bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of centrality in random growing trees
Authors: Jog Varun , Loh Po‐Ling
Published: August 2017

We investigate properties of node centrality in random growing tree models. We focus on a measure of centrality that computes the maximum subtree size of the tree rooted at each node, with the most central node being the tree centroid. For random trees grown according to a preferential attachment model, a uniform attachment model, or a diffusion processes over a regular tree, we prove that a single node persists as the tree centroid after a finite number of steps, with probability 1. Furthermore, this persistence property generalizes to the top K ≥ 1 nodes with respect to the same centrality measure. We also establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the size of an initial seed graph required to ensure persistence of a particular node with probability , as a function of ϵ: In the case of preferential and uniform attachment models, we derive bounds for the size of an initial hub constructed around the special node. In the case of a diffusion process over a regular tree, we derive bounds for the radius of an initial ball centered around the special node. Our necessary and sufficient conditions match up to constant factors for preferential attachment and diffusion tree models.
An adaptive O(log n)‐optimal policy for the online selection of a monotone subsequence from a random sample
Authors: Arlotto Alessandro , Wei Yehua , Xie Xinchang
Published: August 2017

Given a sequence of n independent random variables with common continuous distribution, we propose a simple adaptive online policy that selects a monotone increasing subsequence. We show that the expected number of monotone increasing selections made by such a policy is within of optimal. Our construction provides a direct and natural way for proving the ‐optimality gap. An earlier proof of the same result made crucial use of a key inequality of Bruss and Delbaen [5] and of de‐Poissonization.
University Faculty Beliefs About Emergent Multilinguals and Linguistically Responsive Instruction
Authors: Gallagher Colleen E. , Haan Jennifer E.
Published: August 2017

Internationalization trends worldwide have brought more multilingual students into English‐medium university classrooms in the United States and elsewhere. Faculty across the disciplines increasingly have the dual challenge of developing both content and advanced academic language. Ample precedent in P–12 education suggests developing instructors’ knowledge of (a) students as language learners, (b) instructional techniques grounded in second language acquisition theory, and (c) contextual factors necessary for helping instructors implement linguistically responsive instruction (LRI). This study probes the extent to which prior work transfers to the tertiary setting, focusing on participating faculty members’ beliefs about multilingual students, LRI, and context. The authors collected survey data from 197 faculty at a mid‐size comprehensive university in the midwestern United States and analyzed written comments provided by participants. They found that, on the whole, faculty participants displayed deficit views regarding students’ linguistic and academic abilities and questioned the appropriateness and feasibility of several of the LRI techniques. Many rejected the notion that language instruction was within the scope of their responsibilities and expressed a strong preference for support provided outside of class time. The authors discuss the results in terms of the notions of rigor, college readiness, and faculty development in LRI.
Solutions of an extended KdV equation describing single stationary waves with strong or weak downstream decay in turbulent open‐channel flow
Authors: Müllner Markus
Published: August 2017

The present problem was first studied by Schneider, JFM 726 (2013). An asymptotic analysis was performed for small slope of the plane channel bottom and slightly supercritical, fully‐developed flow far upstream and far downstream. Turbulence modelling can be circumvented. The asymptotic analysis yields an extended Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation for the surface elevation. The stationary leading‐order solutions for weak dissipation have the shape of solitons in inviscid flow. Stationary solitary waves are permitted only if the surface roughness is varied along the bottom. The particular example was examined where the bottom roughness in a region is larger by a constant in comparison with the roughness in fully‐developed flow. This enlargement was considered as an eigenvalue to obtain solitary waves with strongly decaying elevations. In the present paper, the analysis is extended up to the second order to describe how the shape and the structure of the solitary waves is affected by the dissipation terms. In particular, the cases are considered when the enlargement of the bottom roughness differs from the eigenvalue. The surface elevation far downstream is then characterized by a long shallow tail that is tackled by means of matched asymptotic expansions. The required minimum enlargement of the roughness for the existence of solitary waves is given. The asymptotic solutions for the shape of the surface elevation, the height and location of the wave crest, and the eigenvalue are in good agreement with numerical results. The existence and shape of a novel kind of stationary solutions is also shown.
Norwegian reference values for the Short-Form Health Survey 36: development over time
Authors: Jacobsen Ellisiv L. , Bye Asta , Aass Nina , Fosså Sophie D. , Grotmol Kjersti S. , Kaasa Stein , Loge Jon Håvard , Moum Torbjørn , Hjermstad Marianne J.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Reference values for patient-reported outcome measures are useful for interpretation of results from clinical trials. The study aims were to collect Norwegian SF-36 reference values and compare with data from 1996 to 2002.

Methods

In 2015, SF-36 was sent by mail to a representative sample of the population (N = 6165). Time trends and associations between background variables and SF-36 scale scores were compared by linear regression models.

Results

The 2015 response rate was 36% (N = 2118) versus 67% (N = 2323) in 1996 and 56% (N = 5241) in 2002. Only 5% of the youngest (18–29 years) and 27% of the oldest (>70 years) responded in 2015. Age and educational level were significantly higher in 2015 relative to 1996/2002 (p < .001). The oldest age group in 2015 reported better scores on five of eight scales (p < 0.01), the exceptions being bodily pain, vitality, and mental health compared to 1996/2002 (NS). Overall, the SF-36 scores were relatively stable across surveys, controlled for background variables. In general, the most pronounced changes in 2015 were better scores on the role limitations emotional scale (7.4 points,p< .001) and lower scores on the bodily pain scale (4.6 points,p< .001) than in the 1996/2002 survey.

Conclusions

The low response rate in 2015 suggests that the results, especially among the youngest, should be interpreted with caution. The high response rate among the oldest indicates good representativity for those >70 years. Despite societal changes in Norway the past two decades, HRQoL has remained relatively stable.
Three-Tier Shared Spectrum, Shared Infrastructure, and a Path to 5G
Authors: Marshall Preston
Published: August 2017

Written by a leading expert in the field, this unique book describes the technical requirements for three-tier shared spectrum as well as key policy rationale and the impact for 5G. Detail is provided on the inception of the concept and its implementation in the US Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), along with descriptions of standards for deployment, algorithms required for implementation, and the broader consequences for wireless network and service architectures. The economic and innovation incentives offered by three-tier spectrum are described, along with potential outcomes such as widely deployed neutral host networks. There is also detailed technical analysis of the unique challenges introduced by three-tier spectrum, such as co-existence among non-cooperating networks. Covering a wide range of spectrum bands, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) international allocations, and rule structures that can be adapted for different regimes, this is ideal for an international readership of communications engineers, policy-makers, regulators, and industry strategic planners.
The Spiritual Imagination of the Beats
Authors: Calonne David Stephen
Published: August 2017

The Spiritual Imagination of the Beats is the first comprehensive study to explore the role of esoteric, occult, alchemical, shamanistic, mystical and magical traditions in the work of eleven major Beat authors. The opening chapter discusses Kenneth Rexroth and Robert Duncan as predecessors and important influences on the spiritual orientation of the Beats. David Stephen Calonne draws comparisons throughout the book between various approaches individual Beat writers took regarding sacred experience - for example, Burroughs had significant objections to Buddhist philosophy, while Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac both devoted considerable time to studying Buddhist history and texts. This book also focuses on authors who have traditionally been neglected in Beat Studies - Diane di Prima, Bob Kaufman, Philip Lamantia and Philip Whalen. In addition, several understudied work such as Gregory Corso's 'The Geometric Poem' - inspired by Corso's deep engagement with ancient Egyptian thought - are given close attention. Calonne introduces important themes from the history of heterodoxy - from Gnosticism, Manicheanism and Ismailism to Theosophy and Tarot - and demonstrates how inextricably these ideas shaped the Beat literary imagination.
Environmental Benefit-Cost Analysis and the National Accounts
Authors: Muller Nicholas Z.
Published: August 2017

This paper demonstrates a new connection between benefit-cost analysis (BCA) and the national income and product accounts. The article computes an augmented measure of output, which is defined as gross domestic product (GDP) less environmental pollution damage. Environmental policy BCA is incorporated directly into the adjusted measure of output in two ways. In a particular time period, damages from pollution emissions are deducted from market GDP in a standard with-and-without policy comparison. Second, secular changes in damages, output (GDP), and correspondingly, in the adjusted measure of output are employed to estimate augmented rates of growth. Comparison to a no-policy counterfactual then yields the effect of the policy on the augmented measure of environmentally adjusted value added (EVA) growth. The empirical results suggest that, in the 30 states that adopted flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) technology between 2005 and 2011, augmented output grew 0.12% more quickly than in a no-scrub counterfactual. Augmented output growth in four states was at least 0.20% more rapid because of the installation of scrubbers. The paper reports that benefits-per-capita from FGD were mildly progressive and that counties with relatively large African American populations incur large benefits from FGD installation.
Conceptualising Binge Eating: A Review of the Theoretical and Empirical Literature
Authors: Burton Amy L. , Abbott Maree J.
Published: August 2017

Binge eating is a distressing symptom common to bulimia nervosa (BN), anorexia nervosa binge/purge subtype (AN-BP) and binge-eating disorder (BED). Over the last 40 years, many attempts have been made to conceptualise this symptom in terms of its antecedents, function, triggers, consequences, and maintaining factors. Cognitive theories of binge eating have evolved as new evidence has emerged. This literature review summarises the main and most influential cognitive models of binge eating across different eating disorder presentations. Many theories have examined binge eating in the context of restriction or compensatory behaviours, as is often observed in cases of BN. Few theories have examined binge eating as it occurs in BED specifically. The long-term efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment based on these models leaves much to be desired, and indicates that there may be maintaining factors of binge eating not addressed in the typical CBT treatment for eating disorders. More recent cognitive models of binge eating propose possible maintaining beliefs, but further study is required to validate these models. Suggestions for future research are presented.
Experimental study on a sinusoidal air/SF interface accelerated by a cylindrically converging shock
Authors: Lei Fan , Ding Juchun , Si Ting , Zhai Zhigang , Luo Xisheng
Published: August 2017

Ritchmyer–Meshkov instability on an air/SF$_{6}$ interface is experimentally studied in a coaxial converging shock tube by a high-speed laser sheet imaging technique. An unperturbed case is first examined to obtain the characteristics of the converging shock and the shocked interface. For sinusoidal interfaces, the wave pattern and the interface morphology of the whole process are clearly observed. It is quantitatively found that the perturbation amplitude first decreases due to the shock compression, then experiences a rapid growth to a maximum value and finally drops quickly before the reshock. The reduction of growth rate is ascribed to the Rayleigh–Taylor stabilization caused by the interface deceleration motion that is present in the converging circumstance. It is noted that the influence of the wavenumber on the amplitude growth is very little before the reshock, but becomes significant after the reshock.
An Examination of Differences in Moral Disengagement and Empathy Among Bullying Participant Groups
Authors: Haddock Aaron D. , Jimerson Shane R.
Published: August 2017

This study examines how different roles in school bullying (e.g., bullies, victims, defenders) vary in cognitive and affective empathy and moral disengagement. Findings from this study revealed that levels of empathy and moral disengagement differed significantly among bullying groups for 702 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in the United States. An analysis of variance showed differential patterns between bullying groups and outcome variables (i.e., cognitive and affective empathy and moral disengagement). In addition, the correlation between moral disengagement and empathy was statistically significant and negative. Affective empathy and cognitive empathy both significantly predicted moral disengagement; with every one unit increase in moral disengagement, affective empathy decreased by .38 and cognitive empathy decreased by .39. Students who scored higher in moral disengagement tended to score lower in empathy. The current findings confirm and extend the literature on the relation between moral disengagement, empathy, prosociality, and victimising behaviour. This information can inform school-wide and targeted intervention efforts.
Theory and Methods in the Study of Distributive Politics
Authors: Albertus Michael
Published: August 2017

While many scholars have moved toward using individual-level data to test theories of distributive politics, no studies have ever explicitly examined differences between individual and aggregate analyses of a distributive program. By leveraging nationwide individual-level data on both revealed voter preferences and the actual receipt of particularistic benefits through a contemporary Venezuelan land reform initiative, this article demonstrates that scholars can most effectively test and refine individual-level theories of distributive politics by combining both individual- and macro-level data. There are at least two advantages to doing so. First, comparing and contrasting findings from data at different levels of analysis can enable researchers to paint a more complete picture of distributive targeting. Second, when distributive benefits can be impacted or redirected by subnational politicians, as is common with many distributive programs, individual-level data alone can generate mistaken inferences that are an artifact of competing targeting attempts at different levels of government instead of initial targeting strategies. I demonstrate both of these points and discuss practical and simple recommendations regarding data collection strategies for the purposes of effectively testing theories of distributive politics.
Discord Over DNA: Ideological Responses to Scientific Communication about Genes and Race
Authors: Morin-Chassé Alexandre , Suhay Elizabeth , Jayaratne Toby E.
Published: August 2017

The American public's beliefs about the causes of social inequality vary greatly, with debates over the causes of racial inequality tending to be the most salient and divisive. Among whites in particular, liberals tend to see inequality as rooted in society's ills, whereas conservatives tend to see inequality as rooted in individuals’ shortcomings. Given this, many infer that white conservatives are more likely than white liberals to adopt the controversial view that racial inequality is “natural,” i.e., due to genetically inherited characteristics. We argue that genetic explanations for racial inequality, in and of themselves, offer little appeal to white conservatives. However, when white citizens are exposed to media messages that emphasize the egalitarian implications of genetic similarity between racial groups, those on the left and right engage in biased assimilation, resulting in a “nature” (conservative) versus “nurture” (liberal) divide. Data from two studies of white Americans—one representative survey and one experiment—support this theoretical framework.
Effect of acaricidal components isolated from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on carmine spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisd.)
Authors: Li M. , Zhang Y. , Ding W. , Luo J. , Li S. , Zhang Q.
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal activity of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) extracts against carmine spider mites (Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisd.) and isolate the acaricidal components. Acaricidal activities of lettuce extracts isolated from different parts (the leaf, root and seed) using various solvents (petroleum ether, acetone and methanol) were evaluated with slide-dip bioassay and relatively high median lethal concentration (LC50) values were detected. Acetone extracts of lettuce leaves harvested in July and September were fractionated and isolated with silica gel and thin-layer chromatography. Consequently, acetone extracts of lettuce leaves harvested in July exhibited higher acaricidal activity than those harvested in September, with an LC50 value of 0.268 mg ml−1 at 72 h post-treatment. A total of 27 fractions were obtained from the acetone extract of lettuce leaves harvested in July, and mite mortalities with the 11th and 12th fractions were higher than those with the other 25 fractions (LC50: 0.751 and 1.258 mg ml−1 at 48 h post-treatment, respectively). Subsequently, active acaricidal components of the 11th fraction were identified by infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Five components were isolated from the 11th fraction, with components 11-a and 11-b showing relatively high acaricidal activities (LC50: 0.288 and 0.114 mg ml−1 at 48 h post-treatment, respectively). Component 11-a was identified as β-sitosterol. In conclusion, acetone extracts of lettuce leaves harvested in July might be used as a novel phytogenic acaricide to control mites.
Debating Basic Income: Distributive Justice and the Normative-Technical Nexus
Authors: Wilder Matt
Published: August 2017

Much of the literature on unconditional basic income considers reciprocity to be necessary for its success. From a normative standpoint, receiving without giving is unjust. From a technical standpoint, the absence of mechanisms that promote reciprocation invites free riding which threatens to erode the economic structure upon which the system of distribution depends. As a solution, it has been proposed that communities adopt social norms that encourage basic income recipients to contribute to the productive capacity of society by engaging in volunteer work. This article interrogates whether this alternative to conditionality is consistent with the rationale for implementing unconditional basic income and finds the instillation of stronger norms to be unnecessary for the project's success.
Temporal variation in the fatty acid composition of ovigerous females and embryos of the squat lobsterPleuroncodes monodon(Decapoda, Munididae)
Authors: Bascur Miguel , Guzmán Fabián , Mora Sergio , Espinoza Pepe , Urzúa Ángel
Published: August 2017

Pleuroncodes monodon, an important fishery resource and key species in the Humboldt Current Large Marine ecosystem, has a prolonged reproductive period from winter until end of summer, and during this time females incubating their embryos are exposed to seasonal variation in food availability and in temperature. Additionally, in order to ensure successful reproduction and survival of embryos, changes occur in the main internal reserves and/or sources of energy ofP. monodon. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of seasonal variation (wintervssummer) in the lipid content and fatty acid composition of ovigerous females and their embryos. The results show that a higher percentage of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in females in winter. Similarly, the composition of fatty acids in embryos found here indicates that winter embryos have more saturated fatty acids and essential fatty acids (C18:2n6cis, C18:3n6 and C22:6n3) than do summer embryos. According to PCA analysis of fatty acid profile, samples from summer may be distinguished into two isolated groups with conspicuous variations in fatty acids profile of embryo and hepatopancreas. While in winter, the opposite pattern occurs in the fatty acid profile of embryo and hepatopancreas. These variations may be related to relevant physiological processes (reproduction and growth) and of their ontogeny (development and survival of offspring). Seasonal variation in the lipid content and composition of fatty acids ofP. monodoncould directly impact this species’ reproduction and survival and subsequently could have consequences on the food web and fishery exploitation.
Cryptosporidium in fish: alternative sequencing approaches and analyses at multiple loci to resolve mixed infections
Authors: PAPARINI ANDREA , YANG RONGCHANG , CHEN LINDA , TONG KAISING , GIBSON-KUEH SUSAN , LYMBERY ALAN , RYAN UNA M.
Published: August 2017

Currently, the systematics, biology and epidemiology of piscine Cryptosporidium species are poorly understood. Here, we compared Sanger ‒ and next-generation ‒ sequencing (NGS), of piscine Cryptosporidium, at the 18S rRNA and actin genes. The hosts comprised 11 ornamental fish species, spanning four orders and eight families. The objectives were: to (i) confirm the rich genetic diversity of the parasite and the high frequency of mixed infections; and (ii) explore the potential of NGS in the presence of complex genetic mixtures. By Sanger sequencing, four main genotypes were obtained at the actin locus, while for the 18S locus, seven genotypes were identified. At both loci, NGS revealed frequent mixed infections, consisting of one highly dominant variant plus substantially rarer genotypes. Both sequencing methods detected novel Cryptosporidium genotypes at both loci, including a novel and highly abundant actin genotype that was identified by both Sanger sequencing and NGS. Importantly, this genotype accounted for 68·9% of all NGS reads from all samples (249 585/362 372). The present study confirms that aquarium fish can harbour a large and unexplored Cryptosporidium genetic diversity. Although commonly used in molecular parasitology studies, nested PCR prevents quantitative comparisons and thwarts the advantages of NGS, when this latter approach is used to investigate multiple infections.
9/11-related PTSD among highly exposed populations: a systematic review 15 years after the attack
Authors: Lowell A. , Suarez-Jimenez B. , Helpman L. , Zhu X. , Durosky A. , Hilburn A. , Schneier F. , Gross R. , Neria Y.
Published: August 2017

Background

The 11 September 2001 (9/11) attacks were unprecedented in magnitude and mental health impact. While a large body of research has emerged since the attacks, published reviews are few, and are limited by an emphasis on cross-sectional research, short time frame, and exclusion of treatment studies. Additionally, to date, there has been no systematic review of available longitudinal information as a unique data set. Consequently, knowledge regarding long-term trajectories of 9/11-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among highly exposed populations, and whether available treatment approaches effectively address PTSD within the context of mass, man-made disaster, remains limited.

Methods

The present review aimed to address these gaps using a systematic review of peer-reviewed reports from October 2001 to May 2016. Eligible reports were of longitudinal studies of PTSD among highly exposed populations. We identified 20 reports of 9/11-related PTSD, including 13 longitudinal prevalence studies and seven treatment studies.

Results

Findings suggest a substantial burden of 9/11-related PTSD among those highly exposed to the attack, associated with a range of sociodemographic and back-ground factors, and characteristics of peri-event exposure. While most longitudinal studies show declining rates of prevalence of PTSD, studies of rescue/recovery workers have documented an increase over time. Treatment studies were few, and generally limited by methodological shortcomings, but support exposure-based therapies.

Conclusion

Future directions for research, treatment, and healthcare policy are discussed.
Outcomes of a psycho-education and monitoring programme to prevent compulsory admission to psychiatric inpatient care: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lay B. , Kawohl W. , Rössler W.
Published: August 2017

Background

There is a need for interventions that effectively reduce compulsory admission to psychiatry. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to investigate whether an innovative intervention programme prevents compulsory re-admission in people with serious mental illness.

Methods

The programme addresses primarily patients’ self-management skills. It consists of individualised psychoeducation focusing on behaviours prior to and during illness-related crises, crisis cards and, after discharge from the psychiatric hospital, a 24-month preventive monitoring. A total of 238 inpatients with compulsory admission(s) in the past were randomised to the intervention group or to treatment as usual (TAU).

Results

Fewer participants who completed the 24-month programme were compulsorily readmitted to psychiatry (28%), compared with those receiving TAU (43%). Likewise, the number of compulsory readmissions per patient was significantly lower (0.6 v. 1.0) and involuntary episodes were shorter (15 v. 31 days), compared with TAU. A negative binomial regression model showed a significant intervention effect (RR 0.6; 95% confidence interval 0.3–0.9); further factors linked to the risk of compulsory readmission were the number of compulsory admissions in the patient's history (RR 2.8), the diagnosis of a personality disorder (RR 2.8), or a psychotic disorder (RR 1.9). Dropouts (37% intervention group; 22% TAU) were characterised by a high number of compulsory admissions prior to the trial, younger age and foreign nationality.

Conclusions

This study suggests that this intervention is a feasible and valuable option to prevent compulsory re-hospitalisation in a high-risk group of people with severe mental health problems, social disabilities, and a history of hospitalisations.
Positive Herz–Schur multipliers and approximation properties of crossed products
Authors: MCKEE ANDREW , SKALSKI ADAM , TODOROV IVAN G. , TUROWSKA LYUDMILA
Published: August 2017

For aC*-algebraAand a setXwe give a Stinespring-type characterisation of the completely positive SchurA-multipliers on κ(ℓ2(X)) ⊗A. We then relate them to completely positive Herz–Schur multipliers onC*-algebraic crossed products of the formA⋊α,rG, withGa discrete group, whose various versions were considered earlier by Anantharaman-Delaroche, Bédos and Conti, and Dong and Ruan. The latter maps are shown to implement approximation properties, such as nuclearity or the Haagerup property, forA⋊α,rG.
Editorial: Stupidity
Authors: RAE PAUL
Published: August 2017

As anyone who has dealt with bureaucrats or authoritarian regimes knows, sometimes it pays to act a little dumb. Glazing over good-naturedly in the face of a petty or corrupt demand can occasionally bring to light the inanity or cruelty of the situation in such a way as to prompt a momentary softening, be it through pity, impatience or even embarrassment. The stakes in such situations can be high: in the domain of the international with which this this journal is preoccupied, it might concern free passage on the one hand, or the right to remain, unhindered, on the other. More often the circumstances are banal, though not, for all that, without complexity. They point not only to the importance of stupidity as an enabling feature of life in complex and diverse modern societies, but also to the myriad forms it can take, from strategic ignorance, through the stupefaction necessary to manage the teeming stimuli of urban environments, to willing, if circumspect, participation in whichever confederacy of dunces makes up our place of employment, the organizations with which we affiliate, or the communities in which we participate.
Performing Comic Failure inWaiting for GodotwithJingjuActors
Authors: FENG WEI
Published: August 2017

Since the 1980s the Taiwanese theatre troupe Contemporary Legend Theatre (CLT) has been devoted to transformingjingjuby way of adapting world classics. Through an analysis of its adaptation of Samuel Beckett'sWaiting for Godot(2005), this article considers how CLT pushes the boundaries ofjingjuacting, which is made up of singing, speaking, dance-acting and combat. To meet Beckett's challenge of performing comic failure, CLT integratesjingjurestraint and Western slapstick. In so doing, CLT liberates the actors’ bodies fromjingjuconventions to produce a new aesthetic, which also gives the original play a new metaphysical interpretation.
Dinosaurs Become Birds: Changing Cultural Values in Cape Town Theatre
Authors: MORRIS GAY
Published: August 2017

This article examines a significant change in the hierarchies of value in cultural production in urban Cape Town, where there has been a bifurcation of theatre in the urban centre and on the township periphery. Theatre at these two sites differs in aesthetic character, themes and infrastructural resources, which derive from a history of legislated racial separatism that is still evident today socially, culturally, educationally and in the development of the city itself. Here, I identify changes that have come about in recent years not so much because of the government's policy of redress, but because leading artists are using their pre-eminence and institutions to catalyse educational experiences, performance platforms and a positive marketing environment for theatre and artists from the townships. The Baxter Theatre and its Zabalaza Festival serve as a case study.
Discreteness of spectrum for Schrödinger operators with δʹ-type conditions on infinite regular trees
Authors: Zhao Jia , Shi Guoliang , Yan Jun
Published: August 2017

This paper deals with the spectral properties of self-adjoint Schrödinger operators with δʹ-type conditions on infinite regular trees. Firstly, we discuss the semi-boundedness and self-adjointness of this kind of Schrödinger operator. Secondly, by using the form approach, we give the necessary and sufficient condition that ensures that the spectra of the self-adjoint Schrödinger operators with δʹ-type conditions are discrete.
The initial-value problem for a fourth-order dispersive closed curve flow on the 2-sphere
Authors: Onodera Eiji
Published: August 2017

A closed curve flow on the 2-sphere evolved by a fourth-order nonlinear dispersive partial differential equation on the one-dimensional flat torus is studied. The governing equation arises in the field of physics in relation to the continuum limit of the Heisenberg spin chain systems or three-dimensional motion of the isolated vortex filament. The main result of the paper gives the local existence and uniqueness of a solution to the initial-value problem by overcoming loss of derivatives in the classical energy method and the absence of the local smoothing effect. The proof is based on the delicate analysis of the lower-order terms to find out the loss of derivatives and on the gauged energy method to eliminate the obstruction.
Morse index and symmetry breaking for an elliptic equation with negative exponent in expanding annuli
Authors: Guo Zongming , Mei Linfeng , Zhang Zhitao
Published: August 2017

Bifurcation of non-radial solutions from radial solutions of a semilinear elliptic equation with negative exponent in expanding annuli of ℝ2 is studied. To obtain the main results, we use a blow-up argument via the Morse index of the regular entire solutions of the equation

The main results of this paper can be seen as applications of the results obtained recently for finite Morse index solutions of the equation

with N ⩾ 2 and p > 0.
The rise of methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus: now the dominant cause of skin and soft tissue infection in Central Australia
Authors: MACMORRAN E. , HARCH S. , ATHAN E , LANE S , TONG S , CRAWFORD L , KRISHNASWAMY S , HEWAGAMA S
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of community-onset purulent staphylococcal skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) in Central Australia. We performed a prospective observational study of patients hospitalised with community-onset purulent staphylococcal SSTI (n= 160). Indigenous patients accounted for 78% of cases. Patients were predominantly young adults; however, there were high rates of co-morbid disease. Community-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) was the dominant phenotype, accounting for 60% of cases. Hospitalisation during the preceding 6 months, and haemodialysis dependence were significant predictors of CA-MRSA infection on univariate analysis. Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes were found to be comparable for methicillin-susceptibleS. aureus(MSSA) and methicillin-resistant cases. All MRSA isolates were characterised as non-multi-resistant, with this term used interchangeably with CA-MRSA in this analysis. We did not find an association between receipt of an active antimicrobial agent within the first 48 h, and progression of infection; need for further surgical debridement; unplanned General Practitioner or hospital re-presentation; or need for further antibiotics. At least one adverse outcome was experienced by 39% of patients. Clindamycin resistance was common, while rates of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole resistance were low. This study suggested the possibility of healthcare-associated transmission of CA-MRSA. This is the first Australian report of CA-MRSA superseding MSSA as the cause of community onset staphylococcal SSTI.
Prevalence and risk factors for colonization of Clostridium difficile among adults living near livestock farms in the Netherlands
Authors: ZOMER T. P. , VAN DUIJKEREN E. , WIELDERS C. C. H. , VEENMAN C. , HENGEVELD P. , VAN DER HOEK W. , DE GREEFF S. C. , SMIT L. A. M. , HEEDERIK D. J. , YZERMANS C. J. , KUIJPER E. J. , MAASSEN C. B. M.
Published: August 2017

A cross-sectional study was performed among 2494 adults not living or working on a farm to assess prevalence of Clostridium difficile (CD) colonization and risk factors in a livestock dense area. CD prevalence was 1·2%. Twenty-one persons were colonized with a toxigenic strain and nine with a non-toxigenic strain. CD-positive persons did not live closer to livestock farms than individuals negative for CD. Antibiotic exposure in the preceding 3 months was a risk factor for CD colonization (odds ratio 3·70; 95% confidence interval 1·25–10·95).
The pyogenic potential of the different Streptococcus anginosus group bacterial species: retrospective cohort study
Authors: KOBO O. , NIKOLA S. , GEFFEN Y. , PAUL M.
Published: August 2017

Streptococcus anginosus Group (SAG) bacteria are common causes of pyogenic infections (PIs). We examined the association between SAG species and the presence of a PI through a retrospective, observational, cohort study, between the years 2009 and 2015. All adults with clinically significant SAG infections in one hospital in Israel were assessed for association between SAG species and the presence of a PI defined as an abscess, empyema, or deep/organ space surgical site infection. Risk factors for PI were assessed using multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression analysis. We identified 263 patients with significant SAG infections, 182 (69%) of which were caused by S. anginosus, 45 (17·1%) by Streptococcus constellatus and 36 (13·7%) by Streptococcus intermedius. The mean age of the patients was 56·8 ± 19·1 years. PIs were identified among 160 (60%) of the patients and were mostly non-bacteraemic (147/160, 91·8%), while most non-PI patients had bacteraemia (70/103, 68%). S. anginosus and S. constellatus were associated with a significantly lower incidence of PI than S. intermedius, OR 0·18 (95% CI 0·06–0·53) and 0·14 (0·04–0·48), respectively. Patients with PI were younger and, in general, had less co-morbidities. S. intermedius was associated with pyogenic non-bacteraemic infections, while S. anginosus and S. constellatus were associated with bacteraemia with no abscess or empyema formation. These data may indicate differences in virulence mechanisms of these SAG bacteria.
A theory-driven model of handshape similarity
Authors: Keane Jonathan , Sehyr Zed Sevcikova , Emmorey Karen , Brentari Diane
Published: August 2017

Following the Articulatory Model of Handshape (Keane 2014), which mathematically defines handshapes on the basis of joint angles, we propose two methods for calculating phonetic similarity: a contour difference method, which assesses the amount of change between handshapes within a fingerspelled word, and a positional similarity method, which compares similarity between pairs of letters in the same position across two fingerspelled words. Both methods are validated with psycholinguistic evidence based on similarity ratings by deaf signers. The results indicate that the positional similarity method more reliably predicts native signer intuition judgements about handshape similarity. This new similarity metric fills a gap in the literature (the lack of a theory-driven similarity metric) that has been empty since effectively the beginning of sign-language linguistics.
Constraint conjunction in weighted probabilistic grammar
Authors: Shih Stephanie S.
Published: August 2017

This paper examines a key difference between constraint conjunction and constraint weight additivity, arguing that the two do not have the same empirical coverage. In particular, constraint conjunction in weighted probabilistic grammar allows for superadditive constraint interaction, where the effect of violating two constraints goes beyond the additive combination of the two constraints’ weights alone. A case study from parasitic tone harmony in Dioula d'Odienné demonstrates superadditive local and long-distance segmental feature similarities that increase the likelihood of tone harmony. Superadditivity in Dioula d'Odienné is formally captured in Maximum Entropy Harmonic Grammar by weighted constraint conjunction. Counter to previous approaches that supplant constraint conjunction with weight additivity in Harmonic Grammar, information-theoretic model comparison reveals that weighted constraint conjunction improves the grammar's explanatory power when modelling quantitative natural language patterns.
Prioritarianism: Room for Desert?
Authors: ADLER MATTHEW D.
Published: August 2017

Richard Arneson has proposed that prioritarianism be adjusted to incorporate considerations of individual desert. For those inclined to accept prioritarianism, this refinement seems intuitive: Shouldn't we give priority both to those who are worse off and to those at a higher desert level? This article considers the viability of desert-modulated prioritarianism using the framework of claims-across-outcomes (‘claims’). I have previously used this framework to provide a unified defence of the Pareto and Pigou–Dalton axioms. With further, plausible, axioms, we arrive at prioritarianism. Should the strength of an individual's claim depend upon her desert? If so, we should accept a new axiom, Priority for the More Deserving. But Priority for the More Deserving can conflict with the Pareto axioms, if desert is intrapersonally variable rather than fixed. We should therefore reject Priority for the More Deserving and conclude that desert-modulated prioritarianism is a non-starter.
Rethinking the idea of late autism spectrum disorder onset
Authors: Bacon Elizabeth C. , Courchesne Eric , Barnes Cynthia Carter , Cha Debra , Pence Sunny , Schreibman Laura , Stahmer Aubyn C. , Pierce Karen
Published: August 2017

A common theory of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptom onset includes toddlers who do not display symptoms until well after age 2, which are termed late-onset ASD cases. Objectives were to analyze differences in clinical phenotype between toddlers identified as ASD at initial evaluations (early diagnosed) versus those initially considered nonspectrum, then later identified as ASD (late diagnosed). Two hundred seventy-three toddlers recruited from the general population based on a failed developmental screening form or parent or physician concerns were followed longitudinally from 12 months and identified as early- and late-diagnosed cases of ASD, language delayed, or typically developing. Toddlers completed common standardized assessments and experimental eye-tracking and observational measures every 9–12 months until age 3. Longitudinal performance on standardized assessments and experimental tests from initial evaluations were compared. Delay in social communication skills was seen in both ASD groups at early-age initial assessment, including increased preference for nonsocial stimuli, increased stereotypic play, reduced exploration, and use of gestures. On standardized psychometric assessments, early-diagnosed toddlers showed more impairment initially while late-diagnosed toddlers showed a slowing in language acquisition. Similar social communication impairments were present at very early ages in both early-detected ASD and so-called late-onset ASD. Data indicate ASD is present whether detected or not by current methods, and development of more sensitive tools is needed.
Altered intrinsic functional connectivity of the cingulate cortex in children with severe temper outbursts
Authors: Roy Amy Krain , Bennett Randi , Posner Jonathan , Hulvershorn Leslie , Castellanos F. Xavier , Klein Rachel G.
Published: August 2017

Severe temper outbursts (STO) in children are associated with impaired school and family functioning and may contribute to negative outcomes. These outbursts can be conceptualized as excessive frustration responses reflecting reduced emotion regulation capacity. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been implicated in negative affect as well as emotional control, and exhibits disrupted function in children with elevated irritability and outbursts. This study examined the intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) of a region of the ACC, the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC), in 5- to 9-year-old children with STO (n= 20), comparing them to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without outbursts (ADHD;n= 18). Additional analyses compared results to a sample of healthy children (HC;n= 18) and examined specific associations with behavioral and emotional dysregulation. Compared to the ADHD group, STO children exhibited reduced iFC between the aMCC and surrounding regions of the ACC, and increased iFC between the aMCC and precuneus. These differences were also seen between the STO and HC groups; ADHD and HC groups did not differ. Specificity analyses found associations between aMCC–ACC connectivity and hyperactivity, and between aMCC–precuneus iFC and emotion dysregulation. Disruption in aMCC networks may underlie the behavioral and emotional dysregulation characteristic of children with STO.
The history of paediatric cardiology on stamps
Authors: Gursu Hazım A. , Cetin Ibrahim I.
Published: August 2017

Paediatric cardiology is arguably the sub-specialty in which the greatest advances have been made in both disease diagnosis and treatment over the past half a century. Paediatric cardiology emerged as a discipline in the 1930s. Since then, advances in imaging techniques such as echocardiography, angiography, CT, or magnetic resonance and extracorporeal circulation have provided excellent diagnosis and treatment of CHD. The pioneers of paediatric cardiology are more than eponyms, for each used in new and original ways the tools and concepts available in his or her era. This brief overview of the history of paediatric cardiology on stamps begins from William Harvey up to our own time, and includes the milestones in paediatric cardiology.
Differential protein analysis of serum exosomes post-intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Zhang Li , Song Qi-Fang , Jin Jing-Jie , Huang Ping , Wang Zhou-Ping , Xie Xiao-Fei , Gu Xiao-Qiong , Gao Xue-Juan , Jia Hong-Ling
Published: August 2017

Background

Kawasaki disease, which is characterised by systemic vasculitides accompanied by acute fever, is regularly treated by intravenous immunoglobulin to avoid lesion formation in the coronary artery; however, the mechanism of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is unclear. Hence, we aimed to analyse the global expression profile of serum exosomal proteins before and after administering intravenous immunoglobulin.

Methods

Two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed proteome of serum exosomes in patients with Kawasaki disease before and after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Results

Our analysis revealed 69 differential protein spots in the Kawasaki disease group with changes larger than 1.5-fold and 59 differential ones in patients after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy compared with the control group. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the acute-phase response disappeared, the functions of the complement system and innate immune response were enhanced, and the antibacterial humoral response pathway of corticosteroids and cardioprotection emerged after administration of intravenous immunoglobulin. Further, we showed that complement C3 and apolipoprotein A-IV levels increased before and decreased after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and that the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein complex acid labile subunit displayed reverse alteration before and after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. These observations might be potential indicators of intravenous immunoglobulin function.

Conclusions

Our results show the differential proteomic profile of serum exosomes of patients with Kawasaki disease before and after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, such as complement C3, apolipoprotein A-IV, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein complex acid labile subunit. These results may be useful in the identification of markers for monitoring intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with Kawasaki disease.