bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivating a Troubled Consciousness: Compulsory sound-mindedness and complicity in oppression
Authors: Chapman C.
Published: November 2013

Implicating oneself in oppression provokes uncertainty, shame and anxiety, and identity destabilizations. Yet anti-oppressive texts often denigrate these experiences, participating in forces I call “compulsory sound-mindedness.” Narratives of three women confronting their complicity illustrate the workings of compulsory sound-mindedness: a white Canadian recognizing the racism in her development work and both a white woman and a racialized Muslim reflecting on their complicity in ongoing Canadian colonization. The three narratives devalue affect, uncertainty, and destabilized identity. They also reveal these denigrated experiences as fundamental to personal-is-political ethical transformation. Compulsory sound-mindedness cannot consistently prevent people from journeying with pain, uncertainty, and coming undone. But when people undertake such journeys, compulsory sound-mindedness frames pain, identity destabilization, and uncertainty as regrettable and without value. I advocate that people cultivate a “troubled consciousness” by journeying with internalized accountability narratives, uncertainties, painful feelings, and destabilizations of a straightforwardly moral self.
Happiness and the Art of Life: Diagnosing the psychopolitics of wellbeing
Authors: Greco M. , Stenner P.
Published: November 2013

Building upon the idea of a psychology without foundations and on vitalist approaches to health, the paper presents the concepts of ‘joy’ and of ‘gay science’ as theoretical points of contrast to Seligman’s ‘happiness’ and ‘positive psychology’. Defined by Spinoza and Nietzsche as the feeling of becoming more active in the world, joy emphasises the embodied connection between self and world. By contrast, we propose, a defining characteristic of the contemporary happiness dispositif is precisely the feature of splitting the subject from their world; of treating feelings and desires as purely internal, individual and subjective affairs; and of effectively cutting people off from any of their powers that do not correspond to a limited mode of entrepeneurial subjectivity and practice.
From lecture hall to city council: Twitter as subordinate involvement in formal settings
Authors: Bündgens-Kosten Judith , Preußler Annabell
Published: November 2013

The micro-blogging service Twitter can be used to publicly share information about events that used to be limited to a defined number of participants only. How does this affect different types of formal or semi-formal events, from the university seminar to the council meeting? This paper uses Goffman's notion of involvement and Lindroth and Bergquist's notions of alignment and glancing to describe the potential for conflict that this use of Twitter causes, and suggests approaches that may help to avoid or to alleviate conflicts.
Networking and notworking in social intranets: User archetypes and participatory divides
Authors: Lüders Marika
Published: November 2013

Expectations to how social intranets will improve knowledge sharing and collaboration in enterprises are high. Yet research into user patterns of traditional SNSs demonstrates participatory divides, and differences in use can be expected also with social intranets. In this paper we report on the findings from a study of the adoption-process of a social intranet into an international ICT company. Two archetypical users are described: the contributor and the reluctant user. This study suggests that different user-patterns will remain significant over time.
The politics of privacy and the privacy of politics: Parties, elections and voter surveillance in Western democracies
Authors: Bennett Colin
Published: November 2013

This paper surveys the various voter surveillance practices currently observed in the United States, assesses the extent to which they have been adopted in other democratic countries, and discusses the broad implications for privacy and democracy. Five interrelated techniques are analyzed: the development of voter management databases; the use of personal data from commercial data brokerage firms; micro-targeting; the decentralization of data to local campaigns; and “targeted sharing” through social media. Structural and cultural differences between the United States and other democratic countries prevent the extensive and direct export of many of these practices. Yet issues about inappropriate communication from parties, about the sharing of data across systems, about intrusive uses of the Internet and social media, and about data breaches have surfaced in some countries. Furthermore, trends in Western party systems towards a greater de-alignment of the electorate will surely place further pressures on parties to target voters outside their traditional bases, and to find new, cheaper, and potentially more intrusive, ways to influence their political behavior. Voter surveillance requires further comparative analysis from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The issues are not confined to the privacy of the individual voter, but relate to broader trends in democratic politics.
Specificity of Transfer in Basic and Applied Perceptual-Motor Tasks
Authors: Proctor Robert W. , Dunston Phillip S. , So Joey C. Y. , Lopez-Santamaria Bessy N. , Yamaguchi Motonori , Wang Xiangyu
Published: November 2013

We conducted research on transfer of skills using basic stimulus-response compatibility tasks and applied tasks requiring control of a hydraulic excavator simulator. The basic tasks show rapid acquisition of practiced spatial mappings, for which transfer is specific to the procedures used in training. The applied tasks show transfer across alternative control configurations that maintain practiced spatial mappings, as well as from part to whole practice. Transfer from simulated to real equipment also seems to occur; however, studies involving cooperation of academia and industry are needed to provide more definitive evidence on this question.
Examining the Relationship Between Knowing and Doing: Training for Improving Food Choices
Authors: Wohldmann Erica L.
Published: November 2013

Food is essential for maintaining human life; however, our food choices can have negative impacts on the health of our bodies and our planet. For example, obesity and diet-related diseases are increasing at alarming rates. In addition, agricultural chemicals are detectable in many rivers and streams, contaminating drinking water. Thus, understanding what factors contribute to food choices is essential for those interested in social change. This article reviews some principles of learning and memory and how applications of those principles contribute to our understanding of food choices. Experiments that examine different ways to promote learning, retention, and generalization of knowledge, specifically focused on ways to enhance learning of nutritional information and food choices, are also reviewed. The practical applications of this research to training, health, and public policy are also discussed.
Genotype x environment interaction and stability analysis for dry matter and seed yield in field pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Acikgoz E. , Ustun A. , Gul I. , Anlarsal E. , Tekeli A.S. , Nizam I. , Avcioglu R. , Geren H. , Cakmakci S. , Aydinoglu B. , Yucel C. , Avci M. , Acar Z. , Ayan I. , Uzun A.
Published: November 2013

The objectives of this study were to evaluate dry matter (DM) yield and seed yield of six leafed and semi-leafless pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes, and to compare them for these traits. Evaluation of genotype x environment (G x E) interaction, stability and cluster analysis were also carried out at eight diverse locations with typical Mediterranean and Mediterranean-type climate during the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 growing seasons. Significant differences were found among the pea genotypes for DM and seed yield on individual years and combined over years, and in all locations. All interactions which related to G x E interaction showed significance (P>0.001) for DM and seed yield. The highest yield (4789 kg/ha) was obtained from the leafed genotype 'Urunlu'. However, stability analysis indicated that for DM yield, the leafed genotypes 'Golyazi' and 'Urunlu' should be grown in low yielding and high yielding environments, respectively. Cluster analysis, based on grouping locations, showed that P101 was the preferred variety in low yielding environments, and P98, in high yielding ones. It was suggested that the use of both stability and cluster analyses might give better results. Comparison of Cluster and stability analyses showed that the stability analysis fails to recommend cultivars to different regions where yield potential showed significant differences. It seems, however, that Cluster analysis could be a powerful tool to examine G x E interaction. If the number of environments was sufficient, a separate stability analysis could be run in each Cluster.
Atlantic mountain grassland-heathlands: structure and feeding value
Authors: Mandaluniz N. , Aldezabal A. , Oregui L.M.
Published: November 2013

Atlantic mountain pastures are composed by mosaics of semi-natural grasslands and heathlands. A knowledge of their structure and feeding value is useful to understand their livestock use and improve management of these communities. This study was carried out in the Gorbeia Natural Park in northern Spain. Pasture composition, sward height and nutritive value were measured over four grazing seasons (spring, summer, late summer and autumn) in three plant communities: grassland (GR), open heathland (OH) and dense heathland (DH). The grassland community had lower sward height and better nutritive value. In less favoured grazing periods, when sward height in GR becomes limiting livestock move to OH with higher pasture height and lower sward cover and nutritive value. Even both heathlands have similar height and quality, the selection of OH, and avoiding of the dense one, could be due to its higher sward cover, which could make it easier to look for feed. Moreover, considering the woody component the estimated nutritive value of DH does not cover the minimum required for livestock production.
Relationship between sensory and physico-chemical quality parameters of cold-stored "Clemenules" mandarins coated with two commercial waxes
Authors: Marcilla A. , Martínez M. , Carot J.M. , Palou L. , Del Río M.A.
Published: November 2013

The relationship between physico-chemical parameters (weight loss, rind gloss, juice yield, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, maturity index, and ethanol and acetaldehyde content) and sensory attributes (acidity, sensory maturity index, off-flavor and mandarin like-flavor) of "Clemenules" mandarins was studied in relation to coating treatments and cold storage duration. Fruit were uncoated (control) or treated with two commercial water-based waxes, both with the same wax composition (polyethylene wax and shellac) but two different total solids concentrations (70 and 100 g/kg). Fruit were stored at 5 deg C and 90% relative humidity for 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 or 62 days, plus 7 days at 20 deg C to simulate shelf life marketing conditions. Physico-chemical quality was well preserved throughout storage, especially in fruit coated with 70 g/kg total solids water wax. Fruit from this treatment had the lowest weight loss and the greatest rind gloss. Mandarin-like flavor decreased throughout the storage period, which was highly related with ethanol build-up. Partial least square regression analysis showed that in general the correlation between sensory attributes and instrumental measurements was high.
Short communication. Modelling of the population dynamics of Phalaris brachystachys Link under various herbicide control scenarios in a Mediterranean climate
Authors: González-Díaz L. , Bastida F. , González-Andújar J.L.
Published: November 2013

The weed Phalaris brachystachys Link (short-spiked canarygrass) severely affects cereal production in regions with a Mediterranean climate. A mathematical model for simulating the population dynamics of this weed was constructed using previously reported brachystachys populations.
Response of early-peach [Prunus persica (L.)] trees to deficit irrigation
Authors: Abrisqueta I. , Tapia L. M. , Conejero W. , Sanchez-Toribio M. I. , Abrisqueta J. M. , Vera J. , Ruiz-Sanchez M. C.
Published: November 2013

The effect of different irrigation strategies in water relations, vegetative growth and yield of early maturing peach trees, growing in Murcia, (Spain) was studied during two years. Treatments consisted on: a control T1, full irrigated (150% of ETc); T2, continuous deficit irrigation at 50% of ETc; T3, regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), irrigated at 100% of ETc only during stage III of fruit growth and 25% the rest of the growing season; and T4, with automatic control of irrigation based on capacitance FDR-type probe data, varying threshold values. The results indicated that irrigation deficits in T2 and T3 treatments induced the lowest soil water content and stem water potential(Ψstem) values during the postharvest period (e.g. ψstem up to –1.8 MPa in T3 during summer 2008); thus, a reduction in trunk growth and pruning weight, respect to control treatment values, was noted in both years. Also, peach yield was significantly reduced in both deficit irrigated treatments. The greatest irrigation water saving in T3 treatment (≈60%) caused the higher water use efficiency values in this treatment. For these reasons, water deficit during the postharvest periods (extended in the early maturing varieties) must be limited if fruit yield is not to be reduced. Irrigation scheduling based on capacitance probes have become a useful tool in the control of soil water content. When threshold values were precisely defined, the slight water deficits limited only vegetative growth while maintaining similar peach yield to that of well irrigated trees.
Regulated deficit irrigation effects on yield, fruit quality and vegetative growth of ‘Navelina’ citrus trees
Authors: Gasque M. , Granero B. , Turegano J. V. , Gonzalez-Altozano P.
Published: November 2013

An experiment on regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) was performed during two growing seasons (2007 and 2008) in a drip-irrigated orchard of Navelina/Cleopatra in Senyera (Valencia, Spain). Two RDI treatments, where water application was reduced to 40% and 60% of the «irrigation dose» (ID), were carried out during the initial fruit enlargement phase (Stage II, 17th July to 2nd September). The rest of the year they were irrigated at 110% ID. These treatments were compared with a control, where irrigation was applied without restriction during the whole year at 110% ID. The ID was obtained from the evapotranspiration data, as well as from the characteristic variables of drip irrigation for the specific experimental orchard. The effects of the treatments on yield, fruit quality, and vegetative growth are discussed in relation to tree water status (midday stem water potential, Ψst). Minimal Ψst values reached in the treatment with the highest stress intensity were –1.71 and –1.60 MPa in 2007 and 2008 respectively. These Ψst values reached as a consequence of the water reduction in the RDI summer treatments applied in this study did not affect yield or fruit quality, allowing water savings between 16% and 23%. In conclusion, water restriction during summer, and once «June drop» has finished, favours the better use of water resources by Navelina citrus trees, achieving an increase of water use efficiency (between 14% and 27% in this case), provided that an appropriate irrigation in autumn allows for tree recovery.
Evaporative demand and water requirements of the principal crops of the Guadalentín valley (SE Spain) in drought periods
Authors: Sanchez-Toribio M. I. , Garcia-Marin R. , Conesa-Garcia C. , Lopez-Bermudez F.
Published: November 2013

The drought periods that affect the province of Murcia, especially the Guadalentín Valley, are aggravated by an increase in evaporative demand. The aim of the present study was to characterize the increased water demand of woody and herbaceous crops during drought periods in the Guadalentín Valley, an agricultural zone with an excellent climate for specialty crops, which is of great economic importance for Murcia. After defining the drought periods of the last three decades in time and space by means of the standard index of rainfall drought (IESP), several methods were used to determine the reference evapotranspiration (ETo): the Penman-Monteith model (ASCE and FAO models for grass), the Hargreaves method (ETo-ASCE for alfalfa), and ETo using the FAO Radiation method. Finally, the crop water requirements for each to crop type and area of cultivation were estimated using monthly crop coefficients (Kc) and the mean monthly evaporative demand values were obtained by the best fitting method. The increase in the evaporative demand reflected the increased water deficits that occur in the drought years, both in summer and winter (1.23 hm3 yr–1). Drought periods are also responsible for reducing the areas dedicated to horticultural crops, because of their high water demands and the additional costs involved, resulting an aggravated socioeconomic position and increased unemployment.
Review.Water resources deficit and water engineering
Authors: Tarjuelo J. M. , De-Juan J. A. , Moreno M. A. , Ortega J. F.
Published: November 2013

The increasing demand of water for different uses, together with the variable availability of this resource, which is due to the increasingly frequent periods of drought, make necessary to undertake a set of structural and contextual actions to cope with the permanent or temporary scarcity situations. Within the search for solutions to the progressively more widespread situation of limited water availability for agriculture, this paper aims to state the role that engineering can play to face up this deficit, taking into account the social, economic, and environmental issues of water, together with the priority of uses. Structural measures can help to:1) increase the water availability (increased or more flexible supply through reservoirs, water transfers, water rights interchange centres, desalination, reuse, aquifer recovery, and conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater), and 2) rationalize water consumption by improving demand management, including the irrigation management improvement, as well as maximizing the efficiency of irrigation systems. In addition to these measures, other social issues can be implemented through public awareness and education, adequate economic policies, legislative adaptation, and technical support to municipalities and water use associations. Thus, to face up water scarcity in a region it is necessary to identify the different water sources, including alternative sources such as desalination and reuse, and develop an appropriate model of management as well as infrastructure for water storage and regulation.
Comparative analysis of energy efficiency in water users associations
Authors: Abadia R. , Rocamora M. C. , Corcoles J. I. , Ruiz-Canales A. , Martinez-Romero A. , Moreno M. A.
Published: November 2013

The government of Spain has developed an energy strategy that includes a campaign of energy audits in water users associations (WUAs) in order to improve energy efficiency in irrigation. A guideline for energy audits has been developed, standardizing the audit process in WUAs. This guideline has been implemented in 22 WUAs in the Castilla-La Mancha, Valencia, and Murcia Regions. In this paper, an analysis of the indicators proposed in the guideline is performed, and the indicators that most represent energy efficiency of WUAs are identified. Also, the suitability of the proposed indicators and classifications under different conditions are discussed. In addition, a cluster analysis is performed on WUAs to classify them according to their energetic aspects. Results show that indicators global energy efficiency (GEE) and active energy consumed per hectare (EacSr) are not adequate for analysing the evolution of energy consumption in a WUA. The most representative energy indicators are those expressing ratios between energy consumption and water volume supplied to the users as the indicators active energy consumed per volume unit (EacVs) and energy cost per volume unit (CENVs). It is conclude that using the current methodology for calculate the supply energy efficiency indicator (SEE), GEE is not an adequate indicator for energy classification of WUAs, and also that the results of the energy analysis must be used to propose measures for energy conservation and energy cost reduction.
Simulation of sprinkler irrigation water uniformity impact on corn yield
Authors: Dechmi F. , Playan E. , Faci J. , Cavero J.
Published: November 2013

In a previous work, the spatial and temporal wind effects on corn yield were analysed using Ador-Crop (based onthe FAO crop model CropWat) and a solid set sprinkler irrigation model. The combined model could explain only 25% of the variability of measured yield. The objective of this work was to evaluate the predictive capacity of two more advanced crop models (EPICphase and DSSAT) when coupled to the solid set sprinkler irrigation model. EPICphase explained 44% of total dry mater (TDM) and grain yield (GY) variability when measured irrigation was used. The combination of EPICphase and the solid set sprinkler irrigation model explained better the variability of TDM than that of GY (42% and 35%, respectively), although the error in the estimation of GY with the coupled model was higher than when measured irrigation doses were considered (1.55 t ha the FAO crop model CropWat) and a solid set sprinkler irrigation model. The combined model could explain only 25% of the variability of measured yield. The objective of this work was to evaluate the predictive capacity of two more advanced crop models (EPICphase and DSSAT) when coupled to the solid set sprinkler irrigation model. EPICphase explained 44% of total dry mater (TDM) and grain yield (GY) variability when measured irrigation was used. The combination of EPICphase and the solid set sprinkler irrigation model explained better the variability of TDM than that of GY (42% and 35%, respectively), although the error in the estimation of GY with the coupled model was higher than when measured irrigation doses were considered (1.55 t ha the FAO crop model CropWat) and a solid set sprinkler irrigation model. The combined model could explain only 25% of the variability of measured yield. The objective of this work was to evaluate the predictive capacity of two more advanced crop models (EPICphase and DSSAT) when coupled to the solid set sprinkler irrigation model. EPICphase explained 44% of total dry mater (TDM) and grain yield (GY) variability when measured irrigation was used. The combination of EPICphase and the solid set sprinkler irrigation model explained better the variability of TDM than that of GY (42% and 35%, respectively), although the error in the estimation of GY with the coupled model was higher than when measured irrigation doses were considered (1.55 t ha–1 vs. 1.22 t ha–1). The DSSAT model explained 39% and 38% of the variability in TDM and GY, respectively, when measured irrigation data was used. When DSSAT was considered in the coupled model, better results were obtained for TDM (R2 = 41%) than GY (R2 = 31%). The EPICphase model simulated grain yield more accurately than the DSSAT model because it produced a better prediction of the maximum LAI. The combination of the sprinkler irrigation model with the EPICphase or DSSAT models simulated crop growth and yield more accurately than when combined with the Ador-Crop model.
Piezoelectric Energy Generation and Harvesting at the Nano-Scale: Materials and Devices
Authors: Dakua Indrani , Afzulpurkar Nitin
Published: November 2013

Continuous efforts are being made for alternative power generation techniques for use in devices with sub-micron-scale dimensions. In this work, we have perused through some of these efforts, focusing mainly on devices using materials with piezoelectric properties. In the last decade or so, nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) has drawn worldwide attention for its path-breaking properties. One of its most extensively-studied properties is its ability to generate power when subjected to mechanical vibration. It can generate a potential within a wide range of frequency vibrations, from a few Hz to thousands of KHz. This can lead to extensive application prospects in many important fields, like self-power generating devices for medical applications, wireless technologies and various sensors, etc. This review looks into reports related to such technology in detail. It also takes into account certain other materials that have been reported for piezoelectric energy scavenging applications.
A Novel Generic Ball Recognition Algorithm Based on Omnidirectional Vision for Soccer Robots
Authors: Zhang Hui , Lu Huimin , Dong Peng , Xiong Dan , Zheng Zhiqiang
Published: November 2013

It is significant for the final goal of RoboCup to realize the recognition of generic balls for soccer robots. In this paper, a novel generic ball recognition algorithm based on omnidirectional vision is proposed by combining the modified Haar-like features and AdaBoost learning algorithm. The algorithm is divided into offline training and online recognition. During the phase of offline training, numerous sub-images are acquired from various panoramic images, including generic balls, and then the modified Haar-like features are extracted from them and used as the input of the AdaBoost learning algorithm to obtain a classifier. During the phase of online recognition, and according to the imaging characteristics of our omnidirectional vision system, rectangular windows are defined to search for the generic ball along the rotary and radial directions in the panoramic image, and the learned classifier is used to judge whether a ball is included in the window. After the ball has been recognized globally, ball tracking is realized by integrating a ball velocity estimation algorithm to reduce the computational cost. The experimental results show that good performance can be achieved using our algorithm, and that the generic ball can be recognized and tracked effectively.
Achieving optimal licensing, strategic alliance and financing outcomes via experienced intermediaries!
Authors: Chen Benjamin P
Published: November 2013

Financial and technical resources from strategic partnerships (licensing and strategic alliances) represent vital resources for entrepreneurs to support the development of innovative product opportunities. Success completion of an impactful partnership for a start-up takes time, experience and skills. The key focus of this article is to outline for entrepreneurs the values that intermediaries can offer in achieving partnering/financing objectives. Entrepreneurs will gain insight on services offered by intermediaries, choices and selection of intermediaries as well as expectation for intermediaries to ensure best outcome.
Population Subdivision, Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium and the Wahlund Effect
Authors: Garnier‐Géré Pauline , Chikhi Lounès
Published: November 2013

After having introduced the Hardy–Weinberg principle and its underlying assumptions, the authors describe the main causes of departures from equilibrium. They then stress the importance of species subdivision into different local subpopulations/demes. This geographical structure affects allele frequencies over space and consequently the proportions of different genotypes in the local populations. It leads to the Wahlund effect, which can be defined as the excess of homozygotes or the deficit in heterozygotes observed in a sample of individuals obtained from a structured population, even when the local populations are randomly mating. Finally, the authors briefly outline the extension of the Wahlund effect at two loci and its consequences in association studies.

Key Concepts:

The Hardy–Weinberg principle states that genotype frequencies can be predicted from gene/allele frequencies and remain constant over generations in random‐mating populations under the simple assumptions of no mutation, selection or migration.

Many deviations from random mating can be observed in natural populations, such as assortative mating or other mating systems that lead to inbreeding or outbreeding.

Species subdivision (into subpopulations, social groups and families) is also a common pattern encountered in natural populations that can cause substantial spatial genetic structure and departure from random mating depending on the sampling unit.

The Wahlund effect is both the apparent excess of homozygotes and the deficit of heterozygotes observed at single locus data in a large ‘sample’ of individuals due to the existence of population subdivision.

The Wahlund effect can be extended at multiple loci where it leads to an apparent excess of double homozygotes and either an excess or a deficit of heterozygote combinations, depending on allele frequency variation at different loci across populations.

An important consequence of the Wahlund effect due to unknown population stratification is the creation of allelic association or linkage disequilibrium between different loci in the total sample of individuals.

Unknown population structure can, therefore, have a major impact on association studies by creating false‐positive tests, and a large range of methods have been developed that allow to correct or control genetic structure.

Population structure and sampling units (or sampling strategy) are increasingly recognised as important factors when making inference in population genetics under models that assume HW and ignore structure.
Data‐driven loop‐shaping design of PID controllers for stable plants
Authors: Saeki M.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a loop‐shaping design method of PID controllers is proposed for stable plants under the condition that the plant is linear time invariant and a finite‐time plant response is available. The integral gain of the PID controller is maximized subject to a stability margin constraint, and the optimal solution can be found by linear programming. A filter bank is used for extracting useful information from the finite‐time response data. Numerical examples show that this method is applicable to a wide range of plants including non‐minimum phase and/or time‐delay plants. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transgression and Progress in China: Wang Shu and the Literati Mindset
Authors: Denison Edward , Ren Guangyu
Published: November 2013

The 2012 Pritzker Prize winner, Wang Shu, often builds in stone with a sensitivity to site and context – characteristics that are not often associated with the marginal or cutting edge. Architectural authors and researchers Edward Denison and Guangyu Ren explain how in China, where ‘mainstream mediocrity’ has become the norm, Wang Shu has set himself apart as an advocate for meaningful innovation and originality.
Citadels of Freedom: Lina Bo Bardi's SESC Pompéia Factory Leisure Centre and Teatro Oficina, São Paulo
Authors: Sara Rachel
Published: November 2013

Transgression is by implication transdisciplinary, slipping beyond accepted boundaries. Rachel Sara describes how Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi designed her buildings in a state of ‘incompleteness’, so as to be ready for a collaborative occupancy in ‘recognition that the users' experiences construct the architecture as much as the architect herself’.
Effect of Grain Refiners and Casting Thickness on the Microstructure Development and Mechanical Properties of DSC‐Cast AZ31B Magnesium Strips**
Authors: Palkowski Heinz , Akdesir Mithat
Published: November 2013

This study aims at enhancing subsequent hot rolling properties of AZ31B by reducing the grain size using grain refinement agents (C, SiC, AlSr10, and AlTi5B1) as well as different cast thicknesses. The AZ31B magnesium alloy samples were cast in a direct strip casting process (DSC). The microstructure investigations such as the grain size measurement and the distribution of the secondary precipitates were characterized using light optical microscope (LOM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Furthermore, the mechanical properties were determined using tensile and Vickers hardness test. Adding a certain amount of each refiner to an AZ31B alloy leads to a significant reduction of the grain size in the cast structure. As a result of the higher cooling rate at the bottom side the grain size is reduced in comparison to the upper side (convection heat transfer with the protecting gas) across the strip thickness. The minimal grain size was found when using AlTi5B1 master alloy where the grain size is (67 ± 5) µm at the bottom side, whereas it reaches (110 ± 10) µm upside of the strip. At the bottom side and center of the strip can be observed a homogeneous precipitates distribution and similar precipitation rate, size, and distribution in comparison to the upperside. Using SiC powder and AlTi5B1 master alloy refining agents the maximal hardness values compared to the other types of agents were reached. The hardness profile confirms the grain size results considering the temperature gradient across the cast thickness. However, optimum tensile properties were found between bottom side and middle layer.
Synthesis of 1,4‐Benzoxazepine Derivatives via a Novel Domino Aziridine Ring‐Opening and Isocyanide‐Insertion Reaction
Authors: Ji Fei , Lv Mei‐fang , Yi Wen‐bin , Cai Chun
Published: November 2013

A novel and efficient domino process has been developed for the synthesis of 1,4‐benzoxazepine derivatives from a range of readily accessible N‐tosylaziridines, 2‐iodophenols and isocyanides. This process involves the aziridine ring‐opening reaction with 2‐iodophenol, followed by a palladium‐catalyzed isocyanide‐insertion reaction. This regioselective and high‐yielding transformation could be extended to its application for the synthesis of natural products and biologically interesting heterocycles.

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Acute aortic dissections with pregnancy in women with ACTA2 mutations
Authors: Regalado Ellen S. , Guo Dong‐chuan , Estrera Anthony L. , Buja L. Maximilian , Milewicz Dianna M.
Published: November 2013

Mutations in ACTA2 predispose to thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissection as well as coronary artery and cerebrovascular disease. Here we examined the risk of aortic dissections, stroke and myocardial infarct with pregnancy in women with ACTA2 mutations. Of the 53 women who had a total of 137 pregnancies, eight had aortic dissections in the third trimester or the postpartum period (6% of pregnancies). One woman also had a myocardial infarct that occurred during pregnancy that was independent of her aortic dissection. Compared to the population‐based frequency of peripartum aortic dissections of 0.6%, the rate of peripartum aortic dissections in women with ACTA2 mutations is much higher (8 out of 39; 20%). Six of these dissections initiated in the ascending aorta (Stanford type A), three were fatal. Three women had ascending aortic dissections at diameters less that 5.0 cm (range 3.8–4.7 cm). Aortic pathology showed mild to moderate medial degeneration of the aorta in three women. Of note, five of the women had hypertension either during or before the pregnancy. In summary, the majority of women with ACTA2 mutations did not have aortic or other vascular complications with pregnancy. However, these findings show that pregnancy is associated with significant risk for aortic dissection in women with ACTA2 mutations. Women with ACTA2 mutations who are planning to get pregnant should be counseled about this risk of aortic dissection, and proper clinical management should be initiated to reduce this risk. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronology of fusion of the primary and secondary ossification centers in the human sacrum and age estimation in child and adolescent skeletons
Authors: Cardoso Hugo F.V. , Pereira Vanessa , Rios Luís
Published: November 2013

Little is known about fusion times of the primary and secondary centers of ossification in the sacrum, particularly from dry bone observations. In this study, the timing of union of these centers was studied in a sample of modern Portuguese skeletons (90 females and 101 males) between the ages of 0 and 30 years, taken from the Lisbon documented skeletal collection. A three‐stage scheme was used to assess fusion status between ossification centers as unfused, partially fused and completely fused. Posterior probability tables of age, given a certain stage of fusion, were calculated for most anatomical locations studied using both reference and uniform priors. Partial union of primary centers of ossification was observed from 1 to 8 years of age and partial union of secondary centers of ossification was observed from 15 to 21 years of age. The first primary centers of ossification to complete fusion are the neural arch with the centrum of the fifth sacral vertebrae and the last are the costal element with the centrum of the first sacral vertebra. The annular and sacroiliac epiphyses are the first, among the secondary centers of ossification observed, to complete fusion, after which the lateral margin fuses. This study offers information on timing of fusion of diverse locations in the developing sacrum useful for age estimation of complete or fragmented immature human skeletal remains and fills an important gap in the literature, by adding to previously published times of fusion of primary and secondary ossification centers in this sample. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:214–225, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of mentoring medical students on scholarly productivity
Authors: Svider Peter F. , Husain Qasim , Mauro Kevin M. , Folbe Adam J. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: November 2013

Background

Our objectives were to evaluate collaboration with medical students and other nondoctoral authors, and assess whether mentoring such students influences the academic productivity of senior authors.

Methods

Six issues of the Laryngoscope and International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology (IFAR) were examined for the corresponding author of each manuscript, and whether any students were involved in authorship. The h‐index of all corresponding authors was calculated using the Scopus database to compare the scholarly impact of authors collaborating with students and those collaborating exclusively with other physicians or doctoral‐level researchers.

Results

Of 261 Laryngoscope manuscripts, 71.6% had exclusively physician or doctoral‐level authors, 9.2% had “students” (nondoctoral‐level authors) as first authors, and another 19.2% involved “student” authors. Corresponding values for IFAR manuscripts were 57.1%, 6.3%, and 36.5%. Corresponding authors who collaborated with students had higher scholarly impact, as measured by the h‐index, than those collaborating exclusively with physicians and doctoral‐level scientists in both journals.

Conclusion

Collaboration with individuals who do not have doctoral‐level degrees, presumably medical students, has a strong association with scholarly impact among researchers publishing in the Laryngoscope and IFAR. Research mentorship of medical students interested in otolaryngology may allow a physician‐scientist to evaluate the students’ effectiveness and functioning in a team setting, a critical component of success in residency training, and may have beneficial effects on research productivity for the senior author.
Effect of nanosilver on the photodegradation of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Mucha Maria , Bialas Sylwia , Kaczmarek Halina
Published: November 2013

The poly(lactic acid), PLA, mixed with nanosilver in solution easily forms nanocomposite in solid state (after solvent evaporation), which was proved by UV–Vis spectroscopy. This work focuses on photodegradation occurring in PLA films doped with nanosilver. The changes in chemical structure of photodegraded PLA has been determined using FTIR spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry of UV‐irradiated PLA samples provided information on polymer glass transition and crystallization/melting processes. It was found that PLA alone is more sensitive to photodegradation than PLA/silver nanocomposites. The mechanism of nanocomposite photodegradation and effect of nanosilver was discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40144.
Microarray platform affords improved product analysis in mammalian cell growth studies
Authors: Datta Payel , Meli Luciana , Li Lingyun , Migliore Nicole , Schaefer Eugene , Sharfstein Susan T. , Dordick Jonathan S. , Linhardt Robert J.
Published: November 2013

High throughput (HT) platforms serve as a cost‐efficient and rapid screening method for evaluating the effect of cell‐culture conditions and screening of chemicals. We report the development of a HT cell‐based microarray platform to assess the effect of culture conditions on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Specifically, growth, transgene expression and metabolism of a GS/methionine sulphoximine (MSX) CHO cell line, which produces a therapeutic monoclonal antibody, was examined using a microarray system in conjunction with a conventional shake flask platform in a non‐proprietary medium. The microarray system consists of 60‐nL spots of cells encapsulated in alginate and separated in groups via an 8‐well chamber system attached to the chip. Results show the non‐proprietary medium developed allows cell growth, production, and normal glycosylation of recombinant antibody and metabolism of the recombinant CHO cells in both the microarray and shake flask platforms. In addition, 10.3 mM glutamate addition to the defined base medium results in lactate metabolism shift in the recombinant GS/MSX CHO cells in the shake flask platform. Ultimately, the results demonstrate that the HT microarray platform has the potential to be utilized for evaluating the impact of media additives on cellular processes, such as cell growth, metabolism, and productivity.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of oesophageal Doppler-guided fluid management in colorectal surgery
Authors: Srinivasa S , Lemanu D P , Singh P P , Taylor M H G , Hill A G
Published: November 2013

Background

Oesophageal Doppler monitor (ODM)-guided fluid therapy has been recommended for routine use in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. However, recent trials have suggested either equivalent or inferior results for patients randomized to ODM-guided fluid management, especially when compared with fluid restriction or within the context of optimized perioperative care. Hence, an updated systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of all randomized trials exploring ODM-guided fluid management in major colorectal surgery with the endpoints total complications and length of hospital stay (LOS). Subset analyses were planned a priori specifically to investigate the role of the ODM in the context of fluid restriction or optimized perioperative care.

Results

Six high-quality trials comprising a total of 691 patients were included in the final analysis. ODM-guided fluid therapy did not influence the incidence of complications (odds ratio 0·74, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·50 to 1·11; P = 0·15), with moderate heterogeneity in the results (I2 = 33 per cent; P = 0·19). There was no difference in mean LOS between patients receiving ODM-guided fluid therapy and controls: mean difference −0·88 (95 per cent c.i. –2·89 to 1·13) days (P = 0·39). There was no difference in complications or LOS when ODM-guided fluid therapy was compared with fluid restriction or used within an otherwise optimized perioperative environment.

Conclusion

ODM-guided fluid therapy did not influence LOS or complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Results favouring the ODM were seen only in early studies, whereas newer trials did not show any benefit from such monitoring.
Value of peritoneal cytology in potentially resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yamada S , Fujii T , Kanda M , Sugimoto H , Nomoto S , Takeda S , Nakao A , Kodera Y
Published: November 2013

Background

Peritoneal lavage cytology (CY) is used in the diagnosis and staging of various cancers. The clinical significance of positive cytology results in patients with pancreatic cancer is yet to be determined.

Methods

Peritoneal washing samples were collected from consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer between July 1991 and December 2012. The correlations between cytology results, clinicopathological parameters and recurrence patterns were evaluated. The prognostic impact of CY status, regarding resectability and the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy, were analysed.

Results

Of 523 included patients, 390 underwent resection. Patients with tumours at least 2 cm in diameter were more likely to have CY+ status than patients with tumours smaller than 2 cm (48 of 312 versus 3 of 78 respectively; P = 0·005) and there was a significant correlation between CY+ status and tumour invasion of the anterior pancreatic capsule (43 of 276 versus 8 of 113 with no invasion of the capsule; P = 0·030). Although the overall survival of patients with resected CY+ tumours was worse than that of patients with resected CY− tumours, it was significantly better than the survival of unresected patients regardless of CY status. Multivariable analysis of all patients who had pancreatectomy did not identify CY+ as an independent prognostic factor. Patients with CY+ tumours tended to develop peritoneal metastasis more often than those with CY− tumours, although not significantly so. The median survival time of 34 patients with resected CY+ tumours who received adjuvant chemotherapy was better than that of 17 patients who had surgery alone, although this was not statistically significant (15·3 versus 10·0 months; P = 0·057).

Conclusion

CY+ status is not clinically equivalent to gross peritoneal metastasis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Curative resection is still recommended regardless of CY status.

Presented to the 98th Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois, USA, October 2012
Surgical complications and their implications for surgeons' well-being
Authors: Pinto A , Faiz O , Bicknell C , Vincent C
Published: November 2013

Background

Healthcare professionals can be seriously affected when they are involved in major clinical incidents. The impact of such incidents on staff is of particular relevance to surgery, as the operating room is one of the highest-risk areas for serious complications. This qualitative study aimed to assess the personal and professional impact of surgical complications on surgeons.

Methods

This single time point study involved semistructured, individual interviews with general and vascular surgeons, consultants and senior registrars from two National Health Service organizations in London, UK.

Results

Twenty-seven surgeons participated. Many were seriously affected by major surgical complications. Surgeons' practice was also often affected, not always in the best interest of their patients. The surgeons' reactions depended on the preventability of the complications, their personality and experience, patient outcomes and patients' reactions, as well as colleagues' reactions and the culture of the institution. Discussing complications, deconstructing the incidents and rationalizing were the most commonly quoted coping mechanisms. Institutional support was generally described as inadequate, and the participants often reported the existence of strong institutional blame cultures. Suggestions for supporting surgeons in managing the personal impact of complications included better mentoring, teamwork approaches, blame-free opportunities for the discussion of complications, and structures aimed at the human aspects of complications.

Conclusion

Those involved in the management of surgical services need to consider how to improve support for surgeons in the aftermath of major surgical incidents.

Presented in part to the International Society for Quality in Healthcare Conference, Hong Kong, China, September 2011, and the European Health Psychology Society Conference, Crete, Greece, September 2011