bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First record of the plant bug genus Euchilofulvius from Myanmar (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae), with description of a new species
Authors: YASUNAGA TOMOHIDE , SOE ZAYAR , NAING SHINE SHANE , WOLSKI ANDRZEJ
Published: October 2015

The cylapine plant bug genus Euchilofulvius was proposed by Poppius (1909) to accommodate a single Indonesian species, E. tibialis Poppius from Mentawai Islands. Several subsequent works have fragmentally added six valid species (Gorczyca, 2006, 2008; Poppius, 1913; Schuh, 1995, 2002–2014 online catalog; Yasunaga & Miyamoto, 2006; Yasunaga et al., 2012), and currently, the following seven members are known mainly from the Oriental Region: E. antennatus Gorczyca, 1999 (Sulawesi); E. carinatus (Poppius, 1913) (India, Sri Lanka); E. josifovi Gorczyca, 2008 (Malaya); E. lepidopterus Yasunaga & Miyamoto, 2012 (Okinawa, Japan); E. pallescens Gorczyca, 2002 (Solomon Islands); E. tibialis Poppius, 1909 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand); and E. zdzislawi Gorczyca, 1998 (Sumatra).
EFL Doctoral Students’ Conceptions of Authorial Stance in Academic Research Writing: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Chang Peichin
Published: October 2015

English as foreign language (EFL) writers are often found to have weaker control of their academic writing, among which presenting an effective authorial stance has been reported as particularly challenging (Hyland, 1998a; Schleppegrell, 2004). In particular, student writers tended to deploy a stronger stance and be less effective with tentative claims. The study investigated a small group of EFL doctoral students’ conceptions, which, as hypothesized, may affect their presentation of stance in academic arguments. Twelve doctoral candidates were recruited from two disciplines, soft and hard sciences. They answered questions and made judgments related to authorial stance, adapted into two ‘extreme’ versions, assertive and tentative, in academic texts taken from both domain-specific and domain-neutral journal articles. The results revealed that the doctoral participants’ conceptions pertained to three dimensions, Stance as linguistic construct, as cognitive or behavioural entity and as institutional norm. Their conceptions generally lacked sophistication and depth and instead were reductive and polarized. Assertive claims obtained more favourable considerations than tentative claims, and students from both disciplines varied considerably in their views of language. The results can inform academic stance instruction to allow for more exposure to nuanced presentations of stance and engagement with explicit discussions of the nuances of stance-taking.
Learning to Lead Reading Comprehension Discussion
Authors: Silver Rita Elaine , Png Jessie
Published: October 2015

In this article, we describe and reflect on a collaborative, school-based professional development project (an ‘intervention’) intended to encourage innovation in classroom teaching. Specifically, the intervention included a collaboration between university-based researchers/mentors and primary school teachers in Singapore who were interested in discovering new strategies for reading comprehension instruction. The results show that by working together, over time, teachers were able to innovate by adopting new strategies for leading reading comprehension discussions and adapting the new strategies to fit the local teaching context. Crucially, the innovation found that ‘learning’ the new strategies was insufficient; teachers needed professional support from the teacher trainers and their collaborating colleagues as well as time—over three years—to develop their expertise and their confidence in the implementation of the new strategies.
A comparative study of work ethic among Muslims and Protestants: Multilevel evidence
Authors: Shirokanova Anna
Published: October 2015

This article deals with the recently revealed paradox that contemporary Muslims score higher on Protestant work ethic than contemporary Protestants. The author tests whether this phenomenon is supported by World Values Survey (WVS) data. According to Inglehart’s theory of post-materialist shift, work ethic should be stronger in the developing societies where there is a lack of existential security. The author also tests whether the effects of the Protestant work ethic extend beyond the religious population of Protestant countries. The multilevel models built on 25,437 respondents in 55 countries show no significant difference in work ethic between Muslims and Protestants. Living in a historically Protestant society does not increase work ethic, but being religious in a Protestant society does. As countries develop, work ethic is likely to decrease. This poses further questions about the universal features of religious ethics and the non-religious factors explaining the economic progress associated with the Protestant work ethic.
Children’s Impact on Adults’ Substance Use Problem Awareness and Treatment Optimism
Authors: Droege Jocelyn R. , Stevens Edward B. , Jason Leonard A.
Published: October 2015

Substance abuse is associated with a host of harmful consequences to the substance user as well as other individuals and society as a whole. Although harm is an integral component of substance abuse, there is a dearth of research that investigates the relationship between harm and substance use problems. The goal of this study was to explore recovering substance users’ retrospective perceptions of harm caused to self and others during periods of substance abuse and the resulting association with the development of problem awareness and treatment perspectives. The present study found that perceptions of harming children demonstrated a significant impact on adults’ substance use problem awareness and treatment optimism. Perceived harm caused to a child during periods of substance abuse was associated with increased substance use problem awareness and treatment optimism. Findings suggest that harming children as a consequence of adult substance abuse may play an impactful role on adults’ recovery process. Implications for future research are discussed.
The barriers that hinder the adoption of e-commerce by small businesses
Authors: Abualrob Ahmed A , Kang Juyoung
Published: October 2015

Palestine is one of the developing countries that have recently realized the benefits of e-commerce (EC), but several barriers are impeding its adoption there. This study highlights the major barriers to EC adoption in Palestine using a TOE framework, the model of innovation resistance, and other related theories such as diffusion of innovation (DOI). An online survey collected data from 161 business owners in Palestine, and the model has tested through structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the survey respondents. The study has found that the occupation restrictions and the political factors are the major barriers that prevent the adoption of ecommerce in Palestine, while it has found that some barriers have weakly affected the adoption or had no influence, such as perceived financial losses. It is expected that this research will benefit many parties in Palestine, by being the first of its kind to tackle the occupation’s impact on EC in Palestine, and that by avoiding such barriers investment in EC will increase in Palestine in the future.
How international is the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers? A social network analysis perspective
Authors: Derudder Ben , Liu Xingjian
Published: October 2015

Drawing on an analysis of the geographies of interactions in paper and panel sessions during the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers in 2005 and 2013, this paper seeks to complement ongoing research on (the lack of) actual international engagements in putatively ‘international’ academic geography. We use a social network analysis framework which, rather than accepting that the mere (rising) presence of international scholars points to internationalization, benchmarks the observed level of international and intra-national interactions in paper and panel sessions against a randomized model. Results show that the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers is inward looking in the sense that intra-national ties are at least twice more likely to be realized than international ties. Furthermore, in spite of being an increasingly internationally diverse conference in terms of its participants, this tendency towards being inward looking has deepened between 2005 and 2013. Human geography sessions are more inward looking than sessions focusing on modeling, methods and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The propensity towards intra-national interactions in sessions is found for almost all countries ‘participating’ in the conference. Results are used for a tentative interpretation of the meaning ascribed to the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers. We conclude by discussing the limitations of our analytical framework and evaluating ongoing difficulties in the creation of more international epistemic communities.
Micheli Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Youths
Authors: Willimon S. Clifton , Jones Christopher R. , Herzog Mackenzie M. , May Keith H. , Leake Melissa J. , Busch Michael T.
Published: October 2015

Background:

The management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the skeletally immature patient remains controversial. Outcomes on a physeal-sparing technique using the iliotibial band for combined intra-articular and extra-articular ACL reconstruction, called the Micheli technique, have been described and reported by the original authors.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a physeal-sparing technique using the iliotibial band for combined intra-articular and extra-articular ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between 2005 and 2011, all patients who underwent Micheli ACL reconstruction performed by a single surgeon were identified. A minimum of 3 years’ growth remaining was a prerequisite for Micheli reconstruction. Patients were excluded if postoperative follow-up was less than 1 year. Patients were evaluated for functional outcomes, satisfaction, graft survival, radiographic and clinical evidence of growth disturbance, and the need for additional procedures.

Results:

Twenty-one patients (22 knees) met the inclusion criteria for this study. The mean age at the time of surgery was 11.8 years (range, 9.9-14.0 years). All patients were male. There were 4 concomitant meniscal repairs and 5 partial meniscectomies performed. All patients (100%) completed follow-up at a mean duration of 3.0 years (range, 1.0-6.9 years). Overall, 6 knees (27%) underwent reoperation. Of these, 3 knees (14%) underwent revision ACL surgery: 2 revision reconstructions at 2.8 and 4.0 years postoperatively and 1 graft shrinkage at 4.7 months postoperatively. Three knees (14%) underwent subsequent meniscal procedures, including 2 partial meniscectomies and 1 meniscal repair. Of the 19 knees that did not require revision ACL surgery, the median patient satisfaction score was 10 (range, 9-10). The mean Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee score was 96.5 ± 2.9, and the mean Lysholm score was 95.0 ± 6.1. The median preinjury Tegner activity level was 8 (range, 6-10), and the median postoperative Tegner activity level was 8 (range, 6-10). Of the 19 knees that did not require revision ACL surgery, all had a normal Lachman test result, with a firm endpoint and normal pivot shift. At follow-up, 53% of knees had closed physes. There were no angular deformities or limb-length discrepancies.

Conclusion:

At a mean 3-year follow-up, the study findings confirmed excellent functional outcomes, a low ACL revision rate, and no growth disturbances. Patients returned to their preoperative activity level after reconstruction. This procedure offers a safe and effective ACL reconstruction option in children with several years of growth remaining.
Mapping the Social Capital Research in Communication
Authors: Lee Chul-joo , Sohn Dongyoung
Published: October 2015

To examine how communication scholars have incorporated the concept of social capital originating from other disciplines, we first analyzed citation patterns among social capital–related journal articles, book chapters, and books extracted from Communication Abstracts. Moreover, we investigated whether and how communication scholars have cited three pioneering scholars in this area, that is, Robert Putnam, Pierre Bourdieu, and James Coleman, to identify aspects of social capital that have either been emphasized or overlooked. Based on the analyses of 171 journal articles, books, and book chapters, we found that the translation of the concept of social capital into communication research has been driven and dominated by a small group of political communication scholars. The results of our content analysis demonstrate that the prominent players in social capital research in the communication field distinctly favored the work of Putnam over those of Bourdieu and Coleman. The implications of these findings for communication research are discussed.
Physical function and body composition in kidney transplant recipients over time with physiotherapy intervention
Authors: Huang Katherin Shilin , Cheah Sophia Chen Hui , Yi-Shern Kee Terence , Ng Cindy Li Whye
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

The long-term usage of immunosuppressants post-kidney transplantation often results in adverse effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity has been shown to have a protective effect against these adverse effects. This paper aims to investigate the changes over time in physical function and body composition in kidney transplant recipients with a home exercise regimen prescribed by a physiotherapist.

Methods:

Forty-two kidney transplant recipients aged 45 ± 12 years were recruited before transplant and reviewed at fixed time points after transplant. Body composition, hand grip strength and functional exercise capacity were measured at every session. A home exercise regimen was prescribed and modified when appropriate.

Results:

There was an observed trend towards an improvement in functional exercise capacity in terms of six-minute walk distance. There was no change in body weight, fat mass and skeletal muscle mass.

Conclusion:

There may be a need to provide supervised exercise training programmes for kidney transplant recipients in bringing about positive changes in body composition as well as ensure compliance to exercise training after transplant. Further research is needed for more conclusive results.
Improving evidence on anticoagulant therapies for venous thromboembolism in children: key challenges and opportunities
Authors: Goldenberg Neil A. , Takemoto Clifford M. , Yee Donald L. , Kittelson John M. , Massicotte M. Patricia
Published: October 2015

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increasingly diagnosed in pediatric patients, and anticoagulant use in this population has become common, despite the absence of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for this indication. Guidelines for the use of anticoagulants in pediatrics are largely extrapolated from large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults, smaller dose-finding and observational studies in children, and expert opinion. The recently FDA-approved direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, provide potential advantages over oral vitamin K antagonists and subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs). However, key questions arise regarding their potential off-label clinical application in pediatric thromboembolic disease. In this Perspective, we provide background on the use of LMWHs such as enoxaparin as the mainstay of treatment of pediatric provoked VTE; identify key questions and challenges with regard to DOAC trials and future DOAC therapy in pediatric VTE; and discuss applicable lessons learned from the recent pilot/feasibility phase of a large multicenter RCT of anticoagulant duration in pediatric VTE. The challenges and lessons learned present opportunities to improve evidence for anticoagulant therapies in pediatric VTE through future clinical trials.
Congenital sideroblastic anemia due to mutations in the mitochondrial HSP70 homologue HSPA9
Authors: Schmitz-Abe Klaus , Ciesielski Szymon J. , Schmidt Paul J. , Campagna Dean R. , Rahimov Fedik , Schilke Brenda A. , Cuijpers Marloes , Rieneck Klaus , Lausen Birgitte , Linenberger Michael L. , Sendamarai Anoop K. , Guo Chaoshe , Hofmann Inga , Newburger Peter E. , Matthews Dana , Shimamura Akiko , Snijders Pieter J. L. M. , Towne Meghan C. , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Watson Henry G. , Dziegiel Morten H. , Heeney Matthew M. , May Alison , Bottomley Sylvia S. , Swinkels Dorine W. , Markianos Kyriacos , Craig Elizabeth A. , Fleming Mark D.
Published: October 2015

Key Points

Mutations in HSPA9 cause CSAs that may be inherited in a recessive or pseudodominant manner. HSPA9 loss-of-function alleles are often inherited in trans with a common coding single nucleotide polymorphism associated with altered gene expression.
Contribution of Piezo2 to Endothelium-Dependent Pain
Authors: Ferrari Luiz F. , Bogen Oliver , Green Paul , Levine Jon D.
Published: October 2015

Background

We evaluated the role of a mechanically-gated ion channel, Piezo2, in mechanical stimulation-induced enhancement of hyperalgesia produced by the pronociceptive vasoactive mediator endothelin-1, an innocuous mechanical stimulus-induced enhancement of hyperalgesia that is vascular endothelial cell dependent. We also evaluated its role in a preclinical model of a vascular endothelial cell dependent painful peripheral neuropathy.

Results

The local administration of oligodeoxynucleotides antisense to Piezo2 mRNA, at the site of nociceptive testing in the rat's hind paw, but not intrathecally at the central terminal of the nociceptor, prevented innocuous stimulus-induced enhancement of hyperalgesia produced by endothelin-1 (100 ng). The mechanical hyperalgesia induced by oxaliplatin (2 mg/kg. i.v.), which was inhibited by impairing endothelial cell function, was similarly attenuated by local injection of the Piezo2 antisense. Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated for the first time the presence of Piezo2 mRNA in endothelial cells.

Conclusions

These results support the hypothesis that Piezo2 is a mechano-transducer in the endothelial cell where it contributes to stimulus-dependent hyperalgesia, and a model of chemotherapy-induced painful peripheral neuropathy.
Decreased serum concentrations of sphingosine-1-phosphate in sepsis
Authors: Winkler Martin Sebastian , Nierhaus Axel , Holzmann Maximilian , Mudersbach Eileen , Bauer Antonia , Robbe Linda , Zahrte Corinne , Geffken Maria , Peine Sven , Schwedhelm Edzard , Daum Guenter , Kluge Stefan , Zoellner Christian
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a signaling lipid that regulates pathophysiological processes involved in sepsis progression, including endothelial permeability, cytokine release, and vascular tone. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum-S1P concentrations are associated with disease severity in patients with sepsis.

Methods

This single-center prospective-observational study includes 100 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) plus infection (n = 40), severe sepsis (n = 30), or septic shock (n = 30) and 214 healthy blood donors as controls. Serum-S1P was measured by mass spectrometry. Blood parameters, including C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate, and white blood cells (WBCs), were determined by routine assays. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was generated and used to evaluate disease severity.

Results

Serum-S1P concentrations were lower in patients than in controls (P < 0.01), and the greatest difference was between the control and the septic shock groups (P < 0.01). Serum-S1P levels were inversely correlated with disease severity as determined by the SOFA score (P < 0.01) as well as with IL-6, PCT, CRP, creatinine, lactate, and fluid balance. A receiver operating characteristic analysis for the presence or absence of septic shock revealed equally high sensitivity and specificity for S1P compared with the SOFA score. In a multivariate logistic regression model calculated for prediction of septic shock, S1P emerged as the strongest predictor (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with sepsis, serum-S1P levels are dramatically decreased and are inversely associated with disease severity. Since S1P is a potent regulator of endothelial integrity, low S1P levels may contribute to capillary leakage, impaired tissue perfusion, and organ failure in sepsis.
Nighttime Administration of Nicotine Improves Hepatic Glucose Metabolism via the Hypothalamic Orexin System in Mice
Authors: Tsuneki Hiroshi , Nagata Takashi , Fujita Mikio , Kon Kanta , Wu Naizhen , Takatsuki Mayumi , Yamaguchi Kaoru , Wada Tsutomu , Nishijo Hisao , Yanagisawa Masashi , Sakurai Takeshi , Sasaoka Toshiyasu
Published: October 2015

Nicotine is known to affect the metabolism of glucose; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we here investigated whether nicotine promoted the central regulation of glucose metabolism, which is closely linked to the circadian system. The oral intake of nicotine in drinking water, which mainly occurred during the nighttime active period, enhanced daily hypothalamic prepro-orexin gene expression and reduced hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic db/db mice without affecting body weight, body fat content, and serum levels of insulin. Nicotine administered at the active period appears to be responsible for the effect on blood glucose, because nighttime but not daytime injections of nicotine lowered blood glucose levels in db/db mice. The chronic oral treatment with nicotine suppressed the mRNA levels of glucose-6-phosphatase, the rate-limiting enzyme of gluconeogenesis, in the liver of db/db and wild-type control mice. In the pyruvate tolerance test to evaluate hepatic gluconeogenic activity, the oral nicotine treatment moderately suppressed glucose elevations in normal mice and mice lacking dopamine receptors, whereas this effect was abolished in orexin-deficient mice and hepatic parasympathectomized mice. Under high-fat diet conditions, the oral intake of nicotine lowered blood glucose levels at the daytime resting period in wild-type, but not orexin-deficient, mice. These results indicated that the chronic daily administration of nicotine suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis via the hypothalamic orexin-parasympathetic nervous system. Thus, the results of the present study may provide an insight into novel chronotherapy for type 2 diabetes that targets the central cholinergic and orexinergic systems.
Dromospheric Generation
Authors: Colman Felicity J.
Published: October 2015

Paul Virilio’s work on dromology provides a model of a political economy. Called the “dromoeconomic” system, it incorporates aspects of temporality, consumption, and technology, arguably three of the core factors for consideration of the future organization of human societies. Durational factors manifest in issues of health, education, governance, and data. Consumption facilitates the politics of resource and territorial management; technology controls communication and transmission of energy at its base forms into the complexities of every facet of life. Living in a dromoeconomy means negotiating a material field created by the speeds of the global objects of communication. This article focuses on one aspect of the dromoeconomy, the users and producers of this system, the “dromospheric generation.” It explores the generation of the 2000s, users of screen-based digital technologies, in particular focusing on the digital child (“digi-child”) as the model information worker whose operational skills of “transmission” through game play are producing the material grounds of the future by transmitting energy in the dromoeconomy.
Light and Illumination
Authors: Turnbull Neil
Published: October 2015

In contemporary philosophical and theoretical debates, Paul Virilio is relegated to a minor figure, often to a kind of “lesser Baudrillard” or a “diminutive Foucault.” This article contests this view and repositions Virilio as a leading intellectual of the so-called theological turn. More specifically, in an “esoteric reading” of his work, read here through the optics of late medieval Neoplatonism, the article claims that the key to understanding Virilio’s work resides in a Neoplatonic metaphysics of light rather than a social-theoretics of speed. As such, it argues that Virilio is a philosopher whose primary concern is with the ontological and epistemological effects of what it refers to as “technological illumination” and how the latter stands in stark contrast with those traditional ideas of (self/divine) illumination that were the basis of a traditional urbanity and the point of departure for all forms of philosophizing in the premodern world.
Generation of primitive neural stem cells from human fibroblasts using a defined set of factors
Authors: Miura Takumi , Sugawara Tohru , Fukuda Atsushi , Tamoto Ryo , Kawasaki Tomoyuki , Umezawa Akihiro , Akutsu Hidenori
Published: October 2015

In mice, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-dependent primitive neural stem cells (NSCs) have a higher neurogenic potential than bFGF-dependent definitive NSCs. Therefore, expandable primitive NSCs are required for research and for the development of therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases. There is a dearth of suitable techniques for the generation of human long-term expandable primitive NSCs. Here, we have described a method for the conversion of human fibroblasts to LIF-dependent primitive NSCs using a strategy based on techniques for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These LIF-dependent induced NSCs (LD-iNSCs) can be expanded for >100 passages. Long-term cultured LD-iNSCs demonstrated multipotent neural differentiation potential and could generate motor neurons and dopaminergic neurons, as well as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, indicating a high level of plasticity. Furthermore, LD-iNSCs easily reverted to human iPSCs, indicating that LD-iNSCs are in an intermediate iPSC state. This method may facilitate the generation of patient-specific human neurons for studies and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
A modified choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented diet reduces morbidity and retains a liver progenitor cell response
Authors: Passman Adam M. , Strauss Robyn P. , McSpadden Sarah B. , Finch-Edmondson Megan L. , Woo Ken H. , Diepeveen Luke A. , London Roslyn , Callus Bernard A. , Yeoh George C.
Published: October 2015

The choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) dietary model induces chronic liver damage, and stimulates liver progenitor cell (LPC) mediated repair. Long-term CDE administration leads to hepatocellular carcinoma in rodents and lineage tracing studies show LPCs differentiate into functional hepatocytes in this model. The CDE diet was first modified for mice by our laboratory by separately administering choline-deficient chow and ethionine in the drinking water. Whilst this CD+E diet is widely used, concerns with variability in weight loss, morbidity, mortality, and LPC response have been raised by researchers who have adopted this model. We propose these inconsistencies are due to differential consumption of chow and ethionine in the drinking water, and combining the ethionine into the choline-deficient diet and altering the strength, will achieve better outcomes. Methods: C57Bl/6 mice, 4 and 5 weeks of age, were fed an all-inclusive CDE diet of various strengths (67% to 100%) for three weeks. The LPC response was quantitated and cells lines were derived. Results: Animal survival, LPC response, and liver damage are correlated with CDE diet strength. The 67% and 75% CDE diet administered to mice older than 5 weeks and greater than 18g provides a consistent and acceptable level of animal welfare and induces a substantial LPC response, permitting their isolation and establishment of cell lines. This study shows that an all-inclusive CDE diet for mice reproducibly induces an LPC response conducive to in vivo studies and isolation, whilst minimizing morbidity and mortality.
Unihemispheric sleep in crocodilians?
Authors: Kelly Michael L. , Peters Richard A. , Tisdale Ryan K. , Lesku John A.
Published: October 2015

Reduced vigilance is the conspicuous cost of sleep in most animals. To mitigate against this cost, some birds and aquatic mammals have evolved the ability to sleep with one-half of their brain at a time, a phenomenon known as unihemispheric sleep. During unihemispheric sleep the eye neurologically connected to the ‘awake’ hemisphere remains open while the other eye is closed. Such unilateral eye closure (UEC) has been observed across avian and non-avian reptiles, but has received little attention in the latter. Here, we explored the use of UEC in juvenile saltwater crocodiles (1) under baseline conditions, and in the presence of (2) other young crocodiles and (3) a human. Crocodiles increased the amount of UEC in response to the human, and preferentially oriented their open eye towards both stimuli. These results are consistent with observations on unihemispherically sleeping cetaceans and birds, and could have implications for our understanding of the evolution of unihemispheric sleep.
Third global paradigm in medicine, mathematics and philosophy
Authors: Еськов  , Eskov V.
Published: October 2015

Realizing the realities of the systems of third type – STT is gradually approaching the society of “skeptical” scientists, i.e. firm supporters of determinism and stochastic. Therefore the need for a brief presentation of the third paradigm of theory of chaos and self-organization in all their diversity increases many times. It is possible to express the hope that this will lead to a change in not only science but also in consciousness (view of the natural world). The proof of differences of theory of chaos and self-organization (TCS), objects (STT) from objects of deterministic and stochastic approaches (paradigms) – DSP is needed. Furthermore, a demonstration of pointlessness use of methods and theories of DSP in describing the STT. These all requires the synergy of mutual tolerance by all scientists. We must move away from the revolution in T. Kuhn’s paradigm shift to synergy and parallel existence of three global paradigms (deterministic, stochastic and third – syn-ergetic). As in nature, there are (and will be) three types of systems and in science there should be three different approaches, three paradigms. V.S. Stepin talked about these things representing postnonclassic.
Stochastic and chaotic evaluation of parameters of lectroencephalogram
Authors: Горбунов  , Gorbunov D. , Вохмина  , Vokhmina Yu. , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Шадрин  , Shadrin G.
Published: October 2015

Traditionally parameters of amplitude-frequency characteristics of recorded biopotentials are used in EEG. In this paper we show that they are still chaotic, which takes place for the autocorrelation function A(t). It is proposed the two new approaches for estimation of parameters of electroencephalograms. The first is based on the construction of the matrix of pairwise comparisons of recorded samples of brain potentials in subjects in different physiological (mental) states. The second method is based on calculating the parameters of quasi-attractors, which are built on the plane in the coordinates x1=U(t) – a function that changes due to registration of biopotential in cur-rent point and x2=dx1/dt - rate of change of x1. It is possible to construct a three-compartmental model quasi-attractor in the phase space of states, which is also discussed
Tremorogram`s quasiattractors of potions under sound perturbation
Authors: Посткина  , Postkina T. , Нехайчик  , Nekhaychik S. , Берестин  , Berestin D. , Стрельцова  , Streltsova T.
Published: October 2015

Complex biological systems demonstrate uninterrupted chaotic changer of every components xi of all system state x(t). There fundamental specificy is uninterrupted absent of it’s stationary regime forevery xi meany dx/dt≠0 and function distribution f(x) forevery number of xi for every patients and for all group of patients. For every statie state (like tremor) we can present the region of phase space like VG (quasiattractor) where (in VG) the vector x(t) present the chaotic movements. In fact, every homeostaz is equal to postural tremor or tepping hen it’s parameters creluds into quasiattractor volime. Now we demonstrate the stationary state (as regime) according to tremor or tepping. Their parameters xi indudes into some quasiattractor and we can present the evolution of tremor of patients when we can change their psichophysiological parameter under some external some external sound influence. Sound cam change the physiological parameters of human organism and as a result – the tremor parameters and it’s quasiatractor.
Theory of Generalized Risk Attitudes
Authors: Gustafsson Janne
Published: October 2015

This paper develops a theory of risk attitudes that can be applied in a broad array of settings, including those in which the decision maker (DM) abides by a preference model other than the expected utility model and in which decisions are being made over multiattribute alternatives. The theory is based on (i) a set of plausible axioms in which the DM’s preferences over consequences and lotteries are defined separately and (ii) the premise that a risk neutral DM is indifferent between a lottery and the average (in terms of preference) of the outcomes obtained from infinite repetition of the lottery. We show that, under these assumptions, a risk neutral DM seeks to maximize the expectation of classic cardinal utility (i.e., measurable value). This means, in particular, that the DM’s risk attitude in expected utility theory is related to the transformation function between the classic cardinal utility function and the von Neumann-Morgenstern utility function. The results also suggest that the applicability of the conventional definitions of risk attitudes may be limited to settings in which the DM’s classic cardinal utility function is linear and that a more generalized treatment of risk attitudes is required for settings in which this is not the case.
Comparing palliative care provision in India and the UK
Authors: Love Barbara , Cook Audra
Published: October 2015

The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow is committed to developing culturally competent, sensitive services to meet the needs of local ethnic minority communities. The clinical nurse specialist for widening access travelled to India, funded by a travel scholarship from the Florence Nightingale Foundation. The main rationale for this visit was to observe and compare palliative care practice in India in community, hospice and hospital settings with the current service provision by the hospice/hospital palliative care teams in Glasgow. A second focus was to study the cultural differences and potential challenges of providing palliative care to a diverse Indian population from multi-faith communities and different socio-economic classes. Throughout the visit the barriers to accessing palliative care services in India were observed as well as cultural norms that might impact on clinical practice in the UK.
Will the UK Supreme Court allow assisted dying?
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: October 2015

MPs overwhelmingly voted against passing the Assisted Dying Bill into law in September 2015. The Bill was defeated by a majority of 212, despite the heartfelt pleas of many MPs to pass it into law. The size of the defeat means that it is unlikely that Parliament will consider a similar law for many years. Yet many considered the Bill their last opportunity to make assisted dying lawful. There is, however, one further possible way assisted dying could become lawful in the UK—and that would be where the Supreme Court allowed it. In this article, the author reviews the Supreme Court's decision in R (on the application of Nicklinson v Ministry of Justice [2014] and considers how likely it is that the Supreme Court will now sanction assisted dying following Parliament's refusal to enact an assisted dying law.
Is the nursing profession ready for revalidation?
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: October 2015

Emeritus professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses progress made by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) on plans to introduce revalidation for nurses in 2016
An evidence-based approach to red blood cell transfusions in asymptomatically anaemic patients
Authors: Chan AW , de Gara CJ
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Surgeons and physicians encounter blood transfusions on a daily basis but a robust evidence-based strategy on indications and timing of transfusion in asymptomatic anaemic patients is yet to be determined. For judicious use of blood products, the risks inherent to packed red blood cells, the patient’s co-morbidities and haemoglobin (Hb)/haematocrit levels should be considered. This review critiques and summarises the latest available evidence on the indications for transfusions in healthy and cardiac disease patients as well as the timing of transfusions relative to surgery.

Methods

An electronic literature search of the MEDLINE®, Google Scholar™ and Trip databases was conducted for articles published in English between January 2006 and January 2015. Studies discussing timing and indications of transfusion in medical and surgical patients were retrieved. Bibliographies of studies were checked for other pertinent articles that were missed by the initial search.

Findings

Six level 1 studies (randomised controlled trials or systematic reviews) and six professional society guidelines were included in this review. In healthy patients without cardiac disease, a restrictive transfusion trigger of Hb 70–80g/l is safe and appropriate whereas in cardiac patients, the trigger is Hb 80–100g/l. The literature on timing of transfusions relative to surgery is limited. For the studies available, preoperative transfusions were associated with a decreased incidence of subsequent transfusions and timing of transfusions did not affect the rates of colorectal cancer recurrence.
Collaborating across sector boundaries: a story of tensions and dilemmas
Authors: Jacklin-Jarvis Carol
Published: October 2015

This article explores collaboration between voluntary and public sectors through the lens of theories that surface the tensions of inter-organisational collaboration. These theories identify the tensions that actors experience, the inherent tensions that underlie these experiences, and the ways in which actors manage these tensions. Drawing on a study of children's services in the United Kingdom, the article identifies three inter-related tensions experienced by voluntary sector participants – tensions between agency and dependency, values and pragmatism, and distinctiveness and incorporation. While these can be seen to relate to the inherent unity/diversity tension identified in the literature (Ospina and Saz-Carranza, 2010), the article argues that they also relate to inter-organisational context, and more specifically, to the power asymmetry between sectors.
Preoperative Serum Levels of Soluble Endoglin for Prediction of Recurrence in Stage III Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Gomceli Ismail , Tez Mesut , Bostanci Erdal B. , Turhan Nesrin , Kemik Ahu S. , Akoglu Musa
Published: October 2015

Background: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of serum levels of soluble form of endoglin in stage III colorectal adenocarcinomas (CRC) patients for detection of recurrence. Methods: The case-control study consisted of 80 stage III CRC patients who underwent surgery with curative intent and 70 age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Serum levels of soluble form of endoglin (sol-end) were measured in both groups. Also, predictive factors of recurrence were evaluated using multivariate analyses. Results: Serum levels of sol-end in stage III CRC patients were significantly higher than those in controls. There was not a significant association between serum levels of sol-end and clinicopathological features in CRC patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed the LNR (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.46–4.34; p < 0.001), to be significant independent factors to estimate local recurrence in stage III CRC patients. Conclusion: Preoperative serum levels of sol-end do not seem useful as a marker for detection of recurrence in stage III CRC patients.
Recalcitrant Pruritus as Primary Manifestation of Synchronous Hodgkins Lymphoma and Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Topal Afsha A. , Malkani Ram H. , Bhat Ganapathi , Vishnani Reshma T.
Published: October 2015

We present a 73 year old female with intractable pruritus and nonspecific cutaneous rash for a period of 9 months. She had recieved symptomatic therapy with no improvement. A complete examination revealed axillary and abdominal lymphadenopathy. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Hodgkins lymphoma with Langerhans cell histiocytosis. She received 5 cycles of chemotherapy with resolution of pruritus and reduction in axillary and abdominal lymphadenopathy. The patient presented 6 months later with relapse and succumbed to the illness. Simultaneous occurrence of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Hodgkins lymphoma may lead to misdiagnosis. The awareness of such an association is important to make an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate therapy.
Curcumin Protects the Seminal Vesicles from Metronidazole‑induced Reduction of Secretion in Mice
Authors: Noorafshan Ali , Karbalay‑Doust Saied
Published: October 2015

Seminal vesicle secretion is important for increasing the stability of sperm chromatin, inhibition of the immune activity in the female reproductive tract and so on. Metronidazole (MTZ), a drug used for treatment of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, may have negative effects on the genital gland including the seminal vesicles. Curcumin exhibits antioxidant as well as anti‑inflammatory properties. The present study aims to evaluate the negative effects of MTZ on the seminal vesicle structure and ameliorative effects of curcumin using stereological methods. Thirty balb/c mice were divided into six groups. The control group was received distilled water. The second and the third received higher doses of MTZ (500 mg/kg body weight/day) and MTZ (500 mg/kg/day) + 100 mg/kg/day curcumin, respectively. The fourth and the fifth were treated with lower doses of MTZ (165 mg/kg body weight/day) and MTZ (165 mg/kg body weight/day) + curcumin (100 mg/kg body weight/day), respectively. The sixth group received 100 mg/kg body weight/day curcumin. All the administrations were done by oral gavages for 14 days. After 30 days, seminal vesicles were removed. Stereological study of the seminal vesicle structure revealed a significant reduction in gland and vesicular fluid volume in MTZ‑treated (higher or lower doses) animals. Curcumin protected the reduction of both parameters in therapeutic‑dose treated animals. Metronidazole treatment does not induce structural changes in the seminal gland; however, it can have a significant impact on its secretion ability. Importantly, these deteriorations might be preventable by curcumin co‑treatment.
Influence Of Large Non-Metallic Inclusions On Bending Fatigue Strength Hardened And Tempered Steels
Authors: Lipiński T. , Wach A. , Detyna E.
Published: October 2015

The article discusses the effect of large oxide impurities (a diameter larger than 10 μm in size) on the fatigue resistance of structural steel of high purity during rotary bending. The study was performed on 7 heats produced in an industrial plant. The heats were produced in 140 ton electric furnaces. All heats were desulfurized.

The experimental material consisted of semi-finished products of high-grade, carbon structural steel with: manganese, chromium, nickel, molybdenum and boron. Steel sections with a diameter of 18 mm were hardened from austenitizing by 30 minutes in temperature 880°C and tempered at a temperature of 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600°C for 120 minutes and air-cooled. The experimental variants were compared in view of the heat treatment options. Fatigue tests were performed with the use of a rotary bending machine at a frequency of 6000 cpm. The results were statistical processed and presented in graphic form.

This paper discusses the results of the relative volume of large impurities, the fatigue strength for various heat processing options.
Influence Of Preservative On The Tensile Strength Of The Tissue Of Porcine Circulatory System
Authors: Dawidowska K. , Stanisławska A.
Published: October 2015

There are many biomaterials that can substitute pathologically altered tissue, however, none of them is as perfect as a native tissue. Currently, scientists are looking for new biomaterials that can be successfully implanted without exposing the patient to reoperation. Each material introduced into an organism must afford sufficient mechanical and biochemical properties and meet the criteria of the biomaterial. Materials intended to take over the function of natural tissue materials should be characterized to the greatest extent by similar mechanical properties. The authors of many publications describing the results of strength tests of biological tissues show different ways of researching them. In many cases, the form of the test material preparation is different because of anisotropy of biological tissue. This study provides an overview of selected methods for the tensile tests characterizing the mechanical properties of the heart valves, pericardium and porcine aortas. We also present results of our study of mechanical properties of the natural porcine tissues.
The role of the paraglacial environment in the transformation of glacial wartanian relief in Poland
Authors: Rdzany Zbigniew
Published: October 2015

The article comprises a justification for the need to distinguish the record of the paraglacial environments in the belt of relief formed as a result of the Warta Glaciation in Poland. The zone covers the foreland of the Weichselian Glaciation, occupying a strip of land from several to more than 200 kilometres in width.

Simplified, two periods are marked in the history of views on relief genesis of the area. The first, which covers the first half of the 20th century, was dominated by the idea of glacial genesis of the area. The latter period is characterised by the discussion between advocates of the periglacial character of relief of the Wartanian zone and those who defended the thesis of the good preservation of glacial relief of the area.

Taking the paraglacial environment into account in analysing relief transformations introduces a new quality and may result in a more complete and precise evaluation of post-Wartanian morphogenesis. It is also consistent with tendencies in worldwide literature and results from the principle of uniformitarianism.
Late Glacial organic sediments in palaeogeographical reconstructions (cases from the Łódź region)
Authors: Dzieduszyńska Danuta , Forysiak Jacek
Published: October 2015

Late Glacial organic succession is recorded at the Żabieniec and Koźmin Las sites, in the Łódź region. A multiproxy approach provides a palaeogeographical assessment and yields a new insight into the old morainic area of the Polish Lowland. Additionally, the key profile Witów contributes in the reconstruction. It is demonstrated that the Late Glacial organic sediments of the Łódź region contain signs of environmental changes, starting from the first warming just after the Weichselian ice-sheet retreat from the Polish territory. Records at Żabieniec, apart from registering biotic and abiotic conditions which influenced functioning of a peatbog, provides information on the permafrost behaviour throughout the Late Glacial. At Koźmin Las, a unique discovery of the in situ riparian forest accompanied by organic sediments led to a high-resolution study of a series of events taking place on the floodplain during the Younger Dryas.