bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference Function Based Spatiotemporal Fuzzy Logic Control Design Using Support Vector Regression Learning
Authors: Zhang Xian-Xia , Jiang Ye , Ma Shiwei , Wang Bing
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a reference function based 3D FLC design methodology using support vector regression (SVR) learning. The concept of reference function is introduced to 3D FLC for the generation of 3D membership functions (MF), which enhance the capability of the 3D FLC to cope with more kinds of MFs. The nonlinear mathematical expression of the reference function based 3D FLC is derived, and spatial fuzzy basis functions are defined. Via relating spatial fuzzy basis functions of a 3D FLC to kernel functions of an SVR, an equivalence relationship between a 3D FLC and an SVR is established. Therefore, a 3D FLC can be constructed using the learned results of an SVR. Furthermore, the universal approximation capability of the proposed 3D fuzzy system is proven in terms of the finite covering theorem. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a catalytic packed-bed reactor and simulation results have verified its effectiveness.
Mechanism of Immune System Based Multipath Fault Tolerant Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Hongbing , Xiong Qingyu , Shi Weiren , Chen Liwan , Shi Xin , Chen Qiang
Published: December 2013

It is significant to improve fault tolerance and transmission reliability for improving the overall performance of wireless sensor networks. Related studies on this issue become the hotspot at present. For issues that nodes fault or link quality can affect the transmission stability and reliability of the network, mechanism of immune system based multipath fault tolerant routing algorithm is presented for wireless sensor networks. Firstly, mechanism of immune system is adopted to establish the hierarchical clustering topology with superior performance of clustering compactness. Then nodes' comprehensive measurement (CM) values are calculated and the contour lines are established among cluster heads according to nodes gradient. Mechanism of immune system is applied to do the variation on the initial antibody population, namely, the multiple disjoint paths, to establish the final optimal transmission paths. Mathematical model is established to do the theoretical analysis on the performance of the algorithm. Through the simulation on the packet receiving rate, accuracy rate, and energy efficiency, the algorithm improves the transmission reliability, energy efficiency of the network, and shows superior performance of fault tolerance.
Biodistribution and Molecular Studies on Orally Administered Nanoparticle-AON Complexes Encapsulated with Alginate Aiming at Inducing Dystrophin Rescue inmdxMice
Authors: Falzarano Maria Sofia , Passarelli Chiara , Bassi Elena , Fabris Marina , Perrone Daniela , Sabatelli Patrizia , Maraldi Nadir M. , Donà Silvia , Selvatici Rita , Bonaldo Paolo , Sparnacci Katia , Laus Michele , Braghetta Paola , Rimessi Paola , Ferlini Alessandra
Published: December 2013

We have previously demonstrated that intraperitoneal injections of 2′-O-methyl-phosphorothioate (2′OMePS) antisense oligoribonucleotides adsorbed onto a cationic core-shell nanoparticles (NPs), termed ZM2, provoke dystrophin restoration in the muscles ofmdxmice. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the oral route as an alternative way of administration for ZM2-antisense oligoribonucleotides complexes. The biodistribution and elimination of nanoparticles were evaluated after single and multiple oral doses of IR-dye conjugated nanoparticles. Labeled nanoparticles were trackedin vivoas well as in tissue cryosections, urines and feces by Odyssey infrared imaging system, and revealed a permanence in the intestine and abdominal lymph nodes for 72 hours to 7 days before being eliminated. We subsequently tested alginate-free and alginate-encapsulated ZM2-antisense oligoribonucleotides (AON) complexes orally administered 2 and 3 times per week, respectively, inmdxmice for a total of 12 weeks. Treatment with alginate ZM2-AON induced a slight dystrophin rescue in diaphragm and intestine smooth muscles, while no dystrophin was detected in alginate-free ZM2-AON treated mice. These data encourage further experiments on oral administration testing of NP and AON complexes, possibly translatable in oligoribonucleotides-mediated molecular therapies.
Ionospheric Disturbances Recorded by DEMETER Satellite over Active Volcanoes: From August 2004 to December 2010
Authors: Zlotnicki Jacques , Li Feng , Parrot Michel
Published: December 2013

The study analyzes electromagnetic data and plasma characteristics in the ionosphere recorded by DEMETER microsatellite over erupting volcanoes during the life of the mission: from August 2004 to December 2010. The time window in which anomalous changes are searched brackets the onset of the eruptive activity from 60 days before to 15 days after the period during which most pre- and posteruptive phenomena are amplified. 73 volcanoes have entered into eruption. For 58 of them, 269 anomalies were found in relation to 89 eruptions. They are distributed in 5 types, similarly to the ones observed above impeding earthquakes. The two main types are electrostatic turbulence (type 1, 23.4%) and electromagnetic emissions (type 2, 69.5%). The maximum number of types 1 and 2 anomalies is recorded between 30 and 15 days before the surface activity, corresponding to the period of accelerating phenomena. The amount of anomalies seems related to the powerfulness of the eruptions. The appearance seems dependant on the likelihood to release bursts of gases during the preparatory eruptive phase. For the huge centenary October 26, 2010, Merapi (Indonesia) eruption, 9 ionospheric type 2 anomalies appeared before the eruption. They mainly emerge during the mechanical fatigue stage during which microfracturing occurs.
The Kirchhoff Index of Hypercubes and Related Complex Networks
Authors: Liu Jiabao , Cao Jinde , Pan Xiang-Feng , Elaiw Ahmed
Published: December 2013

The resistance distance between any two vertices ofGis defined as the network effective resistance between them if each edge ofGis replaced by a unit resistor. The Kirchhoff index Kf(G) is the sum of resistance distances between all the pairs of vertices inG. We firstly provided an exact formula for the Kirchhoff index of the hypercubes networksQnby utilizing spectral graph theory. Moreover, we obtained the relationship of Kirchhoff index between hypercubes networksQnand its three variant networksl(Qn),s(Qn),t(Qn)by deducing the characteristic polynomial of the Laplacian matrix related networks. Finally, the special formulae for the Kirchhoff indexes ofl(Qn),s(Qn), andt(Qn)were proposed, respectively.
Ethical Diversity and the Role of Conscience in Clinical Medicine
Authors: Genuis Stephen J. , Lipp Chris
Published: December 2013

In a climate of plurality about the concept of what is “good,” one of the most daunting challenges facing contemporary medicine is the provision of medical care within the mosaic of ethical diversity. Juxtaposed with escalating scientific knowledge and clinical prowess has been the concomitant erosion of unity of thought in medical ethics. With innumerable technologies now available in the armamentarium of healthcare, combined with escalating realities of financial constraints, cultural differences, moral divergence, and ideological divides among stakeholders, medical professionals and their patients are increasingly faced with ethical quandaries when making medical decisions. Amidst the plurality of values, ethical collision arises when the values of individual health professionals are dissonant with the expressed requests of patients, the common practice amongst colleagues, or the directives from regulatory and political authorities. In addition, concern is increasing among some medical practitioners due to mounting attempts by certain groups to curtail freedom of independent conscience—by preventing medical professionals from doing what to them is apparently good, or by compelling practitioners to do what they, in conscience, deem to be evil. This paper and the case study presented will explore issues related to freedom of conscience and consider practical approaches to ethical collision in clinical medicine.
Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: De Felice Francesca , Musio Daniela , Izzo Luciano , Pugliese Federico , Izzo Paolo , Bolognese Antonio , Tombolini Vincenzo
Published: December 2013

Purpose. To evaluate the treatment tolerance and clinical outcomes in patients aged 70 and older with locally advanced rectal carcinoma treated with multimodality approach.Methods and Materials. We retrospectively analysed 20 consecutive elderly patients, with histologically proven rectal adenocarcinoma, staged T3-4, and/or node-positive tumour, who received chemoradiotherapy and proceeded to surgical approach. Performance status score and adult comorbidity evaluation-27 score were calculated, and their influence on treatment tolerance and clinical outcomes was analysed.Results. All patients completed programmed chemoradiotherapy treatment. Gastrointestinal toxicity was the most common acute side effects: proctitis in 70% of patients and diarrhoea in 55%, classified as Grade 3 in 3 patients only. Radiation dermatitis was reported in 7 patients (35%) and it was graded G3 in one patient. There was no haematological toxicity. Eighteen patients out of 20 underwent surgery. Sphincter preservation was assured in 13 patients. Comorbidity index was related to higher severe acute toxicity (P=0.015) but no influenced treatment outcomes.Conclusion. Treatment tolerance with combined modality is good in elderly patients. Due to age, no dose reduction for radiation therapy and chemotherapy should be considered.
Investigation of Through-Thickness Stresses in Composite Laminates Using Layerwise Theory
Authors: Yazdani Sarvestani Hamidreza , Naghashpour Ali
Published: December 2013

In this study, an analytical method is developed to exactly obtain the interlaminar stresses near the free edges of laminated composite plates under the bending moment based on the reduced form of elasticity displacement field for a long laminate. The analytical and numerical studies were performed based on the Reddy’s layerwise theory for the boundary layer stresses within cross-ply, symmetric, angle-ply, and general composite laminates. Finally, a variety of numerical results are presented for the interlaminar normal and shear stresses along the interfaces and through thickness of laminates near the free edges. The results showed high stress gradient of interlaminar normal and shear stresses near the edges of laminates.
Comparative Anatomy of the Hind Limb Vessels of the Bearded Capuchins (Sapajus libidinosus) with Apes, Baboons, andCebus capucinus: With Comments on the Vessels' Role in Bipedalism
Authors: Aversi-Ferreira Roqueline A. G. M. F. , de Abreu Tainá , Pfrimer Gabriel A. , Silva Sylla F. , Ziermann Janine M. , Carneiro-e-Silva Frederico O. , Tomaz Carlos , Tavares Maria Clotilde H. , Maior Rafael S. , Aversi-Ferreira Tales A.
Published: December 2013

Capuchin monkeys are known to exhibit sporadic bipedalism while performing specific tasks, such as cracking nuts. The bipedal posture and locomotion cause an increase in the metabolic cost and therefore increased blood supply to lower limbs is necessary. Here, we present a detailed anatomical description of the capuchin arteries and veins of the pelvic limb ofSapajus libidinosusin comparison with other primates. The arterial pattern of the bearded capuchin hind limb is more similar to other quadrupedalCebusspecies. Similarities were also found to the pattern observed in the quadrupedPapio, which is probably due to a comparable pelvis and the presence of the tail.Sapajus' traits show fewer similarities when compared to great apes and modern humans. Moreover, the bearded capuchin showed unique patterns for the femoral and the short saphenous veins. Although this species switches easily from quadrupedal to bipedal postures, our results indicate that the bearded capuchin has no specific or differential features that support extended bipedal posture and locomotion. Thus, the explanation for the behavioral differences found among capuchin genera probably includes other aspects of their physiology.
A Bioinspired 10 DOF Wearable Powered Arm Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation
Authors: Manna Soumya Kanti , Bhaumik Subhasis
Published: December 2013

The developed exoskeleton device (Exorn) has ten degrees of freedom to control joints starting from shoulder griddle to wrist to provide better redundancy, portability, and flexibility to the human arm motion. A 3D conceptual model is being designed to make the system wearable by human arm. All the joints are simple revolute joints with desired motion limit. A Simulink model of the human arm is being developed with proper mass and length to determine proper torque required for actuating those joints. Forward kinematics of the whole system has been formulated for getting desired dexterous workspace. A proper and simple Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the required embedded system have been designed for providing physiotherapy lessons to the patients. In the literature review it has been found that researchers have generally ignored the motion of shoulder griddle. Here we have implemented those motions in our design. It has also been found that people have taken elbow pronation and supination motion as a part of shoulder internal and external rotation though both motions are quite different. A predefined resolved motion rate control structure with independent joint control is used so that all movements can be controlled in a predefined way.
Metyrapone for Long-Term Medical Management of Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Traina Andrea N. , Farr Ashley , Malik Ritu , Bingham Robert J.
Published: December 2013

Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by any cause of excess cortisol in the blood and produces many physiologic consequences. Left untreated, Cushing’s is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Seventy percent of endogenous cases of Cushing’s syndrome are secondary to a pituitary tumor; because of this, the primary mode of management is surgical resection of the tumor. Should hypercortisolism persist following surgical resection, further treatment options are limited. Metyrapone is an orphan medication that is often used in the diagnosis of the disease and occasionally for short-term treatment prior to surgery. Long-term treatment with metyrapone is usually discouraged due to the contradictory increase in ACTH production, acne, hirsutism, hyperkalemia, edema, and other mineralocorticoid effects. We present a patient with refractory Cushing’s syndrome successfully treated for nearly 6 years with metyrapone with minimal adverse effects. This orphan medication may be a viable long-term treatment option for this difficult disease.
A Simple Technique for the Positioning of a Patient with an above Knee Amputation for an Ipsilateral Extracapsular Hip Fracture Fixation
Authors: Davarinos N. , Ellanti P. , McCoy G.
Published: December 2013

The positioning of the patient on the fracture table is critical to the successful reduction and operative fixation of hip fractures which are fixed using the dynamic hip screw system (DHS). There is a standard setup which is commonly used with relative ease. Yet the positioning of patients with amputations either above or below knee of the affected side can pose a significant challenge. We describe a novel positioning technique used on a 51-year old patient with a right above knee amputation who sustained an intertrochanteric extracapsular hip fracture.
Game Perspectives of DEA Models and Their Duals
Authors: Xu Fang , Zhang DaQun , Yang GuoLiang , Liu WenBin
Published: December 2013

We present a series of two-person games, which lead to various DEA models. The relationship between the DEA models and the games is explicit in our setting, although the Nash equilibrium solutions do not generally exist. Besides the classic DEA models, we also establish an explicit relationship between the games and some extended DEA models, such as free disposable hull DEA models and “negative” or “inverted” DEA models.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis on the Rain-Wind-Induced Vibration of Cable Considering the Equilibrium Position of Rivulet
Authors: Liu Xijun , Huo Bing , Zhang Suxia
Published: December 2013

The nonlinear dynamic behavior of rain-wind-induced vibration of inclined cable is investigated with the consideration of the equilibrium position of the moving rivulet. The partial differential governing equations of three-degree-of-freedom on the model of rain-wind-induced cable vibration are established, which are proposed for describing the nonlinear interactions among the in-plane, out-of-plane vibration of the cable and the oscillation of the moving rivulet. The Galerkin method is applied to discretize the partial differential governing equations. The approximately analytic solution is obtained by using the method of averaging. The unique correspondence between the wind and the equilibrium position of the rivulet is ascertained. The presence of rivulet at certain positions on the surface of cable is then proved to be one of the trigger for wind-rain-induced cable vibration. The nonlinear dynamic phenomena of the inclined cable subjected to wind and rain turbulence are then studied by varying the parameters including mean wind velocity, Coulomb damping force, damping ratio, the span length, and the initial tension of the inclined cable on the model. The jump phenomenon is also observed which occurs when there are multiple solutions in the system.
The Sensitivity of Characteristics of Large Scale Baroclinic Unstable Waves in Southern Hemisphere to the Underlying Climate
Authors: Soldatenko Sergei , Tingwell Chris
Published: December 2013

The sensitivity of the main characteristics of baroclinically unstable waves with respect to fundamental parameters of the atmosphere (the static stability parameterσ0and vertical shear of a zonal windΛ) is theoretically explored. Two types of waves are considered: synoptic scale waves and planetary scale (ultralong) waves based on an Eady-type model and model with vertically averaged primitive equations. Sensitivity functions are obtained that estimate the impact of variations inσ0andΛon the growth rate and other characteristics of unstable waves and demonstrate that waves belonging to the short-wave part of the spectrum of unstable waves are more sensitive to changes in the static stability parameter than waves belonging to the long-wave part of the spectrum. The obtained theoretical results show that the increase of the static stability and decrease of the meridional temperature gradient in midlatitude baroclinic zones in some areas of the southern hemisphere lead to a slowing of the growth rate of baroclinic unstable waves and an increasing wavelength of baroclinic unstable wave maximum growth rate, that is, a spectrum shift of unstable waves towards longer wavelengths. These might affect the favorable conditions for the development of baroclinic instability and, therefore, the intensity of cyclone generation activity.
Clinical Features of a New Acid-Labile Subunit (IGFALS) Heterozygous Mutation: Anthropometric and Biochemical Characterization and Response to Growth Hormone Administration
Authors: Grandone Anna , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Cirillo Grazia , Abbondanza Ciro , Cioffi Michele , Romano Tiziana , Micillo Flora , Marzuillo Pierluigi , Perrone Laura
Published: December 2013

Background: Homozygous mutations in acid-labile subunit (IGFALS) gene result in short stature, very low circulating levels of acid-labile subunit (ALS), insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and a poor response to growth hormone (GH). The impact of IGFALS mutations heterozygosity on growth is unknown. Patient and Methods: We describe a 10-year-old girl with severe short stature (height -3.2 SDS), heterozygous for a new IGFALS mutation. Results: The girl showed low circulating IGF1, IGFBP3 and ALS levels and normal GH secretion. We found a novel heterozygous frameshift IGFALS mutation (c.1283delA, p.Gln428Argfs*14). Size-exclusion chromatography showed a reduction of the IGF1, IGFBP3 and ALS 150-kDa ternary complex (by about 55%) compared to a control. An IGF-1 generation test, with two different GH dosages, showed a good response in term of increase in IGF1 and in formation of the ternary complex at size-exclusion chromatography. Clinical response after 6 months of therapy with GH was satisfactory (height velocity increased from 3 to 8 cm/year). Conclusion: We suggest that (1) heterozygous IGFALS mutations can be responsible for a subset of patients with severe short stature (below -2.5 SDS), low IGF1 (below -2 SDS) and normal GH secretion, and (2) the identification by IGFALS molecular screening of this subset of patients could help in the administration of the appropriate therapy.
Exogenous Nerve Growth Factor Promotes the Repair of Cardiac Sympathetic Heterogeneity and Electrophysiological Instability in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Xue Mei , Xuan Yong-Li , Wang Ye , Hu He-Sheng , Li Xiao-Lu , Suo Fei , Li Xin-Ran , Cheng Wen-Juan , Yan Su-Hua
Published: December 2013

Objectives: Diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy can lead to an increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). However, few data are available regarding the pathogenesis and therapy of the VAs accompanying diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy. We aimed to explore whether or not exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) can reduce the sympathetic heterogeneity and the incidence of VAs in diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: controls, rats with DM with saline infused into the left stellate ganglion (LSG), i.e. the DS group and rats with DM with NGF infused into the LSG, i.e. the DN group. After 28 weeks, all rats were subjected to electrophysiological experiments. Sympathetic innervations and NGF were studied by immunostaining, RT-PCR or Western blot analysis. Results: The incidence of inducible VAs was significantly higher in the DS group than in the control group, but was markedly decreased in the DN group. In the DS group, the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and NGF expression were significantly lower than in the other groups, and significant proximal-distal heterogeneities existed regarding the TH and NGF expression in the left ventricle, but were markedly repaired in the DN group. Conclusions: NGF intervention in the LSG can reduce the heterogeneity of cardiac sympathetic innervations and the incidence of VAs in diabetic rats.
Lamivudine Treatment Failure Risks in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Low Viral Load
Authors: Koklu Seyfettin , Gulsen Murat Taner , Tuna Yasar , Koklu Hayretdin , Yuksel Osman , Yilmaz Baris , Karaca Cetin , Ataseven Huseyin , Guner Rahmet , Kucukazman Metin , Kockar Cem , Demir Mehmet , Poyrazoglu Orhan Kursat , Ibis Mehmet , Purnak Tugrul , Etgul Sezgin , Alkan Erhan , Coban Sahin , Gokturk Suut , Biyik Murat , Baykal Ozlem , Basar Omer , Koklu Nimet , Tatar Gonca , Simsek Halis
Published: December 2013

Aim: To analyze the risk factors of lamivudine treatment failure (LTF) for the long-term use in patients with low viral load (LVL). Material and Methods: In this multicenter study, 548 antiviral naïve noncirrhotic adult patients with LVL (for HBeAg+ patients HBV DNA <109 copies/ml and for HBeAg- patients HBV DNA <107 copies/ml) were enrolled. As a control group, 46 lamivudine-initiated patients with high viral load (HVL) were included. Primary outcome was switching to or adding on another antiviral drug as a consequence of primary nonresponse, partial response, viral breakthrough or adverse events. Secondary outcomes included LTF rates at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years and LTF-related viral and host factors. Results: Among 594 patients, 294 had to change lamivudine at the follow-up. Primary nonresponse, partial response, viral breakthrough or adverse events frequencies were 6.8, 1.6, 64.5 and 0.1%, respectively. Five-year LTF rates were 61.3 and 84.2% in patients with LVL and HVL, respectively. Among patients with LVL, patients with <100,000 copies/ml and ≥100,000 copies/ml had 54.8 and 67.3% LTF rates at the end of the 5th year, respectively. Logistic regression analysis of risk factors showed HBeAg+, hepatic activity index, HBV DNA, virological response at 6 months and duration of follow-up were independent predictors for LTF (p values were 0.001, 0.008, 0.003, 0.020 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Similar to patients with HVL, first-line lamivudine therapy is not efficient for long-term use in patients with LVL. LTF risk is so high even in the absence of worse predictive factors.
Haemodialysis impairs clopidogrel but not aspirin responsiveness in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Htun Patrik , Kan Tatiana , Mueller Eda , Pohle Cosima , Schindler Ralf , Geisler Tobias , Gawaz Meinrad , Bocksch Wolfgang , Fateh-Moghadam Suzanne
Published: December 2013

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin (ASA) and clopidogrel (Clp) is the standard treatment to reduce ischaemic coronary events, but in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) the efficacy of Clp remains unclear. Patients with ESRD are at higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and also their post-interventional outcome is worse compared to patients with normal renal function. Little is known about the influence of haemodialysis (HD) on ASA and Clp responsiveness. To assess the effect of HD on ASA- and Clp-responsiveness in patients with documented CAD and ESRD, 31 patients with ESRD (mean age 66.5 ± 1.8 years, 23 male ) on DAPT were evaluated for their ASA and Clp responsiveness with the Verify Now System (Accumetrics Inc.) We measured the antiplatelet effect in all ESRD patients at three time points: T1: just before HD; T2: directly after HD; T3: steady state on a HD free day one week after T1. In our study at baseline 10 (32.3%) patients were ASA-low responder (ASA-LR) and 14 (45.2%) patients Clp-low responder (Clp-LR). There was a significant difference in the PRU values before ( T1) and immediately after HD (T2) [PRU T1=234 (169; 274) vs PRUT2= 247 (199; 278); pT1,2=0.036; ]. Results were shown as median ARU T1 (25th, 75th percentile) or median PRU T1 (25th, 75th percentile). Hence HD seems to impair responsiveness to Clp, resulting in an increase of 6.5 % Clp-LR. No significant differences in the ARU values at the different time-points were found.
A model predicting fluindione dose requirement in elderly inpatients including genotypes, body weight, and amiodarone
Authors: Moreau Caroline , Pautas Eric , Duverlie Charlotte , Berndt Celia , Andro Marion , Mahé Isabelle , Emmerich Joseph , Lacut Karine , Gal Grégoire Le , Peyron Isabelle , Gouin-Thibault Isabelle , Golmard Jean-Louis , Loriot Marie-Anne , Siguret Virginie
Published: December 2013

Indandione VKAs have been widely used for decades, especially in Eastern Europe and France. Contrary to coumarin VKAs, the relative contribution of individual factors to the indandione-VKA response is poorly known. In the present multicentre study, we sought to develop and validate a model including genetic and non-genetic factors to predict the daily fluindione dose requirement in elderly patients in whom VKA dosing is challenging. We prospectively recorded clinical and therapeutic data in 230 Caucasian inpatients mean aged 85 ± 6 years, who had reached international normalized ratio stabilisation (range 2.0–3.0) on fluindione. In the derivation cohort (n=156), we analysed 13 polymorphisms in seven genes potentially involved in the pharmacological effect or vitamin-K cycle (VKORC1, CYP4F2, EPHX1) and fluindione metabolism/transport (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A5, ABCB1). We built a regression model incorporating non-genetic and genetic data and evaluated the model performances in a separate cohort (n=74). Body-weight, amiodarone intake, VKORC1, CYP4F2, ABCB1 genotypes were retained in the final model, accounting for 31.5% of dose variability. None influence of CYP2C9 was observed. Our final model showed good performances: in 83.3% of the validation cohort patients, the dose was accurately predicted within 5 mg, i.e. the usual step used for adjusting fluindione dosage. In conclusion, in addition to body-weight and amiodarone-intake, pharmacogenetic factors (VKORC1,CYP4F2,ABCB1) related to the pharmacodynamic effect and transport of fluindione significantly influenced the dose requirement in elderly patients while CYP2C9 did not. Studies are required to know whether fluindione could be an alternative VKA in carriers of polymorphic CYP2C9 alleles, hypersensitive to coumarins.
Estudo do preenchimento do sujeito de terceira pessoa em falantes nativos e não-nativos de Português do Brasi
Authors: Gutz Karin
Published: December 2013

Este trabalho faz um levantamento do preenchimento pronominal do sujeito de terceira pessoa no português brasileiro em narrativas orais e escritas de estudantes do ensino fundamental e médio. Também são comparadas as produções de falantes nativos àquelas de falantes não-nativos (alemães que têm o português como segunda língua). Para a realização deste trabalho 14 alunos (7 nativos e 7 não-nativos) assistiram a um vídeo e narraram a estória do filme oralmente e por escrito. A observação do material mostra que o preenchimento pronominal é a opção mais utilizada nos quatro grupos: não-nativos escrito (100%) > não-nativos oral (83%) > nativos oral (81%) > nativos escrito (59%). Quanto aos falantes não-nativos, o levantamento dos dados foi ao encontro do que se supunha antes da elaboração do trabalho, ou seja, de que o preenchimento pronominal é a opção mais utilizada e, sobretudo, na língua escrita. A obrigatoriedade do preenchimento do sujeito no alemão, língua materna dos informantes, parece estar influenciando sua utilização do português como língua estrangeira. Em relação aos falantes nativos os altos índices de preenchimento na oralidade, bem como os valores significativos verificados na escrita, parecem confirmar a hipótese levantada por Duarte (1993, 2000) de que o português do Brasil estaria alterando o seu sistema linguístico de uma marcação positiva para uma marcação negativa do parâmtero pro-drop. Por fim, foi elaborada uma nova possibilidade de análise, considerando-se que na terceira pessoa, diferentemente da primeira e da segunda, o sujeito nulo não corresponde diretamente ao pronome nulo. Se assim se considerar, estará se ignorando a existência da possibilidade de preenchimento nominal. A reanálise do corpus, considerando portanto o sujeito nulo como a possibilidade de apagamento tanto do pronome como de uma referência nominal, sugere que as verdadeiras porcentagens de sujeitos preenchidos na terceira pessoa são mais semelhantes do que se imaginava àquelas verificadas para a primeira e segunda pessoas. Isso pode ser interpretado como um indício de que a mudança do português do Brasil para uma língua de preenchimento obrigatório do sujeito se encontra em um estágio mais avançado do que se supunha.
Recursos gramaticais para a expressão de proposições dependentes da valência do predicado em Português, Espanhol e Alemão
Authors: Gärtner Eberhard
Published: December 2013

Neste artigo, depois de esvoçar diferenças metodológicas fundamentais entre a descrição de orações subordinadas nas tradições luso-brasileira e alemã, apresentamos uma descrição de orações completivas e construções equivalentes das três línguas em epígrafe, baseada num modelo gramatical que inclui o significado oracional na descrição gramatical. Consideramos a 'proposição' uma entidade semântica (significado oracional) constituída pelas propriedades semânticas do predicado, por meio da valência semântica do mesmo. A valência sintática, então, decide sobre as construções morfo-sintáticas utilizáveis, com um determinado predicado, para a expressão da respectiva proposição dependente subjacente. Grande parte do artigo é destinada à descrição desses recursos gramaticais de expressão, entre os quais contamos tanto as orações  conjuncionais e as construções de infinitivo, nas funções oracionais de sujeito, objeto ou complemento adverbial ou em função completiva nominal, como construções substantivadas, nominalizações e pronominalizações. Discutimos tambem construções com elevação de sujeito, entre as quais incluímos construções conjuncionais, de infinitivo, de gerúndio, gerundiais de infinitivo assim como sintagmas adjetivais, nominais e preposicionais como formas de redução de proposições com predicado nominal e locativo. Finalmente referimo-nos a construções mono-oracionais com elevação de vários argumentos. A comparação com o alemão dá como resultado a maior riqueza das duas línguas ibero-românicas em recursos expressivos para proposições dependentes: a comparação entre estas evidencia sutis diferenças entre o português e o espanhol.
Protecting Civilians in Africa: The Risks of Issue-Linkage between RtoP and Peacekeeping
Authors: Tardy Thierry
Published: December 2013

The issue of civilian protection by international actors has gone through significant evolutions over the last decade, with a particular resonance in the African context. First, civilian protection by peacekeepers has become increasingly mainstreamed both in policy documents and in African peacekeeping operations’ mandates. In parallel, civilian protection lies at the core of the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) adopted by the 2005 UN World Summit. This parallel conceptual development has led to a rapprochement between the two emerging norms. Issue-linkage between RtoP and civilian protection in peacekeeping operations has been observed in the broad policy development, while peacekeeping operations in Darfur and Côte d’Ivoire in particular have provided examples of such a rapprochement. Drawing on developments on the African continent, this article argues that issue-linkage between RtoP and civilian protection in peacekeeping is counterproductive. First, RtoP is characterized by its exceptional nature and narrow agenda – in relation to the four threshold crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing – while the civilian protection in peacekeeping agenda is broad-ranging. Second, the two concepts imply different degrees of use of force that should justify a conceptual caesura. Third, both RtoP and civilian protection in peacekeeping are emerging norms that are resisted because of a suspicion of norm-makers’ political agendas. The contentious nature of the two concepts, in particular the coercive dimension of RtoP, is such that issue-linkage is likely to exacerbate norms’ resistance rather than provide a mutually reinforcing environment.
From Strategic Adjustment to Normative Learning? Understanding China’s Peacekeeping Efforts in Africa
Authors: Huang Chin-Hao
Published: December 2013

Over the last two decades, Chinese armed forces have been increasingly exposed to the global norms of UN peacekeeping, not least through expanded participation in international peacekeeping operations. As the largest Security Council permanent member troop contributor, more than four fifths of Chinese troops in UN peacekeeping operations are deployed in Africa. As such, China is increasingly in a position to strengthen peacekeeping operations, contribute to stability, security, and security sector reform in Africa, and expand its regional multilateral military cooperation, all of which raises the prospects for China to become more integrated in the international community and a responsible, and responsive, major power. Given these important developments and their implications for the future of peacekeeping in Africa, this paper seeks to: identify the key determinants that undergird China’s evolving foreign policy approach toward peacekeeping principles and praxis in Africa; ascertain the degree and trace the process in which increasing interactions between China, the African Union, and the broader international community have led Chinese policy elites to consider greater flexibility in their views toward sovereignty and the changing nature of peacekeeping; assess how a rising China may exert its influence through its expanding role in peacekeeping; and analyze the strategic implications of these security developments for Africa.
‘Bending the Rules’: The Space between HQ Policy and Local Action in UN Civilian Peacekeeping
Authors: da Costa Diana Felix , Karlsrud John
Published: December 2013

Recent literature has argued that a ‘dominant peacebuilding culture’ has precluded the contextualisation of peacebuilding to local dynamics. The article explores the ‘peacekeeping-peacebuilding nexus’ in practice, where civilian peacekeepers are increasingly considered to be early peacebuilders. Drawing on examples from United Nations (UN) civilian peacekeeping involvement in local peacebuilding in South Sudan, this article argues for a less reductionist and more nuanced view of local peacebuilding and the social interactions and dynamics which take place. It recognises the discrepancies between official UN Headquarters (HQ) policy and action in the “field”, and thus explores the relationship between policy and practice and the location of agency and authority in civilian peacekeeping. The article argues that the critique levelled against peacekeeping and peacebuilding for being focused on actors in host country capitals does not sufficiently take into consideration the relationship between capitals and the “field”. Rather, local peacebuilding outcomes depend as much or more on negotiations, bargains and compromises between different actors at the “field” level, than on institutional policy decision-making deriving from headquarters.
The Nepenthes micramphora (Nepenthaceae) group, with two new species from Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: CHEEK MARTIN , JEBB MATTHEW
Published: December 2013

The N. micramphora group is erected to accommodate the species N. micramphora, N. abgracilis sp. nov. and N. cid  sp. nov. from submontane habitats in Mindanao, Philippines. An overview of the genus in the Philippines is presented in the context of recent discoveries. The greater taxonomic importance of pitcher characters over those of the flowers in the genus is reviewed and hypotheses are provided to account for this phenomenon.
The Impact of Ground-Based Glaciogenic Seeding on Orographic Clouds and Precipitation: A Multisensor Case Study
Authors: Pokharel Binod , Geerts Bart , Jing Xiaoqin
Published: December 2013

A case study is presented from the 2012 AgI Seeding Cloud Impact Investigation, an experiment conducted over the Sierra Madre in southern Wyoming to study the impact of ground-based glaciogenic seeding on precipitation. In this case, on 21 February, the temperature in the turbulent boundary layer above cloud base in the target region was just below −8°C, the target orographic clouds contained liquid water, and the storm was rather steady during the measurement period, consisting of an untreated period, followed by a treated period. Eight silver iodide (AgI) generators were used, located on the windward mountain slope. This study is unprecedented in its diversity of radar systems, which included the W-band (3 mm) profiling Wyoming Cloud Radar (WCR), a pair of Ka-band (1 cm) profiling Micro Rain Radars (MRRs), and an X-band (3 cm) scanning Doppler-on-Wheels (DOW) radar. The WCR was on board a research aircraft flying geographically fixed tracks, the DOW was located on the main mountain pass in the target region, one MRR was at this pass, and the other was upstream of the generators. Composite data from the three radars indicate that near-surface reflectivity was higher during seeding, a change that could not be accounted for by storm intensification upstream of the generators. Data from a Parsivel disdrometer at the pass indicate that the concentration of snow crystals of all sizes was larger during seeding, although this change was somewhat delayed. This study highlights the challenge of an observational study to unambiguously identify a seeding signal, as well as the value of cumulative corroborative evidence from independent sources.
Validation of Salinity Data from Surface Drifters
Authors: Reverdin G. , Morisset S. , Boutin J. , Martin N. , Sena-Martins M. , Gaillard F. , Blouch P. , Rolland J. , Font J. , Salvador J. , Fernández P. , Stammer D.
Published: December 2013

Salinity measurements from 119 surface drifters in 2007–12 were assessed; 80% [Surface Velocity Program with a barometer with a salinity sensor (SVP-BS)] and 75% [SVP with salinity (SVP-S)] of the salinity data were found to be usable, after editing out some spikes. Sudden salinity jumps are found in drifter salinity records that are not always associated with temperature jumps, in particular in the wet tropics. A method is proposed to decide whether and how to correct those jumps, and the uncertainty in the correction applied. Northeast of South America, in a region influenced by the Amazon plume and fresh coastal water, drifter salinity is very variable, but a comparison with data from the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite suggests that this variability is usually reasonable. The drifter salinity accuracy is then explored based on comparisons with data from Argo floats and from thermosalinographs (TSGs) of ships of opportunity. SVP-S/SVP-BS drifter records do not usually present significant biases within the first 6 months, but afterward biases sometimes need to be corrected (altogether, 16% of the SVP-BS records). Biases start earlier after 3 months for drifters not protected by antifouling paint. For the few drifters for which large corrections were applied to portions of the record, the accuracy cannot be proven to be better than 0.1 psu, and it cannot be proven to be better than 0.5 psu for data in the largest variability area off northeast South America. Elsewhere, after excluding portions of the records with suspicious salinity jumps or when large corrections were applied, the comparisons rule out average biases in individual drifter salinity record larger than 0.02 psu (midlatitudes) and 0.05 psu (tropics).
What factors matter for trade at the global level? Testing five approaches to globalization, 1820–2007
Authors: Kwon Roy
Published: December 2013

This article uses a global-level dataset with information across nearly two centuries to explore the factors associated with the expansion of international trade. The results of the autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity regressions show that trade since the early 1800s is strongly coupled with advancements in industrial technology and its ability to cut the cost of commodities transport. In addition, the spread of democracy and the geopolitical stability promoted by the hegemonic nation-state are additional factors that augment trade during the past two centuries. The findings also reveal that trade since the early 1900s is further enhanced by the growing membership base of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, given their propensity to generate compatible national institutions and a uniform set of rules for cross-national commodities exchange. However, there is no support for the claim that advancements in communications technology or the expansion of international governmental organizations increases trade globalization.
Improving mechanical properties of near-net-shape aluminum/MWCNT nanocomposites fabricated by plasma spray forming using electroless copper coating of MWCNT
Authors: Merajin Mehdi Torabi , Mashhadi Mahmoud Mosavi , Sahraei Abolfazl Alizadeh
Published: December 2013

The growing demand for using high-performance materials for industrial sheet parts manufacturing actuated us to fabricate wave-formed sheets nanocomposite. A combination of impregnation method and plasma spray forming (PSF) was used for manufacturing of Al/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) sheets nanocomposite. By addition of 5 wt.% MWCNT to pure Al matrix, microhardness increased to 34.5 (VHN) compared to 30 (VHN) for monolithic pure Al. The effect of using coated MWCNT as a reinforcement material was also investigated. Our results showed that applying coated MWCNT not only lead to significant increase of microhardness (50 VHN), but also less defect was generated on the MWCNT sidewalls.
Rethinking the Economic Contribution of Tourism
Authors: Hadjikakou Michalis , Chenoweth Jonathan , Miller Graham , Druckman Angela , Li Gang
Published: December 2013

The article introduces an integrated market-segmentation and tourism yield estimation framework for inbound tourism. Conventional approaches to yield estimation based on country of origin segmentation and total expenditure comparisons do not provide sufficient detail, especially for mature destinations dominated by large single-country source markets. By employing different segmentation approaches along with Tourism Satellite Accounts and various yield estimates, this article estimates direct economic contribution for subsegments of the UK market on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Overall expenditure across segments varies greatly, as do the spending ratios in different categories. In the case of Cyprus, the most potential for improving economic contribution currently lies in increasing spending on “food and beverages” and “culture and recreation.” Mass tourism therefore appears to offer the best return per monetary unit spent. Conducting similar studies in other destinations could identify priority spending sectors and enable different segments to be targeted appropriately.
Feasibility and efficacy of a peer-led recovery group program for war-related trauma in Libya
Authors: Stanford Matthew S , Elverson Timothy M , Padilla Jose I , Rogers Edward B
Published: December 2013

After 42 years under the brutal rule of Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi, the people of Libya rose up on 17 February 2011 and demanded change. The 9-month civil war that followed resulted in the deaths of approximately 15,000 Libyans. This study reports on the feasibility and efficacy of a 10-week peer-led group-based recovery intervention for war-related trauma implemented at the Garyounis internally displaced person camp outside of the city of Benghazi. The results of this preliminary assessment show that the use of peers to lead recovery groups for war-related trauma is not only feasible but also appears to be highly efficacious in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in civilians. The reported subjective experiences of those involved in facilitating the groups suggest that the use of peers, rather than mental health professionals, is a realistic option to minimize the long-term effects of war-related trauma.
A New Look at Campaign Advertising and Political Engagement
Authors: Matthes Jörg , Marquart Franziska
Published: December 2013

Exposure to cross-cutting versus like-minded political advertising is highly relevant in terms of deliberative democratic theory. However, few efforts have been made to shed light on the effects of such opinion-incongruent and -congruent political advertisements. By analyzing data from a representative panel survey, and hence identifying effects over time, we found that exposure to opinion-congruent advertising enhanced political participation. Opinion-congruent advertising also accelerated the timing of voting decisions when citizens were low in ideological strength. However, contrary to our expectations, exposure to opinion-incongruent political advertising had no effects on political participation and the timing of voting decisions. These findings suggest that opinion-congruent advertising is a strong mobilizer, whereas opinion-hostile advertising is a weak cross-pressure. Implications of these findings for the study of political advertising effects are discussed.