bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Concrete Compressive Strength Using Hard Clustering and Fuzzy Clustering Based Regression Techniques
Authors: Nagwani Naresh Kumar , Deo Shirish V.
Published: October 2014

Understanding of the compressive strength of concrete is important for activities like construction arrangement, prestressing operations, and proportioning new mixtures and for the quality assurance. Regression techniques are most widely used for prediction tasks where relationship between the independent variables and dependent (prediction) variable is identified. The accuracy of the regression techniques for prediction can be improved if clustering can be used along with regression. Clustering along with regression will ensure the more accurate curve fitting between the dependent and independent variables. In this work cluster regression technique is applied for estimating the compressive strength of the concrete and a novel state of the art is proposed for predicting the concrete compressive strength. The objective of this work is to demonstrate that clustering along with regression ensures less prediction errors for estimating the concrete compressive strength. The proposed technique consists of two major stages: in the first stage, clustering is used to group the similar characteristics concrete data and then in the second stage regression techniques are applied over these clusters (groups) to predict the compressive strength from individual clusters. It is found from experiments that clustering along with regression techniques gives minimum errors for predicting compressive strength of concrete; also fuzzy clustering algorithmC-means performs better thanK-means algorithm.
Steady-State Analysis of Necrotic Core Formation for Solid Avascular Tumors with Time Delays in Regulatory Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Fangwei , Xu Shihe
Published: October 2014

A mathematical model for the growth of solid avascular tumor with time delays in regulatory apoptosis is studied. The existence of stationary solutions and the mechanism of formation of necrotic cores in the growth of the tumors are studied. The results show that if the natural death rate of the tumor cell exceeds a fixed positive constant, then the dormant tumor is nonnecrotic; otherwise, the dormant tumor is necrotic.
Imaging-Cytology Correlation of Thyroid Nodules with Initially Benign Cytology
Authors: Hwang Shin Hye , Sung Ji Min , Kim Eun-Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Kwak Jin Young
Published: October 2014

Objective. To determine the role of imaging-cytology correlation in reducing false negative results of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) at thyroid nodules.Methods. This retrospective study included 667 nodules 1 cm or larger in 649 patients diagnosed as benign at initial cytologic evaluation and that underwent follow-up ultrasound (US) or FNA following a radiologist’s opinion on concordance between imaging and cytologic results. We compared the risk of malignancy of nodules classified into subgroups according to the initial US features and imaging-cytology correlation.Results. Among included nodules, 11 nodules were proven to be malignant (1.6%) in follow-up FNA or surgery. The malignancy rate was higher in nodules with suspicious US features (11.4%) than in nodules without suspicious US features (0.5%,P<0.001). When a thyroid nodule had discordant US findings on image review after having benign FNA results, malignancy rate increased to 23.3%, significantly higher than that of nodules with suspicious US features (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was found in the risk of malignancy between the nodules without suspicious US features (0.5%) and imaging-cytology concordant nodules (0.6%,P=0.438).Conclusions. Repeat FNA can be effectively limited to patients with cytologically benign thyroid nodules showing discordance in imaging-cytology correlation after initial biopsy, which reduces unnecessary repeat aspirations.
Eye Diseases among Women Engaged in Local Extraction of Palm Kernel Oil in the Kumasi Metropolis
Authors: Ben Kumah David , Aikins Samuel , Owusu Ansah Abigail , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Appenteng Osae Eugene
Published: October 2014

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of eye diseases among women engaged in the local extraction of palm kernel oil in the Kumasi Metropolis. A cross-sectional study was carried out in five women groups purposively sampled. A total of 150 women were sampled. History taken from the women included participants’ demographics and ocular and occupational history. Ocular examination included visual acuity and ophthalmoscopy. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were employed. A total of 150 women aged from 17 to 84 years were examined. The prevalence of eye diseases was 56.0%. The ocular disease with the highest prevalence was pterygium (34.0%), followed by cataract and pinguecula (20.0% each). The study revealed a high ocular morbidity rate. Regular eye examination and education are recommended for these women since they are exposed to several risk factors which play important roles in ocular morbidities.
Effect of Chopped Basalt Fibers on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Ayub Tehmina , Shafiq Nasir , Nuruddin M. Fadhil
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the mechanical properties and the microstructure of the high performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC) containing up to 3% volume fraction of chopped Basalt fibers. Three types of the concrete were prepared, out of which, the first type was prepared by utilizing 100% cement content. The other two types of the concrete were prepared by replacing 10% cement content with silica fume and the locally produced metakaolin. Using each concrete type, four mixes were prepared in which Basalt fibers were added in the range of 0–3%; that is, total twelve mixes of the HPFRC concrete were prepared. From each of the twelve concrete mixes, total twelve specimens were cast to determine the mechanical properties of the HPFRC including compressive strength (cube and cylinder), splitting tensile strength, and the flexural strength. In this way, a total of 108 specimens were cast and tested in this study. Test results showed that the addition of the Basalt fibers significantly increased the tensile splitting strength and the flexural strength of the HPFRC, while there was slight improvement in the compressive strength with the addition of Basalt fibers. The microstructure of HPFRC was examined to determine the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the aggregates and the paste by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), which showed the improvement of the ITZ due to the addition of the Basalt fibers.
Model-Switched Beamformer with Large Dynamic Range
Authors: Hao Zeng , Qian Xing , Qingkun Yang , Linfeng Feng
Published: October 2014

The strong desired signal will be mitigated due to “self-nulling” for the adaptive beamformer, even if the array calibration is used. The proposed methodology switches the models between phased array and adaptive array. In general, the system utilizes Frost adaptive beamforming. However, it will be switched to phased array if the “self-nulling” appears. According to the estimation of the array pattern at the direction of desired signal, we can determine if the “self-nulling” happens. The new approach is much easier to implement compared with the various robust beamforming algorithms.
Development of a Univariate Membrane-Based Mid-Infrared Method for Protein Quantitation and Total Lipid Content Analysis of Biological Samples
Authors: Strug Ivona , Utzat Christopher , Cappione Amedeo , Gutierrez Sara , Amara Ryan , Lento Joseph , Capito Florian , Skudas Romas , Chernokalskaya Elena , Nadler Timothy
Published: October 2014

Biological samples present a range of complexities from homogeneous purified protein to multicomponent mixtures. Accurate qualification of such samples is paramount to downstream applications. We describe the development of an MIR spectroscopy-based analytical method offering simultaneous protein quantitation (0.25–5 mg/mL) and analysis of total lipid or detergent species, as well as the identification of other biomolecules present in biological samples. The method utilizes a hydrophilic PTFE membrane engineered for presentation of aqueous samples in a dried format compatible with fast infrared analysis. Unlike classical quantification techniques, the reported method is amino acid sequence independent and thus applicable to complex samples of unknown composition. By comparison to existing platforms, this MIR-based method enables direct quantification using minimal sample volume (2 µL); it is well-suited where repeat access and limited sample size are critical parameters. Further, accurate results can be derived without specialized training or knowledge of IR spectroscopy. Overall, the simplified application and analysis system provides a more cost-effective alternative to high-throughput IR systems for research laboratories with minimal throughput demands. In summary, the MIR-based system provides a viable alternative to current protein quantitation methods; it also uniquely offers simultaneous qualification of other components, notably lipids and detergents.
Facile Preparation of Optically Tailored Hybrid Nanocomposite
Authors: Fernández de Ávila Susana , Ferrer J. C. , Alonso J. L. , Mallavia R. , Rakkaa B.
Published: October 2014

Lead sulfide nanoparticles (PbS NPs) have been synthesized directly in poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(3′,7′‐dimethyloctyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MDMO‐PPV) semiconducting polymer by a simple low temperature method. Hybrid solutions with different concentrations of PbS with respect to the polymer have been prepared and characterized first in solution and then as thin film nanocomposites deposited on quartz substrates by spin coating. Quenching of photoluminescence emission is observed both in solutions and thin films when the ratio of PbS NPs increases with respect to the polymer, suggesting the occurrence of Dexter energy transfer from the polymer to the PbS NPs. Optical absorption is markedly increased for hybrid solutions compared to pure polymer. In thin nanocomposite films an enhancement of absorbance is observed with increasing PbS NPs concentration, which is more pronounced below 400 nm. The reported results could lead to the development of a method for tailoring the optical response of devices based on PbS NP‐polymer nanocomposite by controlling the PbS NP concentration inside the polymer matrix.
Hydrogenated Microstructure and Its Hydrogenation Properties: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Salam M. Abdus , Abdullah Bawadi , Sufian Suriati
Published: October 2014

The relationship between microstructure and hydrogenation properties of the mixed metals has been investigated via different spectroscopic techniques and the density functional theory (DFT). FESEM and TEM analyses demonstrated the nano‐grains of Mg2NiH4 and MgH2 on the hydrogenated microstructure of the adsorbents that were confirmed by using XPS analysis technique. SAED pattern of hydrogenated metals attributed the polycrystalline nature of mixed metals and ensured the hydrogenation to Mg2NiH4 and MgH2 compounds. Flower‐like rough surface of mixed metals showed high hydrogenation capacity. The density functional theory (DFT) predicted hydrogenation properties; enthalpy and entropy changes of hydrogenated microstructure of MgH2 and Mg2NiH4 are −62.90 kJ/mol, −158 J/mol·K and −52.78 kJ/mol, −166 J/mol·K, respectively. The investigation corresponds to the hydrogen adsorption feasibility, reversible range hydrogenation thermodynamics, and hydrogen desorption energy of 54.72 kJ/mol. DFT predicted IR band for MgH2 and Mg2NiH4 attributed hydrogen saturation on metal surfaces.
Structural Modification of Sol-Gel Synthesized V2O5and TiO2Thin Films with/without Erbium Doping
Authors: Gökdemir Fatma Pınar , Saatci Ayşe Evrim , Özdemir Orhan , Kutlu Kubilay
Published: October 2014

Comparative work of with/without erbium- (Er-) doped vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were carried out via sol-gel technique by dissolving erbium (III) nitrate pentahydrate (Er(NO3)3·5H2O) in vanadium (V) oxoisopropoxide (OV[OCH(CH3)2]3) and titanium (IV) isopropoxide (Ti[OCH(CH3)2]4). Effect of Er doping was traced by Fourier transform IR (FTIR), thermogravimetric/differential thermal (TG/DTA), and photoluminescence measurements. UV-Vis transmission/absorption measurement indicated a blue shift upon Er doping in V2O5film due to the softening of V=O bond while appearance of typical absorption peaks in Er-doped TiO2film. Granule size of the films increased (reduced) upon Er substitution on host material compared to undoped V2O5and TiO2films, respectively.
Superpulsed CO2Laser with Intraoperative Pathologic Assessment for Treatment of Periorbital Basal Cell Carcinoma Involving Eyelash Line
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali , Rezaei Mansour , Kavoussi Reza , Eidizadeh Mojtaba , Madani Seyed Hamid , Kavoussi Hossein
Published: October 2014

Background. Periorbital basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is considered a high risk case because it is associated with high rate of recurrence and complication. Superpulsed CO2laser with intraoperative pathologic assessment could be an alternative and appropriate treatment for periocular lesions where Mohs micrographic surgery is not available.Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of superpulsed CO2laser therapy with intraoperative pathologic assessment on periocular BCC involving eyelash line.Method. This follow-up study was performed on 20 patients with a total of 21 BCC lesions that were pathologically documented. Firstly, debulkation of tumoral mass was done by curettage. Then, irradiation and intraoperative pathologic evaluation were done by concurrent CO2laser. The patients were followed up for a period of 36 months.Results. Out of 21 lesions, the nodular type accounted for 15 (71.4%) lesions, and 12 (57.1%) lesions were seen in the lower lid as the most common clinical type and site involvement. Twenty BCC lesions (95.2%) were treated after one session. Damage to eyelash was seen in 2 (10%) patients, but ectropion and other complications were not seen in any patient.Conclusion. Treatment with superpulsed CO2laser and intraoperative pathologic evaluation for periorbital BCC lesions much close to conjunctiva could be an effective method with minimal complications without major danger of recurrence. This modality can be used with care in the inner canthus and high risk pathologic lesions.
Autoimmune and Neoplastic Thyroid Diseases Associated with Hepatitis C Chronic Infection
Authors: Fallahi Poupak , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Politti Ugo , Giuggioli Dilia , Ferri Clodoveo , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: October 2014

Frequently, patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection have high levels of serum anti-thyroperoxidase and/or anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies, ultrasonographic signs of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and subclinical hypothyroidism, in female gender versus healthy controls, or hepatitis B virus infected patients. In patients with “HCV-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia” (MC + HCV), a higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmune disorders was shown not only compared to controls, but also versus HCV patients without cryoglobulinemia. Patients with MC + HCV or HCV chronic infection show a higher prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer than controls, in particular in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Patients with HCV chronic infection, or with MC + HCV, in presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, show higher serum levels of T-helper (Th)1 (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) chemokine, but normal levels of Th2 (C-C motif) ligand 2 chemokine, than patients without thyroiditis. HCV thyroid infection could act by upregulating CXCL10 gene expression and secretion in thyrocytes recruiting Th1 lymphocytes that secrete interferon-γand tumor necrosis factor-α. These cytokines might induce a further CXCL10 secretion by thyrocytes, thus perpetuating the immune cascade, which may lead to the appearance of autoimmune thyroid disorders in genetically predisposed subjects. A careful monitoring of thyroid function, particularly where nodules occur, is recommended in HCV patients.
A New Optimized GA-RBF Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Jia Weikuan , Zhao Dean , Shen Tian , Su Chunyang , Hu Chanli , Zhao Yuyan
Published: October 2014

When confronting the complex problems, radial basis function (RBF) neural network has the advantages of adaptive and self-learning ability, but it is difficult to determine the number of hidden layer neurons, and the weights learning ability from hidden layer to the output layer is low; these deficiencies easily lead to decreasing learning ability and recognition precision. Aiming at this problem, we propose a new optimized RBF neural network algorithm based on genetic algorithm (GA-RBF algorithm), which uses genetic algorithm to optimize the weights and structure of RBF neural network; it chooses new ways of hybrid encoding and optimizing simultaneously. Using the binary encoding encodes the number of the hidden layer’s neurons and using real encoding encodes the connection weights. Hidden layer neurons number and connection weights are optimized simultaneously in the new algorithm. However, the connection weights optimization is not complete; we need to use least mean square (LMS) algorithm for further leaning, and finally get a new algorithm model. Using two UCI standard data sets to test the new algorithm, the results show that the new algorithm improves the operating efficiency in dealing with complex problems and also improves the recognition precision, which proves that the new algorithm is valid.
LPS fromP. gingivalisand Hypoxia Increases Oxidative Stress in Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts and Contributes to Periodontitis
Authors: Gölz L. , Memmert S. , Rath-Deschner B. , Jäger A. , Appel T. , Baumgarten G. , Götz W. , Frede S.
Published: October 2014

Oxidative stress is characterized by an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plays a key role in the progression of inflammatory diseases. We hypothesize that hypoxic and inflammatory events induce oxidative stress in the periodontal ligament (PDL) by activating NOX4. Human primary PDL fibroblasts were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide fromPorphyromonas gingivalis(LPS-PG), a periodontal pathogen bacterium under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. By quantitative PCR, immunoblot, immunostaining, and a specific ROS assay we determined the amount of NOX4, ROS, and several redox systems. Healthy and inflamed periodontal tissues were collected to evaluate NOX4 and redox systems by immunohistochemistry. We found significantly increased NOX4 levels after hypoxic or inflammatory stimulation in PDL cells (P<0.001) which was even more pronounced after combination of the stimuli. This was accompanied by a significant upregulation of ROS and catalase (P<0.001). However, prolonged incubation with both stimuli induced a reduction of catalase indicating a collapse of the protective machinery favoring ROS increase and the progression of inflammatory oral diseases. Analysis of inflamed tissues confirmed our hypothesis. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the interplay of NOX4 and redox systems is crucial for ROS formation which plays a pivotal role during oral diseases.
Direct Evidence for Self-Propagation of Different Amyloid-β Fibril Conformations
Authors: Spirig Thomas , Ovchinnikova Oxana , Vagt Toni , Glockshuber Rudi
Published: October 2014

Background: Amyloid fibrils formed by amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides are associated with Alzheimer's disease and can occur in a range of distinct morphologies that are not uniquely determined by the Aβ sequence. Whether distinct conformations of Aβ fibrils can be stably propagated over multiple cycles of seeding and fibril growth has not been established experimentally. Objective: The ability of the 40-residue peptide Aβ1-40 to assemble into fibrils with the conformation of the mutant Aβ1-40 peptide containing the ‘Osaka' mutation E22Δ was investigated. Methods: Fibril formation of highly pure, recombinant Aβ1-40 in the presence of distinct, preformed seeds in vitro was recorded with thioflavin T fluorescence, and distinct fibrillar structures were identified and distinguished by fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Results: We propagated the specific quaternary structure of Aβ1-40 E22Δ fibrils with wild-type Aβ1-40 over up to seven cycles of seeding and fibril elongation. As a result of a 107-fold dilution of the initially present Aβ1-40 E22Δ seeds, the vast majority of fibrils formed after the seventh propagation cycle with Aβ1-40 did not contain a single molecule of Aβ1-40 E22Δ, but still retained the conformation of the initial Aβ1-40 E22Δ seeds. Increased critical concentrations of Aβ1-40 fibrils formed in the presence of Aβ1-40 E22Δ nuclei suggest that these fibrils are less stable than homologously seeded Aβ1-40 fibrils, consistent with a kinetically controlled mechanism of fibril formation. Conclusion: The propagation of a distinct Aβ fibril conformation over multiple cycles of seeded fibril growth demonstrates the basic ability of the Aβ peptide to form amyloid strains that in turn may cause phenotypes in Alzheimer's disease.
Suitability of Small Bronchoscopic Tumour Specimens for Lung Cancer Genotyping
Authors: Dooms Christophe , Vliegen Liesbet , Vander Borght Sara , Yserbyt Jonas , Hantson Inge , Verbeken Eric , Wauters Els , Nackaerts Kristiaan , Ninane Vincent , Vansteenkiste Johan , Vandenberghe Peter
Published: October 2014

Background: Biomarker-driven clinical trials in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) usually accept biopsy specimens only, as cytology specimens are supposed to be more challenging due to low neoplastic cell content and suboptimal DNA quantity. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate 2 aspects of bronchoscopic biopsy and cytology specimens: (1) the proportion of neoplastic cells and quantity of DNA extracted, and (2) the detection limit of the Scorpion amplification refractory mutation system on endoscopic samples obtained in daily clinical practice. Methods: We screened 679 patients with advanced-stage NSCLC for the presence of an activating EGFR mutation according to the guidelines of the European Society of Medical Oncology. Their diagnostic tumour tissue samples were characterized. A dilution experiment was performed to determine the minimal proportion of neoplastic cells for a reliable test result. Results: Surgical biopsies, bronchoscopic forceps biopsy samples and needle aspiration cytology specimens exhibited a median tumour cell proportion of 70 versus 30 versus 20% and a DNA quantity of 2,500 versus 1,610 versus 1,440 ng, respectively. The overall EGFR mutation rate was 11%, with no differences between different sample types. Dilution experiments showed that the detection limit depends on the type of mutation. A neoplastic cell content of at least 10 and 25% for exon 19 deletions and exon 21 L858R point mutation, respectively, was required for a true negative result. Conclusions: Bronchoscopic forceps biopsy and needle aspiration cytology specimens are suitable for accurate EGFR mutation analysis using single-gene quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Technologies with a better analytical sensitivity are evolving and should consider these endoscopic tumour specimens.
Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels Are Inversely Associated with Growth Rates in Infancy
Authors: Mericq VerÓnica , De Luca Francesco , Hernandez Maria I. , Peña Veronica , Rossel Katherine , Garcia Mirna , Avila Alejandra , Cavada Gabriel , Iñiguez German
Published: October 2014

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a metabolic and growth regulator. Aim: To investigate the role of FGF21 during growth in infancy. Methods: Blood samples for FGF21, leptin, insulin and glucose were collected from cord blood obtained from 95 preterm and term newborns (cross-sectional group), and at 6 and 12 months of life in 80 preterm and term infants (longitudinal group). Length and weight were measured at birth, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: From birth through 12 months of age, preterm infants' linear growth and weight gain were larger than those of term infants, irrespective of birth weight SDS. At birth and at 12 months, there was no difference in FGF21 levels between preterm and term infants; in contrast, at 6 months, serum FGF21 in term infants was significantly higher than that of preterm ones. In the 0-6-month period, in the whole longitudinal group, serum FGF21 was inversely correlated to the length change SDS, and such a significant inverse correlation persisted in the preterm-AGA group in the 6-12-month period. In addition, term infants who experienced length catch-up in the first 6 months of life exhibited lower serum FGF21 levels at 6 months, and those with length catch-up growth between 6 and 12 months had a greater decrease of serum FGF21 level in the same time period. Conclusions: Our results indicate that FGF21 in infancy is inversely correlated with linear growth rate, thus suggesting that FGF21 is a negative regulator of human growth.
The orb-weaving spider genus Eustala Simon, 1895 (Araneae, Araneidae):
eight new species, redescriptions, and new records
Authors: POETA MARIA RITA MUNIZ
Published: October 2014

Eight new species of Eustala Simon, 1895 are described from southern Brazil. Eustala guarani n. sp., from Paraná and E. catarina n. sp., from Santa Catarina, are based on males and females. Six species are described from Rio Grande do Sul: E. ericae n. sp., E. cidae n. sp., E. lisei n. sp., E. cuia n. sp., E. farroupilha n. sp., based on males and females, and E. eldorado n. sp., based only on males. Eustala mourei Mello-Leitão, 1947, from Paraná and E. ulecebrosa (Keyserling, 1892), described from Rio Grande do Sul are redescribed and illustrated. New records are given for Eustala albiventer (Keyserling, 1884), E. taquara (Keyserling, 1892), E. minuscula (Keyserling, 1892), E. itapocuensis Strand, 1916, E. photographica Mello-Leitão, 1944, E. levii Poeta, Marques & Buckup, 2010, and E. palmares, Poeta, Marques & Buckup, 2010. Eustala perfida Mello-Leitão, 1947, described from Paraná, and E. belissima Poeta, Marques & Buckup, 2010, from Rio Grande do Sul, are newly recorded from Uruguay. Distribution maps are provided.
The subgenus Andrena (Micrandrena) (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: DARDÓN MARÍA JOSÉ , TORRES FÉLIX , ORNOSA CONCEPCIÓN
Published: October 2014

This work presents the results obtained after a revision of the current species of the subgenus Andrena (Micrandrena) Ashmead, 1899 that appear in the Iberian Peninsula. It provides a key to the species, diagnosis, biological data, and comments about the 19 species and 5 subspecies. Additionally, it includes a redescription of five species because their original descriptions were inadequate. Newly reported for the Iberian Peninsula are Andrena floricola Eversmann, 1852 and Andrena strohmella Stöckhert, 1928. This study is the first contribution to resolve certain taxonomic problems in the subgenus Andrena (Micrandrena); however, the use of additional tools like morphometric and molecular characters are recommended in the future to confirm the taxonomic status of Andrena spreta Pérez, 1895.
Description and conservation status of a new species of Australotomurus (Collembola: Entomobryidae: Orchesellinae) from urban Perth remnant bushland
Authors: GREENSLADE PENELOPE , JORDANA RAFAEL
Published: October 2014

A new species of the Australian endemic genus Australotomurus Stach, 1947 A. morbidus sp. nov., is described from four urban remnants in Perth. Australotomurus morbidus sp. nov. is the first species in the genus found to possess male secondary sexual characters on antennal segment III as well as I. The males of all other described species in the genus occurring in south-eastern Australia have secondary sexual characters on antennal segments I and II rather than I and III. Typical habitats for Australotomurus species are long undisturbed native grasslands and heathland at low and high elevations. The new species extends the known distribution of the genus ca. 2,000 km west. Australotomurus morbidus sp. nov. is the only species in the genus currently vulnerable to extinction because of its restricted distribution to only four localities, all of which are subject to considerable human disturbance. This species was listed as critically endangered when it was known (but not yet described) from only one locality but was delisted a few years later when three other locations for the species were found. The history and records of A. morbidus sp. nov. suggest that listing species using current Western Australian legislation does not necessarily protect vulnerable species. The new species is described here and new records for some other Australian species of Orchesellinae provided, including the first Australian record of Heteromurus major (Moniez, 1889).
Description of a new species of Anomala Samouelle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) from Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: JIN MENGJIE , WEIR TOM , ŚLIPIŃSKI ADAM , PANG HONG
Published: October 2014

A new species of Anomala Samouelle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) is described from the Northern Territory of Australia. The new species is diagnosed by the single tooth along the external margin of protibia, medially interrupted marginal bead on pronotal base and the clypeus weakly reflexed anteriorly. The illustrated diagnoses of the remaining Australian species and the key to their identification is also provided.
9. Fear of Cultural Objects
Authors: Flynn Tom
Published: October 2014

The essay seeks to read some of the recent and current disputes over global cultural heritage through the metaphor of fear. The essay opens with an analysis of a little-known early German Expressionist feature film entitled 'Fear', the narrative of which centres upon the illicit removal of a cultural object from a distant sacred site and its subsequent re-location to a European private collection. The subsequent 'haunting' of the collector, triggered by the illicit act of removal, provides the essay with a starting point for an exploration of the extent to which many of today's cultural heritage disputes are fuelled by variant types of fear. On the one hand, Western 'universal' museums fear losing their collections to repatriation, collections which symbolize their identity and power. This can be contrasted with the fear felt by many in the formerly subaltern nations of the developing world who interpret these mainly European and North American encyclopaedic institutions as tyrannical symbols of imperial greed. The essay explores the roots of this mutual fear and asks how it can be assuaged in an increasingly globalised world of contested cultural objects.
Eye Tracking: Evaluating the Impact of Gesturing during Televised Weather Forecasts
Authors: Drost Robert , Trobec Jay , Steffke Christy , Libarkin Julie
Published: October 2014

Televised media is one of the most frequently accessed sources of weather information. The local weathercaster is the link between weather information and the public, and as such weathercaster characteristics, from vocal cadence to physical appearance, can impact viewer understanding. This study considers the role of weathercaster gesturing on viewer attention during weather forecasts. Two variations of a typical weather forecast were viewed by a total of 36 students during an eye tracking session. The first forecast variation contained physical gestures toward forecast text by the newscaster (Gesture condition) while the second variation contained minimal gesturing (No Gesture condition). Following each eye tracking session, students completed a retention survey related to the forecast. These data were used to identify areas of interest to which students attended during viewing and to ascertain how well the forecast was retained across the gesturing treatments. Study results suggest that the weathercaster’s gesturing during forecasts may have induced confusion among participants, but did not affect retention of the weather information investigated in the study. Gesturing diverted attention from other areas of interest within the forecast by encouraging participants to focus on the weathercaster’s hands. This study indicates that minor modifications to weathercaster behavior can produce significant changes in viewer behavior.
A Field Experiment on the Small-Scale Variability of Rainfall Based on a Network of Micro Rain Radars and Rain Gauges
Authors: Chen Yong , Liu Huizhi , An Junling , Görsdorf Ulrich , Berger Franz H.
Published: October 2014

Small-scale summer rainfall variability in a semiarid zone was studied by deploying five vertically pointing Micro Rain Radars (MRRs) along a nearly straight line and by using 12 rain gauges in the study area of the Xilin River catchment in China. The spatial scales of 4 and 9 km correspond to the resolution of precipitation radar and rainfall products from satellites. The dataset of the MRRs and rain gauges covers two months in the summer of 2009. Three parameters, that is, spatial correlation, intermittency, and the coefficient of variation (CV), were used to describe the rainfall variability as based on the data from the MRRs and rain gauges. The probability of partial beamfilling in a 4-km (9 km) pixel over a 30-min temporal scale was 17%–20% (28%–37%). More accurate equipment can measure lower rainfall intermittency. For scales of 4 and 9 km, the median CV of the accumulation times that were longer than 3 h with rainfall > 1 mm was 0.17–0.42. The accuracy of areal rainfall measured by different quantities of equipment was also evaluated. One MRR was sufficient for measuring the daily areal rainfall at a 4-km scale, with a fraction of prediction within a factor of 2 of observations of 1.0 and a correlation coefficient of ≥0.58 when daily mean rainfall was >1 mm.
Causes of the Multidecadal-Scale Warming of the Intermediate Water in the Okhotsk Sea and Western Subarctic North Pacific
Authors: Nakanowatari Takuya , Nakamura Tomohiro , Uchimoto Keisuke , Uehara Hiroki , Mitsudera Humio , Ohshima Kay I. , Hasumi Hiroyasu , Wakatsuchi Masaaki
Published: October 2014

Causes of the multidecadal-scale warming of the intermediate water in the Okhotsk Sea and the western subarctic North Pacific during 1980–2008 are investigated using an ice–ocean coupled model with interannually varying atmospheric forcing. A hindcast experiment qualitatively reproduces the warming and decadal fluctuations of the intermediate water that are similar to those of observations: the warming is significant along the western part of the Okhotsk Sea and subarctic frontal region. The effects of the thermohaline- and wind-driven ocean circulation on the warming are evaluated from perturbation experiments on thermohaline (turbulent heat and freshwater fluxes) and wind causes, respectively. The thermohaline causes are shown to contribute positively to warming in the Okhotsk Sea Intermediate Water (OSIW). The heat budget analysis for the OSIW indicates that the warming is related to a decrease in cold and dense shelf water (DSW) flux, which is caused by a decrease in sea ice and surface water freshening. In contrast, the wind cause has a cooling effect in the OSIW through an increase in DSW. In the subarctic frontal region, the warming is mainly caused by the wind stress change. The heat budget analysis indicates that the warming is related to an increase in the northward advection of the subtropical warm water. These results imply that both thermohaline- and wind-driven ocean circulation changes are essential components of the warming in the intermediate water. The atmospheric conditions responsible for the warming are related to a weakened Aleutian low and Siberian high in early and late winter.
Multidecadal Variability of the Overturning Circulation in Presence of Eddy Turbulence
Authors: Huck Thierry , Arzel Olivier , Sévellec Florian
Published: October 2014

At low-resolution, idealized ocean circulation models forced by prescribed differential surface heat fluxes show spontaneous multidecadal variability depending critically on eddy diffusivity coefficients. The existence of this critical threshold in the range of observational estimates legitimates some doubt on the relevance of such intrinsic oscillations in the real ocean. Through a series of numerical simulations with increasing resolution up to eddy-resolving ones (10 km) and various diapycnal diffusivities, this multidecadal variability proves a generic ubiquitous feature, at least in model versions with a flat bottom. The mean circulation largely changes in the process of refining the horizontal grid (along with the associated implicit viscosity and diffusivity), and the spatial structure of the variability is largely modified, but there is no clear influence of the resolution on the main oscillation period. The interdecadal variability appears even more robust to low vertical diffusivity and overturning when mesoscale eddies are resolved. The mechanism previously proposed for these oscillations, involving westward-propagating baroclinically unstable Rossby waves in the subpolar region and its feedback on the mean circulation, appears unaffected by mesoscale turbulence and is simply displaced following the polar front.
Maryanne Wolf
Authors: Richardson Joan
Published: October 2014

Reading scholar Maryanne Wolf believes that every child needs an array of digital skills in their learning repertoire. Her research focuses on how best to introduce technology in terms of reading acquisition so children can develop deep reading skills over time. Educators must focus on a carefully considered trajectory in order to develop a truly biliterate child who knows what is best for different kinds of reading.
Fact or fiction? Libraries can thrive in the Digital Age
Authors: Harris Christopher
Published: October 2014

Today’s school library uses an increasing number of digital resources to supplement a print collection that is moving more toward fiction and literary non-fiction. Supplemental resources, including streaming video, online resources, subscription databases, audiobooks, e-books, and even games, round out the new collections. Despite the best efforts of even the hardest-working librarians in the best-funded libraries, there are many challenges to going digital.
E-text and e-books are changing literacy landscape
Authors: Dalton Bridget
Published: October 2014

The digital world is expanding the reading palette, offering readers -- especially readers who struggle with printed text -- new possibilities for to engage in reading via e-text and e-books. This expanded view of text is consistent with the Common Core’s vision of a successful 21st century learner who is able to critically read and communicate with text in print and multimodal formats. This vision of e-texts has yet to be fully realized, but schools are moving to integrate e-texts and digital curricula, and some authors and educational publishers are experimenting with multimodal composition.
ED Law
Authors: Darden Edwin C.
Published: October 2014

The amount of homework teachers assign has become a frequent topic of school policy and legal dispute. Courts have tended to leave the matter to local schools and local school boards, which is the proper place for such issues to be decided.
Constitutive formulation and numerical analysis of the biomechanical behaviour of forefoot plantar soft tissue
Authors: Fontanella Chiara Giulia , Favaretto Elena , Carniel Emanuele Luigi , Natali Arturo Nicola
Published: October 2014

The aim of this work is to provide a numerical approach for the investigation of the mechanical behaviour of the forefoot soft tissues. The development of reliable numerical models of biological structures requires the definition of constitutive formulations that actually interpret the mechanical response of the constituent biological tissues and their structural arrangement. A specific visco-hyperelastic constitutive model is provided to account for the typical features of soft plantar tissue mechanics, as geometric and material non-linearity, almost-incompressible behaviour and time-dependent phenomena. Constitutive parameters are evaluated by the analysis of experimental data from compression and stress relaxation tests on tissue samples. A three-dimensional finite element model of the forefoot region is developed starting from the analysis of biomedical images, leading to the evaluation of overall structural response. The reliability of model and analyses is assessed by the comparison of experimental and numerical results pertaining to indentation tests. The numerical model developed allows to evaluate the mechanical response of plantar soft tissue in terms of stress and strain distribution.
The CV as a multimodal text
Authors: Lipovsky Caroline
Published: October 2014

This article aims to broaden our understanding of CV visual design from a critical perspective, using the visual grammar developed by Kress and van Leeuwen as a point of departure. Drawing on an analysis of a set of CVs collected in France, the article highlights the significant role played by visual semiotics in applicants’ construals of professional expertise in their CVs as part of their endeavour to be shortlisted for an interview. It also identifies significant features across the interpersonal, ideational and textual metafunctions of the CVs. The analysis of the CVs is complemented by the recruiter’s comments on the CVs, which further highlight the role of visual features in recruiters’ impressions of job applicants.
An Unusual Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury in a Young Man
Authors: Ratnasingam Denesh , Lovick Darren S. , Weber Dennis M. , Buonocore Richard V. , Williams William V.
Published: October 2014

Context

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a complex neurological traumatic incident where brain function is disrupted due to physical trauma, can be categorized in multiple ways and is commonly scored using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Severe closed head injury is a form of TBI with a Glasgow Coma Scale less than 8. The outcomes and prognosis are not uniform in the population but mortality is estimated at 30–50 percent. In this case of severe closed head injury, the patient was able to make a near full recovery after several neurosurgery and medical treatments and intercessory prayer to Saint Luigi Guanella.

Findings

A 21-year-old male patient received a severe closed head TBI and bilateral hemotympanum while rollerblading without a helmet. After imaging, a left frontal craniotomy and evacuation of epidural and subdural hematomas and resection of a left frontal contusion were performed. Intracranial pressure increased and the patient experienced a transtentorial herniation. He underwent a right frontotemporal and subtemporal craniectomy and evacuation of a frontotemporal subdural hematoma. The patient had intraventricular hemorrhage to which a ventriculostomy was performed and later converted to a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for recurrent hydrocephalus. The patient was not expected to regain consciousness, but made a recovery after 24 days in the hospital and 10 days in rehabilitation. The patient followed up 6 months after injury for a cranioplasty and soon after returned to near baseline.

Conclusions/clinical relevance

In this extraordinary case, the severe closed head injury the patient sustained required intensive neurosurgical and medical treatment and the prognosis for recovery of consciousness was very poor; however, with treatment and rehabilitation and intercessory prayer to Saint Luigi Guanella, this patient was able to recover close to baseline from a Glasgow Coma Scale of 7.

Lay Summary

Head injuries vary in severity and traumatic brain injuries can be extremely serious leading to bleeding, loss of consciousness, and can affect verbal responses, muscles movement in motor responses, and responses with eye movement. Traumatic brain injuries require medical care to assess the severity and treat the injury. In this case report, we discuss a patient's very severe closed head injury while rollerblading without a helmet from which he was not expected to make a full recovery, but did so following intensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and intercessory prayer to Saint Don Guanella to combat the initial injury and subsequent issues.
Characterization and dielectric properties of sodium fluoride doped talc
Authors: Gümüştas S. , Köseoğlu K. , Yalçinkaya E. E. , Balcan M.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of NaF and firing temperature on the dielectric properties (dielectric constant and dielectric loss) of talc, which is used in the electrical and electronic industries as a circuit element. A detailed characterization of the samples was made by XRD, FTIR, SEM and TG-DTG methods. Dielectric measurements were performed in the frequency range from 1 MHz to 80 MHz at room temperature. The dielectric constant value increased with an increase in firing temperature due to the removal of polarizable compounds from the talc structure. The higher dielectric constant values were obtained by addition of NaF. The dielectric loss of NaF doped talc decreased with the increase of firing temperature and increased with the increase of the amount of NaF.
Palaeogeographic controls on palygorskite occurrence in Maastrichtian-Palaeogene sediments of the Western High Atlas and Meseta Basins (Morocco)
Authors: Knidiri A. , Daoudi L. , El Ouahabi M. , Rhouta B. , Rocha F. , Fagel N.
Published: October 2014

The Maastrichtian-Palaeogene series of the Western High Atlas and Meseta Basins in Morocco are particularly rich in palygorskite. The present work is aimed at clarifying the genesis of palygorskite from the interbedded facies and gaining an understanding of their relationships with the depositional environment. The mineralogical characteristics of palygorskite from these series were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). The palygorskite content and microstructure show large geographical and stratigraphical variations in the deposits studied. The palygorskite occurrence is directly related to palaeobathymetry, since it is the dominant clay mineral in shallow marine and restricted environments. According to the morphology of palygorskite crystallites, four types of textures were distinguished. These types of palygorskite are polygenetic, formed by chemical precipitation, by the recrystallization of smectite clays or reworked by wind or water from sub-aerial environments. The difference between the two studied sub-basins with respect to palygorskite occurrence is attributed to the palaeomorphology of the hinterlands, to the tectonic differentiation and to the physical-chemical conditions of seawater.
Remarks on ‘Coupled coincidence point results for a generalized compatible pair with applications’
Authors: Erhan İnci M , Karapınar Erdal , Roldán-López-de-Hierro Antonio-Francisco , Shahzad Naseer
Published: October 2014

Very recently, Hussain et al. (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2014:62, 2014) announced the existence and uniqueness of some coupled coincidence point. In this short note we remark that the announced results can be derived from the coincidence point results in the literature.

MSC: 47H10, 54H25.