bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Stability of Passenger Vehicles at Tornado Wind Intensities of the (Enhanced) Fujita Scale
Authors: Paulikas Marius J. , Schmidlin Thomas W. , Marshall Timothy P.
Published: December 2015

Two independent datasets (total n = 959) of tornado-stricken passenger vehicles collected from 12 tornado events over a 15-yr time span are combined and tested to determine whether vehicle movement and/or upset are consistent at various wind speed intensities. Impacted vehicles are classified into three categories of upset motions (no movement, lateral shifting, rolling and lofting motions) for each wind intensity category of the Fujita and Enhanced Fujita scales. Vehicles observed by Schmidlin exposed to F1 and F2 winds are statistically assessed to determine if upset distribution values are consistent with those assessed by Marshall at these respective wind speeds; this same approach is subsequently conducted for vehicles at F3/EF3 and F4/EF4 winds. No statistical differences are found between the two sets of field survey data, which are therefore considered to be of the same population. Passenger vehicles are currently not utilized as damage indicators for rating tornado wind intensities, although the results of this study suggest that only 10% of vehicles are typically shifted at EF0 wind speeds, 36% are displaced at EF1 and EF2 winds (5% are rolled or lofted), 63% are displaced at EF3 and EF4 winds (15% are rolled and lofted), and all vehicles exhibit some form of movement or upset at the EF5 wind speed. The results of this study may potentially serve as a basis for providing better tornado safety protocols, designing safer vehicles and infrastructure, and estimating tornado wind speeds where few EF-scale damage indicators are available.
Determination of the Dipole Geometry of Fluorescent Nanoparticles Using Polarized Excitation and Emission Analysis
Authors: Li Jianan , Kwok Ka-Cheung , Cheung Nai-Ho
Published: December 2015

We demonstrate that the geometries of the absorption dipole μab and emission dipole μem of nano-emitters such as quantum dots can be determined simultaneously by far-field polarimetry. The method involves plotting the emission polarization ratio against the absorption polarization ratio of single nano-emitters. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we show that these plots depend sensitively on the aspect ratio of the dipole shape. For example, the so-called 3D–2D dipole combination, that is, μab of radius ratio 1:1:1 and μem of ratio 1:1:0, would give rise to a vertical line plot. Polarization ratios of commercial cadmium selenide/zinc sulfide (CdSe/ZnS) quantum dots are measured and plotted. The empirical data points are best-fitted to yield μab of radius ratio 1:1:0.28 and μem of ratio 1:1:0.
Possible Influences on the Interpretation of Functional Domain (FD) Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS): An Explorative Study
Authors: Celie Bert M. , Boone Jan , Dumortier Jasmien , Derave Wim , De Backer Tine , Bourgois Jan G.
Published: December 2015

The influence of subcutaneous adipose tissue (ATT) and oxygen (O2) delivery has been poorly defined in frequency domain (FD) near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of these variables on all FD NIRS responses using a reliable protocol. Moreover, these influences were also investigated when using relative oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin and -myoglobin (oxy[Hb + Mb] and deoxy[Hb + Mb]) values (in %). A regression analysis was carried out for ATT and maximal–minimum oxy[Hb + Mb], deoxy[Hb + Mb], oxygen saturation (SmO2), and total hemoglobin (totHb) amplitudes during an incremental cyclic contraction protocol (ICCP) in a group of 45 participants. Moreover, the same analysis was carried out between subcutaneous ATT and the relative oxy- and deoxy[Hb + Mb] values (in %). In the second part of this study, a regression analysis was performed for peak forearm blood flow (FBF) during ICCP and the absolute and relative NIRS values in a group of 37 participants. Significant exponential correlation coefficients were found between ATT and deoxy[Hb + Mb] (r = 0.53; P < 0.001), oxy[Hb + Mb] (r = 0.57; P < 0.001), and SmO2 amplitudes (r = 0.57; P < 0.001). No significant relations were found between ATT and relative oxy[Hb + Mb] (r = 0.37; P = 0.07) and deoxy[Hb + Mb] (r = 0.09; P = 0.82). Significant positive correlation coefficients were found between force at exhaustion and maximal FBF (r = 0.66; P < 0.001), maximal differences in deoxy[Hb + Mb] (r = 0.353; P = 0.032) and totHb (r = 0.512; P = 0.002) while no significant correlation coefficients were found between these maximal force values and maximal differences in oxy[Hb + Mb] (r = −0.267; P = 0.111) and SmO2 (r = −0.267; P = 0.111). Significant linear correlation coefficients were found between FBF and deoxy[Hb + Mb] (r = 0.51; P = 0.001), oxy[Hb + Mb] (r = −0.50; P = 0.001), SmO2 (r = −0.54; P = 0.001), and totHb amplitude (r = 0.61; P < 0.001). No significant correlations were found when using relative oxy[Hb + Mb] (r = −0.01; P = 0.957) and deoxy[Hb + Mb] (r = −0.02; P = 0.895). Based on these findings, caution is advised when using NIRS values, as subcutaneous ATT and O2 delivery significantly influence NIRS measurements. To eliminate these influences, use of relative deoxy[Hb + Mb] is advised, especially in clinical settings or in people with a higher subcutaneous ATT layer.
Investigation of push-out delamination using cohesive zone modelling and acoustic emission technique
Authors: Saeedifar Milad , Fotouhi Mohamad , Ahmadi Najafabadi Mehdi
Published: December 2015

Push-out delamination is a serious concern in the drilling of fibre-reinforced composite materials. This damage occurs as the drill reaches the exit side of the material and can reduce the strength and stiffness of the structure. In this paper, a three-point bending test is performed on glass/epoxy-laminated composites to simulate the push-out delamination induced by thrust force during drilling. Cohesive zone modelling and acoustic emission monitoring are utilized to investigate the push-out delamination. Initially, double cantilever beam and end-notched flexure tests were performed to calibrate the cohesive zone modelling model. Following that, the actual loading condition is simulated using cohesive zone modelling-based finite element modelling. Energy of the acoustic emission signals is also used to detect the initiation of the delamination. The results obtained from cohesive zone modelling and acoustic emission showed that the applied methods can be used to understand and predict the initiation of push-out delamination and its progression. Finally, it is concluded that the proposed cohesive zone modelling and acoustic emission techniques can be used in the design stage as well as during the drilling process of laminated composite structures to avoid delamination.
Scale as both material and discursive: A view through China’s rescaling of urban planning system for environmental governance
Authors: Chung Calvin King Lam , Xu Jiang
Published: December 2015

This paper elaborates on the interconnectedness of scale and discourse in environmental governance. It accentuates that the emergence and subsequent reconfiguration of a particular scalar structure of environmental governance is the outcome of the discursive contest among various political actors, whose discourses acquire persuasive power through employing scale to frame how the world should be observed. In so arguing this paper distinguishes two moments of scale, as material political–environmental relations being shaped and as device shaping political–environmental relations. The connections of these two moments are illustrated by a case study based in the Pearl River Delta region of China, where scalar-implicated discourses were constructed by various tiers of the state to influence the scaling of the urban planning system, now being an important domain to perform environmental governance. With a scalar-discursive attention, this paper seeks to move towards a more holistic treatment of the obscured operational complexities of politics of scale.
The impact of innovation support programs on small and medium enterprises innovation in traditional manufacturing industries: An evaluation for seven European Union regions
Authors: Radicic Dragana , Pugh Geoffrey , Hollanders Hugo , Wintjes René , Fairburn Jon
Published: December 2015

We evaluate the effect of innovation support programs on output innovation by small and medium enterprises in traditional manufacturing industry. This focus is motivated by a definition of traditional manufacturing industry that includes capacity for innovation, and by evidence of its continued importance in European Union employment. We conducted a survey in seven European Union regions to generate the data needed to estimate pre-published switching models by means of the copula approach, from which we derived treatment effects on a wide range of innovation outputs. We find that for participants the estimated effects of innovation support programs are positive, typically increasing the probability of innovation and of its commercial success by around 15%. Yet, we also find that a greater return on public investment could have been secured by supporting firms chosen at random from the population of innovating traditional sector small and medium enterprises. These findings indicate the effectiveness of innovation support programs while suggesting reform of their selection procedures.
Feeling precarious: Millennial women and work
Authors: Worth Nancy
Published: December 2015

In Precarious Life (2004), Judith Butler writes about how a shared sense of fear and vulnerability opens the possibility of recognizing interdependency. This is a wider understanding of precarity than is often present in human geography – recognizing the consequences and possibilities of feeling precarious. Focusing on work and the workplace, I examine the working life stories of millennial women in Canada, a labour market where unemployment and underemployment are common experiences for young workers. Using work narratives of insecurity, I argue that one potential consequence of understanding precariousness is the recognition of our social selves, using millennial women’s stories of mutual reliance and connection with parents, partners and friends to contrast assumptions of the individualizing, neoliberal, Gen Y worker. I use a feminist understanding of agency and autonomy to argue that young women’s stories about work are anything but individual experiences of flexibility or precarity – instead, I explain how relationships play a critical role in worker agency and whether work feels flexible or precarious. Overall I consider what a feminist theorizing of interdependence and precariousness offers geography, emphasizing the importance of subjectivity and relationality.
Global–local trajectories for regional competitiveness: Tourism innovation in the Western Cape
Authors: Booyens Irma
Published: December 2015

The paper interrogates regional competitiveness by analysing tourism innovation and networking as a case study example from the Western Cape region, South Africa. The economic significance of services and tourism to the region, as well as the innovation performance of tourism firms, and the policy environment which supports innovation and tourism are examined. An analysis of micro-data discloses that innovation is widespread and therefore is significant for the competitiveness of the regional tourism economy. The results of this investigation point to the critical need for regional policy to focus on strategic networking linkages to access global knowledge flows, as well as the need to develop tourism as core regional competency, and to strengthen the capacity of local institutions to foster regional innovation, competitiveness and growth in the Western Cape economy.
Progressive rhetoric, ambiguous policy pathways: Street trading in inner-city Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Rogerson Christian M
Published: December 2015

As an economic manifestation of informality the activity of street trading is widespread across many countries of the global South. In particular, cities of sub-Saharan Africa are characterised by the growth of informality. In South Africa the activity of street trading is one of the most significant and yet most problematic policy concerns that must be addressed by local governments. The objective is to unravel and chart the ambiguous and changing policy pathways that have impacted upon street traders in inner-city Johannesburg with a focus mainly upon the period post-2000. It is argued that a disconnect occurs between the rhetoric of progressive development policy frameworks and often of repressive restrictive implementation practices. In addition, it is shown that there is no necessary alignment of local urban policy with national policies towards the informal economy. The analysis represents a contribution towards international policy debates and scholarship about street trading, local economic development and the informal economy in cities of the global South.
Mining and/or tourism development for job creation and sustainability in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
Authors: Leonard Llewellyn
Published: December 2015

Although the tourism sector has greater potential for job creation than the mining sector, the debate on which sector may be more sustainable for employment and local social development, has not been extensively researched, especially in the global South. The popular tourist destination of Dullstroom, Mpumalanga has come under threat from an increase in the number of mining applications for coal (and diamonds). Despite opposition to mining from civil society due to the potential destruction of the natural environment and hence tourism job losses, mining applications are being approved by the ruling party in the country. Government and mining companies state that mining will contribute to much needed job creation and social development. Disparity thus exists between mining and tourism development frameworks for sustainable job creation. This research thus presents perspectives from key participants surrounding the sustainability of mining and/or tourism jobs in Dullstroom, including the benefits and challenges for job creation and sustainability offered by both sectors. Investigations reveal that mining should not be allowed in pristine areas such as Dullstroom’s wetlands, biodiversity and conservation and agricultural lands. Besides the short-term jobs offered by mining, the precautionary principle, as suggested in South African regulations, should apply against mining development since there are added threats of serious or irreversible environmental degradation which does not support sustainable tourism development and long-term jobs. However tourism in Dullstroom is also beset with challenges which need to be addressed if tourism is to contribute to sustainable employment for the majority of people.
Explaining the visible and the invisible: Public knowledge of genetics, ancestry, physical appearance and race in Colombia
Authors: Schwartz-Marín Ernesto , Wade Peter
Published: December 2015

Using data from focus groups conducted in Colombia, we explore how educated lay audiences faced with scenarios about ancestry and genetics draw on widespread and dominant notions of nation, race and belonging in Colombia to ascribe ancestry to collectivities and to themselves as individuals. People from a life sciences background tend to deploy idioms of race and genetics more readily than people from a humanities and race-critical background. When they considered individuals, people tempered or domesticated the more mechanistic explanations about racialized physical appearance, ancestry and genetics that were apparent at the collective level. Ideas of the latency and manifestation of invisible traits were an aspect of this domestication. People ceded ultimate authority to genetic science, but deployed it to work alongside what they already knew. Notions of genetic essentialism co-exist with the strategic use of genetic ancestry in ways that both fix and unfix race. Our data indicate the importance of attending to the different epistemological stances through which people define authoritative knowledge and to the importance of distinguishing the scale of resolution at which the question of diversity is being posed.
Genomic research, publics and experts in Latin America: Nation, race and body
Authors: Wade Peter , López-Beltrán Carlos , Restrepo Eduardo , Santos Ricardo Ventura
Published: December 2015

The articles in this issue highlight contributions that studies of Latin America can make to wider debates about the effects of genomic science on public ideas about race and nation. We argue that current ideas about the power of genomics to transfigure and transform existing ways of thinking about human diversity are often overstated. If a range of social contexts are examined, the effects are uneven. Our data show that genomic knowledge can unsettle and reinforce ideas of nation and race; it can be both banal and highly politicized. In this introduction, we outline concepts of genetic knowledge in society; theories of genetics, nation and race; approaches to public understandings of science; and the Latin American contexts of transnational ideas of nation and race.
Writing and Writing Difficulties From Primary Grades to College
Authors: Graham Steve , Hall Tracey E.
Published: December 2015

In today’s world, writing is an essential skill. At school, writing is often used to gauge students’ understanding of content material as well as to promote the learning of it. Students with learning disabilities (LD) and those at risk for writing difficulties experience considerable difficulty with almost every aspect of writing. The field of LD is developing a reasonable foundation of knowledge about what and how students with LD and those at risk for LD write. The articles in this series contribute to our growing knowledge of how students with LD struggle with the writing process and can benefit from evidence-based practices, beginning in elementary school and continuing into college. The purpose of this article is to introduce the special series on writing and writing difficulties. Three of the articles are included in this issue, and the two remaining articles will appear in the next issue. This introduction provides readers with the rationale for the series, the purpose of each article, and a brief overview of each contribution.
Eco-friendly porous concrete using bottom ash aggregate for marine ranch application
Authors: Lee Byung Jae , Prabhu G Ganesh , Lee Bong Chun , Kim Yun Yong
Published: December 2015

This article presents the test results of an investigation carried out on the reuse of coal bottom ash aggregate as a substitute material for coarse aggregate in porous concrete production for marine ranch applications. The experimental parameters were the rate of bottom ash aggregate substitution (30%, 50% and 100%) and the target void ratio (15%, 20% and 25%). The cement-coated granular fertiliser was substituted into a bottom ash aggregate concrete mixture to improve marine ranch applications. The results of leaching tests revealed that the bottom ash aggregate has only a negligible amount of the ten deleterious substances specified in the Ministry of Environment – Enforcement Regulation of the Waste Management Act of Republic Korea. The large amount of bubbles/air gaps in the bottom ash aggregate increased the voids of the concrete mixtures in all target void ratios, and decreased the compressive strength of the porous concrete mixture; however, the mixture substituted with 30% and 10% of bottom ash aggregate and granular fertiliser, respectively, showed an equal strength to the control mixture. The sea water resistibility of the bottom ash aggregate substituted mixture was relatively equal to that of the control mixture, and also showed a great deal of improvement in the degree of marine organism adhesion compared with the control mixture. No fatality of fish was observed in the fish toxicity test, which suggested that bottom ash aggregate was a harmless material and that the combination of bottom ash aggregate and granular fertiliser with substitution rates of 30% and 10%, respectively, can be effectively used in porous concrete production for marine ranch application.
Thermosensitive hydrogel for periodontal application: in vitro drug release, antibacterial activity and toxicity evaluation
Authors: Pakzad Yousef , Ganji Fariba
Published: December 2015

Injectable thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel is an attractive temperature-induced sol-gel solution that is widely used in drug delivery and biomedical applications. In this study, an injectable antimicrobial delivery system for periodontal treatment based on chitosan/gelatin/ β-glycerolphosphate solution has been developed. The result of thermal and mechanical evaluations of chitosan/gelatin/ β-glycerolphosphate hydrogel showed that adding gelatin to chitosan/ β-glycerolphosphate solution significantly decreased gelling time and increased gel strength at 37℃. The antimicrobial agents chosen for release studies were metronidazole with a low molecular weight and vancomycin hydrochloride with a high molecular weight. The initial burst and total in vitro drug release for metronidazole was 13% and 67%, respectively. The initial burst and total drug release for vancomycin hydrochloride was relatively low at 3% and 23%, respectively. The momentary and total percentage of metronidazole accumulated in the phosphate buffer revealed that chitosan/gelatin/ β-glycerolphosphate can develop and maintain sustained release of metronidazole in concentrations that are effective for eliminating pathogenic bacteria over time. Cytotoxicity evaluations show that chitosan/gelatin/ β-glycerolphosphate thermosensitive hydrogel is a drug carrier with no cytotoxic effects.
In vitro and in vivo osteogenic activity of the novel vancomycin-loaded bone-like hydroxyapatite/poly(amino acid) scaffold
Authors: Cao Zhidong , Jiang Dianming , Yan Ling , Wu Jun
Published: December 2015

Background

Antibiotic-loaded carriers were developed because of their ability to fill cavities and deliver antibiotics locally following implantation. However, the most commonly used antibiotic carrier, polymethyl methacrylate, has many shortcomings, such as heat production, non-bioresorbable and lack of bone regeneration or conduction. Bone-like hydroxyapatite/poly(amino acid) scaffolds have been shown to have controllable biodegradability, nontoxicity, some osteogenic and osteoconductive properties, which has great potential as a carrier for local delivery of antibiotics. Vancomycin-loaded bone-like hydroxyapatite/poly(amino acid) was successfully fabricated by a homogeneous method using a diffusion control system. In this study, bone regeneration using this scaffold was observed both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In vitro tests, MG63 cells were incubated with the vancomycin-loaded scaffold to observe its effects on the activation of osteoblasts. In vivo tests, the scaffolds were implanted into rabbit models of chronic osteomyelitis, including regular and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The effects were evaluated by gross observation, X-ray and histological observation.

Results

After incubating with the scaffold, MG63 cells exhibited good proliferative activity, and increased calcium and alkaline phosphatase synthesis compared with blank control group. In vivo tests, the experimental group showed increased bone growth in infectious bone defects compared with the control groups, regardless of the type of Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion

Vancomycin-loaded bone-like hydroxyapatite/poly(amino acid) scaffold has good potential for the repair of infectious bone defects because of its ability to deliver antibiotics and promote bone regeneration.
Investigation of correlation between interlayer gap and burr height in drilling of stacked Al-7475 materials
Authors: Yin Bu , Wei Tian , WenHe Liao , Jian Hu , Xin Sun
Published: December 2015

Interlayer burr formation in drilling of stacked aerospace materials is a common problem in aircraft assembly operations. Burrs formed at the interface of the stacked sheets need to be removed, and the deburring is a nonvalue but time and costs waste operation, particularly in automatic drilling and riveting assembly. This article presents an analytical model of the interlayer gap formation to predict the interlayer burr height, and drilling experiments were developed to understand the difference between the interlayer burr height and the interlayer gap. The impact of cutting force, spindle rational speed and feed rate was taken into consideration. Specific conclusions regarding the influence of the interlayer gap on burr formation were presented.
Tooth modification for optimizing gear contact of a wind-turbine gearbox
Authors: Kim JeongSu , Park NoGill , Lee HyoungWoo
Published: December 2015

This study investigates a method of calculating tooth modification amount of a wind-turbine gearbox. The requirements of high reliability and a service life of 20 years or longer for wind power gearboxes necessitate appropriate gear meshes, which require elaborate tooth modification. The interference between teeth caused by deformation of the gear body and the shaft alignment error, which is caused by deformation of system components such as the housing, the bearings, and the shaft, was calculated, and the result was used to determine the tooth modification parameters. Thus, a method of calculating tooth modification amount was developed that can be performed without trial and error; its reliability was confirmed by an evaluation through simulation. Contact was evenly distributed over the tooth surfaces after the tooth profile was corrected, thus improving the edge contact pattern relative to the situation before correction.
A novel concatenation method for generating optimal robotic assembly sequences
Authors: Bahubalendruni MVA Raju , Biswal Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: December 2015

Selection of optimized assembly sequence is significantly essential to achieve cost-effective manufacturing process. This paper presents a novel efficient methodology to generate cost-effective feasible robotic assembly sequences though concatenation of parts. Part concatenation process will be followed with liaison predicate test and feasibility predicate test. A unique method called bounding box method is described to test the feasibility predicate efficiently in the computer-aided design environment. Assembly indexing technique is proposed to filter the redundant assembly subsets with high energy in order to minimize the computational time. The cost of collision free assembling operation is considered by the weight and distance traveled by the part in the assembly environment to join with the mating part. The method is successful in finding feasible optimal assembly sequence without ignoring any possible assembly sequence and found to be efficient in solving computer-aided assembly sequence generation. The correctness of the methodology is illustrated with an example.
Soft Tissue Reconstruction After Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Gross Christopher E. , Garcia Ryan , Adams Samuel B. , DeOrio James K. , Easley Mark E. , Nunley James A.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Wound complications following total ankle replacement (TAR) may potentially lead to devastating consequences. Soft tissue coverage of the prosthesis and tendons with a flap potentially prevent a catastrophic cascade leading to infection and implant failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the success and complications of flaps following soft tissue defects as a result of total ankle arthroplasty.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified a consecutive series of 1001 primary TARs performed between January 1998 and December 2014 whose data were prospectively collected. We then identified patients who required a secondary surgery to treat soft tissue defects that were not amenable to split-thickness skin grafting. Clinical outcomes including secondary procedures, wound healing failure, complications, and implant failure rate were recorded. Nineteen patients had a total of 44 operative procedures to treat wound issues (1.9% of all prostheses). The follow-up time from the flap procedure is 24.1 months.

Results:

More than two-thirds (13/19) of patients had 1 or more previous surgeries on the ankle, for an average of 1.2 procedures. The mean time to the flap procedure was 13.1 weeks after the index TAR. The most common reason for flap coverage was a non-healing anterior wound. Thirteen of 19 patients (68.4%) underwent formal operative wound exploration and debridement prior to their definitive flap coverage. The average size of the wound was 5.4 × 3.8 cm with an average area of 24.9 cm2. The most common type of flap performed was a sural pedicle flap followed by a propeller flap. There were 4 flap failures (21.1%), with 2 subsequent below-the-knee amputations. No TAR patients developed a deep infection following a flap unless they had a preexisting infection. In patients who had a successful flap, there were significant improvements in their American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot, visual analog scale (VAS), and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment bother index, but not their Short Form-36 scores.

Conclusion:

Ankle wounds that occur after TAR can result in a devastating outcome, but management with a coordinated effort with surgeons with microvascular experience can help achieve salvage of the prosthesis. A variety of flap reconstruction options are available and should be employed to improve the rate of implant survival and retention.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Novel tensile test for polymeric foams in fatigue
Authors: Gerard Raphael , Fajoui Jamal , Casari Pascal , Jacquemin Frédéric
Published: December 2015

In this work, we demonstrate that current fatigue characterization tests with high density foam suffer from edge effects within the specimen, probably leading to early failures. Then a new specimen is designed to avoid this artifact. With this developed geometry, the stress is concentrated in the center of the specimen and not in the edge as given by the ASTM D1623-78 standard one. This allows getting the optimal fatigue life of PVC 4e-5 ℃-1 foam during tensile–tensile fatigue test.
‘We have given up so much’: Passion and denial in the Dutch Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) controversy
Authors: Hilhorst Sacha , Hermes Joke
Published: December 2015

Forceful debate has erupted in the Netherlands over the celebration of Sinterklaas in the 2010s. Sinterklaas festivities revolve around December 5 and the giving of presents, mostly to children. The debate centres around the figure of Sinterklaas’s helper Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). While an object of criticism for its implied racism (Zwarte Piet sports an Afro hairdo, blackface, full red lips and big golden hoops) for over half a century, the current actions and demonstrations by a group of protesters have led to rivalling Facebook groups endorsed by some 2 million Dutch, partly in response to an intervention led by United Nations expert Verene Shepherd. This article focuses on the main Facebook page, using ‘passion’ as a key analytical term for the suffering the mostly White Dutch commenters bear witness to. Against a backdrop of increased right-wing populist presence, nationalism has become acceptable again, manifesting itself as the forceful exclusion of the sentiments of non-White Dutch. The passionate defence of national heritage appears to be built on a sense of (White) suffering, which simultaneously excludes the possibility of non-White suffering. The article uses qualitative research methodology to analyse a vast number of posts, and provides more insight into the nature of meaningmaking in and around social network sites by referring to Jenkins, Ford and Green’s term everyday curation.
Delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak after penetrating cervical trauma
Authors: Fredericks Charles , Yon James R , Kubasiak John , Basu Anupam , Nagy Kimberly , Bokhari Faran
Published: December 2015

Stab wound injury to the cervical spinal cord is a rare occurrence and usually presents with immediate, disastrous, and permanent neurological consequences. Rarer, and potentially as severe, is the complication of a delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak following a stab wound to the cervical spine. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates a cerebrospinal fluid leak that extends to the skin with injury to the posterior dura at the C1/C2 level. Epidemiology and management of penetrating cervical spinal cord injury and delayed cerebrospinal fluid leaks are discussed.
Single-stage endovascular treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage related to bilateral vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms
Authors: Zhao Wen-Yuan , Zhao Kai-Jun , Huang Qing-Hai , Xu Yi , Hong Bo , Liu Jian-Min
Published: December 2015

Objective

Treatment of bilateral vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage remains challenging as bilateral deconstructive procedures may not be feasible. In this case series, we describe our approach to their management and review the pertinent literature.

Method

A retrospective review of our prospectively collected database on aneurysms was performed to identify all patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage in the setting of bilateral intradural vertebral artery dissections (VAD) encompassing a period from January 2000 and March 2012.

Result

Four patients (M/F = 2/2; mean age, 51.5 years) were identified. In two cases the site of rupture could be identified by angiographic and cross-sectional features; in these patients deconstructive treatment (proximal obliteration or trapping) of the ruptured site and reconstructive treatment of the unruptured site (using stents and coils) were performed. In the patients in whom the site of hemorrhage could not be determined, bilateral reconstructive treatment was performed. No treatment-related complications were encountered. Modified Rankin scale scores were 0–1 at discharge, and on follow-up (mean 63 months), no recurrence, in-stent thrombosis or new neurological deficits were encountered.

Conclusion

We believe that single-stage treatment in patients with bilateral VAD is indicated: If the site of hemorrhage can be determined, we prefer deconstructive treatment on the affected site and reconstructive treatment on the non-affected site to prevent increased hemodynamic stress on the unruptured but diseased wall. If the site of dissection cannot be determined, we prefer bilateral reconstructive treatment to avoid increasing hemodynamic stress on the potentially untreated acute hemorrhagic dissection.
Followers in leadership theory: Fiction, fantasy and illusion
Authors: Ford Jackie , Harding Nancy
Published: December 2015

This article introduces a critical approach to follower/ship studies through exploring the unarticulated but highly influential implicit academic theory of follower/ship that informs dominant paradigms of leadership. Research into follower/ship is developing apace but the field lacks a critical account. Such an absence of critical voice renders researchers unaware of the performative effect of their studies, that is, how their studies actively constitute that of which they speak. So, do studies of followers (and leaders, it follows) constitute that very actuality they are studying? Analysis of seminal papers in three major categories of leadership, leader-centric, multiple leadership and leader-centred, shows that leadership theory is underpinned by the desire for power and control over the potentially dangerous masses, now labelled ‘followers’. The etiolated perspective of the people called ‘followers’ undermines leadership theory, and we recommend the wisdom of leaving follower/ship unexplored.
Hypothenar hammer syndrome: long-term follow-up after ulnar artery reconstruction with the lateral circumflex femoral artery
Authors: de Niet A. , Van Uchelen J. H.
Published: December 2015

In symptomatic patients with hypothenar hammer syndrome, the occluded part of the ulnar artery can be reconstructed with an autologous graft. Venous grafts are used frequently, but they are known for their low patency rate. Arterial grafts show better patency rates than venous grafts in coronary bypass surgery. We performed 11 ulnar artery reconstructions with the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and compared these with previously performed venous reconstructions. All patients with an arterial graft reconstruction had a patent graft at a mean follow-up of 63 months. In addition, nine out of 11 patients reported improvement in their symptoms. The patency rate of venous reconstructions in hypothenar hammer syndrome is significantly lower. Arterial grafting for hypothenar hammer syndrome has superior patency compared with venous grafting; we recommend it as the surgical treatment of choice for symptomatic hypothenar hammer syndrome.

Level of evidence: 4.
The Sheffield bone block procedure: a new operation for the treatment of glenoid bone loss in patients with anterior traumatic shoulder instability
Authors: Venkatachalam Santosh , Storey Phil , Macinnes Scott J , Ali Amjid , Potter David
Published: December 2015

Background

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the results of the Sheffield bone block procedure for anteroinferior bone loss in traumatic shoulder instability. In this modified open technique, the medial half of coracoid process without its soft tissue attachments is used to provide congruent augmentation of the anteroinferior glenoid and secured with two screws.

Methods

In this retrospective consecutive case series (2007–11), all patients having recurrent traumatic instability with glenoid bone loss > 20% and/or a large Hill–Sachs lesion were included. The shoulder function was evaluated clinically and by Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS; by post/telephone).

Results

There were 84 patients in this series with a large proportion engaged in contact sports. Mean (range) age was 33 years (16 years to 45 years); male : female, 59 : 8; mean (range) follow-up period was 48 months (36 months to 84 months) and the response rate 89% (75/84). Mean postoperative OSIS was 43 (33 to 46) and one patient had re-dislocation (1.3%). No neurovascular complications/hardware failure/non-union/infections were noted. By 6 months, 85% patients had returned to pre-injury sport and 93% had returned to pre-injury work.

Conclusions

The Sheffield bone block procedure provides reliable and satisfactory results in patients having recurrent instability with glenoid bone loss and/or a large Hill–Sachs lesion with minimal complications and an excellent chance of returning to original sport and occupation.
Correlation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Knee Anterolateral Ligament Anatomy
Authors: Helito Camilo Partezani , Helito Paulo Victor Partezani , Bonadio Marcelo Batista , Pécora José Ricardo , Bordalo-Rodrigues Marcelo , Camanho Gilberto Luis , Demange Marco Kawamura
Published: December 2015

Background:

Anatomic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have recently characterized the knee anterolateral ligament (ALL). So far, no study has focused on confirming whether the evaluated MRI parameters truly correspond with ALL anatomy.

Purpose:

To assess the validity of MRI in detecting the ALL using an anatomic evaluation as reference.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 13 cadaveric knees were subjected to MRI and then to anatomic dissection. Dissection was performed according to previous anatomic study methodology. MRIs were performed with a 0.6- to 1.5-mm slice thickness and prior saline injection. The following variables were analyzed: distance from the origin of the ALL to the origin of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), distance from the origin of the ALL to its bifurcation point, maximum length of the ALL, distance from the tibial insertion of the ALL to the articular surface of the tibia, ALL thickness, and ALL width. The 2 sets of measurements were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) and Bland-Altman plots.

Results:

The ALL was clearly observed in all dissected knees and MRI scans. It originated anterior and distal to the LCL, close to the lateral epycondile center, and showed an anteroinferior path toward the tibia, inserting between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibular head, around 5 mm under the lateral plateau. The ρ values tended to increase together for all studied variables between the 2 methods, and all were statistically significant, except for thickness ( P = .077). Bland-Altman plots showed a tendency toward a reduction of ALL thickness and width by MRI compared with anatomic dissection.

Conclusion:

MRI scanning as described can accurately assess the ALL and demonstrates characteristics similar to those seen under anatomic dissection.

Clinical Relevance:

MRI can accurately characterize the ALL in the anterolateral region of the knee, despite the presence of structures that might overlap and thus cause confusion when making assessments based on imaging methods.
β-Cell Deficit in Obese Type 2 Diabetes, a Minor Role of β-Cell Dedifferentiation and Degranulation
Authors: Butler Alexandra E. , Dhawan Sangeeta , Hoang Jonathan , Cory Megan , Zeng Kylie , Fritsch Helga , Meier Juris J. , Rizza Robert A. , Butler Peter C.
Published: December 2015

Context:

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a β-cell deficit and a progressive defect in β-cell function. It has been proposed that the deficit in β-cells may be due to β-cell degranulation and transdifferentiation to other endocrine cell types.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to establish the potential impact of β-cell dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation on β-cell deficit in type 2 diabetes and to consider the alternative that cells with an incomplete identity may be newly forming rather than dedifferentiated.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

Pancreata obtained at autopsy were evaluated from 14 nondiabetic and 13 type 2 diabetic individuals, from four fetal cases, and from 10 neonatal cases.

Results:

Whereas there was a slight increase in islet endocrine cells expressing no hormone in type 2 diabetes (0.11 ± 0.03 cells/islet vs 0.03 ± 0.01 cells/islet, P < .01), the impact on the β-cell deficit would be minimal. Furthermore, we established that the deficit in β-cells per islet cannot be accounted for by an increase in other endocrine cell types. The distribution of hormone negative endocrine cells in type 2 diabetes (most abundant in cells scattered in the exocrine pancreas) mirrors that in developing (embryo and neonatal) pancreas, implying that these may represent newly forming cells.

Conclusions:

Therefore, although we concur that in type 2 diabetes there are endocrine cells with altered cell identity, this process does not account for the deficit in β-cells in type 2 diabetes but may reflect, in part, attempted β-cell regeneration.
Desenvolvimento, Viabilidade e Mortalidade de Imaturos de Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti Linnaeus, em Água de Duas Espécies de Bromélias: Estudo Bibliográfico e Experimental
Authors: Guimarães Maria das Graças Avila , Serdeiro Michele Teixeira , Oliveira Alexandre de Araujo , Maleck Marise
Published: December 2015

Resumo. Criadouros naturais de Aedes aegypti Linnaeus  podem ser encontrados em bromélias e outros vegetais que apresentem estrutura capaz de armazenar a água. A produtividade dos criadouros está ligada ao volume e à capacidade de manutenção de água, à oferta de nutrientes e à densidade larval e ao número de folhas do vegetal. Há controvérsias entre os pesquisadores sobre o encontro de formas imaturas de Ae. aegypti na água dos reservatórios de bromélias. Este estudo dedicou-se à observação da eclosão de ovos e do desenvolvimento de Ae. aegypti em água de tanques de bromélia Aechmea fasciata (Lindley) Baker eNeoregelia compacta (Mez) L.B. Smith. Para cada uma das espécies de bromélias três tipos de grupos foram utilizados: dois grupos controles, um contendo água de rega e outro grupo com água dos reservatórios das bromélias sem a presença da microfauna; e o grupo teste, contendo água dos tanques com a presença da microfauna. Os resultados dos experimentos em água de A. fasciata em presença da microfauna apresentaram 45% de mortalidade larval; em água de N. compacta, em presença da microfauna, apresentou inibição de 100% de eclosão de ovos de Ae. aegypti. Há necessidade de informar e educar a população sobre o cultivo de bromélias, sobre a fauna fitotelmata competidora e predadora nos reservatórios e sobre a interação entre aquele ambiente e as larvas do Ae. aegypti. Development, Availability and Mortality of Immature Aedes(Stegomyia) aegypti, Linnaeus, in Water of Two Species of Bromeliads: Bibliographic and Experimental Study Abstract. Natural breeding of Aedes aegypti Linnaeus can be found in bromeliads and other plants that have a structure capable of storing water. The productivity of the breeding is linked to the volume and the maintenance of the water content, the nutrients supply, the larval density and the number of leaves of the plant. Researchers do not reach an agreement about the development of immature forms of Ae. aegypti in bromeliads water reservoirs. The study focused on the observation of the eggs hatching and development of Ae. aegypti in bromeliads Aechmea fasciata (Lindley) Bakerand Neoregelia compacta (Mez) L.B. Smith water tanks. For each bromeliad specie three groups were used: two control groups, one containing irrigated water and another containing bromeliads reservoirs water without microfauna presence; and test group, containing bromeliads reservoirs water with the microfauna presence. The A. fasciata water with microfauna showed 45% of larval mortality. The N. compact water with microfauna presented 100% of Ae. aegypti eggs hatching inhibition. It is necessary to inform and educate people about bromeliads growing, the competitive predator phytotelmate fauna in theirs water reservoirs and the interaction between this environment and the larvae of Ae. aegypti.
A Gynandromorph and Teratological Case in Spilomicrus sp. (Hymenoptera, Diaprioidea, Diapriidae)
Authors: Comério Emerson Fraga , Perioto Nelson Wanderley , Lara Rogéria Inês Rosa
Published: December 2015

Abstract. This study reports the occurrence of antennae with female and male characteristics in a female of Spilomicrus sp. (Hymenoptera, Diaprioidea, Diapriidae) collected in Parque Estadual Intervales, Ribeirão Grande, São Paulo, Brazil, as well as malformations in one of the antennas, which are described and illustrated.Um caso de Ginandromorfia e Teratologia em Spilomicrus sp. (Hymenoptera, Diaprioidea, Diapriidae)Resumo. Este estudo relata a ocorrência de antenas com características femininas e masculinas em um exemplar fêmea de Spilomicrus sp. (Hymenoptera, Diaprioidea, Diapriidae) coletado no Parque Estadual Intervales, Ribeirão Grande, São Paulo, Brasil, assim como malformações em uma das antenas, que são aqui descritas e ilustradas.