bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HUMAN CAPITAL AND ENERGY: A DRIVER OR DRAG FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: CHANG YOUNGHO , FANG ZHENG , HAMORI SHIGEYUKI
Published: September 2017

This paper examines a causal relationship between energy consumption, human capital and GDP for the ASEAN-5 (namely, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines) over the period 1965–2011. It differs from the existing energy-growth nexus literature greatly by taking into consideration the role of human capital across countries. Both the single-equation estimation and the Johansen’s cointegration analysis suggest the presence of a long-run relationship among these variables. The exclusion test finds that human capital is a crucial factor in the cointegration space as much as conventional inputs of physical capital; and energy seems to play a less important role when human capital increases, indicating a possible substitution effect between the two variables. Using the Toda–Yamamoto test, it finds no long-run Granger causal link between energy use and economic development in the two net energy-exporter countries Malaysia and Indonesia and the city state Singapore, while in the Philippines economic growth Granger causes energy use and in Thailand a feedback effect is identified. Based on these results, policy implications are drawn.
N-dark–dark solitons for the coupled higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equations in optical fibers
Authors: Zhang Hai-Qiang , Wang Yue
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we construct the binary Darboux transformation on the coupled higher-order dispersive nonlinear Schrödinger equations in optical fibers. We present the N-fold iterative transformation in terms of the determinants. By the limit technique, we derive the N-dark–dark soliton solutions from the non-vanishing background. Based on the obtained solutions, we find that the collision mechanisms of dark vector solitons exhibit the standard elastic collisions in both two components.
The genus two class of graphs arising from rings
Authors: Asir T.
Published: September 2017

Given a commutative ring [Formula: see text] with identity [Formula: see text], its Jacobson graph [Formula: see text] is defined to be the graph in which the vertex set is [Formula: see text], and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text]. Here [Formula: see text] denotes the Jacobson radical of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the set of unit elements in [Formula: see text]. This paper investigates the genus properties of Jacobson graph. In particular, we determine all isomorphism classes of commutative rings whose Jacobson graph has genus two.
A Comparison of Eu-Doped α-Fe2O3 Nanotubes and Nanowires for Acetone Sensing
Authors: Cheng Yali , Wang Yifang , Zhang Jinbao , Li Haiying , Liu Li , Li Yu , Du Liting , Duan Haojie
Published: September 2017

Pure and Eu-doped (1.0, 3.0, 5.0[Formula: see text]wt.%) [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 (PFO and EFO) nanotubes and nanowires have been successfully synthesized through the combination of electrospinning and calcination techniques. The structures, morphologies and chemical compositions of the as-obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), respectively. To demonstrate the superior gas sensing performance of the doped nanotubes, a contrastive gas sensing study between PFO (EFO) nanotubes and nanowires was performed. It turned out that Eu doping could magnify the impact of morphology on gas sensitivity. Specifically, at the optimum operating temperature of 240[Formula: see text]C, the response value of PFO nanotubes to 100[Formula: see text]ppm acetone is slightly higher than that of nanowires (3.59/2.20). EFO (3.0[Formula: see text]wt.%) nanotubes have a response of 84.05, which is almost 2.7 times as high as that of nanowires (31.54). Moreover, they possess more rapid response/recovery time (11[Formula: see text]s and 36[Formula: see text]s, respectively) than nanowires (17[Formula: see text]s and 40[Formula: see text]s, respectively). The lowest detection limit for acetone is 0.1[Formula: see text]ppm and its response is 2.15. In addition, both of EFO nanotubes and nanowires sensors have a good linearity (0.1–500[Formula: see text]ppm) and favorable selectivity in acetone detection.
Investigation on relaxation phenomenon on sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) using complex impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Chakraborty Sudhangshu
Published: September 2017

The relaxation property of sodium silicate [Formula: see text] (SS) was investigated by complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) in a wide range of frequency (100[Formula: see text]kHz–5[Formula: see text]MHz) and temperature [Formula: see text]. Orthorhombic crystal phase was synthesized by a sintering process. The CIS study shows high complex impedance in low-frequency region due to strong dispersion and controls the relaxation mechanism of ions or cations in the crystal lattice. A decrease of the energy loss [Formula: see text] occurs with increasing frequency for all temperatures showing the normal behavior of SS. Relaxation time was calculated using the dielectric functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The temperature dependent relaxation plot follows the Arrhenius law, where the slope represents the activation energy.
The Matching Polytope has Exponential Extension Complexity
Authors: Rothvoss Thomas
Published: September 2017

A popular method in combinatorial optimization is to express polytopes
P
, which may potentially have exponentially many facets, as solutions of linear programs that use few extra variables to reduce the number of constraints down to a polynomial. After two decades of standstill, recent years have brought amazing progress in showing lower bounds for the so-called
extension complexity
, which for a polytope
P
denotes the smallest number of inequalities necessary to describe a higher-dimensional polytope
Q
that can be linearly projected on
P
.

However, the central question in this field remained wide open: can the
perfect matching polytope
be written as an LP with polynomially many constraints?

We answer this question negatively. In fact, the extension complexity of the perfect matching polytope in a complete
n
-node graph is 2

Ω (
n
)

. By a known reduction, this also improves the lower bound on the extension complexity for the TSP polytope from 2

Ω (√
n
)

to 2

Ω (
n
)

.
Precision Medicine Is Not Just Genomics: The Right Dose for Every Patient
Authors: Peck Richard W.
Published: September 2017

Genomics has helped to initiate the era of precision medicine, with some drugs now prescribed on the basis of molecular genetic tests that indicate which patients are likely to respond or should not receive a drug because of a high risk of adverse effects. However, for precision medicine to realize its potential, the patient's history, environment, and lifestyle must also be taken into account. Improving precision medicine requires a better understanding of the underlying reasons for the variability in drug response so as to better identify which drug or combination of drugs is likely to be most effective for an individual patient, along with consideration of the optimal dose or doses for that patient. Greater individualization of dose will be an important means to achieve more precise medicine and mitigate significant variability in drug response. Achieving this will require changes in how drugs are developed, approved, prescribed, monitored, and paid for. Each of these factors is discussed in this review.
Genomic Survey, Characterization, and Expression Profile Analysis of the SBP Genes in Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.)
Authors: Ali Hina , Liu Yanhui , Azam Syed Muhammad , Rahman Zia ur , Priyadarshani S. V. G. N. , Li Weimin , Huang Xinyu , Hu Bingyan , Xiong Junjie , Ali Umair , Qin Yuan
Published: September 2017

Gene expression is regulated by transcription factors, which play many significant developmental processes. SQUAMOSA promoter-binding proteins (SBP) perform a variety of regulatory functions in leaf, flower, and fruit development, plant architecture, and sporogenesis. 16 SBP genes were identified in pineapple and were divided into four groups on basis of phylogenetic analysis. Five paralogs in pineapple for SBP genes were identified with Ka/Ks ratio varied from 0.20 for AcSBP14 and AcSBP15 to 0.36 for AcSBP6 and AcSBP16, respectively. 16 SBP genes were located on 12 chromosomes out of 25 pineapple chromosomes with highly conserved protein sequence structures. The isoionic points of SBP ranged from 6.05 to 9.57, while molecular weight varied from 22.7 to 121.9 kD. Expression profiles of SBP genes revealed that AcSBP7 and AcSBP15 (leaf), AcSBP13, AcSBP12, AcSBP8, AcSBP16, AcSBP9, and AcSBP11 (sepal), AcSBP6, AcSBP4, and AcSBP10 (stamen), AcSBP14, AcSBP1, and AcSBP5 (fruit) while the rest of genes showed low expression in studied tissues. Four genes, that is, AcSBP11, AcSBP6, AcSBP4, and AcSBP12, were highly expressed at 4°C, while AcSBP16 were upregulated at 45°C. RNA-Seq was validated through qRT-PCR for some genes. Salt stress-induced expression of two genes, that is, AcSBP7 and AcSBP14, while in drought stress, AcSBP12 and AcSBP15 were highly expressed. Our study lays a foundation for further gene function and expression studies of SBP genes in pineapple.
The Cardiovascular Effect of Systemic Homocysteine Is Associated with Oxidative Stress in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla
Authors: Zhong Mei-Fang , Zhao Yu-Hong , Xu Hua , Tan Xing , Wang Yang-Kai , Wang Wei-Zhong
Published: September 2017

It has been demonstrated that homocysteine (HCY) is a significant risk factor of hypertension, which is characterized by overactivity of sympathetic tone. Excessive oxidative stress in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a key region for control of sympathetic outflow, contributes to sympathetic hyperactivity in hypertension. Therefore, the goal of the present study is to determine the effect of systemic HCY on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the RVLM. In the rat model of the diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia (L-methionine, 1 g/kg/day, 8 weeks), we found that the HCY resulted in a significant increase (≈3.7-fold, P<0.05) in ROS production in the RVLM, which was paralleled with enhanced sympathetic tone and blood pressure (BP). Compared to the vehicle group, levels of BP and basal renal sympathetic nerve activity in the HCY group were significantly (P<0.05, n=5) increased by an average of 27 mmHg and 31%, respectively. Furthermore, the rats treated with L-methionine (1 g/kg/day, 8 weeks) showed an upregulation of NADPHase (NOX4) protein expression and a downregulation of superoxide dismutase protein expression in the RVLM. The current data suggest that central oxidative stress induced by systemic HCY plays an important role in hypertension-associated sympathetic overactivity.
Murilo Rubião e as arquiteturas do fantástico
Authors: Gimenes Roseli
Published: September 2017

(Resenha): IANNACE, Ricardo. Murilo Rubião e as arquiteturas do fantástico. São Paulo. Edusp-Fapesp. 2016.
A escrita rubiana e o conto como forma: reflexões a partir de “Marina, a Intangível”
Authors: Franzim Mariana Silva
Published: September 2017

O presente artigo analisa a escolha de Murilo Rubião pelo conto como forma exclusiva em sua produção literária. Tal reflexão é estabelecida a partir de anotações pessoais do autor consultadas no Acervo dos Escritores Mineiros, da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), da análise do conto “Marina, a Intangível” e da aproximação do escritor com autores como Edgar Allan Poe, Julio Cortázar e Horacio Quiroga.
Deregulated TGF-β/BMP Signaling in Vascular Malformations
Authors: Cunha Sara I. , Magnusson Peetra U. , Dejana Elisabetta , Lampugnani Maria Grazia
Published: September 2017

Correct organization of the vascular tree requires the balanced activities of several signaling pathways that regulate tubulogenesis and vascular branching, elongation, and pruning. When this balance is lost, the vessels can be malformed and fragile, and they can lose arteriovenous differentiation. In this review, we concentrate on the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, which is one of the most important and complex signaling systems in vascular development. Inactivation of these pathways can lead to altered vascular organization in the embryo. In addition, many vascular malformations are related to deregulation of TGF-β/BMP signaling. Here, we focus on two of the most studied vascular malformations that are induced by deregulation of TGF-β/BMP signaling: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). The first of these is related to loss-of-function mutation of the TGF-β/BMP receptor complex and the second to increased signaling sensitivity to TGF-β/BMP. In this review, we discuss the potential therapeutic targets against these vascular malformations identified so far, as well as their basis in general mechanisms of vascular development and stability.
Some Features of the Old Castilian Alfonsine Translation of ʿAlī Ibn Khalaf’s Treatise on the Lámina Universal
Authors: Calvo Emilia
Published: September 2017

The aim of the paper is to present some features of the treatise on the lámina universal, an astronomical instrument devised by ʿAlī ibn Khalaf, an eleventh-century Andalusi mathematician and astronomer who belonged to the scientific circle of Ṣāʿid al- Andalusī. ʿAlī ibn Khalaf was a contemporary of Ibn al-Zarqālluh (al-Zarqālī, Azarquiel), also a mathematician and astronomer working under Ṣāʿid’s patronage, and the inven- tor of the instrument known as azafea. Both instruments, the lámina universal and the azafea, are universal instruments devised to overcome the limitations of the standard astrolabe. The only text describing ʿAlī ibn Khalaf’s instrument is the thirteenth- century old-Castilian Alfonsine translation, which has not been studied in detail up to now, although some preliminary studies have been published. The present study deals with some linguistic and technical difficulties of the text. In many passages, it seems to follow literally the grammatical structure of the Arabic language while in others, the lack of technical terms forced the translators to resort either to a literal transcription of the original Arabic terminology or, in some cases, to approximate translations that make the text somewhat difficult to follow. The paper provides additional information related mainly to the astronomical parameters and the technical vocabulary used in the translation.
Saphaeae and Hayʾāt: The Debate between Instrumentalism and Realism in Al-Andalus
Authors: Forcada Miquel
Published: September 2017

The article explores several texts written in al-Andalus between the twelfth and the early fourteenth centuries that mention Ibn al-Zarqālluh (al-Zarqālī) or the “Toledan astronomers.” These texts, contained in the works of physicians and philosophers, express scholarly reactions to the contributions of the circle of astronomers of eleventh-century Toledo, sponsored by the judge Ṣāʿid al-Andalusī. The textual evidence reveals attitudes ranging from a somewhat naïve admiration to harsh criticism. The article deals with the idealised image of the Toledan circle, due to a great extent to the significance of their work but also to external factors such as the innovative instruments and devices that these astronomers made. The texts suggest that some of the contributions of the Toledan circle were debated during the twelfth century, and that the echoes of this debate were felt in the following centuries. The discussion centred on the instrumentalism of Toledan astronomy, which was criticised by scholars who discussed the compatibility of Ptolemy’s mathematical astronomy and Aristotle’s natural philosophy. The “revolt against Ptolemy” that characterises this debate is reconsidered in the light of both the texts under study and the findings of recent research.
Too Many Arabic Treatises on the Operation of the Astrolabe in the Medieval Islamic World: Athīr Al-Dīn Al-Abharī’s Treatise on Knowing the Astrolabe and His Editorial Method
Authors: Mimura Taro
Published: September 2017

In the medieval Islamic world, many scholars engaged in astronomy composed books on astrolabe, especially treatises on how to operate it (called “Treatises on the Operation of the Astrolabe”) such as Book of the Astrolabe (Kitāb al‐Asṭurlāb) by Kūshyār ibn Labbān (fl. second half of the tenth century ce); however, most of them had similar contents. One might ask why these scholars sought to write their own treatises of this kind, even though they differed little from existing works on the subject? To answer this question, I compare Kūshyār’s Book of the Astrolabe (Kitāb al‐Asṭurlāb) and Athīr al‐Dīn al‐Abharī’s (d. 1262 or 1265) Treatise on Knowing the Astrolabe (Risāla fī maʿrifat al-Asṭurlāb), which was written under the strong influence of Kūshyār’s Book: a comparison between them reveals that they presupposed the use of their own astrolabes. This analysis shows that many Arabic treatises on the operation of the astrolabe had their novelty at least guaranteed by the uniqueness of a specific astrolabe presupposed by each author.
A New Approach to the Star Data of Early Planispheric Astrolabes
Authors: Strano Giorgio
Published: September 2017

During the twentieth century, scholars attempted to date early astronomical instruments by the scientific information discernable in their design. In particular, they devised “methods” to date planispheric astrolabes by the position of the vernal equinox on the calendar scale or by the precessional effect over the star coordinates. Such methods usually overlooked the many problems behind the instruments’ design and construction and the vicissitudes in a particular object’s history. Criticisms of the naiveté of the scientific approach did not persuade scholars with an astronomical background. They remained convinced of the supreme explanatory power that the present knowledge has for deciphering the past. The criticisms, instead, dissuaded scholars with a historical background from paying attention to the scientific data. They felt comfortable in analysing scientific relics on the basis of other types of evidence, such as textual sources, iconography, and style. The star coordinates of early planispheric astrolabes, as witnessed in their star pointers, can neither be regarded nor treated as the data of present science. Even if they do not describe the sky at the very moment of the making of the instruments, they may, nevertheless, be considered as non-textual sources that contain precious information. The star coordinates on the astrolabe retes may in fact connect groups of instruments with early star tables.
Monitoring Accountability for un Peacekeeping under iccpr
Authors: Nakamura Erika
Published: September 2017

This article aims to reveal the implications and significance of recent practices of the Human Rights Committee (hrc) in monitoring the human rights situation pertaining to peacekeeping operations; it also seeks to highlight the hrc’s roles in relation to either United Nations (un) member states’ or the un’s accountability over peacekeeping operations. The contribution is inspired by the current study and development of the accountability of international organisations. Empirical analysis shows the potential role of the hrc as one of the monitoring bodies of human rights situations in peacekeeping operations. A parallel question arises: what are the legal bases for the hrc monitoring of un member states’ or the un’s accountability with regard to peacekeeping operations? Considering the matter from various angles based on the concept of accountability reveals the background to and implication of the legal bases in question.
Carrier Sanctions in Europe: A Comparison of Trends in 10 Countries
Authors: Baird Theodore
Published: September 2017

Carrier sanctions are penalties given to transport companies if they carry improperly documented passengers. While the literature on carrier sanctions grapples primarily with comparative legal and normative questions surrounding asylum-seeking and democratic accountability, the empirical material covering the implementation of carrier sanctions is more limited. None of the literature to date has examined the statistical trends in the enforcement of carrier sanctions by European states. This article fills this gap and provides the first comparative analysis of statistics on the yearly number and costs of carrier sanctions. Through a new dataset on the implementation of carrier sanctions in 10 European countries between 2000–2014, the data reveal a puzzling variation in carrier sanction implementation over time, with wide variation among states, due in part to the un-reliability of the data. These variations are discussed in the context of current legal, political, and migratory trends in Europe.
Age Effects on Visuo-Haptic Length Discrimination: Evidence for Optimal Integration of Senses in Senior Adults
Authors: Billino Jutta , Drewing Knut
Published: September 2017

Demographic changes in most developed societies have fostered research on functional aging. While cognitive changes have been characterized elaborately, understanding of perceptual aging lacks behind. We investigated age effects on the mechanisms of how multiple sources of sensory information are merged into a common percept. We studied visuo-haptic integration in a length discrimination task. A total of 24 young (20–25 years) and 27 senior (69–77 years) adults compared standard stimuli to appropriate sets of comparison stimuli. Standard stimuli were explored under visual, haptic, or visuo-haptic conditions. The task procedure allowed introducing an intersensory conflict by anamorphic lenses. Comparison stimuli were exclusively explored haptically. We derived psychometric functions for each condition, determining points of subjective equality and discrimination thresholds. We notably evaluated visuo-haptic perception by different models of multisensory processing, i.e., the Maximum-Likelihood-Estimate model of optimal cue integration, a suboptimal integration model, and a cue switching model. Our results support robust visuo-haptic integration across the adult lifespan. We found suboptimal weighted averaging of sensory sources in young adults, however, senior adults exploited differential sensory reliabilities more efficiently to optimize thresholds. Indeed, evaluation of the MLE model indicates that young adults underweighted visual cues by more than 30%; in contrast, visual weights of senior adults deviated only by about 3% from predictions. We suggest that close to optimal multisensory integration might contribute to successful compensation for age-related sensory losses and provides a critical resource. Differentiation between multisensory integration during healthy aging and age-related pathological challenges on the sensory systems awaits further exploration.
Melastomataceae in the Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Tupé, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: CORRÊA ANDRÉ LUIS , SCUDELLER VERIDIANA VIZONI , GOLDENBERG RENATO
Published: September 2017

We present a taxonomic study of the Melastomataceae that occur in the “Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Tupé”, lower Negro River, Amazonas. Forty-two species from nine genera: Miconia (21 spp.), Clidemia (6 spp.), Aciotis, Bellucia and Tococa (3 spp. each), Henriettea and Tibouchina (2 spp. each), Adelobotrys and Maieta (1 sp. each). We present detailed descriptions and an identification key prepared through DELTA software. We also present illustrations and data on geographical distribution for the species. This study presents the first record for 27 species in the Reserve.
Lectotypification of Peliosanthes macrophylla (Asparagaceae), and its amended morphological description
Authors: ROY DILIP KR. , MAO ASHIHO A. , AVERYANOV LEONID V.
Published: September 2017

Peliosanthes Andrews (1808: 605) belongs to the subfamily Nolinoideae (Chase et al. 2009) of Asparagaceae (APG 2016). This genus contains 60–65 species distributed widely in South and Southeast Asia (Nguyen et al. 2017). Peliosanthes macrophylla Wall. in Baker (1879: 505) was described by Baker based on the collections made from “Himalaya Orientalis” in Sikkim and Mishmi. In the original description, Baker cited three collectors (J.D. Hooker & T. Thomsons, C.B. Clarke and W. Griffith). The first author could trace the collection of J.D. Hooker & T. Thomson (s.n., K000099377!, K000099378!, P00753584!), and W. Griffith (5841, P00214605!) which fit with the protologue of the species. Since no holotype was indicated these all should be regarded as syntypes according to Art. 9.5 of ICN (McNeill et al. 2012). According to Art. 9.12, the lectotype should be chosen from those syntypes. Since the specimen designated as “Griffith 5841” (P00214605!) is the only cited in protologue with collection number, it is selected here as the lectotype. A detailed morphological description and photographic illustration (Fig. 1) of the species based on living plant material is also given here to facilitate its identification.
Lectotypification of the name Gleadovia ruborum Gamble & Prain (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: ROY DILIP KR.
Published: September 2017

The genus Gleadovia was described by J.S Gamble and D. Prain (1900: 488) including a single species, G. ruborum Gamble & Prain (1900: 489) on the base of plants collected in 1898 from Bodyar, Jauansar in N.W. Himalaya. The genus is represented now by 3 species distributed in India and China. These species are: G. ruborum Gamble & Prain (India and China), G. mupinense Hu (1939: 2) (China) and G. banerjiana Deb (1956: 799) (India). G. ruborum is characterized by ovate or oblong leaves, 3- to several pedicelate flowers clustered at stem apex, obovate bract, spatulate-oblanceolate bracteoles,  a tubular-campanulate calyx funnelform upward, much shorter than corolla, to 1.8 cm in diam., comparatively shorter pedicel, to 2.5 cm long and by corolla glabrous abaxially, villous adaxially (J.S. Gamble 26949-K! (K000999865, K000999866); CAL! (Acc. No. 329959)), whereas G. mupinense is characterized by oblong-lanceolate or lanceolate leaves, 3- to several pedicelate flowers borne on upper part of stem, oblong-lanceolate bract, linear-lanceolate bracteoles, a tubular calyx slightly enlarged upward, much shorter than corolla, to 1.2 cm in diam., longer pedicel, to 9 cm long and  by densely villous corolla lobes on both sides (T.T. Yu 2189-PE! (PE - 1643589-00032337)), while G. banerjiana is characterized by lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, spatulate leaves, 1–3 subsessile, ebracteate, ebraceolate flower(s) borne at the stem apex, a spathaceous calyx more or less equal to corolla, to 4.5 cm in diam. and densely hairy corolla lobes inside (D.B. Deb 2247A-CAL! (Acc. No. 329964)). When Gamble and Prain (1900) described G. ruborum, they mentioned in the protolouge the collections of J.S. Gamble, F. Gleadow, J.F. Duthie and Duthie’s collectors collected in 1898 from Bodyar, Jaunsar in N.W. Himalaya. Thus the cited authentic collections consist of several elements collected by different collectors. Therefore it warrants the typification under Art. 9.5 of the International Code of Nomenclature (McNeill et al. 2012). Hence a lectotype is designated here from the original collections.
Verification of Multimodel Ensemble Forecasts of North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Leonardo Nicholas M. , Colle Brian A.
Published: September 2017

North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts from four ensemble prediction systems (EPSs) are verified using the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) best tracks for the 2008–15 seasons. The 1–5-day forecasts are evaluated for the 21-member National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS), the 23-member UKMO ensemble (UKMET), and the 51-member European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble, as well as a combination of these ensembles [Multimodel Global (MMG)]. Several deterministic models are also evaluated, such as the Global Forecast System (GFSdet), Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model (HWRF), the deterministic ECMWF model (ECdet), and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamical Laboratory model (GFDL).The ECdet track errors are the smallest on average at all lead times, but are not significantly different from the GEFS and ECMWF ensemble means. All models have a slow bias (90–240 km) in the along-track direction by 120 h, while there is little bias in the cross-track direction. Much of this slow bias is attributed to TCs undergoing extratropical transition (ET). All EPSs are underdispersed in the along-track direction, while the ECMWF is slightly overdispersed in the cross-track direction. The MMG and ECMWF track forecasts have more probabilistic skill than the ECdet and comparable skill to the NHC climatology-based cone forecast. TC intensity errors for the HWRF and GFDL are lower than the coarser models within the first 24 h, but are comparable to the ECdet at longer lead times. The ECMWF and MMG have comparable or better probabilistic intensity forecasts than the ECdet, while the GEFS’s weak bias limits its skill.
Short-term follow up of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions associated with HIV and human papillomavirus infections in Africa
Authors:   The DYSCER-CI Group, La Ruche G , Leroy V , Mensah-Ado I , Ramon R , You B , Bergeron C , Mothebesoane-Anoh S , Md K Touré-Coulibaly , Dabis F
Published: September 2017

A prospective study in gynaecology clinics was conducted in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to assess the short-term evolution of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). Of 94 women with a cytological diagnosis of SIL, 38 were infected with HIV. The average follow-up period after the initial smear was 5 months. Detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed at both the time of enrolment and final follow-up smear. There were 39 cases of persistent SILs. HIV-positive women had a higher percentage of persistent SIL (76%) than HIV-negative women (18%, relative risk (RR)=4.3, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.4, 7.7). SILs were more frequent among women infected with HPV at the time of enrolment or with persistent HPV infection, but these associations disappeared after adjusting for HIV serostatus. Spontaneous regression of SILs commonly occurs in HIV-negative African women. HIV-infected women with cervical dyskaryosis require gynaecology follow-up.
Forced vibration of porous functionally graded nanoplates under uniform dynamic load using general nonlocal stress–strain gradient theory
Authors: Barati Mohammad Reza , Shahverdi Hossein
Published: September 2017

Forced vibration analysis of porous functionally graded nanoplates under uniform dynamic loads is performed based on generalized nonlocal strain gradient theory. In this model, both stiffness-softening and stiffness-hardening effects are considered for more reliable forced vibration analysis of nanoplates. The present model is based on a vibrating higher order nanoscale plate subjected to transverse uniform dynamic load. Nanopores or nanovoids are incorporated to the model based on a modified rule of mixture. According to t Hamilton’s principle, the formulation of dynamically loaded nanoplate is derived. Applying Galerkin’s method, the resonance frequencies and dynamic deflections are obtained. It is indicated that the forced vibration characteristics of the nanoplate are significantly influenced by the porosities, excitation frequency, nonlocal parameter, strain gradient parameter, material gradation, elastic foundation and dynamic load location.
A comparison of characteristics of patients seen in a tertiary hospital diabetes telehealth service versus specialist face-to-face outpatients
Authors: Menon Anish , Gray Leonard C , Fatehi Farhad , Darssan Darsy , Bird Dominique , Bennetts Denise , Russell Anthony W
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to describe patient-related characteristics of those attending the diabetes telehealth service delivered from a tertiary hospital and compare these with the characteristics of patients attending face-to-face visits at the same hospital’s diabetes outpatient service. This analysis could inform diabetes telehealth service improvements. To our knowledge, there has been no prior evaluation of a diabetes telehealth service in Australia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted as part of the Australian National Diabetes Audit in May 2016 for all patients attending the diabetes telehealth service and diabetes outpatient service. The diabetes telehealth service was serving a greater proportion of females, indigenous people and patients with a longer mean duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in the diabetes telehealth service group had a higher average glycated haemoglobin of 9.1% (76 mmol/mol) vs 8.1% (65 mmol/mol) in the diabetes outpatient service group. The diabetes telehealth service had more people with initial visits; had higher self-reported smoking rates in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients; and had adequate access to allied health supports as recommended for diabetes management. Diabetes telehealth service patients had more complex diabetes as evidenced by a higher proportion of indigenous clients, higher glycated haemoglobin and longer mean duration of diabetes.
Emergency Department Patient Experience
Authors: Sonis Jonathan D , Aaronson Emily L , Lee Rebecca Y , Philpotts Lisa L , White Benjamin A
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

Patient experience with emergency department (ED) care is an expanding area of focus, and recent literature has demonstrated strong correlation between patient experience and meeting several ED and hospital goals. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of existing literature to identify specific factors most commonly identified as influencing ED patient experience.

Methods:

A literature search was performed, and articles were included if published in peer-reviewed journals, primarily focused on ED patient experience, employed observational or interventional methodology, and were available in English. After a structured screening process, 107 publications were included for data extraction.

Result:

Of the 107 included publications, 51 were published before 2011, 57% were conducted by American investigators, and 12% were published in nursing journals. The most commonly identified themes included staff-patient communication, ED wait times, and staff empathy and compassion.

Conclusion:

The most commonly identified drivers of ED patient experience include communication, wait times, and staff empathy; however, existing literature is limited. Additional investigation is necessary to further characterize ED patient experience themes and identify interventions that effectively improve these domains.
Editorial: Convergence of multiple pathways in PSGL-1 activation and leukocyte transmigration: therapeutic implications
Authors: Velasquez Stephani , Rappaport Jay
Published: September 2017

Discussion on the implications regarding leukocyte inflammation, and potential therapeutic approaches.
Sensory Polyneuropathies
Authors: Gwathmey Kelly Graham
Published: September 2017

Purpose of Review: This article describes the methods of diagnosis and management of the sensory-predominant polyneuropathies. To simplify the approach to this category of patients, sensory-predominant polyneuropathies are divided broadly into either small fiber (or pain-predominant) neuropathies and large fiber (or ataxia-predominant) neuropathies, of which the sensory neuronopathies (dorsal root ganglionopathies) are highlighted.

Recent Findings: Physicians can now easily perform skin biopsies in their offices, allowing access to the gold standard pathologic diagnostic tool for small fiber neuropathies. Additional diagnostic techniques, such as corneal confocal microscopy, are emerging. Recently, small fiber neuropathies have been associated with a broader spectrum of diseases, including fibromyalgia, sodium channel mutations, and voltage-gated potassium channel antibody autoimmune disease.

Summary: Despite advances in diagnosing small fiber neuropathies and sensory neuronopathies, many of these neuropathies remain refractory to treatment. In select cases, early identification and treatment may result in better outcomes. “Idiopathic” should be a diagnosis of exclusion and a thorough investigation for treatable causes pursued.
Immune Axonal Polyneuropathy
Authors: Tavee Jinny O.
Published: September 2017

Purpose of Review: Immune axonal polyneuropathy is caused by a diverse group of disorders that share similar presentations and treatment regimens. This article focuses on the clinical findings, evaluation, and management of immune-mediated causes of axonal polyneuropathy, focusing primarily on large fiber sensorimotor polyneuropathy.

Recent Findings: Specific characteristics of an immune-mediated polyneuropathy have been incorporated in a new diagnostic screening tool that is highly sensitive and can easily be used in the outpatient clinic setting. New insights into autoantibodies may help identify the presence of an underlying autoimmune or paraneoplastic disease as the cause of a polyneuropathy.

Summary: This article provides readers with further understanding into the autoimmune causes of axonal polyneuropathy and will help the clinician recognize key clinical features that may lead to timely diagnosis and treatment.
Anesthetic Considerations for a Child With Rare B3GALT6 Mutations: A Case Report
Authors: Brockel Megan , Chatfield Kathryn , Mirsky David , Baker Christopher D. , Janosy Norah
Published: September 2017

A rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the B3GALT6 gene on chromosome 1p36 results in deficiency of β-1,3-galactosyltransferase 6, an enzyme critical for glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Defects in this gene result in a phenotype that has features of both skeletal dysplasia and a connective tissue disorder. The anesthetic considerations for children with this disorder have not previously been described. We report a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to the perioperative care of a child with B3GALT6 mutations with severe phenotypic expression.
Decolonizing Judaism: Barbarism and the Return to Nativism
Authors: Hochberg Gil , Alon Shir
Published: September 2017

Santiago Slabodsky's Decolonial Judaism: Triumphal Failures of Barbaric Thinking returns to a history of Jewish persecution, but unlike other attempts to trace the tradition of the Jewish “conscious pariah,” it does not aim to identify an “essence” of Judaism (say, “exilic consciousness”). The book's underlying goal is to think through the failures of previous Jewish projects to turn to the history of Jewish persecution, in order to form successful and meaningful political alliances with other, equally persecuted victims of Western hegemony. In this review, we position Decolonial Judaism in conversation with contemporary debates on exilic or diasporic Judaism and discuss the usefulness of a decolonial versus a postcolonial framework for evaluating the modern history of Judaism. Finally, we gauge the potential of reading decolonized or barbaric Judaism into the contemporary settler-colonial Jewish condition in Israel/Palestine.
News Shocks and the Slope of the Term Structure of Interest Rates: Comment
Authors: Cascaldi-Garcia Danilo
Published: September 2017

Kurmann and Otrok (2013) establish that the effects on economic activity from news on future productivity growth are similar to the effects from unexpected changes in the slope of the yield curve. This comment shows that these results become substantially weaker in the light of a recent update in the utilization-adjusted total factor productivity series produced by Fernald (2014). (JEL E23, E32, E43, E52, G12)
Saturation of the magnetosphere during superstorms: new results from magnetogram inversion technique
Authors: Мишин Владимир , Mishin Vladimir , Караваев Юрий , Karavaev Yuriy
Published: September 2017

From data of three three superstorms we study new features of the saturation process of the polar cap magnetic flux deceleration of its area at strengthening the solar wind (SW). It is shown that the saturation of the polar cap is observed at growth of the SW dynamic pressure and vertical IMF component for both signs. Saturation is realized not only during the passage of interplanetary magnetic clouds, but also at significant enhancement of SW density, when the SW thermal pressure is comparable with the pressure of the interplanetary magnetic field. We assume that at such condiitions the saturation is caused not only by a decrease in the efficiency of reconnection at the dayside magnetopause, but mainly by a finite magnetosphere compressibility –stopping the magnetopause compression due to the rapid Eathward growth of the geomagnetic field, ie, interior magnetospheric structure of the geomagnetic field
Space weather impact on radio device operation
Authors: Бернгардт Олег , Berngardt Oleg
Published: September 2017

This paper reviews the space weather impact on operation of radio devices. The review is based on recently published papers, books, and strategic scientific plans of space weather investigations. The main attention is paid to ionospheric effects on propagation of radiowaves, basically short ones. Some examples of such effects are given based on 2012–2016 ISTP SB RAS EKB radar data: attenuation of ground backscatter signals during solar flares, effects of travelling ionospheric disturbances of different scales in ground backscatter signals, effects of magnetospheric waves in ionospheric scatter signals.
Impact of seamless compression garments on limb functionality, comfort and quality of life
Authors: Miller Anya
Published: September 2017

Lymphoedema is a chronic disease affecting the patients' quality of life (QoL) especially with regard to mobility and daily activities. Lymphoedema cannot be cured but symptoms can effectively be improved by a comprehensive approach and the continuous use of compression therapy. An appropriate fitted compression garment is essential for compliance and thus a prerequisite for successful lymphoedema management. Compression garments with bulky seams are not only uncomfortable they also can lead to severe pressure marks or even reduce the mobility and function of the affected limb, which may negatively impact the already reduced QoL of lymphoedema patients.

A prospective multicentre observational study was conducted to compare compression garments without and with a seam for hands and toes in 143 patients with lymphoedema.

Product performance, lymphoedema symptoms, functionality of hands/toes, QoL and patient satisfaction were documented for the previously worn compression garment as well as for the 3D flat knitted JOBST® Elvarex Plus compression garment without a seam.

The JOBST Elvarex Plus glove was perceived very positively by patients, who rated the mobility of the fingers, the adaptability to the shape of the hand/fingers, the fit of cuffs/welts, and the tactile sense of the fingers to be significantly better compared to the previous glove. Also pressure marks between fingers/toes and pressure marks due to cuffs/welts were significantly less frequent when wearing JOBST Elvarex Plus. Also pain, sensation of heaviness, swelling, tightness and dryness of skin were significantly improved when wearing JOBST Elvarex Plus gloves. Furthermore, 80% of the patients rated the wearing comfort of JOBST Elvarex Plus to be better than their previous garments with a seam. Regarding functionality, patients were significantly less limited in their daily activities when wearing JOBST Elvarex Plus garments. Finally, when wearing JOBST Elvarex Plus gloves and toe caps, patients rated the negative effect of their lymphoedema on their QoL to be significantly lower. In conclusion, the application of anatomically adapted compression garments without a seam led to improving patient's reported lymphoedema symptoms, increased patient's satisfaction with the compression garment and supported a better QoL.
Early unprotected return to contact sport after metacarpal fixation in professional athletes
Authors: Yalizis M. A. , Ek E. T. H. , Anderson H. , Couzens G. , Hoy G. A.
Published: September 2017

Aims

To determine whether an early return to sport in professional Australian Rules Football players after fixation of a non-thumb metacarpal fracture was safe and effective.

Patients and Methods

A total of 16 patients with a mean age of 25 years (19 to 30) identified as having a non-thumb metacarpal fracture underwent open reduction and internal plate and screw fixation. We compared the players’ professional performance statistics before and after the injury to determine whether there was any deterioration in their post-operative performance.

Results

Of the 16, 12 sustained their fracture during the season: their mean time to return to unrestricted professional play was two weeks (1 to 5). All except two of the 48 player performance variables showed no reduction in performance post-operatively.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that professional athletes who sustained a non-thumb metacarpal fracture can safely return to professional play without restriction two weeks after internal fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1343–7.
The association of body mass index with complications and functional outcomes after surgery for closed ankle fractures
Authors: Stavem K. , Naumann M. G. , Sigurdsen U. , Utvåg S. E.
Published: September 2017

Aims

This study assessed the association of classes of body mass index in kg/m2 (classified as normal weight 18.5 kg/m2 to 24.9 kg/m2, overweight 25.0 kg/m2 to 29.9 kg/m2, and obese ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) with short-term complications and functional outcomes three to six years post-operatively for closed ankle fractures.

Patients and Methods

We performed a historical cohort study with chart review of 1011 patients who were treated for ankle fractures by open reduction and internal fixation in two hospitals, with a follow-up postal survey of 959 of the patients using three functional outcome scores.

Results

Obese patients had more severe overall complications and higher odds of any complication than the normal weight group, with adjusted odds ratio 1.67 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 to 2.59; p = 0.021) and 1.71 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.65; p = 0.016), respectively. In total 479 patients (54.6%) responded to the questionnaire. Obese patients had worse scores on the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (p < 0.001), Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (p = 0.003) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (p = 0.01) than those with normal weight. In contrast, overweight patients did not have worse functional scores than those with normal weight.

Conclusion

Obese patients had more complications, more severe complications, and worse functional outcomes three to six years after ankle surgery compared with those with normal weight. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1389–98.