bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New names in Cinnamomoides, Cinnamomum and Neolitsea (Lauraceae), and Pterospermum (Malvaceae), fossil and living
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: October 2017

The homonymy of some fossil and extant species names of Cinnamomum is resolved. Cinnamomum gracile (Geyler) Ettingshausen (fossil) is replaced by a new name C. camphoricum nom. nov., because of the earlier homonym C. gracile Miquel (extant); C. costulatum nom. nov. is proposed to replace the later homonym C. apiculatum Saporta (fossil fruits) non C. apiculatum Pilar (fossil leaves); C. fajumicum nom. nov. is proposed instead of C. africanum Engelhardt (fossil) non C. africanum Lukmanoff (extant); C. kalbaricum nom. nov. instead of C. grandifolium Cammerloher (extant) non C. grandifolium (Ettingshausen) Schimper (fossil); C. weddellii nom. nov. in place of C. orbiculatum Lukmanoff (extant) non C. orbiculatum Saporta (fossil). Cinnamomum camphoricarpum sp. nov. is validated instead of the invalidly published C. macropodum Miki (lacking holotype designation when published) based on fossil fruits and seeds from Pliocene sediments of Japan. Cinnamomum goeppertii Ettingshausen is rehabilitated as a legitimate substitute for Daphnogene javanica Göppert, because the combination C. javanicum (Göppert) van Konijnenburg-van Cittert, van Waveren & Jonkers is illegitimate due to the existence of an earlier homonym, C. javanicum Blume (extant). Pterospermum wilkieanum nom. nov. (Malvaceae) is proposed instead of P. gracile Wilkie (extant) non P. gracile Geyler (fossil) (≡ C. gracile (Geyler) Ettingshausen). Cinnamomum salicifolium (Nees) Kostermans and C. trinerve (Lundell) Kostermans (extant) were found to be later illegitimate homonyms of fossil-species, C. salicifolium Staub and C. trinerve Bell respectively. Furthermore Cinnamomiphyllum Nathorst, Daphnogene grandifolia, D. lanceolata, Cinnamomum broteroi, C. orbiculatum, C. salicifolium Staub (non (Nees) Kostermans), C. trinerve Bell (non (Lundell) Kostermans), and C. ucrainicum are lectotypified. New combinations are validated: Cinnamomoides broteroi comb. nov., C. ellipticum comb. nov., C. humei comb. nov., C. jordanicum comb. nov., Cinnamomum duabicum comb. nov., Neolitsea marginata comb. nov., N. pannonica comb. nov., N. staubii comb. nov. As an addition to Taxonomic Literature II records, the precise dates of publication of the taxonomic works of Göppert’s Die Tertiärflora auf der Insel Java (1854), Lukmanoff’s Nomenclature et iconographie des Canneliers et Camphriers (1878, not 1889), Ettingshausen’s Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Tertiärflora der Insel Java (1883) and Zur Tertiärflora von Borneo (1883, not 1884) are established here.
Epitypification of Agaricus vittadinii (Basidiomycota, Amanitaceae)
Authors: VIZZINI ALFREDO , REDHEAD SCOTT A. , DOVANA FRANCESCO
Published: October 2017

Agaricus vittadinii Moretti (1826a: 66) is a striking species traditionally ascribed to the genus Amanita Pers. (1797: 65) (Bas 1969; Traverso 1998; Neville & Poumarat 2004). Amanita is one of the most widespread, species-rich ectomycorrhizal genera (Yang 1997; Yang et al. 1999; Neville & Poumarat 2004; Tulloss 2000; Kirk et al. 2008; Tulloss & Yang 2015), characterized by usually agaricoid basidiomata (including sequestrate forms) with a pallid spore print, a hemiangiocarpic schizohymenial development, presence of both universal and partial veils, and usually white and free lamellae (Bas 1969; Neville & Poumarat 2004; Justo et al. 2010). Microscopically, diagnostic characters are amyloid or inamyloid spores, bilateral hymenophoral trama and longitudinally acrophysalidic stipe tissue, which consists of clavate, usually terminal elements, longitudinally oriented on a diffuse system of narrow, branching hyphae (Corner & Bas 1962; Bas 1969; Jenkins 1986; Yang 1997, 2005; Traverso 1998; Neville & Poumarat 2004).
Taxonomy of the subgenus Pseudocypus Mulsant & Rey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini) and eight new species from China
Authors: HE LIANG , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: October 2017

Eight new species of the subgenus Pseudocypus Mulsant & Rey, 1876 of the genus Ocypus Leach, 1819 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylinini) are described from China: O. (Pseudocypus) pileaticulminis sp. nov., O. (Pseudocypus) denticulminis sp. nov., O. (Pseudocypus) anguliculminis sp. nov., O. (Pseudocypus) digiticulminis sp. nov., O. (Pseudocypus) alticulminis sp. nov., O. (Pseudocypus) fusciculminis sp. nov., O. (Pseudocypus) nigriculminis sp. nov. and O. (Pseudocypus) recticulminis sp. nov. Line drawings and color illustrations of adult structures and genitalia are given for all new species and the following species recorded in China: O. (Pseudocypus) aenescens Eppelsheim, 1889, O. (Pseudocypus) ballio Smetana, 2007, O. (Pseudocypus) calamis Smetana, 2007, O. (Pseudocypus) densissimus (Bernhauer, 1933), O. (Pseudocypus) dolon Smetana, 2007, O. (Pseudocypus) graeseri Eppelsheim, 1887, O. (Pseudocypus) hecato Smetana, 2007, O. (Pseudocypus) inexspectatus Eppelsheim, 1887 (new record in China), O. (Pseudocypus) menander Smetana, 2007, O. (Pseudocypus) neocles Smetana, 2007, O. (Pseudocypus) orodes Smetana, 2007, O. (Pseudocypus) pelias Smetana, 2007, O. (Pseudocypus) puer (Smetana, 2005a), O. (Pseudocypus) picipennis (Fabricius, 1793), O. (Pseudocypus) rhinton Smetana, 2007, and O. (Pseudocypus) semenowi Reitter, 1887. A key to Chinese species of the subgenus Pseudocypus Mulsant & Rey, 1876 is also provided in the text.
The Practical Predictability of Storm Tide from Tropical Cyclones in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Fossell Kathryn R. , Ahijevych David , Morss Rebecca E. , Snyder Chris , Davis Chris
Published: October 2017

The potential for storm surge to cause extensive property damage and loss of life has increased urgency to more accurately predict coastal flooding associated with landfalling tropical cyclones. This work investigates the sensitivity of coastal inundation from storm tide (surge + tide) to four hurricane parameters—track, intensity, size, and translation speed—and the sensitivity of inundation forecasts to errors in forecasts of those parameters. An ensemble of storm tide simulations is generated for three storms in the Gulf of Mexico, by driving a storm surge model with best track data and systematically generated perturbations of storm parameters from the best track. The spread of the storm perturbations is compared to average errors in recent operational hurricane forecasts, allowing sensitivity results to be interpreted in terms of practical predictability of coastal inundation at different lead times. Two types of inundation metrics are evaluated: point-based statistics and spatially integrated volumes. The practical predictability of surge inundation is found to be limited foremost by current errors in hurricane track forecasts, followed by intensity errors, then speed errors. Errors in storm size can also play an important role in limiting surge predictability at short lead times, due to observational uncertainty. Results show that given current mean errors in hurricane forecasts, location-specific surge inundation is predictable for as little as 12–24 h prior to landfall, less for small-sized storms. The results also indicate potential for increased surge predictability beyond 24 h for large storms by considering a storm-following, volume-integrated metric of inundation.
Growing at the Margins: Adaptation to Severe Weather in the Marginal Lands of the British Isles
Authors: Speakman Dorian
Published: October 2017

With the problem of severe weather events having significant impacts on harvests in Britain, this study has looked at how small-scale food producers use agroecology to adapt to adverse weather conditions; 23 sites growing food using agroecology across the British Isles in areas severely disadvantaged to agriculture were investigated. Because the climate in these areas is generally hostile to horticulture (often in combination with other factors such as land quality), all the participants have to adapt to the prevailing weather conditions and frequent severe weather events. Through detailed interviews, a range of adaptations to specific weather hazards, and their impacts, has been recorded. The adaptations have been grouped into nine different responses types and then analyzed. Results show that the biggest driver for a change in adaptation responses has been drought, and the most consistent adaptation response has been to problems associated with heavy rainfall. With participants showing a varying level of adaptation to severe weather hazards, this study indicates that growers’ experience and ingenuity are factors influencing adaptation and consequently resilience to severe weather. The study acts as a useful scoping study for the potential of the various methods collected in a knowledge base to be reviewed by stakeholders for scaling up for wider adoption by farmers willing to adapt to climate variability.
Preventive Effects of Alprostadil Against Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Inpatients With Renal Insufficiency Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Yang Shi-Cheng , Fu Nai-Kuan , Zhang Jing , Liang Min , Cong Hong-Liang , Lin Wen-Hua , Tian Feng-Shi , Lu Cheng-Zhi , Sun Ting-Ting , Zhang Wen-Ya , Ma Zhen-Hua
Published: October 2017

We investigated the preventive effect of alprostadil on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 300 patients with creatinine clearance (crCl) ≤60 mL/min undergoing PCI were randomly assigned to alprostadil or a control group. The primary end point was the incidence of CIN defined as an increase in serum creatinine (Scr) levels by ≥0.5 mg/dL or≥ 25% after administration of the contrast media within 72 hours. The secondary end points were (1) changes in Scr and crCl within 72 hours and (2) the incidence of major adverse events during hospitalization. The incidence of CIN was 2.7% (4/150) in the alprostadil group, and 8.7% (13/150) in the control group (χ2 = 5.05, P = .043).There was no difference regarding the incidence of major adverse events during hospitalization between the alprostadil group and control groups (2.7% vs 4.0%, P = .750). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alprostadil was an independent protective factor for CIN (odds ratio = 0.136, 95% confidence interval: 0.020-0.944, P = .044). Prophylactic administration of alprostadil may prevent CIN in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing PCI.
How to Scale Crowdsourcing Platforms
Authors: Kohler Thomas
Published: October 2017

Innovative companies are building their business upon the participation of crowds. These crowdsourcing business models are powerful because they are scalable. By encouraging external innovators to contribute to value creation, crowdsourcing innovation platforms have the capability to grow significantly in size and revenue without equally increasing its costs. However, quickly and sustainably scaling crowdsourcing platforms is a daunting challenge. This article considers more than 20 leading crowdsourcing ventures to identify scaling challenges and strategies. The resulting framework presents scaling paths for managers of crowdsourcing ventures as well as executives of traditional companies who seek to build scalable crowdsourcing platforms.
Sleep Disturbance Following Concussion Is a Risk Factor for a Prolonged Recovery
Authors: Bramley Harry , Henson Alyssa , Lewis Mechelle M. , Kong Lan , Stetter Christy , Silvis Matthew
Published: October 2017

Sleep disturbance is a common problem following concussion. A retrospective chart review was conducted at a regional concussion clinic on patients 13 to 18 years of age between 2005 and 2011. Statistical analysis evaluated sleep disturbance and duration of concussion, as well as the use and effectiveness of melatonin. A total of 417 patients met inclusion criteria. One hundred twenty-three (34%) reported disturbance in sleep. There was no difference in sleep disturbance based on age, gender, or past number of concussions. Sleep disturbance was associated with a 3- to 4-fold increase in recovery time. Non–sport-related concussions were more likely to be associated with sleep disturbance compared to sport-related concussions (45% vs 29%, P = .01). Melatonin improved sleep disturbance in 67% of the patients. Evaluating sleep disorders following concussion is an important part of the assessment. These findings will help clinicians provide anticipatory guidance and treatment for adolescents recovering from concussion.
Longitudinal state-level effects on change in body mass index among middle-aged and older adults in the USA
Authors: Chen Cheng-Chia , Seo Dong-Chul , Lin Hsien-Chang
Published: October 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the effects of state-level socioeconomic status (SES), the density of fast food restaurants and walking to work on body mass index (BMI) among US adults aged 50 years and older. The study sought further to account for the interaction effects of three different hierarchical levels of variables, including time-varying variables and time-invariant variables such as individual and state-level variables. Confounding related to environmental/neighbourhood effects was controlled for through sample selection.

Methods:

Data were drawn from the 2000–2010 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the 2010 US Census. HRS survey participants aged 50 years and older in 2000, residing in the same census tract during 2000–2010 ( N = 6,156) comprised the study sample. A three-level growth model was fitted to BMI trajectories.

Results:

BMI significantly increased over time showing both a linear and quadratic decelerating trajectory ( p < .001) where BMI grew faster among sampled adults in their early 50s. Women living in the US states with a lower state-level SES had higher BMIs, while men with higher state-level SES had a higher BMI ( b = −.242, p = .013). In states with a higher proportion of people who walked to work, Hispanics had higher BMIs at baseline and a lower BMI growth rate, compared with non-Hispanic whites ( b = −.033, p < .001).

Conclusions:

Obesity interventions specific to adults aged 50 years and older require greater emphasis. Potential health inequalities regarding weight gain can be ameliorated through tailoring interventions based on sex, environmental and state-level SES influences.
Seeing Mixed Emotions: The Specificity of Emotion Perception From Static and Dynamic Facial Expressions Across Cultures
Authors: Fang Xia , Sauter Disa A. , Van Kleef Gerben A.
Published: October 2017

Although perceivers often agree about the primary emotion that is conveyed by a particular expression, observers may concurrently perceive several additional emotions from a given facial expression. In the present research, we compared the perception of two types of nonintended emotions in Chinese and Dutch observers viewing facial expressions: emotions which were morphologically similar to the intended emotion and emotions which were morphologically dissimilar to the intended emotion. Findings were consistent across two studies and showed that (a) morphologically similar emotions were endorsed to a greater extent than dissimilar emotions and (b) Chinese observers endorsed nonintended emotions more than did Dutch observers. Furthermore, the difference between Chinese and Dutch observers was more pronounced for the endorsement of morphologically similar emotions than of dissimilar emotions. We also obtained consistent evidence that Dutch observers endorsed nonintended emotions that were congruent with the preceding expressions to a greater degree. These findings suggest that culture and morphological similarity both influence the extent to which perceivers see several emotions in a facial expression.
A Case Study Inquiry into the Efficacy of Four East Asian EAP Writing Programmes: Presenting the Emergent Themes
Authors: Vitta Joseph P. , Jost Dayna , Pusina Alexis
Published: October 2017

Within English for Academic Purposes (EAP), writing instruction has often been of primary interest with a focus on curricula design and implementation. This especially holds true in East Asia where many universities operate EAP writing programmes. This study is located within this region, taking an inquiry stance in a small-scale case study of four EAP writing programmes. Through practitioner-as-researcher reflections and triangulating interviews from fellow colleagues within this professional context, we add to this discussion by uncovering three interrelated and hierarchical themes that have emerged from our data. At the university and inter-department organizational level, our data points to the need for universities housing these programmes to create a culture of collaboration where relevant academic expertise can directly inform the classroom (EAP writing) instruction. At the departmental level, our data suggests that standardization, especially in relation to intra-department testing, assignments, etc. is beneficial. Finally, at the classroom level, we posit, through the observations in the inquiry, that certain teaching methods are associated with different levels of proficiency. Teacher-led frameworks are more observed and suitable among lower proficiency language learners. Conversely, higher proficiency students expect and are better served by task-based or student-led approaches.
On the Ethics of Tourism Research
Authors: Frechtling Douglas C.
Published: October 2017

This study focuses on two topics that have heretofore received little attention: ethical standards for publishing tourism research and assessment of the effectiveness of such standards in generating compliance. A random sample of research articles published by 75 tourism journals in 2013 was drawn and 45 were identified that employed the probability sample survey method. Ten rules for ethical reporting of survey results were derived from the World Association for Public Opinion Research Code of Ethics, designed to encourage transparency of method, and applied to the articles. Most articles failed to comply with most of these rules, documenting that the articles did not incorporate the value of research transparency, a foundation of inquiry in social sciences. Recommendations are presented on how to encourage future papers employing this method published in tourism journals to comply with ethical standards for disclosure in order to improve the transparency and credibility of tourism research.
The Five-Point Indian: Caste, Masculinity, and English Language in the Paratexts of Chetan Bhagat
Authors: Rao Pallavi
Published: October 2017

This article examines the literary celebrity of Indian author Chetan Bhagat and his paratextual articulations in India’s English-language media. It seeks to deconstruct the role of these paratexts in occluding how upper-caste masculinity operates as the normative script in mainstream media discourse. Critically examining Bhagat’s utterances in English-language television news, print newspapers, and social media, I argue that the paratexts enable his authorial persona to be continually constructed in ways that consolidate his caste-patriarchal authority. In the process, these paratexts valorize neoliberal entrepreneurship and narratives of ascent, rendering existing caste hegemonies in India invisible. Bhagat’s use of English also reflects the complex politics of the English language in colonial history, where upper-caste men in service of the empire utilized the linguistic hegemony of English to consolidate their patriarchal and caste dominance. However, I suggest that pockets of awareness operate among Bhagat’s readers and audiences, where subaltern groups have strategically negotiated using this upper-caste masculinized English to forge their own social mobility and empowerment. Bhagat’s performance of celebrity has to thus be seen as being enacted within a complex English-speaking milieu, which is rife with caste and gender power struggles.
2016 survey about temperature management during extracorporeal circulation in China
Authors: Guo Zhen , Li Xin
Published: October 2017

Objective:

In order to assess the current status of temperature management during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in China and, thereby, implement standardized management protocols, the authors carried out a national survey about institutions performing CPB.

Method:

The survey was carried out from September 2015 to February 2016 and was supported by the Chinese Society of ExtraCorporeal Circulation. A total of 114 institutions participated, accounting for 15.64% (114/729) of the total of germane Chinese institutions, whereby, 80.85% (38/47) of the institutions had an annual surgical volume of more than 1000 cases.

Results:

The most common sites of temperature measurement were nasopharyngeal (NP) (99.12%) and rectal (92.98%) while oxygenator blood temperature was less popular (28%). Rectal temperature as the core temperature was chosen by 78.95% of the institutions; 92.11% of the institutions chose nasopharyngeal temperature to represent the cerebral temperature. During deep hypothermia circulatory arrest (DHCA) when there was no cerebral perfusion, 18 to 22℃ was the most common indication of circulatory arrest. However, with cerebral perfusion, more than 40% of the institutions maintained a lowest temperature of 22 to 25℃ for adult and pediatric patients. A NP temperature of 36 to 37℃ was chosen by 70.18% of the institutions while 81.79% chose a rectal temperature of 35 to 36.5℃ as the indication to wean from CPB. The majority of the institutions chose a difference of 10℃ between the water tank and core temperatures as the temperature gradient during rewarming. Auxiliary heat preservation techniques and equipment were used in 91.23% of the institutions, whereas 35.58% of them would lower the indications to wean from CPB.

Conclusions:

This survey accurately reflects the current situation of temperature management during CPB in institutions with an annual surgical volume of >500 cases, but has, hereby, failed to properly represent the institutions with a lower annual surgical volume.
Online, Interactive Option Grid Patient Decision Aids and their Effect on User Preferences
Authors: Scalia Peter , Durand Marie-Anne , Kremer Jan , Faber Marjan , Elwyn Glyn
Published: October 2017

Background. Randomized trials have shown that patient decision aids can modify users’ preferred healthcare options, but research has yet to identify the attributes embedded in these tools that cause preferences to shift. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate people’s preferences as they used decision aids for 5 health decisions and, for each of the following: 1) determine if using the interactive Option Grid led to a pre–post shift in preferences; 2) determine which frequently asked questions (FAQs) led to preference shifts; 3) determine the FAQs that were rated as the most important as users compared options. Methods. Interactive Option Grid decision aids enable users to view attributes of available treatment or screening options, rate their importance, and specify their preferred options before and after decision aid use. The McNemar–Bowker paired test was used to compare stated pre–post preferences. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to investigate possible associations between covariates and preference shifts. Results. Overall, 626 users completed the 5 most-used tools: 1) Amniocentesis test: yes or no? ( n = 73); 2) Angina: treatment options ( n = 88); 3) Breast cancer: surgical options ( n = 265); 4) Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test: yes or no? ( n = 82); 5) Statins for heart disease risk: yes or no? ( n = 118). The breast cancer, PSA, and statins Option Grid decision aids generated significant preference shifts. Generally, users shifted their preference when presented with the description of the available treatment options, and the risk associated with each option. Conclusion. The use of decision aids for some, but not all health decisions, was accompanied by a shift in user preferences. Users typically valued information associated with risks, and chose more risk averse options after completing the interactive tool.
Haptic rendering and interactive simulation using passive midpoint integration
Authors: Kim Myungsin , Lee Yongjun , Lee Yongseok , Lee Dongjun
Published: October 2017

We propose a novel framework of haptic rendering and interactive simulation, which, by exploiting midpoint time integration, that is known for its superior energy-conserving property but has not yet been adopted for haptics and interactive simulation, can enforce discrete-time passivity of the simulation effectively in practice, while retaining real-time interactivity due to its being non-iterative. We derive this passive midpoint integration (PMI) simulation for mechanical systems both in maximal coordinates (i.e. in SE(3)) and in generalized coordinates (i.e. in[Formula: see text] ), with some potential actions as well to implement joint articulation, constraints, compliance, and so on. We also fully incorporate multi-point Coulomb frictional contact into them via the PMI-LCP (linear complementarity problem) formulation. The proposed PMI-based simulation framework is applied to some illustrative examples to demonstrate its advantages: (1) haptic rendering of a peg-in-hole task, where very light/stiff articulated objects can be simulated with multi-point contact; (2) haptic interaction with a flexible beam, where marginally stable/lossless behavior (i.e. vibration) can be stably emulated; and (3) under-actuated tendon-driven hand grasping, where mixed maximal-generalized coordinates are used with very light/stiff fingers.
TSLAM: Tethered simultaneous localization and mapping for mobile robots
Authors: McGarey Patrick , MacTavish Kirk , Pomerleau François , Barfoot Timothy D
Published: October 2017

Tethered mobile robots are useful for exploration in steep, rugged, and dangerous terrain. A tether can provide a robot with robust communications, power, and mechanical support, but also constrains motion. In cluttered environments, the tether will wrap around a number of intermediate ‘anchor points’, complicating navigation. We show that by measuring the length of tether deployed and the bearing to the most recent anchor point, we can formulate a tethered simultaneous localization and mapping (TSLAM) problem that allows us to estimate the pose of the robot and the positions of the anchor points, using only low-cost, nonvisual sensors. This information is used by the robot to safely return along an outgoing trajectory while avoiding tether entanglement. We are motivated by TSLAM as a building block to aid conventional, camera, and laser-based approaches to simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), which tend to fail in dark and or dusty environments. Unlike conventional range-bearing SLAM, the TSLAM problem must account for the fact that the tether-length measurements are a function of the robot’s pose and all the intermediate anchor-point positions. While this fact has implications on the sparsity that can be exploited in our method, we show that a solution to the TSLAM problem can still be found and formulate two approaches: (i) an online particle filter based on FastSLAM and (ii) an efficient, offline batch solution. We demonstrate that either method outperforms odometry alone, both in simulation and in experiments using our TReX (Tethered Robotic eXplorer) mobile robot operating in flat-indoor and steep-outdoor environments. For the indoor experiment, we compare each method using the same dataset with ground truth, showing that batch TSLAM outperforms particle-filter TSLAM in localization and mapping accuracy, owing to superior anchor-point detection, data association, and outlier rejection.
Controlling a robotic stereo camera under image quantization noise
Authors: Freundlich Charles , Zhang Yan , Zhu Alex Zihao , Mordohai Philippos , Zavlanos Michael M
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we address the problem of controlling a mobile stereo camera under image quantization noise. Assuming that a pair of images of a set of targets is available, the camera moves through a sequence of Next-Best-Views (NBVs), i.e. a sequence of views that minimizes the trace of the targets’ cumulative state covariance, constructed using a realistic model of the stereo rig that captures image quantization noise and a Kalman Filter (KF) that fuses the observation history with new information.

The proposed algorithm decomposes control into two stages: first the NBV is computed in the camera relative coordinates, and then the camera moves to realize this view in the fixed global coordinate frame. This decomposition allows the camera to drive to a new pose that effectively realizes the NBV in camera coordinates while satisfying Field-of-View constraints in global coordinates, a task that is particularly challenging using complex sensing models. We provide simulations and real experiments that illustrate the ability of the proposed mobile camera system to accurately localize sets of targets. We also propose a novel data-driven technique to characterize unmodeled uncertainty, such as calibration errors, at the pixel level and show that this method ensures stability of the KF.
Body size and shape misperception and visual adaptation: An overview of an emerging research paradigm
Authors: Challinor Kirsten L. , Mond Jonathan , Stephen Ian D. , Mitchison Deborah , Stevenson Richard J. , Hay Phillipa , Brooks Kevin R.
Published: October 2017

Although body size and shape misperception (BSSM) is a common feature of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia, little is known about its underlying neural mechanisms. Recently, a new approach has emerged, based on the long-established non-invasive technique of perceptual adaptation, which allows for inferences about the structure of the neural apparatus responsible for alterations in visual appearance. Here, we describe several recent experimental examples of BSSM, wherein exposure to “extreme” body stimuli causes visual aftereffects of biased perception. The implications of these studies for our understanding of the neural and cognitive representation of human bodies, along with their implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Policy failure mobilities
Authors: Lovell Heather
Published: October 2017

This paper concerns the movement of negative lessons and worst practice in public policy. It focuses on a relatively new branch of scholarship – policy mobilities – which explores the global movement of policies. Within policy mobilities research there is concern about an empirical bias towards successful policies: there has been insufficient attention to whether policy failures might also be mobile. Ideas and concepts about policy failure from political science, economic geography, and science and technology studies are used to illuminate what is missing from policy mobilities scholarship, why it might be important, and to offer some ways forward.
Fabrication of self-assembled folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles as co-carrier of doxorubicin and siRNA
Authors: Li Liangping , Tao Ruisong , Song Mingming , Zhang Yue , Chen Kuanmin , Wang Hui , Gong Renmin
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the starch was firstly modified by quaternary reagent to obtain cationic starch. Then self-assembled folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles were prepared by a one-pot synthesis via N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide/4-dimethylaminopyridine-mediated esterification reaction. The physicochemical properties of the prepared folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles were characterized. The average diameter of folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles was 109 nm with polydispersity index of 0.183 and zeta potential of 28.59 mV. The folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles were used as co-carrier of siRNA and doxorubicin with satisfactory drug loading capacity (6.98%) and encapsulation efficiency (69.66 %), and siRNA could be efficiently encapsulated at 40/1 weight ratio of doxorubicin/folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles to siRNA. The folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles could effectively protect siRNA from degradation of serum RNAase for up to 48 h. The release characteristics of doxorubicin and siRNA from folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles were studied in different pH environment and the release behaviors of two drugs were all pH sensitive. The folate–biotin-quaternized starch nanoparticles as a potential co-carrier of anticancer agents and gene drugs was expected to achieve future practical application in vitro and in vivo.
Equity, Access, and Mathematics Coursetaking Within Purposefully Created Small High Schools
Authors: Warner Miya T. , Ready Douglas D.
Published: October 2017

An extensive body of research describes the stark social and academic disparities that characterize large, comprehensive public high schools. Advocates have argued that smaller high schools, with their necessarily more constrained curricula, have the potential to improve student academic outcomes and their equitable distribution. Using propensity score matching within a multilevel modeling framework, we explore this assertion in New York City, which has been at the center of small school reform. We find a small, positive impact of attending a new, small high school on progress through the math curriculum for low-achieving students, but no effect for average-achieving students, and a negative impact for higher achieving students. Despite any positive findings, the typical small school student still failed to complete Algebra II/Trigonometry—the lowest level course deemed “college preparatory” by the district.
Do Donors Reduce Bilateral Aid to Countries With Restrictive NGO Laws? A Panel Study, 1993-2012
Authors: Dupuy Kendra , Prakash Aseem
Published: October 2017

Foreign aid contributes to about 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) of developing countries. To distribute aid in recipient countries, Western donors increasingly rely on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Yet, since the mid-1990s, 39 developing countries have adopted laws restricting the inflow of foreign aid to NGOs operating in their jurisdictions. In response to these restrictions, have bilateral donors reduced aid, either as a punishment or because they cannot find appropriate NGOs for aid delivery? We explore this question by examining a panel of 134 aid-receiving countries for the years 1993-2012. We find that all else equal, the adoption of a restrictive NGO finance law is associated with a 32% decline in bilateral aid inflows in subsequent years. These findings hold even after controlling for levels of democracy and civil liberties, which suggests that aid reduction responds to the removal of NGOs from aid delivery chains, and not to democracy recession.
Nonlinear effect of tooth-slot transition on axial vibration, contact state and speed fluctuation in traveling wave ultrasonic motor
Authors: Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Shiyu
Published: October 2017

The tooth-slot transition creates an axial excitation on traveling wave ultrasonic motors. It induces a rotor’s axial rigid vibration, which in turn affects the contact state and arouses speed fluctuation. To gain an insight into this problem, this work examines the relationships between the tooth-slot transition, axial vibration, nonlinear contact, and speed fluctuation. An analytical model governing rotor’s vibration is developed, where the transition force, nonlinear contact stiffness, and pre-pressure are included. The contact stiffness is demonstrated to decrease with an increase in stator’s vibration amplitude and it is approximated by polynomial fitting such that the nonlinear problem can be analytically solved. The primary, 1/2 subharmonic, and 2/1 superharmonic resonances are analyzed to determine the amplitude–frequency response and steady-state response. Nonlinear phenomena regarding the three types of resonances are identified. The interaction between the transition force, axial vibration, contact stiffness and speed fluctuation is investigated through a new contact model. The results imply that the rotor vibration induces rotating acceleration and leads to speed fluctuation. In addition, the rotor speed fluctuates in a similar fashion with the axial vibration.
Effect of magnetic field on viscoelastic wave characteristics
Authors: Günalp Gülen Dilara , Baykara Cemal , Güven Uğur
Published: October 2017

In this study, the longitudinal wave characteristics of magnetic field sensitive viscoelastic rods under the transverse magnetic field effect is addressed by including lateral inertia effect. The analysis is based on the Love rod theory. The polymeric rod is modeled as standard linear solid viscoelastic material. The obtained explicit solution is illustrated graphically. The comparative results of the analysis show that the transverse magnetic field has a remarkable effect on the wave phase velocity and attenuation coefficient. The transverse magnetic field especially leads to a significant reduction on attenuation coefficient for high frequencies values and large diameters. The analysis results presented here especially for low frequencies ranges can provide a reliable support for the similar experimental studies in related the magnetic field effects.
Experimental investigations and statistical modeling of surface roughness during ultrasonic-assisted turning with self-lubricating cutting inserts
Authors: Sharma Varun , Pandey Pulak M
Published: October 2017

The present paper describes the effect of cutting and vibration parameters on the surface roughness of specimen machined by ultrasonic-assisted turning with self-lubricating cutting inserts. The selected process has been based on comparative analysis between conventional turning and ultrasonic-assisted turning using plane and textured cutting inserts. An improvement of the order of 35.89% is observed during ultrasonic-assisted turning with textured cutting insert as compared to conventional turning with plane tool. The latter part of the paper uses response surface methodology for performing the experimentation during ultrasonic-assisted turning with textured cutting insert. The experimental data have been analyzed using analysis of variance to highlight significant contributions of depth of cut, feed rate, cutting speed, and percentage intensity of ultrasonic power on surface roughness. The significant interactions among process parameters have also been analyzed to explain the possible alteration in the mechanism of material removal during ultrasonic-assisted turning using self-lubricating inserts. The best surface finish of the order of 0.431 µm has been found under optimal cutting and vibration parameters as evaluated by optimization of the developed statistical model using genetic algorithm.
Computer-based automated analysis of X-ray and thermal imaging of knee region in evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Snekhalatha U , Rajalakshmi T , Gopikrishnan M , Gupta Nilkantha
Published: October 2017

The aim and objectives of the study are as follows: (1) to perform automated segmentation of knee X-ray images using fast greedy snake algorithm and feature extraction using gray level co-occurrence matrix method, (2) to implement automated segmentation of knee thermal image using RGB segmentation method and (3) to compare the features extracted from the segmented knee region of X-ray and thermal images in rheumatoid arthritis patients using a biochemical method as standard. In all, 30 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. X-ray and thermography images of knee regions were acquired, and biochemical tests were carried out subsequently. The X-ray images were segmented using fast greedy snake algorithm, and feature extractions were performed using gray level co-occurrence matrix method. The thermal image was segmented using RGB-based segmentation method and statistical features were extracted. Statistical features extracted after segmentation from X-ray and thermal imaging of knee region were correlated with the standard biochemical parameters. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate shows statistically significant correlations (p < 0.01) with the X-ray parameters such as joint space width and % combined cortical thickness. The skin surface temperature measured from knee region of thermal imaging was highly correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Among all the extracted features namely mean, variance, energy, homogeneity and difference entropy depict statistically significant percentage differences between the rheumatoid arthritis and healthy subjects. From this study, it was observed that thermal infrared imaging technique serves as a potential tool in the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis at an earlier stage compared to radiography. Hence, it was predicted that thermal imaging method has a competency in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis by automated segmentation methods.
Human diet and subsistence strategies from the Late Bronze Age to historic times at Goukou, Xinjiang, NW China
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Yongqiang , An Chengbang , Ruan Qiurong , Duan Futao , Li Wenying , Dong Weimiao
Published: October 2017

Human diet and subsistence strategies from the Late Bronze Age to historic times (1600 BC–AD 900) are explored for the Goukou site, Xinjiang, using human and other animal stable isotope analyses alongside radiocarbon dating and preliminary archaeobotanical studies. Our results show that during the Late Bronze Age, human bones have mean δ13C and δ15N values of −14‰ and 12.9‰, respectively; during the Early Iron Age, they have mean δ13C and δ15N values of −16.4‰ and 10.1‰, respectively; from the time of the Warring States to the Han Dynasty, the mean δ13C and δ15N values are −14.8‰ and 12.2‰, respectively; and from the Jin–Tang Dynasties, human bones have mean δ13C and δ15N values of −15.5‰ and 11.5‰, respectively. Generally, people mainly consumed animal products and possibly milk/dairy products as well as various cereals including millet and wheat/barley. Little dietary variance occurred over time. Inferred subsistence strategies in Goukou include herding, farming, and hunting. There is evidence that cultural exchange between East and West as well as local environmental conditions contributed to the formation and development of multiple economic practices in Goukou.
Historical documentation of lead toxicity prior to the 20th century in English literature
Authors: Jonasson ME , Afshari R
Published: October 2017

Lead is a heavy metal that remains a persistent environmental toxin. Although there have been a substantial number of reviews published on the health effects of lead, these reviews have predominantly focused on recent publications and rarely look at older, more historical articles. Old documents on lead can provide useful insight in establishing the historical context of lead usage and its modes of toxicity. The objective of this review is to explore historical understandings and uses of lead prior to the 20th century. One hundred eighty-eight English language articles that were published before the year 1900 were included in this review. Major themes in historical documentation of lead toxicology include lead’s use in medical treatments, symptoms of lead poisoning, treatments for lead poisoning, occupational lead poisonings, and lead contamination in food and drinking water. The results of this review indicate that lead’s usage was widespread throughout the 19th century, and its toxic properties were well-known. Common symptoms of lead poisoning and suggested treatments were identified during this time period. This review provides important insight into the knowledge and uses of lead before the 20th century and can serve as a resource for researchers looking at the history of lead.
Diversity and social cohesion in European cities: Making sense of today’s European Union–urban nexus within cohesion policy
Authors: Scheurer Lea , Haase Annegret
Published: October 2017

This commentary discusses the nexus between the European Union (EU) and the local level of government in light of the contemporary challenge of maintaining social cohesion in European urban areas. Social cohesion is understood as a key element of societal stability, which is increasingly constrained in many urban contexts. Against the backdrop of decision-makers being challenged to find effective governance modes and policies addressing ever more diverse urban populations, the commentary presents evidence on how urban authorities use European funds in addressing social cohesion challenges. Cities’ use of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in diversity governance has been found to hinge on various factors that are often inter-institutionally determined and that may restrict cities’ possibilities to make most efficient use of the funding. The commentary concludes that more effective and participative forms of multi-level cooperation within frameworks like cohesion policy and the newly established Urban Agenda for the EU are necessary in supporting social cohesion and successful diversity governance in European cities. It further suggests that a reform of EU cohesion policy should entail both conceptual and institutional innovations, allowing for an integration of the intersections of urban diversity and cohesion in policy and fund design and a reinforcement of the partnership principle.
Seafood Kitchen
Authors: Ramachandran B. Bindu
Published: October 2017

This research note provides an anthropological insight on Seafood Kitchen, a microenterprise under ‘Theeramythri’—the flagship project of Society for Assistance to Fisherwomen (SAF) in Kerala. SAF as an agency was formed in a critical situation where the livelihood aspects and resources of the coastal communities were destroyed after Tsunami in 2004. Department of fisheries under government of Kerala initiated and established microenterprises for fisherwomen under ‘Theeramythri’ to make use of the local resources through women empowerment. Seafood Kitchen was one of the many initiatives of Theeramythri. With the intervention and support of government and organizations like SAF, fisherwomen now come forward to take up microenterprises and their involvement shows remarkable changes in family and society. The present study highlights the different aspects of Seafood Kitchen and its scope for development of fisherwomen in the coast of Kerala from an etic perspective.