bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplifying activity networks under generalized precedence relations to extended CPM networks
Authors: Su Zhi‐Xiong , Qi Jian‐Xun , Kan Zhi‐Nan
Published: April 2015

The critical path method (CPM) is a network planning technology with a simple and intuitive representation. However, it can only represent a special precedence relation—the finish‐to‐start minimum time lag. Currently, generalized precedence relations (GPRs) are represented by complex activity networks. We simplify complex activity networks under GPRs by representing the GPRs in a new way. This new extended CPM network is similar to the standard CPM network with the exception that arcs may have negative lengths and cycles. The extended CPM network facilitates problems with GPRs. Although many current models and algorithms are advanced and efficient for the CPM network problem, they are difficult or impossible to improve for GPRs applications. The extended CPM network, however, combats these problems and serves as an illustration of resource leveling with activity splitting. The current 0‐1 binary model formulation for the resource leveling with just finish‐to‐start minimum time lags is also applied to the problem with GPRs using the extended CPM network.
Hybridizations of GRASP with path relinking for the far from most string problem
Authors: Ferone Daniele , Festa Paola , Resende Mauricio G.C.
Published: April 2015

Among the sequence selection and comparison problems, the far from most string problem (FFMSP) is one of the computationally hardest with applications in several fields, including molecular biology where one is interested in creating diagnostic probes for bacterial infections or in discovering potential drug targets. In this paper, we describe several heuristics that hybridize GRASP with different path‐relinking strategies, such as forward, backward, mixed, greedy randomized adaptive forward, and evolutionary path relinking. Experiments on a large set of both real‐world and randomly generated test instances indicate that these hybrid heuristics are both effective and efficient. In particular, the hybrid GRASP with evolutionary path relinking finds slightly better quality solutions compared to the other variants when running for the same number of iterations, while the hybrid with backward path relinking finds better quality solution within a fixed running time.
Combining Ultrasound with Mild Alkaline Solutions as an Effective Pretreatment to Boost the Release of Sugar Trapped in Sugarcane Bagasse for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Eblaghi Marzieh , Niakousari Mehrdad , Sarshar Mohammad , Mesbahi Gholam Reza
Published: April 2015

The aim of this work was to develop and optimize process parameters in ultrasound and sono‐assisted alkaline pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse prior to hydrolysis and bioethanol fermentation processes. Following the optimization of ultrasound time and temperature, the influence of concentration of NaOH solution was examined. The optimal condition in ultrasound pretreatment (35 kHz) was achieved at 5 min and 65C. Ultrasound pretreatment of bagasse prior to hydrolysis step resulted in increased sugar concentration from 3.62 g/L (control, 25C) to 5.78 g/L (65C, 5 min). The micromorphology and cellulose crystallinity for native and pretreated bagasse were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The maximum glucan conversion and bioethanol production of 50% and 0.38 g/g glucose were achieved following sono‐assisted alkaline pretreatment (3% NaOH concentration), respectively. The findings indicate that sono‐assisted alkaline pretreated bagasse can be used as a potential feedstock in bioethanol production.

Practical Applications

Current bioethanol production uses food crops such as sugarcane and maize. Large amounts of sugar molecules are present in the lignocellulose of plant material and current research aims to “unlock” the fermentable sugars in agricultural or forestry wastes and residues. The objective of the present research was to find an optimum pretreatment method by combining ultrasound with various concentrations of mild alkaline solution in order to make use of a greater proportion of lignocellulose materials from the sugarcane bagasse for bioethanol production. The development of an efficient pretreatment to increase the cellulose digestibility and fermentability potential of biomass may be of interest in bioethanol industries.
Adaptation and Evaluation of a Nonviolent Resistance Intervention for Foster Parents: A Progress Report
Authors: Van Holen Frank , Vanderfaeillie Johan , Omer Haim
Published: April 2015

Foster care faces serious challenges, such as behavioral problems in foster children and parental stress and ineffective parenting behavior in foster parents. The results of a pilot study that evaluated a training program for foster parents based on nonviolent resistance are described. In a pretest–posttest design, data were collected from 25 families. Significant reductions in externalizing, internalizing, and total problem behavior in the foster children and in parenting stress were found. Using a reliable change index, significant improvements in externalizing, internalizing, and total problem behavior were found in, respectively, 72, 44, and 80% of the cases. Most improvements proved to be clinically relevant. Effect sizes ranged from medium to large for problem behavior, and from small to medium for parenting stress.
Determination of vertebral heart score in Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii)
Authors: Kubiak Marie L. , Jayson Stephanie L. , Saunders Richard A.
Published: April 2015

Background

Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii) are callitrichid primates commonly kept in zoological collections, and to date, no cardiac parameters have been recorded. The vertebral heart score (VHS) is an objective method of evaluation of cardiac size well documented in domestic mammals, and the aim of this study was to determine the VHS in Goeldi's monkeys.

Methods

In this retrospective study, right lateral radiographs of thirteen clinically well animals were reviewed and vertebral heart score determined.

Results

The vertebral heart score was found to be 9.35 ± 0.31.

Conclusions

The observed value appears consistent within the study population and with values for other primate species. The value determined may be of benefit in objectively evaluating cardiac size in this species.
Perfusion MRI in the Evaluation of Suspected Glioblastoma Recurrence
Authors: Blasel Stella , Zagorcic Andrea , Jurcoane Alina , Bähr Oliver , Wagner Marlies , Harter Patrick N. , Hattingen Elke
Published: April 2015

PURPOSE

Treatment‐related changes (TRC) often imitate tumor progression in glioblastomas. Increased regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) can differentiate tumor progression from TRC after the standardized first‐line radiochemotherapy, but information about diagnostic accuracy of rCBV for patients without any clinical selection criteria is limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate if rCBV can differentiate between TRC and tumor progression irrespective of preceding therapies and number of tumor progressions.

METHODS

We analyzed mean and maximum rCBV from the enhancing areas normalized to the contralateral white matter in 44 pretreated glioblastomas with MR‐morphological tumor progression. The diagnosis (real progression vs. TRC) was determined by histopathology or by clinical/MRI‐follow‐up. We performed nonparametric tests, receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and Kaplan‐Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Significant differences between tumor progression (N = 37) and TRC (N = 7) were found for rCBVmean (2.44 ± 1.05 vs. 1.69 ± .56, P < .03) and rCBVmax (3.40 ± 1.25 vs. 2.21 ± .62, P < .0007). A rCBVmax of 2.6 had 78% sensitivity and 86% specificity to detect tumor progression. Neither rCBVmean nor rCBVmax was predictive for the patient overall survival (OS). There were no statistically different rCBVmean and rCBVmax between the first and further tumor progressions.

CONCLUSIONS

The rCBVmax differentiates tumor progression from TRC in unselected recurrent glioblastomas, but it is not predictive for the OS.
Catholic Feminist Ethics Reconsidered
Authors: Haker Hille
Published: April 2015

Taking Catholic sexual ethics and liberal feminist ethics as points of departure, this essay argues that both frameworks are ill‐prepared to deal with the moral problems raised by sex trafficking: while Catholic sexual ethics is grounded in a normative understanding of sexuality, liberal feminist ethics argues for women's sexual autonomy, resting upon freedom of action and consent. From a perspective that attends both to the phenomenological interpretation of embodied selves and the Kantian normative interpretation of dignity, it becomes possible to critique both the Catholic and the liberal feminist frameworks of ethics. I argue that Catholic sexual ethics requires a reconceptualization as social ethics in order to meet the challenges of our present time, but that the shift is possible without giving up the moral imperatives of both Catholic and feminist ethics to protect human dignity and women's rights.
Asé and Amen, Sister!
Authors: Young Thelathia N. , Miller Shannon J.
Published: April 2015

At times, the academy seems devoid of justice because it emphasizes the cultivation of knowledge often denied to marginalized individuals and communities. As black queer feminist scholars doing praxis‐driven theorizing from separate fields on the subject of black queer families and communities, we employ research methods that resist the dynamics of power and privilege that exist within normative researcher‐participant exchanges. In this essay, we explore and highlight the ethical, justice‐oriented, and dialogical relationship between researcher‐scholars and research participants. Through story and theory, we illustrate and argue that autoethnographies and narrative interviews can act as epistemological excavation tools for both researchers and participants, as they become sites of individual and collective consciousness. Our work resists capitalist models of research and instead promotes a justice‐oriented and community‐derived building of knowledge.
Putting on Virtue Without Putting Off Feminists
Authors: Dumler‐Winckler Emily
Published: April 2015

Mary Wollstonecraft's account of virtue discourse and formation, which deploys ancient and medieval ethical resources for modern purposes, challenges a prevalent narrative in Christian ethics today. Several prominent Christian virtue ethicists have left the false impression that serious reflection on the virtues depends on pre‐modern traditions and the eschewal of modern resources. Troubled by skeptical quandaries and the difficulty of adjudicating conflicting claims about virtue, they are concerned with securing a pre‐modern court of appeals. Many feminists worry that these appeals unduly constrain because they naturalize what is contingent and fix what should be open to debate. Wollstonecraft does not share the skeptical concerns and so has no need for metaethical appeals. Adapting Edmund Burke's moral philosophy, her use of virtue discourse deploys his metaphor of “the wardrobe of the moral imagination” to more religious, radical, and democratic ends. This way of proceeding signals the possibility of a rapprochement between feminists of various stripes and those interested in deploying the discourse of the virtues for contemporary Christian ethics.
THE EFFECT OF ACCESSIBILITY ON PRODUCTIVITY IN SPANISH MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: Martín‐Barroso David , Núñez‐Serrano Juan A. , Velázquez Francisco J.
Published: April 2015

This paper evaluates the impact of accessibility on the productivity of Spanish manufacturing firms. We suggest the use of accessibility indicators of workers and commodities, integrating transport, land use, and individual components, computing real distances or traveling times using the Spanish full road network. Estimated firms’ total factor productivity is explained as a function of the accessibility indicators and additional control variables. Results evidence the crucial role on firms’ productivity to the accessibility of commodities and to a slightly lesser extent the workers.
Identification and Pathogenicity of Lasiodiplodia Species from Eucalyptus urophylla × grandis, Polyscias balfouriana and Bougainvillea spectabilis in Southern China
Authors: Li GuoQing , Arnold Roger J. , Liu FeiFei , Li JieQiong , Chen ShuaiFei
Published: April 2015

Species of Lasiodiplodia are important pathogens of a wide variety of plants covering a wide geographical distribution. These fungi can be associated with different symptoms such as stem cankers, shoot blights, fruit rots, dieback and gummosis. Diseases caused by Lasiodiplodia were surveyed on Eucalyptus urophylla × grandis, Polyscias balfouriana and Bougainvillea spectabilis in a nursery in southern China. Based on morphology characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of ITS rDNA sequences and translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (TEF‐1α) gene regions, four species of Lasiodiplodia were identified. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was identified from E. urophylla × grandis, P. balfouriana and B. spectabilis. L. hormozganensis, L. iraniensis and L. pseudotheobromae were identified from B. spectabilis. To our knowledge, with the exception of L. theobromae on E. urophylla × grandis, this study represents the first report of these fungi on the host plants. Pathogenicity tests showed that all Lasiodiplodia spp. obtained in this study are virulent to E. urophylla × grandis and B. spectabilis, and L. theobromae was virulent to P. balfouriana.
A Proposed Framework for an Integrated Process of Improving Quality of Life
Authors: Schippers Alice , Zuna Nina , Brown Ivan
Published: April 2015

The need for quality of life, both as a concept and as a measure, to be applied to policy and practice has been noted in the disability literature for several years. In 2012, Schalock and Verdugo introduced a conceptual model to help service organizations evaluate if congruence exists among their systems, policies, and practices and, if misalignments exist, to make changes through policy and systems change. Their model focuses on two levels, system‐level processes and organization‐level practices, at three consecutive stages of use: inputs, throughputs, and outputs. In this article, the authors extend the work of Schalock and Verdugo by adding a third level of application, individual‐ and family‐level living, and propose the inclusion of outcomes as a fourth stage of use representing a consequence of outputs. We recognize the dynamic interaction among all components of the conceptual framework and, like Schalock and Verdugo, argue for alignment both vertically (system, organization, and individual and family living levels) and horizontally (inputs, throughputs, outputs, and outcomes) within our revised conceptual framework. Based on this, the authors propose that quality of life outcomes (the ongoing effects of outputs) should be an ultimate focus of service organizations and policy development if quality of life is to be enhanced for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law: An Innovative Approach to Improving Outcomes for Low‐Income Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Zisser Alison R. , van Stone Maureen
Published: April 2015

Advocates and attorneys working in medical–legal partnerships in the United States have become essential members of a multidisciplinary team that educates healthcare professionals on the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and represents families when appropriate services to which they are legally entitled are denied. This program description presents an innovative program in which advocates and attorneys work closely with healthcare professionals in a pediatric setting to improve implementation of clinical recommendations and outcomes for low‐income children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since its creation in 2005, Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law) has provided advocacy and legal services to 1,750 low‐income families and children with disabilities facing discrimination and challenges accessing programs and services critical to health, education, and psychosocial functioning. Client satisfaction surveys indicate that families who receive representation are highly satisfied with the outcome of their children's cases, and healthcare professionals report that their patients and families are better able to access complex service systems with assistance from Project HEAL. The innovative practice of incorporating advocacy and legal services directly into a clinical setting provides better outcomes for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who might not otherwise have access to critically needed services. Involvement of skilled advocates and attorneys facilitates implementation of the comprehensive clinical recommendations necessary for the well‐being of children with disabilities.
Relationship between lean body mass and serum renal biomarkers in healthy dogs
Authors: Hall Jean A. , Yerramilli Maha , Obare Edward , Yerramilli Murthy , Melendez Lynda D. , Jewell Dennis E.
Published: April 2015

Background

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is an accurate and precise biomarker for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in humans and cats. Serum creatinine (sCr) also correlates with GFR, but has limitations as a biomarker of renal function because nonrenal factors can influence its concentration.

Hypothesis

Differences in lean body mass (LBM) influence sCr, but not serum SDMA concentrations.

Animals

Forty‐one healthy Beagles, mean age 9.9 years (range: 3.1–14.8 years), were studied over a 6 month period.

Methods

Serum biomarkers of renal function were measured prospectively at baseline, and 1, 3, and 6 months. SDMA concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy and sCr concentrations by enzymatic colorimetry. Body composition was determined by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

LBM (P < .001) and age (P = .006) were significant explanatory variables for sCr concentration (R2 = 0.38), but not SDMA concentration. Time on food was the only significant explanatory variable for SDMA concentration (R2 = 0.49). SDMA concentrations decreased across time (P < .001). LBM was affected by sex (males > females; P = .02). Mature adult dogs (<8 years) had greater LBM compared with geriatric dogs (≥8 years; P < .001).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

sCr concentrations, but not SDMA concentrations, are influenced by LBM, which limits sCr utility as a biomarker for monitoring renal function in dogs with decreased LBM. Reductions in LBM can lower sCr concentration and overestimate GFR. SDMA concentrations, but not sCr concentrations were influenced by time on food. SDMA could have clinical advantages over sCr in monitoring response to nutritional interventions.
Effects of the SOLVE Strategy on the Mathematical Problem Solving Skills of Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Freeman–Green Shaqwana M. , O'Brien Chris , Wood Charles L. , Hitt Sara Beth
Published: April 2015

This study examined the effects of explicit instruction in the SOLVE Strategy on the mathematical problem solving skills of six Grade 8 students with specific learning disabilities. The SOLVE Strategy is an explicit instruction, mnemonic–based learning strategy designed to help students in solving mathematical word problems. Using a multiple probe across participants design, results suggested a functional relation between explicit instruction in the SOLVE strategy and increase in strategy use and computation scores on grade level mathematical word problems for all participants. Additionally, all participants generalized the SOLVE Strategy to other mathematic topics and concepts, and the teacher and students felt the intervention was socially acceptable. Finally, limitations, implications for practice, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Not Such a Simple Story: Contradictory Evidence from a Review of Story Structure Research for Students At–Risk
Authors: Faggella–Luby Michael N. , Drew Sally Valentino , Schumaker Jean B.
Published: April 2015

The Common Core State Standards and the continued inclusion of students with learning disabilities (LD) in Tier 1 classrooms are changing how close reading of texts occurs in English Language Arts classrooms. Therefore, understanding the potential impact of literacy–related evidence–based practices during Tier 1 instruction that includes students with reading–related disabilities is essential. This article reviews the research on story–structure instruction for students with LD and at–risk for failure. Findings across 16 studies indicate several features of strong methodological designs including random assignment and inclusion of students with LD. However, substantial limitations in the research base include contradictory outcomes, limited outcomes disaggregated for students with LD, reliance on researcher–developed measures, a lack of instructional features to support students with LD, and limited features of feasible implementation.
Constraints on the formation environment of two chondrule‐like igneous particles from comet 81P/Wild 2
Authors: Gainsforth Zack , Butterworth Anna L. , Stodolna Julien , Westphal Andrew J. , Huss Gary R. , Nagashima Kazu , Ogliore Ryan , Brownlee Donald E. , Joswiak David , Tyliszczak Tolek , Simionovici Alexandre S.
Published: April 2015

Using chemical and petrologic evidence and modeling, we deduce that two chondrule‐like particles named Iris and Callie, from Stardust cometary track C2052,12,74, formed in an environment very similar to that seen for type II chondrules in meteorites. Iris was heated near liquidus, equilibrated, and cooled at ≤100 °C h‐1 and within ≈2 log units of the IW buffer with a high partial pressure of Na such as would be present with dust enrichments of ≈103. There was no detectable metamorphic, nebular, or aqueous alteration. In previous work, Ogliore et al. (2012) reported that Iris formed late, >3 Myr after CAIs, assuming 26Al was homogenously distributed, and was rich in heavy oxygen. Iris may be similar to assemblages found only in interplanetary dust particles and Stardust cometary samples called Kool particles. Callie is chemically and isotopically very similar, but not identical to Iris.
Conservation and divergence of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate–protein kinase A (cAMP–PKA) pathway in two plant‐pathogenic fungi: Fusarium graminearum and F. verticillioides
Authors: Guo Li , Breakspear Andrew , Zhao Guoyi , Gao Lixin , Kistler H. Corby , Xu Jin‐Rong , Ma Li‐Jun
Published: April 2015

The cyclic adenosine monophosphate–protein kinase A (cAMP–PKA) pathway is a central signalling cascade that transmits extracellular stimuli and governs cell responses through the second messenger cAMP. The importance of cAMP signalling in fungal biology has been well documented and the key conserved components, adenylate cyclase (AC) and the catalytic subunit of PKA (CPKA), have been functionally characterized. However, other genes involved in this signalling pathway and their regulation are not well understood in filamentous fungi. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptomics analysis of AC and CPKA mutants in two closely related fungi: Fusarium graminearum (Fg) and F. verticillioides (Fv). Combining available Fg transcriptomics and phenomics data, we reconstructed the Fg cAMP signalling pathway. We developed a computational program that combines sequence conservation and patterns of orthologous gene expression to facilitate global transcriptomics comparisons between different organisms. We observed highly correlated expression patterns for most orthologues (80%) between Fg and Fv. We also identified a subset of 482 (6%) diverged orthologues, whose expression under all conditions was at least 50% higher in one genome than in the other. This enabled us to dissect the conserved and unique portions of the cAMP–PKA pathway. Although the conserved portions controlled essential functions, such as metabolism, the cell cycle, chromatin remodelling and the oxidative stress response, the diverged portions had species‐specific roles, such as the production and detoxification of secondary metabolites unique to each species. The evolution of the cAMP–PKA signalling pathway seems to have contributed directly to fungal divergence and niche adaptation.
Seeing Conflict: A Study of Conflict Accuracy in Work Teams
Authors: Avgar Ariel C. , Neuman Eric J.
Published: April 2015

This study examines individual conflict accuracy, or the ability of a team member to make accurate judgments about dyadic conflict between others. We examine team member accuracy in identifying the presence of conflict between two team members and argue that individuals differ in the extent to which they accurately make judgments about conflict. We maintain that specific factors determine whether conflict is seen or not. We develop a framework for understanding individual conflict accuracy that takes into account pre‐existing beliefs about the consequences that conflict has for team performance, the extent to which one is in conflict with other team members, and one's structural position within the network of team relationships. Our analyses of nearly 3,000 assessments made by team members about conflict between two of their teammates provide general support for the proposition that individual, interpersonal, and structural factors play a role in explaining team members' conflict accuracy.
Unraveling Business Negotiations Using Practitioner Data
Authors: Fells Ray , Rogers Helen , Prowse Peter , Ott Ursula F.
Published: April 2015

Although negotiations are a core business activity, there is a lack of information about what actually occurs during a business negotiation. This study addresses this issue though an international survey of managers focusing on actual negotiations. The 294 respondents reported on what actions they took as they sought to achieve an agreement, including how information was exchanged and how they looked for new solutions and managed concession making. The analysis suggests a pragmatic approach to negotiation, whereby information is not withheld, but neither is it freely given. Solutions emerge from discussion of priorities and commonalities rather than through more formal creative processes. The underlying script of negotiation appears to draw more on competitive than overtly collaborative tactics, suggesting that business negotiators are cautious co‐operators. Further research avenues include investigating the pressures and context that impact upon negotiators' decision‐making and closer examination of interactions between negotiation tasks en route to an agreement.
Almutairi'sCriticalCulturalCompetence model for a multicultural healthcare environment
Authors: Almutairi Adel F , Dahinten V Susan , Rodney Patricia
Published: April 2015

The increasing demographic changes of populations in many countries require an approach for managing the complexity of sociocultural differences. Such an approach could help healthcare organizations to address healthcare disparities and inequities, and promote cultural safety for healthcare providers and patients alike. Almutairi's critical cultural competence (CCC) is a comprehensive approach that holds great promise for managing difficulties arising from sociocultural and linguistic issues during cross‐cultural interactions.CCChas addressed the limitations of many other cultural competence approaches that have been discussed in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to define the construct ofCCCand the theoretical components of theCCC.
The zinc‐binding nuclear protein HIPP3 acts as an upstream regulator of the salicylate‐dependent plant immunity pathway and of flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zschiesche Wiebke , Barth Olaf , Daniel Katharina , Böhme Sandra , Rausche Juliane , Humbeck Klaus
Published: April 2015

Biotic and abiotic stress responses of plants are linked to developmental programs. Proteins involved in different signaling pathways are the molecular basis of this concerted interplay. In our study, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana HEAVY METAL‐ASSOCIATED ISOPRENYLATED PLANT PROTEIN3 (HIPP3; At5g60800) acts as an upstream regulator of stress‐ and development‐related regulatory networks.

Localization, metal‐binding and stress‐responsive gene expression of HIPP3 were analyzed via microscopy, protein and inductively coupled plasma (ICP)‐MS analyses and quantitative real‐time PCR. In addition, transcriptome and phenotype analyses of plants overexpressing HIPP3 were used to unravel its function.

Our data show that HIPP3 is a nuclear, zinc‐binding protein. It is repressed during drought stress and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment and, similar to other pathogen‐related genes, is induced after infection with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. HIPP3 overexpression affects the regulation of > 400 genes. Strikingly, most of these genes are involved in pathogen response, especially in the salicylate pathway. In addition, many genes of abiotic stress responses and seed and flower development are affected by HIPP3 overexpression. Plants overexpressing HIPP3 show delayed flowering.

We conclude that HIPP3 acts via its bound zinc as an upstream regulator of the salicylate‐dependent pathway of pathogen response and is also involved in abiotic stress responses and seed and flower development.
The scope of practice of UK oral surgeons
Authors: Brotherton P. , Gerrard G. , Bennett K. , Coulthard P.
Published: April 2015

Aim

To investigate the current scope of clinical practice and involvement in postgraduate education and training of UK oral surgeons.

Materials and methods

Electronic survey via ‘Survey Monkey ™’ of members of British Association of Oral Surgeons.

Results

Response rate of 39% (208) with margin of error 5.29% at 95% level of confidence. Fifty‐nine per cent (122) regularly operated under general anaesthesia; 39% (47) regularly undertook trauma surgery. A wide range of conditions (including mucosal) were managed and surgical procedures undertaken for paediatric and adult patients.

Conclusions

UK oral surgeons are currently undertaking a wide range of procedures as described by the General Dental Council, the Career Development Framework for Consultant Appointments and EU directives and well beyond the limits of minor oral surgery. They also make a significant contribution to education and training in the UK.
Influence of Macrophages on the Rooster Spermatozoa Quality
Authors: Kuzelova L , Vasicek J , Chrenek P
Published: April 2015

Contents

The goal of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of macrophages in rooster semen and to investigate their impact on the spermatozoa quality. Ross 308 breeder males (n = 30) with no evidence of genital tract infections were used to determine the concentration of macrophages using fluorescently conjugated acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (AcLDL). Subsequently, the roosters were divided into two groups on the basis of semen macrophage concentration, and semen quality was compared in two heterospermic samples. We applied computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA) system to determine motility parameters. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate occurrence of apoptotic and dead spermatozoa. Spermatozoa fertility potential was examined after intravaginal artificial insemination of hens. Eighteen roosters (control group) contained 0.2–3% of macrophages within spermatozoa population and ten roosters (macrophage group) had 10–15% of macrophages. Males from macrophage group had lower (p < 0.05) motility parameters (total and progressive movement, velocity curved line) and increased concentration of dead spermatozoa detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy (p < 0.001 and p ˂ 0.05, respectively). Differences (p < 0.05) between fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry in results on spermatozoa apoptosis and viability were observed. No significant difference was found between groups in fertility of spermatozoa. In conclusion, the higher presence of macrophages in rooster semen may have a negative effect on some parameters of rooster spermatozoa evaluated in vitro. Furthermore, our study suggests that flow cytometry allows more precise examination of spermatozoa viability and apoptosis in a very short time compared with the fluorescent microscopy.
Representative bureaucracy and seconded national government officials in the European Commission
Authors: Murdoch Zuzana , Trondal Jarle , Geys Benny
Published: April 2015

The bureaucratic arms of modern international organizations increasingly consist of staff with ambiguous organizational affiliations. This article analyses the implications of this trend from the perspective of representative bureaucracy – using seconded national experts (SNEs) in the European Commission (Commission) as the empirical laboratory. Using a variety of datasets, we unveil Commission SNEs' profiles (to assess their passive representativeness) and link these profiles to their role perceptions (to evaluate their potential for active representation). This illustrates that Commission SNEs' background characteristics do not match those of their constituent population (i.e. the EU27 population) – suggesting a lack of passive representativeness. However, we also find that SNEs from countries favoring stronger national rather than European regulatory and policymaking powers are more likely to see themselves as a representative of their home country government. This suggests a potential for active representation in terms of SNEs' home country's policy preferences.
Pneumonia and venous thromboembolism: Is the evidence catching up with the guidelines?
Authors: Beckert Lutz , Rahman Anthony
Published: April 2015

See article, page 799
Architecture and morphodynamics of a 1·6 Ga fluvial sandstone: Ellice Formation of Elu Basin, Arctic Canada
Authors: Ielpi Alessandro , Rainbird Robert H.
Published: April 2015

Precambrian fluvial deposits have been traditionally described as architecturally simple, forming shallow and wide braidplains with sheet‐like geometry. The varied architecture and morphodynamics of the 1·6 Ga Ellice Formation of Elu Basin, Nunavut, Canada, are examined from detailed studies of section and planform exposures along coastal platforms and stepped cliffs. The Ellice Formation overlies older Proterozoic sandstones and Archean crystalline rocks, recording sedimentation in fluvial, aeolian, coastal and nearshore‐marine environments. The fluvial deposits display palaeoflow towards the west/north‐west, while overlying shallow‐marine deposits record transgression towards the east/south‐east. The Ellice Formation displays dispersed palaeoflow at its base, and also at higher stratigraphic levels, where fluvial and aeolian deposits are associated. Elsewhere, mainly unimodal palaeoflow points to extensive low‐sinuosity fluvial deposition. Within the terrestrial deposits, fluvial, fluvial–aeolian and coastal architectural elements are recognized. Fluvial elements comprise cross‐bedded sandstone and minor conglomerate, exhibiting an overall fining‐upward trend with associated decrease in preservation, dimension and amalgamation of channel bodies. These motifs are interpreted to portray a shift in depositional environment from proximal trunk rivers to distal alluvial plains. Low‐sinuosity fluvial elements are the most common, and include major channel bodies, elongate side bars and mid‐channel bars with well‐developed scroll topography. High‐sinuosity channel‐bar complexes exhibit upbar‐flow rotation and yield evidence of bar expansion coupled with rotation and translation. Fluvial–aeolian elements are composed of aeolian dunes juxtaposed with isolated channel bodies and bank‐attached bars. Minor mixed fluvial–aeolian sheets record local deposition in unconfined settings (possibly floodbasins) or inter‐distributary highlands. Finally, coastal elements comprise small deltaic complexes composed of sand‐rich distributary‐channel bodies feeding heterolithic mouth bars. Overall, the sedimentary record of the Ellice Formation demonstrates an example from the Precambrian where alluvium was locally characterized by a higher geomorphic variability than previously recognized.
Sport and Social Inequalities
Authors: Spaaij Ramón , Farquharson Karen , Marjoribanks Timothy
Published: April 2015

This article reviews recent research on the relationship between sport and social inequalities, focusing on gender, race, nation and social mobility. Through an engagement with these areas of research, we highlight how sport reflects and reinforces broader hierarchical structures; how it serves as a site for both inclusion and exclusion, but in ways that work unevenly; and how sport is ultimately a site for social reproduction of hierarchy and social stratification. We argue that the gender, racial and national hierarchies that sport is embedded within interact to largely prevent sport from being a site for social mobility, despite popular myths to the contrary.
“The Penal Couple”: An Examination of the Relationship Between Victimization and Offending and Its Implications for Criminal Justice
Authors: Zaykowski Heather
Published: April 2015

Although it is commonly assumed that victims and offenders are distinct groups of people, extant research indicates significant overlap in these populations. The current review explores theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence supporting this position. It also highlights some unique challenges and consequences for the criminal justice system. Key issues and avenues for future research on the link between victimization and offending are discussed.
Procreative and performative kinship among residents in Victorian caravan parks
Authors: Newton Janice
Published: April 2015

Recent senior anthropologists have heralded a new era where performative social and cultural kinship may eclipse procreational ‘biological kinship’ in contemporary western society. This article takes research on permanent residents in caravan parks as an extreme case that may act as an exemplar for future western contexts. Between 2003 and 2008, interviews with caravan‐park managers, 50 interviews with park residents and short field stays at 17 outer Melbourne and rural Victorian caravan parks, provided multi‐sited ethnographic material for analysis. I argue that contemporary contexts for relatedness give scope for creative development of social performative ties with ‘ex’ spouses and in‐laws, friends and pets. ‘Biological’ kin and family with a material dimension remain central, however, and a response to family need or rupture is often the broadening of the procreative kin links between grandparent and grandchild and between siblings. Childhood institutionalisation and divorce in particular, contributed to pathways towards caravan park housing. Other kin‐based motivations include finding safe accommodation for wives; providing housing for young adult males after injury and family divorce; and arranging for housing succession for children. Ideas of blood and folk biology demonstrate considerable resilience in contemporary kinship arrangements.
Two novel HLA‐DQB1*03:03 alleles, HLA‐DQB1*03:03:08 and DQB1*03:03:13, were identified in Chinese individuals
Authors: Zhang W. , Wang W. , Han Z.‐D. , He J.‐J. , He J. , Zhu F. ‐M. , Lv H. ‐J.
Published: April 2015

Compared with HLA‐DQB1*03:03:02:01, HLA‐DQB1*03:03:08 and DQB1*03:03:13 have 330 G>C and 349 T>C changes, respectively.
An autophosphorylation site database for leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mitra Srijeet K. , Chen Ruiqiang , Dhandaydham Murali , Wang Xiaofeng , Blackburn Robert Kevin , Kota Uma , Goshe Michael B. , Schwartz Daniel , Huber Steven C. , Clouse Steven D.
Published: April 2015

Leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases (LRR RLKs) form a large family of plant signaling proteins consisting of an extracellular domain connected by a single‐pass transmembrane sequence to a cytoplasmic kinase domain. Autophosphorylation on specific Ser and/or Thr residues in the cytoplasmic domain is often critical for the activation of several LRR RLK family members with proven functional roles in plant growth regulation, morphogenesis, disease resistance, and stress responses. While identification and functional characterization of in vivo phosphorylation sites is ultimately required for a full understanding of LRR RLK biology and function, bacterial expression of recombinant LRR RLK cytoplasmic catalytic domains for identification of in vitro autophosphorylation sites provides a useful resource for further targeted identification and functional analysis of in vivo sites. In this study we employed high‐throughput cloning and a variety of mass spectrometry approaches to generate an autophosphorylation site database representative of more than 30% of the approximately 223 LRR RLKs in Arabidopsis thaliana. We used His‐tagged constructs of complete cytoplasmic domains to identify a total of 592 phosphorylation events across 73 LRR RLKs, with 497 sites uniquely assigned to specific Ser (268 sites) or Thr (229 sites) residues in 68 LRR RLKs. Multiple autophosphorylation sites per LRR RLK were the norm, with an average of seven sites per cytoplasmic domain, while some proteins showed more than 20 unique autophosphorylation sites. The database was used to analyze trends in the localization of phosphorylation sites across cytoplasmic kinase subdomains and to derive a statistically significant sequence motif for phospho‐Ser autophosphorylation.
Retrospective analysis of 30 severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia patients treated by whole blood exchange transfusion
Authors: Li Bi‐Juan , Yuan Xi , Jiang Yuan‐Jun , Ning‐Li  , Shu Xiang‐Wu , Liu Kai‐Liang
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) results from the excessive destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). Nowadays, there is no exact treatment for severe AIHA and our current medical therapies do not effectively stop the progression of severe AIHA. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used as emergency therapy that is sometimes helpful. Whole blood exchange (WBE) is based on TPE while its replacement liquids are donor RBCs and fresh plasma. We hypothesized that WBE transfusion might be able to control the process of acute hemolysis, avoid the hemolytic crisis, and improve severe hemolytic anemic symptoms rapidly. The objective was to investigate the efficiency of WBE on severe AIHA.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty severe AIHA patients were treated with WBE in our hospital from June 2003 to August 2013. An apheresis instrument (COBE Spectra, TerumoBCT) was employed in WBE procedure. We retrospectively analyzed the results of these severe anemic patients.

RESULTS

Twelve hours after WBE treatment, 26 of 30 (86.7%) patients' Hb levels were elevated immediately. Their total bilirubin concentration, direct bilirubin levels, and titers of antibodies were decreased, and clinical symptoms were relieved rapidly. Two (6.7%) patients' hemolysis was stopped from deteriorating, one (3.3%) patient's hemolysis was not controlled by the treatment due to malignancy, and another (3.3%) patient died from pleural hemorrhage of Evans syndrome.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that WBE is an effective therapy for severe AIHA. Further investigation of this application is warranted.
A Plastic Deformation Mechanism by Necklace Dislocations Near Crack-like Defects in Nanotwinned Metals
Authors: Zhou Haofei , Gao Huajian
Published: April 2015

Nanotwinned metals are a class of hierarchically structured materials that appear to transcend the limits of conventional material systems by exhibiting an exceptional combination of superior strength, ductility and resistance to fracture, fatigue, and wear. Recently, we reported a type of necklace dislocations in nanotwinned metals which become operative when the twin boundary (TB) spacing falls below a few nanometers. Here, we show that the presence of a cracklike defect as the dominant dislocation source could allow the same mechanism to operate at much larger twin spacings. This finding calls for further theoretical and experimental investigations of a new type of TB related dislocation mechanism which may play particularly important roles in crack-tip deformation in nanotwinned metals.
Geometric Adaptive Tracking Control of a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on SE(3) for Agile Maneuvers
Authors: Goodarzi Farhad A. , Lee Daewon , Lee Taeyoung
Published: April 2015

This paper presents nonlinear tracking control systems for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under the influence of uncertainties. Assuming that there exist unstructured disturbances in the translational dynamics and the attitude dynamics, a geometric nonlinear adaptive controller is developed directly on the special Euclidean group. In particular, a new form of an adaptive control term is proposed to guarantee stability while compensating the effects of uncertainties in quadrotor dynamics. A rigorous mathematical stability proof is given. The desirable features are illustrated by numerical example and experimental results of aggressive maneuvers.
Design and Development of a Family of Natural Gas Compressors for a 3000-Hp Gas Turbine Engine
Authors: Batman J. G.
Published: April 2015

A family of natural gas compressors is designed and developed for application with the Solar Centaur T-3000 gas turbine engine. These compressors are capable of matching the power and speed of the engine over a wide range of compressor suction pressure and flow conditions. Design of these compressors includes analysis of possible aerodynamic configurations, and selection of the mechanical arrangement to best meet the expected installation requirements. Aerodynamic characteristics, bearing and seal performance, impeller integrity, and housing rigidity are all developed in a test program prior to shipment of the first compressors. Follow-up of the first field operation further verifies that the design objectives had been met.
Design Study of an Advanced Concept Simple Gas Turbine for Possible Use in Low Emission Automobiles
Authors: Eatock H. C. , Stoten M. D.
Published: April 2015

United Aircraft Corporation studied the potential costs of various possible gas turbine engines which might be used to reduce automobile exhaust emissions. As part of that study, United Aircraft of Canada undertook the preliminary design and performance analysis of high-pressure-ratio nonregenerated (simple cycle) gas turbine engines. For the first time, high levels of single-stage component efficiency are available extending from a pressure ratio less than 4 up to 10 or 12 to 1. As a result, the study showed that the simple-cycle engine may provide satisfactory running costs with significantly lower manufacturing costs and NOx emissions than a regenerated engine. In this paper some features of the preliminary design of both single-shaft and a free power turbine version of this engine are examined. The major component technology assumptions, in particular the high pressure ratio centrifugal compressor, employed for performance extrapolation are explained and compared with current technology. The potential low NOx emissions of the simple-cycle gas turbine compared to regenerative or recuperative gas turbines is discussed. Finally, some of the problems which might be encountered in using this totally different power plant for the conventional automobile are identified.
Analysis of Propulsion and Lift Power Requirements for the Artic Surface Effect Vehicle
Authors: Garrett J. H. , Muench R. K.
Published: April 2015

The power requirements of large surface effect vehicles are parametrically examined. The results are first derived in terms of total specific power as a function of the cushion to free stream dynamic pressure ratio and other propulsion and lift system parameters. The propulsion, lift and total power requirements are then examined as a function of vehicle speed, vehicle gross weight and daylight clearance. The fuel fraction-range and payload-range relationship for a given cushion pressure is also examined.