bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximizing lifetime and handling reliability in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Cerulli Raffaele , Gentili Monica , Raiconi Andrea
Published: November 2014

In this article, we face the problem of ensuring reliability of a wireless sensor network which is monitoring a given set of points of interest while maximizing its lifetime (i.e., the amount of time over which the monitoring activity can be performed). The two objectives are contrasting. Indeed, the traditional approach to achieve reliability involves providing redundant coverage, which, however, drastically reduces the network lifetime. We propose an alternative strategy where sensors adapt their sensing radii in response to failures to restore feasibility only when needed. We provide Column Generation exact algorithms for both the traditional approach and our variant, as well as a heuristic procedure for the coverage restoration phase. The advantages of our approach are shown by means of computational tests on a set of instances and failure simulations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 64(4), 321–338 2014
Vehicle routing problems with different service constraints: A branch‐and‐cut‐and‐price algorithm
Authors: Ceselli Alberto , Righini Giovanni , Tresoldi Emanuele
Published: November 2014

In this article, we consider a variation of the vehicle routing problem arising in the optimization of waste management systems. Constraints imposing adequate level of service to the citizens and even workload among the drivers make the problem challenging and ask for the design of specialized algorithmic approaches. We propose an exact optimization algorithm, in which dynamic generation of rows and columns is done in a branch‐and‐bound framework; exact and heuristic algorithms are proposed for the pricing problem. Experimental tests on data‐sets from the literature show that our algorithm outperforms previous ones and it is able to solve instances of realistic size to proven optimality in reasonable computing time. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 64(4), 282–291 2014
High‐frequency binge eating predicts weight gain among veterans receiving behavioral weight loss treatments
Authors: Masheb Robin M. , Lutes Lesley D. , Myra Kim Hyungjin , Holleman Robert G. , Goodrich David E. , Janney Carol A. , Kirsh Susan , Richardson Caroline R. , Damschroder Laura J.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To assess for the frequency of binge eating behavior and its association with weight loss in an overweight/obese sample of veterans.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of data from the ASPIRE study, a randomized effectiveness trial of weight loss among veterans. Of the 481 enrolled veterans with overweight/obesity, binge eating frequency was obtained by survey for 392 (82%).

Results

The majority (77.6%) reported binge eating, and 6.1% reported high‐frequency binge eating. Those reporting any binge eating lost 1.4% of body weight, decreased waist circumference by 2.0 cm, and had significantly worse outcomes than those reporting never binge eating who lost about double the weight (2.7%) and reduced waist circumference by twice as much (4.2 cm). The high‐frequency binge group gained 1.4% of body weight and increased waist circumference by 0.3 cm.

Conclusions

High rates of binge eating were observed in an overweight/obese sample of veterans enrolled in weight loss treatment. The presence of binge eating predicted poorer weight loss outcomes. Furthermore, high‐frequency binge eating was associated with weight gain. These findings have operational and policy implications for developing effective strategies to address binge eating in the context of behavioral weight loss programs for veterans.
Continued loss in visceral and intermuscular adipose tissue in weight‐stable women following bariatric surgery
Authors: Toro‐Ramos Tatiana , Goodpaster Bret H. , Janumala Isaiah , Lin Susan , Strain Gladys W. , Thornton John C. , Kang Patrick , Courcoulas Anita P. , Pomp Alfons , Gallagher Dympna
Published: November 2014

Objective

To assess changes in total (TAT), subcutaneous (SAT), visceral (VAT), and intermuscular (IMAT) adipose tissue by whole‐body MRI before surgery and at 12 months and 24 months post‐surgery in a subset of participants of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery‐2.

Methods

From 0 to 12 months, n = 20 females and 3 males; from 12 to 24 months, n = 42 females and 7 males. Paired t‐tests and GLM repeated measures examined changes in TAT, SAT, VAT, and IMAT at 12 and 24 months, with sex and age as covariates.

Results

Changes from 0 to 12 months included weight (−41.9 ± 12.1 kg; −36%), TAT (−33.5 ± 9.6 kg; −56%), SAT (−29.2 ± 8.2 kg; −55%), VAT (−3.3 ± 1.6 kg; −73%), and IMAT (−0.99 ± 0.68 kg; −50%), all P < 0.001. In females, from 12 to 24 months, despite relative weight stability (−1.8 ± 6.5 kg, −2%; P = 0.085), VAT (−0.5 ± 0.7 kg; −30%; P < 0.001) and IMAT (−0.2 ± 0.4 kg; −14%; P = 0.012) decreased further. In males, from 12 to 24 months, weight increased (5.1 ± 5.2 kg; 6%; P = 0.04) with no significant changes in TAT or sub‐depots.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery continues to induce favorable changes in body composition, i.e., persistent adipose tissue loss at 24 months in the absence of further significant weight loss.
Benefits of adding small financial incentives or optional group meetings to a web‐based statewide obesity initiative
Authors: Leahey Tricia M. , Subak Leslee L. , Fava Joseph , Schembri Michael , Thomas Graham , Xu Xiaomeng , Krupel Katie , Kent Kimberly , Boguszewski Katherine , Kumar Rajiv , Weinberg Brad , Wing Rena
Published: November 2014

Objective

To examine whether adding either small, variable financial incentives or optional group sessions improves weight losses in a community‐based, Internet behavioral program.

Methods

Participants (N = 268) from Shape Up Rhode Island 2012, a 3‐month Web‐based community wellness initiative, were randomized to: Shape Up+Internet behavioral program (SI), Shape Up+Internet program+incentives (SII), or Shape Up+Internet program+group sessions (SIG).

Results

At the end of the 3‐month program, SII achieved significantly greater weight losses than SI (SII: 6.4% [5.1‐7.7]; SI: 4.2% [3.0‐5.6]; P = 0.03); weight losses in SIG were not significantly different from the other two conditions (SIG: 5.8% [4.5‐7.1], P's ≥ 0.10). However, at the 12‐month no‐treatment follow‐up visit, both SII and SIG had greater weight losses than SI (SII: 3.1% [1.8‐4.4]; SIG: 4.5% [3.2‐5.8]; SI: 1.2% [−0.1‐2.6]; P's ≤ 0.05). SII was the most cost‐effective approach at both 3 (SII: $34/kg; SI: $34/kg; SIG: $87/kg) and 12 months (SII: $64/kg; SI: $140/kg; SIG: $113/kg).

Conclusions

Modest financial incentives enhance weight losses during a community campaign, and both incentives and optional group meetings improved overall weight loss outcomes during the follow‐up period. However, the use of the financial incentives is the most cost‐effective approach.
Introduction: Gambling as Analytic in Melanesia
Authors: Pickles Anthony J.
Published: November 2014

In Euro‐American intellectual discourse gambling has become a metaphor for understanding social life, while in public life gambling is the subject of moralizing, medicalization, and gendered conflict over its status as leisure or vice. This introduction explores how one might approach the ways in which Melanesian peoples have comprehended their own worlds through gambling. I invite readers to consider our portrayals of indigenous ideas of ‘what gambling is about’ as alternative theorizations of gambling as a phenomenon. These theories of gambling are based upon cosmological premises that may appear unusual but which nevertheless intersect productively with Euro‐American typologies of gambling and gamblers. To propagate this, my introduction first provides a brief history of gambling in Melanesia, and secondly places the special issue with respect to the relevant tropes in the sociology and anthropology of gambling, and the interdisciplinary field of gambling studies. A final section compares intersecting themes across the articles that together provide the basis of a collective intervention into gambling‐related fields.
Horse Race Gambling and the Economy of ‘Bad Money’ in Contemporary Fiji
Authors: Presterudstuen Geir Henning
Published: November 2014

Since emerging in Fiji in 1964, betting on Australian horseracing has become an increasingly common pastime for Fijian men. A recently introduced urban practice, this type of gambling is associated with ‘modern’ social settings and is ideologically situated outside the traditional Fijian paradigm. It faces widespread condemnation as an economic pursuit, with cash circulated through the betting shops often being labelled ‘bad’ money. Paradoxically, this negative valuation of gambling also appears to be one of the most alluring aspects of it. As a public arena, the betting shops provide a social space in which Fijian men interact on the basis of overt egalitarianism, disorder, and rowdiness, principles and behavioural patterns largely discouraged within the traditional boundaries of the village. Gambling is subversive because money generated from these pursuits is unsuitable for the village economy and thus becomes available to spend freely on luxury goods, namely alcohol, tobacco, or take‐away food, all of which are otherwise largely inaccessible. Gambling on horse racing is consequently gaining increasing social importance for Fijian men who wish to negate the constraints of traditional village life and partake in social and economic activities governed by personal desires and consumption rather than traditional communalism. While commercial betting in Melanesia has largely been ignored by anthropologists, this paper proposes that it is a salient point of study for understanding the complex social dynamics that emerge at the interface of gendered and ethnic identities and tradition and modernity in Fiji.
‘BomBombedKwin’: How Two Card Games ModelKula,Moka, andGoroka
Authors: Pickles Anthony J.
Published: November 2014

In 2009–2010, inGoroka, I studied card games that had a lineage traceable to a common ancestor calledlaki. Two games were dominant:kwin(queen) andbom(bomb).Both allowed players to test and act upon their efficacy, detect the disruptive negative thoughts of others, and cultivate the thoughts seen as essential to success. Yet the games' characters were contrasted: one was slow, the other fast; one is long‐standing, the other a craze; one for the old, one for the young; one more ‘Melanesian’, one irresponsible.Kwinandbomare among a repertoire of indigenous ‘analytics’ used by people at different life‐stages; they modelGoroka because they propagate the types of thought they cater to, and fall victim to that thought in turn,e.g., ‘fast games’ propagate ‘fast thoughts’ that get bored with the games' rules and invent others to take their place. This speaks toMelanesian and anthropological preoccupations with effecting innovations within, and upon, ‘total systems’ like the famouskulaormoka. In gambling this innovatory capacity is measured by speed, providing a ready model for broader change.
Fast Money Schemes Are Risky Business: Gamblers and Investors in a Papua New Guinean Ponzi Scheme
Authors: Cox John
Published: November 2014

Gambling and financial investment have a long shared history, with many convergences and many moments where each has defined the other as its opposite. In the contemporary Pacific, not least among evangelical Christians, gambling is often understood as wasteful entertainment and even as an irresponsible vice. Investment on the other hand is seen as a productive activity for both individuals and society at large. These moral concerns draw on discourses of proprietorship of the self, of money and of risk. This paper explores moral attitudes to gambling/investment among middle‐class investors in a mass Ponzi scheme in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and charts new valorizations of risk and investment as components of the construction of modern ‘financial selves’.
Mesoporous ZnS–NiS Nanocomposites for Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensors
Authors: Wei Chengzhen , Cheng Cheng , Zhao Junhong , Wang Zhangtao , Wu Haipeng , Gu Kaiyue , Du Weimin , Pang Huan
Published: November 2014

Mesoporous ZnS–NiS composites are prepared via ion‐ exchange reactions using ZnS as the precursor. The prepared mesoporous ZnS–NiS composite materials have large surface areas (137.9 m2 g−1) compared with the ZnS precursor. More importantly, the application of these mesoporous ZnS–NiS composites as nonenzymatic glucose sensors was successfully explored. Electrochemical sensors based on mesoporous ZnS–NiS composites exhibit a high selectivity and a low detection limit (0.125 μm) toward the oxidation of glucose, which can mainly be attributed to the morphological characteristics of the mesoporous structure with high specific surface area and a rational composition of the two constituents. In addition, the mesoporous ZnS–NiS composites coated on the surface of electrodes can be used to modify the mass transport regime, and this alteration can, in favorable circumstances, facilitate the amperometric discrimination between species. These results suggest that such mesoporous ZnS–NiS composites are promising materials for nonenzymatic glucose sensors.
Post‐traumatic growth in survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Jeon Mijin , Yoo Il Young , Kim Sue , Lee Jehwan
Published: November 2014

Objective

This study aimed to understand factors related to post‐traumatic growth (PTG) in patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), building baseline data for developing intervention programs to enhance PTG in HSCT survivors.

Methods

A self‐report survey was administered to 100 patients who received HSCT within the last 5 years. The Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory, Impact of Event Scale—Revised, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Healthcare Professional's Support Scale were used, as well as items on demographic and clinical characteristics. Standard deviations of frequency and percentage, Chi‐squared test between genders, independent t‐test, correlation analysis between independent variables and extent of PTG, and regression analysis were conducted.

Results

The PTG levels of HSCT survivors were statistically significantly higher when participants were women, carried out more religious activities, had higher educational levels, or utilized nurse counseling. The ‘intrusive thinking’ traumatic impact subcategory, as well as social support and support from healthcare professionals, were found to be highly related to PTG scores. Upon multiple regression analysis, factors with greatest influence on PTG in HSCT survivors were support from healthcare professionals, followed in order, by social support, utilization of nurse counseling, intrusive thinking, and frequency of religious activities.

Conclusions

We suggest implementing programs for HSCT patients to enhance support from healthcare professionals and to increase post‐traumatic growth through greater utilization of nurse counseling, self‐help meetings, and writing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow dependence of specific airway resistance and diagnostic of asthma in children
Authors: Coutier Laurianne , Ioan Iulia , Sadegh‐Eghbali Ayria , Bonabel Claude , Demoulin Bruno , Le Tuan Thanh , Marchal François , Schweitzer Cyril , Varechova Silvia
Published: November 2014

Panting majors turbulent flow and contribution of larger airways to the measurement of specific airway resistance (sRaw). The hypothesis was tested that the difference between asthmatic and healthy children is enhanced by narrowing the flow interval to compute sRaw.

sRaw was measured during panting in 40 asthmatic and 25 healthy children and computed using all data points (full scale flow) and limited to the flow intervals ± 1L/sec and ± 0.5 L/sec. sRaw was not different between asthmatics (0.87 ± 0.20 kPa.s) and controls (0.80 ± 0.25 kPa.s) when computed full scale, while it was significantly larger in asthmatics than controls within ± 1L/sec (0.77 ± 0.16 kPa.s vs 0.65 ± 0.15 kPa.s, P < 0.004) or ± 0.5 L/sec (0.77 ± 0.21 kPa.s vs 0.61 ± 0.17 kPa.s, P < 0.002). On the other hand, the within subject coefficient of variation was significantly larger when sRaw was computed within ± 1L/sec (13.7 ± 7.2%) or ± 0.5 L/sec (28.3 ± 18.1%) than full scale (11.0 ± 6.7%), respectively P < 0.002 and P < 0.0001.

It is concluded that narrowing the flow interval to compute sRaw is associated with better discrimination between asthma and health in children, although the short term variability of sRaw is increased. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:1107–1112. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Informal Social Protection Networks of Migrants: Typical Patterns in Different Transnational Social Spaces
Authors: Bilecen Başak , Sienkiewicz Joanna Jadwiga
Published: November 2014

Social network analysis, together with qualitative methods, is an approach to the study of cross‐border phenomena. The main goal of the article is to display the utility of network analysis particularly to investigate social protection within and across borders. Drawing on 300 ego‐centric networks of immigrants in Germany from three countries of origin (Kazakhstan, Poland and Turkey), this article maps their social protection practices. Transnationality, a multidimensional concept, is acknowledged as a marker of heterogeneity, a personal attribute of the respondents in this study. The authors focus in particular on typical social protection patterns of migrants embedded in different transnational social spaces, and explored in detail through the visualisation of personal network maps. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring changes of tumor microenvironment in colorectal submucosa using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Qiu Jingting , Jiang Weizhong , Yang Yinghong , Feng Changyin , Chen Zhifen , Guan Guoxian , Zhuo Shuangmu , Chen Jianxin
Published: November 2014

Recently, targeting tumor microenvironment has become a novel approach for cancer therapy. Collagen is one of important components of tissue microenvironment, and has been considered as a new visible target for cancer therapy. In this work, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) was used to monitor the changes of collagen in tumor microenvironment during tumor progression. It was found that MPM facilitates imaging of tumor cells and collagen. MPM images in different tumor microenvironment during tumor progression shows obvious increase in cell number and collagen degration. In addition, the quantitative analysis of collagen content and orientation index in tumor microenvironment shows significant alteration during tumor progression. These results suggest that MPM has the ability to monitor the changes of collagen morphology in tumor microenvironment and quantify content and orientation index of collagen during tumor progression. Therefore this technique is a powerful imaging tool for the investigation of targeting tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy. SCANNING 37:17–22, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuning Soft Nanostructures in Self‐assembled Supramolecular Gels: From Morphology Control to Morphology‐Dependent Functions
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Xiufeng , Wang Tianyu , Liu Minghua
Published: November 2014

Supramolecular gels are one kind of important soft material, in which small low‐molecular weight compounds self‐assemble into various nanostructures through non‐covalent interactions to immobilize the solvents. While there are many important fundamental issues related to the gelation process, such as the design of the gelator, synergism of various non‐covalent interactions between gelators, gelator‐solvents, the balances between gelation and crystallization and so on, the self‐assembled nanostructures forming during gelation are very interesting. These nanostructures have many unique features, such as the flexibility to respond to external stimuli, morphological diversity, ease of fabrication in large quantities, and so on. This review highlights some important features in tuning the nanostructures in the supramolecular gels from their morphological diversity, morphology control, morphology conversion, and morphology‐depended functions.
Quantifying Lipid Contents in Enveloped Virus Particles with Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Feizpour Amin , Yu Xinwei , Akiyama Hisashi , Miller Caitlin M. , Edmans Ethan , Gummuluru Suryaram , Reinhard Björn M.
Published: November 2014

Phosphatidylserine (PS) and monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) are examples of two host‐derived lipids in the membrane of enveloped virus particles that are known to contribute to virus attachment, uptake, and ultimately dissemination. A quantitative characterization of their contribution to the functionality of the virus requires information about their relative concentrations in the viral membrane. Here, a gold nanoparticle (NP) binding assay for probing relative PS and GM1 lipid concentrations in the outer leaflet of different HIV‐1 and Ebola virus‐like particles (VLPs) using sample sizes of less than 3 × 106 particles is introduced. The assay evaluates both scattering intensity and resonance wavelength, and determines relative NP densities through plasmon coupling as a measure for the target lipid concentrations in the NP‐labeled VLP membrane. A correlation of the optical observables with absolute lipid contents is achieved by calibration of the plasmon coupling‐based methodology with unilamellar liposomes of known PS or GM1 concentration. The performed studies reveal significant differences in the membrane of VLPs that assemble at different intracellular sites and pave the way to an optical quantification of lipid concentration in virus particles at physiological titers.
Flow and Solidification in Billet Continuous Casting Machine with Dual Electromagnetic Stirrings of Mold and the Final Solidification
Authors: Jiang Dongbin , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: November 2014

A 3D numerical model coupling the electromagnetic field, fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification phenomena was developed to simulate the 160 mm × 160 mm billet continuous casting process of SWRT82B steel with dual electromagnetic stirrings of mold and the final solidification. The columnar region was treated as a porous zone and a generalized approach was used to calculate permeability, while for the equiaxed zone, a variable apparent viscosity model was applied to simulate the fluid flow at the initial growing stage of equiaxed dendrite. The model was validated by the measured data of magnetic induction intensity in the stirrer center and strand surface temperature. The results show that it is indispensable to consider the solidification phenomenon in the mold zone with EMS, as the fluid flow mechanism near the meniscus is quite different. With the current intensity of M‐EMS and F‐EMS increasing, the tangential velocity of molten steel rises and the central temperature decreases. As the F‐EMS is applied, the nature convection mechanism is destroyed and the temperature is promoted to distribute evenly in the mushy zone. Moreover, the results show that the coherent solid fraction has a significant effect on the temperature distribution and the fluid flow in F‐EMS zone.
Projektionen räumlicher Kräftesysteme
Authors: Conzett Jürg
Published: November 2014

Ausgehend von einem Vortrag von Jörg Schlaich versuche ich räumliche Kräftesysteme besser zu verstehen, indem ich sie mit den traditionellen Methoden der darstellenden Geometrie betrachte. Damit gelingt es, dreidimensionale Tragwerke auf ebene Systeme zurückzuführen. Die Untersuchung derartiger ebener Systeme ist jedem Ingenieur geläufig. Die darstellende Geometrie wird dabei zu einem leistungsfähigen und anschaulichen Werkzeug für eine bessere Erkenntnis der Wirkungsweise komplexer Tragwerke.

Projections of spatial systems of forces. Remembering a lecture by Jörg Schlaich some years ago, the author tries to become familiar with the acting of forces in three‐dimensional structures by using the traditional methods of descriptive geometry applied to spatial systems of forces. Using planar projections of such a system refers to methods well known. It can be a powerful and illustrative tool for a better understanding how a complex structure works.
Molecular architecture of the HerA–NurA DNA double‐strand break resection complex
Authors: Byrne Robert Thomas , Schuller Jan Michael , Unverdorben Pia , Förster Friedrich , Hopfner Karl-Peter
Published: November 2014

DNA double‐strand breaks can be repaired by homologous recombination, during which the DNA ends are long‐range resected by helicase–nuclease systems to generate 3′ single strand tails. In archaea, this requires the Mre11–Rad50 complex and the ATP‐dependent helicase–nuclease complex HerA–NurA. We report the cryo‐EM structure of Sulfolobus solfataricus HerA–NurA at 7.4 Å resolution and present the pseudo‐atomic model of the complex. HerA forms an ASCE hexamer that tightly interacts with a NurA dimer, with each NurA protomer binding three adjacent HerA HAS domains. Entry to NurA's nuclease active sites requires dsDNA to pass through a 23 Å wide channel in the HerA hexamer. The structure suggests that HerA is a dsDNA translocase that feeds DNA into the NurA nuclease sites.
Formation and dimerization of the phosphodiesterase active site of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa MorA, a bi‐functional c‐di‐GMP regulator
Authors: Phippen Curtis William , Mikolajek Halina , Schlaefli Henry George , Keevil Charles William , Webb Jeremy Stephen , Tews Ivo
Published: November 2014

Diguanylate cyclases (DGC) and phosphodiesterases (PDE), respectively synthesise and hydrolyse the secondary messenger cyclic dimeric GMP (c‐di‐GMP), and both activities are often found in a single protein. Intracellular c‐di‐GMP levels in turn regulate bacterial motility, virulence and biofilm formation. We report the first structure of a tandem DGC–PDE fragment, in which the catalytic domains are shown to be active. Two phosphodiesterase states are distinguished by active site formation. The structures, in the presence or absence of c‐di‐GMP, suggest that dimerisation and binding pocket formation are linked, with dimerisation being required for catalytic activity. An understanding of PDE activation is important, as biofilm dispersal via c‐di‐GMP hydrolysis has therapeutic effects on chronic infections.
Readiness for Practice: A Survey of Neurosurgery Graduates and Program Directors
Authors: Haji Faizal A. , Steven David A.
Published: November 2014

Background: Postgraduate neurosurgical education is undergoing significant reform, including transition to a competency-based training model. To support these efforts, the purpose of this study was to determine neurosurgical graduates’ and program directors’ (PDs) opinions about graduates’ level of competence in reference to the 2010 Royal College Objectives of Training in Neurosurgery. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to Canadian neurosurgery PDs and graduates from 2011. The questionnaire addressed graduates’ abilities in nonprocedural knowledge and skills, CanMEDS roles, proficiency with core neurosurgical procedures and knowledge of complex neurosurgical techniques. Results: Thirteen of 22 (59%) graduate and 17/25 (65%) PD surveys were completed. There were no significant differences between PD and graduate responses. Most respondents agreed that these graduates possess the knowledge and skills expected of an independently practicing neurosurgeon across current objectives of training. A small proportion felt some graduates did not achieve this level of proficiency on specific vascular, functional, peripheral nerve and endoscopic procedures. This was partially attributed to limited exposure to these procedures during training and perceptions that some techniques required fellowship-level training. Conclusions: Graduating neurosurgical residents are perceived to possess a high level of proficiency in the majority of neurosurgical practice domains. Inadequate exposure during training or a perception that subspecialists should perform some procedures may contribute to cases where proficiency is not as high. The trends identified in this study could be monitored on an ongoing basis to provide supplemental data to guide curricular decisions in Canadian neurosurgical training.
The contact property for symplectic magnetic fields on
Authors: BENEDETTI GABRIELE
Published: November 2014

In this paper we give some positive and negative results about the contact property for the energy levels ${\rm\Sigma}_{c}$ of a symplectic magnetic field on $S^{2}$. In the first part we focus on the case of the area form on a surface of revolution. We state a sufficient condition for an energy level to be of contact type and give an example where the contact property fails. If the magnetic curvature is positive, the dynamics and the action of invariant measures can be numerically computed. The collected data hint at the conjecture that an energy level of a symplectic magnetic field with positive magnetic curvature should be of contact type. In the second part we show that, for a small energy $c$, there exist a convex hypersurface $N_{c}$ in $\mathbb{C}^{2}$ and a double cover $N_{c}\rightarrow {\rm\Sigma}_{c}$ such that the pull-back of the characteristic distribution on ${\rm\Sigma}_{c}$ is the standard characteristic distribution on $N_{c}$. As a corollary, we prove that there are either two or infinitely many periodic orbits on ${\rm\Sigma}_{c}$. The second alternative holds if there exists a contractible prime periodic orbit.
Infinite iterated function systems with overlaps
Authors: NGAI SZE-MAN , TONG JI-XI
Published: November 2014

We formulate two natural but different extensions of the weak separation condition to infinite iterated function systems of conformal contractions with overlaps, and study the associated topological pressure functions. We obtain a formula for the Hausdorff dimension of the limit sets under these weak separation conditions.
Reading Hopkins after Hubble: The Durability of Ignatian Creation Spirituality
Authors: Hamm M. Dennis
Published: November 2014

The Victorian poet Gerard Manley Hopkins already demonstrated a special sensitivity to nature as a young Anglican. But his conversion to Catholicism, followed by his formation as a Jesuit, nurtured a creation spirituality that moved him from the rather cold view of the cosmos typical of his Victorian era to a vibrant sense of God intimately revealed in nature. This new sense of being a creature involved in an intimate personal relationship with the Creator comes from Hopkins' appropriation of the creation spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola. After reviewing the evolution of worldviews from the medieval synthesis melded with the Newtonian mechanical model (the Victorian picture) to our contemporary cosmic “story,” this article then samples poems that illustrate the creation spirituality that Hopkins absorbed from Ignatius' vision. This vision is remarkably in tune with the new sense of the place of the human creature in the cosmic story that the sciences now tell regarding the emergence of matter, life, and persons.
The Gift of Prayer: Toward a Theological Reading of Jean-Luc Marion
Authors: Prevot Andrew
Published: November 2014

This article proposes a theological interpretation of Jean-Luc Marion that accents the importance of prayer as a remedy to conceptual idolatry. It also addresses theological concerns about Marion's understanding of the relationship between phenomenology and theology, and about his critical attitude toward ontology. In response to the first concern, it uses Marion's readings of Dionysius the Areopagite and Augustine to demonstrate that Marion prioritizes a prayerful approach to theology that transcends phenomenology, even while benefiting from it. In response to the second concern, it draws on Marion's treatments of Dionysius, Augustine, and Aquinas to show how the same prayerful theology accommodates an ontological way of praising God. Prayer is the key to both arguments. Prayer resists the conceptual idolatries operative in the realms of phenomenality and of being, while revealing the potential iconicity of both. Finally, this article clarifies why Marion's recent Augustine book is crucial to an understanding of his project.
Americanized Catholicism? A Glance from the United States back toward Germany
Authors: Schärtl Thomas
Published: November 2014

Thomas Schärtl observes that many trends in the United States are adapted in Europe and especially in Germany, yet there remain categories that are incommensurable. What can appear to be an ideal pluralism in the United States can also be interpreted as “bubbles” that reveal a lack of interaction among various groups. Consumerism and individualism have an impact on even some US Catholic bishops, leading to actions that appear strange to a German observer, such as protesting President Obama's invitation to speak at Notre Dame and teaming up politically with conservative Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians. German Catholics need to safeguard the relationship between religion and reason. Dennis Doyle agrees with Schärtl on the big picture but offers qualifications on specific points, noting especially the positive dimensions of Catholic interaction with Evangelicals and Pentecostals.
Symmetry breaking of azimuthal thermo-acoustic modes in annular cavities: a theoretical study
Authors: Bauerheim M. , Salas P. , Nicoud F. , Poinsot T.
Published: November 2014

Many physical problems containing rotating symmetry exhibit azimuthal waves, from electromagnetic waves in nanophotonic crystals to seismic waves in giant stars. When this symmetry is broken, clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) waves are split into two distinct modes which can become unstable. This paper focuses on a theoretical study of symmetry breaking in annular cavities containing a number $N$ of flames prone to azimuthal thermo-acoustic instabilities. A general dispersion relation for non-perfectly-axisymmetric cavities is obtained and analytically solved to provide an explicit expression for the frequencies and growth rates of all azimuthal modes of the configuration. This analytical study unveils two parameters affecting the stability of the mode: (i) a coupling strength corresponding to the cumulative effects of the $N$ flames and (ii) a splitting strength due to the symmetry breaking when the flames are different. This theory has been validated using a 3D Helmholtz solver and good agreement is found. When only two types of flames are introduced into the annular cavity, the splitting strength is found to depend on two parameters: the difference between the two burner types and the pattern used to distribute the flames along the azimuthal direction. To first order, this theory suggests that the most stable configuration is obtained for a perfectly axisymmetric configuration. Therefore, breaking the symmetry by mixing different flames cannot improve the stability of an annular combustor independently of the flame distribution pattern.
Developing Future Health Professionals’ Capacities for Working With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Authors: Hendrick Antonia , Britton Katherine Frances , Hoffman Julie , Kickett Marion
Published: November 2014

This article details reflections of an interdisciplinary team of educators working with groups of health sciences students in preparing them for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The first-year common core unit discussed here is one attempt to equip future health practitioners with skills and knowledges to work adequately in this complex area. Processes of engagement, central to critical reflection and learning that is iterative and cyclical, are emphasised here using the authors’/educators’ experiences of teaching in the unit. Within this first-year unit, the content delivered — its underlying processes and principles, and assessment design using reflective journalling — coalesces into what is a valued unit of study in preparing students for practising in this field. While the content of the unit is political, provocative and powerful, which presents challenges for students and teaching staff alike, we maintain here that processes of critical reflection and action learning are central to its success and significantly contribute to enhancing students’ learning and to changing students’ perspectives.
Relevance of dietary protein concentration and quality as risk factors for the formation of calcium oxalate stones in cats
Authors: Paßlack Nadine , Burmeier Hannes , Brenten Thomas , Neumann Konrad , Zentek Jürgen
Published: November 2014

The role of dietary protein for the development of feline calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths has not been conclusively clarified. The present study evaluated the effects of a varying dietary protein concentration and quality on critical indices for the formation of CaOx uroliths. Three diets with a high protein quality (10–11 % greaves meal/diet) and a varying crude protein (CP) concentration (35, 44 and 57 % in DM) were compared. Additionally, the 57 % CP diet was compared with a fourth diet that had a similar CP concentration (55 % in DM), but a lower protein quality (34 % greaves meal/diet). The Ca and oxalate (Ox) concentrations were similar in all diets. A group of eight cats received the same diet at the same time. Each feeding period was divided into a 21 d adaptation period and a 7 d sampling period to collect urine. There were increases in urinary volume, urinary Ca concentrations, renal Ca and Ox excretion and urinary relative supersaturation (RSS) with CaOx with increasing dietary protein concentrations. Urinary pH ranged between 6·34 and 6·66 among all groups, with no unidirectional effect of dietary protein. Lower renal Ca excretion was observed when feeding the diet with the lower protein quality, however, the underlying mechanism needs further evaluation. In conclusion, although the observed higher urinary volume is beneficial, the increase in urinary Ca concentrations, renal Ca and Ox excretion and urinary RSS CaOx associated with a high-protein diet may be critical for the development of CaOx uroliths in cats.
Comparison of the GEM and the ECAL indirect calorimeters against the Deltatrac for measures of RMR and diet-induced thermogenesis
Authors: Kennedy S. , Ryan L. , Fraser A. , Clegg M. E.
Published: November 2014

The Deltatrac™ II Metabolic Monitor (Datex-Ohmeda Inc.) is considered the standard reference machine in indirect calorimetry; however, it is no longer commercially available thus there is a need for new machines. The gas exchange measurement (GEM; GEM Nutrition Ltd) and the ECAL (Health Professional Solutions) are alternative measuring systems. The aim of this study was to compare the ECAL and GEM with Deltatrac for measures of RMR and the GEM to the Deltatrac for measures of diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). Twenty healthy participants were tested on test day 1 (T1) and test day 2 (T2). RMR was measured in a randomised order for 30 min on the Deltatrac, the GEM and the ECAL. Following this, a 1553 kJ meal was consumed and DIT was measured on the Deltatrac and the GEM in alternating 15 min intervals for 4 h. The GEM reported consistently higher values than the Deltatrac for VO2, VCO2, RMR and fat oxidation (P < 0·005). The ECAL was significantly higher than the Deltatrac for measures of VO2, RMR, carbohydrate oxidation (T2) and respiratory quotient and fat oxidation (T1, T2) (P < 0·05). There were no significant differences within repeated RMR measures on the ECAL, the GEM or the Deltatrac. DIT measures were consistently higher on the GEM (T1) (P < 0·005); however, there were no significant differences between repeated measures. The findings suggest that while the GEM and the ECAL were not accurate alternatives to the Deltatrac, they may be reliable for repeated measures.
The southern North Sea and the human occupation of northwest Europe after the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Peeters J.H.M. , Momber G.
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses the significance of the southern North Sea for research on the human occupation of northwest Europe after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Recent insight into the survival of post-LGM land surfaces and palaeolandscape structures points to the potential preservation of Late Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites in this area. Finds of well-preserved materials (including artefacts of bone, antler and wood, as well as human remains) from various zones along the Dutch and British coasts corroborate this idea, whilst underwater excavations of eroding sites at Bouldnor Cliff (UK) and Maasvlakte-Rotterdam (NL) underpin the possibilities of gaining further insight into human behaviour in the context of submerging landscapes. Although the significance of the southern North Sea with regard to the Mesolithic is gradually exposed, there is still a lot to learn. The terrestrial archaeological records from both sides of the present-day North Sea yield indisputable evidence for hunter-gatherer presence from at least 13,000 BP. Successions of Magdalenian/Creswellian/Hamburgian, Federmesser Gruppen and Ahrensburgian people (re)colonised the northwest European plain, interrupted by short-lived cold spells. Although it is expected that the southern North Sea must have been inhabited, and maybe even more intensively than the present-day dry land, archaeological evidence is still missing. Despite the presence of vast amounts of mammalian remains and the availability of many radiocarbon-dated bones, there is a striking lack of material post-dating the LGM and pre-dating the Holocene, whilst remains dated to the early Upper Palaeolithic show no evidence of human interference. At this stage, it is probable that taphonomic factors and research biases are responsible for this picture. This marks a sharp contrast with the early Holocene record, where numerous Mesolithic artefacts, as well as human remains, provide evidence for human occupation of the area. Materials are exposed on the sea floor, evidencing gradual erosion of early Holocene land surfaces. Although the number of sites is increasing, little is known yet about how the submerged record can be connected to the terrestrial record. Indeed, the central question here is how the submerged Mesolithic record compares to, or differs from, the terrestrial record. In order to answer this question, targeted archaeological research is needed, along with an understanding of taphonomic processes and increased insight into landscape dynamics. From a northwest European perspective, the present state of knowledge about the submerged post-LGM prehistoric archaeology of the southern North Sea demonstrates its huge research potential.
Non-destructive discrimination of conventional and glyphosate-resistant soybean seeds and their hybrid descendants using multispectral imaging and chemometric methods
Authors: LIU C. , LIU W. , LU X. , CHEN W. , CHEN F. , YANG J. , ZHENG L.
Published: November 2014

Soybean is an important oil- and protein-producing crop and over the last few decades soybean genetic transformation has made rapid strides. The probability of occurrence of transgene flow should be assessed, although the discrimination of conventional and transgenic soybean seeds and their hybrid descendants is difficult in fields. The feasibility of non-destructive discrimination of conventional and glyphosate-resistant soybean seeds and their hybrid descendants was examined by a multispectral imaging system combined with chemometric methods. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA), least squares-support vector machines (LS-SVM) and back propagation neural network (BPNN) methods were applied to classify soybean seeds. The current results demonstrated that clear differences among conventional and glyphosate-resistant soybean seeds and their hybrid descendants could be easily visualized and an excellent classification (98% with BPNN model) could be achieved. It was concluded that multispectral imaging together with chemometric methods would be a promising technique to identify transgenic soybean seeds with high efficiency.
Comparing the effectiveness of nasal dilator strips: does race play a role?
Authors: Kam A W , Pratt E , Harvey R J
Published: November 2014

Background:

Nasal dilator strips are thought to widen and stiffen the anterior nasal cavity, and thus improve symptoms of nasal obstruction. It is postulated that anthropomorphic differences in external nasal proportions between races may influence the effectiveness of such dilator strips.

Methods:

Caucasian and Asian subjects were compared. Nasal peak inspiratory flow, nasal airway resistance, minimum cross-sectional area and visual analogue scale measurements of nasal obstruction were recorded at baseline and following the application of two different dilator strips.

Results:

Nine Caucasian and six Asian subjects were recruited (n = 15). There was a significant difference between races in terms of nasal peak inspiratory flow improvements following nasal strip application (mean of 29.4 litres per minute in Caucasiansvs14.6 litres per minute in Asians;p = 0.04). Only Caucasians experienced a significant decrease in nasal airway resistance (median of 0.12 Pa/cm3/s;p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Nasal peak inspiratory flow, minimum cross-sectional area and visual analogue scale values improved from baseline with strip application in both populations. Only Caucasians experienced significant nasal airway resistance improvement with strip application. Both cohorts experienced nasal peak inspiratory flow improvement, with Caucasians experiencing a significantly larger improvement.
Networks of violence and becoming: youth and the politics of patronage in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta
Authors: Iwilade Akin
Published: November 2014

This article argues that access to clientelistic networks is central to the ability of youth to engage in violent activities in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta. Even though the literature has demonstrated that the contradictions of oil wealth and economic neglect provide the backdrop for conflict in the region, the actual channels through which it becomes possible to activate incentives for violence have not been properly addressed. It also points out that a fixation on the narrative of resistance has undermined our ability to engage with other critical variables such as social codes of masculinity, survival and ‘becoming’ which play very central roles in animating violent networks in the region. Drawing evidence from interview data, the article uses the lived experiences of ‘ex-militants’ to highlight these points as well as to raise questions about the applications of neopatrimonial theory to governance projects in African states.
Systematics, functional morphology and distribution of a bivalve (Apachecorbula muriatica gen. et sp. nov.) from the rim of the ‘Valdivia Deep’ brine pool in the Red Sea
Authors: Oliver P. Graham , Vestheim Hege , Antunes André , Kaartvedt Stein
Published: November 2014

The deep brine pools of the Red Sea comprise extreme, inhospitable habitats yet house microbial communities that potentially may fuel adjacent fauna. We here describe a novel bivalve from a deep-sea (1525 m) brine pool in the Red Sea, where conditions of high salinity, lowered pH, partial anoxia and high temperatures are prevalent. Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) footage showed that the bivalves were present in a narrow (20 cm) band along the rim of the brine pool, suggesting that it is not only tolerant of such extreme conditions but is also limited to them. The bivalve is a member of the Corbulidae and named Apachecorbula muriatica gen. et sp. nov. The shell is atypical of the family in being modioliform and thin. The semi-infaunal habit is seen in ROV images and reflected in the anatomy by the lack of siphons. The ctenidia are large and typical of a suspension feeding bivalve, but the absence of ‘guard cilia’ and the greatly reduced labial palps suggest that it is non-selective as a response to low food availability. It is proposed that the low body mass observed is a consequence of the extreme habitat and low food availability. It is postulated that the observed morphology of Apachecorbula is a result of paedomorphosis driven by the effects of the extreme environment on growth but is in part mitigated by the absence of high predation pressures.