bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of carbonate/bicarbonate ions in the superoxide-generating reaction of adrenaline autoxidation
Authors: Sirota T.V.
Published: April 2015

An important role of carbonate/bicarbonate ions has been recognized in the superoxide generating reaction of adrenaline autooxidation in an alkaline buffer (a model of quinoid adrenaline oxidation in the body). It is suggested that these ions are directly involved not only in formation of superoxide anion radical (О2 -·) but also other radicals derived from the carbonate/bicarbonate buffer. Using various buffers it was shown that the rate of accumulation of adrenochrome, the end product of adrenaline oxidation, and the rate of О2 -· formation depend on concentration of carbonate/bicarbonate ions in the buffer and that these ions significantly accelerate adrenaline autooxidation thus demonstrating prooxidant properties. The detectable amount of diformazan, the product of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, was significantly higher than the amount of adrenochrome formed; taking into consideration the literature data on О2 -· detection by NBT it is suggested that adrenaline autooxidation is accompanied by one-electron reduction not only of oxygen dissolved in the buffer and responsible for superoxide formation but possible carbon dioxide also dissolved in the buffer as well as carbonate/bicarbonate buffer components leading to formation of corresponding radicals. The plots of the dependence of the inhibition of adrenochrome and diformazan formation on the superoxide dismutase concentration have shown that not only superoxide radicals are formed during adrenaline autooxidation. Since carbonate/bicarbonate ions are known to be universally present in the living nature, their involvement in free radical processes proceeding in the organism is discussed.
Youth Involvement in Anti-Gay and Anti-Lesbian Bias Crimes
Authors: Stotzer Rebecca L.
Published: April 2015

There is currently little information available about youth who commit bias crimes. This article contributes to the literature by highlighting the similarities and differences between sexual orientation-motivated bias crimes committed by adult and youth suspects. Among 894 reported sexual orientation-motivated incidents in Los Angeles County between 2002 and 2008, this study found that, when compared to adult suspects, youth suspects were more likely to target other youths, were more likely to be in mixed-gender groups, were less likely to commit crimes against person, and were most likely to be reported as committing the crime at school. These preliminary findings highlight the need for additional research into bias-motivation among youth and to clarify the links between bullying and bias crimes.
Interpersonal Youth Violence Perpetration and Victimization in a Diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander Adolescent Sample
Authors: Hishinuma Earl S. , Chang Janice Y. , Goebert Deborah A. , Helm Susana , Else Iwalani R. N. , Sugimoto-Matsuda Jeanelle J.
Published: April 2015

This study was the first to examine ethnic, sex, and ethnicity-by-sex differences for underresearched, Asian American and Pacific Islander, adolescent groups on youth violence outcomes other than cyberbullying. This effort included the less researched, emotional violence, and included socioeconomic status (SES) measures as covariates. The sample size from 2 high schools in spring 2007 was 881, using an epidemiologic survey design. The pattern of results was higher rates of violence victimization for ethnic groups, with lower representation in the 2 schools’ population, and ethnic groups that more recently moved or immigrated to Hawai‘i. For emotional victimization, girls of European American and “other” ethnicities self-reported higher rates than boys. Several implications (e.g., need for ethnically and gender-based approaches) and further research (e.g., ethnocultural identity) are discussed.
Precursors to Rape: Pressuring Behaviors and Rape Proclivity
Authors: Strain Megan L. , Hockett Jericho M. , Saucier Donald A.
Published: April 2015

We developed measures assessing personal and normative attitudes toward two types of behaviors that are symptomatic of rape culture. We conceptualize sexual violence as existing on a continuum and argue that two types of behaviors may be potential antecedents to (and consequences of) sexual violence: attempts to pressure, which mimic the power dynamics of rape in a less aggressive fashion, and benevolent dating behaviors, which are accepted dating scripts in which men initiate action. We examined individuals’ acceptance of these behaviors in relation to their attitudes toward rape victims and among men to rape proclivity. This initial work suggests that these constructs and measures may be useful to investigate in future research.
Health Implications of Partner Violence Against Women in Ghana
Authors: Issahaku Paul Alhassan
Published: April 2015

This article explores the health implications of partner violence against women in Ghana using data from northern Ghana. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 443 women contacted at health facilities in the northern region. Results indicate that 7 out of 10 women have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) within the past 12 months; 62% had experienced psychological violence, 29% had experienced physical violence, and 34% had experienced sexual violence. Participants reported health problems associated with violence, including injury, thoughts of suicide, sleep disruption, and fear of partner (FP). Logistic regression analyses showed that women who reported physical, psychological, and sexual violence, respectively, had 3.94 times, 10.50 times, and 2.21 times the odds of reporting thoughts of suicide, whereas the odds that women who reported physical, psychological, and sexual violence would report sleep disruption were 4.82 times higher, 4.44 times higher, and 2.50 times higher, respectively. However, only physical and psychological violence predicted the odds of FP. This study shows that IPV is a health risk factor among women in Ghana. Measures that should be designed to improve the health of women experiencing marital violence are suggested.
Effects of Group Status and Victim Sex on Female Bystanders’ Responses to a Potential Party Rape
Authors: Katz Jennifer , Colbert Samuel , Colangelo Liane
Published: April 2015

This research examined bystander responses to 1 of 4 potential party rape scenarios. Undergraduate women (N = 249) imagined attending a party either alone or with three friends where a sober man led an intoxicated potential victim (either male or female) into a bedroom. After random assignment to conditions, participants reported on intent to help and barriers to helping the potential victim. In contrast to the classic bystander effect, bystanders in groups intended to offer more help than lone bystanders. Bystanders also intended to offer more help to potential female than male victims and experienced more barriers to helping male victims. Two of these barriers (lack of personal responsibility to help and identifying risk) explained the lower intentions to help potential male victims. Potential male victims were more likely than female victims to be perceived as gay, and bystanders reported the least intentions to help presumably gay men at risk.
Translational Models of Workplace Violence in Health Care
Authors: Privitera Michael Russell , Bowie Vaughan , Bowen Bob
Published: April 2015

Decision makers have little time to study literature on the prevention and management of workplace violence (WPV). In a health care workplace setting, identifying the person, stimulus, and environmental interactions that can lead to violence is a complicated process. Those in positions of leadership make decisions that affect many individuals, agencies, and communities. Often, they come from different professional backgrounds yet need ways of rapidly understanding concepts of violence that transcend their profession, training, or experience. Translational models (TMs) in WPV visually summarize and interprofessionally facilitate this understanding of concepts, enhancing the chances of more effective collaborative solutions to WPV. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how TM can be used in interprofessional settings to find effective solutions to reduce WPV.
Recent Victimization and Recidivism: The Potential Moderating Effects of Family Support
Authors: Taylor Caitlin J.
Published: April 2015

Although various research confirms an overlap between victims and offenders, much less is known about victimization and recidivism. Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative evaluation, this study measures the extent to which the frequency of recent victimization influences recidivism in the 15 months following release from prison. Buffering effects are also investigated by examining whether family support moderates the relationship between victimization and recidivism. After controlling for other known predictors of recidivism, logistic regression models using both listwise deletion and multiple imputation reveal that more frequent victimization significantly increases the likelihood of any self-reported recidivism and has a particularly large effect on violent recidivism for those previously convicted of serious and violent offenses. Even at higher levels of family support, victimization still increases the likelihood of reoffending.
Comparing the Relative Efficacy of Narrative vs Nonnarrative Health Messages in Reducing Health Disparities Using a Randomized Trial
Authors: Murphy Sheila T. , Frank Lauren B. , Chatterjee Joyee S. , Moran Meghan B. , Zhao Nan , Amezola de Herrera Paula , Baezconde-Garbanati Lourdes A.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We compared the relative efficacy of a fictional narrative film to a more traditional nonnarrative film in conveying the same health information.

Methods. We used a random digit dial procedure to survey the cervical cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of non-Hispanic White, Mexican American, and African American women, aged 25 to 45 years, living in Los Angeles, California, from 2011 to 2012. Participants (n = 704) were randomly assigned to view either a narrative or nonnarrative film containing the same information about how cervical cancer could be prevented or detected, and they were re-contacted 2 weeks and 6 months later.

Results. At 2 weeks, both films produced a significant increase in cervical cancer-related knowledge and attitudes, but these effects were significantly higher for the narrative film. At 6 months, viewers of both films retained greater than baseline knowledge and more positive attitudes toward Papanicolaou (Pap) tests, but women who saw the narrative were significantly more likely to have had or scheduled a Pap test. The narrative was particularly effective for Mexican American women, eliminating cervical cancer screening disparities found at baseline.

Conclusions. Narratives might prove to be a useful tool for reducing health disparities.
Inequities in Workplace Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Nonsmoking Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Johnson Candice Y. , Luckhaupt Sara E. , Lawson Christina C.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We characterized workplace secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmoking women of reproductive age as a proxy for workplace secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy.

Methods. We included nonsmoking women aged 18 to 44 years employed during the past 12 months who participated in the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. We estimated the prevalence of workplace secondhand smoke exposure and its associations with sociodemographic and workplace characteristics.

Results. Nine percent of women reported workplace secondhand smoke exposure. Prevalence decreased with increasing age, education, and earnings. Workplace secondhand smoke exposure was associated with chemical exposure (prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.3, 4.7); being threatened, bullied, or harassed (POR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.1, 5.1); vapors, gas, dust, or fume exposure (POR = 3.1; 95% CI = 2.3, 4.4); and worrying about unemployment (POR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.8, 5.2), among other things.

Conclusions. Comprehensive smoke-free laws covering all workers could eliminate inequities in workplace secondhand smoke exposure, including during pregnancy.
Missed Policy Opportunities to Advance Health Equity by Recording Demographic Data in Electronic Health Records
Authors: Douglas Megan Daugherty , Dawes Daniel E. , Holden Kisha B. , Mack Dominic
Published: April 2015

The science of eliminating health disparities is complex and dependent on demographic data. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) encourages the adoption of electronic health records and requires basic demographic data collection; however, current data generated are insufficient to address known health disparities in vulnerable populations, including individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, with disabilities, and with diverse sexual identities.

We conducted an administrative history of HITECH and identified gaps between the policy objective and required measure. We identified 20 opportunities for change and 5 changes, 2 of which required the collection of less data.

Until health care demographic data collection requirements are consistent with public health requirements, the national goal of eliminating health disparities cannot be realized.
State Constitutional Commitment to Health and Health Care and Population Health Outcomes: Evidence From Historical US Data
Authors: Matsuura Hiroaki
Published: April 2015

Objectives. I investigated whether the introduction of health and health care provisions in US state constitutions can make health systems more equitable and improve health outcomes by urging state policymakers and administrative agencies to uphold their human rights obligations at state level.

Methods. I constructed a panel of infant mortality rates from 50 US states over the period 1929 through 2000 to examine their association with the timing and details of introducing a constitutional right to health and health care provisions.

Results. The introduction of a stronger constitutional commitment that obligates state legislature to provide health care was associated with a subsequent reduction in the infant mortality rate of approximately 7.8%. The introduction of provisions explicitly targeting the poor was also associated with a reduction in the infant mortality rate of 6.5%. These health benefits are primarily evident in non-White populations.

Conclusions. This empirical result supports Elizabeth Leonard’s view that although state constitutional rights have been poorly enforced through the judiciary, a constitutional expression of health care duties has fueled the political and social process, ultimately allowing states to identify the best way to address citizens’ health inequality concerns.
Disparities in Diabetes Management in Asian Americans in New York City Compared With Other Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups
Authors: Islam Nadia S. , Kwon Simona C. , Wyatt Laura C. , Ruddock Charmaine , Horowitz Carol R. , Devia Carlos , Trinh-Shevrin Chau
Published: April 2015

We examined diabetes management practices among Hispanics, Blacks, and 3 Asian American subgroups in New York City. Compared with Blacks and Hispanics, all 3 Asian American subgroups had lower average rates of diabetes management practices. Compared with Blacks, Chinese and Koreans were significantly less likely to participate in all diabetes management behaviors and practices, whereas Asian Indians were significantly less likely to perform feet checks or undergo an eye examination. Results demonstrated the need for health care provider interventions and training to support diabetes management among Asian Americans.
Self-Implemented HIV Testing: Perspectives on Improving Dissemination Among Urban African American Youths
Authors: Catania Joseph A. , Dolcini M. Margaret , Harper Gary W. , Orellana E. Roberto , Tyler Donald H. , Timmons April , Motley Darnell , Dolcini-Catania Luciano G. , Towner Senna L.
Published: April 2015

We examined the potential for increasing the reach of HIV testing to African American youths through the dissemination of oral-HIV testing. From 2012 through 2013 we examined the perceptions of alternatives to pharmacy dissemination of SITs in African American youths (5 focus groups) and service providers (4 focus groups), and conducted an ethnographic study of pharmacies (n = 10). Participants perceived significant advantages to delivering SITs through community health and services for adolescents (e.g., increased confidentiality, reduced stigma) over pharmacy dissemination. Given proper attention to fit, SIT dissemination could be facilitated through distribution by health and social service sites, and by improving elements of pharmacy dissemination.
Unequal Burdens of Loss: Examining the Frequency and Timing of Homicide Deaths Experienced by Young Black Men Across the Life Course
Authors: Smith Jocelyn R.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. I examined the frequency and developmental timing of traumatic loss resulting from the health disparity of homicide among young Black men in Baltimore, Maryland.

Methods. Using a modified grounded theory approach, I conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 40 Black men (aged 18–24 years) from January 2012 to June 2013. I also constructed adapted life history calendar tools using chronologies of loss, and (1) provided a comprehensive history of loss, (2) determined a specific frequency of homicide deaths, (3) indicated participants’ relationship to the decedents, and (4) identified the developmental timing of deaths.

Results. On average, participants knew 3 homicide victims who were overwhelmingly peers. Participant experiences of homicide death started in early childhood, peaked in adolescence, and persisted into emerging adulthood. The traumatic loss of peer homicide was a significant developmental turning point and disrupted participants’ social networks.

Conclusions. The traumatic loss of peer homicide was a prevalent life course experience for young Black men and identified the need for trauma- and grief-informed interventions. Future research is needed to examine the physical and psychosocial consequences, coping resources and strategies, and developmental implications of traumatic loss for young Black men in urban contexts.
A Community-Based Oral Public Health Approach to Promote Health Equity
Authors: Northridge Mary E. , Yu Chenchen , Chakraborty Bibhas , Port Greenblatt Ariel , Mark Janet , Golembeski Cynthia , Cheng Bin , Kunzel Carol , Metcalf Sara S. , Marshall Stephen E. , Lamster Ira B.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We explored the interrelationships among diabetes, hypertension, and missing teeth among underserved racial/ethnic minority elders.

Methods. Self-reported sociodemographic characteristics and information about health and health care were provided by community-dwelling ElderSmile participants, aged 50 years and older, who took part in community-based oral health education and completed a screening questionnaire at senior centers in Manhattan, New York, from 2010 to 2012.

Results. Multivariable models (both binary and ordinal logistic regression) were consistent, in that both older age and Medicaid coverage were important covariates when self-reported diabetes and self-reported hypertension were included, along with an interaction term between self-reported diabetes and self-reported hypertension.

Conclusions. An oral public health approach conceptualized as the intersection of 3 domains—dentistry, medicine, and public health—might prove useful in place-based assessment and delivery of services to underserved older adults. Further, an ordinal logit model that considers levels of missing teeth might allow for more informative and interpretable results than a binary logit model.
Mandated Coverage of Preventive Care and Reduction in Disparities: Evidence From Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Hamman Mary K. , Kapinos Kandice A.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We identified correlates of racial/ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer screening and changes in disparities under state-mandated insurance coverage.

Methods. Using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we estimated a Fairlie decomposition in the insured population aged 50 to 64 years and a regression-adjusted difference-in-difference-in-difference model of changes in screening attributable to mandates.

Results. Under mandated coverage, blood stool test (BST) rates increased among Black, Asian, and Native American men, but rates among Whites also increased, so disparities did not change. Endoscopic screening rates increased by 10 percentage points for Hispanic men and 3 percentage points for non-Hispanic men. BST rates fell among Hispanic relative to non-Hispanic men. We found no changes for women. However, endoscopic screening rates improved among lower income individuals across all races and ethnicities.

Conclusions. Mandates were associated with a reduction in endoscopic screening disparities only for Hispanic men but may indirectly reduce racial/ethnic disparities by increasing rates among lower income individuals. Findings imply that systematic differences in insurance coverage, or health plan fragmentation, likely existed without mandates. These findings underscore the need to research disparities within insured populations.
Review of State Legislative Approaches to Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 2002–2011
Authors: Young Jessica L. , Pollack Keshia , Rutkow Lainie
Published: April 2015

We conducted a legal mapping study of state bills related to racial/ethnic health disparities in all 50 states between 2002 and 2011.

Forty-five states introduced at least 1 bill that specifically targeted racial/ethnic health disparities; we analyzed 607 total bills. Of these 607 bills, 330 were passed into law (54.4%). These bills approached eliminating racial/ethnic health disparities by developing governmental infrastructure, providing appropriations, and focusing on specific diseases and data collection. In addition, states tackled emerging topics that were previously lacking laws, particularly Hispanic health.

Legislation is an important policy tool for states to advance the elimination of racial/ethnic health disparities.
Black–White Differences in the Relationship Between Alcohol Drinking Patterns and Mortality Among US Men and Women
Authors: Jackson Chandra L. , Hu Frank B. , Kawachi Ichiro , Williams David R. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Rimm Eric B.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We investigated Black–White differences in the association between average alcohol drinking patterns and all-cause mortality.

Methods. We pooled nationally representative samples of 152 180 adults in the National Health Interview Survey from 1997 to 2002 with mortality follow-up through 2006. Usual drinking days per week and level of alcohol consumed per day were based on self-report. We used race- and gender-specific Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to adjust for physical activity, smoking status, and other potential confounders.

Results. Over 9 years, 13 366 deaths occurred from all causes. For men, the lowest multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for total mortality among drinkers was 0.81 among White men who consumed 1 to 2 drinks 3 to 7 days per week (compared with abstainers) and Black men who abstained. For women, the lowest mortality risk was among White women (HR = 0.71) consuming 1 drink per day 3 to 7 days per week and Black women (HR = 0.72) consuming 1 drink on 2 or fewer days per week.

Conclusions. Risks and benefits of alcohol consumption in relation to mortality risk were dependent on race- and gender-specific drinking patterns.
Reports of Insurance-Based Discrimination in Health Care and Its Association With Access to Care
Authors: Han Xinxin , Call Kathleen Thiede , Pintor Jessie Kemmick , Alarcon-Espinoza Giovann , Simon Alisha Baines
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We examined reports of insurance-based discrimination and its association with insurance type and access to care in the early years of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Methods. We used data from the 2013 Minnesota Health Access Survey to identify 4123 Minnesota adults aged 18 to 64 years who reported about their experiences of insurance-based discrimination. We modeled the association between discrimination and insurance type and predicted odds of having reduced access to care among those reporting discrimination, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Data were weighted to represent the state’s population.

Results. Reports of insurance-based discrimination were higher among uninsured (25%) and publicly insured (21%) adults than among privately insured adults (3%), which held in the regression analysis. Those reporting discrimination had higher odds of lacking a usual source of care, lacking confidence in getting care, forgoing care because of cost, and experiencing provider-level barriers than those who did not.

Conclusions. Further research and policy interventions are needed to address insurance-based discrimination in health care settings.
The Adaptation and Implementation of a Community-Based Participatory Research Curriculum to Build Tribal Research Capacity
Authors: Jernigan Valarie Blue Bird , Jacob Tvli ,   the Tribal Community Research Team, Styne Dennis
Published: April 2015

We studied community-based participatory research in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. We have presented a case study describing a community–clinic–academic partnership with the goal of building tribal capacity and infrastructure to conduct health disparities research. The 2-year intensive training was guided by the framework of an evidence- and community-based participatory research curriculum, adapted and implemented with practice-based data collection activities and seminars to address issues specific to community-based participatory research with sovereign tribal nations. The initiative highlighted important challenges and opportunities in transdisciplinary partnerships; identified gaps in conducting health disparities research at the tribal, clinical, and university levels; and led to important policy change initiatives in all the partner settings.
Combined Volar Hamate Dislocation and Scapholunate Ligament Rupture
Authors: Walmsley David , Dhotar Herman , Geddes Christopher , Axelrod Terry
Published: April 2015

Case:

A twenty-two-year-old male patient presented to our trauma center after a motor-vehicle accident in which he sustained multiple injuries, including a volar dislocation of the hamate and ipsilateral scapholunate dissociation. Following closed reduction of the hamate dislocation, open reduction and stabilization of these carpal injuries was undertaken two days post-injury via a dorsal approach. Percutaneous Kirschner wires were used as well as two mini suture anchors to repair the scapholunate ligament. The patient was immobilized for six weeks and Kirschner wires were removed at twelve weeks postoperatively.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, hamate dislocation with scapholunate dissociation and its surgical treatment have not previously been described. Successful surgical treatment for this injury pattern may be performed dorsally via direct reduction and repair of the scapholunate ligament with percutaneous pinning of the affected carpal bones.
Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Therapy for Substance Dependence Using Breaking Free Online: Subgroup Analyses of a Heterogeneous Sample of Service Users
Authors: Elison Sarah , Davies Glyn , Ward Jonathan
Published: April 2015

Background

Substance misuse services within the United Kingdom have traditionally been oriented to opiate and crack users, and attended predominantly by male service users. Groups who do not fit this demographic, such as women or those whose primary drug of choice is neither heroin nor crack, have tended to be underrepresented in services. In addition, there can be stigma associated with traditional opiate and crack-centric services. Therefore, the computerized treatment and recovery program, Breaking Free Online (BFO), was developed to enable service users to access confidential support for dependence on a wide range of substances. BFO is delivered as computer-assisted therapy (CAT), or, where appropriate, used as self-help.

Objective

The aim of this study was to report psychometric outcomes data from 393 service users accessing online support for substance misuse via BFO.

Methods

Following initial referral to substance misuse services, all participants were supported in setting up a BFO login by a practitioner or peer mentor, and, where required, assisted as they completed an online baseline assessment battery contained within the BFO program. Following a period of engagement with BFO, all participants completed the same battery of assessments, and changes in the scores on these assessments were examined.

Results

Significant improvements were found across the 393 service users in several areas of psychosocial functioning, including quality of life, severity of alcohol and drug dependence, depression, and anxiety (P=<.001 across all aspects of functioning). Additionally, significant improvements were found within specific subgroups of participants, including females (P=.001-<.001), males (P=.004-<.001), service users reporting alcohol dependence (P=.002-<.001), opiate and crack dependence (P=.014-<.001), and those seeking support for other substances that may be less well represented in the substance misuse sector (P=.001-<.001).

Conclusions

Data from this study indicates that BFO is an effective clinical treatment for a wide range of individuals requiring support for substance misuse. Further work is currently underway to examine more closely the clinical effectiveness of the program.
Responses of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins in drosophila to treatment with a pesticide mixture
Authors: Doganlar Oguzhan , Doganlar Banu
Published: April 2015

The effects of a mixture of seven pesticides were examined on the expression
of antioxidant enzymes, Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), catalase (CAT),
glutathione synthetase (GS), and heat shock proteins (HSP) 26, 60, 70 and 83
in adult fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R). The flies were
reared under controlled conditions on artificial diets and treated with a
mixture of seven pesticides (molinate, thiobencarb, linuron, phorate,
primiphos-methyl, fenvalerate and lambda-cyhalothrin) commonly found in
water, at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1 parts per billion (ppb) for 1 and
5 days. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of Mn-SOD, CAT and GS
expression revealed that the analyzed markers responded significantly to
pesticide-induced oxidative stress, in particular on the 5th day of
treatment. On the 1st day of treatment, the relative expression of HSP26 and
HSP60 genes increased only after exposure to the highest concentrations of
pesticides, whereas HSP70 and HSP83 expression increased after exposure to
0.5 and 1 ppb. After five days of treatment, the expression of all HSP genes
was increased after exposure to all pesticide concentrations. A positive
correlation was determined between the relative expression levels of some
HSPs (except HSP60), and antioxidant genes. The observed changes in
antioxidant enzyme and HSP mRNA levels in D. melanogaster suggest that the
permissible limits of pesticide concentrations for clean drinking water
outlined in the regulations of several countries are potentially cytotoxic.
The presented findings lend support for reevaluation of these limits.
Weighted lacunary statistical convergence in locally solid Riesz spaces
Authors: Başarır Metin , Konca Şukran
Published: April 2015

In this paper we introduce the concepts of weighted lacunary statistical
?-convergence, weighted lacunary statistical ?-bounded by combining both of
the definitions of lacunary sequence and N?rlund-type mean, using a new
lacunary sequence which has been defined by Basarir and Konca [3]. We also
prove some topological results related to these concepts in the framework of
locally solid Riesz spaces.
Existence of solutions or nonlinear nth-order differential equations and inclusions with nonlocal and integral boundary conditions via fixed point theory
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris , Alsulami Hamed
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a class of boundary value problems of nonlinear nth-order
differential equations and inclusions with nonlocal and integral boundary
conditions is studied. New existence results are obtained by means of some
fixed point theorems. Examples are given for the illustration of the results.
Sharp bounds on the signless Laplacian Estrada index of graphs
Authors: Gao Shan , Liu Huiqing
Published: April 2015

Let G be a connected graph with n vertices and m edges. Let q1, q2,..., qn be
the eigenvalues of the signless Laplacian matrix of G, where q1 ? q2 ? ... ?
qn. The signless Laplacian Estrada index of G is defined as SLEE(G) = nPi=1
eqi. In this paper, we present some sharp lower bounds for SLEE(G) in terms
of the k-degree and the first Zagreb index, respectively.
Chorangioendothelioma of the Placenta: A Myth or Reality?
Authors: Jaiman Sunil , Fernandez Evita , Gundabattula Sirisha Rao
Published: April 2015

Chorangiomas of the placenta are often discovered incidentally and, although they are not common (1 in 9000 to 1 in 50 000 placentas), these tumors may be found in 0.5% to 1% of carefully examined placentas. The vast majority are of no clinical importance and complications are seen only in association with tumors measuring more than 4 cm in diameter. In contrast, hemangioendotheliomas are vascular tumors with varying grades of malignant potential and hardly ever involve the placenta. Here we describe a large placental chorangioma causing fetal hydrops and demonstrating distinctive intravascular luminal endothelial proliferation and tufting. To the best of our knowledge, this is probably only the second case of a placental hemangioendothelioma reported in the literature.
Discordancy for Placental Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition and Fetal Growth in Dichorionic Twins after in Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Feist Henning , Blöcker Thordes , Rau Gunnar , Hussein Kais
Published: April 2015

Massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MFD) is a placental lesion of unknown etiology associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality and recurrence risk in subsequent pregnancies. We report a 34 weeks' gestation dizygotic twin pregnancy with discordancy for MFD and for intrauterine growth restriction after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Only the smaller twin corresponding to the placenta affected by MFD showed intrauterine growth restriction, with a weight below the 3rd percentile according to gestational age. The affected placenta showed a moderate increase in decidual lymphocytes. No difference in expression of complement factor C4d in umbilical veins could be observed. Development of MFD in one of the dizygotic placentas may be due to a pathologic immune response to one of the different fetal genotypes as semiallografts. The pathogenetic role of IVF as an environmental factor for development of MFD is unclear.
What Works, When, for Whom, and With Whom
Authors: Haber Mason G. , Mazzotti Valerie L. , Mustian April L. , Rowe Dawn A. , Bartholomew Audrey L. , Test David W. , Fowler Catherine H.
Published: April 2015

Students with disabilities experience poorer post-school outcomes compared with their peers without disabilities. Existing experimental literature on “what works” for improving these outcomes is rare; however, a rapidly growing body of research investigates correlational relationships between experiences in school and post-school outcomes. A meta-analytic review provides means for assessing which experiences show the strongest relationships with long-term outcomes and variability in these relationships by outcome, research design, and population. This article presents a meta-analysis of in-school predictors of postsecondary employment, education, and independent living of youth with disabilities, examining 35 sources and 27 samples (N = 16,957) published from January of 1984 through May of 2010. Predictors showed differing relationships with education versus employment. Some of the least studied predictors, especially those involving multistakeholder collaboration, had larger effects than predictors more typically the focus of correlational research. Implications for future research and practice are considered.
Influence of the heat treatment on hardness and adhesive wear performance of Ni-P deposit with low phosphorus content
Authors: Matki Ulaş , Çıtak Ramazan
Published: April 2015

A Ni-P coating with low phosphorus content has been deposited onto an AISI 1020 plain carbon steel. The effect of temperature on the structure of coating was determined by DSC and XRD analysis. To determine the effect of heat treatment on the hardness and wear properties, some of the coated specimens were heat treated at different temperatures as isothermal for 1 h. Pin-on-disc wear tests were carried out on the specimens under loads of 20, 40 and 60 N, respectively. It has been determined that hardness and wear resistance of electroless Ni-P coating increased with the heat treatment. Maximum hardness and wear resistance were obtained for samples heat treated at 400 °C.
Corrosion behavior of Haynes® 556® Fe-Ni-Cr-Co alloy for integrated coal gasification combined cycle syngas plants: A plant exposure study*
Authors: Lee Sungkyu , Kim Min Jung , Lee Jieun , Kang Suk-Hwan , Lee Seung-Jong , Yun Yongseung
Published: April 2015

A corrosion exposure test was performed on a commercially available Haynes® 556® Fe-Ni-Cr-Co alloy sample to investigate its solid/gas reaction behavior in integrated coal gasification combined cycle pilot plant facilities affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Engineering (2.005 MPa and 160–300 °C). Thermodynamic Ellingham-Pourbaix stability diagrams were constructed and the post-exposure samples were examined ex-situ by morphological and microstructural SEM and EDS analyses on the external surfaces to obtain information on the corrosion scale and provide insight into the mechanism of the observed corrosion behavior in the piping materials connecting the particulate removal unit and water scrubber of the integrated coal gasification combined cycle pilot plant. Uniform material thinning was observed after 46 hours of operation, and a preliminary corrosion mechanism was suggested. The observed material wastage and corrosion behavior of the Haynes® 556® Fe-Ni-Cr-Co alloy sample cut off from the coal syngas IGCC plant were explained by the formation of discontinuous (complex) oxide phases and subsequent chlorine-induced active oxidation under the predominantly reducing environment encountered.
Optimum buckling design of axially layered graded uniform columns
Authors: Alkan Veysel
Published: April 2015

This study presents optimum buckling design of axially layered graded uniform columns. Firstly, characteristic equations for determining critical buckling loads for all end conditions are obtained using the transfer matrix method and for each case, square of this equation is selected as a fitness function. Due to the explicitly unavailable objective function for the critical buckling loads as a function of volume fraction and length of the column, initially, prescribed value is assumed for it and then the design variables satisfying constraints are determined. Different boundary conditions are considered. Among them, maximum increment up to 19 % of the critical buckling load is attained for the simply supported case. Finally, the strongest column configurations are determined.
Einfluss der Klebschichtdicke auf Kopplungsfaktor und Lebensdauer beim Bekleben von piezoelektrischen Flächenwandlern mit Epoxykleber
Authors: Widjaja Ferdinand , Janssen Enrico , Safi Nader
Published: April 2015

Kurzfassung

In dieser Arbeit wurden Kopplungsfaktor und Lebensdauer von auf Federstahl mit Epoxykleber geklebten Piezoflächenwandlern unter Einflussgrößen wie Oberflächenrauigkeit und Klebschichtdicke mit einem Ansatz aus der Schwingungslehre experimentell untersucht. Verschiedene Proben mit variierten Klebschichtdicken wurden mit bestimmten Vorgangseinrichtungen erstellt und beklebt. Analytische Berechnungen wurden durchgeführt, um den Einfluss der Klebschichtdicke und Oberflächenrauigkeit auf den elektromechanischen Kopplungsfaktor sowie die Zuverlässigkeit zu betrachten. Der Einfluss der Klebschichtdicke auf den Kopplungsfaktor wurde dem der Fertigungstoleranzen und der Materialstreuung gegenübergestellt. Das Ermüdungsverhalten in Abhängigkeit von Klebschichtdicke wurde in Langzeitversuchen ausgewertet und verglichen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen keinen nennenswerten Einfluss der Klebschichtdicke auf Kopplungsfaktor und Lebensdauer bei Applikationen von Piezoflächenwandlern mit Epoxykleber.
Multiobjective Cloud Particle Optimization Algorithm Based on Decomposition
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Lei , Jiang Qiaoyong , Hei Xinhong , Wang Bin
Published: April 2015

The multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) has received attention from researchers in recent years. This paper presents a new multiobjective algorithm based on decomposition and the cloud model called multiobjective decomposition evolutionary algorithm based on Cloud Particle Differential Evolution (MOEA/D-CPDE). In the proposed method, the best solution found so far acts as a seed in each generation and evolves two individuals by cloud generator. A new individual is produced by updating the current individual with the position vector difference of these two individuals. The performance of the proposed algorithm is carried on 16 well-known multi-objective problems. The experimental results indicate that MOEA/D-CPDE is competitive.
A Review of the Use of Topical Calendula in the Prevention and Treatment of Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions
Authors: Kodiyan Joyson , Amber Kyle
Published: April 2015

Calendula is a topical agent derived from a plant of the marigold family Calendula Officinalis. Containing numerous polyphenolic antioxidants, calendula has been studied in both the laboratory and clinical setting for the use in treating and preventing radiation induced skin toxicity. Despite strong evidence in the laboratory supporting calendula’s mechanism of action in preventing radiation induced skin toxicity, clinical studies have demonstrated mixed results. In light of the controversy surrounding the efficacy of calendula in treating and preventing radiodermatitis, the topic warrants further discussion.
Posttranslational Modifications and Clearing of α-Synuclein Aggregates in Yeast
Authors: Popova Blagovesta , Kleinknecht Alexandra , Braus Gerhard
Published: April 2015

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae represents an established model system to study the molecular mechanisms associated to neurodegenerative disorders. A key-feature of Parkinson’s disease is the formation of Lewy bodies, which are cytoplasmic protein inclusions. Misfolded α-synuclein is one of their main constituents. Expression of α-synuclein protein in yeast leads to protein aggregation and cellular toxicity, which is reminiscent to Lewy body containing human cells. The molecular mechanism involved in clearance of α-synuclein aggregates is a central question for elucidating the α-synuclein-related toxicity. Cellular clearance mechanisms include ubiquitin mediated 26S proteasome function as well as lysosome/vacuole associated degradative pathways as autophagy. Various modifications change α-synuclein posttranslationally and alter its inclusion formation, cytotoxicity and the distribution to different clearance pathways. Several of these modification sites are conserved from yeast to human. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the effect of phosphorylation and sumoylation of α-synuclein to the enhanced channeling to either the autophagy or the proteasome degradation pathway in yeast model of Parkinson’s disease.
Effect of Phosphine Doping and the Surface Metal State of Ni on the Catalytic Performance of Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Li Xiaoru , Cheng Haiyang , Liang Guanfeng , He Limin , Lin Weiwei , Yu Yancun , Zhao Fengyu
Published: April 2015

Ni-based catalysts as replacement for noble metal catalysts are of particular interest in the catalytic conversion of biomass due to their cheap and satisfactory catalytic activity. The Ni/SiO2 catalyst has been studied for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol, and doping with phosphorus (P) found to improve the catalytic performance significantly because of the formation of Ni2P alloys. However, in the present work we disclose a different catalytic phenomenon for the P-doped Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. We found that doping with P has a significant effect on the state of the active Ni species, and thus improves the selectivity to 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) significantly in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol, although Ni-P alloys were not observed in our catalytic system. The structure and selectivity correlations were determined from the experimental data, combining the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD). The presence of NiO species, formed from P-doped Ni/Al2O3 catalyst, was shown to benefit the formation of 1,2-PDO. This was supported by the results of the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst containing NiO species with incomplete reduction. Furthermore, the role the NiO species played in the reaction and the potential reaction mechanism over the P-doped Ni/Al2O3 catalyst is discussed. The new findings in the present work open a new vision for Ni catalysis and will benefit researchers in designing Ni-based catalysts.
Entropy and Recurrence Measures of a Financial Dynamic System by an Interacting Voter System
Authors: Niu Hong-Li , Wang Jun
Published: April 2015

A financial time series agent-based model is reproduced and investigated by the statistical physics system, the finite-range interacting voter system. The voter system originally describes the collective behavior of voters who constantly update their positions on a particular topic, which is a continuous-time Markov process. In the proposed model, the fluctuations of stock price changes are attributed to the market information interaction amongst the traders and certain similarities of investors’ behaviors. Further, the complexity of return series of the financial model is studied in comparison with two real stock indexes, the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index and the Hang Seng Index, by composite multiscale entropy analysis and recurrence analysis. The empirical research shows that the simulation data for the proposed model could grasp some natural features of actual markets to some extent.
Uncovering Discrete Non-Linear Dependence with Information Theory
Authors: Golub Anton , Chliamovitch Gregor , Dupuis Alexandre , Chopard Bastien
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we model discrete time series as discrete Markov processes of arbitrary order and derive the approximate distribution of the Kullback-Leibler divergence between a known transition probability matrix and its sample estimate. We introduce two new information-theoretic measurements: information memory loss and information codependence structure. The former measures the memory content within a Markov process and determines its optimal order. The latter assesses the codependence among Markov processes. Both measurements are evaluated on toy examples and applied on high frequency foreign exchange data, focusing on 2008 financial crisis and 2010/2011 Euro crisis.