bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Modification of nTiO2/Ag Hybrid Nanoparticles Using Microwave-Assisted Polymerization in the Presence of Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Terephthalate
Authors: León-Martínez P. A. De , Soriano-Corral F. , Ávila-Orta C. A. , González-Morones P. , Hernández-Hernández E. , Ledezma-Pérez A. S. , Covarrubias-Gordillo C. A. , Espinosa-López A. C. , Gómez R. E. Díaz de León
Published: January 2017

Titanium dioxide doped silver (nTiO2/Ag) nanoparticles were surface-modified by microwave-assisted polymerization of 2-bis-(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The modified and unmodified nanoparticles were analyzed by FTIR, XRD, TGA, and TEM. A thin layer of grafted PET on the surface of the nanoparticles was observed and quantified by TGA giving a value of 40 wt-%. XRD and electron diffraction analyses showed traces of AgO2 after the modification. The bactericide activity of modified and unmodified nanoparticles was evaluated; the presence of the thin layer of grafted-PET on the nTiO2/Ag did not change significantly the bactericide activity, showing an excellent performance similar to unmodified nanoparticles.
Lumbar Scoliosis Combined Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Herniation Diagnosed Patient Was Treated with “U” Route Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Wu Binbin , Zhang Shaobo , Lian Qingquan , Yan Haibo , Lin Xianfa , Zhan Gonghao
Published: January 2017

The objective was to report a case of a 63-year-old man with a history of low back pain (LBP) and left leg pain for 2 years, and the symptom became more serious in the past 5 months. The patient was diagnosed with lumbar scoliosis combined with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) at the level of L4-5 that was confirmed using Computerized Topography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The surgical team preformed a novel technique, “U” route transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD), which led to substantial, long-term success in reduction of pain intensity and disability. After removing the osteophyte mass posterior to the thecal sac at L4-5, the working channel direction was changed to the gap between posterior longitudinal ligament and thecal sac, and we also removed the herniation and osteophyte at L3-4 with “U” route PELD. The patient’s symptoms were improved immediately after the surgical intervention; low back pain intensity decreased from preoperative 9 to postoperative 2 on a visual analog scale (VAS) recorded at 1 month postoperatively. The success of the intervention suggests that “U” route PELD may be a feasible alternative to treat lumbar scoliosis with LSS and LDH patients.
Boundedness of the Segal-Bargmann Transform on Fractional Hermite-Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Cho Hong Rae , Choi Hyunil , Lee Han-Wool
Published: January 2017

Let s∈R and 2≤p≤∞. We prove that the Segal-Bargmann transform B is a bounded operator from fractional Hermite-Sobolev spaces WHs,pRn to fractional Fock-Sobolev spaces FRs,p.
Neuroinflammation as Fuel for Axonal Regeneration in the Injured Vertebrate Central Nervous System
Authors: Bollaerts Ilse , Van houcke Jessie , Andries Lien , De Groef Lies , Moons Lieve
Published: January 2017

Damage to the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in elderly, as repair after lesions or neurodegenerative disease usually fails because of the limited capacity of CNS regeneration. The causes underlying this limited regenerative potential are multifactorial, but one critical aspect is neuroinflammation. Although classically considered as harmful, it is now becoming increasingly clear that inflammation can also promote regeneration, if the appropriate context is provided. Here, we review the current knowledge on how acute inflammation is intertwined with axonal regeneration, an important component of CNS repair. After optic nerve or spinal cord injury, inflammatory stimulation and/or modification greatly improve the regenerative outcome in rodents. Moreover, the hypothesis of a beneficial role of inflammation is further supported by evidence from adult zebrafish, which possess the remarkable capability to repair CNS lesions and even restore functionality. Lastly, we shed light on the impact of aging processes on the regenerative capacity in the CNS of mammals and zebrafish. As aging not only affects the CNS, but also the immune system, the regeneration potential is expected to further decline in aged individuals, an element that should definitely be considered in the search for novel therapeutic strategies.
Coronavirus Infections in the Central Nervous System and Respiratory Tract Show Distinct Features in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Li Haipeng , Fan Ruyan , Wen Bo , Zhang Jian , Cao Xiaoying , Wang Chengwu , Song Zhanyi , Li Shuochi , Li Xiaojie , Lv Xinjun , Qu Xiaowang , Huang Renbin , Liu Wenpei
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: Coronavirus (CoV) infections induce respiratory tract illnesses and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. We aimed to explore the cytokine expression profiles in hospitalized children with CoV-CNS and CoV-respiratory tract infections. Methods: A total of 183 and 236 hospitalized children with acute encephalitis-like syndrome and respiratory tract infection, respectively, were screened for anti-CoV IgM antibodies. The expression profiles of multiple cytokines were determined in CoV-positive patients. Results: Anti-CoV IgM antibodies were detected in 22/183 (12.02%) and 26/236 (11.02%) patients with acute encephalitis-like syndrome and respiratory tract infection, respectively. Cytokine analysis revealed that the level of serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was significantly higher in both CoV-CNS and CoV-respiratory tract infection compared with healthy controls. Additionally, the serum level of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was significantly higher in CoV-CNS infection than in CoV-respiratory tract infection. In patients with CoV-CNS infection, the levels of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GM-CSF were significantly higher in their cerebrospinal fluid samples than in matched serum samples. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing a high incidence of CoV infection in hospitalized children, especially with CNS illness. The characteristic cytokine expression profiles in CoV infection indicate the importance of host immune response in disease progression.
Modification of First Impression Formation and “Personality” by Manipulating Outer Appearance
Authors: Hüttner Susanne-Marie , Linden Michael
Published: January 2017

Background/Aims: Global impression is the first item in any psychopathological evaluation, as patients often elicit negative responses in other persons by a dysfunctional first impression formation. This can lead to interactional problems and stigmatization. This study tested to what degree the perception of “personality” can be changed by simple manipulations of the outer appearance of a person. Method: A total of 92 persons were given two different photos of the same female, one with hair combed back and the other with “open” curly hair. For each picture they made ratings on the Bipolar MED Rating Scale, which asks for judgements on 23 emotional impressions. Results: The rating on the “two” persons differed significantly for 16 of the 23 items. Curled open hair led to a more open-hearted and trusting impression, while the combed-back hair was perceived as more reserved, earnest, and defiant. Results were independent of age and gender. Conclusion: People come to far-reaching conclusions about the “personality” of other persons (first impression formation) based on the outer appearance. This opens treatment options for improving social interaction and fighting stigma in patients with mental disorders.
Influences of Various Peptide Linkers on the Thermotoga maritima MSB8 Nitrilase Displayed on the Spore Surface of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chen Huayou , Chen Zhi , Wu Bangguo , Ullah Jawad , Zhang Tianxi , Jia Jinru , Wang Hongcheng , Tan Tianwei
Published: January 2017

In the present study, fusion genes composed of Thermotoga maritima MSB8 nitrilase and Bacillus subtilis 168 outer coat protein CotG were constructed with various peptide linkers and displayed on B. subtilis DB 403 spores. The successful display of CotG-nit fusion proteins on the spore surface of B. subtilis was verified by Western blot analysis and activity measurement. It was demonstrated that the fusion with linker GGGGSEAAAKGGGGS presented the highest thermal and pH stability, which is 2.67- and 1.9-fold of the fusion without linker. In addition, fusion with flexible linker (GGGGS)3 demonstrated better thermal and pH stability than fusions with linkers GGGGS and (GGGGS)2. Fusion with rigid linker (EAAAK) demonstrated better thermal stability than fusions with linkers (EAAAK)2 and (EAAAK)3. Fusions with linker (EAAAK)2 demonstrated better pH stability than fusions with linkers (EAAAK) and (EAAAK)3. In the presence of 1 mM dithiothreitol, 1% (v/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 20% (v/v) ethanol, the optimal linkers of the fusions were MGSSSN, GGGGSEAAAKGGGGS, and (GGGGS)3, respectively. In summary, our results showed that optimizing the peptide linkers with different type, length, and amino acid composition of the fusion proteins would be an efficient way to maintain the stability of fusion proteins and thus improve the nitrilase display efficiency, which could provide an effective method for rational design peptide linkers of displayed nitrilase on B. subtilis.
Superiority in Quality of Life Improvement of Biologics over Conventional Systemic Drugs in a Swiss Real-Life Psoriasis Registry
Authors: Jungo Pierre , Maul Julia-Tatjana , Djamei Vahid , von Felten Stefanie , Kolios Antonios G.A. , Czernielewsk Justine , Yawalkar Nikhil , Odermatt Olivia , Laffitte Emmanuel , Anliker Mark , Streit Markus , Augustin Matthias , Conrad Curdin , Hafner Jürg , Boehncke Wolf-Henning , Gilliet Michel , Itin Peter , French Lars E. , Navarini Alexander A. , Häusermann Peter
Published: January 2017

Background: Randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of systemic treatments in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Clinical outcomes in psoriasis patients under real-world conditions are less well understood. Objective: This study compared Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) improvement in all psoriasis patients registered in the Swiss Dermatology Network for Targeted Therapies. We asked whether outcomes differed between 4 treatment strategies, namely biologic monotherapy versus conventional systemic monotherapy, versus combined biologic and conventional systemic drugs, and versus therapy adaptation (switching from one type to another). Methods: PASI and DLQI within 1 year after onset of systemic treatment, measured at 3, 6, and 12 months, were compared among the 4 groups using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Results: Between March 2011 and December 2014, 334 patients were included; 151 received conventional systemic therapeutics, 145 biologics, 13 combined treatment, and 25 had a therapy adaptation. With regard to the absolute PASI, neither the biologic cohort nor the combined treatment cohort significantly differed from the conventional systemic therapeutics cohort. The odds of reaching PASI90 was significantly increased with combined therapy compared to conventional systemic therapeutics (p = 0.043) and decreased with a higher body mass index (p = 0.041). At visits 3 and 4, the PASI was generally lower than at visit 2 (visit 3 vs. visit 2, p = 0.0019; visit 4 vs. visit 2, p < 0.001). After 12 months, patients with biologic treatment had a significantly lower DLQI than those with conventional systemic therapeutics (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that after 1 year of treatment, biologics are superior in improving the subjective disease burden compared to conventional systemic drugs.
Incidence of First Time Stroke: A Saudi Experience
Authors: Al-Shenqiti Abdullah M. , Ibrahim Sameh R. , Khaled Osama A. , Ali Abdul Rahman H. , Ahmed Mostafa S.
Published: January 2017

Background: Stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. A number of studies were conducted in Saudi Arabia. However, there were no studies conducted in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah city. Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain the incidence rate of first time stroke and the age-specific incidence in both genders in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah city. Methods: A prospective hospital based study was conducted over a 1-year period (2014). The cases were included in the study when they were admitted with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident. Results: A total 164 patients (91 men and 73 women) who had first time stroke were found in this study with no significant difference between them (p = 0.565). The crude incidence rate of stroke was 13.89 per 100,000 persons. The age-specific incidence rate increased with age in the current study, where the peak was in the age group of more than 75 years old for men and women. Conclusions: Total crude and the age-specific rates for first time stroke patients revealed in this study were markedly lower than the range reported from the developed countries. However, they were within the range that showed previously in Saudi Arabia and Arabian Peninsula countries.
The Effects of Body Mass Index on Second-Trimester Amniotic Fluid Cytokine and Matrix Metalloproteinase Levels
Authors: Melekoglu Rauf , Ciftci Osman , Eraslan Sevil , Basak Nese , Celik Ebru
Published: January 2017

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of obesity on amniotic fluid (AF) inflammatory markers in second-trimester AF, testing the hypothesis that there is a relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and fetal inflammatory exposure. Methods: AF was obtained from 84 singleton pregnant women undergoing elective amniocentesis for karyotype analysis at 16-24 weeks of gestation between April 2014 and May 2016. The cell-free AF was used to analyze interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-6, and MMP-13. Results: IL-1β levels were significantly higher in class II-III obese patients than in class I obese, overweight, and normal weight patients (14.68 ± 1.37 vs. 13.34 ± 1.86 vs. 13.00 ± 2.22 vs. 10.78 ± 1.92, respectively; p < 0.05). IL-6 levels were lowest in the normal weight group and highest in class II-III obese patients. MMP-1, MMP-6, and MMP-13 levels were also significantly higher in class II-III obese patients than in the other groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the fetuses of class II-III obese women are exposed in utero to higher cytokine and MMP levels than fetuses of lean women. Modification of current cutoff levels of intra-amniotic cytokines and MMPs according to the BMI could improve the accuracy of the prenatal diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection and inflammation.
Psychophysiological Effects of a Single, Short, and Moderately Bright Room Light Exposure on Mildly Depressed Geriatric Inpatients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Canazei Markus , Pohl Wilfried , Bauernhofer Kathrin , Papousek Ilona , Lackner Helmut K. , Bliem Harald R. , Marksteiner Josef , Weiss Elisabeth M.
Published: January 2017

Background: Light interventions typically exert their mood-related effects during morning bright light exposures over several weeks. Evidence about immediate ambient room light effects on depressed individuals is still sparse. Objective: The present study aimed at examining the acute effects of a single moderately bright room light exposure on mood, and behavioural and cardiac stress reactions of mildly depressed geriatric inpatients during a short cognitive stimulation and while resting. Methods: Twenty-one inpatients were tested in a balanced cross-over design on 2 consecutive days under either conventional room light (standard light) or artificial sunlight conditions for 30 min. Room illumination was implemented with an artificial skylight, which perfectly imitated solar indoor illumination (e.g., cloudless sky and bright artificial sun). Light-induced changes of mood, heart rate, and heart rate variability were recorded while performing a perseveration test (acted as cognitive stimulation) twice. Additionally, light-related behaviour was observed during a resting period between the cognitive tests and various subjective ratings were obtained. Results: Compared to standard light, exposure to artificial sunlight had a subjective calming effect over time (p = 0.029) as well as decreased heart rate and increased vagal tone (root mean squared of successive inter-beat intervals), both under cognitive workload and in resting conditions. Effect sizes of reported cardiac reactions were large. Cognitive variables were not influenced by light. Additionally, under the higher corneal illuminance of the artificial sunlight, patients perceived stronger glare (p = 0.030) and kept their eyes closed for longer times (p = 0.033) during the resting period. However, patients did not avoid bright light exposure while resting but voluntarily stayed within the area directly lit by the artificial sun nearly all the time (97%). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study for the first time demonstrated immediate psychophysiological effects of a single, short room light exposure in mildly depressed geriatric inpatients during a short cognitive stimulation and while resting. The findings complement reported evidence on immediate alerting and mood-related effects of bright light exposures.
Indicators of Adiposity Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in the Elderly
Authors: de Oliveira Carolina Cunha , Roriz Anna Karla C. , Ramos Lilian B. , Gomes Neto Mansueto
Published: January 2017

Background: Adiposity indicators can be used as predictors of cardiovascular risk in the elderly. However, there are only a very few studies that deal with the accuracy of adiposity indicators as predictors of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the elderly. We evaluated the performance of adiposity indicators of MS prediction in the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 203 elderly people of both genders. Variables: MS defined by harmonized criteria, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), conicity index (CI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity (sens) and specificity (spec). Results: The WC, WHtR, and LAP indicators showed the highest AUC, with values greater than 0.84. For the general population, WHtR and LAP had the highest Youden index values, identifying a point of approximately 0.55 (sens: 85.6%; spec: 80.4%) for WHtR and 32.3 (sens: 81.1%; spec: 75.0%) for LAP. When analyzed by gender, it was observed that the WC and WHtR had the highest Youden index values for prediction of MS in both genders. The CI and VAI showed the lowest discriminatory power for MS. Conclusion: Both the adiposity indicators, WC and WHtR, as well as LAP, had high accuracy in MS discrimination. Therefore, they are effective in MS assessment in the elderly and during follow-up for individual and collective clinical practice.
Concentrating Power for MPPT Solar PV Module forming Channelization of Efficient Energy
Authors: Aswal Pankaj , Chaturvedi Mayank , Singh Puspender , Kumar Juneja Pradeep
Published: January 2017

The energy of photovoltaic (PV) is going to become a most relevant part of renewable energy in world, by PVC Cell system for sufficient energy extraction this research will scrutinize the solar PV energy generation and conversion by effective devices to grid alliances Here this treatise target on I-V and P-V characteristics of Photo volatile modules or array, primarily under irregular shading condition, the model development of PV system and considering both physical and electrical parameters of solar PV module. The treatise ponder that how disparate bypass diode collocation could be influences maximum power conclusion characteristics of a solar PV module or array.
Microarray Image Analysis Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Sivalakshmi Bolem , Malleswara Rao N. Naga
Published: January 2017

Microarray technology allows the simultaneous monitoring of thousands of genes. Based on the gene expression measurements, microarray technology have proven powerful in gene expression profiling for discovering new types of diseases and for predicting the type of a disease. Gridding, segmentation and intensity extraction are the three important steps in microarray image analysis. This paper presents microarray image analysis using Genetic Algorithm. A new algorithm for microarray image contrast enhancement is presented using Genetic Algorithm. Contrast enhancement is crucial step in extracting edge information in image and finally this edge information is used in gridding of microarray image. Mostly segmentation of microarray image is carried out using clustering algorithms. Clustering algorithms have an advantage that they are not restricted to a particular shape and size for the spots. In this paper, segmentation using Genetic Algorithm by optimizing K-means index and Jm measure is presented. The qualitative analysis shows that the proposed method achieves better segmentation results than K-means and FCM algorithms.
Offline Signature Recognition using Back Propagation Neural Network
Authors: Rahmi Asyrofa , Wijayaningrum Vivi Nur , Mahmudy Wayan Firdaus , Parewe Andi Maulidinnawati A. K.
Published: January 2017

The signature recognition is a difficult process as it requires several phases. A failure in a phase will significantly reduce the recognition accuracy. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) believed to be used to assist in the recognition or classification of the signature. In this study, the ANN algorithm used is Back Propagation. A mechanism to adaptively adjust the learning rate is developed to improve the system accuracy. The purpose of this study is to conduct the recognition of a number of signatures so that can be known whether the recognition which is done by using the Back Propagation is appropriate or not. The testing results performed by using learning rate of 0.64, the number of iterations is 100, and produces an accuracy value of 63%.
Plasma ADAMTS13 activity and von Willebrand factor antigen and activity in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: McDaniel Jenny K. , Pham Huy P. , Raju Dheeraj , Nawalinski Kelsey , Frangos Suzanne , Kung David , Zager Eric E. , Kasner Scott E. , Levine Joshua M. , Kumar Monisha , Cao Wenjing , Long Zheng X.
Published: January 2017

Increased von Willebrand factor (VWF) and reduced ADAMTS13 activity are associated with arterial thrombosis. This may also be the culprit mechanism implicated in delayed cerebral ischaemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). It was our objective to determine plasma VWF and ADAMTS13 in patients with SAH and healthy subjects; and to explore the levels of those markers and outcome after SAH. Forty consecutive patients were enrolled between September 2007 and April 2014 in a pilot study. Plasma samples were collected from SAH patients on post-bleed day (PBD) 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 and healthy controls. VWF antigen (VWFAg) and VWF activity (VWFAc) were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay and collagen binding assay, respectively. ADAMTS13 activity was determined by the cleavage of a fluorescent substrate. Univariate descriptive statistics and cluster analyses were performed based on outcomes in the group with SAH only. Mean age of SAH patients was 52.4 years (26–84 years) and 30 (75 %) were women. 12/40 (30 %) had a high Hunt and Hess grade (IV-V) and 25 (62.5 %) were treated with coil embolisation. Plasma VWFAg and VWFAc were significantly higher in SAH patients than those in healthy subjects on each PBD (p<0.0001). Concurrently, plasma ADAMTS13 activity in SAH patients was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects (p<0.0001). Among those with SAH, cluster analysis demonstrated that patients with higher VWFAg and VWFAc and/or lower ADAMTS13 activity might be at risk of increased mortality. In conclusion, the relative deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity in SAH patients may associate with worse outcome.
The Elusive Progenitor Cell in Cardiac Regeneration
Authors: Cai Chen-Leng , Molkentin Jeffery D.
Published: January 2017

The adult human heart is unable to regenerate after various forms of injury, suggesting that this organ lacks a biologically meaningful endogenous stem cell pool. However, injecting the infarcted area of the adult mammalian heart with exogenously prepared progenitor cells of various types has been reported to create new myocardium by the direct conversion of these progenitor cells into cardiomyocytes. These reports remain controversial because follow-up studies from independent laboratories failed to observe such an effect. Also, the exact nature of various putative myocyte-producing progenitor cells remains elusive and undefined across laboratories. By comparison, the field has gradually worked toward a consensus viewpoint that proposes that the adult mammalian myocardium can undergo a low level of new cardiomyocyte renewal of ≈1% per year, which is primarily because of proliferation of existing cardiomyocytes but not from the differentiation of putative progenitor cells. This review will weigh the emerging evidence, suggesting that the adult mammalian heart lacks a definable myocyte-generating progenitor cell of biological significance.
Drip ‘n Ship Versus Mothership for Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Milne Matthew S.W. , Holodinsky Jessalyn K. , Hill Michael D. , Nygren Anders , Qiu Chao , Goyal Mayank , Kamal Noreen
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

There is uncertainty regarding the best way for patients outside of endovascular-capable or Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSC) to access endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. The role of the nonendovascular-capable Primary Stroke Centers (PSC) that can offer thrombolysis with alteplase but not endovascular treatment is unclear. A key question is whether average benefit is greater with early thrombolysis at the closest PSC before transportation to the CSC (Drip ‘n Ship) or with PSC bypass and direct transport to the CSC (Mothership). Ideal transportation options were mapped based on the location of their endovascular-capable CSCs and nonendovascular-capable PSCs.

Methods—

Probability models for endovascular treatment were developed from the ESCAPE trial’s (Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Anterior Circulation Proximal Occlusion With Emphasis on Minimizing CT to Recanalization Times) decay curves and for alteplase treatment were extracted from the Get With The Guidelines decay curve. The time on-scene, needle-to-door-out time at the PSC, door-to-needle time at the CSC, and door-to-reperfusion time were assumed constant at 25, 20, 30, and 115 minutes, respectively. Emergency medical services transportation times were calculated using Google’s Distance Matrix Application Programming Interface interfaced with MATLAB’s Mapping Toolbox to create map visualizations.

Results—

Maps were generated for multiple onset-to-first medical response times and door-to-needle times at the PSCs of 30, 60, and 90. These figures demonstrate the transportation option that yields the better modeled outcome in specific regions. The probability of good outcome is shown.

Conclusions—

Drip ‘n Ship demonstrates that a PSC that is in close proximity to a CSC remains significant only when the PSC is able to achieve a door-to-needle time of ≤30 minutes when the CSC is also efficient.
A New Algorithm Using the Non-Dominated Tree to Improve Non-Dominated Sorting
Authors: Gustavsson Patrik , Syberfeldt Anna
Published: January 2017

Non-dominated sorting is a technique often used in evolutionary algorithms to determine the quality of solutions in a population. The most common algorithm is the Fast Non-dominated Sort (FNS). This algorithm, however, has the drawback that its performance deteriorates when the population size grows. The same drawback applies also to other non-dominating sorting algorithms such as the Efficient Non-dominated Sort with Binary Strategy (ENS-BS). An algorithm suggested to overcome this drawback is the Divide-and-Conquer Non-dominated Sort (DCNS) which works well on a limited number of objectives but deteriorates when the number of objectives grows. This article presents a new, more efficient algorithm called the Efficient Non-dominated Sort with Non-Dominated Tree (ENS-NDT). ENS-NDT is an extension of the ENS-BS algorithm and uses a novel Non-Dominated Tree (NDTree) to speed up the non-dominated sorting. ENS-NDT is able to handle large population sizes and a large number of objectives more efficiently than existing algorithms for non-dominated sorting. In the article, it is shown that with ENS-NDT the runtime of multi-objective optimization algorithms such as the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) can be substantially reduced.
Israelian Hebrew: A Re-Evaluation
Authors: Pat-El Na’ama
Published: January 2017

The biblical text implies that the language of the southern and northern monarchies differed, though with the exception of one anecdotal story no specifics are offered. While the hypothetical existence of a number of dialects is widely accepted, several scholars have claimed that there is actual evidence for at least two, possibly three, dialects in the text of the Hebrew Bible. In order to substantiate this claim a long list of grammatical features has been suggested over the past three decades. In this paper I will evaluate the evidence purported to prove the existence of Hebrew dialects, and show that it is weak and does not support the dialectal hypothesis.
Critical Reactions to the 1890 Japanese Print Exhibition in Paris
Authors: Saito Tatsuya
Published: January 2017

The great Japanese pictorial arts retrospective held in Paris in 1890 drew considerable attention from critics. By examining press reviews, this article aims to clarify how the critics responded to the exhibition and Japanese prints. Many reviewers expressed favorable opinions of the exhibition, describing the characteristics of Japanese art and notable painters such as Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Utamaro as well as the so-called “primitive artists.” However, there was also harsh criticism of Japonisme and Japanese art, which is discussed here as well. Writers such as Teodor de Wyzewa, Edmond Pottier, and Jacques Tasset published original studies on the Japanese pictorial arts. Their writings will likewise be analyzed in order to present the wide variety of reactions in the critical sphere.
Acalyptris Meyrick: revision of the platani and staticis groups in Europe and the Mediterranean (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae)
Authors: VAN NIEUKERKEN ERIK J.
Published: January 2017

The European and Mediterranean species of the Acalyptris platani and A. staticis groups are revised, with respectively four and six species. Three new species are described: A. pistaciae Van Nieukerken sp. n. (from Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, on Pistacia) in the platani group, A. limoniastri Van Nieukerken sp. n. (from Algeria and Tunisia, associated with Limoniastrum) and A. lesbia Van Nieukerken & Hull sp. n. (from Greece: Lesvos, on Limonium gmelini) in the staticis group. Lectotypes are selected for A. minimella (Rebel, 1924) and A. staticis (Walsingham, 1908). The European species of the A. platani group are leafminers on Anacardiaceae, Platanaceae and Loranthaceae, the species of the A. staticis group feed on Plumbaginaceae, except A. pyrenaica A. & Z. Laštůvka, for which the host is unknown, but likely to belong to another family. Immatures are described for five species, final instar larvae and pupal exuviae for all species in the A. platani group and for A. lesbia. Larvae and pupae of the latter species differ markedly from the A. platani group. Recorded parasitoids are listed. CO1 barcodes are provided for seven species. The groups are phylogenetically not very close; the monophyly of Acalyptris and the phylogeny on the basis of CO1 (mt-DNA) sequences are discussed.
Deep sea Syllidae (Annelida, Phyllodocida) from Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: BARROSO RÔMULO , DE PAIVA PAULO CESAR , NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL DE MATOS , FUKUDA MARCELO VERONESI
Published: January 2017

We describe herein ten species of Syllidae from the Southern Brazil continental slope (700–2000 m deep), belonging to the genera Anguillosyllis, Exogone, Parexogone, Prosphaerosyllis, Sphaerosyllis and Syllis. Out of those, three species are new to science and six are formally reported for Brazil for the first time. Some synonymies are proposed and a taxonomic key for all described species of the genus Anguillosyllis is provided.
A new species of the genus Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from the Western Ghats of India
Authors: RACHANA R.R. , VARATHARAJAN R.
Published: January 2017

Thrips laurencei sp.n. is described from specimens collected on flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla in Western Ghats range of Tamil Nadu, India. This new species shows sexual dimorphism in colour, with the females brownish yellow with brown shadings but the males uniformly yellow.
Statistical Connection between the Madden–Julian Oscillation and Large Daily Precipitation Events in West Africa
Authors: Sossa Awolou , Liebmann Brant , Bladé Ileana , Allured Dave , Hendon Harry H. , Peterson Pete , Hoell Andrew
Published: January 2017

This study focuses on the impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO)—as monitored by a well-known multivariate index—on large daily precipitation events in West Africa for the period 1981–2014. Two seasons are considered: the near-equatorial wet season in March–May (MAM) and the peak of the West African monsoon during July–September (JAS), when the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is at its most northerly position. Although the MJO-related interannual variation of seasonal mean rainfall is large, the focus here is on the impacts of the MJO on daily time scales because variations in the frequency of intense, short-term, flood-causing, rainfall events are more important for West African agriculture than variations in seasonal precipitation, particularly near the Guinean coast, where precipitation is abundant. Using composites based on thresholds of daily precipitation amounts, changes in mean precipitation and frequency of the heaviest daily events associated with the phase of the MJO are investigated. The expected modulation of mean rainfall by the MJO is much stronger during MAM than during JAS; yet the modulation of the largest events (i.e., daily rainfall rates above the 90th percentile) is comparable in both seasons. Conservative statistical tests of local and field significance indicate unambiguous impacts of the MJO of the expected sign during certain phases, but the nature of the impact depends on the local seasonal precipitation regime. For instance, in JAS, the early stages of the MJO increase the risk of flooding in the Sahel monsoon region while providing relief to the dry southern coast.
Negotiating the Field: New Observations on the Making of Police Officers
Authors: Chan Janet
Published: January 2017

This paper draws on the findings of a longitudinal study of police socialisation to refine and expand on the Bourdieuian framework of police culture developed in Chan (1997). The research supports the conclusion that the socialisation of police is a more complex and contingent process, and recruits far more active and reflective, than previously assumed. In addition, the paper shows that the socialisation process has become more unpredictable as a result of the changing social and political context of policing. It is argued that a deeper understanding of the socialisation process must take into account the interaction between the occupational “habitus” and the changing “field” of policing.
Complaints of Child Sexual Abuse: Too Easy to Make or Too Difficult to Prove?
Authors: Cossins Anne
Published: January 2017

This article analyses the social context in which the corroboration warning became entrenched in the child sexual assault trial, its historical legacy in terms of present day practice and the theoretical implications of this history and practice in terms of the sexed and gendered constructions of the female child complainant. In light of this analysis, the article discusses the implications for law reform of the child sexual assault trial, in particular the need to address the unique problems associated with prosecuting child sex offences.
Ethnic Based Differences in Drug Offending
Authors: Beyer Lorraine , Reid Gary , Crofts Nick
Published: January 2017

There is a perception in Victoria that some ethnic groups are more heavily involved in illicit drugs than others. The published police and prison statistics appear to support this view. The paper discusses why published statistics show an increase in drug offending by people of Vietnamese birth, describes some of the outcomes of current criminal justice responses to the illicit drug problem in Victoria, and identifies differing offending patterns between drug offenders of “Asian” and “non-Asian” backgrounds. Court and Juvenile Justice key informants’ perceptions of the reasons young “Asian” people become involved with heroin is also briefly discussed.
A three-decade repeated cross-sectional survey on mental health of the Chinese Jino minority
Authors: Yang JianZhong , Kang ChuanYuan , Li JianHua , Li PeiKai , Zhao XuDong
Published: January 2017

Objective:

As there is growing evidence outlining varying degrees of social, economic and cultural changes among minority groups in China, there was a need to undertake research to determine whether modernization and urbanization of China has had an impact on the mental health of individuals from minority groups. In 1979, the Jino ethnic minority group was the last minority group to be designated a minority by the Chinese Central Government. As a direct result of the Chinese Government intervention, the Jino society began transitioning from a traditional rural lifestyle existence to that of a more modern urban lifestyle. Our objective was to explore whether changing social and economic influences had impacted the mental health of the Jino people.

Methods:

A longitudinal study over three decades was undertaken to determine the mental health of the Jino People.

Results:

From our initial study in 1979 and subsequent follow-up studies in 1989, 1999 and 2009, there were no significant changes found for 1-month prevalence, lifetime prevalence and prognosis for schizophrenia and mental retardation among the Jino population researched. For major depressive disorders, there were significant differences, suggesting a rising trend not only in 1-month prevalence but also in lifetime prevalence. We found significant differences had occurred over the three decades for alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence and Korsakov’s psychosis. At the same time, the annual suicide incidence had increased at least three times in 2009 compared to that of 1989.

Conclusion:

Results from our three-decade longitudinal repeated cross-sectional survey show that due to rapid social, economic and cultural changes among the Jino people, serious social and mental health problems such as alcohol-related disorder, suicide and major depressive disorders have increased.
William Alston and the direct perception of God
Authors: Switankowsky Irene
Published: January 2017

In his book Perceiving God, William Alston claims that some mystical experiences are direct perceptions of God. Many theists will find this claim extraordinary, if not absurd. In this article the author shows that the property of "directness" is radically ambiguous. She claims that Alston has transferred a modified version of what she calls "physical object direct awareness (perception)" to a direct awareness (perception) of God. The author then shows why this cannot coherently succeed.
Like a cook in a café
Authors: Desjardins Michel
Published: January 2017

This study deals with pedagogy and the academic study of religion. Written in the form of a personal reflection on the material conditions of teaching in North American universities, it highlights the importance of respect and the reality, for many, of teaching on the margins.
What We Know about Effective Instructional Practices for English-Language Learners
Authors: Gersten Russell , Baker Scott
Published: January 2017

This research synthesis, using a qualitative multivocal method (Ogawa & Malen, 1991), investigates the knowledge base of effective instruction for English-language learners in elementary and middle school grades. Interviews with professional educators and researchers around the country in a series of five work groups were conducted. Findings from the work groups were enhanced by a review of the literature consisting of 9 intervention studies (8 group studies and 1 single-subject study) and 15 descriptive studies. Major themes and implications for conducting future research and improving current practice are discussed.
Response to Instruction as a Means of Identifying Students with Reading/Learning Disabilities
Authors: Vaughn Sharon , Linan-Thompson Sylvia , Hickman Peggy
Published: January 2017

To examine a response to treatment model as a means for identifying students with reading/learning disabilities, 45 second-grade students at risk for reading problems were provided daily supplemental reading instruction and assessed after 10 weeks to determine if they met a prior criteria for exit. Students who met criteria no longer received supplemental instruction. Those who did not were regrouped and supplemental instruction was continued for another 10 weeks. After 20 weeks of supplemental instruction, students who still had not met criteria were provided another 10 weeks of supplemental instruction. Students who never met criteria were classified as no exit. Pretest scores on fluency, passage comprehension, and rapid naming were the significant predictors of students who did not meet exit criteria.
Job Performance of Transition-Age Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Carter Erik W. , Wehby Joseph H.
Published: January 2017

This study examined the job performance of adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD). Adolescent employees with E/BD (n = 47) and their immediate supervisors (n = 47) rated (a) adolescents' performance of 50 workplace behaviors and (b) the importance of those same behaviors to success on the job. Significant discrepancies were found between supervisor's ratings of the importance of work behaviors and their ratings of adolescents' performance of the same behaviors. In addition, adolescents' ratings of their own job performance were significantly more favorable than the ratings of their supervisors. Implications of the study are discussed within the context of secondary transition programming for adolescents with E/BD.
Independent Educational Evaluations under IDEA ′97: It's a Testy Matter
Authors: Imber Steve C. , Radcliff David
Published: January 2017

An independent educational evaluation (IEE) provides parents with an opportunity to obtain alternative sources of information concerning the present levels of performance of their children. Although Congress guaranteed this procedural safeguard for parents in 1975 (P. L. No. 94–142), there have been several alterations of these regulations during the past 25 years. Primary areas of concern include: (a) What is an appropriate evaluation? (b) What are the circumstances in which a public agency must pay for an IEE? and (c) What is the timeline to which local educational agencies (LEAs) and parents must adhere? IDEA ′97 included modifications of previous federal regulations on IEEs. This article explores these alterations through a review of administrative decisions, court cases, state regulations, and U.S. Department of Education policy and opinion letters.
A National Look at Children and Families Entering Early Intervention
Authors: Scarborough Anita A. , Spiker Donna , Mallik Sangeeta , Hebbeler Kathleen M. , Bailey Donald B. , Simeonsson Rune J.
Published: January 2017

The National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS) is the first study of Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) early intervention system with a nationally representative sample of infants and toddlers with disabilities. This article presents national estimates of characteristics of infants and toddlers and their families at the time they entered the early intervention (EI) system. The variability in children in EI is marked by high proportions of children from low-income families, ethnic minorities, those in foster care, and males. Nearly one third (32%) are low birth weight, four times the rate in the general population. Infants and toddlers in EI are eight times more likely to be rated as having fair or poor general health. Children enter at all ages across the first 3 years of life, but those eligible because of developmental delays enter as toddlers, in comparison with those eligible because of diagnosed conditions or subject to biological or environmental risk factors, who tend to enter in the first year of life. The variability of the infants and toddlers in EI indicates that there is no typical child in EI.
Alternate Assessment: Have We Learned Anything New?
Authors: Towles-Reeves Elizabeth , Kleinert Harold , Muhomba Monicah
Published: January 2017

Since the first review of alternate assessment literature by Browder, Spooner, Algozzine, et al. (2003), educational research related to alternate assessment has rapidly expanded as state and federal policies have required the inclusion of students with disabilities, including students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, in state and school accountability indexes. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the empirical studies conducted since the conception of alternate assessment to evaluate the progress made in this area, using a research framework proposed by Browder et al. We discuss future research directions, particularly as these relate to recent changes in federal policy under No Child Left Behind as well as implications for teachers and practitioners.
An Examination of the Evidence Base for Function-Based Interventions for Students with Emotional and/or Behavioral Disorders Attending Middle and High Schools
Authors: Lane Kathleen Lynne , Kalberg Jemma Robertson , Shepcaro Jenna Courtney
Published: January 2017

The authors field-tested the core quality indicators and standards for evidence-based practices for single-case design studies developed by Horner and colleagues (2005) by applying them to the literature exploring functional assessment-based interventions conducted with secondary-age students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders (EBD). First, we evaluated this knowledge base by applying the indicators to determine if the studies identified (n = 12) were of acceptable methodological quality. Second, we analyzed studies meeting the recommended quality indicators to determine whether function-based interventions with students with EBD might be considered an evidence-based practice. Results reveal that only 1 study addressed all proposed quality indicators, suggesting that function-based interventions are not yet an evidence-based practice for this population per these indicators and standards. Limitations and recommendations are posed.
Using Time Delay to Teach Literacy to Students with Severe Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Browder Diane , Ahlgrim-Delzell Lynn , Spooner Fred , Mims Pamela J. , Baker Joshua N.
Published: January 2017

A review of the literature was conducted for articles published between 1975 and 2007 on the application of time delay as an instructional procedure to teach word and picture recognition to students with severe developmental disabilities in an effort to evaluate time delay as an evidence-based practice. A total of 30 experiments were analyzed using quality indicators for single-subject design research. In general, we found that time delay was an evidence-based practice for teaching picture and sight word recognition supported by standards for evidence-based practice proposed by Horner et al. (2005). We discuss lessons learned in summarizing a body of literature to define an evidence-based practice and suggestions for better defining the practice.