bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The demandingness of Nozick’s ‘Lockean’ proviso
Authors: Milburn Josh
Published: December 2014

Interpreters of Robert Nozick’s political philosophy fall into two broad groups concerning his application of the ‘Lockean proviso’. Some read his argument in an undemanding way: individual instances of ownership which make people worse off than they would have been in a world without any ownership are unjust. Others read the argument in a demanding way: individual instances of ownership which make people worse off than they would have been in a world without that particular ownership are unjust. While I argue that the former reading is correct as an interpretive matter, I suggest that this reading is nonetheless highly demanding. In particular, I argue that it is demanding when it is expanded to include the protection of nonhuman animals; if such beings are right bearers, as more and more academics are beginning to suggest, then there is no nonarbitrary reason to exclude them from the protection of the proviso.
Colour quality evaluation of natural objects based on the Feeling of Contrast Index
Authors: Lin Y , He J , Tsukitani A , Noguchi H
Published: December 2014

Past studies have shown that the Feeling of Contrast Index (FCI) correlates with preference in some circumstances, but the exact relationship is not clear and may differ among visual conditions and targets. This paper presents a psychophysical experiment in which 70 observers evaluated the colour quality of natural objects under different spectral power distributions with different values of FCI but the same correlated colour temperature (3000 and 5000 K). Results show that FCI holds a nearly perfect linear correlation with vividness ( r = 0.976); unnaturalness associated with enhanced vividness rendered by excessively high FCI deteriorates preference. These effects are independent of correlated colour temperatures, but are dependent upon the visual targets used because of limitations in the derivation of FCI. Compared to other metrics, FCI can characterise vividness under a light source.
Race and class categories and subcategories in educational thought and research
Authors: Blum Lawrence
Published: December 2014

Educational thought and research often operates with whole-race (‘Black’, ‘White’, and ‘Asian’) and whole-class (‘low-income’) categories. For both explaining disparities and assessing them normatively, it is essential to pay attention to subdivisions within those groups. Regarding affirmative action, on average African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants, and to some extent their offspring, have educational and motivational advantages over, and a distinct normative standing from, African Americans that is masked in the use of ‘Black’ as the operative category in affirmative action. With regard to assessing – both explanatorily and normatively – the performance of ‘high commitment’ charter schools, such as the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP), that make substantial demands on parents of admitted students, compared to traditional public schools serving the same population, it is essential to internally differentiate the relevant race and class categories with respect to the degree of poverty, English language learner status, and parental capital.
The effect of the dissolution process and the polyaniline content on the properties of polyacrylonitrile–polyaniline composite nanoweb
Authors: Kizildag Nuray , Ucar Nuray , Karacan Ismail , Onen Aysen , Demirsoy Nesrin
Published: December 2014

There are several studies regarding polyacrylonitrile composite nanofibers with polyaniline doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and solved by N,N′-dimethyl formamide which were mostly performed to analyze the thermal and morphological properties. In this study, camphor sulfonic acid-doped polyaniline and polyacrylonitrile composite nanofibers were electrospun from solutions in dimethylsulfoxide and the effect of polyaniline content and the application of different dissolution methods on the morphology, chemical structure, conductivity, crystallinity, mechanical, and thermal properties of nanowebs were investigated. Morphology, nanofiber diameters, chemical structure, crystallinity, mechanical properties, and thermal properties of the nanofibers were all affected by the polyaniline addition. Compared to the conductivity of neat polyacrylonitrile nanofibers, the conductivity of the composite nanofibers was improved, reaching a value higher than 10−6 S/cm with 3 wt% polyaniline content which was in the range for electrostatic discharge applications (10−9 to 10−6 S/cm). Increase in dissolution time and application of ultrasonic homogenization affected the diameter, mechanical properties, crystallinity, and thermal properties of the nanofibers, while they had negligible effects on conductivity.
Memories and silences of a segregated city: Monuments and political violence in Santiago, Chile, 1970–1991
Authors: Aguilera Carolina
Published: December 2014

How does Santiago, Chile, remember its dead, the victims of political violence of the 1970s and 1980s? The existence of dozens of memorials, monuments, and sites dedicated to the memory of victims of the dictatorship would seem to indicate a settled national cultural politics that recognizes the injustices and crimes committed by a terrorist State. The public, nongovernmental nature of the initiatives is, nonetheless, the first indication that we are dealing with an ambiguous political story. While the central government has supported these initiatives, they are mostly the result of efforts by social organizations and victims’ groups. The spatial-temporal reading of the scenario of commemorative markers proposed in this article offers evidence of a geography of memory that is configured, on one hand, by a memory project that has inherited political trajectories which have been passed down for a long time, articulated by small groups that at certain junctures manage to form into producers of local memory. On the other hand, the high socio-economic segregation in residential areas shapes politics of memory that are territorially discontinuous and that encourage forgetting in residential settings of the country’s elite.
Intergenerational transfer of blood pressure knowledge and screening: a school-based hypertension awareness program in Singapore
Authors: Lwin May O. , Malik Shelly , Chua Terrance S. J. , Chee Tek Siong , Tan Yong Seng
Published: December 2014

Objective:

This study aims to examine the efficacy of a hypertension awareness education program in Singapore in reaching out to a wider population of diverse racial and intergenerational cohorts by dispatching grade five children as information intermediaries to their immediate and extended family members.

Method:

After receiving structured instruction and training on blood pressure screening, students were requested to share knowledge gained in school with their family members at home and practice blood pressure measurement on family volunteers. We assessed pre- and post-program blood pressure knowledge change, attitude toward screening, and the diffusion of blood pressure information. One adult family member was also asked to complete a short survey at the program end.

Results:

A comparison of the students’ (final n = 3926) pre- and post-program survey data showed that knowledge and attitudes towards knowledge sharing improved after participating in the program. The post-program survey also revealed that students generally felt confident and displayed positive attitudes in performing blood pressure screening on family members. On average, each student practiced blood pressure measurement on 3.04 people. Female family members were more likely to be targeted for knowledge sharing and screening than male family members. The family members’ survey revealed positive attitudes towards screening, but family members were not confident about getting their measurements done regularly.

Conclusion:

The program met its objectives in raising the awareness of grade five children and provision of knowledge. It also met the larger objective of raising hypertension awareness in a wider population, especially those who otherwise might not directly receive health education and blood pressure screening.
The extracellular matrix: Structure, composition, age-related differences, tools for analysis and applications for tissue engineering
Authors: Kular Jaspreet K , Basu Shouvik , Sharma Ram I
Published: December 2014

The extracellular matrix is a structural support network made up of diverse proteins, sugars and other components. It influences a wide number of cellular processes including migration, wound healing and differentiation, all of which is of particular interest to researchers in the field of tissue engineering. Understanding the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix will aid in exploring the ways the extracellular matrix can be utilised in tissue engineering applications especially as a scaffold. This review summarises the current knowledge of the composition, structure and functions of the extracellular matrix and introduces the effect of ageing on extracellular matrix remodelling and its contribution to cellular functions. Additionally, the current analytical technologies to study the extracellular matrix and extracellular matrix–related cellular processes are also reviewed.
A succinct rating scale for radiology report quality
Authors: Yang Chengwu , Kasales Claudia J , Ouyang Tao , Peterson Christine M , Sarwani Nabeel I , Tappouni Rafel , Bruno Michael
Published: December 2014

Context:

Poorly written radiology reports are common among residents and are a significant challenge for radiology education. While training may improve report quality, a professionally developed reliable and valid scale to measure report quality does not exist.

Objectives:

To develop a measurement tool for report quality, the quality of report scale, with rigorous validation through empirical data.

Methods:

A research team of an experienced psychometrician and six senior radiologists conducted qualitative and quantitative studies. Five items were identified for the quality of report scale, each measuring a distinct aspect of report quality. Two dedicated training sessions were designed and implemented to help residents generate high-quality reports. In a blinded fashion, the quality of report scale was applied to 804 randomly selected reports issued before (n = 403) and after (n = 401) training. Full-scale psychometrical assessments were implemented onto the quality of report scale’s item- and scale-scores from the reports. The quality of report scale scores were correlated with report professionalism and attendings’ preference and were compared pre-/post-training.

Results:

The quality of report scale showed sound psychometrical properties, with high validity and reliability. Reports with higher quality of report scale score were more professional and preferable by attendings. Training improved the quality of report scale score, empirically validating the quality of report scale further.

Conclusion:

While succinct and practitioner friendly, the quality of report scale is a reliable and valid measure of radiology report quality and has the potential to be easily adapted to other fields such as pathology, where similar training would be beneficial.
Day-case holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Cynk Mark , Georgiadis Georgios , Moore Emily , Appleby Jonathan , Griffiths Richard , Hale Jemma
Published: December 2014

In 2011 day-case prostate surgery was selected for financial incentives in the UK by the Department of Health Payment by Results (PbR) scheme, with a target of 30% of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) procedures as day cases for 2011–2012, increasing to 90% within three years. The objective was to determine the feasibility and safety of day-case HoLEP.

Patients and methods:

All patients presenting to an experienced HoLEP surgeon and requiring prostatic surgery were considered for day-case HoLEP. We developed a four-hour postoperative discharge protocol with specialist urology nurse assessment and discharge.

Results:

Between April 2011 and March 2014, 188 patients (median age 74, range 48–92) were eligible for HoLEP surgery. Four patients did not undergo surgery, and 70 (38%) did not fit the day-case criteria. The remaining 114 (62%) were considered for day surgery, of which 91 (80%) were successful. There was one readmission with haematuria and blocked catheter, and two late readmissions with secondary bleeding.

Conclusions:

Day-case HoLEP is feasible and safe, even in patients with significant comorbidity. Our overall day-case rate of 49.5% exceeds the initial 30% target set by PbR, but suggests that the 90% target is overly optimistic.
Synovial Lipomatosis (Lipoma Arborescens) of the Knee
Authors: Malkoç Melih , Korkmaz Ozgur , Seker Ali , Isyar Mehmet , Oltulu Ismail , Yalcın Sercan , Mahirogulları Mahir
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

The goals of this retrospective study are to emphasize that the patients who have non surgical treatments for several times due to the massive swelling in their knees should be considered the SL and this pathology is treatable by arthroscopic synovectomy

Methods:

Seventeen patients (four female and thirteen male), were evaluated retrospectively from May 2009 and April 2013. Mean age for female group was 34,75 (range between 32 to 41) and for male group was 34,23 (range between 26 to 46). Mean follow-up period was 14,76 months (range between 6 months and 38 months). Mean duration of compliance was 26,23 months (range between 9 to 96) months. All patients rated by Knee Society Score preoperatively and postoperatively arthroscopic synovectomy, performed by using radiofrequency ablation and arthroscopic shaver for treatment procedure. Patients were discharged at the end of the one day hospitalization. Postoperatively all patients were allowed to full range of motion and full weight-bearing within one day after surgery.

Results:

Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the Knee Society Score. The mean Knee Society Score was 67,82 preoperatively and 88,23 was postoperatively. There is significant difference between preoperative and postoperative Knee Society scores.(p <0.05) At the end of the three months, MRI studied and there was no clue of recurrence except two patients. All patients returned to their daily activities with full of range of motion and without swelling of the affected knee joints. At the microscopic histological studies were reported as synovial lipomatosis for all patients

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic synovectomy is the safe and dramatically effective method of treatment in synovial lipomatosis with less complication, curability and retrieving patients full range of motion with no limitation in their daily activities
Unusual Iatrogenic Complication of ACL Surgery
Authors: Sargın Serdar , Atik Aziz , Meriç Gökhan , Aslan Ahmet
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures constitute the most common ligament injury of the knee, and ACL reconstruction is a commonly performed procedure in orthopedic sport medicine. We report a case of on-the-cartilage placement of EndoButton for ACL reconstruction and its treatment with arthroscopic removal. The rehabilitation method was successful, resulting in excellent function and range of motion of the knee. The aim of this study was present an unusual case of iatrogenic complication of ACL reconstruction and to highlight to the surgeons about this complication.

Methods:

A 22-year-old male patient administered to our outpatient clinic with a history of trauma to his left knee in a soccer game 2 years ago. He underwent arthroscopic transtibial ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons and EB system in another facility 19 months ago. At the time of initial administration he complained about pain and friction on his left knee, especially when he was running. In his physical examination patellar friction, anterior drawer and lachman tests were pathological which reminded us rerupture of ACL. Knee movements were in normal limits, but he felt pain especially during flexion and extension.

Results:

We used standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals and an accessory portal for excision of EB. When we explored the knee arthroscopically, we observed the EB misplaced on femoral groove. Firstly the loop of EB was cut then the EB was removed from superolateral portal. Loop remnant was cauterized with RF probe. The knee was irrigated and portals were sutured. The operation was finished without complication. The knee was dressed and the patient was kept in an adjustable knee brace. There was no complaint of crepitation and the range of motion (ROM) of knee was in normal limits. We offered revision operation again but the patient didn’t accept this suggestion.

Conclusion:

EB is a good and a commonly used option in ACL reconstruction surgery. Even the complication rates seem much more acceptable when compared to other fixation methods; misplacement of fixation device can be seen. In such a situation it is believed that, surgeons must not hesitate for arthroscopic removal and revision surgery.
Echocardiographic Markers for the Prediction of Nonclosure of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Neonates
Authors: Flood Thuan , Guthrie Joy D.
Published: December 2014

Four echocardiographic markers—left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the ratio of the left atrial diameter to the aortic root diameter (LA/Ao), the ratio of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) diameter to the left pulmonary arterial diameter (PDA/LPA), and the patent foramen ovale (PFO) diameter—were explored to predict a PDA in 221 premature neonates (53% male). There were 182 cases with PDA (mean diameter = 2.49 mm); 39 control subjects were observed with a closed ductus arteriosus. Although 104 of the cases (57.1 %) were diagnosed when 0 to 3 days old (median age = 1 day), 78 (42.9%) were diagnosed when 4 to 86 days old (median age = 13 days). Birth weights of the neonates ranged from 0.5 to 4.8 kg (mean = 1.68 kg). After controlling for age and birth weight, the mean LVEF (%) was not significantly different in the cases versus controls ( P > .05); the mean LA/Ao and mean PFO diameter were significantly larger ( P < .001) in the cases. The mean PDA/LPA was consistently ≥ .7 in the cases. The sensitivity of the LA/Ao ratio as a positive test for PDA (cutoff = 1.5) varied with age but not birth weight. When the neonatal age was 0 to 3 days, the sensitivity was 56% with a specificity of 88%; when the neonatal age was > 3 days, the sensitivity of LA/Ao was 82% with a specificity of 63%. The sensitivity of PFO (cutoff = 3.0 mm) was 61% with a specificity of 48%, irrespective of age or birth weight. These data suggest that LVEF is not a significant predictor of the presence of PDA, but a combination of the LA/Ao ratio, PDA/LPA ratio, and PFO diameter is predictive of the presence of PDA.
Jun-regulated genes promote interaction of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with the microenvironment
Authors: Blonska Marzenna , Zhu Yifan , Chuang Hubert H. , You M. James , Kunkalla Kranthi , Vega Francisco , Lin Xin
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Elevated Jun signaling promotes lymphoma growth and dissemination to extranodal sites. Jun-regulated genes mediate the interaction of malignant cells with stromal cells and adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins.
The thrombopoietin receptor P106L mutation functionally separates receptor signaling activity from thrombopoietin homeostasis
Authors: Stockklausner Clemens , Klotter Anne-Christine , Dickemann Nicole , Kuhlee Isabelle N. , Duffert Christin M. , Kerber Carolin , Gehring Niels H. , Kulozik Andreas E.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

The c-Mpl activity in downstream signaling and in platelet homeostasis can be functionally separated. The c-Mpl platelet homeostasis depends on correct processing and surface expression of the receptor, whereas downstream signaling does not.
Chronic and acute anemia and extracranial internal carotid stenosis are risk factors for silent cerebral infarcts in sickle cell anemia
Authors: Bernaudin Françoise , Verlhac Suzanne , Arnaud Cécile , Kamdem Annie , Vasile Manuela , Kasbi Florence , Hau Isabelle , Madhi Fouad , Fourmaux Christine , Biscardi Sandra , Epaud Ralph , Pondarré Corinne
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Baseline hemoglobin levels lower than 7 g/dL, acute anemia, and extracranial internal carotid stenosis are significant and independent risk factors for SCI in SCA.
Antibiotics and extracorporeal circulation – one size does not fit all
Authors: Gonçalves-Pereira João , Oliveira Bruno
Published: December 2014

Dosing of antibiotics in critically ill patients is a significant challenge. The increasing number of patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation further complicates the issue due to inflammatory activation and to drug sequestration in the circuit. Since patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation commonly face severe infections, appropriate antibiotic selection and correct dosing is of paramount importance to improve survival. Therapeutic drug monitoring (whenever available) or population pharmacokinetics, based on readily available clinical and laboratory data, should help tailor antibiotic dosing to the individual patient.
Intravenous furosemide in decompensated heart failure: do not protocolize dosing but the desired effect!
Authors: de Grooth Harm-Jan S , Girbes Armand R , Tuinman Pieter R
Published: December 2014

No abstract
Dietary Exposure to the Endocrine Disruptor Tolylfluanid Promotes Global Metabolic Dysfunction in Male Mice
Authors: Regnier Shane M. , Kirkley Andrew G. , Ye Honggang , El-Hashani Essam , Zhang Xiaojie , Neel Brian A. , Kamau Wakanene , Thomas Celeste C. , Williams Ayanna K. , Hayes Emily T. , Massad Nicole L. , Johnson Daniel N. , Huang Lei , Zhang Chunling , Sargis Robert M.
Published: December 2014

Environmental endocrine disruptors are implicated as putative contributors to the burgeoning metabolic disease epidemic. Tolylfluanid (TF) is a commonly detected fungicide in Europe, and previous in vitro and ex vivo work has identified it as a potent endocrine disruptor with the capacity to promote adipocyte differentiation and induce adipocytic insulin resistance, effects likely resulting from activation of glucocorticoid receptor signaling. The present study extends these findings to an in vivo mouse model of dietary TF exposure. After 12 weeks of consumption of a normal chow diet supplemented with 100 parts per million TF, mice exhibited increased body weight gain and an increase in total fat mass, with a specific augmentation in visceral adipose depots. This increased adipose accumulation is proposed to occur through a reduction in lipolytic and fatty acid oxidation gene expression. Dietary TF exposure induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and metabolic inflexibility, while also disrupting diurnal rhythms of energy expenditure and food consumption. Adipose tissue endocrine function was also impaired with a reduction in serum adiponectin levels. Moreover, adipocytes from TF-exposed mice exhibited reduced insulin sensitivity, an effect likely mediated through a specific down-regulation of insulin receptor substrate-1 expression, mirroring effects of ex vivo TF exposure. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis revealed an increase in adipose glucocorticoid receptor signaling with TF treatment. Taken together, these findings identify TF as a novel in vivo endocrine disruptor and obesogen in mice, with dietary exposure leading to alterations in energy homeostasis that recapitulate many features of the metabolic syndrome.
“A Child of the Emerald Isle”: Ireland and the Making of James Johnson, MD
Authors: Bailey Craig
Published: December 2014

This article focuses on the physician James Johnson to examine the role Irishness played in the process of identity formation in London during the long eighteenth century. Using biographies, medical journals, and travel literature to chart the development of Johnson’s identity, this analysis suggests that the idea of assimilation is too simplistic to capture the experiences of middle-class Irish migrants in London. Unpacking the histories of Johnson’s thoughts about himself, and of the ways other writers represented him, demonstrates that Johnson could not reject his Irish past in order to satisfy his ambitions in the metropolis. Johnson’s identity formation did not progress in a linear fashion that mirrored his physical movement from Ireland to London, but was rather a struggle that moved back and forth, depending on time, place, and circumstance. By exposing the ways that Irish identity shaped Johnson’s choices, and, in turn, how those choices shaped his identity, this study raises questions about how we approach and understand the meanings of Irish identity for middle-class migrants more generally.
Prey fish escape by sensing the bow wave of a predator
Authors: Stewart William J. , Nair Arjun , Jiang Houshuo , McHenry Matthew J.
Published: December 2014

Prey fish possess a remarkable ability to sense and evade an attack from a larger fish. Despite the importance of these events to the biology of fishes, it remains unclear how sensory cues stimulate an effective evasive maneuver. Here, we show that larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) evade predators using an escape response that is stimulated by the water flow generated by an approaching predator. Measurements of the high-speed responses of larvae in the dark to a robotic predator suggest that larvae respond to the subtle flows in front of the predator using the lateral line system. This flow, known as the bow wave, was visualized and modeled with computational fluid dynamics. According to the predictions of the model, larvae direct their escape away from the side of their body exposed to more rapid flow. This suggests that prey fish use a flow reflex that enables predator evasion by generating a directed maneuver at high speed. These findings demonstrate a sensory-motor mechanism that underlies a behavior that is crucial to the ecology and evolution of fishes.
Adsorption Isotherms of Caffeine and Theophylline on Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Lee Yu Ri , Tian Minglei , Kim Se-Na , Ahn Wha-Seung , Row Kyung Ho
Published: December 2014

The adsorption behaviours of caffeine and theophylline on different metal-organic frameworks were examined by comparing their adsorption isotherms. Among C18, UIO-66, UIO-66-NH2 and MIL-125-NH2, UIO-66 showed the highest amount of adsorption of target compounds (i.e. caffeine and theophylline). The maximum adsorbed amounts of caffeine and theophylline on UIO-66 were 0.451 and 0.392 mg, respectively. The experimental parameters in the equilibrium isotherms were estimated by linear and non-linear regression analyses. The adsorption equilibrium data of caffeine and theophylline were investigated using the following four models: linear, Langmuir, Freundlich and Langmuir–Freundlich models. Of these models, the Langmuir–Freundlich model showed the best fit. The regression coefficients (r2) of the Langmuir–Freundlich model for adsorption of caffeine and theophylline on UIO-66 were 0.976 and 0.989, respectively.
Effect of Compliant-Diaphragm Geometry on the Transmission Loss Characteristics of Helmholtz Resonators
Authors: Ruan Deng-Fang , Zhang En-Yuan
Published: December 2014

A classical Helmholtz resonator is commonly used to passively attenuate the tonal noise in ducts. Its drawback is that the attenuation is limited to a single, narrow frequency bandwidth. This work demonstrates that a classical Helmholtz resonator with its one wall replaced by a compliant diaphragm can be used to design a particular transmission loss response and provide a wider bandwidth of attenuation by adjusting the diaphragm dimension. An analytical model is developed for the compliant-wall Helmholtz resonator mounted on a one-dimensional duct and the effect of the diaphragm geometry on the transmission characteristics of the resonator is investigated. The results show that the resonator produces two transmission loss peaks as the diaphragm dimensions meet a certain criteria, beyond which the resonator behaves a similar transmission loss characteristic to that of a classical Helmholtz resonator. Therefore, the wall compliance of the resonator can be neglected so that the wall is taken to be rigid. In addition, the variation tendencies of the transmission loss of the resonator with respect to the diaphragm dimension are discussed. The specific relation between the diaphragm diameter and thickness is given for obtaining a wider attenuation bandwidth.
Full-Scale Test of Two-Storey Composite Slim Floor under Pseudo-Dynamic and Pseudo-Static Loadings
Authors: Yang Lu , Wang Yuanqing , Shi Yongjiu
Published: December 2014

This paper presents an experimental study on a full-scale two-storey, two-bay by one-bay steel-concrete composite slim floor that was subjected to horizontal pseudo-dynamic and cyclic pseudo-static loadings. The primary objective of this test is to investigate the bearing behavior and load bearing capacity of the composite slim floor under horizontal loads. The time-history load-displacement curves, hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, structural deformation and the failure mode were obtained from the tests. The test results indicated good load bearing capacity and good ductility of the test structure and also required improvement of the construction of the beam-column connection. At the end of this paper, some suggestion on the improvement of composite beam-column connection has been proposed.
Wind Pressures on a Large Cooling Tower
Authors: Cheng X.X. , Zhao L. , Ge Y.J. , Ke S.T. , Liu X.P.
Published: December 2014

Mean/fluctuating wind pressure distributions on an actual large cooling tower (167-meter high) have been obtained and compared to previous results of other cooling towers. The agreement of mean wind pressure distributions is good. But the fluctuating wind pressure coefficients on the large cooling tower are much smaller than those on cooling towers of smaller sizes over the full range. It is assumed that the differences have resulted from the discrepancy of the turbulence intensity of the incoming flow, which is proven true according to wind tunnel model tests. Besides, it is found that most wind pressure signals produced by transducers around the throat section of the actual large cooling tower are of non-Gaussian distributions and they are not likely to be caused by the organized large-scale vortices according to the spatial correlation analyses. The upcoming flow of unsteady speed and direction in the engineering field might be an explanation for the phenomena. Two different methodologies (the traditional Davenport methodology and the complete probability methodology) are adopted to calculate the peak factors, in which the complete probability methodology is appropriate for non-Gaussian distributions. Studies about the spectral characteristics of wind-induced pressures on the actual large cooling tower are also included in this paper, and results show some differences from the previous study.
Acoustic Emission Assessment of Through-Thickness Fatigue Crack Growth in Steel Members
Authors: Nemati Navid , Metrovich Brian , Nanni Antonio
Published: December 2014

The understanding of crack behavior under fatigue remains a critical issue in addressing the performance of steel bridges. Single edge notches in general provide a very well defined load and fatigue crack size and shape environment for estimation of the stress intensity factor K, which is not found in welded elements. ASTM-E647 SE(T) specimens do not appear to provide ideal boundary conditions for proper recording of acoustic wave propagation and crack growth behavior observed in steel bridges, but do provide standard fatigue crack growth rate data. Acoustic emission (AE) has been increasingly used for assessment and prediction of fatigue cracks in steel bridge members. In steel bridge members, AE transducers are commonly attached to the surface of the plate from which the crack is initiated, hence producing a through-thickness crack growth monitored by the transducer. A modified version of the SE(T) specimen was developed in order to maintain similitude with the field crack propagation orientation and to provide a small-scale specimen with improved AE characteristics while maintaining accuracy of fatigue crack growth rate ( da/dN) versus stress intensity factor range (Δ K). The specimen simulates fatigue cracks in flanges or early stage of crack growth in webs of steel bridge members. Effects of load ratio (R) and material on AE data recorded during the crack growth was addressed. Applicability of AE to capture, locate and predict the behavior of the growing crack was positively verified. R ratio showed to have a significant effect on evolution of AE data captured during the test.
“Just Going through the Motions….”: A Qualitative Exploration of Athlete Perceptions of Social Loafing in Training and Competition Contexts — Implications for Team Sport Coaches
Authors: Jones Gareth W. , Høigaard Rune , Peters Derek M.
Published: December 2014

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty team sport athletes representing a range of different sports with the aim of investigating their views relating to social loafing in training and competition. General themes investigated and subsequent content analysis highlighted factors that promote or reduce the extent of social loafing. Determinants of self-loafing were grouped according to three distinct categories: Group processes; Task characteristics and Individual perceptions. Social loafing among others was perceived to be prevalent in both the training and competition scenarios with more examples of social loafing provided in the training situation. The signs of social loafing were grouped according to the following themes: Cognitive & Emotional, Behavioural, Communication and Player Intuition. Consequences of social loafing were found to be detrimental to the effort and performance of both the individual and the team. Athletes were also able to differentiate between perceived social loafing and the perceived use of ‘strategic rest’ in team sports. Implications for the coaching process are far reaching with the need to develop an effective team culture and to provide training sessions that are interesting, engaging and relevant.
Relationship between Explosive Performance Measurements of the Lower Limb and Repeated Shuttle-Sprint Ability in Elite Adolescent Handball Players
Authors: Hermassi Souhail , Gabbett Tim J. , Spencer Matt , Khalifa Riadh , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel , Chamari Karim
Published: December 2014

This study investigated the relationship between performance measures of the lower-limb and repeated shuttle-sprint ability (RSSA) in elite adolescent handball players. Twenty-two male handball players (age: 17.7 ± 0.3 years) participated in the study. Subjects underwent measurements of lower-limb maximal strength (1-RM half back squat), explosive power (force-velocity test), jumping ability (squat and counter-movement jumps), sprinting velocities over the first step (VS) and the first 5 m (V5) of a 15 m sprint, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, Level 1. The players were tested for RSSA using a protocol of 6 repetitions of maximal 2 × 15-m shuttle sprints with 180° turns (∼6 s) departing every 20 s. RSSA results were evaluated in three ways: best time in a single trial (RSSAbest), decrement (RSSAdec) and total time (RSSATT). The correlations of RSSA with the assorted fitness measures varied considerably. The RSSATT and RSSAdec were positively associated with 1-RM half back squat ( r = 0.78 and r = 0.68 respectively; p<0.01). Significant correlations were also found between RSSATT and RSSAbest and absolute peak power of the lower limb ( r = −0.81 and −0.66, respectively; p<0.01). There was a moderate correlation between first step sprinting velocities and RSSATT ( r = −0.71; p< 0.01). The RSSA test score has a moderate to large association with other explosive power measurements in elite adolescent handball players. RSSA may provide a useful composite index on responses to training or rehabilitation, and is very suitable for monitoring athletic performance of the lower-limbs of elite adolescent handball players.
Effects of Assisted and Traditional Drop Jumps on Jumping Performance
Authors: Makaruk Hubert , Winchester Jason B. , Czaplicki Adam , Sacewicz Tomasz , Zieliński Janusz , Sadowski Jerzy
Published: December 2014

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of assisted and traditional drop jumps on fast stretch-shortening cycle exercises in collegiate athletes. Participants were selected into one of three groups: 1) the assisted drop jump ( n=11); the traditional drop jump ( n=11); and 3) the control ( n=11). The assisted drop jump training involved drop jumps (DJs) with assistance of tubing, whereas the traditional DJ training was performed without any assistance. Prior to and at the completion of 5-week training programs, DJs from heights of both 30 (DJ30) and 60 cm (DJ60) were conducted to determine jump height, drop jump reactivity coefficient, contact time and peak ground reaction force. Both the assisted DJ and traditional DJ training programs resulted in significant ( p< 0.05) improvement in jump height, DJ reactivity coefficient and decreased contact time for DJ30. Although both the assisted DJ and traditional DJ modes also increased jump height and DJ reactivity coefficient for DJ60, an enhancement of the assisted DJ training in DJ reactivity coefficient was significantly greater compared to the traditional DJ training. In addition, the assisted DJ mode allowed for a significant reduction of ground reaction force, while the traditional DJ did not change the ground reaction force. The results of this study support the inclusion of assisted DJ training into jumping sports like basketball, volleyball, and track and field jumps. Our results further suggest that incorporating assisted DJ training may be appropriate for highly trained adult athletes due to jumping performance improvement and impact landing forces reduction simultaneously.
An Evidence-Based Model of Power Development in Youth Soccer
Authors: Meylan César M.P. , Cronin John B. , Oliver Jon L. , Hughes Michael G. , Manson Sarah
Published: December 2014

Power is thought as an essential physical characteristic in soccer, but no systematic and evidence-based model exists to develop this attribute in youth. Both the player's pathway and natural power development were discussed and integrated as conditioning factors to the model, where the player's pathway influenced training integration, block duration, and session length and frequency, while the natural power development dictated training emphasis, mode, intensity and volume. Furthermore, a systematic analysis of training studies that investigated the training of power in youth soccer players was conducted to determine current best practice and limitations. An initial phase concentrating on movement competency and velocity was recommended prior to puberty, before an emphasis on force production during mid-puberty (13–15 y). Once the players enter late puberty (>16 y), maximal strength and power training should be implemented. The number of power training sessions in a block, exercise progression and loading parameters should be viewed as key factors of the training design to enhance movement competency and optimise training adaptations. The implementation of a model will ensure optimal integration of power training and its constituent parts (force and velocity) with clear training emphases throughout the developmental stages of a player.
Validation of several species names in Hyacinthaceae
Authors: Martínez-Azorín Mario , Crespo Manuel B.
Published: December 2014

Hyacinthaceae includes many taxa of hysteranthous or proteranthous plants, in which leaves and inflorescences are not coetaneous. Many herbarium sheets of such taxa, including type specimens, were prepared with samples gathered at different times to include as many vegetative and reproductive structures as possible to facilitate future identification. As a result of our taxonomic work being undertaken on several genera of the family, we found that holotypes of 14 taxa include different gatherings and are therefore not validly published, according to Art. 8.2 of the Melbourne Code. Validation of those names is effected in the same genera and ranks as they were first described, and a brief discussion is added for each case. Furthermore, four additional names are discussed in which a conclusive interpretation about invalid publication is not possible according to the available data, and hence their acceptance as valid names is here suggested.
Reestablishment ofCalyptrion(Violaceae)
Authors: de Paula-Souza Juliana , Pirani José Rubens
Published: December 2014

Recent revisionary studies on the Neotropical lianescent genera of Violaceae revealed thatCalyptrionGing. is a validly published earlier name forCorynostylisMart., with species distributed in Amazonia and Central America. The species in the genus are reevaluated and four new combinations are effected,Calyptrion arboreum, C. carthagenense, C. pubescens, andC. volubile. Other nomenclatural issues, including typifications and synonymy, are also discussed.
A Novel Approach in the WIMP Quest: Cross-Correlation of Gamma-Ray Anisotropies and Cosmic Shear
Authors: Regis Marco
Published: December 2014

We present the cross-correlation angular power spectrum of cosmic shear and gamma-rays produced by the annihilation/decay of Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) dark matter (DM), and by astrophysical sources. We show that this observable can provide novel information on the composition of the Extra-galactic Gamma-ray Background (EGB), since the amplitude and shape of the cross-correlation signal depend on which class of sources is responsible for the gamma-ray emission. If the DM contribution to the EGB is significant (at least in a definite energy range), although compatible with current observational bounds, its strong correlation with the cosmic shear (since both signals peak at large halo masses) makes such signature potentially detectable by combining Fermi-LAT data with forthcoming galaxy surveys, like Dark Energy Survey and Euclid.
Evolution of Massive Population III Stars
Authors: Yoon Sung-Chul
Published: December 2014

While the evolution of massive stars in the local Universe is dominated by mass-loss, the evolution of massive Population III stars should be dominated by rotation. An important effect of rotation is rotationally-induced chemical mixing that can dramatically change the stellar structure and the nucleosynthesis. This has significant consequences in the predicted explosion types of Population III stars.
A Multi-Wavelength View of the XMM-Newton Galactic Plane
Authors: Gómez-Morán Ada Nebot , Motch Christian
Published: December 2014

We present an X-ray survey of the Galactic Plane conducted by the Survey Science Centre of the XMM-Newton satellite. The survey contains more than 1300 X-ray detections at low and intermediate Galactic latitudes and covering 4 deg2 well spread in Galactic longitude. From a multi-wavelength analysis, using optical spectra and helped by optical and infrared photometry we identify and classify about a fourth of the sources. The observed surface density of soft X-ray (<2 keV) sources decreases with Galactic latitude and although compatible with model predictions at first glance, presents an excess of stars, likely due to giants in binary systems. In the hard band (>2 keV) the surface density of sources presents an excess with respect to the expected extragalactic contribution. This excess highly concentrates towards the direction of the Galactic Centre and is compatible with previous results from Chandra observations around the Galactic Centre. The nature of these sources is still unknown.
Multifrequency Behaviour of the Gamma-Ray Binary System PSR B1259-63: Modelling the FERMI Flare
Authors: Van Soelen Brian , Meintjes Pieter J.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a brief overview of the multifrequency properties of the gamma-ray binary system PSR B1259-63 from radio to very high energy gamma-rays. A summary is also presented of the various models put forward to explain the Fermi "flare" detected in 2011. Initial results are presented of a new turbulence driven model to explain the GeV observations.
Highly Magnetized Accreting Pulsars: Are There Accreting Magnetars?
Authors: Blay Pere , Reig Pablo , Reglero Víctor
Published: December 2014

2S 0114+650, GX 301-2, IGR J16358-4726, X Per, 4U 2206+54, SXP 1062, and 3A 1954+319 are thought to possess high magnetic elds. They have recently been named accreting magnetars, or highly magnetized accreting pulsars. In this work their properties are reviewed. Within the context of their observational properties (mainly from INTEGRAL data), and the recent models of accretion onto highly magnetized neutron stars, their similarities and dierences are analyzed. The aim is to find a common framework to understand the evolution (in terms of past and present history) of these sources, and to establish the basis of a possible new kind of accreting sources. Two of these sources, namely X Per and 4U 2206+54, contain a massive main-sequence companion, while the rest are supergiant X-ray binaries or symbiotic systems. The variety of astrophysical scenarios represented by this set is wide, therefore the study of these systems is also important in order to establish commonalities between the dierent types of accreting X-ray pulsars and to study the possible evolutionary links between them.
Unveiling the Nature of INTEGRAL Objects: a Review
Authors: Parisi Pietro
Published: December 2014

Since its launch in October 2002, the INTEGRAL observatory has improved our knowledge of the hard X-ray sky above 20 keV, carrying out more than ten years of observations in the energy range from 5 keV to 8 MeV. The most recently published INTEGRAL/IBIS surveys listed more than seven hundred sources in the 20-100 keV band. Most of these objects are either Active Galaxies (AGNs) or X-ray binaries; a fraction of both classes is made of highly absorbed sources, often associated with dim optical counterparts. Despite the big eort in the identication process, a large part of these IBIS objects (~25% of them) still remains unclassied. Cross-correlation with archival catalogues and/or multiwaveband follow-up observations are of invaluable help to identify and properly classify this unknown objects, but only optical or IR spectroscopy with ground based telescopes in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere can reveal the real nature of these objects. In this work we report on source types that we nd among the unidentied objects in the most recent INTEGRAL surveys.
Recent Results from the SAFIR Project
Authors: Sánchez-Portal M. , Castillo-Fraile M. , Almeida C. Ramos , Esquej P. , Alonso-Herrero A. , Pérez García A. M. , Acosta-Pulido J. , Altieri B. , Bongiovanni A. , Castro Céron J. M. , Cepa J. , Coia D. , Conversi L. , Fritz J. , Gonzalez-Serrano J. I. , Hatziminaoglou E. , Povic M. , Rodrguez Espinosa J. M. , Valtchanov I.
Published: December 2014

The "Seyfert and star formation Activity in the Far-Infrared" (SAFIR) project is aimed at studying the physical nature of the nuclear IR emission and star formation properties of a small sample of nearby Seyfert galaxies observed with the PACS and SPIRE instruments on board the Herschel space observatory. In this paper, we review the achieved results, that reveal the importance of the far-IR range to improve the quality and reliability of the estimates of basic AGN torus parameters, and describe some preliminary outcome from the on-going work on the dust properties of resolved AGN host galaxies.