bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial‐Boundary Value Problems for the Defocusing Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation in the Semiclassical Limit
Authors: Miller Peter D. , Qin  Zhenyun
Published: February 2015

Initial‐boundary value problems for integrable nonlinear partial differential equations have become tractable in recent years due to the development of so‐called unified transform techniques. The main obstruction to applying these methods in practice is that calculation of the spectral transforms of the initial and boundary data requires knowledge of too many boundary conditions, more than are required to make the problem well‐posed. The elimination of the unknown boundary values is frequently addressed in the spectral domain via the so‐called global relation, and types of boundary conditions for which the global relation can be solved are called linearizable. For the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation, the global relation is only known to be explicitly solvable in rather restrictive situations, namely homogeneous boundary conditions of Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin (mixed) type. General nonhomogeneous boundary conditions are not known to be linearizable. In this paper, we propose an explicit approximation for the nonlinear Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann map supplied by the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation and use it to provide approximate solutions of general nonhomogeneous boundary value problems for this equation posed as an initial‐boundary value problem on the half‐line. Our method sidesteps entirely the solution of the global relation. The accuracy of our method is proven in the semiclassical limit, and we provide explicit asymptotics for the solution in the interior of the quarter‐plane space‐time domain.
Molecular genetics of blood‐fleshed peach reveals activation of anthocyanin biosynthesis by NAC transcription factors
Authors: Zhou Hui , Lin‐Wang Kui , Wang Huiliang , Gu Chao , Dare Andrew P. , Espley Richard V. , He Huaping , Allan Andrew C. , Han Yuepeng
Published: February 2015

Anthocyanin pigmentation is an important consumer trait in peach (Prunus persica). In this study, the genetic basis of the blood‐flesh trait was investigated using the cultivar Dahongpao, which shows high levels of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside in the mesocarp. Elevation of anthocyanin levels in the flesh was correlated with the expression of an R2R3 MYB transcription factor, PpMYB10.1. However, PpMYB10.1 did not co‐segregate with the blood‐flesh trait. The blood‐flesh trait was mapped to a 200‐kb interval on peach linkage group (LG) 5. Within this interval, a gene encoding a NAC domain transcription factor (TF) was found to be highly up‐regulated in blood‐fleshed peaches when compared with non‐red‐fleshed peaches. This NAC TF, designated BLOOD (BL), acts as a heterodimer with PpNAC1 which shows high levels of expression in fruit at late developmental stages. We show that the heterodimer of BL and PpNAC1 can activate the transcription of PpMYB10.1, resulting in anthocyanin pigmentation in tobacco. Furthermore, silencing the BL gene reduces anthocyanin pigmentation in blood‐fleshed peaches. The transactivation activity of the BL‐PpNAC1 heterodimer is repressed by a SQUAMOSA promoter‐binding protein‐like TF, PpSPL1. Low levels of PpMYB10.1 expression in fruit at early developmental stages is probably attributable to lower levels of expression of PpNAC1 plus the presence of high levels of repressors such as PpSPL1. We present a mechanism whereby BL is the key gene for the blood‐flesh trait in peach via its activation of PpMYB10.1 in maturing fruit. Partner TFs such as basic helix–loop‐helix proteins and NAC1 are required, as is the removal of transcriptional repressors.
Comprehensive identification of mutations induced by heavy‐ion beam irradiation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hirano Tomonari , Kazama Yusuke , Ishii Kotaro , Ohbu Sumie , Shirakawa Yuki , Abe Tomoko
Published: February 2015

Heavy‐ion beams are widely used for mutation breeding and molecular biology. Although the mutagenic effects of heavy‐ion beam irradiation have been characterized by sequence analysis of some restricted chromosomal regions or loci, there have been no evaluations at the whole‐genome level or of the detailed genomic rearrangements in the mutant genomes. In this study, using array comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) and resequencing, we comprehensively characterized the mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana genomes irradiated with Ar or Fe ions. We subsequently used this information to investigate the mutagenic effects of the heavy‐ion beams. Array‐CGH demonstrated that the average number of deleted areas per genome were 1.9 and 3.7 following Ar‐ion and Fe‐ion irradiation, respectively, with deletion sizes ranging from 149 to 602 180 bp; 81% of the deletions were accompanied by genomic rearrangements. To provide a further detailed analysis, the genomes of the mutants induced by Ar‐ion beam irradiation were resequenced, and total mutations, including base substitutions, duplications, in/dels, inversions, and translocations, were detected using three algorithms. All three resequenced mutants had genomic rearrangements. Of the 22 DNA fragments that contributed to the rearrangements, 19 fragments were responsible for the intrachromosomal rearrangements, and multiple rearrangements were formed in the localized regions of the chromosomes. The interchromosomal rearrangements were detected in the multiply rearranged regions. These results indicate that the heavy‐ion beams led to clustered DNA damage in the chromosome, and that they have great potential to induce complicated intrachromosomal rearrangements. Heavy‐ion beams will prove useful as unique mutagens for plant breeding and the establishment of mutant lines.
Social Sources of Research Interest in Women’s Sport Related Injuries: A Case Study of ACL Injuries
Authors: Theberge Nancy
Published: February 2015

This article offers an analysis of the social sources of biomedical interest in women’s sports injuries through a case study of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Although both men and women incur them, there is extensive research interest in women’s ACL injuries. Drawing on interviews with researchers who have contributed to this research, the investigation examines the social sources of this interest. Explanations lie largely in the evolution of the agenda in sport medicine to a concern with injury prevention, which coincides with a movement toward the inclusion of women in health research. The article concludes with a consideration of the political and ideological implications of the interaction of the prevention and inclusion agendas in research on women’s sport injuries.

Cet article propose une analyse des sources sociales de l’intérêt biomédical pour les blessures dans les sports féminins à travers l’étude du cas des blessures au ligament croisé antérieur (LCA). Bien que les hommes et les femmes en soient tous deux victimes, il y a énormément d’intérêt en recherche pour les blessures au LCA chez les femmes. S’appuyant sur des entrevues avec des chercheurs qui ont contribué à ce projet, l’étude examine les sources sociales de cet intérêt. Les explications reposent grandement sur l’évolution de l’agenda en médecine du sport vers un souci de prévention des blessures, ce qui coïncide avec un mouvement vers l’inclusion des femmes dans la recherche sur la santé. L’article conclut par une considération des implications politiques et idéologiques de l’interaction des agendas de prévention et d’inclusion en recherche sur les blessures sportives chez les femmes.
‘Silver Cups Versus Ice Creams’: Parental Involvement With the Construction of Gender in the Field of Their Son’s Soccer
Authors: Claringbould Inge , Adriaanse Johanna
Published: February 2015

This study explores parents’ gendered meanings in their involvement with their son’s soccer participation. We use Bourdieu’s (1985; 1990; 2012) theoretical perspective of fields, positions, habitus and taking positions to examine the way in which parents in two Dutch soccer clubs reconstruct and negotiate gendered meanings through expressions, positioning and power relations within the field of their son’s soccer. The findings suggest that, within this field, a subdivision exists between the ‘main’ field, represented by masculine meanings, and the subordinated ‘serving-the-main’ field, represented by feminine values. The study contributes to a better understanding of the processes involved in the construction of gender in both subfields and highlights the way in which women who enter the ‘main’ field can be theorized as ‘space invaders’.
The influence of hypothermia on the management of traumatic cardiac arrest
Authors: Davies William
Published: February 2015

Post-traumatic hypothermia often occurs as a direct consequence of haemorrhage and shock. Environmental exposure in austere environments may also contribute to its pathogenesis. In those casualties that present in cardiac arrest following injury, coexisting hypothermia may be the primary cause of the arrest, or a marker of the severity of shock. A case of a 25-year-old combat casualty is presented, illustrating some of the technical challenges faced by clinicians while resuscitating hypothermic trauma patients in cardiac arrest.
Synthesis of prodigiosene–estrogen conjugates: optimization of protecting group strategies and anticancer properties
Authors: Marchal Estelle , Uddin Md. Imam , Hawco Cassandra L.A. , Thompson Alison
Published: February 2015

The tripyrrolic prodigiosene skeleton was conjugated to several estrogen ligands. The conjugation was achieved via an ester linker that proved to be unusually sensitive to hydrolysis during synthesis. This work describes the determination of an appropriate protecting group for the hydroxy groups of the estrogen linker. The anticancer properties of the target prodigiosene–estrogen conjugates were evaluated against breast cancer cells and some show selectivity for ER+ breast cancer cell lines.
Linearly reductive and unipotent actions of affine groups
Authors: Ferrer Santos Walter , Rittatore Alvaro
Published: February 2015

We present a generalized version of classical geometric invariant theory à la Mumford where we consider an affine algebraic group G acting on a specific affine algebraic variety X. We define the notions of linearly reductive and of unipotent action in terms of the G fixed point functor in the category of (G, 𝕜[X])-modules. In the case that X = {⋆} we recuperate the concept of linearly reductive and of unipotent group. We prove in our "relative" context some of the classical results of GIT such as: existence of quotients, finite generation of invariants, Kostant–Rosenlicht's theorem and Matsushima's criterion. We also present a partial description of the geometry of such linearly reductive actions.
Implications of a 125 GeV Higgs boson
Authors: Checchia Paolo
Published: February 2015

The discovery of the Higgs boson has been one the most important results in the whole story of particle physics. A review of the aspects of the long path, starting from the speculative introduction of the Brout–Englert–Higgs mechanism, continuing with the long search to detect the Higgs particle, and arriving to the discovery is given. The first measurements of the properties are described, their implications are discussed and the future prospects are given.
A path integral approach to the Langevin equation
Authors: Das Ashok K. , Panda Sudhakar , Santos J. R. L.
Published: February 2015

We study the Langevin equation with both a white noise and a colored noise. We construct the Lagrangian as well as the Hamiltonian for the generalized Langevin equation which leads naturally to a path integral description from first principles. This derivation clarifies the meaning of the additional fields introduced by Martin, Siggia and Rose in their functional formalism. We show that the transition amplitude, in this case, is the generating functional for correlation functions. We work out explicitly the correlation functions for the Markovian process of the Brownian motion of a free particle as well as for that of the non-Markovian process of the Brownian motion of a harmonic oscillator (Uhlenbeck–Ornstein model). The path integral description also leads to a simple derivation of the Fokker–Planck equation for the generalized Langevin equation.
Online Games
Authors: Chen Tsung Teng
Published: February 2015

Computer-based games have become an important social phenomenon of modern society. Fast-growing online games are becoming the dominant sector in computer-based games. The development of online games involves many disparate disciplines from the technology, entertainment, and behavior sciences. Attracted by the potential impact of this rapidly growing segment, there is a growing literature addressing this fascinating topic. However, the scope, perspective, and main research themes of online games study are still unclear to date. Therefore, we utilized the intellectual structure technique developed by the information scientist to help clarify the scope and themes of this research domain. We analyzed thousands of relevant literature and tentatively identified 25 main research themes to facilitate the comprehension and study of online games. A research framework is developed by synthesizing the research themes and references. The framework encompasses research areas in network infrastructure, game platform architecture, game applications, player study, ICT mediated social activities, social capital, and game business models.
Printer watermark obfuscation
Authors: Embar Maya , Wesselmann William , McHugh Louis
Published: February 2015

Most color laser printers manufactured and sold today add "invisible" information to make it easier to determine when a particular document was printed and exactly which printer was used. Some manufacturers have acknowledged the existence of the tracking information in their documentation while others have not. None of them have explained exactly how it works or the scope of the information that is conveyed. There are no laws or regulations that require printer companies to track printer users this way, and none that prevent them from ceasing this practice or providing customers a means to opt out of being tracked. The tracking information is coded by patterns of yellow dots that the printers add to every page they print. The details of the patterns vary by manufacturer and printer model.

In this document, our team will discuss several obfuscation methods and demonstrate a successful one.

Included in this document is an explanation of the firmware generated yellow dots matrix and answers to the following questions: 1. Which printers produce the dots? 2. How are the dots put on? 3. What is needed for testing? 4. What is the dot size and spacing? 5. Where are the dots located on the page? 6. How can the dots be rendered useless?
Measurement of the Physical Properties during Laparoscopic Surgery Performed on Pigs by Using Forceps with Pressure Sensors
Authors: Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Makiyama Kazuhide , Osaka Kimito , Nagasaka Manabu , Ogata Masato , Yamada Takahiro , Kubota Yoshinobu
Published: February 2015

Objectives. Here we developed a unique training system, a patient specific virtual reality simulator, for laparoscopic renal surgery. To develop the simulator, it was important to first identify the physical properties of the organ.Methods. We recorded the force measured during laparoscopic surgery performed on pigs by using forceps with pressure sensors. Several sensors, including strain gauges, accelerometers, and a potentiometer, are attached to the forceps.Results. Throughout the experiment, we measured the reaction force in response to the forceps movement in real time.Conclusions. The experiment showed the possibility of digitizing these physical properties in humans as well.
Modeling the Seismic Impacts on Communication Networks in Smart Grid
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Sun Zhi , Zhu Bocheng
Published: February 2015

In Smart Grids, the real-time information measured by distributed sensors is transmitted through communication networks to create an automated energy delivery network. The communication reliability of communication networks in Smart Grids is of great importance, especially under the impact of natural disasters, which are the most common threats to the reliability of power grids. In this paper, the seismic impacts on communication networks in Smart Grids are analyzed, including the modeling of earthquakes, the fragility probability computing of power grids, and the seismic impacts on power line communication (PLC) channel. Based on these analyses, the network capacity is analyzed and the postearthquake network capacity is obtained through the formulations based on an arbitrary network model. The achievable data rates of a practical network are obtained through simulations on a simulated random topology according to practical parameters. To enhance the communication robustness of Smart Grids against earthquakes, a robust routing protocol based on greedy perimeter stateless routing (R-GPSR) is proposed. The simulation results show significant improvements in the reliability and expectation channel capacity of the communication network under the impacts of earthquakes with different magnitudes.
Global Stability of Positive Periodic Solutions and Almost Periodic Solutions for a Discrete Competitive System
Authors: Ma Heping , Gao Jianguo , Xie Lingling
Published: February 2015

A discrete two-species competitive model is investigated. By using some preliminary lemmas and constructing a Lyapunov function, the existence and uniformly asymptotic stability of positive almost periodic solutions of the system are derived. In addition, an example and numerical simulations are presented to illustrate and substantiate the results of this paper.
Insufficient Ablative Margin Determined by Early Computed Tomography May Predict the Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Teng Wei , Liu Ka-Wai , Lin Chen-Chun , Jeng Wen-Juei , Chen Wei-Ting , Sheen I-Shyan , Lin Chun-Yen , Lin Shi-Ming
Published: February 2015

Tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) remains common; some studies have reported that insufficient ablative margin after RFA might contribute to HCC recurrence. The aim of this study was to investigate whether insufficient ablative safety margins determined by early computed tomography (CT) predicts HCC recurrence after RFA. This retrospective study recruited patients with a single HCC lesion after RFA in our department between May 2013 and March 2014. Early follow-up CT was performed within 7 days after RFA. An adequate ablative margin assessed by follow-up CT was defined as (maximum post-RFA CT radius)3/(maximum pre-RFA CT radius + 5 mm)3> 1. All patients in whom complete ablation was achieved underwent a CT scan every 3 months for early detection of HCC recurrence. In total, 72 patients (48 male, mean age 69.4 years) were analyzed. Of these, eight patients had local tumor progression, four had intra-hepatic distant recurrence, and two had extra-hepatic metastasis. Insufficient ablative margin, defined as an ablative volume with a safety margin of less than 5 mm, was an important predictor of local tumor progression (LTP) (p = 0.015) and overall recurrence (p = 0.012). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of an insufficient ablative margin for predicting LTP and overall recurrence were 36.4%, 97.2%, 50.0%, and 87.9%, and 46.2%, 89.7%, 42.9%, and 87.9%, respectively. An ablative volume with an ablative margin of less than 5 mm is associated with higher rates of both LTP and overall recurrence in HCC after RFA.
Function of Nucleoid-Associated Proteins in Chromosome Structuring and Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Dorman Charles J.
Published: February 2015

Nucleoid-associated proteins typically are abundant, low-molecular-mass polypeptides that bind DNA and alter its shape and its ability to participate in transactions such as transcription. Some can bind RNA and influence the gene expression profile of the cell at a posttranscriptional level. They also have the potential to model and remodel the structure of the nucleoid, contributing to chromosome packaging within the cell. Some nucleoid-associated proteins have been implicated in the facilitation of chromosome evolution through their ability to silence transcription, allowing new genes to be integrated into the nucleoid both physically and in a regulatory sense. The dynamic composition of the population of nucleoid-associated proteins in model bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica links nucleoid structure and the global regulation of gene expression, enhancing microbial competitive fitness and survival in complex environments.
Detection of Symptomatic Carotid Plaque Using Source Data from MR and CT Angiography: A Correlative Study
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Baradaran Hediyeh , Mtui Edward E. , Kamel Hooman , Pandya Ankur , Giambrone Ashley , Iadecola Costantino , Sanelli Pina C.
Published: February 2015

Background: Carotid plaque MRI has been a useful method to characterize vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque elements. Recent investigations have suggested that source images from CT angiography (CTA) and MR angiography (MRA) can identify the simple high-risk features of symptom-producing carotid artery plaque. We studied the correlation and relative diagnostic accuracies of CTA and MRA source images in detecting symptomatic carotid artery plaque. Methods: Subjects were eligible if they had carotid stenosis between 50 and 99% and had MRA and CTA exams performed within 10 days of one another. We measured the soft (non-calcified) plaque and hard (calcified) plaque thickness on CTA axial source images and intraplaque high-intensity signal (IHIS) on 3D-time-of-flight MRA source images in subjects. We assessed whether a correlation existed between increasing CTA soft plaque thicknesses and the presence of MRA IHIS using the Student's t-test. We calculated the differences in sensitivity and specificity measures of CTA and MRA source-imaging data with the occurrence of recent ipsilateral stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) as the reference standard. We also performed logistic regression analyses to evaluate the predictive strength of plaque showing both IHIS and increased CTA soft plaque thickness in predicting symptomatic disease status. Results: Of 1994 screened patients, 48 arteries met the final inclusion criteria with MRA and CTA performed within 10 days of one another. The mean and median time between CTA and MRA exams were 2.0 days and 1 day, respectively. A total of 34 of 48 stenotic vessels (70.8%) were responsible for giving rise to ipsilateral stroke or TIA. CTA mean soft plaque thickness was significantly greater (4.47 vs. 2.30 mm, p < 0.0001) in patients with MRA-defined IHIS, while CTA hard plaque thickness was significantly greater (2.09 vs. 1.16 mm, p = 0.0134) in patients without MRA evidence of IHIS. CTA soft plaque thickness measurements were more sensitive than MRA IHIS (91.2 vs. 67.6%, p = 0.011) in detecting symptomatic plaque, while differences in specificity were not significantly different (p = 0.1573). In the subset of patients with both IHIS on MRA and plaque thickness >2.4 mm on CTA, the odds ratio of detecting symptomatic plaque, corrected for stenosis severity, was 45.3 (p < 0.0005). Conclusions: Unprocessed source images from CTA and MRA, which are routinely evaluated for clinical studies demonstrate the highly correlated presence of IHIS and increasing soft plaque thickness. In particular, plaque that shows high-risk features on both MRA and CTA are very strongly associated with symptom-producing carotid plaque. With further validation, such techniques are promising practical methods of extracting risk information from routine neck angiographic imaging.
Is a Global History of Architecture Displayable? A Historiographical Perspective on the 14th Venice Architecture Biennale and Louvre Abu Dhabi
Authors: Akcan Esra
Published: February 2015

This article comparatively discusses the 14th International Architecture Biennale of Venice, directed by Rem Koolhaas, and the pilot exhibit and architectural design of Louvre Abu Dhabi undertaken by Jean Nouvel, in the context of recent big art events and world museums. Curatorial, historiographical, and installation strategies in these venues are differentiated in order to think through the question of displaying a global history of architecture. I make a distinction between the curatorial practices carried out in the Fundamentals and Absorbing Modernity sections of Venice's Central and National Pavilions as curator-as-author and curators-as-chorus, which I map onto recent historiographical and museum design practices, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, to discuss the geopolitical implications of its installation strategies. I also argue that six methodological perspectives for displaying architectural history emerge from the curator-chorus of Absorbing Modernity, which can be identified as survey, nationalist history, case study, thematic history, archive metaphor, and deferment, all of which contribute to and raise questions about the ongoing project towards a global architectural history. After suggesting a difference between “world” and “global” history of architecture, I call for a more geopolitically conscious and cosmopolitan global history of architecture, by exposing the intactive bonds between the history of modernism and of colonization, as well as the continuing legacy of geopolitical and economic inequalities that operate in such venues.
Statistical Power in Experimental Audit Studies
Authors: Vuolo Mike , Uggen Christopher , Lageson Sarah
Published: February 2015

Given their capacity to identify causal relationships, experimental audit studies have grown increasingly popular in the social sciences. Typically, investigators send fictitious auditors who differ by a key factor (e.g., race) to particular experimental units (e.g., employers) and then compare treatment and control groups on a dichotomous outcome (e.g., hiring). In such scenarios, an important design consideration is the power to detect a certain magnitude difference between the groups. But power calculations are not straightforward in standard matched tests for dichotomous outcomes. Given the paired nature of the data, the number of pairs in the concordant cells (when neither or both auditor receives a positive response) contributes to the power, which is lower as the sum of the discordant proportions approaches one. Because these quantities are difficult to determine a priori, researchers must exercise particular care in experimental design. We here present sample size and power calculations for McNemar’s test using empirical data from an audit study on misdemeanor arrest records and employability. We then provide formulas and examples for cases involving more than two treatments (Cochran’s Q test) and nominal outcomes (Stuart–Maxwell test). We conclude with concrete recommendations concerning power and sample size for researchers designing and presenting matched audit studies.
Five-degree-of-freedom manipulation of an untethered magnetic device in fluid using a single permanent magnet with application in stomach capsule endoscopy
Authors: Mahoney Arthur W. , Abbott Jake J.
Published: February 2015

This paper demonstrates magnetic three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) closed-loop position and 2-DOF open-loop orientation control of a mockup magnetic capsule endoscope in fluid with a single permanent magnet positioned by a commercial 6-DOF robotic manipulator, using feedback of only the 3-DOF capsule position measured by a localization system, with application in capsule endoscopy of a fluid-distended stomach. We analyze the kinematics of magnetic manipulation using a single permanent magnet as the end-effector of a serial-link robot manipulator, and we formulate a control method that enables the capsule’s position and direction to be controlled when the robot manipulator is not in a kinematic singularity, and that sacrifices control over the capsule’s direction to maintain control over the capsule’s position when the manipulator enters a singularity. We demonstrate the method’s robustness to a reduced control rate of 25 Hz, reduced localization rates down to 30 Hz, deviation in the applied magnetic field from that expected, and the presence of manipulator singularities. Five-DOF manipulation of an untethered magnetic device has been previously demonstrated by electromagnetic systems only.
Changes in serum alanine aminotransferase levels in telbivudine versus lamivudine treatment for chronic hepatitis B: A meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Min , Xiao Ge-Min , Wang Feng-Lin , Zhang Jiong-Shan , Li Yang-Mei , Yang Hong-Zhi
Published: February 2015

Objective

A meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of telbivudine (TBV) and lamivudine (LAM) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), assessed via changes in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.

Method

The electronic literature databases PubMed®, Embase®, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, China BioMedicine and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for relevant studies. The effect of TBV and LAM treatment on serum ALT was assessed using standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The meta-analysis included six studies (TBV n = 202; LAM, n = 208). Post-treatment ALT levels were significantly lower than pretreatment values for both TBV and LAM (TBV: SMD = 3.00, 95%CI 1.91, 4.09; LAM: SMD = 2.33, 95%CI 1.58, 3.07). Post-treatment ALT was significantly lower after treatment with TBV than LAM (SMD = 0.58, 95%CI 0.21, 0.94).

Conclusion

Both LAM and TBV are effective in normalizing ALT levels in patients with CHB, but TBV may be a better choice due to its lower rates of drug resistance.
Issues Confronting Occupational Therapists Working with Terminally Ill Patients
Authors: Bennett Sally
Published: February 2015

Occupational therapists, like alt who work with dying patients and their families, are subject to a considerable amount of stress. This article highlights the literature relevant to occupational therapy in order to outline factors contributing to this stress. A summary of suggested strategies for coping with stress and burnout for health carers working with dying patients is presented.
Development of a Method for Setting Standards of Clinical Experience
Authors: Openshaw Sheila , Goble Rita
Published: February 2015

The development of a method for setting standards of clinical supervision is described in this article. It is the first of a series of articles addressing the development of accreditation procedures for St Loye's School of Occupational Therapy, Exeter. The importance of the formal recognition of clinical experience for future developments in education for occupational therapy is discussed.
The Development and Validation of a Measure of Student Attitudes Toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S-STEM)
Authors: Unfried Alana , Faber Malinda , Stanhope Daniel S. , Wiebe Eric
Published: February 2015

Using an iterative design along with multiple methodological approaches and a large representative sample, this study presents reliability, validity, and fairness evidence for two surveys measuring student attitudes toward science, technology, engineering, and math (S-STEM) and interest in STEM careers for (a) 4th- through 5th-grade students (Upper Elementary S-STEM) and (b) 6th- through 12th-grade students (Middle/High S-STEM). Findings from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested the use of a four-factor structure to measure student attitudes toward science, math, engineering/technology, and 21st century skills. Subject matter experts and literature reviews provided evidence of content validity. Reliability levels were high for both versions. Furthermore, both the Upper Elementary S-STEM and Middle/High S-STEM Surveys demonstrated evidence of configural, metric, and scalar invariance across grade levels, races/ethnicities, and genders. The findings support the validity of interpretations and inferences made from scores on the instruments’ items and subscales.
Fears in the General Population
Authors: Tulviste Tiia , Kiive Evelyn , Akkermann Kirsti , Harro Jaanus
Published: February 2015

This study aimed to examine the structure of fears of youth, and its associations with gender, genetic variation of the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR), and perceived maternal acceptance/rejection and control, in a population-representative sample. Participants were 453 adolescents and 540 young adults. Fears were assessed by a 18-item Fear Questionnaire, and perceived maternal relationships by the Mother Acceptance-Rejection/Control Questionnaire. A structured psychiatric interview was used to assess current and lifetime psychiatric disorders in participants from the older cohort. A principal component analyses indicated 2 components, named Fear/Phobia and Panic/Despair. Females expressed higher level of fears and symptoms of despair regardless of the serotonin transporter genotype. The 5-HTTLPR genotype nevertheless played a role in the association between fears and perceived relationships: in S/S-genotype, more Fear/Phobia was reported by the participants who perceived greater maternal acceptance in combination with strict maternal control, and had a history of psychiatric disorder.
Career Goals in Young Adults
Authors: Haratsis Jessica M. , Hood Michelle , Creed Peter A.
Published: February 2015

We tested a model based on the dual-process framework that assessed the relationships among personal resources, career goal appraisals, career attitudes, and career goal management, which have not been previously assessed together. The model (tested on a sample of 486 young adults: 74% female, Mage = 22 years) proposed that personal resources (assimilation and accommodation) were associated with career goal management strategies (goal engagement and disengagement) and that these relationships were mediated by career goal appraisals (perceived attainability, importance, and substitutability) and career attitudes (career optimism and locus of control). Career optimism mediated between assimilation and goal engagement, and importance mediated between accommodation and goal disengagement. The results contribute to a better understanding of goal management processes in the career domain and have implications for the application of the dual-process framework to career development in young adulthood.
The Gradual Slide towards Homogeneity: The Influence of Convergence Forces
Authors: Fatehi Kamal , Sanchez Jose
Published: February 2015

Cultures and nations are losing their uniqueness to globalization forces as if they are indeed in a ‘global village’. Convergence forces of information explosion, ease of travel and transportation, and economic imperatives bring about homogeneity, and similarity to cultures, societies and the way of life. These are the defining terms of our time. It seems that we are gradually sliding towards homogeneity. Convergence forces are creating unprecedented level of similarity among various peoples and cultures. This article elaborates on these issues, not only as the way they are but as an early signal heralding the shape of things to come.
Informed Consent Examined Within the Context of Culturally Congruent Care
Authors: Marrone Stephen R.
Published: February 2015

The process of obtaining informed consent for diverse patients poses many challenges for health care professionals as they try to balance ethical, legal, and accreditation requirements of the country within which they practice with the culture care needs of diverse consumers. Culturally competent health care organizations create a governance infrastructure that promotes equity and supports the delivery of culturally appropriate health care services that are responsive to diverse patients. The purpose of this article is to examine the concept of informed consent within the context of culturally congruent care to Saudi patients and families in an American hospital setting. The need for the provision of culturally congruent care that respects the contextual rights and dignity of patients and families while, at the same time, recognizing the legal, ethical, and moral codes of the health professions and requirements of federal, state, and regulatory agencies within the United States will be explored.
An improved procedure for generating standardised load-time histories for marine structures
Authors: Li Shanshan , Cui Weicheng , Paik Jeom Kee
Published: February 2015

The load sequence effect has been proved from laboratory tests to be an influencing factor that cannot be neglected in the fatigue analysis of marine structures. To take account of this significant factor, fatigue life prediction should be based on fatigue crack propagation theory rather than the currently used cumulative fatigue damage theory. Accordingly, fatigue loading needs to be provided as the load-time history in the time domain rather than the load spectrum in the frequency domain. A general procedure for generating the standardised load-time history for marine structures based on a short-term load measurement has been proposed by the authors. This article seeks to further improve on this procedure and explain how to apply the determined standardised load-time history in the fatigue life prediction method based on the fatigue crack propagation theory. Finally, generation and application of a standardised load-time history are given for a tubular T-joint of an offshore platform, which demonstrates the practical and effective use of the proposed approach.
Silybum marianum: Beyond Hepatoprotection
Authors: Bahmani Mahmood , Shirzad Hedayatollah , Rafieian Samira , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud
Published: February 2015

Silybum marianum is a medicinal plant that has long been used as hepatoprotective remedy. It has been used for the treatment of numerous liver disorders characterized by functional impairment or degenerative necrosis. Its hepatoprotective activity is unique and acts in different ways, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, cell permeability regulator and membrane stabilizer, stimulation of liver regeneration and inhibition of deposition in collagen fibers, which may lead to cirrhosis. Most of documented data with Silybum marianum are about liver disorders; however, recently several beneficial properties on a wide variety of other disorders such as renal protection, hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerosis activities, cardiovascular protection, prevention of insulin resistance, especially in cirrhotic patients, cancer, and Alzheimer prevention. It is also used as a food remedy. This review article aims to present different aspects of Silybum marianum, especially the data in recently published articles about its effects on different diseases, apart from presenting the aspects of its hepatoprotection.
Uveitic crystalline maculopathy
Authors: Or Chris , Kirker Andrew W , Forooghian Farzin
Published: February 2015

Background

The purpose of this case report is to present a novel cause of crystalline maculopathy.

Findings

A 52-year-old Japanese female presented with a 4-month history of decreased vision in the left eye. Best corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 20/40. Dilated fundus examination of the right eye was unremarkable, but that of the left eye demonstrated foveal yellow-green intraretinal crystals and mild vitritis. Optical coherence tomography of the left eye revealed small intraretinal fluid cysts and intraretinal crystals. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography was normal in the right eye, but that of the left eye demonstrated features of intermediate uveitis. There was no history or findings to suggest any cause for the crystals other than the uveitis.

Conclusions

We propose that this may represent a novel category of crystalline retinopathy, termed uveitic crystalline maculopathy. We hypothesize that breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier as seen in uveitis may contribute to the deposition of crystals in the macula, although the precise composition of the crystals is unknown.
Incidence and outcome of inappropriate in-hospital empiric antibiotics for severe infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Marquet Kristel , Liesenborgs An , Bergs Jochen , Vleugels Arthur , Claes Neree
Published: February 2015

Introduction

The aims of this study were to explore the incidence of in-hospital inappropriate empiric antibiotic use in patients with severe infection and to identify its relationship with patient outcomes.

Methods

Medline (from 2004 to 2014) was systematically searched by using predefined inclusion criteria. Reference lists of retrieved articles were screened for additional relevant studies. The systematic review included original articles reporting a quantitative measure of the association between the use of (in)appropriate empiric antibiotics in patients with severe in-hospital infections and their outcomes. A meta-analysis, using a random-effects model, was conducted to quantify the effect on mortality by using risk ratios.

Results

In total, 27 individual articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The percentage of inappropriate empiric antibiotic use ranged from 14.1% to 78.9% (Q1-Q3: 28.1% to 57.8%); 13 of 27 studies (48.1%) described an incidence of 50% or more. A meta-analysis for 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality showed risk ratios of 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.62 to 0.82) and 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.56 to 0.80), respectively. Studies with outcome parameter 28-day and 60-day mortality reported significantly (P ≤0.02) higher mortality rates in patients receiving inappropriate antibiotics. Two studies assessed the total costs, which were significantly higher in both studies (P ≤0.01).

Conclusions

This systematic review with meta-analysis provides evidence that inappropriate use of empiric antibiotics increases 30-day and in-hospital mortality in patients with a severe infection.
On the homology of branched coverings of 3-manifolds
Authors: Ueki Jun
Published: February 2015

Following the analogies between 3-manifolds and number rings in arithmetic topology, we study the homology of branched covers of 3-manifolds. In particular, we show some analogues of Iwasawa’s theorems on ideal class groups and unit groups, Hilbert’s Satz 90, and some genus-theory–type results in the context of 3-dimensional topology. We also prove that the 2-cycles valued Tate cohomology of branched Galois covers is a topological invariant, and we give a new insight into the analogy between 2-cycle groups and unit groups.
From politics to nostalgia – and back to politics: Tracing the shifts in the filmic depiction of the Greek 'long 1960s' over time
Authors: Kornetis Kostis
Published: February 2015

A number of Greek feature films in the 1990s and early 2000s – from End of an Era to Uranya – created a standard depiction of the Colonels’ dictatorship as an era filled with bittersweet adolescent memories. The Comedy of the Junta: The Light Side of a Dark Era, a recent documentary produced in April 2010 by Elias Kanellis, presented it as a laughable farce. More importantly, even, this period was treated as distant and definitely over. Almost from the onset of the economic crisis, we may say that there is a change of paradigm regarding the use of the junta and a radical departure from both the grotesque and the nostalgic view. Rather, its more brutal aspects began to be stressed in a thinly veiled attempt to highlight the continuities between past and present, the police violence and authoritarian practices of the 1967–74 era and that of the 2010–12 one – best encompassed in the popular slogan of the Indignados “The Junta did not end in ’73”. Typical examples are Fotos Lambrinos’ television documentary series It's just a junta, will it pass? and Alinda Dimitrious’s documentary The Girls of the Rain (2011). This article traces this shift and its poetics, focusing on various representative examples of both tendencies and the ways in which they sought to create a certain form of public memory.
Review of Paraskevi Golia's Υμνώντας το έθνος. Ο ρόλος των σχολικών γιορτών στην εθνική και πολιτική διαπαιδαγώγηση, 1924-2010
Authors: Papandreou Zeta G.
Published: February 2015

Paraskevi Golia, Υμνώντας το έθνος. Ο ρόλος των σχολικών γιορτών στην εθνική και πολιτική διαπαιδαγώγηση 1924-2010 [Praising the nation: The role of national day school commemorations in national and political-education policy, 1924-2010], Thessaloniki: Epikentro, 2011, 445 pp
Review of Kateřina Králová, Konstantinos Tsivos et al., Vyschly Nám Slzy... Řečtí uprchlíci v Československu
Authors: Sarikoudi Georgia
Published: February 2015

Kateřina Králová, Konstantinos Tsivos et al., Vyschly Nám Slzy... Řečtí uprchlíci v Československu [We have no tears left to cry: Greek refugees in Czechoslovakia], Prague: Dokořán. 2012. 333 pp.
Fabrication of ketoconazole nanoparticles and their activity against Malassezia furfur
Authors: PARALIKAR PRITI
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Paralikar P. 2015. Fabrication of ketoconazole nanoparticles and their activity against Malassezia furfur. Nusantara Bioscience 7: 43-47. In the present study, ketoconazole nanoparticles were synthesized from commercially available ketoconazole powder. Sonication is the physical method used to fabricate ketoconazole nanoparticles. UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, NTA analysis, and TEM analysis reveals the formation of polydispersed ketoconazole nanoparticles with 51nm particle size. The antifungal study demonstrates that synthesized ketoconazole nanoparticles exhibit significant activity against Malassezia furfur as compared with commercially available ketoconazole powder. Further, nanogel was prepared using ketoconazole nanoparticles which showed significant antimalassezial activity. After systematic trial, the ketoconazole nanoparticles containing gel can be used as antidandruff gel.
Experimental Study of Ion Dynamic Effects in Overlapping Helium Lines at Low Densities
Authors: Piel A. , Richter H.
Published: February 2015

The line profiles of the overlapping helium lines 447.1 nm and 492.2 nm have been investigated in an improved plasma source of high purity at electron densities of 1 × 1021 m−3 and 3 × 1021 m−3 . The plasma parameters Ne, Te and T0 were determined carefully by independent diagnostics, which enables a critical comparison with existing theories (BCS II and MMM). We observed ion dynamic effects which considerably modify the line shape of the forbidden components. Our experiments extend the existing observations towards higher ion temperatures. Systematic trends observed earlier are critically discussed.
Notizen: Excess Free Energies in Molten CuCl-KCl-LiCl by EMF Measurements
Authors: Giazitzoglou Z. , Engels H. , Schiller U.
Published: February 2015

The ternary liquid system CuCl-KCl-LiCl has been investigated by means of emf measurements at about 450 up to 700 °C. Excess free energies and activity coefficients for molten CuCl in the KCl-LiCl eutectic are calculated by a best fit to the obtained data and from literature data for the corresponding binary systems employing the Redlich-Kister equation.
The Noble Gas Record in Antarctic and Other Meteorites
Authors: Weber H. W. , Braun O. , Schultz L. , Begemann F.
Published: February 2015

Data are reported for the concentration and isotopic composition of He, Ne, and Ar in 11 Antarctic and 8 other stone meteorites. Cosmic ray exposure ages and whole rock gas retention model ages are given. The noble gas record suggests that all three ALLAN HILLS eucrites analysed so far belong to the same meteorite fall while the three eucrites from the ELEPHANT MORAINE area appear to be three independent individual falls.
45Scandium NMR Investigations in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Haid E. , Köhnlein D. , Kössler G. , Lutz O. , Messner W. , Mohn K. R. , Nothaft G. , Rickelen B. van , Schich W. , Steinhauser N.
Published: February 2015

45Sc NMR chemical shifts, linewidths, and longitudinal relaxation rates have been measured in aqueous solutions of scandium chloride and sulphate as a function of the appropriate acid. A common typical behaviour of these parameters without sudden changes has been observed. Also signals in the basic range have been obtained. H2O -D2O solvent isotope effects on Larmor frequency and relaxation rates are presented.