bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANTIPATTERNS FOR ARCHITECTURAL KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
Authors: NAVARRO ELENA , CUESTA CARLOS E. , PERRY DEWAYNE E. , GONZÁLEZ PASCUAL
Published: July 2013

Recent research on Software Architecture has recovered its original emphasis on keeping track of design decisions and their rationales during software development, compiling them under the name of architectural knowledge (AK). This knowledge is composed of decision assets, which relate to each other creating a decision network structure. We argue that relationships in these networks of AK contain valuable information, in particular when they describe negative semantics. We use antipatterns to exploit and manage these negative relationships systematically. After examining and classifying the kinds of AK relationships, we describe a method that enriches this network by means of antipattern structures. To show the feasibility and suitability of this approach, we provide a proof-of-concept by applying it to an existing process, ATRIUM, with a concrete example, the Gas Station metaphor. Results of the use of the presented approach into three different projects with different complexities show both its feasibility and applicability.
MATHEMATICAL EQUIVALENCE VERSUS PHYSICAL EQUIVALENCE BETWEEN EXTENDED THEORIES OF GRAVITATIONS
Authors: FATIBENE LORENZO , FRANCAVIGLIA MAURO
Published: July 2013

We shall show that although Palatini [Formula: see text]-theories are equivalent to Brans–Dicke theories, still the first pass the Mercury precession of perihelia test, while the second do not. We argue that the two models are not physically equivalent due to different assumptions about free fall. We shall also go through perihelia test without fixing a conformal gauge (clocks or rulers) in order to highlight what can be measured in a conformal invariant way and what cannot. We shall argue that the conformal gauge is broken by choosing a definition of clock, rulers or, equivalently, of masses.
Synthesis, characterization, and aggregation properties of functionalized polyfluorinated metallo-phthalocyanines
Authors: Özçeşmeci Mukaddes , Özkan Ebru , Hamuryudan Esin
Published: July 2013

The reaction of 4-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluorobenzyloxy)phthalonitrile with 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentanol leads to the formation of 4-[2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluoro-4′-(octafluoropentoxy) benzyloxy]-phthalonitrile. The reaction was achieved by regioselective substitution reaction of the p-fluorine atoms of pentafluorobenzyloxy group by perfluoroalkoxy group. The tetramerization of the new dinitrile derivative in the presence of zinc, cobalt, copper or manganese salts results in the corresponding phthalocyanines. The prepared compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV-vis, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, 19 F NMR and mass spectroscopies, consistent with the proposed structures. The influence of solvent and concentrations on the aggregation of the phthalocyanine complexes was studied by electronic spectroscopy.
INFLUENCE OF INITIAL TEMPERATURES ON THE COOLING OF Ag–Pd BIMETALLIC CLUSTERS VIA MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION
Authors: XIAO XUYANG , SHI DONGPING , XIA JIHONG , CHENG ZHENGFU
Published: July 2013

Atomic segregation in bimetallic clusters can influence the surface nucleation and also the structures of clusters. It is important to study the effect of atomic segregation on the structure. In this study, initial cooling temperatures were used to tune the atomic segregation ability. Molecular dynamics simulation with an embedded atom method was used to study the relationship between the structure and atomic segregation. It was found that the higher the initial cooling temperature, the more obvious the Ag atomic segregation. When the clusters cooled down from 800 K and 600 K, the clusters formed a mixed icosahedron due to the weak atomic segregation ability. When the initial cooling temperature is higher than 1200 K, all the Ag atoms segregated to the surface layer, the clusters formed a Pd – Ag -core–shell chemical ordering. For 1200 K initial temperature, the structure is decahedral. The clusters formed an fcc structure when the clusters cooled down from 2000 K, 1800 K, and 1500 K. When the clusters cooled down from 860 K and 900 K, not all the Ag atoms segregated to the surface layer, the clusters formed a core–shell chemical ordering with a mixed Pd – Ag core. But the structure of 860 K is twinned of icosahedron and decahedron and that of 900 K is decahedral. This means that the chemical orderings and structures were influenced by the atomic segregation.
Geochemistry, palaeoenvironments and timing of Aptian organic-rich beds of the Paja Formation (Curití, Eastern Cordillera, Colombia)
Authors: Gaona-Narvaez Tatiana , Maurrasse Florentin J.-M.R. , Etayo-Serna Fernando
Published: July 2013

At the Curití Quarry, Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, a 23.35 m section includes a 6.3 m interval of organic-rich marlstones, calcareous clay-shales and clay-shales devoid of benthic fossils and bioturbation, at the base of the Paja Formation. It overlies carbonate ramp deposits of the Rosablanca Formation, with the topmost layer containing reworked and phosphatized assemblages of middle Barremian to lowest Aptian ammonites of the genera
Pulchellia
,
Gerhardtia
,
Toxancycloceras
,
Karsteniceras
and
Prodeshayesites
. High-resolution analyses of the section, including total inorganic carbon (TIC, 0.09–50 wt%), total organic carbon (TOC, up to 8.4%) and stable carbon isotope measurements (δ
13
C
org
between −22.05‰ and −20.47‰) allow the determination of the stratigraphic relationship between the organic-rich level within the Paja Formation and Oceanic Anoxic Event-1a (OAE-1a). The range of values and the overall pattern of the δ
13
C
org
curve are comparable with the Lower Aptian interval C7. Thus, the organic-rich shale interval of the Paja Formation at the Curití section, showing characteristics of oxygen-depleted conditions, was deposited after OAE-1a, which is known to occur between isotopic levels C3 and C6.

Supplementary material:

TIC, TOC and Stable Carbon Isotope data at Curiti Section are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18634
Central administration of metformin into the third ventricle of C57BL/6 mice decreases meal size and number and activates hypothalamic S6 kinase
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ju , Park Eun-Young , Oh Mi-Jeong , Park Sung-Soo , Shin Kyung-Ho , Choi Sang-Hyun , Chun Boe-Gwun , Kim Dong-Hoon
Published: July 2013

Administration of metformin is known to reduce both body weight and food intake. Although the hypothalamus is recognized as a critical regulator of energy balance and body weight, there is currently no evidence for an effect of metformin in the hypothalamus. Therefore, we sought to determine the central action of metformin on energy balance and body weight, as well as its potential involvement with key hypothalamic energy sensors, including adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and S6 kinase (S6K). We used meal pattern analysis and a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) test and measured energy expenditure in C56BL/6 mice administered metformin (0, 7.5, 15, or 30 μg) into the third ventricle (I3V). Furthermore, we I3V-administered either control or metformin (30 μg) and compared the phosphorylation of AMPK and S6K in the mouse mediobasal hypothalamus. Compared with the control, I3V administration of metformin decreased body weight and food intake in a dose-dependent manner and did not result in CTA. Furthermore, the reduction in food intake induced by I3V administration of metformin was accomplished by decreases in both nocturnal meal size and number. Compared with the control, I3V administration of metformin significantly increased phosphorylation of S6K at Thr389 and AMPK at Ser485/491 in the mediobasal hypothalamus, while AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172 was not significantly altered. Moreover, I3V rapamycin pretreatment restored the metformin-induced anorexia and weight loss. These results suggest that the reduction in food intake induced by the central administration of metformin in the mice may be mediated by activation of S6K pathway.
Resveratrol supplementation improves white adipose tissue function in a depot-specific manner in Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Beaudoin Marie-Soleil , Snook Laelie A. , Arkell Alicia M. , Simpson Jeremy A. , Holloway Graham P. , Wright David C.
Published: July 2013

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic compound suggested to have anti-diabetic properties. Surprisingly, little is known regarding the effects of RSV supplementation on adipose tissue (AT) metabolism in vivo. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of RSV on mitochondrial content and respiration, glyceroneogenesis (GNG), and adiponectin secretion in adipose tissue from Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Five-week-old ZDF rats were fed a chow diet with (ZDF RSV) or without (ZDF chow) RSV (200 mg/kg body wt) for 6 wk. Changes in adipose tissue metabolism were assessed in subcutaneous (scAT) and intra-abdominal [retroperitoneal (rpWAT), epididymal (eWAT)] adipose tissue depots. ZDF RSV rats showed lower fasting glucose and higher circulating adiponectin, as well as lower glucose area under the curve during intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests than ZDF chow. [14C]pyruvate incorporation into triglycerides and adiponectin secretion were higher in scAT from ZDF RSV rats, concurrent with increases in adipose tissue triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and the phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase-E1α (PDH) (Ser293) protein content in this depot. Moreover, uncoupled mitochondrial respiration and complex I and II-supported respiration were increased in both scAT and rpWAT, which correlated with increases in cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX4) protein content. In vitro treatment of scAT with RSV (50 μmol/l; 24 h) induced pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mRNA expression. Collectively, these data demonstrate that RSV can induce adipose tissue mitochondrial biogenesis in parallel with increases in GNG and adiponectin secretion.
Increasing cGMP-dependent protein kinase I activity attenuates cisplatin-induced kidney injury through protection of mitochondria function
Authors: Maimaitiyiming Hasiyeti , Li Yanzhang , Cui Wenpeng , Tong Xiaopeng , Norman Heather , Qi Xinyu , Wang Shuxia
Published: July 2013

Cisplatin is widely used to treat malignancies. However, its major limitation is the development of dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. The precise mechanisms of cisplatin-induced kidney damage remain unclear, and the renoprotective agents during cisplatin treatment are still lacking. Here, we demonstrated that the expression and activity of cGMP-dependent protein kinase-I (PKG-I) were reduced in cisplatin-treated renal tubular cells in vitro as well as in the kidney tissues from cisplatin-treated mice in vivo. Increasing PKG activity by both pharmacological and genetic approaches attenuated cisplatin-induced kidney cell apoptosis in vitro. This was accompanied by decreased Bax/Bcl2 ratio, caspase 3 activity, and cytochrome c release. Cisplatin-induced mitochondria membrane potential loss in the tubular cells was also prevented by increased PKG activity. All of these data suggest a protective effect of PKG on mitochondria function in renal tubular cells. Importantly, increasing PKG activity pharmacologically or genetically diminished cisplatin-induced tubular damage and preserved renal function during cisplatin treatment in vivo. Mitochondria structural and functional damage in the kidney from cisplatin-treated mice was inhibited by increased PKG activity. In addition, increasing PKG activity enhanced ciaplatin-induced cell death in several cancer cell lines. Taken together, these results suggest that increasing PKG activity may be a novel option for renoprotection during cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Renal ischemia-reperfusion induces a dysbalance of angiopoietins, accompanied by proliferation of pericytes and fibrosis
Authors: Khairoun Meriem , van der Pol Pieter , de Vries Dorottya K. , Lievers Ellen , Schlagwein Nicole , de Boer Hetty C. , Bajema Ingeborg M. , Rotmans Joris I. , van Zonneveld Anton Jan , Rabelink Ton J. , van Kooten Cees , Reinders Marlies E. J.
Published: July 2013

Endothelial cells (ECs) are highly susceptible to hypoxia and easily affected upon ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) during renal transplantation. Pericytes and angiopoeitins play important role in modulating EC function. In the present study, we investigate the effect of renal I/R on the dynamics of angiopoietin expression and its association with pericytes and fibrosis development. Male Lewis rats were subjected to unilateral renal ischemia for 45 min followed by removal of the contralateral kidney. Rats were killed at different time points after reperfusion. Endothelial integrity (RECA-1), pericytes [platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β)], angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2)/angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) expression, and interstitial collagen deposition (Sirius red and α-smooth muscle actin) were assessed using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Our study shows an increase in protein expression of Ang-2 starting at 5 h and remaining elevated up to 72 h, with a consequently higher Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio after renal I/R ( P < 0.05 at 48 h). This was accompanied by an increase in protein expression of the pericytic marker PDGFR-β and a loss of ECs (both at 72 h after I/R, P < 0.05). Nine weeks after I/R, when renal function was restored, we observed normalization of the Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio and PDGFR-β expression and increase in cortical ECs, which was accompanied by fibrosis. Renal I/R induces a dysbalance of Ang-2/Ang-1 accompanied by proliferation of pericytes, EC loss, and development of fibrosis. The Ang-2/Ang-1 balance was reversed to baseline at 9 wk after renal I/R, which coincided with restoration of cortical ECs and pericytes. Our findings suggest that angiopoietins and pericytes play an important role in renal microvascular remodeling and development of fibrosis.
Comparing of Different Methods for Prevention Stone Migration During Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy
Authors: Sen Haluk , Bayrak Omer , Erturhan Sakip , Urgun Gokhan , Kul Seval , Erbagci Ahmet , Seckiner Ilker
Published: July 2013

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of Stone Cone™, PercSys and lidocaine jelly instillation to prevent stone migration during ureterorenoscopy (URS). Materialsand Methods: One hundred patients who underwent URS for proximal ureteral stones between 2007 and 2012 were evaluated prospectively. The patients were divided into four groups consecutively. The control group (Group I) consisted of the 25 consecutive patients, in whom no device or method was used to prevent stone migration. Group II consisted of 25 patients treated with the Stone Cone, group III consisted of 25 patients treated with PercSys, and group IV consisted of 25 patients treated with lidocaine jelly instillation. Results: The migration rates were 4.5% in group II, 8.7% in group III, 21.7% in group IV, and 31.8% in group I. The migration rate was found to be statistically significantly lower in the groups treated with the Stone Cone and PercSys compared to the control group (p = 0.014, p = 0.048). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the lidocaine jelly group and the control group in terms of migration rates (p = 0.444). Conclusions: Our results suggested that the Stone Cone and PercSys were the most successful methods with significantly low migration rates (4.5 and 8.7%, respectively).
Intracellular Dyssynchrony of Diastolic Cytosolic [Ca
2+
] Decay in Ventricular Cardiomyocytes in Cardiac Remodeling and Human Heart Failure
Authors: Hohendanner Felix , Ljubojević Senka , MacQuaide Niall , Sacherer Michael , Sedej Simon , Biesmans Liesbeth , Wakula Paulina , Platzer Dieter , Sokolow Sophie , Herchuelz André , Antoons Gudrun , Sipido Karin , Pieske Burkert , Heinzel Frank R.
Published: July 2013

Rationale
:

Synchronized release of Ca
2+
into the cytosol during each cardiac cycle determines cardiomyocyte contraction.

Objective:

We investigated synchrony of cytosolic [Ca
2+
] decay during diastole and the impact of cardiac remodeling.

Methods and Results:

Local cytosolic [Ca
2+
] transients (1-µm intervals) were recorded in murine, porcine, and human ventricular single cardiomyocytes. We identified intracellular regions of slow (slowCaR) and fast (fastCaR) [Ca
2+
] decay based on the local time constants of decay (TAU
local
). The SD of TAU
local
as a measure of dyssynchrony was not related to the amplitude or the timing of local Ca
2+
release. Stimulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase with forskolin or istaroxime accelerated and its inhibition with cyclopiazonic acid slowed TAU
local
significantly more in slowCaR, thus altering the relationship between SD of TAU
local
and global [Ca
2+
] decay (TAU
global
). Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchanger inhibitor SEA0400 prolonged TAU
local
similarly in slowCaR and fastCaR. FastCaR were associated with increased mitochondrial density and were more sensitive to the mitochondrial Ca
2+
uniporter blocker Ru360. Variation in TAU
local
was higher in pig and human cardiomyocytes and higher with increased stimulation frequency (2 Hz). TAU
local
correlated with local sarcomere relengthening. In mice with myocardial hypertrophy after transverse aortic constriction, in pigs with chronic myocardial ischemia, and in end-stage human heart failure, variation in TAU
local
was increased and related to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and increased mitochondrial density.

Conclusions:

In cardiomyocytes, cytosolic [Ca
2+
] decay is regulated locally and related to local sarcomere relengthening. Dyssynchronous intracellular [Ca
2+
] decay in cardiac remodeling and end-stage heart failure suggests a novel mechanism of cellular contractile dysfunction.
Unexpected Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Ghebremariam Yohannes T. , LePendu Paea , Lee Jerry C. , Erlanson Daniel A. , Slaviero Anna , Shah Nigam H. , Leiper James , Cooke John P.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are gastric acid–suppressing agents widely prescribed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recently, several studies in patients with acute coronary syndrome have raised the concern that use of PPIs in these patients may increase their risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The mechanism of this possible adverse effect is not known. Whether the general population might also be at risk has not been addressed.

Methods and Results—

Plasma asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Elevated plasma ADMA is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, likely because of its attenuation of the vasoprotective effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. We find that PPIs elevate plasma ADMA levels and reduce nitric oxide levels and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in a murine model and ex vivo human tissues. PPIs increase ADMA because they bind to and inhibit dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase, the enzyme that degrades ADMA.

Conclusions—

We present a plausible biological mechanism to explain the association of PPIs with increased major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with unstable coronary syndromes. Of concern, this adverse mechanism is also likely to extend to the general population using PPIs. This finding compels additional clinical investigations and pharmacovigilance directed toward understanding the cardiovascular risk associated with the use of the PPIs in the general population.
Behavioural synchrony in two species of communally housed captive penguins
Authors: Foerder Preston , Chodorow Martin , Moore Donald E.
Published: July 2013

Animals in aggregations such as herds, schools, flocks, or colonies tend to synchronize their behaviour with each other for food acquisition and predator detection. Different species of captive penguins, when housed communally, intermingle more than in their natural habitat. Wild penguins typically divide themselves into separate colonies by species. We predicted that penguins would synchronize their behaviour more with conspecifics rather than interspecifically in a mixed-species zoo exhibit. The subjects were 65 penguins of two different species, chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarctica) and gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) in the Central Park Zoo, New York, NY, USA. Using instantaneous scan sampling, 359 video scans were taken over 10 days. Scans were analysed for nine different categories of behaviour for both species. Intra-species synchrony scores were calculated using the Kappa coefficient of agreement, and inter-species synchrony was measured by computing cross-correlations. As predicted, overall synchrony was significantly greater within both species of penguins than for randomly aggregated data representing mixed groups. There was also significantly less synchrony between species than between randomly mixed data for six of the nine behaviour categories. The pattern of results indicates that the penguins had organized by behaviour into separate species-specific colonies within the enclosure. They maintained species separation through behavioural synchrony despite the restrictions imposed by captivity.
How is model selection determined in a vocal mimic?: Tests of five hypotheses
Authors: Gammon David E.
Published: July 2013

Many animal species imitate the sounds of other species, but we know little about why vocal mimics copy some species while failing to copy other species, i.e., ‘model selection’. In this observational study of free-living northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos), I tested five hypotheses of model selection: (1) Proximity hypothesis: preferential imitation of species found in close proximity to the vocal mimic, (2) Aggression hypothesis: preferential imitation of species with which the mimic interacts aggressively, (3) Passive sampling hypothesis: preferential imitation of species heard frequently by the mimic, (4) Acoustic similarity hypothesis: preferential imitation of species whose sounds are acoustically similar to the non-imitative songs of the vocal mimic and (5) Alarm hypothesis: preferential imitation of alarm-associated vocalisations. The data supported only the acoustic similarity hypothesis. Given that this hypothesis has been supported in two additional mimicking lineages, it suggests a potential non-adaptive explanation for the evolution of vocal mimicry. Species that learn vocalisations are already predisposed toward learning sounds with key acoustic characteristics. Whenever natural selection favours a widening of the auditory template that guides model selection, vocal imitation of heterospecifics becomes more likely because of ‘learning mistakes’.
Sudhausia aristotokia n. gen., n. sp. and S. crassa n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Diplogastridae): viviparous new species with precocious gonad development
Authors: Herrmann Matthias , Ragsdale Erik J. , Kanzaki Natsumi , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: July 2013

Two new species of diplogastrid nematodes,Sudhausia aristotokian. gen., n. sp. andS. crassan. gen., n. sp., were isolated from dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Ghana and South Africa, respectively.Sudhausian. gen. is circumscribed by stomatal morphology, namely the presence of a tube-shaped gymnostom, a pair of conical subventral denticles in the metastegostom, and a disk-like telostegostom bearing minute conical denticles. Other characters distinguishing the new genus are the presence of a bursa in the male and a vulva lined anteriorly and posteriorly by columns of sac-like cells. The two new species, both of which are hermaphroditic, are distinguished from each other by spicule and gubernaculum morphology, male papillae arrangement, bursal shape, vaginal morphology, and phasmid position. A suite of unusual developmental traits that distinguishesSudhausian. spp. includes maturation of the gonad and development of juvenile progeny before moulting to adulthood, a two-fold increase in embryo size during development, and constitutive vivipary. A phylogeny inferred from 11 ribosomal protein-coding genes and a fragment of the small subunit rRNA gene showSudhausian. gen. to be divergent from other sequenced diplogastrid taxa, including those characterised by a tube-like stoma. The two new species represent useful new reference points for the study of feeding-structure evolution in Diplogastridae.
Efficacy of sedimentation basins of a nematology laboratory in retaining plant-parasitic nematodes
Authors: Hallmann Johannes , Niere Björn
Published: July 2013

Laboratories working with regulated plant-parasitic nematodes need to ensure that those nematodes are contained within the quarantine facility. Solid or liquid waste produced during the nematode extraction process has to be deposited in such a way that there is no risk of nematodes spreading. Autoclaving works well for solid waste but uses substantial amounts of energy and thus is often considered too expensive for the enormous amount of wastewater accumulating during nematode extraction. Therefore, there is considerable interest in using less energy-consuming alternatives, such as sedimentation basins. However, published information on the efficacy of sedimentation basins in retaining plant-parasitic nematodes is almost non-existent. In this study, the efficacy of a three-step sedimentation system under routine and artificially nematode-enriched conditions was investigated. Under all experimental conditions, nematode cysts or part of cysts were never found to escape the sedimentation system. This also accounts for plant-parasitic nematodes (eggs and vermiform stages) during routine operation. However, under artificially nematode-enriched conditions (supply of up to several million nematodes) and maximum water flow rates, single specimens of plant-parasitic nematodes were detected in the effluent of the last sedimentation basin that feeds into the closed municipal sewage system. Although wastewater treatment was not investigated in this study, the combination of a system of sedimentation basins plus subsequent wastewater treatment in sewage plants is considered a cost-effective method to contain plant-parasitic nematodes during routine operation.
Is the Homo Ludens Cheerful and Serious at the Same Time? An Empirical Study of Hugo Rahner's Notion of Ernstheiterkeit
Authors: Proyer René T. , Rodden Frank A.
Published: July 2013

The theologian Hugo Rahner argued that the homo ludens is a man of ‘Ernstheiterkeit’ (serious-cheerfulness), a person who can smile under tears but also recognizes the gravity in all earthly cheerfulness. The primary aim of this study was to test the validity of this notion: Do homines ludentes exist? Two hundred sixty-three adult subjects were measured for (1) seriousness and cheerfulness and (2) playfulness. Results provided unequivocal support for Rahner's thesis. Numerous subjects scored high in both seriousness and cheerfulness thus confirming the existence of homines ludentes. It was further found that these subjects were among those scoring highest in playfulness. Subjects scoring high in cheerfulness but low in seriousness were, however, even more closely associated with playfulness. The scores for homines ludentes did not differ from the rest of the subjects in the creative and dynamic facets of playfulness. The importance of developing empirical research to investigate hypotheses derived from non-scientific concepts is discussed.
Description of two new Discocelis species (Polycladida: Acotylea: Discocelidae) from the Persian Gulf with a review of the genus
Authors: MAGHSOUDLOU ABDOLVAHAB , RAHIMIAN HASSAN
Published: July 2013

Two new polyclad species, from northern intertidal zone and shallow rocky shores of the Persian Gulf, Discocelis persica sp. nov. and Discocelis hollemani sp. nov., are described. D. persica possesses a thick and broadly oval body tapering somewhat posteriorly, without any obvious color pattern; with marginal eyes extended around the anterior margin of the body; cerebral eyes forming two clusters, each further subdivided into anterior and posterior groups, about 100 eyespots at the anterior group and 55 eyespots at the posterior groups; mouth at the posterior end of the pharynx; male atrium with three to four distinct lobes, with numerous prostatoid organs of two distinct sizes, without villus-like projections; and with a horseshoe-shaped Lang’s vesicle. D. hollemani characterized by a thick and broadly oval body, not tapering antro-pos-teriorly, without any obvious color pattern; marginal eyes extended to the vicinity of the posterior end of pharynx; the ce-rebral eyes forming two clusters, each further subdivided into anterior and posterior groups in relation to the cerebral organ, about 50 eyespots at the anterior group and 20 eyespots at the posterior groups; mouth at the posterior end of the pharynx; the male atrium with two distinct lobes, with numerous prostatoids of two distinct sizes and different contents; villus-like projections absent, and with a horseshoe-shaped Lang’s vesicle.
New Uropodine mites from Tanzania (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: KONTSCHÁN JENŐ , STARÝ JOSEF
Published: July 2013

Three new species and one new genus of Uropodina from Tanzania are described and illustrated. They include the second species of the genus Bloszykiella Kontschán, 2010, Bloszykiella grebennikovi sp. nov., and the resurrection and re-defini-tion of the genus Spinosissuropoda Hirschmann, 1979, with description of a new species, Spinosissuropoda tanzanica sp. nov. Five species of Uropoda are transferred into the genus Spinosissuropoda – S. solarissima (Hirschmann, 1981) comb. nov., S. ancoraesimilis (Hirschmann, 1981) comb. nov., S. pocsi (Hirschmann, 1981) comb. nov., S. ancorae (Hirschmann, 1981) comb. nov. and S. alata (Hirschmann, 1981) comb. nov. A new monotypic genus, Afrodinychus gen. nov., is described and compared with the related genus Metadinychus Berlese, 1916.
Climate Changes of Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Formation Derived from Twentieth-Century Reanalysis
Authors: Wang Ruifang , Wu Liguang
Published: July 2013

Whereas some studies linked the enhanced tropical cyclone (TC) formation in the North Atlantic basin to the ongoing global warming, other studies attributed it to the warm phase of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO). Using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR) dataset, the present study reveals the distinctive spatial patterns associated with the influences of the AMO and global warming on TC formation in the North Atlantic basin.

Two leading empirical orthogonal function (EOF) patterns are identified in the climate change of TC formation on time scales longer than interannual. The first pattern is associated with the AMO and its spatial pattern shows the basin-scale enhancement of TC formation during the AMO positive phase. The second pattern is associated with global warming, showing enhanced TC formation in the east tropical Atlantic (5°–20°N, 15°–40°W) and reduced TC formation from the southeast coast of the United States extending southward to the Caribbean Sea. In the warm AMO phase, the basinwide decrease in vertical wind shear and increases in midlevel relative humidity and maximum potential intensity (MPI) favor the basinwide enhancement of TC formation. Global warming suppresses TC formation from the southeast coast of the United States extending southward to the Caribbean Sea through enhancing vertical wind shear and reducing midlevel relative humidity and MPI. The enhanced TC formation in the east tropical Atlantic is due mainly to a local increase in MPI or sea surface temperature (SST), leading to a close relationship between the Atlantic SST and TC activity over the past decades.
Scientific Assessment of the SWIFT Instrument Design
Authors: Rahnama Peyman , Gault William A. , McDade Ian C. , Shepherd Gordon G.
Published: July 2013

The Stratospheric Wind Interferometer for Transport Studies (SWIFT) is a proposed satellite instrument. SWIFT is an imaging field-widened Doppler Michelson interferometer. It observes a thermal IR atmospheric emission line in a limb-viewing geometry in order to measure stratospheric winds and stratospheric ozone concentration profiles with global coverage during both day and night. SWIFT has the capability of improving the knowledge of the dynamics of the stratosphere and global distribution of and global transport of ozone. The target wind and ozone accuracies are 3 m s−1 and 5%–10%, respectively. The instrument is a follow up to the highly successful Canada–France Wind-Imaging Interferometer (WINDII) instrument on NASA's Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). To assess the suitability of the method of Doppler imaging Michelson interferometry for the measurement of stratospheric wind and ozone using the SWIFT instrument, a scientific assessment of the instrument performance was undertaken using forward and inverse modeling and error analyses. This paper is aimed at determining the technical and scientific feasibility of the SWIFT instrument and its ability to meet the science requirements. This paper also briefly describes the SWIFT experiment, the data retrieval algorithms, and technical challenges in stratospheric wind measurements. Meeting the wind accuracy requirement imposes tight requirements on instrument thermal stability, filter monitoring, and determination of reference phase calibration. The SWIFT instrument design shows a strong level of dependence on the knowledge of atmospheric N2O concentration. The presence of N2O as an interfering species degrades the SWIFT performance at all altitudes with the largest impact especially for altitudes below 30 km.
The Relative Role of Imports and Exports in Explaining Productivity of Indian Bio-Pharmaceutical Firms: Evidence from Non Parametric Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Ghose Arpita , Chakraborti Chandrima
Published: July 2013

This article estimates total factor productivity growth of eighteen Indian bio-pharmaceutical firms for the period 2000–2009, using Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) and non-parametric, Data-Envelopment-Approach. The measured MPI is decomposed to separate the contributions of technical change, technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change of each of the firm. The article also explains for determinants of productivity taking into account the role of net exports, Research and Development, Advertisement and Marketing intensity, age and size of the firm. Estimation results suggest that most of the firms show improved performance of productivity growth rate during this post liberalization period. A second stage panel regression reveals that net exports have positive role in explaining MPI of the firms, assigning greater role to exports as compared to imports in fostering productivity. The other positive and significant determinants of MPI are Research and Development intensity, Advertisement intensity, the age and the size of the firm.
Manufacturing Exports and Policy Formulations
Authors: Padhi Satya Prasad
Published: July 2013

The paper follows a methodology where exports are seen as the endogenous outcome of cost reduction practices in the domestic economy characterized by greater industrial differentiation and specialization; it is this competitiveness in the domestic environment that guides exports and induces the support bases such as infrastructure, human capital formation, R&D, etc., not the other way around. On the other hand, the actual behaviours of Indian manufacturing exports (and productivity growth) could be seen as mere (passive) adjustments to demand conditions created by liberalization of trade (exchange rate adjustments), which shifts the focus to an analysis of as to why big corporate firms, despite evidence of periodic productivity growth, could not sustain exports growth (and productivity growth). The focus then is on the nature of productivity growth. Lack of exports could be due to the fact that the observed productivity growth in India could be a reflection of increasing returns to scale phenomenon that (i) takes place with given technology (and endowments, preferences, etc., remain the same) and (ii) could be associated with higher market power, reducing export competitiveness.
Moderators of Correctional Treatment Success
Authors: Spiropoulos Georgia V. , Salisbury Emily J. , Van Voorhis Patricia
Published: July 2013

An important area in correctional rehabilitation research is to better understand how offenders differentially respond to correctional treatments. Potential treatment moderators forwarded in the literature are gender, race/ethnicity, and personality types. This exploratory study asked whether a group of parolees had demographic and personality moderators of treatment and, if so, were the moderating influences different by race? An experimental design was used to randomly assign a sample of 937 male parolees ( n = 658 African American, n = 279 White) to the experimental group that received the cognitive-behavioral treatment program and the control group that did not. Discrete-time event history analysis independently tested the program-moderating effects of demographic and personality characteristics (age, prior employment status, educational attainment, marital status, social class, risk of recidivism, prior violence, IQ, reading level, cognitive maturity, personality type, residential urbanization) on recidivism for African American and White parolees. This study found that the age group and personality type of the parolees interacted with the cognitive-behavioral program in ways that created racially disparate recidivism outcomes.
Patricide and Steppatricide Victims and Offenders
Authors: Heide Kathleen M.
Published: July 2013

Almost all of the literature on male parricide victims focuses on fathers killed with only little information available on stepparents killed. This study is the first to compare the victim, offender, and case correlates in incidents when fathers and stepfathers were killed. Supplementary Homicide Report data were used for the period 1976 to 2007 to investigate similarities and differences between the two male victim parricide types in the United States. Similarities between fathers and stepfathers included more than 80% of fathers and stepfathers were killed in single victim, single offender homicides. Their killers were adult sons and stepsons in more than 70% of the cases. Juvenile offenders were significantly less likely to be involved in the killings of fathers and stepfathers in more recent years. Significant differences emerged with respect to age and weapon use in the killings of fathers and stepfathers. Stepfathers and stepchildren, relative to fathers and their offspring, were significantly younger. Juvenile offenders were significantly more likely than their adult counterparts to use firearms to kill fathers (79% vs. 54%) and stepfathers (72% vs. 58%). Significant gender differences in weapons used to kill fathers were found among juvenile and adult offenders, with males more likely to use firearms than females. Reasons for the possible differences are discussed in the conclusion.
Occupational and environmental lead exposure to adolescent workers in battery recycling workshops
Authors: Kazi Tasneem Gul , Shah Faheem , Afridi Hassan Imran , Naeemullah
Published: July 2013

Lead (Pb), as other environmental neurotoxicant substances, has the capability to interfere with many biochemical events present in cells throughout the body. In the present study, the environmental and occupational exposure to Pb has been assessed by analyzing the scalp hair samples of male adolescents aged 12–15 years, who have worked for the last 12–36 months in Pb battery recycling workshops (BRWs). For comparative purposes, gender and age-matched subjects living in the vicinity of recycling workshops as well as in areas without industrial activity were used as controls. The scalp hair samples were oxidized by acid in a microwave oven prior to determination of Pb by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that both workers and nonworking exposed subjects had higher levels of Pb than nonexposed controls. The contents of Pb in scalp hair of adolescent workers in the present study were compared with those reported in other studies.
Unpacking Corruption
Authors: Bagashka Tanya
Published: July 2013

Unpacking corruption has advantages over using aggregate measures of corruption when theory generates different predictions about the effects of political institutions on different kinds of corruption. We take advantage of the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance surveys conducted in 1999, 2002, and 2005 to investigate the effect of veto players on state capture and bureaucratic corruption in the postcommunist countries. According to our results, a greater number of veto players is associated with less state capture. By contrast, the number of veto players does not have a significant impact on bureaucratic corruption.
Simulation and hardware implementation of a hill-climbing modified fuzzy-logic for maximum power point tracking with direct control method using boost converter
Authors: Liu Liqun , Liu Chunxia , Wang Jianan , Kong Yigang
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the simulation and hardware implementation of a hill-climbing (HC) modified fuzzy-logic (FL) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control scheme used in photovoltaic (PV) power systems with the direct control method. The conventional HC method is used to improve the FL search method and eliminate their drawbacks. The main difference of the proposed method to the existing MPPT control method includes that it offers fast and accurate tracking to the maximum power point under uniform radiation or partial shading conditions as compared to the conventional FL method, and it eliminates the proportional-integral control loop. Contributions are made in several aspects such as converter design, simulation, controller programming, and experimental setup. Simulation and experimentation results are provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed hill-climbing modified fuzzy-logic controller.
The management of viper bites on the hand
Authors: Ince B. , Gundeslioglu A. O.
Published: July 2013

The management of Viperidae snake bites of the hand is discussed from an assessment of the results of snake bite treatments in our clinic. Between 2010 and 2012, 23 patients presenting with venomous snake bites were admitted. None of the patients received a blood transfusion or underwent fasciotomy. There were no severe sensitivity reactions owing to the snake antivenom; however, one patient required a surgical procedure. Repetition of antivenom therapy is necessary to decrease the complication rate in patients with venomous snake bites. Moreover, the use of a peripheral vasodilator may decrease the complication rates in cases where the bite is on the digits.
Off-Label Drug Use in a Single-Center Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Maltz Lily A. , Klugman Darren , Spaeder Michael C. , Wessel David L.
Published: July 2013

Background:

The frequency of off-label drug use and its association with morbidity and mortality in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) has not been previously studied.

Methods:

Patients less than 18 years of age admitted to the CICU from June to August 2008 were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics were collected for 30 days or until CICU discharge. Off-label drug use was defined as the prescription of a medication that lacked a labeled indication based on patient’s age as reported in the Micromedex drug database and electronic Physician’s Desk Reference.

Results:

Eighty-two patients were admitted to the CICU during the study period. In all, 40 (46%) patients were male; the median age was 10.6 months. Common diagnoses were left-to-right shunt lesions (20.7%) and single-ventricle lesions (20.7%), with an overall mortality of 2.4%. Of all drugs prescribed, 36% were off-label. In all, 94% of the patients received ≥1 drug off-label. The median number of drugs prescribed off-label was four. Patients receiving more than four off-label medications were younger, had longer CICU lengths of stay (median 9.5 vs 2 days, P < .001), and increased ventilator days (median two vs one day, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Off-label drug use in the CICU is common. Frequency of use is likely higher in patients with a higher severity of illness. Further safety, efficacy, and pharmaceutical trials are warranted to optimize the use of these drugs to improve outcomes.
Esophageal Perforation Associated With Fontan Operation
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Provenzano Sylvio , Alphonso Nelson , Karl Tom R.
Published: July 2013

A 10-year-old girl with unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect and aortic arch interruption with interrupted inferior vena cava and dextrocardia had undergone a modified Norwood procedure followed by a Kawashima operation in 2002 and 2005, respectively. In 2012, she underwent Fontan operation with diversion of hepatic veins to left pulmonary artery. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used. She was noted to have an esophageal perforation, diagnosed on the 10th postoperative day. She was managed with thoracic drainage, cervical esophagostomy, and feeding jejunostomy. Esophageal perforation is a rare complication of TEE and requires very aggressive treatment.
Off-Pump LIMA-RIMA Y Graft
Authors: Nambala Sathyaki , Babu Balram , Kumar Nalkunda Kyathaplar Sunil , Rajani Indira
Published: July 2013

A 29-year-old female was diagnosed to have adult-type anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). She underwent a two-coronary system repair using left internal mammary artery and right internal mammary artery Y (LIMA-RIMA Y) off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and made an uneventful postoperative recovery. The usage of off-pump LIMA-RIMA Y graft can be a suitable option for adult ALCAPA with a potential for good long-term outcomes.
Influence of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene compatibiliser on the tensile, oxygen barrier and thermal properties of rice husk and nanoclay-filled low-density polyethylene composite films
Authors: Majeed Khaliq , Hassan Azman , Bakar Aznizam Abu
Published: July 2013

Rice husk and nanoclay (montmorillonite)-filled low-density polyethylene composite films were prepared by extrusion blown film. Maleic anhydride-modified polyethylene was used as compatibiliser in various concentrations ranging from 0 to 8 parts per hundred. X-ray difractograms showed an increase in interlayer spacing of montmorillonite from the use of compatibiliser when compared to the uncompatibilised composites; an increase of 20, 33, 36 and 38% for 2, 4, 6 and 8 parts per hundred, respectively, of maleic anhydride-modified polyethylene. With the incorporation of maleic anhydride-modified polyethylene, a better dispersion of the fillers was also achieved, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The compatibilised composite films showed improved tensile and barrier properties. The addition of 4 parts per hundred of the compatibiliser resulted in an improvement by 22% in tensile strength. Furthermore, oxygen barrier property of the composite films improved more than twofold by adding 4 parts per hundred of maleic anhydride-modified polyethylene. This improvement in tensile and barrier properties is due to an increase in the interfacial adhesion between the fibre and matrix and better dispersion of impermeable nanoparticles.