bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White‐Light and Yellow/Blue Photoluminescence Emission Based on Dy3+‐Doped SiO2–Gd2O3 Composites
Authors: Rocha Leonardo Alves , Schiavon Marco Antonio , Ribeiro Sidney José Lima , Ferrari Jefferson Luis
Published: May 2016

This work attempts to obtain Dy3+‐doped SiO2–Gd2O3 by sol–gel process, with a molar ratio of 70Si4+–30Gd3+ and Dy3+ concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 mol%. Heat treatment at temperatures of 1000°C, 1100°C, 1200°C, and 1300°C have been performed. From XRD, the Gd2O3 cubic phase was observed at 1000°C and 1100°C, at 1200°C also were observed Gd2O3 monoclinic phase, predominant at 1300°C. The band‐gap values vary between 4.4 and 5.3 eV, showing dependence on the crystalline phase. Under UV excitation, emission spectra show bands assigned to the Dy3+ transitions: 4F9/2→6H15/2 (484 nm), 4F9/2→6H13/2 (572 nm), and 4F9/2→6H11/2 (668 nm). The excitation at 275 nm has shown more effective. The ratio between the most intense emission bands (yellow/blue) show values around 0.84 and 1.63. CIE chromaticity diagrams show color coordinates at blue, yellow, and white regions, as a function of Dy3+ concentration and heat treatment. The lifetime values of excited state 4F9/2 were around 0.20 and 0.69 ms. The morphology of particles changed from spherical to coral‐like shape as a function of heat treatment are observed. The sol–gel process showed to be an interesting route to obtain Dy3+‐doped binary system materials.
Temporal variation in relative frequency of nectariferous and nectarless inflorescences and its effect on subsequent fecundity in an ephemeral plant, Corydalis ambigua (Fumariaceae)
Authors: Zhao Xing‐Nan , Zhao Ji‐Min , Guo Ji‐Xun , Zhang Yan‐Wen
Published: May 2016

The occurrence of nectarlessness flowers in nectar‐producing plants is a common and stable phenomenon in many species, but their occurrence is still not well understood. The aim of this study is to examine a question from both the plant and pollinator perspectives: why do nectar‐producing species produce some nectarless flowers within a plant? We investigate the distribution patterns of nectarless flowers in natural populations and their variation among the populations and years in a spring‐flowering self‐incompatible perennial herb plant, Corydalis ambigua Chem. & Schlecht (Fumariaceae), we observed the foraging behavior of bumblebees to nectariferous and nectarless inflorescences. We also examined the differences in reproductive success between inflorescence types and the effect of nectar production on flower production of the next flowering season. The results indicated that the frequencies of nectarless flowers varied among inflorescences, individuals, and populations and between years. Plants can revise or keep their inflorescence types or change nectar production status in the next growing season. Bumblebees visited both types with equal frequency but different foraging behavior, which resulted in lower seed production in nectarless inflorescences. However, nectarless inflorescences may save more energy and result in larger bulbs, which produce more flowers in the next flowering season. We found that although nectarless flowers resulted in lower seed set in nectarless inflorescence or individuals, they could affect bumblebees’ foraging behavior and further promote the effective output of pollen. In addition, the resource savings could enhance plant reproductive success in the next flowering season.
LIQUIDATION OF AN INDIVISIBLE ASSET WITH INDEPENDENT INVESTMENT
Authors: Fabre Emilie , Royer Guillaume , Touzi Nizar
Published: May 2016

We provide an extension of the explicit solution of a mixed optimal stopping–optimal stochastic control problem introduced by Henderson and Hobson. The problem examines whether the optimal investment problem on a local martingale financial market is affected by the optimal liquidation of an independent indivisible asset. The indivisible asset process is defined by a homogeneous scalar stochastic differential equation, and the investor's preferences are defined by a general expected utility function. The value function is obtained in explicit form, and we prove the existence of an optimal stopping–investment strategy characterized as the limit of an explicit maximizing strategy. Our approach is based on the standard dynamic programming approach.
Comparison of the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine to propofol or propofol/sevoflurane for drug‐induced sleep endoscopy in children
Authors: Kandil Ali , Subramanyam Rajeev , Hossain Mohamed Monir , Ishman Stacey , Shott Sally , Tewari Anurag , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: May 2016

Aim

Examination of dynamic airway collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) can help identify the anatomic causes of airway obstruction. We hypothesized that a combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine (Group DK) would result in fewer oxygen desaturations and a higher successful completion rate during DISE in children with OSA when compared to propofol (Group P) or sevoflurane/propofol (Group SP).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of 59 children who presented for DISE between October 2013 and March 2015. Data analyzed included demographics, OSA severity, and hemodynamics (heart rate and blood pressure). The primary outcomes were airway desaturation during DISE to <85% and successful completion of DISE; these were compared between the three groups: DK, P, and SP.

Results

Preoperative polysomnography was available for 49 patients. There were significantly more patients with severe OSA in Group P as compared to the other two groups. The mean (±sd) bolus dose for ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and propofol were 2.0 ± 0.6 mg·kg−1, 1.9 ± 0.9 mcg·kg−1, and 1.8 ± 1.1 mg·kg−1, respectively. The mean (±sd) infusion rate for dexmedetomidine was 1.6 ± 0.7 mcg·kg−1·h−1 and for propofol was 248 ± 68 mcg·kg−1·min−1 in Group P and 192 ± 48 mcg·kg−1·min−1 in Group SP. Patients in Group DK had significantly fewer desaturations to <85% during DISE compared to Group P. Patients in Group DK had significantly more successful completion of DISE (100% Group DK, 92% Group P, and 79% Group SP) as compared to Group SP.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the described dose regimen of propofol used alone or in combination with sevoflurane appears to be associated with more oxygen desaturations and a lower rate of successful completion than a combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine during DISE in children with OSA.
Impact of Market‐based Policies and External Fiscal Discipline on Ghana's Inflation
Authors: Adom Philip Kofi , Bekoe William , Quartey George , Amakye Kwaku , Barnor Charles
Published: May 2016

This study investigates the impact of liberalization of the forex exchange and financial sectors and external prudent fiscal management in Côte d'Ivoire on Ghana's inflation. We find that, in the financial sector, there is a case for liberalization, in terms of lowering inflation. However, a quasi‐liberalized system in the sector proves to have a greater potential to reduce inflation in Ghana. In the exchange market, non‐liberalization has the edge over liberalization in reducing inflation in Ghana. However, a quasi‐liberalized system in the sector has a greater potential to lower inflation. There is evidence of a strong intra‐continental transfer of inflation from Côte d'Ivoire to Ghana, but this transmission has been significantly moderated downwards by the implementation of prudent fiscal management in Côte d'Ivoire. We also find that monetary targeting and inflation targeting have deflationary effects, but we cannot claim that this has significantly reduced inflation. The implication of the result is that; a system that achieves the correct balance between the market mechanism and command system in the exchange and financial sectors has a greater potential to lower inflation in Ghana. Also, domestic monetary policies should not only be anchored on internal factors.
OPTIMAL LIST PRICE AND DURATION OF VACANCY IN THE HOUSING MARKET IN TOKYO
Authors: GU Jianping , ASAMI Yasushi
Published: May 2016

In the housing market, the advertised list price significantly influences the final sale price and the duration a property spends on the market. With the uncertainties and complexities of the housing market, the list price can be a difficult and critical decision for home sellers. This paper develops a theoretical model for an optimal list price strategy with an information learning process to ensure a maximum expected return and a discussion of the ideal vacancy rate. The optimal list price strategy is composed of factors such as the frequency of list price revisions, the best timing to revise the price, and the value of a sequence of list prices and varies according to the market situation, and patience and prior knowledge of the seller. The results of the application in Tokyo 23 wards imply that there is an excess of houses in the sale market and potential for home sellers to improve their list price strategy and the learning process in order to shorten the time a property spends on the market without losing any return.
The use of microstructures for discriminating turbiditic and hemipelagic muds and mudstones
Authors: Kase Yoshihiro , Sato Maromi , Nishida Naohisa , Ito Makoto , Mukti Muhammad Ma'ruf , Ikehara Ken , Takizawa Shigeru
Published: May 2016

The microstructures of turbiditic and hemipelagic muds and mudstones were investigated using a scanning electron microscope to determine whether there are microstructural features that can differentiate turbiditic from hemipelagic sedimentary processes. Both types of muddy deposits are, in general, characterized by randomly‐oriented clay particles. However, turbiditic muds and mudstones also characteristically contain aggregates of ‘edge‐to‐face’ contacts between clay particles with long‐axis lengths of up to 30 μm. Based on observations of the clay fabric of the experimentally‐formed muds settled from previously agitated muddy fluids, these types of aggregates, hereafter referred to as ‘aggregates of clay particles’, are interpreted as having been formed by the collision of component flocs in turbulent fluids. Furthermore, some aggregates of clay particles have ‘face‐to‐face’ contacts between clay particles; this is similar to face‐to‐face aggregates characteristically developed in fluid‐mud deposits that are commonly recognized only in turbiditic mudstones, indicating the possibility of a final stage of deposition under highly‐dense conditions, such as temporary fluid muds. In conjunction with earlier proposed lithofacies‐based and ichnofacies‐based criteria, aggregates of clay particles should be useful for the differentiation of turbiditic and hemipelagic muddy deposits, particularly with limited volumes of non‐oriented samples from deep‐water successions.
Usefulness of daily surveillance blood cultures in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients on steroids: a 1‐year prospective study
Authors: Colombier M.‐A. , Lafaurie M. , de Fontbrune F.S. , Resche‐Rigon M. , Donay J.‐L. , Pons J.‐L. , Molina J.‐M. , Socie G.
Published: May 2016

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are frequent and potentially severe complications in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) recipients. In patients on steroids, surveillance blood cultures (SBCs) are routinely performed to detect asymptomatic BSI but their usefulness remains controversial.

Methods

We performed a 1‐year, observational, prospective, single‐center study to assess the utility of daily SBCs in AHSCT recipients on steroids and a case–control study to identify risk factors associated with positive SBCs. All blood cultures (BCs) obtained from adults hospitalized in the HSCT unit were prospectively studied throughout 1 year. Characteristics, treatments, and outcome of patients were retrieved from medical charts.

Results

A total of 3594 BCs were obtained in 177 patients, including 1450 SBCs in 82 AHSCT recipients on steroids. In 33 patients, 103 SBCs (7%) were positive. Low‐virulence bacteria were identified in 74% of episodes. When analyzing first episode of positive SBCs (28 patients), 6 (21%) true BSI were identified.

Conclusions

Patients with positive SBCs were receiving antibiotic treatment less frequently at the time of SBCs (P < 0.001) and had more frequently BCs obtained through central venous access (P < 0.04) when compared to patients with negative SBCs. Daily SBCs in AHSCT recipients on steroids only rarely identify BSI and clear benefit for patients could not be demonstrated.
A consensus‐based tool for ranking the risk of blood‐transmissible infections
Authors: Oei Welling , Neslo Rabin , Janssen Mart P.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose a threat to blood transfusion safety. Despite a lack of evidence, safety interventions may be required. However, what should decision makers base their decisions on? A model was developed that allows valuing the perceived risk of an EID for blood safety as derived from a group of experts. The model requires estimates of four disease characteristics and the accuracy of these estimates.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixteen selected experts ranked 24 hypothetical diseases, each comprising a quantitative estimate of four characteristics: transfusion transmissibility, proportion of asymptomatic infectious phase, prevalence of infection, and disease impact. Each of the characteristics was expressed at one of six predefined levels with varying ranges of uncertainty. The model was derived using probabilistic inversion and was applied to value the perceived risk of most currently known EIDs relevant to blood transfusion.

RESULTS

The model demonstrated that transmissibility and prevalence are the most important risk drivers. However, disease impact and likelihood of transmission during the asymptomatic phase of infection are more important when the disease characteristics are unknown. In the ranking of currently known EIDs, diseases that have been identified previously as posing a serious risk to blood transfusion appear at the top of the list.

CONCLUSION

With the current model, the perceived risk of EIDs for transfusion safety can be determined for both known and unknown diseases, even when little information is available. Extension of the expert base, further model development and validation, and continuous updating of the model are recommended.
Alternatives from the Ground Up: Globalization School Input on Anarchism/Syndicalism and (Black) Working Class Self‐Emancipation in Postapartheid South Africa
Authors: van der Walt Lucien
Published: May 2016

This commentary, an input at a Globalization School debate in Cape Town, engages current labor and Left debates on building alternatives, drawing on the experiences of the radical wing of the anti‐apartheid movement in South Africa, and on anarchism and syndicalism. It argues for a strategy of bottom‐up mobilization based on debate and pluralism, and building structures of counter‐power and a revolutionary counter‐culture that can prefigure and create a new social order. The aim is to foster a class‐based movement against exploitation, domination, and oppression, including national oppression, that can win reforms through self‐activity, unite a range of struggles against oppression, and develop the capacity and unity needed for deep social change. This should be outside parliament, the political party system and the state. The outcome, ultimately, would be the replacement of capitalism, the state, and social and economic inequality, by a universal human community based on self‐management, the democratization of daily life, participatory economic planning, and libertarian socialism.
Protocol for a systematic review of evaluation research for adults who have participated in the ‘SMART recovery’ mutual support programme
Authors: Beck Alison K , Baker Amanda , Kelly Peter J , Deane Frank P , Shakeshaft Anthony , Hunt David , Forbes Erin , Kelly John F
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery) offers an alternative to predominant 12-step approaches to mutual aid (eg, alcoholics anonymous). Although the principles (eg, self-efficacy) and therapeutic approaches (eg, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy) of SMART Recovery are evidence based, further clarity regarding the direct evidence of its effectiveness as a mutual aid package is needed. Relative to methodologically rigorous reviews supporting the efficacy of 12-step approaches, to date, reviews of SMART Recovery have been descriptive. We aim to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the evidence for SMART Recovery in adults with problematic alcohol, substance and/or behavioural addiction, including a commentary on outcomes assessed, potential mediators, feasibility (including economic outcomes) and a critical evaluation of the methods used.

Methods and analysis

Methods are informed by the Cochrane Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. 6 electronic peer-reviewed and 4 grey literature databases have been identified. Preliminary searches have been conducted for SMART Recovery literature (liberal inclusion criteria, not restricted to randomised controlled trials (RCTs), qualitative-only designs excluded). Eligible ‘evaluation’ articles will be assessed against standardised criteria and checked by an independent assessor. The searches will be re-run just before final analyses and further studies retrieved for inclusion. A narrative synthesis of the findings will be reported, structured around intervention type and content, population characteristics, and outcomes. Where possible, ‘summary of findings’ tables will be generated for each comparison. When data are available, we will calculate a risk ratio and its 95% CI (dichotomous outcomes) and/or effect size according to Cohen's formula (continuous outcomes) for the primary outcome of each trial.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical issues are foreseen. Findings will be disseminated widely to clinicians and researchers via journal publication and conference presentation(s).

Prospero registration number

CRD42015025574.
Enteral Nutrition versus Parenteral Nutrition after Major Abdominal Surgery in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Xu-Fei , Wu Ning , Zhao Guo-Qiang , Liu Jian-Fang , Dai Ye-Feng
Published: May 2016

To clarify the benefits of enteral nutrition (EN) versus total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer who underwent major abdominal surgery. Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published until July 10, 2015, reporting outcomes between the two types of postoperative nutritional support. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. A χ2-based test of homogeneity was performed using Cochran's Q statistic and I2. A total of 2540 patients (1268 who received EN and 1272 who received TPN; average age range: 58.3–67.7 years) from 18 RCTs were included for assessment. Patients who received EN had shorter lengths of hospital stay (pooled difference in mean=−1.74, 95% CI −2.41 to −1.07, p<0.001, shorter time to flatus (pooled difference in mean=−1.27, 95% CI −1.69 to −0.85, p<0.001), and significantly greater increases in albumin levels (pooled difference in mean=−1.33, 95% CI −2.18 to −0.47, p=0.002) compared with those who received TPN after major abdominal surgery, based on a random-effects model of analysis. EN after major abdominal surgery provided better outcomes compared with TPN in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Mechanisms of Ertapenem Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Isolates in a Tertiary University Hospital
Authors: Chung Hae-Sun , Yong Dongeun , Lee Miae
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ertapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae isolates in a clinical microbiology laboratory at a tertiary university hospital. A total of 40 clinical isolates including 20 resistant and 20 intermediate isolates were collected from August 2012 to July 2013. Ertapenem susceptibility was confirmed by the broth microdilution method. PCR and sequencing analysis of carbapenemase, AmpC β-lactamase, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes were performed. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) were examined by urea-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Molecular epidemiology studies were performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). AmpC β-lactamases and ESBLs were found in 32 (80.0%) and 20 (50.0%) of the 40 isolates with ertapenem non-susceptibility, respectively. Distributions of β-lactamase genes differed among the species. One Citrobacter freundii isolate among the 40 isolates with ertapenem non-susceptibility carrying the blaIMP-1 associated class 1 integron was detected. SDS-PAGE of OMPs showed altered or greatly diminished expression of porins in all isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=5) and Enterobacter cloacae (n=11) with ertapenem resistance. Porin alterations were less common among the isolates with intermediate susceptibility (4/19). Integration of the results of molecular analysis of β-lactamases and OMP analysis revealed that most of the isolates with ertapenem resistance exhibited β-lactamase activity and porin alteration. PFGE revealed that most isolates were epidemiologically unrelated. Ertapenem resistance in clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates was associated with β-lactamase activity and porin alteration. Even though carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are still rare, continuous monitoring and infection control for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are necessary.
Safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Patients with Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Keshmiri Hesam , Yousuf Tariq , Issa Rasha , Kurien Sudha , Silva Roeglio
Published: May 2016

In this retrospective study, the safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement was evaluated as maintaining adequate nutritional support for patients with left ventricular assist devices is crucial. Nineteen patients who underwent PEG tube placement were followed for an average of 40 days. Overall, minor complications such as infections, bleeding, and PEG tube malposition occurred in just 19% of patients while the rate of major complications such as perforation was 5%. Further randomized control trials are necessary to validate this assertion that the safety of PEG placement in patients with left ventricular assist devices is similar to that of the general population.
RONALD MCKINNON’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECONOMICS
Authors: CONNOLLY MICHAEL
Published: May 2016

Ronald McKinnon contributed crucially to our knowledge of the key role of savings, investment and financial intermedication in economic growth. Financial repression by governemt spending on consumption and repressed interest rates leads to low savings which finances investment, thus slowing growth. This is Ron’s message even today. He has castigated the U.S. monetary authorities for falling into a “policy trap” of repressing interest rates, presumably to foster investment and growth. In fact, Ron points out that zero rates deter savings and thus punish both investment and growth.
Black holes with scalar hair in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Brihaye Y. , Ducobu L.
Published: May 2016

The Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity in five dimensions is extended by scalar fields and the corresponding equations are reduced to a system of nonlinear differential equations. A large family of regular solutions of these equations is shown to exist. Generically, these solutions are spinning black holes with scalar hairs. They can be characterized (but not uniquely) by an horizon and an angular velocity on this horizon. Taking particular limits, the black holes approach boson star or become extremal, in any case the limiting configurations remain hairy.
Unitary realization of wave function collapse
Authors: Moldoveanu Florin
Published: May 2016

Recent quantum reconstruction projects demand pure unitary time evolution which seems to contradict the collapse postulate. Inspired by Zurek’s environment assisted invariance idea, a natural unitary realization of wave function collapse is proposed using Grothendieck group construction for the tensor product commutative monoid.
Integrated Exploration Methodology for Data Interleaving and Data-to-Memory Mapping on SIMD Architectures
Authors: Filippopoulos Iason , Sharma Namita , Catthoor Francky , Kjeldsberg Per Gunnar , Panda Preeti Ranjan
Published: May 2016

This work presents a methodology for efficient exploration of data interleaving and data-to-memory mapping options for Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) platform architectures. The system architecture consists of a reconfigurable clustered scratch-pad memory and a SIMD functional unit, which performs the same operation on multiple input data in parallel. The memory accesses contribute substantially to the overall energy consumption of an embedded system executing a data intensive task. The scope of this work is the reduction of the overall energy consumption by increasing the utilization of the functional units and decreasing the number of memory accesses. The presented methodology is tested using a number of benchmark applications with holes in their access scheme. Potential gains are calculated based on the energy models, both for the processing and the memory part of the system. The reduction in energy consumption after efficient interleaving and mapping of data is between 40% and 80% for the complete system and the studied benchmarks.
How to produce innovations
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: May 2016

Making innovations happen is surprisingly easy, satisfying, and rewarding if you start small and build up.
An interview with Yale Patt
Authors: Chiou Derek
Published: May 2016

ACM Fellow Professor Yale Patt reflects on his career in industry and academia.
Reimagining search
Authors: Wright Alex
Published: May 2016

Search engine developers are moving beyond the problem of document analysis, toward the elusive goal of figuring out what people really want.
An Appreciation of the Life and Work of William C. Reynolds (1933–2004)
Authors: Moin Parviz , Homsy G.M.
Published: May 2016

Bill Reynolds was a remarkably creative scientist who combined a natural curiosity with enormous energy to make significant contributions to fluid mechanics research. In this article, we combine our own recollections with those of many others to capture the aspects of Bill's personality and sense of humor that made him the irrepressible person that he was. We discuss his works on turbulent flow and touch on others that illustrate the wide range of his interests. We survey his involvement in education through classroom teaching and mentoring of research students, and his lifelong support of the Division of Fluid Dynamics of the American Physical Society. And we cover his many contributions during his long career at Stanford University, where he spent his entire working life, especially his seminal role with the Center for Turbulence Research.
Effect of Chlorides on Conductivity and Dielectric Constant in Hardened Cement Mortar: NDT for Durability Evaluation
Authors: Kim Sunkook , Kang Joowon , Lee Sang-Hyo , Ahn Yong Han
Published: May 2016

Dielectric constant and conductivity, the so-called EM properties (electromagnetic), are widely adopted for NDT (Nondestructive Technique) in order to detect damage or evaluate performance of concrete without damage to existing RC (reinforced concrete). Among deteriorating agents, chloride ion is considered as one of the most critical threats due to rapid penetration and direct effect on steel corrosion. In the work, cement mortar samples with 3 w/c (water-to-cement) ratios and 4 levels of chloride addition are considered. Conductivity and dielectric constant are measured in the normal frequency range. They increase with strength of mortar and more chloride ions due to denser pore formation. Furthermore, the behaviors of measured EM property are investigated with carbonation velocity and strength, which shows an attempt of application to durability evaluation through EM measurement.
Lumen Gentium’s Pneumatological Renewal
Authors: SJ Jos Moons
Published: May 2016

Yves Congar famously stated that Vatican ii ‘has begun to restore to us the pneumatological dimension of the Church .… [but] stopped halfway’. Focusing on Lumen gentium (lg), this article explores what its pneumatological renewal consists of. Two aspects in particular are studied: the number of references to the Holy Spirit, and the activities that the Spirit is said to undertake. lg is more consistent in referring to the Spirit than earlier drafts and the preconciliar encyclical Mystici corporis (mc), but not in all instances. Further, lg articulates the Spirit’s active contribution to the Church in a more specific manner than mc, but not always. Thus lg’s pneumatological renewal is a work in progress. As a fruit of the conciliar discussions, lg develops a more theological and trinitarian view of the Church, yet textual and redactional exploration suggests lg sometimes still uses the preconciliar Christ-focused and hierarchy-focused framework.
Mechanisms Influencing Cirrus Banding and Aviation Turbulence near a Convectively Enhanced Upper-Level Jet Stream
Authors: Trier Stanley B. , Sharman Robert D.
Published: May 2016

Mechanisms supporting a cold-season aviation turbulence outbreak over the northwest Atlantic Ocean and adjacent coastal regions of North America are investigated using high-resolution numerical simulations. Two distinct episodes of moderate-or-greater turbulence in the upper troposphere are observed, and the simulations suggest the turbulence is linked to eastward-translating mesoscale perturbations of negative potential vorticity (PV) emanating from upstream organized deep convection along the anticyclonic shear side of an upper-level jet. Within the exit region of the jet where the turbulence episodes occur, thermodynamic and kinematic fields in the vicinity of the PV perturbations exhibit structural characteristics of mesoscale inertia–gravity waves. These wavelike perturbations are shown to facilitate turbulence by influencing the vertical shear and static stability, which promotes mesoscale regions of banded cirrus clouds, near or within which the observed turbulence occurs.

The simulations also suggest that the turbulence arises from fundamentally different mechanisms in the two episodes. In the first and most severe turbulence episode, mesoscale wave-related vertical shear enhancements lead to Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) near aircraft cruising altitudes (~8.9–11.2 km MSL). Simulated KHI is most prevalent near relatively isolated areas of shallow, moist convection, where smaller-scale internal gravity waves originating in the middle troposphere in response to the shallow convection may play a role in excitation of the KHI located above. The second turbulence episode is consistent with simulated thermal-shear instability related to wave-induced mesoscale reductions in upper-tropospheric static stability. However, unlike for the earlier episode of enhanced turbulence, cloud-radiative feedbacks are necessary for the instability and mesoscale regions of banded cirrus to develop.
Post-New Public Management: a new administrative paradigm for China?
Authors: Christensen Tom , Fan Yongmao
Published: May 2016

From three theoretical perspectives – instrumental, cultural and mythical – this article analyses the reasons for the worldwide emergence of post-New Public Management reforms and summarizes the typical features of those measures. In particular, it explores the link between post-New Public Management and public-sector reforms in China and argues that the ongoing reforms in China, including the super-ministry reform, the regulation of industry, the affordable housing policy, social and healthcare reforms, and the anti-corruption campaign, have shed light on various aspects of post-New Public Management measures. However, because China’s complex public administrative systems are more centralized than they are in many Western countries, it faces big challenges in deciding on and implementing reforms.

Points for practitioners

The examined administrative reforms demonstrate that China is imitating post-New Public Management reforms and adapting them to Chinese cultural traditions. China’s case reveals that the public sector is a complicated combination of elements from New Public Management and post-New Public Management reforms in a process where new reform elements are continuously added to old ones. China’s reforms are still ongoing; in the past years, China focused more on economic reform, decentralization and efficiency, but today its reforms are turning to social stability, political order and central control.
Measuring the quality of democracy: Why include the citizens’ perspective?
Authors: Pickel Susanne , Breustedt Wiebke , Smolka Theresia
Published: May 2016

New indices measuring the quality of democracy constitute a significant innovation in comparative political science. They might, however, provide a biased perspective because they largely focus on macro-level criteria. Thus, the question is whether the measurement of the quality of democracy can be improved by complementing the evaluations of these indices with assessments based on individual-level survey data. Using data from 20 established democracies in the European Social Survey 2012 and the Democracy Barometer, we compare the understandings and evaluations of the quality of democracy underlying these two measurement approaches. We demonstrate that while the results coincide to a certain extent, individual-level data provide an important complementary perspective that adds to the validity of the measurement of the quality of democracy.
Circumnavigating the cost of support
Authors: Crockett Erin E. , Morrow Quinlyn J. , Muyshondt Ana C.
Published: May 2016

Although social support is typically associated with a number of health benefits, for some individuals support worsens outcomes, likely because receiving support can undermine feelings of competence. Some have argued that invisible support (i.e., support that recipients do not recognize as help) can reduce negative support-related health consequences (Bolger, Zuckerman, & Kessler, 2000); still, the physiological benefits of invisible support have yet to be established and likely differ as a function of self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to investigate how visibility of support and self-efficacy interact to affect the cortisol reactivity of a support recipient. In a 2 (self-efficacy: high vs. low) × 2 (support visibility: visible vs. invisible) between-subjects, experimental design, 74 undergraduate students were primed for either high or low self-efficacy using false feedback. Participants then received either visible or invisible support from a confederate while preparing a speech as part of the Trier Social Stress Task (Kirschbaum, Pirke, & Hellhammer, 1993). A series of repeated measures analyses of variance revealed that individuals primed to have high self-efficacy experienced cortisol increases in response to the speech task when they received visible support but not invisible support. By contrast, individuals primed to have low self-efficacy experienced increased cortisol when they received invisible support but not visible support. This research suggests that although invisible support can effectively buffer stress, it is not always the best support strategy.
Speculative futures: Cities, data, and governance beyond smart urbanism
Authors: Leszczynski Agnieszka
Published: May 2016

In this paper, I examine the convergence of big data and urban governance beyond the discursive and material contexts of the smart city. I argue that in addition to understanding the intensifying relationship between data, cities, and governance in terms of regimes of automated management and coordination in ‘actually existing’ smart cities, we should further engage with urban algorithmic governance and governmentality as material-discursive projects of future-ing, i.e., of anticipating particular kinds of cities-to-come. As urban big data looks to the future, it does so through the lens of an anticipatory security calculus fixated on identifying and diverting risks of urban anarchy and personal harm against which life in cities must be securitized. I suggest that such modes of algorithmic speculation are discernible at two scales of urban big data praxis: the scale of the body, and that of the city itself. At the level of the urbanite body, I use the selective example of mobile neighborhood safety apps to demonstrate how algorithmic governmentality enacts digital mediations of individual mobilities by routing individuals around ‘unsafe’ parts of the city in the interests of technologically ameliorating the risks of urban encounter. At the scale of the city, amongst other empirical examples, sentiment analytics approaches prefigure ephemeral spatialities of civic strife by aggregating and mapping individual emotions distilled from unstructured real-time content flows (such as Tweets). In both of these instances, the urban futures anticipated by the urban ‘big data security assemblage’ are highly uneven, as data and algorithms cannot divest themselves of urban inequalities and the persistence of their geographies.
Evaluation of opening-hole shapes for rivet connection of a composite plate
Authors: Zhou Yadong , Fei Qingguo
Published: May 2016

The rivet joint is an important mechanical connection for hot structures made of ceramic matrix composites. The development of chemical vapor infiltration technology provides a possible application of novel rivets for these structural components. However, connectors can still be the weakest link for structural integrity due to the severe stress concentration around the rivet joint holes. The geometry parameters of the rivet hole can be key influencing factors to the structural strength. A comparative evaluation is presented to analyze the influence of opening-hole shapes on the structural stress concentration of a composite plate. The opening-hole shapes considered include circle, ellipse, and racetrack. The finite element (FE) models of specimens with the three shapes of rivet holes were constructed. The stress distributions of the specimens under tensile loading were analyzed to compare the stress concentration factor (SCF) of different opening-hole shapes. An optimal shape, i.e. racetrack-shaped, was determined based on the SCF reduction of specimen-level comparison. Then, FE models of a composite plate containing rivet holes were built to verify the outperformance of the racetrack-shaped hole. A stress concentration reduction of the plate with racetrack-shaped holes was observed compared to the one with circular holes.
Vibration analysis for slab track at different train speeds using Bayes wavelet denoising
Authors: Yue Guo-dong , Xu Zheng , Wang Li-ding , Liu Chong , Zhou Wen-jing
Published: May 2016

With increasing train speed, it is necessary to study the relation between slab track vibration and travelling speed. In this paper, a wireless sensor network system is deployed on a typical ballastless slab track in China, which uses acceleration nodes to collect vibration information when the train is passing by at different constant speeds. Then, after comparing the denoising effects of a hard threshold method, a soft threshold method and a Bayes wavelet method, the Bayes wavelet denoising method is used to remove the noise, while the spatial variability characteristics of the signal are preserved. Finally, the wavelet energy spectrum is adopted to obtain the duration and energy of the non-stationary vibration data. The time–frequency function curve is obtained to further analyse the physical behaviour of the vehicle–track system. A hammering experiment is conducted to show the importance of the results. This work facilitates a better understanding of the track vibration characteristics for monitoring the status of the track.
Mechanical model of a special wheel with metal mesh surface based on modifying stress in manned lunar exploration
Authors: Liang Zhongchao , Wang Yongfu , Chen Gang (Sheng)
Published: May 2016

A lunar roving vehicle is of great significance in the processing of manned lunar exploration for long-duration space exploration missions. The mechanical model of the lunar roving vehicle’s wheel directly affects the mobility performance. However, the wheel of lunar roving vehicle is a special one with the metal mesh surface, and the soil can penetrate through its surface. In this paper, the mechanical model of a rigid normal wheel is deduced, and four stress correction coefficients are introduced to obtain the mechanical model of the lunar roving vehicle’s wheel. These four stress correction coefficients are identified in several groups of experiment of the lunar roving vehicle’s wheel, and using the functional coefficients can have a high precision for the mechanical model of the lunar roving vehicle’s wheel.
A study of the influence of ethnicity on serology and clinical features in lupus
Authors: Morais S A , Isenberg D A
Published: May 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to review the links between ethnicity, serology and clinical expression in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a single cohort that was followed over a 36-year period.

Patients and methods

Patients with SLE treated at the University College London Hospitals (UCLHs) between January 1978 and December 2013 formed the cohort. We assessed the demographic, clinical and serological data. Standard methods were used for laboratory testing. The Student t test and Mann–Whitney U test were used for the continuous variables; the Fisher’s exact test was used for the categorical variables.

Results

We studied 624 SLE patients: There were 571 women (91.5%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 29.0 ± 6.5 years; and 53 men (8.5%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 29.4 ± 15.3 years. Ethnically, 369 of the patients were European, 100 were Afro-Caribbean, 77 were East Asian, 56 were South Asian and 21 were of mixed ethnicity. The East Asian patients developed the disease at a younger age than the other ethnic groups ( p < 0.0001). The Afro-Caribbean patients were less frequently associated with the presence of rash and photosensitivity, and the non-European patients were more likely to have alopecia and renal involvement. The South Asian patients were significantly associated with musculoskeletal and neurological involvement, serositis, Sicca syndrome and hematological features. The Afro-Caribbean patients had the highest prevalence of anti-Smith, anti-RNP, anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies. Anti-IgG anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies were significantly associated with the non-East Asian groups; and hypocomplementemia was common in the East Asians. Rash, alopecia, mouth ulcers, serositis, neurological, joint and renal involvement were significantly associated with the presence of anti-Smith and anti-RNP antibodies in the Afro-Caribbean group. We also observed an association of joint involvement and the presence of anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies in this group.

Conclusions

The East Asian patients developed their SLE disease at a younger age than the other ethnic groups. Cutaneous involvement was more frequent in those who were not Afro-Caribbean. Serositis, joint and neurological involvement were more frequently diagnosed in the South Asian patients. Anti-ENA antibodies were frequently associated with the Afro-Caribbean patients.
Patient factors associated with non-attendance at colonoscopy after a positive screening faecal occult blood test
Authors: Plumb Andrew A , Ghanouni Alex , Rainbow Sandra , Djedovic Natasha , Marshall Sarah , Stein Judith , Taylor Stuart A , Halligan Steve , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , von Wagner Christian
Published: May 2016

Background

Screening participants with abnormal faecal occult blood test results who do not attend further testing are at high risk of colorectal cancer, yet little is known about their reasons for non-attendance.

Methods

We conducted a medical record review of 170 patients from two English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme centres who had abnormal guaiac faecal occult blood test screening tests between November 2011 and April 2013 but did not undergo colonoscopy. Using information from patient records, we coded and categorized reasons for non-attendance.

Results

Of the 170 patients, 82 were eligible for review, of whom 66 had at least one recorded reason for lack of colonoscopy follow-up. Reasons fell into seven main categories: (i) other commitments, (ii) unwillingness to have the test, (iii) a feeling that the faecal occult blood test result was a false positive, (iv) another health issue taking priority, (v) failing to complete bowel preparation, (vi) practical barriers (e.g. lack of transport), and (vii) having had or planning colonoscopy elsewhere. The most common single reasons were unwillingness to have a colonoscopy and being away.

Conclusions

We identify a range of apparent reasons for colonoscopy non-attendance after a positive faecal occult blood test screening. Education regarding the interpretation of guaiac faecal occult blood test findings, offer of alternative confirmatory test options, and flexibility in the timing or location of subsequent testing might decrease non-attendance of diagnostic testing following positive faecal occult blood test.
Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Following Policy Changes
Authors: Li Li , Ji Guoping , Lin Chunqing , Liang Li-Jung , Lan Chiao-Wen
Published: May 2016

China’s HIV/AIDS treatment policies have been evolving over the preceding decade. This study describes patterns of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation for a sample of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in rural Anhui, China, where most PLHIV were infected via paid plasma donation during the 1990s. A total of 481 PLHIV who were receiving ART were included in our analyses. Times between HIV diagnosis and the initiation of ART were examined relative to the time points when major ART-related policies changed in China. More than half (53%) of PLHIV who had been diagnosed by 2003 received ART within 6 months, whereas 93% of PLHIV who had been diagnosed in 2010 or later received ART within 6 months. The study results provide additional support that the “Four Frees and One Care” policy in 2003 and the relaxation of ART eligibility in 2010 have facilitated the initiation of treatment for PLHIV in China.
Simulation and experiment on the performance of a passive/active micro-vibration isolator
Authors: Wang Chaoxin , Chen Yanhao , Zhang Zhiyi
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a passive/active hybrid vibration isolator is proposed to isolate micro-vibration. The passive element of the isolator is a spring-damper constructed with oil-filled corrugated pipes and the active one is an inertial actuator. A numerical model of the isolator is established through theoretical modeling of the stiffness and damping of the spring-damper and the subsystem synthesis method. On the basis of this model, frequency response functions of the disturbance and control channels are computed to describe the characteristics of the isolator. An adaptive control method based on the least mean squares algorithm is adopted to suppress transmission of micro-vibration caused by tonal, chirp or random disturbances. To verify the modeling as well as the isolation performance, tests and experiments are carried out and the results show that the computation of stiffness is effective and the passive element of the isolator has a reasonable amplification factor and a decreasing slope of –40 dB/decade. Furthermore, the active element is able to achieve remarkable attenuation of random and tonal disturbances.