bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective cohort study of the morbidity associated with operative vaginal deliveries performed by day and at night
Authors: Butler Katherine , Ramphul Meenakshi , Dunney Clare , Farren Maria , McSweeney Aoife , McNamara Karen , Murphy Deirdre J
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with operative vaginal deliveries (OVDs) performed by day and at night.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Urban maternity unit in Ireland with off-site consultant staff at night.

Population

All nulliparous women requiring an OVD with a term singleton fetus in a cephalic presentation from February to November 2013.

Methods

Delivery outcomes were compared for women who delivered by day (08:00–19:59) or at night (20:00–07:59).

Main outcome measures

The main outcomes included postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), anal sphincter tear and neonatal unit admission. Procedural factors included operator grade, sequential use of instruments and caesarean section.

Results

Of the 597 women who required an OVD, 296 (50%) delivered at night. Choice of instrument, place of delivery, sequential use of instruments and caesarean section did not differ significantly in relation to time of birth. Mid-grade operators performed less OVDs by day than at night, OR 0.60 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.83), and a consultant supervisor was more frequently present by day, OR 2.26 (95% CI 1.05 to 4.83). Shoulder dystocia occurred more commonly by day, OR 2.57 (95% CI 1.05 to 6.28). The incidence of PPH, anal sphincter tears, neonatal unit admission, fetal acidosis and neonatal trauma was similar by day and at night. The mean decision to delivery intervals were 12.0 and 12.6 min, respectively.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of an association between time of OVD and adverse perinatal outcomes despite off-site consultant obstetric support at night.
Optimising calcium monitoring post thyroid and parathyroid surgery
Authors: Rayner Eleanor , Williams Nerida , Dunn Julie
Published: October 2014

There is a risk of hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy surgery, with the nadir being two to five days post operatively.[1] This project examined and improved the post-operative monitoring of serum calcium in patients undergoing these procedures at the Royal Devon and Exeter (RD&E) Hospital over a ten month period in 2013. A retrospective audit was undertaken, identifying whether serum calcium was monitored according to guideline; ie measured within the first 24 hours of surgery and daily thereafter until the patient was normocalcaemic.[2-3] The audit showed an overall compliance in 79% (n = 34) of cases. Of the non-compliant cases (n=9), seven also suffered hypocalcaemia.

The current process was mapped by a flow chart and used as a basis for discussing experiences and identifying areas for improvement. Interventions implemented included a patient leaflet, a process flow chart displayed in the team office and in the weekend handover book, standard text for use in discharge summaries describing the process to GPs, the issuing of prescriptions or actual supplements for patients felt to be at high risk of hypocalcaemia, and finally education to the wider surgical junior doctor team. Percentage compliance with guidelines was compared before and after intervention with a re-audit undertaken in April 2014. Significant improvement was shown, with 100% of re-audit cases compliant (n=41), and all seven cases of hypocalcaemia were managed in full compliance with guideline.
Validation of whole slide imaging in the primary diagnosis of gynaecological pathology in a University Hospital
Authors: Ordi Jaume , Castillo Paola , Saco Adela , del Pino Marta , Ordi Oriol , Rodríguez-Carunchio Leonardo , Ramírez Jose
Published: October 2014

Aims

Experience in the use of whole slide imaging (WSI) for primary diagnosis in pathology is very limited. We aimed to determine the accuracy of interpretation of WSI compared with conventional light microscopy (CLM) in the diagnosis of routine gynaecological biopsies.

Methods

All gynaecological specimens (n=452) received over a 2-month period at the Department of Pathology of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona were analysed blindly by two gynaecological pathologists, one using CLM and the other WSI. All slides were digitised in a Ventana iScan HT (Roche diagnostics) at 200×. All discrepant diagnoses were reviewed, and a final consensus diagnosis was established. The results were evaluated by weighted κ statistics for two observers.

Results

The level of interobserver agreement between WSI and CLM evaluations was almost perfect (κ value: 0.914; 95% CI 0.879 to 0.949) and increased during the study period: κ value 0.890; 95% CI 0.835 to 0.945 in the first period and 0.941; 95%; CI 0.899 to 0.983 in the second period. Major discrepancies (differences in clinical management or prognosis) were observed in 9 cases (2.0%). All discrepancies consisted of small lesions (8 high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix, one lymph node micrometastasis of an ovarian carcinoma) underdiagnosed or missed in the WSI or the CLM evaluation. Discrepancies with no or minor clinical relevance were identified in 3.8% of the biopsies. No discrepancy was related to the poor quality of the WSI image.

Conclusions

Diagnosis of gynaecological specimens by WSI is accurate and may be introduced into routine diagnosis.
Protective Effect of Sundarban Honey against Acetaminophen‐Induced Acute Hepatonephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Afroz Rizwana , Tanvir E. M. , Hossain Md. Fuad , Gan Siew Hua , Parvez Mashud , Aminul Islam Md. , Khalil Md. Ibrahim
Published: October 2014

Honey, a supersaturated natural product of honey bees, contains complex compounds with antioxidant properties and therefore has a wide a range of applications in both traditional and modern medicine. In the present study, the protective effects of Sundarban honey from Bangladesh against acetaminophen‐ (APAP‐) induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in experimental rats were investigated. Adult male Wistar rats were pretreated with honey (5 g/kg) for 4 weeks, followed by the induction of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via the oral administration of a single dose of APAP (2 g/kg). Organ damage was confirmed by measuring the elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TB), urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological alterations observed in the livers and the kidneys further confirmed oxidative damage to these tissues. Animals pretreated with Sundarban honey showed significantly markedly reduced levels of all of the investigated parameters. In addition, Sundarban honey ameliorated the altered hepatic and renal morphology in APAP‐treated rats. Overall, our findings indicate that Sundarban honey protects against APAP‐induced acute hepatic and renal damage, which could be attributed to the honey’s antioxidant properties.
Clinical Outcome of Bortezomib Retreatment in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ahn Jae-Sook , Jung Sung-Hoon , Lee Seung-Shin , Ahn Seo-Yeon , Yang Deok-Hwan , Kim Yeo-Kyeoung , Kim Hyeoung-Joon , Lee Je-Jung
Published: October 2014

This retrospective study investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of bortezomib retreatment in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM). A total of 30 patients who relapsed or progressed after≥6 months since the last dose of their previous bortezomib therapy were included in this study. During the median 6 cycles (range: 2–12) of bortezomib retreatment, 10 (33.3%), 2 (6.7%), and 6 (20.0%) patients achieved complete response, very good partial response, and partial response, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (47.0%), thrombocytopenia (43.0%), anemia (10.0%), and peripheral sensory neuropathy (3.0%) were observed. The median time to progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 5.8 months (95% CI: 2.6–9.0), 5.5 months (95% CI: 4.2–6.8), and 13.4 months (95% CI: 6.1–20.7), respectively. Patients who received bortezomib retreatment≥12 months from initial last therapy had a 1-year OS rate of 65.8% (95% CI: 43.5–88.1) while patients receiving retreatment after 6–12 months interval had a 1-year OS rate of 41.7% (95% CI: 13.9–69.5) (P=0.038). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that retreatment with bortezomib is an effective strategy for patients with MM who relapsed at a long interval after initial bortezomib therapy.
Biochemical and Ultrastructural Changes in Sida cordifolia L. and Catharanthus roseus L. to Auto Pollution
Authors: Verma Vijeta , Chandra Neelam
Published: October 2014

Auto pollution is the by-product of our mechanized mobility, which adversely affects both plant and human life. However, plants growing in the urban locations provide a great respite to us from the brunt of auto pollution by absorbing the pollutants at their foliar surface. Foliar surface configuration and biochemical changes in plant species, namely, Sida cordifolia L. and Catharanthus roseus L. grown at roadside (polluted site 1, Talkatora; polluted site 2, Charbagh) in Lucknow city and in the garden of the university campus, which has been taken as reference site, were investigated. It was observed that air pollution caused by auto exhaust showed marked alterations in photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoid, and phaeophytin), and relative water content was reduced while antioxidative enzymes like catalase and peroxidase were found to be enhanced. The changes in the foliar configuration reveal marked alteration in epidermal traits, with decreased number of stomata, stomatal indices, and epidermal cells per unit area, while length and breadth of stomata and epidermal cells were found to be increased in leaves samples wich can be used as biomarkers of auto pollution.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Three Species of Pet Birds in Northwest China
Authors: Cong Wei , Meng Qing-Feng , Shan Xiao-Feng , Sun Wu-Wen , Qin Si-Yuan , Zhang Xiao-Xuan , Huang Si-Yang , Qian Ai-Dong
Published: October 2014

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the causative agent of hepatitis E, has been reported in a wide variety of animals, including birds, but little is known of HEV infection in pet birds in northwest China. The objective of the present investigation was to examine HEV seroprevalence in three species of pet birds, namely, Eurasian siskin, Oriental skylark, and black-tailed grosbeak from Gansu. Serum samples collected from 685 pet birds from August 2011 to September 2012 were examined independently for the presence of antibodies against HEV. A total of 59 (8.31%) pet birds were tested positive for HEV antibodies by the commercially available enzyme immunoassay kits. Of these, the seroprevalence was diverse in different species pet birds; the most frequent level was 10.83% (39/360) in Eurasian siskin, followed by 6.57% (19/289) in Oriental skylark, and 2.29% (1/36) in black-tailed grosbeak. Age and collecting region of pet birds were the main risk factors associated with HEV infection. The present study firstly revealed the seroprevalence of HEV infection in three species of pet birds in northwest China, which provided the baseline data for taking comprehensive countermeasures and measures for effectively preventing and controlling HEV infection in birds.
CO2 Adsorption: Experimental Investigation and CFD Reactor Model Validation
Authors: Breault Ronald W. , Shadle Lawrence J. , Spenik James L. , Huckaby E. David
Published: October 2014

The National Energy Technology Laboratory is investigating a new process for CO2 capture from large sources such as utility power generation facilities as an alternative to liquid amine based adsorption processes. Many of these advanced dry processes are based upon sorbents composed of supported polyamines. In this analysis, experiments have been conducted in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor and compared to CFD reactor predictions using kinetics obtained from TGA tests. Batch experiments were conducted by flowing a mixture of CO2, H2O, and N2 (simulated flue gas) through a fluidized bed of sorbent material. The exit gas composition time series data is compared to CFD simulations using a 3-dimensional nonisothermal reacting multiphase flow model. The effects of the gas flow rate, distributor design, and particle size are explored through the CFD simulations. It is shown that the time duration for CO2 adsorption decreased for an increase in the gas flow. Fluid bed hydrodynamics indicated that there were regions in the reactor where the inert FCC particles segregated and defluidized; without adversely affecting the capacity of the sorbent to adsorb CO2. The details of the experimental facility and the model as well as the comparative analysis between the data and the simulation results are discussed.
Experimental Study on the Strength Characteristics and Water Permeability of Hybrid Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Singh M. P. , Singh S. P. , Singh A. P.
Published: October 2014

Results of an investigation conducted to study the effect of fibre hybridization on the strength characteristics such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, and water permeability of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) are presented. Steel fibres of different lengths, that is, 12.5 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm, having constant diameter of 0.6 mm, were systematically combined in different mix proportions to obtain mono, binary, and ternary combinations at each of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% fibre volume fraction. A concrete mix containing no fibres was also cast for reference purpose. A total number of 1440 cube specimens of size 100*100*100 mm were tested, 480 each for compressive strength, split tensile strength, and water permeability at 7, 28, 90, and 120 days of curing. It has been observed from the results of this investigation that a fibre combination of 33% 12.5 mm + 33% 25 mm + 33% 50 mm long fibres can be adjudged as the most appropriate combination to be employed in hybrid steel fibre reinforced concrete (HySFRC) for optimum performance in terms of compressive strength, split tensile strength and water permeability requirements taken together.
Functional Evaluation in High Energy (Schatzker Type V and Type VI) Tibial Plateau Fractures Treated by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
Authors: Khatri Kavin , Lakhotia Devendra , Sharma Vijay , Kiran Kumar G. N. , Sharma Gaurav , Farooque Kamran
Published: October 2014

Objective. To review functional outcome in high energy tibial plateau fractures treated by plating. Design. Retrospective analysis. Material and Methods. Sixty-five patients with Schatzker type V and type VI tibial plateau fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using plates were included in the study. The functional evaluation of the patients was carried out with Oxford knee scoring. Results. Fifty-four cases (83%) had Oxford knee score between 40 and 48. Seven (10.7%) had score between 30 and 39, three (4.6%) had score between 20 and 29, and one patient (1.5%) had a score of 18. Delayed union was seen in two cases and nonunion was seen in one case. The superficial wound infection was noticed in (9.2%) patients which was resolved with regular dressings and oral antibiotics. Three (4.6%) patients had developed deep wound infection and one among them had developed osteomyelitis. Conclusion. Open reduction and internal fixation in high energy tibial plateau fractures can provide good functional results in appropriately selected cases.
The Effect of Cerium Oxide Addition on the Properties and Behavior of Y-TZP
Authors: Ragurajan D. , Satgunam M. , Golieskardi M.
Published: October 2014

The effects of CeO2 addition on the sintering behavior and mechanical properties of Y-TZP have been investigated over a wide sintering regime by pressureless sintering. It has been revealed that small additions of CeO2 (0.3–1.0 wt%) to Y-TZP were beneficial in enhancing the mechanical properties and hydrothermal ageing resistance of Y-TZP. Sintered samples were used to evaluate the bulk density, Vickers’s hardness, Young’s modulus, and fracture toughness of the material. CeO2 doped Y-TZPs were sintered at relatively low temperatures (1250°C and 1350°C) retaining high bulk density (>97% of theoretical density) and high Young’s modulus (>200 GPa) without sacrificing tetragonal phase stability. The optimum level of dopant was found to be at 0.5 wt% for sintering between 1250°C and 1450°C using the standard 2 h holding time cycle, with sintered body exhibiting excellent combination of properties when compared to the undoped ceramics. In this experiment, the addition of 0.5 wt% recorded a bulk density reading of 5.9 g/cm3, Vickers hardness value of 13.2 GPa, Young’s modulus value of 211 GPa, and fracture toughness of 6.4 MPam1/2, respectively, in a temperature range of 1400–1450°C.
On the Fresh/Hardened Properties of Cement Composites Incorporating Rubber Particles from Recycled Tires
Authors: Fiore Alessandra , Marano Giuseppe Carlo , Marti Cesare , Molfetta Marcello
Published: October 2014

This study investigates the ameliorative effects on some properties of cement-based materials which can be obtained by incorporating rubber particles as part of the fine aggregates. The aim is to find out optimal cement composite/mortar mixtures, containing recycled-tyre rubber particles, suitable for specific engineering applications. Different percentages of rubber particles, from 0% to 75%, were used and, for each percentage, the suitable amount of sand was investigated in order to achieve the best fresh/hardened performances. In particular the following characteristics were examined: density, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, shrinkage, weight loss, flexural behaviour, thermal conductivity, rapid freezing and thawing durability, and chloride permeability. The experimental results were compared with the ones of cement composite specimens without rubber aggregates. Test results show that the proposed rubberized mortar mixes are particularly suitable for some industrial and architectural applications, such as under-rail bearings, road constructions, paving slabs, false facades, and stone backing.
Time Series Outlier Detection Based on Sliding Window Prediction
Authors: Yu Yufeng , Zhu Yuelong , Li Shijin , Wan Dingsheng
Published: October 2014

In order to detect outliers in hydrological time series data for improving data quality and decision‐making quality related to design, operation, and management of water resources, this research develops a time series outlier detection method for hydrologic data that can be used to identify data that deviate from historical patterns. The method first built a forecasting model on the history data and then used it to predict future values. Anomalies are assumed to take place if the observed values fall outside a given prediction confidence interval (PCI), which can be calculated by the predicted value and confidence coefficient. The use of PCI as threshold is mainly on the fact that it considers the uncertainty in the data series parameters in the forecasting model to address the suitable threshold selection problem. The method performs fast, incremental evaluation of data as it becomes available, scales to large quantities of data, and requires no preclassification of anomalies. Experiments with different hydrologic real‐world time series showed that the proposed methods are fast and correctly identify abnormal data and can be used for hydrologic time series analysis.
Fractional Quantum Field Theory: From Lattice to Continuum
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: October 2014

An approach to formulate fractional field theories on unbounded lattice space-time is suggested. A fractional-order analog of the lattice quantum field theories is considered. Lattice analogs of the fractional-order 4-dimensional differential operators are proposed. We prove that continuum limit of the suggested lattice field theory gives a fractional field theory for the continuum 4-dimensional space-time. The fractional field equations, which are derived from equations for lattice space-time with long-range properties of power-law type, contain the Riesz type derivatives on noninteger orders with respect to space-time coordinates.
Work Ability and Labor Supply after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Sangalli Valentina , Dukes Jonathan , Doppalapudi Syamsundara Babu , Costa Giovanni , Neri Luca
Published: October 2014

Background: The vocational rehabilitation after kidney transplantation (KTX) is suboptimal. We sought to evaluate correlates of occupational outcomes after KTX. Methods: We included 336 working-age patients with at least one creatinine assessment in the 3-month screening period. We collected clinical information from medical records. All subjects answered a self-administered questionnaire, and a follow-up questionnaire was mailed to each participant after 6 months. Study outcomes were the Work Ability Index (WAI) and labor supply (the number of days each patient worked in the follow-up period). We estimated the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. Results: The mean eGFR was 52.76 ± 23.68 ml/min/1.73 m2. The age-standardized employment-to-population ratio was 62%. Comorbidities, self-reported work ability, gender, age, health insurance type, and time since transplant were associated with employment status at baseline. The WAI (38.79 ± 5.88) was associated with the severity of renal impairment, work attachment and comorbidities. After 6 months, labor supply (mean 19.4 ± 9.7 weeks) was associated with WAI item 1 (ρ = 0.22; p = 0.03); eGFR was significantly associated with labor supply, and this association was slightly stronger in patients with physically demanding jobs. Conclusions: We identified modifiable factors associated with poor occupational outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. Consistent with labor supply theory, our results suggest that health care coverage plays a key role in employment decisions after KTX independent of possible confounders. Additionally, our study provides the rationale to further evaluate the implications of renal function-preserving strategies for indirect cost savings and self-reported ability to work after transplant.
Impact of Baroreflex Activation Therapy on Renal Function - A Pilot Study
Authors: Wallbach Manuel , Lehnig Luca-Yves , Schroer Charlotte , Hasenfuss Gerd , Müller Gerhard A. , Wachter Rolf , Koziolek Michael J.
Published: October 2014

Background/Aims: Resistant hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are interlinked via sympathetic overdrive. Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) has been shown to chronically reduce blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant hypertension. The effect of BAT on renal function in CKD patients with resistant hypertension has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sympathetic inhibition on renal function in CKD patients. Methods: 23 CKD patients with resistant hypertension were prospectively treated with BAT. Analyses were performed before and 6 months after the start of BAT. The renal function was analyzed by creatinine, cystatin C, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renin, aldosterone, fractioned and 24-hour sodium excretion and analyses of urine marker proteins. The purpose of the control group was to investigate the influence of treating patients in a center for hypertension and regression to the mean on investigated variables. Results: The office mean BP decreased from 116.9 ± 20.9 mm Hg to 104.2 ± 22.2 mm Hg (p < 0.01), while the number of prescribed antihypertensive classes decreased from 6.6 ± 1.6 to 6.1 ± 1.7 (p = 0.02). Proteinuria and albuminuria decreased from a median of 283.9 and 47.7 to 136.5 (p = 0.01) and 45.0 mg/g creatinine (p = 0.01) with pronounced effects in higher CKD stage III + IV compared to I + II (p < 0.01). CKD-EPI cystatin C equation improved from 53.6 ± 22.7 to 60.4 ± 26.1 ml/min (p = 0.02). While creatinine and GFR were impaired after a period of 6 months, no changes of proteinuria, albuminuria, or BP were obtained in control patients. Conclusion: The data of this prospective trial demonstrate potential nephroprotective effects of BAT in therapy-resistant hypertension in CKD patients by a reduction of BP, proteinuria and moreover, a stabilization of estimated GFR.
Adjuvant Bisphosphonates in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Knauer Michael , Thürlimann Beat
Published: October 2014

Several solid tumors like breast cancer tend to spread to the bone, where the microenvironment is especially receptive to the tumor by special interactions between bone cells and tumor cells. Bone metastases often lead to skeletal-related events with significant morbidity and mortality. The therapy of bone metastases and osteoporosis with bisphosphonates (BPs) has been established many years ago as a standard treatment. In the adjuvant setting, cancer treatment-induced bone loss is a frequent cause of morbidity, and prevention and treatment of this condition with BPs and the monoclonal antibody denosumab are also well established. Besides postmenopausal patients, several studies including 2 larger studies by the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG) and the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) have shown an increase in bone mineral density in premenopausal women. BPs as anticancer treatment are, however, still controversial because several studies yielded conflicting results, with beneficial effects only in subgroups of patients. The publication of the latest Oxford overview of prospective trials is being awaited; at the presentation of the results, a 34% relative reduction of bone metastasis and a 17% improvement in overall survival was demonstrated in the subgroup of postmenopausal patients. These results will likely lead to an incorporation of the use of BPs into routine adjuvant breast cancer treatment.
Side Effects of Bone-Targeted Therapies in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Domschke Christoph , Schuetz Florian
Published: October 2014

In up to 75% of cases, advanced breast cancer patients eventually develop bone metastases with often debilitating skeletal-related events (SREs). Osteoclast inhibitors are commonly used as therapeutic mainstay with clinical studies showing superiority of denosumab over bisphosphonates (e.g., zoledronate) for the prevention of SREs. The present review discusses the adverse event profile of these agents, and addresses the prevention and management of untoward side effects. Adverse events associated with osteoclast inhibitors comprise osteonecrosis of the jaw and hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is more common with denosumab, particularly in severe renal dysfunction. During therapy, the appropriate prevention of these adverse events includes close attention to dental health, avoidance of invasive dental procedures, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D unless patients are hypercalcemic, and regular monitoring of relevant serum values. Relating to the risk of nephrotoxicity, bisphosphonates but not denosumab have been incriminated. Therefore, serum creatinine levels should be checked prior to each dose of zoledronate, and in severe renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) zoledronate is contraindicated anyway. Acute-phase reactions are particularly linked to bisphosphonates. Consequently, if these adverse events predominate, switching to denosumab is recommended.
Emerson and the Fortunes of Godless Religion
Authors: Milder Robert
Published: October 2014

The essay traces Emerson's ideas of “godless religion”; his attraction to and disenchantment with contemporary science; the challenges of 1841–44 as his thought impelled him beyond the terms of his religious synthesis; his efforts thereafter toward a new synthesis; and, when these failed, his retreat to an increasingly rarefied idealism.
The role of visual cues in learning escape behaviour in the little brown skink (Scincella lateralis)
Authors: Paulissen Mark A.
Published: October 2014

Many small animals escape predators by running under an escape retreat such as a rock, log, or pile of leaves. Rapid escape to a retreat would be facilitated if the animal already learned the location of the retreat before it ever had to flee from a predator. One way a small animal might do this is to attend to a prominent ‘local cue’, that is, a visual cue that is part of, or contiguous with, the retreat. I tested the hypothesis that a small lizard commonly known as the little brown skink, Scincella lateralis, can use a local visual cue to learn an escape behaviour. Little brown skinks were presented with two retreats side-by side in an observation chamber. One retreat was backed with a vertical striped cue and the other backed with a horizontal striped cue. Each lizard was induced to run from one end of the observation tank to the opposite end with the two retreats; the retreat that each lizard chose for escape was recorded through a series of 15 trials conducted over three days. Half of the lizards were trained to escape to the vertical cue retreat; half were trained to escape to the horizontal cue retreat. About one-third of little brown skinks met the learning criterion of escaping to the correct retreat in five consecutive trials. However, significantly more of the vertical cue lizards met the learning criterion than did horizontal cue lizards. Also, the vertical cue lizards escaped to the correct retreat significantly more often than expected by chance. Furthermore, even the horizontal cue lizards showed a preference for escaping to the vertical cue retreat. This suggests little brown skinks can use a local visual cue to learn an escape behaviour, but only if it a vertical cue. This may be related to the use of a vertical cue to obtain positional information to locate a retreat or perhaps to the tendency of this forest species to attend to abundant vertical cues in its habitat.
Description of Rotylenchus arasbaranensis n. sp. from Iran with discussion on the taxonomic status of Plesiorotylenchus Vovlas, Castillo & Lamberti, 1993 (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae)
Authors: Atighi Mohammad Reza , Pourjam Ebrahim , Ghaemi Razieh , Pedram Majid , Liébanas Gracia , Cantalapiedra-Navarrete Carolina , Castillo Pablo , Palomares-Rius Juan E.
Published: October 2014

Rotylenchus arasbaranensisn. sp., a new monosexual species is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular studies. The new species is characterised by having an offset and hemispherical lip region with 5-6 annuli, 32-36 μm long stylet, vulva located at 43.9-59.2% with a single epiptygma and rounded tail, rarely bilobed, with 6-8 annuli. The speciesR. striaticepsand the male ofR. buxophilusare reported for the first time from Iran andR. fragaricusis reported and studied for the second time after its original description. The results of the phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the D2-D3 expansion region of the 28S, ITS1-rRNA and the partial 18S rRNA genes were provided for the studied species, confirming their differences from each other and determining the position of them and their relationships with closely related taxa. Also, the validity ofPlesiorotylenchusis discussed on the basis of molecular data and its synonymisation (with only one sequence) withRotylenchusis accepted.
Degrees of Separation: Lester Horton’s
Authors: Johnson Lorin
Published: October 2014

This essay examines Lester Horton’s 1937 production of Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) at the Hollywood Bowl. In particular, the genesis of the work and the transference of Russian modernism in 1930s Los Angeles is explored. The essay focuses on Horton’s professional relationships with two artists in Los Angeles, Adolph Bolm and Michio Ito, both of whom were in his proximity as teachers, mentors and colleagues when he created Le Sacre. The Russian émigré Bolm, a former dancer with the Ballets Russes during the period Nijinsky choreographed The Rite of Spring in 1913, was a well-established teacher and choreographer in Los Angeles. Bolm’s and Horton’s parallel interests in American Indian dance forms are discussed. Ito, the Japanese dancer and choreographer who was inspired to pursue dance after witnessing performances of the Ballets Russes, trained in Dalcroze Eurhythmics in Hellerau before settling in Los Angeles in 1929. Horton’s production of Le Sacre, the seventh created internationally and first West Coast version is discussed in detail, drawing on the choreographer’s rehearsal notes and other first-hand accounts.
In Search of Eden
Authors: Garafola Lynn
Published: October 2014

Bronislava Nijinska spent the last thirty-two years of her life in Southern California. Beginning with her first visit to Hollywood in 1934 to choreograph the dances in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this essay examines her activities in California both as a teacher and a choreographer. It looks closely at her Hollywood bowl season of 1940, when she staged three of her ballets, all new to the United States; the dancers she trained who went on to distinguished professional careers, and her approach to teaching. It briefly summarizes her activities in the 1940s, when she choreographed for Ballet Theatre, Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, and Ballet International; the 1950s, when she worked for the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas; and the 1960s, when the revival of Les Noces and Les Biches by the Royal Ballet brought her most celebrated works back into repertory. Finally, it speculates on the reasons she settled in California, given the limited opportunities it offered her for creative work.
Fleeing the Soviet Union, Dancing on the West Coast
Authors: Johnson Lorin , Bradburn Donald
Published: October 2014

In the 1970s and 1980s, Los Angeles audiences saw Soviet defectors Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alexander Godunov, Natalia Makarova, and Rudolf Nureyev in the prime of their careers at the Hollywood Bowl, The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Greek Theater. Dance photographer Donald Dale Bradburn, a local Southern California dancer describes his behind-the-scenes access to these dancers in this interview. Perfectly positioned as Dance Magazine’s Southern California correspondent, Bradburn offers a candid appraisal of the Southern California appeal for such high-power Russian artists as well as their impact on the arts of Los Angeles. An intimate view of Russian dancers practicing their craft on Los Angeles stages, Bradburn’s interview is illustrated by fourteen of his photographs, published for the first time in this issue of Experiment.
The Scapegoating of Haitian Vodou Religion
Authors: Hebblethwaite Benjamin
Published: October 2014

Shortly after the catastrophic earthquake that crushed Port-au-Prince and the surrounding towns on January 12, 2010, The New York Times published an article in which columnist David Brooks claimed that “voodoo” is a “progress-resistant” cultural influence because it spreads the message that “life is capricious and planning futile.” Alongside Brooks, many authors promote similar views, especially Christians. I argue that Vodou does not negatively affect progress in Haiti. Rather, there are historical, linguistic, and governmental policies that limit progress. In reality, Vodou practitioners enhance progress in their attention to the planning and giving of ceremonies, in the hierarchical organization they establish in communities, in their ritual and language, and in the education imparted through inheritance, teaching, and initiation. The scapegoating of Vodou by Brooks and others perpetuates a racist colonial legacy, and it betrays an ignorance of the community and the abundant research about it.
2014 Hans O. Mauksch Address: Neoliberalism and Higher Education
Authors: Lucal Betsy
Published: October 2014

This article argues that neoliberalism is a critical public issue influencing the apparently private troubles of college students and teachers. For example, earning a college degree has become ever more important for success; yet, because of declining state support for public education, students are taking on extraordinary levels of debt. As a result, learning is being pushed aside by vocational and other considerations that result from neoliberal policy imperatives. For teachers, the decline of the tenure system means fewer full-time faculty members to do more work and fewer people who have the protection to speak out against neoliberal excess. Unless sociology teachers (along with teachers in other disciplines) do something to change the current system, higher education will continue to decline.
Legal structure and outcomes of social enterprise: The case of South Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Mswaka Walter , Aluko Olu
Published: October 2014

Over the past two decades a discourse has emerged on social enterprise as a powerful intervention for addressing socio-economic deprivation in communities across the globe. Although the concept is increasingly attracting academic interest, there are still several areas requiring further scrutiny. One such key area is how the legal structures of social enterprises influence their outcomes. Drawing on a qualitative case study approach in South Yorkshire UK, this study contributes to the ongoing debate on social enterprise by providing insights into the nature of legal structures and related operational issues across the region. The findings revealed that type of legal structure is intricately linked to social enterprises’ ability to achieve their objectives. Rather than rely on traditional legal structures, social enterprises in South Yorkshire have adopted innovative legal vehicles that help them to achieve financial sustainability while at the same time maintaining their social ethos.
T2 relaxation times of the glenohumeral joint at 3.0 T MRI in patients with and without primary and secondary osteoarthritis
Authors: Lee So-Yeon , Park Hee-Jin , Kwon Heon-Ju , Kim Mi Sung , Choi Seon Hyeong , Choi Yoon Jung , Kim Eugene
Published: October 2014

Background

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage has recently been applied to patients with osteoarthritis (OA). T2 mapping is a sensitive method of detecting changes in the chemical composition and structure of cartilage.

Purpose

To establish baseline T2 values of glenohumeral joint cartilage at 3.0 T and compare T2 values among subjects with and without OA.

Material and Methods

The study involved 30 patients (18 women, 12 men; median age, 67 years; age range, 51–78 years) with primary ( n = 7) and secondary OA ( n = 23) in the glenohumeral joint and 34 subjects without OA (19 women, 15 men; median age, 49 years; age range, 23–63 years). All subjects were evaluated by radiography and 3.0 T MRI including a multi-echo T2-weighted spin echo pulse sequence. The T2 value of the cartilage was measured by manually drawing the region of interest on the T2 map. Per-zone comparison of T2 values was performed using Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Median T2 values differed significantly between subjects without OA (36.00 ms [interquartile range, 33.89–37.31 ms]) and those with primary (37.52 ms [36.84–39.11], P = 0.028), but not secondary (36.87 ms [34.70–41.10], P = 0.160) OA. Glenohumeral cartilage T2 values were higher in different zones between patients with primary and secondary OA than in subjects without OA.

Conclusion

These T2 values can be used for comparison to assess cartilage degeneration in patients with shoulder OA. Significant differences in T2 were observed among subjects without OA and those with primary and secondary OA.
The Influence of Direct and Indirect Juvenile Victimization Experiences on Adult Victimization and Fear of Crime
Authors: Grubb Jonathan A. , Bouffard Leana A.
Published: October 2014

Research has identified that juvenile victimization can play a detrimental role for individuals later in life. While this literature has focused on direct and indirect forms of victimization at different stages of life, the influence of juvenile victimization on fear of crime and violent victimization as an adult has been limited. To expand this body of literature, the present research examines the effects of direct (sexual victimization) and indirect (witnessing parental intimate partner violence) juvenile victimization on fear of crime as well as the prevalence of victimization as an adult. Using telephone survey data collected from randomly selected Texas adults, this study demonstrates that both juvenile sexual victimization and indirect victimization increase the likelihood of adult victimization, whereas juvenile sexual victimization increases the likelihood of adult sexual victimization. In contrast, fear of crime as an adult was not significantly influenced by either juvenile sexual victimization or indirect victimization. A discussion of how these findings relate to previous research, limitations, and implications are also provided.
Applying mechanical equilibrium rules in project cost management
Authors: Bagherpour Morteza , Safari Mojtaba , Mohammad Sharifi Masoud
Published: October 2014

The earned value management is a systematic approach to measure project progress and forecast final cost of a project. However, this method has not significantly been improved over its earlier version and there are some criticisms against this standard method. This approach presents a good condition if only the cost performance index shows satisfactory results. The objective of this research is to propose a new methodology in project financial system according to the rules and regulations on mechanical equilibrium of a beam. The results have been successfully implemented which improved the standard project cost management system.
Experimental identification of the torque losses in V-ribbed belt drives using the response surface method
Authors: Balta Berna , Sonmez Fazil O , Cengiz Abdulkadir
Published: October 2014

A drop in the transmitted torque is one of the concerns regarding the performance of belt drives, which affects the efficiency of the power transmission. In this study, the torque loss behaviour of a V-ribbed belt drive with two equal-sized pulleys is investigated using several experimental methodologies. The individual effects of belt-drive parameters are determined with the one-factor-at-a-time test method. The relation between the parameters and the torque loss is found via response surface methodology. Afterwards, the operating conditions are optimized for the minimum torque loss. A test is conducted using the optimum parameter values. The difference between the percentage torque loss predicted by the response surface curve and the experimental result is found to be 8.5%. Furthermore, the predicted model looks reasonably accurate on the basis of the analysis of variance and the residual analysis. Using the response curve, the torque loss may be estimated for similar belt drives.
Validation of simulation models in the context of railway vehicle acceptance
Authors: Polach Oldrich , Böttcher Andreas , Vannucci Dario , Sima Jürgen , Schelle Henning , Chollet Hugues , Götz Gernoth , Garcia Prada Mayi , Nicklisch Dirk , Mazzola Laura , Berg Mats , Osman Martin
Published: October 2014

The evaluation of a reliable validation method, criteria and limit values suitable for model validation in the context of vehicle acceptance was one of the objectives of the DynoTRAIN project. The presented investigations represent a unique amount of testing, simulations, comparisons with measurements, and validation evaluations. The on-track measurements performed in four European countries included several different vehicles on a test train equipped to simultaneously record track irregularities and rail profiles. The simulations were performed using vehicle models built with the use of different simulation tools by different partners. The comparisons between simulation and measurement results were conducted for over 1000 simulations using a set of the same test sections for all vehicle models. The results were assessed by three different validation approaches: comparing values according to EN 14363; by subjective engineering judgement by project partners; and using so-called validation metrics, i.e. computable measures developed with the aim of increasing objectivity while still maintaining the level of agreement with engineering judgement. The proposed validation method uses the values computed by analogy with EN 14363 and provides validation limits that can be applied to a set of deviations between simulation and measurement values.
Ethical values in emergency medical services
Authors: Bremer Anders , Herrera María Jiménez , Axelsson Christer , Martí Dolors Burjalés , Sandman Lars , Casali Gian Luca
Published: October 2014

Background:

Ambulance professionals often address conflicts between ethical values. As individuals’ values represent basic convictions of what is right or good and motivate behaviour, research is needed to understand their value profiles.

Objectives:

To translate and adapt the Managerial Values Profile to Spanish and Swedish, and measure the presence of utilitarianism, moral rights and/or social justice in ambulance professionals’ value profiles in Spain and Sweden.

Methods:

The instrument was translated and culturally adapted. A content validity index was calculated. Pilot tests were carried out with 46 participants.

Ethical considerations:

This study conforms to the ethical principles for research involving human subjects and adheres to national laws and regulations concerning informed consent and confidentiality.

Findings:

Spanish professionals favoured justice and Swedish professionals’ rights in their ambulance organizations. Both countries favoured utilitarianism least. Gender differences across countries showed that males favoured rights. Spanish female professionals favoured justice most strongly of all.

Discussion:

Swedes favour rights while Spaniards favour justice. Both contexts scored low on utilitarianism focusing on total population effect, preferring the opposite, individualized approach of the rights and justice perspectives. Organizational investment in a utilitarian perspective might jeopardize ambulance professionals’ moral right to make individual assessments based on the needs of the patient at hand. Utilitarianism and a caring ethos appear as stark opposites. However, a caring ethos in its turn might well involve unreasonable demands on the individual carer’s professional role. Since both the justice and rights perspectives portrayed in the survey mainly concern relationship to the organization and peers within the organization, this relationship might at worst be given priority over the equal treatment and moral rights of the patient.

Conclusion:

A balanced view on ethical perspectives is needed to make professionals observant and ready to act optimally – especially if these perspectives are used in patient care. Research is needed to clarify how justice and rights are prioritized by ambulance services and whether or not these organization-related values are also implemented in patient care.
Book Review: Li Xing and Abdulkadir Osman Farah (Eds), China–Africa Relations in an Era of Great Transformations
Authors: Jacob Jabin T.
Published: October 2014

Li Xing and Abdulkadir Osman Farah (Eds), China–Africa Relations in an Era of Great Transformations, Surrey, Ashgate, 2013, pp. xii+ 207, £60.00, ISBN 978-1-4094-6478-5.