bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of the 1941–1943 National Farm Survey as a method for engagement with farmers in contemporary research
Authors: Chiswell Hannah M
Published: November 2014

This article proposes the use of National Farm Survey (NFS) data and maps as a resource to support interviews with farmers and their families, across a wide range of geographical topics. The paper explores the origins of the NFS and evaluates its use as a reconstructive tool. Drawing directly on its use in recent empirical research into family farm succession as an example, the paper details the methodology, including the development of a Geographic Information System and the integration of the NFS data and maps into interview questions, as prompts and starting points. Using empirical data the paper evinces the benefits of deploying the NFS as a resource, including improving response rate, establishment of rapport, capturing of participant interest, facilitation of detailed responses and the stimulation of new trajectories and topics during the interview. Critically, use of the NFS in the proposed way means, in contrast to its previous applications, it is unencumbered by its inherent problems and inconsistencies, and interestingly, these problems can even become a source of strength for the researcher.
The ambiguities of cohabitation
Authors: Harker Chris
Published: November 2014

In this paper I examine Judith Butler's ethic of cohabitation as a means of thinking intimacy‐geopolitics. Butler's ethic of cohabitation begins with an inability to choose in advance who we inhabit the earth with. Conceptually this idea is linked with the precariousness of life: a subject's life is always in the hands of others, both known and unknown. As such, cohabitation is always an intimate affair that is at the same time global. However, I argue cohabitation as ethical relation fails to map neatly onto cohabitation as spatial practice, and thus it is an ambivalent resource.
Calcified shadow of hilus pulmonis followed with finger‐in‐glove sign of lingular bronchus on the left side
Authors: Wang Mengmei , Liu Meng , Hu Ke
Published: November 2014

Tracheobronchial aspiration of foreign body (FB) in adults is not as common as in children. The clinical manifestations are highly variable under different circumstances, considering the state of the patient, the influence of the FB and incipient medical intervention, etc. The lodgement of FB in adults, as in almost all the reports around the world, is dominantly in the right bronchial tree, especially the intermediate and the basal bronchus, because of anatomical reasons. In this case, we reported, a 75‐year‐old woman with a dental piece in her lingular bronchus, not the right side as usual, for at least 10 years had no symptoms or any notice of the aspiration. Surgery and biopsy helped to make definite diagnosis and eventually removal.
Rater agreement of visual lameness assessment in horses during lungeing
Authors: Hammarberg M. , Egenvall A. , Pfau T. , Rhodin M.
Published: November 2014

Reasons for performing study

Lungeing is an important part of lameness examinations as the circular path may accentuate low‐grade lameness. Movement asymmetries related to the circular path, to compensatory movements and to pain make the lameness evaluation complex. Scientific studies have shown high inter‐rater variation when assessing lameness during straight line movement.

Objectives

The aim was to estimate inter‐ and intra‐rater agreement of equine veterinarians evaluating lameness from videos of sound and lame horses during lungeing and to investigate the influence of veterinarians’ experience and the objective degree of movement asymmetry on rater agreement.

Study design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Methods

Video recordings and quantitative gait analysis with inertial sensors were performed in 23 riding horses of various breeds. The horses were examined at trot on a straight line and during lungeing on soft or hard surfaces in both directions. One video sequence was recorded per condition and the horses were classified as forelimb lame, hindlimb lame or sound from objective straight line symmetry measurements. Equine veterinarians (n = 86), including 43 with >5 years of orthopaedic experience, participated in a web‐based survey and were asked to identify the lamest limb on 60 videos, including 10 repeats. The agreements between (inter‐rater) and within (intra‐rater) veterinarians were analysed with κ statistics (Fleiss, Cohen).

Results

Inter‐rater agreement κ was 0.31 (0.38/0.25 for experienced/less experienced) and higher for forelimb (0.33) than for hindlimb lameness (0.11) or soundness (0.08) evaluation. Median intra‐rater agreement κ was 0.57.

Conclusions

Inter‐rater agreement was poor for less experienced raters, and for all raters when evaluating hindlimb lameness. Since identification of the lame limb/limbs is a prerequisite for successful diagnosis, treatment and recovery, the high inter‐rater variation when evaluating lameness on the lunge is likely to influence the accuracy and repeatability of lameness examinations and, indirectly, the efficacy of treatment.
Bactericidal activity of ammonia and monoethanolamine on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains of various origins
Authors: Pinon A. , Decherf S. , Malet G. , Cupferman S. , Vialette M.
Published: November 2014

Synopsis

Objective

Microbiological risk of cosmetic products has to be assessed by the manufacturers to determine whether microbiological testing is required, according to the composition of a given product. The use of certain ingredients in cosmetic formulations will help to create a hostile environment towards microbial growth. In this study, the influence of some cosmetic ingredients on bacterial survival was evaluated.

Methods

Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which are relevant to cosmetic products given their ability to cause skin infection, were exposed to various concentrations of ammonia or monoethanolamine in culture medium. Microbial strains obtained from collection, clinical or industrial sources were included to assess the possible influence of strain origin.

Results

Increased concentrations of ammonia or monoethanolamine led to faster and larger reductions in bacterial populations. Staphylococcus aureus proved being more resistant than P. aeruginosa, and ammonia had a stronger impact than monoethanolamine. Strain origin showed a marginal influence on survival.

Conclusion

Concentrations higher than or equal to 0.5% (v/v) ammonia or 1% (v/v) monoethanolamine were able to completely inactivate bacterial populations (more than 5‐log reduction) in just a few days.
The evaluation of platelet indices and markers of inflammation, coagulation and disease progression in treatment‐naïve, asymptomatic HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Nkambule B. B. , Davison G. M. , Ipp H.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease and thrombotic events have emerged as major causes of mortality in people living with HIV. Activated platelets play a key role in both inflammation and thrombosis. Haematology analysers measure a variety of platelet indices, which could be surrogate markers of platelet activation. Flow cytometry offers the discrimination of platelet subpopulations and evaluation of the activation status of platelets. This study aimed to measure platelet indices in untreated HIV infection and to evaluate their relationship with markers of immune activation and disease progression.

Materials and methods

One hundred and eighty‐five antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve HIV‐infected and 145 HIV‐negative healthy individuals were recruited. Platelet indices measured using the ADVIA 2120 platform consisted of platelet count (PLT ×109/L), mean platelet volume (MPV fL), platelet distribution width (PDW%) and plateletcrit (PCT%). These were correlated with CD4 count, %CD38 on CD8+ (CD38/8) T cells, viral load, fibrinogen, D‐dimers and CD31+ platelet CD62P and CD36 expression, determined using flow cytometry.

Results

The HIV group had decreased MPV levels [median 7.7 (7.1–8.3) vs. control group 8.4 (7.8–9.2), P < 0.0001], which correlated with PCT% (r = 0.3038, P = 0.0013), viral load (r = 0.2680, P = 0.0177) and PDW% (r = 0.2479, P = 0.0257). Additionally, the MPV correlated with CD4 count r = −0.2898, P = 0.0075. The HIV group had decreased PDW%, 49.35 (46.40–52.65) vs. control group, 53.90 (50–56.80), P = 0.0170. In addition, the PDW% showed correlations with D‐dimers (r = 0.443, P = 0.03) and %CD36 (r = −0.3666, P = 0.0463).

Conclusion

Platelet indices may offer a rapid and affordable method for monitoring platelet activation and disease progression in patients with HIV.
DO INSTITUTIONS AFFECT CITIZENS' SELECTION INTO POLITICS?
Authors: Braendle Thomas
Published: November 2014

Political economy has primarily paid attention to the principal‐agent relationship between citizens and politicians and the role of competition and institutions in disciplining political agents. However, as the electoral control of politicians and the credibility of policy commitments are limited, this perspective needs to be complemented with an economics of political selection that takes into account the heterogeneity in the quality of those elected to political office. We review the emerging literature, which investigates the institutional determinants of political selection. We discuss pay in politics, parties, their candidate selection procedures and electoral rules, institutions enhancing transparency in politics, and institutions which govern dual office holding in different branches of government. We argue that further comparative analyses are essential in order to gain an improved understanding of the impact that institutions have on political outcomes, not only via the channel of accountability, but also via the channel of selection.
The association between alcohol consumption and periodontitis in southern Brazilian adults
Authors: Susin C. , Wagner M. C. , Haas A. N. , Oppermann R. V. , Albandar J. M.
Published: November 2014

Background and Objective

An association between alcohol consumption and periodontitis has been suggested in the literature, but the evidence is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and periodontitis in a probability sample of adults from south Brazil.

Material and Methods

This analysis included 1115 subjects aged 18–65 years derived from a representative sample from south Brazil. Data were collected from participants from clinical examination and structured interviews. Alcohol consumption was assessed by asking participants about the usual number of drinks consumed in a week. Four categories of alcohol consumption were defined: non‐drinker, ≤ 1 glass/wk, > 1 glass/wk, ≤ 1 glass/d and > 1 glass/d. Individuals with ≥ 30% teeth with periodontal attachment loss ≥ 5 mm were classified as having periodontitis. Logistic models adjusting for age, race, socioeconomic status, dental care, body mass index, self‐reported diabetes and smoking were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

After adjusting for co‐factors, females who reported drinking > 1 glass/d were more likely to have periodontitis (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.4–10.1), whereas females who reported drinking up to 1 glass/d were 50% less likely to have periodontitis (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3–0.8). No significant associations between overall alcohol intake and periodontitis were observed for males. In an exploratory analysis, wine consumption was associated with a lower likelihood of periodontitis among males (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1–0.5) but not females.

Conclusion

The periodontal health of males and females appears to be affected differently by alcohol consumption. Moderate wine consumption may have a beneficial effect in males.
Detection of a Tadalafil Analogue as an Adulterant in a Dietary Supplement for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Ulloa Jeronimo , Sambrotta Luis , Redko Flavia , Mazza Osvaldo Nestor , Garrido Gustavo , Becher Edgardo F. , Muschietti Liliana
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Several cases of adulteration of dietary supplements with tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil, or their unapproved analogues have been reported worldwide. Mainly, the presence of the latter represents a serious health risk to consumers as their efficacy and toxic effects have not been assessed and may result in unpredictable adverse effects.

Aim

To investigate the suspected adulteration with synthetic phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors in a dietary supplement marketed in Argentina for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

The content of the capsules of the dietary supplement (sample A) was analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) diode-array detection. From the organic extract of sample A, a major compound was purified by column chromatography (CC). The isolated compound was identified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and carbon NMR (13C NMR), heteronuclear single quantum coherence, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT 135), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet, and infrared (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectroscopy.

Main Outcome Measure

Proof of adulteration of herbal products with synthetic PDE-5 inhibitors.

Results

By TLC and HPLC analysis, a major compound was detected in sample A organic extract. The purification of this extract by CC led to the isolation of a pure compound which was identified according to its spectral data as (6R,12aR)-2-amino-6-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2,3,6,7,12,12a-hexahydropyrazino [1′,2′:1,6] pyrido [3,4-b] indole-1,4-dione or aminotadalafil.

Conclusions

An unapproved PDE-5 inhibitor analogue, which was identified as aminotadalafil, has been detected in a dietary supplement. This study represents the first report in Latin America and one of the few independent studies of an adulteration with an unapproved PDE-5 inhibitor of an herbal product for ED treatment.
Autoantibodies to red blood cell antigens occur frequently with hemolysis among pediatric small bowel transplant recipients: Clinical implications and management
Authors: Koepsell Scott A. , Grant Wendy , Landmark James D.
Published: November 2014

Reports have linked pediatric solid organ transplant recipients with the development of hemolytic autoimmune antibodies, especially in the setting of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus. This study aims to identify whether these observations also occurred at an institution that frequently performs pediatric multivisceral transplants and to characterize the treatment and outcome. Chart review was performed on all patients with RBC autoantibodies. Laboratory and clinical data were used to identify hemolysis. For transplant recipients with RBC autoantibodies, the type of transplant and outcome of the AIHA were profiled. One hundred twenty‐eight patients were identified with RBC autoantibodies, of which 22 patients were solid organ transplant recipients, including 18 SB graft recipients. Sixteen of the 18 had evidence of hemolysis. The incidence rate of AIHA in this population is estimated to be 10%, resulting in significant cost. Treatment included immunosuppressant modulation, steroids, IVIG, and plasma exchange, with 12 of the 16 patients responding. RBC autoantibodies occur in up to 10% in pediatric SB transplant recipients, with high cost of obtaining compatible blood. Neither tacrolimus nor receipts of a donor spleen were associated with the development of AIHA. Treatment using steroids and IVIG appears to be effective.
A nipple‐valve technique for ureteroneocystostomy in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Van Arendonk Kyle J. , Goldstein Seth D. , Salazar Jose H. , Kumar Komal , Lau Henry T. , Colombani Paul M.
Published: November 2014

The ureteroneocystostomy in kidney transplantation can be performed with a variety of techniques. Over a 20‐yr period, we utilized a technique of nipple‐valve ureteroneocystostomy for the pediatric kidney transplants performed at our institution. The distal ureter is everted upon itself and anchored in place with four interrupted sutures to create a nipple valve, which is then inserted into the bladder and sewn mucosa‐to‐mucosa with the same sutures. The muscularis layer is closed around the ureter without tunneling and without routine ureteral stenting. After 109 transplants, patient survival was 97.2, 97.2, and 86.9% at one, five, and 10 yr, respectively. Graft survival was 91.7, 71.7, and 53.9% at one, five, and 10 yr, respectively. The most common cause of graft loss was acute or chronic rejection, seen in 75% of those experiencing graft loss. Two patients (1.8%) developed pyelonephritis in the transplanted kidney. Nipple‐valve ureteroneocystostomy in pediatric kidney transplantation is a safe and simple method for performing the ureterovesical anastomosis with a low rate of pyelonephritis after transplantation.
Ancient Near Eastern Royal Rituals
Authors: Ambos Claus
Published: November 2014

This article deals with royal rituals from the Ancient Near East, focusing on the evidence from cuneiform sources from Babylonia and Assyria from the first millennium BCE. I will present rituals of coronation and investiture, which can be reconstructed from various text genres, such as epics, hymns or ritual handbooks. Royal investiture was not performed only at the beginning of the king's reign, but took place regularly during the festivals of the cultic calendar, particularly during the New Year's festivals in Spring and Fall. The king, albeit considered a superhuman being by the Mesopotamians, was nevertheless prone to illness. Illness was caused, according to Ancient Near Eastern ideas, by divine wrath and the alienation of a person from his or her protective deities. Thus, sickness was treated, among other cures, by rituals to bring about the reconciliation of the patient with the divine sphere. The performance of healing rituals for the kings of the Neo‐Assyrian empire is well attested from a comprehensive correspondence of kings Esarhaddon and Ashurbanipal with their ritual experts, diviners and physicians. An example from this correspondence will be presented in this contribution.
Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of calliper‐based lymph node measurement in dogs with peripheral nodal lymphomas
Authors: Childress M. O. , Fulkerson C. M. , Lahrman S. A. , Weng H.‐Y.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to assess reliability of lymph node measurements between and within raters in dogs with nodal lymphomas. Three raters measured lymph nodes from 20 dogs twice prior to and once after administering chemotherapy. Sum tumour volume (TV) and sum longest diameter (LD) of all lymph nodes at each time point, and the percent change in measurements following chemotherapy, were calculated for each dog. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability were assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). ICC for inter‐rater sum TV and sum LD prior to chemotherapy were 0.86 and 0.80, respectively. ICC for inter‐rater sum TV and sum LD after chemotherapy were 0.95 and 0.91, respectively. ICC for percent change in sum TV and sum LD were 0.96 and 0.94, respectively. ICC for intra‐rater reliability ranged from 0.90 to 0.98 for each rater. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability in measurements among the three raters was good to excellent.
Transforming Southeast Asian language habitats
Authors: LEITNER GERHARD
Published: November 2014

Southeast Asia is marked by high levels of diversity that carry over into its linguistic habitats. Located at sea routes that connect East Asia, East Africa, the Middle East and Europe, it was a part of major trade network between the 7th and 17th centuries and a geo‐political hub that enabled the exchange of political systems and power, goods and services, cultures and religions, languages and people. Its language habitats were marked by high levels of contact and change. Today Southeast Asia is more than a transit region. It is a geo‐political entity that is pursuing its own priorities. This paper focuses on the growth and current status of English within different national environments and the developing regional or ASEAN context. It pursues three objectives: (i) to outline the history of English in the context of existing habitats so as to develop research questions; (ii) to highlight linguistic developments which unite or, alternatively, distinguish different varieties of English in the region; and (iii) to raise some implications for educational policies, which are referred to briefly in the conclusion.
Lattice Structures Made From Surface-Modified Steel Sheets
Authors: Phu Mai Son , Sheng Wen Chun , Lu Jian
Published: November 2014

Nanostructured materials produced by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) method are explored for two periodic lattice topologies: square and Kagome. Selected SMAT strategies are applied to bar members in the unit cell of each topology considered. The maximum axial stress in these bars is calculated as a function of the macroscopic in-plane principal stresses. A simple yield criterion is used to determine the elastic limit of the lattice with each SMAT strategy, and the relative merits of the competing strategies are discussed in terms of the reinforced yield strength and the SMAT efficiency. Experiments of selected SMAT strategies on both square and Kagome lattices made from stainless steel sheets are performed to assess the analytical predictions for the loading case of uniaxial tension.
Sliding Frictional Contact of Functionally Graded Magneto-Electro-Elastic Materials Under a Conducting Flat Punch
Authors: Ma Ju , Ke Liao-Liang , Wang Yue-Sheng
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the two-dimensional sliding frictional contact between a rigid perfectly conducting flat punch and a functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic material (FGMEEM) layered half-plane. The electric potential and magnetic potential of the punch are assumed to be constant within the contact region. The magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) material properties of the FGMEEM layer vary as an exponential function along the thickness direction, and the Coulomb type friction is adopted within the contact region. By using the Fourier integral transform technique, the problem is reduced to coupled Cauchy singular integral equations of the first and second kinds for the unknown surface contact pressure, electric charge, and magnetic induction. An iterative method is developed to solve the coupled equations numerically and obtain the surface MEE fields. Then, the interior MEE fields are also obtained according to the surface MEE fields. Numerical results indicate that the gradient index and friction coefficient affect both the surface and interior MEE fields significantly.
The Resolution of d'Alembert's Paradox and Thermodynamic Admissibility
Authors: Kleinstein Gerald G.
Published: November 2014

The d'Alembert paradox, annunciated in 1752, was established after it was shown that the result of a net zero drag, obtained by applying potential theory to the incompressible flow past a sphere, was in contradiction with experimental results which showed a positive drag. Interpreting the result as a flaw in the theory, resulted in the declaration of the paradox. Following d'Alembert, we assume a potential motion, and proceed to analyze the consequences of this assumption using the global principles of continuum mechanics. We show that if the fluid is inviscid, the potential motion is thermodynamically admissible, the drag is zero, and the motion can persist indefinitely. Although no conventional fluid is available to either falsify (or validate), this result experimentally, in principle, the theory could be tested by using a superfluid, such as liquid Helium. If the fluid is viscous, we show that the potential irrotational motion is thermodynamically inadmissible, it is in violation of the second law of thermodynamics, and hence such a motion cannot persist. Indeed, observations show that when a rigid body is impulsively set into motion, an irrotational motion may exist initially but does not persist. Any flow property which is derived from a thermodynamically inadmissible motion cannot be expected to be in agreement with experimental data. As an illustration we show that the drag, calculated from the viscous potential solution of the flow past a sphere, is zero. We submit that since the theory of continuum mechanics predicts that no agreement between results obtained from viscous potential theory and experimental data can be expected, there is no room for a paradox once a contradiction is in fact observed. In nature, or under experimental conditions, the nonpersistence of the thermodynamically inadmissible motion proceeds in a breakup of the irrotational motion which transforms into a rotational and obviously admissible motion. We show that by selecting boundary conditions, required in the solution of the differential equations of motion, such that they satisfy the Clausius–Duhem jump conditions inequality, the thermodynamic admissibility of the solution is a priori assured. We also show the vorticity distribution at the wall associated with the particular choice of boundary condition.
Estimating forest vulnerability to the next spruce budworm outbreak: will past silvicultural efforts pay dividends?
Authors: Sainte-Marie Guillaume B. , Kneeshaw Daniel D. , MacLean David A. , Hennigar Chris R.
Published: November 2014

Silvicultural treatments recommended to reduce damage by spruce budworm (SBW; Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens) include reducing balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) abundance and age and increasing spruce (Picea spp.) and hardwood content. To evaluate the effect of these measures on forest timber supply, we assessed stand characteristics, disturbance history, and timber supply for an intensively managed eastern Quebec forest from 1985 to 2004, encompassing a major SBW outbreak. During this time, mean stand age declined from 55 to 51 years, and proportions of areas in balsam fir stands declined (42% to 27%), spruce–fir stabilized (12% to 11%), and mixedwoods increased (32% to 52%). We estimated forest vulnerability using softwood volume reductions following simulated outbreak scenarios of different severity (low, moderate, and high) and different effects of hardwood content in reducing spruce–fir defoliation. Volume reductions for outbreaks simulated to begin in either 1985 or 2004 were similar, ranging from 15%–46% (no hardwood effect in reducing defoliation) to 13%–39% (given a maximum hardwood content effect) for light and severe outbreaks, respectively. Considering the net detrimental effect of increased hardwood content on softwood timber supply, we question the dividends of promoting hardwoods and recommend increasing the combined use of plantations and weeding treatments to increase spruce content.
Thermionic Emission from a Niobium Single Crystal
Authors: Leblanc R. P. , Vanbrugghe B. C. , Girouard F. E.
Published: November 2014

A spherical projection diode was used to determine the Richardson constants from a niobium spherical single crystal. Work function and AR values are reported for the [110], [111], [112], [113], [116], [001], and [310] crystallographic directions. Examination of the crystal surface revealed plateau-like surface structure, thermal etch pits, and whisker growth.
Dynamics Modeling and Control of a Quadrotor with Swing Load
Authors: Sadr S. , Moosavian S. Ali A. , Zarafshan P.
Published: November 2014

Nowadays, aerial robots or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have many applications in civilian and military fields. For example, of these applications is aerial monitoring, picking loads and moving them by different grippers. In this research, a quadrotor with a cable-suspended load with eight degrees of freedom is considered. The purpose is to control the position and attitude of the quadrotor on a desired trajectory in order to move the considered load with constant length of cable. So, the purpose of this research is proposing and designing an antiswing control algorithm for the suspended load. To this end, control and stabilization of the quadrotor are necessary for designing the antiswing controller. Furthermore, this paper is divided into two parts. In the first part, dynamics model is developed using Newton-Euler formulation, and obtained equations are verified in comparison with Lagrange approach. Consequently, a nonlinear control strategy based on dynamic model is used in order to control the position and attitude of the quadrotor. The performance of this proposed controller is evaluated by nonlinear simulations and, finally, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy for the quadrotor with suspended load in various maneuvers.
Robust Adaptive Stabilization of Nonholonomic Mobile Robots with Bounded Disturbances
Authors: Chen Gang , Gao Tingting , Huang Jiangshuai , Zhou Qicai
Published: November 2014

The stabilization problem of nonholonomic mobile robots with unknown system parameters and environmental disturbances is investigated in this paper. Considering the dynamic model and the kinematic model of mobile robots, the transverse function approach is adopted to construct an additional control parameter, so that the closed-loop system is not underactuated. Then the adaptive backstepping method and the parameter projection technique are applied to design the controller to stabilize the system. At last, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed controller schemes.
Outcome of Two Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Methods in Bullous Keratopathy due to Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy
Authors: Ucakhan Omur O. , Saglik Ayhan
Published: November 2014

Four eyes of 2 patients with corneal edema due to Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy were treated with CXL using the standard protocol. Since no improvement in visual acuity, corneal clarity, thickness, or pain sensation was evident in any eye at month 12, 2 eyes of the 2 patients were retreated, this time, following intraoperative corneal dehydration with glycerol 70% drops. This retreatment also failed to produce any significant effect on vision, corneal clarity, thickness, or pain in either eye. Collagen crosslinking with the current protocols may not be effective in the management of eyes with corneal edema due to Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. Further studies are required to establish the efficacy of CXL and optimize the technique and/or dehydration method utilized in these cases.
Molecular Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Matched Peripheral and Placental Blood Samples from Delivering Women in Libreville, Gabon
Authors: Tshibola Mbuyi Marie L. , Bouyou-Akotet Marielle K. , Mawili-Mboumba Denise P.
Published: November 2014

Submicroscopic infections account for more than 50% of all Plasmodium (P.) infections in areas with decreasing malaria prevalence and might contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes. The frequency of submicroscopic P. falciparum infections was assessed in matched peripheral and placental blood samples with microscopy negative or discordant results according to IPTp administration. Methods. P. falciparum infection was detected by nested PCR in matched blood samples collected from delivering women with a history of antimalarial drug treatment and living in Gabon. Results. Submicroscopic P. falciparum infections were detected in 87% (n=33) of the 44 selected matched samples. Plasmodial DNA was found in 90% (n=35/39) and 87% (n=33/38) of microscopy negative peripheral and placental blood samples, respectively. Overall, 95% of samples obtained during the high IPTp-SP coverage period had a submicroscopic infection versus 79% among those from the low coverage period. Conclusion. Submicroscopic infections frequency is high in peripheral and placental blood samples from delivering women with a history of antimalarial treatment whatever the level of IPTp coverage. These data highlight the need of accurate diagnostic tools for a regular antenatal screening of malaria during the pregnancy in endemic areas.
Emerging Targets in Pituitary Adenomas: Role of the CXCL12/CXCR4-R7 System
Authors: Barbieri Federica , Thellung Stefano , Würth Roberto , Gatto Federico , Corsaro Alessandro , Villa Valentina , Nizzari Mario , Albertelli Manuela , Ferone Diego , Florio Tullio
Published: November 2014

Chemokines are chemotactic regulators of immune surveillance in physiological and pathological conditions such as inflammation, infection, and cancer. Several chemokines and cognate receptors are constitutively expressed in the central nervous system, not only in glial and endothelial cells but also in neurons, controlling neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and axonal guidance during development. In particular, the chemokine CXCL12 and its receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7, form a functional network that controls plasticity in different brain areas, influencing neurotransmission, neuromodulation, and cell migration, and the dysregulation of this chemokinergic axis is involved in several neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, and malignant diseases. CXCR4 primarily mediates the transduction of proliferative signals, while CXCR7 seems to be mainly responsible for scavenging CXCL12. Importantly, the multiple intracellular signalling generated by CXCL12 interaction with its receptors influences hypothalamic modulation of neuroendocrine functions, although a direct modulation of pituitary functioningviaautocrine/paracrine mechanisms was also reported. Both CXCL12 and CXCR4 are constitutively overexpressed in pituitary adenomas and their signalling induces cell survival and proliferation, as well as hormonal hypersecretion. In this review we focus on the physiological and pathological functions of immune-related cyto- and chemokines, mainly focusing on the CXCL12/CXCR4-7 axis, and their role in pituitary tumorigenesis. Accordingly, we discuss the potential targeting of CXCR4 as novel pharmacological approach for pituitary adenomas.
Performance on the Eve of Negro Spring
Authors: paggett taisha
Published: November 2014

taisha paggett’s work includes individual and collaborative investigations for the stage, gallery, and public sphere, which question the body, agency, and the phenomenology of race and gender. Her work has been presented widely, including the Studio Museum in Harlem, Danspace Project, and the Whitney Museum (NY); Defibrillator (Chicago); The Off Center (SF); Public Fiction and LACE (LA); and BAK (Utrecht). She has worked with David Roussève, Stanley Love Performance Group, Fiona Dolenga, Vic Marks, Kelly Nipper, Meg Wolfe, Ultra-red, and with Ashley Hunt on their project On Movement, Thought and Politics. paggett is on the dance faculty at UC Riverside, and is co-instigator of itch dance journal.
In the Window at Disney: A Lifetime of Brand Desire
Authors: Bennett Susan , Schweitzer Marlis
Published: November 2014

The princess makeover is a signature Disney performance that articulates the interplay between the production of a desiring subject and the commodification of experience. It is a transformation that demands affective labor from consumers on behalf of one of the world’s preeminent brands.
Touching, Flirting, Whispering: Performing Intimacy in Public
Authors: Walsh Fintan
Published: November 2014

In works by Scottish performer Adrian Howells, Belgian theatre company Ontroerend Goed, and German-British artist Tino Sehgal the artists conspire to create intimate relationships with and among their publics. But this goal is often complicated by pressures to feel or at least to fake it, and obligations to pay money and attention; in short, to work.
“When Elephants Are in Must”: Peggy Shaw, Acts of Trans/fer, and the Present Future of Queer Desire
Authors: Pryor Jaclyn
Published: November 2014

Performed three months after performance artist Peggy Shaw nearly died from a stroke, the 2011 production of Must in Amherst was infused with the exigencies of the present: Shaw “must” perform Must in order to pass her butch legacy onto the next generation of queer and trans folk in the audience.
The Trouble with Tears: Excess and Desire in Austin’s Grrl Action
Authors: Myers Sarah
Published: November 2014

Grrl Action, an Austin-based writing and performance program for teenage girls, is a space of affective seepage—of permeable boundaries between audience and performer. The complex desires enacted in its public performances deconstruct the unidirectional empowerment rhetoric so prevalent in youth “outreach” programs and complicate broader assumptions about audience-actor relationships.
Basketball and Desire
Authors: Margolin Deb
Published: November 2014

Why don’t athletes, dancers, and other thinkers with the body tend to give us more experiential details when we ask? Could it be that physical genius instinctively avoids the tragedies and failures of spoken language?
Black Desire, Theatrical Jazz, and River See
Authors: Jones Omi Osun Joni L. , Bridgforth Sharon
Published: November 2014

The complexities of Black desire can be understood anew through the lens of theatrical jazz. The fluidity of time and space that characterizes theatrical jazz opens a space for a self-determined Black desire that is situated outside of prescriptions about what Black desire might be.
Ambushed by Empathy: George Brant’s Grounded
Authors: Morrison Elise
Published: November 2014

George Brant’s Grounded explores the ethical complexities of military drone use through the story of an Air Force pilot who, after the birth of her daughter, is re-commissioned to pilot drones over Afghanistan from the Nevada desert. The play reveals the devastating costs of contemporary warfare, as well as the possibility for empathy through systems of global surveillance.
Immanent Utopia/Utopia Imminent: Thomas Hirschhorn’s Gramsci Monument
Authors: Rizzo Jessica
Published: November 2014

Thomas Hirschhorn’s Monuments are works of art that demand new nomenclature. His Gramsci Monument in the South Bronx was at once physical structure and pure idea, community center and philosophical proposition, reality and dream. What does it take to build a utopia we can see, feel, and inhabit?
Preamble to the Special Issue ‘Subjective Duration’: A Renaissance in Timing
Authors: Brown Bruce L. , Doyère Valérie
Published: November 2014

This paper is an introduction to the Special Issue on ‘Subjective Duration’ that treats time from a range of perspectives. It presents a brief account of the relatively recent rise of research activity in timing in the areas of conditioning, and highlights the dynamic interest in timing and temporal perception beyond the domain of psychology to philosophy, the arts, and neuroscience.
A new species of Limatulichthys Isbrücker & Nijssen (Loricariidae, Loricariinae) from the western Guiana Shield
Authors: LONDOÑO-BURBANO ALEJANDRO , LEFEBVRE STÉPHANIE L. , LUJAN NATHAN K.
Published: November 2014

Limatulichthys nasarcus n. sp. is described as a new species based on 15 specimens from the Ventuari and Caura Rivers in Southern Venezuela. The new species can be distinguished from its only congener, L. griseus, by the presence of anterior abdominal plates half the size of those at center of abdomen (vs. plates similar in size); distinct spots less than half of diameter of naris across entire dorsum, including snout and head (vs. indistinct dorsal spots larger or equal than diameter of naris); lateral portions of head and opercle with dark well-defined spots larger than those on dorsum (vs. spots on lateral portions of head and opercle equal in size to those on remainder of body); snout profile in dorsal view broadly rounded (vs. acutely triangular); head longer (21.4–24.2 SL vs. 17.7–21.0%); and anal fin longer (15.7–18.0 SL vs. 13.7–15.6%). Distinctiveness of the two species is further supported by their non-overlapping distribution in multivariate morphospace. The disjunct distribution of L. nasarcus across both the Caura and Ventuari rivers exclusive of the main Orinoco River channel contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the historical connection between headwaters of these drainages. The hypothesized existence of a ‘proto-Berbice’ paleodrainage provides one explanation for such a connection.
Multidecadal Evaluation of WRF Downscaling Capabilities over Western Australia in Simulating Rainfall and Temperature Extremes
Authors: Andrys Julia , Lyons Thomas J. , Kala Jatin
Published: November 2014

The authors evaluate a 30-yr (1981–2010) Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) Model regional climate simulation over the southwest of Western Australia (SWWA), a region with a Mediterranean climate, using ERA-Interim boundary conditions. The analysis assesses the spatial and temporal characteristics of climate extremes, using a selection of climate indices, with an emphasis on metrics that are relevant for forestry and agricultural applications. Two nested domains at 10- and 5-km resolution are examined, with the higher-resolution simulation resolving convection explicitly. Simulation results are compared with a high-resolution, gridded observational dataset that provides daily rainfall, minimum temperatures, and maximum temperatures. Results show that, at both resolutions, the model is able to simulate the daily, seasonal, and annual variation of temperature and precipitation well, including extreme events. The higher-resolution domain displayed significant performance gains in simulating dry-season convective precipitation, rainfall around complex terrain, and the spatial distribution of frost conditions. The high-resolution domain was, however, influenced by grid-edge effects in the southwestern margin, which reduced the ability of the domain to represent frontal rainfall along the coastal region. On the basis of these results, the authors feel confident in using the WRF Model for regional climate simulations for the SWWA, including studies that focus on the spatial and temporal representation of climate extremes. This study provides a baseline climatological description at a high resolution that can be used for impact studies and will also provide a benchmark for climate simulations driven by general circulation models.
Novel Tornado Detection Using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy System with S-Band Polarimetric Weather Radar
Authors: Wang Yadong , Yu Tian-You
Published: November 2014

Tornado debris signatures (TDS) exhibited in polarimetric measurements have the potential to facilitate tornado detection. The upgrade of the network of S-band Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) to dual polarization was completed recently. Therefore, it is timely to develop a tornado detection algorithm that capitalizes on TDS and integrates with other existing signatures observed in the velocity (shear signature) and Doppler spectrum (spectral signature) fields. In this work, the analysis indicates that TDS are not always present with shear and spectral signatures. A neuro-fuzzy tornado detection algorithm (NFTDA) using the Sugeno fuzzy inference system is developed to consider the strength of different tornado signatures that are characterized by operationally available data of differential reflectivity, cross-correlation coefficient, velocity difference, and spectrum width with the goal of reliable and robust detection. The performance is further optimized using a training procedure based on a neural network. The performance of NFTDA is evaluated using polarimetric WSR-88D data from 17 tornadoes with enhanced Fujita (EF) scale ratings ranging from EF-0 to EF-4 and distance from 16 to 133 km to the radar. NFTDA performs well with the probability of detection (POD), false alarm ratio (FAR), and critical success index (CSI) of 86%, 11%, and 78%, respectively. Moreover, a computationally efficient method is introduced to analyze the sensitivity of the tornado signatures. It is demonstrated that even though TDS play a less important role than the other two signatures, TDS can help improve the detection, especially during the later stage of a tornado, when the shear and spectral signatures become weaker.
Strong convergence theorem for quasi-Bregman strictly pseudocontractive mappings and equilibrium problems in Banach spaces
Authors: Ugwunnadi Godwin C , Ali Bashir , Idris Ibrahim , Minjibir Maaruf S
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we introduce a new iterative scheme by a hybrid method and prove a strong convergence theorem of a common element in the set of fixed points of a finite family of closed quasi-Bregman strictly pseudocontractive mappings and common solutions to a system of equilibrium problems in reflexive Banach space. Our results extend important recent results announced by many authors.

MSC:47H09, 47J25.
Design of an international multicentre RCT on group schema therapy for borderline personality disorder
Authors: Wetzelaer Pim , Farrell Joan , Evers Silvia MAA , Jacob Gitta A , Lee Christopher W , Brand Odette , van Breukelen Gerard , Fassbinder Eva , Fretwell Heather , Harper R Patrick , Lavender Anna , Lockwood George , Malogiannis Ioannis A , Schweiger Ulrich , Startup Helen , Stevenson Teresa , Zarbock Gerhard , Arntz Arnoud
Published: November 2014

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and highly prevalent mental disorder. Schema therapy (ST) has been found effective in the treatment of BPD and is commonly delivered through an individual format. A group format (group schema therapy, GST) has also been developed. GST has been found to speed up and amplify the treatment effects found for individual ST. Delivery in a group format may lead to improved cost-effectiveness. An important question is how GST compares to treatment as usual (TAU) and what format for delivery of schema therapy (format A; intensive group therapy only, or format B; a combination of group and individual therapy) produces the best outcomes.

Methods/Design

An international, multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted with a minimum of fourteen participating centres. Each centre will recruit multiple cohorts of at least sixteen patients. GST formats as well as the orders in which they are delivered to successive cohorts will be balanced. Within countries that contribute an uneven number of sites, the orders of GST formats will be balanced within a difference of one. The RCT is designed to include a minimum of 448 patients with BPD. The primary clinical outcome measure will be BPD severity. Secondary clinical outcome measures will include measures of BPD and general psychiatric symptoms, schemas and schema modes, social functioning and quality of life. Furthermore, an economic evaluation that consists of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses will be performed using a societal perspective. Lastly, additional investigations will be carried out that include an assessment of the integrity of GST, a qualitative study on patients’ and therapists’ experiences with GST, and studies on variables that might influence the effectiveness of GST.

Discussion

This trial will compare GST to TAU for patients with BPD as well as two different formats for the delivery of GST. By combining an evaluation of clinical effectiveness, an economic evaluation and additional investigations, it will contribute to an evidence-based understanding of which treatment should be offered to patients with BPD from clinical, economic, and stakeholders’ perspectives.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial RegisterNTR2392. Registered 25 June 2010.