bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reforming the Mental Health Act 1983: ‘Joined Up Compulsion’
Authors: Fennell Philip
Published: December 2015

This article discusses the two volume White Paper Reforming the Mental Health Act issued by the Government in December 2000. The two volumes are separately titled The New Legal Framework and High Risk Patients. The foreword to the White Paper appears above the signatures of the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn, and the Home Secretary, Jack Straw. This is heralded as an example of ‘joined up government’, and indeed one of the themes of the White Paper is the need for closer working between the psychiatric and criminal justice systems. The primary policy goal of the proposals is the management of the risk posed to other people by people with mental disorder, perhaps best exemplified in Volume One of the White Paper which proclaims that ‘Concerns of risk will always take precedence, but care and treatment should otherwise reflect the best interests of the patient.’ This is a clear reflection of the fact that the reforms are taking place against the background of a climate of concern about homicides by mentally disordered patients, whether mentally ill, learning disabled, or personality disordered.
Casenotes: Proper Protection and Automatic Sentences: the mandatory life sentence reconsidered
Authors: Plowden Philip
Published: December 2015

R v Offen, McGilliard, McKeown, Okwuegbunam

S [2000] 1 W.L.R. 253

Court of Appeal (9th November 2000). Lord Chief Justice (Lord Woolf), Steel LJ and Richards J.

Judgment of the Court given by the Lord Chief Justice

 
A influência da religião europeia na cultura brasileira Da religião mágica à religião crítica
Authors: Souza Ney De
Published: December 2015

O perfil atual da religião no Brasil é o resultado de uma antiga tradição oriental e da herança do antigo ramo do Cristianismo, distribuídos em três formas: latim, francês e alemão. A diferenciação das três formas é devido ao desenvolvimento de potências católicas europeias no mundo, através de mercados, exército, política, religião e cultura, que se espalharam por todo o mundo e influenciaram a África e a Ásia desde a segunda metade do século XV. No século seguinte, chegou à América, mudando os hábitos anteriores. A expansão Ibérica teve um papel importante neste processo. Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa que lida com a influência religiosa europeia, o senso comum das culturas indígenas e africanas e a atual cultura brasileira.
Assessment of non-disabled individuals walking with partial body weight support over ground and on treadmill
Authors: Barela Ana Maria Forti , Sousa Catarina O. , Toledo Diana R. , Camargo Marcela R. , Barela José A.
Published: December 2015

Background: Partial body weight support (BWS) systems have been used with treadmills as a strategy for rehabilitation of individuals with gait impairment. Considering that over ground is the commonly surface used for walking, it would be important to compare the use of a BWS system on treadmill and over ground. Aim: To analyze healthy adults walking with no harness and with 30% BWS on treadmill and over ground. Method: Kinematics data from 14 healthy adults (26 ± 3 years old) were acquired as they walked with 30% BWS and with no harness over ground and on treadmill. From these data, temporal-spatial walking parameters and joint and segmental angles were calculated. Results: Several parameter of walking over ground and on treadmill were different and the effects of partial BWS depended on the type of surface the participants walked. In general, walking over ground was characterized by faster and longer strides and with larger body segments excursion compared to walking on treadmill. Participants presented the most stable walking pattern as they walked over ground with BWS. Interpretation: Changes presented by healthy adults were towards an adjustable and adaptable pattern performed under a more stable and closer provided by over ground surface.
Simulation of Coupled Thermal/Hydrological/Mechanical Phenomena in Porous Media
Authors: Winterfeld P. H. , Wu Yu-Shu
Published: December 2015

For processes such as production from low-permeability reservoirs and storage in subsurface formations, reservoir flow and the reservoir stress field are coupled and affect one another. This paper presents a thermal/hydrological/mechanical (THM) reservoir simulator that is applicable to modeling such processes. The fluid- and heat-flow portion of our simulator is for general multiphase, multicomponent, multiporosity systems. The geomechanical portion consists of an equation for mean stress, derived from linear elastic theory for a thermo-poroelastic system, and equations for stress-tensor components that depend on mean stress and other variables. The integral finite-difference method is used to solve these equations. The mean-stress and reservoir-flow variables are solved implicitly, and the remaining stress-tensor components are solved explicitly. Our simulator is verified by use of analytical solutions for stress- and strain-tensor components and is compared with published results.
Modeling Soil–Plant Dynamics: Assessing Simulation Accuracy by Comparison with Spatially Distributed Crop Yield Measurements
Authors: Manoli G. , Bonetti S. , Scudiero E. , Morari F. , Putti M. , Teatini P.
Published: December 2015

Core Ideas

• Mechanistic soil–plant model results are compared with field‐scale crop yield data.

• Soil characterization is crucial to predict high‐resolution patterns of crop yield.

• Root growth processes must be included in large‐scale simulations.

Coupling hydrological models with plant physiology is crucial to capture the feedback mechanisms occurring within the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum. However, the ability of such models to describe the spatial variability of plant responses to different environmental factors remains to be proven, especially at large scales (field or watershed). We used an innovative three‐dimensional soil–plant model to quantify temporal and spatial variability of crop productivity at the field scale, and we assessed simulation accuracy by comparison with spatially distributed crop yield measurements. A 25‐ha field located in the Venice coastland, Italy, cultivated with a maize (Zea mays L.) crop and characterized by a highly heterogeneous soil subject to salt contamination, has been extensively studied by soil sampling, geophysical surveys, and hydrological monitoring. Based on these observations, field‐scale simulations of soil moisture dynamics coupled with plant transpiration, photosynthesis, and growth were run and compared with crop yield maps of different growing seasons. The model captured the observed crop productivity (grain yield varying between 2 and 15 Mg ha−1), but the accuracy of the predicted spatial patterns was limited by the available information on soil heterogeneities. Further model uncertainties are related to the characterization of the rooting systems and their responses to environmental factors (soil characteristics, precipitation) that were shown to be crucial to describe the effect of drought conditions on growth processes. These results demonstrate that large‐scale mechanistic simulations of soil–plant systems require a trade‐off between site characterization, model processes, and computational efficiency, offering an open challenge for future ecohydrological research.
Optimization of simultaneous biomass production and nutrient removal by mixotrophic Chlorella sp. using response surface methodology
Authors: Lee Yu-Ru , Chen Jen-Jeng
Published: December 2015

The bioprospecting of potentially mixotrophic microalgae in a constructed wetland was conducted. A locally isolated microalga, Chlorella sp., was grown to determine the effect of temperature, aeration rate, and cultivation time on simultaneous biomass production and nutrient removal from piggery wastewater using central composite design (CCD). The most important variable for the biomass productivity of Chlorella sp. was aeration rate, while that for lipid content and nutrient removal efficiency was cultivation time. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiencies were higher than that of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from piggery wastewater. The CCD results indicate that the highest biomass productivity (79.2 mg L−1 d−1) and simultaneous nutrient removal efficiency (TN 80.9%, TP 99.2%, COD 74.5%) were obtained with a cultivation temperature of 25 °C, a cultivation time of 5 days, and an air aeration rate of 1.6 L L−1 min−1. Palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2) were both abundant in Chlorella sp. cells under mixotrophic cultivation with piggery wastewater.
Evaluation of the mydriatic effects of topical administration of rocuronium bromide in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Petritz Olivia A. , Guzman David Sanchez-Migallon , Gustavsen Kate , Wiggans K. Tomo , Kass Philip H. , Houck Emma , Murphy Christopher J. , Paul-Murphy Joanne
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE To determine the mydriatic effects of topical rocuronium bromide administration in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) and to identify any adverse effects associated with treatment.

DESIGN Randomized crossover study.

ANIMALS 8 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots.

PROCEDURES Rocuronium bromide (20 μL/eye; 10 mg/mL) or saline (20 μL/eye; 0.9% NaCl) solution was administered in both eyes of each bird with a 26-day washout period. The birds were manually restrained in lateral recumbency with the apex of the cornea positioned upward for 2 minutes following administration in each eye. Infrared pupillometry and direct pupillary light reflex measurements were used to evaluate the mydriatic effects. Pupillary measurements were recorded prior to administration and every 20 minutes for 2 hours after administration, then hourly for a total of 7 hours. A brief physical examination was performed, direct pupillary light reflex was tested, and fluorescein staining was performed on each eye of each bird 24 hours after administration.

RESULTS A significant difference in pupillary diameter for the active versus control treatment group was noted from 20 to 360 minutes after drug administration, but not at 420 minutes. Minimal adverse effects were noted. Three birds had transient inferior eyelid paresis noted in both eyes after receiving rocuronium; 24 hours after the treatment, no differences in ocular measurements existed between the active and control treatments.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that topical rocuronium bromide administration may be safely used for pupillary dilation in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots and could be used for clinical evaluation, fundus imaging, and surgical interventions involving the lens and posterior segment in this species.
Full Bayesian Mixed-Effect Intervention Model for Before–After Speed Data Analysis
Authors: Islam M. Tazul , El-Basyouny Karim
Published: December 2015

The analysis of before–after speed data to evaluate the effectiveness of safety interventions is often limited to a non-model-based comparison of speed-related indicators. Moreover, modeling of speed data often does not take into account the nested nature of the data. The objective of the study was to quantify the effect of posted speed limit (PSL) reductions in an urban, residential context. The study employed a mixed-effect intervention model, which could address limitations of existing methods. To model mean free-flow speed and the probability of a speed being below or equal to various thresholds, mixed-effect normal regression and binomial logistic regression models were used. Use of a comprehensive, unique, and disaggregated data set enabled not only the before–after evaluation of the PSL reduction but also the exploration of the effects of various temporal, traffic, and road geometry factors on speed. Results demonstrated the appropriateness of using the mixed-effect model for speed data. Parameter estimations showed that nighttimes; weekends; a high proportion of vans, buses, and trucks; evening peak periods; collector roads; and low hourly traffic volumes were all associated with an increase in the mean free-flow speed and a decrease in the probability of speeds being below or equal to various thresholds. Evaluation results showed the mean free-flow speed was reduced by 3.85 km/h in the after period and that speeds below or equal to 50, 60, 70, and 80 km/h increased by 20.0%, 9.2%, 2.8%, and 0.9%, respectively. All improvements were statistically significant; this finding implied that the PSL reduction was effective at influencing vehicle speed.
Long-term outcomes of intradural cervical dorsal root rhizotomy for refractory occipital neuralgia
Authors: Gande Abhiram V. , Chivukula Srinivas , Moossy John J. , Rothfus William , Agarwal Vikas , Horowitz Michael B. , Gardner Paul A.
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

Occipital neuralgia (ON) causes chronic pain in the cutaneous distribution of the greater and lesser occipital nerves. The long-term efficacy of cervical dorsal root rhizotomy (CDR) in the management of ON has not been well described. The authors reviewed their 14-year experience with CDR to assess pain relief and functional outcomes in patients with medically refractory ON.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 75 ON patients who underwent cervical dorsal root rhizotomy, from 1998 to 2012, was performed. Fifty-five patients were included because they met the International Headache Society's (IHS) diagnostic criteria for ON, responded to CT-guided nerve blocks at the C-2 dorsal nerve root, and had at least one follow-up visit. Telephone interviews were additionally used to obtain data on patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients (76%) were female, and the average age at surgery was 46 years (range 16–80). Average follow up was 67 months (range 5–150). Etiologies of ON included the following: idiopathic (44%), posttraumatic (27%), postsurgical (22%), post–cerebrovascular accident (4%), postherpetic (2%), and postviral (2%). At last follow-up, 35 patients (64%) reported full pain relief, 11 (20%) partial relief, and 7 (16%) no pain relief. The extent of pain relief after CDR was not significantly associated with ON etiology (p = 0.43). Of 37 patients whose satisfaction-related data were obtained, 25 (68%) reported willingness to undergo repeat surgery for similar pain relief, while 11 (30%) reported no such willingness; a single patient (2%) did not answer this question. Twenty-one individuals (57%) reported that their activity level/functional state improved after surgery, 5 (13%) reported a decline, and 11 (30%) reported no difference. The most common acute postoperative complications were infections in 9% (n = 5) and CSF leaks in 5% (n = 3); chronic complications included neck pain/stiffness in 16% (n = 9) and upper-extremity symptoms in 5% (n = 3) such as trapezius weakness, shoulder pain, and arm paresthesias.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical dorsal root rhizotomy provides an efficacious means for pain relief in patients with medically refractory ON. In the appropriately selected patient, it may lead to optimal outcomes with a relatively low risk of complications.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging CO2 stress testing in adolescent postconcussion syndrome
Authors: Mutch W. Alan C. , Ellis Michael J. , Ryner Lawrence N. , Ruth Graham M. , Dufault Brenden , Gregson Brian , Hall Thomas , Bunge Martin , Essig Marco
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

A neuroimaging assessment tool to visualize global and regional impairments in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular responsiveness in individual patients with concussion remains elusive. Here the authors summarize the safety, feasibility, and results of brain CO2 stress testing in adolescents with postconcussion syndrome (PCS) and healthy controls.

METHODS

This study was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Board at the University of Manitoba. Fifteen adolescents with PCS and 17 healthy control subjects underwent anatomical MRI, pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling MRI, and brain stress testing using controlled CO2 challenge and blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) MRI. Post hoc processing was performed using statistical parametric mapping to determine voxel-by-voxel regional resting CBF and cerebrovascular responsiveness of the brain to the CO2 stimulus (increase in BOLD signal) or the inverse (decrease in BOLD signal). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare voxel counts categorized by control (0) or PCS (1).

RESULTS

Studies were well tolerated without any serious adverse events. Anatomical MRI was normal in all study participants. No differences in CO2 stimuli were seen between the 2 participant groups. No group differences in global mean CBF were detected between PCS patients and healthy controls. Patient-specific differences in mean regional CBF and CO2 BOLD responsiveness were observed in all PCS patients. The ROC curve analysis for brain regions manifesting a voxel response greater than and less than the control atlas (that is, abnormal voxel counts) produced an area under the curve of 0.87 (p < 0.0001) and 0.80 (p = 0.0003), respectively, consistent with a clinically useful predictive model.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent PCS is associated with patient-specific abnormalities in regional mean CBF and BOLD cerebrovascular responsiveness that occur in the setting of normal global resting CBF. Future prospective studies are warranted to examine the utility of brain MRI CO2 stress testing in the longitudinal assessment of acute sports-related concussion and PCS.
Creating reproducible thoracolumbar burst fractures in human specimens: an in vitro experiment
Authors: Oberkircher Ludwig , Schmuck Maya , Bergmann Martin , Lechler Philipp , Ruchholtz Steffen , Krüger Antonio
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

The treatment of traumatic burst fractures unaccompanied by neurological impairment remains controversial and ranges from conservative management to 360° fusion. Because of the heterogeneity of fracture types, classification systems, and treatment options, comparative biomechanical studies might help to improve our knowledge. The aim of the current study was to create a standardized fracture model to investigate burst fractures in a multisegmental setting.

METHODS

A total of 28 thoracolumbar fresh-frozen human cadaveric spines were used. The spines were dissected into segments (T11–L3). The T-11 and L-3 vertebral bodies were embedded in Technovit 3040 (cold-curing resin for surface testing and impressions). To simulate high energy, a metallic drop tower was designed. Stress risers were used to ensure comparable fractures. CT scans were acquired before and after fracture. All fractures were classified using the AO/OTA classification.

RESULTS

The preparation and embedding of the spine segments worked well. No repositioning or second embedding of the specimen, even after fracture, was required. It was possible to create single burst fractures at the L-1 level in all 28 spine segments. Among the 28 fractures there were 16 incomplete burst fractures (Type A3.1), 8 burst-split fractures (Type A3.2), and 4 complete burst fractures (Type A3.3). The differences before and after fracture for stiffness and for anterior, posterior, and central heights were all significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to create reproducible burst fractures of a single vertebral body in a thoracolumbar spine segment may serve as a basis for future biomechanical studies that will provide better understanding of mechanical properties or fixation techniques.
Normalization of brain morphology after surgery in sagittal craniosynostosis
Authors: Brooks Eric D. , Yang Jenny , Beckett Joel S. , Lacadie Cheryl , Scheinost Dustin , Persing Sarah , Zellner Elizabeth G. , Oosting Devon , Keifer Cara , Friedman Hannah E. , Wyk Brent Vander , Jou Roger J. , Sun Haosi , Gary Cyril , Duncan Charles C. , Constable R. Todd , Pelphrey Kevin A. , Persing John A.
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) is associated with significant learning disability later in life. Surgical reconstruction is typically performed before 1 year of age to correct the cranial vault morphology and to allow for normalized brain growth with the goal of improving cognitive function. Yet, no studies have assessed to what extent normalized brain growth is actually achieved. Recent advances in MRI have allowed for automated methods of objectively assessing subtle and pronounced brain morphological differences. The authors used one such technique, deformation-based morphometry (DBM) Jacobian mapping, to determine how previously treated adolescents with sagittal NSC (sNSC) significantly differ in brain anatomy compared with healthy matched controls up to 11.5 years after surgery.

METHODS

Eight adolescent patients with sNSC, previously treated via whole-vault cranioplasty at a mean age of 7 months, and 8 age- and IQ-matched control subjects without craniosynostosis (mean age for both groups = 12.3 years), underwent functional 3-T MRI. Statistically significant group tissue-volume differences were assessed using DBM, a whole-brain technique that estimates morphological differences between 2 groups at each voxel (p < 0.01). Group-wise Jacobian volume maps were generated using a spacing of 1.5 mm and a resolution of 1.05 × 1.05 × 1.05 mm3.

RESULTS

There were no significant areas of volume reduction or expansion in any brain areas in adolescents with sNSC compared with controls at a significance level of p < 0.01. At the more liberal threshold of p < 0.05, two areas of brain expansion extending anteroposteriorly in the right temporooccipital and left frontoparietal regions appeared in patients with sNSC compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with previous reports on untreated infants with sNSC, adolescents with sNSC in this cohort had few areas of brain dysmorphology many years after surgery. This result suggests that comprehensive cranioplasty performed at an early age offers substantial brain normalization by adolescence, but also that some effects of vault constriction may still persist after treatment. Specifically, few areas of expansion in frontoparietal and temporooccipital regions may persist. Overall, data from this small cohort support the primary goal of surgery in allowing for more normalized brain growth. Larger samples, and correlating degree of normalization with cognitive performance in NSC, are warranted.
Dry Bulb Temperature Effects on Crew Well-Being in Long-Duration Ad Hoc Platform Flights
Authors: Fredricks Todd R. , Nakazawa Masato
Published: December 2015

PURPOSE: U.S. combat activities in Iraq and Afghanistan saw the implementation of multiple ad hoc systems incorporated onto commercial aerial platforms for supporting operations. The use of manned platforms, many of which were never intended for the long-duration missions to
which they have been applied, has had human factor and aviation life support equipment (ALSE) implications. The physiological stress-inducing nature of high temperatures (> 40 C) is one such concern. This study assessed cockpit temperatures in one such platform during actual combat missions
over Iraq.METHODS: Three missions were flown in Iraq during 2011 on an ad hoc aerial platform and dry bulb temperature readings were recorded periodically at head height at different crew stations. Relative humidity was also recorded.RESULTS: Temperatures demonstrated
wide variability during mission profiles, ranging from > 40°C to 15°C. Ground heat-soaked cabin temperatures were measured as high as 48°C. High temperatures could be experienced for up to an hour prior to departure.DISCUSSION: While ad hoc aerial platform use has
operational merits, the lack of adequate crew life support systems on such platforms can pose thermal risks to the aircrews. More detailed investigation is needed to determine core temperature response of aircrews during such operations and platform specific ALSE requirements to better support
aircrew mission effectiveness.Fredricks TR, Nakazawa M. Dry bulb temperature effects on crew well-being in long-duration ad hoc platform flights. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(2):125–130.
Statin Use and the Development of Acute Mountain Sickness
Authors: Harrison Michael F. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: December 2015

INTRODUCTION: Our prior publication suggested that elevated serum concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was protective against the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS) while an inflammatory response was contributory to its development. The use of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A-reductase
inhibitors (“statins”) may be of interest to those traveling to altitude—these medications will lower serum LDL concentrations, but are also reported to have anti-inflammatory properties.METHODS: Prior to flying from sea level to the South Pole (∼10,498.7 ft
or 3200 m) during the austral summer months of 2005-2006 and 2006-2007, the 248 subjects provided informed consent. Questionnaires related to AMS symptoms, acetazolamide use, personal history, and anthropometrics were paired with results from blood samples. Statin use was reported by six subjects
who were matched for age, sex, altitude of residence, and acetazolamide use with seven subjects not using a statin.RESULTS: No significant differences were identified in any of the matched variables between the groups. No statin users reported symptoms of AMS while 57% of participants
not using a statin did report AMS symptoms (P = 0.03). No significant difference was noted between LDL levels in the statin group (108.3 ± 61.0) as compared to the group not taking statins (104.6 ± 22.1) (P = 0.88).DISCUSSION: Our previous results suggested
that elevated LDL was protective while an inflammatory response was contributory with respect to AMS development. The present results suggest that statin use may provide protection against AMS symptoms, possibly through an anti-inflammatory property, despite its lipid-lowering capacity.Harrison
MF, Johnson BD. Statin use and the development of acute mountain sickness. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(2):97–102.
Real-Time Effects of Normobaric, Transient Near-Anoxia on Performance
Authors: McEachen James C. , Issa Amine N. , Marck Jan W. , Steinkraus Lawrence W. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: December 2015

INTRODUCTION: Recent physiological incidents involving pilots of high performance fighter aircraft have raised the question of whether inadvertent, short bursts of significantly reduced oxygen could negatively impact real-time performance. This study evaluated normobaric, real-time
performance in the setting of transient near-anoxia to inform future countermeasure development.METHODS: The study was performed on 12 healthy subjects without significant medical history. Following collection of baseline data, real-time performance changes were evaluated during
sequentially increasing periods of near-anoxic gas exposure (FIo2 = 1%) using a computer-based performance assessment tool. Both room air and 100% oxygen were used as the prebreathe/recovery gases. Statistical analysis was performed on the results.RESULTS:
Under normobaric conditions, subjects inspiring up to five near-anoxic breaths showed no significant performance decrement in either accuracy or effective actions per minute. Mean accuracy up to five near-anoxic breaths was 0.67 (SD = 0.01) as compared to a baseline mean of 0.68 (SD = 0.02).
Hyperoxia had a protective effect on subject physiological response to near anoxia.DISCUSSION: These normobaric findings offer an assessment of real-time performance changes in the setting of transient, near-anoxic gas exposure. Overall, the results help inform the design of increasingly
complex aircraft oxygen delivery systems in terms of how tightly such systems must match the sea-level gas equivalent with increasing altitude. This is particularly relevant as such systems are being called upon to ensure safe aircrew operations across an expanding operational flight envelope.McEachen
JC, Issa AN, Marck JW, Steinkraus LW, Johnson BD. Real-time effects of normobaric, transient near-anoxia on performance. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(2):76–81.
Acute Spinal Injury After Centrifuge Training in Asymptomatic Fighter Pilots
Authors: Kang Kyung-Wook , Shin Young Ho , Kang Seungcheol
Published: December 2015

INTRODUCTION: Many countries have hypergravity training centers using centrifuges for pilots to cope with a high gravity (G) environment. The high G training carries potential risk for the development of spinal injury. However, no studies evaluated the influence of centrifuge
training on the spines of asymptomatic fighter pilots on a large scale.METHODS: Study subjects were 991 male fighter pilots with high G training at one institution. Subject variables included information about physical characteristics, flight hours of pilots prior to the training,
and G force exposure related factors during training. The two dependent variables were whether the pilots developed acute spinal injury after training and the severity of the injury (major/minor).RESULTS: The incidence of acute spinal injury after high G training was 2.3% (23 of
991 subjects). There were 19 subjects who developed minor injury and 4 subjects who developed a herniated intervertebral disc, which is considered a major injury. In multivariate analysis, only the magnitude of G force during training was significantly related to the development of acute spinal
injury. However, there was no significant factor related to the severity of the injury.DISCUSSION: These results suggest that high G training could cause negative effects on fighter pilots' spines. The magnitude of G force during training seemed to be the most significant factor
affecting the occurrence of acute spinal injury.Kang K-W, Shin YH, Kang S. Acute spinal injury after centrifuge training in asymptomatic fighter pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(4):386–391.
Confinement vs. Isolation as Analogue Environments for Mars Missions from a Human Ethology Viewpoint
Authors: Tafforin Carole
Published: December 2015

INTRODUCTION: This study compares observational data from two situations designed as planetary exploration missions: the Tara expedition and the Mars-500 experiment. We examined the issue of distinct environmental factors, isolation vs. confinement, which may have different or
similar impacts on crews’ behavioral manifestations for long-term adaptation, such as on a Mars mission. The Tara expedition was a 507-d polar drift of the Tara schooner embedded in the Arctic ice with two successive periods of summer and winter-over in an isolated environment. The Mars-500
experiment took place in Moscow and was a 520-d simulation of a trip to Mars, the Mars landing, and the return trip to Earth in a confined environment.METHODS: We used the ethological method based on observation, description, and quantification of individual and interindividual
behaviors. These events were scored from video recordings made during daily life activities and aggregated according to the summer period and to the outgoing trip for the whole crew (N = 6) for each situation, respectively.RESULTS: We did not observe differences in the frequency
of facial expressions and in the duration of body interactions. Conversely, there were differences in the frequency of collateral acts and in the duration of personal actions with the highest levels during the Mars-500 experiment (0.52 /min and 41,799 s); the highest level of visual interactions
was observed during the Tara expedition (33,167 s).DISCUSSION: We found that confinement generates stress manifestations vs. isolation, that isolation enhances social relashionships vs. confinement, and that the crew adapted positively to both environments.Tafforin C. Confinement
vs. isolation as analogue environments for Mars missions from a human ethology viewpoint. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(2):131–135.
Transcranial Bright Light and Symptoms of Jet Lag: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Jurvelin Heidi , Jokelainen Jari , Takala Timo
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND: Rapid travel over multiple time zones usually results in transient de-synchronization between environmental time and the biological clock of the individual. Common symptoms are increased daytime sleepiness, reduced sleep duration and quality, and performance impairments.
Exposure to ocular bright light is known to alleviate jet lag symptoms and facilitate adaptation to a new time zone. Recently, transcranial bright light (TBL) via the ear canals has been shown to have antidepressant, anxiolytic, and psychomotor performance-enhancing effects. In this case we
studied whether intermittent TBL exposure can alleviate jet lag symptoms in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.METHODS: Intermittent light exposures (4 × 12 min; day 0: 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00; days 1-6: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00) were administered during
the 7-d post-travel period after an eastward transatlantic flight. The symptoms of jet lag were measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS).RESULTS: We found a significant reduction of overall jet lag symptoms
(VAS), subjective sleepiness (KSS), and the fatigue, inertia, and forgetfulness subscales of the POMS when comparing the active TBL treatment group (N = 30) to the placebo group (N = 25). For example, the normalized values of VAS in the TBL, but not the placebo, group returned
to pre-travel levels by the final post-travel day (6.16 vs. 15.34).DISCUSSION: Results suggest a cumulative effect of TBL, as the effects emerged on post-travel days 3-4. Intermittent TBL seems to alleviate jet lag symptoms.Jurvelin H, Jokelainen J, Takala T. Transcranial
bright light and symptoms of jet lag: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(4):344–350.
A Spatial Framework to Map Heat Health Risks at Multiple Scales
Authors: Ho Hung , Knudby Anders , Huang Wei
Published: December 2015

In the last few decades extreme heat events have led to substantial excess mortality, most dramatically in Central Europe in 2003, in Russia in 2010, and even in typically cool locations such as Vancouver, Canada, in 2009. Heat-related morbidity and mortality is expected to increase over the coming centuries as the result of climate-driven global increases in the severity and frequency of extreme heat events. Spatial information on heat exposure and population vulnerability may be combined to map the areas of highest risk and focus mitigation efforts there. However, a mismatch in spatial resolution between heat exposure and vulnerability data can cause spatial scale issues such as the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP). We used a raster-based model to integrate heat exposure and vulnerability data in a multi-criteria decision analysis, and compared it to the traditional vector-based model. We then used the Getis-Ord Gi index to generate spatially smoothed heat risk hotspot maps from fine to coarse spatial scales. The raster-based model allowed production of maps at spatial resolution, more description of local-scale heat risk variability, and identification of heat-risk areas not identified with the vector-based approach. Spatial smoothing with the Getis-Ord Gi index produced heat risk hotspots from local to regional spatial scale. The approach is a framework for reducing spatial scale issues in future heat risk mapping, and for identifying heat risk hotspots at spatial scales ranging from the block-level to the municipality level.
Human Anti-Oxidation Protein A1M—A Potential Kidney Protection Agent in Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Ahlstedt Jonas , Tran Thuy , Strand Sven-Erik , Gram Magnus , Åkerström Bo
Published: December 2015

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been in clinical use for 15 years to treat metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. PRRT is limited by reabsorption and retention of the administered radiolabeled somatostatin analogues in the proximal tubule. Consequently, it is essential to develop and employ methods to protect the kidneys during PRRT. Today, infusion of positively charged amino acids is the standard method of kidney protection. Other methods, such as administration of amifostine, are still under evaluation and show promising results. α1-microglobulin (A1M) is a reductase and radical scavenging protein ubiquitously present in plasma and extravascular tissue. Human A1M has antioxidation properties and has been shown to prevent radiation-induced in vitro cell damage and protect non-irradiated surrounding cells. It has recently been shown in mice that exogenously infused A1M and the somatostatin analogue octreotide are co-localized in proximal tubules of the kidney after intravenous infusion. In this review we describe the current situation of kidney protection during PRRT, discuss the necessity and implications of more precise dosimetry and present A1M as a new, potential candidate for renal protection during PRRT and related targeted radionuclide therapies.
Low-Molecular-Weight Fucoidan Induces Endothelial Cell Migration via the PI3K/AKT Pathway and Modulates the Transcription of Genes Involved in Angiogenesis
Authors: Bouvard Claire , Galy-Fauroux Isabelle , Grelac Françoise , Carpentier Wassila , Lokajczyk Anna , Gandrille Sophie , Colliec-Jouault Sylvia , Fischer Anne-Marie , Helley Dominique
Published: December 2015

Low-molecular-weight fucoidan (LMWF) is a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed that presents antithrombotic and pro-angiogenic properties. However, its mechanism of action is not well-characterized. Here, we studied the effects of LMWF on cell signaling and whole genome expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and endothelial colony forming cells. We observed that LMWF and vascular endothelial growth factor had synergistic effects on cell signaling, and more interestingly that LMWF by itself, in the absence of other growth factors, was able to trigger the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. We also observed that the effects of LMWF on cell migration were PI3K/AKT-dependent and that LMWF modulated the expression of genes involved at different levels of the neovessel formation process, such as cell migration and cytoskeleton organization, cell mobilization and homing. This provides a better understanding of LMWF’s mechanism of action and confirms that it could be an interesting therapeutic approach for vascular repair.
A Normalized Urban Areas Composite Index (NUACI) Based on Combination of DMSP-OLS and MODIS for Mapping Impervious Surface Area
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Hu Guohua , Ai Bin , Li Xia , Shi Qian
Published: December 2015

Mapping Impervious Surface Area (ISA) at regional and global scales has attracted increasing interest. DMSP-OLS nighttime light (NTL) data have proven to be successful for mapping urban land in large areas. However, the well-documented issues of pixel blooming and saturation limit the ability of DMSP-OLS data to provide accurate urban information. In this paper, a multi-source composition index is proposed to overcome the limitations of extracting urban land using only the NTL data. We combined three data sources (i.e., DMSP-OLS, MODSI EVI and NDWI) to generate a new index called the Normalized Urban Areas Composite Index (NUACI). This index aims to quickly map impervious surface area at regional and global scales. Experimental results indicate that NUACI has the ability to reduce the pixel saturation of NTL and eliminate the blooming effect. With the reference data derived from Landsat TM/ETM+, regression models based on normalized DMSP-OLS, Human Settlement Index (HSI), vegetation adjusted NTL urban index (VANUI), and NUACI are then established to estimate ISA. Our assessments reveal that the NUACI-based regression model yields the highest performance. The NUACI-based regression models were then used to map ISA for China for the years 2000, 2005 and 2010 (Free download link for the ISA products can be found at the end of this paper).
Biochar Application in Malaysian Sandy and Acid Sulfate Soils: Soil Amelioration Effects and Improved Crop Production over Two Cropping Seasons
Authors: Manickam Theeba , Cornelissen Gerard , Bachmann Robert , Ibrahim Illani , Mulder Jan , Hale Sarah
Published: December 2015

The use of biochar as an agricultural soil improvement was tested in acid sulfate and sandy soils from Malaysia, cropped with rice and corn. Malaysia has an abundance of waste rice husks that could be used to produce biochar. Rice husk biochar was produced in a gasifier at a local mill in Kelantan as well as in the laboratory using a controlled, specially designed, top lift up draft system (Belonio unit). Rice husk biochar was applied once to both soils at two doses (2% and 5%), in a pot set up that was carried out for two cropping seasons. Positive and significant crop yield effects were observed for both soils, biochars and crops. The yield effects varied with biochar type and dosage, with soil type and over the cropping seasons. The yield increases observed for the sandy soil were tentatively attributed to significant increases in plant-available water contents (from 4%–5% to 7%–8%). The yield effects in the acid sulfate soil were likely a consequence of a combination of (i) alleviation of plant root stress by aluminum (Ca/Al molar ratios significantly increased, from around 1 to 3–5) and (ii) increases in CEC. The agricultural benefits of rice husk biochar application to Malaysian soils holds promise for its future use.
Reducing Agricultural Water Footprints at the Farm Scale: A Case Study in the Beijing Region
Authors: Huang Jing , Xu Changchun , Ridoutt Bradley , Chen Fu
Published: December 2015

Beijing is one of the most water-stressed regions in the world. Reducing agricultural water use has long been the basis of local policy for sustainable water use. In this article, the potential to reduce the life cycle (cradle to gate) water footprints of wheat and maize that contribute to 94% of the local cereal production was assessed. Following ISO 14046, consumptive and degradative water use for the wheat-maize rotation system was modeled under different irrigation and nitrogen (N) application options. Reducing irrigation water volume by 33.3% compared to current practice did not cause a significant yield decline, but the water scarcity footprint and water eutrophication footprint were decreased by 27.5% and 23.9%, respectively. Similarly, reducing the N application rate by 33.3% from current practice did not cause a significant yield decline, but led to a 52.3% reduction in water eutrophication footprint while maintaining a similar water scarcity footprint. These results demonstrate that improving water and fertilizer management has great potential for reducing the crop water footprints at the farm scale. This situation in Beijing is likely to be representative of the challenge facing many of the water-stressed regions in China, where a sustainable means of agricultural production must be found.
Vibration-mediated Kondo transport in molecular junctions: conductance evolution during mechanical stretching
Authors: Rakhmilevitch David , Tal Oren
Published: December 2015

The vibration-mediated Kondo effect attracted considerable theoretical interest during the last decade. However, due to lack of extensive experimental demonstrations, the fine details of the phenomenon were not addressed. Here, we analyze the evolution of vibration-mediated Kondo effect in molecular junctions during mechanical stretching. The described analysis reveals the different contributions of Kondo and inelastic transport.
BEHAVIOR OF HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE CYLINDERS REPAIRED WITH CFRP SHEETS
Authors: PANJEHPOUR Mohammad , FARZADNIA Nima , DEMIRBOGA Ramazan , ALI Abang Abdullah Abang
Published: December 2015

This study aims to investigate the behavior of damaged high-strength concrete cylinders repaired using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheet. The experimental work on CFRP-wrapped concrete cylinders with various predamage levels indicated that CFRP can precisely resist the axial aggravated deformation of cylinders caused by damaging under uniaxial loading. The findings also revealed that the energy absorption of the damaged specimens confined with CFRP was restored approximately three times more than that of the undamaged specimens without confinement. Therefore, an empirical relationship exists between the pre-damage levels and the uniaxial compressive strength reduction of the concrete cylinders.
A REAL OPTION APPROACH TO DETERMINE OPTIMAL INTERVENTION WINDOWS FOR MULTI-NATIONAL RAIL CORRIDORS
Authors: LETHANH Nam , ADEY Bryan T.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, a real option approach to determine the optimal time to execute interventions on rail infrastructure, when it is not known for certain which intervention is to be executed, is presented (i.e. the optimal intervention window). Such an approach is useful in the management of rail infrastructure that belongs to a multi-national rail corridor where multiple railway organizations, ideally, should coordinate their maintenance interventions, years in advance, to minimize service disruptions. The approach is based on an adaptation of the Black and Scholes differential equation model used to value European call options in financial engineering. It is demonstrated by determining the optimal intervention window for infrastructure in a fictive rail corridor.
Reflexiones sobre Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda, historia setentrional
Authors: Muñoz Sánchez Juan Ramón
Published: December 2015

En el presente estudio se analizan tres aspectos fundamentales de Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda partiendo de los datos que Cervantes ofreció en los preliminares y el texto de los libros que, año tras año, publicó entre 1613 y 1615, a saber: la composición, la relación intertextual con la Historia etiópica de Heliodoro y su categorización como «libro de entretenimiento».
Relaciones culturales en el «Nuevo orden»: la Alemania nazi y la España de Franco
Authors: Janué i Miret Marició
Published: December 2015

El artículo analiza el papel que la cultura jugó en las relaciones entre Alemania y España en la etapa nacionalsocialista. Esta cuestión es relevante historiográficamente por dos motivos principales. En primer lugar, porque no disponemos hasta hoy día de una visión de conjunto sobre las relaciones culturales entre ambos países en dicha etapa. En segundo lugar, porque cuando los nacionalsocialistas alcanzaron el poder en el año 1933 la cultura se había convertido ya desde hacía tiempo en un elemento esencial de la política exterior de las principales potencias europeas y, con ello, también de Alemania. El artículo explica las razones de ambos Estados para intensificar las relaciones culturales mutuas. Con ello, pretende contribuir a esclarecer las afinidades entre ambos regímenes. El análisis se basa, tanto en estudios existentes ya sobre aspectos parciales de las relaciones culturales entre ambos países, como en trabajos resultado de la investigación propia. Se concluye que las tensiones entre los diferentes sectores políticos que buscaban hegemonía en el interior del régimen franquista no bastan para explicar las oscilaciones en la intensidad de las relaciones culturales. El factor decisivo fue el desarrollo negativo para Alemania de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. La investigación demuestra que no deben subestimarse, ni las coincidencias ideológicas entre ambos regímenes, ni el nivel de fascistización de la dictadura de Franco en sus primeros estadios.