bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EU Leverage and National Interests in the Balkans: The Puzzles of Enlargement Ten Years On
Authors: Vachudova Milada Anna
Published: November 2013

EU enlargement continues in the Western Balkans in the 2010s because the underlying dynamics remain largely unchanged: EU Member States still see enlargement as a matter of national interest, bringing long‐term economic and geopolitical benefits. The risk of instability in the Western Balkans has made the dividends from the EU's ‘democratizing effect’ especially substantial. I argue that the enlargement process continues to have a ‘democratizing effect,’ as Western Balkans candidates and proto‐candidates respond to the incentives of EU membership: political parties have changed their agendas to make them EU‐compatible, and governments have implemented policy changes to move forward in the pre‐accession process. Yet the EU is taking on candidates with difficult initial conditions. I explore the changes the EU has made in order to exercise its leverage more effectively in the Western Balkans and check whether these helped overcome the pre‐accession process' earlier problems with expertise, consistency and legitimacy.
Labour Migration from Eastern Europe and the EU's Quest for Talents
Authors: Danzer Alexander M. , Dietz Barbara
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the determinants of temporary migration and the destination choices of migrants from a geopolitically important region in eastern Europe that borders Russia and the enlarged EU. We present empirical evidence from a novel survey simultaneously conducted in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, five countries that share a common institutional and linguistic heritage with Russia. Temporary migrants from eastern Europe are less well educated than non‐migrants. While the least educated migrants head for Russia, the higher educated move to the EU and the best educated to overseas destinations. According to unique information on pre‐migration training courses, a non‐negligible fraction of eastern European migrants to the EU is well‐equipped with language skills and qualifications. However, since many labour migrants suffer from occupational downgrading or skill waste in the destination, the EU seems to fail in fully benefiting from the potential of eastern European migration despite the geographic proximity.
The first record of the slender sunfish Ranzania laevis from the Red Sea
Authors: Abu El‐Regal M. A. , El‐Moselhy K.
Published: November 2013

A female specimen of the slender sunfish Ranzania laevis of 600 mm total length was recorded for the first time from the Red Sea after being stranded on a shallow sandy bay at Hurghada beach (27° 06′ 16″ N; 33° 50′ 01″ E) on 13 May 2012. Ranzania laevis is believed to have migrated from the Indian Ocean as the nearest area where it was found is coastal waters of Oman.
Evaluation of the immune response in rainbow trout fry, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), after waterborne exposure to Flavobacterium psychrophilum and/or hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Henriksen M M M , Kania P W , Buchmann K , Dalsgaard I
Published: November 2013

The immune response in rainbow trout fry against Flavobacterium psychrophilum was elucidated using an immersion‐based challenge with or without prior exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Samples were taken from the head kidney 4, 48, 125 and 192 h after immersion, and the regulation of several genes was examined. Bacterial load was assessed based on the presence of 16S rRNA and correlated with gene expression, and the levels of specific antibodies in the blood were measured 50 days post‐infection. Separately, both H2O2 and F. psychrophilum influenced gene expression, and pre‐treatment with H2O2 influenced the response to infection with F. psychrophilum. Pre‐treatment with H2O2 also affected correlation between gene regulation and pathogen load for several genes. A delay in antibody production in H2O2‐treated fish in the early phase of infection was indicated, but H2O2 exposure did not affect antibody levels 50 days post‐infection. An increasing amount of F. psychrophilum 16S rRNA was found in the head kidneys of infected fish pre‐treated with H2O2 relative to the F. psychrophilum group. The results show that a single pre‐treatment with H2O2 impairs the response against F. psychrophilum and may intensify infection.
Difficult to wean patients: cultural factors and their impact on weaning decision‐making
Authors: Kydonaki Kalliopi , Huby Guro , Tocher Jennifer
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine the elements of the intensive care environment and consider the impact on nurses' involvement in decision‐making when weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Background

Optimal management of difficult to wean patients requires the dynamic collaboration of all clinicians and the contribution of their knowledge and skills. The introduction of weaning protocols has increased nurses' input in decision‐making, but there are various elements of the decision environment that impact on their involvement, which have been given little consideration.

Design

Ethnography was used as the research design for this study.

Methods

Fieldwork took place in two tertiary hospitals in Greece and Scotland for five months each to unveil clinicians' behaviour and interactions during the weaning practice. Observation was based on the weaning process of 10 Scottish and 9 Greek long‐term ventilated patients. Semi‐structured interviews followed with nurses (n = 33) and doctors (n = 9) in both settings to understand nurses' perceived involvement in weaning decision‐making. Thematic analysis of interviews and field notes followed using the Qualitative Data Analysis software NVivo. Clinicians' participation was voluntary.

Results

The main themes identified were the (1) organisation of the units (time and structure of the ward rounds, staff levels and staff allocation system), (2) the inter‐ professional relationships, (3) the ownership and accountability in weaning decision‐making and (4) the role of the weaning protocols. These elements described the culture of the ICUs and defined nurses' role in weaning decision‐making.

Conclusions

Clinical decision‐making is a multi‐dynamic process specifically in complex clinical situations such as weaning from mechanical ventilation. This paper suggests that weaning practice should be considered in relation to the elements of the clinical environment to provide an individualised and patient‐centred weaning approach.

Relevance to clinical practice

Methods to enhance nurses' role in teamwork and collaborative decision‐making are suggested.
Isoxazoles: synthesis, evaluation and bioinformatic design as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Gutiérrez Margarita , Matus María Francisca , Poblete Tomas , Amigo Jessica , Vallejos Gabriel , Astudillo Luis
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a common treatment for early stages of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, nine isoxazoles derivatives were tested for their in-vitro AChE activity. The molecular docking showed the interaction of the compounds with the active site.

Methods

The isoxazoles were synthesized using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in the presence of sodium hypochlorite. They were also isolated and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The in-vitro activity was measured by an adapted version of Ellman's assay.

Key findings

The isoxazoles are described as inhibitors of AChE. The most potent compound in the series exhibited a moderate inhibitory activity (50% inhibitory concentration = 134.87 μm). The design of new compounds was created by using the RACHEL module of the SYBYL software.

Conclusions

Our research provided enough evidence of the efficacy of isoxazoles as AChE inhibitors. The isoxazoles were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of AChE. The docking study based on a novel series of complexes isoxazole with AChE from Electroporus electricus has demonstrated that the ligand bind is similar to the compounds used as reference. To find new candidates with the isoxazole core that act as inhibitors of AChE, part of the structure of the compound 9 was used for de-novo design. Molecular docking models of the ligand-AChE complexes suggest that the compound 10 is located on the periphery of the AChE active site.
Toward Further Understanding the Market‐sensing Capability–Value Creation Relationship
Authors: Bharadwaj Neeraj , Dong Yuexiao
Published: November 2013

Earlier writings have speculated that the components of customer focus may have differential effects on customer value. This research is responsive to this call as it identifies the behavioral and cultural components that underlie a market‐sensing capability (i.e., customer focus), and undertakes a finer‐grained examination of the impact of the routines through which customer focus is manifested. Specifically, this research investigates the market learning activities (ML) that can affect the depth of the understanding achieved regarding the buyer's requirements and usage context, and the customer‐oriented practices (CO) that can affect the breadth of potential solutions generated to address those requirements. Given the possibility that some buyers may have more sophisticated needs, the role of a customer's performance standards is also considered as a moderating variable. Based on data collected from computer and electronics manufacturers via two separate surveys, the results support that a supplier's ML and CO, respectively, affect perceived customer value. The results also show that a customer's performance standards do not moderate the ML–customer value relationship. Regardless of whether the customer's performance standards (along the lines of product quality, defect rates, and on‐time delivery) are high or low, the seller must be adept at discerning changes in the buying firm's requirements and operational realities. Thus, market learning practices are needed across all customers in order for the supplier to remain synchronized with market changes and deliver superior value to them. Additionally, the results support that the positive association between a seller's CO and perceived customer value is stronger when buyers have more demanding performance standards. The generation of a broader array of potential solutions that is commensurate with a more outward focus is likely to be needed to satisfy customers with more stringent requirements. The disaggregated approach taken in this research contributes to theory by (1) providing greater insight into the domain of the customer focus construct, (2) tracing the mechanisms through which customer focus is reified, and (3) evaluating the possibility that the components of customer focus may have differential effects on customer value. The main practical implication stems from the proposal that market sensing can serve as a core competence and thereby provide the foundation for differential advantage.
Pharmacokinetics and physiological effects of repeated oral administrations of tramadol in horses
Authors: Guedes A. G. P. , Knych H. K. , Soares J. H. N. , Brosnan R. J.
Published: November 2013

This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and physiological effects of tramadol during repeated oral administrations in horses. Nine adult healthy horses were administered tramadol at 5 and 10 mg/kg orally every 12 h for 5 days in a randomized, crossover design with a 3‐week washout between treatments. Plasma concentrations of tramadol, O‐ and N‐desmethyltramadol (M1 and M2) were measured using Liquid‐Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry at predetermined time points following each tramadol administration. Cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal physiological variables were monitored and adverse events were recorded. Data were analysed with two‐way repeated measures anova or Kruskal–Wallis one‐way anova on ranks with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. There were no significant effects of tramadol on the physiological variables. One horse receiving 10 mg/kg tramadol developed mild colic. Following tramadol at 5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively, maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of tramadol ranged from 82–587 and 127–1280 ng/mL, nonconjugated M1 ranged from 2.51–26.7 and 4.88–34.3 ng/mL, and nonconjugated M2 from 12.5–356 and 35.4–486 ng/mL. Corresponding minimum plasma concentrations (Cmin) of tramadol at 12 h following each dose ranged from 0.8–24 and 3–117 ng/mL. Tramadol accumulated considerably over time, more markedly when given at 10 mg/kg than at 5 mg/kg (accumulation indexes of 3.51 and 1.73 respectively). There was no accumulation of M1 but substantial accumulation of M2. In conclusion, there was accumulation and increase in exposure to tramadol and M2, but not M1, during repeated oral administrations in horses.
Succession patterns of polychaetes on algal‐dominated rocky cliffs (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean)
Authors: Antoniadou Chryssanthi
Published: November 2013

Ecological succession has been scarcely investigated on sublittoral rocky cliffs. The few relevant studies deal with the structure of the developing community and are limited to higher taxa or sessile forms. The objective of the present study was to examine succession patterns on algal‐dominated rocky cliffs both at the structural (species composition) and functional (feeding guild composition) level, using Polychaeta, a dominant taxon in this marine habitat, as a reference group. Cement panels were seasonally installed on the rocky substratum (25–30 m depth) and sampled every 3 months over a 1‐year period. Twenty‐nine polychaete species were recorded, previously reported from the surrounding benthic community, and classified into eight feeding guilds. Most species were assigned as sessile filter‐feeders; this guild dominated in abundance and biomass. A strong effect of the length of immersion and of the seasonal onset of succession on the developed communities was assessed: species composition analyses suggested convergence into a similar organization as succession proceeds, whereas the impact of starting season on succession was stronger when analysing feeding guilds. In both cases succession was faster on panels installed in winter. The main emerging patterns were in agreement with relevant surveys of the entire benthic fauna, thus supporting the efficacy of polychaetes as a surrogate group for studying ecological succession in the benthic marine environment.
Response of benthic opportunistic polychaetes and amphipods index to different perturbations in coastal oligotrophic areas (Canary archipelago, North East Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: Riera Rodrigo , de‐la‐Ossa‐Carretero Jose Antonio
Published: November 2013

Oligotrophic areas harbour low macrofaunal abundance and patchy distribution. In these areas it is necessary to test the reliability of biological indicators, especially those based on taxonomic sufficiency where the level of identification is balanced against the need for ecological information and could affect the efficiency of bioindicators. The BOPA (benthic opportunistic polychaetes and amphipods) index was applied in five coastal areas subjected to different perturbations (aquaculture, harbour, brine, sewage, and thermal pollution) in the Canary archipelago, an oligotrophic area of the Atlantic Ocean. Significant differences in the BOPA index between impact and control sites were only found in the area affected by a harbour. Perturbations such as aquaculture, brine or sewage discharge produce only a weak response of the BOPA index, whereas no effects were observed at thermal pollution‐impacted locations. The BOPA index should be used with caution to establish the ecological status of coastal water bodies in the Canary Islands, since it was only reliable in strongly impacted regions (enlargement harbour works), but did not respond clearly to other man‐induced perturbations.
Signal‐specific temporal response by the Salmonella PhoP/PhoQ regulatory system
Authors: Park Sun‐Yang , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: November 2013

The two‐component system PhoP/PhoQ controls a large number of genes responsible for a variety of physiological and virulence functions in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Here we describe a mechanism whereby the transcriptional activator PhoP elicits expression of dissimilar gene sets when its cognate sensor PhoQ is activated by different signals in the periplasm. We determine that full transcription of over half of the genes directly activated by PhoP requires the Mg2+ transporter MgtA when the PhoQ inducing signal is low Mg2+, but not when PhoQ is activated by mildly acidic pH or the antimicrobial peptide C18G. MgtA promotes the active (i.e. phosphorylated) form of PhoP by removing Mg2+ from the periplasm, where it functions as a repressing signal for PhoQ. MgtA‐dependent expression enhances resistance to the cationic antibiotic polymyxin B. Production of the MgtA protein requires cytoplasmic Mg2+ levels to drop below a certain threshold, thereby creating a two‐tiered temporal response among PhoP‐dependent genes.
Effects of integrated child development and nutrition interventions on child development and nutritional status
Authors: Grantham‐McGregor Sally M. , Fernald Lia C. H. , Kagawa Rose M. C. , Walker Susan
Published: November 2013

We conducted a systematic review of studies that examined the effect of interventions combining a child development component with a nutrition one; in some cases the nutrition interventions also included health‐promotion components. Only papers with both child development and nutrition outcomes and rated as moderate‐to‐good quality were included. Eleven efficacy and two nonrandomized trials, and eight program evaluations were identified. Only six trials examined interventions separately and combined. The trials showed nutritional interventions usually benefited nutritional status and sometimes benefited child development. Stimulation consistently benefited child development. There was no significant loss of any effect when interventions were combined, but there was little evidence of synergistic interaction between nutrition and stimulation on child development. Only three trials followed up the children after intervention. All at‐scale program evaluations were combined interventions. Five benefited child development, but one did not, and two showed deficits. There was generally little benefit of at‐scale programs to nutritional status. We found no rigorous evaluations of adding stimulation to health and nutrition services at scale and there is an urgent need for them. There is also a need to establish quality‐control mechanisms for existing scaled‐up programs and to determine their long‐term effects. There is also a need to determine if there are any sustained benefits for the children after programs finish.
Phosphate transporters OsPHT1;9 and OsPHT1;10 are involved in phosphate uptake in rice
Authors: WANG XIAOFEI , WANG YIFENG , PIÑEROS MIGUEL A. , WANG ZHIYE , WANG WENXIA , LI CHANGYING , WU ZHONGCHANG , KOCHIAN LEON V. , WU PING
Published: November 2013

We characterized the function of two rice phosphate (Pi) transporters: OsPHT1;9 (OsPT9) and OsPHT1;10 (OsPT10). OsPT9 and OsPT10 were expressed in the root epidermis, root hairs and lateral roots, with their expression being specifically induced by Pi starvation. In leaves, expression of the two genes was observed in both mesophyll and vasculature. High‐affinity Km values for Pi transport of OsPT9 and OsPT10 were determined by yeast experiments and two‐electrode voltage clamp analysis of anion transport in Xenopus oocytes expressing OsPT9 and OsPT10. Pi uptake and Pi concentrations in transgenic plants harbouring overexpressed OsPT9 and OsPT10 were determined by Pi concentration analysis and 33P‐labelled Pi uptake rate analysis. Significantly higher Pi uptake rates in transgenic plants compared with wild‐type plants were observed under both high‐Pi and low‐Pi solution culture conditions. Conversely, although no alterations in Pi concentration were found in OsPT9 or OsPT10 knockdown plants, a significant reduction in Pi concentration in both shoots and roots was observed in double‐knockdown plants grown under both high‐ and low‐Pi conditions. Taken together, our results suggest that OsPT9 and OsPT10 redundantly function in Pi uptake.
Is the signal from the mesophyll to the guard cells a vapour‐phase ion?
Authors: MOTT KEITH A. , BERG DAVID G. , HUNT SEAN M. , PEAK DAVID
Published: November 2013

Previous studies have suggested that the red light and CO2 responses of stomata are caused by a signal from the mesophyll to the guard cells. Experiments were conducted to test the idea that this signal is a vapour‐phase ion. Stomata in isolated epidermes of Tradescantia pallida were found to respond to air ions created by an electrode that was positioned under the epidermes. Anthocyanins in the epidermes of this species were observed to change colour in response to these air ions, and this change in colour was attributed to changes in pH. A similar change in lower epidermal colour was observed in intact leaves upon illumination and with changes in CO2 concentration. Based on the change in epidermal colour, the pH of the epidermis was estimated to be approximately 7.0 in darkness and 6.5 in the light. Stomata in isolated epidermes responded to pH when suspended over (but not in contact with) solutions of different pH. We speculate that stomatal responses to CO2 and light are caused by vapour‐phase ions, possibly hydronium ions that change the pH of the epidermis.
Consciousness and the Prospects for Substance Dualism
Authors: Spackman John
Published: November 2013

There has in recent years been a significant surge of interest in non‐materialist accounts of the mind. Property dualists hold that all substances (concrete particulars that persist over time) are material, but mental properties are distinct from physical properties. Substance dualists maintain that the mind or person is a non‐material substance. This article considers the prospects for substance dualism given the current state of the debate. The best known type of substance dualism, Cartesian dualism, has traditionally faced a number of objections, but many contemporary philosophers have sought to avoid these by formulating novel versions of the view. I identify three central claims held in common by all forms of substance dualism, consider recent arguments for these claims, and assess how successfully different types of substance dualism respond to the traditional objections. I argue that most contemporary forms of the view still face one or more of three major challenges, from bundle theories of the self, from the recently developed “phenomenal concepts strategy”, and from worries about explanatory simplicity.
The Puzzle of Self‐Deception
Authors: Baghramian Maria , Nicholson Anna
Published: November 2013

It is commonly accepted that people can, and regularly do, deceive themselves. Yet closer examination reveals a set of conceptual puzzles that make self‐deception difficult to explain. Applying the conditions for other‐deception to self‐deception generates what are known as the ‘paradoxes’ of belief and intention. Simply put, the central problem is how it is possible for me to believe one thing, and yet intentionally cause myself to simultaneously believe its contradiction. There are two general approaches taken by philosophers to account for these puzzles about the self‐deceptive state and the process of self‐deception. ‘Partitioning’ strategies try to resolve the paradoxes by proposing that the mind is divided in some way that allows self‐deception to occur. ‘Reformulation’ strategies suggest that the conditions we use to define self‐deception should be modified so that the paradoxes do not arise at all. Both approaches are subject to criticism about the consequences of the strategies philosophers use, but recent cross‐disciplinary analyses of self‐deception may help shed light on the puzzles that underlie this phenomenon.
Consequentialism and Human Rights
Authors: Talbott William J.
Published: November 2013

The article begins with a review of the structural differences between act consequentialist theories and human rights theories, as illustrated by Amartya Sen's paradox of the Paretian liberal and Robert Nozick's utilitarianism of rights. It discusses attempts to resolve those structural differences by moving to a second‐order or indirect consequentialism, illustrated by J.S. Mill and Derek Parfit. It presents consequentialist (though not utilitarian) interpretations of the contractualist theories of Jürgen Habermas and the early John Rawls (Theory of Justice) and of the capability theories of Sen and Martha Nussbaum. It also discusses two roles that well‐being or a surrogate for well‐being typically plays in theories of human rights: (a) well‐being plays a role in the justification of at least some exceptions to human rights principles; and (b) some human rights seem to be best understood as rights to some level of well‐being or expected well‐being (or of a surrogate for one of them). It reviews two consequentialist challenges to the moral adequacy of non‐consequentialist accounts of human rights, one based on a duty to relieve suffering and the other generated by Parfit's Non‐Identity Problem, and concludes with a contrast between two ways of looking at the history of the development and implementation of human rights conventions and laws.

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A Lewisian Trilemma
Authors: Stefánsson H. Orri
Published: November 2013

According to one reading of the thesis of Humean Supervenience, most famously defended by David Lewis, certain ‘fundamental’ (non‐modal) facts entail all there is but do not supervene on less fundamental facts. However, in this paper I prove that it follows from Lewis' possible world semantics for counterfactuals, in particular his Centring condition, that all non‐modal facts supervene on counterfactuals. Humeans could respond to this result by either giving up Centring or abandoning the idea that the most fundamental facts do not supervene on less fundamental facts. I argue that either response should in general be acceptable to Humeans: the first since there is nothing particularly Humean about Centring; the latter since Humeans should, independently of the result I present, be sceptical that the supervenience of one fact upon another by itself says anything about ‘fundamentality’.
Therapeutic Culture and Religion in America
Authors: Rakow Katja
Published: November 2013

Much has been written about the psychologization of different spheres of contemporary American culture (education, industrial–military complex, health care, etc.) from different disciplinary perspectives. In this article, I will discuss the concept of therapeutic culture in relation to religion in America. The essay will trace contemporary therapeutic culture back to the mind cure movement and “New Thought” and its concept of the instrumental power of thoughts. A variety of 20th century developments that can be framed both as secular and as religious or spiritual, such as positive thinking, self‐help, 12‐step programs, New Age, and the so‐called Prosperity Gospel, have predecessors in New Thought. Furthermore, the essay will survey early influential works on therapeutic culture in America. Philip Rieff'sTriumph of the Therapeutic(1966), Christopher Lasch'sThe Culture of Narcissism(1979), and Eva S. Moskowitz's more recent studyIn Therapy We Trust(2001) are based on the idea that traditional Protestant religion has been eroded and replaced by the therapeutic ethos. These authors are concerned that America has traded its soul for its psyche and has swapped religion for therapy. In contrast, Eva Illouz'Saving the Modern Soul(2008) introduces a more comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic discourse as a new cultural matrix that permeates society as a whole. Moreover, a discussion of different historical studies on the interrelation of Protestant religious cultures and therapeutic ethos in the United States will demonstrate that it is not simply a relationship of replacement but one of intricate interconnection and entanglement. The works under discussion show that clinical pastoral education programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Salvation Army adapted psychology and therapy to facilitate religious counseling, to foster outreach to homeless men, and to create spiritual engagement and fellowship among inebriates. As I explore the relationship between therapeutic culture and religion in America, I will point out central themes, possible shortcomings of approaches to the therapeutic so far, and desirable avenues for future research into the interplay of the therapeutic and religion.
Greeks abroad: (as)signing artistic identity in early modern Europe
Authors: Casper Andrew R.
Published: November 2013

The language and wording used in the signatures of paintings by Domenikos Theotokopoulos (‘El Greco’) reveal a self‐conscious construction of cultural identity in the early modern era. This paper argues that El Greco, an artist born in Crete who later worked in Venice and Rome for nearly ten years, and then for the rest of his career in Toledo, Spain, used his signature as a means to broadcast his artistic brand as a Greek other during his decades‐long estrangement from his homeland. Regardless of where he worked or of the style that his paintings adopted, he always and without exception drafted his signatures in Greek, while at key moments of his career, especially during his frequent transitions from one city to the next, he appended his name with a declarative ‘Cretan’ in order to make it unmistakable that the viewer is looking at the work of a foreigner. In so doing, El Greco's use of language – a topic never taken into consideration with regards to the meaning of its deployment in his signatures – reveals much about the politics of cultural identity in the multicultural societies in which he worked.
Montaigne, Sir Ralph Bankes and other English readers of the Essais
Authors: O'Brien John
Published: November 2013

This article deals with a hitherto unknown and unpublished early modern English manuscript account of Montaigne's Essais by Sir Ralph Bankes (1631?–77) of Kingston Lacy in Dorset. Bankes's account covers a range of features in Montaigne's work: crucial elements of self‐portraiture such as judgement, but also his attitude to women and doctors. These characteristics are analysed and compared first with Montaigne's own pronouncements about the aspects Bankes selects and secondly with two other short accounts from the seventeenth century: by Sir William Cornwallis and John Locke. The similarities and differences between the accounts provide evidence of the intellectual networks to which they belonged, only parts of which have so far received investigation. It is argued that the interest of Bankes's account lies in its independence from the tradition of Florio's Montaigne. This article thus contributes to our understanding of the early modern English reception of the French text of the Essais.
Towards Realtime Spatiotemporal Prediction of District Level Meningitis Incidence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Stanton Michelle C. , Agier and Lydiane , Taylor Benjamin M. , Diggle Peter J.
Published: November 2013

Within an area of sub-Saharan Africa termed ‘the meningitis belt’, meningococcal meningitis epidemics are a major public health concern. The epidemic control strategy that is currently utilized is reactive, such that a vaccination programme is initiated in a district once a predefined weekly incidence threshold has been exceeded. We report progress towards the development of an early warning system based on statistical modelling of district level weekly incidence data. Four modelling approaches are considered and their forecasting performances are compared by using weekly epidemiological data from Niger for the period 1986–2007. We conclude that the models under consideration are advantageous in different situations. The three-state Markov model described in which observed incidence is categorized according to policy-defined thresholds gives the most reliable short-term forecasts, whereas the dynamic linear model proposed, using log-transformed weekly incidence as the response variable, gives more reliable predictions of annual epidemics.
Social Capital and Socio‐demographic Changes: From Non‐differentiation to Multifocalisation
Authors: Carmo Renato Miguel , Santos Sofia
Published: November 2013

This article examines how different socio‐demographic trends interrelate with alterations in the traditional forms of social and interpersonal relationships. We will focus on two Portuguese municipalities using the concept of rural community as an analytic starting point for framing and examining the different dimensions of social capital. The survey's data shows that the generalised nature of mutual knowledge and trust, that used to characterise more traditional communities, tends now to depend on new social categories and groups that live and interact in these places. The study contains a multivariate, multiple correspondence analysis, which shows three different profiles of social capital coexisting in the two areas.
Computationally Efficient Particle Release Map Determination for Direct Tumor-Targeting in a Representative Hepatic Artery System
Authors: Childress E. M. , Kleinstreuer C.
Published: November 2013

Implementation of a novel direct tumor-targeting technique requires a computer modeling stage to generate particle release maps (PRMs) which allow for optimal catheter positioning and selection of best injection intervals for drug-particles. This simulation task for a patient-specific PRM may require excessive computational resources and a relatively long turn-around time for a fully transient analysis. Hence, steady-state conditions were sought which generates PRMs equivalent to the pulsatile arterial flow environment. Fluid-particle transport in a representative hepatic artery system was simulated under fully transient and steady-state flow conditions and their corresponding PRMs were analyzed and compared. Comparisons of the transient PRMs from ten equal intervals of the cardiac pulse revealed that the diastolic phase produced relatively constant PRMs due to its semisteady flow conditions. Furthermore, steady-state PRMs, which best matched the transient particle release maps, were found for each interval and over the entire cardiac pulse. From these comparisons, the flow rate and outlet pressure differences proved to be important parameters for estimating the PRMs. The computational times of the fully transient and steady simulations differed greatly, i.e., about 10 days versus 0.5 to 1 h, respectively. The time-averaged scenario may provide the best steady conditions for estimating the transient particle release maps. However, given the considerable changes in the PRMs due to the accelerating and decelerating phases of the cardiac cycle, it may be better to model several steady scenarios, which encompass the wide range of flows and pressures experienced by the arterial system in order to observe how the PRMs may change throughout the pulse. While adding more computation time, this method is still significantly faster than running the full transient case. Finally, while the best steady PRMs provide a qualitative guide for best catheter placement, the final injection position could be adjusted in vivo using biodegradable mock-spheres to ensure that patient-specific optimal tumor-targeting is achieved. In general, the methodology described could generate computationally very efficient and sufficiently accurate solutions for the transient fluid-particle dynamics problem. However, future work should test this methodology in patient-specific geometries subject to various flow waveforms.
Analysis of Minimum Rail Size in Heavy Axle Load Environment
Authors: Jeong David Y. , Perlman A. Benjamin
Published: November 2013

The effects of increasing axle loads on rail integrity are examined in this paper. In the present context, rail integrity refers to the prevention and control of rail failures. Rail failures usually occur because cracks or defects develop and grow from cyclic forces caused by the repeated passage of wheel loads over the rails, i.e. metal fatigue. Once a crack or defect has formed, it may grow to a critical size and cause a sudden fracture of the rail. Moreover, a broken rail may cause a train to derail.

Rail integrity evaluations are performed in this paper by applying a framework developed previously to estimate track capacity. The framework is exercised using two different criteria while varying axle loads: (1) allowable rail deflections and bending stresses, and (2) metal fatigue characterized in terms of propagation life (also referred to as slow crack-growth life). The engineering analyses based on these criteria are described. Results from these analyses are used to provide the rational basis for estimating the minimum rail size under heavy axle loads.
Analysis of Brake Failure and Runaway Accidents in Mountain Terrain in Canada
Authors: Chen Daoxing
Published: November 2013

A number of serious rail runaway accidents have occurred in recent years on long and high grade downhill tracks in mountain terrains in Canada, causing fatal injuries and huge property loss. They were caused by brake failure, misunderstanding of brake features, maintenance deficiency and/or improper brake application on the trains. Train dynamics simulation, brake ratio testing, and dynamometer testing on friction heat fade helped disclose the causes and contributing factors in the cases presented in this paper. Guidelines were revised for safer train operation, equipment requirements and maintenance practice in the mountain terrain conditions.
Quantifying Shared Corridor Wheel Loading Variation Using Wheel Impact Load Detectors
Authors: Van Dyk Brandon J. , Dersch Marcus S. , Edwards J. Riley , Ruppert Conrad , Barkan Christopher P. L.
Published: November 2013

A sustained increase in heavy axle loads and cumulative freight tonnages, coupled with increased development of high speed passenger rail, is placing an increasing demand on railway infrastructure. Some of the most critical areas of the infrastructure in need of further research are track components used in high speed passenger, heavy haul, and shared infrastructure applications. In North America, many design guidelines for these systems use historical wheel loads that may not necessarily be representative of those seen on rail networks today. Without a clear understanding of the nature of these loads, it is impossible to adequately evaluate the superstructure to make design improvements. Therefore, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) are conducting research to lay the groundwork for an improved and thorough understanding of the loading environment entering the track structure. Wheel impact load detectors (WILDs) have been used in North America for decades to identify bad-acting wheels that could damage the rail infrastructure or result in a rolling stock failure. The WILD measures vertical and lateral rail loads imparted by the wheel at the wheel-rail interface, along with other pertinent information related to the specific wheel, car, and train passing the instrumented site. This information can be used to identify and classify trends in the loading features and other characteristics of the rolling stock. These trends not only provide a clearer picture of the existing loading environment created by widely varied traffic characteristics, but can be used in future design and maintenance planning of infrastructure according to the anticipated traffic. This paper will discuss the current trends in wheel loads across the North American rail network while investigating the effects of speed on dynamic and impact loads. Ultimately this work should lead to useful distinctions of loads for improved design methodologies that are specific to the intended type of traffic traversing a given route or network.
Influence of Human Related Factors on Railway Vehicle Wheelchair Occupant Crash Safety
Authors: Matsika E. , Chirwa Clive E. , Peng Q.
Published: November 2013

In the past 25 years, laws related to accessibility in general have been enacted worldwide. In the United Kingdom, for example, with the passing of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 and 2005, a number of regulations and codes of practice have been put in place to provide wheelchair users with greater access and freedom of traveling by public transport, including railway vehicles. This paper aims at contributing to the knowledge gap that exists on how human related factors may influence the safety of a wheelchair occupant in a railway vehicle during deceleration, particularly crash conditions. To achieve this, a socio-technical study on railway vehicle safety was conducted through a disability association called BADGE, acting as the gatekeeper.

The research methodology developed applied two data collection research tools. The first was a focus group discussion in which six wheelchair users participated. The second tool was observational, where wheelchair users undertook two baseline railway vehicle trips within the Greater Manchester. Here data was captured through video footage and still pictures. In addition, note taking was applied.

The research found that personal preferences and medical conditions greatly influence the way a wheelchair occupant interacts with the wheelchair and the railway vehicle. This could potentially affect the safety of the wheelchair occupant, generally, and particularly during a crash. The paper ends by presenting a flow diagram that postulates how these human related factors identified could ultimately influence secondary collision characteristics during a crash. The findings could help railway vehicle engineers to better design wheelchair accessible environment with improved wheelchair occupant crash safety.
A Novel and Reliable Track Condition Prediction Model for Condition Based Track Maintenance
Authors: Xu Peng , Liu Rengkui , Sun Quanxin , Souleyrette Reginald R. , Rose Jerry G.
Published: November 2013

Recent railway transportation developments throughout the world have demonstrated two main trends, high speed and heavy haul. Both of these have resulted in increased wheel loads due to increased dynamic forces and/or higher weights. It is well known that increased wheel loads result in faster deterioration of the track structure. Consequently, maintenance-of-way departments inspect more frequently to ensure safety and comfort for passengers and reduce the risk of damage to freight. An alternative to more frequent inspections is a track maintenance strategy known as condition based maintenance (CBM). CBM has received considerable attention in other industries such as truck fleet management and power systems facility management. Practices in these fields show that CBM can not only reduce interruption of service but also enhance system reliability. What is more, CBM can also reduce life-cycle costs. Within railroading, CBM is used to schedule preventive rail grinding, but, CBM has not yet found widespread implementation in the maintenance of other track components.

The key to effective implementation of CBM is reliable forecasts of future conditions based on prediction models. In this paper, a novel track condition prediction model is presented which may serve as a basis for condition based track maintenance. The model is built on practical knowledge of track condition deterioration. Typically, the model can predict track condition (including isolated geometry exceptions and condition of unit track sections) two to three months in advance, depending on tonnage/frequency of trains. To validate the model, track inspection data were collected from the Jinan bureau of China Railroads. Some analysis of the results of track condition predictions is also presented.
Prestressing Steel Reinforcement Wire Bond Index Number
Authors: Haynes Mark , Wu Chih-Hang John , Beck B. Terry , Bodapati Naga Narendra B. , Peterman Robert J.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this research project is to develop a mathematical model that predicts the bond strength of a prestressing steel reinforcement wire given the known geometrical features of the wire. The geometrical features of the reinforcement wire were measured by a precision non-contact profilometer. With this mathematical model, prestressing reinforcement wires can now be analyzed for their bond strength without destructive testing. This mathematical model has the potential to serve as a quality control assessment in reinforcement wire production. In addition this mathematical model will provide insight into which reinforcement wires provide the greatest bond strength and which combinations of geometrical features of the reinforcement wire are responsible for providing the bond strength.

A precision non-contact profilometer has been developed to measure the important geometrical features of the reinforcement wire. The profilometer is capable of sub-micron resolution measurements to provide an extremely high quality three-dimensional rendering of the reinforcement wire surface profile. From this detailed profile data it is then possible to extract all of the relevant geometrical features of the reinforcement wire.

A mathematical model has been created by testing a variety of different reinforcement wires available in the market. By correlating the transfer length of concrete prisms made with the reinforcement wires to various geometrical features, several different levels of mathematical correlation complexity have been investigated. The current empirical correlation models under development are first order and combine three to four unique geometrical features of the reinforcement wire which then act as predictors of the concrete prism transfer length.

The resulting mathematical model relating the wire geometrical features to transfer length is referred to as the Bond Index Number (BIN). The BIN is shown to provide a numerical measure of the bond strength of prestressing steel reinforcement wire, without the need for performing destructive tests with the reinforcement wire.