bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interest groups in Brazil: a new era and its challenges
Authors: Oliveira Gozetto Andréa Cristina , Thomas Clive S.
Published: September 2014

This article provides general and specific insights into Brazil's developing interest group system. In doing so, it presents a theoretical foundation for understanding this group activity, past and present. The general insights of the role of interest groups under limited political participation and authoritarian regimes down to the 1980s plus the period of democracy since then, provide background for the specific insights of the article. The specifics focus on three aspects of Brazil's contemporary interest group activity: (1) utilization of a neo‐institutional analytical approach for understanding the interest group environment; (2) an analysis of the types of lobbying activity that takes place in Brazil today, including a case study; and (3) an assessment of the level of development of the group system by placing it in a comparative perspective with both advanced liberal democracies and other Latin American countries. The findings show that Brazil is, indeed, taking on many of the characteristics of a developed interest group system; but its past, its political culture, its political economy, and, paradoxically, its new‐found status as an international power, work to present several challenges to its group system and thus to a full democratization of the country. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of carbon nanoparticle type, content, and stress on piezoresistive polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Rizvi R. , Naguib H.
Published: September 2014

This study examines the piezoresistive behavior of polyethylene (PE) composites containing different types of carbon nanoparticle fillers. The fillers investigated are single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT), multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), which were dispersed in PE through melt blending in concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 10 wt%. The dispersion and nanocomposite morphology were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction with strong evidence found for shear‐induced orientation of GNP nanoparticles during the compression molding process. The conductivity and permittivity of the composite materials was investigated using impedance spectroscopy and the lowest percolation threshold and highest electrical conductivity was observed for SWCNT composites, followed by MWCNT and GNP. The compressive piezoresistance of the nanocomposites was measured and the initial, elastic, and plastic deformation regions were all identifiable by the resistance measurements. The main finding of this study is that the piezoresistance of MWCNT nanocomposites is more sensitive to the effects of varying stress and composition than SWCNT nanocomposites. This indicates an evolving filler network in the case for MWCNT, while a static network for SWCNT, which is explained by the higher aspect ratio and surface area of the latter. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1643–1651, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Degradation of PLA fibers at elevated temperature and humidity
Authors: Mitchell Mary K. , Hirt Douglas E.
Published: September 2014

The hydrolytic degradation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) devices has previously been reported as size dependent for devices such as plates, microspheres, and films between 2 and 0.3 mm in thickness or diameter. In this study, the effect of fiber diameter on the degradation characteristics of PLA fiber of two diameters, 32 µm (PLA32) and 118 µm (PLA118), aged at 40, 60, and 80°C with 100% relative humidity, was investigated. Additionally, both PLA32 and PLA118 were aged at 40 and 60°C under nitrogen purge. The degradation of the fibers was evaluated based on changes in the total weight, crystallinity, and molecular weight of the samples. Both diameters exhibited similar total weight loss, crystallinity, and molecular weight loss profiles under each set of degradation conditions. Two models for the change in molecular weight were compared: a first order model and an autocatalytic model. For the obtained data, both models provided a reasonable fit of the molecular weight data. Based on the rate constants obtained for each model, the activation energy for PLA degradation was calculated (26.3 kcal mol−1 for the first order model and 22.4 kcal mol−1 for the autocatalytic model). The activation energies obtained were close to other values reported in the literature for PLA hydrolysis. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1652–1660, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Vanadium Pentoxide‐Based Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Morphology Control, Carbon Hybridization, and Cation Doping
Authors: Huang Xin , Rui Xianhong , Hng Huey Hoon , Yan Qingyu
Published: September 2014

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is a promising cathode material for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high specific capacity, low cost, and abundant source. However, the practical application of V2O5 in commercial LIBs is still hindered by its intrinsic low ionic diffusion coefficient and moderate electrical conductivity. In the past decades, progressive accomplishments have been achieved that rely on the synthesis of nanostructured materials, carbon hybridization, and cation doping. Generally, fabrication of nanostructured electrode materials can effectively decrease the ion and electron transport distances while carbon hybridization and cation doping are able to significantly increase the electrical conductivity and diffusion coefficient of Li+. Implementation of these strategies addresses the problems that are related to the ionic and electronic conductivity of V2O5. Accordingly, the electrochemical performances of V2O5‐based cathodes are significantly improved in terms of discharge capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability. In this review, the recent advances in the synthesis of V2O5‐based cathode materials are highlighted that focus on the fabrication of nanostructured materials, carbon hybridization, and cation doping.
Tuning silicon quantum dot luminescence via surface groups
Authors: Dasog Mita , Veinot Jonathan G. C.
Published: September 2014

This article describes the synthesis of silicon nanocrystals (Si‐NCs) and their functionalization with three different surface groups. We also report the effects of various surface groups on the optical properties of Si‐NCs with similar particle size distribution. The Si‐NCs were characterized using various methods such as XRD, FT‐IR, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Butylamine (blue), trioctylphosphine oxide (yellow), and dodecyl (red) functionalized Si‐NCs dispersed in toluene under UV‐illumination.
DLTS characterization of proton‐implanted silicon under varying annealing conditions
Authors: Laven J. G. , Jelinek M. , Job R. , Schustereder W. , Schulze H.‐J. , Rommel M. , Frey L.
Published: September 2014

Deep‐level defects remaining in the upper half of the band‐gap of silicon implanted with protons at fluences and annealing temperatures typically used for proton‐implantation doping are investigated. For proton fluences in the range of several 1013 cm−2 to several 1014 cm−2, a multitude of deep‐level defects remain active in comparatively high concentrations of up to 1013 cm−3 even after anneals at temperatures up to 500 °C. The detected deep‐levels are assigned to known lattice defects on the basis of their electrical characteristics obtained by Fourier‐transform DLTS measurements. Despite the low oxygen content of the float‐zone silicon used, a large number of the detected defects are ascribed to (non‐)hydrogenated vacancy‐oxygen defects. The annealing temperature ranges, in which the deep‐level defects were detected, are shown. Furthermore, the dependencies of the deep‐level defects on the proton fluence and their depth distributions in the implantation profile are investigated.
Anti‐Proliferative Properties of Kahweol in Oral Squamous Cancer Through the Regulation Specificity Protein 1
Authors: Chae Jung‐Il , Jeon Young‐Joo , Shim Jung‐Hyun
Published: September 2014

Kahweol, the coffee‐specific deterpene, has been shown to have potential anti‐cancer effects against several cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti‐cancer activity of kahweol have not yet established. In this study, we investigated whether kahweol could show anti‐cancer effects on oral squamous cell lines (OSCCs), HN22 and HSC4. We conducted an 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxy‐phenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assay, 4′‐6‐diamidino2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining, propidium iodide staining, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot analysis for the characterization of kahweol and the underlying signaling pathway. We determined that kahweol‐treated cells showed significantly decreased cell viability and increased nuclear condensation and an increased sub‐G1 population in OSCCs. Interestingly, suppression of the transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) was followed by induced apoptosis by kahweol in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, kahweol modulated the protein expression level of the Sp1 regulatory genes including cell cycle regulatory proteins and anti‐apoptotic proteins, resulting in apoptosis. Taken together, results from these findings suggest that kahweol may be a potential anti‐cancer drug candidate to induce apoptotic cell death through downregulation of Sp1 in OSCCs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian Information for Sensors
Authors: Eves Christopher , Wang Xue , Walker Stephen G.
Published: September 2014

An engineering company manufacturing high‐precision sensors had accumulated huge historical databases of information on a type of sensors, which had been tested. The aim of the company was not to use this historical data to improve estimation of future individual sensor parameters, but rather to use it to reduce the number of measurements needed per sensor, guaranteeing a required level of accuracy. In the paper, we show how this can be performed, using Bayesian ideas, and introduce the novel theory for linear regression models, which determines how the reduction in individual sensor measurements can be achieved.

Specifically, for estimating parameters of closely related sensors, an estimate can be thought of as comprising a global component, that is, the mean of all the sensors, and a local component, which is a shift from the mean. The historical data can, in a Bayesian framework, provide the global component and hence all that is needed from an individual sensor is the local component. In non‐Bayesian estimation methods, both components are required, and hence, many measurements are needed. On the other hand, with Bayesian methods, only the local fit is needed, and hence, fewer measurements per sensor are required. We provide the supporting theory and demonstrate on a real‐life application with real data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Actuator fault estimation based adaptive polytopic observer for a class of LPV descriptor systems
Authors: Rodrigues M. , Hamdi H. , Theilliol D. , Mechmeche C. , BenHadj Braiek N.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents an Adaptive Polytopic Observer (APO) design in order to develop an actuator fault estimation method dedicated to polytopic Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) descriptor systems. This paper extends a fault diagnosis method developed for regular LTI systems to polytopic LPV descriptor systems. Here, time‐varying actuator faults are also considered, whereas in many papers, actuator faults are generally assumed to be constant. The design and convergence conditions of this APO are provided. The design is formulated through LMI techniques under equality constraints. The performances of the proposed actuator fault estimation scheme are illustrated using an electrical circuit. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in shear wave speed pre‐ and post‐induction of labor: a feasibility study
Authors: Carlson L. C. , Romero S. T. , Palmeri M. L. , Muñoz del Rio A. , Esplin S. M. , Rotemberg V. M. , Hall T. J. , Feltovich H.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To explore the feasibility of using shear wave speed (SWS) estimates to detect differences in cervical softening pre‐ and post‐ripening in women undergoing induction of labor.

Methods

Subjects at 37–41 weeks' gestation undergoing cervical ripening before induction of labor were recruited (n = 20). Examinations, performed prior to administration of misoprostol and 4 h later included Bishop score, transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length, and 10 replicate SWS measurements using an ultrasound system equipped with a prototype transducer (128 element, 3 mm diameter, 14 mm aperture) attached to the clinician's hand. Subjects were divided into two groups, ‘not‐in‐labor’ and ‘marked‐progression’, based on cervical evaluation at the second examination. Measurements were compared via individual paired hypotheses tests and using a linear mixed model, with the latter also used to compare groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to compare SWS with Bishop score. The linear mixed model can take into account clustered data and accommodate multiple predictors simultaneously.

Results

The Wilcoxon signed‐rank paired test established a significant difference in pre‐ and post‐ripening SWS, with mean SWS estimates of 2.53 ± 0.75 and 1.54 ± 0.31 m/s, respectively (P < 0.001) in the not‐in‐labor group (decrease in stiffness) and 1.58 ± 0.33 and 2.35 ± 0.65 m/s for the marked‐progression group (increase in stiffness). The linear mixed model corroborated significant differences in pre‐ and post‐ripening measurements in individual subjects (P < 0.001) as well as between groups (P < 0.0001). SWS estimates were significantly correlated with digitally‐assessed cervical softness and marginally correlated with Bishop score as assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Conclusions

In‐vivo SWS estimates detected stiffness differences before and after misoprostol‐induced softening in term pregnancies. This ultrasonic shear elasticity imaging technique shows promise for assessing cervical softness. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Gesundheitsbedingte Leistungseinbußen bei der Arbeit durch Präsentismus
Authors: Wilke Christiane , Elis Tobias , Biallas Bianca , Froböse Ingo
Published: September 2014

Hintergrund

Das Verhalten, trotz Krankheit zur Arbeit zu gehen erzeugt für Arbeitgeber hohe Kosten und beeinträchtigt die Gesundheit der Mitarbeiter. Maßnahmen des Betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagements (BGM) erhalten und fördern diesbezüglich die Gesundheit der Beschäftigten.

Methode

An der Befragung nahmen 277 Mitarbeiter/-innen aus Produktion (56,9 %) und Verwaltung (43,1 %) teil. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 41,2 Jahre, der männliche Anteil 80,5 %. Erfasst wurden Produktivitätsverluste und bestehende Schwierigkeiten spezieller Arbeitsanforderungen (Zeitmanagement, Leistungs-, körperliche sowie mental-interpersonelle Anforderungen).

Ergebnisse

Die Produktivitätsverluste durch Präsentismus sind gering (4,1 %). Männer und Mitarbeiter der Produktion erzeugen höhere Produktionsverluste (p < 0,01; p < 0,001) und weisen mehr Probleme hinsichtlich Zeitmanagement (p < 0,01) und körperliche Anforderungen (p < 0,001) auf. Ältere haben mehr Probleme im Bereich der körperlichen Anforderungen (p < 0,001).

Schlussfolgerung

Präsentismus wird zukünftig zentral für die „Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz“ sein. Das BGM kann durch unterschiedliche Messinstrumente Ursachen und Folgen von Präsentismus erfassen.
Body Size, Skills, and Income: Evidence From 150,000 Teenage Siblings
Authors: Lundborg Petter , Nystedt Paul , Rooth Dan-Olof
Published: September 2014

We provide new evidence on the long-run labor market penalty of teenage overweight and obesity using unique and large-scale data on 150,000 male siblings from the Swedish military enlistment. Our empirical analysis provides four important results. First, we provide the first evidence of a large adult male labor market penalty for being overweight or obese as a teenager. Second, we replicate this result using data from the United States and the United Kingdom. Third, we note a strikingly strong within-family relationship between body size and cognitive skills/noncognitive skills. Fourth, a large part of the estimated body-size penalty reflects lower skill acquisition among overweight and obese teenagers. Taken together, these results reinforce the importance of policy combating early-life obesity in order to reduce healthcare expenditures as well as poverty and inequalities later in life.
Hyperalgesia and allodynia to superficial and deep-tissue mechanical stimulation within and outside of the UVB irradiated area in human skin
Authors: Vecchio Silvia Lo , Petersen Lars J. , Finocchietti Sara , Gazerani Parisa , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Graven-Nielsen Thomas
Published: September 2014

Background and aims

The ultraviolet-B (UVB) inflammatory model is a well-established model of inflammatory pain. This study investigated whether UVB-induced cutaneous inflammation would enhance pain responses from the underlying deep somatic areas.

Methods

Skin inflammation was induced, in 24 healthy volunteers, by UVB irradiation (three times of the individual minimal erythema UVB dose) in square-shaped areas on the forearm and lower back. Assessments of cutaneous blood flow, pin-prick thresholds, pressure pain thresholds and tolerance, stimulus–response functions relating graded pressure stimulations and pain intensity (visual analogue scale, VAS) were performed within and outside the irradiated area.

Results

Twenty-four hours after UVB irradiation, a significant increase in superficial blood flow in the irradiated skin area was demonstrated compared with baseline (P < 0.01) indicating that inflammation was induced. Compared with baseline, UVB irradiation significantly reduced the pin-prick thresholds, pressure pain thresholds and tolerance within and outside of the irradiated area (P < 0.05). The stimulus–response function was left-shifted compared with baseline both within and outside the irradiated area (P < 0.05) with a more pronounced left-shift within the irradiated area (P < 0.01). Application of topical anaesthesia 24h after irradiation in 5 subjects, both within and outside the irradiated area, could only increase the pin-prick thresholds outside the irradiated area.

Conclusion

The UVB irradiation of the skin not only provokes cutaneous primary and secondary hyper-algesia but also causes hyperalgesia to blunt pressure stimulations 24h after the UVB exposure.

Implications

The presented UVB model can be used as a translational model from animals into healthy subjects. This model can potentially be used to screen drug candidates with anti-inflammatory properties in early stages of drug development.
Psychiatric and psycho-social characteristics of suicide completers: a comprehensive evaluation of psychiatric case records and postmortem findings
Authors: Kielty J. , van Laar A. , Davoren M. , Conlon L. , Hillick A. , McDonald C. , Hallahan B.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To explore the demographic, psychosocial and clinical characteristics of individuals known to the mental health services, who died by probable suicide in the West of Ireland.

Methods

Postmortem reports between January 2006 and May 2012 detailed 153 individuals who died by probable suicide, 58 of whom attended the mental health services. Relevant socio-demographic and clinical data was extracted from individuals’ lifetime case notes.

Results

Recurrent depressive disorder (44%) was the most common diagnosis and hanging the most common method of death (58%). Of individuals who died by hanging, 79% previously attempted suicide by the same method. For individuals with a documented history of depression, only 32% had antidepressants detected in their toxicology reports. Similarly, only one individual (20%) with schizophrenia had antipsychotics detected in their toxicology report.

Conclusions

Individuals who died by probable suicide, most commonly died by hanging and drowning; with previous attempts of hanging particularly prevalent in the group who subsequently died by hanging. At the time of death, less than one-third of individuals according to toxicology reports were taking the medication that was last prescribed to them by the mental health services suggesting a high rate of treatment non-concordance in individuals who died by probable suicide.
Force acting on a square cylinder fixed in a free-surface channel flow
Authors: Qi Z. X. , Eames I. , Johnson E. R.
Published: September 2014

We describe an experimental study of the forces acting on a square cylinder (of width $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}b$) which occupies 10–40 % of a channel (of width $w$), fixed in a free-surface channel flow. The force experienced by the obstacle depends critically on the Froude number upstream of the obstacle, ${\mathit{Fr}}_1$ (depth $h_1$), which sets the downstream Froude number, ${\mathit{Fr}}_2$ (depth $h_2$). When ${\mathit{Fr}}_1<{\mathit{Fr}}_{1c}$, where ${\mathit{Fr}}_{1c}$ is a critical Froude number, the flow is subcritical upstream and downstream of the obstacle. The drag effect tends to decrease or increase the water depth downstream or upstream of the obstacle, respectively. The force is form drag caused by an attached wake and scales as $\overline{F_{D}}\simeq C_D \rho b u_1^2 h_1/2$, where $C_D$ is a drag coefficient and $u_1$ is the upstream flow speed. The empirically determined drag coefficient is strongly influenced by blocking, and its variation follows the trend $C_D=C_{D0}(1+C_{D0}b/2w)^2$, where $C_{D0}=1.9$ corresponds to the drag coefficient of a square cylinder in an unblocked turbulent flow. The r.m.s. lift force is approximately 10–40 % of the mean drag force and is generated by vortex shedding from the obstacle. When ${\mathit{Fr}}_1={\mathit{Fr}}_{1c}\, (<1)$, the flow is choked and adjusts by generating a hydraulic jump downstream of the obstacle. The drag force scales as $\overline{F}_D\simeq C_K \rho b g (h_1^2-h_2^2)/2$, where experimentally we find $C_K\simeq 1$. The r.m.s. lift force is significantly smaller than the mean drag force. A consistent model is developed to explain the transitional behaviour by using a semi-empirical form of the drag force that combines form and hydrostatic components. The mean drag force scales as $\overline{F_{D}}\simeq \lambda \rho b g^{1/3} u_1^{4/3} h_1^{4/3}$, where $\lambda $ is a function of $b/w$ and ${\mathit{Fr}}_1$. For a choked flow, $\lambda =\lambda _c$ is a function of blocking ($b/w$). For small blocking fractions, $\lambda _c= C_{D0}/2$. In the choked flow regime, the largest contribution to the total drag force comes from the form-drag component.
Vortex force decomposition in the tip region of impulsively-started flat plates
Authors: Kriegseis Jochen , Rival David E.
Published: September 2014

An investigation into the influence of seemingly analogous kinematics (plunge versus tow) for rapidly accelerating, low-aspect-ratio plates has been performed. The instantaneous forces and velocity fields were obtained simultaneously using a six-component force/moment sensor together with a three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry (3D-PTV) system. Despite identical effective shear-layer velocities and effective angles of attack, the force histories are found to vary between the two aforementioned cases (plunge versus tow) once the impulsive motion is complete, as originally reported on by Kriegseis et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 736, 2013, pp. 91–106). In order to uncover the cause for this curious discrepancy between the two analogous cases a vortex force decomposition is implemented. It is shown that the interplay between growth and orientation of the vortical structures significantly affects vortical hydrodynamic impulse and vortex force, and thus the net lift on the body.
Influence of original host on chemotaxic behaviour and parasitism in Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae)
Authors: Tognon R. , Sant'Ana J. , Jahnke S.M.
Published: September 2014

The egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi is a natural control agent of pentatomids, including Euschistus heros and Tibraca limbativentris, and success of parasitism is dependent upon the parasitoid finding the host. We tested the influence of host egg volatiles and the synthetic sex pheromone (zingiberenol) of T. limbativentris on chemotaxic behaviour of T. podisi, as well as, the impact of the original host on parasitoid selection. We used mated female T. podisi (48 h old) that emerged from the eggs of T. limbativentris or E. heros. The bioassays related to chemotaxy were performed in a Y-tube olfactometer and, to parasitism success, in laboratory and semi-field conditions. Telenomus podisi females that emerged from either the stink bug eggs, chose the pheromone more than control, or the pheromone plus eggs of E. heros in the semi-field bioassay, led to greater parasitism. Females that emerged from E. heros eggs chose egg volatiles from their original host rather than those from T. limbativentris, while females emerging from T. limbativentris, chose the egg volatiles of both hosts equally. When T. limbativentris was the original host, T. podisi females parasitized T. limbativentris over E. heros, while those emerging from E. heros exclusively parasitized E. heros eggs. These results demonstrated that T. podisi is more likely to parasitize the host in which it developed and that the original host can exert influence on the choice by those parasitoids. Understanding how the factors that mediate host–parasitoid communication are interrelated can help biological control programmes establish more effective and reliable tools with T. podisi.
Five new records and one new species of Polycladida (Platyhelminthes) for the Cantabrian coast (North Atlantic) of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Marquina Daniel , Fernández-Álvarez Fernando Ángel , Noreña Carolina
Published: September 2014

The Iberian Peninsula is part of the South European Atlantic Shelf within the Lusitanian ecoregion. Given the characteristics of this region, a great invertebrate biodiversity is expected. Nevertheless, no literature records of Polycladida are known for the Cantabrian Sea. Here, we report the presence of six polyclad species, including one new species.Notoplana vitrea, considered endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, was found in the Cantabrian Sea, demonstrating its presence in Atlantic waters. This species was previously reported for these waters on two natural history photographic websites: the importance of searching, indexing and disseminating this type of record for the scientific community is discussed.Discocelis tigrinais reported for the first time for the Cantabrian Sea, and is the northernmost record to date. In this paper,Pleioplana atomatais reported for the second time for the Iberian Peninsula, yet is the first record for the Cantabrian Sea. Although a literature record ofLeptoplana tremellarisfor the Iberian Peninsula exists, it is considered a misidentification ofL. mediterranea; therefore, this work provides the first record ofL. tremellarisfor the Iberian Peninsula. The cosmopolitan speciesCycloporus papillosusis also reported for the Cantabrian Sea. A new species,Imogine fafaisp. nov., is described and taxonomically compared with other species of the genus.
Daily growth rates and hatch date distributions of common
two-banded seabream, Diplodus vulgaris inhabiting the
Çanakkale shallow waters of Turkey
Authors: Ayyildiz Hakan , Ozen Ozcan , Altin Aytac
Published: September 2014

Otolith microstructure analysis was used to determine daily age, growth rate
and hatching periods of young of the year (YOY) common two-banded seabream,
Diplodus vulgaris, collected at two sites by using beach
seine from Çanakkale shallow waters between January and December 2007. Total
length of the YOY D. vulgaris was between 12 and 86 mm and
the daily ages ranged between 42 and 313 days. Somatic growth rate estimated
by fitting a linear regression to the age–length data set was calculated as
0.273 mm day−1. According to the length–age regression
analysis, maximum daily growth rates were found 0.277 mm day−1 in
the lowest sea temperature period and minimum values of
0.274 mm day−1 were observed in the declining sea temperature
period. Analysis of covariance indicated that there were no significant
differences in the linear growth equations for the two cohorts (F = 0.4008,
P = 0.527). Hatching period of the YOY was estimated to
occur between October and March with relatively higher frequency in January.
This study has shown that YOY D. vulgaris is a winter
spawner in the Çanakkale shallow waters.
WHAT IS FELDMAN?
Authors: Volans Kevin
Published: September 2014

This article is a reflection on aspects of the compositional practice and aesthetics of the American composer Morton Feldman (1926–1987) as viewed from the perspective of a fellow composer. Writing as a colleague immersed in Feldman's work for more than three decades, Kevin Volans discusses Feldman's concepts of time and form; his approach to touch on the piano, and to instrumentation and tone colour generally; his relationship with the visual arts; his notational practices with regard to pitch and rhythm; his anti-conceptualist standpoint, and much else.
Julian Anderson Thebans, English National Opera
Authors: Graham Stephen
Published: September 2014

In basing his first opera on Sophocles' Thebans trilogy, heard at the ENO on 3 May 2014 in a condensed three-act version, one act per play, Julian Anderson shows his colours as something of a classicist. No postmodern pastiche nor quasi-medieval dramatic innovations for him, as we've seen from near British contemporaries Mark-Anthony Turnage and George Benjamin, nor the technological and dramaturgical explorations of other recent ENO productions, from Two Boys to Satyagraha to A Dog's Heart. No, this is a composer with his feet firmly planted in the grand operatic tradition of classical subjects and traditional telling.
Triptych, Opera Erratica; The Print Room, London
Authors: Young Toby
Published: September 2014

There was a pleasantly informal atmosphere at The Print Room during the premiere run of Opera Erratica's new Triptych this May. Comprising three short operas for voices and electronics, Triptych presented a new interpretation of contemporary chamber opera, incorporating elements of multimedia – including live video and photographic projections – alongside elements of more traditional art forms, such as a strikingly cartoonish set by the Young British Artist Gavin Turk.
‘All elderly people have important service needs’: a study of discourses on older people in parliamentary discussions in Finland
Authors: PULKKI JUTTA , TYNKKYNEN LIINA-KAISA
Published: September 2014

This study examines discursive constructions of older people by analysing the talk of members of parliament in parliamentary discussions in Finland. While the perceptions of older people that are constructed in various public and private arenas have been relatively widely examined, the talk of political decision makers has not been studied to any large extent. However, decision makers' understandings of older people are likely to influence the ways in which service systems are developed and services organised for older people. The parliamentary discussions examined in this study were related to the process of enacting legislation to secure services for older people. Using discourse analysis, three ways of constructing older people – as ‘the dependent’, ‘the active’ and ‘the deserving’ – are identified. Although the results are to some extent in accordance with previous findings, indicating that older people are constructed as either totally dependent and passive or extremely active, this study also breaks this dichotomous view and highlights the overlap between those constructions. Nonetheless, the picture of older people remains fairly one-dimensional. There was an absence of recognition of diversity among older people, which might inhibit the development of a customer-oriented service system.
NONPARAMETRIC TESTS OF DENSITY RATIO ORDERING
Authors: Beare Brendan K. , Moon Jong-Myun
Published: September 2014

We study a family of nonparametric tests of density ratio ordering between two continuous probability distributions on the real line. Density ratio ordering is satisfied when the two distributions admit a nonincreasing density ratio. Equivalently, density ratio ordering is satisfied when the ordinal dominance curve associated with the two distributions is concave. To test this property, we consider statistics based on the Lp-distance between an empirical ordinal dominance curve and its least concave majorant. We derive the limit distribution of these statistics when density ratio ordering is satisfied. Further, we establish that, when 1 ≤ p ≤ 2, the limit distribution is stochastically largest when the two distributions are equal. When 2 < p ≤ ∞, this is not the case, and in fact the limit distribution diverges to infinity along a suitably chosen sequence of concave ordinal dominance curves. Our results serve to clarify, extend, and amend assertions appearing previously in the literature for the cases p = 1 and p = ∞. We provide numerical evidence confirming their relevance in finite samples.
Ethical Enhancement in an Age of Climate Change
Authors: Wapner Paul
Published: September 2014

This roundtable of Ethics & International Affairs provides an opportunity to step back and reflect on the fundamental elements of climate change and how ethics can play a role in addressing them. In this spirit, I explore three questions that capture the broad outlines of climate concerns. First, what is the nature of climate change as a global problem? Second, what frustrates humanity's ability to respond? Third, what can be done?
Scabies outbreaks in residential care homes: factors associated with late recognition, burden and impact. A mixed methods study in England
Authors: HEWITT K. A. , NALABANDA A. , CASSELL J. A.
Published: September 2014

Scabies is an important public health problem in residential care homes. Delayed diagnosis contributes to outbreaks, which may be prolonged and difficult to control. We investigated factors influencing outbreak recognition, diagnosis and treatment, and staff experiences of outbreak control, identifying areas for intervention. We carried out a semi-structured survey of managers, affected residents and staff of seven care homes reporting suspected scabies outbreaks in southern England over a 6-month period. Attack rates ranged from 2% to 50%, and most cases had dementia (37/39, 95%). Cases were diagnosed clinically by GPs (59%) or home staff (41%), none by dermatologists. Most outbreaks were attributable to avoidably late diagnosis of the index case. Participants reported considerable challenges in managing scabies outbreaks, including late diagnosis and recognition of outbreaks; logistically difficult mass treatment; distressing treatment processes and high costs. This study demonstrates the need for improved support for care homes in detecting and managing these outbreaks.
Alcohol consumption and persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus
Authors: OH H. Y. , KIM M. K. , SEO S. , LEE D. O. , CHUNG Y. K. , LIM M. C. , KIM J. , LEE C. W. , PARK S.
Published: September 2014

Alcohol consumption is a possible co-factor of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) persistence, a major step in cervical carcinogenesis, but the association between alcohol and continuous HPV infection remains unclear. This prospective study identified the association between alcohol consumption and HR-HPV persistence. Overall, 9230 women who underwent screening during 2002–2011 at the National Cancer Center, Korea were analysed in multivariate logistic regression. Current drinkers [odds ratio (OR) 2·49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·32–4·71] and drinkers for ⩾5 years (OR 2·33, 95% CI 1·17–4·63) had a higher risk of 2-year HR-HPV persistence (HPV positivity for 3 consecutive years) than non-drinkers and drinkers for <5 years, respectively (vs. HPV negativity for 3 consecutive years). A high drinking frequency (⩾twice/week) and a high beer intake (⩾3 glasses/occasion) had higher risks of 1-year (OR 1·80, 95% CI 1·01–3·36) HPV positivity for 2 consecutive years) and 2-year HR-HPV persistence (OR 3·62, 95% CI 1·35–9·75) than non-drinkers. Of the HPV-positive subjects enrolled, drinking habit (OR 2·68, 95% CI 1·10–6·51) and high consumption of beer or soju (⩾2 glasses/occasion; OR 2·90, 95% CI 1·06–7·98) increased the risk of 2-year consecutive or alternate HR-HPV positivity (vs. consecutive HPV negativity). These findings suggest that alcohol consumption might increase the risk of cervical HR-HPV persistence in Korean women.
Molecular diversity of ScottishCryptosporidium hominisisolates
Authors: DESHPANDE A. , ALEXANDER C. L. , COYNE M. , BROWNLIE S. , SMITH-PALMER A. , JONES B. L.
Published: September 2014

Cryptosporidium hominisis one of the most prevalent protozoan parasites to infect humans where transmission is via the consumption of infective oocysts. This study describes sporadic cases in addition to the molecular diversity of outbreak cases in Scotland using the glycoprotein-60 subtyping tool. From a total of 187C. hominisisolates, 65 were subjected to further molecular analysis and 46 were found to be the common IbA10G2 subtype. Unusual subtypes included four isolates belonging to the Ia family (IaA14R3,n = 12; IaA14R2,n = 1; IaA9G3,n = 1; IaA25R3,n = 2), two from the Id family (IdA24,n = 1; IdA17,n= 1) and one belonging to the Ie family, namely IeA11G3T3. These data contribute significantly to our knowledge and understanding of the molecular diversity ofC. hominisisolates from outbreak investigations involving Scottish residents which will be beneficial for the management of future outbreaks.
The End of Sharecropping in Central Italy after 1945: The Role of Mechanisation in the Changing Relationship between Peasant Families and Land
Authors: OGLETHORPE STUART
Published: September 2014

This article focuses on the mechanisation of agriculture in central Italy in the thirty years or so after 1945. This provides a particular way of examining the major changes in the rural landscape in this period, especially the end of the sharecropping system. Land in these regions had for centuries been predominantly farmed under sharecropping contracts, but for political, economic, and demographic reasons this system, which had inhibited modernisation, entered a rapid decline. Whereas labour supply had previously exceeded demand, the reverse became the case, allowing sharecropping families more freedom in how they operated. Mechanisation was not a ‘push’ factor, but as the agricultural labour force contracted it was a necessary response. The article uses individual testimony to illustrate how tenant farmers started to work outside the sharecropping contract, some becoming outside contractors with other farms and supplying tractor hire. The mechanisation of agriculture was slow and uneven, but marked an irreversible change in the relationship between farming families and their land.
Introduction: special issue ICICTA 2012
Authors: HOU ZHIXIANG
Published: September 2014

Mathematical Structures in Computer Science bridges the gap between theoretical computer science and software design. By publishing original perspectives from all areas of computing, the journal stresses applications from logic, algebra, geometry, category theory and other areas of logic and mathematics. Through issues such as this special issue, the journal also plans to play an occasional, but important role in the fields of intelligent computation and automation.
Robust attitude tracking control scheme for a multi-body spacecraft using a radial basis function network and terminal sliding mode
Authors: YUAN CHANGQING , ZHONG YANHUA , ZHANG JINGRUI , LI HONGBUO , YANG GUOJUN , SHEN YING
Published: September 2014

We present a novel robust control scheme that deals with multi-body spacecraft attitude tracking problems. The control scheme consists of a radial basis function network (RBFN) and a robust controller. By using the finite time convergence property of the terminal sliding mode (TSM), we derive a new online learning algorithm for updating all the parameters of the RBFN that ensures the RBFN has fast approximation for the parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. We design a robust controller to compensate RBFN approximation errors and realise the anticipative stability and performance properties. We can also achieve closed-loop system stability using Lyapunov stability theory.

No detailed knowledge of the non-linear dynamics of the spacecraft is required at any point in the entire design process, and the proposed robust scheme is simple and effective and can be applied to more complex systems. Simulation results demonstrate the good tracking characteristics of the proposed control scheme in the presence of inertial uncertainties and external disturbances.
The experience of adolescents who have a parent with advanced cancer: A phenomenological inquiry
Authors: Phillips Farya
Published: September 2014

Objective:

Adolescents are considered the group most susceptible to negative psychosocial outcomes when faced with a parent's illness. However, there has been extremely limited research on the adolescent's adjustment to advanced parental cancer. The aim of our study was to gain understanding of the experiences of adolescents, in their own words, to gather pilot data about the needs of this population that will be valuable in developing interventions for adolescents facing parental cancer.

Method:

A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was applied using in-depth semistructured interviews to inquire about adolescents' experiences. Some 10 adolescents (7 males, 3 females) aged 14–17 were interviewed.

Results:

Four essential themes about adolescents living with a parent's advanced cancer emerged from the analysis: “life interrupted,” “being there,” “managing emotions,” and “positives prevail.” These findings underscore the significant impact an advanced cancer diagnosis can have on a family unit and suggest that the experience may also have the potential of creating opportunities for growth and well-being. Our findings reinforce previous results that advocate for the importance of family and peer support, positive attitude, and open communication when a family is coping with advanced parental cancer.

Significance of results:

Understanding how adolescents gain strength from their relationships with family and peers offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to have services and strategies in place to foster these relationships.
Produktivitätsverluste, berufliche Einbußen und Unterstützungsleistungen von Angehörigen von Patienten mit Alkoholabhängigkeit vor und nach der Entzugsbehandlung
Authors: Salize Hans Joachim , Jacke Christian , Kief Sven
Published: September 2014

Einführung: Die Auswirkungen von Alkoholerkrankungen auf Partner und Familienmitglieder eines Erkrankten werden als hoch eingeschätzt, obwohl es an empirischer Evidenz und Befunden mangelt. Die Studie hat zum Ziel, Produktivitätsverluste, Karriereverzicht und psychosoziale Unterstützungsleistungen von Angehörigen mit einem alkoholabhängigen Familienmitglied zu beziffern und die Einflüsse auf diese Zielgrößen durch Aufnahme einer Entzugsbehandlung zu untersuchen. Methode: Befragung von 48 Angehörigen von alkoholabhängigen Patienten über berufliche Fehlzeiten und psychosoziale Unterstützungsleistungen im Zeitraum von 3 Monaten vor Beginn einer Entzugsbehandlung des erkrankten Familienmitglieds sowie im gleichen Zeitraum 12 Monate danach. Ergebnisse: 62,5 % der Angehörigen waren auf dem ersten Arbeitsmarkt beschäftigt. 12,5 % gaben an, wegen der Alkoholabhängigkeit des Familienmitglieds auf eine eigene berufliche Karriere oder einen beruflichen Aufstieg verzichtet zu haben. Vor der Aufnahme einer Entzugsbehandlung des Patienten erlebten 39,6 % der Angehörigen Einschränkungen hinsichtlich ihrer Arbeitskraft, zwölf Monate nach Behandlungsbeginn war der Anteil 2,1 %. Krankschreibungstage der Angehörigen lagen im Dreimonatszeitraum im Mittel bei 4,3 Tagen (vor Behandlungsbeginn) bzw. 2,8 Tagen (12 Monate später). Die Mehrzahl der Krankschreibungstage des Angehörigen vor einer Entzugsbehandlung des Patienten waren durch Überlastungen wegen Pflege- und Unterstützungsleistungen für das alkoholabhängige Familienmitglied bedingt. Ebenso wie bei den psychosozialen Unterstützungsleistungen war der Rückgang von Produktivitätsverlusten der Angehörigen nach Aufnahme einer Entzugsbehandlung des Patienten statistisch signifikant. Diskussion: Die volkswirtschaftlichen und klinischen Belastungen von Alkoholismus auf pflegende Angehörige der Kranken sind erheblich und bleiben bei der finanziellen Folgeabschätzung des Alkoholismus weitgehend unberücksichtigt. Ebenso unberücksichtigt bleiben signifikante Nutzeffekte der Alkohol-Entzugsbehandlung auf die Produktivität der Angehörigen.
miR455 is linked to hypoxia signaling and is deregulated in preeclampsia
Authors: Lalevée S , Lapaire O , Bühler M
Published: September 2014

Preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy-related disorder and a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Early identification of patients with an increased risk for preeclampsia is thus one of the most important goals in obstetrics. Here we identify two related human microRNAs as potential biomarkers to detect at-risk pregnancies. We demonstrate that miR455-3P and miR455-5P are significantly downregulated in placentas from preeclampsia patients, whereas other placenta-specific microRNAs remain unaffected. microRNA target prediction and validation revealed a potential link of miR455-3P to hypoxia signaling. Together with our observation that expression levels of miR455-3P and miR455-5P are upregulated during trophoblast differentiation, our results suggest a model in which miR455-3P represses a hypoxia response that might otherwise prevent cytotrophoblasts from syncytiotrophoblast differentiation. In summary, our work reveals aberrant hypoxia signaling in preeclampsia that can be explained by deregulated expression of miR455. As miR455 has been found in circulating blood, the development of noninvasive prenatal tests enabling early diagnosis of preeclampsia may be possible.