bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the taxonomic status of the Thai endemic freshwater snake Parahelicops boonsongi, with the erection of a new genus (Squamata: Natricidae)
Authors: DAVID PATRICK , PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G. , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG , VOGEL GERNOT
Published: April 2015

Parahelicops boonsongi Taylor & Elbel, 1958 is known from only three specimens from Thailand. It has been placed either in the genus Parahelicops Bourret, 1934, along with Parahelicops annamensis Bourret, 1934, or in the genus Opisthotropis Günther, 1872. We compared its morphological characters with those of P. annamensis and with three other relevant genera, Opisthotropis, Pararhabdophis Bourret, 1934, and Paratapinophis Angel, 1929. Parahelicops boonsongi is phenotypically distinct from Parahelicops annamensis, Opisthotropis, and all other natricine genera. We consequently erect a new genus, Isanophis gen. nov., to accommodate Parahelicops boonsongi.
Two tropical species of Stephanotheca (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata, Lanceoporidae) from the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia
Authors: CUMMING ROBYN L.
Published: April 2015

Two new species of Stephanotheca are described from the southeast Gulf of Carpentaria, northern Australia, providing the first tropical records of this genus. Stephanotheca ipsum n. sp. is provisionally placed in the genus on the basis of a low ridge of calcification around the edge of the ooecium, which differs from the fully pseudoporous ooecium of Calyptotheca (Lanceoporidae) and resembles the ‘crowned’ ooecium of Stephanotheca, with a central porous area surrounded by a nodular imperforate area. Stephanotheca ipsum and Stephanotheca romajoyae n. sp. are the only species in the genus with more than one avicularium on some zooids. The latter species is distinguished by high variability in avicularium size, shape, position and orientation; it also shares dimorphic avicularia with S. ochracea (Hincks) and is the only species in which they sometimes occur together on the same zooid. This study increases the number of Australian Stephanotheca species to four. The Australian species all have smaller primary orifices and variations in ovicell morphology compared with other, all European, species. In S. ipsum n. sp. the ooecia are ridged, those of S. victoriensis Reverter-Gil et al. have a single row of pseudopores forming an arch, and those of S. ambita (Waters) and S. romajoyae n. sp. have a relatively large pseudoporous area and smaller, lower nodular imperforate area. None of the Australian species have vicarious avicularia, which are known only from the type species, S. barrosoi Reverter-Gil et al.
The Latitudinal Dependence of Atmospheric Jet Scales and Macroturbulent Energy Cascades
Authors: Chemke Rei , Kaspi Yohai
Published: April 2015

The latitudinal width of atmospheric eddy-driven jets and scales of macroturbulence are examined latitude by latitude over a wide range of rotation rates using a high-resolution idealized GCM. It is found that for each latitude, through all rotation rates, the jet spacing scales with the Rhines scale. These simulations show the presence of a “supercriticality latitude” within the baroclinic zone, where poleward (equatorward) of this latitude, the Rhines scale is larger (smaller) than the Rossby deformation radius. Poleward of this latitude, a classic geostrophic turbulence picture appears with a − spectral slope of inverse cascade from the deformation radius up to the Rhines scale. A shallower slope than the −3 slope of enstrophy cascade is found from the deformation radius down to the viscosity scale as a result of the broad input of baroclinic eddy kinetic energy. At these latitudes, eddy–eddy interactions transfer barotropic eddy kinetic energy from the input scales of baroclinic eddy kinetic energy up to the jet scale and down to smaller scales. For the Earth case, this latitude is outside the baroclinic zone and therefore an inverse cascade does not appear. Equatorward of the supercriticality latitude, the − slope of inverse cascade vanishes, eddy–mean flow interactions play an important role in the balance, and the spectrum follows a −3 slope from the Rhines scale down to smaller scales, similar to what is observed on Earth. Moreover, the length scale of the energy-containing zonal wavenumber is equal to (larger than) the jet scale poleward (equatorward) of the supercriticality latitude.
Detection of Coherent Airstreams Using Cluster Analysis: Application to an Extratropical Cyclone
Authors: Hart Neil C. G. , Gray Suzanne L. , Clark Peter A.
Published: April 2015

Flow in geophysical fluids is commonly summarized by coherent streams (e.g., conveyor belt flows in extratropical cyclones or jet streaks in the upper troposphere). Typically, parcel trajectories are calculated from the flow field and subjective thresholds are used to distinguish coherent streams of interest. This methodology contribution develops a more objective approach to distinguish coherent airstreams within extratropical cyclones. Agglomerative clustering is applied to trajectories along with a method to identify the optimal number of cluster classes. The methodology is applied to trajectories associated with the low-level jets of a well-studied extratropical cyclone. For computational efficiency, a constraint that trajectories must pass through these jet regions is applied prior to clustering; the partitioning into different airstreams is then performed by the agglomerative clustering. It is demonstrated that the methodology can identify the salient flow structures of cyclones: the warm and cold conveyor belts. A test focusing on the airstreams terminating at the tip of the bent-back front further demonstrates the success of the method in that it can distinguish finescale flow structure such as descending sting-jet airstreams.
Public values and function creep of the financial rating by local authorities
Authors: Michel-Clupot Muriel , Rouot Serge
Published: April 2015

As issuers, local authorities have credit ratings that are used in the search for direct funding from the capital markets. However, some local officials also use their ratings as instruments of local public reporting. Does this function creep affect the public values of local authorities? In line with the theory of publicness ( Bozeman, 2007 ), a measurement of this publicness and the detection of public values ( Jorgensen and Bozeman, 2002 , 2007 ) are proposed both for the authorities that expressly mention their rating and those that make no mention of it. A textual analysis of their respective discourses reveals a function creep that conveys a lesser degree of publicness and ‘market’-oriented public values, but also generates one public value: transparency.

Points for practitioners

There is nothing neutral about using a financial rating for purposes of political communication, whether on the part of the local communicator or those who are locally elected. This function creep conveys more public values, but with a greater economic and market bent. It thus shapes the content of public values. The function creep is also revealing: it tends to be used by politicians recently elected, as if the first years of mandate focused on management, while the following years are coloured by politics and public values with a high degree of publicness. It raises the question of the restriction of re-election.
Administrative reform in South Korea: New Public Management and the bureaucracy
Authors: Kim Sunhyuk , Han Chonghee
Published: April 2015

This article analyzes the political dynamics of South Korea’s recent administrative reform. We argue that successive South Korean governments’ New Public Management-inspired reform programs have only achieved partial success. In particular, they have largely failed to attain their ultimate goal – i.e. significant weakening of the traditionally strong elite bureaucracy in policymaking. The bureaucracy in the country has not become weakened as a result of the reform. Rather, the central government ministries have augmented their power and institutional autonomy. Those who were in charge of designing and implementing reform measures were bureaucrats themselves who were supposed to be the ‘target’ of the reform. Such situation, in which the reformers were expected to reform themselves, has resulted in numerous incidences of sabotage, delay, obstruction, and distortion of the reform. This article concludes that it is crucial to consider the local contexts in which reform initiatives are adopted, interpreted, accepted, legitimated, and concretized for implementation.

Points for practitioners

Administrative reform often brings unintended consequences. New Public Management-inspired reform, with its intention to weaken the strong elite bureaucracy, could ironically result in the augmentation of the bureaucracy. The main reason for this is because it is usually the bureaucrats themselves who design and manage the process of administrative reform. It is also the elite bureaucrats who define, operationalize, and implement specific reform measures. Therefore, it is crucial for the reform supporters to ensure adequate popular oversight mechanisms outside the bureaucracy at various stages of the reform process, such as citizen monitoring or civic participation.
The Group of 20 transnational policy community: governance networks, policy analysis and think tanks
Authors: Stone Diane
Published: April 2015

The G20 is an evolving international institution. Aided by both advances in information technology and support from home governments, a number of knowledge actors and networks seek to influence global economic governance with policy analysis and advice. This article assesses the international G20 think tank network called Think20 and the policy advocacy of private research institutes (such the Lowy Institute in Australia and the Centre for International Governance and Innovation in Canada) which are in the orbit of the G20 policy community. Think20 assists the global economic governance processes of the G20 by developing ‘coordinative discourses’ for policy development and implementation.

Points for practitioners

Ideas matter but ideas that imply major policy reform and innovation need to be made to matter if they are to direct government action. Networks provide one mechanism to broadcast and disseminate ‘communicative discourses’ to many different publics – local as well as global – and the infrastructure to crystalize and amplify ‘coordinative discourses’ underpinning the policy blueprints and reform proposals of governments that must motivate their own bureaucracies as well as collaborate with foreign government. This article discusses some of the network tools and practices for consensus building in ‘transnational policy communities’ that cultivate global policy coordination.
Germanizing Germans: Co-ethnic Immigration and Name Change in West Germany, 1953–93
Authors: Panagiotidis Jannis
Published: April 2015

This article identifies name registration and change as an important component of building a homogenous national society. It argues that the name changing policies of the West German state towards German co-ethnic immigrants ( Spätaussiedler) during the postwar decades reflected evolving official conceptions of nationhood and national identity. Specifically, the article problematizes the notion found in parts of the literature that the German ‘regime of ethnicity’ evolved from a monoethnic and essentialist to an anti-ethnic and assimilationist model. It will show that official name changing policy underwent a process of ‘ethnicization’ decisively shaped by the associations of German expellees, which turned this seemingly technical issue into a matter of symbolic importance for national identity and established it as a crucial factor for Spätaussiedler integration. In the end, the monoethnic approach to name change won out against the rivalling anti-ethnic position, while both of them ignored the multiethnic reality developing on the ground.
A Time-Series Analysis of International Public Relations Expenditure and Economic Outcome
Authors: Lee Suman , Kim Byungwook
Published: April 2015

This study tested a causal relationship between international public relations (PR) expenditure and its economic outcome at the country level by using a time-series analysis. International PR expenditures of four client countries (Japan, Colombia, Belgium, and the Philippines) were collected from the semi-annual reports of the Foreign Agency Registration Act (FARA) from 1996 to 2009. Economic outcome was measured by U.S. imports from the client countries and U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) toward them. This study found that the past PR expenditure holds power in forecasting future economic outcomes for Japan, Belgium, and the Philippines except Colombia.
Putting on the Velvet Glove: The Paradox of “Soft” Core Values in “Hard” Organizations
Authors: Wæraas Arild
Published: April 2015

Following New Public Management and Reinventing Government reforms, public sector organizations are expected to pursue values such as efficiency, performance, and accountability, reflecting a “hard” identity as managed organizations. By examining the contents of 394 core values retrieved from U.S. federal agencies, this study examines the importance of “hard” values relative to other values reflecting alternative identities. It finds that the agencies prefer to rely on “soft” values such as integrity, respect, openness, and customer orientation to express their identities. The article discusses the implications of these findings for our understanding of organizational actorhood in a public sector context.
What distinguishes the practice-dependent approach to justice?
Authors: Erman Eva , Möller Niklas
Published: April 2015

The practice-dependent approach to justice has received a lot of attention in post-millennium political philosophy. It has been developed in different directions and its normative implications have been criticized, but little attention has been directed to the very distinction between practice-dependence and practice-independence and the question of what theoretically differentiates a practice-dependent account from mainstream practice-independent accounts. The core premises of the practice-dependent approach, proponents argue, are meta-normative and methodological. A key feature is the presumption that a concept of justice is dependent on the function or aim of the social practices to which it is supposed to be applied. Closely related to this meta-normative thesis is an interpretive methodology for deriving principles of justice from facts about existing practices, in particular regarding their point and purpose. These two premises, practice-dependent theorists claim, differentiate their account since (1) they are not accepted by practice-independent accounts and (2) they justify different principles of justice than practice-independent accounts. Our aim in this article is to refute both (1) and (2), demonstrating that practice-independent accounts may indeed accept the meta-normative and methodological premises of the practice-dependent accounts, and that we are given no theoretical reason to think that practice-dependent accounts justify other principles of justice for a practice than do practice-independent accounts. In other words, practice-dependent theorists have not substantiated their claim that practice-dependence is theoretically differentiated from mainstream accounts. When practice-dependent proponents argue for other principles of justice than mainstream theorists, it will be for the usual reason in normative theory: their first-order normative arguments differ.
Editors’ note regarding Blood pressure normalization post-jugular venous balloon angioplasty
Authors: Davies Alun H , Zimmet Steven E
Published: April 2015

10.1177/(0268355515575882)

Blood pressure normalization post-jugular venous balloon angioplasty, by Zohara Sternberg, Prabhjot Grewal, Steven Cen, Frances DeBarge-Igoe, Jinhee Yu, and Michael Arata, Phlebology 0268355513512824, first published on 19 November 2013 as Epub, DOI: 10.1177/0268355513512824 .
What is the comparative effectiveness of current standard treatment, against an individually tailored behavioural programme delivered either on the Internet or face-to-face for people with acute whiplash associated disorder? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bring Annika , Åsenlöf Pernilla , Söderlund Anne
Published: April 2015

Objective:

To investigate the comparative effectiveness of current standard treatment, against an individually tailored behavioural programme delivered via the Internet or face-to-face for people with acute whiplash associated disorders.

Design:

A multicentre, randomized, three-group design, with concealed allocation.

Subjects and settings:

A total of 55 participants (37 female), age 18–65, with acute Whiplash Associated Disorder (Grade I–II), recruited at two emergency clinics in Sweden.

Interventions:

Before randomization all participants received standard self-care instructions. The Internet and face-to-face groups followed a seven-week behavioural programme involving individual tailoring, via email (Internet group), or in sessions at a physical therapy unit (face-to-face group). The control group only received the self-care instructions.

Main measures:

Pain-related disability, pain intensity, self-efficacy in daily activities, catastrophizing and fear of movement/(re)injury. Assessments were performed at baseline (2–4 weeks postinjury) and at three, six and 12 months postintervention.

Results:

Both the Internet ( n = 16) and face-to-face ( n = 14) group showed a larger decrease in pain-related disability than the control group ( n = 16); −12 and −11, respectively, compared with −5 in the control group at 12-months follow-up. Significant differences between the groups in overall treatment effect were shown in all outcomes except pain intensity. All groups improved significantly over time in all outcomes, except for fear of movement/(re)injury and catastrophizing in the control group.

Conclusion:

An individually tailored behavioural programme improved biopsychosocial factors in patients with whiplash associated disorders up to 12 months after treatment. Internet-delivered intervention was as effective as clinic-based face-to-face therapy sessions.
Enabling a family caregiver-led assessment of support needs in home-based palliative care: Potential translation into practice
Authors: Aoun Samar , Toye Chris , Deas Kathleen , Howting Denise , Ewing Gail , Grande Gunn , Stajduhar Kelli
Published: April 2015

Background:

Systematic assessment of family caregivers’ support needs and integrating these into service planning according to evidence-based research are vital to improving caregivers’ outcomes and their capacity to provide care at end of life.

Aim:

To describe the experience with and feedback of nurses on implementing a systematic assessment of support needs with family caregivers in home-based palliative care, using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool.

Methods:

This study was conducted during 2012–2014 in Silver Chain Hospice Care Service in Western Australia. This article reports on one part of a three-part evaluation of a stepped wedge cluster trial. Forty-four nurses who trialled the intervention with 233 family caregivers gave their feedback via surveys with closed- and open-ended questions (70.5% response rate). Analyses of quantitative and qualitative data were undertaken.

Results:

The feedback of nurses was overwhelmingly positive in terms of perceived benefits in comparison to standard practice both from the family caregiver and service provider perspectives. Using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool was described by nurses as providing guidance, focus and structure to facilitate discussion with family caregivers and as identifying needs and service responses that would not otherwise have been undertaken in a timely manner.

Conclusion:

Our study has successfully addressed the call for alternatives to the professional assessment paradigm using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool approach as a caregiver-led intervention facilitated by health professionals. Integrating the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool in existing practice is fundamental to achieving better caregiver outcomes.
Rethinking the geographies of cultural ‘objects’ through digital technologies
Authors: Rose Gillian
Published: April 2015

This paper addresses how geographers conceptualize cultural artifacts. Many geographical studies of cultural objects continue to depend heavily on an approach developed as part of the ‘new cultural geography’ in the 1980s. That approach examined the cultural politics of representations of place, space and landscape by undertaking close readings of specific cultural objects. Over three decades on, the cultural field (certainly in the Global North) has changed fundamentally, as digital technologies for the creation and dissemination of meaning have become extraordinarily pervasive and diverse. Yet geographical studies of cultural objects have thus far neglected to consider the conceptual and methodological implications of this shift. This paper argues that such studies must begin to map the complexities of digitally-mediated cultural production, circulation and interpretation. It will argue that, to do this, it is necessary to move away from the attentive gaze on stable cultural objects as formulated by some of the new cultural geography, and instead focus on mapping the dynamics of the production, circulation and modification of meaning at digital interfaces and across frictional networks.
The BstUI and DpnII Variants of the COL5A1 Gene Are Associated With Tennis Elbow
Authors: Altinisik Julide , Meric Gokhan , Erduran Mehmet , Ates Omer , Ulusal Ali Engin , Akseki Devrim
Published: April 2015

Background:

Tennis elbow entails pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle. The exact cause of the condition is not fully understood. Type V collagen is a minor fibrillar collagen that intercalates with type I collagen and forms collagen fibrils. It is encoded by the COL5A1 gene. Sequence variants within COL5A1 3′-UTR have been implicated in musculoskeletal diseases.

Purpose:

To determine whether rs12722 (BstUI C414T polymorphism) and rs13946 (DpnII C230T polymorphism) of the COL5A1 gene are associated with an increased risk of tennis elbow.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 152 patients with tennis elbow and 195 healthy participants were enrolled in this study. The rs12722 (BstUI C414T) and rs13946 (DpnII C230T) polymorphisms were investigated with the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

Results:

There was a significant difference in both BstUI and DpnII genotype frequencies between patients with tennis elbow and healthy participants. The A2 allele of BstUI and the B1 allele of DpnII were significantly underrepresented in the patient group.

Conclusion:

Individuals with the BstUI A1 allele and DpnII B2 allele of the COL5A1 gene have a high likelihood of developing symptoms of the tennis elbow. This is the first study reporting that rs12722 and rs13946 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are genetic risk factors for tennis elbow.
Effects of aluminum chloride on serum proteins, bilirubin, and hepatic trace elements in chickens
Authors: Wang Ben , Zhu Yanzhu , Zhang Hongling , Liu Liming , Li Guojiang , Song Yongli , Li Yanfei
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on the hepatic metabolism function and trace elements’ distribution. Two hundred healthy male chickens (1 day old) were intraperitoneally administered with AlCl3 (0, 18.31, 27.47, and 36.62 mg kg−1 day−1 of Al3+) consecutively for 3 days. Then the chickens were allowed to rest for 1 day. The cycle lasted four days. The cycle was repeated 15 times (60 days). The contents of serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBI), direct bilirubin (DBI), hepatic aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were examined. The results showed that the contents of serum TP and ALB and hepatic Fe and Zn decreased and the contents of serum TBI and DBI and hepatic Al and Cu increased in the chickens with AlCl3. This indicates that chronic administration of AlCl3 impairs the hepatic metabolism function and disorders the hepatic trace elements’ distribution.
Low-Functioning Autism and Nonsyndromic Intellectual Disability
Authors: Erbetta Alessandra , Bulgheroni Sara , Contarino Valeria Elisa , Chiapparini Luisa , Esposito Silvia , Annunziata Silvia , Riva Daria
Published: April 2015

Previous neuroradiologic studies reported a high incidence of abnormalities in low-functioning autistic children. In this population, it is difficult to know which abnormality depends on autism itself and which is related to intellectual disability associated with autism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of neuroradiologic abnormalities in low-functioning autistic children compared to Intellectual Quotient and age-matched nonsyndromic children, using the same set of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. MRI was rated as abnormal in 44% of autistic and 54% of children with intellectual disability. The main results were mega cisterna magna in autism and hypoplastic corpus callosum in intellectual disability. These abnormalities are morphologically visible signs of altered brain development. These findings, more frequent than expected, are not specific to the 2 conditions. Although MRI cannot be considered mandatory, it allows an in-depth clinical assessment in nonsyndromic intellectual-disabled and autistic children.
Enzyme-mediated fabrication of an oxidized chitosan hydrogel as a tissue sealant
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Thi , Anh Ho Viet , Hai Nguyen Dai , Khoa Nguyen Cuu , Quyen Tran Ngoc , Lee Yunki , Park Ki Dong
Published: April 2015

Oxidized polysaccharide-based hydrogels have recently attracted much attention for tissue regeneration because of their biocompatibility and tissue-adhesive property. In this study, we introduce a new type of chitosan-based hydrogel as a tissue sealant, which was prepared by enzymatic mediation from periodate-oxidized chitosan–polyethylene glycol–tyramine. The oxidized chitosan backbone was expected to enhance the interconnection between the hydrogel layer and collagen in the tissues via the Schiff-base reaction. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra indicated that tyramine-functionalized polyethylene glycol-nitrophenyl carbonate ester was conjugated to the oxidized chitosan. The degree of oxidation of the chitosan backbone was around 14% of the glucosamine units by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The hydrogel was rapidly formed in situ (within a few seconds) in the presence of horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide. In vitro experiments with live/dead cell assays showed that the oxidized chitosan-based hydrogel was cytobiocompatible. The hydrogel exhibited high tissue adhesion strength on porcine skin models as well as good tissue-adhesive ability and wound healing properties on rabbit skin. These positive results could be promising for the application of oxidized chitosan-based hydrogels as a wound sealant.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects in the Baby of a Breastfeeding Woman Treated with Low-Dose Fluvoxamine
Authors: Uguz Faruk
Published: April 2015

Depression and anxiety disorders are frequently seen in the postpartum period. Primary pharmacological agents for these disorders are antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Despite no adverse reports, data on safety for the maternal use of fluvoxamine on breastfed infants are limited. This case report presents diarrhea and vomiting in the breastfed baby of a woman using fluvoxamine at 50 mg/d.
The Moral Significance of Religious Affections: A Reformed Perspective on Emotions and Moral Formation
Authors: Cochran Elizabeth Agnew
Published: April 2015

Drawing on the work of Jonathan Edwards, this essay explores two dimensions of Reformed thought central to considering the emotions’ moral significance. First, Reformed theology’s singular understanding of virtue and holiness as love to God and neighbor gives rise to a distinctive account of the emotions’ place in the moral life. Certain emotions are to be embraced insofar as they have the capacity to be sanctified and thereby made compatible with growth in love to God. Second, Reformed theology historically links the emotions with the will, which is subject to moral necessity. Contemporary Reformed reflection on the emotions must therefore grapple with questions about moral agency and accountability that arise from this account of necessity.
The Adventitious Origins of the Calvinist Moral Subject
Authors: Ziegler Philip G.
Published: April 2015

This paper argues that Calvin provides an account of the radical unmaking of the human moral subject at the hands of sin and its even more radical remaking at the hands of divine grace. The moral significance of human continuity during this soteriological transit, including such things as reason and will as such, is shown to be overreached by that of what becomes of the human creature in its history at the hands of both sin and God’s grace. Calvin’s treatment of the first and third uses of the law confirms and illumines this claim decisively. Insight into this matter is aided by consideration of J. Louis Martyn’s discussion of the status of the moral subject in Pauline paraenesis A Reformed theological ethic that takes its cues from Calvin’s teaching in this regard will thus regard the adventitious realities of sin and grace, and their serial consequences for the constitution of the human moral agent, to represent the most important meta-ethical realities to be considered.
Cumulative Exposure to Prior Collective Trauma and Acute Stress Responses to the Boston Marathon Bombings
Authors: Garfin Dana Rose , Holman E. Alison , Silver Roxane Cohen
Published: April 2015

The role of repeated exposure to collective trauma in explaining response to subsequent community-wide trauma is poorly understood. We examined the relationship between acute stress response to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and prior direct and indirect media-based exposure to three collective traumatic events: the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks, Superstorm Sandy, and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Representative samples of residents of metropolitan Boston ( n = 846) and New York City ( n = 941) completed Internet-based surveys shortly after the Boston Marathon bombings. Cumulative direct exposure and indirect exposure to prior community trauma and acute stress symptoms were assessed. Acute stress levels did not differ between Boston and New York metropolitan residents. Cumulative direct and indirect, live-media-based exposure to 9/11, Superstorm Sandy, and the Sandy Hook shooting were positively associated with acute stress responses in the covariate-adjusted model. People who experience multiple community-based traumas may be sensitized to the negative impact of subsequent events, especially in communities previously exposed to similar disasters.
Neuroanatomical Correlates of the Income-Achievement Gap
Authors: Mackey Allyson P. , Finn Amy S. , Leonard Julia A. , Jacoby-Senghor Drew S. , West Martin R. , Gabrieli Christopher F. O. , Gabrieli John D. E.
Published: April 2015

In the United States, the difference in academic achievement between higher- and lower-income students (i.e., the income-achievement gap) is substantial and growing. In the research reported here, we investigated neuroanatomical correlates of this gap in adolescents ( N = 58) in whom academic achievement was measured by statewide standardized testing. Cortical gray-matter volume was significantly greater in students from higher-income backgrounds ( n = 35) than in students from lower-income backgrounds ( n = 23), but cortical white-matter volume and total cortical surface area did not differ significantly between groups. Cortical thickness in all lobes of the brain was greater in students from higher-income than lower-income backgrounds. Greater cortical thickness, particularly in temporal and occipital lobes, was associated with better test performance. These results represent the first evidence that cortical thickness in higher- and lower-income students differs across broad swaths of the brain and that cortical thickness is related to scores on academic-achievement tests.
The use of quantitative models to assess long-term climate–vegetation dynamics – A case study from the northern Scandinavian Mountains
Authors: Sjögren Per , Karlsen Stein Rune , Jensen Christin
Published: April 2015

Quantitative vegetation models combined with fossil pollen records have large potentials for assessing long-term vegetation dynamics. In this study, vegetation cover as a function of July temperatures was modelled for the Dividalen valley area situated in the northern Scandinavian Mountains. Site-specific pollen deposition values of the two dominating tree species pine and birch were simulated and compared with empirical fossil pollen values. The applied vegetation model could not explain the forest dynamics prior to 7400 cal. BP, although after this date, the forest seemed to have received a modern structure, and summer temperatures could potentially explain the long-term variations in forest cover. The most extensive forest cover occurred c. 7400–3800 cal. BP, corresponding to July temperatures of 0.5–1°C above the present. The approach proved sensitive to both site location and data quality. Careful site-selection is of importance for the application, and pollen accumulation rates are to be preferred as pollen percentage values proved problematic.
Early Holocene woodland vegetation and human impacts in the arid zone of the southern Levant
Authors: Asouti Eleni , Kabukcu Ceren , White Chantel E , Kuijt Ian , Finlayson Bill , Makarewicz Cheryl
Published: April 2015

Palynological archives dating from the Pleistocene–Holocene transition are scarce in the arid zone of the southern Levant. Anthracological remains (the carbonized residues of wood fuel use found in archaeological habitation sites) provide an alternative source of information about past vegetation. This paper discusses new and previously available anthracological datasets retrieved from excavated habitation sites in the southern Levant dating to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) period. The available evidence indicates the existence of distinct arboreal floras growing in different ecological niches, which occupied areas that today are either treeless or very sparsely wooded. The anthracological data provide independent confirmation of the hypothesis that early Holocene climate in the southern Levant was significantly moister than at present. Clear North–South and East–West precipitation and associated woodland composition gradients are evidenced. Far from deducing widespread anthropogenic degradation of the regional vegetation, it is suggested that woodland expansion in the semi-arid interiors of the Levant may be attributed to the intensive management of Pistacia woodlands for food, fuel and pasture.
Continuation of Statin Therapy and Vasopressor Use in Septic Shock
Authors: Zechmeister Carrie , Hurren Jeff , McNorton Kelly
Published: April 2015

Background: Studies have evaluated the use of statins in sepsis; however, no human studies have explored their effect on vasopressor requirements in septic shock. Objective: The primary objective was to determine the effect of prehospital statin continuation on duration of vasopressor therapy in patients with septic shock. Secondary objectives included maximum and average vasopressor dose and in-hospital mortality. Methods: This was a retrospective, institutional board–approved, observational cohort study in a community teaching hospital; 119 adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients with an ICD-9 code for septic shock and prehospital statin therapy were evaluated. Multivariate analyses were performed to address confounders. Results: Of the 1229 patients screened, 119 (10%) met inclusion criteria; 73 patients (61%) had a statin continued within 24 hours of ICU admission. Crude analysis demonstrated no difference in vasopressor duration in the statin versus no statin group (3.3 vs 4.8 days; P = 0.21). There was no difference in either maximum (17.9 ± 16.1 vs 23.8 ± 21.7 µg/min norepinephrine equivalents [NEQs]; P = 0.1) or average vasopressor dose (9.5 ± 8.4 vs 12.1 ± 11.5 µg/min NEQ; P = 0.17). There was a decrease in mortality in the statin patients (43% vs 67 %; P = 0.05). On adjustment for potential confounders, there was no difference in any outcome, with a persistent trend toward lower mortality in the statin group. Conclusion: Continuation of prehospital statin therapy decreased neither duration nor dose of vasopressors in patients with septic shock but yielded a trend toward decreased mortality.
Passive vibration control of plate structures using shape memory alloy ribbons
Authors: Bodaghi M , Shakeri M , Aghdam MM
Published: April 2015

Problems associated with the modeling and vibration control of rectangular plates under dynamic loads with integrated polycrystalline NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) ribbons are developed. In order to simulate the thermo-mechanical behavior of SMA ribbons under dominant axial and transverse shear stresses, a robust macroscopic constitutive model is introduced. The model is able to accurately predict martensite transformation/orientation, shape memory effect, pseudo-elasticity and in particular reorientation of martensite variants and ferro-elasticity features. The structural model is based on the adoption of the first-order shear deformation theory and on the geometrical non-linearity in the von Kármán sense. Towards obtaining the governing equations of motion, the Hamilton principle is used. Finite element and Newmark methods along with an iterative incremental process based on the elastic-predictor inelastic-corrector return mapping algorithm are implemented to solve the non-linear governing equations in spatial and time domains. Numerical simulations highlighting the implications of pre-strain state and temperature of the SMA ribbons, as well as those related to the respective dynamic loads, are presented and discussed in detail. It is found that the modeling of ferro-elasticity in the dynamic analysis of SMA composite structures could lead to significant conclusions concerning the passive vibration control capability of low-temperature SMA ribbons.
Minimization of losses and FACTS installation cost using proposed differential gravitational search algorithm optimization technique
Authors: Deepa SN , Rizwana J
Published: April 2015

The optimal location of Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) controllers in a multi-machine power system using proposed differential gravitational search algorithm (DGSA) optimization method is proposed in this paper. The main objective of this paper is to employ DGSA optimization technique to solve optimal power flow problem in the presence of Unified Power Flow controller for improving voltage profile by reducing losses along with the installation cost thereby enhancing the power system stability. A differential operator is incorporated into the gravitational search algorithm for effective search of the better solution. Due to this, the convergence and accuracy will be faster. The IEEE-6 bus, IEEE-14 bus and IEEE-30 bus systems are tested along with three other optimization techniques to validate the effectiveness of this proposed method. This proposed algorithm presents an optimal location of FACTS devices in transmission lines.
Quasiperiodic galloping of a wind-excited tower near secondary resonances of order 2
Authors: Kirrou Ilham , Mokni Lahcen , Belhaq Mohamed
Published: April 2015

Quasiperiodic galloping of a wind-excited tower under unsteady wind is investigated analytically near secondary (sub/superharmonic) resonances of order 2 considering a single degree-of-freedom model. The case where the unsteady wind develops multiharmonic excitations consisting of the two first harmonic terms is examined. We perform two successive multiple scale methods to obtain analytical expressions of a quasiperiodic solution and its modulation envelope near the secondary resonances. The influence of unsteady wind on the quasiperiodic galloping and on the frequency of its modulation is examined for different cases of wind excitation. The results show that the quasiperiodic galloping onset and its modulation envelope can be influenced, depending on the activated resonance and the harmonic component induced by the unsteady wind. It is also shown that the frequency of the quasiperiodic galloping is higher near the 2-superharmonic resonance in all cases of wind excitation.
Effect of Wavelet Compression on Data Transmission in a Multipurpose Wireless Telemedicine System
Authors: Istepanian Robert S H , Kyriacou Efthyvoulos , Pavlopoulos Sotiris , Koutsouris Dimitris
Published: April 2015

We have developed a novel emergency telemedicine system which allows the transmission of physiological data (electrocardiogram, oximetry, blood pressure and temperature) and still images of the patient. The transmission is performed through wireless links using either GSM mobile phones or satellite. Because of the low bandwidth available through these links, data compression is required to allow realtime transmission of electrocardiographic (ECG) data. A new integrated design approach for an optimal zonal wavelet compression (OZWC) method was implemented for the ECG data. The performance of the mobile system with compressed ECG data segments was evaluated in terms of the percentage root-mean-square difference and visual inspection. The optimum wavelet algorithm achieved a maximum compression ratio of 18:1 with low distortion.
Telemedicine Options Appraisal for a Health District—A Strategic Clinical and Business Case
Authors: Jardine Ian , Griffiths Jenny , Kelly John , Navein John
Published: April 2015

A clinical and business plan examined five areas in which telemedicine could be introduced to support the strategic objectives of a large health authority: coronary heart disease; links between community hospitals and local care centres and acute hospitals; store-and-forward consultations; care in the community; and mental health. The plan identified substantial clinical, organizational and economic potential benefits, which were greatest when a radical re-engineering of the service was envisaged. Similar studies in other health districts would help to test these conclusions and inform future health service planning.
A Simulation Model for Analysing Patient Activity in Dermatology
Authors: Loanes M , Wootton R
Published: April 2015

We developed a general model to assess patient activity within the primary and secondary health-care sectors following a dermatology outpatient consultation. Based on observed variables from the UK teledermatology trial, the model showed that up to 11 doctor-patient interactions occurred before a patient was ultimately discharged from care. In a cohort of 1000 patients, the average number of health-care visits was 2.4 (range 1–11). Simulation analysis suggested that the most important parameter affecting the total number of doctor-patient interactions is patient discharge from care following the initial consultation. This implies that resources should be concentrated in this area. The introduction of teledermatology (either realtime or store and forward) changes the values of the model parameters. The model provides a quantitative tool for planning the future provision of dermatology health-care.
Telemedicine in Greenland — The Creation of an Evaluation Plan
Authors: Stensgaard Thomas , Sørensen Tove
Published: April 2015

Implementation of telemedicine in Greenland is a continuing process based on a plan of operation for the years 1999–2002. In this context, a plan of evaluation was designed as a health technology assessment in interdisciplinary cooperation between the Telemedicine Team of Greenland and the Norwegian Centre of Telemedicine in Tromsø. The geography of Greenland, the financial situation and the shortage of medical staff influenced the way in which the evaluation was designed. This has implications for the extent to which the results may be generalized.
Avoiding Artificiality in Teleconsultations
Authors: Tachakra Sapal , Newson Roger , Wootton Richard , Stinson Alistair
Published: April 2015

The ideal videoconferencing environment would produce the minimum feeling of artificiality for its users. We assessed nurse and patient perceptions of artificiality by varying the technical and operational procedures for telemedicine in a minor injuries unit. Twenty-five patients and eight emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) participated in simulated teleconsultations under a variety of different conditions and completed a Likert-scale survey. There was a close correlation between the ENPs' ratings and the patients' ratings for the various factors ( r> 0.99). In relation to technical factors, a flicker-free television screen and the user being seated close to the screen were preferred. Similarly, in relation to operational procedures, an initial explanation of telemedicine, introductions and adequate preparation were also preferred. The study suggests that careful attention to technical specifications and operational procedures can reduce the perceived artificiality of teleconsultations.
Modelling Home Televisiting Services Using Systems Dynamic Theory
Authors: Valero M A , Arredondo M T , del Nogal F , Gallar P , Insausti J , Del Pozo F
Published: April 2015

A quantitative model was developed to study the provision of a home televisiting service. Systems dynamic theory was used to describe the relationships between quality of care, accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Input information was gathered from the telemedicine literature, as well as from over 75 sessions of a televisiting service provided by the Severo Ochoa. Hospital to 18 housebound patients from three different medical specialties. The model allowed the Severo Ochoa Hospital to estimate the equipment needed to support increased medical contacts for intensive cardiac and other patients.
Implementation and Evaluation of Telemedicine for Remote Health-Care — The European Northern Periphery Programme Project
Authors: Brebner Eileen Margaret , Brebner John Alexander
Published: April 2015

We evaluated the provision of telemedicine services based on information technology in four northern European countries. Improved communication and access to specialist care was reported, as well as cost reductions in certain areas.
Anxiety sensitivity is associated with attentional bias for pain-related information in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Schoth Daniel E , Golding Lucy , Johnson Emily , Liossi Christina
Published: April 2015

This investigation explored the association between anxiety sensitivity and attentional bias for threatening information in children and adolescents ( N = 40). Participants completed a pictorial version of the visual-probe task, featuring pain-related, health-threat and general-threat images presented for 500 and 1250 ms. Regression analyses revealed significant associations between anxiety sensitivity and attentional bias towards pain-related images presented for 500 ms and between state anxiety and attentional bias towards general-threat images presented for 1250 ms. These results suggest that in children and adolescents, anxiety sensitivity is associated with attentional bias for negative information of personal relevance.
‘You have to be a jack of all trades’: Fathers parenting their adolescent with chronic pain
Authors: Jordan Abbie , Crabtree Anna , Eccleston Christopher
Published: April 2015

Adolescent chronic pain has an extensive impact on parents, with research typically focused on exploring maternal experiences. This exploratory study sought to identify the specific experiences of six UK fathers who parent an adolescent with chronic pain. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Paternal experiences were characterised by four themes: ‘helplessness’, ‘containment’, ‘balance’ and ‘re-evaluation’. Findings highlighted paternal efforts to manage the impact of adolescent chronic pain by focusing inwardly on the family and adopting multiple roles. Fathers identified ways in which they could renegotiate their relationship with their adolescent to manage pain-related disruption.