bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chirurgie métabolique : faut-il opérer les diabétiques de type 2 avec IMC < 35 kg/m 2 ?
Authors: Darmon Patrice
Published: February 2015

La chirurgie bariatrique est normalement réservée aux patients présentant un IMC ≥ 40 kg/m 2  ou ≥ 35 kg/m 2  avec des comorbidités susceptibles d’être améliorées par la perte de poids. Les résultats remarquables sur l’évolution du diabète de type 2 (55 % à 95 % de rémission) ont fait progressivement évoluer la vision purement « bariatrique » de cette chirurgie (objectif : perte de poids) vers une vision plus « métabolique » (objectif : rémission du diabète). Il est ainsi légitime de s’interroger sur le bien-fondé de proposer une intervention à des patients diabétiques de type 2 présentant une obésité de grade 1 (IMC 30-35 kg/m 2 ) lorsque leur diabète est mal équilibré malgré une observance diététique et thérapeutique satisfaisantes. Le rapport bénéfice/risque de cette chirurgie chez les patients DT2 avec IMC < 35 kg/m 2  reste toutefois à déterminer ; en l’absence d’études randomisées menées spécifiquement dans cette population, les sociétés savantes restent prudentes sur le sujet, à l’exception de la Fédération Internationale du Diabète qui, depuis 2011, reconnaît la chirurgie métabolique comme une option thérapeutique chez les patients présentant un IMC entre 30 et 35 kg/m 2  et restant mal équilibrés (HbAlc > 7,5 %) malgré un traitement médical optimisé. Cette position se base sur l’analyse d’études d’observation illustrant l’efficacité du traitement chirurgical de l’obésité sur l’équilibre glycémique et la rémission du DT2 dans cette population particulière, avec un taux de décès et de complications postopératoires similaires à ceux retrouvés habituellement. Pour autant, seules des études randomisées menées spécifiquement chez ces patients avec un suivi à long terme, versus une prise en charge basée sur des modifications intensives du mode de vie et/ou des traitements « modernes » comme les agonistes des récepteurs du GLP-1, évaluant également le risque de complications, l’impact sur la qualité de vie et les conséquences socio-économiques, nous permettront d’identifier la place réelle de la chirurgie métabolique dans la stratégie thérapeutique du DT2 chez les patients avec IMC < 35 kg/m 2 .
Public health aspects of nuclear and radiological incidents
Authors: Katz, MD Seth K. , Parrillo, DO, FACOEP-D, FACEP Steven J. , Christensen, DO Doran , Glassman, MS, CCEMT-P Erik S. , Gill, PhD Kimberly B.
Published: February 2015

Radiological and nuclear incidents are low probability but very high risk events. Measures can be, and have been, implemented to limit or prevent the impact on the public. Preparedness, however, remains the key to minimizing morbidity and mortality. Incidents may be related to hospital-based misadministration of radiation in interventional radiology or nuclear medicine, industrial or nuclear power plant accidents. Safety and security measures are in place to prevent or mitigate such events. Despite efforts to prevent them, terrorist-perpetrated incidents with, for example, a radiological dispersal device (RDD) are also possible. Due to a misunderstanding of, or lack of, formal education regarding things in this realm, there can be considerable anxiety, even fear, about radiation-related incidents. Multiple studies evaluating healthcare provider willingness to report to work rank radiation as the hazard that will keep the largest number of workers at home. Even incidents that do not constitute a disaster can spiral out of control quite rapidly, placing considerable demands on community resources. Our communities will face these threats in the future and it is the responsibility of physicians and allied healthcare personnel to be trained and ready to care for those affected. The scope of resources needed to prepare for and respond to such incidents is indeed vast. It encompasses the coordinated effort of first responders and physicians, the preparedness of national agencies involved in responding to such events, and individual community cooperation and solidarity. This article reviews the approach to the short- and long-term effects of a radiological or nuclear incident on an affected population, with a specific focus on the medical and public health issues. It also summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of our current ability to respond effectively and makes recommendations to improve these capabilities.
Emergency preparedness and intervention: Social work education needs in Israel
Authors: Findley, DrPH, MSW Patricia A. , Isralowitz, PhD Richard , Reznik, PhD Alexander
Published: February 2015

Background: Emergency preparedness and response is gaining increasing global attention; numerous conditions contribute to disaster situations including acts of terror and war, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. Internationally, social workers are among the first responders addressing needs of children, families, and others affected by traumatic events.Objectives: Assess the level of emergency preparedness and experience of intervening of social workers in Negev, Israel.Methods: Social workers (n _ 183) employed by public and nonprofit nongovernment organizations throughout the Negev, Israel, including population centers of Beer Sheva, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Sderot were queried for this study regarding their experience and training in emergency preparedness and interventions.Results: Seventy-six percent of study participants had 10 years or less experience; and, the majority (56.1 percent) reported they treat trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. Overall, the types of populations with whom the participants worked with were children and adolescents (65.5 percent), adults (59.6 percent), individuals with drug or alcohol dependence (30.1 percent), people with serious mental illness (27.9 percent), reporting sexual abuse (25.7 percent), those with physical disabilities (20.8 percent), and elderly (18.6 percent). Screening and referral were the most common services provided, especially by older, more experienced social workers who were more likely to have received training to provide disaster mental health intervention. Respondents reported disaster intervention training related to work with children and families to be most important.Conclusion: Further research should consider more targeted studies of on emergency preparedness policies for vulnerable populations, evaluation of implementation procedures, and training on both the professional and community levels among other issues.
Mobile phone use among Medical Reserve Corps coordinators and volunteers: An exploratory study
Authors: Scheller, MPA Amy , Peck, MPH Megan , Olson, DNP, MPH, FAAOHN Debra K.
Published: February 2015

Objective: To better understand how mobile phones can be used during emergency response, this study identifies a) current mobile phone use among Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers and coordinators in their daily lives and during response; b) challenges for mobile phone use during response; and c) areas for capacity building. Design: In 2012, 459 MRC volunteers and coordinators responded to a 35-question survey conducted online through SurveyMonkey. Respondents were asked how they use their mobile phones in their daily lives and during response, and how they would like to use them during response. Frequencies were calculated using SurveyMonkey and Excel.Main outcome measures: Respondents reported frequent and varied mobile phone use in their daily lives, with 99 percent of respondents owning a phone, 82 percent texting, and 87 percent of smartphone owners using apps. Although 80 percent of respondents who had been deployed used mobile phones during response, use of sophisticated mobile phone features was low; only 10 percent accessed emergency preparedness apps and 23 percent browsed the Internet for emergency response information. Respondents indicated a desire to use more features during response, such as emergency preparedness apps (72 percent) and e-mail to send or receive response instructions (80 percent). Conclusion: Results indicate that given access to mobile technology and training, emergency responders would like to increase their mobile phone use during response. Implications of these findings show a need for organizations to improve their support of mobile phone use.
On the effectiveness of shelter-in-place as a measure to reduce harm from atmospheric releases
Authors: Du, PhD Shuming
Published: February 2015

Shelter-in-place (SIP) is recommended by numerous entities as a measure to reduce harm in the event of a chemical accident or chemical attack taking place in the atmosphere. This article, based on solving mass conservation equation for indoor hazardous material, examines how effective SIP is to reduce the harm. It is shown that SIP can be effective when the shelter's air exchange rate is low and when the release duration is short. The effectiveness is strongly affected by the hazardous material itself: SIP is more effective for hazardous material with higher toxic load exponent. Another finding is that leaving the shelter promptly after the event can also be critical.
Assessing Reverse 911®: A case study of the 2007 San Diego wildfires
Authors: Neaves, ABD, MPPA Tonya T. , Mann, PhD Stacey C. , Myers, PhD Laura B. , Cosby, PhD Arthur G.
Published: February 2015

In October 2007, 250,000 residents of San Diego County were forced to evacuate as wildfires burned 62 miles2 in 24 hours. In 2005, the Sheriff’s Department invested in Reverse 911® to contact residents upon emergencies. The system was used during this wildfire, and by the following midday, had made 394,915 calls. Shortly thereafter, 1,210 residents were surveyed to investigate the effectiveness of this technology. Findings reveal that 42 percent of respondents received their first warning from a Reverse 911® call while an additional 7 percent received the same call, but not as their first warning, as compared to all other methods used.
Sustainability and the local emergency manager
Authors: Jensen, PhD Jessica , Chauvet, MS Regine Laurence
Published: February 2015

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how local county emergency managers conceptualize sustainability and apply the concept within their jobs.Design: Qualitative, semistructured telephone and face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from a purposive and convenience sample of local county emergency managers.Setting: Interviews were conducted with Florida and North Dakota emergency managers.Subjects, Participants: Twenty-five local county emergency managers participated in this study. Results: The study demonstrated that there is a lack of definitional clarity in emergency manager conceptualizations of sustainability. Nevertheless, emergency managers apply the concept to their jobs in important ways.Conclusions: Emergency management has the opportunity to further define its role vis-à-vis sustainability and how it does so will have implications for the communities it serves, the professionals who will be tasked with it, and the educators who will support the development of future generations of emergency management professionals.
Quantifying effectiveness in emergency management
Authors: Weaver, DPA John Michael
Published: February 2015

This study looked at the relationship between the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Homeland Security (DHS). Moreover, it reviewed the interface between their two subordinate organizations (Northern Command under DOD and the Federal Emergency Management Agency under DHS) with primacy over domestic disasters. Understanding the importance of intergovernmental relations (IGRs), the article dissected the interrelatedness of these organizations regarding hurricanes and the subsequent involvement of federal preparation and response efforts. The informal networked relationships were evaluated using regression analysis focusing on secondary sources of data and several variables. The vitality of collaborative networks is grounded in literature and has been espoused by Waugh and Streib1 in the world of emergency management; this study expanded on their premise.
Problems of preparedness and its promotion in Germany
Authors: Goersch, MA, PhD Henning Goetz
Published: February 2015

The official strategy in Germany to promote preparedness is the appliance of mass communication instruments to inform the population about hazards and protection measures as well as to influence the risk perception of people. This is thought to be an appropriate method to raise the level of preparedness. A research project running from 2005 to 2010 investigated central assumptions of the current promotion measures. The results show that a change of paradigm is urgently needed.
Modeling operators' emergency response time for chemical processing operations
Authors: Murray, PhD Susan L. , Harputlu, MS Emrah , Mentzer, PhD Ray A. , Mannan, PhD M. Sam
Published: February 2015

Operators have a crucial role during emergencies at a variety of facilities such as chemical processing plants. When an abnormality occurs in the production process, the operator often has limited time to either take corrective actions or evacuate before the situation becomes deadly. It is crucial that system designers and safety professionals can estimate the time required for a response before procedures and facilities are designed and operations are initiated.There are existing industrial engineering techniques to establish time standards for tasks performed at a normal working pace. However, it is reasonable to expect the time required to take action in emergency situations will be different than working at a normal production pace. It is possible that in an emergency, operators will act faster compared to a normal pace. It would be useful for system designers to be able to establish a time range for operators' response times for emergency situations. This article develops a modeling approach to estimate the time standard range for operators taking corrective actions or following evacuation procedures in emergency situations. This will aid engineers and managers in establishing time requirements for operators in emergency situations.The methodology used for this study combines a well-established industrial engineering technique for determining time requirements (predetermined time standard system) and adjustment coefficients for emergency situations developed by the authors. Numerous videos of workers performing well-established tasks at a maximum pace were studied. As an example, one of the tasks analyzed was pit crew workers changing tires as quickly as they could during a race. The operations in these videos were decomposed into basic, fundamental motions (such as walking, reaching for a tool, and bending over) by studying the videos frame by frame. A comparison analysis was then performed between the emergency pace and the normal working pace operations to determine performance coefficients. These coefficients represent the decrease in time required for various basic motions in emergency situations and were used to model an emergency response. This approach will make hazardous operations requiring operator response, alarm management, and evacuation processes easier to design and predict. An application of this methodology is included in the article. The time required for an emergency response was roughly a one-third faster than for a normal response time.
Ozone and aerosols tropospheric concentrations variability analyzed using the ADRIMED measurements and the WRF-CHIMERE models
Authors: Menut L. , Mailler S. , Siour G. , Bessagnet B. , Turquety S. , Rea G. , Briant R. , Mallet M. , Sciare J. , Formenti P.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The ozone and aerosols concentrations variability is studied over the Euro-Mediterranean area during the months of June and July 2013 and in the framework of the ADRIMED project. A first analysis is performed using meteorological variables, ozone and aerosols concentrations using routine stations network, satellite and specific ADRIMED project airborne measurements. This analysis is complemented by modelling using the WRF and CHIMERE regional models. It is shown that this period was not highly polluted, with a moderate ozone production and several precipitation periods, scavenging the aerosols. In addition, no significant vegetation fires events were observed. The CHIMERE model simulating all kind of sources (anthropogenic, biogenic, mineral dust, vegetation fires) for numerous aerosols species, the aerosol speciation was quantified: during the whole period, the aerosols were mainly constituted by mineral dust, sea salt and sulphates close to the surface, and mainly mineral dust in the troposphere. Compared to AERONET size distribution, it is shown that the model underestimates the coarse mode near mineral dust sources and overestimates the fine mode in the Mediterranean area, even if the total mass of aerosols and the optical depth are correctly reproduced.
Quantifying environmental stress-induced emissions of algal isoprene and monoterpenes using laboratory measurements
Authors: Meskhidze N. , Sabolis A. , Reed R. , Kamykowski D.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. We report here production rates of isoprene and monoterpene compounds (α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene and d-limonene) from six phytoplankton monocultures as a function of irradiance and temperature. Irradiance experiments were carried out for diatom strains (Thalassiosira weissflogii and Thalassiosira pseudonana), prymnesiophyte strains (Pleurochrysis carterae), dinoflagellate strains (Karenia brevis and Prorocentrum minimum), and cryptophyte strains (Rhodomonas salina), while temperature experiments were carried out for diatom strains (Thalassiosira weissflogii and Thalassiosira pseudonana). Phytoplankton species, incubated in a climate-controlled room, were subject to variable light (90 to 900 μmol m−2 s−1) and temperature (18 to 30 °C) regimes. Compared to isoprene, monoterpene emissions were an order of magnitude lower at all light and temperature levels. Emission rates are normalized by cell count and Chlorophyll a (Chl a) content. Diatom strains were the largest emitters, with ~ 2 × 10−17 g(cell)−1h−1 (~ 35 μg (g Chl a)−1 h−1) for isoprene and ~ 5 × 10−19 g (cell)−1 h−1 (~ 1 μg (g Chl a)−1) h−1) for α-pinene. The contribution to the total monoterpene production was ~ 70% from α-pinene, ~ 20% for d-limonene, and < 10% for camphene and β-pinene. Phytoplankton species showed a rapid increase in production rates at low irradiance (< 150 μmol m−2 s−1) and a gradual increase at high (> 250 μmol m−2 s−1) irradiance. Measurements revealed different patterns for time-averaged emissions rates over two successive days. On the first day, most of the species showed a distinct increase in production rates within the first 4 h while, on the second day, the emission rates were overall higher, but less variable. The data suggest that enhanced amounts of isoprene and monoterpenes are emitted from phytoplankton as a result of perturbations in environmental conditions that cause imbalance in chloroplasts and force primary producers to acclimate physiologically. This relationship could be a valuable tool for development of dynamic ecosystem modeling approaches for global marine isoprene and monoterpene emissions based on phytoplankton physiological responses to a changing environment.
Patterns and persistence of hydrologic carbon and nutrient export from collapsing upland permafrost
Authors: Abbott B. W. , Jones J. B. , Godsey S. E. , Larouche J. R. , Bowden W. B.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. As high latitudes warm, vast stocks of carbon and nitrogen stored in permafrost will become available for transport to aquatic ecosystems. While there is a growing understanding of the potential effects of permafrost collapse (thermokarst) on aquatic biogeochemical cycles, neither the spatial extent nor temporal duration of these effects are known. To test hypotheses concerning patterns and persistence of elemental export from upland thermokarst, we sampled hydrologic outflow from 83 thermokarst features in various stages of development across the North Slope of Alaska. We hypothesized that an initial pulse of carbon and nutrients would be followed by a period of elemental retention during feature recovery, and that the duration of these stages would depend on feature morphology. Thermokarst caused substantial increases of dissolved organic carbon and other solute concentrations with a particularly large impact on inorganic nitrogen. Magnitude and duration of thermokarst effects on water chemistry differed by feature type and secondarily by landscape age. Most solutes returned to undisturbed concentrations after feature stabilization, but elevated dissolved carbon, inorganic nitrogen, and sulfate concentrations persisted through stabilization for some feature types, suggesting that aquatic disturbance by thermokarst for these solutes is long-lived. Dissolved methane decreased by 90% for most feature types, potentially due to high concentrations of sulfate and inorganic nitrogen. Spatial patterns of carbon and nutrient export from thermokarst suggest that upland thermokarst may be a dominant linkage transferring carbon and nutrients from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems as the Arctic warms.
The dynamic of annual carbon allocation to wood in European forests is consistent with a combined source-sink limitation of growth: implications for modelling
Authors: Guillemot J. , Martin-StPaul N. K. , Dufrêne E. , François C. , Soudani K. , Ourcival J. M. , Delpierre N.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The extent to which forest growth is limited by carbon (C) supply (source control) or by cambial activity (sink control) will condition the response of trees to global changes. However, the physiological processes responsible for the limitation of forest growth are still under debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the key drivers of the annual carbon allocation to wood along large soil and climate regional gradients in five tree species representative of the main European forest biomes (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea, Quercus ilex, Quercus robur and Picea abies). Combining field measurements and process-based simulations at 49 sites (931 site-years), we assessed the stand biomass growth dependences at both inter-site and inter-annual scales. Specifically, the relative influence of forest C balance (source control), direct environmental control (water and temperature controls of sink activity) and allocation adjustments related to age, past climate conditions, competition intensity and soil nutrient availability on growth were quantified. The inter-site variability in stand C allocation to wood was predominantly driven by an age-related decline. The direct control of temperature or water stress on sink activity (i.e. independently from their effects on C supply) exerted a strong influence on the annual stand woody growth in all the species considered, including deciduous temperate species. The lagged effect of the past environment conditions was a significant driver of the annual C allocation to wood. Carbon supply appeared to strongly limit growth only in deciduous temperate species. We provide an evaluation of the spatio-temporal dynamics of annual carbon allocation to wood in European forests. Our study supports the premise that European forest growth is under a complex control including both source and sink limitations. The relative influences of the different growth drivers strongly vary across years and spatial ecological gradients. We suggest a straightforward modelling framework to implement these combined forest growth limitations into terrestrial biosphere models.
Bed conduction impact on fiber optic distributed temperature sensing water temperature measurements
Authors: O'Donnell Meininger T. , Selker J. S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Error in distributed temperature sensing (DTS) water temperature measurements may be introduced by contact of the fiber optic cable sensor with bed materials (e.g., seafloor, lakebed, streambed). Heat conduction from the bed materials can affect cable temperature and the resulting DTS measurements. In the Middle Fork John Day River, apparent water temperature measurements were influenced by cable sensor contact with aquatic vegetation and fine sediment bed materials. Affected cable segments measured a diurnal temperature range reduced by 10% and lagged by 20–40 min relative to that of ambient stream temperature. The diurnal temperature range deeper within the vegetation–sediment bed material was reduced 70% and lagged 240 min relative to ambient stream temperature. These site-specific results illustrate the potential magnitude of bed-conduction impacts with buried DTS measurements. Researchers who deploy DTS for water temperature monitoring should understand the importance of the environment into which the cable is placed on the range and phase of temperature measurements.
Variations in quantity, composition and grain size of Changjiang sediment discharging into the sea in response to human activities
Authors: Gao J. H. , Jia J. , Wang Y. P. , Yang Y. , Li J. , Bai F. , Zou X. , Gao S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. In order to evaluate the impact of human activities (mainly dam building) on the Changjiang River sediment discharging into the sea, the spatial–temporal variations in the sediment load of different tributaries of the river were analyzed to reveal the quantity, grain size and composition patterns of the sediment entering the sea. The results show that the timing of reduction in the sediment load of the main stream of the Changjiang was different from those associated with downstream and upstream sections, indicating the influences of the sub-catchments. Four stepwise reduction periods were identified, i.e., 1956–1969, 1970–1985, 1986–2002, and 2003–2010. The proportion of the sediment load originating from the Jinsha River continuously increased before 2003; after 2003, channel erosion in the main stream provided a major source of the sediment discharging into the sea. In addition, in response to dam construction, although mean grain size of the suspended sediment entering the sea did not change greatly with these different periods, the inter-annual variability for sediment composition or the relative contributions from the various tributaries changed considerably. Before 2003, the clay, silt and sand fractions of the river load were supplied directly by the upstream parts of the Changjiang; after 2003, although the clay component may still be originating mainly from the upstream areas, the source of the silt and sand components have been shifted to a large extent to the river bed erosion of the middle reach of the river. These observations imply that the load, grain size and sediment composition deposited over the coastal and shelf water adjacent to the river mouth may have changed rapidly recently, in response to the catchment changes.
Oscillations in a simple climate–vegetation model
Authors: Rombouts J. , Ghil M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. We formulate and analyze a simple dynamical systems model for climate–vegetation interaction. The planet we consider consists of a large ocean and a land surface on which vegetation can grow. The temperature affects vegetation growth on land and the amount of sea ice on the ocean. Conversely, vegetation and sea ice change the albedo of the planet, which in turn changes its energy balance and hence the temperature evolution. Our highly idealized, conceptual model is governed by two nonlinear, coupled ordinary differential equations, one for global temperature, the other for vegetation cover. The model exhibits either bistability between a vegetated and a desert state or oscillatory behavior. The oscillations arise through a Hopf bifurcation off the vegetated state, when the death rate of vegetation is low enough. These oscillations are anharmonic and exhibit a sawtooth shape that is characteristic of relaxation oscillations, as well as suggestive of the sharp deglaciations of the Quaternary. Our model's behavior can be compared, on the one hand, with the bistability of even simpler, Daisyworld-style climate–vegetation models. On the other hand, it can be integrated into the hierarchy of models trying to simulate and explain oscillatory behavior in the climate system. Rigorous mathematical results are obtained that link the nature of the feedbacks with the nature and the stability of the solutions. The relevance of model results to climate variability on various time scales is discussed.
Relational Aspects of Embryology in Islamic Bioethics
Authors: Eich Thomas
Published: February 2015

In this paper I argue that many pillars of embryological models based on Qur’an and Hadith took several centuries in Islamic History to develop. This relates to two aspects: a) which passages were linked to each other in order to derive the model and b) the ways how these passages were interpreted. The ensuing discussions lasted well into the 15th or 16th century the least. This is important to keep in mind when we look at contemporary debates in Islamic bioethics relating to the beginnings of human life. In these debates “Qur’anic embryology” is often portrayed as something that can be derived from foundational texts without any ambiguity. In addition I caution to read the discussions about embryological concepts based on Qur’an and Hadith in a simple “science vs. / and religion” binary. Rather I try to point out that several sorts of discussions can be detected in the sources. First, a discussion which I would label as “intra-hadith” which aimed at solving perceived tensions between statements made in different hadiths. This hermeneutical exercise largely aimed at showing the inherent consistency of hadiths included in the collections of the 9th century which eventually gained canonical status. Therefore the discussions about embryological developments as portrayed in different hadiths were to a certain extent linked to the larger movement of canonizing certain hadith collections. Second, there were discussions which aimed at solving perceived tensions between hadith statements and legal axioms. The third form of discussion evolved out of hadith and concepts of Greek antiquity.

I argue that one major topical issue under discussion were two competing models how the embryo developed: a static, fixed model and a relational model. The question was whether all embryos develop according to the same scheme or whether this development can vary individually. This issue could be linked to all three forms of discussions mentioned above, i.e. it was not necessarily linked only to the third and therefore the outcome of the meeting of two different systems of knowledge with entirely different forms of authorization such as “science vs. / and religion” or “Greek antiquity’s medical knowledge vs. /and hadith / Qur’an concept”. In addition it can be shown how the way reference is being made to medical knowledge in certain sources of the 15th and 16th centuries is an example of religious scholars mustering the authority of the medical field in order to bolster their arguments. This shows that such reference is far from exclusive for the modern or contemporary period where it is very common, although the difference of social context should not be glossed over.

On a final note I reflect on the implicitly normative aspects of functionalist framings of traditional legal concepts relating to embryological developments.
Inter-religious Dialogue on Ecology: A view from China
Authors: Pan-chiu Lai
Published: February 2015

Inter-religious dialogue on ecological issues is not merely a new item to be added to the agenda of existing dialogue between religions: it calls for a thorough reconsideration of the nature and aims of inter-religious dialogue. This paper argues that the ultimate goal of inter-religious dialogue on ecological issues should be the betterment of the whole world. It states that rather than merely reaching for the enhancement of mutual understanding between religions, dialogue must engage in a mutually creative process of transformation amongst the religious traditions involved. Moreover, the solutions to the environmental crisis must allow for a diverse approach that incorporates the local economic, political, cultural and religious context. Furthermore it is argued that, unlike the current ‘universal environmental ethics,’ ‘moral pluralism’ is a more flexible, contextual, creative and dynamic approach better suited to tackling environmental issues that are invariably local in character. In conclusion the paper states that such an approach should source its ethical thought and practice from the world religions.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Sustainable Agriculture Research, Vol. 4, No. 1
Authors: Lee Joan
Published: February 2015

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Sustainable Agriculture Research, Vol. 4, No. 1
A cyber-physical algorithm for selecting a prevalent element from big data streams
Authors: Alhudhaif Adi , Yan Tong , Berkovich Simon
Published: February 2015

The paper presents a new algorithm for processing big data streams, which mimics the surmised physical design in the brain. The algorithm is very suitable for extracting prevalent information items, even at rather low frequencies of about several percents. The developing data driven process can be used to effectually realize various types of large-scale computational intelligence operations.
Diverse Workforce Supported Through ‘Transformational Leadership’ Ensures Higher Operational Responsiveness
Authors: Kazmi Syeda Asiya Zenab , Naarananoja Marja , Takala Josu
Published: February 2015

The study provides basis to measure ‘learning effectiveness’ through directional‘ leadership Management Options’ (i.e. Controlling Management, Passive Management and Transformational Leadership) in teams reflecting ‘Individual Differences’ to ensure organizational competitiveness. The study results confirmed that Transformational leadership provides strong basis for gaining and displaying exceedingly higher performance levels by even the ordinary team performers marked by ’‘Individual Differences’ phenomenon among the organizational human resource clusters.
Asymmetric Presentation of Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy
Authors: Qadir Abdul , Varma Deepak , Hans Rajesh
Published: February 2015

A fourty four years old male presented in our OPD complaining of sudden decrease in the vision of left eye. He suffered similar decrease in the vision of the right eye 3 years ago. The fundus examination, OCT and Fluorescein angiography were suggestive of APMPPE. On systemic investigations nothing significant was detected. The systemic steroids prescribed for one week, led to significant recovery of visual acuity in both the eyes. There is atypical presentation in this case as compared to usually described cases in the literature. It also highlights the importance of timely systemic steroids for good visual recovery, which reduces the morbidity.
Site amplification, attenuation, and scattering from noise correlation amplitudes across a dense array in Long Beach, CA
Authors: Bowden D. C. , Tsai V. C. , Lin F. C.
Published: February 2015

For accurate seismic hazard evaluation, both the spatial and frequency‐dependent variabilities in the amplitudes of earthquake ground motions are needed. While this information is rarely fully available due to the paucity of relevant seismic data, dense arrays like the 5200‐geophone array in Long Beach, California provide the opportunity to study this amplitude variability. Here we show that ambient noise correlation amplitudes from the Long Beach array can be used to directly determine frequency‐dependent site amplification factors. We analyze Rayleigh‐wavefield amplitude gradients from ambient noise correlations that are processed so that relative amplitudes satisfy the wave equation and are therefore meaningful. Ultimately, we construct maps of site amplification across Long Beach at frequencies of 0.67, 1.0, and 2.0 Hz. These maps correlate well with local structure, notably the Newport‐Inglewood Fault and also to known velocity structure. Through this process, we also obtain constraints on average attenuation structure and local scattering.
Evidence of nonlinear interaction between quasi 2 day wave and quasi‐stationary wave
Authors: Gu Sheng‐Yang , Liu Han‐Li , Li Tao , Dou Xiankang , Wu Qian , Russell James M.
Published: February 2015

The nonlinear interaction between the westward quasi 2 day wave (QTDW) with zonal wave number s = 3 (W3) and stationary planetary wave with s = 1 (SPW1) is first investigated using both Thermosphere, Ionosphere, and Mesosphere Electric Dynamics (TIMED) satellite observations and the thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere electrodynamics general circulation model (TIME‐GCM) simulations. A QTDW with westward s = 2 (W2) is identified in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region in TIMED/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) temperature and TIMED/TIMED Doppler Imager (TIDI) wind observations during 2011/2012 austral summer period, which coincides with a strong SPW1 episode at high latitude of the northern winter hemisphere. The temperature perturbation of W2 QTDW reaches a maximum amplitude of ~8 K at ~30°S and ~88 km in the Southern Hemisphere, with a smaller amplitude in the Northern Hemisphere at similar latitude and minimum amplitude at the equator. The maximum meridional wind amplitude of the W2 QTDW is observed to be ~40 m/s at 95 km in the equatorial region. The TIME‐GCM is utilized to simulate the nonlinear interactions between W3 QTDW and SPW1 by specifying both W3 QTDW and SPW1 perturbations at the lower model boundary. The model results show a clear W2 QTDW signature in the MLT region, which agrees well with the TIMED/SABER temperature and TIMED/TIDI horizontal wind observations. We conclude that the W2 QTDW during the 2011/2012 austral summer period results from the nonlinear interaction between W3 QTDW and SPW1.
Progress in Vaccine Development
Authors: Moyle Peter Michael
Published: February 2015

Vaccination has a proven record as one of the most effective medical approaches to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Traditional vaccine approaches involve the administration of whole killed or weakened microorganisms to stimulate protective immune responses. Such approaches deliver many microbial components, some of which contribute to protective immunity, and assist in guiding the type of immune response that is elicited. Despite their impeccable record, these approaches have failed to yield vaccines for many important infectious organisms. This has prompted a move towards more defined vaccines (‘subunit vaccines’), where individual protective components are administered. This unit provides an overview of the components that are used for the development of modern vaccines including: an introduction to different vaccine types (whole organism, protein/peptide, polysaccharide, conjugate, and DNA vaccines); techniques for identifying subunit antigens; vaccine delivery systems; and immunostimulatory agents (‘adjuvants’), which are fundamental for the development of effective subunit vaccines.
Synthesis of Functionalized Phenols via the Cascade Reactions of Allenic Ketones with β‐Diketones
Authors: Fan Xuesen , Yan Meng , He Yan , Shen Nana , Zhang Xinying
Published: February 2015

In this paper, a selective and versatile synthesis of functionalized phenols including 2‐hydroxyaryl ketones through cascade reactions of 1,2‐allenic ketones with β‐diketones has been developed. The synthetic procedure is not only efficient, but also easy to handle and compatible with a variety of functional groups. In addition, reactions were combined with a subsequent condensation of the in‐situ‐formed o‐hydroxyaryl ketones with an α‐bromoketone, thus resulting in a highly simple synthesis of benzofuran derivatives.
Taking Blame for Other People's Misconduct
Authors: Willard Jennifer , Madon Stephanie , Curran Timothy
Published: February 2015

Taking blame for another person's misconduct may occur at relatively high rates for less serious crimes. The authors examined individual differences and situational factors related to this phenomenon by surveying college students (n = 213) and men enrolled in substance abuse treatment programs (n = 42). Among college students, conscientiousness and delinquency predicted their likelihood of being in a situation in which it was possible to take the blame for another person's misconduct. Situational factors, including the relationship with the perpetrator, the seriousness of the offense, feelings of responsibility for the offense, and differential consequences between the offender and the blame taker, were associated with college students’ decisions to take the blame. Among substance abuse treatment participants, individuals who took the blame for another person's misconduct were more extraverted, reported feeling more loyalty toward the true perpetrator, and indicated more incentives to take the blame than individuals who did not take the blame. Links between theories of helping behavior and situational factors that predict blame taking are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Descriptive study of the differences in the level of the conus medullaris in four different age groups
Authors: Van Schoor Albert‐Neels , Bosman Marius C. , Bosenberg Adrian T.
Published: February 2015

In performing neuraxial procedures, knowledge of the location of the conus medullaris in patients of all ages is important. The aim of this study was to determine the location of conus medullaris in a sample of newborn/infant cadavers and sagittal MRIs of children, adolescents, and young adults. The subjects of both the samples were subdivided into four developmental stages. No statistical difference was seen between the three older age groups (P > 0.05). A significant difference was evident when the newborn/infant stage was compared with the other, older stages (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). In the newborn/infant group the spinal cord terminated most frequently at the level of L2/L3 (16%). In the childhood stage, the spinal cord terminated at the levels of T12/L1 and the lower third of L1 (21%). In the adolescent population, it was most often found at the level of the middle third of L1 and L1/L2 (19%). Finally, in the young adult group, the spinal cord terminated at the level of L1/L2 (25%). This study confirmed the different level of spinal cord termination between newborns/infants less than one‐year‐old and subjects older than one year. In this sample the conus medullaris was not found caudal to the L3 vertebral body, which is more cranial than the prescribed level of needle insertion recommended for lumbar neuraxial procedures. It is recommended that the exact level of spinal cord termination should be determined prior to attempting lumbar neuraxial procedures in newborns or infants. Clin. Anat. 28:638–644, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering the Active Site of the Amine Transaminase from Vibrio fluvialis for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Aryl–Alkyl Amines and Amino Alcohols
Authors: Nobili Alberto , Steffen‐Munsberg Fabian , Kohls Hannes , Trentin Ivan , Schulzke Carola , Höhne Matthias , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: February 2015

Although the amine transaminase from Vibrio fluvialis has often been applied as a catalyst for the biocatalytic preparation of various chiral primary amines, it is not suitable for the transamination of α‐hydroxy ketones and aryl‐alkyl ketones bearing an alkyl substituent larger than a methyl group. We addressed this problem through a systematic mutagenesis study of active site residues to expand its substrate scope towards two bulky ketones. We identified two mutants (F85L/V153A and Y150F/V153A) showing 30‐fold increased activity in the conversion of (S)‐phenylbutylamine and (R)‐phenylglycinol, respectively. Notably, they facilitated asymmetric synthesis of these amines with excellent enantiomeric purities of 98 % ee.
The Obesity Paradox in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Konigstein Maayan , Havakuk Ofer , Arbel Yaron , Finkelstein Ariel , Ben‐Assa Eyal , Leshem Rubinow Eran , Abramowitz Yigal , Keren Gad , Banai Shmuel
Published: February 2015

Background

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A considerable number of studies, however, showed better outcomes for overweight patients undergoing cardiovascular interventions—the so called obesity paradox.

Hypothesis

Increased body mass index (BMI) is independently associated with improved survival following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

We analyzed the data of 409 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI in our medical center. Patients were categorized into 4 groups according to BMI: underweight (≤18.4 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Procedure‐related complications were recorded, as well as 30‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality rates.

Results

Obese patients had a higher prevalence of comorbidities and higher incidence of vascular complications compared with the normal‐weight patients (16% vs 7%, P = 0.013). Nevertheless, 30‐day mortality was similar among the groups, whereas 1‐year mortality was lower among the overweight and obese patients (BMI >25) (P = 0.038). After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, increase in BMI was found to be independently associated with improved survival following TAVI (hazard ratio: 0.94, confidence interval: 0.89‐0.99, P = 0.043).

Conclusions

In our single‐center study, obesity and overweight were independently associated with better outcome, supporting the obesity paradox in the TAVI population.
Potential‐Resolved Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence for the Selective Detection of Multiple Luminophores
Authors: Doeven Egan H. , Barbante Gregory J. , Hogan Conor F. , Francis Paul S.
Published: February 2015

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is fundamentally dependent on the applied electrode potential, and measuring ECL intensity over a range of different potentials is commonly used to examine the underlying chemical reaction pathways responsible for the emission of light. Several research groups have now demonstrated that the applied potential can be exploited to selectively elicit ECL from: 1) multiple excited states within a single chemical species; 2) multiple emitters sharing a common co‐reactant; or 3) distinct ECL systems. This new generation of multiplexed ECL processes has been facilitated by the extensive development of novel electrochemiluminophores and instrumental approaches such as the near‐continuous collection of ECL spectra with CCD detectors during voltammetry or chronoamperometry experiments.