bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational studies on two novel energetic nitrogen‐rich compounds based on tetrazolone
Authors: He Piao , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Wang Kun , Yin Xin , Zhang Tong‐Lai
Published: September 2015

Two novel energetic nitrogen‐rich compounds 1,4‐diaminotetrazol‐5‐one (DATO) and 1,4‐dinitrotetrazol‐5‐one (DNTO) were proposed first and studied by quantum chemistry method with B3LYP/6‐31G* level of theory. The optimized geometry, IR predicted spectrum and thermochemical parameters, frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential were calculated for inspecting the electronic structure, molecular stability and chemical reactivity. The important macroscopic properties including density, enthalpy of formation, detonation parameters and impact sensitivity have been predicted as well. As a result, two designed compounds DATO and DNTO possess positive enthalpy of formation (395.79 and 342.77 kJ/mol), impressive detonation parameters (D = 8.80 km/s, P = 33.69 GPa; D = 8.89 km/s, P = 34.98 GPa) superior to the remarkable explosive RDX, acceptable sensitivities and might be promising candidates of energetic materials. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do New Media Support New Policy Narratives? The Social Construction of the U.S.–Mexico Border on YouTube
Authors: Lybecker Donna L. , McBeth Mark K. , Husmann Maria A. , Pelikan Nicholas
Published: September 2015

Narratives, or the telling of stories, are a powerful tool used to gain support for public policies. The advent of new social media, including YouTube, provides opportunities for less‐mainstream narratives of cooperation, but are these opportunities being realized? Using the Narrative Policy Framework and Schneider and Ingram's Social Construction of target populations as the theoretical basis, we analyzed 95 English and Spanish YouTube videos focusing on the U.S.–Mexico border and found they demonstrate a maintained focus on mainstream, divisive issues such as security and violence, immigration, and drugs. However, although new media often cover mainstream issues, YouTube videos appear to construct more favorable perspectives of the border region than traditional media: 52 percent of the videos constructed a sympathetic view of the border, including the people associated with it, while 48 percent of the videos constructed an unsympathetic view. Understanding the use of these narratives can have real‐world impacts for developing policy along the U.S.–Mexico border; possibly creating greater cooperation vital to solving many of the urgent problems border communities face on a day‐to‐day basis.
Recurrent diaphragmatic hernia: Modifiable and non‐modifiable risk factors
Authors: Al‐Iede Montaha M. , Karpelowsky Jonathan , Fitzgerald Dominic A.
Published: September 2015

Rationale

The risk of recurrence of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) in an era of thoracoscopic surgery is unclear.

Objectives

(1) estimate the incidence and (2) evaluate the perioperative factors associated with the symptomatic recurrence of CDH.

Methods

Medical records of CDH infants operated on in the neonatal period at a single‐tertiary hospital between January 2000 and January 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of 119 infants with CDH, 34 (28.6%) were excluded: 17 (14.3%) died without recurrence and 17 (14.3%) presented beyond neonatal period or were followed elsewhere. Of 85 survivors, 71 infants had an open repair and 14 had a thoracoscopic repair. Eleven of 85 survivors (13%) developed a recurrence on average 19.8 weeks (range 15–34) after the initial repair. Of 11 recurrences, 6 had an initial thoracoscopic repair and 5 had an open repair (6/14 [43%] vs. 5/71 [7%]; P = 0.002). Two children had multiple recurrences. Statistically significant associations were found between recurrence and the presence of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) (P = 0.006), severe PPHTN (P = 0.002), inhaled nitric oxide, or sildenafil use for treatment of PPHTN (P = 0.002), need for perioperative high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) (P = 0.0006), length of hospital stay (LOS) (P = 0.02), duration of ventilation (P = 0.016), and need for home oxygen (P = 0.003). In multivariate regression analysis both the closure type and home oxygen requirement were statistically significant, independent factors predicting a recurrence (P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively) but the type of surgery (thoracoscopic vs. open) only approached significance (P = 0.052). The recurrence rate for the seven surgeons who performed at least 5 repairs ranged from 7% to 40%.

Conclusions

A high survival rate of 85% with a 13% incidence of symptomatic CDH recurrence was demonstrated. Potentially, improved selection of cases for thoracoscopic repair and concentrating the thoracoscopic technique amongst a dedicated team of experienced thoracoscopic surgeons may reduce the rate of recurrence of CDH. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:394–401. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Substructural investigations, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopies of nanocrystalline ZnO films deposited by pulsed spray pyrolysis
Authors: Dobrozhan O. , Opanasyuk A. , Kolesnyk M. , Demydenko M. , Cheong H.
Published: September 2015

Nanocrystalline ZnO films were deposited onto glass substrates in the temperature range of 473–673 K using pulsed spray pyrolysis. The structural, substructural, and optical properties of the films were investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction analysis, Raman scattering, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effect of the substrate temperature (Ts) on the coherent scattering domain (CSD) sizes L, microstrains ϵ, and microstress σ grades, and the average density of dislocations ρ in the films were estimated through the broadening of X‐ray lines using the Cauchy and Gauss approximations and the threefold function convolution method. The ZnO films grown at Ts = 623–673 K possessed the highest values of L, and the lowest of ϵ, σ, and ρ, indicating high‐crystalline quality. The Raman spectra showed peaks located at 95–98, 333–336, 415, 439–442, 572, and 578–584 cm−1, which were interpreted as E2low(Zn), (E2high−E2low), E1(TO), E2high(O), A1(LO) and E1(LO) phonon modes of the ZnO wurtzite phase. The FTIR spectra showed relatively weak signals at 856, 1405, and 1560 cm−1, corresponding to the C–H and C–O stretching modes, in addition to the main Zn–O mode at 475 cm−1, indicating a low content of precursor residues.
Effect of barium doping on structural and optical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by microwave hydrothermal method
Authors: N'Konou Kekeli , Haris Muthiah , Lare Yendoubé , Baneto Mazabalo , Napo Kossi , Torchio Philippe
Published: September 2015

Undoped and Ba‐doped ZnO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using microwave hydrothermal method. The influence of Barium concentration on physical and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles was investigated. X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles are polycrystalline with hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure and their average crystallite sizes are found to vary from 20 to 21.5 nm in diameter. The SEM images showed that surface morphology of the samples was influenced by the presence of Ba impurities. Ultraviolet and green emission bands around 415 and 603 nm, respectively were observed in photoluminescence spectra for all samples. The FTIR spectra indicated the presence of the distinct characteristic absorption peak at 489 cm−1 for Zn–O stretching modes. Raman spectra exhibited the presence of an intense peak around 437 cm−1 followed by a peak around 586 cm−1 in the higher wave number region.
Magnetic properties of hard magnetic (Fe,Cr)3Sn2 intermetallic compound
Authors: Goll D. , Loeffler R. , Herbst J. , Frey C. , Goeb S. , Grubesa T. , Hohs D. , Kopp A. , Pflanz U. , Stein R. , Schneider G.
Published: September 2015

By high‐throughput screening Fe–Sn–Cr, (Fe,Cr)3Sn2 (Fe53.5Cr6.5Sn40) with high potential as new hard magnetic compound is discovered. To produce the compound in large amounts a special procedure is needed. By quantitative microscopy and magnetometry promising intrinsic properties, Js ∼ 0.9 T, K1 ∼ 1.7 MJ/m3, TC ∼ 612 K, are found with K1 increasing with temperature.

magnified image

(© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dynamical consistency and covariance: reply to Staniforth and White
Authors: Charron Martin , Zadra Ayrton , Girard Claude
Published: September 2015

It is argued that the concept of dynamical consistency of approximated equations of motion should be based on their compatibility with the fundamental assumptions underlying Newtonian mechanics. This is achieved by preserving covariance of the approximated equations under synchronous coordinate transformations. A discussion is presented on how this definition of dynamical consistency relates to and differs from White et al.'s.
Linear augmented cylindrical wave method for nanotubes electronic structure
Authors: D'yachkov Pavel N.
Published: September 2015

In this review paper, the main ideas and results of application of the linearized augmented cylindrical wave (LACW) method for the electron properties of the single‐walled, double‐walled, embedded, and intercalated nanotubes are summarized. We start with the simplest case of the achiral single‐walled (n, 0) and (n, n) tubules having small translational unit cells. Then, the electron properties of chiral (n, m) nanotubes having very large translational cells are discussed with account of tubules possessing rotational and screw symmetries. Based on the LACW and Green's function techniques, the ab initio numerical approach to calculating the electron local densities of states of the substitutional impurities in the nanotubes is presented. The relativistic version of LACW theory is described and applied to calculating the effects of spin–orbit coupling on π‐bands of the cumulenic (C)n and polyynic (C2)n carbynes and armchair tubules. The approach of the cylindrical waves applied for the description of nanotubes permits to reproduce their geometry in an explicit form that offers the great advantages. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circular law for random matrices with exchangeable entries
Authors: Adamczak Radosław , Chafaï Djalil , Wolff Paweł
Published: September 2015

An exchangeable random matrix is a random matrix with distribution invariant under any permutation of the entries. For such random matrices, we show, as the dimension tends to infinity, that the empirical spectral distribution tends to the uniform law on the unit disc. This is an instance of the universality phenomenon known as the circular law, for a model of random matrices with dependent entries, rows, and columns. It is also a non‐Hermitian counterpart of a result of Chatterjee on the semi‐circular law for random Hermitian matrices with exchangeable entries. The proof relies in particular on a reduction to a simpler model given by a random shuffle of a rigid deterministic matrix, on hermitization, and also on combinatorial concentration of measure and combinatorial Central Limit Theorem. A crucial step is a polynomial bound on the smallest singular value of exchangeable random matrices, which may be of independent interest. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 48, 454–479, 2016
Design of provably secure and efficient certificateless blind signature scheme using bilinear pairing
Authors: Islam SK Hafizul , Obaidat Mohammad S.
Published: September 2015

In the literature, several pairing‐based blind signature schemes have been put forwarded using identity‐based cryptography. However, the private key escrow problem of these schemes makes them unsuitable in practical environments because the private key generator computes signer private key using signer public identity. Therefore, an untrusted/semitrusted private key generator may perform malicious activity on behalf of the signer. We took the advantage of certificateless public key cryptography and constructed a robust and efficient certificateless blind signature (CL‐BS) scheme using bilinear pairing. Furthermore, the probabilistic map‐to‐point hash function, which requires more computation time than the execution time of an elliptic curve scalar point multiplication, is circumvented in our scheme. We found that our scheme is unlinkable and provably secure against the adaptive chosen message and identity adversaries. From the perspective of computational costs, our scheme is more efficient and secure than other related schemes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Inflow Rate Variation on Intermixing in a Steelmaking Tundish during Ladle Change‐Over
Authors: Siddiqui Md Irfanul Haque , Jha Pradeep Kumar
Published: September 2015

The intermixing of dissimilar grades of steel in tundish during the ladle change‐over is a problem of growing interest. During sequential casting of different grades, it is important that the intermixing of the grades is kept to a minimum. Present work deals with computational and water model studies of the three‐dimensional turbulent fluid flow in a multi‐strand tundish during ladle change‐over process. The physical investigation has been carried out by conducting experiment on a 1:4 scale model of tundish. The numerical simulations have been carried out with the help of educational version of ANSYS Fluent, using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method and incorporating standard k–ɛ turbulence model. The numerical model has been validated with the results of physical investigation and is found to be in good agreement. Further, the numerical model is used to study the ladle change‐over process considering effect of inflow rate on grade mixing and interface positions, i.e., different bath height positions in tundish with and without advance pouring box (APB). It has been observed that the use of APB is not helpful in reducing the intermixed time while increase in flow rate of new grade steel decreases the intermixed amount.
Study on adsorption of Cu(II) on magnetic starch‐g‐polyamidoxime/montmorillonite/Fe3O4 nanocomposites as novel chelating ligands
Authors: Mahdavinia Gholam Reza , Hasanpour Saeed , Behrouzi Leila , Sheykhloie Hossein
Published: September 2015

In this study, novel magnetic chelating ligands focused on Cu2+ removal from aqueous solutions were synthesized. The magnetic adsorbents were obtained by amidoximation of nitrile groups on starch‐g‐polyacrylonitrile/montmorillonite/Fe3O4. The magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were obtained in situ in the presence of montmorillonite clay. The structure of nanocomposites was characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA, and VSM techniques. Batch adsorption experiments were done on the subject of nanocomposite composition, pH, adsorption time, initial Cu2+ ions concentration, and temperature. Moreover, the thermodynamic and kinetic of adsorption process as well as the equilibrium of adsorption process were studied. The efficiency of Cu2+ removal by nanocomposites was dependent on the content of magnetic montmorillonite, and the magnetic adsorbents showed high adsorption capacity for Cu2+. Adsorption capacity of adsorbents was found to increase with increasing the pH of Cu2+ solution up to 5.5. According to the thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption of Cu2+ on magnetic adsorbents occurred spontaneously. The equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed with Langmuir and Freundlich models and it was found that the equilibrium process followed the Langmuir model well.
PI3K Signaling in Normal B Cells and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Authors: Okkenhaug Klaus , Burger Jan A.
Published: September 2015

B cells provide immunity to extracellular pathogens by secreting a diverse repertoire of antibodies with high affinity and specificity for exposed antigens. The B cell receptor (BCR) is a transmembrane antibody, which facilitates the clonal selection of B cells producing secreted antibodies of the same specificity. The diverse antibody repertoire is generated by V(D)J recombination of heavy and light chain genes, whereas affinity maturation is mediated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-mediated mutagenesis. These processes, which are essential for the generation of adaptive humoral immunity, also render B cells susceptible to chromosomal rearrangements and point mutations that in some cases lead to cancer. In this chapter, we will review the central role of PI3Ks in mediating signals from the B cell receptor that not only facilitate the development of functional B cell repertoire, but also support the growth and survival of neoplastic B cells, focusing on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells. Perhaps because of the central role played by PI3K in BCR signaling, B cell leukemia and lymphomas are the first diseases for which a PI3K inhibitor has been approved for clinical use.
Importance of multi‐dimensional analyses of resource partitioning in highly mobile species assemblages
Authors: Roswag Anna , Becker Nina Inga , Encarnação Jorge André
Published: September 2015

Resource partitioning is an essential mechanism enabling species coexistence. The resources that are used by an animal are linked to its morphology and ecology. Therefore, similar species should use similar resources. The ecological niche of an individual summarizes all used resources and is therefore composed of several dimensions. Many methods are established to study different dimensions of an animal's niche. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that a combination of suitable methods is needed to study spatial and dietary resource partitioning of sympatric species in detail. We hypothesized that, while each individual method might identify differences between species, the combined results of several methods will lead to a more complete picture of spatial and dietary resource partitioning. As model organisms we chose the sympatric insectivorous bat species Myotis bechsteinii, M. nattereri, and P. auritus. We examined horizontal habitat use by telemetry, vertical habitat use by measuring δ13C, trophic position by measuring δ15N in wing membrane, and diet composition by molecular fecal analysis. Our results show that each method is able to provide information about spatial/dietary resource partitioning. However, considering further dimensions by combining several methods allows a more comprehensive assessment of dietary and spatial resource partitioning in bats.
Structural and functional analysis of a low-temperature-active alkaline esterase from South China Sea marine sediment microbial metagenomic library
Authors: Hu Yongfei , Liu Yinghui , Li Jing , Feng Yanbin , Lu Na , Zhu Baoli , Xue Song
Published: September 2015

A low-temperature-active alkaline esterase, Est12, from a marine sediment metagenomic fosmid library was identified. Est12 prefers short- and middle-chain p-nitrophenol esters as substrate with optimum temperature and pH value of 50 °C and 9.0, respectively, and nearly 50 % of maximum activity retained at 5 °C. The hydrolysis activity of Est12 was stable at 40 °C. Ca2+ especially activated the activity of Est12 to about 151 % of the control. DEPC and PMSF inhibited the activity of Est12 to 34 and 25 %, respectively. In addition, Est12 was more tolerable to methanol compared to other organic solvents tested. The crystal structure of Est12 at 1.39 Å resolution showed that the cap domain which is composed of an α-helix and a flexible region resulted in a relatively wide spectrum of substrate, with p-nitrophenol caproate as the preferred one. Furthermore, the flexible cap domain and the high percentage of Gly, Ser, and Met may play important roles in the adaptation of Est12 to low temperature.
Informatic search strategies to discover analogues and variants of natural product archetypes
Authors: Johnston Chad W , Connaty Alex D , Skinnider Michael A , Li Yong , Grunwald Alyssa , Wyatt Morgan A , Kerr Russell G , Magarvey Nathan A
Published: September 2015

Natural products are a crucial source of antimicrobial agents, but reliance on low-resolution bioactivity-guided approaches has led to diminishing interest in discovery programmes. Here, we demonstrate that two in-house automated informatic platforms can be used to target classes of biologically active natural products, specifically, peptaibols. We demonstrate that mass spectrometry-based informatic approaches can be used to detect natural products with high sensitivity, identifying desired agents present in complex microbial extracts. Using our specialised software packages, we could elaborate specific branches of chemical space, uncovering new variants of trichopolyn and demonstrating a way forward in mining natural products as a valuable source of potential pharmaceutical agents.
Biomarkers of an Autoimmune Skin Disease—Psoriasis
Authors: Jiang Shan , Hinchliffe Taylor E. , Wu Tianfu
Published: September 2015

Psoriasis is one of the most prevalent autoimmune skin diseases. However, its etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. Over the last decade, omics-based technologies have been extensively utilized for biomarker discovery. As a result, some promising markers for psoriasis have been identified at the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome level. These discoveries have provided new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways in psoriasis pathogenesis. More importantly, some of these markers may prove useful in the diagnosis of psoriasis and in the prediction of disease progression once they have been validated. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings in psoriasis biomarker discovery. In addition, we will discuss several emerging technologies and their potential for novel biomarker discovery and diagnostics for psoriasis.
The association between scheduling a gynecologic clinical visit and clinical breast examination in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Martins Luís Felipe L. , de Almeida Liz Maria , Szklo André S. , Tupinambá Helena A , Szklo Moyses , Coeli Cláudia M.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate factors associated with gynecology health professionals' failure to perform clinical breast examinations (CBEs) during clinical visits.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, interview‐based survey was conducted in 2010 among women aged at least 18 years who had undergone a cervical smear in 2007 at primary‐care units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Binomial regression was used to generate prevalence ratios and absolute differences between visits for routine examinations or gynecologic complaints.

Results

Analyses included 982 women, of whom 182 (18.5%) did not have a CBE during their visit. Significant interactions were observed between age and primary reason for the visit: the prevalence ratio for no CBE during a visit for gynecologic complaints versus routine examination was 3.2 for women aged at least 40 years, and 1.3 among younger women (P for multiplicative interaction = 0.001). Absolute differences were 6.4% and 18.5% for younger and older women, respectively (P for additive interaction = 0.04).

Conclusion

A high proportion of eligible women do not undergo a CBE during cervical smear appointments at primary‐care units in Rio de Janeiro, particularly older women presenting with gynecologic complaints. Understanding of health professionals' barriers to following and implementing guidelines for secondary prevention of breast cancer is urgently needed.
Clinical outcomes after fast‐track care in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Minig Lucas , Chuang Linus , Patrono Maria Guadalupe , Fernandez‐Chereguini María , Cárdenas‐Rebollo Jose M , Biffi Roberto
Published: September 2015

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of multimodal perioperative care after laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed at Clara Campal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madrid, Spain, between April 1, 2011, and July 30, 2014, and included women who were scheduled to undergo a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Fast‐track (multimodal) care included provision of full preoperative verbal and written information, intravenous dexamethasone (8 mg) during surgery, removal of the urinary catheter at the end of surgery, and early mobilization and solid food intake. The main outcome was the length of hospital stay.

Results

Overall, 88 patients were included. The median hospital stay was 22.7 hours (range 5–72). Same‐day discharge was feasible in 24 (27%) patients. A total of 51 (58%) women were discharged after overnight stay, 46 (90%) of whom elected to do so because of personal preference. Finally, 13 (15%) patients were discharged at least 36 hours after surgery. Eleven (13%) women visited the emergency unit after discharge and 3 (3%) were readmitted.

Conclusion

The perioperative multimodal recovery program is safe and feasible in a selected group of women after an elective laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Comparison of Intracranial Neuroendoscopic Procedures in Children versus Adults
Authors: Girgis Fady , Diaz Roberto , Hader Walter , Hamilton Mark
Published: September 2015

Background:The emphasis regarding intracranial neuroendoscopy has been traditionally advocated and focused on the role in pediatric patients, although a significant usage has developed in adult patients. In this study, we examine and contrast the role of predominantly intracranial neuroendoscopy in both a pediatric and adult population with a minimum postprocedure follow-up of 5 years.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted for patients in the two hospitals that manage neurosurgical care for Southern Alberta, Canada, undergoing neuroendoscopic surgery between 1994 and 2008. The pediatric group was defined as age ≤17 years and the adult group as age ≥18 years.Results:A total of 273 patients who underwent a total of 330 procedures with a mean postprocedure follow-up of 12.9 years were identified. There were 161 adult and 112 pediatric patients, and both groups underwent surgery by the same surgeons. The most common procedure was endoscopic third ventriculostomy, accounting for 55% of procedures. One postoperative death occurred in an adult patient. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy success 1-year postprocedure was 81%, with only three late-term failures. Postoperative infection was the most common serious complication (two pediatric/four adult patients). Adult and pediatric patients had similar major complication rates (4.2% vs 5.7%, p=0.547).Conclusions:Neuroendoscopy overall had a similar role in both pediatric and adult neurosurgical populations, with the most commonly associated complication being infection. Neuroendoscopy is an important therapeutic modality in the management of appropriate adult patients.
The Operational and Economic Impact of a Neurovascular Unit in an Acute Care Academic Hospital
Authors: Appel Eva , Hahn-Goldberg Shoshana , Chow Eric , Casaubon Leanne K. , Abrams Howard B.
Published: September 2015

Background: There is strong evidence that clinical outcomes are improved for stroke patients admitted to specialized Stroke Units. The Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) created a Neurovascular Unit (NVU) using resources from General Internal Medicine, Neurology, and Neurosurgery for patients with stroke and acute neurovascular conditions. Under resource-constrained conditions, the operational and economic impacts of the Neurovascular Unit were unknown. Methods: Retrospective patient-level data was studied from two years prior and one year post NVU implementation. Descriptive statistical analysis and non-parametric testing were conducted on the acute length of stay (LOS), alternate level of care LOS, total cost per bed-day and per visit, and patient flow within each medical service and hospital wide. Results: The median acute LOS per hospitalization for NVU-eligible patients decreased significantly (p=0.001). For Neurology patients, mean acute LOS decreased from 9.1 days pre-Neurovascular Unit to 7.6 days post and median acute LOS decreased from 6 to 5 days (p=0.002); however, mean alternate level of care LOS per visit more than doubled (from 1.6 to 4.1 days, p=0.001). For the Neurology service, the mean cost per visit decreased by $945, representing a 5% reduction (p=0.042) and the mean cost per bed-day decreased by $233, or 12.5% (p=0.026). Hospital wide, a saving of over C$450 000 was achieved. Conclusions: During the first year of operation, the NVU at TWH achieved decreased acute LOS per visit and lowered the total hospitalization cost per year for NVU-eligible patients. Addressing the issue of increased alternate level of care LOS could result in additional efficiencies.
COGNITIVE DIVERSITY, BINARY DECISIONS, AND EPISTEMIC DEMOCRACY
Authors: Weymark John A.
Published: September 2015

In Democratic Reason, Hélène Landemore has built a case for the epistemic virtues of inclusive deliberative democracy based on the cognitive diversity of the group engaged in making collective decisions. She supports her thesis by appealing to the Diversity Trumps Ability Theorem of Lu Hong and Scott Page. This theorem is quite technical and the informal statements of it aimed at democratic theorists are inaccurate, which has resulted in some misguided critiques of the theorem's applicability to democratic politics. This paper provides an exposition of the Diversity Trumps Ability Theorem that does not sacrifice precision for accessibility. It also shows that it is not possible to satisfy the assumptions of this theorem when there are only two options. Thus, the Diversity Trumps Ability Theorem cannot provide support for the epistemic virtues of inclusive democratic deliberation for binary collective decisions.
EPISTEMIC AUTHORITY, PREEMPTIVE REASONS, AND UNDERSTANDING
Authors: Jäger Christoph
Published: September 2015

One of the key tenets of Linda Zagzebski's bookEpistemic Authority: A Theory of Trust, Authority, and Autonomy in Belief(2012) is the “Preemption Thesis for epistemic authority.” It says that, when an agent realizes that an epistemic authority believes that p, the epistemically rational response for her is to adopt the authority's belief and to replace all of her previous reasons relevant to whether p by the reason that the authority believes that p. I argue that such a “Hobbesian approach” to epistemic authority yields problematic results. This becomes especially virulent when we apply Preemption to cases in which the agent and the authority share their belief (same-belief cases), or in which both have either a positive or a negative graded doxastic attitude toward a given proposition. As an alternative I propose what I call a “Socratic approach,” according to which epistemic authorities will not only motivate us to adopt their beliefs, but also provide us with higher-order reasons for re-assigning our own considerations their proper place in the web of reasons for and against the view in question, thereby fostering our overall understanding of the topic.
A SENSITIVITY TO GOOD QUESTIONS: A VIRTUE-BASED APPROACH TO QUESTIONING
Authors: Sato Kunimasa
Published: September 2015

This paper argues for a virtue-based account of questioning. First, it delineates the unreflective yet rational aspects of questioning and demonstrates that “good” questions – that is, properly focused, pertinent questions – can be obtained not only in reflective but also in unreflective processes. This paper then argues that the unreflective yet rational mode of inquirers in questioning can be characterized by an automatic response to good questions and cues for relevant doubt and further questions, the active and standby modes of responsiveness, and emotional stress on cues for relevant doubt and further questions. Finally, this article outlines how these features can fully be explicated in terms of exercising a sensitivity to good questions as a virtue.
Are parents and children satisfied with CAMHS?
Authors: McNicholas F. , Reulbach Udo , Hanrahan Sarah O. , Sakar Manas
Published: September 2015

Background

Client Satisfaction with services is an important predictor of health care seeking, treatment compliance and health status outcome. Given that both parents and young people may have different views of services offered, this study examines both perspectives with respect to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland.

Method

Following ethical approval, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8) were sent to all open cases attending three urban CAMHS. Returned questionnaires were received from 426 (280 parents and 146 adolescents) giving a response rate of 49%.

Results

No significant differences were observed between parents and adolescents regarding general satisfaction with CAMHS (Mann–Whitney U-test; Z=−0.255; p=0.799) with a range of good and excellent ratings between 77.1% (for the extent that program met user’s needs) and 93.1% (for recommendation of program to a friend). Significant positive associations were found between age of child (Spearman’s ρ=0.159; p=0.017), receiving a diagnosis (Mann–Whitney U-test; Z=−2.14; p=0.032), frequent attendance (χ2=8.74; df=3; p=0.033) and living in close proximity to the service (χ2=9.24; df=3; p=0.026). There was a strong negative correlation between reduction in impairment and levels of satisfaction (ρ=−0.44, n=275, p<0.000). Waiting time or duration in service were not associated with CSQ and 53% (145) requested clinic opening hours outside of 09:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.

Conclusion

Regular user feedback, a robust and distinct measure of service quality, will ensure the development of effective, accessible, client-centered and responsive services, which can evolve in partnership with families and young people.
Thermal Performance of Cooling Enhancement of Miniature Flat Plate Heat Pipe Under Different Angle
Authors: Chen J.-S. , Chou J.-H.
Published: September 2015

The possibility of cooling enhancement of flat plate heat pipes (FPHPs) by tilting was examined experimentally in this study. All of the FPHPs were made of Al and were partially filled with acetone. They had the same size of 120 mm (length) by 36 mm (width) by 2.5 mm (thickness) and the same liquid filling ratio of 25.1%. The effects of six tilting angles of -30°, -15°, -10°, 0°, 45°, and 90° were explored. The results showed that the thermal resistance decreased and the effective thermal conductivity increased when the tilting angle was increased. By increasing the tilting angle from 0° to 45° and further to 90°, the maximum effective thermal conductivity increased by a factor of 1.205 from 4561 W/mK to 5497 W/mK and of 1.212 to 5530 W/mK, respectively. The corresponding maximum heat transport capability increased by a factor of 2.89 from 39.8 W to 115 W and of 3.27 to 130 W. Hence, by proper tilting into positve angles, cooling enhancement of the FPHPs can be greatly achieved.
The musical tradition of maʾlūf in Libya: rethinking memories from the field
Authors: Ciantar Philip
Published: September 2015

The importance of memory in music is both central and multifarious; therefore, it deserves to be preserved and closely scrutinised on a level of importance equal to that of the sound itself and all the other data that go with it. Such preservation should take into consideration both memories coming from ‘inside’ the musical tradition under investigation, mainly as expressed by informants, and those from the ‘outside’, such as those assimilated by the ethnographer in the course of onsite fieldwork. Whilst the former may contribute towards the construction and eventual documentation of the tradition's history, the latter may shed light on the terrain between the self and otherness, as well as the researcher's changing consciousness through which so much evaluation takes place both in the field and at a distance in terms of place and time. This article explores the values ingrained in both categories of memory and the benefits attained in their documentation and preservation, using as its case study the Libyan maʾlūf musical tradition. The article will show how diverse memories have illuminated continuities between the past and present, kindled nostalgia which was eventually transformed into history, provided additional information when immediate information from the sound source was insufficient, and generated reflections and rethinking about the tradition in question in the context of a new social order.
Cocoa flavanol intake improves endothelial function and Framingham Risk Score in healthy men and women: a randomised, controlled, double-masked trial: the Flaviola Health Study
Authors: Sansone Roberto , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Heuel Jan , Falk David , Schuler Dominik , Wagstaff Rabea , Kuhnle Gunter G. C. , Spencer Jeremy P. E. , Schroeter Hagen , Merx Marc W. , Kelm Malte , Heiss Christian ,   for the Flaviola Consortium, European Union 7th Framework Program
Published: September 2015

Cocoa flavanol (CF) intake improves endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and disease. We investigated the effects of CF on surrogate markers of cardiovascular health in low risk, healthy, middle-aged individuals without history, signs or symptoms of CVD. In a 1-month, open-label, one-armed pilot study, bi-daily ingestion of 450 mg of CF led to a time-dependent increase in endothelial function (measured as flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD)) that plateaued after 2 weeks. Subsequently, in a randomised, controlled, double-masked, parallel-group dietary intervention trial (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01799005), 100 healthy, middle-aged (35–60 years) men and women consumed either the CF-containing drink (450 mg) or a nutrient-matched CF-free control bi-daily for 1 month. The primary end point was FMD. Secondary end points included plasma lipids and blood pressure, thus enabling the calculation of Framingham Risk Scores and pulse wave velocity. At 1 month, CF increased FMD over control by 1·2 % (95 % CI 1·0, 1·4 %). CF decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 4·4 mmHg (95 % CI 7·9, 0·9 mmHg) and 3·9 mmHg (95 % CI 6·7, 0·9 mmHg), pulse wave velocity by 0·4 m/s (95 % CI 0·8, 0·04 m/s), total cholesterol by 0·20 mmol/l (95 % CI 0·39, 0·01 mmol/l) and LDL-cholesterol by 0·17 mmol/l (95 % CI 0·32, 0·02 mmol/l), whereas HDL-cholesterol increased by 0·10 mmol/l (95 % CI 0·04, 0·17 mmol/l). By applying the Framingham Risk Score, CF predicted a significant lowering of 10-year risk for CHD, myocardial infarction, CVD, death from CHD and CVD. In healthy individuals, regular CF intake improved accredited cardiovascular surrogates of cardiovascular risk, demonstrating that dietary flavanols have the potential to maintain cardiovascular health even in low-risk subjects.
Oral administration of veratric acid, a constituent of vegetables and fruits, prevents cardiovascular remodelling in hypertensive rats: a functional evaluation
Authors: Saravanakumar Murugesan , Raja Boobalan , Manivannan Jeganathan , Silambarasan Thangarasu , Prahalathan Pichavaram , Kumar Subramanian , Mishra Santosh Kumar
Published: September 2015

In our previous studies, veratric acid (VA) shows beneficial effect on hypertension and its associated dyslipidaemia. In continuation, this study was designed to investigate the effect of VA, one of the major benzoic acid derivatives from vegetables and fruits, on cardiovascular remodelling in hypertensive rats, primarily assessed by functional studies using Langendorff isolated heart system and organ bath system. Hypertension was induced in male albino Wistar rats by oral administration ofNω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) (40 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) in drinking water for 4 weeks. VA was orally administered at a dose of 40 mg/kg b.w.l-NAME-treated rats showed impaired cardiac ventricular and vascular function, evaluated by Langendorff isolated heart system and organ bath studies, respectively; a significant increase in the lipid peroxidation products such as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides in aorta; and a significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and levels of GSH, vitamin C and vitamin E in aorta. Fibrotic remodelling of the aorta and heart were assessed by Masson’s Trichrome staining and Van Gieson’s staining, respectively. In addition,l-NAME rats showed increased heart fibronectin expression assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. VA supplementation throughout the experimental period significantly normalised cardiovascular function, oxidative stress, antioxidant status and fibrotic remodelling of tissues. These results of the present study conclude that VA acts as a protective agent against hypertension-associated cardiovascular remodelling.
Vitamin D inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response potentially through the Toll-like receptor 4 signalling pathway in the intestine and enterocytes of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpiovar. Jian)
Authors: Jiang Jun , Shi Dan , Zhou Xiao-Qiu , Yin Long , Feng Lin , Jiang Wei-Dan , Liu Yang , Tang Ling , Wu Pei , Zhao Ye
Published: September 2015

The present study was conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D both in juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpiovar. Jian)in vivoand in enterocytesin vitro. In primary enterocytes, exposure to 10 mg lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/l increased lactate dehydrogenase activity in the culture medium (P<0·05) and resulted in a significant loss of cell viability (P<0·05). LPS exposure increased (P<0·05) the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8), which was decreased by pre-treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D3) in a dose-dependent manner (P<0·05). Further results showed that pre-treatment with 1,25D3 down-regulated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88) and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression (P<0·05), suggesting potential mechanisms against LPS-induced inflammatory response.In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of LPS significantly increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression in the intestine of carp (P<0·05). Pre-treatment of fish with vitamin D3protected the fish intestine from the LPS-induced increase of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 mainly by downregulating TLR4, Myd88 and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression (P<0·05). These observations suggest that vitamin D could inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory response in juvenile Jian carpin vivoand in enterocytesin vitro. The anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D is mediated at least in part by TLR4-Myd88 signalling pathways in the intestine and enterocytes of juvenile Jian carp.
Wittenberg's Wandering Spirits: Discipline and the Dead in the Reformation
Authors: Evener Vincent
Published: September 2015

This article examines early protestant efforts to confront the belief that souls in purgatory appeared to or haunted the living. It demonstrates that a series of Articles on the Conjuration of the Wandering Dead (1521 or 1522) long attributed to Andreas Bodenstein von Karlstadt were actually written by Martin Luther or a close disciple. More importantly, it shows that these Articles participated in an extended effort by Luther to realize the doctrinal foci of the Reformation in the daily lives of believers as they encountered apparitions and poltergeists, worried about lost loved ones, and faced their own deaths. Luther aimed, in particular, to discipline Christians’ senses of hearing and sight. Relating inward and outward senses, and explaining the apparent wandering dead as demons in disguise, Luther counseled Christians to hear the Word rather than the dead, to see Christ rather than the devil. Karlstadt also sought to realize doctrinal concentration, but in a manner shaped by his conception of faith as knowledge. Addressing anxiety about those who died before the Reformation, Karlstadt explained the wandering spirits as ignorant souls, destined for salvation but still needing to learn the right way. These wanderers spurred the living to diligent study of God's will.
Republicanism: Religious Studies and Church History meet Political History
Authors: Logan Dana W.
Published: September 2015

Republicanism, both of these authors teach us, by the mid-nineteenth century became indistinguishable from the aims of religion in the United States. A broad array of protestants agreed that the aims of religion cohered with the political principle of republicanism—or the principle that men could only achieve freedom through self-rule. Noll usefully shows that this concept of republicanism underwent a series of changes from the late eighteenth century to the mid-nineteenth. Beginning in the late eighteenth century republicanism referenced liberty from tyranny, man as citizen, and virtue as a kind of constraint on individual interests. Noll, however, argues that two versions of republicanism competed in this earlier period: communitarian republicanism, based in “the reciprocity of personal morality and social-well being,” and liberal republicanism, which valued the independence of the individual. Noll and Modern argue that by the mid-nineteenth century, the liberal version won out. Citizens imagined their freedom to be enabled by a market-based society more than by a community of virtue. For political historians these definitions are not new or controversial, but for historians of American religious history republicanism is an unlikely category of analysis because we see it as “political theory” rather than theology. But as both Noll and Modern argue, republicanism became the very substance of theology in the United States.
The Republican Character of Antebellum American Religion
Authors: Noll Mark A.
Published: September 2015

The young scholars who proposed a dialogue between John Modern and myself, and who then contributed sparkling insights of their own to that dialogue, deserve hearty thanks. They have taken seriously the main arguments, along with many of the details, in Modern's Secularism in Antebellum America and my America's God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln. In so doing, they spotlighted lacunae, advanced new perspectives, and proposed the best kind of questions for probing the complicated religious-political-personal-social-economic relationships in antebellum America. I am particularly indebted to them for pointing out aspects of my work that require clarification and for helping me see more clearly what John Modern's work accomplished.
CLAUDIUS AT BAIAE
Authors: Mason H.C.
Published: September 2015

On 15 March 46 Claudius published at Baiae an edict enfranchising the Anauni, Tulliasses and Sinduni. The citizenship of these tribespeople in the Italian Alps had previously been uncertain: they were attached to the nearby municipium of Tridentum, which already enjoyed Roman citizenship, but were themselves no more than de facto Roman citizens. Claudius now confirmed their legal status as Romans.
A Zambian Town in Colonial Zimbabwe: The 1964 “Wangi Kolia” Strike
Authors: Phimister Ian , Tembo Alfred
Published: September 2015

In March 1964 the entire African labour force at Wankie Colliery, “Wangi Kolia”, in Southern Rhodesia went on strike. Situated about eighty miles south-east of the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, central Africa’s only large coalmine played a pivotal role in the region’s political economy. Described byDrum, the famous South African magazine, as a “bitter underpaid place”, the colliery’s black labour force was largely drawn from outside colonial Zimbabwe. While some workers came from Angola, Tanganyika (Tanzania), and Nyasaland (Malawi), the great majority were from Northern Rhodesia (Zambia). Less than one-quarter came from Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) itself. Although poor-quality food rations in lieu of wages played an important role in precipitating female-led industrial action, it also occurred against a backdrop of intense struggle against exploitation over an extended period of time. As significant was the fact that it happened within a context of regional instability and sweeping political changes, with the independence of Zambia already impending. This late colonial conjuncture sheds light on the region’s entangled dynamics of gender, race, and class.