bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Una aproximación psicosocial al conflicto vasco como sistema dinámico
Authors: Mínguez Alcaide Xavier , Alzate Sáez de Heredia Ramón , Sánchez De Miguel Manuel
Published: December 2015

El artículo presenta una aproximación psicosocial al conflicto del País Vasco desde el modelo dinámico/sistémico del conflicto (Coleman, 2006). La investigación se llevó a cabo a partir de 60 entrevistas en profundidad realizadas a personas de distintos sectores de la sociedad vasca, analizadas a partir de un análisis de contenido por categorización, y de un análisis interpretativo fenomenológico. Los resultados apuntan a cinco elementos centrales del conflicto: las manifestaciones de violencia y sus formas de legitimación, la vulneración de necesidades humanas básicas, la interdependencia negativa de las identidades colectivas, cuestiones políticas e ideológicas. Igualmente, se mencionan tres factores adicionales –polarización social, emociones y aspectos cognitivos–. Finalmente, se interpreta el conjunto de datos sobre el conflicto vasco a partir del modelo dinámico/sistémico.
Econograma: Diseño de un Instrumento Cualitativo para Investigación en Ambientes Sociales con poca o nula Información Socioeconómica de base
Authors: Páez Becerra Francisco Javier , Bateman Andrés , Núñez Jairo , Hurtado-Caycedo Claudia , Gutiérrez Carlos Andrés , Pinzón Másmela Carol
Published: December 2015

Este artículo presenta un instrumento de investigación cualitativa denominado Econograma. Este instrumento tiene su origen en la necesidad generar un conocimiento de base para evaluar la eficacia de los programas estatales implementados para la atención de población damnificada por un fenómeno de excesiva pluviosidad sucedido en Colombia entre noviembre de 2010 y marzo de 2011. Esta herramienta de investigación es a la vez un formato y una técnica, que pone en evidencia la estructura básica de las interacciones que se establecen entre un individuo o un colectivo en términos económicos, y permite rastrear desplazamientos en los comportamientos económicos a través del tiempo desde una perspectiva que permite inferir ciclos de producción y de consumo, tendencias y redes de producción.
¿Es la participación política convencional un indicador del compromiso cívico de los jóvenes?
Authors: Varela Candia Edmundo , Martínez Guzmán M. Loreto , Cumsille Eltit Patricio
Published: December 2015

Aunque el compromiso cívico es un concepto multidimensional, con frecuencia la baja participación de los jóvenes en política convencional se interpreta como un indicador de menor compromiso cívico. Este estudio cuestiona la centralidad de la participación política convencional como principal indicador del compromiso cívico, y evalúa si la mayor atención hacia la política convencional es un indicador del compromiso cívico en jóvenes. Los hallazgos de un análisis de regresión logística en una muestra de jóvenes chilenos (N = 390) clasificados como: (a) políticos (N = 279) y (b) apolíticos (N = 111) indican que la participación política convencional predice la pertenencia al grupo político, y la participación local al apolítico. Los niveles de tolerancia, competencias cívicas, y participación política no convencional no resultaron predictores de la pertenencia a alguno de los dos grupos. Los hallazgos confirman que la participación política convencional no es indicador principal del compromiso cívico y señalan la importancia de avanzar en formular modelos multidimensionales del compromiso cívico más allá de la política convencional.
Perfiles motivacionales de aproximaciónevitación en contextos de educación física
Authors: Méndez-Giménez Antonio , Fernández-Río Javier , Cecchini-Estrada José-Antonio
Published: December 2015

Tres fueron los objetivos: a) explorar la influencia que ejercen las metas sociales y de logro (aproximación/evitación) en el esfuerzo y diversión de los estudiantes de Educación Física, b) examinar los perfiles motivacionales de los adolescentes desde un marco holístico y c) estudiar las posibles diferencias entre perfiles en el esfuerzo y la diversión autoinformados. Los participantes fueron 479 estudiantes de secundaria (M = 14.36, DE = 1.58). Las metas de aproximación-maestría y evitación-amistad fueron los únicos predictores positivos del esfuerzo, mientras que las metas de aproximación-maestría y aproximación-amistad fueron los únicos predictores positivos de la diversión. Emergieron tres perfiles de clúster: (a) metas sociales bajas, (b) metas altas y (c) metas sociales altas y de logro moderadas a bajas, siendo los dos últimos más adaptativos. Los estudiantes varones se divirtieron significativamente más que las mujeres.
Propiedades psicométricas del EATQ-R en una muestra de adolescentes españoles de habla catalana
Authors: Viñas Poch Ferran , González Mònica , Gras Eugenia , Jane Claustre , Casas Ferran
Published: December 2015

The few studies that have been conducted into the psychometric properties of the EATQ-R, even fewer for the longer version, highlight the fact that its structure differs from that of the original. The aim of this study is to translate and adapt the long version of the EATQ-R to Catalan, study its internal consistency and convergent and factorial validity, and compare differences in the EATQ-R by age and gender. The EATQ-R was administered to a sample of 1481 secondary school students ranging in age from 11 to 17 years. After eliminating 40 items from the 86 comprising the EATQ-R, an adjusted model was obtained with acceptable fit indices comprising 8 of the original 11 factors.
Las publicaciones periódicas en el marco de la enseñanza de la psicología en la Universidad Nacional de La Plata (Argentina): 1976- 2000
Authors: González Eliana Noemí
Published: December 2015

Desde una perspectiva que reúne una historia de la enseñanza de la psicología y una historia institucional de las publicaciones periódicas (revistas), se analiza la enseñanza de la psicología en la Universidad Nacional de La Plata en el período 1976-2000. Se hace una primera descripción de la misma, a partir del estudio sociobibliométrico de las referencias bibliográficas de los programas de los cursos enseñados en dicho período en la carrera. Se focaliza en la incidencia de las publicaciones periódicas referenciadas en dichos cursos, analizándolas cuantitativa y cualitativamente, desde un enfoque sociobibliométrico.
Análisis Psicométrico del Gratitude Questionnaire – 6 (GQ-6) en Población Chilena
Authors: Carmona-Halty Marcos A. , Marín Gutierrez Mauricio , Belmar Saavedra Francy
Published: December 2015

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del Gratitude Questionnaire – 6 (McCullough y Emmons, 2002) en población chilena. En el estudio participaron 602 personas distribuidos en cuotas de sexo y edad. En primer lugar, se estimó la confiabilidad y validez de constructo de la escala. En segundo lugar, se analizaron indicadores de validez basados en la convergencia y divergencia con los instrumentos: Cuestionario de los Cinco Grandes, Escala de Satisfacción Vital, Escala de Afectos Positivos y Negativos y el Test de Orientación Vital Revisado. Los resultados indican adecuación del cuestionario para su utilización en la evaluación de la gratitud en población chilena.
Relation between Emotional Intelligence and Management Role in Colombian Managers
Authors: Acosta-Prado Julio César , Zarate Torres Rodrigo Arturo , Pautt Torres Geli Mercedes
Published: December 2015

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Efecto de la capacitación y el diseño del tarjetón sobre la comprensión y la validez del voto
Authors: Beltrán Oicatá Cristian , Sandoval-Escobar Maritza
Published: December 2015

Son limitadas las investigaciones acerca del impacto del diseño del tarjetón en las elecciones multipartidistas y el voto nulo, como también las que evalúan de manera general los efectos de la información o capacitación sobre los errores en el voto. El presente estudio buscó establecer el efecto de la capacitación y del diseño de tarjetón sobre el porcentaje de voto nulo y la compresión del mecanismo de voto. Se realizaron tres estudios específicos con diferentes muestras, el primer cuasiexperimento (60 participantes) constó de un diseño pos prueba y un grupo control donde se rechazó la hipótesis de que la capacitación disminuye el porcentaje de voto nulo. En el segundo cuasiexperimento (172 participantes) con un diseño pos prueba, un grupo control y dos grupos con diferentes tratamientos experimentales se rechazó la hipótesis de que la elaboración del encabezado del tarjetón disminuye la probabilidad de voto nulo. El tercer cuasiexperimento (60 participantes) con un diseño factorial 2x2, demostró que el priming obtenido a través del diseño didáctico de las instrucciones en cuartilla separada y gran tamaño disminuyó el porcentaje de voto nulo aun en aquellos casos en que los electores no tuvieran experiencia con el sistema electoral. Se discute la importancia del diseño pedagógico del tarjetón y otras piezas que forman parte del sistema de voto a la luz de la psicología del consumidor y de la economía conductual.
GENERALIZABILIDAD Y OPTIMIZACIÓN EN LA EVALUACIÓN DE LA CALIDAD DE LOS CENTROS DE ATENCIÓN INFANTIL TEMPRANA (CAIT)
Authors: Romero Galisteo Rita Pilar , Morales-Sánchez Verónica , Hernández-Mendo Antonio
Published: December 2015

Resumen El propósito de este trabajo fue optimizar una nueva herramienta de evaluación de la calidad percibida en los Centros de Atención Temprana, desarrollada ad hoc, que permitirá analizar distintas dimensiones de la calidad de servicio en estos centros desde la perspectiva de la Teoría de la Generalizabilidad. El objetivo fue desglosar la variabilidad real de la variabilidad del error. Se estimaron los componentes de varianza de las facetas centros, usuarios, ítems y escalas. Se utilizó una estructura de diseño multifaceta parcialmente anidado, analizando distintas categorías independientemente y en interacción, obteniendo excelentes resultados tanto de los índices de fiabilidad como de generalizabilidad. Se realizó una optimización del diseño de medida para optimizar los tamaños muestrales, pudiendo ser considerado un análisis coste-beneficio. Abstract The purpose of this work was to optimize a new tool for evaluation of quality perceived in the Early Intervention Centers, developed ad hoc, allowing to analyze different dimensions of quality service in these kind of centres from the perspective of the Generalizability Theory. The aim was to break down the actual variability of the variability of the error. The variance of the facets centers, users, items and scales components were estimated. We used a structure of multifaceted partially nested design, analyzing different categories independently and in interaction, obtaining excellent results both indexes of reliability and generalizability. Measure design optimization to optimize sample sizes, and can be considered a cost-benefit analysis was conducted. Key words authors: Early Intervention, Generalizability Analysis, Quality Assessment, Perceived Quality
Significados del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en indígenas estudiantes de una universidad de Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Mendoza Abraham , Reyes Romero Julio Ferney , Gutierrez Mendoza Guillermo Andres , Posada Isabel Cristina
Published: December 2015

Este artículo muestra el análisis de los significados del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en indígenas estudiantes de la una institución universitaria, Medellín, 2012. Se utilizó la Teoría Fundamentada enraizada al interaccionismo simbólico como técnica de análisis. Se realizaron seis entrevistas semiestructuradas y a profundidad y 2 grupos focales. Como resultado, se caracterizó la diferenciación de significados del consumo de plantas tradicionales y sustancias psicoactivas en comunidad indígena y occidental, se identificó el papel que juega el contexto, la interacción con pares y la identidad cultural. Se concluye que a través de los conceptos que tienen los estudiantes indígenas sobre plantas tradicionales y sustancias psicoactivas, se evidencia una transformación de significados y prácticas de lo tradicional a lo occidental, resultante de conocimientos y vivencias adquiridas en la ciudad, interacción con el occidentalismo que puede resultar perjudicial a causa de la débil identidad cultural.
Perceptions of Primary Health Care professionals towards alcoholic patients: an exploratory study in a Brazilian municipality
Authors: Silva Souza Luiz Gustavo , Apostolidis Themistoklis , De Andrade Alexsandro Luiz , Smith Menandro Maria Cristina , Meira Menandro Paulo Rogério
Published: December 2015

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Towards a model of psychological well being. The role of socioeconomic status and satisfaction with income in Chile.
Authors: Vera-Villarroel Pablo , Celis-Atenas Karem , Lillo Sebastián , Contreras Daniela , Díaz-Pardo Natalia , Páez Dario , Torres Javier , Vargas Salvador , Ovanedel Juan Carlos
Published: December 2015

Association between indexes of socioeconomic status, satisfaction with income and status, and psychological well-being (PWB) was examined in a representative sample of Chileans. Results confirm a positive association between socioeconomic status and satisfaction with income and status and PWB. Associations were stronger with PWB facets related to relational, control and self-esteem processes, and weaker with purpose of life, growth and autonomy. Structural equation modeling confirmed a direct significant coefficient of socioeconomic status on PWB, as well as an indirect significant path through satisfaction with income and status. Control for satisfaction with socioeconomic status and purchase power reduced but did not eliminate the effect of socioeconomic status on PWB. Results are consistent with a direct effect model of socio-structural position on well-being, but also with the relevance of satisfaction with social position as an appraisal process to indicate high psychological well-being.
Influence of the Level of Muscular Redundancy on the Validity of a Musculoskeletal Model
Authors: Moissenet Florent , Chèze Laurence , Dumas Raphaël
Published: December 2015

While recent literature has clearly demonstrated that an extensive personalization of the musculoskeletal models was necessary to reach high accuracy, several components of the generic models may be further investigated before defining subject-specific parameters. Among others, the choice in muscular geometry and thus the level of muscular redundancy in the model may have a noticeable influence on the predicted musculotendon and joint contact forces. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate if the level of muscular redundancy can contribute or not to reduce inaccuracies in tibiofemoral contact forces predictions. For that, the dataset disseminated through the Sixth Grand Challenge Competition to Predict In Vivo Knee Loads was applied to a versatile 3D lower limb musculoskeletal model in which two muscular geometries (i.e., two different levels of muscular redundancy) were implemented. This dataset provides tibiofemoral implant measurements for both medial and lateral compartments and thus allows evaluation of the validity of the model predictions. The results suggest that an increase of the level of muscular redundancy corresponds to a better accuracy of total tibiofemoral contact force whatever the gait pattern investigated. However, the medial and lateral contact forces ratio and accuracy were not necessarily improved when increasing the level of muscular redundancy and may thus be attributed to other parameters such as the location of contact points. To conclude, the muscular geometry, among other components of the generic model, has a noticeable impact on joint contact forces predictions and may thus be correctly chosen even before trying to personalize the model.
On Buckling Morphogenesis
Authors: Nelson Celeste M.
Published: December 2015

Cell-generated mechanical forces drive many of the tissue movements and rearrangements that are required to transform simple populations of cells into the complex three-dimensional geometries of mature organs. However, mechanical forces do not need to arise from active cellular movements. Recent studies have illuminated the roles of passive forces that result from mechanical instabilities between epithelial tissues and their surroundings. These mechanical instabilities cause essentially one-dimensional epithelial tubes and two-dimensional epithelial sheets to buckle or wrinkle into complex topologies containing loops, folds, and undulations in organs as diverse as the brain, the intestine, and the lung. Here, I highlight examples of buckling and wrinkling morphogenesis, and suggest that this morphogenetic mechanism may be broadly responsible for sculpting organ form.
Loss Audit of a Turbine Stage
Authors: Yoon Sungho , Vandeputte Thomas , Mistry Hiteshkumar , Ong Jonathan , Stein Alexander
Published: December 2015

In order to achieve high aerodynamic efficiency of a turbine stage, it is crucial to identify the source of aerodynamic losses and understand the associated loss generation mechanisms. This helps a turbine designer to maximize the performance of the turbine stage. It is well known that aerodynamic losses include profile, endwall, cooling/mixing loss, leakage, and trailing edge loss components. However, it is not a trivial task to separate one from the others because different loss sources occur concurrently and they interact with each other in a machine. Consequently, designers tend to rely on various empirical correlations to get an approximate estimate of each aerodynamic loss contribution. In this study, a systematic loss audit of an uncooled turbine stage has been undertaken by conducting a series of numerical experiments. By comparing entropy growth across the turbine stage, aerodynamic losses are broken down within the stator, rotor, and interblade row gap. Furthermore, losses across each blade row are broken down into profile, leakage, endwall, and trailing edge losses. The effect of unsteady interaction due to the relative motion of the stator and the rotor was also identified. For the examined turbine stage, trailing edge losses of the rotor were dominated, contributing to more than a third of the total aerodynamic loss. The profile loss across the stator and the rotor, unsteady loss between the stator and the rotor, and the stator endwall loss were also identified to be the significant loss sources for this turbine stage. The design implications of the findings are discussed.
BrachyView, a novel in‐body imaging system for HDR prostate brachytherapy: Experimental evaluation
Authors: Safavi‐Naeini M. , Han Z. , Alnaghy S. , Cutajar D. , Petasecca M. , Lerch M. L. F. , Franklin D. R. , Bucci J. , Carrara M. , Zaider M. , Rosenfeld A. B.
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

This paper presents initial experimental results from a prototype of high dose rate (HDR) BrachyView, a novel in‐body source tracking system for HDR brachytherapy based on a multipinhole tungsten collimator and a high resolution pixellated silicon detector array. The probe and its associated position estimation algorithms are validated and a comprehensive evaluation of the accuracy of its position estimation capabilities is presented.

Methods:

The HDR brachytherapy source is moved through a sequence of positions in a prostate phantom, for various displacements in x, y, and z. For each position, multiple image acquisitions are performed, and source positions are reconstructed. Error estimates in each dimension are calculated at each source position and combined to calculate overall positioning errors. Gafchromic film is used to validate the accuracy of source placement within the phantom.

Results:

More than 90% of evaluated source positions were estimated with an error of less than one millimeter, with the worst‐case error being 1.3 mm. Experimental results were in close agreement with previously published Monte Carlo simulation results.

Conclusions:

The prototype of HDR BrachyView demonstrates a satisfactory level of accuracy in its source position estimation, and additional improvements are achievable with further refinement of HDR BrachyView's image processing algorithms.
Bringing back the aurochs
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: December 2015

By conjuring the extinct ancestor of modern cattle, breeders are making Europe just a little wilder.
Resolved magnetic-field structure and variability near the event horizon of Sagittarius A*
Authors: Johnson Michael D. , Fish Vincent L. , Doeleman Sheperd S. , Marrone Daniel P. , Plambeck Richard L. , Wardle John F. C. , Akiyama Kazunori , Asada Keiichi , Beaudoin Christopher , Blackburn Lindy , Blundell Ray , Bower Geoffrey C. , Brinkerink Christiaan , Broderick Avery E. , Cappallo Roger , Chael Andrew A. , Crew Geoffrey B. , Dexter Jason , Dexter Matt , Freund Robert , Friberg Per , Gold Roman , Gurwell Mark A. , Ho Paul T. P. , Honma Mareki , Inoue Makoto , Kosowsky Michael , Krichbaum Thomas P. , Lamb James , Loeb Abraham , Lu Ru-Sen , MacMahon David , McKinney Jonathan C. , Moran James M. , Narayan Ramesh , Primiani Rurik A. , Psaltis Dimitrios , Rogers Alan E. E. , Rosenfeld Katherine , SooHoo Jason , Tilanus Remo P. J. , Titus Michael , Vertatschitsch Laura , Weintroub Jonathan , Wright Melvyn , Young Ken H. , Zensus J. Anton , Ziurys Lucy M.
Published: December 2015

Magnetic fields near the event horizon

Astronomers have long sought to examine a black hole's event horizon—the boundary around the black hole within which nothing can escape. Johnson
et al.
used sophisticated interferometry techniques to combine data from millimeter-wavelength telescopes around the world. They measured polarization just outside the event horizon of Sgr A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The polarization is a signature of ordered magnetic fields generated in the accretion disk around the black hole. The results help to explain how black holes accrete gas and launch jets of material into their surroundings.

Science
, this issue p. 1242
Particle acceleration by a solar flare termination shock
Authors: Chen Bin , Bastian Timothy S. , Shen Chengcai , Gary Dale E. , Krucker Säm , Glesener Lindsay
Published: December 2015

Electron acceleration in solar flares

Magnetic reconnection during a solar flare releases energy into the Sun's atmosphere, some of which is converted into accelerated particles in the plasma. Chen
et al.
combined radio and ultraviolet observations of a solar flare to identify the termination shock region where electrons are accelerated to relativistic speeds.

They confirmed these results with magneto-hydrodynamic simulations. This improved knowledge of the mechanism behind flares improves our understanding of the solar wind and space weather.

Science
, this issue p. 1238
Gut microbiota and aging
Authors: O’Toole Paul W. , Jeffery Ian B.
Published: December 2015

The potential for the gut microbiota to affect health has a particular relevance for older individuals. This is because the microbiota may modulate aging-related changes in innate immunity, sarcopaenia, and cognitive function, all of which are elements of frailty. Both cell culture–dependent and –independent studies show that the gut microbiota of older people differs from that of younger adults. There is no chronological threshold or age at which the composition of the microbiota suddenly alters; rather, changes occur gradually with time. Our detailed analyses have separated the microbiota into groups associated with age, long-term residential care, habitual diet, and degree of retention of a core microbiome. We are beginning to understand how these groups change with aging and how they relate to clinical phenotypes. These data provide a framework for analyzing microbiota-health associations, distinguishing correlation from causation, identifying microbiota interaction with physiological aging processes, and developing microbiota-based health surveillance for older adults.
Protected areas and global conservation of migratory birds
Authors: Runge Claire A. , Watson James E. M. , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Hanson Jeffrey O. , Possingham Hugh P. , Fuller Richard A.
Published: December 2015

Not enough protection for migrating birds

Animals that migrate pass through a varying number of regions. Each of these regions contributes to a different component of their life cycles. Runge
et al.
looked at the degree of protection migratory birds receive, globally, across their breeding and wintering ranges. A remarkably low percentage of migratory birds receive adequate protection across their entire ranges. Given that over half the world's migratory bird populations are declining, these results emphasize the urgency with which we must act to protect birds across their entire migratory cycle.

Science
, this issue p. 1255
De novo mutations in congenital heart disease with neurodevelopmental and other congenital anomalies
Authors: Homsy Jason , Zaidi Samir , Shen Yufeng , Ware James S. , Samocha Kaitlin E. , Karczewski Konrad J. , DePalma Steven R. , McKean David , Wakimoto Hiroko , Gorham Josh , Jin Sheng Chih , Deanfield John , Giardini Alessandro , Porter George A. , Kim Richard , Bilguvar Kaya , López-Giráldez Francesc , Tikhonova Irina , Mane Shrikant , Romano-Adesman Angela , Qi Hongjian , Vardarajan Badri , Ma Lijiang , Daly Mark , Roberts Amy E. , Russell Mark W. , Mital Seema , Newburger Jane W. , Gaynor J. William , Breitbart Roger E. , Iossifov Ivan , Ronemus Michael , Sanders Stephan J. , Kaltman Jonathan R. , Seidman Jonathan G. , Brueckner Martina , Gelb Bruce D. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Lifton Richard P. , Seidman Christine E. , Chung Wendy K.
Published: December 2015

Putting both heart and brain at risk

For reasons that are unclear, newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) have a high risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Homsy
et al.
performed exome sequence analysis of 1200 CHD patients and their parents to identify spontaneously arising (de novo) mutations. Patients with both CHD and neurodevelopmental disorders had a much higher burden of damaging de novo mutations, particularly in genes with likely roles in both heart and brain development. Thus, clinical genotyping of patients with CHD may help to identify those at greatest risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities, allowing surveillance and early intervention.

Science
, this issue p. 1262
A supramolecular microenvironment strategy for transition metal catalysis
Authors: Kaphan David M. , Levin Mark D. , Bergman Robert G. , Raymond Kenneth N. , Toste F. Dean
Published: December 2015

Faster elimination inside a cavity

Metals are adept at shuffling molecular bonds. They pry apart two atoms and then pair each one with a different partner. Sometimes the atoms get stuck on the metal, though, and the newly partnered products aren't released. Kaphan
et al.
designed a strategy for accelerating this elimination process (see the Perspective by Yan and Fujita). A hollow supramolecular capsule captured a gold or platinum complex and induced rapid bond formation between the carbon atoms in methyl groups bound to the metal. Generalization of this strategy could open the door to a wide range of chemical transformations that are currently held up by slow eliminations.

Science
, this issue p. 1235; see also p. 1165
Healthy aging: The ultimate preventative medicine
Authors: Kaeberlein Matt , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Martin George M.
Published: December 2015

Age is the greatest risk factor for nearly every major cause of mortality in developed nations. Despite this, most biomedical research focuses on individual disease processes without much consideration for the relationships between aging and disease. Recent discoveries in the field of geroscience, which aims to explain biological mechanisms of aging, have provided insights into molecular processes that underlie biological aging and, perhaps more importantly, potential interventions to delay aging and promote healthy longevity. Here we describe some of these advances, along with efforts to move geroscience from the bench to the clinic. We also propose that greater emphasis should be placed on research into basic aging processes, because interventions that slow aging will have a greater effect on quality of life compared with disease-specific approaches.
A speedy marriage in supramolecular catalysis
Authors: Yan KaKing , Fujita Makoto
Published: December 2015

Cross-coupling reactions can be accelerated by trapping the metal catalyst in a confined space

[Also see Report by

Kaphan
et al.

]
Japan's longevity challenge
Authors: Akiyama Hiroko
Published: December 2015

Japan is the frontrunner of aging societies in terms of longevity and the proportion of the elderly in the population. In 2030, one-third of the population will be older than age 65, and 20% will be older than 75 years. Moreover, 75-year-old seniors in Japan are as physically healthy as those a decade younger, according to a recent government survey. If Japan is to deal effectively with the highly aged society of the future, and benefit from this growing sector of its society, it must come up with a new socially inclusive system for people living into their nineties or more.
Improving the quality of the surgical preoperative assessment in a district general hospital
Authors: Koris Jacob , Hopkins Catherine
Published: December 2015

At Leicester General Hospital, England, patients are assessed by a team of junior doctors for elective colorectal and hepatobiliary procedures. After a number of same day cancellations, a large discrepancy was identified between the findings at the preoperative assessment clinic and the anaesthetic assessment on the day of surgery. After a multidisciplinary meeting was held, three interventions were decided on with an aim to bring the preoperative assessment in line with the anaesthetic assessment. Firstly, a set of guidelines was written and introduced for the junior doctors to use as a reference when assessing patients. Secondly, a proforma was designed specifically to prompt users to include essential details which were being missed in the assessment, having audited 100 patients' notes. Thirdly, a preoperative investigation "calculator" was recommended for each patient to simplify compliance with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance for preoperative assessment.

Before and after each intervention was introduced, a cohort of 50 patients were followed looking for differences in findings in the history, examination, investigations, and fitness for surgery between the preoperative assessment in clinic and the anaesthetic assessment on the day of surgery. Initially 68% of patients were compliant for details in the history, 76% for examination, 32% for choice of preoperative investigations, and 100% for fitness for surgery decision. After all three interventions had been introduced, 96% of patients were compliant for history, 94% for examination findings, 88% had the correct choice of preoperative investigations, and 100% had the same decision on fitness for surgery.

The interventions described proved to be cheap and effective methods of improving the quality of the preoperative assessment, bringing it in line with the anaesthetic assessment and reducing the risk of same day cancellations.
How safe is our "place of safety"? Clinical guidance promoting safer medical care of patients detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act
Authors: Mouko Josie , Goddard Aurielle , Nimmo-Smith Victoria
Published: December 2015

A new four-bed unit was opened in Bristol, UK, in 2014, for people detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act. Police bring individuals posing a risk to themselves or others to a Place of Safety (PoS) in order to receive a mental health assessment. Individuals may be held for up to 72 hours, but cannot receive treatment against their will, unless assessed as lacking the capacity to refuse treatment. Issues requiring medical input arose in more than a third of patients, yet there was little guidance for trainees around the PoS.

We conducted a survey which confirmed that robust clinical guidance was needed for junior doctors around medical assistance in this unique environment. We identified specific concerns around patient safety in relation to alcohol withdrawal, uncertainties around legislation and lack of clarity of who to call out of hours. Trainees felt they were working outside of their expertise.

We collaborated with a variety of professionals to produce clinical guidance in line with best evidence, and made this easily accessible. We also gained a consensus that more experienced core trainees (SHOs) in Psychiatry should be the first point of contact.

We then conducted a survey in June 2015, and found that doctors covering the PoS now felt there was sufficient guidance on most clinical scenarios, 100% consensus on who to contact and improved confidence in their ability to manage issues arising.

In August 2015 we held an informal training session for the new intake of trainees on the rota. A subsequent survey revealed similarly positive results.

Through this project, we were able to identify defects in a system, provide needed guidance to enable safer and more equitable care to a vulnerable group, and foster closer collaboration between junior doctors and managers in the design and use of services.
Effects of long-term chronic stress on the lymphoid organs and blood leukocytes of the rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Divyashree S. , Sarjan H.N. , Yajurvedi H.N.
Published: December 2015

Exposure of adult female rats (Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout,1769)) to restraint (1 h) and after a gap of 4 h to forced swimming exercise for 15 min daily for 12 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in (i) weight of the body and lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, and axillary lymph node), (ii) counts of total leukocytes and their subpopulation (lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils), and (iii) healthy cells of all lymphoid organs and a significant increase in the count of apoptotic cells in all the lymphoid organs. One month after cessation of exposure to stressors (recovery group), all the parameters did not significantly differ from stress-group rats. The results may indicate that either deleterious effects of long-term chronic exposure to stress are not reversible or the 4-week recovery period is not sufficient to restore normalcy.
Modulational instability in a biexciton molecular chain with saturable nonlinearity effects
Authors: Sali Issa , Tabi C. B. , Ekobena H. P. , Kofané T. C.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we study the modulational instability (MI) in a biexciton molecular chain taking into account the saturable nonlinearity effects (SNE). Under the adiabatic approximation, the biexciton system is reduced to two coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. We perform the linear stability analysis of continuous wave solutions of the coupled system. This analysis reveals that the MI gain is deeply influenced by the SNE. Indeed, the gain spectrum decreases when increasing the saturable nonlinearity parameters. The numerical simulations reveal that the system exhibits incoherent periodic array of patterns and we also observe train of pulses due to the SNE.
Bifurcation and Chaos in Synchronous Manifold of a Forest Model
Authors: Huang Chun-Ming , Juang Jonq
Published: December 2015

In previous papers [Isagi et al., 1997; Satake & Iwasa, 2000], a forest model was proposed. The authors demonstrated numerically that the mature forest could possibly exhibit annual reproduction (fixed point synchronization), periodic and chaotic synchronization as the energy depletion constant [Formula: see text] is gradually increased. To understand such rich synchronization phenomena, we are led to study global dynamics of a piecewise smooth map [Formula: see text] containing two parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Here [Formula: see text] is the energy depletion quantity and [Formula: see text] is the coupling strength. In particular, we obtain the following results. First, we prove that [Formula: see text] has a chaotic dynamic in the sense of Devaney on an invariant set whenever [Formula: see text], which improves a result of [Chang & Chen, 2011]. Second, we prove, via the Schwarzian derivative and a generalized result of [Singer, 1978], that [Formula: see text] exhibits the period adding bifurcation. Specifically, we show that for any [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] has a unique global attracting fixed point whenever [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) and that for any [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] has a unique attracting period [Formula: see text] point whenever [Formula: see text] is less than and near any positive integer [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the corresponding period [Formula: see text] point instantly becomes unstable as [Formula: see text] moves pass the integer [Formula: see text]. Finally, we demonstrate numerically that there are chaotic dynamics whenever [Formula: see text] is in between and away from two consecutive positive integers. We also observe the route to chaos as [Formula: see text] increases from one positive integer to the next through finite period doubling.
Circuit Implementation of Multiscroll Chaotic Attractors Generated Using Step Function
Authors: Ma Yingjie , Jiang Hua , Ju Lei
Published: December 2015

A new chaotic system is proposed to generate multiscroll chaotic attractors. The major method used is for the step function to act as a nonlinear function. To prove that the proposed system can generate multiscroll chaotic attractors, the equilibrium point, the time domain waveform and the phase diagram of the proposed system are calculated. Finally, the design of the hardware circuit produces experimental results at a maximum of 8-scroll hardware. Theoretical analysis, simulation and hardware experimental results are fully matched, which further proves the existence of the proposed system and the physical realization. This provides the possibility for future applications in engineering.
Global Lagged Finite-Time Synchronization of Two Chaotic Lur’e Systems Subject to Time Delay
Authors: Chen Yun , Wu Xiaofeng , Lin Qian
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the global lagged finite-time synchronization of the master-slave Lur’e systems subject to time delay of signal transmission. By designing a variable-substitution and feedback controller, a master-slave finite-time synchronization scheme for the Lur’e systems with time delay is built up. Two delay-independent global lagged finite-time synchronization criteria are proved in the forms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and the corresponding settling time of synchronization is analytically estimated. The obtained LMI criteria are applied to Chua’s oscillators, obtaining some easily implemented algebraic criteria under various single-variable-substitution and feedback controller, which are then optimized to improve their conservative property. Finally, several numerical examples are illustrated to verify the effectiveness of the optimized criteria.
Faithfulness of Recurrence Plots: A Mathematical Proof
Authors: Hirata Yoshito , Komuro Motomasa , Horai Shunsuke , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: December 2015

It is practically known that a recurrence plot, a two-dimensional visualization of time series data, can contain almost all information related to the underlying dynamics except for its spatial scale because we can recover a rough shape for the original time series from the recurrence plot even if the original time series is multivariate. We here provide a mathematical proof that the metric defined by a recurrence plot [Hirata et al., 2008] is equivalent to the Euclidean metric under mild conditions.
Optimizing the Electrical Power in an Energy Harvesting System
Authors: Coccolo Mattia , Litak Grzegorz , Seoane Jesús M. , Sanjuán Miguel A. F.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we study the vibrational resonance (VR) phenomenon as a useful mechanism for energy harvesting purposes. A system, driven by a low frequency and a high frequency forcing, can give birth to the vibrational resonance phenomenon, when the two forcing amplitudes resonate and a maximum in amplitude is reached. We apply this idea to a bistable oscillator that can convert environmental kinetic energy into electrical energy, that is, an energy harvester. Normally, the VR phenomenon is studied in terms of the forcing amplitudes or of the frequencies, that are not always easy to adjust and change. Here, we study the VR generated by tuning another parameter that is possible to manipulate when the forcing values depend on the environmental conditions. We have investigated the dependence of the maximum response due to the VR for small and large variations in the forcing amplitudes and frequencies. Besides, we have plotted color coded figures in the space of the two forcing amplitudes, in which it is possible to appreciate different patterns in the electrical power generated by the system. These patterns provide useful information on the forcing amplitudes in order to produce the optimal electrical power.
Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Human Cardiac Reprogramming and Differentiation in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Burridge Paul W. , Sharma Arun , Wu Joseph C.
Published: December 2015

Regeneration or replacement of lost cardiomyocytes within the heart has the potential to revolutionize cardiovascular medicine. Numerous methodologies have been used to achieve this aim, including the engraftment of bone marrow- and heart-derived cells as well as the identification of modulators of adult cardiomyocyte proliferation. Recently, the conversion of human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells and induced cardiomyocyte-like cells has transformed potential approaches toward this goal, and the engraftment of cardiac progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells into patients is now feasible. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of the genetic and epigenetic control of human cardiogenesis, cardiac differentiation, and the induced reprogramming of somatic cells to cardiomyocytes. We also cover genetic programs for inducing the proliferation of endogenous cardiomyocytes and discuss the genetic state of cells used in cardiac regenerative medicine.
Accessing the Inaccessible: The Organization, Transcription, Replication, and Repair of Heterochromatin in Plants
Authors: Feng Wei , Michaels Scott D.
Published: December 2015

Eukaryotic genomes often contain large quantities of potentially deleterious sequences, such as transposons. One strategy for mitigating this risk is to package such sequences into so-called constitutive heterochromatin, where the dense chromatin environment is thought to inhibit transcription by excluding transcription factors and RNA polymerase. This type of model makes it tempting to think of heterochromatin as an inert region that is isolated from the rest of the nucleus. Recent work on heterochromatin, however, reveals that it is a dynamic environment. Despite its dense packaging, heterochromatin must remain accessible for a host of processes, including DNA replication and repair, and, paradoxically, transcription. In plants, transcripts produced by specialized RNA polymerases are used to target regions of the genome for silencing via DNA methylation. Thus, the maintenance of heterochromatin requires a careful balancing act of access and exclusion, which is achieved through the action of a host of interrelated pathways.
Induction of predominant tenogenic phenotype in human dermal fibroblasts via synergistic effect of TGF-β and elongated cell shape
Authors: Wang (王文波) Wenbo , Li (李洁) Jie , Wang (王科云) Keyun , Zhang (张智勇) Zhiyong , Zhang (张文杰) Wenjie , Zhou (周广东) Guangdong , Cao (曹谊林) Yilin , Ye (叶明亮) Mingliang , Zou (邹汉法) Hanfa , Liu (刘伟) Wei
Published: December 2015

Micropattern topography is widely investigated for its role in mediating stem cell differentiation, but remains unexplored for phenotype switch between mature cell types. This study investigated the potential of inducing tenogenic phenotype in human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) by artificial elongation of cultured cells. Our results showed that a parallel microgrooved topography could convert spread hDFs into an elongated shape and induce a predominant tenogenic phenotype as the expression of biomarkers was significantly enhanced, such as scleraxis, tenomodulin, collagens I, III, VI, and decorin. It also enhanced the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, but not α-smooth muscle actin. Elongated hDFs failed to induce other phenotypes, such as adiopogenic, chondrogenic, neurogenic, and myogenic lineages. By contrast, no tenogenic phenotype could be induced in elongated human chondrocytes, although chondrogenic phenotype was inhibited. Exogenous TGF-β1 could enhance the tenogenic phenotype in elongated hDFs at low dose (2 ng/ml), but promoted myofibroblast transdifferentiation of hDFs at high dose (10 ng/ml), regardless of cell shape. Elongated shape also resulted in decreased RhoA activity and increased Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) activity. Antagonizing TGF-β or inhibiting ROCK activity with Y27632 or depolymerizing actin with cytochalasin D could all significantly inhibit tenogenic phenotype induction, particularly in elongated hDFs. In conclusion, elongation of cultured dermal fibroblasts can induce a predominant tenogenic phenotype likely via synergistic effect of TGF-β and cytoskeletal signaling.
An unexpected journey: conceptual evolution of mechanoregulated potassium transport in the distal nephron
Authors: Carrisoza-Gaytan Rolando , Carattino Marcelo D. , Kleyman Thomas R. , Satlin Lisa M.
Published: December 2015

Flow-induced K secretion (FIKS) in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN) is mediated by large-conductance, Ca2+/stretch-activated BK channels composed of pore-forming α-subunits (BKα) and accessory β-subunits. This channel also plays a critical role in the renal adaptation to dietary K loading. Within the ASDN, the cortical collecting duct (CCD) is a major site for the final renal regulation of K homeostasis. Principal cells in the ASDN possess a single apical cilium whereas the surfaces of adjacent intercalated cells, devoid of cilia, are decorated with abundant microvilli and microplicae. Increases in tubular (urinary) flow rate, induced by volume expansion, diuretics, or a high K diet, subject CCD cells to hydrodynamic forces (fluid shear stress, circumferential stretch, and drag/torque on apical cilia and presumably microvilli/microplicae) that are transduced into increases in principal (PC) and intercalated (IC) cell cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration that activate apical voltage-, stretch- and Ca2+-activated BK channels, which mediate FIKS. This review summarizes studies by ourselves and others that have led to the evolving picture that the BK channel is localized in a macromolecular complex at the apical membrane, composed of mechanosensitive apical Ca2+ channels and a variety of kinases/phosphatases as well as other signaling molecules anchored to the cytoskeleton, and that an increase in tubular fluid flow rate leads to IC- and PC-specific responses determined, in large part, by the cell-specific composition of the BK channels.