bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Experience of Postnatal Depression in Immigrant Mothers Living in Western Countries: A Meta‐Synthesis
Authors: Wittkowski Anja , Patel Sonia , Fox John R.
Published: March 2016

Background

Postnatal depression affects women from all cultures and countries. The postnatal period is thought to be a vulnerable time for all mothers. Immigrant women may be at particular risk as they attempt to adhere to childbirth rituals in western societies which might exacerbate stress, while navigating through the multiple stressors they face from migration in the transition to motherhood.

Methods

This study utilized a meta‐synthesis approach to synthesize qualitative studies exploring postnatal depression in immigrant mothers living in western countries. Searching six databases identified 16 studies that met criteria.

Results

The synthesis revealed two overarching themes of migration and cultural influences on immigrant mothers that interact and give rise to psychosocial understandings of postnatal depression, remedies and healthcare barriers. Mothers used self‐help coping strategies in line with this.

Conclusions

Immigrant mothers living in western countries are subject to multifactorial stressors following childbirth, increasing their susceptibility to postnatal depression. These stressors relate to being an immigrant in a western society and cultural influences, which may be harder to comply with, when removed from their sociocultural context. Social support appears to play a mediating role for these immigrant mothers. There were several similarities between immigrant and non‐immigrant mothers including their views of healthcare and medication, their health‐seeking behaviours and their fears of having their baby removed. All these findings have implications for healthcare settings in terms of assessments and service delivery. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

In this meta‐synthesis, we explored the experience of postnatal depression in immigrant women living in western countries, including the UK, the USA and Canada.

Sixteen qualitative studies were reviewed, and their methodological quality was examined.

The findings are based a total sample of 337 women.

Two overarching themes were identified that are termed ‘cultural influences’ and ‘migration factors’, which influenced how these mothers coped with their postnatal depression.

Social support played a mediating role for these immigrant mothers.
Genesis and tectonic implications of cumulate pyroxenites and tectonite peridotites from the Nagaland–Manipur ophiolites, Northeast India: constraints from mineralogical and geochemical characteristics
Authors: Singh A. Krishnakanta , Nayak R. , Khogenkumar S. , Subramanyam K. S. V. , Thakur S. S. , Bikramaditya Singh R. K. , Satyanarayanan M.
Published: March 2016

The Nagaland–Manipur ophiolites (NMO) of Northeast India forms a part of the Tethyan ophiolites and comprises a suite of tectonite peridotites and cumulate mafic–ultramafic sequence with mafic extrusive–intrusive rocks, felsic intrusives and oceanic pelagic sediments along with minor podiform chromitites. However, sheeted dykes, which are considered as a significant component of ophiolites, are absent in the NMO. The tectonite peridotites are distinguished from the cumulate pyroxenites by the presence of pyroxene lineation, deformed bands and strained extinction in olivine, kink twin lamellae in pyroxene. Both the tectonite peridotites and cumulate pyroxenites contain aluminous spinel with Cr number [Cr# = Cr/(Cr + Al)] in the range of 0.14 to 0.29 and 0.27 to 0.48, respectively. Mg number [Mg# = Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)] in Cr‐spinel is higher in tectonite peridotites (0.71–0.76) than cumulate pyroxenites (0.44–0.53). Chondrite‐normalized rare earth elements (REE) patterns of cumulate pyroxenites exhibit depleted at light REEE (LREE) (LaN/SmN = 0.380–0.759) but flat middle REE (MREE) to heavy REE (HREE) (SmN/YbN = 0.622–0.756). However, the tectonite peridotites show gradual decrease in concentrations from HREE to MREE (SmN/YbN = 0.285–0.460) and slight increase in LREE (LaN/SmN = 0.721–2.201). The cumulate pyroxenites show strong enriched PPGE patterns and higher PGE concentrations (∑PGE = 85.8–163.5 ppb) compared with the tectonite peridotites (∑PGE = 34.8–113.0 ppb). The estimated equilibration temperature ranges from 890 to 931 °C for cumulate pyroxenites and 971 to 1156 °C for tectonite peridotites. The olivine–spinel equilibrium along with Cr‐spinel chemistry and PGE data suggests that the tectonite peridotites represent the residual mantle left after limited extraction of basaltic melts by low‐degree partial melting (<15%). Conversely, the presence of highly magnesian orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in the cumulate pyroxenites in conjunction with their geothermometry suggests that they were formed at high pressure and temperature by magmatic fractionation from the basaltic melt. The geochemical data together with field and petrographical evidences indicate that both the tectonite peridotites and cumulate pyroxenites are essentially spinel‐bearing and devoid of plagioclase, suggesting their derivation in the mantle beyond the stability limit of plagioclase in a mid‐oceanic ridge tectonic setting. We conclude that the ultramafic sequence of the NMO was initially generated at a mid‐oceanic ridge tectonic setting close to the eastern boundary of the Indian passive margin and then thrust over the continental margin of the Indian Plate towards the west during its collisional and subduction process with/beneath the Myanmar Plate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospective associations between sedentary behaviour and incident depressive symptoms in older people: a 15‐month longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Tsutsumimoto Kota , Makizako Hyuma , Doi Takehiko , Hotta Ryo , Nakakubo Sho , Shimada Hiroyuki , Suzuki Takao
Published: March 2016

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether sitting time, as a form of sedentary behaviour, is related to incident depressive symptoms in older people.

Methods

This study included 3503 participants (mean age 71.7 years, 50.1% female) from the ‘Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly' cohort study. At baseline and then 15 months later, the participants reported their status of depressive symptoms using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. During the baseline assessment, the participants were also asked about their sedentary behaviour on weekdays over the past 7 days and, from there, categorized into three groups (<240, 240–480, ≥480 min/day). Demographic data and the other health behaviours were also assessed at the baseline.

Results

Cross‐sectional analysis revealed that 437 participants (12.0%) had depressive symptoms. In a prospective analysis, the logistic regression model revealed that the odds ratio for depressive symptom incidence was higher in participants who, at baseline, spent 480 min or more per day sitting (1.636; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.015 to 2.636, p = 0.043), and in those who spent 240–480 min (1.605; 95% CI 1.085 to 2.375, p = 0.018) in comparison with those who spent less than 240 min.

Conclusions

Sedentary behaviour significantly affects the risk of incident depressive symptoms. Further research is needed to develop an intervention strategy to manage depressive symptoms, as the second most common cause of burden of disease among older adults. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of the Standard Chlamydia trachomatis Culture Method Is Improved After One Additional In Vitro Passage
Authors: Shao Lili , Guo Yuanli , Jiang Yong , Liu Yuanjun , Wang Mei , You Cong , Liu Quanzhong
Published: March 2016

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis causes the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. Although highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are used to routinely diagnose chlamydial infection, C. trachomatis isolation by cell culture is still preferred for legal cases and epidemiological studies because of its high specificity; however, the sensitivity of traditional two‐passage diagnostic cultures is significantly lower than that of NAATs. Therefore, we sought to analyze if additional in vitro passaging of clinical samples would improve detection sensitivity of C. trachomatis.

Methods

Clinical swabs (n = 428) were collected from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, grown in McCoy cells for up to five passages, and analyzed for the presence of inclusions by iodine staining. Results were confirmed by routine PCR‐based methods.

Results

Viable C. trachomatis organisms were detected in 91 (21.26%) swabs with the traditional two‐passage protocol, which increased to 145 (33.88%) and 149 (34.81%) following three and four passages, respectively. Thus, the standard protocol yielded a false‐negative rate of nearly 39%. Subsequent PCR‐based diagnostics revealed a concordance rate of 80.98% between these two methods without any false negatives.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the use of a three‐passage Chlamydia culture procedure to increase the detection sensitivity of this method.
Bioinspired few‐layer graphene prepared by chemical vapor deposition on femtosecond laser‐structured Cu foil
Authors: Jiang Hao‐Bo , Zhang Yong‐Lai , Liu Yan , Fu Xiu‐Yan , Li Yun‐Fei , Liu Yu‐Qing , Li Chun‐Hao , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: March 2016

Inspired from butterfly wings that exhibit unique dewetting properties and brilliant structural color synchronously, we reported here the preparation of biomimetic few‐layer graphene films through a template‐directed chemical vapor deposition method using laser‐structured Cu foil as substrates. Hierarchical micronanostructures, including microscale stripes derived from the laser scanning and nanoscale laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), formed on Cu foil after a simple femtosecond laser treatment. By tuning the laser power, the surface roughness of the resultant Cu foils can be well controlled. Using the laser structures Cu foil as templates, biomimetic few‐layer graphene films with both iridescence and superhydrophobicity have been successfully prepared. The present work may open up a new way to design and prepare structured graphene film in a biomimetic manner, and we deem that the bioinspired few‐layer graphene films may find broad applications in the near future.

image
Thermoresponsive Poly(Ionic Liquid)s in Aqueous Salt Solutions: Salting‐Out Effect on Their Phase Behavior and Water Absorption/Desorption Properties
Authors: Okafuji Akiyoshi , Kohno Yuki , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: March 2016

Here, a thermoresponsive phase behavior of polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) composed of poly([tri‐n‐alkyl(vinylbenzyl)phosphonium]chloride) (poly([PnnnVB]Cl) is reported, where n (the number of carbon atoms of an alkyl chain) = 4, 5, or 6 after mixing with aqueous sodium chloride solutions. Both monomeric [P555VB]Cl and the resulting poly([P555VB]Cl) linear homopolymer show a lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type phase behavior in aq. NaCl solutions. The phase transition temperature of the PIL shifts to lower value by increasing concentration of NaCl. Also the swelling degree of cross‐linked poly([P555VB]Cl) gel decreases by increasing NaCl concentration, clearly suggesting the “salting‐out” effect of NaCl results in a significant dehydration of the poly([P555VB]Cl) gel. The absorbed water in the PIL gel is desorbed by moderate heating via the LCST behavior, and the absolute absorption/desorption amount is improved by copolymerization of [P555VB]Cl with more hydrophilic [P444VB]Cl monomer.

image
Poly(1‐Vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazolium) Poly(Ionic Liquid)s: Synthesis and the Unique Behavior in Loading Metal Ions
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Yuan Jiayin
Published: March 2016

Herein, the synthesis of a series of poly(4‐alkyl‐1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazolium) poly(ionic liquid)s is reported either via straightforward free radical polymerization of their corresponding ionic liquid monomers or via anion metathesis of the polymer precursors bearing halide as counter anion. The ionic liquid monomers are first prepared via N‐alkylation reaction of commercially available 1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole with alkyl iodides, followed by anion metathesis with targeted fluorinated anions. The thermal properties and solubilities of these poly(ionic liquid)s have been systematically investigated. Interestingly, it is found that the poly(4‐ethyl‐1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazolium) poly(ionic liquid) exhibited an improved loading capacity of transition metal ions in comparison with its imidazolium counterpart.

image
Investigation of Silver Nanoparticle Assembly Following Hybridization with Different Lengths of DNA
Authors: Donnelly Tara , Faulds Karen , Graham Duncan
Published: March 2016

Assays involving the controlled assembly of oligonucleotide‐functionalized nanoparticles have been widely investigated for the detection of short, specific sequences of DNA. The surface plasmon resonance changes that result from the near‐field coupling of the nanoparticles provide a means for investigating formation of these assemblies. For these assays to be effective in practice, there needs to be rapid and efficient hybridization of the functionalized nanoparticles with target DNA. However, it is known that the hybridization rate is adversely affected by increased numbers of non‐hybridizing bases on the target DNA strand. This study investigates the DNA‐directed assembly of oligonucleotide‐functionalized silver nanoparticles, with the aim of identifying the parameters that will maximize hybridization efficiency with long target sequences. The study shows that increasing the length of probes from 12 to 24 bases, and orientating them in a tail‐to‐tail rather than a head‐to‐tail configuration, results in significantly enhanced hybridization with a long target sequence. The use of a volume excluding polymer such as dextran sulfate in the buffer also markedly improves hybridization. This information will prove useful for researchers involved in the design of DNA‐mediated nanoparticle assembly assays, particularly for the detection of long sequences of DNA.
Exact results in defect conformal field theories**
Authors: Lauria Edoardo
Published: March 2016

Defect Conformal Field Theories describe critical points of Quantum Field Theories excited or modified in the neighbourhood of a large p‐dimensional submanifold. We elucidate the constraints of conformal invariance on correlation functions and we provide both recurrence relations, and in some cases exact results, for the conformal blocks with scalar external operators.
The clinical phenotype of hereditary versus sporadic prostate cancer: HPC definition revisited
Authors: Cremers Ruben G. , Aben Katja K. , van Oort Inge M. , Sedelaar J.P. Michiel , Vasen Hans F. , Vermeulen Sita H. , Kiemeney Lambertus A.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

The definition of hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) is based on family history and age at onset. Intuitively, HPC is a serious subtype of prostate cancer but there are only limited data on the clinical phenotype of HPC. Here, we aimed to compare the prognosis of HPC to the sporadic form of prostate cancer (SPC).

METHODS

HPC patients were identified through a national registry of HPC families in the Netherlands, selecting patients diagnosed from the year 2000 onward (n = 324). SPC patients were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) between 2003 and 2006 for a population‐based study into the genetic susceptibility of PC (n = 1,664). Detailed clinical data were collected by NCR‐registrars, using a standardized registration form. Follow‐up extended up to the end of 2013. Differences between the groups were evaluated by cross‐tabulations and tested for statistical significance while accounting for familial dependency of observations by GEE. Differences in progression‐free and overall survival were evaluated using χ2 testing with GEE in a proportional‐hazards model.

RESULTS

HPC patients were on average 3 years younger at diagnosis, had lower PSA values, lower Gleason scores, and more often locally confined disease. Of the HPC patients, 35% had high‐risk disease (NICE‐criteria) versus 51% of the SPC patients. HPC patients were less often treated with active surveillance. Kaplan–Meier 5‐year progression‐free survival after radical prostatectomy was comparable for HPC (78%) and SPC (74%; P = 0.30). The 5‐year overall survival was 85% (95%CI 81–89%) for HPC versus 80% (95%CI 78–82%) for SPC (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

HPC has a favorable clinical phenotype but patients more often underwent radical treatment. The major limitation of HPC is the absence of a genetics‐based definition of HPC, which may lead to over‐diagnosis of PC in men with a family history of prostate cancer. The HPC definition should, therefore, be re‐evaluated, aiming at a reduction of over‐diagnosis and overtreatment among men with multiple relatives diagnosed with PC. Prostate 76:897–904, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. The Prostate published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined Analysis of Phase I and Phase II Data to Enhance the Power of Pharmacogenetic Tests
Authors: Tessier A , Bertrand J , Chenel M , Comets E
Published: March 2016

We show through a simulation study how the joint analysis of data from phase I and phase II studies enhances the power of pharmacogenetic tests in pharmacokinetic (PK) studies. PK profiles were simulated under different designs along with 176 genetic markers. The null scenarios assumed no genetic effect, while under the alternative scenarios, drug clearance was associated with six genetic markers randomly sampled in each simulated dataset. We compared penalized regression Lasso and stepwise procedures to detect the associations between empirical Bayes estimates of clearance, estimated by nonlinear mixed effects models, and genetic variants. Combining data from phase I and phase II studies, even if sparse, increases the power to identify the associations between genetics and PK due to the larger sample size. Design optimization brings a further improvement, and we highlight a direct relationship between η‐shrinkage and loss of genetic signal.
A game theoretic approach for energy‐efficient communications in multi‐hop cognitive radio networks
Authors: Shu Zhihui , Qian Yi , Yang Yaoqing (Lamar) , Sharif Hamid
Published: March 2016

In multi‐hop cognitive radio networks, it is a challenge to improve the energy efficiency of the radio nodes. To address this challenge, in this paper, we propose a two‐level Stackelberg game model, where the primary users and the secondary users act as the leaders and the followers, respectively. Based on the game model, our proposed scheme not only considers the power allocation problem for secondary users but also takes into account the price of spectrum. First, we give the cognitive radio network model, and show how to set up the game theoretic model in multi‐hop cognitive radio networks. We then analyze this problem and show the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium point for the game. We also study the impact of the spectrum price of the primary users in the cognitive radio network and study how to select the best price for the primary users to maximize their own profit. Finally, we implement simulations to show the performance of our schemes. Our work gives an insight on how to improve the energy efficiency and allocate spectrum resources in multi‐hop cognitive radio networks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fermentation of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid byMoorella thermoacetica
Authors: Ehsanipour Mandana , Suko Azra Vajzovic , Bura Renata
Published: March 2016

A systematic study of bioconversion of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid by Moorella thermoacetica (strain ATCC 39073) was conducted. Four different water-soluble fractions (hydrolysates) obtained after steam pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass were selected and fermented to acetic acid in batch fermentations. M. thermoacetica can effectively ferment xylose and glucose in hydrolysates from wheat straw, forest residues, switchgrass, and sugarcane straw to acetic acid. Xylose and glucose were completely utilized, with xylose being consumed first. M. thermoacetica consumed up to 62 % of arabinose, 49 % galactose and 66 % of mannose within 72 h of fermentation in the mixture of lignocellulosic sugars. The highest acetic acid yield was obtained from sugarcane straw hydrolysate, with 71 % of theoretical yield based on total sugars (17 g/L acetic acid from 24 g/L total sugars). The lowest acetic acid yield was observed in forest residues hydrolysate, with 39 % of theoretical yield based on total sugars (18 g/L acetic acid from 49 g/L total sugars). Process derived compounds from steam explosion pretreatment, including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (0.4 g/L), furfural (0.1 g/L) and total phenolics (3 g/L), did not inhibit microbial growth and acetic acid production yield. This research identified two major factors that adversely affected acetic acid yield in all hydrolysates, especially in forest residues: (i) glucose to xylose ratio and (ii) incomplete consumption of arabinose, galactose and mannose. For efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid, it is imperative to have an appropriate balance of sugars in a hydrolysate. Hence, the choice of lignocellulosic biomass and steam pretreatment design are fundamental steps for the industrial application of this process.
Exploring Existential Coping Resources: The Perspective of Koreans with Cancer
Authors: Ahmadi Fereshteh , Park Jisung , Kim Kyung Mee , Ahmadi Nader
Published: March 2016

The present study aimed to explore the use of meaning-making coping (existential, spiritual, and religious coping) among cancer patients in Korea and to investigate the impact of culture on their choice of coping methods. Thirty-three participants with various kinds of cancer were interviewed. Four different kinds of coping resources emerged from analyses of the interview transcripts: (1) belief in the healing power of nature; (2) mind–body connection; (3) relying on transcendent power; and (4) finding oneself in relationships with others. The findings of this study suggest the importance of investigating cultural context when exploring the use of the meaning-making coping strategies in different countries.
Kinetic Approach to Model Reactive Transport and Mixed Salt Precipitation in a Coupled Free-Flow–Porous-Media System
Authors: Jambhekar V. A. , Mejri E. , Schröder N. , Helmig R. , Shokri N.
Published: March 2016

Evaporative salinization of the agricultural soil is a chronic problem in arid, semiarid and coastal regions worldwide. As a shallow subsurface issue, it is strongly influenced by the free-flow (henceforth, FF) and porous-media (henceforth, PM) flow and transport processes. In specific, it is mainly affected by the mass, momentum and energy exchange between the FF and the PM regions. Furthermore, salt precipitation in such systems is strongly determined by the interaction between different dissolved ionic species. In the scope of this work, we extend the REV-scale coupled FF–PM model concept for salinization proposed by Jambhekar et al. (Transp Porous Media, 2015), to describe reactive transport of ionic species

$$\text {Na}^+$$

Na
+

,

$$\text {Cl}^-$$

Cl
-

and

$$\text {I}^-$$

I
-

and mixed salt precipitation (here, NaCl and NaI). In the first part of our numerical analysis, we illustrate precipitation behavior of NaCl using equilibrium and kinetic approaches. Both approaches are found to be in good agreement with experimental observations. However, in the literature it is often discussed that for mixed salt systems found in the nature, the equilibrium precipitation–dissolution assumption is not easily justifiable. Therefore, in the second part of our numerical analysis, we extend the kinetic approach to describe mixed salt precipitation in an NaCl–NaI system and compare it with the equilibrium precipitation approach. Our numerical analysis indicate that the simulation results for these approaches are very similar and analogous with the phenomenological explanations.
Kinematic Vorticity Analysis along the Karakoram Shear Zone, Pangong Mountains, Karakoram: Implications for the India–Asia Tectonics
Authors: Roy Priyom , Jain A. K. , Singh Sandeep
Published: March 2016

The Karakoram Shear Zone (KSZ) is a northwest-southeast trending dextral ductile shear zone that has mylonitized the Tangste and Darbuk granitoids of the southern margin of the Asian plate. Kinematic vorticity (Wk) has been estimated in 6 mylonitized Tangste granite samples, using Porphyroclast Hyperbolic Distribution (PHD) and Shear Band (SB) Analyses methods on well-developed quartz and feldspar porphyroclasts, and synthetic and antithetic shear bands respectively to visualize the overall deformation of the KSZ. The PHD and SB analyses yield Wk values ranging from Wk=0.29 to 0.43 and 0.45 to 0.93, respectively, thus indicating distinct pure and simple shear dominant regimes during different stages of the evolution of the KSZ. Strain has essentially been pure shear when southern edge of the Asian plate was initially juxtaposed against the Indian plate around 70 Ma, and changed to simple shear, possibly during the reactivation of this shear zone during 21-13 Ma to produce the shear bands.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Tehri Reservoir Rim Region, Uttarakhand
Authors: Kumar Rohan , Anbalagan R.
Published: March 2016

A comprehensive use of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method in landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) has been presented for rim region of Tehri reservoir. Using remote sensing data, various landslide causative factors responsible for inducing instability in the area were derived. Ancillary data such as geological map, soil map, and topographic map were also considered along with remote sensing data. Exhaustive field checks were performed to define the credibility of the random landslide conditioning factors considered in this study. Apart from universally acceptable inherent causative factors used in the susceptibility mapping, others such as impact of reservoir impoundment on terrain, topographic wetness index and stream power index were found to be important causative factors in rim region of the Tehri reservoir. The AHP method was used to acquire weights of factors and their classes respectively. Weights achieved from AHP method matched with the existing field conditions. Acceptable consistency ratio (CR) value was achieved for each AHP matrix. Weights of each factor were integrated with weighted sum technique and a landslide susceptibility index map was generated. Jenk’s natural break classifier was used to classify LSI map into very low, low, moderate, high and very high landslide susceptible classes. Validation of the susceptibility map was performed using cumulative percentage/success rate curve technique. Area under curve value of the success rate curve was converted to percentage validation accuracy and a reasonable 78.7% validation accuracy was achieved.
New Record of Coralline Algae from the Holocene Sediments of Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, India
Authors: Misra Utkarsh , Kishore S. , Singh S. K. , Misra P. K. , Jauhri A. K.
Published: March 2016

The present paper examines the coralline algal assemblage recovered from the Holocene sediments of Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, India. The assemblage comprises nine species of coralline algae which include Amphiroa fragilisma, Lithophyllum nitorum, Lithophyllum incrustans, Lithoporella melobesioids, Spongites sp., Porolithon craspedium, Aethesolithon problematicum, Clathromorphum parcum, Melobesoideae gen. et spec. indet. Clathromorphum parcumis an endophytic coralline alga reported for the first time from the Indian subcontinent. Out of these, seven species belong to the family Corallinaceae and the two represent the family Hapalidiaceae of the class Rhodophyceae. Coralline algal association of this area is dominated by Lithophylloideae, Melobesioideae and Mastophoroideae which include encrusting to fragmented growth forms. The associated branching corals are well developed and adapted to shallow, warm water, low turbid, protected lagoonal environment.
A Comparison of Mg/Ca Ratios in Globigerinoides ruber (white): sensu stricto versus a Mixture of Genotypes
Authors: Naik Sushant S.
Published: March 2016

Mg/Ca ratios were measured in core AAS9/21 from the eastern Arabian Sea (EAS), on two sets of planktonic foraminifera, one with a mixture of Globigerinoides ruber genotypes (sensu stricto and sensu lato) and the second which contained only G. ruber sensu stricto, living in the top 30 m of the water column. During the Holocene, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in set 1 are cooler in comparison to that of set 2. During the deglaciation, SSTs derived using both these sets are similar, probably due to increased upwelling during this period. The drawback in using undifferentiated G. ruber is that the relative proportion of each genotype varies through different time periods as seen in the EAS and may influence the temperature reconstructions.
Morphometric Analysis of Diyung Watershed in Northeast India using GIS Technique for Flood Management
Authors: Kusre B. C.
Published: March 2016

The North eastern region is characterized by undulating terrain and high rainfall. Such condition creates a situation of floods in the downstream plain areas of Assam. Difficulties in monitoring the data collection of hydrological events (runoff and sediment yield) in the rugged terrain hinders the planning of suitable control measures. To overcome such constraints alternate measures need to be explored and the study of terrain is one such approach. The study of terrain (morphometry) can help in diagnosing the hydrological behavior of any watershed. In the present study morphometric analysis was done to determine the drainage characteristics of Diyung watershed in Kopili river basin using topographic maps and GIS tools. The morphometric analysis indicates high values of stream density (15464), stream length ratio (1.81); Bifurcation ratio (3.66), RHO coefficient (0.49), Stream frequency (5.26 km−2), Drainage density (3.24), indicative of high runoff generation capabilities of the watershed. This high runoff from the watershed is the main reason for floods in the downstream areas. Based on the results, structural and non-structural measures are proposed to mitigate the impacts of flood events.
Fraser Syndrome: Prenatal Detection at 16 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Selvaraj Lakshmy Ravi , Yakoob Shahid
Published: March 2016

Fraser syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by syndactyly, renal abnormalities, genital malformation, and in some cases, cryptophthalmos. This syndrome had been diagnosed in the second pregnancy of a 22-year-old woman at 22 weeks of gestation based on prenatal scan, postnatal clinical examination, and autopsy findings. The third pregnancy was uneventful. In the fourth pregnancy, features of Fraser syndrome were evident in the first trimester 11–14 week aneuploidy scan. A review scan at 16 weeks of gestation confirmed the findings of Fraser syndrome. Early ultrasound diagnosis of recurrence of this syndrome as early as 16 weeks of gestation is highlighted.
Hypertonic saline in severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Berger-Pelleiter Elyse , Émond Marcel , Lauzier François , Shields Jean-François , Turgeon Alexis F.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Hypertonic saline solutions are increasingly used to treat increased intracranial pressure following severe traumatic brain injury. However, whether hypertonic saline provides superior management of intracranial pressure and improves outcome is unclear. We thus conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effect of hypertonic saline in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Methods

Two researchers independently selected randomized controlled trials studying hypertonic saline in severe traumatic brain injury and collected data using a standardized abstraction form. No language restriction was applied. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, and BIOSIS databases. We searched grey literature via OpenGrey and National Technical Information Service databases. We searched the references of included studies and relevant reviews for additional studies.

Results

Eleven studies (1,820 patients) were included. Hypertonic saline did not decrease mortality (risk ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83 to 1.11, I2=0%) or improve intracranial pressure control (weighted mean difference −1.25 mm Hg, 95% CI −4.18 to 1.68, I2=78%) as compared to any other solutions. Only one study reported monitoring for adverse events with hypertonic saline, finding no significant differences between comparison groups.

Conclusions

We observed no mortality benefit or effect on the control of intracranial pressure with the use of hypertonic saline when compared to other solutions. Based on the current level of evidence pertaining to mortality or control of intracranial pressure, hypertonic saline could thus not be recommended as a first-line agent for managing patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
Large-amplitude flapping of an inverted flag in a uniform steady flow – a vortex-induced vibration
Authors: Sader John E. , Cossé Julia , Kim Daegyoum , Fan Boyu , Gharib Morteza
Published: March 2016

The dynamics of a cantilevered elastic sheet, with a uniform steady flow impinging on its clamped end, have been studied widely and provide insight into the stability of flags and biological phenomena. Recent measurements by Kimet al.(J. Fluid Mech., vol. 736, 2013, R1) show that reversing the sheet’s orientation, with the flow impinging on its free edge, dramatically alters its dynamics. In contrast to the conventional flag, which exhibits (small-amplitude) flutter above a critical flow speed, the inverted flag displays large-amplitude flapping over a finite band of flow speeds. The physical mechanisms giving rise to this flapping phenomenon are currently unknown. In this article, we use a combination of mathematical theory, scaling analysis and measurement to establish that this large-amplitude flapping motion is a vortex-induced vibration. Onset of flapping is shown mathematically to be due to divergence instability, verifying previous speculation based on a two-point measurement. Reducing the sheet’s aspect ratio (height/length) increases the critical flow speed for divergence and ultimately eliminates flapping. The flapping motion is associated with a separated flow – detailed measurements and scaling analysis show that it exhibits the required features of a vortex-induced vibration. Flapping is found to be periodic predominantly, with a transition to chaos as flow speed increases. Cessation of flapping occurs at higher speeds – increased damping reduces the flow speed range where flapping is observed, as required. These findings have implications for leaf motion and other biological processes, such as the dynamics of hair follicles, because they also can present an inverted-flag configuration.
Silent Voices, Hidden Knowledge: Ecological Thinking and the Role of Mental Health Advocacy
Authors: MOLAS ANDREW
Published: March 2016

InEcological Thinking, Lorraine Code argues that advocacy “often makes knowledge possible” and without it “certain kinds of knowing are impossible.” By acknowledging the value of subjectivity and testimony in knowledge creation, I argue that ecological thinking serves as an appropriate framework for engagement with individuals who are living with mental illnesses. Contrasted with the dominant Anglo-American epistemologies that involve excessive degrees of mastery and control (with the tendency to silence the voices of Others), I argue that ecological thinking facilitates healthy advocacy practices precisely because of its inclusivity and receptivity towards different perspectives in knowledge creation.
Dari (Afghan Persian)
Authors: Baker Adam
Published: March 2016

Dari, or Afghan Persian (Indo-European, Iranian, Southwestern; ISO 639-3: prs; Lewis, Simons & Fennig 2013), is one of the national languages of Afghanistan, and a language of wider communication in much of the country. It is one of the three major Persian varieties, the others being Farsi (or Iranian Persian) and Tajiki (or Tajik Persian). Afghans refer to Dari either as [dɐˈɾi] or [fʌɾˈsi].
Review of doctoral research in language education in Germany (2009–2013)
Authors: Doff Sabine , Königs Frank G. , Marx Nicole , Schädlich Birgit
Published: March 2016

This paper reviews a purposive sample of 23 doctoral dissertations in second language (L2) education, completed between 2009 and 2013 and published in Germany. From amongst all (approx. 70) relevant dissertations from this period, the following three broad thematic strands can be identified, for which a selection of exemplary dissertations was chosen to review: (1) Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL); (2) learning and teaching about culture in the language classroom; and (3) language teacher education. Categorization of themes was guided by a bottom-up approach, clustering thematically (rather than methodologically) similar works. We identify relevant topics and link these with trends in research methodology (qualitative/quantitative/mixed-methods). We also discuss the depth and breadth of these dissertations and situate their scholarly contributions within German and international research on language education.
Acute tryptophan depletion and Lewy body dementias
Authors: Mace Janet L. , Porter Richard J. , Dalrymple-Alford John C. , Collins Chris , Anderson Tim J.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Studies using acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) to examine the effects of a rapid reduction in serotonin function have shown a reduction in global cognitive status during ATD in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Based on the severe cholinergic loss evident in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease and dementia (PDD), we predicted that a reduction of global cognitive status during ATD would be greater in these conditions than in AD.

Methods:

Patients having DLB or PDD underwent ATD in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design.

Results:

While the study intended to test 20 patients, the protocol was poorly tolerated and terminated after six patients attempted, but only four patients – three with DLB and one with PDD – completed the protocol. The Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) score was reduced in all three DLB patients and unchanged in the PDD and dementia patient during ATD compared with placebo.

Conclusions:

This reduction in global cognitive function and the poor tolerability may fit with the hypothesis that people with dementia with Lewy bodies have sensitivity to the effects of reduced serotonin function.
Antidepressant use and mortality in very old people
Authors: Boström Gustaf , Hörnsten Carl , Brännström Jon , Conradsson Mia , Nordström Peter , Allard Per , Gustafson Yngve , Littbrand Håkan
Published: March 2016

Background:

Antidepressant treatment may increase the risk of death. The association between antidepressants and mortality has been evaluated in community-dwelling older people, but not in representative samples of very old people, among whom dementia, multimorbidity, and disability are common.

Methods:

Umeå 85+/GERDA study participants (n = 992) aged 85, 90, and ≥95 years were followed for up to five years. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze mortality risk associated with baseline antidepressant treatment, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results:

Mean age was 89 years; 27% of participants had dementia, 20% had stroke histories, 29% had heart failure, and 16% used antidepressants. In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, antidepressant use was associated with a 76% increased mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41–2.19). Adding adjustment for Geriatric Depression Scale score, HR was 1.62 (95% CI, 1.29–2.03). The association was not significant when adjusting for additional confounding factors (HR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.85–1.38). Interaction analyses in the fully adjusted model revealed a significant interaction between sex and antidepressant use (HR: 1.76; 95% CI, 1.05–2.94). Among male and female antidepressant users, the HRs for death were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.47–1.24) and 1.28 (95% CI, 0.97–1.70), respectively.

Conclusion:

Among very old people, baseline antidepressant treatment does not seem to be independently associated with increased mortality risk. However, the risk may be different in men and women. This difference and the potential risk of initial treatment require further investigation in future cohort studies of very old people.
Property rights and economic development: the legacy of Japanese colonial institutions
Authors: YOO DONGWOO , STECKEL RICHARD H.
Published: March 2016

Several studies link development to institutions transplanted by European colonizers and here we extend this line of research to Asia. Japan imposed its system of well-defined property rights on some of its Asian colonies. In 1939, Japan began to register private land in its island colonies, an effort that was completed in Palau but interrupted elsewhere by World War II. Within Micronesia, robust economic development followed only in Palau where individual property rights were well defined. We show that well-defined property rights in Korea and Taiwan secured land taxation and enabled farmers to obtain bank loans for irrigation systems. Considering Japanese colonies, we use the presence or absence of a land survey as an instrument to identify the causal impact of new institutions. Our estimates show that property-defining institutions were important for economic development, results that are confirmed when using a similar approach with British Colonies in Asia.
The influence of street furniture, tree trunks, and traffic in urban scenarios on ray tracing simulations in the millimeter wave band
Authors: Göktepe Bariş , Peter Michael , Weiler Richard J. , Keusgen Wilhelm
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the influence of tree trunks, cylindrical street furniture such as lamp posts, and traffic on ray tracing simulations in an urban scenario is analyzed. Tree trunks and lamp posts are modeled by cylinders and propagation characteristics computed according to the Uniform Theory of Diffraction. The influence of traffic is analyzed by simulations with moving vehicles. In order to get an understanding of the spatial characteristics of the channel, simulations with static and also mobile receivers have been performed, in line with a measurement campaign in the same environment. The simulation results show a good agreement with the measurements.
Analysis on the Radiation Property of the Bounded Modes of Periodic Leaky-Wave Structure with Finite-Length Using a Hybrid Method
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Junhong , Duan Jianjie , Zhang Zhan , Chen Meie
Published: March 2016

In this paper the radiation property of the one-dimensional periodic leaky-wave structure is analysed using a new hybrid method, which involves the mode expansion method for expanding the periodic aperture field in terms of spatial harmonics and the method of effective radiation sections for transforming the expanded fields into far fields. Using this method, the radiation of each spatial harmonic can be achieved and the contributions of the harmonics (especially the bounded modes) to the total radiation of the periodic leaky-wave structure can be calculated. The main findings in this paper demonstrate that the bounded modes in a finite length structure have obvious contribution to the far-field radiation, which was considered to be non-radiative and always ignored in the conventional researches.
Chiral nematic self-assembly of minimally surface damaged chitin nanofibrils and its load bearing functions
Authors: Oh Dongyeop X. , Cha Yun Jeong , Nguyen Hoang-Linh , Je Hwa Heon , Jho Yong Seok , Hwang Dong Soo , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: March 2016

Chitin is one of the most abundant biomaterials in nature, with 1010 tons produced annually as hierarchically organized nanofibril fillers to reinforce the exoskeletons of arthropods. This green and cheap biomaterial has attracted great attention due to its potential application to reinforce biomedical materials. Despite that, its practical use is limited since the extraction of chitin nanofibrils requires surface modification involving harsh chemical treatments, leading to difficulties in reproducing their natural prototypal hierarchical structure, i.e. chiral nematic phase. Here, we develop a chemical etching-free approach using calcium ions, called “natural way”, to disintegrate the chitin nanofibrils while keeping the essential moiety for the self-assembly, ultimately resulting in the reproduction of chitin’s natural chiral structure in a polymeric matrix. This chiral chitin nanostructure exceptionally toughens the composite. Our resultant chiral nematic phase of chitin materials can contribute to the understanding and use of the reinforcing strategy in nature.
Multiscale method for modeling binding phenomena involving large objects: application to kinesin motor domains motion along microtubules
Authors: Li Lin , Alper Joshua , Alexov Emil
Published: March 2016

Many biological phenomena involve the binding of proteins to a large object. Because the electrostatic forces that guide binding act over large distances, truncating the size of the system to facilitate computational modeling frequently yields inaccurate results. Our multiscale approach implements a computational focusing method that permits computation of large systems without truncating the electrostatic potential and achieves the high resolution required for modeling macromolecular interactions, all while keeping the computational time reasonable. We tested our approach on the motility of various kinesin motor domains. We found that electrostatics help guide kinesins as they walk: N-kinesins towards the plus-end and C-kinesins towards the minus-end of microtubules. Our methodology enables computation in similar, large systems including protein binding to DNA, viruses and membranes.
Origin of the mysterious Yin-Shang bronzes in China indicated by lead isotopes
Authors: Sun Wei-dong , Zhang Li-peng , Guo Jia , Li Cong-ying , Jiang Yu-hang , Zartman Robert E. , Zhang Zhao-feng
Published: March 2016

Fine Yin-Shang bronzes containing lead with puzzlingly highly radiogenic isotopic compositions appeared suddenly in the alluvial plain of the Yellow River around 1400 BC. The Tongkuangyu copper deposit in central China is known to have lead isotopic compositions even more radiogenic and scattered than those of the Yin-Shang bronzes. Most of the Yin-Shang bronzes are tin-copper alloys with high lead contents. The low lead and tin concentrations, together with the less radiogenic lead isotopes of bronzes in an ancient smelting site nearby, however, exclude Tongkuangyu as the sole supplier of the Yin-Shang bronzes. Interestingly, tin ingots/prills and bronzes found in Africa also have highly radiogenic lead isotopes, but it remains mysterious as to how such African bronzes may have been transported to China. Nevertheless, these African bronzes are the only bronzes outside China so far reported that have lead isotopes similar to those of the Yin-Shang bronzes. All these radiogenic lead isotopes plot along ~2.0–2.5 Ga isochron lines, implying that deposits around Archean cratons are the most likely candidates for the sources. African cratons along the Nile and even micro-cratons in the Sahara desert may have similar lead signatures. These places were probably accessible by ancient civilizations and thus are the most favorable suppliers of the bronzes.