bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soccer team’s tactical behaviour: Measuring territorial domain
Authors: Clemente Filipe Manuel , Couceiro Micael Santos , Martins Fernando Manuel Lourenço , Mendes Rui Sousa , Figueiredo António José
Published: August 2014

New tactical metrics have been introduced in the last years to allow an understanding on the collective behaviour behind the results provided by notational analysis. Thus, the aim of this article was to propose a new application developed on MATLAB to understand the territorial domain of teams during the game based on players’ position and using such data analyse sectors with more variability considering the advantage or disadvantage of team players during a single match as proof of concept. As methodological approach, a total of 1508 instants of a 7-a-side soccer game were analysed. The herein proposed MATLAB application allows obtaining the differences between players from Team A and Team B. Moreover, the approximate entropy is used to assess the variability of each of the 12 field sectors. The results show that the sector with higher variability is the central offensive midfield (1.114), closely followed by the central defensive midfield (1.033). A more dynamic rapport of strength within the central sectors may be the explanation for such a higher variability. In conclusion, this study presented a new and effective application to analyse the territorial domain that can be matched with automatic tracking systems to improve their online potential.
Biomechanics of slalom water skiing
Authors: Bray-Miners Jordan , Runciman R John , Monteith Gabrielle , Groendyk Nate
Published: August 2014

Water skiing has received little attention in research literature and has not utilized recent advancements in analysis technology like other highly dynamic sports. In this study, six advanced slalom skiers were recruited to test four different high-performance ski designs, with the goal being to detect performance differences achieved between ski designs and between skiers during slalom turns. To aid the analysis of the resulting activity data, a series of 11 quantitative performance parameters were defined and studied. Instrumentation included a skier-mounted, wireless, Global Positioning System sensor providing instantaneous skier velocity, a uniaxial force transducer providing rope load, and a wireless, inertial measurement unit attached to the skis to provide ski roll, ski acceleration and deceleration. Statistical analysis suggested that there was a difference in the average peak roll achieved between the skis, but was unable to suggest a difference between skis in the other performance parameters. In contrast, however, statistical analysis indicated that there was a difference in the performance achieved between the skiers, which is supported by their slalom course success rates. The identified performance parameters were effective at differentiating skier ability levels with the subject with the highest success rate among the top three highest scoring for 10 of 11 parameters and the subject with the lowest success rate was among the bottom 2 in all 11 parameters.
Impact of a pilot pharmacy health-care professional out-of-school time physical activity and nutrition education program with exercise on fourth and fifth graders in a rural Texas community
Authors: Robles Janie , Gutierrez Ashley , Seifert Charles F
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Childhood obesity continues to be a problem. Children in rural populations are more likely to be overweight or obese and a lack of resources in those areas may contribute to this problem. We aimed to assess the impact of a pilot pharmacy health-care professional out-of-school time vigorous physical activity and nutrition education program on fourth and fifth graders in a rural Texas community.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective 12-week cohort study from August to November 2012. Thirty-three children, aged 8–11 years, in Bailey County, Texas, were enrolled in the study. Body mass index, body mass index percentile, blood pressure, waist circumference, and a diet preferences and activities knowledge survey were obtained at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Study participants completed a twice weekly physical activity and nutrition education program with exercise over weeks 1–4 with no intervention during weeks 5–12.

Results:

Thirty-one (94%) of the 33 children, predominately Hispanic girls, completed the program. Body mass index (−0.30 (95% confidence interval, −0.44 to −0.17); P = <0.0001), body mass index percentile (−2.75 (95% confidence interval, −4.89 to −0.62); P = 0.0026), systolic blood pressure (−1.9 (95% confidence interval, −2.9 to −0.9); P = <0.0001), and waist circumference (−0.47 (95% confidence interval, −0.85 to −0.10); P = <0.0001) mean change decreased between baseline and week 12 with no intervention for 8 weeks. Positive survey results at 3 months indicated a decrease in fried/sweet foods; increase in exercise; decreases in video games and computer use; and a change in knowledge regarding the selection of the most healthy food group servings per day.

Conclusion:

In this pharmacy health-care directed pilot study, participants had a reduction of body mass index, body mass index percentile, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and improvement in certain survey results at the end of 12 weeks despite no further intervention after 4 weeks.
Integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicine Into Conventional Health Care System in Developing Countries
Authors: Mishra Shiva Raj , Neupane Dinesh , Kallestrup Per
Published: August 2014

Complementary and alternative medicine has been a part of human life and practices since the beginning of time. The role of complementary and alternative medicine for the health of humans is undisputed particularly in light of its role in health promotion and well-being. This article discusses ways through which complementary and alternative medicine can be promoted and sustained as an integrated element of health care in developing countries. We specifically present the exemplary of Amchi traditional doctors of Northern Himalayas.
Anterior Commissure Involvement in Humanherpes Virus 6 Encephalitis
Authors: Fujii Katsunori , Ikehara Hajime , Nagasawa Koo , Hishiki Haruka , Uchikawa Hideki , Shimojo Naoki
Published: August 2014

The anterior commissure is an evolutionarily conserved nerve bundle that connects the right and left hemispheres, playing pivotal neurological roles in visual, linguistic, and olfactory functions. The authors herein describe a 16-month-old boy with high fever, lethargy, and recurrent seizures. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination detected human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in both the cerebrospinal fluid and the pharyngeal swabs, leading to the diagnosis of HHV-6 encephalitis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 4 days after disease onset distinctly revealed anterior commissure involvement on diffusion-weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficient maps, suggesting that this lesion was cytotoxic edema. After treatment with 30 mg/kg/d methylprednisolone for 3 days, the anterior commissure involvement on MRI was completely diminished. This is the first MRI report rarely showing anterior commissure involvement in encephalitis, suggesting that this lesion might be caused by direct invasion of HHV-6 or transient axonal swelling associated with inferior temporal lobe damage.
A Case Report of Homocystinuria With Dystonia and Stroke
Authors: Rezazadeh Arezoo , Oveisgharan Shahram , Shahidi Gholamali , Naghdi Reza
Published: August 2014

Inherited homocystinuria is a rare autosomal recessive aminoacidopathy which through early diagnosis can prevent its severe neurologic and vascular complications. Here we report a 9-year-old girl with homocystinuria, presenting with sequential symptoms of bilateral lens dislocation, skeletal complication, and eventually dystonia from the age of 4 years. Laboratory evaluation revealed severe high serum homocysteine level. Although pathophysiologically unexplained, evidence of deep white matter watershed infarct along with remarkable ipsilateral carotid stenosis was detected on the contralateral side of the dystonia in the neuroimaging. Treatment with high dose of pyridoxine relieved limb and gait dystonia significantly, while carotid stenosis remained unchanged. Therefore, homocysteine might have both structural and irreversible effect and functional and reversible impact that could be overcome even in late stages.
Comparing Stage at Diagnosis Among Patients With Breast Cancer Served by Military and Civilian Medical Care Systems
Authors: Salai Silvija , Rohrer James E. , Peoples George E. , Stoodt Georjean , Danawi Hadi
Published: August 2014

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the top causes of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States, and little is known about the differences in access to health care between military and civilians. This study compared the differences in access to health care between military and civilian female patients with BC. In particular, this study examined whether patients with BC, in an equal access health care system such as the military, are diagnosed at an earlier stage of disease process in comparison to the patients with BC in the civilian health care system.

Methods:

Independent variables included military versus civilian care and demographic variables. Dependent variable was the stage of cancer at diagnosis. This cross-sectional study of 2 groups included data from 2198 women with BC (439 military and 1759 civilian) for years 2004 through 2008. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the data.

Results:

There was no difference in the early BC stage (0, I, and II) diagnosis prevalence rate between the military and the civilian groups (95% confidence interval [CI], P = .15). The logistic regression analysis indicated that both the health systems had equal performance with respect to the stage at diagnosis indicator but found that black patients had higher odds of being in the late stage (III and IV) BC group at diagnosis (1.62 OR, 1.14-2.30 CI, P = .0068) than white patients.

Conclusions:

Although no difference was found between the performance of the 2 health systems in the early (0, I, and II) versus late stage (III and IV) at diagnosis indicator, this study further confirms the existence of racial disparities in late-stage BC regardless of whether the patient was diagnosed in the civilian or military health system. More research is needed to further investigate the potential explanations of racial disparities other than just differences in access to health care.
3D microstructure reconstruction of chrome carbide weld overlays
Authors: Barnes N. , Borle S. , Dewar M. , Andreiuk J. , Mendez P. F.
Published: August 2014

This paper addresses a current debate about the morphology of M7C3 phase in the chrome carbide overlay (CCO) and white iron community. This morphology was investigated using a serial sectioning technique in combination with computer post-processing software. A 600×600×300 μm volume of CCO was reconstructed in three dimensions (3D) to determine the difference between blade and rod-like carbide morphologies. The 3D analysis revealed that the two carbides morphologies correspond to the same hexagonal rod-like structures, but are oriented in different directions relative to the sectioning plane.
Effects of carbon and niobium on microstructure and properties for Ti bearing steels
Authors: Ji F. Q. , Li C. N. , Tang S. , Liu Z. Y. , Wang G. D.
Published: August 2014

The objective of the study described here is to elucidate the effect of carbon and niobium on the microstructure, precipitation behaviour, and mechanical properties of 0·09C–0·11Ti () steel and 0·05C–0·025Nb–0·11Ti () steel under ultra fast cooling condition. The strengthening mechanisms are also discussed. The ferrite grains size and the size of precipitates in Ti and Nb–Ti steels were measured respectively. The mechanical properties obtained in Ti steel were similar to Nb–Ti steel with yield stress >700 MPa, elongation >20, and good low temperature impact toughness. The study underscores that addition of higher carbon content by 0·04 under controlled rolling and ultra fast cooling conditions, we can achieve similar strength in the absence of micro-alloying element, niobium.
In vitro performance of lipid-PLGA hybrid nanoparticles as an antigen delivery system: lipid composition matters
Authors: Hu Yun , Ehrich Marion , Fuhrman Kristel , Zhang Chenming
Published: August 2014

Due to the many beneficial properties combined from both poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) and liposomes, lipid-PLGA hybrid NPs have been intensively studied as cancer drug delivery systems, bio-imaging agent carriers, as well as antigen delivery vehicles. However, the impact of lipid composition on the performance of lipid-PLGA hybrid NPs as a delivery system has not been well investigated. In this study, the influence of lipid composition on the stability of the hybrid NPs and in vitro antigen release from NPs under different conditions was examined. The uptake of hybrid NPs with various surface charges by dendritic cells (DCs) was carefully studied. The results showed that PLGA NPs enveloped by a lipid shell with more positive surface charges could improve the stability of the hybrid NPs, enable better controlled release of antigens encapsulated in PLGA NPs, as well as enhance uptake of NPs by DC.
Hybrid repair of an aortocaval fistula and inferior vena cava external compression caused by an inflammatory aortoiliac aneurysm: a case study
Authors: Banno Tatsuo , Akamatsu Hokuto , Hanaoka Ryota , Toyama Hiroshi , Kato Ryoichi
Published: August 2014

Introduction

We report a case of aortocaval fistula successfully treated by hybrid operation.

Case description

A 73-year-old female suffering from malignant lymphoma and painful leg edema was transferred to our institution. Computed tomography revealed an aortoiliac aneurysm. The inferior vena cava was compressed by displacement of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. The bilateral internal iliac and ovarian veins were markedly dilated. Diagnosis was an aortoiliac aneurysm with aortocaval fistula. The treatment options were open surgery or an intervention with bypass surgery. Because of narrow iliac access for a bifurcated stent graft, aorto-uni stentgraft treatment followed by bypass surgery was finally decided. Following stent graft insertion and iliofemoral artery bypass, the aneurysms and fistula were successfully excluded without endoleaks. To treat the inferior vena cava compression, the kissing technique was used to place bare metallic stents across the bilateral common iliac veins and inferior vena cava, which improved the clinical symptoms.

Discussion and Evaluation

In this aortocaval fistula caused by AAA, a minimally invasive treatment of stentgraft and bypass surgery with venous flow recovery was chosen as a hybrid treatment. Intravascular intervention was the most suitable in this situation. Bare stent placement for venous occlusion was also effective for revascularization of vena cava flow.

Conclusion

Recent advances in endovascular devices, including stent grafts and bare metallic stents, will be helpful for effective noninvasive treatment for aortocaval fistula circulation.
Composition of essential oils of four Hedychiumspecies from Vietnam
Authors: Van Thanh Bui , Dai Do N , Thang Tran D , Binh Nguyen Q , Anh Luu D Ngoc , Ogunwande Isiaka A
Published: August 2014

Background

Vietnam is a country blessed with many medicinal plants widely used as food and for medicinal purposes, and they contain a host of active substances that contribute to health. However, the analysis of chemical constituents of these plant species has not been subject of literature discussion.

Results

In this study, the chemical compositions of essential oils of four Hedychium species, obtained by hydrodistillation, were determined by means of gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Individually, α-pinene (52.5%) and β-pinene (31.8%) were present in the leaf oil of Hedychium stenopetalum Lodd., while linalool (45.2%), (E)-nerolidol (8.7%) and α-pinene (5.0%) were identified in the root. The leaf of Hedychium coronarium J. König was characterized by α-pinene (20.0%), linalool (15.8%), 1,8-cineole (10.7%), α-pinene (10.1%) and α-terpineol (8.6%); while α-pinene (23.6%), α-humulene (17.1%) and β-caryophyllene (13.0%) were identified in the root. Hedychium flavum Roxb., gave oil whose major compounds were α-pinene (22.5%), α-humulene (15.7%) and β-caryophyllene (10.4%) in the leaf; α-humulene (18.9%), β-caryophyllene (11.8%) and α-pinene (11.2%) in the stem, as well as α-pinene (21.8%), linalool (17.5%) and 1,8-cineole (13.5%) in the root. The main constituents of Hedychium ellipticum Buch.-Ham. ex Smith were (E)-nerolidol (15.9%), α-pinene (11.8%) and bornyl acetate (9.2%) in the leaf with 1,8-cineole (40.8%), α-pinene (18.3%) and α-pinene (11.0%) occurring in the root.

Conclusions

Ubiquitous monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were identified as characteristic markers for Hedychium species. This work is of great importance for the evaluation of Hedychium essential oils grown in Vietnam.
Comparison of cancer incidence among patients with rheumatic disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chang Sung Hae , Park Jin Kyun , Lee Yun Jong , Yang Ji Ae , Lee Eun Young , Song Yeong Wook , Lee Eun Bong
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Rheumatic diseases (RDs) are associated with different cancers; however, it is unclear whether particular cancers are more prevalent in certain RDs. In the present study, we examined the relative incidence of several cancers in a single homogeneous cohort of patients with different RDs.

Methods

Patients (N = 3,586) diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis (DM) or polymyositis were included. Cancer diagnosis was based on histopathology. The 2008 Korean National Cancer Registry served as the reference for calculating standardized incidence ratios (SIRs).

Results

During the follow-up period of 31,064 person-years, 187 patients developed cancer. RA and SLE patients showed an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (SIR for RA patients = 3.387, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.462 to 6.673; SIR for SLE patients = 7.408, 95% CI = 2.405 to 17.287). SLE patients also had a higher risk of cervical cancer (SIR = 4.282, 95% CI = 1.722 to 8.824). SSc patients showed a higher risk of lung cancer (SIR = 4.917, 95% CI = 1.977 to 10.131). Endometrial cancer was increased only in patients with DM (SIR = 30.529, 95% CI = 3.697 to 110.283). RA patients had a lower risk for gastric cancer (SIR = 0.663, 95% CI = 0.327 to 0.998). The mean time between the RD and cancer diagnoses ranged from 0.1 to 16.6 years, with the shortest time observed in patients with DM (2.0 ± 2.1 years).

Conclusions

Different RDs are associated with particular cancers. Thus, cancer surveillance tailored to specific RDs might be beneficial.
Influence of insulin-like growth factor I overexpression via recombinant adeno-associated vector gene transfer upon the biological activities and differentiation potential of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Frisch Janina , Venkatesan Jagadeesh Kumar , Rey-Rico Ana , Schmitt Gertrud , Madry Henning , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The transplantation of genetically modified progenitor cells such as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is an attractive strategy to improve the natural healing of articular cartilage defects. In the present study, we examined the potential benefits of sustained overexpression of the mitogenic and pro-anabolic insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) via gene transfer upon the biological activities of human MSCs (hMSCs).

Methods

Recombinant adeno-associated vectors (rAAV) were used to deliver a human IGF-I coding sequence in undifferentiated and chondrogenically-induced primary hMSCs in order to determine the efficacy and duration of transgene expression and the subsequent effects of the genetic modification upon the chondrogenic versus osteogenic differentiation profiles of the cells relative to control (lacZ) treatment after 21 days in vitro.

Results

Significant and prolonged expression of IGF-I was evidenced in undifferentiated and most importantly in chondrogenically-induced hMSCs transduced with the candidate rAAV-hIGF-I vector for up to 21 days, leading to enhanced proliferative, biosynthetic, and chondrogenic activities compared with rAAV-lacZ treatment. Overexpression of IGF-I as achieved in the conditions applied here also increased the expression of hypertrophic and osteogenic markers in the treated cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that a tight regulation of rAAV expression may be necessary for further translation of the approach in clinically relevant animal models in vivo. However, the current findings support the concept of using this type of vector as an effective tool to treat articular cartilage defects via gene- and stem cell-based procedures.
TNFα and IL-1β influence the differentiation and migration of murine MSCs independently of the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Sullivan Catherine B , Porter Ryan M , Evans Chris H , Ritter Thomas , Shaw Georgina , Barry Frank , Murphy Josephine Mary
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to repair and regenerate tissue, home to sites of inflammation, and evade the host immune system. As such, they represent an attractive therapy for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. However, results from in vivo murine studies in inflammatory arthritis have been conflicting, and this may be due to the genetic background of the MSCs used. It is known that the inflammatory milieu may influence properties of MSCs and that, in the case of human bone marrow-derived MSCs, this may be mediated by the nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. We sought to determine whether pro-inflammatory cytokines altered the differentiation and migration capacity of murine MSCs from different mouse strains and whether this was mediated by NF-κB.

Methods

The differentiation and migration of FVB and BALB/c MSCs were carried out in the presence of varying concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-1β, and the NF-κB pathway was inhibited in one of two ways: either by transduction of MSCs with an adenoviral vector expressing a super-repressor of NF-κB or by the addition of curcumin to culture media.

Results

Both BALB/c and FVB MSCs were sensitive to the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. TNFα and IL-1β suppressed BALB/c osteogenesis and adipogenesis and FVB osteogenesis. The migration of both cell types toward media containing fetal bovine serum was augmented by pre-stimulation with either cytokine. In neither cell type were the cytokine effects reversed by abrogation of the NF-κB pathway.

Conclusions

These data show that murine MSCs from different genetic backgrounds may be influenced by an inflammatory milieu in a manner that is not mediated by NF-κB, as is the case for human MSCs. This is not mediated by NF-κB. These findings are important and should influence how in vivo trials of murine MSCs are interpreted and the future development of pre-clinical studies in inflammatory diseases.
Analytical solutions of EM fields due to a dipolar source inside an infinite casing
Authors: Cuevas Nestor H.
Published: August 2014

This paper studies the problem of electromagnetic fields observed outside of an infinite metallic casing due to dipolar excitations inside the pipe. Closed-form expressions are derived for the hertz vector potential driving the solution of the boundary value problem. The results indicates that the fields outside the casing are due to a distribution of vertical dipoles that decay in strength away from the true source. Analytical expressions are also obtained for the induced source distribution, as a function of the geometry and electric properties of the system. For the transverse magnetic mode (electric dipole source), the sources represent an electric current channeled vertically along the casing, whereas for the transverse electric mode (magnetic dipole source), they represent a distribution of induced magnetic moments. The strength of the current channeling decays exponentially away from the source, whereas the strength of the induced magnetic moment drops within the first few meters. The expressions obtained for the fields due to a magnetic dipole reveals that the effect of the casing yields a multiplicative complex constant, which attenuates the dipolar-type field. This effect has been observed experimentally in crosswell surveys, but it has never been formally proven. The fields due to an electric dipole excitation describe an inhomogeneous cylindrical surface wave propagating and attenuating in the radial and vertical directions.
The A-to-Z of faulting in the offshore Arabian Gulf: Arabian trend structures overprinted by a Zagros wrench-fault assemblage
Authors: Beck Byron J.-J.
Published: August 2014

Abstract.

Most major fields in the northeastern area of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are anticlinal structures developed above north-northeast–south-southwest-trending basement lineaments. Based on structural interpretation of 3D seismic data sets, the fault pattern over one such field in the offshore Arabian Gulf of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia was analyzed in detail and integrated into the regional tectonic framework. Two discrete fault sets were identified. First, a system of Cretaceous extensional block faulting was observed that is parallel to and associated with folding over the basement structure. Second, a complex wrench-fault assemblage was identified associated with a Palaeogene dextral couple across the Zagros suture, which overprinted the inherited structural fabric. Convex-upward, Zagros-parallel flower structures were interpreted along with coeval synthetic and antithetic strike-slip fault systems. The interpretation of two discrete faults sets was then applied to an adjacent field that proved to have experienced a more complex tectonic history. Integration of the seismic fault interpretation into the regional tectonic history provided a robust framework that enhanced the understanding of the fault pattern and the structural interpretation of a nearby more complex field.
Ceremonial Theater and Tragedy from French Classicism to German Classicism
Authors: Tang Chenxi
Published: August 2014

This essay investigates tragic theater from French classicism to German classicism in relation to the ritualized ceremonies and spectacles of the early modern state, which I summarily refer to as ceremonial theater. From the seventeenth to the nineteenth century, the relationship between tragedy and ceremonial theater went through four major phases: 1) sponsored by the state, tragedy was initially continuous with ceremonial theater; 2) finding a new source of the tragic in the implacable conflict between public sovereign power and insistent desires of the royal flesh, Racine created a tragic theater that contested ceremonial theater; 3) after Racine, ceremonial theater and tragedy moved in sharply diverging directions, with the former falling into a steady decline and the latter turning towards the sentiments and concerns of private persons; 4) in German classicism, especially in Schiller's classical dramas, ceremonial theater and tragedy were joined together again—by means of the appropriation of ceremonial theater by the tragic stage. Now the tragic stage established itself as an autonomous realm of the imagination, in which the moribund ceremonial theater came back to life. In the course of these centuries, the aesthetics of tragedy had changed, while the political world witnessed dramatic transformations. A study of European tragic theater in relation to political rituals during this eventful period, therefore, provides a new perspective on the interaction between aesthetics and politics.
Democrats against Democracy
Authors: Chou Mark
Published: August 2014

In late 2011, the Wall Street Journal published a curiously titled editorial, “Democrats against Democracy.” Written by James Taranto, one of the Journal ’s conservative columnists, the piece documented a disturbing trend besetting democracy in America. Taranto claimed that American Democrats, or those who identified themselves as liberal and progressive, were increasingly turning their backs on democracy. Taranto was apprehensive that still more democrats would begin turning against democracy, spurred on by those on the American political left and by popular political movements like Occupy. In this essay, I take up and extend Taranto’s claim by exploring how democrats against democracy is manifesting in America beyond the relative minority who took to the streets as part of movements like Occupy. Basing my analysis on the Netflix series House of Cards, and the recent works of Sheldon Wolin and Henry Giroux, I demonstrate how standard it has become for democrats, broadly conceived, to use democracy as a means of producing antidemocratic and inequitable outcomes. I argue that Taranto’s analysis, though important, is tainted by his conservative outlook and, as such, misses the most pernicious and dystopic aspects of America’s democratic system, which not only permits but requires democrats to use democracy for their own ends. Here, it is not just left-leaning progressives and Democratic Party faithfuls we need to concern ourselves with. Private citizens, elected political representatives of all stripes, and the corporate and media elite are all engaged in the deceit, which has as its end point the decapitation of democracy.
Chinese Bulimia
Authors: Featherstone Mark
Published: August 2014

In this article, I explore the significance of Chan Koonchung’s recent dystopia, The Fat Years, in the context of contemporary Chinese capitalism. In the first section of the article, I outline the plot of Chan’s novel before situating it in relation to classic Western dystopias such as Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We, George Orwell’s 1984, and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Here, I compare and contrast notions of narcotization, state control, and freedom across Chan’s work and the Western dystopias, noting key cultural differences in the process. Beyond this work, I move on to place Chan’s novel in the context of contemporary Chinese communism, and in particular the utopian dimensions of Hu Jintao’s concept of the Harmonious Society and Xi Jinping’s idea of the Chinese Dream. My objective in this section of the article is to show that Chan’s novel may be understood as a dystopian representation of contemporary Chinese utopianism organized and disseminated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the name of national security. Finally, and in order to extend this discussion of Chan’s representation of actual Chinese dystopianism, in the final section of the article I take up the metaphor of the capitalist body that eats too much. Here, I read the English translation of Chan’s title, “The Fat Years,” through the lens of Chinese body thought and, more centrally, what I call the Chinese “eating-being” or “being-eating,” in order to develop a theory of excess, lack, and a dysfunctional economic body that suggests an older tradition of Chinese utopianism linked to wilderness poetry and natural order.
Farewell to Revolution
Authors: Miles Malcolm
Published: August 2014

A work by Freee Art Collective states that protest drives history. Another proclaims that protest is beautiful. The paper considers these projects — as provocative rather than literal readings of history — in light of modern histories of revolt, recurrent resurgences of an interruptive politics (most recently in Occupy), and critiques of modernist art. It suggests that, although protest does not really drive history, nonetheless an art that protests also interrupts and fractures the status quo (which, today, entails the assertion that there is no alternative to neoliberalism). In the crack, as it were, a reimagination of the world is possible.
Risks of multimodal signaling: bat predators attend to dynamic motion in frog sexual displays
Authors: Halfwerk Wouter , Dixon Marjorie M. , Ottens Kristina J. , Taylor Ryan C. , Ryan Michael J. , Page Rachel A. , Jones Patricia L.
Published: August 2014

Many sexual displays contain multiple components that are received through a variety of sensory modalities. Primary and secondary signal components can interact to induce novel receiver responses and become targets of sexual selection as complex signals. However, predators can also use these complex signals for prey assessment, which may limit the evolution of elaborate sexual signals. We tested whether a multimodal sexual display of the male túngara frog (Physalaemus pustulosus) increases predation risk from the fringe-lipped bat (Trachops cirrhosus) when compared with a unimodal display. We gave bats a choice to attack one of two frog models: a model with a vocal sac moving in synchrony with a mating call (multisensory cue), or a control model with the call but no vocal sac movement (unimodal cue). Bats preferred to attack the model associated with the multimodal display. Furthermore, we determined that bats perceive the vocal sac using echolocation rather than visual cues. Our data illustrate the costs associated with multimodal signaling and that sexual and natural selection pressures on the same trait are not always mediated through the same sensory modalities. These data are important when considering the role of environmental fluctuations on signal evolution as different sensory modalities will be differentially affected.
The First Detection of Phthalimides in Sediments as Novel Biomarkers for Photosynthetic Organisms
Authors: Nomoto Shinya , Araki Suzuko , Mita Hajime
Published: August 2014

We detected a homologous series of phthalimides in organic solvent extracts of Cretaceous to Quaternary sediments. 2-Ethyl-3-methylmaleimide has been found in present-day sediments as a degradation product of chlorophylls; therefore, an authentic sample was heated, affording phthalimide and its homologs as well as homologs of maleimide. The heating products showed a similar molecular distribution of phthalimide and methylphthalimides to those found in the sediments analyzed. These results suggest that the phthalimides found in old sediments are derived from chlorophylls via 2-ethyl-3-methylmaleimide by geochemical transformation.
Mapping the Polymorphic Forms of Fexofenadine in Pharmaceutical Tablets Using near Infrared Chemical Imaging
Authors: Brondi Ariadne M. , Terra Luciana A. , Sabin Guilherme P. , Garcia Jerusa S. , Poppi Ronei J. , Trevisan Marcello G.
Published: August 2014

This study presents a comparison of partial least squares (PLS) and multivariate curve resolution (MCR-ALS) in the quantification of polymorphic forms I and II of fexofenadine. HCl in pharmaceutical tablets using near infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI). The PLS model built using a standard normal variate (SNV) pre-processing method resulted in satisfactory fits between the reference and predicted values, with a root mean square error of prediction ( RMSEP) for both polymorphic forms below 1.5% (w/w). The MCR-ALS results were obtained using an augmented matrix and SNV pre-processing method. The lack of fit value for decomposition was 0.13%, the correlation coefficient between the pure spectra and the obtained spectral profiles was 99.94% and the RMSEP was below 6% (w/w). The MCR-ALS model efficiently quantified the polymorphic forms and generated distribution maps; however, the PLS model exhibited better recovery of the concentrations.
Automatic Correction for Window Fouling of near Infrared Probes in Fluidised Systems
Authors: Scheibelhofer Otto , Hohl Roland , Salar-Behzadi Sharareh , Haack Detlev , Koch Kai , Kerschhaggl Peter , Sacher Stephan , Menezes Jose C. , Khinast Johannes G.
Published: August 2014

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a versatile, non-invasive and non-destructive tool that is often used for process monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry. Often, equipment window fouling or probe fouling of in-situ NIR probes occurs, leading to biased spectra and wrong interpretations (e.g. process-state estimation). Physical counter measures, including self-cleaning probes and geometrical considerations, are called for. This paper presents a mathematical solution to the problem of window fouling for an NIR-monitored process: by determining the distance to the particles, we established which part of the signal was missing owing to the coating accumulation on the probe window. The proposed approach is illustrated with the example of hot-melt coating in a fluidised bed, during which coating buildup on substrate particles was monitored despite window fouling.
Monitoring of Recrystallisation of Microcrystalline Cellulose inside Pharmaceutical Tablets during Storage Using near Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Awa Kimie , Shinzawa Hideyuki , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: August 2014

Changes in the crystallinity of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) inside pharmaceutical tablets during storage were monitored by near infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to investigate transient variation at the molecular level. The MCC used in the tablets was ground before tablet formulation to intentionally cause a decrease in crystallinity. The variation in crystalline structure of MCC was evaluated from the intensity of NIR spectra peaks ascribed to OH groups in the crystalline region. The MCC exhibited clear signs of recrystallisation during 63 days of storage. In addition, the recrystallisation became even more pronounced when the MCC was stored under high-humidity conditions. Results also showed that the inclusion of anhydrous silicic acid induces a clear delay in recrystallisation by restricting the penetration of water molecules into the tablets. The findings derived from NIR spectra were substantiated by differential thermal analysis. The results from this study suggest that crystallinity of MCC inside tablets can be controlled by other excipients during storage, which has useful applications for controlling pharmaceutical product performance during storage.
Application of near Infrared Conformance Trending for Material Quality, Container Consistency and Minimisation of Process Risk
Authors: Grout Bronwyn
Published: August 2014

Physical or chemical properties of excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients play a significant role in pharmaceutical process robustness and product quality, which are foundation elements of the Process Analytical Technology initiative in the pharmaceutical industry. This paper describes the investigation of the use of continuous data output from three different near infrared qualification algorithms (correlation, absolute normalised spectral distance and principal component analysis-based Mahalanobis Distance) coupled with statistical processing to create a material quality conformance approach. This approach extends the application of near infrared spectroscopy material qualification beyond pass/fail classification, to a tool for in-depth process understanding. The three material quality conformance methods were applied in parallel to commercial deliveries, and the benefits and limitations of the different methods compared. Global material quality conformance methods were demonstrated to provide an opportunity to gain greater insight in to the design space of product formulations and processes, and enabled rapid identification of material variation with the potential to greatly impact the pharmaceutical manufacturing process and/or product quality.
An Evaluation of Content Uniformity of Tablets Prepared by Quasi-Continuous Drug Coating Using near Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Cahyadi Christine , Sasithornwetchakun Watikan , Topark-Ngarm Acharawan , Chan Lai Wah , Heng Paul Wan Sia
Published: August 2014

In recent years, there has been increased interest in continuous manufacturing to improve manufacturing efficiencies. The Supercell coater is an example of a quasi-continuous coater capable of integration as an in-line unit operation for handling sub-batches of tablets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug-content uniformity of tablets prepared by quasi-continuous drug coating using the Supercell coater. In addition, near infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy were evaluated in parallel as process analytical technology tools for the monitoring of drug content in the coated tablets. Results showed that the Supercell coater was capable of coating tablets continuously with interbatch relative standard deviations of 2.2–4.9%, as measured by NIR spectroscopy and 1.4–5.0%, as measured by Raman spectroscopy. Both NIR and Raman spectroscopic methods were shown to be useful as non-destructive and rapid at-line monitoring tools to evaluate the drug-content uniformity of coated tablets. The spectra obtained from future exhaustive online measurements of tablets may be used as product fingerprints for real-time quality assurance.
Advances in Instrumental Technology, Industry Guidance and Data Management Systems Enabling the Widespread Use of near Infrared Spectroscopy in the Pharmaceutical/Biopharmaceutical Sector
Authors: Swarbrick Brad
Published: August 2014

Smaller, faster and more robust instrumentation combined with improved regulatory and industry guidance and advanced data management systems have all contributed to making the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique a viable alternative to traditional in-process and final-release testing strategies in the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry. The NIR method cannot be used to replace all testing methods, but when it can be applied, it provides greater insights into the state of a process or product. It also provides real- or near-real-time quality information, allowing process operators, Quality Assurance personnel or Advanced Process Control systems to take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to quality during the manufacturing process. This review summarises the developments in instrumentation, regulatory/industry guidance and information management systems that better enable the implementation of NIR technology into routine laboratory and process applications. A short review comparing the NIR and Raman techniques is provided, outlining the complementary nature of the two methods along with a discussion on how the two methodologies have experienced a similar evolution over the past 14 years.
Organizational Susceptibility to Institutional Complexity: Critical Events Driving the Adoption and Implementation of the Ethics and Compliance Officer Position
Authors: Chandler David
Published: August 2014

The institutional environment is complex. This complexity is characterized by forces that ebb and flow in wavelike patterns as societal expectations evolve, with attention coalescing around specific events and then dissipating. Some of these critical events are broad and affect many firms, whereas others are narrow and affect individual firms. In either case, when they occur, these events elevate organizational susceptibility to societal demands but encourage different kinds of behavior in response. This study seeks to model this complexity in an area of growing interest for organization scholars—business ethics. In particular, I examine how firms respond to shifting societal pressures for greater ethical behavior by adopting and implementing the Ethics and Compliance Officer position, from 1990 to 2008. Results demonstrate that although firms decide when to adopt in response to broad fieldwide critical events, it is narrower firm-specific critical events that determine resource commitments in implementation.
Intergenerational Hybrids: Spillbacks, Spillforwards, and Adapting to Technology Discontinuities
Authors: Furr Nathan R. , Snow Daniel C.
Published: August 2014

During technological discontinuities, incumbents frequently develop hybrids of competing technical generations. Although some prior work implies that such intergenerational hybrids may be the result of organizational dysfunction, we propose that in some cases hybrids may be sophisticated learning tools that shape organizational adaptation to a technological discontinuity. In this paper, we suggest two mechanisms through which intergenerational hybrids may affect organizational adaptation: spillbacks and spillforwards. In an empirical test among the population of automobile carburetor manufacturers during a technological discontinuity, we observe that organizations developing intergenerational hybrids capture spillback benefits—knowledge spillovers from an emerging technology generation to the current generation. Furthermore, we find that these same organizations also capture spillforwards—spillover benefits from developing higher-performing intergenerational hybrids that improve their product performance in the future technology generation. These results suggest that intergenerational hybrids may be stepping-stones for organizations to learn about and adapt to technology discontinuities.
Fertility age of parents in Australia continues its upward trend
Authors: Bainbridge Jane
Published: August 2014

Women have been delaying their first births for the last 30 years with fertility peaking at age 30–34 years, but the decision to have a child may now depend on the economic climate.
Team objective structured clinical examination for obstetric emergencies
Authors: Williams J , Terry S , James A
Published: August 2014

In response to the local Trust identifying that newly qualified midwives lacked confidence in their ability to deal with obstetric emergencies, a team interprofessional event was developed. The pilot workshops were very well evaluated particularly as they attempted to replicate the team in practice and included service users. The team used a formative assessment tool to provide feedback to each other.
One-to-one with…Debby Gould
Authors: Gould Debby
Published: August 2014

In this column we invite you to learn more about the key figures in maternity care today. This month we present an interview with Debby Gould.
The red-faced patient: common facial skin conditions and management guidelines
Authors: Onselen Julie Van
Published: August 2014

This article aims to inform and update aesthetic nurses' knowledge of common facial skin conditions. Although many skin disorders affect the face, some are specific to the facial area. Five common facial skin conditions are discussed in this article: acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and cutaneous lupus erythematous (CLE). Aesthetic nurses have an important role to play with patients who have facial skin conditions, as they will often seek advice on available treatment options and daily skincare regimens. Those with facial skin conditions may also be distressed about their appearance or feel they have facial disfigurement, so they will often require support and empathy to restore their confidence. It is important for aesthetic nurses to be aware of how medical cosmetic treatments may affect common facial skin conditions.
Cosmetic nursing in Canada: is it a step behind the UK?
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: August 2014

With both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures on the rise worldwide, aesthetic nursing is becoming an increasingly popular profession. In this new series, Aysha Mendes examines aesthetic nursing practices and cultural perceptions of beauty across the globe by focusing on a different country every month. This issue begins the column with a look at aesthetic nursing in Canada