bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The morphological properties of PP coextruded tape fabrics
Authors: Marsich Lucia , Ferluga Alessio , Venturini Norman , Caniato Marco , Sbaizero Orfeo , Schmid Chiara
Published: March 2016

In the field of self‐reinforced composites many researchers have focused their attention on the coextruded tapes composed of polypropylene core and PP/PE copolymer skin. Two similar commercial fabrics (P and T) have been compared in respect of their peel resistance. For both materials, peel resistance has a periodic trend that regularly follows fabric weave style. T has demonstrated an average peel resistance and a well‐bonded area slightly greater than P. Skin/core interfacial properties have been investigated and a crosscheck between differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy has been adopted to understand the influence of skin structure on consolidated laminate. DSC curves exhibit three melting peaks during first heating for both fabrics, corresponding to copolymer, skin/core interface, and core melting. After consolidation at 140°C stretching‐induced superstructure and PP crystallinity degree are preserved. The presence of PP/PE copolymer + PE blend only in fabric P has been pointed out and PE content has been calculated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:727–734, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Update on the Management of Diarrhea‐Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Focus on Rifaximin and Eluxadoline
Authors: Rivkin Anastasia , Rybalov Sergey
Published: March 2016

Diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) is one of the most common diagnoses made by gastroenterologists. Current pharmacologic treatments for IBS‐D include fiber supplements, antidiarrheal over‐the‐counter medications, probiotics, antispasmodics, antidepressants, and a 5‐hydroxytryptophan 3 receptor antagonist. All of these options have limited efficacy in managing IBS‐D.

Rifaximin, a nonabsorbable antibiotic, has been evaluated in patients with IBS‐D. In two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III trials evaluating rifaximin 550 mg by mouth 3 times/day for 14 days, the primary efficacy end point was achieved by 9% more patients randomized to the rifaximin group compared with placebo (40.7% vs 31.7%, p<0.001, number needed to treat ~11). The primary efficacy end point was defined as the proportion of patients having adequate relief of global IBS symptoms for at least 2 of the 4 weeks during the primary follow‐up period (weeks 3–6). In the phase III trial examining the efficacy and safety of repeated courses of rifaximin in patients who responded to the initial 2‐week course, rifaximin given for up to two additional courses provided a statistically significant incremental benefit (33% vs 25%, p=0.02).

Eluxadoline is a gut‐targeting μ and κ opioid receptor agonist and a δ opioid receptor antagonist. The dual mechanism of eluxadoline may explain the antidiarrheal and abdominal pain‐modulating properties and lack of profound constipation. In two identically designed randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III studies, 10.3% more patients in an eluxadoline 100 mg by mouth twice/day group met the primary efficacy end point during the follow‐up 1–12 week period compared with placebo (p<0.001). The primary efficacy end point was a composite response, defined as improvement in worst abdominal pain and stool consistency at the same time on most (50% or more) days during the follow‐up period.

This review evaluates evidence for the use of rifaximin and eluxadoline in patients with IBS‐D. Rifaximin provides an additional modality for the management of IBS‐D patients; it has mild to moderate efficacy similar to other currently available treatment options. Rifaximin is relatively safe, lacks significant drug‐drug interactions, and can be used for up to two additional retreatment courses. This may make rifaximin a possible initial or second‐line treatment option. Eluxadoline can also offer relief to patients with IBS‐D. While effective, because of several limitations, including drug‐drug interactions and drug disease contraindications, as well as current lack of clinical experience, it may be tried as a second‐ or third‐line agent.
Supramolecular network polymers formed from polyamidine and carboxy‐terminated telechelic poly(n‐butyl acrylate) via amidinium‐carboxylate salt bridges
Authors: Furusho Yoshio , Endo Takeshi , Higaki Keiko , Kaetsu Katsuhiro , Higaki Yuji , Kojio Ken , Takahara Atsushi
Published: March 2016

We have prepared the amidinium‐carboxylate salt bridge‐based supramolecular network polymers from a carboxy‐terminated telechelic poly(n‐butyl acrylate) and a linear polyamidine having N,N′‐di‐substituted acetamidine group in the main chain. FTIR measurements indicated that the salt bridge was attributed to the three‐dimensional network formation. Virtually, no fluidity was observed for the blend containing equimolar amounts of the carboxyl group and the amidine group, which showed a high G′ value of about 1 MPa at −5 °C. For comparison, the supramolecular network polymers crosslinked by ammonium‐carboxylate salt were prepared using a linear polyethyleneimine instead of the polyamidine. The blend with equimolar amounts of the carboxyl group and the secondary amino group showed liquid‐like fluidity with a G′ value of about 0.01 MPa at −5 °C, which was attributed to the fact that a certain amount of the carboxyl group remained as its free form, as evidenced by FTIR analysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2148–2155
Presenilin adopts the ClC channel fold
Authors: Theobald Douglas L.
Published: March 2016

Presenilin is an integral membrane aspartate protease that regulates cellular processes by cleaving proteins within the cell membrane. The recent crystal structure of presenilin reveals a conspicuous pore in a bundle of nine α‐helices, which was originally thought to adopt a novel protein fold. However, here I show that the presenilin fold is a variant of the ClC chloride channel/transporter fold. This observation may have important implications for presenilin's postulated biological role as a calcium leak channel.
Dissociation energy and electronic structure of the low valent lanthanide compound NdF+
Authors: South Christopher , Schoendorff George , Wilson Angela K.
Published: March 2016

The electronic structure and dissociation energy of NdF+ are calculated using equation of motion completely renormalized coupled cluster theory [EOM‐CR‐CCSD(T)]. The potential energy curves of several of the lowest quintet and triplet states in each irreducible representation of C2v symmetry are calculated along with the dissociation energy of the ground quintet state of NdF+. The electronic structure and energies are then compared to those of the analogous compounds NdF2+ and NdF to understand the effect that the Nd 5d and 6s orbitals have on the chemical bonding environment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Research on Metal‐Forming Technologies at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg − Practice Oriented and Strongly Material Related
Authors: Lehnert Wolfgang
Published: March 2016

The article gives an overview on the historical development, specific features, and achievements of research on metal‐forming technologies at the Institute of Metal Forming at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg. Being significantly involved in research on metal‐forming technologies since 1928, the history of the institute reflects the general developments of this scientific subject since this time. The practical orientation of research and the specific focus on material‐related issues and effects have been the major strengths of the Institute of Metal Forming. By using most modern laboratory facilities and experimental plants, relevant data are gained and used in order to induce new scientific developments and to find solutions for transferring these into technologies applicable in industrial production. With its specific concept which has been the basis of the successful development, the Institute of Metal Forming is well prepared to face future challenges in metal‐forming technology.
Increased pin diameter improves torsional stability in supracondylar humerus fractures: An experimental study
Authors: Pradhan Anupam , Hennrikus William , Pace Gregory , Armstrong April , Lewis Gregory
Published: March 2016

Background

Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fractures seen in children, and account for 16 % of all pediatric fractures. Closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation is the current treatment technique of choice for displaced supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus in children. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pin diameter affects the torsional strength of supracondylar humerus fractures treated by closed reduction and pin fixation.

Methods

Pediatric sawbone humeri simulating a Gartland type III fracture were utilized. Four different pin configurations were compared. Specimens were subjected to a torsional load producing internal rotation of the distal fragment. The stability provided by 1.25- and 1.6-mm pins was compared.

Results

The amount of torque required to produce 15° and 25° of rotation was greater using larger diameter pins in all models tested. The two lateral and one medial large pin (1.6 mm) configuration required the highest amount of torque to produce both 15° and 25° of rotation.

Conclusions

In a synthetic pediatric humerus model of supracondylar humerus fractures, larger diameter pins (1.6 mm) provided increased stability compared with small diameter pins (1.25 mm). Fixation using larger diameter pins created a stronger construct and improved the strength of fixation.
Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine for pre-operative skin preparation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayoub Firas , Quirke Michael , Conroy Ronan , Hill Arnold
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Background:

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a dreaded postoperative complication. Although preoperative skin cleansing in order to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) is standard surgical practice, there is clinical equipoise concerning whether povidone iodine (PI) or chlorhexidine alcohol (CHA) is the antiseptic agent of choice.

Objectives:

To determine whether CHA or PI is the preferred preoperative skin preparation for reducing SSI in clean, clean-contaminated and contaminated surgery.

Search methods:

PubMed, Embase, and gray literature sources were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing both CHA and PI between 1980 and 2014. Comparative RCTs of preoperative CHA versus PI studying SSI in clean, clean-contaminated and contaminated surgery were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias.

Main result:

We identified six eligible studies with an overall 2484 participants. The overall rate of SSI was 6.8% in the CHA group versus 11.0% in the PI group (P < 0.0002). CHA was superior to PI in the prevention of SSI with a pooled RR of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.48–0.81).

Conclusions:

Preoperative surgical skin preparation with CHA is more effective than PI in preventing SSI across clean and clean-contaminated surgery. Further studies should evaluate the effectiveness of CHA versus PI in contaminated surgery.

Highlights:
Mechanical bowel preparation versus no preparation in elective colorectal surgery: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Bhat Altaf Hussain , Parray Fazl Qadir , Chowdri Nisar Ahmad , Wani Rauf Ahmad , Thakur Natasha , Nazki Saalim , Wani Imtiaz
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) of gut is routinely done before colorectal surgeries in most surgical departments all over the globe. This gut preparation is aimed at reducing the risk of postoperative infections in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Even though recent studies are more in favor of operating on gut without bowel preparation, controversies still exist. The aim of our study was to assess whether elective colorectal surgeries can be performed safely without preoperative MBP.

Methods:

Patients undergoing elective colorectal surgeries were prospectively randomized into two groups with the help of random number table method; Group-1 had mechanical bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (MBP group) before surgery, and Group-2 had no mechanical bowel preparation (NMBP group) before surgery. All patients in the study groups were followed up for at least 2 months after surgery for wound infection, anastomotic leak and intra-abdominal infections.

Results:

Two hundred fourteen patients were included in this hospital-based systematic prospective randomized trial: 104 patients in Group-1 and 98 patients in Group-2. Twelve patients were excluded from the study. The type of surgical procedure and type of anastomosis did not significantly differ between two groups. There was no difference in surgical infections between two groups. The overall infection rate was 39.4% in Group-1 and 32.6% in Group-2 (p = 0.31). Wound infection (p = 0.45), anastomotic leak (p = 0.45) and intra-abdominal/pelvic collection (p = 0.62) occurred in 3.8%, 3.8% and 6.7% versus 6.1%, 2% and 5.1% in Group-1 (MBP group) and Group-2 (NMBP group) respectively. Our results showed that MBP does not offer any specific benefit in elective colorectal surgeries but in real sense may add to some problems, which, however, did not achieve a statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Our study proved that no advantage is gained by pre-operative mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery and can be easily avoided in order to save patients from unwanted exhaustion, distress and adverse effects related to it. It is actually the mindset that makes us to believe that MBP will reduce the incidence of infections rather than the evidence from literature. We conclude from our study that all types of elective colorectal surgeries can be performed safely without subjecting patients to mechanical bowel preparation before surgery.

Highlights:
Efficacy of atrial substrate modification based on dominant frequency of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kumagai Koji , Minami Kentaro , Kutsuzawa Daisuke , Oshima Shigeru
Published: March 2016

Background

The endpoint of ablation procedures is suggested to be non‐inducibility of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). However, the prognosis of induced AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in PAF patients remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 122 PAF patients were divided into the following 3 groups: Group 1, 79 without AF/AT induced after PVI; Group 2, 21 with AF/AT induced or sustained after PVI, and followed by a high‐dominant frequency (DF) and continuous complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) site ablation and, if necessary, linear ablation; and Group 3, 22 with external cardioversion of AF/AT induced or sustained after PVI. High‐DF (DF≥8 Hz) and continuous CFAE (fractionated intervals≤50 ms) sites were targeted. The ablation endpoint was non‐inducibility of PAF.

Results

In Group 2, AF terminated in 2 patients with a high‐DF and continuous CFAE site ablation. In 4 patients, AF induced after cardioversion did not terminate with left atrium linear ablation, and required additional cardioversion. Common atrial flutter in 2 patients terminated with cavotricuspid isthmus ablation. An AT terminated with a roofline ablation. Finally, no AF/AT could be induced in any of the patients in Group 2 after all the procedures. The cumulative freedom from AF/AT recurrence without antiarrhythmic drugs in Groups 1 and 2 was significantly greater than that in Group 3 after 1 procedure during 12 months of follow‐up (90% and 91% vs. 64%, Log‐rank test P=0.001 and P=0.033, respectively).

Conclusions

Atrial substrate ablation may improve the clinical outcome after ablation in patients after PVI with residual arrhythmia inducibility.
Objectivity and Reflection in Heidegger's Theory of Intentionality
Authors: MCKINNEY TUCKER
Published: March 2016

Heidegger claims that Dasein's capacity for adopting intentional stances toward the world is grounded in the reflective structure of its being, which dictates that Dasein exists for the sake of a possibility of itself. Commentators have glossed this reflective structure in terms of the idea that our subjection to the normative demands of intentionality is grounded in a basic commitment to upholding an identity-concept, such as an occupation or a social role. I argue that this gloss has serious adverse implications for Heidegger's philosophical project and for the internal coherence of his theory of intention. I recommend an alternative gloss on the reflective structure of existence, according to which sustaining a robust claim to openness to the world specifies the universal, formal object of intentional stance-taking. The reflective structure of existence should be understood through the concept ofself-maintenancerather than that ofself-definition.
What is the Future of Pediatric Neurology in Canada? Resident and Faculty Perceptions of Training and Workforce Issues
Authors: Doja Asif , Clarkin Chantalle , Whiting Sharon , Moharir Mahendranath
Published: March 2016

Background: Pediatric neurology trainee numbers have grown considerably in Canada; recent research, however, has shown that the number of pediatric neurology graduates is outpacing the need for future pediatric neurologists. The purpose of this study was to seek the opinion of pediatric neurology program directors and trainees regarding possible solutions for this issue. Methods: Two focus groups were convened during the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation annual congress in June 2012; one consisted of current and former program directors, and the other of current pediatric neurology trainees. Groups were asked for their perceptions regarding child neurology manpower issues in Canada as well as possible solutions. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Theme-based qualitative analysis was used to analyze the transcripts. Results: Major themes emerging from both focus groups included the emphasis on community pediatric neurology as a viable option for trainees, including the need for community mentors; recognizing the needs of underserviced areas; and establishing academic positions for community preceptors. The need for career mentoring and support structures during residency training was another major theme which arose. Program directors and trainees also gave examples of ways to reduce the current oversupply of trainees in Canada, including limiting the number of trainees entering programs, as well as creating a long-term vision of child neurology in Canada. Conclusions: A nationwide dialogue to discuss the supply and demand of manpower in academic and community pediatric neurology is essential. Career guidance options for pediatric neurology trainees across the country merit further strengthening.
Vortex formation and shedding from a cyber-physical pitching plate
Authors: Onoue Kyohei , Breuer Kenneth S.
Published: March 2016

We report on the dynamics of the formation and growth of the leading-edge vortex and the corresponding unsteady aerodynamic torque induced by large-scale flow-induced oscillations of an elastically mounted flat plate. All experiments are performed using a high-bandwidth cyber-physical system, which enables the user to access a wide range of structural dynamics using a feedback control system. A series of two-dimensional particle image velocimetry measurements are carried out to characterize the behaviour of the separated flow structures and its relation to the plate kinematics and unsteady aerodynamic torque generation. By modulating the structural properties of the cyber-physical system, we systematically analyse the formation, strength and separation of the leading-edge vortex, and the dependence on kinematic parameters. We demonstrate that the leading-edge vortex growth and strength scale with the characteristic feeding shear-layer velocity and that a potential flow model using the measured vortex circulation and position can, when coupled with the steady moment of the flat plate, accurately predict the net aerodynamic torque on the plate. Connections to previous results on optimal vortex formation time are also discussed.
Solutal Marangoni instability in layered two-phase flows
Authors: Picardo Jason R. , Radhakrishna T. G. , Pushpavanam S.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the instability of layered two-phase flows caused by the presence of a soluble surfactant (or a surface-active solute) is studied. The fluids have different viscosities, but are density matched to focus on Marangoni effects. The fluids flow between two flat plates, which are maintained at different solute concentrations. This establishes a constant flux of solute from one fluid to the other in the base state. A linear stability analysis is performed, using a combination of asymptotic and numerical methods. In the creeping flow regime, Marangoni stresses destabilize the flow, provided that a concentration gradient is maintained across the fluids. One long-wave and two short-wave Marangoni instability modes arise, in different regions of parameter space. A well-defined condition for the long-wave instability is determined in terms of the viscosity and thickness ratios of the fluids, and the direction of mass transfer. Energy budget calculations show that the Marangoni stresses that drive long- and short-wave instabilities have distinct origins. The former is caused by interface deformation while the latter is associated with convection by the disturbance flow. Consequently, even when the interface is non-deforming (in the large-interfacial-tension limit), the flow can become unstable to short-wave disturbances. On increasing the Reynolds number, the viscosity-induced interfacial instability comes into play. This mode is shown to either suppress or enhance the Marangoni instability, depending on the viscosity and thickness ratios. This analysis is relevant to applications such as solvent extraction in microchannels, in which a surface-active solute is transferred between fluids in parallel stratified flow. It is also applicable to the thermocapillary problem of layered flow between heated plates.
Engaging Indigenous Knowledges: From Sovereign to Relational Knowers
Authors: Brigg Morgan
Published: March 2016

Increasing engagement with Indigenous knowledges (IKs) in mainstream tertiary educational institutions presents both ethico-political and epistemological challenges. This article engages these challenges by first cautioning against making wholesale distinctions between IKs and Western knowledges (WKs) and then examining the epistemological and politico-cultural entailments of the figure of the mainstream WK knower. Although the WK knower is typically cast as a sovereign being in command of knowledge, the practicalities of processes of knowing reveal the knower as at least partially relational. While the sovereign knower typically returns to his/her self in mainstream WKs, thereby disavowing or subsuming cultural others in ways that compromise serious engagement with IKs, relationality suggests more positive possibilities for becoming susceptible to Indigenous concerns and ways of knowing. This does not spell a relativist agenda. Rather, it shows that knowledge is established through relational processes and that WK knowers might better engage IKs by become less sovereign and more relational knowers.
Re-Inventing Infectious Disease: Antibiotic Resistance and Drug Development at the Bayer Company 1945–80
Authors: Gradmann Christoph
Published: March 2016

This paper analyses how research on antibiotic resistance has been a driving force in the development of new antibiotics. Drug resistance, while being a problem for physicians and patients, offers attractive perspectives for those who research and develop new medicines. It imposes limits on the usability of older medicines and simultaneously modifies pathologies in a way that opens markets for new treatments. Studying resistance can thus be an important part of developing and marketing antibiotics.

The chosen example is that of the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. Before World War Two, Bayer had pioneered the development of anti-infective chemotherapy, sulpha drugs in particular, but had missed the boat when it came to fungal antibiotics. Exacerbated by the effects of war, Bayer’s world market presence, which had been considerable prior to the war, had plummeted. In this critical situation, the company opted for a development strategy that tried to capitalise on the problems created by the use of first-generation antibiotics. Part and parcel of this strategy was monitoring what can be called the structural change of infectious disease. In practice, this meant to focus on pathologies resulting from resistance and hospital infections. In addition, Bayer also focused on lifestyle pathologies such as athlete’s foot. This paper will follow drug development and marketing at Bayer from 1945 to about 1980. In this period, Bayer managed to regain some of its previous standing in markets but could not escape from the overall crisis of anti-infective drug development from the 1970s on.
Psychogeriatrics in England: Its Route to Recognition by the Government as a Distinct Medical Specialty,c.1970–89
Authors: Hilton Claire
Published: March 2016

Demographic trends, and older people over 65 years disproportionately occupying beds in psychiatric hospitals, pointed to their increasing clinical needs. Clinical work with older people often required different skills from work with younger people. ‘General psychiatrists’, nominally working with adults of all ages, usually had little interest in working with older people. By 1977, it was clear to clinical leaders in the field of psychogeriatrics that official recognition of their specialty by the government was essential to ensure service development. Official recognition would provide the means to collect data to identify gaps in services, to obtain information on the implementation of government guidance and to advocate for resources, including ensuring high quality training posts for doctors wanting to specialise in the field. Doctors have traditionally taken the lead in creating new medical specialties, and psychogeriatrics was no exception. However, support fluctuated towards the specialty from the leadership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Health service leaders who did not undertake work with older people, were incredulous that others wished to do so. Negotiations between the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Department of Health and Social Security about recognising psychogeriatrics were convoluted and prolonged. Recognition was achieved in 1989, following intervention by the Royal College of Physicians of London.
Gender Quotas and Women's Political Leadership
Authors: O’BRIEN DIANA Z. , RICKNE JOHANNA
Published: March 2016

Though more than 100 countries have adopted gender quotas, the effects of these reforms on women's political leadership are largely unknown. We exploit a natural experiment—a 50–50 quota imposed by the national board of the Swedish Social Democratic Party on 290 municipal branches—to examine quotas’ influence on women's selection to, and survival in, top political posts. We find that those municipalities where the quota had a larger impact became more likely to select (but not reappoint) female leaders. Extending this analysis, we show that the quota increased the number of women perceived as qualified for these positions. Our findings support the notion that quotas can have an acceleration effect on women's representation in leadership positions, particularly when they augment the pool of female candidates for these posts. These results help dispel the myth that quotas trade short-term gains in women's descriptive representation for long-term exclusion from political power.
Selenium status and risk of prostate cancer in a Danish population
Authors: Outzen Malene , Tjønneland Anne , Larsen Erik H. , Friis Søren , Larsen Signe B. , Christensen Jane , Overvad Kim , Olsen Anja
Published: March 2016

Low-Se status may be associated with a higher risk of notably advanced prostate cancer. In a Danish population with a relatively low Se intake, we investigated the association between pre-diagnostic Se status and (1) the risk of total, advanced and high-grade prostate cancer and (2) all-cause and prostate cancer-specific mortality among men with prostate cancer. Within the Danish ‘Diet, Cancer and Health’ cohort, including 27 179 men, we identified 784 cases with incident prostate cancer through 2007. Each case was risk set-matched to one control. Two-thirds (n 525) of the cases had advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, and among these 170 had high-grade disease; 305 cases died (n 212 from prostate cancer) during follow-up through 2012. Plasma Se was not associated with total or advanced prostate cancer risk, but higher Se levels were associated with a lower risk of high-grade disease (HR 0·77; 95 % CI 0·64, 0·94; P=0·009). In survival analyses, a higher level of plasma Se was associated with a lower risk of all-cause (HR 0·92; 95 % CI 0·85, 1·00; P=0·04), but not prostate cancer-specific mortality. Higher levels of selenoprotein P were associated with a lower risk of high-grade disease (HR 0·85; 95 % CI 0·74, 0·97; P=0·01), but not with the risk of or mortality from advanced prostate cancer. In conclusion, levels of plasma Se and selenoprotein P were not associated with the risk of total and advanced prostate cancer, but higher levels of these two biomarkers were associated with a lower risk of high-grade disease.
ENHANCING SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER-IDENTITY PROTECTIONS IN
STRASBOURG
Authors: Dunne Peter
Published: March 2016

IN Identoba and Others v Georgia (Application No 73235/12), 12
May 2015, the Fourth Section of the European Court of Human Rights held that
Georgia's failure to prevent, and effectively investigate, attacks
against an anti-homophobia march violated Articles 3 and 11 of the European
Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), read in conjunction with Article 14.
SUSPICION-LESS MINDS: ANTI-TERRORISM POWERS AT PORTS AND BORDERS
Authors: Stark Shona Wilson
Published: March 2016

THE Supreme Court's decision in Beghal v DPP [2015] UKSC 49; [2015] 3 W.L.R. 344 is a prime example of the balance that must be struck between the rights of the individual and the need to prevent terrorism. In this case, the majority placed their emphasis on the latter. Strong criticisms were made, however, of the relevant legislation. Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000 empowers “examining officers” (constables, immigration officers and customs officers) to stop, question, search, and detain persons at ports or borders. The powers apply whether or not the examining officer has grounds to suspect that person of being a terrorist (para. 2(4)). It is an offence to fail wilfully to comply with an examining officer's request (para. 18).
RESCISSION FOR MISREPRESENTATION
Authors: Davies Paul S.
Published: March 2016

IN Salt v Stratstone Specialist Ltd. (t/a Stratstone Cadillac Newcastle) [2015] EWCA Civ 745; [2015] C.T.L.C. 206, the Court of Appeal usefully emphasised that rescission is the primary remedy for misrepresentation (whether that misrepresentation be fraudulent, negligent, or innocent). The Court decided that the discretion to award damages in lieu of rescission under s. 2(2) of the Misrepresentation Act 1967 can only be exercised where the right to rescind still exists, which helpfully resolves an issue of some controversy. The Court of Appeal also held that rescission for misrepresentation is not barred just because the asset sold has dropped in value or been registered, and cast doubt on the notion that lapse of time can by itself bar rescission. The short but important decision in Salt v Stratstone Specialist Ltd. is welcome and full of interest.
SAME-SEX REGISTERED PARTNERSHIPS – A RIGHT TO BE RECOGNISED?
Authors: Hayward Andy
Published: March 2016

ACROSS Europe, the legal recognition of same-sex relationships has changed rapidly. Of the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe, 26 countries currently recognise same-sex relationships, whether through marriage or registered partnership. Italy, however, remains the only founding member of that organisation that does not provide any formal system for the legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
The Politics of Tax States in the Canadian Provinces after the Golden Age
Authors: Haddow Rodney
Published: March 2016

This article evaluates the impact of partisanship, globalization and postindustrialism on provincial revenues since 1980. It is often argued that the first of these no longer has an effect, while the second and third erode fiscal capacity. These arguments are assessed with multilevel models, hitherto little used for macro-level estimations in political science. This approach is particularly suited to testing these influences. The study finds that partisanship is, in fact, strongly associated with provincial revenues. Globalization and postindustrialism have a more muted effect, though alternative estimations support somewhat different conclusions regarding the former. The social preconditions of partisanship's impact, moreover, deserve more attention.
“That Dreadful Country”: C. L. R. James's Early Thoughts on American Civilization
Authors: HØGSBJERG CHRISTIAN
Published: March 2016

If C. L. R. James could later reflect in Beyond a Boundary that before arriving in Britain, “about Britain, I was a strange compound of knowledge and ignorance,” then the same was fundamentally true about his relation to American society before his arrival there in 1938. This article will begin with discussion of the attraction of America for black West Indians, including George Padmore, in the era of the Harlem Renaissance, as well as the young James's own love of jazz and American literature. The complexities of the young James's “anti-Americanism” will be also explored, before we explore how James's turn to both Marxism and pan-Africanism after 1934 led to a new appreciation of both the power of the American working class and a new understanding of how a revolutionary solution might be found to the “Negro Question,” the question of the systematic racism towards black people in America. The article will conclude with discussion of James's 1938 work A History of Negro Revolt, in particular its Marxist analysis of the history of American slavery and its abolition during the American Civil War, as well as the strengths and limitations of Garveyism as a social movement.
Effects of head and tail as swinging appendages on the dynamic walking performance of a quadruped robot
Authors: Zhang Xiuli , Gong Jiaqing , Yao Yanan
Published: March 2016

We designed a quadruped robot with a one-degree-of-freedom (1-DOF)-pitch head, a 1-DOF-roll tail, and 14 active DOFs in total, which are controlled via a central pattern generator (CPG) based on a Hopf oscillator. Head and tail movements are coupled to the leg movements with fixed phase differences. Experiments show that tail swinging in roll can equilibrate feet–ground reaction forces (GRF), reducing yaw errors and enabling the robot to maintain its direction when trotting. Head swing in pitch has the potential to increase flight time and stride length of the swinging legs and increase the robot's forward velocity when running in bounds.
GRADING IN GROUPS
Authors: Morreau Michael
Published: March 2016

Juries, committees and experts panels commonly appraise things of one kind or another on the basis of grades awarded by several people. When everybody's grading thresholds are known to be the same, the results sometimes can be counted on to reflect the graders’ opinion. Otherwise, they often cannot. Under certain conditions, Arrow's ‘impossibility’ theorem entails that judgements reached by aggregating grades do not reliably track any collective sense of better and worse at all. These claims are made by adapting the Arrow–Sen framework for social choice to study grading in groups.
Cycles and Matchings in Randomly Perturbed Digraphs and Hypergraphs
Authors: KRIVELEVICH MICHAEL , KWAN MATTHEW , SUDAKOV BENNY
Published: March 2016

We give several results showing that different discrete structures typically gain certain spanning substructures (in particular, Hamilton cycles) after a modest random perturbation. First, we prove that adding linearly many random edges to a densek-uniform hypergraph ensures the (asymptotically almost sure) existence of a perfect matching or a loose Hamilton cycle. The proof involves an interesting application of Szemerédi's Regularity Lemma, which might be independently useful. We next prove that digraphs with certain strong expansion properties are pancyclic, and use this to show that adding a linear number of random edges typically makes a dense digraph pancyclic. Finally, we prove that perturbing a certain (minimum-degree-dependent) number of random edges in a tournament typically ensures the existence of multiple edge-disjoint Hamilton cycles. All our results are tight.
SETS WITH EVEN PARTITION FUNCTIONS AND CYCLOTOMIC NUMBERS
Authors: BACCAR N.
Published: March 2016

Let $P\in \mathbb{F}_{2}[z]$ be such that $P(0)=1$ and degree $(P)\geq 1$. Nicolas et al. [‘On the parity of additive representation functions’, J. Number Theory73 (1998), 292–317] proved that there exists a unique subset ${\mathcal{A}}={\mathcal{A}}(P)$ of $\mathbb{N}$ such that $\sum _{n\geq 0}p({\mathcal{A}},n)z^{n}\equiv P(z)~\text{mod}\,2$, where $p({\mathcal{A}},n)$ is the number of partitions of $n$ with parts in ${\mathcal{A}}$. Let $m$ be an odd positive integer and let ${\it\chi}({\mathcal{A}},.)$ be the characteristic function of the set ${\mathcal{A}}$. Finding the elements of the set ${\mathcal{A}}$ of the form $2^{k}m$, $k\geq 0$, is closely related to the $2$-adic integer $S({\mathcal{A}},m)={\it\chi}({\mathcal{A}},m)+2{\it\chi}({\mathcal{A}},2m)+4{\it\chi}({\mathcal{A}},4m)+\cdots =\sum _{k=0}^{\infty }2^{k}{\it\chi}({\mathcal{A}},2^{k}m)$, which has been shown to be an algebraic number. Let $G_{m}$ be the minimal polynomial of $S({\mathcal{A}},m)$. In precedent works there were treated the case $P$ irreducible of odd prime order $p$. In this setting, taking $p=1+ef$, where $f$ is the order of $2$ modulo $p$, explicit determinations of the coefficients of $G_{m}$ have been made for $e=2$ and 3. In this paper, we treat the case $e=4$ and use the cyclotomic numbers to make explicit $G_{m}$.
OPTIMISTIC LIMITS OF THE COLORED JONES POLYNOMIALS AND THE COMPLEX VOLUMES OF HYPERBOLIC LINKS
Authors: CHO JINSEOK
Published: March 2016

The optimistic limit is a mathematical formulation of the classical limit, which is a physical method to estimate the actual limit by using the saddle-point method of a certain potential function. The original optimistic limit of the Kashaev invariant was formulated by Yokota, and a modified formulation was suggested by the author and others. This modified version is easier to handle and more combinatorial than the original one. On the other hand, it is known that the Kashaev invariant coincides with the evaluation of the colored Jones polynomial at a certain root of unity. This optimistic limit of the colored Jones polynomial was also formulated by the author and others, but it is very complicated and needs many unnatural assumptions. In this article, we suggest a modified optimistic limit of the colored Jones polynomial, following the idea of the modified optimistic limit of the Kashaev invariant, and show that it determines the complex volume of a hyperbolic link. Furthermore, we show that this optimistic limit coincides with the optimistic limit of the Kashaev invariant modulo $4{\it\pi}^{2}$. This new version is easier to handle and more combinatorial than the old version, and has many advantages over the modified optimistic limit of the Kashaev invariant. Because of these advantages, several applications have already appeared and more are in preparation.
Choralities
Authors: CONNOR STEVEN
Published: March 2016

The voice has often been identified with the assertion of idiosyncrasy or exception (The Chanting Crowd: ‘We are all individuals!’ An Individual: ‘I'm not.’ Monty Python,The Life of Brian). This article explores why humans (though not uniquely them) feel urged to merge and magnify the individual voice through assimilating it to the voices of others. What are the powers, menaces, and satisfactions of these singular–plural megavoices, in choirs, collective chants, and other forms of what may be calledchorality, that have become more familiar than ever in the mass spectacles (‘audicles’?) of sport, entertainment, and politics? I suggest that the chorus represents the challenge of the inchoate, in that it is the making manifest of what menaces music, the matter that must be made into form, a reservoir of unschooled energy that must be converted to information. I suggest that there may be an implicit relation between the individual voice and the collective voice it may seem to convoke, such that every individual vocality has a connection to a phantasmal chorality. Finally, I consider the political force of chorality, and the fantasy focused on and through the collective voice, and what this means in a world that seems to have moved from the dominion of the mass to that of the multitude.
‘My Tongue Gets t-t-t-’: Words, Sense, and Vocal Presence in Van Morrison'sIt's Too Late to Stop Now
Authors: ELLIOTT RICHARD
Published: March 2016

Van Morrison's live version of his song ‘Cyprus Avenue’ on the 1974 albumIt's Too Late to Stop Nowprovides an example of the authority of the singer's voice and of how it leads and demands submission from musicians, songs, and audience. Morrison's voice constantly suggests that it is reflecting important experience and can be understood both as an attempt to capture something and as a post-hoc witnessing or testimony. Through the example of Morrison's work, and ofIt's Too Late to Stop Nowin particular, this article explores the location of the voice in terms of the body and of particular places and histories. It then proceeds to a reflection on the relationship between the performing voice as producer of sound, noise, and music and the poetic voice that provides the words and visions upon which the performing voice goes to work. It concludes by focusing on a moment within ‘Cyprus Avenue’ where Morrison performs the act of being tongue-tied, discussing this as an example of ‘aesthetic stutter’. Throughout, attention is also paid to how other voices (particularly those of rock critics) connect to Morrison's voice by attempting to describe it, re-perform it, or explain it.
Validity Evidence based on Internal Structure of Scores of the Emotional Quotient-Inventory: Youth Version Short (EQ-i: YV-S) in a Spanish Sample
Authors: Esnaola Igor , Freeman John , Sarasa Marta , Fernández-Zabala Arantza , Axpe Inge
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability and validity evidence of scores on the Spanish version of EQ-i: YV-S in Spanish adolescents. The total sample was comprised of 508 participants from Grades 7 to 12, 241 males (47.4%) and 267 females (52.6%), each of whom completed the questionnaires on two separate occasions. Three [intrapersonal (α = .83, CR = .86, and McDonald Omega = .86), stress management (α = .83, CR = .86, and McDonald Omega = .85) and adaptability (α = .82, CR = .85, and McDonald Omega = .85)] of the four scales had acceptable internal consistency. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used with FACTOR and EQS version 6.1 software to examine validity evidence based on internal structure drawn from the scores on the EQ-i: YV-S, supporting the multidimensionality of the questionnaire. Three models were tested; the best fit to the data was the hierarchical model (S-Bχ2/ df = 2.11, CFI = .93 and RMSEA = .047), which hypothesized that the four specific factors (interpersonal, intrapersonal, stress management, and adaptability) were explained with a second-order factor, Emotional-Social-Intelligence (ESI). Finally, significant positive correlations were found between general self-concept and EQ-i: YV-S [interpersonal (r = .153, p < .001), intrapersonal (r = .235, p < .001), stress management (r = .145, p < .001), adaptability (r = .311, p < .001) and ESI (r = .360, p < .001)]; ESI showed significant direct power prediction of the general self-concept (.52) as demonstrated through structural equation modeling.
Erleben und Unterstützungsbedarf von Eltern hospitalisierter Kinder mit Mehrfachbehinderung
Authors: Seliner Brigitte , Latal Bea , Spirig Rebecca
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die Hospitalisation eines Kindes mit Mehrfachbehinderung belastet Eltern, da sie auch im Spital viele Betreuungsaufgaben übernehmen müssen. Leider fehlt systematisches Wissen über das elterliche Erleben in dieser Situation und deren Unterstützungsbedarf. Fragestellung: Wie erfahren Eltern die Hospitalisation, und welchen Unterstützungsbedarf geben sie für diesen Zeitraum an? Methode: An dieser qualitativen Untersuchung partizipierten 26 Elternteile (24 Mütter, zwei Väter) von 24 mehrfachbehinderten Kindern. Zwischen dem 1. Januar 2011 und dem 1. September 2013 wurden mit ihnen in einer universitären Kinderklinik halbstrukturierte Interviews geführt. Die strukturierende qualitative Inhaltsanalyse leitete die Analyse. Ergebnisse: Für die Eltern stand die «Sorge um das Wohl des Kindes» im Zentrum. Die Einschätzung des kindlichen Wohls prägte das Ausmaß der «Arbeit der Eltern» und definierte den elterlichen «Unterstützungsbedarf» nach «Information und Schulung erhalten», «Bekannt sein und Kontinuität erfahren», «Ernst genommen werden und Mitsein erfahren», «Begleitet werden von erfahrenen Pflegenden» und «Entlastet und organisatorisch unterstützt werden». Schlussfolgerung: Die Eltern leisten viel Arbeit, um das Wohl des hospitalisierten, mehrfachbehinderten Kindes sicherzustellen. Pflegefachpersonen können zur Entlastung dieser Eltern beitragen, indem sie deren Vertrauen in das Wohl des Kindes im Spital stärken. Dies gelingt, wenn Kontinuität und Kompetenz vonseiten der Pflegefachpersonen sichergestellt sind, wie es beispielsweise Pflegende mit einem Advanced-Practice-Hintergrund ermöglichen.
Education, Occupational Class, and Cognitive Decline in Preclinical Dementia
Authors: Cadar Dorina , Piccinin Andrea M. , Hofer Scott M. , Johansson Boo , Muniz-Terrera Graciela
Published: March 2016

Abstract. We investigated education and occupational influences as markers of cognitive reserve in relation to cognitive performance and decline on multiple fluid and crystallized abilities in preclinical dementia. From the total sample of 702 participants stemming from the OCTO-Twin Study (Sweden), aged 80+ at baseline in 1992–1993, only those who developed dementia during the study period (N = 127) were included in these analyses. Random effects models were used to examine the level of performance at the time of dementia diagnosis and the rates of decline prior to diagnosis. The results demonstrated that both fluid and crystallized abilities decline in preclinical stages, and that education and occupational class have independent moderating roles on the cognitive performance at the time of diagnosis, but not on the rates of decline.
Substance Addiction in Old Age
Authors: Cossmann Johanna Cristina , Scherbaum Norbert , Bonnet Udo
Published: March 2016

Abstract. There is a lack of studies using a structured face-to-face interview focusing on the full spectrum of substance addictions according to ICD or DSM classification systems in older patients. We therefore examined a cohort of 400 randomly selected, at least 65-year-old inpatients of a general hospital concerning addictive disorders using a well-tested structured clinical interview (DSM-IV-TR-based SKID-I). Nearly one third of this cohort was substance dependent: The 12-month prevalence rate for nicotine was 10.3% and for alcohol dependence 3%, with 24.4% and 66.7%, respectively, being severely dependent. These rates were similar to those found in the general German population of persons under 65 year of age. A fifth of the cohort was (mostly mildly) dependent on prescription drugs, remarkably including nonopioid analgesics. One case with a previous dependence on gabapentin was identified. Identification and management of addiction disorders should be considered as part of the basic geriatric assessment.