bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diverse impacts of ENSO on wintertime rainfall over the Maritime Continent
Authors: Jia XiaoJing , Ge JingWen , Wang Su
Published: December 2015

The diverse influences of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on wintertime precipitation over the Maritime Continent are herein investigated using observational data. The ENSO events are divided into four categories—strong El Niño, strong La Niña, moderate El Niño and moderate La Niña—according to their amplitudes. Significant negative Maritime Continent precipitation anomalies are observed during strong El Niño events, whereas wet conditions occur during strong La Niña events. In the case of moderate La Niña events, the Maritime Continent rainfall anomalies are similar in spatial structure and comparable in amplitude to strong La Niña events, whereas almost no significant rainfall anomalies are observed in moderate El Niño years. Further analysis shows that strong El Niño (strong/moderate La Niña) events are associated with a significant anticyclone (cyclone) surface response over the western tropical Pacific and related to a significant descending (ascending) branch of the Walker circulation around the Philippines. However, during moderate El Niño events, both the central‐eastern and the western tropical sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) are weak and cannot significantly change the Walker circulation over the tropical Pacific. Therefore, the descending branch anomalies of the Walker circulation associated with moderate El Niño events around the Philippines are quite weak and cannot cause significant negative precipitation anomalies in that location. In addition, there is large case‐to‐case variance in the tropical Pacific SSTA associated with moderate El Niño events, which also contributes to the weak Maritime Continent rainfall response in the composite analysis.
Mechanism for occurrence of precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau without local surface heating
Authors: Wang Ziqian , Duan Anmin , Wu Guoxiong , Yang Song
Published: December 2015

Previous studies have indicated that the sucking and pumping effects induced by surface sensible heating (SH) lead to vigorous ascent and moisture convergence over the southern Tibetan Plateau (TP), which is the primary cause of local precipitation formation. Numerical simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model show that weak ascending motion and precipitation still exist over the southern slope of the TP when local surface SH is suppressed and that this precipitation is associated with microphysical processes. Suppressed surface heating induces a significant cold anomaly near the surface, which reduces the saturation‐specific humidity but increases relative humidity. The process of the phase change of moisture results in the formation of obvious microphysical large‐scale precipitation. Moreover, latent heating is released due to microphysical condensation corresponding with the phase change process, which further leads to a weak ascending and convective precipitation over the southern slope of the TP. Thus, local precipitation over the slope when surface heating is suppressed results directly from large‐scale condensation precipitation and indirectly from the convective precipitation induced by the microphysical processes of moisture phase change, instead of the sucking and pumping effects due to the surface heating of the TP.
Contrast‐enhanced CT using a cationic contrast agent enables non‐destructive assessment of the biochemical and biomechanical properties of mouse tibial plateau cartilage
Authors: Lakin Benjamin A. , Patel Harsh , Holland Conor , Freedman Jonathan D. , Shelofsky Joshua S. , Snyder Brian D. , Stok Kathryn S. , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: December 2015

Mouse models of osteoarthritis (OA) are commonly used to study the disease's pathogenesis and efficacy of potential treatments. However, measuring the biochemical and mechanical properties of articular cartilage in these models currently requires destructive and time‐consuming histology and mechanical testing. Therefore, we examined the feasibility of using contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT) to rapidly and non‐destructively image and assess the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. Using three ex vivo C57BL/6 mouse tibial plateaus, we determined the time required for the cationic contrast agent CA4+ to equilibrate in the cartilage. The whole‐joint coefficient of friction (μ) of 10 mouse knees (some digested with Chondroitenase ABC to introduce variation in GAG) was evaluated using a modified Stanton pendulum. For both the medial and lateral tibial plateau cartilage of these knees, linear regression was used to compare the equilibrium CECT attenuations to μ, as well as each side's indentation equilibrium modulus (E) and Safranin‐O determined GAG content. CA4+ equilibrated in the cartilage in 30.9 ± 0.95 min (mean ± SD, tau value of 6.17 ± 0.19 min). The mean medial and lateral CECT attenuation was correlated with μ (R2 = 0.69,p < 0.05), and the individual medial and lateral CECT attenuations correlated with their respective GAG contents (R2 ≥ 0.63,p < 0.05) and E (R2 ≥ 0.63,p < 0.05). In conclusion, CECT using CA4+ is a simple, non‐destructive technique for three‐dimensional imaging of ex vivo mouse cartilage, and significant correlations between CECT attenuation and GAG, E, and μ are observed. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1130–1138, 2016.
Impacts of ridge–furrow rainfall concentration systems and mulches on corn growth and yield in the semiarid region of China
Authors: Ren Xiao‐Long , Zhang Peng , Chen Xiao‐Li , Jia Zhi‐Kuan
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Plastic‐covered ridge–furrow farming systems for rainfall concentration (RC) improve the water availability for crops and increase the water use efficiency (WUE), thereby stabilizing high yields. In this study, we optimized the mulching patterns forRCplanting to mitigate the risks of drought during crop production in semiarid agricultural areas. We conducted a 4‐year field study to determine theRCeffects on corn production of mulching in furrows with 8% biodegradable films (RCSB), liquid film (RCSL), bare furrow (RCSN) and conventional flat (CF) farming.

RESULTS

We found thatRCsignificantly (P> 0.05) increased the soil moisture in the top 0–100 cm layer and the topsoil temperature (0–20 cm) during the corn‐growing period. Mulching with different materials in planting furrows further improved the rain‐harvesting, moisture‐retaining and yield‐increasing effects ofRCplanting. Compared withCF, the 4‐year average total dry matter amount per plant forRCSB,RCSLandRCSNtreatments increased by 42.1%, 30.8% and 17.2%, respectively. The grain yield increased by 59.7%, 53.4% and 32.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Plastic‐covered ridge and furrow mulched with biodegradable film and liquid film is recommended for use in the semiarid Loess Plateau of China to alleviate the effects of drought on crop production. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of total phthalates in edible oils by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection
Authors: Xie Qilong , Sun Dekui , Han Yangying , Jia Litao , Hou Bo , Liu Shuhui , Li Debao
Published: December 2015

The previously reported procedure for the determination of the total phthalate in fatty food involved the extraction of phthalates using chloroform/methanol followed by the removal of the solvents before alkaline hydrolysis requiring 20 h and derivatization of phthalic acid. In this study, a phase‐transfer catalyst (tetrabutylammonium chloride) was used in the liquid–liquid heterogeneous hydrolysis of phthalates in oil matrix shortening the reaction time to within 25 min. The resulting phthalic acid in the hydrolysate was extracted by a novel molecular complex based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method coupled with back‐extraction before high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the linearity of the method was in the range of 0.5–12 nmol/g with the correlation coefficients (r) >0.997. The detection limit (S/N = 3) was 0.11 nmol/g. Intraday and interday repeatability values expressed as relative standard deviation were 3.9 and 7.1%, respectively. The recovery rates ranged from 82.4 to 99.0%. The developed method was successfully applied for the analysis of total phthalate in seven edible oils.
Circulating triglycerides and bile acids are reduced by a soluble wheat arabinoxylan via modulation of bile concentration and lipid digestion rates in a pig model
Authors: Gunness Purnima , Williams Barbara A. , Gerrits Walter J.J. , Bird Anthony R. , Kravchuk Olena , Gidley Michael J.
Published: December 2015

Scope

Soluble dietary fibres have shown to have lipid reducing properties. However, their mechanisms of action are still unclear. The present study investigated how a soluble wheat arabinoxylan‐rich fraction (AXRF) fed to pigs used as a human model reduced blood triglycerides.

Methods and results

After 4 weeks on the experimental diets, blood from the jugular (JV) and hepatic portal (HPV) veins, bile from the gall bladder, and digesta samples from four sites of the small intestine (SI) and cecum were collected. The results showed that the AXRF significantly decreased the concentrations of total bile acid (BA) in the HPV (p < 0.01), JV (p < 0.01), bile (p < 0.05) and SI (p < 0.05), but with no effect on ileal BAs excretion flux. Furthermore, blood triglyceride (TAG) levels were also lower with AXRF (p < 0.01) but with no significant effects on LDL‐, HDL‐ or total cholesterol levels. The lower plasma TAG concentration was consistent with the reduced/delayed digestion and absorption of TAG with the AXRF (total fatty acid and MUFA p < 0.01; unsaturated fatty acid p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results suggest that AXRF reduced the levels of circulating BAs which slowed down the digestion of TAG and absorption of free fatty acids, with consequent reduction in blood TAG. Reduction in circulating bile acids by arabinoxylan causes reduction in lipids digestion and absorption.
Monitoring and Assessment of Neuropsychological Outcomes as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Annett Robert D. , Patel Sunita K. , Phipps Sean
Published: December 2015

Central nervous system cancers or exposure to CNS‐directed therapies increase risk for neuropsychological deficits. There are no accepted guidelines for assessment of neuropsychological functioning in this population. A multifaceted literature search was conducted and relevant literature reviewed to inform the guidelines. Studies of neuropsychological outcomes are widely documented in the pediatric oncology literature. There is strong evidence of need for neuropsychological assessment, but insufficient evidence to guide the timing of assessment, nor to recommend specific interventions. Children with brain tumors and others at high risk for neuropsychological deficits should be monitored and assessed for neuropsychological deficits. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;9999:1–52. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Standards of Psychosocial Care for Parents of Children With Cancer
Authors: Kearney Julia A. , Salley Christina G. , Muriel Anna C.
Published: December 2015

Parents and caregivers of children with cancer are both resilient and deeply affected by the child's cancer. A systematic review of published research since 1995 identified 138 studies of moderate quality indicating that parent distress increases around diagnosis, then returns to normal levels. Post‐traumatic symptoms are common. Distress may be impairing for vulnerable parents and may impact a child's coping and adjustment. Moderate quality evidence and expert consensus informed a strong recommendation for parents and caregivers to receive early and ongoing assessment of their mental health needs with access to appropriate interventions facilitated to optimize parent, child, and family well being. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy for Pediatric Parameningeal Rhabdomyosarcomas: Clinical Outcome of Patients Treated at the Paul Scherrer Institute
Authors: Weber Damien C. , Ares Carmen , Albertini Francesca , Frei‐Welte Martina , Niggli Felix K. , Schneider Ralf , Lomax Antony J
Published: December 2015

Background

Parameningeal rhabdomyosarcomas (PM‐RMSs) represent approximately 25% of all rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cases. These tumors are associated with early recurrence and poor prognosis. This study assessed the clinical outcome and late toxicity of pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy (PT) in the treatment of children with PM‐RMS.

Procedures

Thirty‐nine children with PM‐RMS received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by PBS‐PT at the Paul Scherrer Institute, with concomitant chemotherapy. The median age was 5.8 years (range, 1.2–16.1). Due to young age, 25 patients (64%) required general anesthesia during PT. The median time from the start of chemotherapy to PT was 13 weeks (range, 3–23 weeks). Median prescription dose was 54 Gy (relative biologic effectiveness, RBE).

Results

With a mean follow‐up of 41 months (range, 9–106 months), 10 patients failed. The actuarial 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was 72% (95% CI, 67–94%) and the 5‐year overall survival was 73% (95% CI, 69–96%). On univariate analysis, a delay in the initiation of PT (>13 weeks) was a significant detrimental factor for PFS. Three (8%) patients presented with grade 3 radiation‐induced toxicity. The estimated actuarial 5‐year toxicity ≥grade 3 free survival was 95% (95% CI, 94–96%).

Conclusions

Our data contribute to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of PT for pediatric patients with PM‐RMS. These preliminary results are encouraging and in line with other combined proton–photon and photons series; observed toxicity was acceptable.
IMPROVING CLASSROOM ENGAGEMENT AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: EVALUATION OF THE CLASS PASS INTERVENTION
Authors: Collins Tai A. , Cook Clayton R. , Dart Evan H. , Socie Diana G. , Renshaw Tyler L. , Long Anna C.
Published: December 2015

Off‐task and disruptive classroom behaviors have a negative impact on the learning environment and present a unique challenge for teachers to address. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Class Pass Intervention (CPI) as a behavior management strategy for secondary students with disruptive classroom behavior. The CPI consists of providing students with passes that they can either (1) use to appropriately request a break to engage in a preferred activity for a preset amount of time or (2) keep and later exchange for a preferred item or activity. Using an ABAB withdrawal design with replication through a concurrent multiple baseline across participants design, the CPI was shown to increase academic engagement, which is incompatible with disruptive behavior, in 4 students who engaged in high levels of disruptive behavior throughout the baseline condition. Results also demonstrated partial support for the durability of intervention effects over time and indicated that both teachers and students perceived the intervention to be socially feasible. Implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.
Cyclodextrin‐based [2]pseudorotaxane formation studied by probe displacement assay
Authors: Quiroga Miguel , Pessêgo Marcia , Parajo Mercedes , Rodriguez‐Dafonte Pedro , Garcia‐Rio Luis
Published: December 2015

In the present manuscript, we use a guest displacement assay as a methodological tool to study the [2]pseudorotaxane formation between a bolaform surfactant and α‐cyclodextrin. The displacement assay has several advantages in comparison with the most used NMR spectroscopy because its larger availability and mainly the possibility to study inclusion processes taking place in the millisecond time scale. Application to rotaxane formation between bolaform surfactants, B10 or B12, and α‐CD allows us to obtain the activation parameters for this reaction. Activation enthalpy for the dissociation step is larger, more positive, than for the inclusion one according to the [2]pseudorotaxane formation being an exothermic process. Activation entropy is negative reflecting the loss of movement freedom on going from reactants to the transition state with the dissociation step being more negative than the inclusion one. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐Phase Plasma Synthesis of Free‐Standing Silicon Nanoparticles for Future Energy Applications
Authors: Doğan İlker , van de Sanden Mauritius C. M.
Published: December 2015

Silicon nanoparticles (Si‐NPs) are considered as possible candidates for a wide spectrum of future technological applications. Research in the last decades has shown that plasmas are one of the most suitable environments for the synthesis of Si‐NPs. This review discusses the unique size‐dependent features of Si‐NPs, and the fundamental mechanisms of nanoparticle formation in plasmas by highlighting major plasma synthesis techniques. In addition, the routes to achieve control on Si‐NP morphology and chemistry in plasma environments will be discussed. We will review recent advancements in solar cell and lithium‐ion battery applications of gas‐phase plasma synthesized Si‐NPs by highlighting key results from the literature. We will discuss further technological applications, where gas‐phase plasma synthesized Si‐NPs can contribute, like water splitting and thermoelectrics.
Fibroblast growth on patterned polymeric coatings
Authors: Genzel Susanne , Sen‐Richter Aromita , Reich Uta , Menzel Henning , Reuter Günter , Lenarz Thomas , Paasche Gerrit
Published: December 2015

Cochlear implantation enables many patients to hear again after severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Despite great success there is huge variability in outcome between patients. One of the reasons for this might be the interface between stimulating electrode and surrounding tissue. Fibrous tissue is formed around the electrode array after implantation and causes an increase in electrical impedance. Currently there are several approaches under investigation to address this issue. Amongst them are surface coatings but also surface patterning. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate a number of polymeric coatings for their ability to reduce fibroblast growth and to investigate the influence of patterned surface coating on cell growth in vitro. Polymers were attached to the surface by the grafting onto method using a photoreactive anchor layer. Patterns (parallel polymer lines of different dimensions) were generated by selectively cross‐linking the polymer to the anchor molecules on the surface followed by removal of any excess polymer. EGFP producing fibroblasts were seeded on the surface and their growth was documented every day until complete coverage was achieved. A reduction in cell growth was observed for poly(ethyloxazoline) (PEtOx) and poly(dimethylacryl‐amide) (PDMAA) with only PDMAA resulting in coverage with cells of less than 25% indicating nearly complete growth inhibition when seeded on areas completely covered by polymer. Polymer lines of 5 μm width separated by 50 μm did not show a large influence on cell growth whereas lines of 12, 24, or 48 μm width separated by 50 μm had an influence on cell growth especially for PDMAA and PEtOx. This influence was most apparent on days 2 and 3 after seeding and vanished between days 4 and 7 depending on polymer and pattern. It was possible to suppress fibroblast growth on the surface by using polymeric coatings but a partial coating in the dimension used in the current study affected cell growth only for up to 1 week and would not be sufficient to reduce fibroblast growth permanently after implantation.
A Parallel Strategy for the Logical‐probabilistic Calculus‐based Method to Calculate Two‐terminal Reliability
Authors: Nguyen Dang , Vo Bay , Vu Duc‐Lung
Published: December 2015

The theory of network reliability has been applied to many complicated network structures, such as computer and communication networks, piping systems, electricity networks, and traffic networks. The theory is used to evaluate the operational performance of networks that can be modeled by probabilistic graphs. Although evaluating network reliability is an Non‐deterministic Polynomial‐time hard problem, numerous solutions have been proposed. However, most of them are based on sequential computing, which under‐utilizes the benefits of multi‐core processor architectures. This paper addresses this limitation by proposing an efficient strategy for calculating the two‐terminal (terminal‐pair) reliability of a binary‐state network that uses parallel computing. Existing methods are analyzed. Then, an efficient method for calculating terminal‐pair reliability based on logical‐probabilistic calculus is proposed. Finally, a parallel version of the proposed algorithm is developed. This is the first study to implement an algorithm for estimating terminal‐pair reliability in parallel on multi‐core processor architectures. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm and its parallel version outperform an existing sequential algorithm in terms of execution time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excellent translational research in oncology: A journey towards novel and more effective anti‐cancer therapies
Authors: Rajan A. , Berns A. , Ringborg U. , Celis J. , Ponder B. , Caldas C. , Livingston D. , Bristow R.G. , Hecht T.T. , Tursz T. , van Luenen H. , Bono P. , Helander T. , Seamon K. , Smyth J.F. , Louvard D. , Eggermont A. , van Harten W.H.
Published: December 2015

Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) serve as critical drivers for improving cancer survival. In Europe, we have developed an Excellence Designation System (EDS) consisting of criteria to assess “excellence” of CCCs in translational research (bench to bedside and back), with the expectation that many European CCCs will aspire to this status.
Is Democratic Leadership Possible?
Authors: BEERBOHM ERIC
Published: December 2015

Leadership can baffle our ideal of democracy. If representatives track our preferences, actual or ideal, what room is left for them to pushback against a constituency? This has led some political theorists to conclude that the concept of democratic leadership is paradoxical. I challenge this view by constructing a theory that takes shared commitment as its principal ingredient. The Commitment Theory brings out what is morally distinctive about leadership in a representative democracy. In principle, democratic leadership recruits citizens as genuine partners in shared political activity. The account explains why leadership is taken to be a core property of a functioning democracy and, at the same time, a potential threat to the practice. It is then tested against cases of opinion formation, cue-taking, and frame manipulation. I conclude that the theory avoids dual objections: that it either overcounts or undercounts instances of democratic leadership.
When Talk Trumps Text: The Democratizing Effects of Deliberation during Constitution-Making, 1974–2011—CORRIGENDUM
Authors: EISENSTADT TODD A. , LeVAN A. CARL , MABOUDI TOFIGH
Published: December 2015

In the August 2015 issue of American Political Science Review, Eisenstadt et al. (2015) did not cite the last three authors in the reference for Mansbridge et al. (2012). The reference appears in the reference section below.
Local food-based complementary feeding recommendations developed by the linear programming approach to improve the intake of problem nutrients among 12–23-month-old Myanmar children
Authors: Hlaing Lwin Mar , Fahmida Umi , Htet Min Kyaw , Utomo Budi , Firmansyah Agus , Ferguson Elaine L.
Published: December 2015

Poor feeding practices result in inadequate nutrient intakes in young children in developing countries. To improve practices, local food-based complementary feeding recommendations (CFR) are needed. This cross-sectional survey aimed to describe current food consumption patterns of 12–23-month-old Myanmar children (n106) from Ayeyarwady region in order to identify nutrient requirements that are difficult to achieve using local foods and to formulate affordable and realistic CFR to improve dietary adequacy. Weekly food consumption patterns were assessed using a 12-h weighed dietary record, single 24-h recall and a 5-d food record. Food costs were estimated by market surveys. CFR were formulated by linear programming analysis using WHO Optifood software and evaluated among mothers (n20) using trial of improved practices (TIP). Findings showed that Ca, Zn, niacin, folate and Fe were ‘problem nutrients’: nutrients that did not achieve 100 % recommended nutrient intake even when the diet was optimised. Chicken liver, anchovy and roselle leaves were locally available nutrient-dense foods that would fill these nutrient gaps. The final set of six CFR would ensure dietary adequacy for five of twelve nutrients at a minimal cost of 271 kyats/d (based on the exchange rate of 900 kyats/USD at the time of data collection: 3rd quarter of 2012), but inadequacies remained for niacin, folate, thiamin, Fe, Zn, Ca and vitamin B6. TIP showed that mothers believed liver and vegetables would cause worms and diarrhoea, but these beliefs could be overcome to successfully promote liver consumption. Therefore, an acceptable set of CFR were developed to improve the dietary practices of 12–23-month-old Myanmar children using locally available foods. Alternative interventions such as fortification, however, are still needed to ensure dietary adequacy of all nutrients.
Short-term effects of dietary advanced glycation end products in rats
Authors: Poulsen Malene W. , Andersen Jeanette M. , Hedegaard Rikke V. , Madsen Andreas N. , Krath Britta N. , Monošík Rastislav , Bak Monika J. , Nielsen John , Holst Birgitte , Skibsted Leif H. , Larsen Lesli H. , Dragsted Lars O.
Published: December 2015

Dietary advanced glycation end products (AGE) formed during heating of food have gained interest as potential nutritional toxins with adverse effects on inflammation and glucose metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the short-term effects of high and low molecular weight (HMW and LMW) dietary AGE on insulin sensitivity, expression of the receptor for AGE (RAGE), the AGE receptor 1 (AGER1) and TNF-α, F2-isoprostaglandins, body composition and food intake. For 2 weeks, thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a diet containing 20 % milk powder with different proportions of this being given as heated milk powder (0, 40 or 100 %), either native (HMW) or hydrolysed (LMW). Gene expression of RAGE and AGER1 in whole blood increased in the group receiving a high AGE LMW diet, which also had the highest urinary excretion of the AGE, methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone 1 (MG-H1). Urinary excretion of Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine increased with increasing proportion of heat-treated milk powder in the HMW and LMW diets but was unrelated to gene expression. There was no difference in insulin sensitivity, F2-isoprostaglandins, food intake, water intake, body weight or body composition between the groups. In conclusion, RAGE and AGER1 expression can be influenced by a high AGE diet after only 2 weeks in proportion to MG-H1 excretion. No other short-term effects were observed.
Optimizing Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) as a biological control agent: mathematical models for predicting its development as a function of temperature
Authors: Martínez-García Héctor , Román-Fernández Luis R , Sáenz-Romo María G , Pérez-Moreno Ignacio , Marco-Mancebón Vicente S
Published: December 2015

For optimal application of Nesidiocoris tenuis as a biological control agent, adequate field management and programmed mass rearing are essential. Mathematical models are useful tools for predicting the temperature-dependent developmental rate of the predator. In this study, the linear model and nonlinear models Logan type III, Lactin and Brière were estimated at constant temperatures and validated at alternating temperatures and under field conditions. N. tenuis achieved complete development from egg to adult at constant temperatures between 15 and 35°C with high survivorship (>80%) in the range 18–32°C. The total developmental time decreased from a maximum at 15°C (76.74 d) to a minimum at 33°C (12.67 d) and after that, increased to 35°C (13.98 d). Linear and nonlinear developmental models all had high accuracy (Ra2 >0.86). The maximum developmental rate was obtained between 31.9°C (Logan type III and Brière model for N1) and 35.6°C (for the egg stage in the Brière model). Optimal survival and the highest developmental rate fell within the range 27–30°C. The field validation revealed that the Logan type III and Lactin models offered the best predictions (95.0 and 94.5%, respectively). The data obtained on developmental time and mortality at different temperatures are useful for mass rearing this predator, and the developmental models are valuable for using N. tenuis as a biological control agent.
MicroRNAs of the mesothorax in Qinlingacris elaeodes, an alpine grasshopper showing a wing polymorphism with unilateral wing form
Authors: Li R. , Jiang G.F. , Ren Q.P. , Wang Y.T. , Zhou X.M. , Zhou C.F. , Qin D.Z.
Published: December 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are now recognized as key post-transcriptional regulators in regulation of phenotypic diversity. Qinlingacris elaeodes is a species of the alpine grasshopper, which is endemic to China. Adult individuals have three wing forms: wingless, unilateral-winged and short-winged. This is an ideal species to investigate the phenotypic plasticity, development and evolution of insect wings because of its case of unilateral wing form in both the sexes. We sequenced a small RNA library prepared from mesothoraxes of the adult grasshoppers using the Illumina deep sequencing technology. Approximately 12,792,458 raw reads were generated, of which the 854,580 high-quality reads were used only for miRNA identification. In this study, we identified 49 conserved miRNAs belonging to 41 families and 69 species-specific miRNAs. Moreover, seven miRNA*s were detected both for conserved miRNAs and species-specific miRNAs, which were supported by hairpin forming precursors based on polymerase chain reaction. This is the first description of miRNAs in alpine grasshoppers. The results provide a useful resource for further studies on molecular regulation and evolution of miRNAs in grasshoppers. These findings not only enrich the miRNAs for insects but also lay the groundwork for the study of post-transcriptional regulation of wing forms.
Screening of wild oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) germplasm for lipase activity
Authors: WONG Y. T. , KUSHAIRI A. , RAJANAIDU N. , OSMAN M. , WICKNESWARI R. , SAMBANTHAMURTHI R.
Published: December 2015

Palm oil comprises mainly triacylglycerols (TAG) that account for about 0·95 of its composition. Lipolysis of TAG releases free fatty acids that are then oxidized, impairing oil quality. Lower endogenous lipase activity is therefore desirable for better quality oil. Identifying genotypes for this should allow production of oils with improved shelf-life. A novel non-radioactive cold-activation titration assay was used to assay for lipase activity in 49 randomly selected Elaeis guineensis palms using the novel method as well as the traditional radioactive method. The results confirmed significant correlation between the radioactive and novel non-radioactive methods. A total of 148 E. guineensis palms originating from Angola, Cameroon, Guinea Conarky, Nigeria, Senagal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zaire were then screened for lipase activity using the novel non-radioactive method. The analysis revealed genotypes with significantly different lipase activities, indicating that the activity is genotype-dependent. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction indicated similarity in pattern between gene expression and lipase activity determined by the novel assay. Several low and high lipase genotypes were identified. The findings pave the way for selection and breeding for low lipase genotypes. They are also relevant to genetic marker development for oil quality. Evidence is presented for the presence of at least two different lipases that determine oil quality in the oil palm mesocarp.
Electromagnetic thin-wall model for simulations of plasma wall-touching kink and vertical modes
Authors: Zakharov Leonid E. , Atanasiu Calin V. , Lackner Karl , Hoelzl Matthias , Strumberger Erika
Published: December 2015

The understanding of plasma disruptions in tokamaks and predictions of their effects require realistic simulations of electric current excitation in three-dimensional vessel structures by the plasma touching the walls. As discovered at JET in 1996 (Litunovski JET Internal Report contract no. JQ5/11961, 1995; Noll et al., Proceedings of the 19th Symposium on Fusion Technology, Lisbon (ed. C. Varandas & F. Serra), vol. 1, 1996, p. 751. Elsevier) the wall-touching kink modes are frequently excited during vertical displacement events and cause large sideways forces on the vacuum vessel which are difficult to withstand in large tokamaks. In disruptions, the sharing of electric current between the plasma and the wall plays an important role in plasma dynamics and determines the amplitude and localization of the sideways force (Riccardo et al., Nucl. Fusion, vol. 40, 2000, p. 1805; Riccardo & Walker, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion, vol. 42, 2000, p. 29; Zakharov, Phys. Plasmas, vol. 15, 2008, 062507; Riccardo et al., Nucl. Fusion, vol. 49, 2009, 055012; Bachmann et al., Fusion Engng Des., vol. 86, 2011, pp. 1915–1919). This paper describes a flat triangle representation of the electric circuits of a thin conducting wall of arbitrary three-dimensional geometry. Implemented into the shell simulation code (SHL) and the source sink current code (SSC), this model is suitable for modelling the electric currents excited in the wall inductively and through current sharing with the plasma.
Seco-limonoid derived from Raputia heptaphylla promotes the control of cutaneous leishmaniasis in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: GRANADOS-FALLA DIANA , GOMEZ-GALINDO ANGELA , DAZA ALEJANDRO , ROBLEDO SARA , COY-BARRERA CARLOS , CUCA LUIS , DELGADO GABRIELA
Published: December 2015

The rational search of novel bioactive molecules against pathogens with immunomodulatory activity is presently one of the most significant approaches to discover and design new therapeutic agents for effective control of infectious diseases, such as the infection caused by Leishmania parasites. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the recently characterized immunomodulatory compound 11α,19β-dihydroxy-7-acetoxy-7-deoxoichangin, a seco-limonoid derived from the bark of Raputia heptaphylla (Pittier) using: (1) peritoneal macrophages and (2) Mesocricetus auratus hamsters infected with Leishmania (V.) panamensis and Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. We observed the ability of this seco-limonoid to induce the effective control of the parasite either in vitro [determining an effective concentration 50 (EC50) of 59 µm at the infection model] and in vivo (inducing clinical improvement or even cure in infected animals treated compared with the groups of animals treated with vehicle solution or meglumine antimoniate).
Effects of concurrent task demands on language planning in fluent children and adults
Authors: SASISEKARAN JAYANTHI , DONOHUE CARA
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate how children and adults allocate cognitive resources to performing segmental encoding and monitoring in a dual-task paradigm and the response patterns of the primary and secondary tasks in the dual task. Participants were 20 children divided equally into two age groups (7–11 and 12–15 years) and 10 adults. The primary task required participants to monitor phonemic segments in a picture–written word interference paradigm while silently naming the pictures. The picture and distractor word were the same (replica), related (phoneme onset overlap), or unrelated. The secondary task required participants to make pitch judgments on tones presented at short (330 ms) or long (1130 ms) stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) from picture onset. Developmental differences were observed in both response times and percentage errors in the primary and secondary tasks. Slower responses to the primary task were evident at the long SOA, related condition. Slower response times to the tone decision task were evident at the short rather than the long SOA. The findings support the capacity sharing account of dual-task performance and suggest that dual-task costs during language planning are higher in children than in adults.
DISINVESTING FROM INEFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: LESSONS LEARNED FROM CURRENT PROGRAMS
Authors: Mayer Julia , Nachtnebel Anna
Published: December 2015

Objectives: Many of the currently used health technologies have never been systematically assessed or are misused, overused or superseded. Therefore, they may be ineffective. Active identification of ineffectiveness in health care is gaining importance to facilitate best care for patients and optimal use of limited resources. The present research analyzed processes and experiences of programs for identifying ineffective health technologies. The goal of this study was to elucidate factors that facilitate implementation.

Methods: Based on an overview article, a systematic literature search and unsystematic hand-search were conducted. Further information was gained from international experts.

Results: Seven programs were identified that include identification, prioritization and assessment of ineffective health technologies and dissemination of recommendations. The programs are quite similar regarding their goals, target groups and criteria for identification and prioritization. Outputs, mainly HTA reports or lists, are mostly disseminated by means of the internet. Top–down and bottom–up programs both have benefits in terms of implementation of recommendations, either as binding guidelines and decisions or as nonbinding information for physicians and other stakeholders. Crucial facilitators of implementation are political will, transparent processes and broad stakeholder involvement focusing on physicians.

Conclusions: All programs can improve the quality of health care and enable cost reduction in supportive surrounding conditions. Physicians and patients must be continuously involved in the process of evaluating health technologies. Additionally, decision makers must support programs and translate recommendations into concrete actions.
RFID/ In-vehicle Sensors-Integrated Vehicle Positioning Strategy Utilising LSSVM and Federated UKF in a Tunnel
Authors: Song Xiang , Li Xu , Tang Wencheng , Zhang Weigong
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/ in-vehicle sensors fusion strategy for vehicle positioning in completely Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments such as tunnels. The strategy employs a two-step approach, namely, the calculation of the distances between the RFID tags and the reader, and then the global fusion estimation of vehicle position. First, a Least Square Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) algorithm is developed to obtain distance. Next a novel Federated Unscented Kalman Filter (FUKF) is designed to realise the global fusion. The decentralised federated filter is adopted to combine the data from RFID and in-vehicle sensors, and the UKF is employed to design a local filter since it has better ability to deal with a nonlinear problem than an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Due to the optimised layout of RFID tags and the application of the decentralised filter, the number of tags is reduced. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy are evaluated through experiments.
Use of nesiritide in critically ill children with biventricular dysfunction suffering from oliguria despite standard heart-failure management
Authors: Das Bibhuti B. , Koch Joshua , Dimas Vivian , Guleserian Kristine , Nugent Alan
Published: December 2015

Although nesiritide has been used in adults with left heart failure, the experience in the paediatric population is limited. We reviewed and analysed our experience with continuous nesiritide infusion as adjunct therapy in children with biventricular dysfunction due to diverse aetiologies and suffering from oliguria despite intravenous diuretics and inotropic therapies for heart-failure management.
Impact of preceding crop on alfalfa competitiveness with weeds
Authors: Anderson Randy L.
Published: December 2015

Organic producers would like to include no-till practices in their farming systems, but they are concerned about managing weeds without tillage. We are seeking to develop a continuous no-till system for organic farming, based on a complex rotation that includes a 3-yr sequence of alfalfa. In this study, we evaluated impact of preceding crop on weed infestation in alfalfa. Alfalfa was established with no-till following spring wheat, corn or soybean. The study involved a 4-yr interval, with weed dynamics measured in the fourth year. Alfalfa established after soybean suppressed weeds more than alfalfa established after spring wheat or corn. Weed biomass in alfalfa following spring wheat was 18% of the plant community, but only 1% when alfalfa followed soybean and 6% when alfalfa followed corn. Weed biomass increased because alfalfa density following spring wheat was only 71% of alfalfa following soybean. Weeds such as downy brome (Bromus tectorumL.) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinaleWeber) were able to establish and produce biomass where alfalfa stand was sparse. Alfalfa forage yield across 3 yr was also higher following soybean than either spring wheat or corn. Alfalfa competitiveness with weeds can be improved by choice of preceding crop.
The International Committee of the Red Cross and the promotion of international humanitarian law: Looking back, looking forward
Authors: Harroff-Tavel Marion
Published: December 2015

In a globalizing world marked by geopolitical upheaval, unprecedented threats to human security, new forms of violence and technological revolutions, particularly in the area of information technology, it is no simple task to raise awareness of international humanitarian law (IHL) applicable to armed conflict and ensure that warring parties comply with this body of law. This article traces the history of the International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC) work in promoting IHL from 1864 to the present, juxtaposing this history with important events in international relations and with the organization's (sometimes traumatizing) experiences that ultimately gave rise to innovative programmes. The article summarizes lively debates that took place at the ICRC around such topics as the place of ethics in the promotion of IHL, respect for cultural diversity in the various methods used to promote this body of law, and how much attention should be devoted to youth – as well as the most effective way to do so. The author concludes by sharing her personal views on the best way to promote IHL in the future by drawing on the lessons of the past.
Spanish Adaptation of the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ)
Authors: Pegalajar Joaquín , Acosta Alberto , Castillo Miguel , Higueras Lorenzo , Padilla José-Luis
Published: December 2015

The Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ) was developed by Johnson, Foley, Suengas, and Raye (1988) to assess the characteristics of memories of external and internal origin, postulated in the source monitoring model (Johnson, Hashtroudi, & Lindsay, 1993). The MCQ was translated into Spanish using a back-translation method. Psychometric properties of the translated MCQ were tested using responses collected from an experimental study simulating a forensic context. Ten police officers and 8 psychologists individually interviewed 240 university students who completed the MCQ after reporting what they had seen in a film. Half of the participants were asked to tell the truth, while the other half were asked to lie. The results have shown adequate psychometric properties of the Spanish MCQ items for the total sample and across experimental conditions. Cronbach’s alpha value was .79 for the total sample, .78 for the honest condition, and .76 for the lie condition. Validity evidence of dimensionality supports that the factor structure of Spanish MCQ was equivalent to that proposed by the authors of the original version. Also, a two-factor ANOVA (video clip x condition) was performed to analyze experimental data. Neither interaction effects, F(236) = 1.189; p = .277, nor main effects were found to be significant between those asked to tell the truth and those asked to lie. These results demonstrate that the Spanish MCQ has adequate psychometric properties.
Demographic, Behavioral, and Psychiatric Risk Factors for Suicide
Authors: Werbeloff Nomi , Dohrenwend Bruce P. , Levav Itzhak , Haklai Ziona , Yoffe Rinat , Large Matthew , Davidson Michael , Weiser Mark
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Background: There have been very few prospective studies of death by suicide in the general population. Rather, studies of suicide have generally used psychological autopsies, a method that has the potential weakness of recall bias. Aims: To examine correlates of death by suicide among a community-based nonclinical sample prospectively assessed years before death by suicide. Method: We analyzed data from an epidemiological study of a 10-year birth cohort (n = 4,914) conducted in Israel in the 1980s, with follow-up mortality data over 25 years. Results: Eight participants died by suicide during follow-up (6/100,000 per year; mean follow-up to suicide = 18.3 ± 2.0 years), the majority of whom were rated as functioning relatively well at baseline. Male sex, psychiatric hospitalizations, major depressive disorder, and previous suicide attempts were associated with later suicide. Conclusion: In this nonclinical sample of persons assessed between ages 25 and 34, several correlates of suicide were identified, but the majority of persons who died by suicide were relatively high functioning at baseline. Major precursors of suicide may be more proximal factors of acute or chronic negative changes in life circumstances.
Analysis of Deliberate Self-Wrist-Cutting Episodes Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Kim Jin , Kim Han Joon , Kim Soo Hyun , Oh Sang Hoon , Park Kyu Nam
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Background: Previous suicide attempts increase the risk of a completed suicide. However, a large proportion of patients with deliberate self-wrist cutting (DSWC) are often discharged without undergoing a psychiatric interview. Aims: The aims of this study were to investigate the differences in the characteristics and outcomes of patients with DSWC and those with deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) episodes. The results of this study may be used to improve the efficacy of treatment for DSWC patients. Method: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 598 patients with DSWC and DSP who were treated at the emergency department of Seoul Saint Mary's Hospital between 2008 and 2013. We assessed sociodemographic information, clinical variables, the reasons for the suicide attempts, and the severity of the suicide attempts. Results: A total of 141 (23.6%) patients were included in the DSWC group, and 457 (76.4%) were included in the DSP group. A significantly greater number of patients in the DSWC group had previously attempted suicide (p = .014). A total of 63 patients (44.7%) in the DSWC group and 409 patients (89.5%) in the DSP group underwent psychiatric interviews. Conclusion: More DSWC patients had previously attempted suicide, but fewer of them underwent psychiatric interviews compared with the DSP patients.
Methodological Issues in Categorical Data Analysis
Authors: Hagenaars Jacques A.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The “General Linear Reality” view of the social world endorsed by analysis models assuming (underlying) continuous variables that are normally distributed is still prevailing in most of social and behavioral research. In this article both assumptions are discussed, arguing that it might often be better to treat (latent) variables as fundamentally categorical and showing that the assumption of linear relationships may mislead researchers and lead them to accept response effects that may not be there or are of a rather different nature.