bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and high light yield scintillation in the Ga2O3 semiconductor material
Authors: Yanagida Takayuki , Okada Go , Kato Takumi , Nakauchi Daisuke , Yanagida Satoko
Published: March 2016

We report the distinct scintillation properties of the well-known Ga2O3 semiconductor material. Under UV excitation, the photoluminescence (PL) emission peak appeared near a wavelength of 380 nm with a quantum yield of 6%, and fast decays of 8 and 793 ns were observed. In contrast, the X-ray-induced scintillation spectrum showed an intense emission band near a wavelength of 380 nm, whose decay curve was reproduced using two exponential decay components with time constants of 8 and 977 ns. The pulse height spectrum of 137Cs γ-rays measured using Ga2O3 showed a clear photoabsorption peak with a light yield of 15000 ± 1500 photons/MeV.
Experiments on localized wireless power transmission using a magneto-inductive wave two-dimensional metamaterial cavity
Authors: Pham Thanh Son , Ranaweera Aruna Kumara , Lam Vu Dinh , Lee Jong-Wook
Published: March 2016

In this letter, we propose a magneto-inductive wave (MIW) metamaterial cavity for enhanced mid-range wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. Cavity operation is achieved by controlling the propagation of MIWs at lower megahertz frequencies. The cavity is realized by omitting a cell and thereby breaking the periodicity of the closely coupled metamaterial slabs. The cavity in the proposed metamaterial effectively confines the MIWs into a subwavelength region. Consequently, it localizes the magnetic field in the WPT region and provides enhanced power transmission. When the proposed MIW metamaterial cavity is used, the measured efficiency improves significantly from 8.7 to 54.9%.
Environments organize the verbal brain
Authors: Catania A. Charles
Published: March 2016

FOXP2 expression in the evolution of language derives from its role in allowing vocal articulation that is sensitive to its consequences. The discrete verbal discourse it allows must have evolved recently relative to affective features of vocal behavior such as tone of voice. Because all organ systems must have evolved in the service of behavior, attention is given to ways in which environments may have driven brain organization.
Phylogenetic reorganization of the basal ganglia: A necessary, but not the only, bridge over a primate Rubicon of acoustic communication
Authors: Ackermann Hermann , Hage Steffen R. , Ziegler Wolfram
Published: March 2016

In this response to commentaries, we revisit the two main arguments of our target article. Based on data drawn from a variety of research areas – vocal behavior in nonhuman primates, speech physiology and pathology, neurobiology of basal ganglia functions, motor skill learning, paleoanthropological concepts – the target article, first, suggests a two-stage model of the evolution of the crucial motor prerequisites of spoken language within the hominin lineage: (1) monosynaptic refinement of the projections of motor cortex to brainstem nuclei steering laryngeal muscles, and (2) subsequent “vocal-laryngeal elaboration” of cortico-basal ganglia circuits, driven by human-specific FOXP2 mutations. Second, as concerns the ontogenetic development of verbal communication, age-dependent interactions between the basal ganglia and their cortical targets are assumed to contribute to the time course of the acquisition of articulate speech. Whereas such a phylogenetic reorganization of cortico-striatal circuits must be considered a necessary prerequisite for ontogenetic speech acquisition, the 30 commentaries – addressing the whole range of data sources referred to – point at several further aspects of acoustic communication which have to be added to or integrated with the presented model. For example, the relationships between vocal tract movement sequencing – the focus of the target article – and rhythmical structures of movement organization, the connections between speech motor control and the central-auditory and central-visual systems, the impact of social factors upon the development of vocal behavior (in nonhuman primates and in our species), and the interactions of ontogenetic speech acquisition – based upon FOXP2-driven structural changes at the level of the basal ganglia – with preceding subvocal stages of acoustic communication as well as higher-order (cognitive) dimensions of phonological development. Most importantly, thus, several promising future research directions unfold from these contributions – accessible to clinical studies and functional imaging in our species as well as experimental investigations in nonhuman primates.
The Neglected Missionaries
Authors: Schmidt Nancy J. , Gann Lewis H.
Published: March 2016

While doing bibliographic research on Africa for the Permanent Ethnographic Probability Sample at Northwestern University, I have had to comb much literature about Africa in my search for authors who have adequately described at least ten different aspects of the culture, have lived among the people for at least one year, and have some claim to knowledge of the native language of the people. In the investigation of bibliographies on over 400 African tribes, it has become quite evident that there is a relatively large body of detailed material written by missionaries which is seldom consulted in general research about Africa and is not readily available for use by persons with specialized research interests. These missionary reports are usually scattered in missionary records, in many journals (some of which are little known), and in books printed in small quantities by obscure presses. Most frequently they are written in German, Flemish, French, or Portuguese, and this, in addition to their not being readily available in most American libraries, may account for their not being consulted.
Unknown Tsunami Trigger Hides Along a Creeping Aleutian Fault
Authors: Sullivan Cody
Published: March 2016

A seismically quiet part of the Aleutian Subduction Zone may have caused tsunamis in the past—and may cause future tsunamis that could travel across the Pacific Ocean.
Cyclophilin A stabilizes the HIV-1 capsid through a novel non-canonical binding site
Authors: Liu Chuang , Perilla Juan R. , Ning Jiying , Lu Manman , Hou Guangjin , Ramalho Ruben , Himes Benjamin A. , Zhao Gongpu , Bedwell Gregory J. , Byeon In-Ja , Ahn Jinwoo , Gronenborn Angela M. , Prevelige Peter E. , Rousso Itay , Aiken Christopher , Polenova Tatyana , Schulten Klaus , Zhang Peijun
Published: March 2016

The host cell factor cyclophilin A (CypA) interacts directly with the HIV-1 capsid and regulates viral infectivity. Although the crystal structure of CypA in complex with the N-terminal domain of the HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) has been known for nearly two decades, how CypA interacts with the viral capsid and modulates HIV-1 infectivity remains unclear. We determined the cryoEM structure of CypA in complex with the assembled HIV-1 capsid at 8-Å resolution. The structure exhibits a distinct CypA-binding pattern in which CypA selectively bridges the two CA hexamers along the direction of highest curvature. EM-guided all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and solid-state NMR further reveal that the CypA-binding pattern is achieved by single-CypA molecules simultaneously interacting with two CA subunits, in different hexamers, through a previously uncharacterized non-canonical interface. These results provide new insights into how CypA stabilizes the HIV-1 capsid and is recruited to facilitate HIV-1 infection.
Detection of hydrogen cyanide from oral anaerobes by cavity ring down spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Wen , Roslund Kajsa , Fogarty Christopher L. , Pussinen Pirkko J. , Halonen Lauri , Groop Per-Henrik , Metsälä Markus , Lehto Markku
Published: March 2016

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) has been recognized as a potential biomarker for non-invasive diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the lung. However, the oral cavity is a dominant production site for exhaled HCN and this contribution can mask the HCN generated in the lung. It is thus important to understand the sources of HCN production in the oral cavity. By screening of oral anaerobes for HCN production, we observed that the genus of Porphyromonas, Prevotella and Fusobacterium generated low levels of HCN in vitro. This is the first study to show that oral anaerobes are capable of producing HCN in vitro. Further investigations were conducted on the species of P. gingivalis and we successfully detected HCN production (0.9–10.9 ppb) in the headspace of three P. gingivalis reference strains (ATCC 33277, W50 and OMG 434) and one clinical isolate. From P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 and W50, a strong correlation between HCN and CO2 concentrations (rs = 0.89, p < 0.001) was observed, indicating that the HCN production of P. gingivalis might be connected with the bacterial metabolic activity. These results indicate that our setup could be widely applied to the screening of in vitro HCN production by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
An Unexpected Transient Breakdown of the Blood Brain Barrier Triggers Passage of Large Intravenously Administered Nanoparticles
Authors: Smith Nicole M. , Gachulincova Ivana , Ho Diwei , Bailey Charlotte , Bartlett Carole A. , Norret Marck , Murphy John , Buckley Alysia , Rigby Paul J. , House Michael J. , St. Pierre Timothy , Fitzgerald Melinda , Iyer K. Swaminathan , Dunlop Sarah A.
Published: March 2016

The highly restrictive blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a critically important role in maintaining brain homeostasis and is pivotal for proper neuronal function. The BBB is currently considered the main limiting factor restricting the passage of large (up to 200 nm) intravenously administered nanoparticles to the brain. Breakdown of the barrier occurs as a consequence of cerebrovascular diseases and traumatic brain injury. In this article, we report that remote injuries in the CNS are also associated with BBB dysfunction. In particular, we show that a focal partial transection of the optic nerve triggers a previously unknown transient opening of the mammalian BBB that occurs in the visual centres. Importantly, we demonstrate that this transient BBB breakdown results in a dramatic change in the biodistribution of intravenously administered large polymeric nanoparticles which were previously deemed as BBB-impermeable.
Pt-free silver nanoalloy electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Qaseem Adnan , Chen Fuyi , Wu Xiaoqiang , Johnston Roy L.
Published: March 2016

Silver nanoalloy electrocatalysts with comparable activity and better stability than commercial Pt/C for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in advanced metal–air batteries and fuel cells.
Hydrothermal synthesis of hardened diatomite-based adsorbents with analcime formation for methylene blue adsorption
Authors: Zhang Yi , Jing Zhenzi , Kameda Tomohito , Yoshioka Toshiaki
Published: March 2016

A tough diatomite-based adsorbent with analcime formation was synthesized hydrothermally and used to capture methylene blue efficiently.
Activated dopamine derivatives as primers for adhesive-patch fixation of bone fractures
Authors: Olofsson K. , Granskog V. , Cai Y. , Hult A. , Malkoch M.
Published: March 2016

Activated dopamine derivatives are synthesized and evaluated as primers between a TEC-crosslinked matrix and bone. Dopamine derivatives are shown to significantly increase the adhesive strength of fiber-reinforced adhesive bone patches.
Sensitisation of visible and NIR lanthanide emission by InPZnS quantum dots in bi-luminescent hybrids
Authors: Molloy Jennifer K. , Lincheneau Christophe , Karimdjy Maria Moula , Agnese Fabio , Mattera Lucia , Gateau Christelle , Reiss Peter , Imbert Daniel , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: March 2016

Bi-luminescent hybrids combining QDs and LnIII complexes, exhibit LnIII (Eu and Yb) centred luminescence upon QD excitation via energy transfer from the QD to LnIII.
On the mechanism of water oxidation catalyzed by a dinuclear ruthenium complex: a quantum chemical study
Authors: Liao Rong-Zhen , Kärkäs Markus D. , Laine Tanja M. , Åkermark Björn , Siegbahn Per E. M.
Published: March 2016

The development of efficient and robust catalysts for water oxidation is an essential element in solar water splitting. In the present paper, the reaction mechanism for a dinuclear Ru water oxidation catalyst has been investigated in detail through quantum chemical calculations.
Ligand-free palladium-catalyzed facile construction of tetra cyclic dibenzo[b,h][1,6]naphthyridine derivatives: domino sequence of intramolecular C–H bond arylation and oxidation reactions
Authors: Singh Jay Bahadur , Chandra Bharadwaj Kishor , Gupta Tanu , Singh Radhey M.
Published: March 2016

A ligand-free Pd-catalyzed approach has been developed for the synthesis of dibenzo-fused naphthyridines.
Highly efficient conversion of fatty acids into fatty alcohols with a Zn over Ni catalyst in water
Authors: Gao Xia , Tong Daming , Zhong Heng , Jin Binbin , Jin Fangming , Zhang Hua
Published: March 2016

A new route to convert fatty acids into fatty alcohols under hydrothermal conditions with a Zn reductant over an Ni catalyst is presented.
Effects of ambient gas on cold atmospheric plasma discharge in the decomposition of trifluoromethane
Authors: Nguyen D. B. , Lee W. G.
Published: March 2016

N2< He < Ar: the order of energy efficiency for CHF3decomposition among these gas discharges.
Mg(ClO4)2-promoted [4 + 3] cycloaddition of oxindole derivatives with conjugated dienes: concise synthesis of spirocycloheptane oxindole derivatives
Authors: Liu Yun , Sun Zhou , Li Song , Xiang Kuirong , Zhang Yuan , Li Ying
Published: March 2016

Novel Mg(ClO4)2-promoted [4 + 3] cycloaddition reaction of oxindole derivatives and cyclopentadiene was achieved for the construction of the spirocycloheptane oxindole skeleton.
Simple and green switchable dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of cadmium in water and food samples
Authors: Naeemullah Naeemullah , Tuzen Mustafa , Kazi Tasneem Gul
Published: March 2016

A green, switchable aqueous, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method is introduced for the first time as a preconcentration/separation tool for measuring trace levels of cadmium in real water and food samples.
A fully enclosed, compact standard lightning impulse generator for testing ultra-high-voltage-class gas-insulated switchgears with high capacitance
Authors: Wen Tao , Zhang Qiaogen , Zhang Lingli , Zhao Junping , Liu Xuandong , Li Xiaoang , Guo Can , You Haoyang , Chen Weijiang , Yin Yu , Shi Weidong
Published: March 2016

At present, conducting standard lightning impulse (LI) tests in the field for gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) equipment is difficult because of the high capacitance of the test equipment and large circuit inductance of traditional impulse devices, which leads to a wavefront time Tf ≥ 2.5 μs. A novel fully enclosed, compact standard LI generator for testing ultra-high-voltage-class GIS equipment with high capacitance is presented to solve the problem of Tf exceeding the standard during LI voltage tests for actual large-sized equipment. The impulse generator is installed in a metal vessel filled with SF6 or SF6/N2 gas mixture at a pressure of 0.3–0.5 MPa, providing a more compact structure and a lower series inductance. A newly developed conical voltage sensor is used to accurately measure the output voltage waveform. Two test modes (via bushing docking and direct docking) for the GIS test based on the impulse generator are introduced. Calculation results show that the impulse generator can generate an LI test waveform following the present IEC standard for the test of equipment with capacitance >10 000 pF.
Departure of microscopic friction from macroscopic drag in molecular fluid dynamics
Authors: Hanasaki Itsuo , Fujiwara Daiki , Kawano Satoyuki
Published: March 2016

Friction coefficient of the Langevin equation and drag of spherical macroscopic objects in steady flow at low Reynolds numbers are usually regarded as equivalent. We show that the microscopic friction can be different from the macroscopic drag when the mass is taken into account for particles with comparable scale to the surrounding fluid molecules. We illustrate it numerically by molecular dynamics simulation of chloride ion in water. Friction variation by the atomistic mass effect beyond the Langevin regime can be of use in the drag reduction technology as well as the electro or thermophoresis.
Exciton luminescence from Cu2SnS3 bulk crystals
Authors: Aihara Naoya , Matsumoto Yusuke , Tanaka Kunihiko
Published: March 2016

The optical properties of Cu2SnS3 (CTS) bulk crystals grown by chemical vapor transport were studied by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PL spectra from the CTS bulk crystals were analyzed as a function of excitation power and temperature. The main phase of the as-grown samples was determined to be monoclinic CTS by Raman spectroscopy. The observed PL spectra from the CTS bulk crystals were composed of peaks corresponding to free-exciton, two bound-excitons, and donor-acceptor pair recombination luminescence. The peak energies for the free-exciton and two bound-exciton emissions were 0.9317, 0.9291, and 0.9260 eV, respectively, at temperature of 4.2 K. The bound-exciton luminescence was not observed above 30 K. The thermal activation energies for the free-exciton and two bound-exciton emissions were 6.5, 4.8, and 5.2 meV, respectively. The fundamental band gap in the CTS bulk crystals was expected to be ca. 0.94 eV.
Whole-body fatness is a good predictor of phenotypic feed and liveweight efficiency in adult Merino ewes fed a poor-quality diet
Authors: Blumer S. E. , Gardner G. E. , Ferguson M. B. , Thompson A. N.
Published: March 2016

Weight loss due to poor nutrition in adult ewes over summer–autumn is economically expensive due to immediate costs such as feed and labour but also due to ongoing costs to reproductive success and ewe health. We predicted that adult Merino ewes with a higher proportion of fat would be more efficient, both through lower intake and reduced weight loss. Four-year-old Merino ewes (n = 64) were held in single pens and fed a chaff-based diet either ad libitum, with the aim of achieving liveweight maintenance, or a restricted amount to achieve liveweight loss of 100 g/day. Liveweight change and feed intake were measured, and residual liveweight change and residual feed intake were used to indicate efficiency. There was a difference of 2 MJ of metabolisable energy per day between the most efficient and least efficient ewes for residual feed intake, and a difference of 90 g per day between the most efficient and least efficient ewes for residual liveweight change. There was a significant association between blood plasma concentrations of leptin and both liveweight and feed efficiency, so that ewes with high concentrations of leptin had a lower daily intake, and/or lost less weight than did those with low concentrations of leptin. Managing adult Merino ewes to maximise fat-tissue accretion during spring via genetics and/or nutritional management could be a useful strategy to reduce feed requirements during summer–autumn because the ewes will be more efficient and have larger fat reserves to lose before achieving a lower critical limit.
The impacts of some classical biological control successes.
Authors: Cock M. J. W. , Day R. K. , Hinz H. L. , Pollard K. M. , Thomas S. E. , Williams F. E. , Witt A. B. R. , Shaw R. H.
Published: March 2016

We differentiate between the success of a classical biological control programme and its impact; the former addressing the completed implementation of the steps of a biological control programme, and the anticipated reduction of the target pest, and the latter addressing the societal and environmental benefits of control of the target pest. We provide ten case studies in which CABI has played a role to illustrate aspects of success and impact for biological control programmes against insects pests and weeds: cassava mealybug (
Phenacoccus manihoti
), mango mealybug (
Rastrococcus invadens
), pink hibiscus mealybug (
Maconellicoccus hirsutus
), orthezia bug (
Insignorthezia insignis
), brown peach aphid (
Pterochloroides persicae
), banana skipper (
Erionota torus
), black sage (
Varronia curassavica
), rubber vine (
Cryptostegia grandiflora
), leafy spurge (
Euphorbia esula
) and water hyacinth (
Eichhornia crassipes
). In light of these we discuss the assessment of success and impact of biological control programmes, why these aspects are often not adequately addressed, how they might be retroactively addressed and the implications for donor-funding of biological control programmes for developing countries.
Unique spatiotemporal activation pattern of Cdc42 by Gef1 and Scd1 promotes different events during cytokinesis
Authors: Wei Bin , Hercyk Brian S. , Mattson Nicholas , Mohammadi Ahmad , Rich Julie , DeBruyne Erica , Clark Mikayla M. , Das Maitreyi
Published: March 2016

The Rho-family GTPase Cdc42 regulates cell polarity and localizes to the cell division site. Cdc42 is activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). We report that Cdc42 promotes cytokinesis via a unique spatiotemporal activation pattern due to the distinct action of its GEFs, Gef1 and Scd1, in fission yeast. Before cytokinetic ring constriction, Cdc42 activation, is Gef1 dependent, and after ring constriction, it is Scd1 dependent. Gef1 localizes to the actomyosin ring immediately after ring assembly and promotes timely onset of ring constriction. Gef1 is required for proper actin organization during cytokinesis, distribution of type V myosin Myo52 to the division site, and timely recruitment of septum protein Bgs1. In contrast, Scd1 localizes to the broader region of ingressing membrane during cytokinetic furrowing. Scd1 promotes normal septum formation, and scd1Δ cells display aberrant septa with reduced Bgs1 localization. Thus we define unique roles of the GEFs Gef1 and Scd1 in the regulation of distinct events during cytokinesis. Gef1 localizes first to the cytokinetic ring and promotes timely constriction, whereas Scd1 localizes later to the ingressing membrane and promotes septum formation. Our findings are consistent with reports that complexity in GTPase signaling patterns enables exquisite precision over the control of cellular processes.
A novel tribasic Golgi export signal directs cargo protein interaction with activated Rab11 and AP-1–dependent Golgi–plasma membrane trafficking
Authors: Parmar Hirendrasinh B. , Duncan Roy
Published: March 2016

The reovirus fusion–associated small transmembrane (FAST) proteins comprise a unique family of viral membrane fusion proteins dedicated to inducing cell–cell fusion. We recently reported that a polybasic motif (PBM) in the cytosolic tail of reptilian reovirus p14 FAST protein functions as a novel tribasic Golgi export signal. Using coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays, we now show the PBM directs interaction of p14 with GTP-Rab11. Overexpression of dominant-negative Rab11 and RNA interference knockdown of endogenous Rab11 inhibited p14 plasma membrane trafficking and resulted in p14 accumulation in the Golgi complex. This is the first example of Golgi export to the plasma membrane that is dependent on the interaction of membrane protein cargo with activated Rab11. RNA interference and immunofluorescence microscopy further revealed that p14 Golgi export is dependent on AP-1 (but not AP-3 or AP-4) and that Rab11 and AP-1 both colocalize with p14 at the TGN. Together these results imply the PBM mediates interactions of p14 with activated Rab11 at the TGN, resulting in p14 sorting into AP1-coated vesicles for anterograde TGN–plasma membrane transport.
Publication ethics: stressing the positive
Authors: Keeble Richard
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper discusses the publication “Challenges to ethical publishing in the digital era”.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is a critical analysis of the paper built around two main arguments: the need to stress the positive in ethical debates; the critique of apolitical professionalism; the crucial need to stress the ties between politics and ethics.

Findings

– No finding — it was simply argument.

Research limitations/implications

– Provocative challenge to dominant ethical debates.

Practical implications

– The need to challenge the myths of professionalism.

Originality/value

– The need for the academe to embrace more the work coming out of the alternative public sphere.
Genome Sequences of the Novel Porcine Parvovirus 3, Identified in Guangxi Province, China
Authors: Zhong Hui , Li Xiangmin , Zhao Zekai , An Chunjing , Wan Peng , Wu Mengge , Chen Huanchun , Qian Ping
Published: March 2016

Porcine parvovirus 3 is a novel parvovirus that infects pigs. Here, we report two genome sequences of porcine parvovirus 3 strains GX1 and GX2, which are highly prevalent in Guangxi province. It will help in understanding the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of the porcine parvovirus 3.
First Complete Coding Sequence of a Spanish Isolate of Swine Vesicular Disease Virus
Authors: Vázquez-Calvo Ángela , Saiz Juan-Carlos , Sobrino Francisco , Martín-Acebes Miguel A.
Published: March 2016

Swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV) is a porcine pathogen and a member of the
Enterovirus
 genus within the
Picornaviridae
family. The SVDV genome is composed of a single-stranded RNA molecule of positive polarity. Here, we report the first complete sequence of the coding region of a Spanish SVDV isolate (SPA/1/'93).
Pipeline embolization device induced collateral channels in elective flow diversion treatment
Authors: Chen Yingming Amy , Drake Brian J , Chiu Albert Ho Yuen , Marotta Thomas R
Published: March 2016

The pipeline embolization device (PED) is a well recognized treatment for intracranial aneurysms. However, uncertainty remains regarding its effects on flow alteration, which is particularly highlighted by persistently perfused aneurysmal remnants and non-regressing, non-perfused aneurysmal masses. Here we present a 68-year-old woman with an incidental giant fusiform right paraophthalmic aneurysm electively treated with a PED. After lowering her antiplatelet therapy to promote aneurysm thrombosis, she was found to have a progressively enlarging perfused aneurysmal remnant. Angiography revealed PED occlusion, but curiously the development of a peri-construct collateral channel which feeds the aneurysmal remnant, and gives rise to distal branches and contributes to middle cerebral artery flow. The large ‘thrombosed’ aneurysmal mass showed tiny internal vessels on cone beam CT angiography as well as florid enhancement on MRI, further confirming that apparently thrombosed remnants are biologically active and may be remodeled depending on flow demand.
A National Biofeedback Practitioners Service Evaluation: Focus on Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
Authors: Etherson Kevin Jon , Horrocks Emma Jane , Scott S Mark , Knowles Charles Henry , Yiannakou Yan
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Within the UK, there is anecdotal evidence of disparity in the training, practice, supervision and perception of efficacy among practitioners of biofeedback therapy for chronic constipation.

Aims

To establish the current knowledge, practice and opinions of UK practitioners.

Methods

Between October 2012 and October 2013, a prospective service evaluation was distributed to biofeedback practitioners in the UK through academic conferences or by invitation to complete an on-line assessment form.

Results

76 practitioners responded, consisting of nurses (47%), physiotherapists (35%), physiologists (12%) and others (7%). Only 45% described ‘biofeedback’ consistent with an accepted definition. 86% use equipment to provide sensory feedback. Methods of biofeedback varied: balloon catheter (54%), brace pump technique (78%), urge resistance (83%), irrigation (16%) and relaxation (12%). Only 65% of practitioners had attended formal training courses, and 52% considered themselves to be self-taught. 36% receive formal supervision and only 38% of those by a senior. Regular audit of outcomes is undertaken by 67%. UK-wide perception of treatment response for chronic constipation is markedly variable (mean response=57% (IQR 50–75%, SD 23%)); there were no differences in perception of treatment response between nurses or physiotherapists. Practitioners’ free responses demonstrated strong positive themes of a holistic approach and an overall perception of effectiveness. Negative themes included service restrictions.

Conclusions

There is marked variation in practice, training and supervision of biofeedback therapists throughout the UK. Perceptions of efficacy vary greatly. Development of training and supervision standards is a priority as well as a consensus to standardise therapy.
Making Sense of the Shepard Conversion Narratives
Authors: Rogers-Stokes Lori
Published: March 2016

Scholarly readings of seventeenth-century New England conversion narratives often miss the signs of regeneration that were very clear to contemporary church audiences. This article contains close readings of narratives from Thomas Shepard's Newtown church to bring out those signs and to restore the role of a godly audience to the process of gaining church membership.
A Concise Numerical Guide for the Perplexed Shiite: Al-Barqī’s (d. 274/888 or 280/894) Kitāb al-Aškāl wa-l-qarāʾin
Authors: Vilozny Roy
Published: March 2016

The peculiarity of Kitāb al-Aškāl wa-l-qarāʾin, the opening section in the printed editions of Aḥmad b. Muḥammad al-Barqī’s (d. 274/888 or 280/894) Kitāb al-Maḥāsin, is easily discernable: it is sub-divided into chapters bearing numeric titles, from “The Chapter on Three” to “The Chapter on Ten”. Each of these chapters contains various Imamite or prophetic traditions whose message is related in one way or another to the number mentioned in its title. Attempting to shed additional light on the Shiite hadith literature prior to its canonization during the Buwayhid era (334/945-447/1055), this article examines the relationship between style and content within this numerical framework. Being the earliest extant Shiite example of a numerical treatise, the present paper sets out to trace the author’s possible sources of inspiration as well as the work’s impact on later generations of Shiite scholars.
Effects of mifepristone and quinestrol on the fertility of female Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) in different reproductive phases
Authors: Su Qian-Qian , Chen Yi , Qin Jiao , Wang Tong-Liang , Wang De-Hua , Liu Quan-Sheng
Published: March 2016

Mifepristone and quinestrol are effective drugs for controlling rodent fertility, but their inhibitory effectiveness during premating, early pregnancy, and late pregnancy is unknown. In this study, six groups of eight female Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) were administered with mifepristone, quinestrol, or a control for three days during premating, early pregnancy, or late pregnancy. In the mifepristone-treated groups, the premating females bred, whereas the early and late pregnant females did not. The reproductive rate, litter size, average body mass at birth, and survival rate of pups did not significantly differ between the mifepristone-treated premating group and the control group. By contrast, quinestrol treatment completely inhibited fertility during the three reproductive phases. In addition, fertility was not completely restored in the second pairing. The reproductive rates were higher for mifepristone, both during early and late pregnancy, than for quinestrol, but both were lower than the control. Thus, mifepristone and quinestrol both inhibited the fertility of female Brandt’s voles at different reproductive periods. These results suggest that these two sterilants could be delivered during the reproductive season of the target pest animal.
9p21 locus rs10757278 is associated with advanced carotid atherosclerosis in a gender-specific manner
Authors: Zivotić Ivan , Djurić Tamara , Stanković Aleksandra , Djordjević Ana , Končar Igor , Davidović Lazar , Alavantić Dragan , Zivković Maja
Published: March 2016

Single nucleotide polymorphisms from the chromosome locus 9p21 are reported to carry a risk for various cardiovascular diseases. One of the lead single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs10757278, was mostly investigated in association with coronary artery disease but rarely with carotid atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to analyze the association of rs10757278 A/G polymorphism with carotid plaque presence in advanced carotid atherosclerosis. The study included 803 participants, 486 patients with high-grade stenosis (>70%) who were undergoing carotid endarterectomy and 317 controls from Serbian population. Genotypes were determined using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. According to the recessive model of inheritance, GG genotype was significantly and independently associated with carotid plaque in females only (odds ratio 2.42, CI = 1.20–4.90, P = 0.013). Odds ratio was adjusted for age, body mass index, hypertension, TC, LDLC, HDLC and TG, and P value was corrected for multiple comparisons. Our preliminary findings suggest a gender-specific association of rs10757278 polymorphism with carotid plaque. Further studies on larger sample and in genetically and environmentally similar populations are needed.
Islet Hypersensitivity to Glucose Is Associated With Disrupted Oscillations and Increased Impact of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Islets From Diabetes-Prone Male Mice
Authors: Corbin Kathryn L. , Waters Christopher D. , Shaffer Brett K. , Verrilli Gretchen M. , Nunemaker Craig S.
Published: March 2016

Pulsatile insulin release is the primary means of blood glucose regulation. The loss of pulsatility is thought to be an early marker and possible factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Another early adaptation in islet function to compensate for obesity is increased glucose sensitivity (left shift) associated with increased basal insulin release. We provide evidence that oscillatory disruptions may be linked with overcompensation (glucose hypersensitivity) in islets from diabetes-prone mice. We isolated islets from male 4- to 5-week-old (prediabetic) and 10- to 12-week-old (diabetic) leptin-receptor-deficient (db/db) mice and age-matched heterozygous controls. After an overnight incubation in media with 11 mM glucose, we measured islet intracellular calcium in 5, 8, 11, or 15 mM glucose. Islets from heterozygous 10- to 12-week-old mice were quiescent in 5 mM glucose and displayed oscillations with increasing amplitude and/or duration in 8, 11, and 15 mM glucose, respectively. Islets from diabetic 10- to 12-week-old mice, in contrast, showed robust oscillations in 5 mM glucose that declined with increasing glucose. Similar trends were observed at 4–5-weeks of age. A progressive left shift in maximal insulin release was also observed in islets as db/db mice aged. Reducing glucokinase activity with 1 mM D-mannoheptulose restored oscillations in 11 mM glucose. Finally, overnight low-dose cytokine exposure negatively impacted oscillations preferentially in high glucose in diabetic islets compared with heterozygous controls. Our findings suggest the following: 1) islets from frankly diabetic mice can produce oscillations, 2) elevated sensitivity to glucose prevents diabetic mouse islets from producing oscillations in normal postprandial (11–15 mM glucose) conditions, and 3) hypersensitivity to glucose may magnify stress effects from inflammation or other sources.
Communities of practice in life sciences and the need for brokering
Authors: Tierney Anne
Published: March 2016

Etienne Wenger’s work on communities of practice is influential in teaching and learning in higher education. A core work of many postgraduate certificate in teaching and learning (PGCert) courses for new lecturers, it is studied, in the main, as a means to understand how to support and encourage students to achieve more effective learning. Communities of practice can also be applied to academics. In the context of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and its predecessors, the gulf between research-focused and teaching-Focused academics in life sciences has widened, so that in many institutions, these two groups have evolved into two distinct communities of practice; one whose priority is disciplinary research, the other’s learning and teaching. However, in 2015, the UK government announced that a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) would be introduced into higher education in England, as early as 2017. While the exact details of TEF remain unclear, it is certain that “excellence” and “student satisfaction” will be high on the agenda. It is vital, therefore, that the two communities of practice, research-focused and teaching-focused, find ways to come together in order to ensure high quality teaching and learning. Wenger proposes that this can be done through the process of “brokering”, which allows expertise from both communities of practice to cross from one to the other, strengthening both. This should be encouraged at departmental and institutional level, but another vital origin of brokering can be forged at a(n) (inter)national level at meetings such as the SEB Annual Conference, where teaching-focused academics have the opportunity to mix with research-active colleagues. While this paper is informed by recent and current events in the UK Higher Education sector, it is of interest to academics who work in an environment where research and teaching have become separate to any extent.
Dietary intakes and some biochemical markers in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yassibas Emine , Sahin Gulsah , Şanlıer Nevin
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Intake of energy and some nutrients is frequently inadequate in dialysis patients because of eating and appetite disorders due to uremic syndrome. Inadequate energy and protein intake cause to malnutrition. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers and dietary intake records have great importance in determining the nutritional status of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Therefore this study was planned to determination of daily energy, nutrient intake and some biochemical markers of adult hemodialysis patients.Method and Material:  A hundred and thirty six (male = 73, female = 63) clinically stable HD patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were taken 24-hour dietary recall. The daily energy and nutrient intakes of patients were calculated by food consumption records and anthropometric measurements were taken.Results: The mean age was found 45.5±13.51 years. The ratio of patients with body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2 was 7.4% and 25 kg/m2 or upper was 16.9%. Blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin and total protein levels were below the normal levels. The daily dietary energy and protein intakes were found under the recommended level in the study period. A significant positive correlation was found between daily protein intake and serum albumin levels (r=0.210, p=0.014), daily protein intake and serum total protein levels (r=0.201, p=0.019), daily energy intake and serum total protein levels (r=0.178, p=0.039).Conclusions: HD patients often have low protein and energy intakes and most of them suffer from malnutrition. Therefore nutritional status of patients should be evaluated and periodically nutrition education should be given for improving eating habits and increasing dietary compliance is recommended.
Investigation Studies on the Application of Reverberation Time
Authors: Nowoświat Artur , Olechowska Marcelina
Published: March 2016

The paper presents the research studies carried out on the reverberation time of rooms, in terms of theoretical aspects and applicability potentials. Over the last century a very large number of scientists have been attempting to work out models describing the reverberation time in enclosed rooms. They have also been trying to apply these models for the description of various acoustic parameters of the interior, i.e. the intelligibility of speech, clarity, articulation, etc. In fact, all these models are based on the Sabine’s statistical method. The paper presents the work of the scientists working on this problem, together with prospective applicability potentials. Such a review may be helpful for researchers, designers or architects involved in the discussed subject.
Univariate right fractional polynomial high order monotone approximation
Authors: Anastassiou George A.
Published: March 2016

Let f ∈ Cr
([−1,1]), r ≥ 0 and let L
* be a linear right fractional differential operator such that L
*(f) ≥ 0 throughout [−1,0]. We can find a sequence of polynomials Qn
of degree ≤ n such that L
*(Qn
) ≥ 0 over [−1,0], furthermore f is approximated right fractionally and simultaneously by Qn
on [−1,1]. The degree of these restricted approximations is given via inequalities using a higher order modulus of smoothness for f(r)
.
Ideal convergence generated by double summability methods
Authors: Connor Jeff
Published: March 2016

The main result of this note is that if I is an ideal generated by a regular double summability matrix summability method T that is the product of two nonnegative regular matrix methods for single sequences, then I-statistical convergence and convergence in I-density are equivalent. In particular, the method T generates a density µT
with the additive property (AP) and hence, the additive property for null sets (APO). The densities used to generate statistical convergence, lacunary statistical convergence, and general de la Vallée-Poussin statistical convergence are generated by these types of double summability methods. If a matrix T generates a density with the additive property then T-statistical convergence, convergence in T-density and strong T-summabilty are equivalent for bounded sequences. An example is given to show that not every regular double summability matrix generates a density with additve property for null sets.
Resistance conditions, Poincaré inequalities, the Lip-lip condition and Hardy’s inequalities
Authors: Kinnunen Juha , Silvestre Pilar
Published: March 2016

This note investigates weaker conditions than a Poincaré inequality in analysis on metric measure spaces. We discuss two resistance conditions which are stated in terms of capacities. We show that these conditions can be characterized by versions of Sobolev–Poincaré inequalities. As a consequence, we obtain so-called Lip-lip condition related to pointwise Lipschitz constants. Moreover, we show that the pointwise Hardy inequalities and uniform fatness conditions are equivalent under an appropriate resistance condition.
More general common fixed point theorems under a new concept
Authors: Bouhadjera H.
Published: March 2016

A general common fixed point theorem for two pairs of weakly subsequentially continuous mappings (recently introduced) satisfying a significant estimated implicit function is proved. An extension of this result is thereby obtained. Our results assert the existence and uniqueness of common fixed points in several cases.
Evidence of Inefficiencies in Practice Patterns: Regional Variation in Medicare Medical and Drug Spending
Authors: Buntin Melinda , Hayford Tamara
Published: March 2016

Several studies have explored the causes and magnitude of geographic variation in Medicare spending and service use, but most of these studies have not taken into account that pharmaceuticals may substitute for medical service use. We address this issue using Medicare medical and pharmaceutical administrative claims data to explore the correlation between medical and pharmaceutical spending and utilization; we also examine medical and pharmaceutical use for subsets of the Medicare population with certain chronic conditions often treated with drugs. Beneficiary-level regressions with controls for health status and demographics were used to construct standardized medical spending and pharmaceutical spending and utilization measures for each region and patient cohort. Areas with higher medical spending tend to have higher pharmaceutical spending in general. However, areas with higher medical spending also tend to have lower pharmaceutical spending for conditions for which prescription drugs may substitute for additional medical care. Both of these patterns are consistent with less efficient medical practices in higher-spending areas. Likewise, more expensive drugs and more broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are often considered discretionary and overused, are more likely to be prescribed in higher-spending areas. Our results suggest that care may be provided more efficiently in some regions than in others. However, additional research is needed to investigate relationships between spending and health care outcomes, and what types of policies may create incentives for higher-spending regions to reduce spending without a loss in quality.
Hex-Sided Rounded Dipole Antenna (HSRDA) For UWB Applications
Authors: Singhal Sarthak , Verma Nand Kishor , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: March 2016

A hex-sided rounded dipole antenna (HSRDA) for UWB applications is presented. It is designed by the addition of semi-elliptical patch sections at the edges of a square bow-tie antenna. The antenna structure is fed by a modified microstrip feedline for better impedance matching. An impedance bandwidth of 2.9–11.4 GHz is achieved. The antenna structure has quasi omnidirectional radiation patterns and reasonable gain over the same frequency range. A good agreement between the experimental and simulation results is observed. The proposed antenna structure has miniaturized size for the same bandwidth as compared to already reported antenna structures.
Postfeminist Fiction in Chick Lit Novels
Authors: Ilief-Martinescu Alina
Published: March 2016

The intersection of postfeminist arguments with popular culture and popular cultural forms is of great significance for investigating representational politics and issues of identity. These elements are central for capturing the concept of feminist heterogeneity in its engagement with cultural theory, particularly postmodernism. This study considers postfeminism’s redefinition and reevaluation of popular culture, as an area of political and emblematic contestation.
Spouses in the Household and the Family Business – Who (does) the Care and Who (does) the Work
Authors: Kuzmanovic Tatjana Djuric , Markov Slobodanka , Fischer Jelena , Mandic Sonja
Published: March 2016

In this pilot study we explore the mutual conditionality of bargaining power between spouses in the processes of intra-household allocation of resources (care work) and the assignment of their roles in family businesses (paid work) in Vojvodina, Serbia. Our intention is to explain the changes in gender relations in family businesses run by spouses under different socio-economic and institutional conditions, and especially in the context of enforced postsocialist neoliberal transformation after 2009. We formulate a theoretical and methodological framework based on the case of ten firms and check its validity for deeper and wider research into the key causes, forms and characteristics of gender bias in this area.
Effects of land use on chemical water quality of three small streams in Budapest
Authors: Angyal Zsuzsanna , Sárközi Edit , Gombás Ádám , Kardos Levente
Published: March 2016

The location and development of cities has been influenced basically by various environmental factors. However, the relationship is bilateral, because not only the environment can affect the city, but the city can affect the environment in different ways, depending on recovery. This is especially true in the case of large cities such as Budapest where the different geological, geomorphological, hydrological, soil and bio-geographical conditions can be changed in very small areas, which implies that land use can be also modified as well. The aim of our study was to determine the chemical water quality of three small streams in Budapest which have same water flow and compare the field and the laboratory test results. Between many natural characteristics of these streams similarity is evident, however, several differences were found between the watersheds in terms of human land use. Statistical data analysis was performed as well, which was the aim to explore the relationship between the parameters. Overall, according to our study it can be concluded, the small streams have similar water chemical properties, but some parameters need special attention in the future, because the investigated small streams can be categorized into polluted and sometimes heavily polluted category.