bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cause of Late Cretaceous cooling: A multimodel-proxy comparison
Authors: Tabor Clay R. , Poulsen Christopher J. , Lunt Daniel J. , Rosenbloom Nan A. , Otto-Bliesner Bette L. , Markwick Paul J. , Brady Esther C. , Farnsworth Alexander , Feng Ran
Published: October 2016

Proxy temperature reconstructions indicate a dramatic cooling from the Cenomanian to Maastrichtian. However, the spatial extent of and mechanisms responsible for this cooling remain uncertain, given simultaneous climatic influences of tectonic and greenhouse gas changes through the Late Cretaceous. Here we compare several climate simulations of the Cretaceous using two different Earth system models with a compilation of sea surface temperature proxies from the Cenomanian and Maastrichtian to better understand Late Cretaceous climate change. In general, surface temperature responses are consistent between models, lending confidence to our findings. Our comparison of proxies and models confirms that Late Cretaceous cooling was a widespread phenomenon and likely due to a reduction in greenhouse gas concentrations in excess of a halving of CO2, not changes in paleogeography.
Exceptional preservation of soft-bodied Ediacara Biota promoted by silica-rich oceans
Authors: Tarhan Lidya G. , Hood Ashleigh v.S. , Droser Mary L. , Gehling James G. , Briggs Derek E.G.
Published: October 2016

The Ediacara Biota, Earth’s earliest fossilized ecosystem of complex, macroscopic, multicellular organisms, occurs in terminal Ediacaran strata worldwide, yet how the fossils are preserved remains controversial. Ediacara assemblages consist of exceptionally preserved soft-bodied forms of enigmatic morphology and phylogenetic affinity. Many of these fossil assemblages are anactualistically preserved as casts and molds in sandstones (“Ediacara-style” preservation). Here we present evidence from the Ediacara Member of South Australia that Ediacara-style preservation was due to rapid, early-stage precipitation of silica cements, facilitated by the high silica saturation state of the oceans prior to the appearance of prolific silica biomineralizers. An early silicification model provides a coherent, mechanistic and empirically supported explanation for the widespread preservation of soft-bodied organisms of Ediacaran–early Paleozoic age as sandstone casts and molds. The prevalence of early silicification confirms that Ediacara-style fossil assemblages can provide an accurate window into life on the Ediacaran seafloor that can be used to reconstruct critical steps in the development and diversification of early animal ecosystems.
Triple threat in pregnancy
Authors: Vishwanathan Swati , Lucke Michael , Poornima Indu G
Published: October 2016

A woman aged 22 years with a history of lupus presented in the 18th week of pregnancy with hypertensive emergency and flash pulmonary oedema. Bedside echocardiogram revealed severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with an ejection fraction (EF) of 25% and pericardial effusion. Laboratories revealed hypocomplementemia, proteinuria, elevated C reactive protein and anti-DS-DNA, raising concern for a lupus flare. Cardiac MRI showed an acute intramyocardial oedematous process, consistent with lupus carditis, and further worsening of LVEF to 13%. Shared-decision-making with the patient included discussion of maternal risks of continuation of pregnancy in the setting of worsening heart function and the fetal risks of definitive treatment with cyclophosphamide for a lupus flare and the patient decided to proceed with medical termination of pregnancy. Treatment with immunosuppressants, including cyclophosphamide, and steroids, was then initiated. 2 months after discharge, cardiac MRI showed marked improvement in LVEF to 50% and the patient remains clinically free of heart failure.
Erdheim-Chester disease: 25-year history with early CNS involvement
Authors: Rice C M , Hall C A , McCoubrie P , Renowden S A , Cohen N , Scolding N J
Published: October 2016

We report a case of Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) with a 25-year history following initial presentation with diabetes insipidus and brainstem involvement. The exceptionally long history is particularly notable, given that ECD is a life-threatening disorder and there is a recognised association between central nervous system involvement and poor outcome. The case is a timely reminder of the presenting features of the condition, given the emergence of potential new treatment options.
Revascularisation of patients with end-stage renal disease on chronic haemodialysis: bypass surgery versus PCI—analysis of routine statutory health insurance data
Authors: Möckel Martin , Searle Julia , Baberg Henning Thomas , Dirschedl Peter , Levenson Benny , Malzahn Jürgen , Mansky Thomas , Günster Christian , Jeschke Elke
Published: October 2016

Objectives

We aimed to analyse the short-term and long-term outcome of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing percutaneous intervention (PCI) as compared to coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) to evaluate the optimal coronary revascularisation strategy.

Design

Retrospective analysis of routine statutory health insurance data between 2010 and 2012.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was adjusted all-cause mortality after 30 days and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events at 1 year. Secondary outcomes were repeat revascularisation at 30 days and 1 year and bleeding events within 7 days.

Results

The total number of cases was n=4123 (PCI; n=3417), median age was 71 (IQR 62–77), 30.4% were women. The adjusted OR for death within 30 days was 0.59 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.81) for patients undergoing PCI versus CABG. At 1 year, the adjusted OR for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was 1.58 (1.32 to 1.89) for PCI versus CABG and 1.47 (1.23 to 1.75) for all-cause death. In the subgroup of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), adjusted all-cause mortality at 30 days did not differ significantly between both groups (OR 0.75 (0.47 to 1.20)), whereas in patients without AMI the OR for 30-day mortality was 0.44 (0.28 to 0.68) for PCI versus CABG. At 1 year, the adjusted OR for MACCE in patients with AMI was 1.40 (1.06 to 1.85) for PCI versus CABG and 1.47 (1.08 to 1.99) for mortality.

Conclusions

In this cohort of unselected patients with ESRD undergoing revascularisation, the 1-year outcome was better for CABG in patients with and without AMI. The 30-day mortality was higher in non-AMI patients with CABG reflecting an early hazard with surgery. In cases where the patient's characteristics and risk profile make it difficult to decide on a revascularisation strategy, CABG could be the preferred option.
Adaptations of large marsupials to survival in winter snow cover: locomotion and foraging
Authors: Green K.
Published: October 2016

The small extent of seasonally snow-covered Australian mountains means that there has not been a great selective pressure on the mammalian fauna for adaptations to this environment. Only one large marsupial, the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus (Shaw, 1800)), is widespread above the winter snowline. In the past 20 years, with snow depth and duration declining, the swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor (Desmarest, 1804)) has become more common above the winter snowline. The red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus (Desmarest, 1817)) is common in alpine Tasmania where seasonal snow cover is neither as deep nor as long-lasting as on the mainland, but has only been recorded regularly above the winter snowline in the mainland Snowy Mountains since 2011. This study examines morphological aspects of locomotion of these three herbivorous marsupials in snow. The wombat is the best adapted to snow, with quadrupedal gait and an expanded home range allowing it to locate and feed on the same plant groups as it does at lower elevation. Wallabies are poorly adapted to locomotion in snow, but the browsing swamp wallaby is able to maintain its dietary habit by feeding on exposed shrubs in deep snow, whereas the red-necked wallaby, which depends more on grazing, appears constrained to areas where snow is shallow.
Design Techniques for Direct Digital Synthesis Circuits with Improved Frequency Accuracy Over Wide Frequency Ranges
Authors: Leitner Stefan , Wang Haibo , Tragoudas Spyros
Published: October 2016

Recently, there is increasing interest in impedance sensors for various applications. Direct digital synthesis (DDS) circuits are commonly used in such sensor circuits for generating stimulus signals, due to advantages of accurate frequency control, drift-free performance, etc. Previously reported DDS circuits for sensor applications typically maintain superb frequency accuracy within relatively small frequency ranges. This paper investigates techniques to improve frequency accuracy over wide frequency ranges. In addition, it presents an analytical framework to estimate the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the generated signal and derives guidelines for optimizing DDS circuit configurations. Both simulation and hardware measurement results are presented to validate the derived SNR estimation equation as well as the developed frequency accuracy enhancement techniques.
Modeling Two-Dimensional Framework for Multi-Upgradations of a Software with Change Point
Authors: Tickoo Anshul , Verma Ajit K. , Khatri Sunil K. , Kapur P. K.
Published: October 2016

Across the globe almost every organization is dependent on information technology for increasing their business efficiency. This has led to huge demand for reliable and good quality software. Innovation is most important to attain success in software industry. Software companies need to keep bringing upgradations or add-ons in the software to compete in the market. In the present framework we propose a generalized mathematical modeling for multiple software releases. In this framework we examine the collective effect of testing time and resources using Cobb–Douglas production function for defining the failure phenomenon using a software reliability growth model (SRGM). In this paper, we consider the practical scenario where there is a possibility of change in the fault detection rate. Fault detection rate can be affected by various factors like testing environment, testing strategy and allocation of resources. Change in these factors during testing phase can lead to increase or decrease in failure intensity function. The time point at which abrupt fluctuations in fault detection rate take place is known as change point. In this paper, a generalized framework for developing a two-dimensional SRGM with change point for multiple software releases has been discussed. We have derived various existing change point models using the proposed framework. The developed models have been validated on real data set.
On the use of the least common multiple to build a prime-generating recurrence
Authors: Ruiz-Cabello Serafín
Published: October 2016

We study a recursively defined sequence which is constructed using the least common multiple. Several authors have conjectured that every term of that sequence is [Formula: see text] or a prime. In this paper we show that this claim is connected to a strong version of Linnik’s theorem, which is still unproved. We also study a generalization that replaces the first term by any positive integer. Under this variation some composite numbers may appear now. We give a full characterization of these numbers.
Identities and congruences for Catalan–Larcombe–French numbers
Authors: Sun Zhi-Hong
Published: October 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be the Catalan–Larcombe–French numbers given by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text]. In this paper we obtain some identities and congruences involving [Formula: see text]. In particular, we determine [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is an odd prime such that [Formula: see text].
On the realizable classes of the square root of the inverse different in the unitary class group
Authors: Tsang Sin Yi Cindy
Published: October 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a number field with ring of integers [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be a finite abelian group of odd order. Given a [Formula: see text]-Galois [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text], write [Formula: see text] for its trace map and [Formula: see text] for its square root of the inverse different, where [Formula: see text] exists by Hilbert’s formula since [Formula: see text] has odd order. The pair [Formula: see text] is locally [Formula: see text]-isometric to [Formula: see text] whenever [Formula: see text] is weakly ramified, in which case it defines a class in the unitary class group [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. Here [Formula: see text] denotes the canonical symmetric bilinear form on [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. We will study the set of all such classes and show that a subset of them forms a subgroup of [Formula: see text].
On nilpotent elements of ore extensions
Authors: Azimi Masoud , Moussavi Ahmad
Published: October 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be an associative ring with unity, [Formula: see text] be an endomorphism of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] an [Formula: see text]-derivation of [Formula: see text]. We introduce the notion of [Formula: see text]-nilpotent p.p.-rings, and prove that the [Formula: see text]-nilpotent p.p.-condition extends to various ring extensions. Among other results, we show that, when [Formula: see text] is a nil-[Formula: see text]-compatible and [Formula: see text]-primal ring with [Formula: see text] nilpotent, then [Formula: see text]; and when [Formula: see text] is a nil Armendriz ring of skew power series type with [Formula: see text] nilpotent, then [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the set of nilpotent elements of [Formula: see text]. These results extend existing results to a more general setting.
Team-based learning in large enrollment classes
Authors: Kibble Jonathan D. , Bellew Christine , Asmar Abdo , Barkley Lisa
Published: October 2016

The goal of this review is to highlight the key elements needed to successfully deploy team-based learning (TBL) in any class, but especially in large enrolment classes, where smooth logistics are essential. The text is based on a lecture and workshop given at the American Physiological Society's Institute on Teaching and Learning in Madison, WI, in June 2016. After a short overview of the TBL method, its underpinning in learning theory, and a summary of current evidence for its effectiveness, we present two case studies from our own teaching practices in a new medical school. The first case study explores critical elements of design and planning for a TBL module, and the second explores best practices in classroom management. As medical educators in the fields of physiology, pediatrics, nephrology, and family medicine, we present the objective views of subject matter experts who adopted TBL as one teaching method rather than TBL experts or advocates per se. The review is aimed primarily at faculty contemplating using TBL for the first time who are interested in exploring the significant benefits and challenges of TBL.
Dynamics Analysis of Neuron Bursting under the Modulation of Periodic Stimulation
Authors: Ji Ying , Tang Wenbo , Hua Tingting , Xin Zhiduo , Chen Zhiya , Zhang Mingming , Wang Yawei
Published: October 2016

A nonsmooth neuron model with periodic excitation which can reproduce spiking and bursting behavior of cortical neurons is investigated in this paper. Based on nonsmooth bifurcation analysis, the mechanism of the bursting behavior induced by slow-changing periodical stimulation as well as the associated evolution with the variation of the stimulation is explored. The modulating character of the external excitation and the effect of the bifurcation occurring at the switching boundary of the vector field are presented.
Antileishmanial Activity and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Activation by RuNO Complex
Authors: Marcusso Orsini Tatiane , Kawakami Natalia Yoshie , Panis Carolina , Fortes dos Santos Thomazelli Ana Paula , Tomiotto-Pellissier Fernanda , Cataneo Allan Henrique Depieri , Kian Danielle , Megumi Yamauchi Lucy , Gouveia Júnior Florêncio S. , de França Lopes Luiz Gonzaga , Cecchini Rubens , Nazareth Costa Idessânia , Jerley Nogueira da Silva Jean , Conchon-Costa Ivete , Pavanelli Wander Rogério
Published: October 2016

Parasites of the genusLeishmaniaare capable of inhibiting effector functions of macrophages. These parasites have developed the adaptive ability to escape host defenses; for example, they inactivate the NF-κB complex and suppress iNOS expression in infected macrophages, which are responsible for the production of the major antileishmanial substance nitric oxide (NO), favoring then its replication and successful infection. Metal complexes with NO have been studied as potential compounds for the treatment of certain tropical diseases, such as ruthenium compounds, known to be exogenous NO donors. In the present work, the compoundcis-[Ru(bpy)2SO3(NO)]PF6, or RuNO, showed leishmanicidal activity directly and indirectly on promastigote forms ofLeishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. In addition, treatment with RuNO increased NO production by reversing the depletion of NO caused byLeishmania. We also found increased expression of Akt, iNOS, and NF-κB in infected and treated macrophages. These results demonstrated that RuNO was able to kill the parasite by NO release and modulate the transcriptional capacity of the cell.
Synchronization and Stability of Elasticity Coupling Two Homodromy Rotors in a Vibration System
Authors: Hou Yongjun , Du Mingjun , Fang Pan , Wang Yuwen , Zhang Liping
Published: October 2016

The mechanical model of an elasticity coupling 1-DOF system is proposed to implement synchronization; the simplified model is composed of a rigid body, two induction motors, and a connecting spring. Based on the Lagrange equations, the dynamic equation of the system is established. Moreover, a typical analysis method, the Poincare method, is applied to study the synchronization characteristics, and the balanced equations and stability criterion of the system are obtained. Obviously, it can be seen that many parameters affect the synchronous state of the system, especially the stiffness of the support spring, the stiffness of the connecting spring, and the installation location of the motors. Meanwhile, choose a suitable stiffness of the connecting spring (k), which would play a significant role in engineering. Finally, computer simulations are used to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
The Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Modulator FTY720 Targets Multiple Myeloma via the CXCR4/CXCL12 Pathway
Authors: Beider Katia , Rosenberg Evgenia , Bitner Hanna , Shimoni Avichai , Leiba Merav , Koren-Michowitz Maya , Ribakovsky Elena , Klein Shiri , Olam Devorah , Weiss Lola , Wald Hanna , Abraham Michal , Galun Eithan , Peled Amnon , Nagler Arnon
Published: October 2016

Purpose: To explore the functional consequences of possible cross-talk between the CXCR4/CXCL12 and the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) pathways in multiple myeloma (MM) cells and to evaluate the effect of S1P targeting with the FTY720 modulator as a potential anti-MM therapeutic strategy.

Experimental Design and Results: S1P targeting with FTY720 induces MM cell apoptosis. The combination of FTY720 with the SPHK1 inhibitor SKI-II results in synergistic inhibition of MM growth. CXCR4/CXCL12-enhanced expression correlates with reduced MM cell sensitivity to both FTY720 and SKI-II inhibitors, and with SPHK1 coexpression in both cell lines and primary MM bone marrow (BM) samples, suggesting regulative cross-talk between the CXCR4/CXCL12 and SPHK1 pathways in MM cells. FTY720 was found to directly target CXCR4. FTY720 profoundly reduces CXCR4 cell-surface levels and abrogates the CXCR4-mediated functions of migration toward CXCL12 and signaling pathway activation. Moreover, FTY720 cooperates with bortezomib, inducing its cytotoxic activity and abrogating the bortezomib-mediated increase in CXCR4 expression. FTY720 effectively targets bortezomib-resistant cells and increases their sensitivity to bortezomib, promoting DNA damage. Finally, in a recently developed novel xenograft model of CXCR4-dependent systemic MM with BM involvement, FTY720 treatment effectively reduces tumor burden in the BM of MM-bearing mice. FTY720 in combination with bortezomib demonstrates superior tumor growth inhibition and abrogates bortezomib-induced CXCR4 increase on MM cells.

Conclusions: Altogether, our work identifies a cross-talk between the S1P and CXCR4 pathways in MM cells and provides a preclinical rationale for the therapeutic application of FTY720 in combination with bortezomib in patients with MM. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1733–47. ©2016 AACR.
Targeting Hypoxic Prostate Tumors Using the Novel Hypoxia-Activated Prodrug OCT1002 Inhibits Expression of Genes Associated with Malignant Progression
Authors: Nesbitt Heather , Byrne Niall M. , Williams S. Nicole , Ming Louise , Worthington Jenny , Errington Rachel J. , Patterson Laurence H. , Smith Paul J. , McKeown Stephanie R. , McKenna Declan J.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: To understand the role of hypoxia in prostate tumor progression and to evaluate the ability of the novel unidirectional hypoxia-activated prodrug OCT1002 to enhance the antitumor effect of bicalutamide.

Experimental Design: The effect of OCT1002 on prostate cancer cells (LNCaP, 22Rv1, and PC3) was measured in normoxia and hypoxia in vitro. In vivo, tumor growth and lung metastases were measured in mice treated with bicalutamide, OCT1002, or a combination. Dorsal skin fold chambers were used to image tumor vasculature in vivo. Longitudinal gene expression changes in tumors were analyzed using PCR.

Results: Reduction of OCT1002 to its active form (OCT1001) decreased prostate cancer cell viability. In LNCaP-luc spheroids, OCT1002 caused increased apoptosis and decreased clonogenicity. In vivo, treatment with OCT1002 alone, or with bicalutamide, showed significantly greater tumor growth control and reduced lung metastases compared with controls. Reestablishment of the tumor microvasculature following bicalutamide-induced vascular collapse is inhibited by OCT1002. Significantly, the upregulation of RUNX2 and its targets caused by bicalutamide alone was blocked by OCT1002.

Conclusions: OCT1002 selectively targets hypoxic tumor cells and enhances the antitumor efficacy of bicalutamide. Furthermore, bicalutamide caused changes in gene expression, which indicated progression to a more malignant genotype; OCT1002 blocked these effects, emphasizing that more attention should be attached to understanding genetic changes that may occur during treatment. Early targeting of hypoxic cells with OCT1002 can provide a means of inhibiting prostate tumor growth and malignant progression. This is of importance for the design and refinement of existing androgen-deprivation regimens in the clinic. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1797–808. ©2016 AACR.
Injectable Hydrogels for Spinal Cord Repair: A Focus on Swelling and Intraspinal Pressure
Authors: Khaing Zin Z. , Ehsanipour Arshia , Hofstetter Christoph P. , Seidlits Stephanie K.
Published: October 2016

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that leaves patients with limited motor and sensory function at and below the injury site, with little to no hope of a meaningful recovery. Because of their ability to mimic multiple features of central nervous system (CNS) tissues, injectable hydrogels are being developed that can participate as therapeutic agents in reducing secondary injury and in the regeneration of spinal cord tissue. Injectable biomaterials can provide a supportive substrate for tissue regeneration, deliver therapeutic factors, and regulate local tissue physiology. Recent reports of increasing intraspinal pressure after SCI suggest that this physiological change can contribute to injury expansion, also known as secondary injury. Hydrogels contain high water content similar to native tissue, and many hydrogels absorb water and swell after formation. In the case of injectable hydrogels for the spinal cord, this process often occurs in or around the spinal cord tissue, and thus may affect intraspinal pressure. In the future, predictable swelling properties of hydrogels may be leveraged to control intraspinal pressure after injury. Here, we review the physiology of SCI, with special attention to the current clinical and experimental literature, underscoring the importance of controlling intraspinal pressure after SCI. We then discuss how hydrogel fabrication, injection, and swelling can impact intraspinal pressure in the context of developing injectable biomaterials for SCI treatment.
Improving Peripheral and Central Vascular Adjustments during Exercise through a Training Program in Adolescents with Obesity
Authors: Julian Valérie , Thivel David , Pereira Bruno , Costes Frédéric , Richard Ruddy , Duclos Martine
Published: October 2016

Objective: The effects of a training program (TP) on muscle microvascularization during exercise remained to be explored in adolescents with obesity. We hypothesized that a TP would lead to better microvascular adaptations to exercise in skeletal muscle. Methods: 15 inactive adolescents followed a 12-week TP where both peripheral (muscular microvascularization) and central (cardiac) adaptations to exercise (40 min exercise set at 70% V̇O2peak) were assessed before and after intervention. Microvascular adaptations were evaluated in the Musculus vastus lateralis with near-infrared spectroscopy, by measurement of muscular blood volume (IR-BV) and tissue oxygen saturation (IR-SO2). Central adaptations were evaluated using thoracic impedance. Results: The TP favored lower BMI (p < 0.001), lower total and abdominal fat (p < 0.001), and a trend for the decrease in insulin resistance index (p = 0.07). V̇O2peak relative to weight (p = 0.008) and maximum power output increased (p = 0.0003). A smaller initial drop in IR-BV and IR-SO2 (p < 0.001), a prompter return of these parameters to their base values, and a higher IR-BV and IR-SO2 all times taken together (p < 0.001) were observed after completing the TP. Concerning central adaptation, cardiac output decreased (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We demonstrate for the first time by noninvasive techniques that a training program induces peripheral and central vascular adaptations to exercise in adolescents with obesity.
Long-Term Follow-Up Is Essential to Assess Outcome of Gastric Banding in Morbidly Obese Adolescents: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Paulus Givan F. , Konings Gerdy , Bouvy Nicole D. , van Heurn L.W. Ernest , Greve Jan Willem
Published: October 2016

Background: Adolescent obesity is rapidly becoming more prevalent and is associated with chronic health conditions and psychosocial morbidity. Lifestyle intervention is often ineffective in morbidly obese adolescents, and bariatric surgery is gradually becoming an accepted treatment. However, little is known about long-term results. Methods: Hospital charts of patients who had undergone gastric banding more than 5 years ago at an age of 18 years or younger, were retrospectively analyzed. Weight loss, complications, reoperations, and comorbidity reduction were assessed as well as health status, food behavior, and personality. Results: BMI loss in 10 adolescents was 10.7 kg/m2 (-0.9 to 12.9 kg/m2) after a median follow-up of 64 months (52-84 months); the major part of weight loss occurred after the first year. In 4 patients the gastric band was removed after 3.5-5.5 years. Two out of 3 patients effectively lost weight after conversion to a bypass type procedure. One patient is maintaining a stable healthy weight after band removal. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in morbidly obese adolescents had a failure rate of 40%, but was a successful therapy in the other 60% without major adverse events. Follow-up longer than 36 months was crucial for optimal evaluation of weight loss and reoperation rate.
Reactions to Imagery Generated Using Computational Aesthetic Measures
Authors: Gade Prasad , Galvin Mary , O’Sullivan James , Walsh Paul , Murphy Órla
Published: October 2016

This article examines whether textural generation system imagery evolved with computational aesthetic support can be judged as having aesthetic attributes, both when knowing and not knowing its true origin. Such a generation, depicting a digital landscape, is offered to two groups of participants to appraise. It is hypothesized that there will be no statistically significant difference between the groups on their appraisal of the image. Results from statistical analysis prove to be consistent with this hypothesis. A minority of participants, however, do exhibit significant differences in their perception of the image based on its means of production. This article explores and illustrates these differences.
Sculpture in Space: Flotation and Levitation in Postwar Art
Authors: Petersen Stephen
Published: October 2016

The idea of sculpture with no visible contact with the earth, hovering in space without the usual vertical and horizontal orientation, arose in contemporary art practice during the postwar decades, amid the Cold War race for space. In Milan, Paris, Düsseldorf and New York, an array of floating art projects were attempted both inside—and outside—the art gallery. These artistic experiments offered a counterpoint to the first satellites and manned spacecraft, using simple technologies including magnets and balloons to address complex aesthetic issues raised by the outer-space environment and, in particular, the zero-gravity field. By the late 1960s, free-floating “aerial” and “pneumatic” art had become an international trend, reflecting a new conception of art’s meaning during a time of cultural and technological change.
Representing Kingship and Imagining Empire in Southern Dynasties Court Poetry
Authors: Tian Xiaofei
Published: October 2016

Before the fifth century, the imperial identity of a ruler seems to have disabled him as a writer rather than encouraged him to be more prolific. Literary production gradually became centered in the court by the mid-fifth century, and a distinct feature of Southern Dynasties literature is the phenomenon that emperors and princes joined with their courtiers in the act of writing poetry on social occasions. This paper focuses on a number of poems by Emperor Wen of the Song (r. 424-453), Yan Yanzhi (384-456), Xie Tiao (464-499), Shen Yue (441-513), and Liu Xiaochuo (481-539) that represent kingship and empire and thereby become a means of disseminating and implementing imperial power. In particular, it examines the physical and discursive construction of the capital Jiankang. We see thereby that Southern Dynasties court poetry was instrumental in the performance of sovereignty and the envisioning of the new, southern empire. 

Avant le Ve siècle, le fait d’accéder au titre d’empereur semble avoir réduit ceux à qui cela arrivait à l’incapacité en tant qu’auteurs, plutôt que de les encourager à une prolixité accrue. Vers le milieu du Ve siècle en revanche, la production littéraire tendit à se concentrer sur la cour, et l’un des traits particuliers de la littérature des dynasties du Sud est de voir empereurs et princes se joindre à leurs courtisans pour composer des poèmes lors de réunions amicales. Le présent article se concentre sur un certain nombre de poèmes de Song Wendi (r. 424-453), Yan Yanzhi (384-456), Xie Tiao (464-499), Shen Yue (441-513) et Liu Xiaochuo (481-539) qui sont autant de représentations de la royauté et de l’empire, et de ce fait ont servi à propager et réaliser le pouvoir impérial. Est en particulier examinée la construction physique et discursive de la capitale, Jiankang. Tout cela montre le rôle-clé joué par la poésie de cour sous les dynasties du Sud dans l’exercice de la souveraineté et la vision d’un nouvel empire méridional.
Place and the Hermeneutics of the Anthropocene
Authors: Clingerman Forrest
Published: October 2016

Connecting the Anthropocene to the “spatial turn” in theology, the present essay has two goals. First, departing from more common readings, this essay suggests that “the Anthropocene” is a hermeneutical concept, which serves as an interpretive name for how the contemporary human-environment relationship is materialized and thought. Second, this essay argues that the hermeneutics of the Anthropocene requires a point of mediation found in philosophical readings of human dwelling and the theological desire to find the integrity of place. The meaning of the Anthropocene can be used theologically to expose the contradictions within our imagination of the material location of the human future.
Hybrid Encounters in Reconciliation Ecology
Authors: Kidwell Jeremy
Published: October 2016

Over the past century, environmental scientists have developed a range of conservation approaches. Each of these, from management to restoration has embedded within it certain dualisms which create exclusive spaces or agencies for “human” and “nature.” I begin with a critique of these binaries as they occur in philosopher, Florence R. Kluckhohn’s influential model and in more recent narratives about the “Anthropocene,” and then turn to examine some of the novel features of “reconciliation ecology” as it has recently been deployed in the environmental sciences. Though this model is beginning to see wider use by scientists, it has not yet been explored within a religious framework. Taking up Miroslav Volf’s suggestion that reconciliation involves a “double strategy” I highlight ways that reconciliation can (1) provide a viable model for promoting an “embrace” of the other and (2) better integrate the past history of negative human biotic impacts.
Faunistic studies on macrozooplankton at Sundarapandian Pattinam and Manamelkudi, both locations along Palk Strait, Tamil Nadu, India (9-10°N, Arabian Sea)
Authors: De los Ríos Escalante Patricio , Kalaiarasi Mariadoss , Paul Packiam , Stella Chelladurai
Published: October 2016

Sundarapandian Pattinam and Manamelkudi are two locations situated on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, India (9°40′N 69°20′E), along Palk Strait, the sea channel between India and Sri Lanka, in the Arabian Sea. These sites are located in one of the most productives zones of the world’s oceans and they were sampled from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006. The present investigation has been made to study the distribution of planktonic copepods, in particular the occurrence of species in local assemblages, using null-model analysis. The results revealed that copepod assemblages can be considered random for Station I, whereas for Station II the species assemblages observed are not random. Hence, conservational measures are needed to protect the coastline of these two stations from too large an increase in aquacultural practice and an uncontrolled growth of fishery production, both intended for the economic upheaval of the local fishermen’s communities.
Influence of stock density on digestive enzyme activity (trypsin), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and oxidative stress biomarkers of narrow clawed crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823 (Decapoda, Astacidae)
Authors: Aksu Ö. , Kutluyer F. , Can E. , Eri̇şi̇r M. , Benzer F.
Published: October 2016

Stocking density causes changes in behaviour and physiology of aquatic animals and high density can cause oxidative damage in living cells. Therefore, experiments were designed to investigate the effects of stocking density on the oxidant-antioxidant response (glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA)), digestive enzyme activity (trypsin), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) of narrow clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus). The experiment was conducted to assess effects by stocking 3, 6, 9 and 12 crayfish/m2. Crayfish were stocked into 12 fiberglass tanks, three replicates per treatment and fed for 45 days. Our results indicated that activity of GSH-Px, MDA, and GSH levels increased in hepatopancreas () and muscle tissues () with increasing stock concentration while CAT activity decreased (). Trypsin and HSP70 insignificantly increased in haemolymph. In conclusion, oxidative stress biomarkers were negatively influenced by increased quantitative changes in stocking density.
Response
Authors: Coulthard Glen Sean
Published: October 2016

In the following article Glen Coulthard responds to four critical engagements with his bookRed Skin, White Masks: Rejecting the Colonial Politics of Recognition(Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2014). The article responds to critiques by George Ciccariello-Maher, Peter Kulchyski, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and Geoff Mann.
The Right to the City in Two Moments: The Bus and Tram Riots in São Paulo City in 1947 and 2013
Authors: Duarte Adriano Luiz
Published: October 2016

At the beginning of 1947 the first elections in fourteen years were held for state governors. Adhemar de Barros, elected in São Paulo with large support from the communists, was an old ally of Vargas who ran his own political party, the Progressive Social Party (psp), and began to compete with Vargas himself for the working-class vote. His campaign for the Government of the State of São Paulo had been based on lowering the high cost of living. He promised strict price controls on basic necessities and an intensive campaign against price rises. Therefore, when the Mayor of São Paulo announced a rise in transport fares a few months after the election of Adhemar, the hostile reaction spread through the city like wildfire. Rapid growth and the disregard of public authorities contributed to a chaotic and profoundly unequal urban landscape, where the most visible problem was the public transport system. The aim of this article is to understand the popular reaction to the rise in bus and tram fares which led to the largest urban riots in the history of the city, at that time already the largest industrial metropolis in Latin America.
The Impact of Participatory Learning on Attitude
Authors: Riegel Ulrich , Kindermann Katharina
Published: October 2016

Participatory learning is one way for religious education at school to deal with students’ lack of religious experience. In this paper we analyze the impact of participatory learning on the attitude of students towards church buildings. We engaged 594 third graders (about 8 years old) in German primary schools in an instructional sequence about this building. We assigned students to two groups following different instructional techniques, namely field trips to the local church and multi-sensory methods in the classroom. Both learning environments realized the concept of participatory learning. Before and after the sequence we had all students fill in a questionnaire and answer eight questions from which we infer their attitude towards church buildings. Our results indicate that participatory learning has the power to affect the students’ attitude. However, these changes are independent of the instructional technique.
Discrepancies between Civil Law and Common Law Federations
Authors: Fleiner Thomas
Published: October 2016

Over the last decade, missions of the UN have assisted with constitutional reforms including issues of federalism. The hopes for peace with regard to federal structures have often failed. This paper elaborates possible reasons why these hopes were disappointed. It will show that one should understand the differences between Common Law and continental systems with regard to federalism. Some experts from Common Law countries fail to appreciate the substantial difference between federal Constitutions embedded in a Civil Law culture and those embedded in a Common Law culture. The reasons for the success or failure of past, present and future federal reforms may help to improve UN activities in this field.

States of the Common Law tradition are not collective units, which have to steer their society. The Jacobins of the French Revolution, considered the State as their instrument to transform feudal society into a society of equal individuals. The Civil Law tradition has its roots in the French Revolution and in the sovereignty of the national legislative assembly as the only legitimate lawmaker of the State. The unity of the law does not depend on decisions of courts but only on the legislature. Constitutions of Civil Law federations need to enable the specified governmental branches of the federation to impose sanctions against federal units that fail to comply with federal laws.

According to the perspective of the Civil Law one has to deal with two ‘States’ claiming sovereignty in a hierarchy, while from the perspective of the Common Law one has to deal with mere ‘governments.’ Constitutions of multicultural federations embedded within the Civil Law culture will have to empower not just the federation but also the federal units to develop the different cultural identities. To foster different cultures is however, not a major function of the State of the Common Law tradition. Federalism of the Civil Law tradition is more complex than according to the Common Law tradition. Important differences between federations of a Common Law and Civil Law tradition lies in the lawmaking power of the courts. In Common Law, courts and legislature share the task of lawmaking; in Civil Law countries, the legislature regulates all issues of civil and criminal law. In a Civil Law country, legislatures, executives and courts cannot function if there is no valid local Constitution empowering those branches of the federal units. Thus, the federal Constitution of a civil law country has to establish the powers of the governmental branches of the federal units. Within federal system of the Civil Law, the federal units administer, implement and execute the laws of the federation. Constitutions of Civil Law federations need special provisions for the power of the federation to control and implement federal laws in the federal units. The civil law judiciary has no contempt of court against the administration and against authorities of federal units.
The Small Nations Οf Τhe Wider Arctic Space: Security Challenges, Policy Options
Authors: Bailes Alyson JK
Published: October 2016

The Arctic region’s smallest states and home-rule entities are clustered around the North European/ North Atlantic gateway. Small states in general are considered to need external ‘shelter’ from other states or institutions when faced with multi-functional security challenges beyond their own capacities. Arctic opening as a result of climate change will – even without conflict or excessive militarization – force local small actors to review their ‘hard’ security policies; will offer economic opportunities but also temptations and risks; and will create or aggravate various functional security challenges that demand multilateral cooperation. Case-by-case discussion of the various (groups of) small Northern actors reveals that their Arctic agendas vary subtly, and their preferred ‘shelter’ solutions sometimes not so subtly. Up to now, Arctic considerations have highlighted rather than overcoming variations in states’ basic stances vis-a-vis the obvious protectors: the us, nato and eu. However all small players close to the region agree on the value of ‘softer’ neighbourhood organizations like the Arctic Council, and are working to strengthen their own (broadly defined) security cooperation. The extra issue of independence arises for the Faroes, Greenland and Scotland. Despite all such complications, the overall value of having peace-minded small states engaged in the Arctic game probably outweighs the practical drawbacks.
Rethinking the Medials of Old Chinese: Where are the r's?
Authors: Handel Zev
Published: October 2016

This paper re-examines the traditional reconstruction of Old Chinese medial *-r- from the viewpoint of Tibeto-Burman comparison. It concludes that it is more natural from a typological perspective and more compelling from a comparative perspective to reconstruct *r- as a prefix rather than a medial before acute consonants, and perhaps in some cases before grave consonants as well. Such a revision has important implications for our understanding of Old Chinese syllable structure and derivational morphology.
Petite Quantite Et Politesse En Coréen Contemporain : Jokeum et Jom>
Authors: In-Bong Chang
Published: October 2016

This article is about the adverbs of degree meaning small quantity in Korean, jokeum and its abridged form jom. In order to clarify the mechanism by which the small quantity implies a meaning of politeness, this artic1e discusses the semantic meanings and functions as weil as the syntactic features.
ESQUISSE DE LA PHONOLOGIE D'UN DIALECTE DU JIANGXI : NANCHENG
Authors: Sagart Laurent , Halle Pierre
Published: October 2016

Based on over 400 character readings in the Nancheng city dialect of Eastern Jiangxi, a synchronic phonology is outlined and some sound correspondences with the Qie Yun system are worked out. Nancheng city dialect has the general characteristics of a Gan dialect and some Min-like developments in its rhyme system. Its principal feature of interest is the glottalization of upper Departing, a shortish tone with a sharp, metallic, ringing voice quality, ending in a clear-cut fashion, though not in a glottal stop. A comparison of the spectral properties of this and other tones shows upper Departing to be characterized by a weaker first harmonic. This dialect, as well as others in the same area, bears witness to the claim, made elsewhere, that Middle Chinese Departing tone was characterized by glottalized phonation.
贛語安義方言匣母字讀音的歷史層次及一組相關本子的考釋
Authors: Bo WAN
Published: October 2016

江西為歷史上北方移民南遷的中轉站，歷次北方方言的衝搫在贛語中留下了年輪般的痕跡，為考察漢語的歷史演變提供了種種啓發。本文首先分析和說明了贛語安義方言匣母子的今讀存在著現代、近古、中古三個歷史層次；其次通過對一組相關本子的考釋，說明安義方言匣母今讀還有一個上古音層次；最後對贛語中匣母子之所以還能保存上古讀音特點的原因等問題進行了討論
Finite Verb Morphology in Kinnauri
Authors: SAXENA Anju
Published: October 2016

The Kinnauri language belongs to the West Himalayish language group, the most underdocumented subgroup of the Bodish branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family (DeLancey 1989). This paper presents a descriptive account of Kinnauri finite verb morphology, concentrating on the copula construction and the inflectional morphology of affirmative finite verbs; the paper further analyzes the morphological distribution as well as the semantic interpretation of various finite verb morphemes.
Rhetoric and Human Separateness
Authors: Garsten Bryan
Published: October 2016

In his account of how each of us deliberates about what to do, Aristotle remarks that we do not always trust ourselves on important matters and so sometimes take counsel from others. Taking counsel from others is, in some ways, merely an expansion of the internal activity of deliberation; the suggestions come from other people rather than from our ownminds, but the judgment about them remains our own. In other ways, however, taking counsel is quite different from deliberating with oneself. These differences are the subject matter of the art of rhetoric, as Aristotle understands it. The paper compares the political relationship at work in deliberative rhetoric with slavery, which collapses the separateness of persons, and with friendship, which preserves it. And suggests that the importance of anger in Aristotle’s treatment of rhetoric can be understood as a reflection on the implications of human separateness.
Epideictic Rhetoric and the Foundations of Politics
Authors: Balot Ryan K.
Published: October 2016

At least since the time of Plato’s writings, epideictic rhetoric has been criticized as deceptive, as epistemologically bankrupt, and as politically irrelevant. Aristotle himself emphasizes that the key ‘topic’of epideictic is amplification and stresses that the epideictic orator chiefly adds ‘size’(megethos) and ‘beauty’(kallos) to widely shared memories. This paper reinterprets Aristotle’s statements and argues that Aristotle’s account brings to light significant civic resources embodied in epideictic. A genuine statesman uses ceremonial speech to articulate and explain a regime’s underlying ethos and purposes; thus he defines the regime’s telos and orients the citizenry toward it. In that way, it is argued, epideictic oratory is not the trivial cousin of deliberative and judicial rhetoric, but rather the rhetorical genre whose essential function is to explain and defend the fundamental building blocks of the regime.