bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma‐based liquefaction of methane: The road from hydrogen production to direct methane liquefaction
Authors: Snoeckx Ramses , Rabinovich Alexander , Dobrynin Danil , Bogaerts Annemie , Fridman Alexander
Published: October 2016

For the energy industry, a process that is able to transform methane—being the prime component of natural gas—efficiently into a liquid product would be equivalent to a goose with golden eggs. As such it is no surprise that research efforts in this field already date back to the nineteen hundreds. Plasma technology can be considered to be a novel player in this field, but nevertheless one with great potential. Over the past decades this technology has evolved from sole hydrogen production, over indirect methane liquefaction to eventually direct plasma‐assisted methane liquefaction processes. An overview of this evolution and these processes is presented, from which it becomes clear that the near future probably lies with the direct two phase plasma‐assisted methane liquefaction and the far future with the direct oxidative methane liquefaction.
Multiscale Modeling of Low Pressure Plasma Etching Processes: Linking the Operating Parameters of the Plasma Reactor with Surface Roughness Evolution
Authors: Mouchtouris Sotiris , Kokkoris George
Published: October 2016

Α multiscale modeling framework, linking the operating parameters of a low pressure plasma reactor with the surface roughness being formed on the etched substrate, is developed. It consists of a) a reactor scale model, which calculates densities, energies, and fields in the reactor, b) a Monte Carlo (MC) particle tracing model, which calculates the ion energy and angular distributions on the substrate, and c) a MC surface model, which calculates the evolution of the surface morphology during etching. The case study is etching of polymeric substrates with Ar plasma in the GEC reactor. Based on a generic surface model, the effects of the operating conditions (pressure, power) on the roughness are investigated. The potential for non‐uniform and anisotropic roughness along the wafer radial direction is demonstrated.
Preliminary mass spectrometry characterization studies of galectin‐3 samples, prior to carbohydrate‐binding studies using Affinity mass spectrometry
Authors: Jovanović Marko , Peter‐Katalinić Jasna
Published: October 2016

Rationale

Investigation of non‐covalent complexes of proteins using Affinity Mass Spectrometry (AMS) represents a major challenge in modern biomedical research. However, many experimental obstacles can make AMS data analysis complex. Additionally, sample purity and size of the protein may still pose significant challenges.

Methods

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was used for initial mapping of protein samples. nanoESI (electrospray ionization) quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight (QTOF) MS was used for mapping of protein samples under native conditions and subsequent AMS studies. The human galectin‐3 protein sample was expressed in E. coli.

Results

Full length galectin‐3 was difficult to work with, due to several truncated forms observed after the purification procedures. On the other hand, galectin‐3C produced excellent quality nanoESI‐MS spectra. A covalent adduct of lactose was found to be located on residue Lys 176. Functional AMS control studies indicated that galectin‐3 interactions with oligosaccharides may be dependent on its charge.

Conclusions

Mass spectrometry represents a valuable tool that can be efficiently used for structural characterization of protein samples prior to functional analyses. By means of accurate mass measurements, many protein truncations can be identified based on mass alone. Analysis of covalent adducts is more challenging. Finally, for AMS studies, careful use of controls may reveal charge‐dependence of protein‐oligosaccharide interactions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma with echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4‐anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4‐ALK) fusion gene
Authors: Ose Naoko , Kawai Teruka , Ishida Daisuke , Kobori Yuko , Takeuchi Yukiyasu , Senba Hidetoshi
Published: October 2016

A pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma (PLELC) is similar to a lymphoepithelioma, a subtype of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and commonly associated with Epstein–Barr virus infection which is a rare tumour and classified in the group of “other and unclassified carcinoma” in the latest 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Some reports of lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma (LELC) have noted an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, whereas none have noted a mutation of the echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4‐anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4‐ALK) fusion gene. This is the first reported case of PLELC with ALK rearrangement. A 76‐year‐old woman underwent a right lower lobectomy and complicated partial resection of the upper lobe with lymph node dissection under complete thoracoscopic approach. A histopathological diagnosis of PLELC was made and the stage was classified as T1aN1(#12l) M0, pl0, G2, Ly1, V1. The results of both ALK immunohistochemistry and EML4‐ALK fusion gene on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) examinations were positive; however, EGFR mutational analysis results showed wild‐type mutation.
Provide effective professional development programming on a tight budget
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2016

If you lack the time, staff, and resources to develop, organize, and lead effective professional development programming for student affairs staff, then it's time to learn how to fill in the gaps.
Know how to shift gears to boost productivity, improve leadership
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2016

Successful leadership doesn't depend on what or how much you know, or even your IQ.
Bayesian estimation in random effects meta‐analysis using a non‐informative prior
Authors: Bodnar Olha , Link Alfred , Arendacká Barbora , Possolo Antonio , Elster Clemens
Published: October 2016

Pooling information from multiple, independent studies (meta‐analysis) adds great value to medical research. Random effects models are widely used for this purpose. However, there are many different ways of estimating model parameters, and the choice of estimation procedure may be influential upon the conclusions of the meta‐analysis. In this paper, we describe a recently proposed Bayesian estimation procedure and compare it with a profile likelihood method and with the DerSimonian–Laird and Mandel–Paule estimators including the Knapp–Hartung correction. The Bayesian procedure uses a non‐informative prior for the overall mean and the between‐study standard deviation that is determined by the Berger and Bernardo reference prior principle. The comparison of these procedures focuses on the frequentist properties of interval estimates for the overall mean. The results of our simulation study reveal that the Bayesian approach is a promising alternative producing more accurate interval estimates than those three conventional procedures for meta‐analysis. The Bayesian procedure is also illustrated using three examples of meta‐analysis involving real data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of Gold Nanoparticles into NIR‐Radiation Curable Powder Resin
Authors: Schmitz Christian , Gökce Bilal , Jakobi Jurij , Barcikowski Stephan , Strehmel Bernd
Published: October 2016

Gold nanoparticles were integrated into a maleate polyester/vinylurethane powder coating by mixing the prepolymer with a colloid comprising either tetrahydrofurane or tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate as continuous phase. This slurry was extruded resulting in a homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in the resin. Curing of the powder coating occurred by near infrared (NIR) photopolymerization. The initiator system comprised the heptamethine cyanine absorber S2265 and bis‐(4‐(t‐butyl)‐phenyl)iodonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide as radical initiator. The use of NIR‐LED arrays as a light source for photopolymerization of the powder coating is insufficient due to the low emission intensity. In addition, absorption and scattering of nanoparticles prevent penetration of excitation light in deeper layers of the molten coating. This avoids curing of deep layers in the curing sample. Nevertheless, exposure with IR radiators results in high conversions of cured powder resin even if nanoparticles were embedded. Such treatment also gives the possibility for simultaneous melting and spreading of the powder coating on the substrate resulting in a solidified film nearly by one process step. This new procedure demonstrates the facile integration of nanoparticles with plasmon resonance in the visible region into the solidified and filmed powder coating.
Psychological distress following crime victimization: An exploratory study from an agency perspective
Authors: Kunst M.J.J. , Koster N.N.
Published: October 2016

Deficits in recognition of suffering play a significant role in the etiology of psychological distress in crime victims. However, given the preliminary status of the literature, it seems necessary to take other factors into account as well. Starting from an agency perspective, this study explored three such factors: negative self‐attributions, peritraumatic distress, and early posttraumatic emotions. More specifically, this study explored whether the association between recognition deficits and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms observed in other studies could be replicated and, if so, whether this association was mediated by negative self‐attributions and would decrease in strength when taking into account the adverse roles of peritraumatic distress and early posttraumatic emotions. To address these questions, we used prospective data from 201 victims who had reported a crime to the Dutch police. Recognition deficits, negative self‐attributions, peritraumatic distress, and early posttraumatic emotions were assessed within 1 month after the crime report and PTSD symptoms 1 month later. Results indicated that the association between recognition deficits and PTSD symptoms was partly mediated by negative self‐attributions and that the strength of this association decreased when controlling for peritraumatic distress and early posttraumatic emotions.
Optimization of anchorage corner blisters for posttensioning tendons
Authors: Marchão Carla , Lúcio Válter , Ganz Hans R.
Published: October 2016

The design of anchorage corner blisters for internal continuity posttensioning tendons in bridges built using the cantilever method presents some peculiarities because they are intermediate eccentric anchorages. The simplified formulas for designing the reinforcement required to resist transverse tensile forces due to the application of point loads, as proposed by the current standards, are not sufficient because they do not cover all the effects that require reinforcement. The high density of steel reinforcement in anchorage blisters is the most common reason for problems with concrete cast in situ, resulting in zones with low concrete compactness, which may lead to concrete crushing failures under the anchor plates. The solution to this problem may involve reducing the amount of reinforcement by improving the concrete compressive and tensile strengths. An experimental program was carried out to study the transmission of prestressing force to the slab and web of the box girder, to assess the strut‐and‐tie models used in design and to investigate the feasibility of using a high‐performance fiber‐reinforced self‐compacting mix (HPFRC) in the blister only, with either in situ or precast solutions. It can be concluded that the use of HPFRC in anchorage blisters is a very interesting solution regarding the savings in materials and the reduction in the steel reinforcement density near the local anchorage zone, with obvious advantages in concrete quality.
Numerical study of reinforced and prestressed concrete components under biaxial tensile stresses
Authors: Zobel Robert , Curbach Manfred
Published: October 2016

The focus of this study was the numerical investigation of reinforced and prestressed concrete components under biaxial tensile stresses in ANSYS in order to display the state of stress in a containment wall. Solid elements were used for concrete, whereas beam elements were used for reinforcing steel. The description and representation of the nonlinear material behavior and the fundamental phenomena of the damage of the concrete was implemented by using an elastoplastic material model. As crack width, crack spacing, and the deformation behavior of components largely depend on the bond behavior, a node‐to‐node contact between reinforcement and concrete was used. Therefore, a specific bond model was implemented. In the longitudinal reinforcement direction, the bond model implemented defines the bond resistance as a function of the relative displacements between concrete and reinforcement.
Functional carbon nanodots for multiscale imaging and therapy
Authors: Ostadhossein Fatemeh , Pan Dipanjan
Published: October 2016

As an emerging class of carbon nanomaterials, carbon dots (CDs) have garnered many researchers’ interests in the past decade due to their excellent biocompatibility, replete surface functional groups, water dispersibility, and unique photoluminescence. These extraordinary properties have opened new avenues for their advanced application in cell labeling, bioimaging, drug delivery, sensors, and energy‐related devices. In this paper, we critically review recent advances in the synthetic strategies and the application of CDs for biological purposes, specifically, imaging and therapy. Finally, a perspective has been given on the potential challenges facing the translation of these materials from the bench to the market. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1436. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1436

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing
A Two-Stage Approach to Differentiating Normal and Aberrant Behavior in Computer Based Testing
Authors: Wang Chun , Xu Gongjun , Shang Zhuoran
Published: October 2016

Statistical methods for identifying aberrances on psychological and educational tests are pivotal to detect flaws in the design of a test or irregular behavior of test takers. Two approaches have been taken in the past to address the challenge of aberrant behavior detection, which are (1) modeling aberrant behavior via mixture modeling methods, and (2) flagging aberrant behavior via residual based outlier detection methods. In this paper, we propose a two-stage method that is conceived of as a combination of both approaches. In the first stage, a mixture hierarchical model is fitted to the response and response time data to distinguish normal and aberrant behaviors using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm. In the second stage, a further distinction between rapid guessing and cheating behavior is made at a person level using a Bayesian residual index. Simulation results show that the two-stage method yields accurate item and person parameter estimates, as well as high true detection rate and low false detection rate, under different manipulated conditions mimicking NAEP parameters. A real data example is given in the end to illustrate the potential application of the proposed method.
Deformation Microstructure and Deformation-Induced Martensite in Austenitic Fe-Cr-Ni Alloys Depending on Stacking Fault Energy
Authors: Tian Ye , Gorbatov Oleg I. , Borgenstam Annika , Ruban Andrei V. , Hedström Peter
Published: October 2016

The deformation microstructure of austenitic Fe-18Cr-(10-12)Ni (wt pct) alloys with low stacking fault energies, estimated by first-principles calculations, was investigated after cold rolling. The ɛ-martensite was found to play a key role in the nucleation of α′-martensite, and at low SFE, ɛ formation is frequent and facilitates nucleation of α′ at individual shear bands, whereas shear band intersections become the dominant nucleation sites for α′ when SFE increases and mechanical twinning becomes frequent.
Governance und Regionalentwicklung in Großschutzgebieten der Schweiz und Österreichs
Authors: Pütz Marco , Job Hubert
Published: October 2016

The article investigates large protected areas from a governance research perspective. The analytical focus is on regional governance regimes of selected large protected areas in Austria and Switzerland. The analysis characterizes structures and patterns of regional governance regimes. Also, the kind and quality of cooperation between the actors is assessed. The article contributes to a deeper understanding of the regional governance of protected areas. Drawing from the empirical findings some recommendations are made for a more efficient management and organization of large protected areas.
Impinging planar jet flow on a horizontal surface with slip
Authors: Khayat Roger E.
Published: October 2016

The flow of a planar jet (sheet) impinging onto a solid flat plate with slip is examined theoretically. The jet is assumed to spread out in a thin layer bounded by a hydraulic jump, and draining at the edge of the plate. In contrast to an adhering jet, a slipping jet does not admit a similarity solution. Taking advantage of the different scaling in each region, series expansions are used in the developing and fully viscous layers, which are matched at the transition point. We show that a slipping film exhibits a singularity in the normal stress at the leading edge of the boundary layer, as opposed to the singularity in velocity and shear stress for an adhering film. The boundary-layer and film heights are both found to decrease with slip relative to a smooth substrate, roughly like $\sqrt{30x/Re}-2S$, whereas the slip velocity intensifies like $S\sqrt{Re/30x}$ with slip. Here, $x$ is the distance along the plate, $S$ is the slip length and $Re$ is the Reynolds number (in units of the jet width). The transition is delayed by slip. Guided by the measurements of Duchesne et al. (Europhys. Lett., vol. 107, 2014, p. 54002) for a circular adhering jet, the hydraulic-jump height and location are determined for a planar jet, and are found to increase with the Froude number (flow rate) like $Fr^{1/4}$ and $Fr^{5/8}$ respectively, essentially independently of slip length.
Stability of momentumless wakes
Authors: Arbie M. Rizqie , Ehrenstein Uwe , Eloy Christophe
Published: October 2016

The caudal fin of swimming animals can be modelled as a thrust-producing flapping foil. When considered alone, such a foil produces on average a jet wake with a positive net momentum. It has been argued that the instability characteristics of these averaged wakes are linked to the propulsion efficiency of swimming animals. Here, we reconsider this question by taking into account both the thrust and the drag exerted on a self-propelled swimming body. To do so, we study the stability of a family of momentumless wakes, constructed as the Oseen approximation of a force doublet moving at constant velocity. By performing a local stability analysis, we first show that these wakes undergo a transition from absolute to convective instability. Then, using the time stepper approach by integrating the linearised Navier–Stokes system, we investigate the global stability and reveal the influence of a non-parallel base flow as well as the role of the locally absolutely unstable upstream region in the wake. Finally, to complete the global scenario, we address the nonlinear evolution of the wake disturbance. These results are then discussed in the context of aquatic locomotion. According to the present stability results, and assuming the Oseen approximation whose validity has been assessed only for moderate Reynolds number, the momentumless wake of aquatic animals is generally stable, whereas the corresponding thrust part is unstable. It is therefore essential to consider all forces exerted on a self-propelled animal when discussing its wake stability and its propulsion efficiency.
Quantifying acoustic damping using flame chemiluminescence
Authors: Boujo E. , Denisov A. , Schuermans B. , Noiray N.
Published: October 2016

Thermoacoustic instabilities in gas turbines and aeroengine combustors fall within the category of complex systems. They can be described phenomenologically using nonlinear stochastic differential equations, which constitute the grounds for output-only model-based system identification. It has been shown recently that one can extract the governing parameters of the instabilities, namely the linear growth rate and the nonlinear component of the thermoacoustic feedback, using dynamic pressure time series only. This is highly relevant for practical systems, which cannot be actively controlled due to a lack of cost-effective actuators. The thermoacoustic stability is given by the linear growth rate, which results from the combination of the acoustic damping and the coherent feedback from the flame. In this paper, it is shown that it is possible to quantify the acoustic damping of the system, and thus to separate its contribution to the linear growth rate from the one of the flame. This is achieved by postprocessing in a simple way simultaneously acquired chemiluminescence and acoustic pressure data. It provides an additional approach to further unravel from observed time series the key mechanisms governing the system dynamics. This straightforward method is illustrated here using experimental data from a combustion chamber operated at several linearly stable and unstable operating conditions.
Investigation of Nano-Mechanical and- Tribological Properties of Hydrogenated Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings
Authors: Jeng Y.-R. , Islam S. , Wu K-T. , Erdemir A. , Eryilmaz O.
Published: October 2016

Hydrogenated diamond like Carbon (H-DLC) is a promising lubricious coating that attracted a great deal of interest in recent years mainly because of its outstanding tribological properties. In this study, the nano-mechanical and -tribological properties of a range of H-DLC films were investigated. Specifically, four kinds of H-DLC coatings were produced on Si substrates in pure acetylene, pure methane, 25% methane + 75% hydrogen, 50% methane + 50% hydrogen discharge plasmas using a plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) system. Nano indentation was performed to measure the mechanical properties such as hardness and young's modulus and nanoscartching was performed to investigate the frictional behavior and wear mechanism of the H-DLC samples in open air. Moreover, Vickers indentation method was utilized to assess the fracture toughness of the samples. The results revealed that there is a strong correlation between the mechanical properties (hardness, young's modulus, fracture toughness) and the friction coefficient of DLC coatings and the source gas chemistry. Lower hydrogen to carbon ratio in source gas leads to higher hardness, young's modulus, fracture toughness and lower friction coefficient. Furthermore, lower wear volume of the coated materials was observed when the friction coefficient was lower. It was also confirmed that lower hydrogen content of the DLC coating leads to higher wear resistance under nanoscratch conditions.
RESISTANCE OFSACCHARUMSPP. AGAINSTCHILO SACCHARIPHAGUS INDICUS(KAPUR) (LEPIDOPTERA: CRAMBIDAE) IN INDIA
Authors: MAHESH P. , SRIKANTH J. , CHANDRAN K. , SINGARAVELU B.
Published: October 2016

Accessions of fourSaccharumspp. from the world collection of sugarcane germplasm maintained at the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Research Center, Kannur, Kerala State, India, were screened againstChilo sacchariphagus indicus(Kapur) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), commonly known as internode borer. Observations on the progression of borer attack in the most susceptibleSaccharum officinarumindicated that the incidence began in the first fortnight of July, increased in the next 2 months and reached its peak in September. Thereafter, the incidence decreased in the next 2 months but reached its overall peak in December. Simple correlation coefficients between mean monthly weather parameters and borer incidence were not significant. Percent of canes attacked was significantly lower in 2011 than in 2012 forS. officinarum,Saccharum barberiandSaccharum sinensebut did not differ between the years forSaccharum robustum. Amongst the fourSaccharumspp.,S. robustumshowed the lowest borer incidence whereasS. officinarumrecorded the lowest attack intensity. Whilst infestation index showed the same trend as percent canes attacked, percent deadhearts did not differ amongst the fourSaccharumspp. Considering the 171 accessions evaluated, 29 (16.9%) accessions were resistant, 39 (22.8%) moderately resistant and 103 (60.2%) susceptible to internode borer. Out of the 39 accessions ofS. officinarum, none occupied the resistant category whereas 17.9% were in the moderately resistant category. InS. robustum, whilst nearly half (44.5%) the accessions emerged as resistant, a considerable number occupied the moderately resistant category. InS. barberi, no accession was resistant to the borer. InS. sinense, only one accession each represented resistant and moderately resistant categories. Plant morphological characters, yield and quality parameters did not show clear-cut relationship with the three infestation parameters.
ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS BY CSDP MISSIONS: AVAILABLE AND SUFFICIENT?
Authors: Johansen Stian Øby
Published: October 2016

This article demonstrates that it is doubtful whether the accountability mechanisms available in connection with operative missions conducted under the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) provide a sufficient level of protection when human rights are violated. The assessment of the CSDP accountability mechanisms—the Court of Justice of the European Union, domestic courts of EU Member States, and other mechanisms at the international level—is conducted in light of the requirements laid down in Article 13 of the European Convention of Human Rights. The consequences of the insufficiency of these mechanisms for the EU's accession to the ECHR are also touched upon.
Trade Facilitation: An Assessment of South African Experiences vis-à-vis WTO Disciplines
Authors: Khanderia Saloni
Published: October 2016

Despite an array of trade reforms undertaken to integrate the country into the international community, South Africa's performance in international trade has remained dismal, primarily due to its customs procedures and documentation, coupled with resulting high transaction costs. The facilitation of trade and integration into the international community has therefore been a challenging issue for South Africa. Recently, the republic has embarked upon reforming its existing customs regimes, by enacting new legislation that will replace the prevailing Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. This article attempts to analyse how far these reforms will adhere to the World Trade Organization's disciplines on trade facilitation that call for harmonization and simplification of customs related rules. The author evaluates the provisions of this new legislation in order to assess whether South Africa is ready to undertake the obligations imposed by the Agreement on Trade Facilitation.
Nematode infection patterns in a Neotropical lizard species from an insular mountain habitat in Brazil
Authors: Václav A.B.H.P. , Anjos L.A. , Queiróz M.S. , Nascimento L.B. , Galdino C.A.B.
Published: October 2016

Neotropical lizards are known to harbour rich nematode parasite faunas; however, knowledge of the diversity and patterns of infection are still lacking for many species. This is true for the genusTropidurus,in which data on patterns of parasitism are known for only approximately 11 of its 30 species. We show that the nematode fauna associated with a population ofTropidurus montanusis composed of three species of host-generalist parasites with high overall prevalence. Male and female lizards did not differ in infection pattern and there was no relationship between host body size and intensity of infection for the most prevalent parasite species. Nevertheless, overall prevalence changed seasonally, with a higher proportion of parasitized individuals being found in the dry period than in the rainy period. We discuss our findings in the context of diet patterns ofT. montanus,which we suggest may explain the similarities in prevalence and intensity of infection between the sexes. In addition, seasonal changes in diet are considered to be related to the observed differences in prevalence between dry and rainy periods.
Comparison between merthiolate–iodine–formalin and Kato–Katz methods for the diagnosis of human helminth infections in resource-limited settings
Authors: Incani R.N. , Homan T. , Pinelli E. , Mughini-Gras L. , Guevara H. , Jesus J.
Published: October 2016

Diagnosis of intestinal parasites through examination of fresh faecal samples is hampered by its unpleasantness and the urgent need to detect all parasitic forms. In this paper, we compared the standard Kato–Katz (KK) technique with a traditional fixation method, the merthiolate–iodine–formalin (MIF) method. Two hundred and twenty-seven faecal samples from individuals living in a rural setting in Venezuela with high to moderate prevalences ofAscaris lumbricoides(Al),Trichuris trichiura(Tt) and hookworm infections were examined. The ‘gold standard’ used here was derived from the combination of the outcomes from both methods. KK performed better at detectingTt, and showed higher sensitivity and negative predictive value for bothTtandAl, probably due to a higher capacity of KK to detect low parasite loads. Both methods showed an almost perfect agreement using the Kappa index. MIF provided a higher median of parasitic loads for low and total egg counts for the three helminths. Differentiating fertile from infertile eggs ofAldid not affect the results; infertile eggs were present only at low and intermediate parasitic loads, but absent at high loads. KK was not able to detect high loads of any of the helminths. MIF allowed for the detection of other helminths, such asStrongyloides stercoralis, and protozoan infections, for which KK is not specific. In conclusion, MIF is a simple and inexpensive technique that performs competitively with KK in both laboratory and field work on intestinal helminths, particularly in resource-limited settings.
‘Ideally’ unstable current sheets and the triggering of fast magnetic reconnection
Authors: Tenerani A. , Velli M. , Pucci F. , Landi S. , Rappazzo A. F.
Published: October 2016

Magnetic reconnection is thought to be the dynamical mechanism underlying many explosive phenomena observed both in space and in the laboratory, although the question of how fast magnetic reconnection is triggered in such high Lundquist ($S$) number plasmas has remained elusive. It has been well established that reconnection can develop over time scales faster than those predicted traditionally once kinetic scales are reached. It has also been shown that, within the framework of resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), fast reconnection is achieved for thin enough sheets via the onset of the so-called plasmoid instability. The latter was discovered in studies specifically devoted to the Sweet–Parker current sheet, either as an initial condition or an apparent transient state developing in nonlinear studies. On the other hand, a fast tearing instability can grow on an ideal, i.e. $S$-independent, time scale (dubbed ‘ideal’ tearing) within current sheets whose aspect ratio scales with the macroscopic Lundquist number as $L/a\sim S^{1/3}$ – much smaller than the Sweet–Parker one – suggesting a new way to approach to the initiation of fast reconnection in collapsing current configurations. Here we present an overview of what we have called ‘ideal’ tearing in resistive MHD, and discuss how the same reasoning can be extended to other plasma models commonly used that include electron inertia and kinetic effects. We then discuss a scenario for the onset of ‘ideal’ fast reconnection via collapsing current sheets and describe a quantitative model for the interpretation of the nonlinear evolution of ‘ideally’ unstable sheets in two dimensions.
Ecology and demography of the Critically Endangered Kandian torrent toadAdenomus kandianus: a long-lost endemic species of Sri Lanka
Authors: Karunarathna Suranjan , Henkanaththegedara Sujan , Gabadage Dinesh , Botejue Madhava , Madawala Majintha , Surasinghe Thilina D.
Published: October 2016

The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with a high diversity and endemism of amphibians. The endemic, stream-dwelling Kandian torrent toadAdenomus kandianusis Critically Endangered and was considered to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2012. The species is now known from two localities in tropical montane forests. We conducted a 4-year study using transect surveys and opportunistic excursions to assess habitat associations, demographics and abundance ofA. kandianusin and around Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest. We recorded a mean of 44.25 post-metamorphs per year, with a density of < 1 individual per 100 m2, with occurrence within a narrow extent (c. 0.005 km2) of the stream channel. Behaviour and microhabitat selection varied depending on sex and stage of maturity. The species preferred moderately sized montane streams with rocky substrates and woody debris, colder temperatures, and closed-canopy, intact riparian forests. We noted size-based reversed sexual dimorphism and a strong ontogenetic relationship between snout–vent length and body weight. Anthropogenic activities such as intensive crop farming deterred the species; proximity to croplands had a negative influence on abundance. We recommend re-delineation of the boundary of Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest to incorporate the toad's habitat into the core of the reserve and thus limit the impacts of human activities. Conservation and management actions such as ex-situ breeding, population monitoring, and restoration of degraded habitats could also contribute towards the persistence of this toad. Our findings provide useful insights into ecological research on and conservation of range-restricted aquatic amphibians.
Recent and future threats to the Endangered Cuban toad Peltophryne longinasus: potential additive impacts of climate change and habitat loss
Authors: Cobos Marlon E. , Alonso Bosch Roberto
Published: October 2016

Habitat loss and climate change are major threats to amphibian species worldwide. We combined niche modelling under various climatic scenarios with analysis of habitat loss and the appropriateness of Cuban protected areas to identify major risk zones for the Endangered Cuban toad Peltophryne longinasus. Four subspecies with disjunct distributions associated with mountain forests are recognized. Our results suggest that the western subspecies, P. longinasus longinasus and P. longinasus cajalbanensis, are at risk from global warming, habitat degradation and potential additive effects. Peltophryne longinasus dunni, in central Cuba, has the lowest threat level related to climate change and habitat loss but could become increasingly threatened by the presence of the infectious disease chytridiomycosis. The eastern subspecies, P. longinasus ramsdeni, faces moderate impacts of climate change and habitat loss; however, low opportunity of migration to new areas and population decline justify a high threatened status for this subspecies. Our results predict minor temperature increases and precipitation decreases in the future. Nevertheless, at the biological level these changes could generate variations in species physiology, vocal behaviour and prey availability, and could probably increase the risk of predation. In Cuba protected areas have contributed to avoiding excessive forest loss but the potential impact of climate change was not considered in their original design. Our findings confirm that all subspecies of P. longinasus are threatened but management measures should be tailored according to the various predicted impacts.
How rare is rare? Quantifying and assessing the rarity of the bush dog Speothos venaticus across the Amazon and other biomes
Authors: de Oliveira Tadeu G. , Michalski Fernanda , Botelho André L. M. , Michalski Lincoln J. , Calouro Armando M. , Desbiez Arnaud L. J.
Published: October 2016

The bush dog Speothos venaticus is a medium-sized Neotropical canid. It is considered to be rare and its biology and population parameters are still poorly understood. The Amazon is one of the main strongholds of this species and is important for maintaining viable populations, as the region still holds extensive tracts of pristine habitat. We gathered field data from camera-trap studies throughout the Brazilian Amazon to estimate the relative abundance of the species and gain an understanding of its rarity, and how this compares with estimates from other vegetative formations and for sympatric hypercarnivores. We focused on three pristine or partially disturbed sites and one fragmented site. The estimated relative abundance of the species was 0.060–0.185 individuals per 100 trap-days, confirming that the species is rare. The bush dog's abundance in the Amazon is equivalent to that in all other areas outside the Basin. The mean group size recorded was c. 2.5 individuals. There were no differences in group sizes between forests in the Amazon and in other regions of Central America; however, there were significant differences between forests and open habitats. A combination of competition/predation, habitat structure/integrity, and disease may be acting synergistically in determining the abundance and rarity of bush dogs.
Are corridors good for tigersPanthera tigrisbut bad for people? An assessment of the Khata corridor in lowland Nepal
Authors: Wegge Per , Yadav Shailendra Kumar , Lamichhane Babu Ram
Published: October 2016

As part of a landscape-scale programme for conserving tigersPanthera tigristhe Khata corridor was established between Bardia National Park in Nepal and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India in early 2000. We examined its functionality by comparing the status of tigers and prey in the corridor and in the adjacent National Park, using camera trapping, transect sampling and diet analysis of scats. Tiger movement was inferred from the photographs, and tiger–human conflict was assessed by means of questionnaires and interviews. The corridor harboured transient individuals as well as resident, breeding tigers. Tigers with core areas in the corridor were also recorded in the two protected areas, and vice versa. Wild prey was 3–4 times more abundant in the area of the National Park bordering the corridor than in the corridor itself, and domestic livestock constituted 12–15% of the tigers’ food in the corridor. Livestock losses and human fatalities or injuries were relatively low compared to within the buffer zones of the National Parks. Despite such problems and restrictions on grazing and extraction of natural resources, local residents were generally positive towards tigers and the corridor. The successful establishment of the corridor and the positive attitudes of local people were attributable to community development programmes initiated to compensate for the imposed restrictions, financed by the government and national and international organizations. By linking Bardia National Park and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary via the Khata corridor, a protected tiger landscape of c. 3,000 km2was established in west-central Nepal and northern India.
Attitudes and perceived barriers to women participating in a proposed community-based conservation programme in Belize
Authors: Kaeser Amanda S. , Willcox Adam S. , Panti Nidia C.
Published: October 2016

Many global efforts to decrease deforestation have focused on community-based conservation programmes to reach their goals. However, many such programmes are lacking a potentially helpful population, women. We employed key-informant interviews to examine attitudes towards, and barriers to, women's participation in a community-based conservation programme prior to implementation. We conducted 47 semi-structured interviews in January 2015 in communities adjacent to the Vaca Forest Reserve in the Cayo District of Belize. Results indicated that the benefits of involving women in community-based conservation activities included them learning more about the forest and conservation, transferring this knowledge to their family and community, and helping the environment. Some possible barriers to participation included lack of time and motivation to participate. However, there were notable differences between men's and women's responses relating to women's available time and their willingness to participate, with men not mentioning time as a barrier and stating that women would need more motivation to participate. The results will be used to work with local women to collaboratively develop and implement a community-based conservation programme around the Vaca Forest Reserve.
Epidemiology and microbiological characterization of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in a single healthcare region of the UK, 2015
Authors: HORNER C. , UTSI L. , COOLE L. , DENTON M.
Published: October 2016

We investigated the epidemiology and characterization of isolates of Staphylococcus aureus within the Yorkshire and Humber (YH) region in the UK. In July 2015, each laboratory within YH (n = 14) was assigned two consecutive days during which all clinical isolates of S. aureus were collected. Isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibilities and the presence of genes encoding methicillin resistance (mecA and mecC), Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) (lukS-PV), and efflux-mediated chlorhexidine resistance (qacA); isolates were also characterized by spa-types. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to chlorhexidine were determined by the broth dilution method. Of 520 isolates collected, 6·2% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA, all mecA-positive) and mupirocin resistance was low [0·8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·3–2·0] and only found in MRSA. Carriage of the qacA gene was identified in 1·7% (95% CI 0·8–3·3) of isolates and 3·5% (95% CI 2·2–5·4) had a chlorhexidine MIC of 4 mg/l. The PVL gene was infrequent (3·7%, 95% CI 2·4–5·6). Genotyping identified 234 spa-types that mapped to 22 clonal complexes. Comparison of these current data with previous work suggest that the widespread use of staphylococcal decolonization regimens over the past decade or more has not had an adverse impact on resistance rates, PVL carriage or the prevalence of specific S. aureus lineages.
Meteorological factors affecting scrub typhus occurrence: a retrospective study of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, 1984–2014
Authors: SETO J. , SUZUKI Y. , NAKAO R. , OTANI K. , YAHAGI K. , MIZUTA K.
Published: October 2016

Climate change, by its influence on the ecology of vectors might affect the occurrence of vector-borne diseases. This study examines the effects of meteorological factors in Japan on the occurrence of scrub typhus, a mite-borne zoonosis caused byOrientia tsutsugamushi. Using negative binomial regression, we analysed the relationships between meteorological factors (including temperature, rainfall, snowfall) and spring–early summer cases of scrub typhus in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, during 1984–2014. The average temperature in July and August of the previous year, cumulative rainfall in September of the previous year, snowfall throughout the winter, and maximum depth of snow cover in January and February were positively correlated with the number of scrub typhus cases. By contrast, cumulative rainfall in July of the previous year showed a negative relationship to the number of cases. These associations can be explained by the life-cycle ofLeptotrombidium pallidum, a predominant vector of spring–early summer cases of scrub typhus in northern Japan. Our findings show that several meteorological factors are useful to estimate the number of scrub typhus cases before the endemic period. They are applicable to establish an early warning system for scrub typhus in northern Japan.
Full Speed Ahead? The Trente Glorieuses in a Rear View Mirror
Authors: GORDON DANIEL A.
Published: October 2016

It is a historiographical commonplace to portray France during the so-called Trente Glorieuses of economic expansion after the Liberation, especially during the last of those three decades ending in the 1973 oil crisis, as engaged heart and soul in a project of full-throttle modernisation. The Fifth Republic under Charles De Gaulle and Georges Pompidou rolled up its sleeves and set to work tackling the country's multifarious examples of historical backwardness. France ceased to be a nation of peasants, small-minded small business owners and bolshie workers, and instead dreamed of becoming one of confident technocrats, technicians and world-beating industrialists. Only after the end of the Trente Glorieuses, it is often assumed, did that dream of technologically based progress give way to greater scepticism, pessimism and environmental concern, for modernisation swept all before it until its assumptions were rudely challenged by the end of growth in October 1973 - or at least until they were by the political crisis of May 1968. While more critical perspectives on post-war modernisation are evident in recent historiography, notably on issues around planning in general and housing and the grands ensembles in particular, transport policy and the set of social experiences which it sought to shape have been relatively more marginal to our understanding. This review article seeks to explore how issues around transport, and their broader implications about the very nature of modern growth-oriented capitalist society, are leading the debate onto new terrain. The underlying purpose of several of the books under review is to cast doubt on the accepted narrative of the Trente Glorieuses. They do so, however, in two defiantly opposite directions: some defending the distinctly pro-car orientation of the post-war elites and others offering a more radical critique of this perspective.
Fontan completion in reverse order out of necessity: secondary Glenn after primary extracardiac inferior cavopulmonary artery connection
Authors: Dodge-Khatami Jannika , Aggarwal Avichal , Taylor Mary B. , Maposa Douglas , Salazar Jorge D. , Dodge-Khatami Ali
Published: October 2016

The primary extracardiac inferior cavopulmonary connection is an unusual novel palliation for single-ventricle physiology, which we first performed in the setting of unfavourable upper-body systemic venous anatomy for a standard bi-directional Glenn, and in lieu of leaving our patient with shunt-dependent physiology. After an initial 16-month satisfactory follow-up, increasing cyanosis led to the discovery of a veno-venous collateral that was coiled, but, more importantly, to impressive growth of a previously diminutive superior caval vein, which allowed us to perform completion Fontan with a good outcome. Performing the single-ventricle staging in a reverse manner, first from below with a primary inferior cavopulmonary connection, followed by Fontan completion from above with a standard superior caval vein bi-directional Glenn, is also possible when deemed necessary.