bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zum politischen Leistungsprofil der Schweiz: Thesen zur Erklärung einer Erfolgsgeschichte aus dem Blickwinkel des internationalen Vergleichs
Authors: Schmidt Manfred G.
Published: June 2014

Im OECD‐Länder‐Vergleich erreicht die Schweiz bei zentralen Indikatoren des politischen Leistungsprofils Spitzenwerte, beispielsweise bei der Arbeitslosenquote, der Inflationsrate und dem Schuldendienst für die Staatsschulden. Wie diese Erfolgsgeschichte zu erklären ist, wird in diesem Essay anhand der Jahre von 1990 bis 2012 erörtert, und zwar unter Heranziehung von Hypothesen und Daten zu schweizspezifischen Erklärungen und von Erklärungsansätzen, die die Schweiz mit anderen wohlhabenden Demokratien vergleichen. Als Schlüsselgrößen erweisen sich – neben institutionellen, prozessualen und akteursbezogenen Eigenheiten der Schweiz – insbesondere die Variablen politikfeldspezifischer Erklärungen (wie Zentralbankautonomie, Verteilungskonflikt und fiskalpolitische Fragmentierung) sowie sozialpartnerschaftliche Arbeitsbeziehungen und Parteieneffekte.
The Shape of the Causative Verbal Domain: Evidence from Kashmiri
Authors: Manetta Emily
Published: June 2014

The properties of the productive morphological causative traditionally understood to be suggestive of biclausality have in more recent accounts been attributed to multiple layers within the verbal domain. This paper evaluates two approaches to the causative verbal domain: one requiring multiple stacked vPs as in Harley 2008 and Folli & Harley 2007, and a second in which causation instantiates a separate causative head as in Pylkkännen 1999, 2008. Features particular to the Indic language Kashmiri, such as verbal agreement with the internal argument in ergative clauses, nominative causees, and iterated causation, provide new empirical ground for testing distinct predictions made by these two approaches. This paper ultimately argues that the CauseP approach better accounts for the facts in Kashmiri, and may also be better suited to capture parametric variation of productive causation crosslinguistically.
The role of mobile phones in the mediation of border crossings: A study of Haiti and the Dominican Republic
Authors: Horst Heather A. , Taylor Erin B.
Published: June 2014

This article draws upon recent work among Haitian migrants living at the Haitian‐Dominican border in order to examine the role of mobile phones in cross‐border movement in the region. Like other migrants and displaced populations, Haitians use technologies such as mobile phones to keep in touch with their families and maintain social relations as well as organising economic activities and the circulation of remittances. Yet the dependence of Haitian workers on geographic mobility for work and livelihood also requires developing and maintaining relationships across borders. The focus upon understanding relationships formed within and beyond the southern border region of Haiti and the Dominican Republic seeks to make ethnographically visible the role of the mobile phone in mediating different forms of mobility.
Shifting perceptions, shifting identities: Communication technologies and the altered social, cultural and linguistic ecology in a remote indigenous context
Authors: Kral Inge
Published: June 2014

While a digital divide remains evident in many remote Indigenous Australian communities, individual and collective information and communication technologies practices have developed in accordance with broadband, satellite or WiFi availability. This article examines the ways in which Indigenous youth in remote Australia are ‘coming of age’ in contexts where digitally‐mediated social interaction is a taken‐for‐granted aspect of social practice, communication and learning. While there are many positive aspects to this rapid development, it can also lead to intergenerational tensions as young people explore new patterns of behaviour, and older people come to terms with new cultural challenges. Drawing on long‐term ethnographic observations in Central Australia, the impact of technology and the shift in perceptions, communication modes, and social and cultural practice across the generations in the Western Desert region are traced.
The social (dis)organisation of software: Failure and disorder in information society
Authors: Marshall Jonathan Paul
Published: June 2014

Software is a mode of ordering social, workplace, and individual activity. However, despite years of research by software engineers into requirements engineering (that is the gathering and evaluation of what is required from software by users) new software is renowned both for its failure rates and for the disruptions it causes. This article explores the interaction of new software, or new implementations of software, with the ongoing politics and dynamics of the ‘workspace’. In so doing it criticises common ideas that in information or network societies the technological infrastructure is robust and stable, that knowledge flow is positive and beneficial and that networks strengthen social resilience and rationality. The article is illustrated with observations of a software installation, together with interviews with those affected at various levels of different organisations in Australia and demonstrates that instability and disorder is inherently tied to processes of ordering by computers.
Kinship, gender, and communication technologies: Family dramas in the Tongan diaspora
Authors: Nishitani Makiko
Published: June 2014

When scholars of transnational studies examine communication technologies, they tend to focus on how the technologies help to maintain people's transnational ties. However, until recently, little attention has been given to the question of how the technologies become involved in conflicts in transnational contexts. Drawing on extensive fieldwork among Tongan migrants and their children in Australia, this article discusses how information, mediated by technologies, circulates and provokes ‘dramas’ among dispersed family members both in the diaspora and in Tonga. Such use of communication technologies is often further mediated by gender. Ethnographic descriptions of how mothers and daughters use communication technologies reveal interactive relationships between the technologies and people as well as culture.
Large‐scale gene expression profiling data for the model moss Physcomitrella patens aid understanding of developmental progression, culture and stress conditions
Authors: Hiss Manuel , Laule Oliver , Meskauskiene Rasa M. , Arif Muhammad A. , Decker Eva L. , Erxleben Anika , Frank Wolfgang , Hanke Sebastian T. , Lang Daniel , Martin Anja , Neu Christina , Reski Ralf , Richardt Sandra , Schallenberg‐Rüdinger Mareike , Szövényi Peter , Tiko Theodhor , Wiedemann Gertrud , Wolf Luise , Zimmermann Philip , Rensing Stefan A.
Published: June 2014

The moss Physcomitrella patens is an important model organism for studying plant evolution, development, physiology and biotechnology. Here we have generated microarray gene expression data covering the principal developmental stages, culture forms and some environmental/stress conditions. Example analyses of developmental stages and growth conditions as well as abiotic stress treatments demonstrate that (i) growth stage is dominant over culture conditions, (ii) liquid culture is not stressful for the plant, (iii) low pH might aid protoplastation by reduced expression of cell wall structure genes, (iv) largely the same gene pool mediates response to dehydration and rehydration, and (v) AP2/EREBP transcription factors play important roles in stress response reactions. With regard to the AP2 gene family, phylogenetic analysis and comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana shows commonalities as well as uniquely expressed family members under drought, light perturbations and protoplastation. Gene expression profiles for P. patens are available for the scientific community via the easy‐to‐use tool at https://www.genevestigator.com. By providing large‐scale expression profiles, the usability of this model organism is further enhanced, for example by enabling selection of control genes for quantitative real‐time PCR. Now, gene expression levels across a broad range of conditions can be accessed online for P. patens.
HSP90s are required for NLR immune receptor accumulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Shuai , Monaghan Jacqueline , Zhong Xionghui , Lin Ling , Sun Tongjun , Dong Oliver Xiaoou , Li Xin
Published: June 2014

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) serve as molecular chaperones for diverse client proteins in many biological processes. In plant immunity, cytosolic HSP90s participate in the assembly, stability control and/or activation of immune receptor complexes. In this paper we report that in addition to the well‐established positive roles that HSP90 isoforms play in plant immunity, they are also involved in the negative regulation of immune receptor accumulation. Point mutations in two HSP90 genes, HSP90.2 and HSP90.3, were identified from a forward genetic screen designed to isolate mutants with enhanced disease resistance. We found that specific mutations in HSP90.2 and HSP90.3 lead to heightened accumulation of immune receptors, including SNC1, RPS2 and RPS4. HSP90s may assist SGT1 in the formation of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes that target immune receptors for degradation. Such regulation is critical for maintaining appropriate levels of immune receptor proteins to avoid autoimmunity.
The use of flow cytometry for immunophenotyping lymphoproliferative disorders in cats: a retrospective study of 19 cases
Authors: Guzera M. , Cian F. , Leo C. , Winnicka A. , Archer J.
Published: June 2014

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping is a useful step in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative malignancies in human and veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of this technique for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders in cats. Nineteen cats were retrospectively enrolled in this study and allocated into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 13 cats with lymphoma, whereas group 2 consisted of 6 cats with non‐neoplastic lymphoproliferative disorders. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsies were analysed by flow cytometry in order to evaluate the immunophenotype. Flow cytometric analysis identified a neoplastic lymphoid population in 12 of the 13 cats of group 1, confirming the diagnosis of lymphoma and further characterizing it. The six cats in group 2 showed a mixed lymphoid population, which was not suggestive of a neoplastic disorder. Flow cytometry is a valuable and powerful tool for refining the diagnosis of feline lymphoproliferative disorders.
Quantitative morphology in canine cutaneous soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Simeonov R. , Ananiev J. , Gulubova M.
Published: June 2014

Stained cytological specimens from 24 dogs with spontaneous soft tissue sarcomas [fibrosarcoma (n = 8), liposarcoma (n = 8) and haemangiopericytoma (n = 8)], and 24 dogs with reactive connective tissue lesions [granulation tissue (n = 12) and dermal fibrosis (n = 12)] were analysed by computer‐assisted nuclear morphometry. The studied morphometric parameters were: mean nuclear area (MNA; µm2), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP; µm), mean nuclear diameter (MNDmean; µm), minimum nuclear diameter (Dmin; µm) and maximum nuclear diameter (Dmax; µm). The study aimed to evaluate (1) possibility for quantitative differentiation of soft tissue sarcomas from reactive connective tissue lesions and (2) by using cytomorphometry, to differentiate the various histopathological soft tissue sarcomas subtypes in dogs. The mean values of all nuclear cytomorphometric parameters (except for Dmax) were statistically significantly higher in reactive connective tissue processes than in soft tissue sarcomas. At the same time, however, there were no considerable differences among the different sarcoma subtypes. The results demonstrated that the quantitative differentiation of reactive connective tissue processes from soft tissue sarcomas in dogs is possible, but the same was not true for the different canine soft tissue sarcoma subtypes. Further investigations on this topic are necessary for thorough explication of the role of quantitative morphology in the diagnostics of mesenchymal neoplasms and tumour‐like fibrous lesions in dogs
Two Protocols to Measure Mitochondrial Capacity in Women and Adolescent Girls: A 31P-MRS Preliminary Study
Authors: Willcocks Rebecca Jane , Fulford Jon , Barker Alan Robert , Armstrong Neil , Williams Craig Anthony
Published: June 2014

The phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery time constant (τ) following exercise provides a measure of mitochondrial oxidative capacity. The purpose of this investigation was to use 2 different protocols to determine τ in adolescent females. 31P-MR spectra were collected during 2 exercise tests in 6 adolescent girls (13.8 ± 0.3 y) and 7 women (23.2 ± 3.4 y). The first test consisted of 23 repeated 4 seconds maximal isometric calf contractions separated by 12-second recovery; PCr recovery between the final 18 contractions was used to calculate τ. The second test was a sustained 20-second maximal contraction; recovery was fitted with an exponential function to measure τ. PCr τ did not significantly differ between groups: (gated exercise: 4 girls: 16 ± 5 s, 7 women: 17 ± 5 s, p; sustained exercise: 6 girls: 19 ± 6 s, 7 women: 19 ± 4 s). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a close agreement between sustained and gated exercise. Both gated and sustained exercise appear feasible in a pediatric population, and offer a noninvasive evaluation of mitochondrial oxidative capacity.
The Association Between Pregame Snacks and Exercise Intensity, Stress, and Fatigue in Children
Authors: Sacheck Jennifer M. , Rasmussen Helen M. , Hall Meghan M. , Kafka Tamar , Blumberg Jeffrey B. , Economos Christina D.
Published: June 2014

To investigate the association between pregame snacks varying in macronutrient content and exercise intensity, physiological stress, and fatigue in young soccer players. One hour before a 50-min soccer game, children (n = 79; 9.1 ± 0.8 y) were randomly assigned to consume a raisin-, peanut-butter-, or cereal-based snack. Body mass index, blood glucose, and salivary measures of stress (cortisol and immunoglobulin A-IgA) were measured pre- and post-game. Exercise intensity was measured by accelerometry. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess diet quality and fatigue. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between pregame snacks and biochemical outcomes. Postgame glucose and cortisol increased [12.9 ± 21.3 mg/dL (p < .001) and 0.04 ± 0.10 μg/dL (p < .05), respectively] and IgA decreased −2.3 ± 9.6 μg/mL; p < .001) from pregame values. The pregame snack was not associated with exercise intensity or post-game outcome; however, children consuming the cereal-based (high-sugar and high-glycemic index (GI)) snack exercised more intensely than the 2 lower-GI snack groups (p < .05). Children who consumed the high-sugar, high-GI snack also reported more symptoms of fatigue (p < .05). A high-sugar, high-GI pregame snack was associated with exercise intensity and fatigue but not changes in blood sugar or stress biomarkers following a soccer game in children.
Assessing Physical Activity During Youth Sport: The Observational System for Recording Activity in Children: Youth Sports
Authors: Cohen Alysia , McDonald Samantha , McIver Kerry , Pate Russell , Trost Stewart
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and interrater reliability of the Observational System for Recording Activity in Children: Youth Sports (OSRAC:YS). Children (N = 29) participating in a parks and recreation soccer program were observed during regularly scheduled practices. Physical activity (PA) intensity and contextual factors were recorded by momentary time-sampling procedures (10-second observe, 20-second record). Two observers simultaneously observed and recorded children’s PA intensity, practice context, social context, coach behavior, and coach proximity. Interrater reliability was based on agreement (Kappa) between the observer’s coding for each category, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for percent of time spent in MVPA. Validity was assessed by calculating the correlation between OSRAC:YS estimated and objectively measured MVPA. Kappa statistics for each category demonstrated substantial to almost perfect interobserver agreement (Kappa = 0.67−0.93). The ICC for percent time in MVPA was 0.76 (95% C.I. = 0.49−0.90). A significant correlation (r = .73) was observed for MVPA recorded by observation and MVPA measured via accelerometry. The results indicate the OSRAC:YS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring children’s PA and contextual factors during a youth soccer practice.
Rapidly progressive aortic aneurysmal dilation in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus: too early too severe
Authors: Rached-d'Astous Soha , Dahdah Nagib , Brochu Pierre , Saint-Cyr Claire
Published: June 2014

About 10–20% of systemic lupus erythematosus cases occur in children, often with more severe features at onset and more active disease over time compared with adults. Cardiovascular complications are common in this population but thoracic aortic aneurysms rarely occur. Although the pathophysiology of this complication remains unclear, vasculitis seems to play an important role, leading to degeneration and fibrosis of the media and formation of the aneurysm. We report the case of a 9-year-old systemic lupus erythematosus patient with important renal involvement, who underwent aortic replacement surgery for the treatment of an aortic aneurysm. This case highlights the importance of monitoring the thoracic aorta in children with systemic lupus erythematosus and the need for the development of appropriate early management strategies for this serious complication.
Intraneural ganglion cyst on the external popliteal nerve
Authors: Rendon Diego , Pescador David , Cano Carlos , Blanco Juan
Published: June 2014

There are many causes for the paralysis of the external sciatic popliteal nerve , such as the intraneural ganglion cyst. In this case, we evaluate a 52-year-old woman with no relevant personal record, who was admitted with paresis of the right foot of 4 months of evolution associated with alterations in the sensitivity that rose up to the posterolateral region of the leg. The diagnosis was based on MR and cyst decompression and disconnection of the articular branch. Given the low incidence of these lesions, their origin is still subject to controversy. The most widely accepted theory is the unifying articular theory described by Spinner in the year 2003. Intraneural ganglion cysts must be included in the differential diagnosis of progressive paralysis of the sciatic nerve, lesions of the nerve root at L5 and nerve sheath tumours that start at the lateral compartment of the knee. The treatment of a fibular intraneural ganglion cyst must be surgical and the operation must be performed as soon as possible.
Dural arteriovenous fistula presenting with progressive dementia and parkinsonism
Authors: Fujii Hiroki , Nagano Yoshito , Hosomi Naohisa , Matsumoto Masayasu
Published: June 2014

We report a rare case of progressive parkinsonism and cognitive dysfunction due to dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). A 69-year-old man, with a history of hypertension and diabetes, was admitted to our hospital because of parkinsonism and dementia. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) revealed a thrombus in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and marked dilation of the medullary vein suggestive of the presence of comorbid DAVF. A single-photon emission CT (SPECT) showed widespread hypoperfusion in the bilateral frontal lobes. Selective cerebral angiography revealed a DAVF in SSS. These symptoms were significantly ameliorated following transvenous embolisation of the venous sinus at the shunting point. Reversible parkinsonism and dementia after embolisation was correlated with decreased dilation of medullary vein on SWI and improved cerebral blood flow on SPECT in the frontal lobes. Differentiation of parkinsonian and dementia symptoms due to DAVF from those associated with neurodegenerative disease is of great importance because DAVF-associated deficits may be reversed by endovascular therapy.
Complete rupture of the pancreas after a kick into the abdomen during a football match
Authors: Papalampros Alexandros , Fard-Aghaie Mohammad , Maghsoudi Tina , Oldhafer Karl
Published: June 2014

Pancreatic injury is uncommon, accounting for less than 7% of penetrating and 5% of blunt abdominal trauma. Blunt isolated pancreatic trauma in football has been rarely described in the literature and its diagnosis, detection and treatment still remains a challenge. We report a case of a young adult with an isolated complete rupture of the pancreatic body due to a blunt abdominal trauma during a football game. In order to preserve the pancreas and therefore retain function, we performed a terminolateral pancreaticojejunostomy. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. The diagnosis of isolated injuries of the pancreas in blunt abdominal trauma can be difficult and challenging and due to the nature of the game physicians should be highly alerted when dealing with football players sustaining abdominal trauma.
Prosthetic rehabilitation of palatal perforation in a patient with ‘syphilis: the great imitator’
Authors: Murthy Varsha , Vaithilingam Yuvraj , Livingstone David , Pillai Ajay
Published: June 2014

Syphilis is a sexually transmissible disease caused by treponema palladium, a microaerophilic spirochete. Syphilis may progress from primary to tertiary stage if left unnoticed and untreated. Dentists should be vigilant and suspect sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis in the differential diagnosis of oral inflammatory or ulcerative lesions with palatal perforation. Moreover, it is imperative that dentists should have knowledge about its stages, characteristic features, oral presentation and prosthetic rehabilitation. This case report describes a case of tertiary syphilis with palatal perforation and the prosthetic rehabilitation of the defect with a prosthetic obturator.
A rare manifestation of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopaenia
Authors: Jerónimo Monica , Azenha Cátia , Mesquita Joana , Pereira Dolores Faria
Published: June 2014

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopaenia (NAIT) results from a fetomaternal incompatibility with maternal sensitisation against a fetal human platelet antigen (HPA) and antibodies transfer to the fetal circulation, leading to platelet destruction. The clinical presentation is variable and isolated intraocular haemorrhage is rare. We present the case of a male newborn, with intrauterine growth restriction, born at 29 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. He presented proptosis of the left eye, hyphaema and elevated intraocular pressure, with no other signs of haemorrhage. Severe thrombocytopaenia was found (27×109/L). Perinatal infection and maternal thrombocytopaenia were excluded. Positive anti-HPA-1a and antihuman leucocyte antigen class I alloantibodies were found in the mother. Platelet crossmatch between the father's platelets and mother's plasma was positive. Platelet transfusions and intravenous immunoglobulin were given with favourable response. This case highlights an unusual presentation of NAIT, which should be suspected in the presence of severe thrombocytopaenia in the first 24–72 h of life.
Limbic encephalitis
Authors: Mahawish Karim , Teinert Lynne , Cavanagh Kathryn , Brennan Joseph
Published: June 2014

We present a case of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, describing the presenting features, diagnosis and management plan. Limbic encephalitis is one differential of rapidly progressive dementia. We describe a rational approach to the diagnosis of the patient with rapid cognitive decline.
Spectroscopic trends in a series of Re(I) α-diimine complexes as a function of the antenna/photoisomerizable ligands: a TD-DFT and MS-CASPT2 study
Authors: Kayanuma Megumi , Daniel Chantal , Gindensperger Etienne
Published: June 2014

The absorption spectra of 11 rhenium(I) complexes with photoisomerizable stilbene-like ligands have been investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT). The electronic structures of the ground and excited states were determined for [Re(CO)3(N,N)(L)]+ (N,N = bpy (2,2′-bipyridine), phen (1,10-phenanthroline), Me4phen (3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline), ph2phen (4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), or Clphen (5-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline); L = bpe (1,2-bis(4-pyrydil)ethylene), stpy (4-styrylpyridine), or CNstpy (4-(4-cyano)styrylpyridine)) at the time–dependent (TD) DFT/CAM-B3LYP level of theory in vacuum and acetonitrile to highlight the effects of both antenna N,N and isomerizable L ligands. The TD-DFT spectra of two representative complexes, namely [Re(CO)3(bpy)(stpy)]+ and [Re(CO)3(phen)(bpe)]+, have been compared with MS-CASPT2 spectra. The TD-DFT spectra obtained in vacuum and acetonitrile agree rather well both with the ab initio and experimental spectra. The absorption spectroscopy of this series of molecules is characterized by the presence of three low-lying metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) states absorbing in the visible energy domain. The nature of the isomerizable ligands (bpe, stpy, or CNstpy) and the type of antenna ligands (bpy, phen, and substituted phen) control the degree of mixing between the MLCT and intraligand excited states, their relative energies, as well as their intensities.
Models of the equilibrium distribution of organic chemicals between water and solid phases of environmental media
Authors: Webster Eva M.
Published: June 2014

Water–solid phase equilibrium distributions are foundational to multimedia environmental fate models of anthropogenic organic chemicals. This contextual review of equilibrium models of ionizing organics in aqueous–solids systems highlights the broad range of modeling assumptions and paradigms that have been employed. The complexity of soils and sediment, especially the organic phase, is provided as background along with a description of equilibrium models for nonpolar, nonionizing organics. The ways in which these single-species models have been modified and adapted for application to ionizing organics is detailed. The individual species proposed as contributing to observed distributions include the neutral parent, ions, and ion pairs. The debate over the role of the organic phase in soil and sediment solids is presented. Both absorption and surface adsorption models are described. Organic carbon (OC)-dependent models range from the simple Karickhoff equation to complex molecular connectivity indices models and polyparameter linear free energy relationship (pp-LFER) models. Adsorption models are derived from inorganic interaction chemistry. They include the early Langmuir model and Freundlich equation and continue to the modern Model VI and the NICA-Donnan model. Adsorption models focus on the mineral phase, but the role of the organic phase is not entirely dismissed. Dual mode models seek to combine absorption to OC with adsorption interactions. Conclusions drawn from studies of acid behavior do not predict the sorption of bases; bases are described separately. No single explanation and accompanying model of the distribution behavior of ionizing organics has emerged as the clear choice for regulatory use. The complexity of chemical–environment interactions is such that models are either challenging to parameterize and understand or they fail to capture key aspect(s) of the system critical to understanding of one or more classes of chemical or environmental medium. Future research directions are suggested including the possible benefit of removing sorbate–sorbent or chemical–environment distinctions.
Electron–phonon interaction influence on optical properties of parallelogram quantum wires
Authors: Bahramiyan H. , Khordad R. , Azari H.
Published: June 2014

In the present work, we have studied the effect of electron–phonon (e–p) interaction on optical properties of a GaAs quantum wire with parallelogram cross-section. For this goal, we have calculated refractive index changes and absorption coefficients by using compact-density-matrix approach and iterative method. The results show that the refractive index changes and absorption coefficients are obviously increased and the peak positions shift toward higher energies after considering the e–p interaction. We have also studied polaronic effect on electric dipole moment matrix elements and the energy levels for different quantum wire sizes. We have found that the line-width of absorption coefficients and refractive index changes is approximately constant after considering e–p interaction.
OPTIMAL MAINTENANCE OF AIRFRAME CRACKS
Authors: ITO KODO , NAKAGAWA TOSHIO
Published: June 2014

As an airframe has finite lifetime and has to be designed lightweight, the maintenance of airframe is indispensable to operate aircraft without any serious troubles. After an airframe begins to operate, it suffers stresses and the stress causes the damage such as cracks of the airframe. Cracks grow with operation time and cause catastrophic phenomenon such as the mid-air disintegration when they become greater than a critical size. So, the managerial crack size is prespecified and Preventive Maintenance (PM) undergoes when the inspected crack size exceeds it. In this paper, optimal PM policies of airframe crack failure are discussed. Airframe states are represented as the Markov renewal process, and one-step transition probabilities are discussed. The total expected cost from the start of operation to the end by failure is defined and the optimal PM policies which minimize it is discussed.
RELIABILITY AND IMPORTANCE MEASURES OF WEIGHTED-k-OUT-OF-n SYSTEM
Authors: AMRUTKAR KALPESH P. , KAMALJA KIRTEE K.
Published: June 2014

Recently many popular reliability systems are being extended to weighted systems where weight associated with each component refers to load/capacity of that component. The simplest k-out-of-n system extended under this concept is known as weighted-k-out-of-n system. A weighted-k-out-of-n: G(F) system consists of n components each one having a positive integer weight wi, i = 1, 2, …, n such that the total system weight is w and the system works (fails) if and only if the accumulated weight of working (failed) components is at least k. In this paper, we introduce the concept of Weighted Markov Bernoulli Trial (WMBT) {Xi, i ≥ 0} and study the distribution of [Formula: see text], the total weight of successes in the sequence of n WMBT and conditional distribution of [Formula: see text] given that uth trial results in failure/success. We refer the distribution of [Formula: see text] as Weighted Markov Binomial Distribution (WMBD). Further we discuss application of WMBD and conditional WMBD in evaluation of reliability, Birnbaum reliability importance (B-importance) and improvement potential importance of weighted-k-out-of-n: G/F system. The numerical work is included to demonstrate the computational simplicity of the developed results. Further we compare our study with the existing results in terms of efficiency and find that our results are efficient for large values of k.
Applying DEA on Operating Performance Analysis: Comparison Between Urban and Rural Operating Areas of a Case Telecom Company
Authors: Tu Chia-Jung , Chen Wen-Ling , Lin Tyrone T.
Published: June 2014

This study aims to discuss the operating performance of a case telecom company in Taiwan by comparing the entire region, urban and rural operating areas. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Tobit model are employed and performed on 23 operating divisions from 2008 to 2010 to analyze the correlation between the accounts receivable collection and the overall operating performance. The results show that the average technical efficiency (TE) of all operating divisions is 84.2%. The urban operating divisions have a higher efficiency value than the rural ones. Evidence implies that the collection of accounts receivables and the operating performance are positively correlated.
ACETABULAR LOAD-TRANSFER AND MECHANICAL STABILITY: A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS COMPARING DIFFERENT CEMENTLESS SOCKETS
Authors: PAKVIS D. F. M. , JANSSEN D. , SCHREURS B. W. , VERDONSCHOT N.
Published: June 2014

Acetabular stress shielding may be a failure mechanism of acetabular constructs promoting osteolysis, aseptic loosening and failure. We used three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the effect of flexible sockets on acetabular stress shielding. The sockets were made of (1) full polyethylene (PE), (2) PE with a metal bearing and (3) a PE insert with a metal backing was used as a traditional stiff implant. We compared the strain energy density and interfacial micro-motions between bone and cementless sockets during walking. In our FEA model, the most elastic socket (case 1) showed the highest levels of micro-motion during walking (400 μm). The most rigid socket (case 3) showed smaller areas of high micro-motions. Assuming a threshold for ingrowth of 50 microns, the flexible cup showed an ingrowth area of almost 40%, whereas the other two cases showed stable areas covering 60% of the total bone–component interface. Furthermore, we found that the introduction of an implant generates a very different strain pattern directly around the implant as compared with the intact case, which has a horse-shoe shaped cartilage layer in the acetabulum. This difference was not affected much by the stiffness of the implant; a more flexible implant resulted in only slightly higher strain levels. Bone strains over 1.5 mm from the cup showed physiological values and were not affected by the stiffness of the implant. Hence, this study shows that the physiological strain patterns are not obtained in the direct periprosthetic bone, regardless of the stiffness of the material.
Morse–Conley–Floer homology
Authors: Rot T. O. , Vandervorst R. C. A. M.
Published: June 2014

The gradient flow of a Morse function on a smooth closed manifold generates, under suitable transversality assumptions, the Morse–Smale–Witten complex. The associated Morse homology is an invariant for the manifold, and equals the singular homology, which yields the classical Morse relations. In this paper we define Morse–Conley–Floer homology, which is an analogous homology theory for isolated invariant sets of smooth, not necessarily gradient-like, flows. We prove invariance properties of the Morse–Conley–Floer homology, and show how it gives rise to the Morse–Conley relations.
Chapter 1 An overview of the eruption of Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Wadge G. , Voight B. , Sparks R. S. J. , Cole P. D. , Loughlin S. C. , Robertson R. E. A.
Published: June 2014

The 1995–present eruption of Soufrière Hills Volcano on Montserrat has produced over a cubic kilometre of andesitic magma, creating a series of lava domes that were successively destroyed, with much of their mass deposited in the sea. There have been five phases of lava extrusion to form these lava domes: November 1995–March 1998; November 1999–July 2003; August 2005–April 2007; July 2008–January 2009; and October 2009–February 2010. It has been one of the most intensively studied volcanoes in the world during this time, and there are long instrumental and observational datasets. From these have sprung major new insights concerning: the cyclicity of magma transport; low-frequency earthquakes associated with conduit magma flow; the dynamics of lateral blasts and Vulcanian explosions; the role that basalt–andesite magma mingling in the mid-crust has in powering the eruption; identification using seismic tomography of the uppermost magma reservoir at a depth of 5.5 > 7.5 km; and many others. Parallel to the research effort, there has been a consistent programme of quantitative risk assessment since 1997 that has both pioneered new methods and provided a solid evidential source for the civil authority to use in mitigating the risks to the people of Montserrat.
Chapter 18 Characterization of mafic enclaves in the erupted products of Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, 2009 to 2010
Authors: Plail Melissa , Barclay Jenni , Humphreys Madeleine C. S. , Edmonds Marie , Herd Richard A. , Christopher Thomas E.
Published: June 2014

Lavas from the current eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV), Montserrat exhibit evidence for magma mingling, related to the intrusion of mafic magma at depth. We present detailed field, petrological, textural and geochemical descriptions of mafic enclaves in andesite erupted during 2009–2010, and subdivide the enclaves into three distinct types: type A are mafic, glassy with chilled margins and few inherited phenocrysts; type B are more evolved with high inherited phenocryst content and little glass, and are interpreted as significantly hybridized; type C are composite, with a mafic interior (type A) and a hybrid exterior (type B). All enclaves define tight linear compositional trends, interpreted as mixing between a mafic end member (type A) and host andesite. Enclave glasses are rhyolitic, owing to extensive crystallization during quenching. Type A quench crystallization is driven by rapid thermal equilibration during injection into the andesite. Conversely, type B enclaves form in a hybridized melt layer, which ponded near the base of the chamber and cooled more slowly. Vesiculation near the mafic–silicic interface resulted in disruption of the hybridized layer and the formation of the type B enclaves. The composite enclaves represent an interface between types A and B, suggesting multiple episodes of mafic injection.
Chapter 24 A review of volcanic hazard and risk-assessment praxis at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat from 1997 to 2011
Authors: Wadge G. , Aspinall W. P.
Published: June 2014

Volcanic hazard and risk at Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV), Montserrat has been assessed in a consistent and quantitative manner for 14 years (1997–2011) during highly variable eruptive activity involving andesitic lava-dome growth, which has placed serious constraints on Montserratian society. This work has been carried out by the Scientific Advisory Committee (and predecessors) in collaboration with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. We describe the organizational context of these assessments, the types of hazards and the methods used to analyse them. Knowledge elicitation using hazard scenarios and analysis by the Classical Model method were employed to formulate probabilistic forecasts of future hazardous events over the next year, and to quantify risks to individuals and Montserrat society generally. We devised a scheme for assessing the likelihood that the volcanic system had stopped receiving basalt magma, considered to be the main driver of the eruption. The accuracy of forecasts was tested using Brier Skill Scores: 83% of forecasts for events that were critical to life had positive skill, as measured by this method. We also discuss how government responded to our assessments. The continuous series of quantitative volcanic hazard and risk assessments described here is the only one of its kind.
Chapter 25 Reflexive volcanology: 15 years of communicating risk and uncertainty in scientific advice on Montserrat
Authors: Donovan Amy , Oppenheimer Clive , Bravo Michael
Published: June 2014

This paper examines in detail the history of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) reports – formerly the Risk Assessment Panel (RAP). In particular, it discusses examples of processes within the SAC reporting as constituting a reflexive process: as methods are used, reviewed, reacted to and redefined, there is a honing of the material and report format. This is used to draw some conclusions about the nature of reporting volcanic risk and scientific uncertainty, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results from a 2011 survey of Montserratians are provided to contextualize the discussion. The paper concludes by looking more broadly at risk governance on Montserrat, and how risk management feeds back into risk assessment via the public domain.
Chapter 5 Vulcanian explosions at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat between 2008 and 2010
Authors: Cole P. D. , Smith P. J. , Stinton A. J. , Odbert H. M. , Bernstein M. L. , Komorowski J. C. , Stewart R.
Published: June 2014

Vulcanian explosions generated at Soufrière Hills Volcano between 2008 and 2010 varied from simple events involving minimal pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) to complex events involving more than one explosion. Calculated volumes for the deposits of the PDCs formed by these explosions ranged up to 2.7×10
6
m
3
, with more than half the explosions having volumes greater than 1×10
6
m
3
. The deposits formed by the explosions varied in lithology, with some explosions generating pumice-rich PDCs (e.g. 29 July 2008 and 11 February 2010) showing development of sinuous lobes. These explosions are similar to those formed in 1997, with gas-rich, conduit-derived magma being the dominant driving mechanism. Other explosions were pumice-poor (
c.
5 wt% pumice) and generated morphologically distinct PDC deposits. Many of the pumice-poor explosions were associated with lower tephra plumes of <8 km, but were some of the largest volume events in terms of PDC production and suggest a generation mechanism involving destruction of significant quantities of the lava dome. Analysis of video footage shows that PDC formation was pulsatory, probably related to destabilization of portions of the lava dome during the initial phases of the explosion.
Chapter 6 Dome growth and valley fill during Phase 5 (8 October 2009–11 February 2010) at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat
Authors: Stinton A. J. , Cole P. D. , Odbert H. M. , Christopher T. , Avard G. , Bernstein M.
Published: June 2014

Extrusion during Phase 5 (8 October 2009–11 February 2010) produced significant volumetric and geomorphic changes to the lava dome and surrounding valleys at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat. Approximately 74×10
6
m
3
of lava was extruded at an average rate of 7 m
3
s
−1
during the short period of activity. Addition of lava to the pre-existing dome resulted in a net volumetric increase of up to 38×10
6
m
3
. Pyroclastic density current (PDC) and ashfall deposits accounted for the remaining 36×10
6
m
3
. A series of thick, blocky lobes were extruded from a central vent. In addition, several short-lived spines and two large shear lobes were also extruded. Significant PDC activity resulted in substantial valley filling of up to 108 m. The large pre-existing dome significantly influenced the growth of lobes, such that many block-and-ash flows were generated from viscous lobes draped over the summit and upper slopes. Geomorphic changes caused by rapid filling of the surrounding valleys aided in both flow avulsion and the emplacement of deposits up to 6 km from the dome. These geomorphic changes have important consequences for hazards from PDCs.
Chapter 7 The 11 February 2010 partial dome collapse at Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat
Authors: Stinton Adam J. , Cole Paul D. , Stewart Roderick C. , Odbert Henry M. , Smith Patrick
Published: June 2014

On 11 February 2010, a partial dome collapse, the largest since 20 May 2006, occurred at Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV), Montserrat. The collapse is also the largest generated on the northern flank of SHV since the eruption began in 1995. Approximately 50×10
6
m
3
was removed from the dome, resulting in widespread pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Mapping revealed a complex stratigraphy that varied widely across the northern and NE flanks, and reflected the complex evolution of the collapse. The deposits included a range of fine-grained ash-rich and pumice-rich units deposited by dilute PDCs, and several types of coarse-grained, blocky deposits from dense PDCs. Several previously unaffected areas, including Bugby Hole, Farm River Valley, the village of Harris and Trants, suffered significant damage to the natural and built environments. The collapse lasted 107 min but the bulk of the activity occurred in a 15 min period that included five of the six peaks in PDC generation and two Vulcanian explosions. Although powerful, the PDCs generated were not associated with a lateral blast. The likely cause was the piecemeal collapse of a series of large, unstable lobes that had been extruded on the northern flank of the pre-existing dome.
Chapter 8 Atmospheric internal waves generated by explosive volcanic eruptions
Authors: Baines Peter G. , Sacks Selwyn
Published: June 2014

Observations of microbarograph recordings on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean have shown signals with periods of several minutes and amplitude of approximately 1 mb following explosive eruptions of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. These properties suggest that the explosions are causing the generation of atmospheric internal waves. Here an analysis of wave generation by sudden disturbances in a stratified atmosphere is developed, and the properties of these waves are described and compared with observations. Two types of forcing of the atmosphere by a volcanic explosion are considered: that due to the sudden addition of mass, and separately, of thermal energy. The pattern and distribution of these depend on the nature of the explosion, which has a timescale of the order of 1 min. The theoretical results resemble the effect of ‘throwing a stone’ into the atmosphere, producing transient waves that radiate radially away from the source. Near the source, these waves have frequency around 0.7–0.8
N
(where
N
is the buoyancy frequency) initially, and approach
N
with decreasing amplitude. The results of forcing due to added mass and thermal forcing are presented and compared for a variety of vertical forcing profiles, and these are compared with observations of surface pressure. The results suggest that forcing due to the injection of mass (mostly solid particles) is the principal factor in forcing the observed internal waves. The addition of thermal energy (heat) produces waves that have frequencies closer to
N
, and persist for much longer periods than those observed at the stations on Montserrat.
The Proximal Medial Sural Nerve Biopsy Model: A Standardised and Reproducible Baseline Clinical Model for the Translational Evaluation of Bioengineered Nerve Guides
Authors: Bozkurt Ahmet , van Neerven Sabien G. A. , Claeys Kristl G. , O'Dey Dan mon , Sudhoff Angela , Brook Gary A. , Sellhaus Bernd , Schulz Jörg B. , Weis Joachim , Pallua Norbert
Published: June 2014

Autologous nerve transplantation (ANT) is the clinical gold standard for the reconstruction of peripheral nerve defects. A large number of bioengineered nerve guides have been tested under laboratory conditions as an alternative to the ANT. The step from experimental studies to the implementation of the device in the clinical setting is often substantial and the outcome is unpredictable. This is mainly linked to the heterogeneity of clinical peripheral nerve injuries, which is very different from standardized animal studies. In search of a reproducible human model for the implantation of bioengineered nerve guides, we propose the reconstruction of sural nerve defects after routine nerve biopsy as a first or baseline study. Our concept uses the medial sural nerve of patients undergoing diagnostic nerve biopsy (≥2 cm). The biopsy-induced nerve gap was immediately reconstructed by implantation of the novel microstructured nerve guide, Neuromaix, as part of an ongoing first-in-human study. Here we present (i) a detailed list of inclusion and exclusion criteria, (ii) a detailed description of the surgical procedure, and (iii) a follow-up concept with multimodal sensory evaluation techniques. The proximal medial sural nerve biopsy model can serve as a preliminarynature of the injuries or baseline nerve lesion model. In a subsequent step, newly developed nerve guides could be tested in more unpredictable and challenging clinical peripheral nerve lesions (e.g., following trauma) which have reduced comparability due to the different nature of the injuries (e.g., site of injury and length of nerve gap).