bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting Boundary Nodes and Coverage Holes in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhao Li-Hui , Liu Wenyi , Lei Haiwei , Zhang Ruixia , Tan Qiulin
Published: February 2016

The emergence of coverage holes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) means that some special events have broken out and the function of WSNs will be seriously influenced. Therefore, the issues of coverage holes have attracted considerable attention. In this paper, we focus on the identification of boundary nodes and coverage holes, which is crucially important to preventing the enlargement of coverage holes and ensuring the transmission of data. We define the problem of coverage holes and propose two novel algorithms to identify the coverage holes in WSNs. The first algorithm, Distributed Sector Cover Scanning (DSCS), can be used to identify the nodes on hole borders and the outer boundary of WSNs. The second scheme, Directional Walk (DW), can locate the coverage holes based on the boundary nodes identified with DSCS. We implement the algorithms in various scenarios and fully evaluate their performance. The simulation results show that the boundary nodes can be accurately detected by DSCS and the holes enclosed by the detected boundary nodes can be identified by DW. The comparisons confirm that the proposed algorithms outperform the existing ones.
On the Study of Vehicle Density in Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Sanguesa Julio A. , Naranjo Fernando , Torres-Sanz Vicente , Fogue Manuel , Garrido Piedad , Martinez Francisco J.
Published: February 2016

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are wireless communication networks which support cooperative driving among vehicles on the road. The specific characteristics of VANETs favor the development of attractive and challenging services and applications which rely on message exchanging among vehicles. These communication capabilities depend directly on the existence of nearby vehicles able to exchange information. Therefore, higher vehicle densities favor the communication among vehicles. However, vehicular communications are also strongly affected by the topology of the map (i.e., wireless signal could be attenuated due to the distance between the sender and receiver, and obstacles usually block signal transmission). In this paper, we study the influence of the roadmap topology and the number of vehicles when accounting for the vehicular communications capabilities, especially in urban scenarios. Additionally, we consider the use of two parameters: the SJ Ratio (SJR) and the Total Distance (TD), as the topology-related factors that better correlate with communications performance. Finally, we propose the use of a new density metric based on the number of vehicles, the complexity of the roadmap, and its maximum capacity. Hence, researchers will be able to accurately characterize the different urban scenarios and better validate their proposals related to cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems based on vehicular communications.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water, Sediment, and Fishes of a Large Tropical Hydroelectric Dam in Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Sim Siong Fong , Ling Teck Yee , Nyanti Lee , Gerunsin Norliza , Wong Yiew Ee , Kho Liang Ping
Published: February 2016

Bakun Hydroelectric Dam in Sarawak is one of the world highest concrete rock filled dams. This paper reports the heavy metals concentrations in water, sediment, and fishes of Bakun Dam. Water and sediment samples were collected from 11 stations and 6 fish species were caught. The samples were digested with open acid digestion and the metals contents were analysed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and mercury analyser. The method was validated based on certified reference materials. A higher concentration of Fe and Mn was detected in downstream water with significant longitudinal variation. Cu, Zn, and Hg were present in trace amount. All elements analysed were consistently found in sediment with no risk of contamination. For fish,Hemibagrus planicepswas characterised by higher affinity for Hg accumulation. The concentrations detected in all fish species were within the permissible guideline of 0.5 mg/kg. The health risk assessment suggested thatBarbonymus schwanenfeldii,Puntioplites waandersii,Cyclocheilichthys apogon, andHemibagrus planicepswere characterised by hazard index > 1 implying possible adverse effects. The amount of fish recommended for adults and children was in the range of 500–775 g/week and 33–135 g/week, respectively.
A Simple Allergist-Led Intervention Improves Resident Training in Anaphylaxis
Authors: Jongco Artemio M. , Bina Sheila , Sporter Robert J. , Cavuoto Petrizzo Marie A. , Kaplan Blanka , Kline Myriam , Schuval Susan J.
Published: February 2016

Physicians underrecognize and undertreat anaphylaxis. Effective interventions are needed to improve physician knowledge and competency regarding evidence-based anaphylaxis diagnosis and management (ADAM). We designed and evaluated an educational program to improve ADAM in pediatrics, internal medicine, and emergency medicine residents from two academic medical centers. Anonymous questionnaires queried participants’ demographics, prior ADAM clinical experience, competency, and comfort. A pretest assessing baseline knowledge preceded a 45-minute allergist-led evidence-based presentation, including practice with epinephrine autoinjectors, immediately followed by a posttest. A follow-up test assessed long-term knowledge retention twelve weeks later. 159 residents participated in the pretest, 152 participated in the posttest, and 86 participated in the follow-up test. There were no significant differences by specialty or site. With a possible score of 10, the mean pretest score (7.31 ± 1.50) was lower than the posttest score (8.79 ± 1.29) and follow-up score (8.17 ± 1.72) (P<0.001 for both). Although participants’ perceived confidence in diagnosing or managing anaphylaxis improved from baseline to follow-up (P<0.001 for both), participants’ self-reported clinical experience with ADAM or autoinjector use was unchanged. Allergist-led face-to-face educational intervention improves residents’ short-term knowledge and perceived confidence in ADAM. Limited clinical experience or reinforcement contributes to the observed decreased knowledge.
Molecular Mechanisms of Cardioprotective Actions of Tanshinones
Authors: Jin Hyou-Ju , Li Chun-Guang
Published: February 2016

Tanshinones are lipophilic compounds derived fromSalvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen) that has been widely used to treat coronary heart diseases in China. The cardioprotective actions of tanshinones have been extensively studied in various models of myocardial infarction, cardiac ischemia reperfusion injury, cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, hypoxia, and cardiomyopathy. This review outlines the recent development in understanding the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the cardioprotective actions of tanshinones, in particular on mitochondrial apoptosis, calcium, nitric oxide, ROS, TNF-α, PKC, PI3K/Akt, IKK/NF-κB, and TGF-β1/Smad mechanisms, which highlights the potential of these compounds as therapeutic agents for treating cardiovascular diseases.
Multistage Investment Actions with the Emission Cap
Authors: Wang Mingrong , Wang Mingxi , Hu Yi , Xie Haibin
Published: February 2016

To achieve the emission reduction target in 2020, China plans to establish a nationwide carbon trading market during 2016–2019. It is therefore an important but difficult task for policymakers to set emission allowances and allocate them among entities. There are three alternative allocation rules, which vary from free of charge to full auctioning. For business managers, the question is whether one of these rules meets the emission cap at the minimum cost. Based on China’s emission-abatement target, this paper examines the optimal investment and analyzes its implementation in different allocation rules. A new model is developed to formulate enterprises’ emission reduction pathways and the cost-minimization problem with the emission cap. The results show that the magnitude of enterprises’ emission reduction is positively related to their innovation potential; neither auctioning nor being free of charge can make enterprise’s individual emission-abatement investment in accordance with the optimal level; enterprise’s individual emission-abatement investment is sensitive to efficiency, budget cap, and environmental benefit. This paper discusses simultaneously their policy implications for China.
Stem Cells for Bone Regeneration: From Cell‐Based Therapies to Decellularised Engineered Extracellular Matrices
Authors: Fisher James N. , Peretti Giuseppe M. , Scotti Celeste
Published: February 2016

Currently, autologous bone grafting represents the clinical gold standard in orthopaedic surgery. In certain cases, however, alternative techniques are required. The clinical utility of stem and stromal cells has been demonstrated for the repair and regeneration of craniomaxillofacial and long bone defects although clinical adoption of bone tissue engineering protocols has been very limited. Initial tissue engineering studies focused on the bone marrow as a source of cells for bone regeneration, and while a number of promising results continue to emerge, limitations to this technique have prompted the exploration of alternative cell sources, including adipose and muscle tissue. In this review paper we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cell sources with a focus on adipose tissue and the bone marrow. Additionally, we highlight the relatively recent paradigm of developmental engineering, which promotes the recapitulation of naturally occurring developmental processes to allow the implant to optimally respond to endogenous cues. Finally we examine efforts to apply lessons from studies into different cell sources and developmental approaches to stimulate bone growth by use of decellularised hypertrophic cartilage templates.
Experimental Investigation for Tensile Performance of GFRP-Steel Hybridized Rebar
Authors: Seo Dong-Woo , Park Ki-Tae , You Young-Jun , Lee Sang-Yoon
Published: February 2016

Tensile performance of the recently developed “FRP Hybrid Bar” at Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) is experimentally evaluated by the authors. FRP Hybrid Bar is introduced to overcome the low elastic modulus of the existing GFRP bars to be used as a structural member in reinforced concrete structures. The concept of material hybridization is applied to increase elastic modulus of GFRP bars by using steel. This hybridized GFRP bar can be used in concrete structures as a flexural reinforcement with a sufficient level of elastic modulus. In order to verify the effect of material hybridization on tensile properties, tensile tests are conducted. The test results for both FRP Hybrid Bar and the existing GFRP bars are compared. The results indicate that the elastic modulus of FRP Hybrid Bar can be enhanced by up to approximately 250 percent by the material hybridization with a sufficient tensile strength. To ensure the long-term durability of FRP Hybrid Bar to corrosion resistance, the individual and combined effects of environmental conditions on FRP Hybrid Bar itself as well as on the interface between rebar and concrete are currently under investigation.
Effects of Climate and Land Use on Herbaceous Species Richness and Vegetation Composition in West African Savanna Ecosystems
Authors: Zerbo Issouf , Bernhardt-Römermann Markus , Ouédraogo Oumarou , Hahn Karen , Thiombiano Adjima
Published: February 2016

West African Savanna ecosystems are undergoing severe changes in their vegetation composition due to the impact of human land use and changes in climatic conditions. This study aims to examine the effect of climate, land use, and their interaction on species richness and composition of West African herbaceous vegetation. Plot based vegetation sampling was done in Burkina Faso. Specific richness and diversity indices were used to determine the effect of land use, climate, and their interaction. An importance value was computed to determine herbaceous species dominating the communities. Frequency of species is used to examine their distribution pattern. The results showed that climate significantly influenced herbaceous specific richness more than land use. However, land use had a significant effect on herbaceous vegetation composition. Herbaceous species diversity changed with environmental conditions. The floristic composition of dominant species is driven by both climate and land use. The frequency of distribution demonstrated that herbaceous species occurrences were more influenced by the mixed effect of climate and land use than their separate effects. Occasional and rare species are the most important part of herbaceous vegetation. Thus heterogeneity of Savanna ecosystem and vulnerability of herbaceous species are high.
Brain Activation and Psychomotor Speed in Middle-Aged Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Relationships with Hyperglycemia and Brain Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Hwang Misun , Tudorascu Dana L. , Nunley Karen , Karim Helmet , Aizenstein Howard J. , Orchard Trevor J. , Rosano Caterina
Published: February 2016

Slower psychomotor speed is very common in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. We propose that hyperglycemia is associated with slower psychomotor speed via disruption of brain activation. Eighty-five adults (48% women, mean age: 49.0 years, mean duration: 40.8) with childhood onset T1D were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Median response time in seconds (longer = worse performance) and brain activation were measured while performing a psychomotor speed task. Exposure to hyperglycemia, measured as glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, was associated with longer response time and with higher activation in the inferior frontal gyrus and primary sensorimotor and dorsal cingulate cortex. Higher activation in inferior frontal gyrus, primary sensorimotor cortex, thalamus, and cuneus was related to longer response times; in contrast, higher activation in the superior parietal lobe was associated with shorter response times. Associations were independent of small vessel disease in the brain or other organs. In this group of middle-aged adults with T1D, the pathway linking chronic hyperglycemia with slower processing speed appears to include increased brain activation, but not small vessel disease. Activation in the superior parietal lobe may compensate for dysregulation in brain activation in the presence of hyperglycemia.
Design and Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives as PDE Inhibitors
Authors: Kumbar Mahadev N. , Kamble Ravindra R. , Kamble Atulkumar A. , Salian Sujith Raj , Kumari Sandhya , Nair Ramya , Kalthur Guruprasad , Adiga Satish Kumar , Prasad D. Jagadeesh
Published: February 2016

Coumarins appended to benzimidazole through pyrazole are designed and synthesized using microwave irradiation. These compounds were analyzed for phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition indirectly by motility pattern in human spermatozoa. Some of the synthesized compounds, namely, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, and 5k, have exhibited potent inhibitory activity on PDE.
A Three-Dimensional Organoid Culture System Derived from Human Glioblastomas Recapitulates the Hypoxic Gradients and Cancer Stem Cell Heterogeneity of Tumors Found In Vivo
Authors: Hubert Christopher G. , Rivera Maricruz , Spangler Lisa C. , Wu Qiulian , Mack Stephen C. , Prager Briana C. , Couce Marta , McLendon Roger E. , Sloan Andrew E. , Rich Jeremy N.
Published: February 2016

Many cancers feature cellular hierarchies that are driven by tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (CSC) and rely on complex interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Standard cell culture conditions fail to recapitulate the original tumor architecture or microenvironmental gradients and are not designed to retain the cellular heterogeneity of parental tumors. Here, we describe a three-dimensional culture system that supports the long-term growth and expansion of tumor organoids derived directly from glioblastoma specimens, including patient-derived primary cultures, xenografts, genetically engineered glioma models, or patient samples. Organoids derived from multiple regions of patient tumors retain selective tumorigenic potential. Furthermore, organoids could be established directly from brain metastases not typically amenable to in vitro culture. Once formed, tumor organoids grew for months and displayed regional heterogeneity with a rapidly dividing outer region of SOX2+, OLIG2+, and TLX+ cells surrounding a hypoxic core of primarily non-stem senescent cells and diffuse, quiescent CSCs. Notably, non-stem cells within organoids were sensitive to radiotherapy, whereas adjacent CSCs were radioresistant. Orthotopic transplantation of patient-derived organoids resulted in tumors displaying histologic features, including single-cell invasiveness, that were more representative of the parental tumor compared with those formed from patient-derived sphere cultures. In conclusion, we present a new ex vivo model in which phenotypically diverse stem and non-stem glioblastoma cell populations can be simultaneously cultured to explore new facets of microenvironmental influences and CSC biology. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2465–77. ©2016 AACR.
Reciprocal Negative Regulation between EGFR and DEPTOR Plays an Important Role in the Progression of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xuefeng , Guo Jialong , Ji Yanmei , Pan Gaofeng , Liu Tao , Zhu Hua , Zhao Jinping
Published: February 2016

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activates downstream mTOR phosphorylation to promote the progression of many different tumor types, thus making it a prime therapeutic target. However, the role of DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR), a natural mTOR inhibitor, remains unclear in this process. Here, it is reported that EGFR expression is significantly increased in tumors of lung adenocarcinoma patients and is negatively correlated with the expression of DEPTOR. Activation of EGFR signaling, by EGF, in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells (overexpressing EGFR) significantly enhanced the function of the mTOR autoamplification loop, consisting of S6K, mTOR, CK1α, and βTrCP1, which resulted in downregulation of DEPTOR expression. Gefitinib, a specific EGFR inhibitor, stimulated DEPTOR accumulation by downregulating the function of the mTOR autoamplification loop. Furthermore, a series of assays conducted in DEPTOR knockout or ectopic expression in A549 cells confirmed that DEPTOR inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as the in vivo tumor growth of lung adenocarcinoma. Importantly, tumor progression mediated by EGFR ectopic expression was diminished by transfection with DEPTOR. This study uncovers the important inhibitory role of DEPTOR in lung adenocarcinoma progression and reveals a novel mechanism that EGFR downregulates DEPTOR expression to facilitate tumor growth.

Implications: DEPTOR acts as a tumor suppressor by limiting EGFR-driven lung adenocarcinoma progression. Mol Cancer Res; 14(5); 448–57. ©2016 AACR.
Circulating Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Predicts Future Risk of Cardiovascular Events Independently of Established Risk Factors
Authors: Leander Karin , Mälarstig Anders , van’t Hooft Ferdinand M. , Hyde Craig , Hellénius Mai-Lis , Troutt Jason S. , Konrad Robert J. , Öhrvik John , Hamsten Anders , de Faire Ulf
Published: February 2016

Background—

The secreted protein proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising new target for lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relationship between circulating PCSK9 and incident CVD in the general population is unknown. We investigated whether serum PCSK9 concentration is associated with incident CVD in a prospective cohort study of 4232 men and women 60 years of age at the time of recruitment.

Methods and Results—

Incident CVD was recorded by matching to national registries. After 15 years of follow-up, a total of 491 incident events (fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarctions, unstable angina, deaths from coronary heart disease, fatal and nonfatal ischemic strokes) were recorded. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Baseline serum PCSK9 concentration predicted incident CVD; concentration in quartile 4 compared with quartile 1 was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.69 (95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.19) after adjustment for sex. Further adjustment for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), triglycerides, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, overweight, obesity, physical inactivity, and statin use resulted in a decrease in the hazard ratio to 1.48 (95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.95).

Conclusions—

Serum PCSK9 concentration is associated with future risk of CVD even after adjustments for established CVD risk factors. Further studies are needed to confirm this observation.
Post‐Procedural Troponin Elevation and Clinical Outcomes Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Koskinas Konstantinos C. , Stortecky Stefan , Franzone Anna , O'Sullivan Crochan J. , Praz Fabien , Zuk Katazyrna , Räber Lorenz , Pilgrim Thomas , Moschovitis Aris , Fiedler Georg M. , Jüni Peter , Heg Dik , Wenaweser Peter , Windecker Stephan
Published: February 2016

Background

Biomarkers of myocardial injury increase frequently during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (
TAVI
). The impact of postprocedural cardiac troponin (
cT
n) elevation on short‐term outcomes remains controversial, and the association with long‐term prognosis is unknown.

Methods and Results

We evaluated 577 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with
TAVI
between 2007 and 2012. Myocardial injury, defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (
VARC
)‐2 as post‐
TAVI
cardiac troponin T (cTnT) >15× the upper limit of normal, occurred in 338 patients (58.1%). In multivariate analyses, myocardial injury was associated with higher risk of all‐cause mortality at 30 days (adjusted hazard ratio [
HR
], 8.77; 95%
CI
, 2.07–37.12;
P
=0.003) and remained a significant predictor at 2 years (adjusted
HR
, 1.98; 95%
CI
, 1.36–2.88;
P
<0.001). Higher
cTnT
cutoffs did not add incremental predictive value compared with the
VARC
‐2–defined cutoff. Whereas myocardial injury occurred more frequently in patients with versus without coronary artery disease (
CAD
), the relative impact of
cTnT
elevation on 2‐year mortality did not differ between patients without
CAD
(adjusted
HR
, 2.59; 95%
CI
, 1.27–5.26;
P
=0.009) and those with
CAD
(adjusted
HR
, 1.71; 95%
CI
, 1.10–2.65;
P
=0.018;
P
for interaction=0.24). Mortality rates at 2 years were lowest in patients without
CAD
and no myocardial injury (11.6%) and highest in patients with complex
CAD
(
SYNTAX
score >22) and myocardial injury (41.1%).

Conclusions

VARC
‐2–defined
cTnT
elevation emerged as a strong, independent predictor of 30‐day mortality and remained a modest, but significant, predictor throughout 2 years post‐
TAVI
. The prognostic value of
cTnT
elevation was modified by the presence and complexity of underlying
CAD
with highest mortality risk observed in patients combining
SYNTAX
score >22 and evidence of myocardial injury.
The type specimens of Bebryce (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Plexauridae) re-examined, with emphasis on the sclerites
Authors: BAYER F.M. , OFWEGEN L.P. VAN
Published: February 2016

Nineteen species of Bebryce are re-described and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of sclerites presented. For B. sulfurea Grasshoff, 2000, this is the first time SEM images of sclerites are presented. Two new species are described, Bebryce asteria n. sp. and B. cofferi n. sp., and B. stellata Hentschel, 1903 is synonymized with B. studeri Whitelegge, 1897. Bebryce acanthoides Thomson & Russell, 1910 is referred to Discogorgia Kükenthal, 1919. The status of the original type material is discussed.
Two new species of Epimelitta Bates from Brazil and a new synonymy in
Stenopseustes Bates (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Rhinotragini)
Authors: CASARI SÔNIA A. , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: February 2016

Two new species of Epimelitta (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Rhinotragini) are described from Brazil: E. prodigiosa sp. nov., from Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and E. penicillata sp. nov., from Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The larva and pupa of E. prodigiosa sp. nov. are also described and illustrated. Stenopseustes gibbicollis Fisher, 1947 is synonymized with S. aeger Bates, 1873.
Taxonomy of the Phyllotis osilae species group in Argentina; the status of the “Rata de los nogales” (Phyllotis nogalaris Thomas, 1921; Rodentia: Cricetidae)
Authors: JAYAT J. PABLO , ORTIZ PABLO E. , D’ELÍA GUILLERMO
Published: February 2016

The taxonomic status of populations of the genus Phyllotis from northwestern Argentina (NWA) has undergone recent changes, with the addition of two species (P. alisosiensis and P. anitae) to the traditionally recognized forms (P. caprinus, P. xanthopygus, and P. osilae). Three of these species (P. anitae, P. osilae, and P. alisosiensis) were included within the Phyllotis osilae species group. Most authors recognized three subspecies of P. osilae for NWA: P. osilae osilae, P. o. nogalaris, and P. o. tucumanus. Morphological, morphometric, and molecular studies based on recently collected specimens suggest that current classification does not reflect the diversity of this group in NWA, revealing the need of some taxonomic reallocations and new distributional delimitations. Here we propose that P. nogalaris must be recognized as a valid species and the restriction of P. osilae to southern Peru and central Bolivia. Following our results, we expect an outstanding improvement in the taxonomic knowledge of the Phyllotis osilae species group in the coming years.
Neoelmis guarani Shepard & Barr, a sexually dimorphic new species from
Paraguay (Insecta: Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae)
Authors: SHEPARD WILLIAM D. , BARR CHERYL B.
Published: February 2016

Neoelmis guarani new species is described and illustrated from specimens collected in streams of the Cordillera de los Altos, southeast of Asunción and near the towns of Piribebuy and Chololó, Paraguay. Males and females of this species exhibit strong secondary sexual dimorphism not found in other known species of Neoelmis. Males have striking modifications of the pro- and mesothoracic legs and bear a pair of ventrally projecting processes on both the mesoventrite and the second abdominal ventrite. Females have the elytra modified with a pair of dorsal projections.
Blind life in the Baltic amber forests: description of an eyeless species of the ground beetle genus Trechus Clairville, 1806 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechini)
Authors: SCHMIDT JOACHIM , HOFFMANN HANNES , MICHALIK PETER
Published: February 2016

The first eyeless beetle known from Baltic amber, Trechus eoanophthalmus sp. n., is described and imaged using light microscopy and X-ray micro-computed tomography. Based on external characters, the new species is most similar to species of the Palaearctic Trechus sensu stricto clade and seems to be closely related to the Baltic amber fossil T. balticus Schmidt & Faille, 2015. Due to the poor conservation of the internal parts of the body, no information on the genital characters can be provided. Therefore, the systematic position of this fossil within the megadiverse genus Trechus remains dubious. The occurrence of the blind and flightless T. eoanophthalmus sp. n. in the Baltic amber forests supports a previous hypothesis that these forests were located in an area partly characterised by mountainous habitats with temperate climatic conditions.
Patient End-of-Life Experiences for Pediatric Trainees
Authors: Senthil Kumaran , Serwint Janet R. , Dawood Fatimah S.
Published: February 2016

Background. End-of-life care for a child is an emotionally charged experience for pediatric trainees. Objectives. Describe the progression of medical trainee experiences with end-of-life care and determine personal/professional experiences that facilitated integration of experiences. Methods. Medical students (MS4) and pediatric residents (PL-1-3) completed a 30-question survey about experiences with patient deaths and integration of these experiences. Results. A total of 307 of 404 residents (76%) participated. Mean number of deaths ranged from 3.0 to 6.5 in the prior 12 months, and the most common location was neonatal intensive care unit or pediatric intensive care unit. In total, 18% to 27% experienced a death in their personal life. Between 26% and 41% of the residents made contact with a family after death, and 15% to 35% attended a funeral. Characteristics of good deaths included good communication and discussion of end-of-life issues. Conclusions. Trainees experienced patient deaths along the educational continuum. These findings have implications for the optimal timing and method of end-of-life care education.
Examinations and remediation actions for the mathematics problem in electrical engineering at The University of the West Indies
Authors: Muddeen Fasil , Mallalieu Kim
Published: February 2016

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of the West Indies' (UWI’) St Augustine Trinidad and Tobago Campus conducted a review and revision of its BSc mathematics programming in 2009. The review was framed to take account of strategic as well as operational imperatives of an accredited degree in the context of a number of resource and other constraints typical of small island developing states. Intake, content and delivery were examined and the findings were used to guide the revision exercise. Associated interventions were assessed five years later. This paper provides an account of the considerations and process for the review and revision exercises. It discusses student performance and other indicators before and after the interventions; and examines the new curriculum against fit for purpose criteria alongside programming in best in class institutions and UK-based accreditation reference points. The paper closes with recommendations for ongoing review and revision cycles applicable to the Department at the UWI and other similarly situated institutions.
Effect of bending rigidity, Poisson’s ratio and surface friction of fabrics on the stretching step of the comprehensive handle evaluation system for fabrics and yarns
Authors: Sun Fengxin , Du Zhaoqun , Yu Weidong , Feng Guowei , Chen Nanliang
Published: February 2016

The main topic investigated in the present paper is the analysis of the effect of bending rigidity, Poisson’s ratio and surface friction of fabrics on the stretching step of the comprehensive handle evaluation system for fabrics and yarns (CHES-FY) by using a theoretical tensile model. Simulated pulling-out force–displacement curves of the stretching step for several cases were investigated and compared with the experimental curves. The results showed that bending rigidity and surface friction of fabrics were the important factors that affected the test results of the stretching step. The slope of the simulated pulling-out force–displacement curve becomes larger by including the bending rigidity and surface friction of fabrics. However, the effect of Poisson’s ratio was small and was able to be neglected in the formulation of the model. In addition, the relationship between the bending indices, i.e. ω and k, and the diameter of the testing pins was discussed. It has been confirmed that the effect of the bending rigidity of fabrics on the pulling-out force–displacement curve strongly depended on the diameter of the testing pins. The model also detected that the surface friction effect became more remarkable for fabrics with a high tensile modulus.
Floating on Air
Authors: Saint Arnault Denise , Shimabukuro Shizuka
Published: February 2016

This research was part of a larger mixed-methods study examining culture, distress, and help seeking. We surveyed 209 Japanese women living in the United States recruited from clinic and community-based sites, and carried out semi-structured ethnographic interviews with a highly distressed subsample of 25 Japanese. Analytic Ethnography revealed that women described themselves as a “self-in-context,” negotiating situations using protective resources or experiencing risk exposure. Women experienced quality of life (QOL) when they were successful. However, a related goal of achieving Ikigai (or purpose in life) was differentiated from QOL, and was defined as an ongoing process of searching for balance between achieving social and individual fulfillment. Our resulting hypothetical model suggested that symptom level would be related to risk and protective factors (tested for the full sample) and to specific risk and protective phenomenon (tested in the distressed subsample). The t tests in the full sample found that women who were above threshold for depressive symptoms ( n = 26) had higher social stressor and lower social support means. Women who were above the threshold for physical symptoms ( n = 99) had higher social stressor means. Analysis of the interviewed subsample found that low self-validation and excessive responsibilities were related to high physical symptoms. We conclude that perceived lack of balance between culturally defined, and potentially opposing, markers of success can create a stressful dilemma for first-generation immigrant Japanese women, requiring new skills to achieve balance. Perceptions of health, as well as illness, are part of complex culturally based interpretations that have implications for intervention for immigrant Japanese women living in the United States.
Effect of statin use on pain relief by transforaminal epidural steroid injection
Authors: Sari Sinem , Aydın Osman Nuri , Tasdemir Banu , Galimberti Fabrizio , Turan Alparslan
Published: February 2016

Aim

To investigate the impact of statin use on response to fluoroscopy-assisted transforaminal anterior epidural steroid injection (TAESI).

Methods

Patients undergoing TAESI for low back pain were recruited and stratified according to statin use. Pain was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAESI. Health-related quality-of-life was evaluated using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire 6 months after TAESI.

Results

There were no significant differences in VAS scores after TAESI between statin users ( n = 40) and statin nonusers ( n = 253). The SF-36 subgroup: role limitations due to emotional problems score was significantly lower in statin users than statin nonusers. There were no significant between-group differences in any other SF-36 parameter.

Conclusion

Statin use had no effect on pain scores after TAESI.
Efficacy of a Continuous Performance Test Based on Virtual Reality in the Diagnosis of ADHD and Its Clinical Presentations
Authors: Areces Débora , Rodríguez Celestino , García Trinidad , Cueli Marisol , González-Castro Paloma
Published: February 2016

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic effectiveness of the AULA Nesplora test to discriminate the different ADHD presentations: impulsive/hyperactive (I/H), inattentive, and combined.Method: A total of 117 students (76.9% male and 23.1% female) between 5 and 16 years of age ( M = 11.18 years, SD = 3.10 years) participated, and were divided into three groups with ADHD according to their presentation, and a control group. Results: Each of the test conditions allowed the discrimination between the I/H and combined presentations with respect to the control group, and between the I/H and inattentive presentations. However, differences among ADHD presentations were only evident when the results were separately analyzed for the visual and auditory modalities. Conclusion: This study showed that the indicators offered by the AULA Nesplora test (omissions, commissions, response times, and motor activity) make it possible to establish a differential diagnosis of ADHD presentations when analyzed under different contextual conditions.
Sensory Gating Capacity and Attentional Function in Adults With ADHD: A Preliminary Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological Study
Authors: Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Lopez Régis , Cermolacce Michel , Vaillant Florence , Péri Pauline , Boyer Laurent , Richieri Raphaëlle , Bioulac Stéphanie , Sagaspe Patricia , Philip Pierre , Vion-Dury Jean , Lancon Christophe
Published: February 2016

Objective: The inability to filter sensory input correctly may impair higher cognitive function in ADHD. However, this relationship remains largely elusive. The objectives of the present study is to investigate the relationship between sensory input processing and cognitive function in adult patients with ADHD. Method: This study investigated the relationship between deficit in sensory gating capacity (P50 amplitude changes in a double-click conditioning-testing paradigm and perceptual abnormalities related to sensory gating deficit with the Sensory Gating Inventory [SGI]) and attentional and executive function (P300 amplitude in an oddball paradigm and attentional and executive performances with a neuropsychological test) in 24 adult patients with ADHD. Results: The lower the sensory gating capacity of the brain and the higher the distractibility related to sensory gating inability that the patients reported, the lower the P300 amplitude. Conclusion: The capacity of the brain to gate the response to irrelevant incoming sensory input may be a fundamental protective mechanism that prevents the flooding of higher brain structures with irrelevant information in adult patients with ADHD.
Conviviality and Multiculture
Authors: Valluvan Sivamohan
Published: February 2016

Revisiting Gilroy’s After Empire alongside Amin’s recently mooted ethos of ‘indifference to difference’, this article explores how conviviality constitutes a more radical ideal of urban interaction than ordinarily appreciated. Based on interviews and observations in two London locations, it is argued that as opposed to being a concept which simply names everyday practices of multi-ethnic interaction, conviviality speaks uniquely to a sophisticated ability to invoke difference whilst avoiding communitarian, groupist precepts. It is consequently this article’s contention that sociological accounts need and can assume a bolder line in disaggregating contemporary formations of multiculture from the orthodoxies of integration and the normativity of communitarian belonging and identity.
Me, myself, and God: Religion as a psychocultural resource of meaning in later life
Authors: Manuti Amelia , Scardigno Rosa , Mininni Giuseppe
Published: February 2016

The present paper addressed the different meanings attached to religion as cultural resource in the course of life. Indeed, abundant cultural research has confirmed that religion could be a powerful symbolic system that shapes people’s beliefs and attitudes. Its significance may depend on contextual factors and may vary over time and place, thus showing different implications across cultures and group cohorts. To better investigate such assumption, this paper involved a group of elderly believers (convinced Catholic believers and converted to Buddhism believers) as to analyze the role played by religion in their life experience. Narrative interview, content, and diatextual analysis helped reconstructing different cultural interpretative repertoires of religion in late life: a source to answer to the essential questions about life, an anchor to face the present and the future, a sociocultural resource for well-being.
Culture, role conflict and caregiver stress: The lived experiences of family cancer caregivers in Nairobi
Authors: Githaiga Jennifer Nyawira
Published: February 2016

This article explores the experiences of a small group of Nairobi women caring for a family cancer patient at home. On the basis of literature on women as caregivers in Africa, and on other literature more broadly, it was anticipated that issues around generational roles, gender and women’s cultural role would be relevant. Seven women participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews, while thirteen women participated in four mini focus groups. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings underscore the socio-cultural complexities of caregiving as a basis for evidence-based culturally appropriate structures to support family caregivers.
¡Miranos! (Look at Us! We Are Healthy!)
Authors: Sosa Erica T. , Parra-Medina Deborah , He Meizi , Trummer Virginia , Yin Zenong
Published: February 2016

Parent interventions for childhood obesity prevention have traditionally experienced low participation rates or used passive methods such as newsletters. In contrast, the ¡Miranos! intervention home-based activities included parent-led face-to-face meetings delivered after school, take-home bags with educational materials, and scavenger hunt games to deliver health information to Head Start families regarding nutrition, physical activity, and healthy growth promotion for their preschooler. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with three intervention centers (two that received only center-based activities and one that received center- and home-based activities) and one comparison center. Data were collected on participating Head Start children and their parents/guardians and included parent attendance, parent health message recall through intercept interviews, parent knowledge through pre- and posttests, and family supportive behaviors and child health behaviors through a parent questionnaire. Parents/guardians that received both center- and home-based activities significantly increased knowledge scores (t = 2.50, degrees of freedom = 123, p < .05) and family supportive behaviors from baseline to follow-up (t = 2.12, degrees of freedom = 122, p < .05). This study demonstrates the effects home-based interventions can have when coupled with center-based activities and implemented in the center at the end of the school day.
Effects of Kevlar® 29 yarn twist on tensile and tribological properties of self-lubricating fabric liner
Authors: Ma Jian , Fan Bingli , Gao Yujin , Gu Dapeng , Qi Xiaowen , Dong Yu , Hu Zhanqi , Yang Yulin , Zhang Qinglong , Zhao Yuanliang
Published: February 2016

Yarn twist in textile technology is an important characteristic since it considerably affects the properties of knitted or woven fabrics. Many researchers have investigated the effect of staple-spun yarn twist on the properties of the yarns and fabrics. However, the effects of twist level of Kevlar® 29 filament yarn on the properties of yarn and its resin-impregnated self-lubricating fabric liner are not fully known yet. In this study, we have investigated the effects of Kevlar® 29 twist level on the tensile and tribological properties of the fabric liner (Kevlar® 29/polytetrafluoroethylene fabric-resin composite). Two unexpected findings about the effect of yarn twist have been observed, namely (1) asynchronous twist effect on the yarn’s and the liner’s tensile strength and (2) dissimilar yarn twist effect on the liner’s performance. These findings are mainly attributed to the synergic contributions of the yarn twist and strength and the interaction of the resin with the yarn orientation in the woven fabric structure of the liner.
Resources for a Journey of Hope: Raymond Williams on Utopia and Science Fiction
Authors: Milner Andrew
Published: February 2016

Raymond Williams had an enduring interest in science fiction, an interest attested to: first, by two articles specifically addressed to the genre, both of which were eventually published in the journal Science Fiction Studies; second, by a wide range of reference in more familiar texts, such as Culture and Society, The Long Revolution, George Orwell and The Country and the City; and third, by his two ‘future novels’, The Volunteers and The Fight for Manod, the first clearly science-fictional in character, the latter less so. This article will summarise this work, and will also explore how some of Williams’s more general key theoretical concepts – especially structure of feeling and selective tradition – can be applied to the genre. Finally, it will argue that the ‘sociological’ turn, by which Williams sought to substitute description and explanation for judgement and canonisation as the central purposes of analysis, represents a more productive approach to science fiction studies than the kind of prescriptive criticism deployed by other avowedly ‘neo-Marxist’ works, such as Darko Suvin’s Metamorphoses of Science Fiction and Fredric Jameson’s Archaeologies of the Future.
Trapezium anatomy as a radiographic reference for optimal cup orientation in total trapeziometacarpal joint arthroplasty
Authors: Duerinckx J. , Caekebeke P.
Published: February 2016

In trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty, correct implant position may be necessary to prevent complications such as dislocation, component loosening and premature wear. The metacarpal stem more easily fits anatomically. However, the cup in the trapezium is not anatomical and guidelines for its orientation are not uniformly defined. We determined the centre of the range of motion of the trapeziometacarpal joint in 30 healthy patients on postero–anterior and lateral radiographs and its relationship to the proximal articular surface of the trapezium. Our study suggests that in thumb carpo-metacarpal total joint arthroplasty, the prosthetic cup in the trapezium should be placed parallel to the proximal articular surface of the trapezium and combined with a metacarpal neck with 7° palmar offset. This should optimize arthroplasty ranges of motion and may minimize the risk of postoperative complications. Our study provides a reference for the surgeon to check correct cup alignment intra-operatively with fluoroscopy.
Telomerase activates transcription of cyclin D1 gene through an interaction with NOL1
Authors: Hong Juyeong , Lee Ji Hoon , Chung In Kwon
Published: February 2016

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that is required for the maintenance of telomere repeats. Although overexpression of telomerase in normal human somatic cells is sufficient to overcome replicative senescence, the ability of telomerase to promote tumorigenesis requires additional activities that are independent of its role in telomere extension. Here, we identify proliferation-associated nucleolar antigen 120 (NOL1, also known as NOP2) as a telomerase RNA component (TERC)-binding protein that is found in association with catalytically active telomerase. Although NOL1 is highly expressed in the majority of human tumor cells, the molecular mechanism by which NOL1 contributes to tumorigenesis remained unclear. We show that NOL1 binds to the T-cell factor (TCF)-binding element of the cyclin D1 promoter and activates its transcription. Interestingly, telomerase is also recruited to the cyclin D1 promoter in a TERC-dependent manner through the interaction with NOL1, further enhancing transcription of the cyclin D1 gene. Depletion of NOL1 suppresses cyclin D1 promoter activity, thereby leading to induction of growth arrest and altered cell cycle distributions. Collectively, our findings suggest that NOL1 represents a new route by which telomerase activates transcription of cyclin D1 gene, thus maintaining cell proliferation capacity.