bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different forms of selenium on the plant–soil–earthworm system
Authors: Štolfa Ivna , Velki Mirna , Vuković Rosemary , Ečimović Sandra , Katanić Zorana , Lončarić Zdenko
Published: March 2017

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, animals, and certain lower plants, but at higher concentrations Se becomes toxic to organisms. The boundary between the Se beneficial effect and its toxicity is narrow and depends on its chemical form, applied concentration, and other environmentally regulating factors. Due to the potential risk of toxicity in higher concentration, the aim of this study was to estimate the impact of increased concentrations of different forms of Se on the response of the wheat–soil–earthworm system. Soil, earthworms, and wheat grains were exposed to the Se in form of selenite and selenate in concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg kg−1. As an indicator of oxidative stress in wheat, lipid peroxidation levels (LPO) and total H2O2content were determined, while antioxidative response was determined by catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities. The biomarker responses in earthworms were determined by acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CES), and antioxidative enzymes (CAT and glutathione S‐transferase) activities. Selenite and selenate increased Se content in the wheat and earthworms, while selenate application was more efficient, indicating higher bioaccumulation of this Se form. Both Se forms did not cause significant changes in the LPO level and H2O2content, while GPX activities were elevated in all treatments, suggesting that oxidative stress was not induced in wheat. In earthworms, Se significantly reduced activities of AChE and CAT at some concentrations, while CES activity was increased at all concentrations applied. This study showed significant impact of Se on measured biochemical responses in wheat and earthworms, indicating the disruption of homeostasis. Obtained results can serve as basis for further studies on Se effects and will help in including different aspects necessary for understanding of Se impact on different components of soil ecosystems.
A core–shell titanium dioxide polyaniline nanocomposite for the needle‐trap extraction of volatile organic compounds in urine samples
Authors: Banihashemi Solmaz , Bagheri Habib
Published: March 2017

We synthesized a titanium dioxide–polyaniline core–shell nanocomposite and implemented it as an efficient sorbent for the needle‐trap extraction of some volatile organic compounds from urine samples. Polyaniline was synthesized, in the form of the emeraldine base, dissolved in dimethyl acetamide followed by diluting with water at pH 2.8, using the interfacial polymerization method. The TiO2 nanoparticles were encapsulated inside the conducting polymer shell, by adapting the in situ dispersing approach. The surface characteristics of the nanocomposite were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. After obtaining acceptable preliminary results, some selected volatile compounds, including chloroform, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and chlorobenzenes were used as model analytes to validate the enrichment properties of the prepared sorbent in conjunction with gas chromatography mass spectrometric detection. Important parameters influencing the extraction process such as extraction temperature, ionic strength, sampling flow rate, extraction time, desorption temperature, and time were optimized. The limits of detection and limits of quantification values were in the range of 0.5–3  and 2–5 ng/L, respectively, using time‐scheduled selected ion monitoring mode. The relative standard deviation percent with three replicates was in the range of 5–10%. The applicability of the developed needle‐trap method was examined by analyzing urine samples and the relative recovery percentages for the spiked samples were in the range of 81–105%.
Existence of ground state sign‐changing solutions for p‐Laplacian equations of Kirchhoff type
Authors: Chen Jianhua , Tang Xianhua , Gao Zu
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we prove the existence of ground state sign‐changing solutions for the following class of elliptic equation:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4370:mma4370-math-0001
where
, and K(x) are positive continuous functions. Firstly, we obtain one ground state sign‐changing solution ub by using some new analytical skills and non‐Nehari manifold method. Furthermore, the energy of ub is strictly larger than twice that of the ground state solutions of Nehari type. We also establish the convergence property of ub as the parameter b↘0. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low rank alternating direction method of multipliers reconstruction for MR fingerprinting
Authors: Assländer Jakob , Cloos Martijn A. , Knoll Florian , Sodickson Daniel K. , Hennig Jürgen , Lattanzi Riccardo
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The proposed reconstruction framework addresses the reconstruction accuracy, noise propagation and computation time for magnetic resonance fingerprinting.

Methods

Based on a singular value decomposition of the signal evolution, magnetic resonance fingerprinting is formulated as a low rank (LR) inverse problem in which one image is reconstructed for each singular value under consideration. This LR approximation of the signal evolution reduces the computational burden by reducing the number of Fourier transformations. Also, the LR approximation improves the conditioning of the problem, which is further improved by extending the LR inverse problem to an augmented Lagrangian that is solved by the alternating direction method of multipliers. The root mean square error and the noise propagation are analyzed in simulations. For verification, in vivo examples are provided.

Results

The proposed LR alternating direction method of multipliers approach shows a reduced root mean square error compared to the original fingerprinting reconstruction, to a LR approximation alone and to an alternating direction method of multipliers approach without a LR approximation. Incorporating sensitivity encoding allows for further artifact reduction.

Conclusion

The proposed reconstruction provides robust convergence, reduced computational burden and improved image quality compared to other magnetic resonance fingerprinting reconstruction approaches evaluated in this study. Magn Reson Med 79:83–96, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A high resolution finite difference method for a model of structured susceptible‐infected populations coupled with the environment
Authors: Ackleh Azmy S. , Ma Baoling , Tang Tingting
Published: March 2017

We develop a general model describing a structured susceptible‐infected (SI) population coupled with the environment. This model applies to problems arising in ecology, epidemiology, and cell biology. The model consists of a system of quasilinear hyperbolic partial differential equations coupled with a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations that represents the environment. We develop a second‐order high resolution finite difference scheme to numerically solve the model. Convergence of this scheme to a weak solution with bounded total variation is proved. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the high‐resolution property of the scheme and an application to a multi‐host wildlife disease model is explored.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1420–1458, 2017
One‐step latex compounding method for producing composites of natural rubber/epoxidized natural rubber/aminosilane‐functionalized montmorillonite: enhancement of tensile strength and oil resistance
Authors: Le Duy , Samart Chanatip , Yoosuk Boonyawan , Guan Guoqing , Kongparakul Suwadee
Published: March 2017

Montmorillonite (Mt) was intercalated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and functionalized with three types of aminosilane (3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, n‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and 3‐[2‐(2‐aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyltrimethoxysilane). The modified Mt was compounded with natural rubber (NR)/epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) via one‐step latex compounding. The effect of the modified Mt content on the oil resistance and mechanical properties of the NR/ENR/modified Mt composites was investigated. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of the composites showed partial intercalation/exfoliation of the modified Mt in the rubber matrix. Cryogenic fracture and X‐ray fluorescence results revealed highly dispersed modified Mt in the composites in the presence of 10 phr ENR. All three aminosilane groups slightly improved the oil resistance, with the long‐alkyl‐length group producing the greatest improvement. The addition of a small amount of modified Mt improved both oil resistance and tensile strength by increasing in the average diffusion path length in the NR matrix and enhancing the interaction between the modified Mt and the epoxide groups in ENR. The addition of 1.0 phr of modified Mt increased the tensile strength by 18% and decreased the elongation at break by 12% compared with a neat NR/ENR blend. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of a Targeted Urine Proteome Assay (TUPA) to identify protein biomarkers of delayed recovery after kidney transplant
Authors: Williams Kenneth R. , Colangelo Christopher M. , Hou Lin , Chung Lisa , Belcher Justin M. , Abbott Thomas , Hall Isaac E. , Zhao Hongyu , Cantley Lloyd G. , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Development of delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplant is associated with poor outcomes. An ability to rapidly identify patients with DGF versus those with immediate graft function (IGF) may facilitate the treatment of DGF and the research needed to improve prognosis. The purpose of this study was to use a Targeted Urine Proteome Assay to identify protein biomarkers of delayed recovery from kidney transplant.

Experimental design

Potential biomarkers were identified using the Targeted Urine Proteome (MRM) Assay to interrogate the relative DGF/IGF levels of expression of 167 proteins in urine taken 12–18 h after kidney implantation from 21 DGF, 15 SGF (slow graft function), and 16 IGF patients. An iterative Random Forest analysis approach evaluated the relative importance of each biomarker, which was then used to identify an optimum biomarker panel that provided the maximum sensitivity and specificity with the least number of biomarkers.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Four proteins were identified that together distinguished DGF with a sensitivity of 77.4%, specificity of 82.6%, and AUC of 0.891. This panel represents an important step toward identifying DGF at an early stage so that more effective treatments can be developed to improve long‐term graft outcomes.
Proteomics: A new perspective for the understanding of pterygia
Authors: Feng Yifan , Yuan Fei
Published: March 2017

Pterygia is a common ocular surface disease bothering both the patient because of its unsightly appearance and the surgeon because of its tendency to recur. The pathogenesis of pterygia is complex and the exact mechanism(s), especially at the molecular level, remains unknown. The use of modern proteomic techniques such as iTRAQ may yield new knowledge on the underlying pathogenesis of pterygia. In this issue of Proteomics Clinical Applications, Linghu et al. (article number 1600094) identified a total of 156 proteins that expressed differently between the pterygia and healthy conjunctiva using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification based quantitative proteomic analysis. Most significantly, western blotting confirmed that two candidate proteins matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP‐10) and CD34 were significantly upregulated in pterygia, suggesting that they have potential roles in the pathogenesis of pterygia. The findings in Linhu's study may provide a new perspective for the understanding of pterygia and develop a new therapeutic target.
CAN‐Supported Chemoselective Oxidative Conversion of α‐Aroylketene‐(S,S)‐acetals to Aryl Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Babu Seenivasagaperumal Sriram , Shanmugam Sivakumar
Published: March 2017

Chemoselective oxidative conversion of α‐aroylketene‐(S,S)‐acetals to aryl carboxylic acids in the presence of Ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) has been achieved under mild reaction condition. The internal nitrate ligand present in CAN acted as an oxidant and favored selective conversion of α‐aroylketene‐(S,S)‐acetals to aryl acid. α‐Hydrogen is necessary to initiate radical by Ce(IV) via α‐C‐H bond cleavage. The current synthetic strategy is compatible for various aromatic groups under mild conditions. The method is appropriate for electron rich as well as deficient α,β‐unsaturated system.
High Rate, Long Lifespan LiV3O8 Nanorods as a Cathode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Zhongxue , Xu Fei , Cao Shunan , Li Zhengfeng , Yang Hanxi , Ai Xinping , Cao Yuliang
Published: March 2017

LiV3O8 nanorods with controlled size are successfully synthesized using a nonionic triblock surfactant Pluronic‐F127 as the structure directing agent. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques are used to characterize the samples. It is observed that the nanorods with a length of 4–8 µm and diameter of 0.5–1.0 µm distribute uniformly. The resultant LiV3O8 nanorods show much better performance as cathode materials in lithium‐ion batteries than normal LiV3O8 nanoparticles, which is associated with the their unique micro–nano‐like structure that can not only facilitate fast lithium ion transport, but also withstand erosion from electrolytes. The high discharge capacity (292.0 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1), high rate capability (138.4 mAh g−1 at 6.4 A g−1), and long lifespan (capacity retention of 80.5% after 500 cycles) suggest the potential use of LiV3O8 nanorods as alternative cathode materials for high‐power and long‐life lithium ion batteries. In particular, the synthetic strategy may open new routes toward the facile fabrication of nanostructured vanadium‐based compounds for energy storage applications.
Recent Advances in Dual‐Functional Devices Integrating Solar Cells and Supercapacitors
Authors: Sun Yinglun , Yan Xingbin
Published: March 2017

Although solar cell technology is an effective way to realize the utilization of solar energy, the output power of solar cells cannot be continuous and stable, due to the intermittent nature of the sunlight. Therefore, proper energy storage devices are generally required to store the generated energy of solar cells. Photo‐supercapacitor is a new energy device that combines the photoelectric conversion function of a solar cell with the energy storage capability of a supercapacitor. This dual‐functionality is the main reason why photo‐supercapacitors are receiving more and more interest for their potential applications in future portable and wearable devices. This review presents the development history and the representative research progress of various photo‐supercapacitors, as well as the problems and challenges that still need to be addressed for the construction of better photo‐supercapacitors. Finally, suggestions for future research directions and opportunities in this fascinating field are given.
Handschweißen ist out – Moderne, vollautomatische Stahlbaufertigung
Authors: Geraerds Justin
Published: March 2017

Das niederländische Unternehmen Kranendonk hat mit seiner vollautomatischen Fertigungsanlage „Beam Assembly Line” eine Roboteranlage entwickelt, welche Stahlträger nicht nur in Serienfertigung zusammenbaut, sondern auch Einzelfertigungen effizient und wirtschaftlich rentabel macht. Die selbstständige Fördermethode, eine intelligente Sensortechnik und 3D‐Kameras gekoppelt mit einer Software, die nicht mehr programmiert werden muss, sorgen bei der Anlage für rasant schnelle, profimäßig zusammengebaute Stahlträger.
Zukunft Robotik – Automatisierungspotentiale im Stahl‐ und Metallleichtbau
Authors: Brell‐Cokcan Sigrid , Lublasser Elisa , Haarhoff Daniel , Kuhnhenne Markus , Feldmann Markus , Pyschny Dominik
Published: March 2017

Die Baubranche ist aufgrund zunehmender volatiler Märkte und steigender Anforderungen besonderen Wandlungsanforderungen ausgesetzt. Dies betrifft auch den Stahlbau. Wenn über Forschung und Entwicklung gesprochen wird, dann dürfen neben innovativen Bauprodukten und modernen Bemessungskonzepten Fertigung und Montage nicht vergessen werden. Insbesondere müssen die maschinelle Unterstützung in der Produktion intelligenter und flexibler gestaltet und manuelle Bautätigkeiten sicherer und zuverlässiger durchgeführt werden. Aus diesem Grund finden Entwicklungen in Automatisierung und Robotik immer häufiger Anwendung, wobei der Schwerpunkt zurzeit noch im Bereich der Vorfertigung liegt. Die Digitalisierung wird darüber hinaus unsere zukünftige Arbeitswelt nachhaltig beeinflussen und verändern. Diese und weitere Faktoren resultieren daher in der Forderung, neue technische Visionen zum Bauen und Produzieren der Zukunft zu entwickeln.
Ausstanzen von Verbunddübelleisten im gerissenen Beton
Authors: Classen Martin , Hegger Josef
Published: March 2017

Experimentelle Untersuchungen aus der Literatur zeigen, dass die Schubtragfähigkeit von Verbunddübelleisten mit Ausstanzversagen durch Querrisse im Betongurt vermindert wird. Bisher sind allerdings weder die hierbei auftretenden Tragmechanismen geklärt noch wird der Querrisseinfluss in den einschlägigen Bemessungsmodellen für Verbunddübelleisten berücksichtigt. Daher werden im vorliegenden Beitrag 38 Abscherversuche im gerissenen Beton vorgestellt, die neue Erkenntnisse über das Schubtragverhalten von Verbunddübelleisten mit Ausstanzversagen im gerissenen Beton liefern. Die Versuche wurden in einem neuartigen Versuchstand durchgeführt, der eine gezielte Untersuchung der Einflüsse Rissabstand und Rissbreite ermöglicht. Anhand der Versuchsergebnisse werden die auftretenden Tragmechanismen analysiert und die Phänomenologie des Ausstanzens im gerissenen Beton erläutert. Alle hier vorgestellten Untersuchungen wurden im Rahmen von [1] durchgeführt.
Bridging views in cinema: a review of the art and science of view integration
Authors: Levin Daniel T. , Baker Lewis J.
Published: March 2017

Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the relationship between film and cognitive science. This is reflected in a new science of cinema that can help us both to understand this art form, and to produce new insights about cognition and perception. In this review, we begin by describing how the initial development of cinema involved close observation of audience response. This allowed filmmakers to develop an informal theory of visual cognition that helped them to isolate and creatively recombine fundamental elements of visual experience. We review research exploring naturalistic forms of visual perception and cognition that have opened the door to a productive convergence between the dynamic visual art of cinema and science of visual cognition that can enrich both. In particular, we discuss how parallel understandings of view integration in cinema and in cognitive science have been converging to support a new understanding of meaningful visual experience. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, 8:e1436. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1436

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Attention

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics

Neuroscience > Cognition
Primary Surgery for Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction: Postoperative Nasogastric Tube Reinsertion is Not Mandatory
Authors: Venara A. , Barbieux J. , Colas P. A. , Le Fouler A. , Lermite E. , Hamy A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Malignant large bowel obstructions frequently require emergency surgery. Compliance with enhanced recovery after surgery programmes is significantly reduced due to non‐removal of the nasogastric tube in the postoperative period. The first aim of the present study was to research factors associated with the failure of immediate nasogastric tube removal in patients who had undergone emergency surgery for malignant large bowel obstruction. The second aim was to assess the morbidity linked to nasogastric tube reinsertion.

Methods

This retrospective and monocentric study included all consecutive patients admitted for acute malignant large bowel obstruction who underwent emergency surgery. Patients who were not primarily operated on were excluded (n = 178; 69.3%). The group of patients requiring nasogastric tube (NGT) reinsertion was compared with the group that did not require NGT reinsertion.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients underwent emergency surgery, of which 18 (22.8%) required nasogastric tube reinsertion. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to (a) immediate nasogastric tube removal (p = 0.87) and (b) inclusion in an enhanced recovery programme (p = 0.75). However, preoperative small bowel dilatation was associated with a reduction in the need for NGT reinsertion (p = 0.04). A left‐sided tumour was also associated with the need for NGT reinsertion in uni‐ (p = 0.034) and multivariate analysis (OR = 8; p < 0.05). Surgical access and procedure were not significantly associated with NGT reinsertion. The postoperative course influenced NGT reinsertion, which was significantly associated with postoperative ileus (OR = 4; p < 0.05) and postoperative morbidity (OR = 4; p < 0.05). Morbidity was not linked to nasogastric tube removal.

Conclusion

Nasogastric tube reinsertion was not affected by immediate removal of the tube. Left‐sided tumours and patients at risk of postoperative ileus should be managed with caution. Immediate nasogastric tube removal is not contraindicated in the case of large bowel obstruction because it is not associated with a higher risk of NGT reinsertion.
Experimental investigation of the reaction-build-up for plastic bonded explosive JOB-9003
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Yanfei , Zhao Feng , Zhang Rong , Zhong Bin
Published: March 2017

In order to measure the shock initiation behavior of JOB-9003 explosives, Al-based embedded multiple electromagnetic particle velocity gauge technique has been developed. In addition, a gauge element called the shock tracker has been used to monitor the progress of the shock front as a function of time, thus providing a position–time trajectory of the wave front as it moves through the explosive sample. The data is used to determine the position and time for shock to detonation transition. All the experimental results show that the rising-up time of Al-based electromagnetic particle velocity gauge is very short (<20 ns); the reaction-build-up velocity profiles and the position–time for shock to detonation transition of HMX-based plastic bonded explosive (PBX) JOB-9003 with 1–8 mm depth from the origin of the impact plane under different initiation pressures were obtained with high accuracy.
Multiplicité des trajectoires fermées de systèmes hamiltoniens connexes
Authors: Ekeland I. , Lassoued L.
Published: March 2017

We show that, if

n ≧ 3

, every Hamiltonian system with

n

degrees of freedom has at least two closed trajectories on every convex and compact energy level.

On montre que, si

n≧ 3

, tout système hamiltonien à

n

degrés de liberté possède au moins deux trajectoires fermées sur chaque niveau d’énergie convexe et compact.
Fibres dynamiques asymptotiquement compacts exposants de Lyapounov. Entropie. Dimension
Authors: Thieullen P.
Published: March 2017

This paper is divided in tow parts. In the first, we prove an abstract Oseledec’s theorem [OS] in infinite dimension (a spectral theorem for random linear transformation products: construction of Lyapounov exponents and stable associated bundles). The second part is an application of this theorem in a differentiable frame:

E

is a Banach space,

U

an open set of

E

,

ϕ: U → E

a

C^1

map,

K ⊂ E

a compact set such that

ϕ(K) ⊂ K

, and

μ

a

ϕ

-invariant probability on the Borel sets of

K

. Using some compactness assumptions, we prove the estimation from above of entropy of such map

ϕ

though the sum of its positive Lyapounov exponents. We also give the proof of the inequality

\dim_c (μ) ≦\dim_L(μ)

between the two dimensions: capacity dimension and Lyapounov dimension. The interest of these two different notions of dimension appears for example in the study of strange attractors as shown by Ruelle and Eckmann in [RE].

Cet article se compose de deux parties. La première partie démontre un théorème abstrait d’Oseledec [OS] en dimension infinie, améliorant celui de Mañé [MA] (théorème spectral pour les produits d’opérateurs linéaires aléatoires dans un espace de Banach E : construction des exposants de Lyapounov et des sous-espaces stables associés). La deuxième partie est une application de ce théorème dans le cadre différentiel suivant :

U

est un ouyert de

E

,

ϕ: U → E

est de classe

C^1

, laisse stable un compact

ϕ(K) ⊂ K

, et préserve une mesure de probabilité

μ

définie sur les boréliens de

K

. Sous certaines hypothèses de compacité asymptotique sur la suite

(D_xϕ^n)_{n ≧ 0}

, on démontre l’inégalité entropique de Ruelle (majoration de l’entropie de par la somme des exposants de Lyapounov positifs), ainsi que la majoration de la dimension capacitaire de

μ

par la dimension de Lyapounov du fibré. L’intérêt de ces différentes notions de dimension apparaît par exemple dans l’étude des attracteurs étranges comme l’ont montré Ruelle et Eckmann dans l’article [RE].
Rotorcraft control response using linearised and non-linear flight dynamic models with different inflow models
Authors: Sakthivel T. , Venkatesan C.
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study is to develop a relatively simple flight dynamic model which should have the ability to analyse trim, stability and response characteristics of a rotorcraft under various manoeuvring conditions. This study further addresses the influence of numerical aspects of perturbation step size in linearised model identification and integration timestep on non-linear model response. In addition, the effects of inflow models on the non-linear response are analysed. A new updated Drees inflow model is proposed in this study and the applicability of this model in rotorcraft flight dynamics is studied. It is noted that the updated Drees inflow model predicts the control response characteristics fairly close to control response characteristics obtained using dynamic inflow for a wide range of flight conditions such as hover, forward flight and recovery from steady level turn. A comparison is shown between flight test data, the control response obtained from the simple flight dynamic model, and the response obtained using a more detailed aeroelastic and flight dynamic model.
The Effect of Public Policies on Inducing Technological Change in Solar Energy
Authors: Vincenzi Marco , Ozabaci Deniz
Published: March 2017

Using patent statistics related to solar power on a panel of eleven countries from 1990 to 2008, we build a reduced-form model to analyze the role that public policies play in fostering innovation. We conclude that public expenditure on R&D and feed-in tariffs have a significant effect on the development of solar energy. We also find a significant effect of electricity price, attributable to rising energy prices. Using patent citations, we estimate the knowledge flows available to inventors in each country over time and we find that the marginal productivity of R&D has a positive and significant effect on innovation.
Norms, Power, and the Socially Embedded Realities of Market Taxation in Northern Ghana
Authors: Prichard Wilson , van den Boogaard Vanessa
Published: March 2017

This article provides a ground-level view of market taxation in two local government areas in Ghana’s relatively disadvantaged northern region. It describes a system shaped by informal practices that are grounded in social relationships and collective norms, which sometimes foster greater equity and in other cases serve to reinforce existing inequalities. The evidence suggests the need for a more nuanced understanding of the highly informal and socially embedded realities of local tax collection, and the possibility that improved outcomes could be achieved by “working with the grain” of these inescapable local realities, while seeking to minimize potential costs of informality.
A Case Series Evaluation of a Pilot Group Cognitive Behavioural Treatment for Children With Asthma and Anxiety
Authors: Sicouri Gemma , Sharpe Louise , Hudson Jennifer L. , Dudeney Joanne , Jaffe Adam , Hunt Caroline
Published: March 2017

Anxiety disorders occur at an increased rate in children with asthma; however, there is only a small evidence base to support specific psychological treatments for these children. The current study evaluated the efficacy of a pilot cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) group intervention for children with asthma and a comorbid anxiety disorder in a case series design. Five children (aged 8–11 years old) with asthma and a comorbid anxiety disorder and their mothers took part in eight 1-hour group treatment sessions. Primary outcomes measures were anxiety diagnosis and asthma-related quality of life. Secondary outcome measures were asthma symptom control and parent quality of life associated with caring for a child with asthma. Three of the participants no longer met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder following treatment and three different participants reported a reliable improvement in asthma-related quality of life. Two participants reported a reliable improvement in asthma symptom control. Three mothers reported an improvement in caregiver quality of life. The findings provide preliminary proof of concept evidence for the efficacy of a CBT intervention for children with asthma and clinical anxiety.
Hospital Impact After a Chemical Spill That Compromised the Potable Water Supply: West Virginia, January 2014
Authors: Hsu Joy , del Rosario Maria C. , Thomasson Erica , Bixler Danae , Haddy Loretta , Duncan Mary Anne
Published: March 2017

In January 2014, a chemical spill of 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol and propylene glycol phenyl ethers contaminated the potable water supply of approximately 300,000 West Virginia residents. To understand the spill’s impact on hospital operations, we surveyed representatives from 10 hospitals in the affected area during January 2014. We found that the spill-related loss of potable water affected many aspects of hospital patient care (eg, surgery, endoscopy, hemodialysis, and infection control of Clostridium difficile). Hospital emergency preparedness planning could be enhanced by specifying alternative sources of potable water sufficient for hemodialysis, C. difficile infection control, and hospital processing and cleaning needs (in addition to drinking water). (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:621–624)
Intervention to Reduce Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics and Treatment Durations Prescribed at the Time of Hospital Discharge: A Novel Stewardship Approach
Authors: Yogo Norihiro , Shihadeh Katherine , Young Heather , Calcaterra Susan L. , Knepper Bryan C. , Burman William J. , Mehler Philip S. , Jenkins Timothy C.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

For most common infections requiring hospitalization, antibiotic treatment is completed after hospital discharge. Postdischarge therapy is often unnecessarily broad spectrum and prolonged. We developed an intervention to improve antibiotic selection and shorten treatment durations.

DESIGN

Single center, quasi-experimental retrospective cohort study

METHODS

Patients prescribed oral antibiotics at hospital discharge before (July 2012–June 2013) and after (October 2014–February 2015) an intervention consisting of (1) institutional guidance for oral step-down antibiotic selection and duration of therapy and (2) pharmacy audit of discharge prescriptions with real-time prescribing recommendations to providers. The primary outcomes measured were total prescribed duration of therapy and use of antibiotics with broad gram-negative activity (ie, fluoroquinolones or amoxicillin-clavulanate).

RESULTS

Overall, 300 cases from the preintervention period and 200 cases from the intervention period were included. Compared with the preintervention period, the use of antibiotics with broad gram-negative activity decreased during the intervention (51% vs 40%; P=.02), particularly fluoroquinolones (38% vs 25%; P=.002). The total duration of therapy decreased from a median of 10 days (interquartile range [IQR], 7–13 days) to 9 days (IQR, 6–13 days) but did not reach statistical significance (P=.13). However, the duration prescribed at discharge declined from 6 days (IQR, 4–10 days) to 5 days (IQR, 3–7 days) (P=.003). During the intervention, there was a nonsignificant increase in the overall appropriateness of discharge prescriptions from 52% to 66% (P=.15).

CONCLUSIONS

A multifaceted intervention to optimize antibiotic prescribing at hospital discharge was associated with less frequent use of antibiotics with broad gram-negative activity and shorter postdischarge treatment durations.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:534–541
Ebola Preparedness Resources for Acute-Care Hospitals in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study of Costs, Benefits, and Challenges
Authors: Smit Michael A. , Rasinski Kenneth A. , Braun Barbara I. , Kusek Linda L. , Milstone Aaron M. , Morgan Daniel J. , Mermel Leonard A.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

To assess resource allocation and costs associated with US hospitals preparing for the possible spread of the 2014–2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in the United States.

METHODS

A survey was sent to a stratified national probability sample (n=750) of US general medical/surgical hospitals selected from the American Hospital Association (AHA) list of hospitals. The survey was also sent to all children’s general hospitals listed by the AHA (n=60). The survey assessed EVD preparation supply costs and overtime staff hours. The average national wage was multiplied by labor hours to calculate overtime labor costs. Additional information collected included challenges, benefits, and perceived value of EVD preparedness activities.

RESULTS

The average amount spent by hospitals on combined supply and overtime labor costs was $80,461 (n=133; 95% confidence interval [CI], $56,502–$104,419). Multivariate analysis indicated that small hospitals (mean, $76,167) spent more on staff overtime costs per 100 beds than large hospitals (mean, $15,737; P<.0001). The overall cost for acute-care hospitals in the United States to prepare for possible EVD cases was estimated to be $361,108,968. The leading challenge was difficulty obtaining supplies from vendors due to shortages (83%; 95% CI, 78%–88%) and the greatest benefit was improved knowledge about personal protective equipment (89%; 95% CI, 85%–93%).

CONCLUSIONS

The financial impact of EVD preparedness activities was substantial. Overtime cost in smaller hospitals was >3 times that in larger hospitals. Planning for emerging infectious disease identification, triage, and management should be conducted at regional and national levels in the United States to facilitate efficient and appropriate allocation of resources in acute-care facilities.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:405–410
Quantifying supraglacial meltwater pathways in the Paakitsoq region, West Greenland
Authors: KOZIOL CONRAD , ARNOLD NEIL , POPE ALLEN , COLGAN WILLIAM
Published: March 2017

Increased summer ice velocities on the Greenland ice sheet are driven by meltwater input to the subglacial environment. However, spatial patterns of surface input and partitioning of meltwater between different pathways to the base remain poorly understood. To further our understanding of surface drainage, we apply a supraglacial hydrology model to the Paakitsoq region, West Greenland for three contrasting melt seasons. During an average melt season, crevasses drain ~47% of surface runoff, lake hydrofracture drains ~3% during the hydrofracturing events themselves, while the subsequent surface-to-bed connections drain ~21% and moulins outside of lake basins drain ~15%. Lake hydrofracture forms the primary drainage pathway at higher elevations (above ~850 m) while crevasses drain a significant proportion of meltwater at lower elevations. During the two higher intensity melt seasons, model results show an increase (~5 and ~6% of total surface runoff) in the proportion of runoff drained above ~1300 m relative to the melt season of average intensity. The potential for interannual changes in meltwater partitioning could have implications for how the dynamics of the ice sheet respond to ongoing changes in meltwater production.
Lunatic Asylum in the Workhouse: St Peter’s Hospital, Bristol, 1698–1861
Authors: Smith Leonard
Published: March 2017

In recent years there has been growing acknowledgement of the place of workhouses within the range of institutional provision for mentally disordered people in nineteenth-century England. This article explores the situation in Bristol, where an entrenched workhouse-based model was retained for an extended period in the face of mounting external ideological and political pressures to provide a proper lunatic asylum. It signified a contest between the modernising, reformist inclinations of central state agencies and local bodies seeking to retain their freedom of action. The conflict exposed contrasting conceptions regarding the nature of services to which the insane poor were entitled.

Bristol pioneered establishment of a central workhouse under the old Poor Law; ‘St Peter’s Hospital’ was opened in 1698. As a multi-purpose welfare institution its clientele included ‘lunatics’ and ‘idiots’, for whom there was specific accommodation from before the 1760s. Despite an unhealthy city centre location and crowded, dilapidated buildings, the enterprising Bristol authorities secured St Peter’s Hospital’s designation as a county lunatic asylum in 1823. Its many deficiencies brought condemnation in the national survey of provision for the insane in 1844. In the period following the key lunacy legislation of 1845, the Home Office and Commissioners in Lunacy demanded the replacement of the putative lunatic asylum within Bristol’s workhouse by a new borough asylum outside the city. The Bristol authorities resisted stoutly for several years, but were eventually forced to succumb and adopt the prescribed model of institutional care for the pauper insane.
Between Securitisation and Neglect: Managing Ebola at the Borders of Global Health
Authors: Honigsbaum Mark
Published: March 2017

In 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) was widely criticised for failing to anticipate that an outbreak of Ebola in a remote forested region of south-eastern Guinea would trigger a public health emergency of international concern (pheic). In explaining the WHO’s failure, critics have pointed to structural restraints on the United Nations organisation and a leadership ‘vacuum’ in Geneva, among other factors. This paper takes a different approach. Drawing on internal WHO documents and interviews with key actors in the epidemic response, I argue that the WHO’s failure is better understood as a consequence of Ebola’s shifting medical identity and of triage systems for managing emerging infectious disease (EID) risks. Focusing on the discursive and non-discursive practices that produced Ebola as a ‘problem’ for global health security, I argue that by 2014 Ebola was no longer regarded as a paradigmatic EID and potential biothreat so much as a neglected tropical disease. The result was to relegate Ebola to the fringes of biosecurity concerns just at the moment when the virus was crossing international borders in West Africa and triggering large urban outbreaks for the first time. Ebola’s fluctuating medical identity also helps explain the prominence of fear and rumours during the epidemic and social resistance to Ebola control measures. Contrasting the WHO’s delay over declaring a pheic in 2014, with its rapid declaration of pheics in relation to H1N1 swine flu in 2009 and polio in 2014, I conclude that such ‘missed alarms’ may be an inescapable consequence of pandemic preparedness systems that seek to rationalise responses to the emergence of new diseases.
Superluminous Supernovae at High Redshift
Authors: Abbott Tim , Cooke Jeff , Curtin Chris , Joudaki Shahab , Katsianis Antonios , Koekemoer Anton , Mould Jeremy , Tescari Edoardo , Uddin Syed , Wang Lifan
Published: March 2017

Superluminous supernovae are beginning to be discovered at redshifts as early as the epoch of reionisation. A number of candidate mechanisms is reviewed, together with the discovery programmes.
Excavation of a Neolithic House at Yarnbury, near Grassington, North Yorkshire
Authors: Gibson Alex , Neubauer Wolfgang , Flöry Sebastian , Filzwieser Roland , Nau Erich , Schneidhofer Petra , Strapazzon Guglielmo , Batt Cathy , Greenwood David , Bradley Philippa , Challinor Dana
Published: March 2017

Landscape geophysical survey around the small upland ‘henge’ at Yarnbury, Grassington, North Yorkshire revealed few anthropogenic features around the enclosure but did identify a small rectangular structure in the same field. Sample trenching of this feature, radiocarbon and archaeomagnetic dating proved it to be an earlier Neolithic post and wattle structure of a type that is being increasingly recognised in Ireland and the west of Britain. It is the first to be recognised in the Yorkshire Dales and it is argued that the Dales may have been pivotal in the Neolithic for east–west trade as well as pastoral upland agriculture.
COEFFICIENT ESTIMATES FOR SOME CLASSES OF FUNCTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH -FUNCTION THEORY
Authors: AGRAWAL SARITA
Published: March 2017

For every $q\in (0,1)$, we obtain the Herglotz representation theorem and discuss the Bieberbach problem for the class of $q$-convex functions of order $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$ with $0\leq \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}<1$. In addition, we consider the Fekete–Szegö problem and the Hankel determinant problem for the class of $q$-starlike functions, leading to two conjectures for the class of $q$-starlike functions of order $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$ with $0\leq \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}<1$.
Thomas Müntzer and John Knox: Radical and Magisterial Reformers?
Authors: MATHESON PETER
Published: March 2017

A distinction is often made between magisterial and radical reformers in the early modern period, Luther and Thomas Müntzer being frequently taken as representatives of two quite different reformations, especially in regard to the understanding of Scripture and of the political realm. It can, however, be argued that the Reformation as a whole was radical, and that it is misleading to characterise one aspect of it as mainstream, another peripheral. The comparison between Müntzer and the Scottish reformer, John Knox, appears to support the contention that the chasm between the two camps is not unbridgeable.
P45and the Problem of the ‘Seventy(-two)’: A Case for the Longer Reading in Luke 10.1 and 17
Authors: Cole Zachary J.
Published: March 2017

At Luke 10.17, most modern critical editions incorrectly cite the wording of P45as ἑβδομήκοντα δύο (72) instead of ἑβδομήκοντα (70). As this is one of the two oldest witnesses to the verse, this revision of external evidence calls for a fresh examination of the textual problem as a whole. Previous discussions have focused almost exclusively on the perceived symbolic values of ἑβδομήκοντα (+ δύο) to identify the ‘more Lukan’ wording, but this essay argues on the basis of new transcriptional evidence that the earlier reading is more likely ἑβδομήκοντα δύο.
Patronage, Trust, and State Capacity
Authors: Bustikova Lenka , Corduneanu-Huci Cristina
Published: March 2017

What explains different levels of clientelism across countries? Why do some politicians deliver clientelistic goods to their electoral constituencies, and why do some voters demand them? This article focuses on the historical origins of trust in states and shows that they have a lasting impact on contemporary patterns of patronage. The shift to programmatic politics reflects a historical transition from personalized trust in politicians to trust in impersonal bureaucracies tasked by political parties to implement policy. Past experience with public bureaucracy informs the expectations of voters and parties regarding the performance of the state and its ability to provide public goods, which in turn shape the degree of clientelistic exchange across societies. To capture state capacity, the authors focus on the critical juncture before the expansion of women's suffrage, and use the ability of public bureaucracies to reduce infant mortality in the interwar period as a proxy for historical state capacity and as an instrument to predict trust. Macrodata from eightyeight electoral democracies and microdata from the most recent wave of the World Value Survey provide supportive evidence for the theory.
Fluxgate Gradiometry Survey at North Leigh Roman Villa, Oxfordshire
Authors: Creighton John , Allen Martyn
Published: March 2017

North Leigh Roman villa ranks as one of the largest known courtyard villas of Roman Britain.1Situated just above the floodplain of the river Evenlode, which loops around the site, the villa liesc.2 miles north of North Leigh village and 10 miles west of Oxford (SP 397 154). The building developed within the Late Iron Age earthwork complex of the North Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch, a discontinuous bank and ditch which partly encloses a 22-square mile area of this landscape.2The villa is under English Heritage guardianship (Scheduled Ancient Monument no. 334573) and a programme of geophysical survey was conducted at their request to assist in management of the site.3
A Hitherto Unrecognised Cornovian on a Roman Military Diploma (RMDI, 35)
Authors: Dana Dan
Published: March 2017

A military diploma of 2 Julya.d. 133 (RMDI, 35), first discovered in 1960 but published several times since, has provoked a debate concerning the origin of the discharged soldier, with commentators proposing eitherCoriniumin Britain or theCornacatesin Lower Pannonia. The new reading presented here suggests that the soldier was actually Cornovian, allowing a reassessment of the recruitment ofBrittonesin the Romanauxilia.
Pharmaceuticalisation and the social management of sleep in old age
Authors: PEGADO ELSA , LOPES NOÉMIA , ZÓZIMO JOANA
Published: March 2017

This paper discusses sleep as a social phenomenon, analysing it in the older population within the frame of a growing pharmaceuticalisation of conditions associated with old age. Two analytical dimensions are privileged: one pertains to patterns of sleep in old age, showing these patterns to be socially differentiated; while another has to do with the subjective experience of sleep, particularly in terms of the social meanings attributed to sleep as well as the strategies employed to manage it. These strategies may be therapeutic or non-therapeutic, as an expression of different rationales favouring or resisting the pharmaceuticalisation of sleep. This analysis is empirically based on data from a research project on the consumption of psychopharmaceuticals among the older population, in an urban context in Portugal. The research methodology followed a mixed-methods approach: a survey was deployed to a sample of individuals aged 65 years and over (N = 414); and life history interviews were conducted with a number of respondents (N = 30) from the previous survey. Both techniques included individuals with physical and cognitive autonomy, living at home or in institutional settings. The results reveal a considerable social adherence to the use of pharmaceuticals to manage sleep problems, although consumption practices are socially differentiated in terms of gender, age and living contexts. They also reveal the use of non-therapeutic strategies, stemming from a resistance to the pharmaceuticalisation of sleep.