bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of one‐step integration schemes for damped/forced linear structural dynamics
Authors: Depouhon Alexandre , Detournay Emmanuel , Denoël Vincent
Published: May 2014

This paper proposes an energy‐based measure for the evaluation of the local truncation error of two‐level one‐step integration schemes. The measure applies to multiple degree of freedom systems and does not necessarily require modal reduction to a scalar model; it naturally handles the structural damping and external forcing terms that are generally and mistakenly neglected in error analyses, and it segregates the error associated with the free and forced response components of the problem. To illustrate the approach, two examples associated with the application of the trapezoidal scheme and of a high‐order scheme proposed in the literature are analyzed. The latter reveals the shortcomings of the standard approach that is based on the undamped/unforced linear oscillator and therefore highlights the need for the proposed framework. Indeed, the scheme order of accuracy is below expectation when structural damping or external forcing is considered, in the numerically dissipative setting. Developments on the basis of the time discontinuous Galerkin (TDG) method are then proposed to recover the scheme high‐order accuracy. Additionally, they show the similarity that exists between schemes related to the TDG method and the ones obtained by integration by parts of the equation of motion. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite block method for transient heat conduction analysis in functionally graded media
Authors: Li M. , Wen P.H.
Published: May 2014

Based on the one‐dimensional differential matrix derived from the Lagrange series interpolation, the finite block method is proposed first time to solve both stationary and transient heat conduction problems of anisotropic and functionally graded materials. The main idea is to establish the first order one‐dimensional differential matrix constructed by using Lagrange series with uniformly distributed nodes. Then the higher order of derivative matrix for one‐dimensional problem is obtained. By introducing the mapping technique, a block of quadratic type is transformed from Cartesian coordinate (xyz) to normalised coordinate (ξης) with 8 seeds or 20 seeds for two or three dimensions. Then the differential matrices in physical domain are determined from that in normalised transformed coordinate system. In addition, the time dependent partial differential equations are analysed in the Laplace transformed domain, and the Durbin inversion method is used to determine the values in time domain. Illustrative two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional numerical examples are given, and comparisons have been made with analytical solutions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient augmented finite element method for arbitrary cracking and crack interaction in solids
Authors: Liu W. , Yang Q.D. , Mohammadizadeh S. , Su X.Y.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents an augmentation method that enables bilinear finite elements to efficiently and accurately account for arbitrary, multiple intra‐elemental discontinuities in 2D solids. The augmented finite element method (A‐FEM) employs four internal nodes to account for the crack displacements due to an intra‐elemental weak or strong discontinuity, and it permits repeated elemental augmentation to include multiple interactive cracks. It thus enables a unified treatment of damage evolution from a weak discontinuity to a strong discontinuity, and to multiple interactive cohesive cracks, all within a single bilinear element that employs standard external nodal DoFs only. A novel elemental condensation procedure has been developed to solve the internal nodal DoFs as functions of the external nodal DoFs for any irreversible, piece‐wise linear cohesive laws. It leads to a fully condensed elemental equilibrium equation with mathematical exactness, eliminating the need for nonlinear equilibrium iterations at elemental level. The new A‐FEM's high‐fidelity simulation capabilities to interactive cohesive crack formation and propagation in homogeneous, and heterogeneous solids have been demonstrated through several challenging numerical examples. It is shown that the proposed A‐FEM, empowered by the new elemental condensation procedure, is numerically very efficient, accurate, and robust. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extraction of stress intensity factors from Irwin's integral using high‐order XFEM on triangular meshes
Authors: Song Gan , Waisman Haim , Lan Mengyu , Harari Isaac
Published: May 2014

This paper is dedicated to Professor Ted Belytscho's 70th birthday. His seminal contributions to Fracture Mechanics and the extended finite element method have significantly inspired us in this work. The current paper extends our recent work on the extraction of stress intensity factors (SIFs) from Irwin's integral, using a high‐order extended FEM (XFEM) formulation. By matching leading r terms (r being the distance from the crack tip to any other material point) in XFEM with analytical expansion of Irwin's Integral, a closed‐form solution for SIFs is obtained. Hence, SIFs can directly be obtained upon solution of the XFEM discrete system, which were shown to be accurate on structured rectangular meshes. However, extension to unstructured quadrilateral elements may not be trivial. To this end, we extend the formulation to triangular elements, where significant simplification of the closed‐form expression is obtained. Moreover, the formulation is directly applicable to unstructured meshes without extra work. Hence, this paper is considered a significant step toward automating and extending this method to more general applications. Numerical results show that accurate and consistent SIFs can be obtained on some pure mode and inclined crack benchmark problems, on structured and unstructured meshes. Examples of a crack approaching a hole and two cracks approaching each other are also investigated. The latter illustrates the advantage of this method over a J‐integral class of methods, as SIFs can still be calculated when cracks are in proximity and no remeshing is required. Hence, potentially, this method can address crack coalescence, branching and proximity to boundaries more rigorously. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature and density dependence of exciton dynamics in IIa diamond: Experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Kozák Martin , Trojánek František , Malý Petr
Published: May 2014

We studied dependence of time‐resolved and time‐integrated photoluminescence of free excitons in IIa type monocrystalline diamond on sample temperature and carrier density. Numerical model based on rate equations for time evolution of excited carrier and occupied traps populations was used for theoretical modelling. The density dependent diffusion and free carrier/free exciton equilibrium were shown to be important factors in exciton recombination dynamics. Room temperature quantum yield of excitonic photoluminescence was found to be strongly dependent on the carrier density with the highest measured value of 13% at n = 1017 cm−3.
Thermal Influences on Life‐History Traits and Reproductive Effort of Introduced Pumpkinseed Sunfish Lepomis Gibbosus in the River Moselle Basin (Northeastern France)
Authors: Masson G. , Valente E. , Fox M. G. , Copp G. H.
Published: May 2014

The influence of local thermal regimes on juvenile growth rates, life‐history traits, and reproductive effort of introduced populations of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus was examined in 11 water bodies in the River Moselle basin (northeastern France). Female pumpkinseed were collected during their reproductive period in mid‐June in 2009 and 2010, and water temperature was assessed over a 12‐month period in 2010. Annual thermal degree‐days above 10 °C varied from 1529 in a headwater site to 2722 in the Mirgenbach Reservoir, heated by cooling water from a nuclear power plant. Mean age at maturity varied from 1.3 to 2.2 and was inversely related to annual thermal degree‐days. The proportion of mature age‐1 females also increased with temperature, but neither mean total length at maturity nor gonadosomatic index was related to waterbody thermal regime. Body size at the end of the first year of life was unrelated to thermal regime, but the growth rate of immature age‐1 females in their second growing season was positively related to thermal degree‐days in the spring. Warmer water bodies showed elevated reproductive effort in age‐1 females when either early season gain in mass or mass at the beginning of the second growing season was controlled for; however, reproductive effort was unrelated to thermal regime in age‐2 and age‐3 females. Mean age at maturity was related to mean length at age 1 but not to mean length at age 2, in contrast to native North American and introduced European populations. We conclude that the life‐history response of pumpkinseed to warmer temperatures occurs primarily in age‐1 individuals and predict that climate warming will produce changes in pumpkinseed life‐history traits that will make the species more invasive in parts of Europe where the species is present but not actively spreading. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing Sub‐Daily Flow Regimes: Implications of Hydrologic Resolution on Ecohydrology Studies
Authors: Bevelhimer M. S. , McManamay R. A. , O'Connor B.
Published: May 2014

Natural variability in flow is a primary factor controlling geomorphic and ecological processes in riverine ecosystems. Within the hydropower industry, there is growing pressure from environmental groups and natural resource managers to change reservoir releases from daily peaking to run‐of‐river operations on the basis of the assumption that downstream biological communities will improve under a more natural flow regime. In this paper, we discuss the importance of assessing sub‐daily flows for understanding the physical and ecological dynamics within river systems. We present a variety of metrics for characterizing sub‐daily flow variation and use these metrics to evaluate general trends among streams affected by peaking hydroelectric projects, run‐of‐river projects and streams that are largely unaffected by flow altering activities. Univariate and multivariate techniques were used to assess similarity among different stream types on the basis of these sub‐daily metrics. For comparison, similar analyses were performed using analogous metrics calculated with mean daily flow values. Our results confirm that sub‐daily flow metrics reveal variation among and within streams that are not captured by daily flow statistics. Using sub‐daily flow statistics, we were able to quantify the degree of difference between unaltered and peaking streams and the amount of similarity between unaltered and run‐of‐river streams. The sub‐daily statistics were largely uncorrelated with daily statistics of similar scope. On short temporal scales, sub‐daily statistics reveal the relatively constant nature of unaltered stream reaches and the highly variable nature of  hydropower‐affected streams, whereas daily statistics show just the opposite over longer temporal scales. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
About Electrical Properties of Chromite Pellets – Effect of Reduction Degree
Authors: Heikkilä Anne M. , Pussinen Juho H. , Mattila Olli J. , Fabritius Timo M. J.
Published: May 2014

Chromite pellets are used in the production of ferrochrome. Pellets are typically one part of the feed material mixture of a submerged arc furnace (SAF). The electrical behavior of the feed material in a SAF is of great interest due to its effects on the function and productivity of the furnace. In this paper electrical behavior as a function of reduction degree of chromite pellets was studied. Reduction degree was defined for all industrial pellets by placing the pellets at 1500 °C, in CO atmosphere for different durations. Pellet slices were measured for electrical conductivity at room temperature. It was observed that increase in reduction degree decreased the electrical conductivity measured at room temperature.
Open Metacarpophalangeal Dislocations: Literature Review and Case Report
Authors: Abele J. Diaz , Thibaudeau S. , Luc M.
Published: May 2014

Background

Open dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations are rare. We report the case of a 62-year-old man who fell from a height of 10 m onto his left outstretched hand and presented to us with four open dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations. We review the literature and present our case to elucidate the best treatment protocol for open dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed from 1946 to present. Publications were found using key terms and cross-referencing. Detail on patient demographic, presentation, mechanism of injury, injury management, and outcome were collected.

Results

A total of 102 articles of metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation (excluding thumb dislocations) were identified. Of these, only four were of open dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation involving the four long fingers. Open dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint in these studies showed no hand predominance, nor association with hand dominance.

Conclusion

Open dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations of the four long fingers are unusual. Based on the available case reports and our experience, we suggest addressing this injury intraoperatively with minimal delay. Most cases will be associated with volar plate injury, and we encourage its repair with figure-of-eight stitches. Postoperatively, we suggest a dorsal blocking splint for 2 weeks followed by occupational therapy consisting of passive and active range of motion (ROM) exercises and adjunctive therapies to control edema and optimize scar tissue. Inadequate management of such injuries could be highly detrimental to hand function.
Ring Injuries of the Finger: Long-Term Follow-up
Authors: Crosby Nicholas , Hood John , Baker Graeme , Lubahn John
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to report on the injury patterns and outcomes of a series of patients treated at our institution between the years 1983 and 2010 who were injured by rings worn on their finger. The series included typical ring avulsion injuries as well as all other injuries caused by rings.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was conducted on 33 patients with ring injuries treated by the senior author and colleagues. Eight cases were classified as Urbaniak class I, 13 class II, and 12 class III.

Results

Satisfactory finger motion occurred with salvage of fingers in which no damage occurred to the proximal phalanx or flexor digitorum sublimus or profundus tendons. All patients with flexor tendon injury or proximal phalangeal fracture or both had loss of PIPJ motion and total active motion as compared to class II injuries without tendon and bone involvement. Four class III injuries were treated with replantation. One failed requiring revision amputation at the metacarpalphalangeal joint level due to ischemia. The remaining eight were treated by primary amputation.

Conclusions

As a guideline to digit salvage with ring injuries, the authors propose accurately documenting and basing treatment on all injured structures. Particular attention should be given to fractures of the proximal phalanx and laceration of the flexor digitorum sublimus and profundus tendons, as injury to these structures led to significant loss in mobility of the finger in this series. While some current guidelines advise revascularization of class II ring avulsion injuries, our series suggests caution in anticipating good results with sublimus or profundus tendon laceration and proximal phalanx fracture. If the profundus tendon only is lacerated, particularly in zone I injuries, results of finger salvage may still be acceptable, but associated (distal interphalangeal joint) DIPJ injury may require K-wire stabilization and later fusion. Replantation in class III injuries, while possible, is warranted only in select situations (patient-specific and cultural factors).
Assessing Inequality in the Presence of Growth: an Expository Essay
Authors: Subramanian S.
Published: May 2014

In a great deal of empirical work on distributional analysis, the only sorts of inequality measures employed are ‘ relative’ ones. The present paper argues the case for a more plural approach to inequality measurement, in which both ‘absolute’ and ‘intermediate’ conceptualizations of inequality are admitted. In particular, it is suggested that there is a strong case for the employment of intermediate measures of inequality in assessing over time changes in inequality and, through that route, the inclusiveness or otherwise of the process of growth in per capita income. The purpose of the paper is two fold: exposition and persuasion.
Russian Nationalism: Between Imperialism and Xenophobia
Authors: Rogoża Jadwiga
Published: May 2014

The two major subcurrents within nationalism in Russia are imperial nationalism, which rests on the notion of Russia's political and cultural dominance in the region, and xenophobic nationalism, based on ethnic criteria and directed against immigrants. The Russian government uses both trends: by carrying out imperial nationalist policies (crowned recently with the annexation of Crimea) and by ‘managing’ xenophobic sentiments–-channelling social discontent and directing it against immigrants, but preventing any nationalist force from gaining influence by using the same agenda. Both trends are also represented in Russian society, which has welcomed Russia's annexation of Crimea, on one hand, and shows growing resentment towards non-Slavic immigrants, on the other. In the coming years, an accumulation of economic problems and decreasingly efficient state management are likely to boost social tensions in Russia. In this situation, the government will likely try to redirect this discontent against its ‘eternal’ opponents–-the West, Russia's internal opposition, oligarchs and immigrants–-further fuelling nationalist sentiments in Russian society.
Small innovative companies make a big difference
Authors: Zahariev Kalin F.
Published: May 2014

The growing demand for innovation in Europe is driven by issues of productivity and competitiveness. Many investors and entrepreneurs, however, avoid innovation's high risk and knowledge-intensive nature. The financial, economic and debt crises in the EU have not made it easier for innovative businesses, although they have boosted the demand for innovation because the European economy clearly needs productivity growth and long-term competitiveness. This study focuses on small innovative companies in Belgium, but the model could be a solution for Europe's competitiveness problems as well.
Podcasting as a novel way to communicate with medical school applicants
Authors: Ferguson Benjamin D. , Bister Mary K. , Krapec Joni N.
Published: May 2014

Podcasting in medical education is becoming more widely used and may be a useful tool for communicating with applicants to medical school. Given recent trends in the popularity of podcasting and mobile media, we created a podcast to communicate more effectively with applicants to our medical school as well as with the broader premedical community. The purpose of this study was to characterize the listening habits and motivations of our audience and compare the podcast’s benefits to those of other resources. We additionally sought to understand patterns by which our podcast was consumed by a premedical audience. We surveyed medical school applicants who interviewed at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine for matriculation in 2013. Forty-one percent of those surveyed had listened to the podcast prior to their interview. Only 12 % of listeners accessed the podcast using a mobile device. Ninety-two percent of listeners felt that it faithfully represented the medical school, and 81 % felt that listening would encourage the decision to matriculate. A majority of listeners responded that the podcast was more helpful than other traditional resources. This is the first use of podcasting in medical school admissions and represents a novel way to communicate with prospective students. Our findings demonstrate that podcasting can be an effective tool for communicating with applicants to medical school and highlight its usefulness in recruitment. This method of communication could be adopted by other medical schools to enhance the ways in which they inform their own prospective medical students.
Multidetector Computed Tomography of Superior Mesenteric Artery: Anatomy and Pathologies
Authors: Zhao Yan E. , Wang Zhen Jane , Zhou Chang Sheng , Zhu Fei Peng , Zhang Long Jiang , Lu Guang Ming
Published: May 2014

The recent introduction of multidetector computed tomography scanners has significantly improved computed tomography angiographic (CTA) applications, especially for the evaluation of medium- and small-arterial structures. CTA of the superior mesenteric artery has been reported previously. However, there have been few systematic and detailed reviews of the superior mesenteric artery pathologies that use CTA. The purpose of this pictorial essay is mainly to review the various superior mesenteric artery pathologies at CTA with our own experiences.
Los procesos de cambio organizacional y la generación de valor
Authors: Sandoval Duque José Luis
Published: May 2014

El objeto de este artículo es explorar, partiendo de reflexiones conceptuales y de revisión bibliográfica,algunos de los elementos inherentes a la generación de cambios organizacionales como parte de la gestióngerencial en la búsqueda de la creación de valor. Existen muchos supuestos sobre el cambio, y lasorganizaciones frecuentemente toman decisiones sustentadas en conceptos equivocados sobre lo queesto significa, la manera como debe entenderse y enfrentarse, la necesidad de hacerlo en el momentoque se requiere, y las consecuencias de actuar improvisadamente en este sentido. La gestión del cambioorganizacional tiene muchas facetas que deben ser comprendidas previamente, si se quiere responderde manera adecuada a las necesidades de entenderlo y usarlo para crear valor en las organizaciones.
Effect of microRNA‐145 on IL‐1β‐induced cartilage degradation in human chondrocytes
Authors: Yang Bo , Kang Xia , Xing Yan , Dou Ce , Kang Fei , Li Jianmei , Quan Yi , Dong Shiwu
Published: May 2014

MicroRNA‐145 has been shown to regulate chondrocyte homeostasis. It seems that miR‐145 is implicated in cartilage dysfunction in Osteoarthritis (OA). However, the functional role of miR‐145 in interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β)‐induced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of OA cartilage has never been clarified. Here, we show that miR‐145 expression increased in OA chondrocytes and in response to IL‐1β stimulation. We confirm that mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3), a key factor in maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis, is directly regulated by miR‐145. Modulation of miR‐145 affects the expression of Smad3 causing a change of its downstream target gene expression as well as IL‐1β‐induced ECM degradation in OA chondrocytes. This indicates that miR‐145 contributes to impaired ECM in OA cartilage probably in part via targeting Smad3.
Dynamics and dispensability of variant‐specific histone H1 Lys‐26/Ser‐27 and Thr‐165 post‐translational modifications
Authors: Terme Jean-Michel , Millán-Ariño Lluís , Mayor Regina , Luque Neus , Izquierdo-Bouldstridge Andrea , Bustillos Alberto , Sampaio Cristina , Canes Jordi , Font Isaura , Sima Núria , Sancho Mónica , Torrente Laura , Forcales Sonia , Roque Alicia , Suau Pere , Jordan Albert
Published: May 2014

In mammals, the linker histone H1, involved in DNA packaging into chromatin, is represented by a family of variants. H1 tails undergo post‐translational modifications (PTMs) that can be detected by mass spectrometry. We developed antibodies to analyze several of these as yet unexplored PTMs including the combination of H1.4 K26 acetylation or trimethylation and S27 phosphorylation. H1.2‐T165 phosphorylation was detected at S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle and was dispensable for chromatin binding and cell proliferation; while the H1.4‐K26 residue was essential for proper cell cycle progression. We conclude that histone H1 PTMs are dynamic over the cell cycle and that the recognition of modified lysines may be affected by phosphorylation of adjacent residues.
Alterations of visual and auditory evoked potentials in fragile X syndrome
Authors: Knoth Inga Sophia , Vannasing Phetsamone , Major Philippe , Michaud Jacques L. , Lippé Sarah
Published: May 2014

Background

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common monogenic form of intellectual disability and one of the few known monogenic causes of autism. It is caused by a trinucleotide repeat expansion in the FMR1 (‘Fragile X Mental Retardation 1’) gene, which prevents expression of the ‘Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein’ (FMRP). In FXS, the absence of FMRP leads to altered structural and functional development of the synapse, while preventing activity‐based synapse maturation and synaptic pruning, which are essential for normal brain development and cognitive development. Possible impairments in information processing can be non‐invasively investigated using electrophysiology.

Methods

We compared auditory (AEP) and visual (VEP) evoked potentials in twelve adolescents and young adults (10–22 years) affected by FXS to healthy controls matched by chronological age (N = 12) and developmental age of cognitive functioning (N = 9; 5–7 years), using analysis of variance.

Results

In the visual modality, the N70 and N2 amplitude have been found increased in FXS in comparison to the chronological, but not the developmental control group at occipital sites, whereas in the auditory modality N1, P2 and N2 amplitude as well as N2 latency have been found increased in FXS, relative to both chronological and developmental control groups at mid‐central sites.

Conclusions

The AEP/VEP profile suggests disruptions in sensory processing specific to FXS that exceed immaturity of physiological activity. In addition, the auditory modality seems to be more affected than the visual modality. Results are discussed in light of possible underlying neuronal mechanisms, including deficits in synaptic pruning and neuronal inhibition that might account for a hyperreactive nervous system in FXS.
Interleukin‐6 drives melanoma cell motility through p38α‐MAPK‐dependent up‐regulation of WNT5A expression
Authors: Linnskog Rickard , Jönsson Gunilla , Axelsson Lena , Prasad Chandra P. , Andersson Tommy
Published: May 2014

Extensive research has demonstrated a tumor‐promoting role of increased WNT5A expression in malignant melanoma. However, very little light has been shed upon how WNT5A expression is up‐regulated in melanoma. A potential regulator of WNT5A expression is the pro‐inflammatory cytokine Interleukin (IL)‐6, which shares the ability of WNT5A to increase melanoma cell invasion. Here, we investigate whether IL‐6 can promote melanoma cell motility through an increased expression of WNT5A. We clearly demonstrate that the WNT5A‐antagonistic peptide Box5 could inhibit IL‐6‐induced melanoma cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, IL‐6 stimulation of the human melanoma cell lines HTB63 and A375 increased the expression of WNT5A in a dose‐dependent manner. To identify the signaling mechanism responsible for this up‐regulation, we explored the involvement of the three main signals induced by IL‐6; STAT3, Akt and ERK 1/2. Of these, only STAT3 was activated by IL‐6 in the melanoma cell lines tested. However, the STAT3 inhibitor S3I‐201 failed to inhibit IL‐6‐induced WNT5A up‐regulation in HTB63 and A375 cells. Nor did STAT3 siRNA silencing affect the expression of WNT5A. In search of an alternative signaling mechanism, we detected IL‐6‐induced activation of p38‐MAPK in HTB63 and A375 cells. The p38‐MAPK inhibitor SB203580 abolished the IL‐6‐induced WNT5A up‐regulation and blocked IL‐6‐induced melanoma cell invasion. The latter effect could be rescued by the addition of recombinant WNT5A. Notably, immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that only the p38α‐MAPK isoform was activated by IL‐6, and subsequent siRNA silencing of p38α‐MAPK abolished the IL‐6‐induced up‐regulation of WNT5A. Taken together, we demonstrate a novel link between the two melanoma pro‐metastatic agents IL‐6 and WNT5A explaining how IL‐6 can increase melanoma cell invasion and thus promote the metastatic process. This finding provides a basis for future therapeutic intervention of melanoma progression.
Holocene development of maritime ombrotrophic peatlands of the St. Lawrence North Shore in eastern Canada
Authors: Magnan Gabriel , Garneau Michelle , Payette Serge
Published: May 2014

Macrofossil analyses were used to reconstruct long-term vegetation successions within ombrotrophic peatlands (bogs) from the northern shorelines of the St. Lawrence Estuary (Baie-Comeau) and the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Havre-St-Pierre). Over the Holocene, the timing and the ecological context of peatland inception were similar in both regions and were mainly influenced by fluctuations in relative sea level. Peat accumulation started over deltaic sands after the withdrawal of the Goldthwait Sea from 7500 cal yr BP and above silt–clay deposits left by the Laurentian marine transgression after 4200 cal yr BP. In each region, the early vegetation communities were similar within these two edaphic contexts where poor fens with Cyperaceae and eastern larch (Larix laricina) established after land emergence. The rapid transitions to ombrotrophy in the peatlands of Baie-Comeau are associated with particularly high rates of peat accumulation during the early developmental stage. The results suggest that climate was more propitious to Sphagnum growth after land emergence in the Baie-Comeau area. Macrofossil data show that treeless Sphagnum-dominated bogs have persisted over millennia and that fires had few impacts on the vegetation dynamics. This study provides insight into peatland vegetation responses to climate in a poorly documented region of northeastern America.
Faithful Translations: New Discoveries on the German Pietist Reception of Jonathan Edwards
Authors: Stievermann Jan
Published: May 2014

This essay compares two neglected German translations of Jonathan Edwards's famousFaithful Narrative(1737). Both were published in 1738 but by different circles of German Pietists—one Lutheran and centered around Halle, one Reformed and located in the Nether Rhine area. Both were more intimately woven into transatlantic evangelical communication networks than has been understood. Each version show that the news about the American awakening was received enthusiastically as an encouraging sign of God's advancing kingdom, a model for inner-churchly revivals, and an argument for the legitimacy of Pietist conventicles at home. Comparing the two translations also reveals how Edwards was appropriated in quite divergent ways and with varying attitudes by the two groups, reflecting their distinct regional, denominational and social contexts, as well as specific religious needs and dogmatic emphases. While both texts evince that German Pietism very much partook in the emergence of a transatlantic evangelical consciousness, they simultaneously show how the formation of such an ecumenical identity was complicated by persisting confessional and regional differences. Finally, the two German translations of Edwards's narrative illustrate that the meaning of these revivals as part of a larger Protestant evangelical awakening was negotiated not only among Anglo-American evangelicals but also among Continental Pietists.
Containing Voices in the Wilderness: Censorship and Religious Dissent in the Japanese Countryside
Authors: Anderson Emily
Published: May 2014

This article considers the relationship between stringent and arbitrary censorship policies and “religious freedom,” something “guaranteed” with significant qualifications by the Meiji Constitution, in pre-World War II Japan. In particular, this article explores the role of censorship in shaping the contours of acceptable religious practice by focusing on a regional Christian news monthly, the “Gunma Christian World Monthly.” Edited by Kashiwagi Gien, a rural Congregational minister, this monthly introduced a diverse range of ideas from socialism to critiques of militarism and imperialism. Kashiwagi's espousal of these ideas also made him the focus of local censors. By focusing on two occasions when Kashiwagi's spirited critiques of the state attracted the attention of local authorities, this article examines the complex and contingent process by which the state and its regional agents used legal means to manage the contours of acceptable belief in pre-World War II Japan. The relationship between Kashiwagi and the local police and prosecutors who attempted to manage and regulate “acceptable” content and, by extension, acceptable religious opinion, offers an important and hitherto unexamined site to consider the question of how religious freedom was interpreted by the state, local officials, and religionists.
Transparency and Financing Choices of Family Firms
Authors: Chen Tai-Yuan , Dasgupta Sudipto , Yu Yangxin
Published: May 2014

While recent literature documents that U.S. family firms differ markedly from their nonfamily counterparts, there is a paucity of evidence on how these firms differ in terms of their cost of capital or financial structure. In this paper, we show that family and nonfamily firms differ in their debt maturity and leverage ratios in a manner consistent with the higher expropriation potential of family firms. Moreover, while more transparency causes both family and nonfamily firms to increase the maturity structure of their debt and reduce leverage ratios, the effects are stronger for family firms.
Role of the lymnaeid snailPseudosuccinea columellain the transmission of the liver flukeFasciola hepaticain Egypt
Authors: Dar Y. , Vignoles P. , Rondelaud D. , Dreyfuss G.
Published: May 2014

Experimental infections of three EgyptianPseudosuccinea columellapopulations with sympatric miracidia ofFasciolasp., coming from cattle- or sheep-collected eggs, were carried out to determine the capacity of this lymnaeid to support larval development of the parasite. Using microsatellite markers, the isolates of Egyptian miracidia were identified asFasciola hepatica. Apart from being independent of snail origin, prevalences ranging from 60.4 to 75.5% in snails infected with five miracidia ofF. hepaticawere significantly higher than values of 30.4 to 42.2% in snails with bi-miracidial infections. The number of metacercariae ranged from 243 to 472 per cercarial-shedding snail and was independent of snail origin, parasite origin and miracidial dose used for infection. IfP. columellawas subjected to two successive bi-miracidial infections withF. hepatica, prevalence of infection was 63.3%, with a mean of 311 metacercariae per snail. These values were clearly greater than those already reported forRadix natalensisinfected with the same parasite and the same protocol. Successful experimental infection ofP. columellawithF. hepaticasuggests that this lymnaeid snail is an important intermediate host for the transmission of fascioliasis in Egypt.
Land use change trajectories, conservation status and social importance of dry forests in Nicaragua
Authors: RAVERA FEDERICA , TARRASÓN DAVID , ESPELTA JOSEP MARÍA
Published: May 2014

Interdisciplinary studies have proved the interconnectedness of history and ecology relevant to forest conservation proposals and management policies. Engaging local views and concerns in the evaluation and monitoring process can lead to more robust knowledge in the pursuit of effective conservation. This study aimed to assess the degree to which land use change trajectories influence the state of tropical dry forest conservation, as evaluated by scientists and local people. Focusing on northern Nicaragua, the research identified three historical trajectories for types and magnitude of forest disturbance. The assessment process included inventorying sites under different trajectories and integrating ecological and social indicators (namely local perceptions of biodiversity value and concern over species threat). The different land use change trajectories had no influence on the present structure of the dry forest, but strongly affected species diversity, composition and their social importance. The study provided evidence of positive species selection by farmers, which suggested a feedback loop between ecological conditions, social value and awareness of conservation.
Seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in southeastern China and analysis of risk factors
Authors: SUN J. M. , ZHANG Y.J. , GONG Z. Y. , ZHANG L. , LV H. K. , LIN J. F. , CHAI C. L. , LING F. , LIU S. L. , GU S. P. , ZHU Z. H. , ZHENG X. H. , LAN Y. Q. , DING F. , HUANG W. Z. , XU J. R. , CHEN E. F. , JIANG J. M.
Published: May 2014

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) has been prevalent for some time in China and it was first identified in 2010. However, the seroprevalence of SFTSV in the general population in southeastern China and risk factors associated with the infection are currently unclear. Blood samples were collected from seven counties across Zhejiang province and tested for the presence of SFTSV-specific IgG antibodies by ELISA. A total of 1380 blood samples were collected of which 5·51% were seropositive for SFTSV with seroprevalence varying significantly between sites. Seroprevalence of SFTSV in people who were family members of the patient, lived in the same village as the patient, or lived in a different village than the patient varied significantly. There was significant difference in seroprevalence between participants who bred domestic animals and participants who did not. Domestic animals are probably potential reservoir hosts and contact with domestic animals may be a transmission route of SFTSV.
“. . . How Narrow the Strait!”
Authors: HARRIS JOHN
Published: May 2014

This section provides reactions to current and emerging issues in bioethics.
An Unfortunate Experiment?
Authors: MCMILLAN JOHN , BOWYER LYNNE
Published: May 2014

This report describes the system of ethical review that was adopted in New Zealand based on the findings and recommendations from the Cartwright Inquiry in 1988. It discusses the changes made to this system under recent governmental initiatives enacted by the National Party, and some of the implications of those changes.
Bioethics in Denmark
Authors: NIELSEN MORTEN EBBE JUUL , ANDERSEN MARTIN MARCHMAN
Published: May 2014

This article examines two current debates in Denmark—assisted suicide and the prioritization of health resources—and proposes that such controversial bioethical issues call for distinct philosophical analyses: first-order examinations, or an applied philosophy approach, and second-order examinations, what might be called a political philosophical approach. The authors argue that although first-order examination plays an important role in teasing out different moral points of view, in contemporary democratic societies, few, if any, bioethical questions can be resolved satisfactorily by means of first-order analyses alone, and that bioethics needs to engage more closely with second-order enquiries and the question of legitimacy in general.
Documentation of Capacity and Identification of Substitute Decisionmakers in Ontario
Authors: FOREMAN THOMAS C. , CURRAN DOROTHYANN , LANDRY JOSHUA T. , KEKEWICH MICHAEL A.
Published: May 2014

Documenting capacity assessments and identifying substitute decisionmakers (SDMs) in healthcare facilities is ethically required for optimal patient care. Lack of such documentation has the potential to generate confusion and contention among patients, their family members, and members of the healthcare team. An overview of our research at the Ottawa Hospital and issues that influence the consistency of documentation in the Canadian context are presented here, as well as ideas for the mitigation of these issues and ways to encourage better documentation.
Translation and the British Colonial Mission: The Career of Samuel Turner Fearon and the Establishment of Chinese Studies at King's College, London
Authors: PUI KWAN UGANDA SZE
Published: May 2014

The University of London was the first institution in the United Kingdom to establish a professorship in Chinese. Within a decade of the first half of the nineteenth century, two professorships in Chinese were created at its two colleges: the first at University College in 1837 and the second at King's College in 1847. Previous studies of British sinology have devoted sufficient attention to the establishment of the programme and the first Chinese professorship. However, despite the latter professorship being established by the same patron (Sir George Thomas Staunton; 1781–1859) during the same era as the former, the institutionalisation of the Chinese programme at King's College London seems to have been completely overlooked. If we consider British colonial policy and the mission of the Empire in the early nineteenth century, we are able to understand the strategic purpose served by the Chinese studies programme at King's and the special reason for its establishment at a crucial moment in the history of Sino-British relations. Examining it from this perspective, we reveal unresolved doubts concerning the selection and appointment of King's first Chinese professor. Unlike other inaugural Chinese professors appointed during the nineteenth century at other universities in the United Kingdom, the first Chinese professor at King’s, Samuel Turner Fearon (1819–1854), was not a sinophile. He did not translate any Chinese classics or other works. His inaugural lecture has not even survived. This is why sinologists have failed to conduct an in-depth study on Fearon and the genealogy of the Chinese programme at King’s. Nevertheless, Samuel Fearon did indeed play a very significant role in Sino-British relations due to his ability as an interpreter and his knowledge of China. He was not only an interpreter in the first Opium War (1839–1842) but was also a colonial civil servant and senior government official in British Hong Kong when the colonial government started to take shape after the war. This paper both re-examines his contribution during this “period of conflict and difficulty” in Sino-British relations and demonstrates the very nature of British sinology.
Current patterns of water and beverage consumption among Mexican children and adolescents aged 1–18 years: analysis of the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012
Authors: Piernas Carmen , Barquera Simon , Popkin Barry M
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate patterns of water consumption from plain water, beverages and foods among Mexican children and adolescents and to compare actual patterns of total daily water intake with the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).

Design

We analysed one 24 h dietary recall from Mexican children and adolescents. We calculated intakes of total daily water and water from foods and from beverages. Actual total water intake per capita was subtracted from the DRI for water to calculate the shortfall.

Setting

Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey in 2012.

Subjects

Mexican children and adolescents (n6867) aged 1–18 years.

Results

Approximately 73 % of children and adolescents aged 1–18 years reported drinking plain water. Beverages and plain water represented 65·5 % and 26·5 % of total daily water intake, respectively. Among 1–3-year-olds, the top three main sources of water were from foods, plain water and water from plain milk. Among 4–8- and 9–13-year-olds, the main sources were from foods, plain water andagua fresca(fruit water). Among 14–18-year-olds, the main sources of water were plain water, water from foods and soda. A higher proportion of 1–3-year-olds and 4–8-year-olds met the DRI for water (38 % and 29 %, respectively). Among 9–13-year-olds and 14–18-year-olds, 13–19 % of children met the DRI for water.

Conclusions

Total daily water intakes remain below DRI levels in all age groups. Although plain water still contributes the greatest proportion to daily water intake among fluids, caloric beverages are currently major sources of water especially among older children and adolescents.
Governmental Promotion of Social Cohesion and Its Effect on Local Civil Society Organisations: How These Institutions Respond to the Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups as Active Citizens
Authors: Semino Stella Maris
Published: May 2014

This article examines how social policy influences social cohesion within a London borough. The focus is on the degree to which civil society organisations facilitate the representation of migrants within the public sphere. The policies considered are those introduced by New Labour and the current Coalition government. The theories adopted in this article are based on social cohesion and the public sphere, and the research is based on grey literature and interviews with civil society practitioners. The study concludes that, although the previous government gave visibility to migrants, the conditions imposed for their access to social provision have contributed to the demotion of cohesion. The Coalition's reforms have reinforced social divisions and given rise to two identities within civil society: the insiders, who are in dialogue with the authorities, and the outsiders, who have no contact with the decision makers.
Fabrication of crystals from single metal atoms
Authors: Barry Nicolas P. E. , Pitto-Barry Anaïs , Sanchez Ana M. , Dove Andrew P. , Procter Richard J. , Soldevila-Barreda Joan J. , Kirby Nigel , Hands-Portman Ian , Smith Corinne J. , O’Reilly Rachel K. , Beanland Richard , Sadler Peter J.
Published: May 2014

Metal nanocrystals offer new concepts for the design of nanodevices with a range of potential applications. Currently the formation of metal nanocrystals cannot be controlled at the level of individual atoms. Here we describe a new general method for the fabrication of multi-heteroatom-doped graphitic matrices decorated with very small, ångström-sized, three-dimensional (3D)-metal crystals of defined size. We irradiate boron-rich precious-metal-encapsulated self-spreading polymer micelles with electrons and produce, in real time, a doped graphitic support on which individual osmium atoms hop and migrate to form 3D-nanocrystals, as small as 15 Å in diameter, within 1 h. Crystal growth can be observed, quantified and controlled in real time. We also synthesize the first examples of mixed ruthenium–osmium 3D-nanocrystals. This technology not only allows the production of ångström-sized homo- and hetero-crystals, but also provides new experimental insight into the dynamics of nanocrystals and pathways for their assembly from single atoms.
Mechanics of fragmentation of crocodile skin and other thin films
Authors: Qin Zhao , Pugno Nicola M. , Buehler Markus J.
Published: May 2014

Fragmentation of thin layers of materials is mediated by a network of cracks on its surface. It is commonly seen in dehydrated paintings or asphalt pavements and even in graphene or other two-dimensional materials, but is also observed in the characteristic polygonal pattern on a crocodile's head. Here, we build a simple mechanical model of a thin film and investigate the generation and development of fragmentation patterns as the material is exposed to various modes of deformation. We find that the characteristic size of fragmentation, defined by the mean diameter of polygons, is strictly governed by mechanical properties of the film material. Our result demonstrates that skin fragmentation on the head of crocodiles is dominated by that it features a small ratio between the fracture energy and Young's modulus and the patterns agree well with experimental observations. Understanding this mechanics-driven process could be applied to improve the lifetime and reliability of thin film coatings by mimicking crocodile skin.