bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Griseofulvin and Fluconazole Reduce Transmission of Tinea Capitis in Schoolchildren
Authors: Shemer Avner , Grunwald Marcello H. , Gupta Aditya K. , Lyakhovitsky Anna , Daniel Carlton Ralph , Amichai Boaz
Published: July 2015

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy of griseofulvin and fluconazole in reducing the potential for person‐to‐person transmission of tinea capitis (TC) in children.

Methods

Children with TC with positive fungal cultures were treated with griseofulvin 25 mg/kg/day (group A) or fluconazole 6 mg/kg/day (group B) for at least 21 days and up to 12 weeks until cure was achieved. Clinical and mycologic examinations occurred before treatment and on days 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 of treatment. During each visit, mycologic examination was performed from scalp lesions of children and fingertips of medical staff and parents after a brief touch of the patient's scalp lesions.

Results

Ninety patients were enrolled: 48 treated with griseofulvin and 42 with fluconazole. The predominant species were Trichophyton violaceum (n = 44) and Microsporum canis (n = 41), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 3) and Trichophyton rubrum (n = 2). Ten days after treatment more than 75% of patients from both treatment groups were noncontagious. At day 21, all patients from group A were noncontagious and two (7%) with positive culture of M. canis from group B were still contagious.

Conclusions

No statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups. Griseofulvin and fluconazole reduced the potential for disease transmission in children with TC, with griseofulvin being more effective for M. canis infections, although children with TC may be potentially contagious even after up to 3 weeks of treatment. These data should be considered regarding school attendance of children with TC.
Oral Nadolol for the Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas: A Single‐Institution Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Randhawa Harkamal Kaur , Sibbald Cathryn , Garcia Romero Maria Teresa , Pope Elena
Published: July 2015

Background

Beta‐blockers have become the treatment of choice for problematic infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Nadolol, a nonselective beta‐blocker with potential dosing advantages and a better safety profile than that of other beta‐blockers, has been studied as an alternative therapeutic option. Our objective was to characterize the efficacy and safety of oral nadolol in the treatment of proliferating IHs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Hospital for Sick Children between February 2010 and April 2012 in patients treated with nadolol for proliferating IHs causing functional impairment or cosmetic disfigurement. The primary outcome was the percentage involution measured independently by two assessors who scored changes in the extent of IHs by comparing serial photographs using a 100‐mm visual analogue scale (VAS), on which 5 mm represented 10% change.

Results

Forty‐four patients treated with nadolol for IHs with adequate photographic documentation were identified. The median age at presentation was 4.5 months (interquartile range 1.5–7.9 mos). There was a mean improvement of 91.8 ± 11.1%. At least 50% improvement was noted in 42 (95%) patients and 75% improvement in 39 (89%) patients. The mean time to 50% and 75% improvement was 2.9 and 3.7 months, respectively. Analysis of variance showed that younger age at the time of treatment start was associated with a higher mean VAS score (% involution) (p < 0.05). Treatment duration (mean 9.5 ± 5.6 months) had no significant effect on VAS score. Test of interobserver correlation showed good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Oral nadolol is efficacious in patients with problematic IHs. Further large‐scale prospective comparative studies are warranted to compare nadolol with other beta‐blockers.
Registration of Aerial Imagery and Lidar Data in Desert Areas Using Sand Ridges
Authors: Li Na , Huang Xianfeng , Zhang Fan , Li Deren
Published: July 2015

Image registration is a prerequisite for multisource data fusion. In this paper the problem of registering aerial images with lidar point clouds in desert areas is addressed. Compared with urban areas, registration in desert regions is difficult due to the lack of man‐made features which are typically used in traditional methods. However, sand ridges can be used as registration primitives. Firstly, sand‐ridge information is extracted from both the aerial image and the lidar point cloud. Secondly, by extending the iterative closest point (ICP) approach, a perspective‐ICP algorithm is proposed that achieves data registration through matching sand ridges. To automatically deal with outliers, an adaptive weighting strategy is adopted. Experiments and assessment using data from Dunhuang, Gobi Desert, China, demonstrate that the method can achieve efficient and reliable registration for desert areas.
Itinerant livelihoods: Street vending‐scapes and the politics of mobility in upland socialistVietnam
Authors: Turner Sarah , Oswin Natalie
Published: July 2015

This paper explores the politics of mobility for a group of rural inhabitants attempting to diversify their livelihoods in an especially prescribed environment, namely ethnic minority street vendors living and working in upland socialistVietnam. TheseHmong,Yao andGiáy individuals face a political environment where access and trade rights shift on a near‐daily basis because of the impulses of state officials, and where ethnicity is central to determining who gets to be mobile and how. We analyse three groups of itinerant vendors—those vending on the streets of an upland tourist town, the mobile minority wholesalers who supply them and other traders, and vendors who trek with Western tourists—to reveal the nature of this trade environment, while also highlighting the ways in which ethnic minority vendors negotiate, work around and contest vending restrictions in numerous innovative ways. We find that this focus on the micro‐geographies and everyday politics of mobility is essential to understanding how ruralGlobalSouth livelihoods are fashioned and diversified, in this case revealing specific relationships and negotiations regarding resource access, ethnicity, state authority and livelihood strategies.
Removal of SU-8 by two types of hot-wire atomic hydrogen sources—Dissection of contributions by atomic hydrogen and substrate heating
Authors: Tanaka Koki , Kumano Masafumi , Tanaka Shuji
Published: July 2015

The removal of the permanent photoresist SU-8 by atomic hydrogen was studied using hot-wire reactors of the conventional open type and the remote type. The remote type hot wire reactor has a separate glass chamber for hydrogen decomposition via the hot wire, and can supply atomic hydrogen to a substrate without significant radiation from the hot wire. Therefore, the atomic hydrogen density and substrate temperature can be independently controlled. Using the remote type setup together with the conventional open type setup, the authors demonstrated that the presence of atomic hydrogen in combination with substrate heating was necessary to completely remove SU-8. At a substrate temperature below 150 °C, the SU-8 removal rate was impractically small. In addition, after the apparent removal of SU-8 a white powder-like residue was found on the sample, which was identified with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as silicon components that originated from the silane coupling agent in SU-8. At a substrate temperature above 250 °C, on the other hand, SU-8 was thermally decomposed in a reduced pressure hydrogen environment, but the final state of the sample was an apparently carbonized film, that is likely owing to the insufficient fragmentation of SU-8 molecules in the absence of atomic hydrogen.
Pacing Strategies of Ultracyclists in the “Race across AMerica”
Authors: Heidenfelder Angela , Rosemann Thomas , Rüst Christoph A. , Knechtle Beat
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

To examine pacing strategies of ultracyclists competing in the Race Across AMerica (RAAM), the world’s longest ultracycling race, covering ~4860 km from the West to the East coast of America.

Methods:

Age, cycling speed at and across time stations, race distance, relative difference in altitude between time stations, wind velocity, wind gradient, and temperature at each time station were recorded for women and men competing from 2010 to 2014. Changes in cycling speed and power output of elite and age-group finishers were analyzed using mixed-effects regression analyses.

Results:

Cycling speed decreased across time stations for women and men where men were faster than women. Power output decreased across time stations in women and men and was lower for women for all finishers, the annual 3 fastest, and age group 60–69 y but not for age groups 18–49 and 50–59 y. The change in temperature and altitude had an influence on cycling speed and power output in all finishers, the annual top 3, nonfinishers, and in all different age groups for both women and men but in the age group 50–59 y altitude had no influence on cycling speed.

Conclusions:

Positive pacing (ie, decrease in speed throughout the race) seemed to be the adequate strategy in the RAAM. The top 3 finishers started faster and had a higher power output at the start than less successful competitors, achieved the highest peak cycling speeds and power output, and maintained peak cycling speed and power output longer before slowing down.
The Sensitivity of Differential Ratings of Perceived Exertion as Measures of Internal Load
Authors: McLaren Shaun J. , Graham Michael , Spears Iain R. , Weston Matthew
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

To investigate the sensitivity of differential ratings of perceived exertion (dRPE) as measures of internal load.

Methods:

Twenty-two male university soccer players performed 2 maximal incremental-exercise protocols (cycle, treadmill) on separate days. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), maximal heart rate (HRmax), peak blood lactate concentration (B[La]peak), and the preprotocol-to-postprotocol change in countermovement-jump height (ΔCMJH) were measured for each protocol. Players provided dRPE (CR100) for breathlessness (RPE-B) and leg-muscle exertion (RPE-L) immediately on exercise termination (RPE-B0, RPE-L0) and 30 min postexercise (RPE-B30, RPE-L30). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences.

Results:

There were clear between-protocols differences for V̇O2max (cycle 46.5 ± 6.3 vs treadmill 51.0 ± 5.1 mL · kg−1 · min−1, mean difference –9.2%; ±90% confidence limits 3.7%), HRmax (184.7 ± 12.7 vs 196.7 ± 7.8 beats/min, –6.0%; ±1.7%), B[La]peak (9.7 ± 2.1 vs 8.5 ± 2.0 mmol/L, 15%; ±10%), and ΔCMJH (–7.1 ± 4.2 vs 0.6 ± 3.6 cm, –23.2%; ±5.4%). Clear between-protocols differences were recorded for RPE-B0 (78.0 ± 11.7 vs 94.7 ± 9.5 AU, –18.1%; ±4.5%), RPE-L0 (92.6 ± 9.7 vs 81.3 ± 14.1 AU, 15.3%; ±7.6%), RPE-B30 (70 ± 11 vs 82 ± 13 AU, –13.8%; ±7.3%), and RPE-L30 (86 ± 12 vs 65 ± 19 AU, 37%; ±17%). A substantial timing effect was observed for dRPE, with moderate to large reductions in all scores 30 min postexercise compared with scores collected on exercise termination.

Conclusion:

dRPE enhance the precision of internal-load measurement and therefore represent a worthwhile addition to training-load-monitoring procedures.
Resonant conversion based on GaAs-metal metamaterials within terahertz range
Authors: Cao Xiaolong , Che Yongli , Yao Jianquan
Published: July 2015

In this paper, by utilizing the variable conductivity with photo-injection in gallium arsenide (GaAs), we have designed an asymmetrical planar terahertz (THz) metamaterial, which is connected with two single-gap split ring resonator (SRR) by GaAs strip and demonstrated the resonant conversion of SRR within the THz range under appropriate optical pumping. As central trailing arm of the structure, GaAs is skillfully inserted between the two cross arms of the THz metamaterial and plays a key role in resonant conversion. Through modulation of its conductivity (σ GaAs ), the variable conductivity of GaAs can make one dual-gap SRR into two connective single-gap SRRs in physical structure, at the same time, the state conversion of two different resonances in the THz metamaterial has been achieved. The simulation results show that the resonant states of THz metamaterial can be switched from one LC and one dipole (state 1) to two LC and one new dipole (state 2) through the intermediate state with the increasing σ GaAs . This structural design provides a new example to apply variable conductivity to achieve state conversion of resonance and can be extended to the additional application in THz devices.
Computational and statistical issues in personalized medicine
Authors: Lippert Christoph , Heckerman David
Published: July 2015

Computational methods can be used to find associations between our genome and our traits, and new optimizations to these computations promise to do it much faster.
A Novel Probabilistic Approach for Vehicle Position Prediction in Free, Partial, and Full GPS Outages
Authors: Havyarimana Vincent , Wang Dong , Xiao Zhu
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a novel framework is developed with the intention of continuously predicting vehicle position even in the challenging environments such as partial and full GPS outages. To achieve this, the Bayesian-Sparse Random Gaussian Prediction (B-SRGP) approach is proposed where the sparse random Gaussian matrix which obeys the restricted isometry property with high probability is adopted to handle the measurement model. During the full GPS outages, the proposed method fuses all available INS measurements to improve the vehicle position prediction whereas in free outages only the GPS data are processed. Besides, the Bayesian inference is used to specifically deal with the vehicle position prediction in partial GPS outages where data from both GPS and INS are taken as inputs. In all cases, measurement noises are assumed to be non-Gaussian distributed and follow the generalized error distribution. The performance of B-SRGP is evaluated with respect to real-world data collected using Smartphone-based vehicular sensing model. The proposed method is tested when measurement noises are both Gaussian and non-Gaussian distributed and also compared with the existing prediction methods. Experimental results confirm that B-SRGP presents higher accuracy prediction and lower mean-squared prediction error for vehicle position when measurement noises are non-Gaussian distributed.
Multiple-Machine Scheduling with Learning Effects and Cooperative Games
Authors: Zhou Yiyuan , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2015

Multiple-machine scheduling problems with position-based learning effects are studied in this paper. There is an initial schedule in this scheduling problem. The optimal schedule minimizes the sum of the weighted completion times; the difference between the initial total weighted completion time and the minimal total weighted completion time is the cost savings. A multiple-machine sequencing game is introduced to allocate the cost savings. The game is balanced if the normal processing times of jobs that are on the same machine are equal and an equal number of jobs are scheduled on each machine initially.
The Adsorption Capacity and Geotechnical Properties of Modified Clay Containing SSA Used as Landfill Liner-Soil Materials
Authors: Lu Haijun , Dong Yiqie , Li Jixiang , Wang Changhong
Published: July 2015

The potential of clay containing 0~5% sewage sludge ash (SSA) is assessed for use as a landfill liner-soil material. Low temperature N2adsorption, batch adsorption, permeability, and unconfined compressive strength tests are performed to evaluate pore structure, adsorption capacity, hydraulic conductivity, and unconfined compressive strength of the clays. The pore size distribution of the modified clay containing SSA is mainly composed of micropores (<2 nm) and mesopores (2~7 nm). With the increasing of SSA from 0% to 5%, the adsorption capacity of Zn(II) and Cu(II) to the clay increases 37% and 273%, respectively. The hydraulic conductivity of modified clay is from 3.62 × 10−8to 2.17 × 10−8 cm/s. At SSA = 3%, the unconfined compressive strength of the clay reaches the maximum value of 601.1 kPa. After the clay containing SSA is contaminated by acid and alkali chemical solutions, the amount of mesopores and hydraulic conductivity increase. The adsorption capacity and unconfined compressive strength of contaminated clay decrease about 2∼44% and 25.7∼38.2%, respectively. The modified clay containing SSA can meet the adsorption and geotechnical requirement of landfill liners.
Low Magnesium Exacerbates Osteoporosis in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Huang Jui-Hua , Cheng Fu-Chou , Wu Hsu-Chen
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of serum Mg on bone mineral metabolism in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with or without diabetes. A total of 56 CKD patients not receiving dialysis were recruited and divided into two groups, one group of 27 CKD patients with diabetes and another group of 29 CKD patients without diabetes. Biochemical determinations were made, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was measured. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum Mg was inversely correlated with serum CaP=0.023and positively correlated with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH)P=0.020, alkaline phosphataseP=0.044, and phosphateP=0.040in the CKD patients with diabetes. The CKD patients with diabetes had lower serum albumin and a higher proportion of hypomagnesemia and osteoporosis than the nondiabetic patients didP<0.05. Serum Mg was inversely correlated with eGFR in the CKD patients with or without diabetesP<0.05. Serum Mg showed an inverse correlation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D in CKD patients without diabetesP=0.006. Furthermore, the diabetic CKD patients with low serum Mg had a lower iPTHP=0.007and a higher serum Ca/Mg ratioP<0.001than the other CKD patients. The lower serum Mg subgroup showed a higher incidence of osteoporosis than the moderate and higher serum Mg subgroups did (66.7%, 39.4%, and 29.4%, resp.). In conclusion, low serum Mg may impact iPTH and exacerbates osteoporosis in CKD patients, particularly with diabetes.
Si Shen Wan Regulates Phospholipase Cγ-1 and PI3K/Akt Signal in Colonic Mucosa from Rats with Colitis
Authors: Liu Duan-yong , Xu Rong , Huang Min-fang , Huang Hong-yan , Wang Xin , Zou Yong , Yue Hai-yang , Zhao Hai-mei
Published: July 2015

The present study explored the feasible pathway of Si Shen Wan (SSW) in inhibiting apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) by observing activation of phospholipase Cγ-1 (PLC-γ1) and PI3K/Akt signal in colonic mucosa from rats with colitis. Experimental colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in the Sprague-Dawley rats. After SSW was administrated for 7 days after TNBS infusion, western blot showed an increment in levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and IL-23 and a decrement in levels of PLC-γ1 and HSP70 in colonic mucosal injury induced by TNBS. Meanwhile, assessments by ELISA revealed an increment in concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17 and a reduction in level of TGF-βafter TNBS challenge. Impressively, treatment with SSW for 7 days significantly attenuated the expressions of PI3K and p-Akt and the secretion of IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 and promoted the activation of PLC-γ1, HSP70, and TGF-β. Our previous studies had demonstrated that SSW restored colonic mucosal ulcers by inhibiting apoptosis of IECs. The present study demonstrated that the effect of SSW on inhibiting apoptosis of IECs was realized probably by activation of PLC-γ1 and suppression of PI3K/Akt signal pathway.
A Fully Distributed Resource Allocation Mechanism for CRNs without Using a Common Control Channel
Authors: Mahmud Adil , Lee Youngdoo , Koo Insoo
Published: July 2015

Spatial and temporal variations in the available spectrum for cognitive devices add additional complexity in designing a medium access strategy for cognitive radio (CR) networks. To ease this complication, a common control channel (CCC) is often used as a common platform to exchange control messages, so the CR users can make decisions concerning resource allocation. Much of the literature in this area opts for forming groups and negotiating a CCC from the available channels rather than considering a dedicated common control channel. However, if a primary user appears on the CCC, all the CR users have to vacate that channel and negotiate another CCC, and thus overhead continues to grow with an agile primary network. We propose a medium access control protocol that can work in the absence of a CCC and reduce the possible overhead to a greater extent. In our proposed protocol, CR users take advantage of similar spectrum availability in their neighborhood for resource utilization. We also propose a contention-based spectrum allocation mechanism that works in a distributed manner over different available channels. Simulation results show that this approach can reduce broadcast overhead significantly while maintaining connectivity success similar to its counterparts.
Microstructure, Strength, and Fracture Topography Relations in AISI 316L Stainless Steel, as Seen through a Fractal Approach and the Hall-Petch Law
Authors: Hilders Oswaldo Antonio , Zambrano Naddord , Caballero Ramón
Published: July 2015

The influence of the fracture surface fractal dimension DF and the fractal dimension of grain microstructure DM on the strength of AISI 316L type austenitic stainless steel through the Hall-Petch relation has been studied. The change in complexity experimented by the net of grains, as measured by DM, is translated into the respective fracture surface irregularity through DF, in such a way that the higher the grain size (lower DM values) the lower the fracture surface roughness (lower values of DF) and the shallower the dimples on the fractured surfaces. The material was heat-treated at 904, 1010, 1095, and 1194°C, in order to develop equiaxed grain microstructures and then fractured by tension at room temperature. The fracture surfaces were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope, DF was determined using the slit-island method, and the values of DM were taken from the literature. The relation between grain size, DM, mechanical properties, and DF, developed for AISI 316L steel, could be generalized and therefore applied to most of the common micrograined metal alloys currently used in many key engineering areas.
Numerical Simulation on the Device of Rare Earth Oxide Preparation by Rare Earth Chloride Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Xiaolong , Nan Xiangli , Lv Chao , Zhang Chen , Zhang Ting’an
Published: July 2015

Based on the industrial applications of jet pyrolysis technology and it being used for the production of rare earth oxides, the paper hopes to find out an efficient, economic, and environmental friendly new technology which is suitable for production of rare earth oxides. In this paper, a chloride pyrolysis water model is designed, and standardκ-εturbulence model and VOF model were coupled to simulate the three-dimensional steady gas-liquid flow in jet reactor. The valuable parameter we got provides strong basis for the experimental equipment manufacturing in thermal state and determining test program. Conclusions show that when the drainage tube diameter is 3 mm, it can guarantee that two-phase distribution of the gas-liquid is more uniform and easy for gas-liquid mixing in the tail region of the Venturi tube. If the fluid near the middle of the duct in front of the Venturi starts to reach equilibrium as constant speed flowing, it proves that elongated pipe is conducive to obtain a stable flow of air required by experiments. In the adjustable pipeline location of the Venturi tube, fluid can form a closed loop and generate reflux in the export where atomization and gas-liquid mixing have good effects.
Dynamic and Structural Performances of a New Sailcraft Concept for Interplanetary Missions
Authors: Peloni Alessandro , Barbera Daniele , Laurenzi Susanna , Circi Christian
Published: July 2015

Typical square solar‐sail design is characterised by a central hub with four‐quadrant sails, conferring to the spacecraft the classical X‐configuration. One of the critical aspects related to this architecture is due to the large deformations of both membrane and booms, which leads to a reduction of the performance of the sailcraft in terms of thrust efficiency. As a consequence, stiffer sail architecture would be desirable, taking into account that the rigidity of the system strongly affects the orbital dynamics. In this paper, we propose a new solar‐sail architecture, which is more rigid than the classical X‐configuration. Among the main pros and cons that the proposed configuration presents, this paper aims to show the general concept, investigating the performances from the perspectives of both structural response and attitude control. Membrane deformations, structural offset, and sail vibration frequencies are determined through finite element method, adopting a variable pretensioning scheme. In order to evaluate the manoeuvring performances of this new solar‐sail concept, a 35‐degree manoeuvre is studied using a feedforward and feedback controller.
Comparative Evaluation of Two Venous Sampling Techniques for the Assessment of Pancreatic Insulin and Zinc Release upon Glucose Challenge
Authors: Pillai Anil Kumar , Silvers William , Christensen Preston , Riegel Matthew , Adams-Huet Beverley , Lingvay Ildiko , Sun Xiankai , Öz Orhan K.
Published: July 2015

Advances in noninvasive imaging modalities have provided opportunities to studyβcell function through imaging zinc release from insulin secretingβcells. Understanding the temporal secretory pattern of insulin and zinc corelease after a glucose challenge is essential for proper timing of administration of zinc sensing probes. Portal venous sampling is an essential part of pharmacological and nutritional studies in animal models. The purpose of this study was to compare two different percutaneous image-guided techniques: transhepatic ultrasound guided portal vein access and transsplenic fluoroscopy guided splenic vein access for ease of access, safety, and evaluation of temporal kinetics of insulin and zinc release into the venous effluent from the pancreas. Both techniques were safe, reproducible, and easy to perform. The mean time required to obtain desired catheter position for venous sampling was 15 minutes shorter using the transsplenic technique. A clear biphasic insulin release profile was observed in both techniques. Statistically higher insulin concentration but similar zinc release after a glucose challenge was observed from splenic vein samples, as compared to the ones from the portal vein. To our knowledge, this is the first report of percutaneous methods to assess zinc release kinetics from the porcine pancreas.
2D Active Antenna Array Design for FD-MIMO System and Antenna Virtualization Techniques
Authors: Tzanidis Ioannis , Li Yang , Xu Gary , Seol Ji-Yun , Zhang JianZhong (Charlie)
Published: July 2015

Full dimension MIMO (FD-MIMO) is one of the key technologies presently studied in the 3GPP for the next generation long-term evolution advanced (LTE-A) systems. By incorporating FD-MIMO into LTE/LTE-A systems, it is expected that system throughput will be drastically improved beyond what is possible in conventional LTE systems. This paper presets details on the 2D active antenna array design for FD-MIMO systems supporting 32 antenna elements. The FD-MIMO system allows for dynamic and adaptive precoding to be performed jointly across all antennas thus achieving more directional transmissions in the azimuth and elevation domains simultaneously, to a larger number of users. Finally, we discuss 2D antenna array port virtualization techniques for creating beams with wide coverage, necessary for broadcasting signals to all users within a sector, such as the CRS (Common Reference Signal).
Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Possible Culprits in Solid Tumors?
Authors: Johann Pascal David , Müller Ingo
Published: July 2015

The clinical use of bone marrow derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) in different settings ranging from tissue engineering to immunotherapies has prompted investigations on the properties of these cells in a variety of other tissues. Particularly the role of MSCs in solid tumors has been the subject of many experimental approaches. While a clear phenotypical distinction of tumor associated fibroblasts (TAFs) and MSCs within the tumor microenvironment is still missing, the homing of bone marrow MSCs in tumor sites has been extensively studied. Both, tumor-promoting and tumor-inhibiting effects of BM-MSCs have been described in this context. This ambiguity requires a reappraisal of the different studies and experimental methods employed. Here, we review the current literature on tumor-promoting and tumor-inhibiting effects of BM-MSCs with a particular emphasis on their interplay with components of the immune system and also highlight a potential role of MSCs as cell of origin for certain mesenchymal tumors.
Intercomparison of Solid Precipitation Derived from the Weighting Rain Gauge and Optical Instruments in the Interior Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Lele , Zhao Lin , Xie Changwei , Liu Guangyue , Gao Liming , Xiao Yao , Shi Jianzong , Qiao Yongping
Published: July 2015

Due to the light precipitation and strong wind in the cold season, it is hard to get credible solid precipitation on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP). To address this issue, two kinds of optical instruments, the Thies Laser Precipitation Monitor (LPM) and OTT laser-optical Particle Size Velocity (Parsivel), were used on QTP. The measured precipitation was compared with the precipitation derived from Geonor T-200B precipitation gauge (Geonor). The results showed that Geonor was hard to catch light precipitation (precipitation amount was less than 1 mm during a single event) when the wind speeds were higher than 3.5 m/s. Even when the wind speeds were smaller than 3.5 m/s, about 44% of such light precipitation events were not recorded by Geonor. The optical instruments had much better performance in recording light precipitation. Three methods were used to correct Geonor measurements of daily solid precipitation and the corrected values were set as reference for assessing the performance of LPM and Parsivel; the results showed that LPM had good performance in measuring the solid precipitation but Parsivel overestimated the precipitation amount. Methods for correcting Geonor’s hourly solid precipitation and recalculating Parsivel’s solid precipitation amount were also proposed in this paper.
Coapplication of Chicken Litter Biochar and Urea Only to Improve Nutrients Use Efficiency and Yield of Oryza sativa L. Cultivation on a Tropical Acid Soil
Authors: Maru Ali , Haruna Osumanu Ahmed , Charles Primus Walter
Published: July 2015

The excessive use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in sustaining high rice yields due to N dynamics in tropical acid soils not only is economically unsustainable but also causes environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to coapply biochar and urea to improve soil chemical properties and productivity of rice. Biochar (5 t ha−1) and different rates of urea (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% of recommended N application) were evaluated in both pot and field trials. Selected soil chemical properties, rice plants growth variables, nutrient use efficiency, and yield were determined using standard procedures. Coapplication of biochar with 100% and 75% urea recommendation rates significantly increased nutrients availability (especially P and K) and their use efficiency in both pot and field trials. These treatments also significantly increased rice growth variables and grain yield. Coapplication of biochar and urea application at 75% of the recommended rate can be used to improve soil chemical properties and productivity and reduce urea use by 25%.
Survival in Subcortical Vascular Dementia: Predictors and Comparison to Probable Alzheimer's Disease in a Tertiary Memory Clinic Population
Authors: Kim Jong Hun , Go Seok Min , Seo Sang Won , Kim Suk Hui , Chin Juhee , Moon So Young , Lim Hyunsun , Cheong Hae Kwan , Choi Sun Ah , Lee Jun Hong , Na Duk L.
Published: July 2015

Background: Subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD) is one of the most common dementias, after Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. Few survival analyses in SVaD patients have been reported. Methods: The dates and causes of death of 146 SVaD and 725 AD patients were included. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to compare survival between SVaD and AD patients and to explore possible factors related to survival of SVaD patients. Results: The median survival time after the onset of SVaD (109 months) was shorter than that recorded for AD (152 months). The most common cause of death in SVaD was stroke (47.1%). Factors associated with shorter survival in SVaD were late onset, male sex, worse baseline cognition, absence of hypertension and a family history of stroke. Conclusions: Stroke prevention may be important in SVaD treatment because 47.1% of SVaD patients died of stroke. A family history of stroke and absence of hypertension were associated with a shorter survival in SVaD, suggesting the existence of genetic or unknown risk factors.
New Reference Values for Vitamin C Intake
Authors: German Nutrition Society (DGE)
Published: July 2015

The German, Austrian, and Swiss nutrition societies are the editors of the ‘reference values for nutrient intake'. They have revised the reference values for the intake of vitamin C and published them in February 2015. The average vitamin C requirement in healthy adults is considered to be the vitamin C amount that compensates for the metabolic losses of vitamin C, and ensures a fasting ascorbate plasma level of 50 µmol/l. Based on the present data from studies with non-smoking men, metabolic losses of 50 mg/day are assumed, as well as an absorption rate of 80% and an urinary excretion of 25% of the vitamin C intake. Taking this into account, the calculated average requirement in men is 91 mg/day. Considering a coefficient of variation of 10%, a reference value (recommended intake) of 110 mg/day for men is derived. The vitamin C requirement in women as well as in children and adolescents is extrapolated from the requirement in men and in relation to their body weight. This results in a recommended intake of about 95 mg/day for adult women. Because the requirement in pregnant and lactating women is increased, higher recommended intakes are derived for them, 105 mg/day for pregnant women from the fourth month on and 125 mg/day for lactating women, respectively. For boys and girls at the age of 1 to under 15 years, there are increasing recommended intake values from 20 to 85 mg/day. For male and female adolescents, at the age of 15 to under 19 years, the recommended intake is 105 and 90 mg, respectively. As smokers have higher metabolic losses and lower plasma levels of vitamin C than non-smokers (turnover is 40% higher), the reference value for vitamin C intake is set to 135 mg/day for female smokers and 155 mg/day for male smokers. For infants in their first year of life, the reference value (estimated value) is set to 20 mg vitamin C/ day, based upon the lowest observed vitamin C intake for infants in the United Kingdom and the United States, that obviously meets the requirement in infants and that is 3 times higher than the amount necessary to prevent scurvy (7 mg/day).
Evaluating the Atrial Myopathy Underlying Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Arora Rishi , Green David , Greenland Philip , Lee Daniel C. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Markl Michael , Ng Jason , Shah Sanjiv J.
Published: July 2015

Atrial disease or myopathy forms the substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF) and underlies the potential for atrial thrombus formation and subsequent stroke. Current diagnostic approaches in patients with AF focus on identifying clinical predictors with the evaluation of left atrial size by echocardiography serving as the sole measure specifically evaluating the atrium. Although the atrial substrate underlying AF is likely developing for years before the onset of AF, there is no current evaluation to identify the preclinical atrial myopathy. Atrial fibrosis is 1 component of the atrial substrate that has garnered recent attention based on newer MRI techniques that have been applied to visualize atrial fibrosis in humans with prognostic implications regarding the success of treatment. Advanced ECG signal processing, echocardiographic techniques, and MRI imaging of fibrosis and flow provide up-to-date approaches to evaluate the atrial myopathy underlying AF. Although thromboembolic risk is currently defined by clinical scores, their predictive value is mediocre. Evaluation of stasis via imaging and biomarkers associated with thrombogenesis may provide enhanced approaches to assess risk for stroke in patients with AF. Better delineation of the atrial myopathy that serves as the substrate for AF and thromboembolic complications might improve treatment outcomes. Furthermore, better delineation of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the development of the atrial substrate for AF, particularly in its earlier stages, could help identify blood and imaging biomarkers that could be useful to assess risk for developing new-onset AF and suggest specific pathways that could be targeted for prevention.
A new species of Losdolobus Platnick & Brescovit 1994 (Araneae: Orsolobidae) from Argentina with notes on its ecology and distribution
Authors: POMPOZZI GABRIEL
Published: July 2015

A new species of Losdolobus, L. nelsoni sp. nov., is described based on females and males collected from grasslands in the mountains of southern Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Additionally, the phenology of this new species is presented and some aspects of the biogeography and distribution of the genus are discussed.
Macrocnemis gracilis, a new genus and species of Idiocnemidinae (Zygoptera: Platycnemididae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Theischinger G. , Gassmann D. , Richards S. J.
Published: July 2015

A new genus and species belonging to the damselfly subfamily Idiocnemidinae from Papua New Guinea, Macrocnemis gracilis gen. nov. sp. nov. is described and illustrated. It is the largest known member of the Papuan idiocnemidine radiation, and its affinities to existing genera remain unclear. The new taxon is currently known with certainty only from small streams flowing through mid-montane rainforest in the Hindenburg Range of Papua New Guinea’s rugged central cordillera.
Implications of the Fact that Losses Count More than Gains for Antitrust
Authors: Zerbe Richard O.
Published: July 2015

It is now well established that losses to individuals count more (absolute value) in valuation than equivalent gains. This suggests that a price standard or a consumer surplus standard is superior to a total surplus standard in antitrust and helps to explain some current law.
How to justify ‘militant democracy’
Authors: Jovanović Miodrag
Published: July 2015

Decisions in democracy are binding not in virtue of being true or good, but on account of being an outcome of the majority voting procedure. For some, this is a proof of an intricate connection between democracy and moral relativism. The ‘militant democracy’ model, on the other hand, is premised on the idea that certain political actors and choices have to be banned for being fatally bad for democracy. This gives rise to the claim that protected democratic fundamental values of freedom and equality enjoy the status of absolute moral standards. This article dismisses the intuition that justification of ‘militant democracy’ depends on unpacking the relation between democracy and meta-ethics. Instead, following Bernard Suits’ analytical exposition of the important features of games, it demonstrates, first, how democracy is like a game and, then, it argues that a plausible justification of ‘militant democracy’ stems from its game-like character.
The Moderating Effects of Maternal Age at Childbirth and Emotion Dysregulation on the Intergenerational Continuity of Emotionally Unsupportive Parenting Behaviors
Authors: McCullough Courtney , Han Zhuo Rachel , Morelen Diana , Shaffer Anne
Published: July 2015

Little research has investigated factors that may moderate the intergenerational transmission of emotionally unsupportive parenting behaviors. The present study examined the role of two moderators, emotion dysregulation and maternal age at childbirth, on the relation between maternal childhood history of emotional maltreatment and current observations of emotionally unsupportive parenting behaviors in 64 mother–child dyads. Results indicated that mothers who were younger at childbirth seemed more likely to engage in emotionally unsupportive parenting behaviors in the context of high levels of sustained childhood emotional maltreatment, regardless of their level of emotion dysregulation. Mothers who were older at childbirth were at high risk for emotionally unsupportive parenting behaviors in the context of high levels of sustained emotional maltreatment histories and high emotion dysregulation, yet were not at such risk if emotion dysregulation was low. Implications for the buffering effects of emotion regulation on the risk for emotionally unsupportive behaviors were discussed.
Towards a Sociology of the EU
Authors: Slavtcheva-Petkova Vera
Published: July 2015

This article explores the relationship between social backgrounds—socio-economic status and ethnicity—and European knowledge, identities and attitudes to European Union (EU) membership in two member states—the Eastern European newcomer Bulgaria and the Western European notoriously Eurosceptic United Kingdom. Itadopts an empirical sociological approach in line with recent calls for more sociological input into EU studies. By drawing on 174 individual interviews with 9-/10-year-old primary school pupils, the article is focused on young people: a group that ‘holds the key’ to the future of the EU, yet is entirely neglected by academics and policy makers. The findings suggest that despite the substantial national differences, the significance of socio-economic status and ethnicity is strong cross-nationally. European identity is largely elite and racialized and those at the margins of society in my sample are not at all involved in the European project. A key theoretical contribution this article makes is to move beyond mono-causal explanations by providing an account of the intersection of national context, socio-economic status and ethnicity in relation to young people’s European identities.
Grouping of Items in Mobile Web Questionnaires
Authors: Mavletova Aigul , Couper Mick P.
Published: July 2015

There is some evidence that a scrolling design may reduce breakoffs in mobile web surveys compared to a paging design, but there is little empirical evidence to guide the choice of the optimal number of items per page. We investigate the effect of the number of items presented on a page on data quality in two types of questionnaires: with or without user-controlled skips. Three versions of a 30-item instrument were compared, with 5, 15, or all 30 questions presented on a page, in two different surveys, one with skips and one without. We found that displaying 30 items on a page reduced the breakoff rate by almost one-third compared to presenting five items per page in the questionnaire without skips, but the difference was not statistically significant. In both surveys with and without skips, the completion times were significantly lower in the 30-item per page condition; however, item nonresponse rates were also higher. We give some practical recommendations to guide choices while designing questionnaires for mobile web surveys.
Strength-Based Assessment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Cosden Merith , Koegel Lynn Kern , Koegel Robert L. , Greenwell Ashley , Klein Eileen
Published: July 2015

Despite improvements in interventions for children with autism, assessments tend to focus on their social, cognitive, and behavioral deficits, without similar systematic examination of their strengths. Strength-based assessment (SBA), which has been used in work with children with milder behavioral disorders, may also have value for individuals who have autism. Although not supplanting usual assessment procedures, SBA provides a method for identifying personal, familial, and broader contextual strengths. Research outside the area of autism has found that SBA can be a useful addition to assessment protocols because it provides specific information on assets that can be incorporated into interventions. Further, SBA has the potential to affect the attitudes and beliefs of parents and educators involved in the assessment, creating greater hope about the ability of the child to function well and contributing to a stronger bond between the assessor, the child, and their family. This article describes ways in which SBA can be added to typical assessment protocols for children with autism. Examples are provided on how to identify and utilize strengths that can be used for planning interventions and for building more effective working relationships between clinicians and children with autism and their families. Areas for future research are also discussed.
Using a Single-Switch Voice Output Communication Aid to Increase Social Access for Children with Severe Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Cosbey Joanna Evans , Johnston Susan
Published: July 2015

Three young children with severe, multiple disabilities were taught to utilize a voice output communication aid (VOCA) to request access to preferred items and/or peers during play activities. Acquisition of VOCA use resulted from a naturalistic intervention strategy that consisted of creating communication opportunities, prompting the participant to engage in the target behavior via a full physical prompt, and facilitating access to natural consequences for appropriate participant responses. Intervention occurred in the context of naturally occurring free-choice activities in inclusive classrooms. Results showed that the intervention strategy was effective in teaching all three participants to use a VOCA to request access to items and/or peers. The peers generally responded to the participants with either positive or neutral responses. Survey data on the acceptability of the intervention to classroom staff are also discussed.
Localism and Capital Judicial Override in Jefferson County, Alabama
Authors: Kaplan Paul , Dunn Kerry , Sherman Nicole
Published: July 2015

This article is an analysis of capital judicial override in Alabama through localist theories of capital punishment, with special focus on Liebman and Clarke’s arguments about parochialism and libertarianism. We suggest that localism is related to high rates of death sentencing in one county even when the sentencing agent is a judge, not a jury. We begin with a review of Liebman and Clarke’s analysis, then proceed with a description of the law on override in Alabama, and conclude with a qualitative content analysis of sentencing opinions from Jefferson County, Alabama (which has the highest number of overrides to death). After finding evidence of parochialism and libertarianism in all of the sentencing opinions, we suggest that localism may be related to high death sentencing in Jefferson County and urge scholars to study this phenomenon in other high death penalty active counties.