bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congestion-free multi-agent navigation based on velocity space by using cellular automata
Authors: Haciomeroglu Murat
Published: November 2015

In this study have we focused on two aspects of multi-agent simulations. The first is based on a finding in recent years, which is that a standalone global path does not always provide adequate multi-agent navigation in crowded scenarios. A global planner that is aware of other agent configurations and thus finds clearer paths is required for optimal navigation. In real life, usually, an agent is only aware of the area close to it. In this study, by taking into account this limitation, we propose a state-machine-based global planner that monitors agents’ close domains and, if required, modifies the path for congestion prevention. The second aspect is the coordination of local and global planners. Multi-agent navigation systems require both local steering and global path planning. As a matter of fact, these two systems should work in coordination since the output of one influences the other. A steering technique cannot always guarantee smooth and collision-free navigation while tracking the global planner’s path. Therefore, we propose a system that detects and rebuilds coordination between local and global path planners.
Navigating Hypermasculine Terrains: Female Tactics for Safety and Social Mastery
Authors: Henriksen Ann-Karina
Published: November 2015

The study addresses how young women navigate urban terrains that are characterized by high levels of interpersonal aggression and crime. It is argued that young women apply a range of gendered tactics to establish safety and social mastery, and that these are framed by the limits and possibilities imposed by a street-based hypermasculine script. The analysis rests on an ethnographic study among 25 young Danish women aged 13 to 23 experienced in engaging in street-based physical violence. The study suggests that explorations of female tactics can provide a useful method of analysis for understanding female agency in (hyper)masculine social terrains.
Experimental study on depth of paraffin wax over floating absorber plate in built-in storage solar water heater
Authors: Sivakumar R , Sivaramakrishnan V , Vivekanandan M
Published: November 2015

The aim of this article is to study the effect of depth of phase change material over the absorber surface of an integrated collector-storage type flat plate solar water heater. Flat plate solar water heaters are extensively used all over the world to utilize the natural source of solar energy. In order to utilize the solar energy during off-sunshine hours, it is inevitable to store and retain solar thermal energy as long as possible. Here, phase change material is not used for heat storage, but to minimize losses during day and night time only. The depth of phase change material over a fixed depth of water in a solar thermal collector is an important geometric parameter that influences the maximum temperature rise during peak solar irradiation and hence the losses. From the results of the studies for different masses of paraffin wax phase change material layers, the optimum depth corresponding to the maximum heat gain till evening is found to be 2 mm, and the heat retention till the next day morning is found to be 4 mm.
Research on the modeling of the impedance match bond at station track circuit in Chinese high-speed railway
Authors: Yang Shiwu , Cui Yong , Liu Jialiang , Li Yilin
Published: November 2015

Frequency-shift keying audio jointless track circuit is used in high-speed railway in China. However, within the station, track circuit with mechanical insulation is applied. In complex circuit network of electrified railway station, impedance match bond is designed to ensure the normal operation of the track circuit and the protection of strong traction current interference. As a combination of strong and weak electricity components of track circuit, impedance match bond is both the part of the loop of the traction current and the part of the transmission line of track circuit, playing a very critical role in the electrified railway. The structure of impedance match bond is more complex than traditional impedance transformer, including the transformer with larger air-gap, LC resonance circuit for power frequency filtering, and components to enhance the signal frequency. Modeling on impedance match bond and study about the four-terminal network parameters of impedance match bond are in favor of the following two aspects: modeling of the overall traction current and calculation of track circuit working condition. By applying the transformer equivalent circuit model and combination of testing and calculation, the accurate model of impedance match bond is constructed and verified. Finally, for ease of track circuit calculation, four-terminal network model of impedance match bond under different signal carrier frequencies is presented.
Toward a Psychology of Surrogate Decision Making
Authors: Tunney Richard J. , Ziegler Fenja V.
Published: November 2015

In everyday life, many of the decisions that we make are made on behalf of other people. A growing body of research suggests that we often, but not always, make different decisions on behalf of other people than the other person would choose. This is problematic in the practical case of legally designated surrogate decision makers, who may not meet the substituted judgment standard. Here, we review evidence from studies of surrogate decision making and examine the extent to which surrogate decision making accurately predicts the recipient’s wishes, or if it is an incomplete or distorted application of the surrogate’s own decision-making processes. We find no existing domain-general model of surrogate decision making. We propose a framework by which surrogate decision making can be assessed and a novel domain-general theory as a unifying explanatory concept for surrogate decisions.
Leveraging Psychological Insights to Encourage the Responsible Use of Consumer Debt
Authors: Hershfield Hal E. , Sussman Abigail B. , O’Brien Rourke L. , Bryan Christopher J.
Published: November 2015

U.S. consumers currently hold $880 billion in revolving debt, with a mean household credit card balance of approximately $6,000. Although economic factors play a role in this societal issue, it is clear that psychological forces also affect consumers’ decisions to take on and maintain unmanageable debt balances. We examine three psychological barriers to the responsible use of credit and debt. We discuss the tendency for consumers to (a) make erroneous predictions about future spending habits, (b) rely too heavily on values presented on billing statements, and (c) categorize debt and saving into separate mental accounts. To overcome these obstacles, we urge policymakers to implement methods that facilitate better budgeting of future expenses, modify existing credit card statement disclosures, and allow consumers to easily apply government transfers (such as tax credits) to debt repayment. In doing so, we highlight minimal and inexpensive ways to remedy the debt problem.
Family Matters in Bereavement
Authors: Stroebe Margaret , Schut Henk
Published: November 2015

The death of a loved one can be heartbreaking for those left behind, and indeed, bereavement is associated not only with adverse health effects but also a higher risk of dying oneself. Not surprisingly, its consequences have been the subject of much psychological enquiry, with a major interest in shedding light on how one adapts, who is most at risk, and why. Often the focus is on the bereaved individual, yet people do not typically grieve in isolation; most do so with family members who have likewise experienced the loss. Family dynamics affect personal grief and vice versa. What is more, family concerns, such as reduced finances, legal consequences, and changed family relationships, have to be dealt with. While the latter stressful aspects have been investigated, there is still a huge gap between the individual and family approaches. To move them closer together, we propose a family-level extension of our Dual Process Model, showing how the whole may actually be more—and more accurate—than the sum of the two parts.
Jump-Starting Early Childhood Education at Home
Authors: Maloney Erin A. , Converse Benjamin A. , Gibbs Chloe R. , Levine Susan C. , Beilock Sian L.
Published: November 2015

By the time children begin formal schooling, their experiences at home have already contributed to large variations in their math and language development, and once school begins, academic achievement continues to depend strongly on influences outside of school. It is thus essential that educational reform strategies involve primary caregivers. Specifically, programs and policies should promote and support aspects of caregiver–child interaction that have been empirically demonstrated to boost early learning and should seek to impede “motivational sinkholes” that threaten to undermine caregivers’ desires to engage their children effectively. This article draws on cognitive and behavioral science to detail simple, low-cost, and effective tools caregivers can employ to prepare their children for educational success and then describes conditions that can protect and facilitate caregivers’ motivation to use those tools. Policy recommendations throughout focus on using existing infrastructure to more deeply engage caregivers in effective early childhood education at home.
A Short (Personal) Future History of Revolution 2.0
Authors: Spellman Barbara A.
Published: November 2015

Crisis of replicability is one term that psychological scientists use for the current introspective phase we are in—I argue instead that we are going through a revolution analogous to a political revolution. Revolution 2.0 is an uprising focused on how we should be doing science now (i.e., in a 2.0 world). The precipitating events of the revolution have already been well-documented: failures to replicate, questionable research practices, fraud, etc. And the fact that none of these events is new to our field has also been well-documented. I suggest four interconnected reasons as to why this time is different: changing technology, changing demographics of researchers, limited resources, and misaligned incentives. I then describe two reasons why the revolution is more likely to catch on this time: technology (as part of the solution) and the fact that these concerns cut across social and life sciences—that is, we are not alone. Neither side in the revolution has behaved well, and each has characterized the other in extreme terms (although, of course, each has had a few extreme actors). Some suggested reforms are already taking hold (e.g., journals asking for more transparency in methods and analysis decisions; journals publishing replications) but the feared tyrannical requirements have, of course, not taken root (e.g., few journals require open data; there is no ban on exploratory analyses). Still, we have not yet made needed advances in the ways in which we accumulate, connect, and extract conclusions from our aggregated research. However, we are now ready to move forward by adopting incremental changes and by acknowledging the multiplicity of goals within psychological science.
A good outcome after absence of bilateral N20 SSEPs post-cardiac arrest
Authors: Karunasekara N , Salib S , MacDuff A
Published: November 2015

A 51-year-old man suffered a cardiac arrest after an attempted hanging. Post-arrest assessment revealed the bilateral absence of negative 20 somatosensory evoked potentials (N20 SSEPs) which is suggestive of a poor neurological outcome. Current evidence recommends its use in prognostication. Our patient made a good recovery which brings into question the value of negative 20 somatosensory evoked potentials in prognostication with concomitant neck injuries and swelling.
Individual Development Accounts and Homeownership among Low-income Adults with Disabilities
Authors: Huang Jin , Lombe Margaret , Putnam Michelle , Grinstein-Weiss Michal , Sherraden Michael
Published: November 2015

We examined the long-term effects of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), savings accounts that match funds deposited by participants for qualified purposes, on homeownership rates among study participants with disabilities in a randomized experiment. Results from a 10-year follow-up of the IDAs indicate that rates of homeownership were nearly 10 percentage points higher for treatment participants with disabilities than for control-group members with disabilities ( p < .10). The impacts of IDAs seem to vary with the baseline socioeconomic characteristics of participants—particularly with homeownership, bank account ownership, and public housing assistance. We conclude by discussing policy implications of using asset-building programs to support people with disabilities.
MRI with intrathecal MRI gadolinium contrast medium administration: a possible method to assess glymphatic function in human brain
Authors: Eide Per Kristian , Ringstad Geir
Published: November 2015

Recently, the “glymphatic system” of the brain has been discovered in rodents, which is a paravascular, transparenchymal route for clearance of excess brain metabolites and distribution of compounds in the cerebrospinal fluid. It has already been demonstrated that intrathecally administered gadolinium (Gd) contrast medium distributes along this route in rats, but so far not in humans. A 27-year-old woman underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with intrathecal administration of gadobutrol, which distributed throughout her entire brain after 1 and 4.5 h. MRI with intrathecal Gd may become a tool to study glymphatic function in the human brain.
Football Injuries and Physical Symptoms
Authors: Dvorak Jiri , Junge Astrid
Published: November 2015

Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide. The frequency of football injuries is estimated to be approximately 10 to 35 per 1000 playing hours. The majority of injuries occur in the lower extremities, mainly in the knees and ankles; the number of head injuries is probably underestimated. The average cost for medical treatment per football injury is estimated to be $150 (U.S. dollars). Considering the number of active football players worldwide, the socioeconomic and financial consequences of injury are of such a proportion that a prevention program to reduce the incidence of injuries is urgently required. For this reason, an analysis of intrinsic (person-related) and extrinsic (environment-related) risk factors was undertaken based on a review of the current literature. It was concluded that the epidemiologic information regarding the sports medicine aspects of football injuries is inconsistent and far from complete because of the employment of heterogeneous methods, various definitions of injury, and different characteristics of the assessed teams. The aim of this study was to analyze the literature on the incidence of injuries and symptoms in football players, as well as to identify risk factors for injury and to demonstrate possibilities for injury prevention.
Influence of Definition and Data Collection on the Incidence of Injuries in Football
Authors: Junge Astrid , Dvorak Jiri
Published: November 2015

Studies on the incidence of football injuries vary in the definition of injury, study design, methods of data collection, and observation periods. The aim of this study was to review the different methodologies applied in the evaluation of football injuries as well as to analyze the influence of data collection methods on the incidence of football injuries. In this study, injury data obtained weekly by a physician during 1 year of follow-up in 264 football players were compared with the results of retrospective questionnaires completed by the players at the end of the observation period. In the retrospective questionnaire, the incidence of injuries as well as of complaints was significantly lower than that found in the weekly follow-up examinations. Approximately every third moderate injury and less than 10% of the mild injuries were remembered retrospectively. The shorter the period of symptoms and the longer ago the injury occurred, the more frequently it was forgotten. However, even severe injuries, such as fractures, were not reported in the retrospective investigation. Based on the review of the literature and the data presented, recommendations in relation to study design, the definition of injury, and the calculation of incidence are proposed.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Tridax procumbens flavonoids promote osteoblast differentiation and bone formation
Authors: Al Mamun Md. Abdullah , Hosen Mohammad Jakir , Islam Kamrul , Khatun Amina , Alam M. Masihul , Al-Bari Md. Abdul Alim
Published: November 2015

Background

Tridax procumbens flavonoids (TPFs) are well known for their medicinal properties among local natives. Besides traditionally used for dropsy, anemia, arthritis, gout, asthma, ulcer, piles, and urinary problems, it is also used in treating gastric problems, body pain, and rheumatic pains of joints. TPFs have been reported to increase osteogenic functioning in mesenchymal stem cells. Our previous study showed that TPFs were significantly suppressed the RANKL-induced differentiation of osteoclasts and bone resorption. However, the effects of TPFs to promote osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation remain unclear. TPFs were isolated from Tridax procumbens and investigated for their effects on osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation by using primary mouse calvarial osteoblasts.

Results

TPFs promoted osteoblast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner demonstrated by up-regulation of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. TPFs also upregulated osteoblast differentiation related genes, including osteocalcin, osterix, and Runx2 in primary osteoblasts. TPFs treated primary osteoblast cells showed significant upregulation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) including Bmp-2, Bmp-4, and Bmp-7. Addition of noggin, a BMP specific-antagonist, inhibited TPFs induced upregulation of the osteocalcin, osterix, and Runx2.

Conclusion

Our findings point towards the induction of osteoblast differentiation by TPFs and suggested that TPFs could be a potential anabolic agent to treat patients with bone loss-associated diseases such as osteoporosis.
The level and patterns of fertility among women in Kersa Demographic Surveillance and Health Research Center (KDS-HRC) Field site, Kersa District, East Ethiopia
Authors: Zelalem Desalew , Semahegn Agumasie , Tesfaye Gezahegn , Sileshi Balewgize
Published: November 2015

Background

Fertility is one of the three principal components of population dynamics. High fertility and rapid population growth exert negative influences on economic and social development. This study was aimed to estimate the level and trends of fertility among (15–49 years) old women in kersa demographic surveillance and health research center, kersa district Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

The study was conducted at kersa demographic surveillance and health research center in kersa district, Eastern Ethiopia. The study utilized five years follow up data (2008–2012). All women (15 to 49 years old) who have been living at kersa demographic surveillance and health research center in kersa district from 2008 to 2012 were included in the analysis to estimate the level and pattern of fertility. Descriptive statistics was computed to determine level and pattern of fertility.

Results

Age specific fertility rate was highest in women of the age group 25–29 years old (233.2 per 1000 women in 2008; 205.8 per 1000 women in 2009; 279.0 per 1000 women in 2010; 186.6 per 1000 women in 2011 and 198.5 per 1000 women in 2012) in five consecutive years from 2008 to 2012. Total fertility rate didn't show any significant decline during the study period, i.e., 4.3, 4.5, 4.9, 3.5, 4.0 live births per woman throughout her reproductive period (15–49) years old in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. On the other hand, general fertility rate declined from 110.3 births per 1000 women in 2008 to 95.9 per 1000 women in the reproductive age in 2012.

Conclusion

The total fertility rate was found to be relatively high. Fertility rate is higher in rural residents and illiterate women than in urban residents and literate women. Strong information, education, communication and behavior change communication on family planning should be designed and implemented to prevent unwanted fertility.
Beyond the Biology: A Systematic Investigation of Noncontent Instructor Talk in an Introductory Biology Course
Authors: Seidel Shannon B. , Reggi Amanda L. , Schinske Jeffrey N. , Burrus Laura W. , Tanner Kimberly D.
Published: November 2015

Instructors create classroom environments that have the potential to impact learning by affecting student motivation, resistance, and self-efficacy. However, despite the critical importance of the learning environment in increasing conceptual understanding, little research has investigated what instructors say and do to create learning environments in college biology classrooms. We systematically investigated the language used by instructors that does not directly relate to course content and defined the construct of Instructor Talk. Transcripts were generated from a semester-long, cotaught introductory biology course (n = 270 students). Transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify emergent categories of Instructor Talk. The five emergent categories from analysis of more than 600 quotes were, in order of prevalence, 1) Building the Instructor/Student Relationship, 2) Establishing Classroom Culture, 3) Explaining Pedagogical Choices, 4) Sharing Personal Experiences, and 5) Unmasking Science. Instances of Instructor Talk were present in every class session analyzed and ranged from six to 68 quotes per session. The Instructor Talk framework is a novel research variable that could yield insights into instructor effectiveness, origins of student resistance, and methods for overcoming stereotype threat. Additionally, it holds promise in professional development settings to assist instructors in reflecting on the learning environments they create.
Iterative multiparameter waveform inversion of precritical reflection data using prestack time Kirchhoff approximation
Authors: Khaniani Hassan , Bancroft John C. , von Lunen Eric
Published: November 2015

We have studied elastic wave scattering and iterative inversion in the context of the Kirchhoff approximation. The approach is more consistent with the weak-contrast reflectivity functions of Zoeppritz equations as compared to the Born approximation. To reduce the computational cost associated with inversion, we demonstrated the use of amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) analysis, prestack time migrations (PSTMs), and the corresponding forward modeling in an iterative scheme. Forward modeling and migration/inversion operators are based on the double-square-root (DSR) equations of PSTM and linearized reflectivity functions. All operators involved in the inversion, including the background model for DSR and AVO, are defined in P-to-P traveltime and are updated at each iteration. Our method is practical for real data applications because all operators of the inversion are known to be applicable for standard methods. We have evaluated the inversion on synthetic and real data using the waveform characteristics of P-to-P and P-to-S data.
Implementation Science for Global Oncology: The Imperative to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Cancer Care Delivery
Authors: Tapela Neo M. , Mpunga Tharcisse , Karema Nadine , Nzayisenga Ignace , Fadelu Temidayo , Uwizeye Frank R. , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Muhimpundu Marie Aimee , Balinda Jean Paul , Amoroso Cheryl , Wagner Claire M. , Binagwaho Agnes , Shulman Lawrence N.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

The development of cancer care treatment facilities in resource-constrained settings represents a challenge for many reasons. Implementation science—the assessment of how services are set up and delivered; contextual factors that affect delivery, treatment safety, toxicity, and efficacy; and where adaptations are needed—is essential if we are to understand the performance of a treatment program, know where the gaps in care exist, and design interventions in care delivery models to improve outcomes for patients.

Methods

The field of implementation science in relation to cancer care delivery is reviewed, and the experiences of the integrated implementation science program at the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence in Rwanda are described as a practical application. Implementation science of HIV and tuberculosis care delivery in similar challenging settings offers some relevant lessons.

Results

Integrating effective implementation science into cancer care in resource-constrained settings presents many challenges, which are discussed. However, with carefully designed programs, it is possible to perform this type of research, on regular and ongoing bases, and to use the results to develop interventions to improve quality of care and patient outcomes and provide evidence for effective replication and scale-up.

Conclusion

Implementation science is both critical and feasible in evaluating, improving, and supporting effective expansion of cancer care in resource-limited settings. In ideal circumstances, it should be a prospective program, established early in the lifecycle of a new cancer treatment program and should be an integrated and continual process.
Structural Barriers to Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The Urgent Need for Scaling Up
Authors: Cazap Eduardo , Magrath Ian , Kingham T. Peter , Elzawawy Ahmed
Published: November 2015

Noncommunicable diseases are now recognized by the United Nations and WHO as a major public health crisis. Cancer is a main part of this problem, and health care systems are facing a great challenge to improve cancer care, control costs, and increase systems efficiency. The disparity in access to care and outcomes between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries is staggering. The reasons for this disparity include cost, access to care, manpower and training deficits, and a lack of awareness in the lay and medical communities. Diagnosis and treatment play an important role in this complex environment. In different regions and countries of the world, a variety of health care systems are in place, but most of them are fragmented or poorly coordinated. The need to scale up cancer care in the low- and middle-income countries is urgent, and this article reviews many of the structural mechanisms of the problem, describes the current situation, and proposes ways for improvement. The organization of cancer services is also included in the analysis.
Provision of Palliative Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Overcoming Obstacles for Effective Treatment Delivery
Authors: Hannon Breffni , Zimmermann Camilla , Knaul Felicia M. , Powell Richard A. , Mwangi-Powell Faith N. , Rodin Gary
Published: November 2015

Despite being declared a basic human right, access to adult and pediatric palliative care for millions of individuals in need in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continues to be limited or absent. The requirement to make palliative care available to patients with cancer is increasingly urgent because global cancer case prevalence is anticipated to double over the next two decades. Fifty percent of these cancers are expected to occur in LMICs, where mortality figures are disproportionately greater as a result of late detection of disease and insufficient access to appropriate treatment options. Notable initiatives in many LMICs have greatly improved access to palliative care. These can serve as development models for service scale-up in these regions, based on rigorous evaluation in the context of specific health systems. However, a multipronged public health approach is needed to fulfill the humane and ethical obligation to make palliative care universally available. This includes health policy that supports the integration of palliative care and investment in systems of health care delivery; changes in legislation and regulation that inappropriately restrict access to opioid medications for individuals with life-limiting illnesses; education and training of health professionals; development of a methodologically rigorous data and research base specific to LMICs that encompasses health systems and clinical care; and shifts in societal and health professional attitudes to palliative and end-of-life care. International partnerships are valuable to achieve these goals, particularly in education and research, but leadership and health systems stewardship within LMICs are critical factors that will drive and implement change.
Suppressor of sable [Su(s)] and Wdr82 down-regulate RNA from heat-shock-inducible repetitive elements by a mechanism that involves transcription termination
Authors: Brewer-Jensen Paul , Wilson Carrie B. , Abernethy John , Mollison Lonna , Card Samantha , Searles Lillie L.
Published: November 2015

Although RNA polymerase II (Pol II) productively transcribes very long genes in vivo, transcription through extragenic sequences often terminates in the promoter-proximal region and the nascent RNA is degraded. Mechanisms that induce early termination and RNA degradation are not well understood in multicellular organisms. Here, we present evidence that the suppressor of sable [su(s)] regulatory pathway of Drosophila melanogaster plays a role in this process. We previously showed that Su(s) promotes exosome-mediated degradation of transcripts from endogenous repeated elements at an Hsp70 locus (Hsp70-αβ elements). In this report, we identify Wdr82 as a component of this process and show that it works with Su(s) to inhibit Pol II elongation through Hsp70-αβ elements. Furthermore, we show that the unstable transcripts produced during this process are polyadenylated at heterogeneous sites that lack canonical polyadenylation signals. We define two distinct regions that mediate this regulation. These results indicate that the Su(s) pathway promotes RNA degradation and transcription termination through a novel mechanism.
CLIPSeqTools—a novel bioinformatics CLIP-seq analysis suite
Authors: Maragkakis Manolis , Alexiou Panagiotis , Nakaya Tadashi , Mourelatos Zissimos
Published: November 2015

Immunoprecipitation of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) after in vivo crosslinking, coupled with sequencing of associated RNA footprints (HITS-CLIP, CLIP-seq), is a method of choice for the identification of RNA targets and binding sites for RBPs. Compared with RNA-seq, CLIP-seq analysis is widely diverse and depending on the RBPs that are analyzed, the approaches vary significantly, necessitating the development of flexible and efficient informatics tools. In this study, we present CLIPSeqTools, a novel, highly flexible computational suite that can perform analysis from raw sequencing data with minimal user input. It contains a wide array of tools to provide an in-depth view of CLIP-seq data sets. It supports extensive customization and promotes improvization, a critical virtue, since CLIP-seq analysis is rarely well defined a priori. To highlight CLIPSeqTools capabilities, we used the suite to analyze Ago-miRNA HITS-CLIP data sets that we prepared from human brains.
A dynamic architecture of life
Authors: Rubin Beatrix P. , Brockes Jeremy , Galliot Brigitte , Grossniklaus Ueli , Lobo Daniel , Mainardi Marco , Mirouze Marie , Prochiantz Alain , Steger Angelika
Published: November 2015

In recent decades, a profound conceptual transformation has occurred comprising different areas of biological research, leading to a novel understanding of life processes as much more dynamic and changeable. Discoveries in plants and animals, as well as novel experimental approaches, have prompted the research community to reconsider established concepts and paradigms. This development was taken as an incentive to organise a workshop in May 2014 at the Academia Nazionale dei Lincei in Rome. There, experts on epigenetics, regeneration, neuroplasticity, and computational biology, using different animal and plant models, presented their insights on important aspects of a dynamic architecture of life, which comprises all organisational levels of the organism. Their work demonstrates that a dynamic nature of life persists during the entire existence of the organism and permits animals and plants not only to fine-tune their response to particular environmental demands during development, but underlies their continuous capacity to do so. Here, a synthesis of the different findings and their relevance for biological thinking is presented.
Treating venous leg ulcers in older patients
Authors: Todd Marie
Published: November 2015

The risk of venous leg ulcers (VLU) rises as a person ages, with comorbidities compounding the problem. Marie Todd provides an overview of the pathophysiology of the condition and suggests some possible management strategies
Recalling memories: taking a collaborative community approach
Authors: Hearn Carly
Published: November 2015

A museum's mission is to be at the heart of the local community. Carly Hearn, Development Officer at Lowewood Museum, gives an insight into the creation of memory boxes—which, when used as part of reminiscence therapy, can help reconnect a person with their identity
Weathering the storm: can care providers survive?
Authors: Adamson Rachel
Published: November 2015

The care sector is experiencing a large number of changes and challenges. With the national living wage debate, care home inspections and the threat of an impending financial crisis, it's difficult to know what's ahead. Rachel Adamson investigates
Feeling prickly?
Authors: White Hilary
Published: November 2015

Some items in our daily environment can be ‘prickly’ and ‘scratchy’. The following activities will help you introduce textures and items with these characteristics to the children in your setting.
Healthy eating
Authors: Doyle Phoebe
Published: November 2015

With obesity rates soaring, it is important to encourage healthy eating and make sure that our children are on the right track. Phoebe Doyle discusses some ideas and activities to help you do so.
Selection of window for inter-pulse analysis of simple pulsed radar signal using the short time Fourier transform
Authors: Ahmad Ashraf Adamu , Daniyan Abdullahi , Gabriel David Ocholi
Published: November 2015

The electronic intelligence (ELINT) system is used by the military to detect, extract information and classify incoming radar signals. This work utilizes short time Fourier transform (STFT) - time frequency distribution (TFD) for inter-pulse analysis of the radar signal in order to estimate basic radar signal time parameters (pulse width and pulse repetition period). Four well-known windows functions of different and unique characteristics were used for the localization of STFT to determine their various effects on the analysis. The window functions are Hamming, Hanning, Bartlett and Blackman window functions. Monte Carlo simulation is carried out to determine the performance of the signal analysis in presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Results show that the lower the transition of main lobe width and higher the peak side lobe, the better the performance of the window function irrespective of time parameter being estimated. This is because 100 percent probability of correct estimation is achieved at signal to noise ratio of about -2dB for Bartlett, 4dB for both Hamming and Hanning, and 9dB for Blackman.
Investigation of Phd students' initial qualitative research experiences via their diaries
Authors: Ersoy Ali
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study is to understand initial qualitative research experience and the qualitative researcher identities they try to build via diaries they reflect. This research is a analytical research model. Research data were obtained 25 diaries which were selected by criterion sampling from 60 doctoral students' diaries that they wrote in qualitative research methods course between the years 2008 and 2014. Content analysis was applied to the data. As a result of the analysis, "becoming a qualitative researcher" category which consists of "I learned from my experiences", "I discovered my researcher identity", and "I discovered myself" have emerged. I learned from my experiences themes that compose "I learned from my mistakes", "I read, implemented, reflected", and found out that "I realized that I wasn't a qualitative researcher." I discovered my researcher identity theme includes subthemes such as "I should be open-minded", "I should try to understand", and "I should be patient." I discovered myself theme consists of subthemes such as "I realized my prejudices", "I learned criticizing myself", and "I saw the limits of my abilities." It has emerged that researcher diaries are functional tools to understand the research experiences of PhD students. Therefore, doctoral students can be encouraged to write diaries in the research process.
Desenvolvimento de lista de boas práticas para o processo de elevação da alvenaria
Authors: Mesquita Victor Félix de , Santos Debora De Gois
Published: November 2015

As empresas construtoras necessitam aplicar conceitos, métodos e técnicas enxutas, para a identificação de atividades que não agregam valor ao produto. Nesse contexto, inserem-se as atividades que contribuem para a melhoria dos processos construtivos. São as boas práticas que buscam eliminar fatores que gerem interrupções nos processos que ocorrem nos canteiros de obras. O objetivo deste estudo consiste em desenvolver uma lista de boas práticas para o processo de elevação da alvenaria estrutural, verificando a frequência de aplicação dessas atividades nos canteiros de obras. O método de trabalho adotado foi o de realização de entrevistas não estruturadas com os gerentes de obras, visitas técnicas e aplicação de lista de verificação para investigar a importância que os gestores dão ao uso de atividades que facilitem o trabalho. Como resultado, foi elaborada uma lista de boas práticas, que constatou que a negligência da maioria dessas atividades poderia resultar na ocorrência de perdas por making-do e, consequentemente, em retrabalhos. A aplicação do checklist nos canteiros mostrou que, mesmo sem perceber, os gerentes utilizam as boas práticas no seu dia a dia.
Branched iterated function system (IFS) models with positioners for biological visualizations
Authors: Stępień Cezary , Prolejko Małgorzata
Published: November 2015

Background: While researching new algorithms for computer graphics, we focused on the ones that are useful in modeling biological formations. Iterated function systems (IFS) are commonly used to visualize fractals or 3D self-similar objects. Their main advantage is the brevity. In the simplest cases, it is enough to define the shape of the base module and the set of transformations to create a multimodular object. In the literature, models of shells, horns, and beaks are described. To model more complex formations, the modified method was introduced in which parameters of the transformation depend on the number of iteration.

Methods: The presented method combines IFS with a new approach to modeling compound objects, which uses positioners. The positioner itself and its possible applications were described in papers that do not refer to IFS models.

Results: We show here how to use positioners with IFS models, including branched ones (as models of the bronchial tree). The achieved models can be simplified or more accurate depending on the variant of the algorithm. Thanks to the positioners, these models have a continuous lateral surface regardless of used shape of cross-section. The algorithm is described along with the requirements for a base module.

Conclusions: It is indicated that positioners simplify the work of a graphic designer. Obtained models of bronchial trees can be used (e.g. in 3D interactive visualizations for medicine students).
Cloning and expression of two genes coding endo-β-1,4-glucanases from Trichoderma asperellum PQ34 in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Loc Nguyen Hoang , Ngoc Le My Tieu , Quang Hoang Tan , Huy Nguyen Duc , Luong Nguyen Ngoc
Published: November 2015

Two genes coding endo-β-1,4-glucanases were cloned from Trichoderma asperellum PQ34 which was isolated from Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. The expression of these genes in Pichia pastoris produced two enzymes with molecular masses of approximately 46 kDa (about 42 kDa of enzymes and 4 kDa of signal peptide). The effects of induction time and temperature, inducer concentration, and culture medium on the endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity were investigated. The results showed that the highest total activities of two endo-β-1,4-glucanases were approximately 4.7 × 10
Molecular diagnosis of Pompe disease using MALDI TOF/TOF and 1H NMR
Authors: Pakanová Zuzana , Matulová Mária , Behúlová Darina , Šalingová Anna , Hlavatá Anna , Pätoprstý Vladimír , Mucha Ján
Published: November 2015

Pompe disease, glycosomal storage disorder type II, is caused by a deficiency of lysosomal exo-α- 1,4-glucosidase, which participates in glycogen degradation. Due to the wide variety of its clinical symptoms, this lysosomal storage disorder is difficult to diagnose. The “gold standard” diagnosis of Pompe disease is based on an enzyme activity analysis in leucocytes, dried blood spots or tissues, followed by confirmation through mutational analysis. Screening of many inborn metabolic diseases normally requires also the detection of a specific metabolite. In Pompe disease, high levels of a specific glucose tetrasaccharide, αGlc(1→6)αGlc(1→4)αGlc(1→4)Glc, accumulate in patients’ urine. Some medical laboratories continue to favour traditional 1-dimensional TLC for the analysis of urine oligosaccharides, however, this method has some limitations in its analytical specificity and sensitivity. More modern and robust spectral techniques, including mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, possess many advantages and are increasingly used. Here, the different analytical methods applied in Pompe disease diagnosis are experimentally compared.
Human genetics: international projects and personalized medicine
Authors: Apellaniz-Ruiz Maria , Gallego Cristina , Ruiz-Pinto Sara , Carracedo Angel , Rodríguez-Antona Cristina
Published: November 2015

In this article, we present the progress driven by the recent technological advances and new revolutionary massive sequencing technologies in the field of human genetics. We discuss this knowledge in relation with drug response prediction, from the germline genetic variation compiled in the 1000 Genomes Project or in the Genotype-Tissue Expression project, to the phenome-genome archives, the international cancer projects, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas or the International Cancer Genome Consortium, and the epigenetic variation and its influence in gene expression, including the regulation of drug metabolism. This review is based on the lectures presented by the speakers of the Symposium “Human Genetics: International Projects & New Technologies” from the VII Conference of the Spanish Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics Society, held on the 20th and 21st of April 2015.
Influence of Metallic Indium Concentration on the Properties of Indium Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Kalkan N.
Published: November 2015

Current–voltage characteristics of indium-embedded indium oxide thin films (600–850 Å), with Ag electrodes approximately 1000 Å thick, prepared by reactive evaporation of pure metallic indium in partial air pressure have been studied for substrate temperatures between 50 and 125°C. The optical properties of these films have also been investigated as a function of metallic indium concentration and substrate temperature. I–V characteristics of all the samples are non-ohmic, independent of metallic indium concentration. The conductivity of the films increases but the optical transmission decreases with increasing metallic indium concentration. Metallic indium concentration was found to be an important parameter affecting the film properties. Furthermore, two possible conduction mechanisms are proposed.
Hybrid therapy for treatment of newly diagnosed toddlers with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Diamond Gary , Ofek Hadas , Aronson Bosmat , Viner-Ribke Ilana , Dlugatch Yael , Resnick Esther
Published: November 2015

Background:

Time is of the essence in treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Intensive and effective therapies can advance acquisition of adaptive and communication skills during the lag time until entry into a pre-school program.

Objective:

To jump start treatment in very young toddlers with ASD and good cognitive potential, therapeutic modifications of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) were examined.

Method:

The changes involved more intensive cooperative treatments, with two different therapists (“hybrid”), reinforcing behavioral manipulations with the children. The intensified therapies were to maximize gains over shorter periods of time, dictated by limitations of resources.

Results:

Thirty children (mean age 24 m., average duration 4.1 m.) improved on their goal attainment scale (GAS) ratings on nearly all functional measures, (p<0.001). Of 23 ADOS scores, 19 improved, the average pre-treatment ADOS score was 17.7 (SD 3.4) and post-treatment 13.3 (SD 5.34). The correlation between GAS and ADOS score improvement was significant (R=0.67, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The acceleration in social communication and adaptive skill gains in the treatment of very young children using modifications in treatment therapies already in wide- scale use, indicates the as-yet untapped treatment potential for many young children with ASD.
A comparison of the effects of reflexology and relaxation on pain in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nazari Fatemeh , Soheili Mozhgan , Hosseini SayedMohsen , Shaygannejad Vahid
Published: November 2015

Background: Pain is a common and significant symptom in many individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The presence and severity of pain in individuals with MS has also been shown to be associated with higher levels of depression, functional impairment, and fatigue. It is common for MS patients and their caregivers to worry about narcotic addiction in the management of chronic pain. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and compare the effects of reflexology and relaxation on pain in women suffering from MS.

Methods: This study was a single-blind randomized clinical trial performed on 75 patients with MS referred to the MS Clinic of Ayatollah Kashani Hospital (Isfahan, Iran). After simple non-random sampling, using the minimization method, participants were randomly assigned to the three groups of reflexology, relaxation, and control. In the experimental groups, foot reflexology and relaxation interventions (Jacobson and Benson) were performed within 4 weeks, twice a week for 40 min. The control group received routine care and medical treatment as directed by a doctor. Data were collected using the Numerical Rating Scale before, immediately after, and 2 months after interventions in all three groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18 and descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

Results: Findings obtained from analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences between mean pain intensity scores in the three groups preintervention and 2 months after interventions (p > 0.05). However, this difference was statistically significant immediately after the study (p < 0.05). Findings obtained from repeated measures ANOVA showed that the severity of pain significantly differed during different times in reflexology and relaxation (p < 0.05); however, this difference was not significant in the control group (p > 0.05). Furthermore, Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) revealed a significantly higher reduction in pain intensity scores in the reflexology group after the intervention, compared with the two other groups, but showed no significant differences between relaxation and control groups. There were no significant differences between the three groups 2 months after the interventions (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The results showed that both interventions are effective on relieving pain in women with MS; however, it appears that the effect of reflexology on pain reduction is greater than that of relaxation. Hence, these two methods can be recommended as effective techniques.