bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Частный сектор культуры Республики Беларуси: становление и развитие (1991–2008)
Authors: Кривошей [Krivosheĭ] Димитрий [Dimitriĭ] А. [A.]
Published: September 2015

Private sector of culture of the Republic of Belarus: formation and development (1991–2008)In the given research the author on the basis of the historical and genetic analysis, methods of typology and deduction represents the basic segments of sphere of culture of the Belarus in which private subjects of culture have arisen and developed. The analysis of achievements and lacks of the given phenomenon is carried out, the factors influencing development are marked.The private sector in sphere of culture of Belarus in 1991–2008 could not create appreciable enough competition to official bodies. In cultural aspect only some projects became really platforms for experiment. First of all it concerns theatrical creativity, motion picture arts and painting.Development of a competition was not promoted by a state policy creating unequal conditions for development (tax privileges, rent decrease, etc.). Negative influence on formation of private noncommercial sector has rendered absence of the developed legislation on sponsorship and patronage of arts.Private establishments in culture sphere were created both the commercial organizations and individual businessmen, and the private persons far from business. The aspiration to profit not always was the main thing for businessmen. Private theatre in Gomel, a museum‑drugstore in Grodno, picture galleries were created by businessmen for the purposes more likely aesthetic, for confirmation of the status. The satisfaction of personal ambitions, the aspiration to be more available to public was the main thing for noncommercial projects. Most brightly it is appreciable in museum business (A. Bely, J. Gil’s museum).The projects arisen and developing on a wave of political disagreements in the country are present at a private sector of culture of the Belarus (cinéma vérité, museums).It is necessary to ascertain full absence in the country of private cinemas and film studios of game cinema, the organizations of national crafts, circuses.
Types of Crime and Types of Mechanisms
Authors: Hipp John R. , Steenbeek Wouter
Published: September 2015

Using a longitudinal data set of 317 neighborhoods from 1996 to 2002 in Utrecht, The Netherlands, this study tests whether types of crime differentially impact (a) the mechanisms of social disorganization theory and (b) residents’ mobility behavior and attitudes toward the neighborhood. Neighborhoods with more cohesion have less violence 2 years later. Also, neighborhoods perceiving more violence experience lower levels of cohesion 2 years later. Higher levels of perceived violence were most important for explaining who moves out of the neighborhood, as such neighborhoods had more non-Whites and more lower income households at the next time point. Burglaries (a crime that occurs in private space) appear to increase residents’ sense of feeling responsibility for the neighborhood.
From alga to omega; have we reached peak (fish) oil?
Authors: Clayton Paul R , Ladi Szabolcs
Published: September 2015

Summary

While the Inuit diet was highly cardio-protective and consuming oily fish within a Western diet is to a lesser degree, the case for purified fish oil supplements is less convincing. Purification of fish oil removes lipophilic polyphenols which likely contribute to the health benefits of oily fish; leaving the ω3 highly unsaturated fatty acids exposed and prone to conferring oxidative and inflammatory stress. The authors believe that due to such issues as dietary shift, it may now be inadvisable to prescribe or sell purified ω3 highly unsaturated fatty acids supplements, unless the appropriate co-factors are included.
Educational psychology in Portugal: Results of the 2013 International School Psychology Survey
Authors: Coelho Vitor Alexandre , Marchante Marta , Raimundo Raquel , Jimerson Shane
Published: September 2015

This study provides valuable information regarding the characteristics, training, roles, activities, preferences, research interests and challenges reported by 803 Portuguese educational psychologists. The study includes responses to the International School Psychology Survey (ISPS) from educational psychologists across various regions of Portugal. The information gathered through the implementation of the International School Psychology Survey (ISPS) allowed us to conclude that they had one of the highest levels of experience and of discrepancy in gender (favoring female psychologists), when compared with findings from ISPS surveys in other countries. They come from different backgrounds and with different training within psychology and have an increasing higher school psychologist/children ratio. The greatest proportion of their work involved counseling students, psychoeducational evaluations and vocational guidance. The greatest current challenges or threats to the profession in Portugal were the absence of appropriate psychological assessment instruments, conflicts of leadership within the profession, lack of adequate supervision, lack of funds to properly fund services, lack of career prospects, and the low status of school psychology.
Too difficult to protect: a history of the 1934 Monaco Draft and the problem of territory for international humanitarian law
Authors: Kleinfeld Margo
Published: September 2015

‘Blurry’, ‘indeterminate’, and ‘elastic’ are terms used to describe the spatial, legal, and categorical ambiguities that have characterized the war–law–space nexus since September 11th. I argue here that these same qualities were central to the lawmaking process eighty years ago in the case of the Monaco Draft, a draft convention that proposed rules to establish hospital and safety towns, zones, and localities in order to strengthen international humanitarian law. This paper reviews the Monaco Draft’s spatial proposals from their conception in 1934 and their discussion at three expert consultations during the 1930s to their incorporation into the 1949 Geneva Conventions as nonbinding recommendations. An analysis of the conversations among experts charged with examining the proposed rules reveals how the interplay of territorial ideology with the more contingent realities of the battlefield produced uncertainties that conditioned the law. This was further complicated by the law’s customary basis, which makes untested legal measures especially risky. The broader significance of this research is that it presents a historical case showing the problematic nature of territory, uncertainty, and materializing norms as a continuing feature of humanitarian law.
The general land-use planning in China: an uncertainty perspective
Authors: Wei Xiaofei , Wei Chaofu , Cao Xiaoteng , Li Bing
Published: September 2015

Uncertainty is a common feature of the present era. The plethora of uncertainties prompted frequent adjustment in the process of general land-use planning in China and, therefore, severely undermines the effectiveness of the entire land-use plan. Previous research mainly considered a macroanalysis of the causes, types, and treatments of the uncertainties, while research through case studies focusing on uncertainties are very rare. We analyzed the role of uncertainty in the general land-use planning schemes of the Jiangjin district of Chongqing Municipality, China, using the methods of comparative analysis and comprehensive induction. We discovered that the adjustments of the general land-use planning schemes consist of changes in land-use quota and layout, especially those of construction land. It can be found that the major internal uncertainties stem from the uncertainty of government action, base period, and technical specifications, while the major external uncertainties principally come from policy variation and economic development. The research results suggest that we need to further refine the land-use planning theory, optimize the land-use planning scheme, and strengthen the land-use planning legislation in order to decrease or eliminate the uncertainties so as to ensure the effectiveness of the general land-use plan.
Homework Emotion Regulation Scale
Authors: Xu Jianzhong , Fan Xitao , Du Jianxia
Published: September 2015

The goal of the present investigation is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Homework Emotion Regulation Scale (HERS) using 796 middle school students in China. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) supported the existence of two distinct yet related subscales for the HERS: Emotion Management and Cognitive Reappraisal. Concerning the concurrent and predictive validity evidence of the HERS, the results indicated that, consistent with theoretical expectations, Emotion Management and Cognitive Reappraisal were positively associated with mastery and performance orientation, desirable homework behaviors (e.g., completion), learning strategies (e.g., organization), and math homework grade reported by teachers at the end of school semester.
Technical Communication in Assembly Instructions
Authors: Rohrer-Vanzo Valentina , Stern Tobias , Ponocny-Seliger Elisabeth , Schwarzbauer Peter
Published: September 2015

Women decide on about 80% of the goods that their household buys. But marketers often sell products, especially technical ones, that are designed by men and therefore are oriented largely toward their needs. Consequently, assembly instructions for these products are also oriented toward men’s needs. To illustrate the impact of gender orientation in assembly instructions, this study investigates whether theoretical cognitive or psychological gender differences have a practical influence on the usability of assembly instructions. This study has direct implications for technical writers who strive for a more universal design for such instructions.
Looking Beyond the Screen: A Critical Review of the Literature on the Online Child Pornography Offender
Authors: Henshaw Marie , Ogloff James R. P. , Clough Jonathan A.
Published: September 2015

This article reviews the current literature pertaining to those who engage in child pornography offending. The basic characteristics of online child pornography offenders (CPOs) and related typologies are briefly presented prior to reviewing the comparative literature pertaining to CPOs and child contact sexual offenders. In general, CPOs have been found to be relatively high functioning and generally pro-social individuals with less extensive and diverse offending histories than contact offenders. CPOs also display high levels of sexual pre-occupation, deviant sexual interests, and deficits in interpersonal and affective domains that surpass those of contact offenders. Although further research is required to replicate and clarify preliminary findings, the available evidence indicates that existing sexual offender risk assessment tools and treatment programs are not suitable for use with CPOs, and thus require revision and empirical evaluation prior to widespread use among this population. The article concludes with implications for clinical practice and directions for future research.
Safety Assessment of Ethanolamine and Ethanolamine Salts as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Fiume Monice M. , Heldreth Bart A. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: September 2015

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel (Panel) assessed the safety of ethanolamine and 12 salts of ethanolamine as used in cosmetics. Ethanolamine functions as a pH adjuster. The majority of the salts are reported to function as surfactants, and the others are reported to function as pH adjusters, hair fixatives, or preservatives. The Panel reviewed available animal and clinical data, as well as information from previous relevant CIR reports. Because data were not available for each individual ingredient and because the salts dissociate freely in water, the Panel extrapolated from those previous reports to support safety. The Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentrations (rinse-off products only) when formulated to be nonirritating, and these ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds may be formed.
‘I need to confess something’: Coming out on national television
Authors: Bannink Anne , Wentink Djoeke
Published: September 2015

This article takes a (discourse) critical look at the television show ‘Uit de Kast’ (‘Out of the closet’) that has been broadcast on Dutch public television for the past three years. In this program, young male and female lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) participants, who have not come out yet for various reasons, reveal their homosexuality to their family, peers, and colleagues while being documented on camera. We problematize the compatibility of the genre ‘reality television’, which by definition focuses on personal emotions and conflict, with subjects that have emancipatory goals, such as the creation of more awareness for and acceptance of homosexuality. The data reveal that in the show LGB emancipation is framed as a personal problem and not as a socio-political issue with moral and ideological dimensions. In the end, we argue, the effect could very well be that the show does not promote but rather – ironically – hinders LGB emancipation.
Likelihood of infection in patients with presumed sepsis at the time of intensive care unit admission: a cohort study
Authors: Klein Klouwenberg Peter M. C. , Cremer Olaf L. , van Vught Lonneke A. , Ong David S. Y. , Frencken Jos F. , Schultz Marcus J. , Bonten Marc J. , van der Poll Tom
Published: September 2015

Introduction

A clinical suspicion of infection is mandatory for diagnosing sepsis in patients with a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Yet, the accuracy of categorizing critically ill patients presenting to the intensive care unit (ICU) as being infected or not is unknown. We therefore assessed the likelihood of infection in patients who were treated for sepsis upon admission to the ICU, and quantified the association between plausibility of infection and mortality.

Methods

We studied a cohort of critically ill patients admitted with clinically suspected sepsis to two tertiary ICUs in the Netherlands between January 2011 and December 2013. The likelihood of infection was categorized as none, possible, probable or definite by post-hoc assessment. We used multivariable competing risks survival analyses to determine the association of the plausibility of infection with mortality.

Results

Among 2579 patients treated for sepsis, 13% had a post-hoc infection likelihood of “none”, and an additional 30% of only “possible”. These percentages were largely similar for different suspected sites of infection. In crude analyses, the likelihood of infection was associated with increased length of stay and complications. In multivariable analysis, patients with an unlikely infection had a higher mortality rate compared to patients with a definite infection (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.49).

Conclusions

This study is the first prospective analysis to show that the clinical diagnosis of sepsis upon ICU admission corresponds poorly with the presence of infection on post-hoc assessment. A higher likelihood of infection does not adversely influence outcome in this population.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01905033. Registered 11 July 2013.
Impaired osteogenesis in Menkes disease-derived induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Kim Dongkyu , Choi Jieun , Han Kyu-Min , Lee Beom Hee , Choi Jin-Ho , Yoo Han-Wook , Han Yong-Mahn
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Bone abnormalities, one of the primary manifestations of Menkes disease (MD), include a weakened bone matrix and low mineral density. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these bone defects are poorly understood.

Methods

We present in vitro modeling for impaired osteogenesis in MD using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with a mutatedATP7Agene. MD-iPSC lines were generated from two patients harboring different mutations.

Results

The MD-iPSCs showed a remarkable retardation in CD105 expression with morphological anomalies during development to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) compared with wild-type (WT)-iPSCs. Interestingly, although prolonged culture enhanced CD105 expression, mature MD-MSCs presented with low alkaline phosphatase activity, reduced calcium deposition in the extracellular matrix, and downregulated osteoblast-specific genes during osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Knockdown ofATP7Aalso impaired osteogenesis in WT-MSCs. Lysyl oxidase activity was also decreased in MD-MSCs during osteoblast differentiation.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate thatATP7Adysfunction contributes to retardation in MSC development and impairs osteogenesis in MD.
In vivo hepatogenic capacity and therapeutic potential of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth in liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Yamaza Takayoshi , Alatas Fatima Safira , Yuniartha Ratih , Yamaza Haruyoshi , Fujiyoshi Junko K. , Yanagi Yusuke , Yoshimaru Koichiro , Hayashida Makoto , Matsuura Toshiharu , Aijima Reona , Ihara Kenji , Ohga Shouichi , Shi Songtao , Nonaka Kazuaki , Taguchi Tomoaki
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Liver transplantation is a gold standard treatment for intractable liver diseases. Because of the shortage of donor organs, alternative therapies have been required. Due to their potential to differentiate into a variety of mature cells, stem cells are considered feasible cell sources for liver regeneration. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) exhibit hepatogenic capability in vitro. In this study, we investigated their in vivo capabilities of homing and hepatocyte differentiation and therapeutic efficacy for liver disorders in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis model mice.

Methods

We transplanted SHED into CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model mice through the spleen, and analyzed the in vivo homing and therapeutic effects by optical, biochemical, histological, immunological and molecular biological assays. We then sorted human leukocyte antigen-ABC (HLA-ABC)-positive cells from primary CCl4-damaged recipient livers, and analyzed their fusogenicity and hepatic characteristics by flow cytometric, genomic DNA, hepatocyte-specific gene assays. Furthermore, we examined the treatment effects of HLA-positive cells to a hepatic dysfunction by a secondary transplantation into CCl4-treated mice.

Results

Transplanted SHED homed to recipient livers, and expressed HLA-ABC, human hepatocyte specific antigen hepatocyte paraffin 1 and human albumin. SHED transplantation markedly recovered liver dysfunction and led to anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in the recipient livers. SHED-derived HLA-ABC-positive cells that were sorted from the primary recipient liver tissues with CCl4 damage did not fuse with the host mouse liver cells. Sorted HLA-positive cells not only expressed human hepatocyte-specific genes including albumin, cytochrome P450 1A1, fumarylacetoacetase, tyrosine aminotransferase, uridine 5′-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase, transferrin and transthyretin, but also secreted human albumin, urea and blood urea nitrogen. Furthermore, SHED-derived HLA-ABC-positive cells were secondary transplanted into CCl4-treated mice. The donor cells homed into secondary recipient livers, and expressed hepatocyte paraffin 1 and human albumin, as well as HLA-ABC. The secondary transplantation recovered a liver dysfunction in secondary recipients.

Conclusions

This study indicates that transplanted SHED improve hepatic dysfunction and directly transform into hepatocytes without cell fusion in CCl4-treated mice, suggesting that SHED may provide a feasible cell source for liver regeneration.
High-precision full quaternion based finite-time cascade attitude control strategy considering a class of overactuated space systems
Authors: Mazinan A. H.
Published: September 2015

A high-precision full quaternion based finite-time three-axis cascade attitude control strategy is considered in the present research with respect to state-of-the-art to deal with a class of overactuated space systems. The main idea behind the subject is to design a new quaternion based proportional derivative approach, which is realized along with the linear quadratic regulator method. In a word, the control technique proposed here is organized based upon an inner closed loop control to handle the angular rates in the three axes and the corresponding outer closed loop to handle the rotational angles in the same three axes, as well. It aims us to cope with the present complex and complicated systems, in the productive and constructive manner, in a number of programmed space missions such as orbital, communicational, thermal and so on maneuvers. It can be shown that the proposed cascade control strategy is organized in association with a set of pulse-width pulse-frequency modulators to drive a number of on–off reaction thrusters. It should be noted that these ones could significantly be increased w. r. t. the investigated control efforts, in order to provide overall accurate performance of the present space systems. There is currently a control allocation realization to complete the process of the approach presentation and organization. At last, the investigated results are presented in comparison with some potential benchmarks to guarantee and verify the approach performance.
Optimal detection of hypothyroidism in early stage laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Mulholland Graeme B. , Zhang Han , Nguyen Nhu-Tram A. , Tkacyzk Nicholas , Seikaly Hadi , O'Connell Daniel , Biron Vincent L. , Harris Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2015

Background

Hypothyroidism following radiation therapy (RT) for treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is a common occurrence. Rates of hypothyroidism following RT for Early Stage Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ES-LSCC) are among the highest. Although routine screening for hypothyroidism is recommended; its optimal schedule has not yet been established. We aim to determine the prevalence and optimal timing of testing for hypothyroidism in ES-LSCC treated with RT.

Method

We conducted a population-based cohort study. Data was extracted from a prospective provincial head and neck cancer database. Demographic, survival data, and pre- and post-treatment thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were obtained for patients diagnosed with ES-LSCC from 2008–2012. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients diagnosed clinically with ES-LSCC (T1 or 2, N0, M0) treated with curative intent. Patients were excluded if there was a history of hypothyroidism before the treatment or any previous history of head and neck cancers.

Results

Ninety-five patients were included in this study. Mean age was 66.1 years (range: 44.0–88.0 years) and 82.3 % of patients were male. Glottis was the most common subsite at 77.9 % and the average follow-up was 40 months (Range: 12–56 months). Five-year overall survival generated using the Kaplan-Meier method was 79 %. Incidence of hypothyroidism after RT was found to be 46.9 %. The greatest frequency of developing hypothyroidism was at 12 months.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of hypothyroidism for ES-LSCC treated with RT, with the highest rate at 12 months. Consequently, we recommend possible routine screening for hypothyroidism using TSH level starting at 12 months. To our knowledge, this is the first study to suggest the optimal timing for the detection of hypothyroidism.
Rictor Regulates Spermatogenesis by Controlling Sertoli Cell Cytoskeletal Organization and Cell Polarity in the Mouse Testis
Authors: Dong Heling , Chen Zhenguo , Wang Caixia , Xiong Zhi , Zhao Wanlu , Jia Chunhong , Lin Jun , Lin Yan , Yuan Weiping , Zhao Allan Z. , Bai Xiaochun
Published: September 2015

Maintenance of cell polarity is essential for Sertoli cell and blood-testis barrier (BTB) function and spermatogenesis; however, the signaling mechanisms that regulate the integrity of the cytoskeleton and polarity of Sertoli cells are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that rapamycin-insensitive component of target of rapamycin (TOR) (Rictor), a core component of mechanistic TOR complex 2 (mTORC2), was expressed in the seminiferous epithelium during testicular development, and was down-regulated in a cadmium chloride-induced BTB damage model. We then conditionally deleted the Rictor gene in Sertoli cells and mutant mice exhibited azoospermia and were sterile as early as 3 months old. Further study revealed that Rictor may regulate actin organization via both mTORC2-dependent and mTORC2-independent mechanisms, in which the small GTPase, ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1, and phosphorylation of the actin filament regulatory protein, Paxillin, are involved, respectively. Loss of Rictor in Sertoli cells perturbed actin dynamics and caused microtubule disarrangement, both of which accumulatively disrupted Sertoli cell polarity and BTB integrity, accompanied by testicular developmental defects, spermiogenic arrest and excessive germ cell loss in mutant mice. Together, these findings establish the importance of Rictor/mTORC2 signaling in Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis through the maintenance of Sertoli cell cytoskeletal dynamics, BTB integrity, and cell polarity.
Voluntary Exercise Improves Estrous Cyclicity in Prenatally Androgenized Female Mice Despite Programming Decreased Voluntary Exercise: Implications for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Homa Lori D. , Burger Laura L. , Cuttitta Ashley J. , Michele Daniel E. , Moenter Suzanne M.
Published: September 2015

Prenatal androgen (PNA) exposure in mice produces a phenotype resembling lean polycystic ovary syndrome. We studied effects of voluntary exercise on metabolic and reproductive parameters in PNA vs vehicle (VEH)-treated mice. Mice (8 wk of age) were housed individually and estrous cycles monitored. At 10 weeks of age, mice were divided into groups (PNA, PNA-run, VEH, VEH-run, n = 8–9/group); those in the running groups received wheels allowing voluntary running. Unexpectedly, PNA mice ran less distance than VEH mice; ovariectomy eliminated this difference. In ovary-intact mice, there was no difference in glucose tolerance, lower limb muscle fiber types, weight, or body composition among groups after 16 weeks of running, although some mitochondrial proteins were mildly up-regulated by exercise in PNA mice. Before running, estrous cycles in PNA mice were disrupted with most days in diestrus. There was no change in cycles during weeks 1–6 of running (10–15 wk of age). In contrast, from weeks 11 to 16 of running, cycles in PNA mice improved with more days in proestrus and estrus and fewer in diestrus. PNA programs reduced voluntary exercise, perhaps mediated in part by ovarian secretions. Exercise without weight loss improved estrous cycles, which if translated could be important for fertility in and counseling of lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Focal-adhesion-independent integrin-αv regulation of FAK and c-Myc is necessary for 3D skin formation and tumor invasion
Authors: Duperret Elizabeth K. , Dahal Ankit , Ridky Todd W.
Published: September 2015

Integrins play crucial roles in epithelial adhesion, proliferation, wound healing and cancer. In the epidermis, the roles of many integrin subunits are incompletely defined and mechanistic details regarding their functions are lacking. We performed a multiplexed small hairpin (sh)RNA screen to define roles for each subunit in human organotypic skin. We show that integrin-αv (also known as ITGAV) heterodimers are essential for epidermal generation, with integrin-αv loss driving a keratinocyte G1–S cell cycle block. Surprisingly, integrin αv is not localized within keratinocyte focal adhesions, and instead maintains proliferation by controlling cellular (c)-Myc translation through FAK, p38β and p90RSK1. These phenotypes depend only on the binding partners of integrin-αv – integrin β5 and integrin β6 (also known as ITGB5 and ITGB6, respectively). Through inducible depletion of integrin αv in both normal organotypic epidermis and Ras-driven invasive neoplasia, we show that integrin αv is required for de novo tissue generation and neoplastic invasion but that it is dispensable for epidermal maintenance. Heterodimers of integrin αv with integrin β5 (integrin αvβ5) or integrin β6 (integrin αvβ6) are required to similar extents for neoplastic invasion, thus identifying integrin αvβ5 and integrin αvβ6 heterodimers as potential therapeutic targets for epidermal squamous cell carcinoma.
Preparation of Transparent Conducting Films with Fillers of Mixed-valence Bicarbazyl Nano/Microtubes and Wires
Authors: Tokuda Takuya , Watanabe Kazumu , Hoshino Katsuyoshi
Published: September 2015

Mixed-valence bicarbazyl nano/microtubes and wires were embedded in conventional transparent polymer films, and their transparent conductive properties were compared. Though the outer diameter and length of the two fibers are comparable, the former exhibited much higher electric conductivity and visible-light transmittance than the latter. This was explained in terms of the differences in supermolecular ordering and doping level between the two fillers. Additionally, the transparent conductive features of films on which the nano/microtubes were supported were also described.
Communicating Uncertainty in Official Economic Statistics: An Appraisal Fifty Years after Morgenstern
Authors: Manski Charles F.
Published: September 2015

Federal statistical agencies in the United States and analogous agencies elsewhere commonly report official economic statistics as point estimates, without accompanying measures of error. Users of the statistics may incorrectly view them as error free or may incorrectly conjecture error magnitudes. This paper discusses strategies to mitigate misinterpretation of official statistics by communicating uncertainty to the public. Sampling error can be measured using established statistical principles. The challenge is to satisfactorily measure the various forms of nonsampling error. I find it useful to distinguish transitory statistical uncertainty, permanent statistical uncertainty, and conceptual uncertainty. I illustrate how each arises as the Bureau of Economic Analysis periodically revises GDP estimates, the Census Bureau generates household income statistics from surveys with nonresponse, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics seasonally adjusts employment statistics. I anchor my discussion of communication of uncertainty in the contribution of Oskar Morgenstern (1963a), who argued forcefully for agency publication of error estimates for official economic statistics. (JEL B22, C82, E23)
The possible importance of income and education as covariates in cohort studies
Authors: Temple Norman
Published: September 2015

Background:  Many cohort studies have been carried out that have provided information on the relationship between diet and health-related outcomes. Omission of important covariates during multivariate analysis may give rise to error due to residual confounding. A possibly important covariate is socioeconomic status (SES) as this is related to both diet and health.

Methodology:  An analysis was carried out of 76 randomly selected papers from 66 cohort studies. The papers covered many dietary variables and a wide variety of diseases/health-related outcomes. The cohort studies were carried out in many different locations and the subjects varied widely in age.

Results:  Approximately two-thirds of the papers (65.8%) used at least one measure of SES as a covariate. Education was used most often (60.5% of papers), followed by income (14.4%) and social class (2.6%). More than one measure of SES was used in 11.8% of papers.

Conclusions:  Failure to include income (or another measure of present SES, such as occupation) may therefore be a common source of error in cohort studies. Failure to include education may be particularly important as it is likely to be a weaker measure of present SES than is income. There is a need for more research on this question. SES in childhood is almost never included in multivariate analysis in cohort studies carried out on adults. This could also play a significant role in disease risk in middle age or later. Very little is known regarding whether this is also a source of residual confounding.
Would you like a painting with your trunk, madam? Why are there art galleries in fashion stores?
Authors: Welkamp Annette
Published: September 2015

To many of us, artists are cool and clever; they defy and challenge societal expectations, and represent freedoms that most can only dream of. Visual artists have long exerted influence on the fashion world, as commentators, partners and muses. On a purely creative level, the relationship between artists and fashion designers is logical. Recently, the alliances between art and fashion appear to have extended further into other areas of the industry – namely, retail and marketing. While mainstream brands occasionally venture into artist partnerships (Damien Hirst and Levi’s, 2008), it is primarily luxury retailers that have explored such alliances – Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Prada, most notably. For these companies, outcomes have grown to more than simple product development. The alignments have morphed into all-of-brand, cross-platform, global marketing strategies. This article explores the next wave of fashion/art liaisons, notably the increasing presence of exhibition galleries in luxury brand flagship stores, specifically Louis Vuitton, and attempts to contextualize this development from the art, museum and fashion perspectives.
Avaliação do saber ambiental de professores do ensino público do município de São Bento, Paraíba
Authors: Silva Edevaldo , Silva Francione Gomes , Silva Rafael Francisco Lopes , Silva Risoneide Henriques , Oliveira Habyhabanne Maia
Published: September 2015

O professor é um ator social de fundamental importância na formação de cidadãos multiplicadores do saber ambiental. Esse trabalho teve o objetivo de analisar o conhecimento dos professores do município de São Bento, Paraíba, quanto à Educação Ambiental. Foram entrevistados 21 professores de três escolas de ensino fundamental público. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário contendo 12 perguntas sobre educação ambiental, desenvolvimento sustentável e dez temas ambientais. Além de outras variáveis (gênero, idade, titulação, tempo de ensino). O conhecimento dos professores variou entre pouco ou saber em parte sobre os temas ambientais. Houve diferença no nível de conhecimento entre gêneros, sendo maior no gênero masculino. Observou-se correlação positiva entre o tempo de ensino e o maior conhecimento do professor. A maioria deles apresentaram dificuldades em conceituar o que é Educação Ambiental e desenvolvimento sustentável. Esse cenário revela a grande necessidade de capacitação docente em Educação Ambiental.
Fractional elliptic equations with critical exponential nonlinearity
Authors: Giacomoni Jacques , Kumar Mishra Pawan , Sreenadh K.
Published: September 2015

We study the existence of positive solutions for fractional elliptic equations of the type
(-Δ)1/2
u = h(u), u > 0 in (-1,1), u = 0 in ℝ∖(-1,1)
where h is a real valued function that behaves like e
u
2
as
u → ∞ . Here (-Δ)1/2 is the
fractional Laplacian operator. We show the existence of
mountain-pass solution when the nonlinearity is superlinear near
t = 0. In case h is concave near t = 0, we show the existence of
multiple solutions for suitable range of λ by analyzing the
fibering maps and the corresponding Nehari manifold.
Wages, Hours, and the School-to-Work Transition: The Consequences of Leaving School in a Recession for Less-Educated Men
Authors: Speer Jamin D.
Published: September 2015

Using the NLSY’s weekly work history data to precisely measure labor market outcomes and the school-to-work transition, I document severe but short-lived effects of leaving school in a recession for men with 9–12 years of education. I find significant effects of entry labor market conditions on wages, job quality, and the transition time from school to work. In contrast to published evidence on more educated workers, I also find large effects on work hours on both the extensive and the intensive margins. When workers leave high school in a recession, they take substantially longer to find a job, earn lower wages, and work fewer full-time weeks and more part-time weeks. A 4-point rise in the initial unemployment rate leads to an increase in the school-to-work transition time of 9 weeks, a 16% decline in year-one average wage, a 28% fall in hours worked in the first year, and a 45% decline in first-year earnings. However, effects of entry conditions are not persistent and are largely gone after the first year.
Notes on the benthic marine algae of Puerto Rico, XI: new records including new Meredithia (Kallymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) species
Authors: Ballantine David L. , Ruíz Hector , Norris James N.
Published: September 2015

Continued collection of algae around the island of Puerto Rico principally focused on deep and shallow coral reef habitats led to the additional recognition of nine species previously unknown for the flora, including five Rhodophyta: Liagora tsengii, Crouania elisiae, Crouania pumila, Augophyllum wysori, Chrysymenia ventricosa; one Heterokontophyta (Phaeophyceae): Zonaria tournefortii; and three Chlorophyta: Bolbocoleon piliferum, Rhipocephalus oblongus, and Udotea caribaea. Kallymenia limminghei as previously reported from Puerto Rico is now recognized to be a distinct entity, Meredithia puchella, and Meredithia? caribaea is also described as a new species.
Moving beyond ‘Next Wednesday’: The interplay of lexical semantics and constructional meaning in an ambiguous metaphoric statement
Authors: Feist Michele I. , Duffy Sarah E.
Published: September 2015

What factors influence our understanding of metaphoric statements about time? By examining the interpretation of one such statement – namely, Next Wednesday’s meeting has been moved forward by two days – earlier research has demonstrated that people may draw on spatial perspectives, involving multiple spatially based temporal reference strategies, to interpret metaphoric statements about time (e.g. Boroditsky 2000; Kranjec 2006; McGlone and Harding 1998; Núñez et al. 2006). However, what is still missing is an understanding of the role of linguistic factors in the interpretation of temporal statements such as this one. In this paper, we examine the linguistic properties of this famous temporally ambiguous utterance, considered as an instantiation of a more schematic construction. In Experiment 1, we examine the roles of individual lexical items that are used in the utterance in order to better understand the interplay of lexical semantics and constructional meaning in the context of a metaphoric statement. Following up on prior suggestions in the literature, we ask whether the locus of the ambiguity is centred on the adverb, centred on the verb, or distributed across the utterance. The results suggest that the final interpretation results from an interplay of verb and adverb, suggesting a distributed temporal semantics analogous to the distributed semantics noted for the metaphoric source domain of space (Sinha and Kuteva 1995) and consistent with a constructional view of language (Goldberg 2003). In Experiment 2, we expand the linguistic factors under investigation to include voice and person. The findings suggest that grammatical person, but not grammatical voice, may also influence the interpretation of the Next Wednesday’s meeting metaphor. Taken together, the results of these two studies illuminate the interplay of lexical and constructional factors in the interpretation of temporal metaphors.
Management of extensive placenta percreta with induced fetal demise and delayed hysterectomy
Authors: Amarosa Emily J. , Dighe Manjiri , Cheng Edith Y. , Garcia Rochelle , Delaney Shani
Published: September 2015

Abnormal placentation is a significant source of maternal morbidity and mortality with increasing incidence due to rising rates of cesarean delivery. While traditionally managed with cesarean-hysterectomy, other management strategies are available. We report a case of a G4P2 woman with two prior cesarean deliveries, who presented at 21 weeks and was diagnosed with an extensive placenta percreta. She expressed a desire for pregnancy termination. Given extensive intra-abdominal placental invasion, intrauterine fetal demise was induced with fetal intracardiac potassium chloride, systemic methotrexate was administered, and the pregnancy was managed conservatively with the demised fetus in situ. Resolution of placental tissue occurred over 4 months. Chorioamnionitis developed at the equivalent of 41 weeks’ gestational age, and she underwent a successful gravid hysterectomy. Antepartum management with induced fetal demise and delayed hysterectomy can be considered in extreme cases of previable invasive placenta percreta.
Frequency Reconfigurable Hybrid Slot Antenna Using PIN Diodes
Authors: Yang Xiaolin , Sheng Lili , Lin Jiancheng , Chen Gang
Published: September 2015

This paper introduces a frequency reconfigurable hybrid slot antenna fed by coplanar waveguide (CPW) without complex bias network and DC blocking capacitor chips. In order to add reconfigurablility to the antenna, the PIN diodes are equipped in the slots. The antenna is capable of frequency switching at six different frequency bands between 1.7 GHz to 2.5 GHz, which can be used in multiradio wireless systems, such as DCS-1800, PCS1900, UMTS, Wibro and Bluetooth bands. The simulated and measured return loss, peak gain, together with the radiation patterns are presented and compared. Especially, the radiation patterns are stable at different frequency.
Kinetics of green solid-liquid extraction of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata: effects of particle size and solid-liquid ratio
Authors: Abubakar Umar Isah , Chua Lee Suan , Aziz Ramlan
Published: September 2015

In this work, the influences of particle size and solid-liquid ratio on the kinetics of green solid-liquid extraction of andrographolide from
Assessment of the validity of self-reported smoking status among schoolchildren in Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Maatoug Jihene , Sahli Jihene , Harrabi Imed , Chouikha Firas , Hmad Sonia , Dendana Emna , Fredj Sihem Ben , Slama Slim , al’Absi Mustafa , Lando Harry , Ghannem Hassen
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Tobacco use, which begins in adolescence and childhood and continues in later life, is the major avoidable risk for non-communicable diseases and death in the world. Self-reports have frequently been used to estimate smoking prevalence and health consequences. This study explores the validity of self-reports of smoking behavior among schoolchildren in Tunisia.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted in March 2014 among a sample of 147 schoolchildren randomly selected. Data concerning the smoking habit were collected by a questionnaire designed for the purposes of this work. Then, exhaled CO, a biochemical marker of smoke exposure, was measured using piCO+ Smokerlyzer

®
breath CO monitor among participants. Sensitivity and specificity of self-reports were calculated.

Results: The prevalence of reported smoking was 9.5% with 16.7% and 1.7% respectively among boys and girls. Their mean age was 14.5±1.28 years old. When considering 4 ppm as the cut-off level of breath CO, sensitivity and specificity of self-reports were 100% and 93.7%, respectively. But at a breath CO cut-off of 3 ppm, self-reporting was 62.5% sensitive and 93.5% specific.

Conclusion: According to our findings, we suggest that self-reports can be considered as a good tool to be used with a reasonable confidence to assess the smoking status.
Enhancement of Voltage Stability of DC Smart Grid During Islanded Mode by Load Shedding Scheme
Authors: Nassor Thabit Salim , Senjyu Tomonobu , Yona Atsushi
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the voltage stability of a DC smart grid based on renewable energy resources during grid connected and isolated modes. During the islanded mode the load shedding, based on the state of charge of the battery and distribution line voltage, was proposed for voltage stability and reservation of critical load power. The analyzed power system comprises a wind turbine, a photovoltaic generator, storage battery as controllable load, DC loads, and power converters. A fuzzy logic control strategy was applied for power consumption control of controllable loads and the grid-connected dual active bridge series resonant converters. The proposed DC Smart Grid operation has been verified by simulation using MATLAB® and PLECS® Blockset. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effects of Extraction Conditions on the Functional Properties of Bambara Bean Protein Concentrates
Authors: Mune Mune Martin A. , Bouba Armand A. , Minka Samuel R.
Published: September 2015

Functional properties of Bambara bean protein concentrates (BPCs), as a function of extraction pH and NaCl concentration, were investigated. The results showed that protein content of the concentrates ranged between 69.27% and 74.40%. The addition of NaCl during protein extraction favourably affected water solubility index particularly at pH 10–11. Moreover, the maximum water absorption capacity (4.28 g/g) and oil-holding capacity (OHC) (2.50 g/g) were recorded at extraction pH 11 and in the absence of NaCl. It was also noticed that protein extraction at pH 8–10 was not recommended for applications where high OHC is required. BPCs presenting high emulsifying activity were prepared at NaCl concentration of 0.5 M and pH 7, and at pH 11 without NaCl. Finally, foaming ability (FA) increased with NaCl concentration, and the maximum FA was recorded at pH 7 (114%).
Development of an Innovative Raw Milk Dispenser Based on Nanofluid Technology
Authors: Longo Giovanni A. , Righetti Giulia , Zilio Claudio
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the comparative analysis of a traditional raw milk dispenser and an innovative prototype based on nanofluid technology. The traditional raw milk dispenser consists of an off-the-shelf upright air-cooled refrigerator sold on the market, whereas the innovative prototype presents a tank equipped with a serpentine tube jacket operated with Al2O3–ethylene glycol aqueous solution nanofluid. The systems are experimentally analysed in the ambient temperature range of 19–35°C to evaluate the energy performance and the temperature control of the milk tank. The innovative prototype is demonstrated to be superior from the point of view of both energy saving and food safety. In fact, the innovative prototype exhibits a 63–70% energy saving with respect to the traditional one. Furthermore, the prototype distributor is able to reach the “safe” temperature of 4°C in about half of the time required by traditional system and it keeps the milk always in the “safe” temperature range 2–3°C, while the traditional distributor displays locally milk temperature higher than 4°C.