bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idle thoughts of a ‘well‐calibrated’ Bayesian in clinical drug development
Authors: Grieve Andrew P.
Published: January 2016

The use of Bayesian approaches in the regulated world of pharmaceutical drug development has not been without its difficulties or its critics. The recent Food and Drug Administration regulatory guidance on the use of Bayesian approaches in device submissions has mandated an investigation into the operating characteristics of Bayesian approaches and has suggested how to make adjustments in order that the proposed approaches are in a sense calibrated. In this paper, I present examples of frequentist calibration of Bayesian procedures and argue that we need not necessarily aim for perfect calibration but should be allowed to use procedures, which are well‐calibrated, a position supported by the guidance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing particle filters on simple convective‐scale models Part l: A stochastic cloud model
Authors: Haslehner Mylène , Janjić Tijana , Craig George C.
Published: January 2016

Convective‐scale applications require data assimilation methods that can cope with nonlinear dynamics and the stochastic nature of convection. For this application, the particle filter is a promising data assimilation method because it estimates the probability density function (PDF) of the atmospheric state and not only its first two moments. However, in order to represent PDFs with a small number of particles, the particle filter is usually combined with another data assimilation technique. In this article we investigate a hybrid algorithm, the nudging proposal particle filter, which combines the sequential importance resampling particle filter with nudging.

Analytic and experimental results on an idealized, nonlinear, one‐dimensional model are used to show that there exists a combination of the two methods such that the nudging proposal particle filter outperforms both of its components. In this article, a stochastic cloud model, represented through a birth–death process, serves as a first test model for the filter. The transition probability density can be calculated exactly for this model, thus providing insight into its contribution to the selection of particles during resampling. The functioning mechanism of the nudging proposal particle filter in its simplest form is investigated and the impact of the model parameters on the filter's behaviour highlighted.
The annual cycle of the West African monsoon in a two‐dimensional model: mechanisms of the rain‐band migration
Authors: Peyrillé P. , Lafore J.‐P. , Boone A.
Published: January 2016

The processes that drive the annual cycle of the West African Monsoon (WAM) are analysed using an idealized meridional–vertical numerical model that includes moist physics. Using the work by Peyrillé and Lafore (2007) as a starting point, the framework has been adapted to studying the annual cycle. A suitable forcing methodology for temperature and humidity has been derived which allows the two‐dimensional model to reproduce the main features of the WAM.

A budget analysis of the simulated temperature and humidity variables leads to a picture of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) seasonal displacement, for which the moistening on the northern side of the ITCZ is a key. It is due to the near‐surface moisture advection by the monsoon flow to the north of the ITCZ, in addition to the turbulent fluxes and shallow convection, which transport moisture to the top of the planetary boundary layer. On a larger scale, the warming of the Saharan heat‐low by turbulence and radiation and the cooling/moistening within the ITCZ by convective downdraughts reinforces the monsoon flow. Inertial instability is also at play favouring the acceleration of the monsoon flow and the associated humidification. These mechanisms seem to be at play during the whole seasonal cycle, which is seen as a steady translation of these structures.

Sensitivity experiments show the importance of the low‐level processes such as downdraughts, horizontal advection and water recycling. Although advection is the first‐order process, the water recycling appears as a key element by directly modulating the intensity of rainfall and by allowing the convective downdraughts to feed back onto the WAM.
Film thickness measurement and contamination layer correction for quantitative XPS
Authors: Walton J. , Alexander M. R. , Fairley N. , Roach P. , Shard A. G.
Published: January 2016

In order to determine the most appropriate method of measuring film thickness using imaging XPS, a series of thin polymer films have been prepared and analysed using spectroscopy. The thickness of these thin polymer films has been determined using peak shape analysis and by using photoelectron peak areas compared with a bulk reference and by using relative sensitivity factors. These results have been compared with values obtained using ellipsometry. The values obtained by measuring photoelectron peak areas were seen to be influenced by the chemistry of the film, so that a bulk reference of similar chemistry to the film is required for accurate thickness measurement. The values obtained using peak shape analysis, both interactive and non‐interactive, were not dependent on the chemistry of the film and showed good agreement with ellipsometry. Imaging of a patterned polymer film was successfully carried out, and the polymer cross section was shown to provide a reasonable description of the inelastic background from the carbonaceous contamination layer. An image of the substrate photoelectron intensity was successfully corrected for attenuation in both the carbonaceous contamination layer and the polymer film simultaneously using an image of the film thickness determined by non‐interactive peak shape analysis. This procedure is suitable for automated film thickness measurement and correction for attenuation in the carbonaceous contamination layer in both spectroscopy and imaging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binding energy shifts for nitrogen‐containing graphene‐based electrocatalysts – experiments and DFT calculations
Authors: Kabir S. , Artyushkova K. , Serov A. , Kiefer B. , Atanassov P.
Published: January 2016

A detailed analysis of the physiochemical nature, thermodynamic properties, and electrochemical characterization of N motifs present in self‐assembled nitrogen functionalized transition metal and nitrogen doped graphene pyrolyzed materials has been conducted in this study. First principle density‐functional‐theory calculations were performed to assess the thermochemistry of Fe–Nx and graphitic‐N defects and to predict N1s core‐level‐shifts. Combining this prediction with our X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and rotating ring disk electrode experiments, we find that graphitic‐N contributes significantly to hydrogen peroxide formation in oxygen reduction reactions, while materials containing nitrogen coordinated transition metal result in the complete reduction of oxygen to water. Lastly, we show how the synergy of experimental, electrochemical, and computational approaches can accelerate the accurate identification and characterization of nitrogen functionalized graphene moieties present in pyrolyzed electrocatalysts for fuel cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐destructive depth analysis of the surface oxide layer on Mg2Si with XPS and XAS
Authors: Esaka Fumitaka , Nojima Takehiro , Udono Haruhiko , Magara Masaaki , Yamamoto Hiroyuki
Published: January 2016

Depth analysis of the surface oxide layer on a Mg2Si crystal was performed with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In XPS, X‐rays from synchrotron radiation with the energies between 2100 and 3300 eV were used as the excitation sources for depth analysis. The Si 1s and Mg 1s XPS spectra show the formation of a thinner SiO2‐X layer at outermost surface and a thicker MgO layer at lower surface on the Mg2Si. In XAS, total electron yield and partial electron yield (PEY) acquisition modes were used for the measurement of Si K‐edge. The PEY spectrum was obtained by detecting electrons with a fixed kinetic energy of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 eV. Although the PEY spectrum with electrons of 5 eV shows similar features with the total electron yield spectrum, detection of electrons with 50 eV gives an increase in the ratio of a peak at 1843.7 eV to the peak assigned to Mg2Si. The peak at 1843.7 eV can be assigned to the formation of SiO2‐X on the Mg2Si. From XPS and XAS results, it is indicated that a thinner SiO2‐X layer at outermost surface and a thicker MgO layer at lower surface are formed at initial oxidation of the Mg2Si. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian methods of confidence interval construction for the population attributable risk from cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Pirikahu Sarah , Jones Geoffrey , Hazelton Martin L. , Heuer Cord
Published: January 2016

Population attributable risk measures the public health impact of the removal of a risk factor. To apply this concept to epidemiological data, the calculation of a confidence interval to quantify the uncertainty in the estimate is desirable. However, because perhaps of the confusion surrounding the attributable risk measures, there is no standard confidence interval or variance formula given in the literature. In this paper, we implement a fully Bayesian approach to confidence interval construction of the population attributable risk for cross‐sectional studies. We show that, in comparison with a number of standard Frequentist methods for constructing confidence intervals (i.e. delta, jackknife and bootstrap methods), the Bayesian approach is superior in terms of percent coverage in all except a few cases. This paper also explores the effect of the chosen prior on the coverage and provides alternatives for particular situations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear Saturable Absorption of Liquid‐Exfoliated Molybdenum/Tungsten Ditelluride Nanosheets
Authors: Mao Dong , Du Bobo , Yang Dexing , Zhang Shengli , Wang Yadong , Zhang Wending , She Xiaoyang , Cheng Huachao , Zeng Haibo , Zhao Jianlin
Published: January 2016

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and tungsten disulfide (WS2), two representative transition metal dichalcogenide materials, have captured tremendous interest for their unique electronic, optical, and chemical properties. Compared with MoS2 and WS2, molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) and tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) possess similar lattice structures while having smaller bandgaps (less than 1 eV), which is particularly interesting for applications in the near‐infrared wavelength regime. Here, few‐layer MoTe2/WTe2 nanosheets are fabricated by a liquid exfoliation method using sodium deoxycholate bile salt as surfactant, and the nonlinear optical properties of the nanosheets are investigated. The results demonstrate that MoTe2/WTe2 nanosheets exhibit nonlinear saturable absorption property at 1.55 μm. Soliton mode‐locking operations are realized separately in erbium‐doped fiber lasers utilizing two types of MoTe2/WTe2‐based saturable absorbers, one of which is prepared by depositing the nanosheets on side polished fibers, while the other is fabricated by mixing the nanosheets with polyvinyl alcohol and then evaporating them on substrates. Numerous applications may benefit from the nonlinear saturable absorption features of MoTe2/WTe2 nanosheets, such as visible/near‐infrared pulsed laser, materials processing, optical sensors, and modulators.
Kinetic modeling and long‐term test‐retest reproducibility of the mGluR5 PET tracer 18F‐FPEB in human brain
Authors: Leurquin‐Sterk Gil , Postnov Andrey , de Laat Bart , Casteels Cindy , Celen Sofie , Crunelle Cleo L. , Bormans Guy , Koole Michel , Van Laere Koen
Published: January 2016

18F‐FPEB is a promising PET tracer for studying the metabotropic glutamate subtype 5 receptor (mGluR5) expression in neuropsychiatric disorders. To assess the potential of 18F‐FPEB for longitudinal mGluR5 evaluation in patient studies, we evaluated the long‐term test‐retest reproducibility using various kinetic models in the human brain. Nine healthy volunteers underwent consecutive scans separated by a 6‐month period. Dynamic PET was combined with arterial sampling and radiometabolite analysis. Total distribution volume (VT) and nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) were derived from a two‐tissue compartment model without constraints (2TCM) and with constraining the K1/k2 ratio to the value of either cerebellum (2TCM‐CBL) or pons (2TCM‐PONS). The effect of fitting different functions to the tracer parent fractions and reducing scan duration were assessed. Regional absolute test‐retest variability (aTRV), coefficient of repeatability (CR) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were computed. The 2TCM‐CBL showed best fits. The mean 6‐month aTRV of VT ranged from 8 to 13% (CR < 25%) with ICC > 0.6 for all kinetic models. BPND from 2TCM‐CBL with a sigmoid fit for the parent fractions showed the best reproducibility, with aTRV ≤ 7% (CR < 16%) and ICC > 0.9 in most regions. Reducing the scan duration from 90 to 60 min did not affect reproducibility. These results demonstrate for the first time that 18F‐FPEB brain PET has good long‐term reproducibility, therefore validating its use to monitor mGluR5 expression in longitudinal clinical studies. We suggest a 2TCM‐CBL with fitting a sigmoid function to the parent fractions to be optimal for this tracer. Synapse, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Synapse 70:153–162, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An acute, epitope‐specific modification in the dopamine transporter associated with methamphetamine‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Fricks‐Gleason Ashley N. , German Christopher L. , Hoonakker Amanda J. , Friend Danielle M. , Ganesh Kamala K. , Carver Aaron S. , Hanson Glen R. , Fleckenstein Annette E. , Keefe Kristen A.
Published: January 2016

Preclinical studies demonstrate that repeated, high‐dose methamphetamine administrations rapidly decrease plasmalemmal dopamine uptake, which may contribute to aberrant dopamine accumulation, reactive species generation, and long‐term dopaminergic deficits. The present study extends these findings by demonstrating a heretofore unreported, epitope‐specific modification in the dopamine transporter caused by a methamphetamine regimen that induces these deficits. Specifically, repeated, high‐dose methamphetamine injections (4 × 10 mg/kg/injection, 2‐h intervals) rapidly decreased immunohistochemical detection of striatal dopamine transporter as assessed 1 h after the final methamphetamine exposure. In contrast, neither a single high dose (1 × 10 mg/kg) nor repeated injections of a lower dose (4 × 2 mg/kg/injection) induced this change. The high‐dose regimen‐induced alteration was only detected using antibodies directed against the N‐terminus. Immunohistochemical staining using antibodies directed against the C‐terminus did not reveal any changes. The high‐dose regimen also did not alter dopamine transporter expression as assessed using [125I]RTI‐55 autoradiography. These data suggest that the repeated, high‐dose methamphetamine regimen alters the N‐terminus of the dopamine transporter. Further, these data may be predictive of persistent dopamine deficits caused by the stimulant. Future studies of the signaling cascades involved should provide novel insight into potential mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathophysiological regulation of the dopamine transporter. Synapse, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Synapse 70:139–146, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New Portal‐Superior Mesenteric Vein Reconstructions Using First Jejunal Vein Flap in Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Takemura Nobuyuki , Miki Kenji , Kosuge Tomoo
Published: January 2016

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the only potential treatment for pancreatic head adenocarcinomas, which are sometimes located close to or invade the portal‐superior mesenteric vein (PSMV). Surgeons often attempt to obtain a negative resectional margin after resection of the PSMV. This attempt requires PSMV reconstruction through graft replacements or end‐to‐end anastomosis; however, possible complications should be concerned including anastomosis stenosis, damage to some of the PSMV branches, prosthetic graft infection, and that associated with autologous graft harvesting. The first jejunal artery and vein are often resected in PD with the intent of lymphadenectomy. In this study, jejunal vein flap was used for PSMV reconstruction without causing damage to any of the PSMV branches in two patients. Here, we describe the new methods of PSMV reconstruction using first jejunal vein flap in PD.
Co-culture with intestinal epithelial organoids allows efficient expansion and motility analysis of intraepithelial lymphocytes
Authors: Nozaki Kengo , Mochizuki Wakana , Matsumoto Yuka , Matsumoto Taichi , Fukuda Masayoshi , Mizutani Tomohiro , Watanabe Mamoru , Nakamura Tetsuya
Published: January 2016

Background

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the intestine play important roles in the regulation of local immune responses. Although their functions have been studied in a variety of animal experiments, in vitro studies on spatiotemporal behaviors of IELs and their interaction with intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) have been hampered due to the lack of a suitable culture system. In this study, we aimed at developing a novel co-culture system of IELs with IECs to investigate dynamic interaction between these two populations of cells in vitro.

Methods

We optimized experimental conditions under which murine IELs can be efficiently maintained with IECs cultured as three-dimensional organoids. We then tested the effect of IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 on the maintenance of IELs in this co-culture system. By time-lapse imaging, we also examined the dynamic behaviors of IELs.

Results

IELs can be expanded with epithelial organoids in the presence of IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15. IELs were efficiently maintained within and outside of organoids showing a ~four-fold increase in both αβT and γδT IELs for a period of 2 weeks. Four-dimensional fluorescent imaging revealed an active, multi-directional movement of IELs along the basolateral surface of IECs, and also their inward or outward migration relative to organoid structures. Cell tracking analysis showed that αβT and γδT IELs shared indistinguishable features with regard to their dynamics.

Conclusions

This novel co-culture method could serve as a unique tool to investigate the motility dynamics of IELs and their temporal and spatial interaction with IECs in vitro.
Future risk of the maize orange leafhopper, Cicadulina bipunctata, and maize wallaby ear symptom in temperate Japan
Authors: Matsukura Keiichiro , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Kumashiro Shun , Matsumura Masaya
Published: January 2016

Since the 1980s, the maize orange leafhopper, Cicadulina bipunctata, has been gradually expanding its range in east Asia associated with global warming. This leafhopper induces maize wallaby ear symptom (MWES) on young maize plants and has become a threat to forage maize production in southern parts of temperate Japan since around 2000. In this study, using predictions of future temperature and precipitation calculated from Atmosphere–Ocean Coupled General Circulation Models, the future risk of C. bipunctata expansion and MWES occurrence in Japan (spatial resolution: 1 km2) was predicted. A nominal logistic regression analysis showed a significant contribution of cumulative low temperature during winter to the current distribution of C. bipunctata. The range of C. bipunctata was predicted to expand northward, particularly in Kyushu, Shikoku and the southern part of Honshu after the 2060s. Predicted intensification of MWES would reduce the efficacy of maize cultivars that are currently tolerant to MWES, in southern Kyushu in the 2020s, and in most parts of Kyushu, Shikoku and southwestern Honshu in the 2060s. These results suggest the need for measures to counter further expansion of C. bipunctata and improvement of current tolerant maize cultivars.
Constructing Surfactant Systems with the Characteristics of Gemini and Oligomeric Surfactants Through Noncovalent Interaction
Authors: Zhu Linyi , Tang Yongqiang , Wang Yilin
Published: January 2016

The superior physicochemical properties of gemini and oligomeric surfactants look promising in a variety of different applications. However, tedious covalent synthesis and complicated purification limit the development of these novel surfactants. Recently, it has been demonstrated as feasible to use noncovalent interactions to construct surfactant systems with the characteristics of gemini or oligomeric surfactants. This short review discusses the strategies of constructing gemini‐like or oligomeric‐like surfactants through noncovalent interactions by choosing proper building blocks, single‐chain surfactants and gemini surfactants along with connecting molecules containing double or multiple binding sites. The current progress in this field has been summarized. This very simple and efficient way to obtain gemini and oligomeric surfactants may make a practical impact on the surfactant industry.
Association between bone mineral density and metabolic syndrome in Turkish women who were postmenopausal
Authors: Ozelci Runa , Dilbaz Berna , Ozkaya Enis , Cirik Derya A. , Zengin Tuba , Mollamahmutoğlu Leyla
Published: January 2016

Objective

To investigate the relationship between the parameters of metabolic syndrome and bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine in Turkish women who were postmenopausal.

Methods

In a retrospective study, the records of patients who were postmenopausal attending the Menopause Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary women's hospital in Ankara, Turkey, between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 were retrieved. Patient's BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were assessed using T‐scores, and parameters of metabolic syndrome were evaluated in all patients.

Results

The records of 315 patients were retrieved. The mean age of patients was 55.63 ± 6.14 years (range 45–71 years). Metabolic syndrome was recorded in 92 (29.2%) patients. Following adjustment for age, patients with metabolic syndrome had higher T‐scores at the femoral neck than patients without metabolic syndrome (− 0.67 ± 0.1 vs − 1.15 ± 0.06; P = 0.001); there was no significant difference in T‐scores at the lumbar spine (P = 0.062). A Spearman correlation analysis of the entire study cohort demonstrated a negative association between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck (r = − 0.12 and r = − 0.15, respectively).

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome could have been partly associated with increased BMD in Turkish women who were postmenopausal.
The Effects of Combination of Robot‐Assisted Therapy With Task‐Specific or Impairment‐Oriented Training on Motor Function and Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Hung Chung‐shan , Hsieh Yu‐wei , Wu Ching‐yi , Lin Yi‐ting , Lin Keh‐chung , Chen Chia‐ling
Published: January 2016

Background

Robot‐assisted therapy (RT) is a promising intervention for stroke rehabilitation. RT hybridized with therapist‐mediated therapy (eg, RT plus task‐specific or impairment‐oriented training) may possibly yield functionally relevant improvements. A comparative study of the different combination regimens is needed.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of RT combined with task‐specific training or impairment‐oriented training on motor function and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke.

Design

A single‐blind, randomized comparative efficacy study.

Setting

Two medical centers in Taiwan.

Participants

Twenty‐one subjects with chronic stroke.

Interventions

Participants were recruited and randomized into 1 of 2 groups: (1) RT combined with task‐specific (RTT) training (enrolled, n = 11; completed, n = 11) or (2) RT combined with impairment‐oriented (RTI) training (enrolled, n = 10; completed, n = 9). Participants received 20 intervention sessions (90‐100 min/d, 5 d/wk for 4 weeks).

Outcomes

The Fugl‐Meyer Motor Assessment Upper Extremity subscale, Stroke Impact Scale, Action Research Arm Test, and Medical Research Council Scale were administered at baseline, posttreatment, and at 3‐month follow‐up. Two‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to investigate the treatment effects.

Results

The improvements of the RTT group in motor function measured by the Fugl‐Meyer Motor Assessment Upper Extremity subscale and quality of life assessed by the Stroke Impact Scale were significantly superior to the RTI group after the interventions. The improvements of the RTT group were maintained for 3 months. Both groups demonstrated significant within‐group improvements in motor function, muscle power, and quality of life.

Conclusions

RTT may be a more compelling approach to enhance motor function and quality of life for a long‐term period than RTI. The combination of RT with task‐specific training and with impairment‐oriented training had similar benefits on upper limb motor function and muscle strength immediately after the interventions.
Reconsidering Children's Encounters With Nature and Place Using Posthumanism
Authors: Malone Karen
Published: January 2016

This article explores and reconsiders the view of children's encounters with place as central to a place-based pedagogy that seeks to dismantle rather than support constructions of a nature-culture binary. I unpack the current fervour for reinserting the child in nature and nature-based education as a significant phenomenon in environmental and outdoor education. I will draw on recent literature on place-based research and theorise using new materialist and posthumanist approaches that seek to disrupt anthropocentric views and support new ways of considering our encounters with the more-than-human world. Then, using these new approaches, I will theorise a recent place-based research project with children in the city of La Paz, Bolivia, to illustrate how it is possible to challenge current assumptions that are firmly entrenched in the child in nature movement. I will conclude by considering what intra-species relations, place encounters and child-body-animal-place relations can teach us about questioning anthropocentrism and human exceptionalism. Finally, I consider how can we overcome these limitations of a narrow and nostalgic view of ‘child and nature’ and reimagine a more diverse approach to education for a sustainable future.
Keeping Monks in Their Place?
Authors: LARSSON Tomas
Published: January 2016

This essay explores the extent to which Thailand’s secular legal system reinforces the imagined divide, common in Thai Buddhist conceptions of society, between a “worldly” sphere and the “religious” sphere of thesangha(order of monks). It asks: How far does secular Thai law exclude clergy from the “unmonkly” domains of politics and commerce? It shows that there is a striking discrepancy between the systematic way in which secular Thai law has kept monks from formally participating in “politics” and the rather more permissive way in which it has facilitated participation by the monkhood in the sphere of “commerce.” The essay concludes with some reflections on this finding and the questions it raises.
Sensory Ganglionopathy and the Blink Reflex: Electrophysiological Features
Authors: Alam Taimour , Barker Alexander StJ.E. , Alix James J.P. , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Rao Dasappaiah G.
Published: January 2016

Background: Sensory ganglionopathy (SG) is characterised by asymmetrical sensory fibre degeneration, with the primary pathology occurring at the level of the dorsal root ganglion. It is seen in the context of autoimmune, paraneoplastic, and degenerative disorders. There is limited literature examining the electrophysiological correlate of the trigeminal ganglion and associated pathways, the blink reflex (BR), in cases of SG. Previous work has suggested that the BR is preserved in cases of SG associated with paraneoplasia. Methods: The local clinical neurophysiology database was searched for patients diagnosed with SG from peripheral nerve conduction studies in whom the BR was performed. Twenty-six patients were included in the final analysis. Results: Sjögren’s syndrome constituted the most common SG aetiology (8/26), followed by idiopathic cases (7/26) and paraneoplasia (5/26). BR abnormalities were seen in 9 of the 26 patients (34.6%) across all aetiologies. No patients reported sensory disturbance in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, indicating that the changes noted are subclinical. Three patients showed abnormality of the R1 response; in the remaining six patients, only R2 responses were affected. Conclusions: Subclinical abnormalities of both R1 and R2 can be seen in the context of SG of varying aetiologies, including paraneoplasia. Performing the BR in patients with suspected of having SG may be helpful in providing additional evidence of patchy sensory fibre involvement that is characteristic of the disease.
Assessing Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacity Using Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response Methodology: Portsmouth, Virginia, 2013
Authors: Kurkjian Katie M. , Winz Michelle , Yang Jun , Corvese Kate , Colón Ana , Levine Seth J. , Mullen Jessica , Ruth Donna , Anson-Dwamena Rexford , Bayleyegn Tesfaye , Chang David S.
Published: January 2016

Objective

For the past decade, emergency preparedness campaigns have encouraged households to meet preparedness metrics, such as having a household evacuation plan and emergency supplies of food, water, and medication. To estimate current household preparedness levels and to enhance disaster response planning, the Virginia Department of Health with remote technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a community health assessment in 2013 in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Methods

Using the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) methodology with 2-stage cluster sampling, we randomly selected 210 households for in-person interviews. Households were questioned about emergency planning and supplies, information sources during emergencies, and chronic health conditions.

Results

Interview teams completed 180 interviews (86%). Interviews revealed that 70% of households had an emergency evacuation plan, 67% had a 3-day supply of water for each member, and 77% had a first aid kit. Most households (65%) reported that the television was the primary source of information during an emergency. Heart disease (54%) and obesity (40%) were the most frequently reported chronic conditions.

Conclusions

The Virginia Department of Health identified important gaps in local household preparedness. Data from the assessment have been used to inform community health partners, enhance disaster response planning, set community health priorities, and influence Portsmouth’s Community Health Improvement Plan. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:193–198)
Meditation – a two edged sword for psychosis: a case report
Authors: Sharma P. , Singh S. , Gnanavel S. , Kumar N.
Published: January 2016

Meditation is believed to have many health benefits apart from enhancing spiritual health. However, there is evidence that meditation may even lead to psychosis or worsen it in some cases. The aim of this paper is to present a case and discuss the role of meditation as a precipitating factor to psychosis. A 27-year-old male presented with psychotic symptoms with a temporal correlation with meditation. He was then successfully treated with antipsychotic medication and is maintaining well. This case report highlights the possibility that intense meditation could precipitate psychosis in vulnerable individuals. However, there are several beneficial effects of meditation in patients with psychosis if practiced with caution.
Dating Archaeological Cultures by Their Moats? A Case Study from the Early Bronze Age Settlement Fidvár near Vráble, SW Slovakia
Authors: Schlütz Frank , Bittmann Felix
Published: January 2016

This article uses age-depth models based on 29 accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates from charred plant macroremains (seeds, chaff), wood charcoal, and snail shells found in two moats from the settlement Fidvár near Vráble (SW Slovakia) to improve the absolute chronology of the Early Bronze Age in central Europe. The charred macroremains were taxonomically identified to species or genus level and the lifespan of the objects and the archaeological context were considered carefully. The selected snail shells were identified to provide reliable age information. This study demonstrates that under certain conditions, ditch archives can be well suited to contribute to archaeological chronologies. For the first time, the transition from the Hatvan to the Únětice period is dated absolutely.
CAYLEY GRAPHS OVER A FINITE CHAIN RING AND GCD-GRAPHS
Authors: SUNTORNPOCH BORWORN , MEEMARK YOTSANAN
Published: January 2016

We extend spectral graph theory from the integral circulant graphs with prime power order to a Cayley graph over a finite chain ring and determine the spectrum and energy of such graphs. Moreover, we apply the results to obtain the energy of some gcd-graphs on a quotient ring of a unique factorisation domain.
Worldwide burden of gastric cancer in 2012 that could have been prevented by increasing fruit and vegetable intake and predictions for 2025
Authors: Peleteiro Bárbara , Padrão Patrícia , Castro Clara , Ferro Ana , Morais Samantha , Lunet Nuno
Published: January 2016

The regional and temporal variation in patterns of fruit and vegetable intake contributes to differences in the impact on gastric cancer burden across regions and over the years. We aimed to estimate the proportion and absolute number of gastric cancer cases that could have been prevented in 2012 with an increase in fruit and vegetable intake up to the levels defined by the Global Burden of Disease as the theoretical minimum-risk exposure distribution (300 and 400 g/d, respectively), as well as the corresponding figures expected for 2025. Preventable fractions (PF) were computed for 161 countries, using data on fruit and vegetable availability in 1997 and 2010 and published estimates of the magnitude of the association between fruit and vegetable intake and gastric cancer, assuming a time lag of approximately 15 years. Countries classified as very high Human Development Index (HDI) presented median PF in 2012 much lower than low-HDI countries for both fruits (3·0v.10·2 %,P<0·001) and vegetables (6·0v.11·9 %,P<0·001). For vegetables only, PF significantly decreased until 2025 in most settings; however, this corresponded to a reduction in the absolute number of preventable gastric cancer cases in less than half of the countries. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake would allow preventing a relatively high proportion of gastric cancer cases, mostly in developing countries. Although declines in PF are predicted in the near future, changes in order to achieve healthier lifestyles may be insufficient to overcome the load of demographic variation to further reduce the gastric cancer burden.
On the food of the Antarctic sea anemoneUrticinopsis antarcticaCarlgren, 1927 (Actiniidae, Actiniaria, Anthozoa)
Authors: Ivanova N. Yu. , Grebelnyi S.D.
Published: January 2016

The results of an investigation into coelenteron content of the Antarctic sea anemoneUrticinopsis antarcticaCarlgren, 1927 are presented. Remains of invertebrate animals and fishes were found in the gastrovascular cavity of anemones. Some of them were damaged by digestion and were considered as food items ofU. antarctica. These items were molluscsAddamussium colbecki(Smith, 1902),Laevilacunaria pumiliaSmith, 1879,Eatoniella caliginosaSmith, 1875 and one not strictly identified gastropod species from the family Rissoidae; a crinoid from the family Comatulida; sea-urchinSterechinus neumayeriMeissner, 1900; ophiuroidOphiurolepis brevirimaMortensen, 1936 and a fishTrematomussp. In contrast to the prey mentioned above, three specimens of amphipodsConicostomasp. were not destroyed by digestion. They may represent commensals, which live in the gastrovascular cavity of the anemone.
Collision-free configuration-spaces in macromolecular crystals
Authors: Chirikjian Gregory S. , Shiffman Bernard
Published: January 2016

Molecular replacement (MR) is a well-established computational method for phasing in macromolecular crystallography. In MR searches, spaces of motions are explored for determining the appropriate placement of rigid single-body (or articulated multi-rigid-body) models of macromolecules. By determining a priori which portions of motion space correspond to non-physical packing arrangements with symmetry mates in collision, it becomes feasible to construct more efficient MR techniques which avoid searching in these non-realizable regions of motion space. This paper investigates which portion of the motion space is physically realizable, given that packing of protein molecules in a crystal are subject to the constraint that they cannot interpenetrate, and gives explicit expressions for the volume of the non-realizable regions for crystals in two-dimensions.
SMOOTHED ESTIMATING EQUATIONS FOR INSTRUMENTAL VARIABLES QUANTILE REGRESSION
Authors: Kaplan David M. , Sun Yixiao
Published: January 2016

The moment conditions or estimating equations for instrumental variables quantile regression involve the discontinuous indicator function. We instead use smoothed estimating equations (SEE), with bandwidth h. We show that the mean squared error (MSE) of the vector of the SEE is minimized for some h > 0, leading to smaller asymptotic MSE of the estimating equations and associated parameter estimators. The same MSE-optimal h also minimizes the higher-order type I error of a SEE-based χ2 test and increases size-adjusted power in large samples. Computation of the SEE estimator also becomes simpler and more reliable, especially with (more) endogenous regressors. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate all of these superior properties in finite samples, and we apply our estimator to JTPA data. Smoothing the estimating equations is not just a technical operation for establishing Edgeworth expansions and bootstrap refinements; it also brings the real benefits of having more precise estimators and more powerful tests.
ASYMPTOTIC PROPERTIES OF THE CUSUM ESTIMATOR FOR THE TIME OF CHANGE IN LINEAR PANEL DATA MODELS
Authors: Horváth Lajos , Hušková Marie , Rice Gregory , Wang Jia
Published: January 2016

We consider the problem of estimating the common time of a change in the mean parameters of panel data when dependence is allowed between the cross-sectional units in the form of a common factor. A CUSUM type estimator is proposed, and we establish first and second order asymptotics that can be used to derive consistent confidence intervals for the time of change. Our results improve upon existing theory in two primary directions. Firstly, the conditions we impose on the model errors only pertain to the order of their long run moments, and hence our results hold for nearly all stationary time series models of interest, including nonlinear time series like the ARCH and GARCH processes. Secondly, we study how the asymptotic distribution and norming sequences of the estimator depend on the magnitude of the changes in each cross-section and the common factor loadings. The performance of our results in finite samples is demonstrated with a Monte Carlo simulation study, and we consider applications to two real data sets: the exchange rates of 23 currencies with respect to the US dollar, and the GDP per capita in 113 countries.
First detection and molecular characterization ofNebovirusin Brazil
Authors: CANDIDO M. , ALENCAR A. L. F. , ALMEIDA-QUEIROZ S. R. , BUZINARO M. G. , MUNIN F. S. , GODOY S. H. S. , LIVONESI M. C. , FERNANDES A. M. , SOUSA R. L. M.
Published: January 2016

Nebovirusis a new genus of viruses belonging to the Caliciviridae family recently characterized in cattle, and is associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhoea, anorexia and intestinal lesions particularly in calves. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of neboviruses in Brazilian cattle and analyse phylogenetically the virus strains detected. A prevalence of 4·8% of neboviruses in faecal samples from 62 head of cattle from different Brazilian states was detected. All positive animals were aged <20 days and had diarrhoea. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the virus sequences into the Newbury1 clade. There was >96·0% nt (100% aa) sequence identity between the virus sequences in this study and >88·8% nt (>94·4% aa) identity with Newbury1/UK. Our results indicate, for the first time, the occurrence of neboviruses in Brazil as well as in South America, and the first Newbury1-like nebovirus found outside the UK.
The biopsychosocial (BPS) model of dementia as a tool for clinical practice. A pilot study
Authors: Revolta Catherine , Orrell Martin , Spector Aimee
Published: January 2016

Background:

Equipping staff with the skills to provide high quality care in dementia is essential. The Biopsychosocial (BPS) model of dementia (Spector and Orrell, 2010) is a practical tool designed to encourage staff to develop personalized interventions and treatment plans for people with dementia. This feasibility study aimed to examine the impact of training staff to use the BPS model on skills of formulation, attitude towards dementia and sense of role competence.

Method:

A within-subjects design was used. Thirty-seven staff working in dementia care across a community mental health team (CMHT), inpatient wards, and residential care homes were trained to use the BPS model. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-training, and four week follow-up.

Results:

The ability of staff to understand, formulate, and develop interventions for people with dementia increased significantly following training. There were small, non-significant improvements in positive attitudes, and sense of competence following training. Staff also reported that training improved their understanding of biological and psychosocial factors in dementia.

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary evidence that training staff to use the BPS model can lead to improvements in their ability to understand and develop interventions for people with dementia. Further research would be required to draw firm conclusions about its effectiveness.
Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and coronary cameral fistulae: an unusual finding of a subsystemic right ventricle
Authors: Mohan Shaun , Weinberg Paul M. , Glatz Andrew C.
Published: January 2016

We report the case of a neonate with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and coronary cameral fistulae despite having a subsystemic right ventricle. We review the literature on coronary cameral fistulae in this disease and right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation. We discuss the potential consequences of this physiology, including risk of adverse cardiovascular events that may impact risk stratification and surgical palliation.
The incidence and extent of the CDM across developing countries
Authors: Rahman Shaikh M. , Dinar Ariel , Larson Donald F.
Published: January 2016

This paper empirically examines the factors that determine the incidence and extent of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in developing countries. Estimation results show that the incidence and extent of the CDM is greater for the developing countries with larger mitigation potential and greater capacity to manage the projects. Developing countries with faster economic growth and past experience with activities implemented jointly (AIJ) projects are more likely to host renewable energy projects, although this is not the case for other project types. The incidence and extent of foreign investment projects in energy efficiency, CO2reduction and non-CO2gas reduction projects are higher for the countries with lower per capita GDP, most likely due to capital constraints. There is no evidence that the number of sub-regional projects impinged on investment flows. Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa appear to face special obstacles under the CDM even after the strength of institutions and energy-related mitigation opportunities are accounted for.
Theoretical and Experimental X-Ray Peak/Background Ratios and Implications for Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry in the Next-Generation Analytical Electron Microscope
Authors: Zaluzec Nestor J.
Published: January 2016

Modern analytical electron microscopes equipped with silicon drift detectors now allow for a wide range of geometrical configurations capable of performing quantitative X-ray spectrometry. Recent work has improved the collection solid angles of these detectors, however, the impact of increasing the solid angle on detection sensitivity as measured by the peak/background ratio has not been addressed. This work compares theoretical and experimental peak/background ratios for incident electron energies in the range of 20–200 keV, with X-ray detectors in both conventional orientations (on the electron entrance surface) as well as new geometries (the electron exit surface). The implications of these parameters on detectability limits for the next generations of “Lab-in-the-Gap” analytical microscope are also considered. It was found that theoretical calculations of the angular distribution of bremsstrahlung and their effects on the peak/background ratio match well with experimental measurements, and indicate that new geometries which can result in large solid angles provided an added benefit in addition to increased characteristic signal, namely increased sensitivity for the analyst.
APPROXIMATE SOLUTIONS FOR THE BRITISH PUT OPTION AND ITS OPTIMAL EXERCISE BOUNDARY
Authors: GOARD JOANNA
Published: January 2016

British put options are financial derivatives with an early exercise feature whereby on payoff, the holder receives the best prediction of the European put payoff under the hypothesis that the true drift of the stock price is equal to a contract drift. In this paper, we derive simple analytic approximations for the optimal exercise boundary and the option valuation, valid for short expiry times – which is a common feature of most options traded in the market. Empirical results show that the approximations provide accurate results for expiries of at least up to two months.
GROWTH RATES OF ALGEBRAS, I: POINTED CUBE TERMS
Authors: KEARNES KEITH A. , KISS EMIL W. , SZENDREI ÁGNES
Published: January 2016

We investigate the function $d_{\mathbf{A}}(n)$, which gives the size of a least size generating set for $\mathbf{A}^{n}$.
New Transitions from Human Rights to the Environment to the Rights of Nature
Authors: Borràs Susana
Published: January 2016

The weaknesses of our environmental laws stem in large part from the fact that legal systems treat the natural world as property that can be exploited and degraded, rather than as an integral ecological partner with its own rights to exist and thrive. This article analyzes the recent rise of a new generation of environmental laws which reject the ‘false dogma’ of ‘humans over nature’ and instead recognize our interconnectedness with the natural world and acknowledge its rights to exist, persist, and maintain its vital cycles. The article focuses on the transition from an anthropocentric approach, denoted by the ‘right to the environment’, to a biocentric approach constructed around ‘rights of nature’. This transition is evident in various new legal instruments – the Ecuadorian Constitution, certain Bolivian laws, and numerous ordinances of the United States – which incorporate and respect rights of nature, and grant legal rights to the natural world and enforcement rights to affected communities. These instruments serve as models for legal systems which can steer us towards more robust and effective environmental laws.
Simulating Tidal Flow and Mixing at Steep Submarine Slopes
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: January 2016

A new three-dimensional model of tide-driven flow over the continental slope could enhance understanding of global ocean circulation.