bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhopalomma stefaniae gen. et sp. n., the first ommatid beetle from the Upper Jurassic in Australia (Coleoptera: Archostemata: Ommatidae)
Authors: ASHMAN LAUREN G. , OBERPRIELER ROLF G. , ŚLIPIŃSKI ADAM 
Published: June 2015

The first Upper Jurassic fossil of the family Ommatidae (Coleoptera: Archostemata) from Australia is described and illustrated from a single specimen discovered at the Talbragar Fish Bed. Rhopalomma stefaniae gen. et sp. n. is classified in Ommatidae based on the length and insertion of the antennae, the tuberculate cuticle, the pattern of elytral striae, the complete epipleura and the presence of scutellary strioles. Due to the lack of preservation of crucial characters, Rhopalomma cannot be assigned to a subfamily and is therefore classified as Ommatidae incertae sedis. Rhopalomma fills an important gap in the fossil record of the family, indicating that Ommatidae occurred in Australia from the Lower Jurassic to the present day. Australia is the only place in the world where this family is found in both the fossil record and the living fauna.
The Response of the Tropical Atlantic and West African Climate to Saharan Dust in a Fully Coupled GCM
Authors: Strong Jeffrey D. O. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Ginoux Paul 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This study examines the climate response in West Africa and the tropical Atlantic to an idealized aerosol radiative forcing from Saharan mineral dust, comparable to the observed changes between the 1960s and 1990s, using simulations with the fully coupled GFDL Climate Model, version 2.1 (CM2.1), for two optical property regimes: more absorbing (ABS) and more scattering (SCT) dust. For both regimes dust induces significant regional reductions in radiative flux at the surface (approximately −30 W m−2). At the top of the atmosphere (TOA) dust in the two simulations produces a radiative flux anomaly of opposite sign (+30 W m−2 in the ABS case and −20 W m−2 in the SCT case). These differences result in opposing regional hydrologic and thermodynamic effects of dust. The ABS-forced simulations show an increase in the West African monsoon resulting from dust, whereas in the SCT-forced simulations dust causes a decrease in the monsoon. This is due to moist enthalpy changes throughout the atmospheric column over West Africa creating either horizontal divergence or convergence near the surface, respectively. In the tropical North Atlantic, dust acts to cool the ocean surface. However, in the subsurface the ABS-forced simulations show a decrease in upper-ocean heat content, while the SCT-forced simulations show an increase in upper-ocean heat content. The peak differences primarily arise from the wind stress curl response to a shift in the Atlantic ITCZ and associated mixed layer depth anomalies. Changes to upper-ocean currents are also found to be important in transporting energy across the equator.
An Overlooked Issue of Variational Data Assimilation
Authors: Ménétrier Benjamin , Auligné Thomas 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The control variable transform (CVT) is a keystone of variational data assimilation. In publications using such a technique, the background term of the transformed cost function is defined as a canonical inner product of the transformed control variable with itself. However, it is shown in this paper that this practical definition of the cost function is not correct if the CVT uses a square root of the background error covariance matrix that is not square. Fortunately, it is then shown that there is a manifold of the control space for which this flaw has no impact, and that most minimizers used in practice precisely work in this manifold. It is also shown that both correct and practical transformed cost functions have the same minimum. This explains more rigorously why the CVT is working in practice. The case of a singular is finally detailed, showing that the practical cost function still reaches the best linear unbiased estimate (BLUE).
The Dan Young Neonatal Surgical Unit audit: an audit of admissions and mortality rates pre- and post-amalgamation
Authors: O’Gorman J , Milne S , Arthur F , Carachi R 
Published: June 2015

Background and aims (1) To record the number of Index Surgical Cases (ISCs) admitted to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) Yorkill in 2012–2014. (2) To investigate if the amalgamation of the neonatal intensive care unit with the Dan Young Neonatal Surgical Unit in 2008 has impacted on the number of admissions and deaths. Method and results Data were collected from the ward admission books and the BadgerNet UK database. Reason for admission and outcome was recorded. Nonsurgical cases were categorised as ‘miscellaneous’. The total number of admissions per year and the number of miscellaneous cases have been increasing since the amalgamation. There were no clinically significant differences in the number of babies with each ISC. The death rate was 1.8% in 2012, 2.9% in 2013 and 2.6% 2014. Conclusions The unit now admits more miscellaneous babies and this has caused an increase in total admissions. Although the total number of deaths has increased, the death rates as a percentage of total admissions have now plateaued after an initial rise at the time of union. There has been no significant increase in the number of ISC deaths. Thus, it appears that the amalgamation has affected survival outcomes in the short term only.
A biomechanically optimized knitted stent using a bio-inspired design approach
Authors: Singh Charanpreet , Wang Xungai 
Published: June 2015

Vascular implants have always been a key area of research in medical textiles. Knitted structures have been proven to be suitable for stent applications on the basis of their looped mesh geometry, structural flexibility and ease of manufacturing. However, there are biomechanical constraints of plain knit constructions that can result in clinical complications after implantation and hence cannot be ignored. This study reports a new segmented knit design inspired by structural metamerism observed in the body design of some invertebrate animals. Metamerism is the phenomenon of having a linear series of body segments fundamentally similar in structure, but assigned to perform different functions. It was hypothesized that utilization of this simple and yet effective biological design approach in stent construction could improve the degree of control for optimizing stent biomechanical properties. The proposed segmented stent was constructed by incorporating an elastic filament component into a polyethylene terephthalate knitted stent at specific intervals along its length, also known as the ‘Plating Technique’. This technique generates a structure with alternately arranged stiff and elastic knitted sections which equip the stent with vital structural support and volumetric compliance properties, respectively. The stent design parameters (filament diameter, loop length, segmentation plan) were optimized to achieve significantly better biomechanical performance (bending flexibility, compression resistance, volumetric expansion, longitudinal extensibility) than a plain knit stent.
Employment Programmes for the Poor and Female Empowerment: The Effect of NREGS on Gender-based Violence in India
Authors: Amaral Sofia , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Sensarma Rudra 
Published: June 2015

The introduction of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in India increased employment opportunities for the poor and even more so for poor women. In this article, we analyze the relationship between female labour participation and violence against women. Using district–time variation in the implementation of this anti-poverty programme, we estimate the effect of improved participation and access to the employment of women on gender-based violence. We find evidence that increased female labour participation following the NREGS has increased total gender-based violence. There have been increases in kidnappings, sexual harassments and domestic violence, while dowry deaths have decreased. JEL: J12, J24, J71
The Political Economy of Domestic Violence in a Mumbai Slum: An Ethnographic Analysis
Authors: Ghosh Sreeparna 
Published: June 2015

Nationally, more than a third of women report some form of domestic violence in India. This study set in a Mumbai slum shows that structural violence contributes to domestic violence and also systematically disadvantages women by forcing them to drop out of school, reduces labour force participation and prevents women from leaving abusive marriages. We find that birth order, age at marriage and the support of the natal family, all play a critical role in shaping women’s life trajectories. Although natal families and women’s social networks under certain conditions can help mitigate violence, these are limited. Using six case studies, this study proposes a framework that encompasses multiple dimensions and forms of insecurity, categorised into material, physical, sociocultural or sexual constraints. By doing so, it delineates mechanisms by which institutional and normative contexts gender vulnerabilities. Methodologically, this article uses an ethnographic approach and, including two pairs of mothers and daughters as case studies, offers an intergenerational perspective that underscores the transmission of violent life trajectories, highlighting the limited possibilities for mitigation. Thus, programmes that aim to reduce domestic violence need to go beyond the family as a site of intervention, to account for the role that systemic violence plays in the production of domestic violence in marginal spaces, such as slums. JEL: I12, I3, J16
Newborn screening blood spot analysis in the UK: influence of spot size, punch location and haematocrit
Authors: Lawson AJ , Bernstone L , Hall SK 
Published: June 2015

Objective In dried blood spot analysis, punch location and variations in applied sample volume and haematocrit can produce different measured concentrations of analytes. We investigated the magnitude of these effects in newborn screening in the UK. Methods Heparinized blood spiked with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine, methionine, octanoyl carnitine (C8), and immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) was spotted onto filter paper: (i) at a constant haematocrit of 50% at various volumes, and (ii) at a range of haematocrits using a constant volume. Subpunches (3.2 mm) of the dried blood spots were then analysed. Results Compared with a central punch from a 50 µL blood spot with 50% haematocrit, 10 µL spots can have significantly lower measured concentrations of all analytes, with decreases of 15% or more observed for leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. Punching at the edge of a spot can increase measured concentrations up to 35%. Higher haematocrit decreased measured TSH and C8 yet increased amino acids and IRT by 15% compared with 50% haematocrit. Lower haematocrits had the opposite effect, but only with higher concentrations of some analytes. Conclusions Differences in blood spot size, haematocrit and punch location substantially affect measured concentrations for analytes used in the UK newborn screening programme, and this could affect false positive and negative rates. To minimize analytical bias, these variables should be controlled or adjusted for where possible.
A Validation Study of the Revised Personal Safety Decision Scale
Authors: Kim HaeJung , Hopkins Karen M. 
Published: June 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability and validity of an 11-item Personal Safety Decision Scale (PSDS) in a sample of child welfare workers. Methods: Data were derived from a larger cross-sectional online survey to a random stratified sample of 477 public child welfare workers in a mid-Atlantic State. An exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the construct validity of the revised scale. Results: Results indicated the presence of a two-factor structure in PSDS. CFA resulted in a revised 7-item, two-factor structure. The revised PSDS internal consistency reliability was .78. Conclusions: A valid and reliable measure can be useful for assessing the level of perceived home visit risks that child welfare social workers may experience. The scale can be used to explore the risk and protective factors and worker behaviors that surround workers’ safety concerns.
Baseline clinical status as a predictor of methylprednisolone response in multiple sclerosis relapses
Authors: Ramo-Tello Cristina , Tintoré Mar , Rovira Alex , Ramió-Torrenta Luis , Brieva Luis , Saiz Albert , Cano Antonio , Carmona Olga , Hervás Jose V , Grau-López Laia 
Published: June 2015

Background: To date, there are no available factors to predict the outcome after multiple sclerosis relapse. Aim: To investigate factors that may be useful for predicting response to methylprednisolone treatment, following a relapse of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: The study included 48 MS patients enrolled in a double-blind multicenter trial to receive intravenous versus oral high-dose methylprednisolone treatment. Associations were sought between the disability status prior to relapse and the relapse severity, determined by changes in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, as well as the improvements after treatment. We also analyzed the relationships between the number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gadolinium-enhancing lesions (Gd+) and improvement. Results: A higher EDSS score before relapse was associated with more severe relapses ( p = 0.04) and less marked improvement (odds ratio (OR) 1.8; 95% CI (1.2–2.2); p = 0.05) after methylprednisolone treatment. Relapse severity ( p = 0.29) and the number of Gd+ lesions at relapse ( p = 0.41) were not related with improvement. Conclusions: Clinical baseline status prior to MS relapse is a predictor of response to methylprednisolone treatment.
Radiculo-pial spinal arteriovenous fistulas treated with coils: Report of two cases
Authors: Batista André Lima , Romero Diego Gutierrez , Gentric Jean-Christophe , Weill Alain , Raymond Jean , Roy Daniel 
Published: June 2015

Spinal pial arteriovenous fistulas (SPAVFs) are rare lesions that present more frequently in young patients. Lesions located on radiculo-pial arteries without involvement of the anterior spinal artery are even rarer. SPAVFs may present with mass effect, venous congestion or hemorrhage. Most often, treatment is performed either by surgery or endovascularly with fluid embolic material. Use of microcoils has not been reported for this condition. We present two cases of radiculo-pial high-flow SPAVFs in two patients in their early 30 s. One patient presented with abrupt headache without proof of hemorrhage and the other one with trigeminal neuralgia resulting from dilated posterior fossa draining veins remote from the fistula. Both patients were successfully treated with endovascular shunt closure using microcoils with resolution of symptoms and disappearance of the dilated veins at follow-up. With recent advances in microcatheter technology, distal navigation and microcoil embolization offers another option for these cases that may be safer than fluid embolic material.
Protocol for prevention of spinal cord ischemia after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery
Authors: Hobbs Reilly D , Ullery Brant W , Mentzer Allison R , Cheung Albert T 
Published: June 2015

Objective This manuscript was written to present a systemic protocol for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of spinal cord ischemia following open and endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic operations. Methods This protocol was a collaborative effort between surgeons, anesthesiologists and intensivists. It was implemented at our institution in November 2007. Nurses are trained to prevent, rapidly detect and ultimately aid in the treatment of spinal cord ischemia. Results Implementation of this protocol has aided in prevention, detection and treatment of spinal cord ischemia in patients after open and endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic operations. Conclusion Standardized care and reliance on trained nursing staff to monitor for symptoms following thoracoabdominal aortic operations are safe and aid in the rapid detection, treatment and reversal of spinal cord ischemia.
The effectiveness of Colourful Semantics on narrative skills in children with intellectual disabilities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Hettiarachchi Shyamani 
Published: June 2015

Background: Children diagnosed with intellectual difficulties experience difficulties with narrative skills, due to limited syntactic knowledge. The Colourful Semantics approach with thematic roles and a colour coding system may encourage syntactic development in children experiencing intellectual disabilities. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of using the Colourful Semantics approach to develop narrative skills in Sri Lankan Tamil-speaking children diagnosed with intellectual difficulties. Methods: Thirty Sri Lankan Tamil-speaking children identified with intellectual difficulties were included. The Colourful Semantics approach was offered twice a week for 6 weeks, facilitated by the class teachers. Pre- and post-intervention narrative skill assessments were undertaken and analysed for content and syntactic structures. Results: The results indicate positive changes post-intervention on the qualitative and quantitative narrative skills measures undertaken on content and syntactic structures. Conclusions and Implications: The Colourful Semantics approach is an effective therapy approach to support development of narrative skills in children with intellectual difficulties.
Questions people ask about stroke: What’s changed in 20 years?
Authors: Dickerson Josie , Forster Anne 
Published: June 2015

Objectives: Care for patients after stroke has been transformed over the last two decades. We explored one patient-centred outcome: the type and range of questions asked after stroke through a publically available helpline. We compared data from 1990 to 2013 to see whether the positive changes in stroke care are reflected in the types and quantity of inquiries from patients and their families. Methods: All of the inquiries received by the UK Stroke Association helpline between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014 were collated and compared to the data collected and previously reported by Hanger and Mulley between May and September 1990. Results: In 1990, the most common inquiry was for more information about stroke (22.5% (429/1908)). In 2013, the most common question remained the same, with 25.4% (2601/10,233) of all callers asking what is a stroke. Specific medical questions increased from 4.2% (80/1908) in 1990 to 10.5% (1074/10,233) in 2013. Queries about support with home care reduced from 9.4% (180/1908) in 1990 to 2.6% (257/10,233) in 2013. Questions about recovery and rehabilitation were frequent in both 1990 (11.1% (212/1908)) and 2013 (13.2% (1353/10,233)). Conclusion: The transformation in stroke services has not been reflected in this patient-level outcome in the United Kingdom. Many stroke survivors and their families still struggle with understanding their condition and treatment options.
Some fixed point theorems for $(\alpha,\psi)$-rational type contractive mappings
Authors: Alsulami Hamed H , Chandok Sumit , Taoudi Mohamed-Aziz , Erhan İnci M 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce the concept of $(\alpha,\psi)$
(
α
,
ψ
)
-rational type contractive mappings and provide sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of a fixed point for such class of generalized nonlinear contractive mappings in the setting of generalized metric spaces. We also deduce several interesting corollaries.
Attractive points and convergence theorems for normally generalized hybrid mappings in CAT(0) spaces
Authors: Kaewkhao A , Inthakon W , Kunwai K 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe prove △-convergence theorems of Mann type to the set of attractive points of normally generalized hybrid mappings in $\operatorname {CAT}(0)$
CAT
(
0
)
spaces. Consequently, our main result can be applied to the result of Takahashi, Wong and Yao (Journal of Nonlinear and Convex Analysis 15:1087-1103, 2014, Theorem 5.1).
Relationship between coseismic slip and static stress drop of similar aftershocks of the 2007 Noto Hanto earthquake
Authors: Urano Suguru , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Yamada Takuji ,   The Group for the Joint Aftershocks Observations of the 2007 Noto Hanto Earthquake
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe have investigated the spatial distribution of the static stress drop of similar aftershocks of the 2007 Noto Hanto earthquake, central Japan, and have examined the relationship between the coseismic slip of the mainshock and the static stress drop of the similar aftershocks. The static stress drop is estimated by using the empirical Green’s function method for P- and S-waves. The estimated static stress drop approximately ranges from 5 to 20 MPa, which is a typical range of values for tectonic earthquakes. The static stress drops of the aftershocks in a large slip area of the mainshock tend to be larger than those in a small slip area. This suggests a large difference between the strength and the dynamic stress level in the large slip area and a small difference in the small slip area if the final stress level is equal to the dynamic stress level.
Union dyeing of cotton/nylon blended fabric by plasma-nano chitosan treatment
Authors: Kaliyamoorthi Karthikeyan , Thangavelu Ramachandran 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCurrent union dyeing processes rely on one or two dye baths with one or two dyes for cotton/nylon blend fabrics. For 50:50 cotton/nylon fabrics, cotton is dyed first under alkaline condition with reactive dyes and then the nylon is dyed with acid dyes under acidic condition. Atmospheric plasma- nano Chitosan treatment as an environmentally friendly method was employed to modify surface properties of cotton/nylon blend fabrics to develop union dyeing with acid dyes. Cellulose fibers when immersed in water produce a negative electro-kinetic potential. The negative charge on the fiber repels the anionic dye ions and consequently the exhaustion of the dye bath is limited. When the fabric is treated with chitosan, the primary hydroxyl groups of cellulose is partially modified into amide groups, which intern leads the cellulose to act like as polyamide fiber. Experimental work was carried out on finding the possibility of one bath dyeing of plasma- chitosan pretreated cotton/nylon fabric with acid dyes. Plasma treated cotton/nylon surface characteristics were evaluated using FTIR. The surface activation using air plasma introduces different functional groups in cotton/nylon blend fabric. The effect of plasma-nano chitosan pretreatment on dye ability, fastness, and few physicochemical properties has been investigated, and results are presented. The cotton/nylon sample treated with 0.3% of chitosan nanoparticles had higher K/S values, washing, and crocking fastness. New method of union dyeing showed good fastness properties and offers the option of eco-friendly.
Repeated hepatic resections and radio-frequency ablations may improve the survival of adult undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver: report of two cases
Authors: Masuda Toshiro , Beppu Toru , Doi Koichi , Miyata Tatsunori , Nakagawa Shigeki , Okabe Hirohisa , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Ishiko Takatoshi , Iyama Ken-ichi , Baba Hideo 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) in adults, especially over 30 years old, is quite rare. We report two adult UESL patients that one of them survived 62 months and one is now surviving more than 65 months treated with repeated hepatic resections and radio-frequency ablations. Although UESL is an entirely unusual and aggressive tumor, multidisciplinary treatments including repeated hepatic resections and radio-frequency ablations may provide a longer survival.