bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysfunction of the Human Mirror Neuron System in Ideomotor Apraxia: Evidence from Mu Suppression
Authors: Frenkel-Toledo Silvi , Liebermann Dario G. , Bentin Shlomo , Soroker Nachum
Published: March 2016

Stroke patients with ideomotor apraxia (IMA) have difficulties controlling voluntary motor actions, as clearly seen when asked to imitate simple gestures performed by the examiner. Despite extensive research, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying failure to imitate gestures in IMA remain controversial. The aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between imitation failure in IMA and mirror neuron system (MNS) functioning. Mirror neurons were found to play a crucial role in movement imitation and in imitation-based motor learning. Their recruitment during movement observation and execution is signaled in EEG recordings by suppression of the lower (8–10 Hz) mu range. We examined the modulation of EEG in this range in stroke patients with left (n = 21) and right (n = 15) hemisphere damage during observation of video clips showing different manual movements. IMA severity was assessed by the DeRenzi standardized diagnostic test. Results showed that failure to imitate observed manual movements correlated with diminished mu suppression in patients with damage to the right inferior parietal lobule and in patients with damage to the right inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis—areas where major components of the human MNS are assumed to reside. Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping revealed a significant impact on imitation capacity for the left inferior and superior parietal lobules and the left post central gyrus. Both left and right hemisphere damages were associated with imitation failure typical of IMA, yet a clear demonstration of relationship to the MNS was obtained only in the right hemisphere damage group. Suppression of the 8–10 Hz range was stronger in central compared with occipital sites, pointing to a dominant implication of mu rather than alpha rhythms. However, the suppression correlated with De Renzi's apraxia test scores not only in central but also in occipital sites, suggesting a multifactorial mechanism for IMA, with a possible impact for deranged visual attention (alpha suppression) beyond the effect of MNS damage (mu suppression).
Separating Spike Count Correlation from Firing Rate Correlation
Authors: Vinci Giuseppe , Ventura Valérie , Smith Matthew A. , Kass Robert E.
Published: March 2016

Populations of cortical neurons exhibit shared fluctuations in spiking activity over time. When measured for a pair of neurons over multiple repetitions of an identical stimulus, this phenomenon emerges as correlated trial-to-trial response variability via spike count correlation (SCC). However, spike counts can be viewed as noisy versions of firing rates, which can vary from trial to trial. From this perspective, the SCC for a pair of neurons becomes a noisy version of the corresponding firing rate correlation (FRC). Furthermore, the magnitude of the SCC is generally smaller than that of the FRC and is likely to be less sensitive to experimental manipulation. We provide statistical methods for disambiguating time-averaged drive from within-trial noise, thereby separating FRC from SCC. We study these methods to document their reliability, and we apply them to neurons recorded in vivo from area V4 in an alert animal. We show how the various effects we describe are reflected in the data: within-trial effects are largely negligible, while attenuation due to trial-to-trial variation dominates and frequently produces comparisons in SCC that, because of noise, do not accurately reflect those based on the underlying FRC.
Feature-Linking Model for Image Enhancement
Authors: Zhan Kun , Teng Jicai , Shi Jinhui , Li Qiaoqiao , Wang Mingying
Published: March 2016

Inspired by gamma-band oscillations and other neurobiological discoveries, neural networks research shifts the emphasis toward temporal coding, which uses explicit times at which spikes occur as an essential dimension in neural representations. We present a feature-linking model (FLM) that uses the timing of spikes to encode information. The first spiking time of FLM is applied to image enhancement, and the processing mechanisms are consistent with the human visual system. The enhancement algorithm achieves boosting the details while preserving the information of the input image. Experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method is effective.
Asymmetric frequency shift in advertisement calls of sympatric frogs
Authors: Jansen Martin , Plath Martin , Brusquetti Francisco , Ryan Michael Joseph
Published: March 2016

Character displacement is commonly observed when species occur in secondary contact zones and traits related to resource competition or reproduction diverge in sympatry. However, few studies have considered the factors determining and delimiting the direction of character evolution in this context. We studied displacement in advertisement calls in two species of hylid frogs from allopatric and sympatric populations, both of which call with similar frequencies but differ substantially in temporal parameters. We found asymmetrical character displacement in sympatry, as onlyScinax madeirae(but notS. fuscomarginatus) repeatedly showed displacement. Instead of diverging in already existing differences in temporal characters,S. madeiraeshowed character displacement for frequency-related characters. We explored possible reasons for this specific pattern concerning the displaced characters and tested if socio-functional constraints in specific call parameters are responsible for the shift of only spectral parameters in that species. Finally, we argue that the simultaneous action of ecological and reproductive character displacement, or alternatively, a short-term behavioral response for the same reason (avoidance of hybridization) could explain the pattern. The present study identifies a set of new hypotheses that will stimulate future research on mechanisms of mate recognition and behavioral responses.
La fonction du ʿakkām dans la caravane des pèlerins : un métier méconnu, à la lumière d’un document légal mamelouk inédit
Authors: Dridi Moez
Published: March 2016

While pilgrimage is a cultural obligation, it sometimes appears to be a political and commercial institution that requires a complex organization. In this legal document which dates back to the Mamluk era, and ratified in the month of raǧab, of the year 827/ June 1424, we are talking about a caravaneer, called here ʿakkām, whose task is to accompany a pilgrim who departed from Cairo to go to Mecca, and who in front of witnesses, committed himself to meticulously accomplish some described tasks. This single document, which is a professional commitment of great interest, enlightens us on the organization of the pilgrimage caravans and it informs us about the hiring of the guides in charge of ensuring a good trip. The juridical structure of this document raises the question of his status: a contract or just a simple engagement within a profession guild?
Imagining the Given and Beyond
Authors: Levy Lior
Published: March 2016

Imagination is crucial to Joseph Margolis’ philosophy: he addresses its significance for the experience of works of art and, more importantly, he portrays it as constitutive of human reality itself. I explicate these claims and define Margolis’ notion of imagination vis-à-vis Jean-Paul Sartre’s, whose own conception of imagination Margolis rejects. Studying Margolis and Sartre in relation to each other illuminates crucial differences between their positions and highlights the different commitments that underlie their philosophical anthropology as a whole. In the conclusion of this paper, I argue that there are in fact certain affinities between their positions and suggest that we think of the problem of imagination meta-philosophically, as a problem that guides philosophical thought in its various attempts to define the human.
Environmental aspects of Religious Beliefs and Ritual Practices of the rural Population of Siberia (the 1920s. - Beginning of XXI Century) (Экологические аспекты религиозных воззрений и обрядовых практик сельского населения Сибири (1920-е гг. - начало xxi в.)
Authors: Lyubimova Galina
Published: March 2016

Radical changes in the structure of rural population of Siberia became the result of transformation of peasant economic and ecological traditions in the xx century. Modern villagers, mainly engaged in the problems of survival, perceive environmental problems as something unrelated to them. However, the valuable relation to the natural environment is now a subject of reflection not only in traditional for Siberia Christian denominations, but also in the new religious movements. Being a response to the ecological utilitarianism which prevailed in the policies of the Soviet state since the 1930s, as well as to present-day worsening environmental problems, the mainstreaming environmental discourse in religious life of rural population is currently taking place. Based on the author’s field materials, archival documents and local periodicals the paper discusses the environmental aspects of religious beliefs and ritual practices of different groups of rural population of Siberia in Soviet and post-Soviet period.
Macau: A Plural Literature?
Authors: Simas Monica
Published: March 2016

The return of Macau to the People’s Republic of China was nearly fifteen years ago but only recently have researchers been interested in studying the impact of the handover. This article reflects on the literature of Macao, focusing on texts exploring the displacement of poets from Portugal, Australia, and China to Macau. Poetry has been a crucial form of production that has showcased the social changes of this multicultural place. Although it is difficult to characterize a specific Macao way of life, during the transition period between 1987 and 1999, many poets sought to show the conflicts that occurred in the development of this special administrative region. This article attempts to analyze and characterize literary representations of recent Macao poetry published in Chinese, English, and Portuguese languages in order to define differences as well as a common sensibility.
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Trinidad and Tobago with analysis of vegetation types and botanical ‘hotspots’
Authors: BAKSH-COMEAU YASMIN S. , MAHARAJ SHOBHA S. , ADAMS C. DENNIS , HARRIS STEPHEN A. , FILER DENIS L. , HAWTHORNE WILLIAM D.
Published: March 2016

Although the publication of the vascular flora of the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago extended from 1928–1992, it is incomplete with the family Poaceae still outstanding. Many of the early recorded families are in need of extensive revision. Therefore, this checklist is intended to fill these gaps by providing a comprehensive list of the vascular plants for the islands. We compiled the checklist using the results from herbarium records, literature citations, online resources and a Rapid Botanic Survey (RBS) of 240 sample plots across the islands. From the RBS plots 22,500 vascular plant specimens were collected, yielding 1530 species. The herbarium records, literature citations and the RBS plots yielded a total of 3639 species, of which 2407 are indigenous, 1222 are exotic and 108 are endemic or near endemic. The low endemism is attributed to the islands’ close proximity to and recent separation from the South American continent. A total of 262 species of grasses (Poaceae) is published here for the first time along with the results from the RBS plots. Our annotated checklist further presents two types of conservation rating: the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and a global Star rating system. Based on the clustering of the ‘Star rating’ of each species, plant communities in the following areas: the Heights of Aripo, parts of the Nariva Swamp and the North-west Islands were identified as ‘hot spots’ of high conservation value which should continue to, or receive greater protection in the National Parks and Protected Areas system established in Trinidad and Tobago.
Revision of the genus Coeligetes from Malaysia and Indonesia, and description of Coeligetoides gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)
Authors: Bezděk Jan
Published: March 2016

The species of the genus Coeligetes Jacoby, 1884 distributed in Malaysia and Indonesia are revised, illustrated and keyed. New species, C. howardi sp. nov. from Borneo is described. New synonymy Coeligetes submetallica Jacoby, 1884 = C. wilcoxi Mohamedsaid, 1994 (syn. nov.) is proposed. New genus and species Coeligetoides trifurcatus gen. nov., sp. nov. (Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand) is described, illustrated and compared with related genera.
Four new species of Epacanthion Wieser, 1953 (Nematoda: Thoracostomopsidae) in intertidal sediments of the Nanji Islands from the East China Sea
Authors: SHI BENZE , XU KUIDONG
Published: March 2016

Four new species of Epacanthion are described from intertidal sandy sediments in the Nanji Islands National Marine Natural Reserve from the East China Sea. Males of all four new species have short spicules (< 2 anal body diameter) and a characteristic cervical circle of distinctly short and densely arranged setae at the pharyngeal region: Epacanthion hirsutum sp. nov. with a cervical circle of a single row of setae posterior to the nerve ring; E. longicaudatum sp. nov. with a cervical circle of 16 bundles each composed of six setae in two longitudinal rows posterior to the nerve ring; E. fasciculatum sp. nov. with a cervical circle of 18 bundles each composed of about 10 setae posterior to the nerve ring; and E. sparsisetae sp. nov. with a cervical circle of eight bundles each composed of about 10 setae anterior to the nerve ring. Among the known species of Epacanthion, only two species possess these features: E. quadridisci and E. gorgonocephalum. Epacanthion quadridiscus has six bundles of setae situated at the same level of the nerve ring, while E. gorgonocephalum has distinctly dense setae forming a wide band at the pharyngeal region. Epacanthion hirsutum sp. nov. differs from all congeners by the cervical circle composed of a single row of setae. Epacanthion sparsisetae sp. nov. is unique in having the cervical circle of bundles anterior to the nerve ring. Epacanthion longicaudatum sp. nov. differs from E. fasciculatum sp. nov. by the body size and the structure of the cervical circle. An updated diagnostic key to 28 valid species of Epacanthion is proposed.
Penalized or Protected? Gender and the Consequences of Nonstandard and Mismatched Employment Histories
Authors: Pedulla David S.
Published: March 2016

Millions of workers are employed in positions that deviate from the full-time, standard employment relationship or work in jobs that are mismatched with their skills, education, or experience. Yet, little is known about how employers evaluate workers who have experienced these employment arrangements, limiting our knowledge about how part-time work, temporary agency employment, and skills underutilization affect workers’ labor market opportunities. Drawing on original field and survey experiment data, I examine three questions: (1) What are the consequences of having a nonstandard or mismatched employment history for workers’ labor market opportunities? (2) Are the effects of nonstandard or mismatched employment histories different for men and women? and (3) What are the mechanisms linking nonstandard or mismatched employment histories to labor market outcomes? The field experiment shows that skills underutilization is as scarring for workers as a year of unemployment, but that there are limited penalties for workers with histories of temporary agency employment. Additionally, although men are penalized for part-time employment histories, women face no penalty for part-time work. The survey experiment reveals that employers’ perceptions of workers’ competence and commitment mediate these effects. These findings shed light on the consequences of changing employment relations for the distribution of labor market opportunities in the “new economy.”
Relationship Between the Apolipoprotein E Genotype and LDL Particle Size in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Vekic Jelena , Joppa Pavol , Habalova Viera , Tisko Radovan , Zeljkovic Aleksandra , Pobeha Pavol , Gojkovic Tamara , Spasojevic-Kalimanovska Vesna , Strbova Zuzana , Kuklisova Zuzana , Slaba Eva , Rizzo Manfredi , Tkacova Ruzena
Published: March 2016

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk. We assessed the effects of apolipoprotein E ( APOE) genotype on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size and lipid subclasses (separated by gradient gel electrophoresis) in patients with OSA. Stable patients (n = 181) prospectively recruited underwent full polysomnography. Both LDL particle size and LDL I proportion were reduced from ∊3∊3 homozygotes to ∊2 carriers and to ∊4 carriers (analysis of variance: P = .024; P = .040, respectively); carriers of the ∊4 allele of the APOE genotype had significantly lower LDL particle size and LDL I proportion compared to ∊3∊3 homozygotes ( P < .05 for both comparisons). Insulin resistance increased from patients with no OSA to those with mild–moderate and to those with severe OSA ( P < .001). In multivariate analysis, LDL size was independently predicted by APOE genotype, male gender, and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS; P = .001, P = .020, P = .027, respectively). The HDL particle size was not affected by APOE genotype. Our data demonstrate that both the ∊4 APOE genotype and MetS are independently related to smaller LDL size in patients with OSA.
Vernacular epistemologies of risk: The crisis in Fukushima
Authors: Pascale Celine-Marie
Published: March 2016

On 11 March 2011, an earthquake of a 9.0 magnitude and the consequent tsunami destroyed Japan’s Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant. Known as 3/11 in Japan, the effects of this triple disaster will continue for decades. How did the media covering the catastrophe articulate issues of risk to the general public? This article is a textual analysis of accounts about the Fukushima disaster published between 11 March 2011 and 11 March 2013 in four of the most prominent media outlets in the United States. In particular, the analysis explores the practices through which these US media constructed the presence and meaning of public health risks resulting from the nuclear meltdown. The article illustrates how systematic media practices minimized the presence of health risks, contributed to misinformation, and exacerbated uncertainties. In the process, the study demonstrates how the media created vernacular epistemologies for understanding and evaluating the health risks posed by nuclear radiation. The article concludes by weighing the implications of the vernacular epistemologies deployed by media.
Institutional Infractions Among Young Prisoners
Authors: Gonçalves Leonel C. , Dirkzwager Anja J. E. , Martins Carla , Gonçalves Rui A. , Van der Laan Peter
Published: March 2016

Using a longitudinal design, this study describes changes in institutional infractions among a sample of 75 young males in a Portuguese prison. The inmates were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after entry. The total number of infractions peaked at the third month and then declined. Although the pattern of severe infractions was irregular, minor infractions increased until the sixth month and decreased thereafter. Major predictors of inmates’ infractions during the first year in the institution were fewer visits, being single and non-White, having higher hostility levels, younger age at first imprisonment, and being a property offender.
Effect of field-dependent versus field-independent cognitive styles on prospective and retrospective memory slips
Authors: Mefoh Philip Chukwuemeka , Ezeh Valentine Chijioke
Published: March 2016

This article describes a study with two major objectives: first, to investigate whether prospective memory functioning is dissociated from retrospective memory functioning and, second, to examine whether field-independent cognitive style will differ significantly from field-dependent cognitive style in prospective and retrospective memory functioning. A total of 76 undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (41 men, 35 women; mean age: 19.66 years; standard deviation = 2.02) completed the Group Embedded Figures Test and the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire. Omnibus statistic showed that prospective and retrospective memory was not dissociated ( p < .001) and the field-dependent versus field-independent cognitive styles differed significantly on prospective ( p < .001) and retrospective memory ( p < .001). The results were viewed as tentative; the study maintains that future studies are required to provide converging evidence. Authors concluded with some suggestions for further research.
Characterization of channelized gas reservoirs using ensemble Kalman filter with application of discrete cosine transformation
Authors: Kim Sungil , Lee Choongho , Lee Kyungbook , Choe Jonggeun
Published: March 2016

Reservoir characterization is a process to make a model similar to a true reservoir by integrating available data. It is necessary for reliable estimation of future productions and making proper decisions. Ensemble Kalman filter is one of the most powerful reservoir characterization methods. Ensemble Kalman filter can update reservoir models in real time and assess uncertainty by multiple models. Characterization of a channelized reservoir is difficult because of irregular channel pattern and connectivity. In this paper, ensemble Kalman filter with preservation of facies ratio and discrete cosine transformation is proposed for solving overshooting problem and maintaining properties of channel. The proposed method gives us stable characterization performances on gas and water productions, channel pattern and connectivity, and aquifer strengths regardless of the existence of an aquifer and uncertainty of facies ratio. Although facies ratio has ± 10% uncertainty with the reference, updated models maintain channel properties properly. Discrete cosine transformation helps to preserve channel pattern and connectivity and, therefore, overall performances are enhanced. Consequently, the proposed method can provide reliable updated models and credible prediction of future reservoir performances for making a proper decision.
Normal Anatomy, Histology, and Spontaneous Pathology of the Nasal Cavity of the Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Chamanza Ronnie , Taylor Ian , Gregori Michela , Hill Colin , Swan Mark , Goodchild Joel , Goodchild Kane , Schofield Jane , Aldous Mark , Mowat Vasanthi
Published: March 2016

The evaluation of inhalation studies in monkeys is often hampered by the scarcity of published information on the relevant nasal anatomy and pathology. We examined nasal cavities of 114 control cynomolgus monkeys from 11 inhalation studies evaluated 2008 to 2013, in order to characterize and document the anatomic features and spontaneous pathology. Compared to other laboratory animals, the cynomolgus monkey has a relatively simple nose with 2 unbranched, dorsoventrally stacked turbinates, large maxillary sinuses, and a nasal septum that continues into the nasopharynx. The vomeronasal organ is absent, but nasopalatine ducts are present. Microscopically, the nasal epithelium is thicker than that in rodents, and the respiratory (RE) and transitional epithelium (TE) rest on a thick basal lamina. Generally, squamous epithelia and TE line the vestibule, RE, the main chamber and nasopharynx, olfactory epithelium, a small caudodorsal region, while TE is observed intermittently along the passages. Relatively high incidences of spontaneous pathology findings, some resembling induced lesions, were observed and included inflammation, luminal exudate, scabs, squamous and respiratory metaplasia or hyperplasia, mucous cell hyperplasia/metaplasia, and olfactory degeneration. Regions of epithelial transition were the most affected. This information is considered helpful in the histopathology evaluation and interpretation of inhalation studies in monkeys.
Evaluation of Nonacog Beta Pegol Long-term Safety in the Immune-deficient Rowett Nude Rat (Crl:NIH-Foxn1rnu)
Authors: Rasmussen Caroline E. , Nowak Jette , Larsen Julie M. , Bottomley Anna , Rowles Alison , Offenberg Hanne
Published: March 2016

Nonacog beta pegol is a 40-kDa polyethylene glycosylated (PEGylated) human recombinant coagulation factor IX, intended for the treatment of hemophilia B. Human coagulation factors are immunogenic in animals; therefore, to evaluate the long-term toxicity of nonacog beta pegol, an immune-deficient, athymic rat (Rowett nude; Crl:NIH- Foxn1rnu) was used. Rats ( n = 216) were given intravenous nonacog beta pegol 0, 40, 150, 600, or 1,200 IU/kg every 5th day for 26 weeks. To avoid infections, the animals were housed in a full-barrier environment with sterilized food and bedding. Standard toxicity end points were unaffected by treatment. All treated animals were exposed to nonacog beta pegol throughout the study, and no animals developed antidrug antibodies. Immunohistochemical staining revealed PEG in choroid plexus epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy showed that PEG was distributed in cytoplasmic vesicles of these cells, with no apparent effect on cellular organelle structures. Fourteen (6.5%) animals were euthanized or died prematurely due to nontreatment-related infections in the urogenital system and skin. In conclusion, the athymic rat is a suitable model for testing chronic toxicity of human proteins that are immunogenic in animals. Nonacog beta pegol was generally well tolerated, with no adverse effect of PEG on choroid plexus epithelial cells.
Concern for Global Warming among Professionals in Urban India
Authors: Venugopal Pingali , Rajkumar Narasimham , Ram T.L. Raghu
Published: March 2016

Global warming is an important concern nowadays. Government and non-government organizations are trying to build awareness among the people to contain this problem. A study was done to understand the concern for global warming among the working class of urban India. A sample of 1,220 respondents representing a cross section of Indian urban working class were interviewed to check their awareness of global warming and activities undertaken by them and other agencies to reduce the global warming. The study found that around two-thirds of the urban working class is aware of global warming, but their actions were confined only to activities which benefited them monetarily. The respondents felt that their organizations are contributing towards protecting the environment; however, they felt that the government and international bodies need to do more. The study also supports the earlier studies which found that demographic variables are not good variables to differentiate environmental behaviour.
“In a Proper Home”
Authors: Bergman Ann-Sofie
Published: March 2016

In all times and in all societies, there have been children who for various reasons have not been able to grow up with their biological parents. The solutions to the problems have varied; in Sweden, most of the children have been placed in foster care. Because of the act regulating state childcare passed in 1926, child welfare boards were established in the municipalities. These boards were responsible for placing children with foster parents and for supervising foster homes. Foster parents were required to be suitable in order to be allowed to take care of a foster child. This article analyzes conceptions of foster parents’ suitability in relation to perceptions of foster children’s needs during the twentieth century. This study is based on document analysis of the child welfare practice. Via a long-term analysis, the study reveals continuity as well as changes over time. Major changes took place in the 1960s and 1970s with new requirements on foster parents due to changes in which children were placed in care and changing perceptions of childhood and parenthood in the society.
When Order Feels Good
Authors: Srbljinovic Armano , Bozic Jasmina
Published: March 2016

We argue that social order emerges from interactions among human individuals who develop and internalize emotional beliefs on their place within wider social surroundings in the form of social contract. Although parts of this thesis can be justified by referencing recent works in international relations, the sociology of emotions allows elaborating the thesis more consistently across various analytical levels: the individual, the intrastate/societal, and the international. We rely on sociological theories of emotions and draw implications for the establishment and maintenance of social contract, as well as the restoration and bolstering of social order in failing states. Knowledge of local culture, rituals, perceptions of self and others, modes of exchange, power and status hierarchies, and stratification patterns can all provide clues, here summarized in the form of guidelines as to how more effective, yet noninvasive, means of engagement in failing states may be thought out and put to action.
Exploring the Redistribution of Manufacturing Employment Among the American States in the Face of Overall Declines in Employment
Authors: Adkisson Richard V. , Ricketts Comfort F.
Published: March 2016

Over the period 2001-2011 national employment in all 21 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industries has trended downward. The change in employment appears to be correlated with the regional redistribution of employment. This study explores changes in manufacturing employment between 2001 and 2012 as influenced by initial state-specific socioeconomic characteristics, state policy, market access, and state- and industry-specific conditions. The analysis is conducted for all 21 NAICS manufacturing industries to observe patterns and deduce information about factors that most consistently and frequently influence manufacturing employment in these industries across the United States.
Unions and Income Inequality
Authors: Herzer Dierk
Published: March 2016

In this research note it is shown that, by applying cointegration and causality techniques to U.S. state-level panel data, there is a negative long-run relationship between unionization and income inequality in the United States, and that causality is unidirectional from unionization to inequality.
Simultaneous identification of multi-irregular interfacial boundary configurations in non-homogeneous body using surface displacement measurements
Authors: Mozaffari Mohammad H , Khodadad Mahmud , Dashti Ardakani Mohsen
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this work is to identify simultaneously two irregular interfacial boundaries configurations between the components of three connected domains using a discrete number of displacement measurements obtained by a simple tension test. A unique combination of a global optimization method, i.e., the imperialist competitive algorithm and two local optimization methods, i.e., the conjugate gradient method and Simplex method along with the inverse application of the boundary elements method are employed in an inverse software package. A fitness function, which is the summation of squared differences between calculated displacements and measured displacements at identical locations on the outer boundary, is minimized. Due to the complexity and the ill-posed nature of this identification problem, imperialist competitive algorithm is used to find the best initial guesses of the unknown interface boundaries in order to be used by the local optimization techniques, i.e., conjugate gradient method and then Simplex method to accurately converge to the optimal shape of two irregular interfacial boundaries between the components of an inhomogeneous body. Several examples are selected, and the accuracy of the obtained results is discussed. The effect of experimental measurement errors and the influence of material properties of the sub regions on the identification process are also investigated.
Are social networking sites information sources? Informational purposes of high-school students in using SNSs
Authors: Aillerie Karine , McNicol Sarah
Published: March 2016

Although social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter are widely used by teenagers, to date, research has focused on their social uses. This research sought to investigate the ways in which high school students (15–19 years) use such sites in order to find information. It highlights the importance of considering how young people may use social networking sites for everyday life information as well as for academic and school-oriented information. Findings from a web-based survey of students from the UK, France, Thailand and Denmark show that social networking sites are information sources for most teenagers, especially for information related to social activities. Although academic information seeking was not among the most common reasons for using them, the findings indicate that they are used by many students for such purposes, as well as for everyday life information seeking.
The framing of two major flood episodes in the Irish print news media: Implications for societal adaptation to living with flood risk
Authors: Devitt Catherine , O’Neill Eoin
Published: March 2016

Societal adaptation to flooding is a critical component of contemporary flood policy. Using content analysis, this article identifies how two major flooding episodes (2009 and 2014) are framed in the Irish broadsheet news media. The article considers the extent to which these frames reflect shifts in contemporary flood policy away from protection towards risk management, and the possible implications for adaptation to living with flood risk. Frames help us make sense of the social world, and within the media, framing is an essential tool for communication. Five frames were identified: flood resistance and structural defences, politicisation of flood risk, citizen as risk manager, citizen as victim and emerging trade-offs. These frames suggest that public debates on flood management do not fully reflect shifts in contemporary flood policy, with negative implications for the direction of societal adaptation. Greater discussion is required on the influence of the media on achieving policy objectives.
Balancing the benefits and detriments among women targeted by the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Hofvind Solveig , Román Marta , Sebuødegård Sofie , Falk Ragnhild S
Published: March 2016

Objective

To compute a ratio between the estimated numbers of lives saved from breast cancer death and the number of women diagnosed with a breast cancer that never would have been diagnosed during the woman’s lifetime had she not attended screening (epidemiologic over-diagnosis) in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program.

Methods

The Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program invites women aged 50–69 to biennial mammographic screening. Results from published studies using individual level data from the programme for estimating breast cancer mortality and epidemiologic over-diagnosis comprised the basis for the ratio. The mortality reduction varied from 36.8% to 43% among screened women, while estimates on epidemiologic over-diagnosis ranged from 7% to 19.6%. We computed the average estimates for both values. The benefit–detriment ratio, number of lives saved, and number of women over-diagnosed were computed for different scenarios of reduction in breast cancer mortality and epidemiologic over-diagnosis.

Results

For every 10,000 biennially screened women, followed until age 79, we estimated that 53–61 (average 57) women were saved from breast cancer death, and 45–126 (average 82) were over-diagnosed. The benefit–detriment ratio using average estimates was 1:1.4, indicating that the programme saved about one life per 1–2 women with epidemiologic over-diagnosis.

Conclusion

The benefit–detriment ratio estimates of the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program, expressed as lives saved from breast cancer death and epidemiologic over-diagnosis, should be interpreted with care due to substantial uncertainties in the estimates, and the differences in the scale of values of the events compared.
Temperature compensation in a smart structure by application of DC bias on piezoelectric patches
Authors: Sharma Sukesha , Vig Renu , Kumar Navin
Published: March 2016

A novel technique is presented to maintain closed-loop performance of a smart piezo structure at an elevated temperature. Square cantilevered plate instrumented with a piezoelectric sensor and a piezoelectric actuator is taken as a test structure. Finite element model of the smart plate is developed using Hamilton’s principle. Finite element model is reduced to first three modes using modal truncation and subsequently a model in state space is derived. First three modal displacements and velocities are observed by a Kalman observer. Negative first modal velocity feedback is employed to control structural vibrations. Performance of the smart structure in open loop as well as in closed-loop changes appreciably at elevated temperature because piezoelectric strain coefficient as well as permittivity increases with increase in temperature. This change in performance is successfully suppressed by application of suitable DC bias on piezoelectric patches. DC bias applied on sensor is blocked from entering signal conditioner by a DC blocker circuit. DC blocker circuit is simulated in LTspice® software to verify its performance.
Perspectives of Health-Care Providers Toward Advance Care Planning in Patients With Advanced Cancer and Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Chandar Manisha , Brockstein Bruce , Zunamon Alan , Silverman Irwin , Dlouhy Sarah , Ashlevitz Kathryn , Tabachow Cory , Lapin Brittany , Ewigman Bernard , Mazzone Theodore , Obel Jennifer
Published: March 2016

Background:

Advance care planning (ACP) discussions afford patients and physicians a chance to better understand patients’ values and wishes regarding end-of-life care; however, these conversations typically take place late in the course of a disease. The goal of this study was to clarify attitudes of oncologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) toward ACP and to identify persistent barriers to timely ACP discussion following a quality improvement initiative at our health system geared at improvement in ACP implementation.

Methods:

A 20-question, cross-sectional online survey was created and distributed to cardiologists, oncologists, PCPs, and cardiology and oncology support staff at the NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) from February to March 2015. A total of 117 individuals (46% of distributed) completed the surveys. The results were compiled using an online survey analysis tool (SurveyMonkey, Inc., Palo Alto, California, USA).

Results:

Only 15% of cardiologists felt it was their responsibility to conduct ACP discussions with their patients having congestive heart failure (CHF). In contrast, 68% of oncologists accepted this discussion as their responsibility in patients with terminal cancer ( P < .01). These views were mirrored by PCPs, as 68% of PCPs felt personally responsible for ACP discussion with patients having CHF, while only 34% felt the same about patients with cancer. Reported documentation of these discussions in the electronic health record was inconsistent between specialties. Among all surveyed specialties, lack of time was the major barrier limiting ACP discussion. Perceived patient discomfort and discomfort of the patient’s family toward these discussions were also significant reported barriers.

Conclusion:

Attitudes toward ACP implementation vary considerably by medical specialty and medical condition, with oncologists in this study tending to feel more personal responsibility for these discussions with patients having cancer than cardiologists with their patients having heart failure. Robust implementation of ACP across the spectrum of medical diagnoses is likely to require a true collaboration between office-based PCPs and specialists in both the inpatient and the ambulatory settings.
Mechanics of damage, healing, damageability, and integrity of materials: A conceptual framework
Authors: Voyiadjis George Z , Kattan Peter I
Published: March 2016

In this work several new and fundamental concepts are proposed within the framework of continuum damage mechanics. These concepts deal primarily with the nature of the two processes of damage and healing along with introducing a consistent and systematic definition for the concepts of damageability and integrity of materials. Toward this end, seven sections are presented as follows: “The logarithmic damage variable” section introduces the logarithmic and exponential damage variables and makes comparisons with the classical damage variable. In “Integrity and damageability of materials” section a new formulation for damage mechanics is presented in which the two angles of damage–integrity and healing–damageability are introduced. It is shown that both the damage variable and the integrity variable can be derived from the damage–integrity angle while the healing variable and damageability variable are derived from the healing–damageability angle. “The integrity field” section introduces the new concept of the integrity field while “The healing field” section introduces the new concept of the healing field. These two fields are introduced as a generalization of the classical concepts of damage and integrity. “Unhealable damage and nondamageable integrity” section introduces the new and necessary concept of unrecoverable damage or unhealable damage. In this section the concept of permanent integrity or nondamageable integrity is also presented. In “Generalized nonlinear healing” section generalized healing is presented where a distinction is clearly made between linear healing and nonlinear healing. As an example of nonlinear healing the equations of quadratic healing are derived. Finally in “Dissection of the healing process” section a complete and logical/mathematical dissection is made of the healing process. It is hoped that these new and fundamental concepts will pave the way for new, consistent, and holistic avenues in research in damage mechanics and characterization of materials.
Peroneal Tendon Abnormalities on Routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Foot and Ankle
Authors: O’Neil Joseph T. , Pedowitz David I. , Kerbel Yehuda E. , Codding Jason L. , Zoga Adam C. , Raikin Steven M.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Abnormalities of the peroneal tendons can frequently be identified on routine MRI of the foot and ankle. Previous studies in the orthopedic literature have discussed the prevalence of abnormal MRI findings in asymptomatic patients, most notably with regards to the spine and shoulder. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal findings of the peroneal tendons on MRI in asymptomatic individuals.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all foot and ankle MRIs from 2 independent time periods that were either performed or reviewed at our institution. Studies were excluded if performed on patients with documented inversion injuries, ankle sprains, or lateral ankle trauma. A total of 294 (of 617) MRIs were eligible for inclusion in this study. A single attending musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed each MRI. Pathologies of the peroneal tendons included tendinosis, tenosynovitis, acute tears, chronic tears, and tendon splits. Additionally, the primary pathology encountered on each MRI was noted. The mean age of the MRIs included in this study was 46.8 years (range 9-82) with 155 females and 139 males.

Results:

The most commonly occurring primary pathology was Achilles tendinosis/tears (86), followed by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (43). With regards to the peroneal tendons, 103 of the 294 (35%) MRIs demonstrated some pathology.

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrated that a sizeable percentage of asymptomatic individuals could have peroneal tendon pathology on MRI of the foot and ankle. This study can have important clinical implications for when patients present with concerning MRI findings that do not correlate clinically. Physicians providing musculoskeletal care can counsel and reassure patients who present with peroneal pathology on MRI but an absence of clinical findings.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Nicorandil, a Nitric Oxide Donor and ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Opener, Protects Against Dystrophin-Deficient Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Afzal Muhammad Z. , Reiter Melanie , Gastonguay Courtney , McGivern Jered V. , Guan Xuan , Ge Zhi-Dong , Mack David L. , Childers Martin K. , Ebert Allison D. , Strande Jennifer L.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy is a growing clinical problem without targeted treatments. We investigated whether nicorandil promotes cardioprotection in human dystrophin-deficient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes and the muscular dystrophy mdx mouse heart.

Methods and Results:

Dystrophin-deficient iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes had decreased levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. The dystrophin-deficient cardiomyocytes had increased cell injury and death after 2 hours of stress and recovery. This was associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species and dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Nicorandil pretreatment was able to abolish these stress-induced changes through a mechanism that involved the nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels. The increased reactive oxygen species levels in the dystrophin-deficient cardiomyocytes were associated with diminished expression of select antioxidant genes and increased activity of xanthine oxidase. Furthermore, nicorandil was found to improve the restoration of cardiac function after ischemia and reperfusion in the isolated mdx mouse heart.

Conclusion:

Nicorandil protects against stress-induced cell death in dystrophin-deficient cardiomyocytes and preserves cardiac function in the mdx mouse heart subjected to ischemia and reperfusion injury. This suggests a potential therapeutic role for nicorandil in dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy.
Living Bodies of Thought
Authors: Holman Jones Stacy
Published: March 2016

There is a vital, yet often unrealized relationship between storytelling and critical approaches to autoethnography. Where autoethnography brings the personal, the concrete, and an emphasis on storytelling to our scholarship, it often leaves us wanting for clear and powerful theoretical frameworks for understanding how such stories help us write into or become the change we seek in the world. Critical theory provides us with such frameworks, though it is often dismissed as jargon-laden, difficult, and impersonal. The “critical” in critical autoethnography reminds us that theory is not a static or autonomous set of ideas, objects, or practices. Instead, theorizing is an ongoing process that links the concrete and abstract, thinking and acting, aesthetics, and criticism in what performance studies scholar Della Pollock describes as “living bodies of thought.” This essay engages a practice of performative and queer storytelling that links the concreteness, risk, and poetry of autoethnographic stories with the powerful intellectual and political commitments of critical theory as one example of critical autoethnography as a living body of thought.