjects with HCC undergoing TACE, the addition of tumor number significantly improved the prognostic performance. The mHAP‐II score can be used for accurate prognostication and selection of optimal candidates for TACE.
Phylogeography and support vector machine classification of colour variation in panther chameleons
Authors: Grbic Djordje , Saenko Suzanne V. , Randriamoria Toky M. , Debry Adrien , Raselimanana Achille P. , Milinkovitch Michel C.
Published: May 2015

Lizards and snakes exhibit colour variation of adaptive value for thermoregulation, camouflage, predator avoidance, sexual selection and speciation. Furcifer pardalis, the panther chameleon, is one of the most spectacular reptilian endemic species in Madagascar, with pronounced sexual dimorphism and exceptionally large intraspecific variation in male coloration. We perform here an integrative analysis of molecular phylogeography and colour variation after collecting high‐resolution colour photographs and blood samples from 324 F. pardalis individuals in locations spanning the whole species distribution. First, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence analyses uncover strong genetic structure among geographically restricted haplogroups, revealing limited gene flow among populations. Bayesian coalescent modelling suggests that most of the mitochondrial haplogroups could be considered as separate species. Second, using a supervised multiclass support vector machine approach on five anatomical components, we identify patterns in 3D colour space that efficiently predict assignment of male individuals to mitochondrial haplogroups. We converted the results of this analysis into a simple visual classification key that can assist trade managers to avoid local population overharvesting.
Sky island diversification meets the multispecies coalescent – divergence in the spruce‐fir moss spider (Microhexura montivaga, Araneae, Mygalomorphae) on the highest peaks of southern Appalachia
Authors: Hedin Marshal , Carlson Dave , Coyle Fred
Published: May 2015

Microhexura montivaga is a miniature tarantula‐like spider endemic to the highest peaks of the southern Appalachian mountains and is known only from six allopatric, highly disjunct montane populations. Because of severe declines in spruce‐fir forest in the late 20th century, M. montivaga was formally listed as a US federally endangered species in 1995. Using DNA sequence data from one mitochondrial and seven nuclear genes, patterns of multigenic genetic divergence were assessed for six montane populations. Independent mitochondrial and nuclear discovery analyses reveal obvious genetic fragmentation both within and among montane populations, with five to seven primary genetic lineages recovered. Multispecies coalescent validation analyses [guide tree and unguided Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP), Bayes factor delimitation (BFD)] using nuclear‐only data congruently recover six or seven distinct lineages; BFD analyses using combined nuclear plus mitochondrial data favour seven or eight lineages. In stark contrast to this clear genetic fragmentation, a survey of secondary sexual features for available males indicates morphological conservatism across montane populations. While it is certainly possible that morphologically cryptic speciation has occurred in this taxon, this system may alternatively represent a case where extreme population genetic structuring (but not speciation) leads to an oversplitting of lineage diversity by multispecies coalescent methods. Our results have clear conservation implications for this federally endangered taxon and illustrate a methodological issue expected to become more common as genomic‐scale data sets are gathered for taxa found in naturally fragmented habitats.
Intermedin is upregulated and attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibition of oxidative stress in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Qiao Xi , Wang Lihua , Wang Yanhong , Zhao Ning , Zhang Ruijing , Han Weixia , Peng Zhiqiang
Published: May 2015

Aim

Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) plays a pivotal role in the progression of renal fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species mediate profibrotic action of TGF‐β1. Intermedin (IMD) has been shown to inhibit oxidative stress, but its role in renal fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of IMD on renal fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).

Methods

The expression of IMD and its receptors, calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity‐modifying proteins (RAMP1/2/3), in the obstructed kidney was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry. To evaluate the effects of IMD on renal fibrosis, we locally overexpressed exogenous IMD in the obstructed kidney using an ultrasound‐microbubble‐mediated delivery system. Renal fibrosis was determined by Masson trichrome staining. The expression of TGF‐β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and fibronectin was measured. Smad2/3 activation and macrophage infiltration were evaluated. We also studied oxidative stress by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content.

Results

mRNA and protein expression of IMD increased after UUO. CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were also induced by ureteral obstruction. IMD overexpression remarkably attenuated UUO‐induced tubular injury and blunted fibrotic response as shown by decreased interstitial collagen deposition and downregulation of fibronectin. Macrophage infiltration, α‐SMA and CTGF upregulation caused by UUO were all relieved by IMD, whereas TGF‐β1 upregulation and Smad2/3 activation were not affected. Meanwhile, we noted increased oxidative stress in obstruction, which was also attenuated by IMD gene delivery.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that IMD is upregulated after UUO. IMD plays a protective role in renal fibrosis via its antioxidant effects.
Epigenetic regulation in the acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease transition
Authors: Rodríguez‐Romo Roxana , Berman Nathan , Gómez Arturo , Bobadilla Norma A
Published: May 2015

Epigenetic modifications have emerged as a new, important contributor to gene expression regulation in both normal and pathophysiological conditions. Epigenetics have been studied in many diseases and conditions such as acute kidney injury (AKI), a syndrome with a high prevalence that carries a poor prognosis with increased morbidity and mortality. In addition, it has recently been shown that AKI increases the risk for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The specific molecular mechanisms by which AKI increases the risk of CKD and end stage renal disease (ESRD) remain unknown, although there is new evidence supporting a role of epigenetic changes. The most studied epigenetic regulations in AKI are chromatin compaction, DNA methylation, and histone acetylation/deacetylation. These modifications predominantly increase the production of pro‐inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines such as: monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), complement protein 3 (C3), transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) that have been shown for perpetuating inflammation, promoting epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ultimately causing renal fibrosis. A review of epigenetic mechanisms, the pathophysiology of AKI and recent studies that implicate epigenetic modifications in AKI and in the transition to CKD are discussed below.
The influence of physical strain on esophageal motility in healthy volunteers studied with gas‐perfusion manometry
Authors: Hoehne S. , Schneider A. , Hesse V. , Brosig U. , Finke R.
Published: May 2015

Background

The influence of physical strain on the esophageal motility has already been examined in a number of studies. It was found that high physical strain compromises the sufficient contractility of the esophagus. However, it needs more examinations to verify these findings.

Methods

To validate these results healthy volunteers were examined using gas‐perfusion manometrie. Bicycle ergometry was performed to generate an exactly defined physical exercise. After a pilot study, the changing of the contraction amplitude was determined as the main variable to evaluate the esophageal motility, and the sample size was calculated. Eight subjects without esophageal diseases or symptoms were examined by simultaneous gas‐perfusion esophageal manometry and bicycle ergometry.

Key Results

The results showed that high physical strain during bicycle ergometry can induce a significant decrease of the contraction amplitude (α = 5%, β = 10%). The 95% confidence interval of the quotient of contraction amplitude at rest and under physical strain is (1.074; 1.576). This effect is more pronounced in liquid acts of swallowing than in dry and is also more obvious at the middle measuring point (7.8 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter) than at the distal and proximal point (2.8 and 12.8 cm). Furthermore, a decreasing tendency of the contraction duration could be found.

Conclusions & Interferences

Gas‐perfusion manometry is an inexpensive examination method, which enables the evaluation of the esophageal motility in moving test subjects under conditions of physical strain. It could be proved that physical strain negatively influences the esophageal motility by a decrease of the contraction amplitude.
Effect of retinal image defocus on the thickness of the human choroid
Authors: Chiang Samuel T‐H. , Phillips John R. , Backhouse Simon
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To describe the time‐course and amplitude of changes to sub‐foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) induced by imposed hyperopic and myopic retinal defocus and to compare the responses in emmetropic and myopic subjects.

Methods

Twelve East Asian subjects (age: 18–34 years; six were emmetropic and six had myopia between −2.00 and −5.00 dioptres (D)) viewed a distant target (video movie at 6 m) for 60 min on two separate occasions while optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the choroid were taken in both eyes every 5 min to monitor SFCT. On each occasion, one eye was optimally corrected for distance with a contact lens while the other eye wore a contact lens imposing either 2.00 D hyperopic or 2.00 D myopic retinal defocus.

Results

Baseline SFCT in myopic eyes (mean ± S.D.): 256 ± 42 μm was significantly less than in emmetropic eyes (423 ± 62 μm; p < 0.01) and was correlated with magnitude of myopia (−39 μm per dioptre of myopia, R2 = 0.67: p < 0.01). Repeated measures anova (General Linear Model) analysis revealed that in both subject groups, 2.00 D of myopic defocus caused a rapid increase in SFCT in the defocussed eye (significant by 10 min, increasing to approximately 20 μm within 60 min: p < 0.01), with little change in the control eye. In contrast, 2.00 D of hyperopic defocus caused a decrease in SFCT in the experimental eye (significant by 20–35 min. SFCT decreased by approximately 20 μm within 60 min: p < 0.01) with little change in the control eye.

Conclusions

Small but significant changes in SFCT (5–8%) were caused by retinal defocus. SFCT increased within 10 min of exposure to 2.00 D of monocular myopic defocus, but decreased more slowly in response to 2.00 D of monocular hyperopic defocus. In our relatively small sample we could detect no difference in the magnitude of changes to SFCT caused by defocus in myopic eyes compared to emmetropic eyes.
Fine mapping of the genetic locus L1 conferring black pods using a chromosome segment substitution line population of soybean
Authors: He Qingyuan , Yang Hongyan , Xiang Shihua , Tian Dong , Wang Wubin , Zhao Tuanjie , Gai Junyi
Published: May 2015

The colour of plant organs is a useful trait in crop breeding. The pod colours of soybeans primarily include black, brown and tan types, which are controlled by two classical genetic loci, L1 and L2. Most wild soybeans have black pods, which reflect a possible role in adaptation to the natural environment. Here, an improved chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) population SojaCSSLP3 was established to identify the L1 gene. The segment on the 19th chromosome represented by the SSR marker Satt313 was found to link with locus L1. The region was further delimited three times with increased SSR and InDel markers using a population derived from a heterozygous plant of CSSL124 from SojaCSSLP3. The L1 gene was finally located in a 184.43‐kb region between SSR_19p09 and Indel_19P7. Thirteen putative genes in this region were analysed with qRT‐PCR. The expression level of Glyma19 g27460, which is a member of the SANT superfamily with a MYB DNA‐binding domain, was significantly upregulated in black pods and was recognized to be the most likely candidate for the L1 gene.
Concordance of DSM‐5 and DSM‐IV‐TR classifications for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ohashi Kei , Mizuno Yoshifumi , Miyachi Taishi , Asai Tomoko , Imaeda Masayuki , Saitoh Shinji
Published: May 2015

Background

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) was published in May 2013. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been structured for the three subtypes of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), but the number of impairment in social and communication dimension is not stated.

Methods

The subjects were 68 children who visited the Department of Psychology and Development at Nagoya City University Hospital for the first time between the ages of 6 and 15 years old. We retrospectively re‐examined the subjects using DSM‐IV‐TR criteria and DSM‐5 criteria with two rules (two of three and one of three on the social and communication dimension) and examined the concordance rate.

Results

Forty subjects were diagnosed with PDD, and 28 were not. The mean PDD subject age was 9.4 years, and mean IQ was 84.0 on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III or 62.7 on the Tanaka–Binet test. Twenty‐seven (68%) of the PDD subjects were classified with ASD using DSM‐5 criteria when the two of three rule was applied, while 32 (80%) were classified with ASD when the one of three rule was applied. All subjects without PDD were not diagnosed with ASD on DSM‐5 criteria.

Conclusion

DSM‐5 criteria may exclude high functioning and older subjects from ASD because they tend to be atypical. The diagnostic procedure for DSM‐5 criteria is ambiguous, especially in high functioning subjects and those diagnosed at an older age.
Is Dispositional Causation Just Mutual Manifestation?
Authors: Austin Christopher J.
Published: May 2015

Dispositional properties are often referred to as ‘causal powers’, but what does dispositional causation amount to? Any viable theory must account for two fundamental aspects of the metaphysics of causation – the causal complexity and context sensitivity of causal interactions. The theory of mutual manifestations attempts to do so by locating the complexity and context sensitivity within the nature of dispositions themselves. But is this theory an acceptable first step towards a viable theory of dispositional causation? This paper argues that the reconceptualization that the theory entails comes at too high a price, and is an unnecessary step in the wrong direction: these two central aspects concerning the metaphysics of causation can and should be accounted for in a dispositional account of causation without it.
The ADH gene cluster SNP rs1789891 and temperamental dimensions in patients with alcohol dependence and affective disorders
Authors: Oniszczenko Włodzimierz , Rybakowski Janusz K. , Dragan Wojciech Ł. , Grzywacz Anna , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: May 2015

This study had three objectives: (1) to assess the relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1789891 in the alcohol dehydrogenase gene cluster and alcohol dependence and affective disorders; (2) to assess the differences in the Regulative Theory of Temperament (RTT) traits between an alcohol dependent group, an affective disorders group, and a healthy group; and (3) to assess the relationship between rs1789891 and temperament traits in a healthy group, taking into account the interaction of genotype and sex. The SNP rs1789891 was genotyped in a group of 194 alcohol dependent men, aged 21 to 71 years; 137 patients with affective disorders, including 51 males and 86 females, aged 19 to 85 years; and a group of 207 healthy individuals, including 89 males and 118 females, aged 18 to 71 years. Temperament traits (briskness, perseveration, sensory sensitivity, emotional reactivity, endurance, and activity) were assessed in all groups using the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour‐Temperament Inventory. The comparative analysis of genotypic frequencies showed no significant differences between patients with alcoholism or affective disorders and those in the control group. Alcohol dependent men and the affective disorder group were characterised by higher levels of emotional reactivity (p‐value 1.4e‐5 and 9.84e‐7, respectively) and lower levels of briskness, sensory sensitivity, endurance, and activity (p‐value from 3.76e‐8 to 0.012) when compared to the healthy group. The rs1789891 polymorphism was associated with briskness (p = 0.02), sensory sensitivity (p = 0.036), and activity (p = 0.049). None of the results were statistically significant after Bonferroni correction.
A Rejection Principle for Sequential Tests of Multiple Hypotheses Controlling Familywise Error Rates
Authors: Bartroff Jay , Song Jinlin
Published: May 2015

We present a unifying approach to multiple testing procedures for sequential (or streaming) data by giving sufficient conditions for a sequential multiple testing procedure to control the familywise error rate (FWER). Together, we call these conditions a ‘rejection principle for sequential tests’, which we then apply to some existing sequential multiple testing procedures to give simplified understanding of their FWER control. Next, the principle is applied to derive two new sequential multiple testing procedures with provable FWER control, one for testing hypotheses in order and another for closed testing. Examples of these new procedures are given by applying them to a chromosome aberration data set and finding the maximum safe dose of a treatment.
On Nonsmooth Estimating Functions via Jackknife Empirical Likelihood
Authors: Li Zhouping , Xu Jinfeng , Zhou Wang
Published: May 2015

In many applications, the parameters of interest are estimated by solving non‐smooth estimating functions withU‐statistic structure. Because the asymptotic covariances matrix of the estimator generally involves the underlying density function, resampling methods are often used to bypass the difficulty of non‐parametric density estimation. Despite its simplicity, the resultant‐covariance matrix estimator depends on the nature of resampling, and the method can be time‐consuming when the number of replications is large. Furthermore, the inferences are based on the normal approximation that may not be accurate for practical sample sizes. In this paper, we propose a jackknife empirical likelihood‐based inferential procedure for non‐smooth estimating functions. Standard chi‐square distributions are used to calculate thep‐value and to construct confidence intervals. Extensive simulation studies and two real examples are provided to illustrate its practical utilities.
Effects of weed harrowing and undersown clover on weed growth and spring cereal yield
Authors: Stenerud S , Mangerud K , Sjursen H , Torp T , Brandsæter LO
Published: May 2015

Weed competition and nutrient scarcity often restrict organic cereal production, especially where the availability of livestock manure is limited. While harrowing of annual weeds and legume cover crops can be used, these methods are both executed in early spring and may hinder each other. Two cycles of a 2‐year crop rotation were carried out in south‐east Norway (60°42′N, 10°51′E, altitude 250 m) with weed harrowing and undersown cover crops (WHCC) at two fertiliser rates (40 and 100 kg nitrogen ha−1). The effect of the WHCC treatments was measured by weed density and species, weed biomass, changes in weed seedbank and grain yield. The weed density depended on the interaction between WHCC, fertiliser and year. On average, pre‐emergence weed harrowing reduced weed density by 32% and weed biomass by 49%, while pre‐ and post‐emergence weed harrowing reduced weed density by 59% and weed biomass by 67% compared with the untreated control. Spergula arvensis became more abundant at low rather than at high fertiliser rates. On average, white clover cover crop sown after pre‐emergence weed harrowing resulted in the highest yields for both oat (+12.1%) and wheat (+16.4%) compared with the untreated control. Despite differences in weed population density and biomass among WHCC treatments within years, the weed biomass, weed density and seedbank increased for all WHCC treatments over the 4‐year period. More research is required into improving the efficacy of mechanical and cultural weed suppression methods that organic systems rely on.
Developmental role ofplk4inXenopus laevisandDanio rerio:implications for Seckel Syndrome
Authors: Rapchak Candace Elaine , Patel Neeraj , Hudson John , Crawford Michael
Published: May 2015

The polo-like kinases are a family of conserved serine/threonine kinases that play multiple roles in regulation of the cell cycle. Unlike its four other family members, the role of Plk4 in embryonic development has not been well characterized. In mice, Plk4−/−embryos arrest at E7.5, just prior to the initiation of somitogenesis. This has led to the hypothesis that Plk4 expression may be essential to somitogenesis. Recently characterized human mutations lead to Seckel Syndrome. Riboprobe in situ hybridization revealed that plk4 is ubiquitously expressed during early stages of development of Xenopus and Danio; in later stages, expression in frogs restricts to somites as well as eye, otic vesicle, and branchial arch, and brain. Expression patterns in fish remain ubiquitous. Both somite and eye development require planar cell polarity, and disruption of plk4 function in frog by means of morpholino-mediated translational knockdown yields orientational disorganization of both these structures. These results provide the first steps in defining a new role for plk4 in organogenesis and implies a role in planar cell polarity, segmentation, and in recently described PLK4 mutations in human.
Cone penetration test (CPT)-based stratigraphic profiling using the wavelet transform modulus maxima method
Authors: Ching Jianye , Wang Jiun-Shiang , Juang C. Hsein , Ku Chih-Sheng
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a stratigraphic profiling approach is proposed based on the soil behavior type index, Ic, obtained from the cone penetration test (CPT). The basic idea of this approach is simple: the layer boundaries can be identified as the points at which a change occurs in the Ic profile. It is shown that these change points can be easily identified using the wavelet transform modulus maxima (WTMM) method. This method is able to accurately pinpoint the locations of change points in the Ic profile and to produce graphs and plots that fit well with engineers’ methods of visualization and intuition. Moreover, by virtue of the fast Fourier transform, the computation is very fast. Case studies show that the WTMM method is effective for the detection of change points in the Ic profile. It is also capable of detecting thin soil layers.
Long lead forecasting of spring peak runoff using Mamdani-type fuzzy logic systems at Hay River, NWT
Authors: Zhao L. , Hicks F.E. , Fayek A. Robinson
Published: May 2015

In northern riverside communities, breakup ice jam flooding is an annual threat to properties and human lives. In this study, the peak snowmelt runoff during breakup was assessed as an indicator of breakup flood severity. Due to the sparse network of hydrometeorolocial data in remote northern regions, a Mamdani-type fuzzy logic system (FLS) was developed and tested with the limited historical data. Three input variables were defined from the precipitation, air temperature and daily water level data. All of these variables are known ∼3 to 4 weeks before breakup enabling a long lead-time forecast. The process of system development is demonstrated by a case study of the Town of Hay River, NWT Canada. A series of experiments were designed to select the best system configuration, which also provided a way to conduct a sensitivity analysis for different choices in each system component. It was found that the system shows very good performance on the historical data using the qualitative error index. The results of the sensitivity analysis suggest the system performance is dependent on the choices of fuzzy logic inference operators and defuzzification method. As a long lead system, the short-term meteorological factors that would affect the system output were analyzed and the possible error range was assessed. Preliminary model validation, based on three years of testing, shows promising performance.
The utility of genetics in marine fisheries management: a simulation study based on Pacific cod off Alaska
Authors: Spies Ingrid , Punt André E.
Published: May 2015

Information on genetic population structure has been documented in many marine fish species, but it is not always incorporated into management plans. This study examines how conservation status and yield change when management units are established using genetic data versus treating the entire area as a single management unit. Simulations use a spatially structured, individual-based model that combines multilocus microsatellite genotypes and a traditional fish population dynamics model that establishes abundance-at-age by cohort. Results are considered in terms of marine fish species in general, and parameters in the model are based on Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands region of Alaska. Population dynamics are projected under several management strategies, some of which establish management units based on the results of genetic testing and some that do not. Simulations incorporate annual stock assessments and fishing for 100 years. Results show that managed fishing can result in a reduction in stock sizes below target reference points when distinct populations are not managed based on the results of genetic testing. However, stock size is maintained at target levels and catches may increase when stocks identified using genetics are managed separately, even given error rates inherent to genetic testing.
Identification of rice blast resistance genes in the elite hybrid rice restorer line Yahui2115
Authors: Shi Jun , Li Deqiang , Li Yan , Li Xiaoyan , Guo Xiaoyi , Luo Yiwan , Lu Yuangen , Zhang Qin , Xu Yongju , Fan Jing , Huang Fu , Wang Wenming
Published: May 2015

Rice blast, caused by the ascomycete fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most serious rice diseases worldwide. We previously developed an elite hybrid rice restorer line with high resistance to rice blast, Yahui2115 (YH2115). To identify the blast resistance genes in YH2115, we first performed expression profiling on previously reported blast resistance genes and disease assay on monogenic lines, and we found that Pi2, Pi9, and Pikm were the most likely resistance candidates in YH2115. Furthermore, RNA interference and linkage analysis demonstrated that silencing of Pi2 reduced the blast resistance of YH2115 and a Pi2 linkage marker was closely associated with blast resistance in an F2 population generated from YH2115. These data suggest that the broad-spectrum blast resistance gene Pi2 contributes greatly to the blast resistance of YH2115. Thus, YH2115 could be used as a new germplasm to facilitate rice blast resistance breeding in hybrid rice breeding programs.
Targeting engineering synchronization in chaotic systems
Authors: Bhowmick Sourav K. , Ghosh Dibakar
Published: May 2015

A method of targeting engineering synchronization states in two identical and mismatch chaotic systems is explained in detail. The method is proposed using linear feedback controller coupling for engineering synchronization such as mixed synchronization, linear and nonlinear generalized synchronization and targeting fixed point. The general form of coupling design to target any desire synchronization state under unidirectional coupling with the help of Lyapunov function stability theory is derived analytically. A scaling factor is introduced in the coupling definition to smooth control without any loss of synchrony. Numerical results are done on two mismatch Lorenz systems and two identical Sprott oscillators.
The past and future of light dark matter direct detection
Authors: Davis Jonathan H.
Published: May 2015

We review the status and future of direct searches for light dark matter. We start by answering the question: "Whatever happened to the light dark matter anomalies?" i.e. the fate of the potential dark matter signals observed by the CoGeNT, CRESST-II, CDMS-Si and DAMA/LIBRA experiments. We discuss how the excess events in the first two of these experiments have been explained by previously underestimated backgrounds. For DAMA, we summarize the progress and future of mundane explanations for the annual modulation reported in its event rate. Concerning the future of direct detection, we focus on the irreducible background from solar neutrinos. We explain broadly how it will affect future searches and summarize efforts to mitigate its effects.
Raman spectroscopy of epitaxial topological insulator Bi2Te3 thin films on GaN substrates
Authors: Xu Hao , Song Yuxin , Gong Qian , Pan Wenwu , Wu Xiaoyan , Wang Shumin
Published: May 2015

Bi 2 Te 3 has drawn great attention in recent years as both a topological insulator and the best thermoelectric material at room temperature. We report on Raman spectroscopic study on Bi 2 Te 3 thin films with thicknesses of 20–50 nm grown on GaN by molecular beam epitaxy. All the four classical optical phonon modes are clearly revealed for the first time in ex situ Raman for epitaxial Bi 2 Te 3. Unusual and infrared-active vibration modes are also observed and analyzed. In the resonant Raman measurements, abnormal enhancement and suppression of different modes are studied. The interface modes caused by a large density of domain boundaries formed during coalescence of crystal islands with different lattice orientations and the Fröhlich electron–phonon interaction are found to play significant roles during the Raman scattering processes.
Quantum fluctuations of mesoscopic RLC circuit with sources and time-dependant resistances
Authors: Neouioua B. , Benamira F. , Benbitour M. A.
Published: May 2015

We discuss the quantization of two mesoscopic coupled RLC circuits with sources and a time-dependent resistances. We use unitary transformations to decouple the system and calculate the charge-current fluctuations for each loop. An adequate time-dependent form of resistances is used to simplify the quantum evolution of the system. We find that the charge-current fluctuations verify the Heisenberg principle and decrease when the time elapses.
ALGORITHMS FOR TOLERANT TVERBERG PARTITIONS
Authors: MULZER WOLFGANG , STEIN YANNIK
Published: May 2015

Let P be a d-dimensional n-point set. A partition [Formula: see text] of P is called a Tverberg partition if the convex hulls of all sets in [Formula: see text] intersect in at least one point. We say that [Formula: see text] is t-tolerant if it remains a Tverberg partition after deleting any t points from P. Soberón and Strausz proved that there is always a t-tolerant Tverberg partition with ⌈n/(d + 1)(t + 1)⌉ sets. However, no nontrivial algorithms for computing or approximating such partitions have been presented so far.

For d ≤ 2, we show that the Soberón-Strausz bound can be improved, and we show how the corresponding partitions can be found in polynomial time. For d ≥ 3, we give the first polynomial-time approximation algorithm by presenting a reduction to the regular Tverberg problem (with no tolerance). Finally, we show that it is coNP-complete to determine whether a given Tverberg partition is t-tolerant.
DYNAMIC POINT LABELING IS STRONGLY PSPACE-COMPLETE
Authors: BUCHIN KEVIN , GERRITS DIRK H. P.
Published: May 2015

An important but strongly NP-hard problem in automated cartography is how to best place textual labels for point features on a static map. We examine the complexity of various generalizations of this problem for dynamic and/or interactive maps. Specifically, we show that it is strongly PSPACE-complete to decide whether there is a smooth dynamic labeling (function from time to static labelings) when the points move, when points are added and removed, or when the user pans, rotates, and/or zooms their view of the points. In doing so we develop a framework from which a wide variety of labeling hardness results can be obtained, including (next to the PSPACE-hardness results) both known and new results on the NP-hardness of static labeling.
The properties of the massive neutron star PSR J0348+0432
Authors: Zhao Xian-Feng
Published: May 2015

The properties of the massive neutron star PSR J0348+0432 is calculated in the framework of the relativistic mean field (RMF) theory by choosing the suitable hyperon coupling constants. It is found that the central energy density ϵc and the central pressure pc of the massive neutron star PSR J0348+0432 respectively are 1.5 times larger and 3.6 times larger than those of the canonical mass neutron star. It is also found that in the neutron star PSR J0348+0432 there are five kinds of baryons appearing: n, p, Λ, Ξ- and Ξ0 but in the canonical mass neutron star there are only three kinds of particles appearing: n, p and Λ. In our models, the positive well depth [Formula: see text] will restrict the production of the hyperons Σ-, Σ0 and Σ+ and therefore either in the neutron star PSR J0348+0432 or in the canonical mass neutron star the hyperons Σ-, Σ0 and Σ+ all do not appear. In addition, our results also show that the radius R of the massive neutron star PSR J0348+0432 is less than that of the canonical mass neutron star while the gravitational redshift of the former is larger than that of the latter.
Ψ and ϒ Production in proton–proton collisions at E = 13 TeV
Authors: Kisslinger Leonard S. , Das Debasish
Published: May 2015

This article is an extension of our recent studies of Ψ and ϒ production cross-sections in proton–proton collisions at the LHC with [Formula: see text] to E = 13 TeV.
Edge-Based Smoothed Finite Element Method Using Two-Step Taylor Galerkin Algorithm for Lagrangian Dynamic Problems
Authors: Cui Xiangyang , Chang Shu
Published: May 2015

An edge-based smoothed finite element method (ESFEM) using two-step Taylor Galerkin (TS-TG) algorithm is formulated for two-dimensional solid dynamics problems using linear elements. Although explicit method with classical displacement formulations is the traditional way to simulate fast impact, errors accumulate rapidly resulted from mass, momentum or energy nonconservation. The proposed method is momentum conservative so that energy fluctuations can be minimal and stay bounded for long time. In the present method, the problem areas are firstly discretized into a series of triangular cells, and edge-based smoothing domains are further formed associated with the cell edges. The strain field using the gradient smoothing technique over each smoothing domain is smoothed, which is used for performing the numerical integration. The triangular elements using ESFEM can work for extremely distorted meshes. The newly proposed method can present a good property of accuracy and conservation for a long time.